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Ultra Clean Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

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HAYWARD, Calif., Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: UCTT), today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 29, 2023.

“UCT executed well in the fourth quarter with results coming in as expected despite a dynamic business environment,” said Jim Scholhamer, CEO. “As the semiconductor equipment inventory adjustment cycle remains fluid, we will continue to implement measures to synchronize our worldwide operations with our customers’ forecasts to ensure we have the flexibility and capacity to meet future demand. These efforts are creating long-lasting value to our customers and will increase UCT’s leading position within the industry over the long-term.”

“We are pleased with the execution of our plan to optimize our capital deployment strategy throughout 2023,” said Sheri Savage, CFO. “Generating $136 million in cash from operations enabled us to invest for future growth, pay down $39 million in debt, spend $29 million re-purchasing shares, and complete the strategic acquisition of HIS Innovations Group.”

Fourth Quarter 2023 GAAP Financial Results

Total revenue was $444.8 million. Products contributed $389.7 million and Services added $55.1 million. Total gross margin was 16.0%, operating margin was 1.0%, and net loss was $(3.8) million or $(0.08) per diluted share. This compares to total revenue of $435.0 million, gross margin of 15.0%, operating margin of 1.3%, and net loss of $(14.5) million or $(0.32) per diluted share, in the prior quarter.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Non-GAAP Financial Results

On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 16.7%, operating margin was 5.2%, and net income was $8.5 million or $0.19 per diluted share. This compares to gross margin of 15.5%, operating margin of 4.4%, and net income of $2.0 million or $0.04 per diluted share in the prior quarter.

Full Year 2023 GAAP Financial Results

Total revenue was $1,734.5 million. Products contributed $1,501.6 million and Services added $232.9 million. Total gross margin was 16.0%, operating margin was 2.0%, and net loss was $(31.1) million or $(0.70) per diluted share. This compares to total revenue of $2,374.3 million, gross margin of 19.6%, operating margin of 5.1%, and net income of $40.4  million or $0.88 per diluted share in the prior year.

Full Year 2023 Non-GAAP Financial Results

On a non-GAAP basis, the company reported gross margin of 16.6%, operating margin of 4.9%, and net income of $25.2 million or $0.56 per diluted share. This compares to gross margin of 20.2%, operating margin of 11.0%, and net income of $181.9 million or $3.98 per diluted share in the prior year.

First Quarter 2024 Outlook

The Company expects revenue in the range of $430.0 million to $480.0 million. The Company expects GAAP diluted net loss per share to be between $(0.25) and $(0.05) and non-GAAP diluted net income per share to be between $0.03 and $0.23.

Conference Call

The conference call and webcast will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 1:45 p.m. PT and can be accessed by dialing 1-800-836-8184 or 1-646-357-8785. No passcode is required. A replay of the call will be available by dialing 1-888-660-6345 or 1-646-517-4150 and entering the confirmation code 03090#. The Webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://uct.com/investors/events/.

About Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. is a leading developer and supplier of critical subsystems, components, parts, and ultra-high purity cleaning and analytical services, primarily for the semiconductor industry. Under its Products division, UCT offers its customers an integrated outsourced solution for major subassemblies, improved design-to-delivery cycle times, design for manufacturability, prototyping, and high-precision manufacturing. Under its Services Division, UCT offers its customers tool chamber parts cleaning and coating, as well as micro-contamination analytical services. Ultra Clean is headquartered in Hayward, California. Additional information is available at www.uct.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to providing results that are determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), management uses non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP net income to evaluate the Company’s operating and financial results. We believe the presentation of non-GAAP results is useful to investors for analyzing our core business and business trends and comparing performance to prior periods, along with enhancing investors’ ability to view the Company’s results from management’s perspective. The presentation of this additional information should not be considered a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Tables presenting reconciliations from GAAP results to non-GAAP results are included at the end of this press release.

The Company defines non-GAAP net income as net income (loss) before amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, acquisition activity costs, fair value adjustments, legal-related costs, VAT settlement, net loss on divestitures, Covid-19 related costs and the tax effects of the foregoing adjustments.

A reconciliation of our guidance for non-GAAP net income per diluted share for the subsequent quarter is not available due to fluctuations in the geographic mix of our earnings from quarter to quarter, which impacts our tax rate and cannot be reasonably predicted or determined. As a result, such reconciliation is not available without unreasonable efforts and we are unable to determine the probable significance of the unavailable information.

Safe Harbor Statement

The foregoing information contains, or may be deemed to contain, “forward-looking statements” (as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. We use words such as “anticipates,” “projection,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “believes,” “plan,” “expect,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “see,” “predicts,” “should” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements included in this press release include our expectations about the semiconductor capital equipment market and outlook. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results predicted or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors also include, among others, those identified in “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise unless required by law.

Contact:
Rhonda Bennetto
SVP Investor Relations
rbennetto@uct.com

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited; in millions, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

December 29,

December 30,

December 29,

December 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

Revenues:

Product

$

389.7

$

499.5

$

1,501.6

$

2,074.7

Services

55.1

66.9

232.9

299.6

Total revenues

444.8

566.4

1,734.5

2,374.3

Cost of revenues:

Product

335.0

412.3

1,290.5

1,712.3

Services

38.7

45.6

166.7

197.0

Total cost of revenues

373.7

457.9

1,457.2

1,909.3

Gross profit

71.1

108.5

277.3

465.0

Operating expenses:

Research and development

6.6

7.1

28.3

28.5

Sales and marketing

13.2

13.2

51.8

54.4

General and administrative

46.7

44.4

162.0

184.3

Net loss on divestitures

77.4

Total operating expenses

66.5

64.7

242.1

344.6

Income from operations

4.6

43.8

35.2

120.4

Interest income

1.6

0.5

4.1

0.9

Interest expense

(12.8)

(10.8)

(48.8)

(33.9)

Other income (expense), net

(1.1)

3.4

(1.8)

0.9

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

(7.7)

36.9

(11.3)

88.3

Provision for income taxes

(6.2)

8.5

10.9

37.9

Net income (loss)

(1.5)

28.4

(22.2)

50.4

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

2.3

0.6

8.9

10.0

Net income (loss) attributable to UCT

$

(3.8)

$

27.8

$

(31.1)

$

40.4

Net income (loss) per share attributable to UCT common stockholders:

Basic

$

(0.08)

$

0.61

$

(0.70)

$

0.89

Diluted

$

(0.08)

$

0.61

$

(0.70)

$

0.88

Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:

Basic

44.7

45.4

44.7

45.2

Diluted

44.7

45.7

44.7

45.7

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited; in millions)

December 29,

December 30,

2023

2022

ASSETS

Current assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents

$

307.0

$

358.8

  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses

180.8

253.7

  Inventories

374.5

443.9

  Prepaid expenses and other current assets

30.9

42.4

Total current assets

893.2

1,098.8

Property, plant and equipment, net

328.3

279.6

Goodwill

265.2

248.8

Intangible assets, net

215.3

187.9

Deferred tax assets, net

3.1

36.0

Operating lease right-of-use assets

151.7

99.0

Other non-current assets

10.9

10.8

Total assets

$

1,867.7

$

1,960.9

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

  Bank borrowings

$

17.6

$

20.8

  Accounts payable

192.9

253.5

  Accrued compensation and related benefits

47.7

52.5

  Operating lease liabilities

18.1

17.1

  Other current liabilities

33.7

45.3

Total current liabilities

310.0

389.2

Bank borrowings, net of current portion

461.2

493.0

Deferred tax liabilities

19.0

52.2

Operating lease liabilities

143.0

80.3

Other liabilities

37.3

9.2

Total liabilities

970.5

1,023.9

Equity:

UCT stockholders’ equity:

  Common stock

496.6

515.5

  Retained earnings

346.7

377.8

  Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(4.4)

(5.4)

Total UCT stockholders’ equity

838.9

887.9

  Non-controlling interest

58.3

49.1

Total equity

897.2

937.0

Total liabilities and equity

$

1,867.7

$

1,960.9

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited; in millions)

Twelve Months Ended

December 29,

December 30,

2023

2022

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income (loss)

$

(22.2)

$

50.4

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities (excluding assets
acquired, liabilities assumed at acquisition):

Depreciation and amortization

65.6

72.3

Stock-based compensation

12.1

19.1

Change in the fair value of financial instruments

1.7

1.0

Deferred income taxes

(12.4)

(0.2)

Net loss on divestitures

77.4

Others

(0.9)

(0.2)

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:

Accounts receivable

78.5

(15.7)

Inventories

80.8

(84.4)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

12.5

(4.5)

Other non-current assets

(3.4)

Accounts payable

(61.5)

(68.4)

Accrued compensation and related benefits

(5.6)

7.1

Income taxes payable

(5.2)

(0.1)

Operating lease assets and liabilities

0.4

(2.2)

Other liabilities

(7.9)

(1.0)

Net cash provided by operating activities

135.9

47.2

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(75.8)

(100.1)

Divestiture of subsidiaries

3.4

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

2.2

0.5

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

(46.1)

Net cash used in investing activities

(119.7)

(96.2)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Payments on bank borrowings

(38.6)

(39.7)

Repurchase of shares

(29.4)

(12.1)

Employees’ taxes paid upon vesting of restricted stock units

(2.2)

(3.9)

Payments of debt issuance costs

(0.3)

(0.7)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

0.8

0.7

Others

(0.2)

(0.3)

Net cash used in financing activities

(69.9)

(56.0)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

1.9

(2.7)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(51.8)

(107.7)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

358.8

466.5

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

307.0

$

358.8

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION

(Unaudited; dollars in millions)

GAAP

Non-GAAP

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

December 29, 2023

December 29, 2023

Products

Services

Consolidated

Products

Services

Consolidated

Revenues

$

389.7

$

55.1

$

444.8

$

389.7

$

55.1

$

444.8

Gross profit

$

54.7

$

16.4

$

71.1

$

56.9

$

17.5

$

74.4

Gross margin

14.0

%

29.8

%

16.0

%

14.6

%

31.7

%

16.7

%

Income from operations

$

2.7

$

1.9

$

4.6

$

17.8

$

5.3

$

23.1

Operating margin

0.7

%

3.4

%

1.0

%

4.6

%

9.5

%

5.2

%

Three Months Ended

December 29, 2023

Products

Services

Consolidated

Reconciliation of GAAP Gross profit to Non-GAAP Gross profit (in millions)

Reported gross profit on a GAAP basis

$

54.7

$

16.4

$

71.1

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

1.0

1.0

2.0

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.5

0.5

Restructuring charges (3)

0.3

0.1

0.4

Inventory fair value adjustment (5)

0.4

0.4

Non-GAAP gross profit

$

56.9

$

17.5

$

74.4

Reconciliation of GAAP Gross margin to Non-GAAP Gross margin

Reported gross margin on a GAAP basis

14.0

%

29.8

%

16.0

%

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

0.3

%

1.8

%

0.4

%

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.1

%

0.1

%

Restructuring charges (3)

0.1

%

0.1

%

0.1

%

Inventory fair value adjustment (5)

0.1

%

0.1

%

Non-GAAP gross margin

14.6

%

31.7

%

16.7

%

Reconciliation of GAAP Income (loss) from operations to Non-GAAP Income from operations (in millions)

Reported income from operations on a GAAP basis

$

2.7

$

1.9

$

4.6

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

4.3

2.9

7.2

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

3.2

0.4

3.6

Restructuring charges (3)

3.3

0.1

3.4

Acquisition-related costs (4)

3.4

3.4

Inventory fair value adjustment (5)

0.4

0.4

Legal-related costs (6)

0.5

0.5

Non-GAAP income from operations

$

17.8

$

5.3

$

23.1

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating margin to Non-GAAP Operating margin

Reported operating margin on a GAAP basis

0.7

%

3.4

%

1.0

%

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

1.1

%

5.3

%

1.6

%

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.9

%

0.7

%

0.8

%

Restructuring charges (3)

0.8

%

0.1

%

0.8

%

Acquisition-related costs (4)

0.9

%

0.8

%

Inventory fair value adjustment (5)

0.1

%

0.1

%

Legal-related costs (6)

0.1

%

0.1

%

Non-GAAP operating margin

4.6

%

9.5

%

5.2

%

1    Amortization of intangible assets related to the Company’s business acquisitions

2    Represents compensation expense for stock granted to employees and directors

3    Represents severance, retention and costs related to facility closures

4    Represents acquisition activity costs

5    Fair value adjustments related HIS’ sold inventories

6    Represents estimated costs related to legal proceedings

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP ADJUSTED RESULTS

Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

December 29,

December 30,

September 29,

December 29,

December 30,

2023

2022

2023

2023

2022

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (loss) to Non-GAAP Net Income (in millions)

Reported net income (loss) attributable to UCT on a GAAP basis

$

(3.8)

$

27.8

$

(14.5)

$

(31.1)

$

40.4

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

7.2

7.0

5.5

24.1

30.1

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

3.6

4.6

3.9

12.5

19.3

Restructuring charges (3)

3.4

1.5

3.2

9.2

3.3

Acquisition related costs (4)

3.4

0.7

4.3

0.6

Fair value related adjustments (5)

2.5

4.0

Legal-related costs (6)

0.5

(0.4)

2.2

VAT settlement (7)

4.0

Net loss on divestitures (8)

77.4

Covid-19 related costs (9)

2.9

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (10)

(3.4)

(1.8)

(5.0)

(10.2)

(22.2)

Income tax effect of valuation allowance (11)

(4.9)

3.5

8.2

12.8

23.9

Non-GAAP net income attributable to UCT

$

8.5

$

42.6

$

2.0

$

25.2

$

181.9

Reconciliation of GAAP Income from operations to Non-GAAP Income from operations (in millions)

Reported income from operations on a GAAP basis

$

4.6

$

43.8

$

5.7

$

35.2

$

120.4

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

7.2

7.0

5.5

24.1

30.1

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

3.6

4.6

3.9

12.5

19.3

Restructuring charges (3)

3.4

1.5

3.2

9.2

3.3

Acquisition related costs (4)

3.4

0.7

4.3

0.6

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.4

0.4

Legal-related costs (6)

0.5

(0.4)

2.2

VAT settlement (7)

4.0

Net loss on divestitures (8)

77.4

Covid-19 related costs (9)

2.9

Non-GAAP income from operations

$

23.1

$

56.9

$

19.0

$

85.3

$

260.2

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating margin to Non-GAAP Operating margin

Reported operating margin on a GAAP basis

1.0

%

7.7

%

1.3

%

2.0

%

5.1

%

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

1.6

%

1.2

%

1.3

%

1.4

%

1.3

%

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.8

%

0.8

%

0.9

%

0.7

%

0.8

%

Restructuring charges (3)

0.8

%

0.3

%

0.7

%

0.5

%

0.1

%

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.1

%

0.2

%

0.3

%

0.0

%

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.1

%

0.0

%

Legal-related costs (6)

0.8

%

0.0

%

0.1

%

VAT settlement (7)

0.2

%

Net loss on divestitures (8)

3.3

%

Covid-19 related costs (9)

0.1

%

Non-GAAP operating margin

5.2

%

10.0

%

4.4

%

4.9

%

11.0

%

Reconciliation of GAAP Gross profit to Non-GAAP Gross profit (in millions)

Reported gross profit on a GAAP basis

$

71.1

$

108.5

$

65.2

$

277.3

$

465.0

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

2.0

1.5

1.5

6.5

6.3

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.5

0.4

0.2

1.5

1.5

Restructuring charges (3)

0.4

0.3

0.7

1.6

1.0

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.4

0.4

VAT settlement (7)

4.0

Covid-19 related costs (9)

2.9

Non-GAAP gross profit

$

74.4

$

110.7

$

67.6

$

287.3

$

480.7

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Gross margin to Non-GAAP Gross margin

Reported gross margin on a GAAP basis

16.0

%

19.2

%

15.0

%

16.0

%

19.6

%

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

0.4

%

0.3

%

0.3

%

0.4

%

0.3

%

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.1

%

0.0

%

0.0

%

0.1

%

0.1

%

Restructuring charges (3)

0.1

%

0.0

%

0.2

%

0.1

%

0.0

%

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.1

%

0.0

%

VAT settlement (7)

0.2

%

Covid-19 related costs (9)

0.1

%

Non-GAAP gross margin

16.7

%

19.5

%

15.5

%

16.6

%

20.2

%

Reconciliation of GAAP Interest and other income (expense) to Non-GAAP Interest and other income (expense) (in millions)

Reported interest and other income (expense) on a GAAP basis

$

(12.3)

$

(6.9)

$

(13.2)

$

(46.5)

$

(32.1)

Fair value related adjustments (5)

2.1

4.9

Non-GAAP interest and other income (expense)

$

(10.2)

$

(6.9)

$

(13.2)

$

(41.6)

$

(32.1)

Reconciliation of GAAP Earnings Per Diluted Share to Non-GAAP Earnings Per Diluted Share

Reported net income (loss) on a GAAP basis

$

(0.08)

$

0.61

$

(0.32)

$

(0.70)

0.88

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

0.16

0.15

0.12

0.54

0.66

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.08

0.10

0.09

0.28

0.42

Restructuring charges (3)

0.08

0.03

0.07

0.20

0.07

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.08

0.02

0.10

0.01

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.05

0.09

Legal-related costs (6)

0.01

(0.01)

0.05

VAT settlement (7)

0.09

Net loss on divestitures (8)

1.69

Covid-19 related costs (9)

0.06

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (10)

(0.08)

(0.04)

(0.11)

(0.23)

(0.49)

Income tax effect of valuation allowance (11)

(0.11)

0.08

0.17

0.29

0.52

Non-GAAP net income

$

0.19

$

0.93

$

0.04

$

0.56

$

3.98

Weighted average number of diluted shares (in millions) on a non-GAAP basis

44.9

45.7

45.0

45.1

45.7

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

December 29,

December 30,

September 29,

December 29,

December 30,

2023

2022

2023

2023

2022

(in millions, except percentages)

Provision for income taxes on a GAAP basis

$

(6.2)

$

8.5

$

5.3

10.9

37.9

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (10)

3.4

1.8

5.0

10.2

22.2

Income tax effect of valuation allowance (11)

4.9

(3.5)

(8.2)

(12.8)

(23.9)

Non-GAAP provision for income taxes

$

2.1

$

6.8

$

2.2

$

8.3

$

36.3

Income (loss) before income taxes on a GAAP basis

$

(7.7)

$

36.9

$

(7.5)

(11.3)

88.3

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

7.2

7.0

5.5

24.1

30.1

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

3.6

4.6

3.9

12.5

19.3

Restructuring charges (3)

3.4

1.5

3.2

9.2

3.3

Acquisition related costs (4)

3.4

0.7

4.3

0.6

Fair value related adjustments (5)

2.5

5.4

Legal-related costs (6)

0.5

(0.4)

2.2

VAT settlement (7)

4.0

Net loss on divestitures (8)

77.4

Covid-19 related costs (9)

2.9

Non-GAAP income before income taxes

$

12.9

$

50.0

$

5.8

$

43.8

$

228.1

Effective income tax rate on a GAAP basis

80.5

%

23.0

%

-70.7

%

-96.5

%

42.9

%

Non-GAAP effective income tax rate

16.4

%

13.7

%

37.3

%

18.9

%

15.9

%

1    Amortization of intangible assets related to the Company’s business acquisitions

2    Represents compensation expense for stock granted to employees and directors

3    Represents severance, retention and costs related to facility closures

4    Represents acquisition activity costs

5    Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration, HIS’ sold inventories, intercompany loan related to an acquisition, net of $1.3 million loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

6    Represents estimated costs related to legal proceedings

7    Represents impact of value added tax ruling

8    Represents the net loss on the divestiture of certain non-core subsidiary entities

9    Covid-19 related costs incurred during the period

10  Tax effect of items (1) through (9) above based on the non-GAAP tax rate

11  The Company’s GAAP tax expense is generally higher than the Company’s non-GAAP tax expense, primarily due to losses in the U.S. with full federal and state valuation allowances. The Company’s non-GAAP tax rate and resulting non-GAAP tax expense considers the tax implications as if there was no federal or state valuation allowance position in effect

 

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SOURCE Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.

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Technology

wienerberger India Achieves Lowest Carbon Footprint with Porotherm Smart Bricks

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LCA shows 150 years of life cycle for Porotherm

BENGALURU, India , Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — wienerberger India’s flagship product, Porotherm Smart Bricks, has demonstrated an exceptional environmental performance in a recent Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) conducted by LEAD Consultancy and Engineering Services (India) Pvt Ltd.

The LCA, adopted the ‘Cradle to Grave’ approach, adhering to international standards (EN 15804+A2 & ISO 14025 / ISO 21930) and assessed the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of various walling materials. The ‘Cradle to Grave’ approach covers entire life cycle of a product from the excavation of raw materials to manufacturing process, transportation, installation, and usage to its end-of-life phases.

Porotherm Smart Bricks including Porotherm HP, Porotherm Plus, FB Exteria and Grinded bricks showed a remarkable GWP of 97.103 Kg CO2e per ton, significantly outperforming other materials. The lifespan of Porotherm is 150 years as per the LCA report. 

Porotherm Vs other walling materials

The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of Porotherm is much lesser as compared to other walling materials as per the LCA 

Porotherm: 97.103 Kg CO2e/tonAutoclaved Concrete: 230 Kg CO2e/tonBurnt Clay Bricks: 330 Kg CO2e/tonConcrete Blocks: 400 Kg CO2e/tonReinforced Concrete Wall: 800 Kg CO2e/ton

For a typical 1500 Sqft residence, Porotherm’s total embodied carbon is 1491, compared to:

3172 for Autoclaved Concrete21133 for Burnt Clay Bricks18401 for Concrete Blocks52277 for Reinforced Concrete Wall

“This significant reduction in carbon footprint underscores our commitment to sustainability,” said Mr. Monnanda Appaiah, Managing Director, wienerberger India. “Our eco-conscious approach enables us to create environmentally friendly products, contributing to a greener future.”

Sustainable Manufacturing

Porotherm’s composition includes an impressive 90% recycled waste, including:

Stone slurryRice huskTank clay (silt removed from dead tanks and lakes during de-silting)

Only 10% of the raw material is clay sourced from clay mines. This innovative use of recycled materials significantly reduces waste and minimizes the product’s ecological footprint.

The benefits of Porotherm’s sustainable manufacturing process extend beyond environmental benefits, offering:

Reduced waste disposal costsConservation of natural resourcesLower energy consumption

About wienerberger India

wienerberger India provides innovative building solutions, focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, wienerberger India strives to minimize its ecological footprint while promoting sustainable development.

For more information log on to : https://www.wienerberger.in/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2592529/Porotherm_Smart_Bricks.jpg

 

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Pollo AI Launches Consistent Character Video to Maintain Consistency of Characters, Objects, or Scenes in Generated Videos

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SINGAPORE, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pollo AI  continues to raise the bar in AI video generation with the addition of its latest feature: Consistent Character Video, which can transform still images into high quality AI videos, while maintaining consistency of characters, objects, or scenes throughout every frame.

Users can upload one or up to three images of a subject to the tool – it could be a person’s face, for example, or image(s) of an inanimate object, like an appliance or piece of clothing, or image(s) of specific scenes. The AI video generator will then use the image(s) as the reference point(s) when generating its video content, ensuring that the original visuals are accurately and consistently portrayed.

This way, users can make multiple videos while keeping the same consistent subjects. They can make themselves the star of numerous clips, for example, or incorporate real-life items into their video creations. While other elements of the videos may change, the core subjects you choose will always remain consistent.

The uses for this are numerous. Brands, for example, could upload images of their latest products and then make various AI-generated videos featuring those products in a range of settings and scenarios. Or creators could make entire feature-length films by generating multiple short-form AI videos with the same consistent subjects in different scenes.

You could even upload an image of a famous landmark or monument, and instruct the tool to use that throughout your video creations. This makes it so much easier to create sequences or series of videos with the same consistent background, environment, or setting – a feat that many AI video generators have historically struggled with.

It’s a huge leap forward for AI video technology. Before the Consistent Character Video Generator, many users had expressed frustration when it came to trying to keep the same characters and subjects in multiple AI-generated videos. But with this new tool, that challenge has been solved.

What’s more, the Consistent Character Video Generator is backed up by Pollo AI’s advanced algorithms and powerful technology. Thanks to that, it’s able to make some of the most visually impressive AI videos, with cinematic levels of quality, fluid motion, realistic physics, and other desirable characteristics.

Plus, just like other AI videos generated with Pollo AI, the user has total control over various aspects, such as the aspect ratio, the length of the video, the resolution, and the camera movement. With this bold new addition, Pollo AI continues to assert itself as one of the leading and most innovative names in the AI video sphere.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pollo-ai-launches-consistent-character-video-to-maintain-consistency-of-characters-objects-or-scenes-in-generated-videos-302343975.html

SOURCE Pollo AI

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What Hebei Can Offer丨Hebei Steel Forging Future

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SHIJIAZHUANG, China, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Great Wall New Media — Steel is the primary pillar industry of Hebei Province. Relying on abundant resource endowments, a complete industrial chain, and modern technological advantages, Hebei’s steel industry has gradually formed an industrial cluster centered around Tangshan, Handan, Shijiazhuang, Chengde, and other key areas.

In recent years, Hebei has been actively promoting the steel industry’s transition towards intelligence, sustainability, and internationalization. Its products are widely exported to 20 countries and regions, becoming a crucial support for infrastructure construction in Belt and Road countries. 

Today, let’s follow Xiao Wan from France to unlock the secrets of steel.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2593292/video.mp4

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/what-hebei-can-offerhebei-steel-forging-future-302345257.html

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