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LG Energy Solution Releases 2024 Second-Quarter Results

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LG Energy Solution posts KRW 6.1619 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 195.3 billion in operating profitDespite continued EV demand slowdown, the company makes meaningful progress in EV and ESS battery businesses, and enhances its fundamental competitiveness in supply chain and R&DIn response to slower-than-expected EV market growth, LG Energy Solution to focus on optimizing operation and improving profitability, while continuing to pursue technological and cost competitiveness

SEOUL, South Korea, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) today announced its second quarter earnings, along with its business achievements and key action plans to counter slower-than-expected EV market growth.

The company posted consolidated revenue of KRW 6.1619 trillion, a 0.5 percent increase quarter-on-quarter and 29.8 percent decrease year-on-year. The operating profit was KRW 195.3 billion, a 24.2 percent increase quarter-on-quarter and 57.6 percent decrease year-on-year, with operating profit margin of 3.2 percent.

“EV demand slowdown and the impact of declining metal prices on average selling price (ASP) continued through this quarter,” said Chang Sil Lee, CFO of LG Energy Solution. “However, the revenue slightly increased quarter-on-quarter, thanks to increased shipments in response to new EV model launch by customers and revenue growth from ESS batteries for power grids.”

“The operating profit was affected by fixed cost burden due to utilization rate adjustment,” Lee said. “However, the IRA tax credit effect more than doubled from the previous quarter thanks to increased volume in North America, driving a 24.2 percent quarter-on-quarter increase in operating profit.”

The operating profit includes the estimated IRA tax credit amount of KRW 447.8 billion. Excluding the IRA tax credit, the company would have recorded quarterly operating loss of KRW 252.5 billion.

2Q Progress: Business achievements and enhanced fundamental strengths

Despite ongoing global EV demand slowdown and subsequent market uncertainties, LG Energy Solution continued its venture into more diverse product lineup, successfully landing new supply agreements in both EV and ESS battery businesses.

The company signed off its first large-scale (39GWh) supply agreement for LFP[1] batteries with Renault Group’s Ampere, a meaningful achievement in the LFP segment that is currently dominated by Chinese battery manufacturers. LG Energy Solution also reaffirmed its technological leadership through this agreement, as it became first in the world to apply cell-to-pack (CTP) technology to a pouch form factor.

The company also started successful mass production and shipment from its joint venture plant with Hyundai Motor Group in Indonesia, adding another EV battery production hub in Asia for a proactive response to rapidly-growing EV demands in the region.

The company also made significant progress in its ESS battery business, as it secured a large-scale supply agreement for power grids in Arizona (4.8GWh). Capitalizing on its expertise as a comprehensive solution provider, LG Energy Solution will deliver a total ESS solution including system integration (SI) from LG Energy Solution Vertech, Inc., offering differentiated customer value.

Along with business achievements, the company also concentrated on heightening its fundamental competitiveness. LG Energy Solution further reinforced its raw material supply chain by successfully securing lithium spodumene through offtake and investment agreements with a lithium producer with mines in Australia.

The company also drew achievements in battery-related technologies, including developing AI algorithms for cell designs that are optimized to customer needs. It also signed an MoU with Analog Devices, Inc. on advancing cell temperature measurement technology.

Key action plans to counter slower EV market growth

In response to slow EV market growth, LG Energy Solution revised down its annual guidance, with its annual consolidated revenue now expected to decrease by more than 20 percent from last year. The company also lowered this year’s expected capacity eligible for the IRA tax credit from 45~50GWh to 30~35 GWh, due to adjustments in ramp-up speed in response to changing customer demands.

Despite unfavorable market environment expected in the second-half of the year, the company is looking forward to a meaningful increase in shipments, in line with the rising demand in North America and Europe thanks to new EV model launches. It also expects increased revenue from pouch-type mobility & IT batteries due to customers’ demands for premium batteries. ESS battery business is expected to benefit from increased sales from power grid projects.

At the same time, to counter continued market uncertainties, LG Energy Solution will prioritize optimizing operation and improving profitability. The company will maximize the utilization rate at each site by adjusting ramp-up speed, scaling down investment, and converting existing lines for other applications. Moreover, it will execute capex based on strategic priorities.

Also, the company will secure competitive edges in both products and future technologies. It will first establish differentiated product portfolio by launching 4680 cells and expanding the production of ESS LFP batteries. At the same time, the company will accelerate the development of future battery technologies by setting up pilot lines for dry electrode production in its facility in Ochang, Korea.

Lastly, the company will stay committed to improving cost competitiveness by expanding the scope of direct sourcing from critical minerals to precursors and increasing investment in upstream suppliers. It will also continue to enhance production efficiency by simplifying production processes and advancing smart factory technologies.

“Despite experiencing more headwinds than previously expected, we will remain agile through transitions and establish strong fundamental competitiveness, delivering differentiated values to our customers,” said David Kim, CEO of LG Energy Solution. “With these efforts, we aim to solidify our position as a front-runner leading the future of battery industry.”

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 58,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution’s ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

[1] LFP: lithium, iron, phosphate

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-energy-solution-releases-2024-second-quarter-results-302206017.html

SOURCE LG Energy Solution

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Siemon Validates Interoperability of AI-Ready Fiber Cabling with NVIDIA™ InfiniBand™ Hardware at IBTA Plugfest

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Siemon is pleased to announce that its AI Ready fiber optic cabling solutions passed all system interoperability tests with NVIDIA InfiniBand hardware.

WATERTOWN, Conn., Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Siemon Company, a global leader in network infrastructure solutions, successfully participated in the 41st InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA) Plugfest for InfiniBand and RoCE, held at The University of New Hampshire – Interoperability Lab from April 15th to May 3rd. This year’s Plugfest marked a significant milestone with the IBTA introducing new system interoperability testing that included optical transceivers and fiber cabling from various manufacturers for the first time. This rigorous testing program establishes compliance to industry specifications and real-world interoperability, ensuring a robust ecosystem of InfiniBand and RoCE products.

“These test results provide assurance to our customers that Siemon’s AI Ready fiber cabling performs flawlessly within NVIDIA AI network designs, supporting both switch-to-switch and switch-to-server applications”

Siemon is pleased to announce that its AI Ready fiber optic cabling solutions passed all system interoperability tests with NVIDIA InfiniBand hardware.

“These test results provide assurance to our customers that Siemon’s AI Ready fiber cabling performs flawlessly within NVIDIA AI network designs, supporting both switch-to-switch and switch-to-server applications,” stated Gary Bernstein, Siemon’s Sr. Director of Global Data Center Sales.

The System testing was done with NDR 400G and NDR 200G traffic using NVIDIA switches, ConnectX-7 adapter cards, multimode and singlemode transceivers, and Siemon’s multimode and singlemode MTP fiber cabling solutions, including trunks, jumpers, and patch panels.

The IBTA will publish their InfiniBand Integrator’s list soon, listing specific hardware and Siemon components used in various configurations.

For inquiries regarding this testing or Siemon’s AI-Ready solutions, please contact your local Siemon representative.

For more information on Siemon Generative AI Solutions, please visit www.siemon.com/ai.

Media Contact

Brian Baum, Siemon, 1 8609454200, brian_baum@siemon.com 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/siemon-validates-interoperability-of-ai-ready-fiber-cabling-with-nvidia-infiniband-hardware-at-ibta-plugfest-302260679.html

SOURCE Siemon

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Liftoff! NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Launches to International Space Station

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The two crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission launched at 1:17 p.m. EDT Saturday, for a science expedition aboard the International Space Station. This is the first human spaceflight mission launched from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and the agency’s ninth commercial crew rotation mission to the space station.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the forward-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, where Hague and Gorbunov will join Expedition 72 for a five-month stay aboard the orbiting laboratory.

“This mission required a lot of operational and planning flexibility. I congratulate the entire team on a successful launch today, and godspeed to Nick and Aleksandr as they make their way to the space station,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Our NASA wizards and our commercial and international partners have shown once again the success that comes from working together and adapting to changing circumstances without sacrificing the safe and professional operations of the International Space Station.”

During Dragon’s flight, SpaceX will monitor a series of automatic spacecraft maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California. NASA will monitor space station operations throughout the flight from the Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA will provide live coverage of rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening, beginning at 3:30 p.m., Sept. 29, on NASA+ and the agency’s website. NASA also will broadcast the crew welcome ceremony once Hague and Gorbunov are aboard the orbital outpost. Learn how to stream NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.

The duo will join the space station’s Expedition 72 crew of NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, Jeanette Epps, Don Pettit, Butch Wilmore, and Suni Williams, as well as Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexander Grebenkin, Alexey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner. The number of crew aboard the space station will increase to 11 for a short time until Crew-8 members Barratt, Dominick, Epps, and Grebenkin depart the space station in early October.

The crewmates will conduct more than 200 scientific investigations, including blood clotting studies, moisture effects on plants grown in space, and vision changes in astronauts during their mission. Following their stay aboard the space station, Hague and Gorbunov will be joined by Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth in February 2025.

With this mission, NASA continues to maximize the use of the orbiting laboratory, where people have lived and worked continuously for more than 23 years, testing technologies, performing science, and developing the skills needed to operate future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit and explore farther from Earth. Research conducted at the space station benefits people on Earth and paves the way for future long-duration missions to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis campaign, and beyond.

More about Crew-9

Hague is the commander of Crew-9 and is making his second trip to the orbital outpost since his selection as an astronaut in 2013. He will serve as a mission specialist during Expedition 72/73 aboard the space station. Follow @AstroHague on X and Instagram.

Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov is flying on his first mission. He will serve as a flight engineer during Expeditions 72/73.

Learn more about NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission and the agency’s Commercial Crew Program at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

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SOURCE NASA

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Global Times: 75 years on, China committed to global common development

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BEIJING, Sept. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — October 1 this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 75 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the country has undergone tremendous changes, realizing unprecedented development. China has achieved in a few decades what took developed countries several centuries, with its economy now ranking as the second largest in the world. With strenuous efforts, China has realized its first centenary goal – building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

China’s influence on the world has never been as profound and long-lasting as it is today. Likewise, the world’s attention to China has never been as deep, and focused as it is now.

As globalization deepens, nations are becoming more interdependent, while various global challenges continue to emerge. Humanity faces natural challenges such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity, as well as common global threats like extreme poverty, nuclear proliferation, political extremism, hegemony, and escalating geopolitical conflicts. The need for cooperation has never been more urgent or important than it is today, experts said.

“Where is humanity headed?” has become a significant question concerning the future and destiny for all.

To answer this question, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity in 2013. This is seen as China’s solution to addressing global challenges and creating a better future through concerted efforts of the international community. “The common interest of all humankind is in a world united and peaceful rather than divided and volatile,” Xi said, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Building a community with a shared future for humanity is not about replacing one system with another or one civilization with another. Instead, it is about countries with different social systems, ideologies, historical contexts, and levels of development achieving mutual benefits, sharing rights, and jointly bearing responsibilities in international affairs, experts said.

“Unlike the confrontational or competitive approaches that often dominate international relations, this concept advocates for inclusivity and multilateralism,” Hamad Al Hosani, senior researcher at TRENDS Research and Advisory, a think tank of the United Arab Emirates, told the Global Times. “It also reflects a shift from traditional approach to one that embraces a holistic and interconnected global outlook.”

Hosani added that this concept helps address global challenges by focusing on shared responsibilities, such as equitable resource distribution, environmental stewardship, and collective security measures. It encourages countries to promote a sense of global solidarity and cooperation in managing transnational threats.

China’s vision, embodied in initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, focuses on infrastructure investment, trade connectivity, and mutual development without imposing political conditions, Hosani told the Global Times, adding that “this reflects a more pragmatic and cooperative approach that respects the individual paths of nations.”

Therefore, the Chinese path offers developing countries an alternative model of engagement, one that values equal partnership and mutual benefit rather than hierarchical or conditional relationships. “This has attracted many countries, particularly in the Global South, to China’s approach, which they see as less intrusive and more respectful of their developmental needs and choices,” Hosani said.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that China has provided substantial aid to the Global South over the past decade and established various organizations such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which reflect China’s principles of equality, inclusiveness, cooperation, and sustainability.

For a better world

Over the 11 years since the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity was proposed, China has been both an advocate and a practitioner. Through joint efforts, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed from a Chinese proposal to an international practice, from an idea to concrete actions. It has not only brought tangible benefits to the participating countries but also contributed positively to promoting healthy globalization, addressing global development challenges, and improving global governance.

Projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China-Europe Railway Express, China-Laos Railway, Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Piraeus Port, Kopa wind power project have greatly benefited local people. By the end of June 2023, China had signed over 200 cooperation documents with more than 150 countries across five continents and over 30 international organizations under the BRI framework, creating countless iconic projects as well as smaller, people-centered projects.

Bojan Lalic, director of the Belt and Road Institute in Belgrade, told the Global Times that different from the West’s selective alliances, China has opted for a path of inclusive multilateralism, advocating for broader cooperation and promoting inclusive frameworks such as the BRI to facilitate development across numerous nations.

“As developing countries increasingly engage with China, a shift in global power dynamics may occur, enabling a multipolar world where various development models coexist,” Lalic said.

Under the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, President Xi proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative successively from 2021 to 2023. These three initiatives focus on addressing global development challenges, eliminating global security dilemmas, and promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

So far, more than 100 countries and international organizations have voiced support for the Global Development Initiative, with over 70 countries joining this “Group of Friends.” More than 200 development cooperation projects have yielded results, according to the People’s Daily Overseas Edition.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the Global Development Initiative as a “valued contribution to addressing common challenges and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-75-years-on-china-committed-to-global-common-development-302261718.html

SOURCE Global Times

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