Tag: PR Newswire

Project expected to be one of the first Community Solar projects of its kind in the State

TORONTO, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) (“PowerBank” or the “Company“), a North American energy infrastructure developer and asset owner, is pleased to announce that its 4.22 MW ground-mount solar project at Grandview Rd (the “Project“), located in Pennsylvania, has completed the Interconnection Impact Review (IRR). This project was included in the previous press release of a larger Pennsylvania project, which can be found here. The Grandview project first announced as a 13.8 MW DC project in Lancaster County has been split into multiple projects.

Upon securing permits and financing, and the approval of House Bill 1842 (discussed below), PowerBank expects to commence construction, with the project set to operate as a community solar initiative. This innovative model enables renters, businesses, and homeowners to subscribe to the solar farm, receiving bill credits and savings without installing on-site equipment. The clean energy generated by a community solar project feeds directly into the local electricity grid. Depending on the size and number of panels the project has, dozens or even hundreds of renters and homeowners can earn credits on their electric bill and save money from the electricity that is generated by the project. PowerBank’s strategic focus on community solar aligns with its goal of powering thousands of homes with clean and affordable energy.

On March 26, 2024, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1842, a bill enabling the potential development of community solar projects in the state, paving the way for companies like PowerBank to expand into the region and provide clean energy to residents of various income levels. On May 7, 2025 the bill passed House again with the addition of natural gas included in the community solar’s application. The bill is currently under review by the Senate. The development of the Project as a community solar project will be subject to the final approval of House Bill 1842 by the State government of Pennsylvania. If the Bill does not pass, the Project will proceed as a net metered system under the Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act.

PowerBank’s proven expertise, with over 100 MW of completed projects and a development pipeline exceeding 1 GW, underpins the project’s execution. Strategic partnerships and institutional-grade development capabilities position PowerBank to deliver reliable, high-impact renewable energy solutions.

There are several risks associated with the development of the Project. The development of any project is subject to receipt of a community solar contract, receipt of required permits, House Bill 1842 becoming law, the availability of third-party financing arrangements for the Company and the risks associated with the construction of a solar power project. In addition, governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar power, which could result in future projects no longer being economic. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” for additional discussion of the assumptions and risk factors associated with the Projects and statements made in this press release.

About PowerBank Corporation

PowerBank Corporation is an independent renewable and clean energy project developer and owner focusing on distributed and community solar projects in Canada and the USA. The Company develops solar, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and EV Charging projects that sell electricity to utilities, commercial, industrial, municipal and residential off-takers. The Company maximizes returns via a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple leading North America markets including projects with utilities, host off-takers, community solar, and virtual net metering projects. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed renewable and clean energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built. To learn more about PowerBank, please visit www.PowerBankcorp.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information ‎within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking ‎statements”) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. ‎Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, ‎objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the ‎use of words or phrases such as “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “expects”, “will ‎continue”, “is anticipated”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimated”, “intends”, “plans”, “forecast”, ‎‎”projection”, “strategy”, “objective” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be ‎forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties ‎which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in ‎such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this news release ‎contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company’s expectations regarding its industry trends and overall market growth; the Company’s growth strategies the expected energy production from the solar power projects mentioned in this press release; the number of homes expected to be powered; the timeline for construction; the expected savings for local residents; expected revenues and benefits of the Project to the Company; the receipt of interconnection approval, permits and financing to be able to construct the Projects; the receipt of incentives for the Projects; and the size of the Company’s development pipeline. No assurance ‎can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking ‎statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These ‎statements speak only as of the date of this news release.‎

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this news release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company’s competitors; that the Company’s current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under “Forward-‎Looking Statements” and “Risk ‎Factors” in the Company’s most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company’s growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company’s future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company’s project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar projects exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company’s effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company’s results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation and tariffs; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company’s insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any global pandemic on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any ‎forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or ‎otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it ‎is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such ‎factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to ‎differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-‎looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by ‎this cautionary statement.‎

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/powerbank-shares-update-on-pennsylvania-project-interconnection-302729365.html

SOURCE PowerBank Corporation

Project expected to be one of the first Community Solar projects of its kind in the State

TORONTO, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) (“PowerBank” or the “Company“), a North American energy infrastructure developer and asset owner, is pleased to announce that its 4.22 MW ground-mount solar project at Grandview Rd (the “Project“), located in Pennsylvania, has completed the Interconnection Impact Review (IRR). This project was included in the previous press release of a larger Pennsylvania project, which can be found here. The Grandview project first announced as a 13.8 MW DC project in Lancaster County has been split into multiple projects.

Upon securing permits and financing, and the approval of House Bill 1842 (discussed below), PowerBank expects to commence construction, with the project set to operate as a community solar initiative. This innovative model enables renters, businesses, and homeowners to subscribe to the solar farm, receiving bill credits and savings without installing on-site equipment. The clean energy generated by a community solar project feeds directly into the local electricity grid. Depending on the size and number of panels the project has, dozens or even hundreds of renters and homeowners can earn credits on their electric bill and save money from the electricity that is generated by the project. PowerBank’s strategic focus on community solar aligns with its goal of powering thousands of homes with clean and affordable energy.

On March 26, 2024, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1842, a bill enabling the potential development of community solar projects in the state, paving the way for companies like PowerBank to expand into the region and provide clean energy to residents of various income levels. On May 7, 2025 the bill passed House again with the addition of natural gas included in the community solar’s application. The bill is currently under review by the Senate. The development of the Project as a community solar project will be subject to the final approval of House Bill 1842 by the State government of Pennsylvania. If the Bill does not pass, the Project will proceed as a net metered system under the Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act.

PowerBank’s proven expertise, with over 100 MW of completed projects and a development pipeline exceeding 1 GW, underpins the project’s execution. Strategic partnerships and institutional-grade development capabilities position PowerBank to deliver reliable, high-impact renewable energy solutions.

There are several risks associated with the development of the Project. The development of any project is subject to receipt of a community solar contract, receipt of required permits, House Bill 1842 becoming law, the availability of third-party financing arrangements for the Company and the risks associated with the construction of a solar power project. In addition, governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar power, which could result in future projects no longer being economic. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” for additional discussion of the assumptions and risk factors associated with the Projects and statements made in this press release.

About PowerBank Corporation

PowerBank Corporation is an independent renewable and clean energy project developer and owner focusing on distributed and community solar projects in Canada and the USA. The Company develops solar, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and EV Charging projects that sell electricity to utilities, commercial, industrial, municipal and residential off-takers. The Company maximizes returns via a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple leading North America markets including projects with utilities, host off-takers, community solar, and virtual net metering projects. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed renewable and clean energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built. To learn more about PowerBank, please visit www.PowerBankcorp.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information ‎within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking ‎statements”) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. ‎Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, ‎objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the ‎use of words or phrases such as “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “expects”, “will ‎continue”, “is anticipated”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimated”, “intends”, “plans”, “forecast”, ‎‎”projection”, “strategy”, “objective” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be ‎forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties ‎which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in ‎such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this news release ‎contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company’s expectations regarding its industry trends and overall market growth; the Company’s growth strategies the expected energy production from the solar power projects mentioned in this press release; the number of homes expected to be powered; the timeline for construction; the expected savings for local residents; expected revenues and benefits of the Project to the Company; the receipt of interconnection approval, permits and financing to be able to construct the Projects; the receipt of incentives for the Projects; and the size of the Company’s development pipeline. No assurance ‎can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking ‎statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These ‎statements speak only as of the date of this news release.‎

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this news release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company’s competitors; that the Company’s current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under “Forward-‎Looking Statements” and “Risk ‎Factors” in the Company’s most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company’s growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company’s future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company’s project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar projects exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company’s effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company’s results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation and tariffs; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company’s insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any global pandemic on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any ‎forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or ‎otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it ‎is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such ‎factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to ‎differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-‎looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by ‎this cautionary statement.‎

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/powerbank-shares-update-on-pennsylvania-project-interconnection-302729365.html

SOURCE PowerBank Corporation

TOKYO, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —  TOYO Co., Ltd (Nasdaq: TOYO) (OTC: TOYWF),  (“TOYO” or the “Company”), a solar solution company,  today announced its financial results for the second half and fiscal year ended December 2025.

FY 2025 Financial & Operational Highlights

• Revenue: Achieved $427.4 million, surpassing the upper end of the Company’s previously updated guidance range of $375–$400 million issued in September 2025.
• Solar Cell Shipments: Totalled 4.5 GW, exceeding the full-year target of 4.2–4.4 GW. The primary driver was the full utilization of the new 4 GW solar cell facility in Ethiopia, which reached its nameplate capacity in October 2025.
• Solar Module Shipments: 249 MW were delivered.  
• EBITDA (Non-GAAP): Reported $95.8 million, reflecting improved operational efficiencies and a strategic shift toward higher-margin, tariff-compliant supply chains.
• Net Income: $37.2 million, which includes a one-time non-cash share-based compensation charge of approximately $13.7 million.
• Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income: $52.2 million, 769% increase from $6 million last year.

Outlook for full year 2026

• Solar cell shipments are expected to reach approximately 5.5-5.8 GW for the full year 2026, fueled by continued demand
• Solar module shipments are expected to reach approximately 1-1.3GW for the full year 2026
• Adjusted net income for the full year 2026 is expected to reach approximately $90-100 million  

Management comments

“2025 was a year of transformative execution for TOYO. By doubling our scale and strengthening our position as a vertically integrated solar solutions provider, we have built a resilient foundation designed to lead through a dynamic global business and policy landscape,” said Takahiko Onozuka, CEO and Chairman of TOYO.

“Our record revenues of $427.4 million—a 142% increase over 2024—was underpinned by the rapid ramp-up of our 4 GW cell facility, which is now operating at full capacity to serve our U.S. utility-scale partners with high-efficiency, policy-compliant solar technology. Our production at our Houston module facility is expected to scale fast over the course of 2026 and we are evaluating additional strategic initiatives to create a robust onshore supply chain for U.S. customers using advanced technology and performance standards.”

Rhone Resch, Chief Strategy Officer of TOYO, added: “Our outperformance this year is a direct result of our ability to navigate a complex global trade landscape. TOYO has built a resilient, traceable supply chain that the market trusts. As solar continues to drive the majority of new U.S. electricity demand, TOYO is now well positioned with the domestic capacity and policy expertise to contribute to the next phase of the energy transition. We enter 2026 with a robust order book and the financial discipline to continue our trajectory of profitable expansion.”

Unaudited Second Half 2025 Results

Revenues for the second half of 2025 were approximately $288.3 million, which increased 641% from $38.9 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by higher solar cell sales volumes following the successful ramp-up of the new cell manufacturing facility.

The cost of revenues was approximately $215.0 million for the second half of 2025, compared to $43.6 million for the same period in 2024.

Gross profit was approximately $73.3 million for the second half of 2025, compared to ($4.8) million for the same period in 2024.

Total operating expenses increased to approximately $23.9 million for the second half of 2025 from $8.9 million for the same period in 2024.

• Selling and marketing expenses were $3.4 million for the second half of 2025 compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in selling and marketing expenses was primarily driven by costs associated with expanding strategic business development initiatives.

• General and administrative expenses were $20.5 million for the second half of 2025, compared to $7.6 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in land and plant leases for the Company’s cell expansion and expenses related to the start-up phase of operations for the solar module plant in Houston metropolitan area, Texas, as well as share-based compensation and fair value of contingent consideration payable in earnout shares.

Net income was approximately $34.7 million for the second half of 2025, compared to net income of $21 million for the same period in 2024.

Full Year 2025 Financial Results          

Revenues were $427.4 million for 2025, representing an 142% year-over-year increase from the prior year. The increase was primarily caused by an increase of approximately $241.6 million in sales of solar cells and an increase of approximately $7.6 million in sales of solar modules.

Cost of revenues was $331 million for 2025, a 113% increase from $155.1 million in the prior year. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily in line with the increase in sales of solar cells. However, the percentage increase in the cost of revenues is lower than the percentage increase in revenues, due to an increase in sales to U.S. end customers with higher average selling prices.

Gross profit was $96.3 million and $21.9 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively, with gross profit margin of approximately 22.5% and 12.4% for 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily driven by the expansion of production capacity for cells which enabled higher-average selling price sales to U.S. end customers.

Operating expenses were $37.3 million for 2025 compared to $13.0 million in the prior year, representing an increase of 186% year-over-year.

• Selling and marketing expenses were $5.9 million for 2025 compared to $1.6 million in 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase of sales commissions which was in line with an increase of revenues.

• General and administrative expenses were $31.4 million for 2025 compared to $11.4 million in 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to $13.7 million in non-cash share-based compensation issued to management, directors, and consultants. Administrative costs also rose as the Company scaled its workforce and infrastructure to support the full activation of our two new manufacturing plants. Additional increases in travel, rental, and office expenses reflect the necessary logistical support for our rapidly expanding global business footprint.

EBITDA (Non-GAAP) was $95.8 million for 2025, which increased 40% compared to $68.2 million for the same period in the prior year. This was driven by record shipment volumes and enhanced operational scale across our global facilities.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA excluding share-based compensation and changes in fair value of contingent consideration payable to earnout shares was $110.8 million for 2025, which increased 228% compared to $33.8 million for the same period in the prior year.

Net income for 2025 was $37.2 million, compared to net income of $40.5 million in the prior year.

Adjusted net income excluding share-based compensation and changes in fair value of contingent consideration payable related to earnout shares was $52.2 million for 2025, compared to $6 million in 2024.

Earnings per share, basic and diluted, for 2025 was $0.98 compared to earnings per share, basic and diluted, of $1.09 in the prior year.

Adjusted earnings per share was $1.48 for 2025 compared to adjusted earnings per share of $0.20 in the prior year.

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $58.9 million in cash and restricted cash in total, compared to $17.2 million as of December 31, 2024.

Business Outlook

“Looking toward 2026, we are positioned to build on this record performance with a strategic goal of positioning TOYO as a supplier of compliant solar solutions that meet evolving customer requirements in the United States. Solar is a critically viable solution to scale up energy production rapidly, at scale, and cost effectively,” said Takahiko Onozuka, CEO and Chairman of TOYO.

“We have developed new sourcing relationships for polysilicon and are in advanced planning to bring onshore cell manufacturing to the U.S. to further support our customers who want integrated domestic content. We remain focused on delivering long-term shareholder value by maintaining a business model that prioritizes both operational excellence and financial discipline, as reflected by our expectation to nearly double net income again in 2026 despite very substantial investments in R&D and technology this year.”

Conference Call

TOYO will host a webcast and conference call to discuss its second half and fiscal year 2025 results on March 31, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET. A live webcast and a slide presentation will be available on TOYO’s investor relations website in the “Events” section at investors.toyo-solar.com.  

The dial-in numbers for the conference call are as follows:

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (800) 715-9871

Participant Toll Dial-In Number: +1 (646) 307-1963

Japan – Tokyo: +81.3.4578.9081

Conference ID: 7240281

Live Webcast: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/197358704

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain Vietnamese Dong, or VND, amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the reader’s convenience. Unless otherwise noted, except for the cash balance made at a rate of VND26,291 to US$1.00, the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, all translations from VND to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to VND are made at a rate of VND 26,004 to US$1.00, the average exchange rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the VND or U.S. dollar amounts referenced could be converted into U.S. dollars or VND, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

About TOYO Co., Ltd.

TOYO is a solar solutions company that is committed to becoming a full-service solar solutions provider in the global market, integrating the upstream production of wafers and silicon, midstream production of solar cells, downstream production of photovoltaic modules, and potentially other stages of the solar power supply chain. TOYO is well-positioned to produce high-quality solar cells at a competitive scale and cost.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected growth of TOYO, the expected order delivery of TOYO, TOYO’s construction plan of manufactures, and strategies of building up an integrated value chain in the U.S. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of TOYO’s management and are not predictions of actual performance.

These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, activity levels, performance, or achievements to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although TOYO believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, TOYO caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. In addition, there are risks and uncertainties described in the documents filed by TOYO from time to time with the SEC. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

TOYO cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to several risks and uncertainties, including, among others, the outcome of any potential litigation, government or regulatory proceedings, the sales performance of TOYO, and other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those included under the heading “Risk Factors” of the filings of TOYO with the SEC. There may be additional risks that TOYO does not presently know or that TOYO currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the views of TOYO as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. However, while TOYO may update these forward-looking statements in the future, there is no current intention to do so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the views of TOYO as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, TOYO does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact Information:

For TOYO Co., Ltd.
IR@toyo-solar.com

Crocker Coulson
Email: crocker.coulson@aummedia.org
Tel: (646) 652-7185

Non-GAAP Measures

Some of the financial information and data contained in this press release, such as EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income have not been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). TOYO believes these non-GAAP measures of financial results provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to TOYO’s financial condition and results of operations. TOYO’s management uses these non-GAAP measures for trend analysis and for budgeting and planning purposes. TOYO believes that the use of these non-GAAP measures provides an additional tool for investors to evaluate projected operating results and trends, as well as compare TOYO’s financial measures with those of other similar companies, many of which also present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors.

Management of TOYO does not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitation of these non-GAAP financial measures is that they exclude significant expenses such as share-based compensation and changes in fair value of contingent consideration and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in TOYO’s financial statements. In addition, they are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expenses and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. You should review TOYO’s audited financial statements, which are presented in the most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026, and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate TOYO’s business.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toyo-co-ltd-announces-second-half-and-full-year-2025-financial-results-302729837.html

SOURCE TOYO Co., Ltd

April is Financial Literacy Month and this year the Focus is the Growing Gap Between Earnings and Debt—and Its Impact on American Households

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During Financial Literacy Month, new data from Consolidated Credit reveals a troubling trend: while Americans are earning more, their credit card debt is rising at a much faster pace, putting increased pressure on household finances nationwide.

According to Consolidated Credit, one of the nation’s largest and oldest credit counseling agencies, consumers enrolling in its Debt Management Program have seen their income rise by 22% since 2016. However, during that same period, their credit card balances have surged by 54%, more than doubling the pace of income growth.

At the same time, borrowing has become significantly more expensive. The average credit card interest rate has jumped from 12.35% in 2016 to 19.58% today, with many people having APRs up to 27%. As a result, the share of income needed to manage credit card debt has climbed from 36.72% in 2016 to 45.91% by the end of 2025—a nearly 10-percentage-point increase.

These trends align with broader national data. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, total U.S. credit card debt has reached a record $1.28 trillion, contributing to overall household debt of $18.8 trillion. At the same time, credit card delinquency rates have risen sharply in recent years, particularly among lower-income households, signaling growing difficulty in keeping up with payments.

“People are feeling it financially and they’re also feeling it mentally and emotionally, too,” says April Lewis-Parks, Director of Financial Education at Consolidated Credit. “People are under stress and telling us that they are suffering from anxiety and sleepless nights tied to money.”

Recent reports show that over 100 million consumers are unable to pay their credit card balances in full each month, while everyday expenses like groceries continue to be a major source of stress across income levels.

“The past 10 years have been a rollercoaster ride for the American economy, but it’s been mostly downhill for the average consumer,” Lewis-Parks adds. “With global instability driving up costs and inflation pressures continuing, this could be the toughest time yet for household budgets. Many families have already weathered a recession, a pandemic, and record inflation, this may be the tipping point.”

Financial Literacy Month: Time to Take Control

April is Financial Literacy Month, serving as a critical reminder that managing money today requires more than just budgeting—it requires understanding how to navigate debt, build resilience, and regain control.

To support consumers, Consolidated Credit is offering a free educational resource: The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap https://www.consolidatedcredit.org/library/2026-money-confidence-roadmap/ The roadmap provides a clear, step-by-step quarterly guide to:

• Reducing financial stress
• Improving credit
• Making debt feel more manageable
• Building long-term financial confidence

“Americans have weathered a lot, but this moment demands action,” Lewis-Parks says. “If debt is rising faster than income, the solution is not to wait—it’s to take control, make a plan, and start turning things around today.” Consumers can receive a free budget and debt analysis from certified counseling by calling 800-SAME-ME-2.

About Consolidated Credit

Consolidated Credit is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit credit counseling organizations, helping individuals and families overcome debt and achieve financial stability through education, counseling, and debt management programs.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/income-is-up-22but-credit-card-debt-has-surged-54-new-consolidated-credit-data-shows-302729351.html

SOURCE Consolidated Credit

HYDERABAD, India, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest research report published by Mordor Intelligence, the green technology market is experiencing rapid expansion as governments and businesses prioritize sustainability and low-carbon innovation. The green technology market size is estimated at USD 36.24 billion in 2026, growing from USD 29.45 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach USD 102.26 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 23.05% during the forecast period (2026–2031). 

This strong green technology market growth is driven by rising investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, smart grids, and low-carbon technologies. Governments across the world are introducing policies aimed at reducing emissions, while private companies are integrating sustainable solutions into their operations. These developments are shaping the green technology industry, positioning it as a key pillar in the global transition toward environmentally responsible economic growth. 

Green Technology Market Growth Drivers and Industry Adoption 

Policy Pressure Accelerating Sustainable Technology Adoption 

Stronger climate regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms are pushing industries to adopt cleaner and more transparent production practices. European sustainability rules are expanding environmental requirements across a wide range of products, making eco-friendly design and monitoring systems increasingly necessary. At the same time, exporters in several Asia-Pacific countries are upgrading manufacturing processes with digital tracking tools to meet stricter emissions reporting requirements. These changes are encouraging global supply chains to adopt common data frameworks and sustainability technologies, expanding opportunities for advanced green solutions. 

“Green technology adoption continues to reflect measured, policy-aligned investment patterns across key industries, with growth shaped by regulatory clarity and capital discipline. This assessment is grounded in consistently validated data, structured triangulation, and a transparent research framework designed to support reliable executive decision-making,” says Ashish Gautam, Senior Research Manager, Mordor Intelligence. 

AI Integration Transforming Corporate Carbon Management 

Companies are increasingly embedding AI-powered carbon tracking tools within enterprise management systems to monitor emissions across their operations. By connecting sustainability data directly with finance and operational dashboards, businesses can make quicker decisions about energy use, production schedules, and supplier choices. These digital tools help organizations evaluate the environmental impact of operational changes in real time, turning sustainability from a reporting task into a core part of strategic planning. As more firms adopt these integrated platforms, demand for advanced environmental technology solutions continues to rise. 

Green Technology Market Segmentation Analysis 

By Component 

• Solutions 
• Services 

By Technology 

• Internet of Things (IoT) 
• Artificial Intelligence and Analytics 
• Digital Twin 
• Cloud Computing 
• Blockchain 
• Other Emerging Technologies 

By Application 

• Green Building 
• Carbon Footprint Management 
• Air and Water Pollution Monitoring 
• Weather Monitoring and Forecasting 
• Crop Monitoring 
• Others 

By End-user Industry 

• Energy and Utilities 
• Manufacturing 
• Transportation and Logistics 
• Agriculture 
• Construction and Real Estate 
• IT and Telecom 
• Government and Public Sector 
• Other Industries 

By Geography 

• North America 
  • United States 
  • Canada 
  • Mexico 
• South America 
  • Brazil 
  • Argentina 
  • Rest of South America 
• Europe 
  • Germany 
  • United Kingdom 
  • France 
  • Italy 
  • Spain 
  • Rest of Europe 
• Asia-Pacific 
  • China 
  • India 
  • Japan 
  • South Korea 
  • Australia and New Zealand 
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific 
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Middle East 
    • Saudi Arabia 
    • United Arab Emirates 
    • Turkey 
    • Rest of Middle East 
  • Africa 
    • Nigeria 
    • South Africa 
    • Egypt 
    • Rest of Africa 

For a full breakdown of market size, segmentation data, and competitive intelligence, access all details of the Mordor Intelligence report: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/green-technology-market?utm_source=prnewswire 

Green Technology Market Growth Across Key Regions 

North America remains a major hub for sustainable technology adoption, supported by strong government incentives and active private investment. Companies in the United States are integrating carbon management tools into enterprise software systems, while Canada is applying similar solutions to track emissions across manufacturing supply chains. Mexico is also advancing environmental monitoring practices within its export-oriented industrial zones, reflecting broader regional efforts to align with sustainability regulations. 

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing particularly rapid momentum as industrial growth combines with stricter environmental policies. Countries such as China and India are encouraging companies to adopt digital monitoring technologies to support sustainability goals, while Japan and South Korea are investing in smart infrastructure and connected urban systems. These initiatives are accelerating the deployment of advanced environmental technologies across industries. 

Key Players Shaping the Green Technology Market 

The green technology market share is moderately competitive, with global technology companies and sustainability solution providers investing heavily in research and innovation. Key companies operating in the green technology industry include: 

• General Electric 
• IBM Corporation 
• Microsoft Corporation 
• Siemens AG 
• Schneider Electric SE 
• Oracle Corporation 
• ABB Ltd. 
• Tesla Inc. 
• Vestas Wind Systems 
• Enel S.p.A. 

Explore more insights on green technology competitive landscape: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/green-technology-market/companies?utm_source=prnewswire 

Check out related reports published by Mordor Intelligence: 

Smartwatch Market Forecast – The smartwatch market is projected to grow from 230.73 million units in 2025 and 279.39 million units in 2026 to 726.73 million units by 2031, registering a 21.07% CAGR between 2026 and 2031. Market expansion is driven by rising demand for health monitoring devices, increasing adoption of wearable fitness technology, and growing integration with smartphones and digital health platforms. 

Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, Garmin Ltd, Fitbit Inc., and Fossil Group Inc. are the major companies operating in this market. 

Read more about companies active in the smartwatch market: 
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/smartwatch-market/companies?utm_source=prnewswire 

Augmented Reality Market Outlook – The augmented reality market is expected to expand from USD 99.81 billion in 2025 and USD 125.11 billion in 2026 to USD 387.23 billion by 2031, growing at a 25.35% CAGR during 2026–2031. Increasing use of AR in gaming, retail visualization, healthcare training, and enterprise applications is driving adoption, along with advancements in AR hardware and immersive digital experiences. 

Microsoft Corporation, Meta Platforms Inc., Apple Inc., Qualcomm Technologies Inc., and Google LLC (Alphabet) are the major companies operating in this market. 

Read more about companies active in the augmented reality market: 
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/augmented-reality-market/companies?utm_source=prnewswire 

Natural Language Processing Market Trends – The natural language processing market is projected to grow from USD 39.37 billion in 2025 and USD 47.37 billion in 2026 to USD 117.57 billion by 2031, registering a 19.94% CAGR between 2026 and 2031. Growth is fueled by the rising use of AI-powered chatbots, voice assistants, sentiment analysis tools, and increasing enterprise adoption of conversational AI solutions. 

Microsoft Corporation, SAS Institute Inc., IBM Corporation, Google LLC (Alphabet), and NVIDIA Corp. are the major companies operating in this market. 

Read more about companies active in the natural language processing market: 
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/natural-language-processing-market/companies?utm_source=prnewswire 

About Mordor Intelligence 

Mordor Intelligence is a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive and actionable market intelligence. Our global reach, expert team, and tailored solutions empower organizations and individuals to make informed decisions, navigate complex markets, and achieve their strategic goals.

With a team of over 550 domain experts and on-ground specialists spanning 150+ countries, Mordor Intelligence possesses a unique understanding of the global business landscape. This expertise translates into comprehensive syndicated and custom research reports covering a wide spectrum of industries, including aerospace & defense, agriculture, animal nutrition and wellness, automation, automotive, chemicals & materials, consumer goods & services, electronics, energy & power, financial services, food & beverages, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, information & communications technology, investment opportunities, and logistics. 

For any inquiries, please contact:
media@mordorintelligence.com
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/contact-us 

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2746908/Mordor_Intelligence_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/green-technology-market-to-reach-usd-102-26-bn-by-2031-driven-by-renewable-energy-adoption-and-smart-infrastructure-reports-mordor-intelligence-302729699.html

SOURCE Mordor Intelligence Private Limited

AMSTERDAM, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• €7 million Adjusted EBITDA for FY2025, achieving profitability for the first time
• Robust Q4 performance with improvement in underlying economics and margins
• Continued momentum in Q1 2026 with tender wins in several key cities
• €85 million funding raised in Q4 across Nordic Bond and Series D Extension
• 45,000 additional new vehicles ordered, on track for planned deployment in Q2 2026
• Earnings expectations for FY 2026 of €30-40 million Adjusted EBITDA reaffirmed

Q4 2025 

• Net Revenue of €39.2 million, (6%) YoY due primarily to market exits earlier in the year
• Stronger vehicle economics, with RpAV +6% higher and NRVD +5% YoY
• DMC margin improved to 23% supported by lower fixed operational cost
• HQ costs reduced to €8.5m; restructuring largely completed with some spill over into Q1
• Adjusted EBITDA improved to €0.5 million profit as cost savings flowed through

FY2025

• Net Revenue €173.3 million, (16%) YoY, after planned market exits and one‑off user churn
• DMC margin remained resilient at 27%, supported by operational efficiency gains
• Adjusted EBITDA improved to €7.2 million profit as HQ costs reduced to €39.8m
• EBITDA (€3.2 million), with exceptionals of €10.4 million largely related to restructuring
• Net Interest Bearing Debt €53.4 million, including €31.4 million Cash and Cash Equivalents

FY 2026 GUIDANCE REAFFIRMED AT €30-40 MILLION ADJUSTED EBITDA

The positive momentum evident in Q4 2025 has been carried into 2026, with tender wins in key cities and continued strong performance in Paris driven by our new e-bikes. With new vehicles already starting to be deployed in Germany, Belgium, the UK, and Finland, and on track for full deployment within Q2 across our key city clusters, we plan to replicate this impact across further markets in 2026. Accordingly, we reaffirm our Adjusted EBITDA expectation for FY 2026 in line with the previously communicated range of €30–40 million.

Maxim Romain, CEO of Dott, commented:
“2025 was a transformational year for Dott. We simplified the organisation, cut costs significantly, and built a leaner, more scalable platform. Q4 was a strong finish to the year as the impact of this work started to show in our results. We have carried this momentum into the start of 2026 and, with deployment of our new vehicles now underway, we have the right platform to deliver a strong year ahead.”

Raoul Gatzen, Group CFO of Dott, added:
“We are proud of the milestones achieved in 2025, having delivered the first positive Adjusted EBITDA in Dott’s history and strengthened our balance sheet through the Nordic Bond issuance and equity raise. With the revolving credit facility in place, cost savings flowing through in full and the new fleet being deployed in 2026, we are well positioned to drive margin expansion and stronger cash generation.”

Contacts:

About Dott

Dott is the European champion of shared micromobility. Created through the merger of operators TIER and Dott in March 2024, the company decided to move forward under the name of Dott and integrated all vehicles into the Dott app. With the mission of moving us closer, the team is led by CEO Maxim Romain and Executive Chairman of the Board Henri Moissinac. Dott facilitates sustainable travel, reduces congestion and pollution in cities, and decreases reliance on cars. With more than 200,000 shared vehicles in more than 400 cities across 20 countries in Europe and the Middle East, the 12 million users have generated 500 million rides so far. For more information, visit www.ridedott.com

PDF: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2946502/Dott_Financial_Report.pdf

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dott-publishes-q4-and-fy-2025-financial-report-302729631.html

SOURCE Dott

NEW YORK, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Exposure to a chemical commonly used to make plastic more flexible may have contributed to about 1.97 million preterm births in 2018 alone, or more than 8 percent of the world’s total, a new analysis of population surveys shows. The chemical was also linked to the deaths of 74,000 newborns, the researchers further estimate.

The toxin, di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), is part of a group of chemicals called phthalates, which appear in cosmetics, detergents, bug repellents, and other household products. Experts have found that these substances can break down into microscopic particles and enter the body through food, air, and dust.

Led by NYU Langone Health researchers, the new study focused on preterm birth, which is a major risk factor for lasting learning and developmental issues and is a leading cause of infant death, according to the World Health Organization.

The new analysis provides the first global estimate of preterm births connected to exposure to DEHP and explores which parts of the world are most affected, according to the authors. A report on the findings will be published online March 31 in the journal eClinicalMedicine.

“By estimating how much phthalate exposure may contribute to preterm birth worldwide, our findings highlight that reducing exposure, especially in vulnerable regions, could help prevent early births and the health problems that often follow,” said study lead author Sara Hyman, MS.

Past studies have linked DEHP exposure to cancer, heart disease, and infertility, among many other health concerns, added Hyman, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. There is also a large body of research connecting the chemical to preterm birth.

According to the new work, DEHP exposure may have contribute to 1.2 million years lived with disability, a measure of all the years that people have lived or will live with illnesses, injuries, and other health issues caused by being born prematurely.

Hyman said that while the phthalate is in widespread use, certain regions are estimated to bear a much larger share of the health impacts than others, with the Middle East and South Asia representing 54 percent of estimated illness from preterm birth. These areas have rapidly growing plastics industries and high levels of global plastic waste.

Africa, which accounted for 26 percent of health problems from DEHP-linked preterm birth, has a disproportionate share of deaths compared with its share of overall premature cases. The researchers said this reflects the region’s higher underlying death toll from preterm birth.

For the study, the research team estimated DEHP exposure in 2018 across 200 countries and territories by pulling data from large national surveys in the United States, Europe, and Canada. They also used estimates from earlier investigations to fill in regions that did not have their own data.

The team then drew on earlier research that assessed how phthalate exposure may affect preterm birth and combined those findings with their global exposure estimates. Finally, they combined this information with worldwide figures on preterm births and deaths to gauge what share of these outcomes might be linked to DEHP.

The scientists repeated these steps for another phthalate called diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), a common replacement for DEHP. According to the results, DiNP may pose a similar risk as DEHP, having contributed to about 1.88 million preterm births around the world. The financial costs associated with newborn deaths ranged from millions to hundreds of billions of dollars for both phthalates.

“Our analysis makes clear that regulating phthalates one at a time and swapping in poorly understood replacements is unlikely to solve the larger problem,” said study senior author Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, the Jim G. Hendrick, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “We are playing a dangerous game of Whac-A-Mole with hazardous chemicals, and these findings highlight the urgent need for stronger, class-wide oversight of plastic additives to avoid repeating the same mistakes.”

Dr. Trasande, who is also a professor in the Department of Population Health and director of the Division of Environmental Pediatrics and the Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, cautions that the investigation was not designed to establish that DEHP and DiNP directly or alone cause preterm birth, nor did it take into account other types of phthalates.

In addition, because there is some uncertainty in the data, the researchers looked at a range of possible values rather than just one estimate. This uncertainty range showed that the true impact of DEHP could be up to four times smaller than the main estimate or slightly higher. Even under the most conservative estimates, the results point to a substantial health burden, said Hyman.

Despite the limits of this kind of global modeling, added Hyman, the work lays important groundwork for future studies to confirm and refine these results and begins to fill a major gap in understanding the extent to which plastic chemicals affect preterm birth worldwide.

Funding for the study was provided by National Institutes of Health grant P2CES033423 and by Beyond Petrochemicals.

Dr. Trasande has received support for travel or meetings from the Endocrine Society, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, Japan Environment and Health Ministries, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has also received royalties and licenses from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Audible, Paidós, and Kobunsha and has served in leadership or fiduciary roles at Beautycounter, Ahimsa, Grassroots Environmental Education, and Footprint. None of these activities were related to the current study. The terms and conditions of all these relationships are being managed by NYU Langone Health.

Along with Hyman and Dr. Trasande, an NYU Langone co-investigator was Jonathan Acevedo, MPH.

About NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone No. 1 out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers across the nation for four years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently ranked four of its clinical specialties number one in the nation. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across seven inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and more than 320 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. The system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise.

Media Inquiries
Shira Polan
212-404-4279
Shira.Polan@NYULangone.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plastic-additives-tied-to-millions-of-preterm-births-worldwide-302728863.html

SOURCE NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health

MITCHELL, S.D., March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) and County Fair Foods unveiled the world’s largest Idaho^® potato display, built using 250,000 Idaho potatoes as a patriotic tribute to America’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.

Unveiled just ahead of National Tater Day on March 31, the quarter-million-spud installation highlights the role Idaho potatoes have played in feeding American families for generations. Constructed with 250,000 Idaho potatoes—enough to make five million French fries—the display brings to life the scale and impact of America’s favorite vegetable.

“This was a fun, meaningful way to celebrate America’s 250th while spotlighting a potato that’s no stranger to attention,” said Ross Johnson, VP of Retail and International for IPC. “County Fair Foods took it to another level by building the world’s largest Idaho potato display!”

The event brought together veterans, families, local shoppers, and city leaders, reflecting the strong sense of community pride in Mitchell. “We were proud to host an event that celebrates both America’s 250th birthday and the Idaho potato farmers who help feed our country,” said Mayor Jordan Hanson, City of Mitchell. “Seeing County Fair Foods build the world’s largest Idaho potato display in our community highlights the importance of agriculture, local business, and patriotism working together to honor our nation’s history.”

The celebration also supported hunger relief efforts through a partnership with Feeding South Dakota. County Fair Foods coordinated a retail-driven donation effort to help provide meals to families across the region, reinforcing the spirit of giving back during America’s milestone anniversary.

“We are grateful for partners like the Idaho Potato Commission and County Fair Foods who help make events like this possible,” said Susanne Gale, Feeding South Dakota. “When agriculture and retail come together, it helps us reach people in need and strengthens communities across South Dakota.”

About the Idaho Potato Commission

Established in 1937, IPC is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho^®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho^® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil give Idaho potatoes their unique texture, taste, and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions differentiate them from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit idahopotato.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-250th-kicks-off-with-250-000-idaho-potatoes-in-record-breaking-display-302729342.html

SOURCE Idaho Potato Commission

The PaintCare program aims to recover and recycle hundreds of thousands of gallons of leftover paint each year through local partners and drop-off sites

ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, elected officials and paint industry leaders gathered at the Miller Senate Office Building in Annapolis for a press conference celebrating the launch of Maryland’s newest recycling program, which enables households and businesses to recycle leftover paint, stain, and varnish conveniently and sustainably. The program is operated by PaintCare, a nonprofit organization created by paint companies through the American Coatings Association (ACA) to manage leftover paint in states that have enacted paint stewardship laws. PaintCare’s program, which officially starts operations in Maryland on April 1, 2026, will feature a robust network of convenient, close-to-home paint drop-off locations, including paint and hardware retail stores and local government facilities.

Maryland’s paint recycling program was made possible under the paint stewardship law that passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore in 2024. Under this law, paint manufacturers are required to develop and implement a cost-effective paint stewardship program that will reduce the generation of leftover paint, promote paint reuse and recycling, and manage the postconsumer paint waste stream using environmentally sound management practices. Oversight for the state’s program will be provided by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

According to Michael W. Johnson, President and CEO, American Coatings Association, “Wednesday’s launch of PaintCare in Maryland highlights the coatings industry’s proactive approach to sustainability. We’re proud to see this proven program expand, giving more states and consumers access to a smarter way to manage leftover paint. What truly sets PaintCare apart is its year-round availability, which provides Maryland households and businesses with ongoing, convenient recycling options through strong collaboration among industry, government and environmental partners.”

This morning’s press conference featured remarks from notable supporters of the legislation including Maryland State Delegate Regina T. Boyce, Maryland State Senator Benjamin Brooks and Maryland State Senator Chris West. MDE’s Director of the Land and Materials Administration Rick Kessler, COO of the Product Stewardship Institute Amanda Nicholson, ACA President and CEO Michael Johnson and PaintCare Director of Eastern States Jacob Saffert also provided remarks on the program’s rollout in Maryland.

Maryland State Delegate Regina T. Boyce said, “Starting up a paint stewardship program in Maryland is a common-sense step that protects our environment, reduces waste, and makes it easier for Marylanders to responsibly manage leftover paint. PaintCare’s nationwide goal is to decrease paint waste and recycle more postconsumer paint by creating a convenient, sustainable solution. The implementation of this program means that we’re keeping harmful materials out of our landfills, incinerators, and waterways while building a cleaner, more circular economy for our state.”

Maryland State Senator Benjamin Brooks said, “As the sponsor of this legislation, I am proud to see the Paint Stewardship Program officially launch in Maryland on April 1, 2026. This program represents a significant step forward in reducing waste, protecting our environment, and providing Marylanders with a convenient and responsible way to recycle leftover paint. It’s a positive outcome for our communities, our environment, and future generations.” 

Maryland State Delegate Dana Stein said, “The launch of PaintCare is a tremendous milestone in the state’s efforts to increase recycling. PaintCare will benefit thousands of Marylanders every year, as they now have easily accessible locations to drop off used paint. Special thanks to the sponsor of the legislation establishing PaintCare, Delegate Regina Boyce, who worked very hard to get us to this point.”

From early on, the paint stewardship legislation was supported by a broad coalition of municipal and environmental organizations, including MDE, the Product Stewardship Institute, the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, as well as others.

PaintCare’s Maryland program follows similar paint stewardship laws and programs in California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

“The launch of PaintCare in Maryland marks a milestone in advancing responsible paint management,” said Amanda Nicholson, Chief of Operations, Product Stewardship Institute. “As the newest PaintCare program in the nation, Maryland benefits from a well-established system built on a proven model that improves recycling access for residents and supports local governments in managing leftover paint more efficiently.”

How It Works

PaintCare makes it convenient to recycle leftover paint by establishing drop-off sites at local paint retailers, which are centrally located and open during normal business hours, and at local government facilities. These locations are easy to find by visiting PaintCare’s online site locator at paintcare.org, or by calling PaintCare’s hotline number at (855) PAINT09.

PaintCare sites accept both latex and oil-based architectural paint products, including interior and exterior paints, primers, stains, sealers and varnishes. Paint must be dropped off in its original container with its original manufacturer’s label. All sites accept products from any manufacturer. A full list of products accepted by the program is available on PaintCare’s website at paintcare.org/products. 

All sites accept up to five gallons of paint from each customer; some sites may accept more. Those planning to drop off paint are encouraged to call ahead to ensure the site can accept the amount and type of paint they want to recycle and confirm the site’s hours of operation.

Businesses, organizations, and households with 100 gallons of paint or more to recycle may request a free pickup at their location. Some restrictions apply. More information and a request form can be found on PaintCare’s website at paintcare.org/pickup. 

There is no cost to households and businesses when dropping off leftover paint for recycling. A small fee—called the PaintCare fee—is placed on the sale of new paint and funds all aspects of the program including paint collection, transportation, processing and public education. The PaintCare fee in Maryland varies by container size: $0.00 for half pint or smaller; $0.50 for larger than half pint up to smaller than one gallon; $1.15 for one gallon up to two gallons; $2.25 for larger than two gallons up to five gallons. 

The new Maryland PaintCare program is expected to collect approximately 350,000 gallons of paint in its first year. PaintCare manages paint according to a policy of “highest, best use,” which emphasizes making good quality material available for immediate reuse, recycling it, or putting it to another beneficial use if it can’t be reused or recycled. Most of the paint PaintCare receives is latex paint and is remixed into recycled content paint by processors. To date, PaintCare has collected approximately 85 million gallons of paint nationally.

“Paint and hardware retailers across Maryland, along with local government partners, play such a critical role in making this program possible,” said Jacob Saffert, Director of Eastern States, PaintCare. “By dedicating space and volunteering to provide accessible collection sites, they are helping build a convenient, statewide recycling network from the ground up. We’re excited to expand our partnerships and support communities throughout Maryland in safely managing and recycling leftover paint. Remember to always call ahead and ensure your local site is ready and available to accept your paint as we begin to onboard new partners.”

To learn more about PaintCare and find a local paint drop-off site in Maryland, visit: paintcare.org/MD.

High-resolution images and video from the PaintCare program can be downloaded HERE.

About PaintCare
PaintCare is committed to making it easy and convenient for households, businesses, and institutions to recycle postconsumer (leftover) paint in states with paint stewardship laws. A nonprofit organization created by paint companies, PaintCare sets up drop-off locations for leftover paint, arranges for recycling and proper disposal, and conducts public education. Approximately 85 million gallons of paint, stain, and varnish have been managed by PaintCare in 12 states and the District of Columbia. 

Media Contacts:
Abby Sklencar, PaintCare: 202-940-8214
Mike Martin, The Martin Group: 518-424-4838

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-statewide-program-makes-paint-recycling-easier-in-maryland-302729160.html

SOURCE PaintCare

NEW YORK, March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Evaluation Company (TEC), a leading provider of academic credential evaluations, document verification, and certified translations, has received approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to issue Healthcare Worker Certificates for nurses seeking U.S. occupational visas. This approval marks a significant expansion of TEC’s services and strengthens its ability to support internationally educated healthcare professionals seeking to work in the United States.

TEC is now one of four companies approved to issue such certificates. Management looks forward to continuing its tradition of strong customer service and innovation.

“We are excited to offer Healthcare Worker Certificates,” said Dr. Josh Eisen. “This is a space that was a monopoly until years ago and behaved like one. Client disregard was the norm. At its worst, applicants waited months for communication that should take days, if not hours.” 

TEC built a robust infrastructure during the application process and in anticipation of launching the new Section 343 Healthcare Worker Certificate product, which Congress established as a requirement for occupational visas as part of the 1996 immigration law.

Leading the effort is Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Mukul Bakhshi, an innovator in accreditation and licensing, immigration, and regulation with significant experience in healthcare and nursing.

“Our ability to provide the certificates will bring much needed relief to foreign-educated nurses facing a complex and challenging process and a broader industry under stress,” Bakhshi said. “Our preparation has allowed us to develop a state-of-the-art product that will be a market leader out of the gate. We can’t wait to share more details in the coming weeks.”

About The Evaluation Company:

The Evaluation Company (TEC), founded in 1986, provides foreign academic credentials evaluations and verifications in connection with university admissions, professional licensing, immigration and employment. TEC is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluations Services (NACES), a trade organization trusted by more than 90% of U.S. schools and licensing boards. TEC maintains working partnerships with over a thousand schools, institutions and agencies.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uscis-approves-the-evaluation-company-to-issue-healthcare-worker-certificates-for-nurses-302729034.html

SOURCE The Evaluation Company