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WELL Health Reports Record Results for Q2-2024 Driven by an Acceleration in Organic Growth and Raises Annual Guidance

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WELL achieved record quarterly revenues of $243.1 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 42% as compared to Q2-2023 driven by acquisitions and overall organic growth(3) of 21%.WELL achieved record Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $30.9 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 11% as compared to Q2-2023.WELL achieved a record total of 1.4 million patient visits in Q2-2024 an increase of 38% compared to Q2-2023 and representing 5.6 million patient visits on an annualized run-rate basis.WELL’s US digital revenues attributable to Circle Medical and Wisp grew organically by 40% to $56.3M in Q2 and achieved $3.5 million in Adjusted EBITDA an improvement of $5.3 million realizing investments made in the previous year.WELL is raising its guidance range for 2024 annual revenue to be between $970 million to $990 million and maintaining Adjusted EBITDA guidance to be in the upper range of $125 million to $130 million, despite higher costs due to our projection of significantly lower share issuances and stock-based incentives. WELL also maintains guidance for Free cashflow available to shareholders to be approximately $55 million.

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL, OTCQX: WHTCF) (the “Company” or “WELL”), a digital healthcare company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, is pleased to announce its interim consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Hamed Shahbazi, Founder and CEO of WELL, commented, “The second quarter of 2024 exceeded expectations, showcasing the strength of our technology-driven care platforms. We are very pleased to report 42% year-over-year revenue growth, driven by accelerated organic growth of 21% which includes contribution from our absorption program where we recruit clinics to our network for nominal cost. This marks our 22nd consecutive record-breaking revenue quarter, highlighting our sustained momentum. We are proud to once again improve our annual revenue guidance to $970 million to $990 million and report that we are on track to achieve one billion in revenues by the end of 2024 if we include acquisitions that are currently in our acquisition pipeline. Additionally, we are maintaining our guidance on Adjusted EBITDA in the upper range of $125 million to $130 million despite facing additional costs as a result of our projection of materially reduced share issuances for stock-based compensation. We remain focused on enhancing profitability and capital efficiency and continue to project a 30% year-over-year increase in free cash flow to shareholders in 2024. Our strong organic growth and healthy cash flows increasingly allow us to fund acquisitions, earn-outs, and employee incentives with cash. We are still on track to deliver record revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Net Income in 2024, while increasing cash flows, reducing debt, improving leverage, lowering share issuances, and decreasing earn-out payments.”

Mr. Shahbazi further added, “As of the end of Q2-2024, WELL proudly supported a network of over 3,900 providers and clinicians delivering care through our physical and virtual clinics. Our Canadian clinic transformation program continues to drive efficiencies in our clinics systemwide while driving enhanced organic growth. The clinics that have recently joined our network under our M&A or absorption programs are improving in terms of their overall operations and profitability. This success is driven by our focus on cost optimization, digital workflow integration, patient engagement technologies, and the implementation of advanced AI tools such as the ambient AI scribe and various co-pilot technologies powered by our partner HEALWELL AI.  We remain committed to empowering healthcare professionals with the latest in cutting-edge technology.”

Eva Fong, WELL’s Chief Financial Officer, added, “I am proud to announce that during Q2 2024 we paid down $14 million in debt and reduced our leverage ratio to 2.67x for bank debt and 3.45x for all debt including convertible debentures. I’m also pleased to report that we achieved positive IFRS net income in Q2 2024, and notably, our net income remains positive even if we exclude the unrealized gains from our investments in HEALWELL AI. Much of our progress is due to the comprehensive cost-cutting program that was implemented earlier this year that has significantly strengthened our operational efficiency and generated substantial annualized cost savings. In Q2-2024, we generated a record $35.2 million in cash flow from operating activities. In addition to these substantial savings and strong cash flows, this fiscal year we plan to reduce our yearly share dilution to its lowest level ever since being launched as a company. The Company is in an excellent position to continue funding its organic growth and future acquisition plans through cash flows from operations.”

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

WELL achieved record quarterly revenue of $243.1 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 42% as compared to revenue of $170.9 million generated in Q2-2023. This growth was mainly driven by organic growth of 21% including clinic absorptions and 16% without absorptions.Adjusted Gross Profit(1) was $107.4 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 18% as compared to Adjusted Gross Profit(1) of $90.8 million in Q2-2023.Adjusted Gross Margin(1) percentage was 44.2% during Q2-2024 compared to Adjusted Gross Margin(1) percentage of 53.1% in Q2-2023. The decline in Adjusted Gross Margin percentage is mainly attributed to the acquisition of businesses in the past year that had lower gross margin percentage.Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $30.9 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 11% as compared to Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $27.8 million in Q2-2023.Adjusted EBITDA to WELL shareholders was $23.0 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 3% as compared to Adjusted EBITDA to WELL shareholders of $22.3 million in Q2-2023.Adjusted Net Income(1) was $12.3 million, or $0.05 per share in Q2-2024, as compared to Adjusted Net Income(1) of $14.4 million, or $0.06 per share in Q2-2023.Net Income was $117.0 million or $0.45 per share in Q2-2024, driven by material unrealized gains of WELL’s investment in HEALWELL AI.Free cashflow attributable to WELL shareholders(1) was $8.7 million during Q2-2024, compared to $9.4 million during Q2-2023.

Second Quarter 2024 Segmented Results

Canadian Patient Services revenue was $76.7 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 42% as compared to $54.2 million in Q2-2023.SaaS and Technology Services revenue was $16.9 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 27% as compared to $13.3 million in Q2-2023.U.S. Patient and Provider Services revenue was $149.5 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 45% as compared to $103.5 million in Q2-2023.Canadian Patient Services Adjusted EBITDA was $9.0 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 2% as compared to $8.9 million in Q2-2023 mainly due to lapping of a number of one-time positive impacts to profitability in Q2-2023.SaaS and Technology Services Adjusted EBITDA was $4.0 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 94% as compared to $2.1 million in Q2-2023.U.S. Patient and Provider Services Adjusted EBITDA was $23.2 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 9% as compared to $21.3 million in Q2-2023.

Second Quarter 2024 Patient Visit Metrics:

WELL achieved a record 1.4 million patient visits in Q2-2024, an increase of 38% compared to Q2-2023 and representing 5.6 million patient visits on an annualized run-rate basis. Patient visits were comprised of 759,000 patient visits in Canada and 640,000 patient visits in the US. Canadian Patient Services visits increased 41% while US Patient Services visits increased 34%, on a year-over-year basis. Growth in patient visits over the past year was primary driven by organic growth, including the clinic absorption program as well as acquisitions.

Total care interactions were 2.1 million in Q2-2024, a year-over-year increase of 48% compared to Q2-2023 and representing 8.4 million total care interactions on an annualized run-rate basis.

Q2-24

Q1-24

Q2-23

Q/Q
Growth

Y/Y
Growth

Y/Y Organic
Growth

Canada Patient Visits

759,000

733,000

537,000

4 %

41 %

21 %

US Patient Visits

640,000

577,000

478,000

11 %

34 %

31 %

Total Visits

1,399,000

1,310,000

1,015,000

7 %

38 %

26 %

Technology Interactions

622,000

599,000

411,000

4 %

51 %

51 %

Billed Provider Hours

83,000

89,000

0

-7 %

N/A

N/A

Total Care Interactions(2)

2,104,000

1,998,000

1,426,000

5 %

48 %

48 %

Second Quarter 2024 Business Highlights:

On April 30, 2024, the Company announced a five-year collaboration with Microsoft to enhance digital healthcare across North America, integrating Microsoft’s cloud and AI with WELL’s platform. This partnership focuses on elevating WELL’s scalability and operational efficiency, aiming to transform healthcare delivery for large enterprises, including the public sector. The collaboration will also modernize WELL’s cloud infrastructure, optimize costs, ensure data security, and integrate Azure OpenAI Service to advance healthcare solutions.

On May 2, 2024, the Company announced the launch of the second generation WELL AI Decision Support (“WAIDS”), featuring advanced chronic disease screening for conditions like diabetes and hypertension. This enhanced WAIDS version facilitates patient risk stratification and expands its disease detection capabilities. Powered by HEALWELL AI, the technology aids clinicians in decision-making, addressing chronic diseases that significantly impact Canadians.

On June 1, 2024, the Company completed the purchase to acquire all primary care medical clinics operated by Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. (“Shoppers”) under “The Health Clinic by Shoppers™” brand. The acquisition included 10 clinics, with over 35 physicians, located in British Columbia and Ontario.

Events Subsequent to June 30, 2024:

On July 10, 2024, the Company announced the approval of a historic $44 million project, Health Compass II, the largest DIGITAL project ever awarded to advance AI-powered tech enablement for care providers. This initiative, led by WELL and its consortium partners, aims to enhance AI and interoperability in Canadian healthcare. As the lead commercialization partner and first customer, WELL will provide expertise and interoperability, enabling the development of new AI tools to support healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.

On July 17, 2024, the Company announced the launch of its AI-powered co-pilot for cardiologists, powered by HEALWELL AI, to improve the detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This co-pilot, an extension of the WELL AI Decision Support (WAIDS) product offering, will be deployed in WELL Diagnostic Centers, Canada’s largest cardiology and medical diagnostic group, across over 40 locations in Ontario. This initiative aims to assist cardiologists in identifying high-risk patients, enhancing early detection and management of CVD.

Outlook: 

WELL anticipates maintaining its strong performance through the remainder of 2024, with a strategic focus on enhancing operations for organic growth and profitability. The Company aims to pursue capital-efficient growth opportunities while effectively managing costs to deliver robust growth and sustained cash flow to shareholders. The Company’s strong organic growth and healthy cash flow position it well to continue executing its growth strategies while progressively reducing debt.

Management is pleased to improve its guidance, which includes only announced acquisitions, as follows:

Annual revenue for 2024 is projected to be in the range of $970 million to $990 million.Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 is projected to be in the upper range of $125 million to $130 million, despite increased cash costs due to lower share issuance and share based incentives.Free cashflow attributable to WELL shareholders is expected to be approximately $55 million.

WELL plans to advance its U.S. and Canadian Patient Services businesses through both organic and strategic growth, prioritizing capital efficiency. This approach will enable the Company to use business cash flows for debt reduction and minimizing share issuance. In Canada, WELL aims to strengthen its market leadership as the nation’s premier pan-Canadian clinical network, offering a highly integrated, tech-enabled outpatient healthcare system.

Leveraging its deep technological expertise, WELL is prioritizing investments in AI technologies, with plans to continue to develop and launch innovative products and enhancements across its provider and clinic network.

Conference Call:

WELL will hold a conference call to discuss its 2024 Second Quarter financial results on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm ET (10:00 am PT). Please use the following dial-in numbers: 416-764-8650 (Toronto local), 778-383-7413 (Vancouver local), 1-888-664-6383 (Toll-Free) or +1-416-764-8650 (International).

The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast and can be accessed at the following audience URL: https://well.company/events.

Selected Unaudited Financial Highlights:

Please see SEDAR for complete copies of the Company’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements and interim MD&A for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Quarter ended

Six months ended

June 30,
 2024

March 31,
2024

June 30,
 2023

June 30,
 2024

June 30,
 2023

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Revenue

243,147

231,562

170,922

474,709

340,347

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

(135,766)

(129,342)

(80,099)

(265,108)

(163,355)

Adjusted Gross Profit(1)

107,381

102,220

90,823

209,601

176,992

Adjusted Gross Margin(1)

44.2 %

44.1 %

53.1 %

44.2 %

52.0 %

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

30,880

28,314

27,789

59,194

54,472

Net income (loss)

116,976

19,600

(2,016)

136,576

(12,643)

Adjusted Net Income (1)

12,284

20,239

14,361

32,523

28,486

Earnings (loss) per share, basic (in $)

0.45

0.06

(0.03)

0.52

(0.09)

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (in $)

0.43

0.06

(0.03)

0.48

(0.09)

Adjusted Net Income per share, basic and diluted (in $) (1)

0.05

0.08

0.06

0.13

0.12

Reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:

Net income (loss) for the period

116,976

19,600

(2,016)

136,576

(12,643)

Depreciation and amortization

17,307

16,560

14,041

33,867

28,563

Income tax expense (recovery)

(1,959)

(178)

1,889

(2,137)

2,081

Interest income

(279)

(238)

(127)

(517)

(315)

Interest expense

9,689

9,541

7,828

19,230

15,602

Rent expense on finance leases

(4,129)

(4,114)

(2,581)

(8,243)

(5,071)

Stock-based compensation

4,765

5,477

6,134

10,242

12,733

Foreign exchange gain

(72)

(32)

(65)

(104)

(349)

Time-based earnout expense

15

2,112

1,476

2,127

12,330

Change in fair value of investments

(116,327)

(13,957)

(130,284)

Gain on disposal of assets and investments

(11,284)

(1,517)

(11,284)

(1,517)

Share of net (income) loss of associates

(177)

1,064

91

887

188

Other items

753

1,798

753

1,798

Transaction, restructuring and integration costs expensed

4,318

3,763

838

8,081

1,072

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

30,880

28,314

27,789

59,194

54,472

 Attributable to WELL shareholders

23,019

21,371

22,287

44,390

42,919

 Attributable to Non-controlling interests

7,861

6,943

5,502

14,804

11,553

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

 WELL Corporate

(5,320)

(4,767)

(4,456)

(10,087)

(8,981)

 Canada and others

13,032

14,474

10,942

27,506

22,747

 US operations

23,168

18,607

21,303

41,775

40,706

Adjusted EBITDA(1) attributable to WELL shareholders

 WELL Corporate

(5,320)

(4,767)

(4,456)

(10,087)

(8,981)

 Canada and others

12,645

14,247

10,798

26,892

22,308

 US operations

15,694

11,891

15,945

27,585

29,592

Adjusted EBITDA(1) attributable to Non-controlling interests

 Canada and others

387

227

144

614

439

 US operations

7,474

6,716

5,358

14,190

11,114

Reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted Net income:

Net income (loss) for the period

116,976

19,600

(2,016)

136,576

(12,643)

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

11,361

11,520

10,720

22,881

21,750

Time-based earnout expense

15

2,112

1,476

2,127

12,330

Stock-based compensation

4,765

5,477

6,134

10,242

12,733

Change in fair value of investments

(116,327)

(13,957)

(130,284)

Other items

753

1,798

753

1,798

Non-controlling interest included in net income (loss)

(5,259)

(4,513)

(3,751)

(9,772)

(7,482)

Adjusted Net Income (1)

12,284

20,239

14,361

32,523

28,486

Footnotes:

Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios.
In addition to results reported in accordance with IFRS, the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental indicators of its financial and operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures include Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income Per Share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow. The Company believes these supplementary financial measures reflect the Company’s ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in its business.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per Share The Company defines Adjusted Net Income as net income (loss), after excluding the effects of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, time-based earnout expense, change in fair value of investments, non-controlling interests, and revenue precluded from recognition under IFRS 15 that relates to certain patient services revenue that the Company believes should be recognized as revenue based on its contractual relationships. Adjusted Net Income Per Share is Adjusted Net Income divided by weighted average number of shares outstanding. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to analyze our results, enhance a reader’s understanding of past financial performance and allow for greater understanding with respect to key metrics used by management in decision making. More specifically, the Company believes Adjusted Net Income is a financial metric that tracks the earning power of the business that is available to WELL shareholders.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. EBITDA represents net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA (i) less net rent expense on premise leases considered to be finance leases under IFRS and (ii) before transaction, restructuring, and integration costs, time-based earn-out expense, change in fair value of investments, share of loss of associates, foreign exchange gain/loss, and stock-based compensation expense, (iii) revenue precluded from recognition under IFRS 15 that relates to certain patient services revenue that the Company believes should be recognized as revenue based on its contractual relationships, and (iv) gains/losses that are not reflective of ongoing operating performance. The Company considers Adjusted EBITDA a financial metric that measures cash that the Company can use to fund working capital requirements, service future interest and principal debt repayments and fund future growth initiatives. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss), cash flow from operating activities or other measures of financial performance in accordance with IFRS.
Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross Margin The Company defines Adjusted Gross Profit as revenue less cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted Gross Margin as adjusted gross profit as a percentage of revenue. Adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin should not be construed as an alternative for revenue or net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS. The Company does not present gross profit in its consolidated financial statements as it is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin are meaningful metrics that are often used by readers to measure the Company’s efficiency of selling its products and services.
Adjusted Free Cashflow The Company defines Adjusted Free Cashflow as Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Shareholders, less cash interest, less cash taxes and less capital expenditures. Adjusted Net income, Adjusted Net Income per Share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, and Adjusted Free Cashflow are not recognized measures for financial statement presentation under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings. As such, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should be considered as supplements to, and not as substitutes for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with IFRS. Total Care Interactions are defined as Total Visits plus Technology Interactions plus Billed Provider Hours.Organic growth includes growth attributable to “absorptions” which are characterized by clinics acquired for nominal consideration (ie. Less than 0.02x revenues). The overall organic growth inclusive of absorptions in Q2 was 21% but would have been 16.% without absorptions.

WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Per: “Hamed Shahbazi”
Hamed Shahbazi
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director 

About WELL Health Technologies Corp.

WELL’s mission is to tech-enable healthcare providers. We do this by developing the best technologies, services, and support available, which ensures healthcare providers are empowered to positively impact patient outcomes. WELL’s comprehensive healthcare and digital platform includes extensive front and back-office management software applications that help physicians run and secure their practices. WELL’s solutions enable more than 37,000 healthcare providers between the US and Canada and power the largest owned and operated healthcare ecosystem in Canada with more than 180 clinics supporting primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic services. In the United States WELL’s solutions are focused on specialized markets such as the gastrointestinal market, women’s health, primary care, and mental health. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “WELL” and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol “WHTCF”. To learn more about WELL, please visit: www.well.company.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain “Forward-Looking Information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, without limitation: information regarding the Company’s goals, strategies and growth plans; annual revenue and patient-visit run rates; free cash-flow guidance; expectations regarding continued revenue and EBITDA growth; expectations surrounding the reduction in debt, share issuances and earn-out payments; expected annual savings from various cost cutting initiatives; the expected benefits and synergies of completed acquisitions ; and the expected financial performance as well as information in the “Outlook” section herein. Forward-Looking Information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-Looking Information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-Looking Information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information and the Forward-Looking Information are not guarantees of future performance. WELL’s comments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and conditions, many of which are outside of WELL ‘s control, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-Looking Information are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: direct and indirect material adverse effects from adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the primary healthcare sector in general; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; inability to obtain any requisite future financing on suitable terms; the expected profitability of acquisition targets; the expected benefits from different commercial partnerships; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of WELL and other risk factors identified in documents filed by WELL under its profile at www.sedar.com, including its most recent Annual Information Form. Except as required by securities law, WELL does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.

This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about estimated annual run-rate revenue and Adjusted EBIDTA, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set out in the above paragraph. The actual financial results of WELL may vary from the amounts set out herein and such variation may be material. WELL and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, WELL undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about WELL’s anticipated future business operations on an annual basis. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE WELL Health Technologies Corp.

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TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G Smartphone Named CES 2025 Innovation Award Honoree

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IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a pioneer in display technology across feature-rich smartphones, tablets, and connected devices, is proud to announce its TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G smartphone has been honored with a CES 2025 Innovation Award for Mobile Devices. The recognition exemplifies TCL’s commitment to humanize technology and deliver innovative products optimized for the user experience.

This marks the second year in a row TCL has been recognized by the CTA for its mobile products. Last year, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER smartphone was also named a CES 2024 Innovation Award honoree in the Mobile Devices category. Emboldened by the positive feedback and results, TCL is committed to further pushing the boundaries of innovation with even more advanced and humanized technology for all users.

“At TCL, we’re not only keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry; we dig deep into every aspect of the user journey to help inform the devices that we craft,” said Jefferson Li, General Manager of TCL Mobile Phone Business Unit. “Integrating the pioneering NXTPAPER technology with cutting-edge AI capabilities, the TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G phone represents a significant upgrade in how we experience our digital world, providing users a clearer, more comfortable way to watch, create, and read wherever they go – all at an affordable price.”

The launch of the TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G at IFA 2024 in September has been a major highlight in TCL’s journey towards excellence this year. Leveraging AI functionalities powered by TCL’s partnership with Microsoft, and the distinct advantages of the latest NXTPAPER technology, the device is tailored to enrich reading and viewing experiences with enhanced productivity and unparalleled eye comfort. Representing a harmonious integration of technology and daily life, it empowers users with the freedom to effortlessly access and enjoy content in any setting.

The CES Innovation Awards program, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in a multitude of consumer technology product categories. An elite panel of industry expert judges review and select the highest-scoring submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetics, and design.

The TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G boasts an exceptionally clear display that can minimize glare and reduce eye strain in any lighting condition, emulating the look and feel of paper that is gentle on the eyes. Adaptive screen settings optimize brightness and automatically adjust color temperature based on the time of day for a comfortable and natural viewing experience. A switch of the NXTPAPER Key instantly activates Max Ink Mode, promoting focused and immersive reading and minimizing eye fatigue. Combined with the Eye Care Assistant, the smartphone accommodates a contemporary digital lifestyle by prioritizing visual comfort. With sleek basalt cover and infinite pool design, it seamlessly blends both form and function.

About TCL Mobile
TCL Mobile specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of smartphones, tablets and connected devices. On a mission to deliver 5G for all, TCL Mobile helps its customers ‘Inspire Greatness’ in their lives through industry leading technology and solutions. For more information on TCL mobile devices, please visit: https://www.tcl.com/global/en/mobile

About TCL
TCL Electronics specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics including TVs, mobile phones, audio devices, smart home products and appliances. Combining thoughtful design and innovative technology to inspire greatness, our lineup delivers must-have features and meaningful experiences. As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics brands, our vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art display panel factory help TCL deliver innovation for all. For more information, please visit: https://www.tcl.com 

TCL is a registered trademark of TCL Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

 

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SOURCE TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd.

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Deepak Chem Tech Limited to invest Rs 5000 Crores to acquire Polycarbonate Assets of Trinseo at Germany

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The Board approves Rs 5000 Crore investmentIncludes Greenfield infrastructure capex and Technology LicenseTo manufacture 165000 Metric Tonnes Polycarbonate Resin at DahejDeepak Chem Tech Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Nitrite Ltd.

VADODARA, India, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Deepak Chem Tech Limited plans to invest Rs 5000 Crores in Polycarbonate Project. Deepak Chem Tech Limited (DCTL) – a wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Nitrite Limited, has approved to undertake a project for manufacturing Polycarbonate resins, proposed to be setup at the greenfield site located at Dahej, Gujarat, to produce 165,000 Metric Tonnes. The plant is expected to be commissioned by the fourth quarter of FY 2028. For this, Deepak Chem Tech Ltd. has entered into an agreement with Trinseo to acquire its Polycarbonate assets located at Stade, Germany along with technology license. The agreement also provides access to Trinseo’s globally recognized CALIBRETM resins and trademark.

Polycarbonate is amongst the most versatile emerging polymer finding extensive applications in automotive segments including electric mobility, electronics and electrical, construction, appliances, medical devices and other sunrise sectors such as aerospace, aviation, drones etc.

Commenting on the development, Shri Deepak C Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Deepak Nitrite Limited said, “This is historic collaboration between DCTL and Trinseo opens strategic opportunities for both the companies to explore partnerships in downstream compounds as well as complimentary technology tie-ups to service India’s burgeoning appetite for high quality engineering polymers. The tagline ‘Made in India‘ coupled with world scale capacities and formidable brand credibility, opens a new horizon of opportunities in the Advanced Materials front.”

Trinseo is a major manufacturer of engineering polymers and compounds with reported net sales of approximately $3.7 billion in 2023. Its engineering compound portfolio finds application with global, marque brands across industries.

About Deepak Nitrite Limited:

Deepak Nitrite Limited (NSE: DEEPAKNTR, BSE: 506401), India’s fastest growing Chemical Intermediates company, has a diversified portfolio that caters to the dyes and pigments, agrochemical, pharmaceutical, plastics, textiles, paper and home, and personal care segments and Petro derivates intermediates -phenolics, acetone and IPA in India, and overseas. Its products are manufactured across seven locations, which are all accredited by Responsible Care. It is certified by Ecovadis, TfS and is part of the Nicer Globe Alliance. Focusing on a Triple Bottomline principle of People, Planet, Profit, Deepak Nitrite Ltd. deploys globally benchmarked standards & systems, we are now accredited ‘Silver Rating’ by EcoVadis in 2022, for sustainability initiatives.

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Global Times: Illuminate roof of ‘Beautiful China’: Solar-powered rooftops transform countryside environments, boost rural revitalization efforts

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BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The upper part of the Chinese character “home” resembles a roof, symbolizing a home can only exist with a roof over it.

Today, an increasing number of Chinese people are creating environmentally friendly landscapes on the roofs they cherish most, showcasing a tangible “Beautiful China” through their homes.

In early winter, at the foot of the Helan Mountains, the sun still brightly shines over the vast Gobi Desert. When people enter Yuanlong village of Minning town, Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, one can find rows of newly constructed agricultural residences with red tiles and white walls lining the road. From above, the blue photovoltaic panels glimmering on each red roof create a colorful mosaic under the sunlight.

Chinese people have aspired to convey their vision of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity through architecture. Regarding the decision to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of her house, villager Zhang Hui told the Global Times that by installing photovoltaic panels on their roofs, they earn extra money, and the clean energy generated by the panels also gives them a channel to make their contribution to the country’s emissions reduction and energy conservation efforts.

“We want to further emphasize the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, embodying a characteristic of Chinese modernization through our roofs,” she said.

In recent years, China’s solar photovoltaic technology is emerging as a key component of China’s strategy to achieve its “dual carbon” goals, which aimed at achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2060. 

The creation of this elevated landscape is a vivid representation of the Chinese people’s efforts in building a “Beautiful China” in all respects. In this revolutionary transformation that involving production methods, lifestyles, and values, countless individuals have keenly perceived that China is keeping pace with the times, making a sound, inclusive ecological environment for the well-being of the people.

Cash in on the sun

For the residents of the village, installing rooftop solar systems and earning money from sunlight has now become a source of joy. “Because when you look up, you can see your own roof, and it reminds you of the abundant harvest you have,” Zhang said.

Since 2016, Yuanlong village has successively built a 5-megawatt rooftop photovoltaic power station, supplied by photovoltaic panels on the roofs of over 1,635 immigrant households, accounting for nearly 96 of the village’s total households. As of March 2024, this initiative had earned a total of 40.22 million yuan ($ 5.5 million) in photovoltaic revenue for the village.

Since 2018, Zhang’s family has been renting the 54-square-meter rooftop to the power company, and the annual rental fee has increased from 300 yuan to 480 yuan as the power station has gradually entered a stable operating phase.

Beyond the tangible rental income, Zhang has also witnessed the thriving changes brought to her village by the rooftop photovoltaic power station program.

In 2020, the photovoltaic power station in Yuanlong village generated 850,000 yuan in revenue for the village collective. A portion of this revenue is distributed to villagers as rental fees, while another part is used as dividends for the village collective’s shares, funding various public welfare expenditures such as environmental sanitation improvements, major illness assistance for villagers, and education support.

The Global Times has learned how the rooftop solar systems program in Yuanlong village was operated: the local government attracts external investment to bid for the construction of a photovoltaic power station, guarantees a 100 percent buyback of the project’s output, ensuring that the village and its residents will receive 100 percent of profits during the 20-year operational period of the power station.

“Turning green, clean energy advantages into economic development advantages is a new concept for us,” said Ha Manpeng, 44, a villager from Yuanlong

Ha and many other villagers learned that the area they live has a high altitude, flat terrain and long sunlight hours, making it suitable for the installing of clean and efficient solar photovoltaic systems

“Simply retrofit the vacant roof, there will be a stable and long-term additional benefit. The manufacturers cooperating with the government will regularly send personnel to maintain, and regularly update the equipment, thus we have nothing to worry about,” Ha said.

Comfort life out of mountains

Zhang jokingly remarked that rooftop solar power generation has allowed the Yuanlong’s villagers to truly transition from a weather-dependent life to “making money from the weather.”

The over 10,000 villagers in Yuanlong were moved from another village – Xihaigu in 2012, which is a largely mountainous region that was labeled the “most unfit place for human settlement” by the United Nations in the 1970s due to land reclamation, drought, and a fragile ecological environment. 

Ha recalled his childhood living in the village hidden in the folds of the mountains, where every household was plunged into darkness at night.

Over the past 40 years, Ningxia launched six large-scale resettlement schemes, moving some 1.23 million people from Xihaigu to more habitable areas. The relocation was part of the poverty alleviation drive, fulfilling many villagers’ desire for a comfortable life out of the mountains.

Having escaped the vicious cycle of ecological and survival crises, what kind of life and development path did the villagers of Xihaigu choose in their new homes?

Yuanlong village is one of the villages that has benefited early from the income generated by photovoltaic power stations. Ha was among the first residents to install solar panels on roof.

Initially, Ha’s personal experience with the five photovoltaic panels installed on his roof was simply that they provided shade on sunny days, and made the roof less prone to leaks on rainy days. As more households in the village adopted the solar rooftops, Ha witnessed a profound improvement in the living conditions of the villagers, along with an increase in their income.

As of November 2020, China had achieved the feat of delisting all 832 poverty-stricken counties. The development of photovoltaic power stations, as a typical model of industrial poverty alleviation, has contributed to this historic achievement.

According to China’s National Energy Administration, by the end of 2020, China had built photovoltaic power stations with a combined capacity of 26.36 million kilowatts,  generating approximately 18 billion yuan in annual electricity revenue, and creating 1.25 million public welfare jobs.

When this clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy enters the homes of ordinary people, it not only provides shelter through new types of rooftops for families, but also supports more Chinese people in achieving a moderately prosperous life. Many residents have come to realize that their choices contribute to the country’s energy conservation and emission reduction efforts.

They want to do even more.

“When I was a child, there was no electricity in my home, but now we can even produce electricity at home. In our village, people prefers to buy new energy vehicles. Waste sorting has become a habit for the villagers,” Ha said.

“When we go out traveling, the children can immediately ‘capture’ solar panels everywhere. They are also very happy to see that more and more villages began to install solar rooftops just like us,” Zhang added. 

Green electricity town

Facing the changes in life, as an official of the Yuanlong village, Zhang’s focus has gradually shifted from the land owned by villagers to the cattle and sheep they raise, and the job opportunities available to them. Now, she is also gradually learning to consider all these key aspects within the context of the new era of development she is in.

Whenever representatives from enterprises and communities visit Yuanlong village, Zhang highlights the embroidery skills of the local women and the solar roofs they have. 

One of Zhang’s proudest achievements this year has been helping to showcase and sell the village women’s embroidered crafts to a power supply company in Fuzhou, East China’s Fujian Province. She is very proud that this “green collaboration” has broken through regional limitations, built more bridges for communication between her village and the outside world, and empowered the development of local women.

With the official launch of the “green electricity town” project in Minning town in August 2023, which aims to create a new type of system demonstration area powered entirely by clean energy 24 hours a day, the project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 48,000 tons annually once completed.

Zhang believes that the villagers in Yuanlong will have more opportunities to showcase their talents and felt gratified that she is living in a country that pays more attention to protecting the ecological environment.

At a national conference on ecological and environmental protection held in July 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed efforts to promote the building of a Beautiful China in all respects and accelerate the advancement of modernization featuring harmony between human and nature.

The next five years is a crucial period for building a Beautiful China, which should be placed in a prominent position in building a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing national rejuvenation, Xi said.

The country should support high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment and promote the modernization featuring the harmonious co-existence between human and nature, he noted.

Looking up at her rooftop, Zhang eagerly awaits the completion of the “green electricity town.” She hopes it will build a stronger bridge connecting the common people’s dream of a better life with the country’s plans for emission reduction and energy conservation, leading to a more “Beautiful China.”

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202411/1323101.shtml

 

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SOURCE Global Times

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