J.B. Hunt Launches CLEAN Transport Program to Help Customers Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Their Supply Chain

J.B. Hunt Launches CLEAN Transport Program to Help Customers Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Their Supply Chain

LOWELL, Ark.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT), one of the largest supply chain solutions providers in North America, today announced the launch of CLEAN Transport™, a new program that will allow customers to acquire carbon offset credits equivalent to the emissions created by their shipments.

“J.B. Hunt is committed to leading the industry toward a low-carbon future,” said Craig Harper, chief sustainability officer and executive vice president at J.B. Hunt. “Many of our customers are working towards short- and long-term sustainability goals, and CLEAN Transport will serve as a great extension of the efforts they’re already taking to reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chain.”

CLEAN Transport will help customers offset carbon emissions based on lane-specific activity each quarter. Working with credible third-party organizations, J.B. Hunt will provide program participants with data showing the amount of carbon offsets needed to achieve a carbon neutral shipment and obtain carbon credits supporting the project selected by the customer. Carbon offset projects include reforestation, forest management, regenerative agriculture and clean power generation.

CLEAN Transport is currently available for J.B. Hunt Intermodal customers and will expand to additional service areas as part of the program’s growth. Customers can select which lanes are part of the program, or J.B. Hunt can provide recommendations based on a carbon footprint evaluation of lane activity. Carbon offset projects available through CLEAN Transport are verified and registered with recognized organizations such as the American Carbon Registry, Verra, Gold Standard and Climate Action Reserve to confirm that the emission reduction or removal was successful and the intended environmental benefits were executed.

J.B. Hunt offers multiple sustainable and efficient transportation solutions to help customers reduce carbon emissions. In addition to using energy efficient equipment and alternative fuels, J.B. Hunt avoided an estimated 4.3 million empty miles in 2020 by using its technology platform J.B. Hunt 360°® to secure backhaul freight. The company is an industry leader in converting over-the-road shipments to intermodal, which on average reduces a shipment’s carbon footprint by 60%. J.B. Hunt recently announced it plans to expand its intermodal fleet to as many as 150,000 containers in the next three to five years as part of a joint initiative with BNSF Railway Company.

About J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., an S&P 500 company, provides innovative supply chain solutions for a variety of customers throughout North America. Utilizing an integrated, multimodal approach, the company applies technology-driven methods to create the best solution for each customer, adding efficiency, flexibility, and value to their operations. J.B. Hunt services include intermodal, dedicated, refrigerated, truckload, less-than-truckload, flatbed, single source, final mile, and more. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol JBHT and is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average. J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of JBHT. For more information, visit www.jbhunt.com.

Brittnee Davie

Vice President – Marketing

479.419.3178

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Arkansas

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Transport Trucking Environment Logistics/Supply Chain Management Transport

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Retirees Fight to Strengthen Clawback Policy, Limit Executive Golden Parachutes at Verizon

Measures Follow Jan 2022 Workforce Equity Policy Win at the Board Level for Retirees

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y., April 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Members of the non-profit Association of BellTel Retirees, Inc. have proposed shareholder proxies this year to strengthen the clawback policy and limit executive golden parachutes at Verizon (NYSE:VZ).   The annual shareowners meeting will be held on May 12, 2022, in Irving, Texas.

The BellTel Retirees have a long history of shareowner proxy success at Verizon, acting as an integral check for better governance practices. The group has two proposals on the 2022 ballot.

BellTel is proposing a Shareholder Ratification of Executive Severance Packages policy (Item #6) that recommends shareowner approval of any new and renewed senior executive compensation packages that include severance or termination payments exceeding 2.99 times base salary plus target short-term bonus. A nearly identical retiree-supported proposal earned 38.1% support in 2021.  

This measure seeks to strengthen the current “golden parachute” policy, which Verizon adopted following a successful 2003 BellTel-backed proxy measure that won with support from 59% of shares voted. The policy needs to be updated, as it fails to include the value of unearned Restricted Stock Units (RSU’s) and Performance Stock Units (PSU’s) that are supposed to be based on achieving certain levels of performance, but which a senior executive would immediately receive (regardless of performance) if that executive terminates following a change in control and in certain other circumstances.

Retiree shareowners believe more scrutiny is needed over exit packages, reflective of the one available to CEO Hans Vestberg. As disclosed in the 2022 Proxy, Mr. Vestberg could have received $38.6 million, or more than seven (7) times his 2021 base salary plus a short-term bonus, upon termination following any change in control.

“In this era, far too many CEO golden parachutes are excessively bloated,” said Frank Bruzek, a BellTel board director.  “The company’s existing practices do not align with the best interest of the company’s stock or shareowners.”

The group also supports a proposal, which achieved 36.8% support in 2021, to amend Verizon’s Senior Executive Compensation Clawback Policy (Item #5). The current policy permits cancellation or recoupment of cash and equity compensation when executives engage in “willful misconduct” resulting in a material restatement of the corporation’s financial results.

The retirees believe the current wording is far too vague to be effective. The proposal urges changing the standard from “willful misconduct” to any misconduct that all employees are held accountable for and would not limit the harm to so large that it requires a material restatement of financial results.

“An enhanced clawback rule will be critical to eliminate a double standard where senior executives are immune from the same high expectations and duty-bound obligations that they hold their employees to,” said BellTel Chairman Thomas Steed, who submitted the proposal. “Since employees can be disciplined or dismissed for failure to execute their duties, senior executives, at least, should not be rewarded for incidents that harm the company’s reputation, or that result in having the corporation pay restitution or large fines for their lack of due diligence.”

The proposal also seeks to ensure that the board is transparent and reports the results of any clawback investigation and decision to shareowners. “The senior executive should hold themselves accountable above and beyond what they hold the 200,000 employees to,” said Mr. Steed. “This is the only way they can ‘lead by example.’”

In 2021, both measures won the support of Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS).

Retiree and employee shareowners whose shares are held within a Verizon savings/401k plan are required to vote by no later than May 9, 2022.

Founded in 1996, the Association of BellTel Retirees Inc. has long championed Verizon retiree shareholder rights, including 12-proxy measures that have led to changes in corporate governance, three of those by outpolling the company in the shareowner vote.

Media Contact:  Butler Associates, LLC. Strategic Communications
Tom Butler 646.213.1802 [email protected]  
Christian Agredo 646.213.0286 [email protected]  



AEP ENERGY PARTNERS SEEKS SOLAR AND WIND PROJECTS IN PJM

PR Newswire


COLUMBUS, Ohio
, April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — AEP Energy Partners (AEPEP), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, seeks proposals for off-take from new and existing solar and wind facilities located in the PJM service region to support the company’s growing retail and wholesale loads in Ohio including the recently passed Columbus, Ohio Electric Service Aggregation Program.

AEPEP is seeking renewable energy purchase agreements of 10, 12 or 15 years for new solar or wind projects and 5 to 15 years for existing projects (including incremental power from re-powering wind sites). 

Notice of intent to bid must be received by AEPEP on or before Friday, April 13, 2022. Proposal packages are due no later than 5 p.m. EST, Friday, April 28, 2022 and should be submitted by email to [email protected]. Complete details about the Requests for Proposals are available on AEP’s website or by calling Andrew Gough (614) 214-8009.

About AEP and AEP Energy Partners

American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) subsidiaries AEP Renewables, AEP Energy, OnSite Partners, and AEP Energy Partners, deliver a wide array of innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. As one of the largest wholesale suppliers in the country, AEP Energy Partners specializes in offering customized wholesale power supply products based on the specific needs of customers’ electric systems within ERCOT, MISO, PJM and SPP. AEP Energy Partners also sells renewable energy through long-term contracts with utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities and corporate customers. With a commitment to a clean energy future, AEP’s competitive businesses currently own over 1,900 megawatts of wind, solar and energy storage on both a utility scale and distributed scale basis.  Solving energy problems for customers, AEP Energy Partners and its competitive affiliates own and operate over 90 behind-the-meter projects in 26 different states and have an active development pipeline across the U.S. As a competitive retail electricity and natural gas supplier, AEP Energy serves over 700,000 residential and business customers in 28 service territories in six states and Washington, D.C. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois and San Diego, California, AEP’s family of competitive companies takes pride in making it easy for customers and partners to buy, manage and use energy. For more information, visit https://www.aep.com/about/businesses/aepenergypartners

 

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SOURCE American Electric Power

SIGMA LITHIUM ADVANCES TOWARDS NEAR TERM PRODUCTION AND COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION OF 100% OF THE PLANT FOUNDATION EARTHWORKS ON SCHEDULE; REPORTS 2021 ANNUAL RESULTS FROM A PIVOTAL YEAR

PR Newswire

HIGHLIGHTS OF A TRANSFORMATIVE  2021

  • Concluded construction of 100% of the foundation earthworks for the Phase 1 Production Plant (“Phase 1 Plant”), remaining on schedule and on budget
    • Phase 1 Plant commissioning is forecasted to commence at the end of 2022
    • Construction moves forward to civil works to be followed by plant mechanical structure in June 2022
    • Currently employing 300 people, planned to increase to 500 people
  • Sigma Lithium is fully equity-funded for the construction of the Phase 1 Plant
    • Completed the equity financing round, raising C$137 mm in December 2021 (including an investment by funds managed by BlackRock for C$64 mm)
    • Ordered certain long lead items, to minimize potential supply-chain related delays
  • The Company is on track to deliver near term production of Battery-Grade Sustainable Lithium, with plans to significantly increase scale:

    • Phase 1

      :  Initiating production: up to 230,000 tpa of Battery-Grade Sustainable Lithium within less than 12 months

    • Phase 2

      : Increasing production: combining Phase 1 + Phase 2 to potentially double annual production to 460,000 tpa of Battery-Grade Sustainable Lithium

    • Phase 3

      : Unlocking further growth: completing economic assessment of additional production capacity for 2024 based on current 52Mt mineral resource base plus an additional 30,000 m drilling campaign on adjacent deposits
  • Agreed on a direct commercial arrangement with LG Energy Solution, the world´s largest advanced battery manufacturer: a binding offtake term sheet linked to lithium hydroxide prices
    • Offtake on a take or pay basis for up to 100,000 tpa
  • Sigma Lithium continued to be recognized for its leadership role in global sustainability on lithium materials and mining:
    • Sigma Lithium will be the first lithium company to dry stack 100% of its tailings, avoiding environmentally controversial tailing dams
    • Presented its case study of circular economy with dry stacked tailings at COP-26 in Glasgow, the Investment COP
    • Participated in the United Nations Dialogue on Energy from the General Assembly in NYC

NEAR TERM CATALYSTS FOR SECOND QUARTER 2022

  • Technical
    • Updated Phase 1 Feasibility Study with FEL3 detailed engineering and construction Capex
    • Pre-Feasibility Study with combined economics of Phase 1 and Phase 2
    • Updated mineral resource statement for Phase 3 with results of ongoing drilling campaign
  • ESG
    • Initiate construction of dozens of “rainwater capture structures” to support regional agriculture, in partnership with ministry of agriculture
    • Launch microcredit program “Dona de Mim“, in partnership with “Mulheres do Brasil”

INVESTOR VIDEO CONFERENCE CALL

April 7, 2022 at 11 AM (EST)
Zoom video call link below: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EcuVNqQFT4i7_iIgcLvypQ
Zoom meeting ID: 899 8003 0030
Access Code: 001021

Join by phone using the following dial in:
North America: +1 646 558 8656, UK: +44 203 481 5237, Brazil: +55 11 4680 6788


VANCOUVER, BC
, April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — SIGMA Lithium Corporation (“Sigma Lithium” or the “Company“) (NASDAQ: SGML, TSXV: SGML) dedicated to powering the next generation of electric vehicles with environmentally sustainable and high-purity lithium, has filed its audited consolidated financial and operating results and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A“) for the year ended December 31, 2021. The financial statements and MD&A are available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), EDGAR (www.sec.gov) and the Company’s corporate website.

During this transformative year, Sigma Lithium made significant strides in advancing its Grota do Cirilo Project, including commencing fully equity funded construction of the Phase 1 Plant and Xuxa deposit (the “Phase 1 Mine“), releasing a positive PEA for Phase 2, and securing a take or pay offtake with LG Energy Solution. Sigma Lithium has advanced to become a strategically relevant leader in the lithium industry.

All these advancements were completed while consistently focusing on our core purpose to deliver on our ESG-centric agenda of social and environmental sustainability: maintaining a profound commitment to the sustainable development of the Vale do Jequitinhonha region where we operate.

  • Completed transformational social programs such as “Homecoming skilled workers”, “Zero Hunger”, “Omicron Covid prevention”, “Childcare for all”.
  • Advanced on pioneering environmental sustainability strategy: donated 150 hectares of forestry for environmental compensation and will treat sewage water of the Jequitinhonha River to utilize in the Phase 1 Plant (while preserving other water sources).

As a result, Sigma Lithium has played a leadership role in the global sustainability dialogue for the battery materials industry and was highlighted at COP-26 in Glasgow for the second time as an ESG case study in sustainable development of natural resources (promoting the circular economy as a driver of social sustainability).

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Sigma Lithium is pleased to report significant advancement on construction of the Phase 1 Plant, establishing operational readiness, and supporting ongoing operations.

  • Phase 1 Plant is contemplated to have capacity of over 230,000 tpa of high-purity 6% battery grade environmentally sustainable lithium concentrate (“Battery-Grade Sustainable Lithium“).
  • The Company completed 100% of earthworks necessary for construction of the foundations for the Phase 1 Plant on schedule and on budget.
  • The Company plans to commence Phase 1 Plant commissioning at the end of 2022.
  • Initiation of civil works is commencing in April 2022.
  • Licensed mobile cement plant for the site.

The construction team is currently focused on the construction of the Phase 1 Mine’s protective drainage (channels and pipes) and construction of the bypass of the municipal road around the Grota do Cirilo Project. These two workstreams are expected to be concluded as planned during the month of April 2022.

The ROM pad construction is expected to commence in April, and it will be followed by the construction of the haul road linking the Phase 1 Mine to the Phase 1 Plant and widening of the municipal access road.

There are currently over 300 personnel and 73 heavy construction units on site, including: mobile concrete mixer trucks, hydraulic excavators, backhoe loaders, track, tire, and crawler tractors, road rollers, dump trucks, water trucks, pickup trucks and utility and ambulance vehicles.

Detailed engineering work regarding the engineering, procurement and construction management for the Phase 1 Plant (including civil works) has been led by Primero Group Ltd and has been progressing as indicated in the tables below. The Company prioritized the engineering completion of the following aspects of the Phase 1 Plant: process design, mechanical, structural/foundations and concrete. This sequencing had two main objectives:

  • further refining the flowsheet of the dense media separation (“DMS“) circuit; and
  • conducting trade-off analysis for critical equipment, such as the DMS ultrafine circuits, the environmental dry-stacking, and water recirculation circuit.

Table 1: Detailed Engineering Progress Summary


Discipline


Progress

Concrete

36%

Process Design

71%

Mechanical

52%

Structural

34%

Electrical & Instruments

27%

Platework

20%

Piping

5%

Controls

2%

 

 

Table 2: Detailed Engineering Progress Across Key Disciplines

 


Key Discipline


Detailed Progress Activities



Mechanical



(52% complete)

  • Progressed cast in vault chutes ready
  • Continued with general platework 2D drawings across all areas
  • Coarse Ore Bin platework 2D drawing progressed
  • Coarse Ore Bin Discharge Chute drawing progressed
  • Scalping screening 2D platework drawings progressed
  • Secondary and Tertiary Crusher 2D platework drawings progressed
  • Feedbox calculations
  • ROM Bin calculations
  • Line sizing and P&ID mark-ups
  • Wet plant area platework drawings (DMS Sizing Area, Primary DMS)



Process



(71% complete)

 

  • Continued Process Control and Process Control Tables
  • HAZOP Actions
  • Thickener test complete on a 25m diameter unit
  • Belt filter test work complete choosing a 25m2 unit
  • Dry plant (Area 200) P&IDs
  • Wet plant area P&IDs



Electrical / Instrumentation / Controls



(27% complete)

  • Remote IO panel
  • Crushing Switchroom Equipment & Cables List
  • DMS Switchroom Equipment & Cables List
  • DMS MCC 2 Schematics AFC



Civil / Structural



(36% complete)

 

  • ROM Wall concrete design
  • Secondary and Tertiary Crusher Vault drawings
  • Primary Crusher steelwork and vault 2D drawings
  • Scalping Screening concrete 2D drawings
  • Engineering continued for the dynamic analysis of the Secondary and Tertiary Crusher steelwork
  • Continue feed bin preparation area structural engineering and foundation design confirmation
  • Continued stacker concrete design
  • Started Primary DMS footing design

 

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Sigma Lithium ended the year with C$155.4 million in cash and cash equivalents as at December 31, 2021, providing sufficient liquidity to advance the Grota do Cirilo Project into production. Sigma Lithium fully financed the capital expenditures estimated for the construction of the Phase 1 Plant and Phase 1 Mine by completing two equity financings on December 23, 2021 and February 12, 2021, raising gross proceeds of C$178.7 million.

The Company has continued to advance construction for the Phase 1 Plant following year end and currently has C$141.9 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 30, 2021.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Mr. Wes Roberts, P.Eng., a member of the technical committee of the Company, is the “qualified person” under NI 43-101 who reviewed and approved the technical information included in this news release.

ABOUT SIGMA LITHIUM CORPORATION

Sigma Lithium (NASDAQ: SGML, TSXV: SGML) is a Canadian company dedicated to powering the next generation of electric vehicle batteries with environmentally sustainable and high-purity lithium.

Sigma Lithium is currently in construction at its wholly owned Grota do Cirilo Project in Brazil, which includes a state-of-the-art, green-tech processing plant that uses 100% renewable energy, 100% recycled water and 100% dry-stack tailings. The project also represents one of the largest and highest-grade hard rock lithium spodumene deposits in the Americas.  Since inception, Sigma Lithium has devoted itself to strong ESG practices, from its ongoing support of local communities to its goal of achieving net zero by 2024. For more information about Sigma Lithium, visit https://www.sigmalithiumresources.com/

Sigma Lithium

linkedin


Sigma Lithium

instagram


@sigmalithium

twitter


@SigmaLithium

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including but not limited to statements relating to timing of the commencement of Phase 1 Non -Plant Infrastructure commissioning; the timing of initiation of civil works; the timing of construction of the Phase 1 Mine’s protective drainage (channels and pipes) and construction of the bypass of the municipal road around the Project site; timing related to other construction related initiatives at the Project; the general business and operational outlook of the Company; and other forward-looking information. All statements that address future plans, activities, events, estimates, expectations or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur is forward-looking information, including statements regarding the potential development of mineral resources and mineral reserves which may or may not occur. Forward-looking information contained herein is based on certain assumptions regarding, among other things: general economic and political conditions (including but not limited to the impact of the continuance or escalation of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and economic sanctions in relation thereto); the stable and supportive legislative, regulatory and community environment in the jurisdictions where the Company operates; anticipated trends and effects in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic; demand for lithium, including that such demand is supported by growth in the electric vehicle market; the Company’s market position and future financial and operating performance; the Company’s estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, including whether mineral resources will ever be developed into mineral reserves; and the Company’s ability to develop and achieve production at its mineral projects. Although management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information inherently involves and is subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to that the Company may not develop its mineral projects into a commercial mining operation; the market prices for lithium may not remain at current levels; and the market for electric vehicles and other large format batteries currently has limited market share and no assurances can be given for the rate at which this market will develop, if at all, which could affect the success of the Company and its ability to develop lithium operations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the current annual information form of the Company and other public filings available under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com.

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

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SOURCE Sigma Lithium

iHeartMedia Announces Lineup for the 2022 “iHeartRadio KIIS FM Wango Tango” on June 4

iHeartMedia Announces Lineup for the 2022 “iHeartRadio KIIS FM Wango Tango” on June 4

Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, Camila Cabello, Becky G, Charlie Puth, Lauv, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tate McRae, Latto, Lauren Spencer-Smith, GAYLE and Em Beihold To Perform; Plus a Special Performance by Diplo at Dusk

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest LIVE from Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles

Wango Tango To Exclusively Broadcast Across iHeartRadio Stations Nationwide

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
iHeartMedia and KIIS FM will kick off the Summer celebrating Pop music’s legendary Summer festival, “iHeartRadio KIIS FM Wango Tango,” LIVE on June 4 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. The event, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, will return with performances from Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, Camila Cabello, Becky G, Charlie Puth, Lauv, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tate McRae, Latto, Lauren Spencer-Smith, GAYLE and Em Beihold plus a special performance by Diplo at Dusk and more.

The celebration will broadcast for fans on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide on more than 94 stations in 94 markets on June 4 at 7 p.m. PT/10 p ET. The KIIS CLUB VIP Pre-Sale will begin Thursday, April 7 at 10 a.m. PT – become a KIIS CLUB VIP for FREE at www.kiisfm.com, keyword: VIP. All remaining tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m. PT via axs.com.

“We are so excited to bring back the show that officially kicks off Summer every year in Southern California. The 2022 lineup is jam packed with amazing artists who represent the very best in pop music right now,” said Beata Murphy, Program Director of KIIS-FM Los Angeles. “Everyone can expect to see awesome performances and hear all of your favorite songs of the Summer. It also wouldn’t be Wango Tango without some surprises, so join us on June 4 – we promise you won’t want to miss it.”

The legendary KIIS FM Wango Tango has remained one of the most anticipated Summer events in Southern California. The event has flourished into iHeartRadio’s national kick-off to summer music celebration and is part of iHeartRadio’s roster of incredibly successful, nationally-recognized concert events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Music Awards, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Concert Tour, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio ALTer Ego and iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.

iHeartRadio Wango Tango is an iHeartMedia production. Executive producers for iHeartRadio Wango Tango are Tom Poleman, John Sykes, Bart Peters and Beata Murphy for iHeartMedia.

Proud national partners for this year’s event include Meta, with more to be announced. For news and information about the 2022 iHeartRadio KIIS FM Wango Tango visit iHeartRadio.com/WangoTango or follow #WangoTango on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 90% of Americans every month, and has a portfolio of unmatched consumer brands and industry-leading events. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have more consumer reach in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the reach of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled reach of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next four podcast publishers combined; has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand; and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

For iHeartMedia:

Angel Aristone, 646-343-2410

[email protected]

Danielle Vitucci, 646-343-2425

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Entertainment Other Entertainment TV and Radio Celebrity Music Events/Concerts

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Pennsylvania American Water to Plant Trees for Customers Who Switch to Paperless Billing in April

Pennsylvania American Water to Plant Trees for Customers Who Switch to Paperless Billing in April

Customers can also request free trees to plant on their property through this initiative

MECHANICSBURG, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
With Earth Day just around the corner, Pennsylvania American Water announced today that it would plant a tree for each customer who commits to going paperless during the month of April. The company has partnered with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on this campaign and will donate $10 to its Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership for every customer who switches from a paper bill to an electronic bill this month.

The company is providing an initial $10,000 donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and will give up to $25,000 total through this campaign depending on customer response. All of the trees planted as result of this campaign will be planted in communities served by Pennsylvania American Water.

“Enrolling in paperless billing programs is one way we can all decrease our environmental footprints and be good stewards of our critical natural resources,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran. “Cutting down on paper mail saves trees and fuel – plus it’s easy and economical. We hope our customers will join us in this important sustainability effort.”

To go paperless today, log on to your account through the company’s MyWater portal and click “Go Paperless” on the left side of your home page. Don’t have a MyWater account? It’s quick to set one up at pennsylvaniaamwater.com. Click “Sign Up” in the MyWater login window and be sure to have your account number handy.

Customers can take their environmental commitment a step further and request free trees for their properties through this initiative. Trees can help clean local water sources, improve living conditions, create natural shade and privacy, and increase property values. More information and an online request form can be found at https://tenmilliontrees.org/get-involved/landowners/ Be sure to note that you are a Pennsylvania American Water customer on the online request form.

“At the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, we are proud to join with partners like Pennsylvania American Water who understand the importance of clean water and what it means to our quality of life,” said Lane Whigham, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Pennsylvania director of major giving. “By supporting CBF, Pennsylvania American Water helps create vibrant streamside forests throughout Pennsylvania. These trees improve air quality and prevent pollution from running into our streams and rivers, helping save the Chesapeake Bay downstream while also helping make sure that communities across Pennsylvania have a healthy, thriving environment.”

About Pennsylvania American Water

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE:AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media:

Northeast PA: Susan Turcmanovich, External Affairs Manager

C: 570-332-6726 E: [email protected]

Central PA: David Misner, External Affairs Manager

C: 717-261-7525 E: [email protected]

Southeast PA: Kara Rahn, Sr. Manager, External & Government Affairs

C: 484-238-5216 E: [email protected]

Western PA: Gary Lobaugh, Sr. Manager, External & Government Affairs

C: 724-873-3674 E: [email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Pennsylvania

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Natural Resources Utilities Environment Natural Resources Energy Construction & Property Landscape

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S&P Dow Jones Indices Reports U.S. Common Indicated Dividend Payments Increased $18.2 Billion in Q1 2022; 12-month gain was $70.1 billion

PR Newswire

  • Q1 2022 U.S. common dividend increases were $27.7 billion, up 34.8% from $20.6 billion in Q4 2021 and up 36.3% from $20.3 billion in Q1 2021.
  • Q1 2022 U.S. common dividend decreases were $9.5 billion, up 262% from $2.6 billion in Q4 2021, and up 299% from $2.4 billion in Q1 2021.
    • Excluding AT&T’s $6.9 billion reduction, Q1 decreases were 2.4% lower than Q4 2021 and 7.5% higher than Q1 2021.
  • Net indicated dividend rate change increased $18.2 billion in Q1 2022, compared to $18.0 billion in Q4 2021, and $18.0 billion in Q1 2021.
  • The median Q1 2022 dividend increase in the S&P 500 was 9.52%, up from 8.46% in Q4 2021, and up from 7.69% in Q1 2021.
  • For the 12-months ending in March 2022, U.S. common dividend increases were $86.0 billion, up 74.3% from March 2021’s $49.3 billion; decreases fell 76.2% to $15.9 billion in the March 2022 12-month period from the massive $66.6 billion in 2021.
  • The net 12-month March 2022 indicated dividend gain was $70.1 billion, compared to the 2021 period’s decline of $17.3 billion.


NEW YORK
, April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Dow Jones Indices announced today that indicated dividend net changes (increases less decreases) for U.S. domestic common stocks increased $18.2 billionduring Q1 2022, compared to $18.0 billion in Q4 2021, and $18.0 billion in Q1 2021. Q1 2022’s net dividend changes include AT&T’s recently announced $6.9 billion reduction.

For the 12 months ending in March 2022, the net dividend rate increased $70.1 billion, compared to a net decline of $17.3 billion for the 12-months ending March 2021, as increases were $86.0 billion versus $49.3 billion, and decreases were $15.9 billion compared to $66.6 billion in the 2021 period.  

“Dividend increases continue to accelerate, as net gains for the quarter would have set a new record if not for AT&T’s $6.9 billion reduction as part of its WarnerMedia spinoff,” said Howard Silverblatt, Senior Index Analyst at S&P Dow Jones Indices. “We are seeing more companies increase the size and percentage of their increases and fewer reducing payments.  With earnings and sales setting record highs and cash flows strong, we expect this trend to continue even as interest rates rise.”

Silverblatt continued, “Within the S&P 500, Q1 cash dividends were up 10.7% over Q1 2021, setting a record that may not last long once Q2 dividends are declared and paid. Buybacks, which set a record in Q4 2021 and are expected to set another one in Q1 2022, still appear to be favored over dividends, as the dividend payout ratio is historically low. This is expected to increase through the year, with 2022 dividends expected to post a record 2022 payment.”  

Silverblatt concluded, “While a consumer slowdown and a potential 2023 recession are major concerns, the shorter-term concern remains inflation, as higher payouts would need to compete with other rising rate instruments.  In the end, however, dividend investors typically weigh the risk-reward components with a bias towards secure income.”


S&P 500 Dividends

On a per share basis, S&P 500 Q1 2021 dividend payments in the S&P 500 set a record, increasing 3.0% to $16.25 from Q4 2021’s $15.78 and were up 10.7% from Q1 2021 $14.68 payment. On an aggregate basis, index components paid a record $137.6 billion in dividends in the quarter, up from $133.9 billion in Q4 2021 and up from $123.9 billion in Q1 2021.  For the 12-month March 2022 period, the index paid a record $61.97 per share, up from 2021’s $57.70, with an aggregate $524.9 billion to shareholders, compared to $480.1 billion in 2021.

Additional findings from S&P Dow Jones Indices’ quarterly analysis of U.S. dividend activity include:


Dividend Increases (defined as either an increase or initiation in dividend payments):

  • 963 dividend increases were reported during Q1 2022 compared to 906 during Q1 2021, a 6.3% year-over-year increase.
  • Total dividend increases were $27.7 billion for the period, up from $20.3 billion for Q1 2021.
  • For the 12-month March 2022 period, 2,967 issues increased their payments, compared to 2,079 issues for the prior period, a 42.7% increase.
  • Total dividend increases for the 12-month March 2022 period were $86.0 billion, up from $49.3 billion in the 2021 12-month March period.


Dividend Decreases (defined as either a decrease or suspension in dividend payments):

  • 71 issues decreased dividends during Q1 2022, compared to 64 during Q1 2021, a 10.9% year-over-year increase.
  • Dividend decreases were $9.5 billion in the period, up from $2.4 billion in Q1 2021.
  • In the 12-month March 2022 period, 177 issues decreased their dividend payments, compared to 862 decreases in the 2021 period, a 79.5% decrease.
  • Dividend decreases were $15.9 billion in the 12-month 2022 period, a 76.2% decline from 2021 $66.6 billion decrease.


Non-S&P 500 domestic common issues (for issues yielding 10% or less):

  • The percentage of non-S&P 500 domestic dividend-paying common issues increased to 19.8% in Q1 2022 from 19.6% in Q4 2021, and decreased from 21.4% in Q1 2021.
  • The weighted indicated dividend yield for paying issues was 2.62% in Q1 2022, up from 2.50% in Q4 2021, and up from 2.48% in Q1 2021. The average indicated yield increased to 2.92% in Q1 2022, from Q4 2021’s 2.84%, and increased from 2.80% in Q1 2021.


Large-, Mid-, and Small-Cap Dividends:

  • 394 issues, or 78.0%, within the S&P 500 currently pay a dividend, the same as in Q4 2021, and down from 385 (76.2%) in Q1 2021; 27 of the 30 members of the Dow Jones Industrial Average® pay a dividend.
  • 64.5% of S&P MidCap 400®issues now pay a dividend, up from 64.3% in Q4 2021 and up from 62.5% in Q1 2021; 51.2% of S&P SmallCap 600®issues pay a dividend, up from 50.6% Q4 2021 and up from 49.4% in Q1 2021. 
  • Yields varied and were higher than Q4 2021, as markets declined for Q1 2022, and dividends increased. Large-cap yields increased to 1.40% (1.31% for Q4 2021 and 1.47% for Q1 2021), mid-caps increased to 1.41% (1.26% for Q4 2021 and 1.23% for Q1 2021), and small-caps increased to 1.32% (1.18% for Q4 2021 and 1.11% for Q1 2021).
  • The yields across dividend-paying market-size classifications also varied, with large-caps at 1.85% (1.74% in Q4 2021 and 1.98% in Q1 2021), mid-caps at 2.17% (1.98% in Q4 2021 and 2.00% in Q1 2021) and small-caps at 2.38% (2.16% in Q4 2021 and 2.14% in Q1 2021). 

For more information about S&P Dow Jones Indices, please visit www.spdji.com.

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets.

S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit: www.spdji.com.

S&P DJI MEDIA CONTACTS:

Ray McConville, External Communications – Americas
(+1) 212 438 1678 [email protected]

INDEX INVESTMENT STRATEGY:


Howard Silverblatt
, Senior Index Analyst
(+1) 973 769 2306 [email protected] 

 

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SOURCE S&P Global

Air Products to Broadcast Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter Earnings Teleconference on May 5

PR Newswire


LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa.
, April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Air Products (NYSE:APD) will release its fiscal 2022 second quarter financial results prior to market open on Thursday, May 5, 2022 and will review these results in a teleconference at 8:30 a.m. ET. The teleconference will be open to the public and the media in listen-only mode by telephone and Internet broadcast.

Live teleconference:  323-994-2131 
Passcode: 3339077
Internet broadcast/slides: Available on the Event Details page on Air Products’ Investor Relations website.

Telephone replay: 888-203-1112 (domestic) or 719-457-0820 (international)
Passcode: 3339077
Available from 12:30 p.m. ET on May 5, 2022 through 12:30 p.m. ET on May 12, 2022.
Internet replay: Available on the Event Details page on Air Products’ Investor Relations website.

About Air Products  
Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for 80 years. Focused on serving energy, environment and emerging markets, the Company provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the global leader in the supply of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment. The Company develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world’s largest industrial gas projects, including: gasification projects that sustainably convert abundant natural resources into syngas for the production of high-value power, fuels and chemicals; carbon capture projects; and world-scale carbon-free hydrogen projects supporting global transportation and the energy transition.

The Company had fiscal 2021 sales of $10.3 billion from operations in over 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of about $55 billion. More than 20,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

 

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SOURCE Air Products

Sangoma Is Serving Up the Perfect Mix of Communications at Channel Partners

PR Newswire


MARKHAM, ON
, April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Sangoma Technologies Corporation (TSX: STC; Nasdaq: SANG) (“Sangoma” or the “Company”), a trusted leader in delivering cloud-based Communications as a Service solutions for companies of all sizes, is thrilled to return to Las Vegas for the upcoming Channel Partners Conference & Expo at the Venetian Resort, April 11-14. This year’s event marks more than 10 years Sangoma has attended the channel’s biggest event. Find us in booth 1439 and book a meeting slot for room #6 by contacting us today!

Sangoma’s theme this year is the “The Perfect Mix of Communications,” where our team will show you how our comprehensive suite of “as-a-Service” solutions offers everything the modern business needs to thrive. When you visit our booth, you will get in-person demos of popular Unified Communications products such as Switchvox, Business Voice, and our new line of affordable P-Phones. Also, with the recent acquisition of NetFortris, Sangoma has added even more services that Partners can take advantage of including SD-WAN, network connectivity, and managed network security. Learn how Sangoma is innovating in the communications space to help your business grow, enhance your customer’s experiences, and achieve your mission-critical goals.

You’ll also want to stop by for happy hour! Celebrity Mixologist, Evan Hosaka, will be serving up exquisite signature cocktails, including a one-of-a-kind Sangoma drink, on Tuesday, April 12, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Evan is the Lead Bartender at The Venetian and an award-winning mixologist with 13 years of hospitality experience and known for his expertise in crafting the perfect drink—much like Sangoma crafts your perfect communications solution!

“We are looking forward to this year’s event, as it’s sure to be another great success for Channel Partners and Sangoma,” said Jim Machi, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Sangoma. “Our team has been extensively preparing to showcase our complete portfolio of solutions, how we continue to expand our offerings through exciting developments like our recent acquisition of NetFortris, and how Sangoma is poised to shake up the industry even more. Make sure you come and chat with us about how we can help you shake things up for your business communications!”

The Sangoma team is eager to welcome you to Channel Partners, learn about how we can help your business expand, and serve up the perfect mix of solutions. Book your meeting today!

About Sangoma Technologies Corporation

Sangoma Technologies is a trusted leader in delivering value-based Communications as a Service (CaaS) solutions for businesses of all sizes. Sangoma’s cloud-based Services include Unified Communication (UCaaS) business communications, Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS), Video Meetings as a Service (MaaS), Collaboration as a Service (Collab aaS), Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS), Trunking as a Service (TaaS), Fax as a Service (FaaS), Device as a Service (DaaS), and Access Control as a Service (ACaaS). In addition, Sangoma offers a full line of communications Products, including premise-based UC systems, a full line of desk phones and headsets, and a complete connectivity suite (gateways/SBCs/telephony cards). Sangoma’s products and services are used in leading UC, PBX, IVR, contact center, carrier networks, office productivity, and data communication applications worldwide. Sangoma is also the primary developer and sponsor of Asterisk and FreePBX, the world’s two most widely used open-source communication software projects.

Sangoma Technologies Corporation is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE: STC). Additional information on Sangoma can be found at: www.sangoma.com/.

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SOURCE Sangoma Technologies Corporation

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP Is Investigating Spirit Airlines, Inc. for Potential Breaches of Fiduciary Duty By Its Board of Directors

PR Newswire


NEW YORK
, April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP, a class action law firm dedicated to representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: SAVE).

If you are a shareholder of Spirit Airlines, Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at:

http://pjlfirm.com/spirit-airlines-inc/

You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 212-725-1000.  One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.

Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 

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SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP