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PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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CLEVELAND, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Preformed Line Products Company (NASDAQ: PLPC) today reported financial results for its third quarter of 2024.

Net sales in the third quarter of 2024 were $147.0 million compared to $160.4 million in the third quarter of 2023, an 8% decrease. The decrease in sales is primarily related to a continuation of the slowdown in spending in the communications end market. Foreign currency translation reduced third quarter 2024 net sales by $0.8 million.

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $7.7 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, compared to $15.1 million, or $3.03 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2023. The third quarter of 2024 net income was impacted by decreased gross profit from lower sales levels, similar to our first half 2024 results, partially offset by lower period expenses from our cost containment initiatives, lower net interest expense and reduced income tax expense. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 31.2% for the third quarter of 2024, largely consistent with the second quarter of 2024.

Net sales decreased 19% to $426.6 million for the first nine months of 2024 compared to $524.1 million for the first nine months of 2023. The year-over-year decline in sales is due primarily to the slowdown in spending and inventory destocking within the communications end market. Currency translation rates reduced net sales by $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $26.6 million, or $5.37 per diluted share, compared to $57.0 million, or $11.39 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2023. YTD September 30, 2024 net income was impacted by decreased gross profit resulting from the decrease in sales which was partially offset by lower period expenses, lower net interest expense and reduced income tax expense.

Rob Ruhlman, Executive Chairman, said, “The decline in net sales continues, albeit at a slower pace, primarily related to the softness in the communications end market, caused primarily by a reduction in deployment due to higher borrowing costs and continued inventory destocking to re-align customer inventory levels with current manufacturing lead times.  The slower pace of the net sales decline and an increase in order backlog are indicators that we may be nearing the final stages of inventory destocking. Our gross margin percentage has been consistent throughout 2024 aided by our cost reduction activities implemented in 2023.  We remain optimistic about the prospects of the markets that we serve and will continue our investment in new product development, streamlining our manufacturing operations and expanding our customer service portfolio.  These actions, along with our continued strong liquidity, will allow us to take advantage of favorable market conditions when they return.  Our current focus is unchanged:  provide our customers with the high-quality products and timely service they have come to expect from PLP.”

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding the Company, including those statements regarding the Company’s and management’s beliefs and expectations concerning the Company’s future performance or anticipated financial results, among others. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in those statements. Among other things, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements include the uncertainty in global business conditions and the economy due to factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, labor disruptions, military conflict, political instability, exchange rates and lingering effects of COVID-19, the strength of demand and availability of funding for the Company’s products and the mix of products sold, the relative degree of competitive and customer price pressure on the Company’s products, the cost, availability and quality of raw materials required for the manufacture of products, opportunities for business growth through acquisitions and the ability to successfully integrate any acquired businesses, changes in regulations and tax rates, security breaches, litigation and claims and the Company’s ability to continue to develop proprietary technology and maintain high-quality products and customer service to meet or exceed new industry performance standards and individual customer expectations, and other factors described under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2024 and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s other filings with the SEC can be found on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events.

ABOUT PLP

PLP protects the world’s most critical connections by creating stronger and more reliable networks. The company’s precision-engineered solutions are trusted by energy and communications providers worldwide to perform better and last longer. With locations in 20 countries, PLP works as a united global corporation, delivering high-quality products and unparalleled service to customers around the world.

 

PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

Net sales

$              146,973

$              160,438

$              426,597

$              524,076

Cost of products sold

101,195

106,301

292,415

337,328

GROSS PROFIT

45,778

54,137

134,182

186,748

Costs and expenses

Selling

12,318

12,732

36,146

38,133

General and administrative

16,414

17,794

48,272

54,624

Research and engineering

5,545

5,840

16,334

16,793

Other operating expense, net

1,109

(2,307)

186

(10)

35,386

34,059

100,938

109,540

OPERATING INCOME

10,392

20,078

33,244

77,208

Other (expense) income

Interest income

538

478

1,856

1,201

Interest expense

(564)

(998)

(1,840)

(3,198)

Other income, net

64

18

189

165

38

(502)

205

(1,832)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

10,430

19,576

33,449

75,376

Income tax expense

2,734

4,431

6,783

18,348

NET INCOME

$                   7,696

$                15,145

$                26,666

$                57,028

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(16)

(15)

(24)

(28)

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PREFORMED LINE
PRODUCTS COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS

$                   7,680

$                15,130

$                26,642

$                57,000

AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING:

Basic

4,904

4,906

4,911

4,929

Diluted

4,977

4,990

4,959

5,006

EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
ATTRIBUTABLE TO PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS
COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS:

Basic

$                     1.57

$                     3.08

$                     5.42

$                   11.56

Diluted

$                     1.54

$                     3.03

$                     5.37

$                   11.39

Cash dividends declared per share

$                     0.20

$                     0.20

$                     0.60

$                     0.60

 

PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

September 30, 2024

December 31, 2023

(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$                       47,498

$                       53,607

Accounts receivable, net

110,888

106,892

Inventories, net

142,726

148,814

Prepaid expenses

13,053

8,246

Other current assets

6,479

7,256

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

320,644

324,815

Property, plant and equipment, net

201,194

207,892

Goodwill

28,672

29,497

Other intangible assets, net

10,983

12,981

Deferred income taxes

9,502

7,109

Other assets

20,958

20,857

TOTAL ASSETS

$                    591,953

$                     603,151

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Trade accounts payable

$                       42,426

$                       37,788

Notes payable to banks

8,006

6,968

Current portion of long-term debt

2,618

6,486

Accrued compensation and other benefits

29,499

28,018

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

31,450

32,057

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

113,999

111,317

Long-term debt, less current portion

24,582

48,796

Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred income taxes

24,385

26,882

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common shares – $2 par value per share, 15,000,000 shares authorized,
4,897,450 and 4,908,413 issued and outstanding, at September 30, 2024 and
December 31, 2023

13,715

13,607

Common shares issued to rabbi trust, 222,741 and 243,118 shares at September 30,
2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively

(9,557)

(10,183)

Deferred compensation liability

9,557

10,183

Paid-in capital

63,108

60,958

Retained earnings

543,743

520,154

Treasury shares, at cost, 1,959,512 and 1,894,419 shares at September 30, 2024
and December 31, 2023, respectively

(126,503)

(118,249)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(65,092)

(60,306)

TOTAL PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

428,971

416,164

Noncontrolling interest

16

(8)

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

428,987

416,156

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$                    591,953

$                     603,151

See notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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SOURCE Preformed Line Products

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HR Path Strengthens its Australian Presence with Strategic Acquisition of Payroll Experts Australia

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PARIS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HR Path, a global leader in HR consulting and HRIS solutions, today announces its strategic acquisition of Payroll Experts Australia, a Brisbane-based company specialising in payroll compliance, remediation, workforce management and HR systems consulting.

Founded in 2009, Payroll Experts Australia has delivered more than 530 projects for over 260 organisations across Australia and New Zealand. Independent of any software vendor, the company supports employers across the full payroll, workforce management and HR systems lifecycle, with expertise spanning payroll compliance and audit, remediation, award and agreement interpretation, payroll processing, advisory and end-to-end systems implementation.

The acquisition strengthens HR Path’s ability to provide end-to-end HR transformation services across the ANZ market. Payroll Experts Australia’s specialist capabilities complement HR Path’s existing HRIS technology and SAP SuccessFactors expertise, enabling the combined organisation to support clients with a broader range of locally grounded services, from strategic advisory and systems implementation to payroll compliance and operational support. 

Payroll Experts Australia will continue to operate under the brand “Payroll Experts Australia, an HR Path Company”. Its leadership team and employees will remain in their current roles, ensuring continuity of service for clients while giving the business access to HR Path’s international capabilities and resources. 

The transaction builds on HR Path’s expansion in the region. HR Path has been active in Australia since 2019, following the acquisition of DDG. It opened an Australian office in 2024 and acquired RKM Consulting in 2025, strengthening its HRIS technology and SAP SuccessFactors capabilities across Australia and New Zealand.  

“The acquisition of Payroll Experts Australia, a company renowned for its expertise in payroll compliance, is a strategic move that supports our ambition to be the global reference in HR transformation,” said François Boulet, Co-founding Partner at HR Path. “Their deep knowledge and strong client relationships in Australia complement our global capabilities, enabling us to deliver even more value to our clients. This partnership is about synergy, innovation, and shared commitment to excellence.”

“We are very happy about this new chapter!” said Steve Keenaghan, Chief Executive Officer at Payroll Experts Australia. “This step opens up exciting opportunities for our team and our clients and ensures our continued growth and success. We will maintain our commitment to delivering exceptional, independent payroll expertise while exploring new possibilities within HR Path.”

Contact:

Fabienne LATOUR  Fabienne.latour@hr-path.com

 

 

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Sungrow Powers Up for All Energy Australia 2026 With New Residential Innovation and Full Ecosystem Showcase

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MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leader in PV inverter and energy storage solutions, is set to make a strong return to All Energy Australia 2026, the region’s largest and most influential renewable energy exhibition. It will introduce its next-generation all-in-one residential flagship PowerHarbour, alongside a comprehensive showcase of technologies for residential, C&I, and utility-scale applications.

As Australia accelerates toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future, Sungrow’s presence at All Energy will once again serve as a central meeting point for industry leaders, installers, innovators, and policymakers. The booth will offer visitors a rich blend of product demonstrations, technical insights, interactive experiences, and opportunities to connect with Sungrow’s local engineering and sales teams.

A New Addition to Residential Energy Storage

At the upcoming All-Energy 2026, Sungrow will officially unveil PowerHarbour in Australia for the first time. It is a residential all in one solution designed to simplify energy independence for homeowners. It combines sleek design, intelligent integration, advanced safety features and a modular design that can deliver up to 120kWh of capacity. The enhanced AFCI 3.0 protection makes it one of the most flexible and homeowner‑friendly systems on the market. The result is a clean, integrated solution that empowers households to take control of their energy with confidence and ease.

C&I Solutions for Diverse Applications

The exhibition will also showcase Sungrow’s C&I portfolio, including PowerKeeper, deployed across diverse Australian environments, and the ST255CS liquid-cooled BESS cabinet, designed for applications such as microgrid stability and FCAS. Together, these solutions demonstrate Sungrow’s capabilities in delivering flexible, reliable energy storage for a wide range of commercial and industrial needs.

Utility-Scale Innovation on Display

For utility developers and EPCs, Sungrow will present a full-size PowerTitan 3.0, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see the battery container up close. Together, PowerTitan 3.0 and 1+X modular inverter demonstrate advanced energy storage, grid-forming capabilities, and flexible deployment for complex project environment. Backed by dedicated local project management, comprehensive technical support, and a growing project pipeline across Australia and New Zealand.

Visit Sungrow at Booth KK123

Sungrow invites all attendees to visit Booth KK123 at All Energy Australia 2026 to experience its latest residential, commercial, and utility‑scale innovations firsthand. Attendees can expect a vibrant and engaging atmosphere throughout the day featuring lucky draws with exciting prizes, free premium coffee, photobooth and insightful presentations. The booth promises a full day of discovery, connection, and inspiration. Sungrow looks forward to welcoming partners, customers, and renewable energy enthusiasts as we continue powering Australia’s clean energy future together.

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SOURCE Sungrow

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AglaiaSense and Leopard Imaging to Demonstrate Privacy-First AI Traffic Sensing at Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona

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FREMONT, Calif. and BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AglaiaSense and Leopard Imaging will exhibit together at Smart City Expo World Congress, November 3–5, 2026, at Fira Barcelona Gran Vía.

The two companies proposed AI-VIVA (Vision Intelligence for València and Arterials) and is selected as a finalist in the fifth urban challenge of Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility (BILM), on the application of artificial intelligence to traffic-light regulation. AI-VIVA combines AglaiaSense’s edge-AI traffic solutions with Leopard Imaging’s patented privacy architecture. At the show, the team will give a live demonstration of AglaiaSense’s signature MS500 and GS500 cameras, with the AglaiaSense AI Box, powered by NVIDIA, which adds local processing to coordinate groups of neighboring intersections.

The cameras analyze images inside the device, using the Sony IMX500 and IMX501 intelligent vision sensors. They count and classify vehicles, buses, cyclists and pedestrians in real time. Raw video is discarded on the device within 400–800 milliseconds, and only anonymous metadata is transmitted. Cities can feed that data into signal-control software to adapt traffic lights to real demand.

MS500: about 2 W average power, 1080p, powered from a standard NEMA or ZHAGA street-light socket.

GS500: about 6.5 W average, dual 4K cameras, with Ethernet, LTE Cat 4 and GPS; powered by PoE, 12–24 V DC or a NEMA adapter.

Both cameras: IP66-rated, −20 °C to +65 °C, mounted on existing poles, so no trenching or new masts are needed.

Bandwidth: more than 95% lower than CCTV-based monitoring.

“Cities want safer, smoother streets without turning every crossing into a surveillance point,” said Leon Luo, CEO of AglaiaSense. “Being named a finalist in Barcelona tells us the approach resonates.”

“Privacy has to be built into the camera, not added later,” said Bill Pu, CEO of Leopard Imaging.

AglaiaSense’s solutions are deployed across North America and Asia, and the company won first place in the Pedestrian Safety Challenge Hackathon, run by the Edge AI Foundation (formerly the tinyML Foundation) and the City of San José. In field tests, the systems achieved detection and counting accuracy above 95%. The City of Lakewood, Colorado, compared the GS500 with traditional IP cameras and LiDAR on real roads and found it more accurate, more energy-efficient, and less costly to deploy. At a high-risk crossing where pedestrians often crossed outside the crosswalk, the system alerted approaching drivers in real time.

Visit us at Pavilion 3, Level 0, Street D, Stand 71. To book a meeting, email sales@aglaiasense.com.

About AglaiaSense

AglaiaSense, is an edge-AI company specializing in privacy-first, vision-based sensing for smart cities. Its GS500 and MS500 cameras run AI on the image sensor to count and classify road users in real time and send only anonymous metadata.

About Leopard Imaging

Leopard Imaging is a global leader in high-definition embedded cameras and AI-based imaging solutions in industries including automotive, aerospace, drones, IoT, and robotics.

Media contact:

Cathy Zhao

+1 (408) 263-0988

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