Technology
Stoneridge Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
Published
12 months agoon
By
Strong Quarter-to-Quarter Margin Progression
MirrorEye® and SMART 2 Tachograph Set Quarterly Sales Records
Maintaining Previously Provided Full-Year 2025 Guidance
2025 First Quarter Results
Sales of $217.9 millionGross profit of $46.3 million (21.2% of sales)Adjusted gross profit of $47.7 million (21.9% of sales)Operating loss of $(3.2) million ((1.5)% of sales)Adjusted operating loss of $(0.4) million ((0.2)% of sales)Net loss of $(7.2) million ((3.3)% of sales)Adjusted net loss of $(5.1) million ((2.4)% of sales)Adjusted EBITDA of $7.6 million (3.5% of sales)
2025 Full-Year Guidance
Maintaining previously provided full-year 2025 guidance ranges
NOVI, Mich., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
The Company announced first quarter sales of $217.9 million, gross profit of $46.3 million (21.2% of sales) and adjusted gross profit of $47.7 million (21.9% of sales). Operating loss was $(3.2) million ((1.5)% of sales) while adjusted operating loss was $(0.4) million ((0.2)% of sales). Net loss was $(7.2) million and adjusted net loss was $(5.1) million. Loss per share (EPS) was $(0.26) and adjusted EPS was $(0.19). Adjusted EBITDA was $7.6 million (3.5% of sales).
The exhibits attached hereto provide reconciliation detail on normalizing adjustments of non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release.
Jim Zizelman, president and chief executive officer, commented, “During the first quarter, we drove significant margin expansion by continuing to focus on material cost improvement and reduced quality-related costs, resulting in quarter-to-quarter operating margin performance improvement in all of our segments. Overall adjusted gross margin improved by 210 basis points driven by material cost improvement and a $2.5 million reduction in quality-related costs relative to the fourth quarter of last year. First quarter adjusted EBITDA was $7.6 million, an improvement of $1.6 million over the fourth quarter. Finally, our focus on cash and inventory management drove positive free cash flow of approximately $4.9 million, an increase of approximately $1.5 million versus the first quarter of last year. Sales remained flat relative to the fourth quarter of last year, as expected, highlighted by record quarterly sales for both MirrorEye and SMART 2, including a 24% increase in MirrorEye sales as previously launched OEM programs continued to ramp-up, along with strong sales in the global bus market.”
Zizelman concluded, “We continue to monitor potential direct and indirect impacts related to tariffs. Although we saw very little direct impact of tariffs in the first quarter, we continued to implement mitigation strategies to further offset potential tariffs that have been discussed or are scheduled to be implemented. Our primary tariff exposure is related to products manufactured in our Juarez, Mexico facility and sold to U.S. customers receiving the product for U.S. consumption. Approximately 91% of these product sales are USMCA certified and are currently not subject to tariffs. Additionally, we have successfully addressed most of the complexities in component purchases through the strength of our current supply chain structure. We have and will continue to implement mitigation activities for existing and proposed tariffs through strategic supply chain sourcing and customer pricing strategies to mitigate any cost increases that may occur. For example, we have already secured, or are well down the path of securing, price increases with certain customers that have products that are impacted by tariffs. That said, we recognize that there is increased uncertainty in consumer demand and production volumes caused by the implementation of the tariffs. We will continue to monitor shifts in macroeconomic policies and the impacts on our business to ensure that we act quickly to offset any incremental costs, as we have done historically.”
First Quarter in Review
Electronics first quarter sales of $140.5 million decreased by 6.0% relative to the fourth quarter of 2024. This was primarily driven by lower production volumes in the commercial vehicle end market and lower off-highway sales, offset by the continued growth of MirrorEye and continued strong demand for the Company’s next generation tachograph, the SMART 2. First quarter adjusted operating margin of 4.9% increased by 130 basis points relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, due in part to lower quality-related costs.
Control Devices first quarter sales of $69.9 million increased by 10.6% relative to the fourth quarter of 2024 driven by higher production volumes for the Company’s North American passenger vehicle customers. First quarter adjusted operating margin of 2.2% increased by 470 basis points relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to contribution on higher sales as well as lower D&D and reduced quality-related costs.
Stoneridge Brazil first quarter sales of $14.4 million increased by $2.0 million, or 15.9%, relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by higher OEM sales. First quarter operating income of $0.6 million increased by approximately $0.5 million relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to contribution on higher sales.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Electronics first quarter sales decreased by 10.0%. This decrease was primarily driven by lower production volumes in the North American and European commercial vehicle end markets, partially mitigated by higher MirrorEye revenue, including the ramp-up of recently launched OEM programs and higher sales for the SMART 2 tachograph. First quarter adjusted operating margin of 4.9% increased by 40 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024, driven by improved gross margin offset by higher D&D expense as customer reimbursements declined more than spending, as well as lower contribution from lower sales.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Control Devices first quarter sales decreased by 10.4%. This decrease was primarily due to lower customer production volumes in the North American passenger vehicle end market, as well as the expected wind-down of end-of-life programs. First quarter adjusted operating margin of 2.2% decreased by 60 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to reduced contribution on lower sales, partially offset by lower D&D and reduced quality-related costs.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Stoneridge Brazil first quarter sales increased by $2.2 million, or 18.0%. This increase was primarily driven by higher OEM product sales. First quarter operating income of $0.6 million increased by approximately $0.4 million relative to the first quarter of 2024.
Cash and Debt Balances
As of March 31, 2025, Stoneridge had cash and cash equivalents totaling $79.1 million and total debt of $203.2 million. During the first quarter of 2025, the Company generated $10.9 million in net cash provided by operating activities and $4.9 million in free cash flow, an increase of $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, over the first quarter of 2024.
For Credit Facility compliance purposes, adjusted net debt was $148.9 million while adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months was $37.5 million, resulting in an adjusted net debt to trailing twelve-month EBITDA compliance leverage ratio of 3.97x relative to a required leverage ratio of not greater than 6.00x as per the amended Credit Facility agreement.
The Company continues to expect to remain compliant with all amended compliance ratios and is maintaining the previously communicated targeted compliance net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio of 2.0x to 2.5x by the end of the year, relative to a 3.50x leverage ratio requirement by the end of the year.
2025 and Future Outlook
The Company is maintaining its guidance ranges for its full-year 2025 performance including sales guidance of $860 million to $890 million, adjusted gross margin guidance of 22.0% to 22.5%, adjusted operating margin guidance of 0.75% to 1.25%, and adjusted EBITDA guidance of $38 million to $42 million, or approximately 4.4% to 4.7% of sales. The Company is also maintaining its full-year 2025 guidance for free cash flow of $25 million to $30 million.
Matt Horvath, chief financial officer, commented, “We delivered a strong first quarter that exceeded our previously outlined expectations across each of our key metrics. Operating margins improved compared to the previous quarter in each of our segments driven by lower quality-related costs, material cost reductions, structural cost control and our long-standing focus on operational excellence. Sales for our key growth products achieved record sales and cash performance exceeded our expectations as we remain focused on working capital improvement through inventory management and strict management of capital expenditures.”
Horvath continued, “We are taking a deliberate and thoughtful approach for the remainder of the year as we expect some volatility in our end markets and supply chains as a result of volatile macroeconomic and political factors, including tariff uncertainties. That said, we are maintaining our full-year guidance ranges based on our first quarter outperformance and run-rate margin improvement, as well as our original, relatively conservative assumptions related to vehicle production volumes. Even considering the most recent external production forecasts, we expect to perform within our previously provided EBITDA guidance range. Consistent with the outperformance we saw in the first quarter, we expect continued progress on our material cost improvement initiatives and quality-related costs for the remainder of the year. We will continue to manage structural costs and make adjustments as necessary to align our operating structure with current market conditions.”
Horvath concluded, “We remain focused on building a strong foundation for continued earnings expansion as we capitalize on our impressive portfolio of advanced technologies. Stoneridge remains well positioned to continue to outperform our underlying markets and drive margin expansion resulting in long-term shareholder value creation.”
Conference Call on the Web
A live Internet broadcast of Stoneridge’s conference call regarding 2025 first quarter results can be accessed at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at www.stoneridge.com, which will also offer a webcast replay.
About Stoneridge, Inc.
Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global supplier of safe and efficient electronic systems and technologies. Our systems and products power vehicle intelligence, while enabling safety and security for on- and off-highway transportation sectors around the world. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at www.stoneridge.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and may include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business, and (v) operational expectations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:
the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis, including the impact of potential tariffs and trade considerations on their operations and output;fluctuations in the cost and availability of key materials and components (including semiconductors, printed circuit boards, resin, aluminum, steel and copper) and our ability to offset cost increases through negotiated price increases with our customers or other cost reduction actions, as necessary;global economic trends, competition and geopolitical risks, including impacts from ongoing or potential global conflicts and any related sanctions and other measures, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and other countries;tariffs specifically in countries where we have significant direct or indirect manufacturing or supply chain exposure and our ability to either mitigate the impact of tariffs or pass any incremental costs to our customers;our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;the reduced purchases, loss, financial distress or bankruptcy of a major customer or supplier;the costs and timing of business realignment, facility closures or similar actions;a significant change in commercial, automotive, off-highway or agricultural vehicle production;competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;foreign currency fluctuations and our ability to manage those impacts;customer acceptance of new products;our ability to successfully launch/produce products for awarded business;adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions affecting our products, our suppliers, or our customers’ products;our ability to protect our intellectual property and successfully defend against assertions made against us;liabilities arising from warranty claims, product recall or field actions, product liability and legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party, or the impact of product recall or field actions on our customers;labor disruptions at our facilities, or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;business disruptions due to natural disasters or other disasters outside of our control;the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our revolving Credit Facility;capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates;the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business;risks related to a failure of our information technology systems and networks, and risks associated with current and emerging technology threats and damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions; andthe items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s 2024 Form 10-K.
The forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release contains information about the Company’s financial results that is not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Such non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their closest GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release. The provision of these non-GAAP financial measures for 2025 and 2024 is not intended to indicate that Stoneridge is explicitly or implicitly providing projections on those non-GAAP financial measures, and actual results for such measures are likely to vary from those presented. The reconciliations include all information reasonably available to the Company at the date of this press release and the adjustments that management can reasonably predict.
In evaluating its business, the Company considers and uses free cash flow and net debt as supplemental measures of its liquidity and the other non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental measures of its operating performance. Management believes the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In particular, management believes that adjusted gross profit and margin, adjusted operating income (loss) and margin, adjusted income (loss) before tax, adjusted income tax expense (benefit), adjusted net income (loss), adjusted EPS, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted debt, adjusted net debt, adjusted cash and free cash flow are useful measures in assessing the Company’s financial performance by excluding certain items that are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance or that may obscure trends useful in evaluating the Company’s continuing operating activities. Management also believes that these measures are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s results of operations and provide improved comparability between fiscal periods.
Adjusted gross profit and margin, adjusted operating income (loss) and margin, adjusted income (loss) before tax, adjusted income tax expense (benefit), adjusted net income (loss), adjusted EPS, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted debt, adjusted net debt, adjusted cash and free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for gross profit, operating income (loss), income (loss) before tax, income tax expense (benefit), net income (loss), EPS, debt, cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
March 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 79,109
$ 71,832
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $699 and $1,060, respectively
156,683
137,766
Inventories, net
151,794
151,337
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
30,435
26,579
Total current assets
418,021
387,514
Long-term assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net
99,289
97,667
Intangible assets, net
41,260
39,677
Goodwill
34,610
33,085
Operating lease right-of-use asset
9,607
10,050
Investments and other long-term assets, net
54,572
53,563
Total long-term assets
239,338
234,042
Total assets
$ 657,359
$ 621,556
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 97,037
$ 83,478
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
78,127
66,494
Total current liabilities
175,164
149,972
Long-term liabilities:
Revolving credit facility
203,186
201,577
Deferred income taxes
5,344
5,321
Operating lease long-term liability
6,186
6,484
Other long-term liabilities
14,383
12,942
Total long-term liabilities
229,099
226,324
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred Shares, without par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued
—
—
Common Shares, without par value, 60,000 shares authorized, 28,966 and 28,966
shares issued and 27,846 and 27,695 shares outstanding at March 31,2025 and
December 31, 2024, respectively, with no stated value
—
—
Additional paid-in capital
221,130
225,712
Common Shares held in treasury, 1,120 and 1,271 shares at March 31,2025 and
December 31, 2024, respectively, at cost
(32,936)
(38,424)
Retained earnings
172,789
179,985
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(107,887)
(122,013)
Total shareholders’ equity
253,096
245,260
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$ 657,359
$ 621,556
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2025
2024
Net sales
$ 217,890
$ 239,157
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold
171,593
190,800
Selling, general and administrative
31,696
30,423
Design and development
17,826
17,603
Operating (loss) income
(3,225)
331
Interest expense, net
3,167
3,634
Equity in (earnings) loss of investee
(294)
277
Other (income) expense, net
(466)
2,036
Loss before income taxes
(5,632)
(5,616)
Provision for income taxes
1,564
510
Net loss
$ (7,196)
$ (6,126)
Loss per share:
Basic
$ (0.26)
$ (0.22)
Diluted
$ (0.26)
$ (0.22)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
27,680
27,529
Diluted
27,680
27,529
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)
2025
2024
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$ (7,196)
$ (6,126)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation
5,428
6,601
Amortization, including accretion of deferred financing costs
2,054
2,164
Deferred income taxes
(402)
(2,279)
(Earnings) loss of equity method investee
(294)
277
Loss on sale of fixed assets
4
266
Share-based compensation expense
1,136
1,092
Excess tax deficiency related to share-based compensation expense
440
230
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
(14,610)
(6,676)
Inventories, net
5,263
3,699
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(1,379)
1,377
Accounts payable
10,792
(709)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
9,661
9,193
Net cash provided by operating activities
10,897
9,109
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures, including intangibles
(6,070)
(5,795)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
82
81
Net cash used for investing activities
(5,988)
(5,714)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Revolving credit facility borrowings
—
30,500
Revolving credit facility payments
—
(24,500)
Proceeds from issuance of debt
6,699
7,798
Repayments of debt
(7,260)
(7,790)
Repurchase of Common Shares to satisfy employee tax withholding
(226)
(620)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
(787)
5,388
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
3,155
(1,184)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
7,277
7,599
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
71,832
40,841
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 79,109
$ 48,440
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net
$ 3,309
$ 4,194
Cash paid for income taxes, net
$ 1,852
$ 2,653
Regulation G Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations
Exhibit 1 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Profit
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q1 2025
Gross Profit
$ 48.4
$ 46.3
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
1.4
Adjusted Gross Profit
$ 48.4
$ 47.7
Exhibit 2 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q1 2025
Operating Income (Loss)
$ 0.3
$ (3.2)
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
2.8
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
$ 0.3
$ (0.4)
Exhibit 3 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Tax Rate
(USD in millions)
Q1 2025
Tax Rate
Loss Before Tax
$ (5.6)
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
2.8
Adjusted Loss Before Tax
$ (2.8)
Income Tax Expense
$ 1.6
(27.8) %
Add: Tax Impact from Pre-Tax Adjustments
0.8
Adjusted Income Tax Expense on Adjusted Loss Before Tax
$ 2.3
(82.6) %
Exhibit 4 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Loss and EPS
(USD in millions, except EPS)
Q1 2025
Q1 2025 EPS
Net Loss
$ (7.2)
$ (0.26)
Add: After-Tax Business Realignment Costs
2.1
0.07
Adjusted Net Loss
$ (5.1)
$ (0.19)
Exhibit 5 – Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Income (Loss) Before Tax
$ (5.6)
$ 1.9
$ (3.7)
$ (6.2)
$ (5.6)
Interest expense, net
3.6
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
Depreciation and amortization
8.6
8.5
8.8
8.3
7.3
EBITDA
$ 6.6
$ 14.2
$ 8.8
$ 5.5
$ 4.8
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
1.9
0.3
0.4
2.8
Add: Pre-Tax Environmental Remediation Costs
—
—
0.2
—
—
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 6.6
$ 16.1
$ 9.2
$ 6.0
$ 7.6
Exhibit 6 – Segment Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
Reconciliation of Control Devices Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Control Devices Operating Income (Loss)
$ 2.2
$ (1.8)
$ 1.2
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
0.2
0.4
Control Devices Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
$ 2.2
$ (1.6)
$ 1.5
Reconciliation of Electronics Adjusted Operating Income
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Electronics Operating Income
$ 7.1
$ 5.1
$ 5.5
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
0.2
1.4
Electronics Adjusted Operating Income
$ 7.1
$ 5.3
$ 6.9
Exhibit 7 – Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q1 2025
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
$ 9.1
$ 10.9
Capital Expenditures, including Intangibles
(5.8)
(6.1)
Proceeds from Sale of Fixed Assets
0.1
0.1
Free Cash Flow
$ 3.4
$ 4.9
Exhibit 8 – Reconciliation of Compliance Leverage Ratio
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Income (Loss) Before Tax
$ 1.9
$ (3.7)
$ (6.2)
$ (5.6)
Interest Expense, net
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
Depreciation and Amortization
8.5
8.8
8.3
7.3
EBITDA
$ 14.2
$ 8.8
$ 5.5
$ 4.8
Compliance adjustments:
Add: Non-Cash Impairment Charges and Write-offs or Write
Downs
—
—
0.4
—
Add: Adjustments from Foreign Currency Impact
(2.4)
(0.6)
(1.1)
(2.1)
Add: Extraordinary, Non-recurring or Unusual Items
—
—
—
—
Add: Cash Restructuring Charges
0.5
0.7
0.3
1.6
Add: Charges for Transactions, Amendments, and Refinances
—
—
—
—
Add: Adjustment to Autotech Fund II Investment
0.1
0.8
0.2
(0.3)
Add: Accrual-based Expenses
7.1
1.3
6.4
7.3
Less: Cash Payments for Accrual-based Expenses
(3.7)
(3.3)
(2.8)
(6.1)
Adjusted EBITDA (Compliance)
$ 15.8
$ 7.6
$ 8.9
$ 5.3
Adjusted TTM EBITDA (Compliance)
$ 37.5
Reconciliation of Adjusted Cash for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q1 2025
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents
$ 79.1
Less: 35% of Cash in Foreign Locations
(23.3)
Total Adjusted Cash (Compliance)
$ 55.8
Reconciliation of Adjusted Debt for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q1 2025
Total Debt
$ 203.2
Outstanding Letters of Credit
1.5
Total Adjusted Debt (Compliance)
$ 204.7
Adjusted Net Debt (Compliance)
$ 148.9
Compliance Leverage Ratio (Net Debt / TTM EBITDA)
3.97x
Compliance Leverage Ratio Maximum Requirement
6.00x
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stoneridge-reports-first-quarter-2025-results-302443343.html
SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc.
You may like
Technology
Solidion Technology Enters into Binding Strategic Patent Monetization Agreement with Hilco Global
Published
55 minutes agoon
April 20, 2026By
Company intends to monetize its foundational patent portfolio in the global $150 billion battery market
DALLAS, April 20, 2026 /CNW/ — Solidion Technology Inc. (“Solidion” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: STI), an advanced battery technology solutions provider, announced that it has entered into a binding agreement with the IP Services Practice of Hilco Global (a subsidiary of Orix Company) to monetize its foundational energy portfolio and enforce its patent rights. Hilco has analyzed the Solidion patent portfolio to identify high value assets and the patent data suggest that a significant number of global companies will likely require a license to the Solidion portfolio. In the energy storage segment in particular, virtually all the major players in the industry have technology that overlaps with the Solidion portfolio and the same appears to be true in semiconductors, consumer electronics and aerospace.
Jaymes Winters, Chief Executive Officer of Solidion Technology, stated:
“The entire energy storage ecosystem has repetitiously utilized several of Solidion’s foundational patents to monetize their business models at a level rarely seen before. These are not just mom and pop startups, most of them are worldly known household names and industry leaders in not just EV battery storage, but other sectors such as semiconductors, aircraft and automotive manufacturing and cutting edge materials. The value of Solidion’s portfolio could exceed $750 million.”
Karl Maersch, head of the Patent Analysis & Monetization Group at Hilco IP Services, stated:
“Solidion’s portfolio covers various aspects of graphene and battery technology and it has applicability across multiple industry segments and includes companies that compete with Solidion and companies in adjacent technology segments. In our view, the portfolio shows significant indicia of value and we are excited to partner with Solidion to help the company extract revenue from its portfolio.”
About Solidion Technology, Inc.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas with pilot production facilities in Dayton, Ohio, Solidion’s (NASDAQ: STI) core business includes manufacturing of battery materials and components, as well as development and production of next-generation batteries for energy storage systems, including including UPS systems serving the artificial intelligence (AI) data center market and electric vehicles for ground, aerospace, and sea transportation. Solidion holds a portfolio of over 345 patents, covering innovations such as high-capacity, silane gas free and graphene-enabled silicon anodes, biomass-based graphite, advanced lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal technologies.
For more information, please visit www.solidiontech.com or contact Investor Relations.
About Hilco Global
Hilco Global, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation USA, is a diversified financial services company that delivers integrated professional services and capital solutions that help clients maximize value and drive performance across the retail, commercial and industrial, real estate, manufacturing, brand and intellectual property sectors, and more. Hilco Global provides a range of customized solutions to healthy, stressed, and distressed companies to resolve complex situations and enhance long-term enterprise value. Hilco Global works to deliver the best possible result by aligning interests with clients and providing strategic advice and, in many instances, the capital required to complete the deal. Hilco Global is based in Northbrook, Illinois and has more than 810 professionals operating on four continents.
Visit www.hilcoglobal.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Solidion Technology Inc., (NASDAQ: STI) (the “Company,” “Solidion,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/solidion-technology-enters-into-binding-strategic-patent-monetization-agreement-with-hilco-global-302746839.html
SOURCE Solidion Technology, Inc.
Technology
Following Pivotal Trial, FDA Set to Review First-of-a-Kind VR Autism Therapy
Published
55 minutes agoon
April 20, 2026By
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Floreo, a developer of virtual reality (VR)-based therapeutic technologies, today announced the submission of a De Novo request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for FloreoRx, its software-based product being evaluated for use in supporting skill development in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. FloreoRx is an investigational device and has not yet been cleared or approved by the FDA.
In 2023, Floreo became the first VR autism technology to receive the FDA’s Breakthrough Device Designation, a program designed to expedite the development and review of technologies that may provide more effective treatment for serious conditions.
For many families and clinicians, access to consistent, high-quality autism therapy remains a persistent challenge. If authorized, FloreoRx could become one of the first FDA-authorized therapeutic devices intended to address core social communication challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Using a VR headset and FloreoRx, behavioral therapists deliver structured experiences that enable users to safely develop and practice social communication skills through real-world scenarios and interactions.
The submission is supported by data from Floreo’s pivotal trial which utilized FloreoRx within Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) autism therapy evaluated against an active VR sham control. The study was 100% monitored and among the largest prospective, multi-site randomized controlled trials of a VR-based intervention conducted in children with autism.
The pivotal trial was conducted in partnership with Cortica Healthcare (Cortica) across 18 clinical sites nationwide, leveraging Cortica’s gold-standard integrated autism care model. Additionally, MCRA served as CRO and Highland BioMed provided strategic regulatory assistance with the preparation of the De Novo submission.
The trial focused on core social communication challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, assessed using the Autism Impact Measure (AIM). At clinically interpretable thresholds of improvement, participants receiving Floreo treatment demonstrated higher responder rates than those in the VR control group (e.g., 45.6% vs. 23.3%), with statistically significant differences between groups. These results were supported by consistent improvements across clinician-rated and functional measures.
Importantly, this trial also reflects the scale and operational capacity required to generate meaningful results in real-world care settings. Cortica enrolled 125 patients and coordinated more than 150 behavioral technician VR coaches and 15 blinded assessors across all sites involved in the study over a 15-month period, spanning both blinded therapy delivery and crossover.
“The clinical research continues to validate what clinicians and families are seeing every day: immersive VR can meaningfully support skill development for autistic learners,” said Vijay Ravindran, founder and CEO of Floreo. “Three things stand out in the trial: 1) That Floreo could achieve statistically significant results with a dosage of 18 minutes per week over 12 weeks, 2) That Floreo performed better as the severity of symptoms increased, and 3) that improvements continued to strengthen after 60 days.”
Clinical Highlights Include:
Social Skills: Clinician-administered CARS-2 evaluations showed a statistically significant LSMean change of -4.5 for the Floreo group versus -2.2 for the control (p = .0182).Subgroup Analysis (Highest-Burden Baseline): Participants in the highest-burden tertile at baseline demonstrated a 72% responder rate compared to 30% in the control group (p=0.009).Post-Treatment Observation: Improvements observed in AIM scores for the FloreoRx group at the 12-week end-of-treatment mark were sustained at the 60-day follow-up evaluation.High Skill Mastery: A majority of participants (95.1%) mastered one or more new skills by the end of treatment, as measured by the Assessment of Functional Living Skills.Family Quality of Life: Caregiver-reported CFQL-2 reports on family quality of life showed a between groups difference that was statistically significant for the Floreo group versus the control of 0.152 (p = 0.032).Crossover Findings: Participants who initially received the VR control demonstrated improvements after transitioning to Floreo treatment, supporting the consistency of the observed treatment effect.Safety Profile: No serious adverse events were reported in the study, and observed adverse events were generally mild and transient.High Engagement and Satisfaction Across Stakeholders: High levels of satisfaction were reported across clinicians and caregivers, including clinician-reported enjoyment of VR (98%) and willingness to use it as a treatment tool (88%), as well as parent-reported child enjoyment (93%) and interest in using VR as part of therapy (86%).
If authorized, Floreo intends to make FloreoRx available as an adjunct to existing therapeutic approaches, with the goal of expanding access to structured, skills-based interventions for the approximately 3% of children in the United States diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, where access to consistent, high-quality therapy remains a significant challenge.
Floreo currently offers a commercially available VR platform designed for general wellness and skills development that does not make medical or therapeutic claims. FloreoRx is a separate investigational product under FDA review.
About Floreo
Floreo’s vision is a world that is open and accessible for every neurodiverse person. Through immersive virtual reality experiences, Floreo creates safe, engaging environments where learners can build skills and tools they can apply in their everyday lives. Floreo’s virtual reality platform teaches social, behavioral, communication, and life skills for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodiverse conditions. For more information, please visit floreovr.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/following-pivotal-trial-fda-set-to-review-first-of-a-kind-vr-autism-therapy-302746375.html
SOURCE Floreo
Technology
Hyperscale Data Accelerates Michigan Operations Capabilities for AI Data Center and Robotics Hub
Published
55 minutes agoon
April 20, 2026By
Company Advances Facility Reconfiguration and Robotics Capabilities, with Plans to Hire 500+ Employees Over Three Years
LAS VEGAS, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), an artificial intelligence (“AI”) data center company anchored by Bitcoin (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that it is accelerating the enhancement of its Michigan operations into a combined AI data center and robotics hub, following its recently executed agreement with AGIBOT PTE. LTD. (“AGIBOT”), a developer of intelligent robotics technology.
The Company is advancing the reconfiguration of key sections of its existing building on its 34.5-acre campus to support AI infrastructure, robotics deployment, and large-scale data generation. Hyperscale Data currently operates approximately 30 megawatts (“MW”) of power capacity at the site, and the Company believes there is potential to expand to over 300 MW over time.
Building an Integrated AI and Robotics Platform
Hyperscale Data is enhancing its Michigan operations to combine high-performance computing infrastructure with robotics capabilities. Sections of the existing building are being re-imagined to support robotics assembly, testing, and deployment alongside AI model training and validation.
As part of this initiative, the Company is initially dedicating more than 100,000 square feet within its existing 617,000 square foot facility to AI and robotics operations. Within this footprint, the Company plans to:
Develop robotics assembly and testing capabilities;Build real-world environments for data collection and system validation; andIntegrate compute infrastructure with robotics-driven data generation.
Data generated through these activities is expected to be commercialized and utilized within U.S. markets, supporting domestic AI development and deployment.
Supporting Next-Generation AI Development
Hyperscale Data believes that the next phase of AI will increasingly depend on real-world data and physical system training in addition to traditional digital datasets.
The Michigan campus is being developed to support:
Machine-generated data from robotics operating in real environments;Human (egocentric) data capture for contextual learning;Testing and validation of robotic systems; and Training workflows for advanced AI models.
Workforce Expansion and Regional Impact
Hyperscale Data expects to hire more than 500 employees over the next three years to support its Michigan operations. Anticipated roles include robotics engineers, AI data specialists, infrastructure personnel, and operations staff.
The Company expects to pursue opportunities to support frontier AI developers, those advancing large-scale models and next-generation robotics systems, and high-performance computing platforms as demand for these capabilities evolves.
Investor Webcast
Hyperscale Data invites investors and the public to join its previously announced Tuesday webcast, where management will provide additional details on the Michigan enhancement, robotics strategy, and AI infrastructure plans. To register for the webcast, please visit here.
The webcast will feature:
William B. Horne, Chief Executive Officer; andMilton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman.
Executive Commentary
William B. Horne, Chief Executive Officer of Hyperscale Data, stated:
“We are enhancing our Michigan operations into a scaled AI and robotics platform that supports both high-performance compute and real-world data generation. This next phase of development positions us to support evolving AI workloads while creating high-quality jobs in the region.”
Milton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data, added:
“This initiative builds on our existing infrastructure and expands it into a more comprehensive AI ecosystem. By combining compute, robotics, and data generation in a single environment, we are developing infrastructure aligned with where artificial intelligence is heading.”
For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.
About Hyperscale Data, Inc.
Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.
Hyperscale Data currently expects the divestiture of ACG (the “Divestiture”) to occur in the second quarter of 2027. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, as well as a holder of the digital assets. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.
On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be shareholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyperscale-data-accelerates-michigan-operations-capabilities-for-ai-data-center-and-robotics-hub-302746909.html
SOURCE Hyperscale Data Inc.
Solidion Technology Enters into Binding Strategic Patent Monetization Agreement with Hilco Global
Following Pivotal Trial, FDA Set to Review First-of-a-Kind VR Autism Therapy
Hyperscale Data Accelerates Michigan Operations Capabilities for AI Data Center and Robotics Hub
Whiteboard Series with NEAR | Ep: 45 Joel Thorstensson from ceramic.network
Send Rakhi to UK swiftly with UK Gifts Portal
New Gooseneck Omni Antennas Offer Enhanced Signals in a Durable Package
Why You Should Build on #NEAR – Co-founder Illia Polosukhin at CV Labs
Whiteboard Series with NEAR | Ep: 45 Joel Thorstensson from ceramic.network
NEAR End of Year Town Hall 2021: The Open Web World, MetaBUILD 2 Hackathon and 2021 recap
Trending
-
Near Videos3 days agoWe Have Only Scratched The Surface Of The Agentic Future
-
Coin Market3 days agoSingapore Gulf Bank adds stablecoin mint and redeem for 24/7 settlement
-
Near Videos3 days agoNEAR Intern Demos the Future of Private Trading
-
Coin Market3 days agoFrench finance minister backs euro-pegged stablecoins to compete with US
-
Near Videos3 days agoAnthropic Cuts Off OpenClaw Subscribers | GPT-Image-2 Leaked | Drift $285M Hack Explained
-
Technology3 days agoDynamite Integrates Biometric Cryptography and AI into its Wallet Product
-
Coin Market2 days agoBitcoin mining difficulty falls, but projected to rise in next adjustment
-
Coin Market3 days agoUS Senator asks for Binance monitor update amid scrutiny of Iran sanctions
