27 Jan 12 Earth Networks and EnergyHub Debut e5 Home Energy Demand Response Program Based on Neighborhood-Level, Real-Time Weather
GERMANTOWN, Md. & BROOKLYN, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Earth NetworksSM the operator of the largest weather, lightning and climate observation networks, and EnergyHub, inc., a leading provider of home energy management software and systems, announce a new home demand response and energy efficiency program called e5SM. the patent-pending e5 program, which stands for ease, energy, efficiency, environment and earth, incorporates for the first time live, neighborhood-level weather conditions and forecasts into demand response programs that aim to reduce peak consumer demand to better manage grid load during extreme weather.
the program is designed to provide home energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort, while putting the consumer in control. the program is launching in Texas during the summer of 2012, followed by expanded implementation with additional utilities planned across North America.
the e5 program takes the burden off utilities to supply, install and maintain home thermostats because consumers play an active role in the program. When consumers choose to join, they select and install a program-compatible Internet-enabled thermostat that is available at major home improvement retailers and online. the program is launching with the 3M Filtrete™ Wi-Fi-enabled programmable thermostat, which includes EnergyHub’s user-friendly software that guides the consumer through the setup process and provides them with ongoing remote HVAC control.
Based on the consumer’s own selections, the e5 program maintains desired comfort level while optimizing energy use by pre-cooling or pre-heating in response to local weather, and when a demand response event is anticipated by forecasted conditions. further, the e5 program provides homeowners with a home energy audit, which ranks the efficiency of the house using local weather conditions including temperature, wind and solar fluctuations. From the rankings, e5 provides a customized and prioritized list of recommended steps consumers can take to save energy and reduce costs for their home energy systems, which drive the majority of consumer demand during peak periods.
Weather is the largest variable impacting home energy demand. to maximize effectiveness, the e5 program integrates data from more than 8,000 state-of-the-art Earth Networks weather stations installed at schools and public buildings around the country to provide live, hyper-local weather data for a customer’s location. In contrast, other approaches rely on weather data from an often distant location, such as an airport, with delayed reporting that may not represent actual current local conditions.
In developing the e5 program, Earth Networks and EnergyHub sought to overcome a major factor overlooked by many existing demand response programs – occupant comfort. Unlike existing demand response programs that turn off or cycle home thermostats on a pre-defined schedule regardless of the actual indoor temperature, e5 puts the consumer in control. With e5, users dynamically adjust their comfort settings using EnergyHub’s website and mobile apps.
“Many utilities are interested in rolling out demand response programs, but user adoption is limited because consumers want to retain control of their thermostat and remain comfortable while saving both energy and money,” says Earth Networks Energy Products and Business Development Director Dave Oberholzer. “In addition, utilities are finding the installation and maintenance of thermostats at customer premises to be time consuming and expensive. the e5 program, developed in partnership with EnergyHub, eliminates these concerns and difficulties by placing easy-to-use tools to control comfort settings into the hands of the consumer.”
“For years, we have seen how home energy management software and devices can save homeowners money, while helping utilities successfully initiate demand response programs,” said Seth Frader-Thompson, CEO of EnergyHub. “The e5 program elevates these initiatives to a new level by utilizing neighborhood-level weather data from its network to provide more accurate information about home performance. That intelligence enables greater choice and flexibility for consumers in their energy usage, which encourages program participation. When combined with our existing robust and scalable demand response management system, the e5 program can realize higher yields, better energy efficiency, and improved performance for utilities.”
the e5 program is available to all utilities, whether they have existing demand response programs or want to replace their current programs with a more consumer-oriented offering. Earth Networks representatives will be available to discuss the program at DistribuTECH in San Antonio, Texas, in booth #4456. EnergyHub representatives will be available at booth #1621.
to learn more about the e5 program, contact John Bosse or Dave Oberholzer .
About EnergyHub
EnergyHub, inc. develops software and hardware solutions that help consumers, utilities, and service providers reduce energy consumption and save money. EnergyHub solutions allow homeowners to understand and control energy use in real time and encourage people to take actionable steps to reduce consumption. Utilities also benefit from EnergyHub technology as it enables them to identify and manage peak loads, implement effective demand response programs, and improve operating efficiency.
EnergyHub, based in Brooklyn, New York, is a privately held, venture-backed company and is deploying its energy management technologies with a variety of utilities across North America. For more information on how EnergyHub can help your customers realize savings through energy efficiency visit energyhub.com.
About Earth NetworksSM
As the provider of advanced weather data for nearly 20 years, Earth Networks (formerly AWS) operates the world’s largest weather observation and lightning detection networks and is building what will become the largest greenhouse gas monitoring network. Earth Networks most recently announced the launch of a boundary layer network to capture atmospheric observations that are influenced by the Earth’s surface. Observations from Earth Networks inform and alert consumers, enterprises and governments around the world, providing them with advanced environmental intelligence for decision making and safety. the company’s popular WeatherBug website, desktop application and mobile apps provide millions of consumers with real-time, local weather information and dangerous severe weather alerts. Enterprise solutions from Earth Networks enable organizations, including energy and utilities, agriculture, schools, sports and recreation, emergency operations and government entities, to safeguard lives, prepare for weather and climate events and improve business operations. Earth Networks (earthnetworks.com) is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with offices in Mountain View, Calif.; New York, NY; Milan, Italy and a local presence in 50 countries worldwide.
24 Jan 12 Waters Reports Fourth Quarter 2011 Financial Results
MILFORD, Mass., Jan 24, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Waters Corporation (NYSE/WAT) reported fourth quarter 2011 sales of $521 million, an increase of 8% from sales of $484 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. in the quarter, foreign currency translation was about neutral to sales growth. on a GAAP basis, earnings per diluted share (E.P.S.) for the fourth quarter were $1.51 compared to $1.36 for the fourth quarter of 2010. on a non-GAAP basis, including the adjustments in the attached reconciliation, E.P.S. grew 13% to $1.56 from $1.38 in the fourth quarter of 2010.
For the full year, sales for the Company were $1.85 billion, an increase of 13% over sales of $1.64 billion in 2010 with foreign currency translation adding about 3% to sales growth. E.P.S. for 2011 were $4.69 compared to $4.06 in 2010. on a non-GAAP basis, including adjustments in the attached reconciliation, E.P.S. grew 18% to $4.81 from $4.09 in 2010.
Commenting on the Company’s 2011 performance, Douglas Berthiaume, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Our positive business momentum continued nicely in the fourth quarter with relatively balanced strength highlighting the results. the fourth quarter completed a very successful 2011 for Waters with double-digit revenue growth, faster earnings growth and very impressive cash generation.”
as communicated in a prior press release, Waters Corporation will webcast its fourth quarter 2011 financial results conference call this morning, January 24, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. eastern time. To listen to the call, connect to waters.com , choose “Investor Relations” and click on the “Live Webcast”. a replay will be available through February 1, 2012 at midnight eastern time, similarly by webcast and also by phone at 203-369-1317.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
this release may contain “forward-looking” statements regarding future results and events, including statements regarding customer acceptance of our products, expansion of our business in Asia and spending by certain end-markets that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words, “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “suggests”, “appears”, “estimates”, “projects”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. the Company’s actual future results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements within this release for a variety of reasons, including and without limitation, the impact on demand among the Company’s various market sectors from economic, sovereign and political uncertainties; increased regulatory burdens as the Company’s business evolves, especially with respect to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others; shifts in taxable income in jurisdictions with different effective tax rates; the outcome of tax examinations or changes in respective country legislation affecting the Company’s effective tax rate; the ability to access capital and maintain liquidity in volatile financial market conditions; fluctuations in capital expenditures by the Company’s customers, in particular large pharmaceutical companies; the ability to sustain and enhance service and consumable demand from the Company’s installed base of instruments; regulatory and/or administrative obstacles to the timely completion of purchase order documentation; introduction of competing products by other companies and loss of market share; pressures on prices from competitors and/or customers; regulatory, economic and competitive obstacles to new product introductions; other changes in demand from the effect of mergers and acquisitions by the Company’s customers; environmental and logistical obstacles affecting the distribution of products; risks associated with lawsuits and other legal actions, particularly involving claims for infringement of patents and other intellectual property rights; the impact of changes in accounting principles and practices; and foreign exchange rate fluctuations potentially affecting translation of the Company’s future non-U.S. operating results. such factors and others are discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 1, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which “Risk Factors” discussion is incorporated by reference in this release. the forward-looking statements included in this release represent the Company’s estimates or views as of the date of this release report and should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s estimates or views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release.
Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 Net sales $ 521,420 $ 483,578 $ 1,851,184 $ 1,643,371 Cost of sales 204,243 189,253 730,493 653,303 gross profit 317,177 294,325 1,120,691 990,068 Selling and administrative expenses (1) (2) 126,237 120,518 490,011 445,456 Research and development expenses 23,707 22,867 92,347 84,274 Purchased intangibles amortization 2,359 2,764 9,733 10,406 Operating income 164,874 148,176 528,600 449,932 interest expense, net (6,193) (3,317) (19,348) (12,069) Income from operations before income taxes 158,681 144,859 509,252 437,863 Provision for income taxes (3) 21,534 18,255 76,284 56,100 Net income $ 137,147 $ 126,604 $ 432,968 $ 381,763 Net income per basic common share $ 1.54 $ 1.38 $ 4.77 $ 4.13 Weighted-average number of basic common shares 89,324 91,583 90,833 92,385 Net income per diluted common share $ 1.51 $ 1.36 $ 4.69 $ 4.06 Weighted-average number of diluted common shares and equivalents 90,566 93,344 92,325 94,057 (1) Included in selling and administrative expenses for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011 are costs of $2 million and $6 million, respectively, related to cost reduction plans, asset impairments related to certain Company facilities and acquisition costs related to a recent acquisition. Included in selling and administrative expenses for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010 are costs of $1 million and $4 million, respectively, related to cost reduction plans and asset impairments related to certain Company facilities. (2) Included in selling and administrative expenses for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011 are costs of $2 million associated with a non-income tax audit provision. Included in selling and administrative expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 are costs of $3 million associated with a non-income tax audit settlement. (3) Included in the provision for income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 is a tax benefit of $2 million related to the settlement of an audit. Included in the provision for income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 is a net tax benefit of $8 million related to the reversal of a reserve for an uncertain tax position due to an audit settlement and a tax benefit of $2 million related to the resolution of a pre-acquisition tax exposure. Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 Reconciliation of net income per diluted share, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, with adjusted results: Net income per diluted share $ 1.51 $ 1.36 $ 4.69 $ 4.06 ——– ——– ——– ——– —– —— —– —— Adjustment for purchased intangibles amortization, net of tax 1,903 1,985 7,174 7,497 Net income per diluted share effect 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.08 ——– ——– —— —— Adjustment for restructuring costs, asset impairments and 1,084 374 4,307 2,584 acquisition-related costs, net of tax Net income per diluted share effect 0.01 0.00 0.05 0.03 ——– ——– —— —— Adjustment for one-time tax benefits – - (1,617) (1,500) Net income per diluted share effect – - (0.02) (0.02) ——– ——– —— —- —— —- Adjustment for reversal of income tax reserves upon audit – - – (7,581) settlement Net income per diluted share effect – - – (0.08) ——– ——– —— —— —- Adjustment for non-income tax audit settlement and provision, net of 1,291 – 1,291 2,197 tax Net income per diluted share effect 0.01 – 0.01 0.02 ——– ——– —— —— Adjusted net income per diluted share $ 1.56 $ 1.38 $ 4.81 $ 4.09 ======== ======== ======== ======== ===== ====== ===== ======
the adjusted net income per diluted share presented above is used by the management of the Company to measure operating performance with prior periods and is not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). the above reconciliation identifies items management has excluded as non-operational transactions, net of the effective applicable statutory tax rates. Management has excluded the purchased intangibles amortization, restructuring costs, asset impairments, acquisition-related costs, one-time tax benefits, reversal of income tax reserves upon audit settlement and non-income tax audit settlement and provision from its non-GAAP adjusted amounts since management believes that these items are not directly related to ongoing operations, thereby providing management and investors with information that may help them to compare ongoing operating performance.
Waters Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands and unaudited) December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 1,281,351 946,419 Accounts receivable 367,085 358,237 Inventories 212,864 204,300 Other current assets 79,775 77,685 Total current assets 1,941,075 1,586,641 Property, plant and equipment, net 237,095 215,060 Other assets 544,035 525,969 Total assets 2,722,205 2,327,670 Notes payable and debt 290,832 66,055 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 311,031 319,795 Total current liabilities 601,863 385,850 Long-term debt 700,000 700,000 Other long-term liabilities 194,793 173,023 Total liabilities 1,496,656 1,258,873 Total equity 1,225,549 1,068,797 Total liabilities and equity 2,722,205 2,327,670
SOURCE: Waters Corporation
Waters Corporation Gene Cassis, 508-482-2349 Vice President of Investor Relations
Copyright Business Wire 2012
28 Dec 11 Protection 1 Names Jim Metz Phoenix District Manager
PHOENIX, Dec 27, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Protection 1, the second-largest electronic security company in the United States, recently announced the appointment of Jim Metz as Phoenix district manager.
Metz has been in the security industry for six years as a General Manager for Per Mar Security Services. In this role, he oversaw the operation of the business, which consisted of team members in the service, installation, and inspection divisions. In 2006, Metz saw Per Mar’s attrition drop to 5.5% while he created a team focused on growing the company’s market share.
“I am very excited about Jim’s addition to the Protection 1 family as he brings a high level of energy and professionalism to our organization,” said Protection 1 Regional Vice President, Paul Straten. “Metz comes highly regarded, and we are fortunate to have him leading our team in Phoenix.”
Prior to entering the security industry, Metz worked as a regional manager for Riddles Jewelry for five years, where he was responsible for eight locations and 52 employees. Metz also spent 11 years at RadioShack, working his way from manager trainee to district manager of western Iowa and eastern Illinois, where he managed 33 corporate locations with 210 employees. as such, Metz’s achievements within sales production and employee promotion have been recognized on multiple occasions.
“As someone who knows what it’s like to be afforded the opportunity to advance within an organization, I’m excited to be with a company that places such a high priority on the growth and development of its employees,” said Metz. “Professional opportunity combined with Protection 1′s relentless focus on customer satisfaction is a winning combination in my book. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this growing organization and to have the opportunity to serve our customers in the Phoenix area.”
about Protection 1
Protection 1, the second-largest electronic security company in the United States, provides installation, maintenance, and monitoring of single-family home security systems, business security systems and multifamily security systems. the company’s relentless focus on customer service has resulted in the removal of their automated phone attendant, the introduction of the Tech Trackersm service and the ability to provide same-day service in most cases. Protection 1 is also the nation’s largest provider of wholesale monitoring services, through its CMS division, and the leading provider of multifamily security systems installation, maintenance and monitoring through its Network Multifamily division. Protection 1, which serves over one million customers and employs more than 2,500 people in more than 60 locations across the country, has a 95% Customer Satisfaction rating and an A+ Better Business Bureau Rating. For more information about Protection 1, visit Protection1.com .
SOURCE: Protection 1
For Protection 1 Media Contact: Caroline Sherman 312-245-9805
Copyright Business Wire 2011
25 Dec 11 Special Jumbo Mortgage Rates with Liberty Bank in Chicago
CHICAGO, Dec 01, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) –As a community bank in Chicagoland, Liberty Bank for Savings offers a local alternative for home buyers who want a jumbo home loan — without a big national bank. Liberty Bank offers jumbo mortgages for qualified borrowers requesting loans exceeding the conforming loan limit, which is $417,000 in the Chicago area.
Shopping for a jumbo mortgage can be challenging for a number of reasons. 1) interest rates on jumbo loans are generally higher than rates on conforming mortgages. 2) It can be difficult to get approved for larger loan amounts. 3) Some smaller banks and credit unions don’t have the capacity to offer jumbo mortgages.
Since 1898, Liberty Bank in Chicago has provided home loans in all shapes and sizes to its neighbors in the Chicago area. “To meet the home loan needs of our customers, we offer jumbo mortgages designed to keep rates affordable in areas with high home prices,” explains William J. Smigiel, Chairman & CEO of Liberty Bank for Savings.
View Liberty Bank’s mortgage rates, including special fixed rates on jumbo mortgages from $417,000 to $850,000. Unlike many big national banks, Liberty Bank services its own loans, so you can trust that you’ll get personal service every step of the way.
Liberty Bank for Savings is dedicated to serving the people living and working in its communities. With five locations, this community-oriented Chicago bank provides a safe place for people to invest their savings and is a local source for checking and a full line of down-to-earth banking services.
SOURCE: Liberty Bank for Savings
Liberty Bank for Savings Susan Andrews, 773-489-4458 Assistant Vice President, Marketing libertybank.com
Copyright Business Wire 2011
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