SunHydrogen Retains FischTank PR to Lead Corporate Communications Efforts

Leading sustainability and cleantech communications firm will work directly with SunHydrogen executive leadership to strengthen communications efforts as global demand for renewable hydrogen grows exponentially

SANTA BARBARA, CA, Dec. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SunHydrogen, Inc. (OTC:HYSR), the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce renewable hydrogen using sunlight and water, today announced it has retained New York City-based FischTank PR, a leading sustainability and cleantech PR firm, to drive communications efforts as the Company continues to advance its nanoparticle technology for generation of economical green hydrogen. 

Through its relationship with FischTank PR, SunHydrogen will activate its Twitter and Facebook pages, utilizing both to serve as resources for renewable hydrogen and broader renewable energy news and information, as well as for sharing corporate announcements and materials. The Company also plans to increase shareholder communications via press release and newsletter distribution, highlighting technological milestones, commercialization efforts and other corporate progress.

“As our visibility within the capital markets and energy sector continue to grow, we understand the importance of increased and effective corporate communications,” said Tim Young, CEO of SunHydrogen. “I look forward to working directly with FischTank PR, a firm deeply entrenched in the sustainability and cleantech sector that also understands the importance of transparent, informative communication with security holders.”

FischTank PR was founded in 2013 and is led by CEO Eric Fischgrund and President Matt Bretzius. The firm works with clients commercializing technologies in renewable energy and cleantech sectors spanning energy storage, solar, battery design, green building, agtech and more. The firm’s clients are comprised of private and public companies, the latter of which possesses market caps ranging from small to Fortune 100.

About SunHydrogen, Inc.

SunHydrogen is developing a breakthrough, low-cost technology to make renewable hydrogen using sunlight and any source of water, including seawater and wastewater. Unlike hydrocarbon fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas, where carbon dioxide and other contaminants are released into the atmosphere when used, hydrogen fuel usage produces pure water as the only byproduct. By optimizing the science of water electrolysis at the nano-level, our low-cost nanoparticles mimic photosynthesis to efficiently use sunlight to separate hydrogen from water, ultimately producing environmentally friendly renewable hydrogen. Using our low-cost method to produce renewable hydrogen, we intend to enable a world of distributed hydrogen production for renewable electricity and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.  To learn more about SunHydrogen, please visit our website at www.SunHydrogen.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein, and while expected, there is no guarantee that we will attain the aforementioned anticipated developmental milestones. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: our ability to successfully negotiate agreements with suppliers and manufacturers of its hydrogen generation panels, our ability to procure project financing, our ability to retain the service of a qualified engineering firm to design and build a pilot plant, our ability to secure an agreement to with a partner with us for the pilot plant, the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.

Press Contact:
[email protected] 



New Inmar Intelligence Survey Reveals Over Half of Today’s Shoppers Have Switched Loyalty to Less Expensive Grocery Brands Since Start of Pandemic

A staggering 92 percent of respondents believe grocery brands should be doing more to provide cost savings options for consumers, suggesting that saving opportunities remains at the center of a shopper’s purchase decision

Winston-Salem, NC, Dec. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inmar Intelligence, a data-driven technology-enabled services company, today released new survey data, which found 61 percent of shoppers switched purchase loyalty to less expensive brands since the start of the pandemic.

Promotions continue to be top of mind for today’s shoppers as they navigate the consumer journey amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This is evident in the survey findings, as 80 percent of shoppers are actively looking for grocery deals, including coupons and promotions, and 92 percent say grocery brands should be doing more to provide cost savings options for consumers. Grocery stores that provide coupons or promotions are more likely to gain repeat business – nearly 60 percent (59 percent) of respondents choose to shop at these stores more frequently due to their promotions. 

In this uncertain climate, consumers are not afraid to try new products if it means saving money. Nearly three quarters (70 percent) of shoppers have actively searched for new types of grocery products or brands during the pandemic and 83 percent plan to purchase these new products again. Shoppers purchased these new products and brands mainly due to cost (67 percent) and because it was on sale or had a coupon associated with it (51 percent), perhaps indicating that retailers and brands must engage with customers to provide personalized and consistent promotions in this increasingly competitive marketplace. 

“COVID-19 continues to impact today’s shoppers who are searching for new ways to save money, especially in terms of groceries,” said David Mounts, Chairman and CEO of Inmar Intelligence. “The survey findings suggest that shoppers expect retailers to provide more promotions and have expressed their willingness to try new brands because of it. So it is crucial for retailers and CPG brands to provide cost savings opportunities, whether this be coupons or other promotional activities to maintain store traffic and protect customer loyalty.” 

Additional key findings include: 

  • 44 percent of respondents say the average number of coupons they redeem per week at a grocery store has changed since the beginning of the pandemic.
  • Since the start of the pandemic, 39 percent of respondents grocery shop more frequently.
  • 43 percent have used a grocery store’s mobile app to order groceries and 41 percent have used it to clip coupons. 

For more information about how Inmar Intelligence can help optimize convenient and personalized promotions for consumers to protect and grow loyalty, please visit https://www.inmar.com/inmarpay.

About Inmar Intelligence

Commerce Accelerated.™ 

Inmar Intelligence is a leading data and tech-enabled services company. $120 billion dollars of commerce runs through our market-driven platforms which are propelling digital transformation through unified data and workflows to help leading Fortune 5000 companies, emerging brands and health systems drive innovation.

Throughout our 40-year history, we have served retailers, manufacturers, pharmacies, health systems, government and employers as their trusted intermediary in helping them redefine success. For more information about Inmar, please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook, or call (866) 440-6917.



Holly Pavlika
Inmar Intelligence
(336) 770-3596
[email protected]

New Kamloops Office for Ajax Project

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abacus Mining & Exploration Corporation (“Abacus” or the “Company”) (TSXV: AME) wishes to provide an update to its shareholders on the Ajax copper-gold project, located near Kamloops, British Columbia. Abacus holds a 20% ownership interest in the project, which is managed by base metal major KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., who hold the remaining 80%.

Abacus is pleased to report that KGHM has opened a new Kamloops office for the Ajax project within the past two weeks. This follows the appointment in September of a new Ajax Superintendent, who has begun the task of First Nation, community and governmental engagement.

The Ajax Project underwent a joint provincial and federal environmental review starting in 2011, which culminated in the decision by the B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources to decline to issue an environmental assessment certificate for the Project in December of 2017. Despite this setback, KGHM in consultation with Abacus has continued to work to advance the project, including evaluating various strategies geared toward potentially resubmitting the environmental application.

The Ajax Project contains significant quantities of copper and gold, within a NI 43-101 Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 426 Mt at 0.29% Cu, 0.19 g/t Au and 0.39 g/t Ag. Contained metal is in the order of 2.7 Bil lbs Cu, 2.6 Moz Au and 5.3 Moz Ag. (Wardrop Engineering Inc. 2012. Ajax Copper/Gold Project, Kamloops, British Columbia – Feasibility Study Technical Report. Doc. No. 1054610300-REP-R0004-02. January 2012).

Besides Ajax, the Company holds options and leases on the Willow and adjacent Nev-Lorraine copper-molybdenum properties in the Yerington copper camp, southeast of Reno, Nevada. Drilling by the Company in 2018 intersected a key intrusive rock unit on Willow that hosts all known porphyry Cu-Mo deposits at Yerington. This rock unit was not previously known to exist on the Company’s property, and it represents a key new discovery. The target is large and robust, and it remains essentially untested.

The Company also has a lease on the Jersey Valley gold property. The project is within the Battle Mountain trend of north-central Nevada in close proximity to both the Phoenix/Fortitude mine complex (a gold skarn with approximately 14 Moz gold plus significant Ag and Cu past production and a proposed mine life to 2063) and the Cove/McCoy Mine (a Carlin-type gold deposit with 3.4 Moz gold and 110 Moz Ag past production). Data is from the Newmont Mines and Premier Gold Mines websites. The reader is cautioned that the mineralization hosted on nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company’s Jersey Valley gold property.

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Paul G. Anderson, M.Sc., P.Geo., a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

On Behalf of the Board,
ABACUS MINING & EXPLORATION CORPORATION

Paul G. Anderson
President and COO

About Abacus
Abacus is a mineral exploration and mine development company currently focused on its optioned Willow copper-gold property located near Yerington, Nevada in which it can acquire up to a 75% ownership interest, and the contiguous Nev-Lorraine claims subject to a ten-year lease agreement. The Company also holds a 20% ownership interest, together with KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. (80%), in the proposed copper-gold Ajax Mine located southwest of Kamloops, B.C., which has recently undergone a joint provincial and federal environmental assessment process. On December 14, 2017, a decision was made by the B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources to decline to issue an environmental assessment certificate for the Project. For the latest reports and information on Abacus’ projects, please refer to the Company’s website at www.amemining.com or call 604-682-0301.


Forward-Looking Information


This release includes certain statements that are deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Abacus expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could” or “should” occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not
guarantees
of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include changes to commodity prices, mine and metallurgical recovery, operating and capital costs, foreign exchange rates, ability to obtain required permits on a timely basis, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements
in the event that
management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

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



Tel: 604.682.0301 
email: [email protected]
website: www.amemining.com 

Phillip Walford and Sherry Dunsworth awarded PDAC’s 2021 Bill Dennis Award

TORONTO, Dec. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bonavista Resources Corp. (“Bonavista” or “the Company”) is pleased to recognise that the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (“PDAC”) announced that the Company’s Chair, Phillip C. Walford, and its Technical Advisor, Sherry Dunsworth will be awarded the 2021 Bill Dennis Award for the significant mineral discovery made at Marathon Gold Corp’s Valentine Lake property in central Newfoundland.

David Clark, President, comments: “I would like to sincerely congratulate Phill and Sherry for being the 2021 recipients of the Bill Dennis Award, which is our industry’s highest commendation for mineral discovery. Valentine Lake is likely to be Newfoundland’s next operating gold mine. This will be due in no small part to the dedication and hard work of Phill, Sherry, and the exploration team at Marathon Gold. I am proud that Phill and Sherry have chosen Bonavista Resources as their next project. It is strong support for the work done to date and our potential for discovery at Hickey’s Pond.”

About Bonavista Resources

Bonavista is a private exploration company focused on exploring a large landholding in the underexplored Avalonian terrane on the Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland. This underexplored belt has direct analogues at Hope Brook in southwest Newfoundland (First Mining Gold) and Haile in South Carolina (OceanaGold), both multi million-ounce resources hosted in the same geological terrane as the Burin peninsula rocks. Limited historical exploration by previous explorers combined with comprehensive documentation of the overall alteration system by government and academic workers creates a compelling opportunity for the discovery of Newfoundland’s next multi million-ounce gold system. The Company’s Burin Gold Project hosts several historical high-sulphidation gold showings over ~20 km of prospective geology, the best known of which is the Hickey’s Pond showing.

For more information, visit www.bonavistaresources.com or contact:

David Clark, MSc, PGeo, President

[email protected]

 



Goodfood’s Strong Growth Continues as Its Active Subscribers Count Increases 33% to Reach 306,000

MONTREAL, Dec. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Goodfood Market Corp. (“Goodfood” or “the Company”) (TSX: FOOD), a leading online grocery company in Canada, announced today it has reached 306,000 active subscribers with the addition of 26,000 net new active subscribers in the first quarter of Fiscal 2021. This represents an increase of 33% compared to the same period last year, highlighting Goodfood’s continued strong investment in growth as it further penetrates the Canadian e-commerce grocery and meal solutions markets.

“We are thrilled with our continued growth achieved on a significantly larger member base, which confirms Goodfood’s leadership in the market and strong status among Canadian consumers,” said Jonathan Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer of Goodfood. “This subscriber growth was driven by multiple effective strategies including the scheduled ramp-up of our targeted marketing campaigns during the important back to school period and Black Friday, in addition to important marketing investments promoting new services such as Goodfood WOW and Goodfood’s expanded grocery basket. There is an extraordinarily strong growth opportunity ahead of us in the accelerating e-commerce grocery and meal solutions industry and it is crucial for Goodfood to capitalize on this opportunity and continue to further penetrate the market. We have once more demonstrated our ability to do so this quarter with the addition of 26,000 net new subscribers and are fully committed to continuing to do so in the future,” concluded Mr. Ferrari.

ABOUT GOODFOOD

Goodfood (TSX:FOOD) is a leading online grocery company in Canada, delivering fresh meal solutions and grocery items that make it easy for members from across Canada to enjoy delicious meals at home every day. Goodfood’s mission is to make the impossible come true, from farm to kitchen, by enabling members to complete their weekly meal planning and grocery shopping in minutes. Goodfood members have access to a unique selection of online products as well as exclusive pricing made possible by its world class direct-to-consumer fulfilment ecosystem that eliminates food waste and costly retail overhead. The Company’s main production facility and administrative offices are based in Montreal, Québec, with five additional production facilities located in the provinces of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. A seventh production facility located in the province of Ontario is currently under construction and is scheduled to commence operations in 2021. As at November 30, 2020, Goodfood had 306,000 active subscribers. www.makegoodfood.ca

Except where otherwise indicated, all amounts in this press release are expressed in Canadian dollars.

For further information:

Investors and Media  
   
Philippe Adam
Chief Financial Officer
(855) 515-5191
[email protected]
Roslane Aouameur
Director, FP&A and Investor Relations
(855) 515-5191
[email protected]

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to our objectives and the strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. This forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “may”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “foresee”, “believe”, and “continue”, as well as the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. Forward-looking information is provided for the purposes of assisting the reader in understanding the Company and its business, operations, prospects and risks at a point in time in the context of historical and possible future developments and therefore the reader is cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Forward-looking information is based upon a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in, or implied by, such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following risk factors which are discussed in greater detail under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended August 31, 2020 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com: limited operating history, negative operating cash flow, food industry, quality control and health concerns, regulatory compliance, regulation of the industry, public safety issues, product recalls, damage to Goodfood’s reputation, transportation disruptions, product liability, ownership and protection of intellectual property, evolving industry, unionization activities, reliance on management, factors which may prevent realization of growth targets, competition, availability and quality of raw materials, environmental and employee health and safety regulations, online security breaches and disruption, reliance on data centers, open source license compliance, future capital requirements, operating risk and insurance coverage, management of growth, limited number of products, conflicts of interest, litigation, catastrophic events, risks associated with payments from customers and third parties, being accused of infringing intellectual property rights of others and, climate change and environmental risks. Although the forward-looking information contained herein is based upon what we believe are reasonable assumptions, readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on this information since actual results may vary from the forward-looking information. Certain assumptions were made in preparing the forward-looking information concerning the availability of capital resources, business performance, market conditions, and customer demand. In addition, information and expectations set forth herein are subject to and could change materially in relation to developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on product demand, labour mobility, supply chain continuity and other elements beyond our control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking information contained herein is qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that we anticipate will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on our business, financial condition or results of operation. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake to update or amend such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.



Clarity Gold Appoints Recognized Executive Michael Williams to Its Advisory Board

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clarity Gold Corp. (“Clarity” or the “Company”) (CSE: CLAR, OTC: CLGCF, FSE: 27G) is pleased to welcome Mr. Michael Williams to its Advisory Board. Michael brings over 24 years of experience as a senior executive within the mining industry and enriches Clarity’s team with his experience in structuring, administrating, raising capital and marketing of Toronto Stock Exchange listed companies.

Mr. Williams has held a senior role in several public companies including Underworld Resources Ltd, which was sold to Kinross Gold Corp for $138,000,000. He has developed an international banking and financing network that includes extensive contacts with both institutional and retail investors. Mr. Williams has raised significant equity capital for advanced exploration and development projects.

Mr. Williams is the founder and Executive Chairman of Aftermath Silver and currently serves as a director, President and CEO of Vendetta Mining Corp.

“We are very pleased to have the guidance of a recognized professional with multiple successes in capital markets, advanced mineral exploration and development,” said James Rogers, CEO of Clarity. “Michael’s expertise is aligned with our long-term vision of excellence; to build a company with quality assets and a brilliant team, it all stems from a solid foundation. We are delighted to welcome him on our Advisory Board.”

Issuance of Options

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has granted incentive stock options (each, an “Option”) to acquire an aggregate of 400,000 common shares of the Company (each, a “Share”) to certain consultants under its stock option plan. Each Option is exercisable for a period of three years expiring on December 2, 2023, at a price of $1.21 per Share.


About Clarity

Clarity Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of gold projects in Canada. The Company has entered into an option agreement to purchase 100% of the Destiny Project, a 5,013 ha gold-focused project in the mineral rich Abitibi region in Quebec. Clarity is also working on the exploration of its 10,518 ha Empirical Project located approximately 12 km south of Lillooet, BC, and has recently expanded its mineral property portfolio with the acquisitions of the Tyber and Gretna Green projects, both located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The Company is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is listed on the CSE under the symbol “CLAR”. To learn more about Clarity Gold Corp. and its projects please visit www.claritygoldcorp.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

James Rogers

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 1 (833) 387-7436

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.claritygoldcorp.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONThis news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation.  Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future.  Such forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding that the new advisory board member’s technical experience and track record of management and project evaluation will be immensely valuable to the Company.  Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company.  No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them.  There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.  Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include, but are not limited to, general market conditions and other factors beyond the direct control of the Company.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.



Protara Therapeutics, Inc. Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

NEW YORK, Dec. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARA), a clinical stage company developing transformative therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases with significant unmet needs, today announced the grants of inducement non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 41,500 shares of common stock to two new employees.

Each stock option has an exercise price per share equal to $22.45 per share, Protara’s closing trading price on December 1, 2020, the grant date, and will vest over four years, with 25% of the underlying shares vesting on the one-year anniversary of the individual’s start date and 1/36th of the underlying shares vesting monthly thereafter over 36 months subject to the new employee’s continued service relationship with Protara through the applicable vesting dates.

The Compensation Committee of Protara’s Board of Directors approved the awards as an inducement material to the new employees’ employment in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

About
Protara
Therapeutics

Protara is committed to identifying and advancing transformative therapies for people with cancer and rare diseases with limited treatment options. Protara’s portfolio includes its lead program, TARA-002, an investigational cell-based therapy being developed for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and lymphatic malformations, and IV Choline Chloride, an investigational phospholipid substrate replacement therapy for the treatment of intestinal failure-associated liver disease. For more information, visit www.protaratx.com

Company
Contact:

Blaine Davis
Protara Therapeutics
[email protected]
646-844-0337



Waters Corporation Announces CFO Transition

Waters Corporation Announces CFO Transition

Sherry Buck to Step Down as CFO, Effective December 31, 2020

Michael Silveira Appointed Interim CFO, Effective January 1, 2021

MILFORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) today announced that Sherry Buck will step down as Chief Financial Officer, effective December 31, 2020, in order to pursue another opportunity at a privately held company. Upon her departure, Michael F. Silveira, Vice President and Corporate Controller of Waters, will assume the role of interim Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Buck will work alongside Mr. Silveira in order to facilitate a smooth transition. Waters has been actively working with a leading search firm to identify a permanent CFO, and the process is advancing well with several strong internal and external candidates.

“On behalf of the Board and management, I want to thank Sherry for her contributions to Waters over the last four years. I am also personally grateful for her help during my transition into Waters. Our dedicated and talented finance team is extremely well positioned to continue transforming the business and delivering on our objectives. We wish Sherry all the best in her next role,” commented Dr. Udit Batra, President and Chief Executive Officer of Waters Corporation. “We are pleased to have a leader of Mike’s caliber to serve as interim CFO. Throughout his 16 years at Waters, Mike has developed a deep understanding of our business, strategy and financial goals. The Board and I have the utmost confidence in Mike’s ability to focus on continued execution.”

Mr. Silveira joined Waters in 2004 as Assistant Corporate Controller. He was appointed Vice President & Corporate Controller in 2013, and, in 2018, gained increased responsibilities including oversight of treasury, tax and corporate financial planning and analysis. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has held several senior financial management positions with Astro-Med, Inc (nka AstroNova), Textron, Inc. and KPMG. Mr. Silveira received a B.S. in Accounting from Providence College.

About Waters

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT), the world’s leading specialty measurement company, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials, and food sciences for more than 60 years. With more than 7,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, and with products available in more than 100 countries.

Cautionary Statement

This release contains “forward-looking” statements regarding future results and events, including statements regarding Ms. Buck’s departure, the appointment of Mr. Silveira as interim chief financial officer and the process to find a permanent replacement for Ms. Buck. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “will,” “feels”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “suggests”, “appears”, “estimates”, “projects”, and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual future results and events may differ significantly from the results and events discussed in the forward-looking statements within this release for a variety of reasons, including the factors that are discussed in the sections entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as updated by the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this release represent the Company’s estimates or views as of the date of this release 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. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Waters Corporation

Bryan Brokmeier, 508-482-3448

[email protected]

Senior Director Investor Relations

Waters Corporation

Kevin Kempskie, 617-413-4333

[email protected]

Senior Director Public Relations

KEYWORDS: Massachusetts United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Other Health Other Science Research Science Biotechnology

MEDIA:

Dollar General Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Dollar General Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Announces Fiscal 2021 Real Estate Growth Plans

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) today reported financial results for its fiscal year 2020 third quarter (13 weeks) ended October 30, 2020.

  • Net Sales Increased 17.3%; Same-Store Sales Increased 12.2%
  • Operating Profit Increased 57.3% to $773.1 million
  • Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Increased 62.7% to $2.31
  • Year-to-Date Cash Flows from Operations Increased 103.7% to $3.4 billion
  • $990 million Returned to Shareholders through Share Repurchases and Cash Dividend
  • Board of Directors Declares Fourth Quarter 2020 Cash Dividend of $0.36 per share

“I want to thank our associates for their tireless work over the past several months in helping our customers and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “To further demonstrate our appreciation and support, we plan to award a total of up to $75 million in appreciation bonuses to eligible frontline employees in Q4, which includes our recent announcement to double our initial plans for second-half bonuses by approximately $50 million, bringing the Company’s full-year investment in employee appreciation bonuses to approximately $173 million. Despite continued significant uncertainty in the operating environment, our team members have been unwavering in their commitment to fulfilling our mission of Serving Others. As a result, we are pleased to report strong third-quarter financial results.

“During the quarter, we also continued to make great progress advancing our key strategic initiatives, including the rollout of DG Pickup across nearly our entire store base, and the launch of our newest store format, pOpshelf. In total, we executed 765 real estate projects, further laying and building the foundation for future growth. Overall, our ongoing operating priorities, coupled with our key strategic initiatives, position us well to continue delivering value and convenience for our customers, along with long-term sustainable growth and value for our shareholders.”

Third Quarter 2020 Highlights

Net sales increased 17.3% to $8.2 billion in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $7.0 billion in the third quarter of 2019. The net sales increase included positive sales contributions from new stores and growth in same-store sales, modestly offset by the impact of store closures. Same-store sales increased 12.2% compared to the third quarter of 2019, driven by an increase in average transaction amount, partially offset by a decline in customer traffic. Same-store sales increased in each of the consumables, seasonal, home products and apparel categories, with the largest percentage increase in the home products category. The Company believes consumer behavior driven by COVID-19 had a significant positive effect on net sales and same-store sales.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 31.3% in the third quarter of 2020 compared to 29.5% in the third quarter of 2019, an increase of 178 basis points. This gross profit rate increase was primarily attributable to a reduction in markdowns as a percentage of net sales, higher initial markups on inventory purchases, a greater proportion of sales coming from the non-consumables product categories, which generally have a higher gross profit rate than the consumables product category, and a reduction in inventory shrink as a percentage of net sales. These factors were partially offset by increased distribution and transportation costs, which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of increased volume and discretionary employee bonus expense. As a result of the significant increase in sales, the Company believes consumer behavior driven by COVID-19 also had a significant positive effect on gross profit dollars.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) as a percentage of net sales were 21.9% in the third quarter of 2020 compared to 22.5% in the third quarter of 2019, a decrease of 62 basis points. Although the Company incurred certain incremental costs related to COVID-19, they were more than offset by the significant increase in net sales during the quarter as discussed above. Expenses that were lower as a percentage of net sales in the current year period include occupancy costs, utilities, retail labor, depreciation and amortization, repairs and maintenance, and employee benefits. These items were partially offset by increased incentive compensation and hurricane-related expenses.

Operating profit for the third quarter of 2020 increased 57.3% to $773.1 million compared to $491.4 million in the third quarter of 2019. The third quarter of 2020 included approximately $38 million of incremental investments the Company made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These investments included measures taken to further protect the health and safety of employees and customers, and approximately $25 million in appreciation bonuses for eligible frontline employees.

The effective income tax rate in the third quarter of 2020 was 21.6% compared to 21.7% in the third quarter of 2019. This lower effective income tax rate was primarily due to increased tax benefits associated with share-based compensation and a larger income tax rate benefit from state taxes, partially offset by a lower income tax rate benefit from federal income tax credits due to higher pre-tax earnings in the 2020 period compared to the 2019 period.

The Company reported net income of $574.3 million for the third quarter of 2020, an increase of 57.1% compared to $365.6 million in the third quarter of 2019. Diluted EPS increased 62.7% to $2.31 for the third quarter of 2020 compared to diluted EPS of $1.42 in the third quarter of 2019.

39-Week Period Highlights

For the 39-week period ended October 30, 2020, net sales increased 23.0% to $25.3 billion, compared to $20.6 billion in the comparable 2019 period. This net sales increase included positive sales contributions from new stores and growth in same-store sales, modestly offset by the impact of store closures. Same-store sales increased 17.5% from the 2019 39-week period, driven by an increase in average transaction amount, partially offset by a decline in customer traffic. Same-store sales in the 2020 period included growth in the consumables, seasonal, home products and apparel categories, with the largest percentage increase in the home products category. The Company believes consumer behavior driven by COVID-19 had a significant positive effect on net sales and same-store sales.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 31.5% in the 2020 39-week period, compared to 30.2% in the comparable 2019 period, an increase of 133 basis points. The gross profit rate increase in the 2020 period was primarily attributable to a reduction in markdowns as a percentage of net sales, higher initial markups on inventory purchases, and a greater proportion of sales coming from the non-consumables product categories, which generally have a higher gross profit rate than the consumables product category. These factors were partially offset by increased distribution costs, which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of increased volume and discretionary employee bonus expense. As a result of the significant increase in sales, the Company believes consumer behavior driven by COVID-19 also had a significant positive effect on gross profit dollars.

SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 20.9% in the 2020 39-week period compared to 22.5% in the comparable 2019 period, a decrease of 158 basis points. Although the Company incurred certain incremental costs related to COVID-19, they were more than offset by the significant increase in net sales during the 39-week period as discussed above. Expenses that were lower as a percentage of net sales in the 2020 period include occupancy costs, retail labor, utilities, depreciation and amortization, employee benefits, taxes and licenses, and repairs and maintenance. These items were partially offset by increased incentive compensation expenses and hurricane-related expenses. The 2019 period included expenses of $31.0 million relating to significant legal matters (the “Significant Legal Expenses”). SG&A in the 39-week period of 2020 decreased 143 basis points as a percentage of sales compared to Adjusted SG&A of 22.4%1, which excluded the impact of the Significant Legal Expenses, in the 2019 period.

Operating profit for the 2020 39-week period grew 69.6% to $2.7 billion compared to $1.6 billion in the comparable 2019 period. Operating profit for the 2020 period increased 66.4% compared to Adjusted operating profit of $1.6 billion1, which excluded the impact of the Significant Legal Expenses, for the 2019 39-week period. The 2020 period included approximately $153 million of incremental investments the Company made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These investments included measures taken to further protect the health and safety of employees and customers, and approximately $99 million in appreciation bonuses for eligible frontline employees.

The effective income tax rate in the 2020 39-week period was 21.8% compared to 21.9% in the comparable 2019 period. This lower effective income tax rate was primarily due to increased tax benefits associated with share-based compensation and a greater income tax rate benefit from state taxes, partially offset by a lower income tax rate benefit from federal income tax credits due to higher pre-tax earnings in the 2020 period compared to the 2019 period.

The Company reported net income of $2.0 billion for the 2020 39-week period, an increase of 71.0% compared to $1.2 billion in the comparable 2019 period. Diluted EPS increased 76.2% to $8.00 for the 2020 39-week period compared to diluted EPS of $4.54 in the comparable 2019 period. Net income and diluted EPS for the 2020 period increased 67.5% and 72.4%, respectively, compared to Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted EPS of $1.2 billion1 and $4.641, respectively. Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted EPS for the comparable 2019 period excluded the after-tax impact of the Significant Legal Expenses of approximately $24.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted share.

1 See “Non-GAAP Disclosure” herein.

Merchandise Inventories

As of October 30, 2020, total merchandise inventories, at cost, were $5.0 billion compared to $4.5 billion as of November 1, 2019, an increase of 5.9% on a per-store basis.

Capital Expenditures

Total additions to property and equipment in the 2020 39-week period were $698 million, including approximately: $304 million for improvements, upgrades, remodels and relocations of existing stores; $209 million for store facilities, primarily for leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment in new stores; $140 million for distribution and transportation related projects; and $39 million for information systems upgrades and technology-related projects. During the 2020 39-week period, the Company opened 780 new stores, remodeled 1,425 stores and relocated 76 stores.

Share Repurchases

The Company repurchased $902 million of its common stock, or 4.4 million shares, under its share repurchase program at an average price of $204.58 per share in the third quarter of 2020. The total remaining authorization for future repurchases was $1.6 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2020. Under the authorization, repurchases may be made from time to time in open market transactions, including pursuant to trading plans adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, manner and number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including price, market conditions, compliance with the covenants and restrictions under the Company’s debt agreements and other factors. The authorization has no expiration date.

Dividend

On December 2, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share on the Company’s common stock, payable on or before January 19, 2021 to shareholders of record on January 5, 2021. While the Board of Directors intends to continue regular cash dividends, the declaration and amount of future dividends are subject to the sole discretion of the Board and will depend upon, among other things, the Company’s results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, and other factors the Board may deem relevant in its sole discretion.

Fiscal Year 2020 Update

As noted above, the Company realized a significant sales benefit in the 39-week period ended October 30, 2020, as a result of COVID-19. In addition, since the end of the third quarter, the Company has continued to experience elevated demand in its stores. As a result, from October 31, 2020 through December 1, 2020, same-store sales increased approximately 14% as compared to the comparable timeframe in the 2019 fiscal year.

Due to the significant uncertainty that continues to exist around the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its impact on the U.S. economy, consumer behavior and the Company’s business, there is a lack of visibility for the remainder of 2020 with many unknowns. Because it is difficult to predict specific outcomes, the Company is not issuing updated fiscal 2020 sales or EPS guidance at this time.

However, for the 52-week fiscal year ending January 29, 2021 (“fiscal year 2020”), the Company continues to expect the following:

  • Share repurchases of approximately $2.5 billion;
  • Capital expenditures, including those related to investments in the Company’s strategic initiatives, in the range of $1.0 billion to $1.1 billion; and
  • 2,780 real estate projects, including 1,000 new store openings, 1,670 remodels, and 110 store relocations.

Fiscal Year 2021 Store Growth Outlook

For the 52-week fiscal year ending January 28, 2022 (“fiscal year 2021”), the Company plans to execute 2,900 real estate projects, including 1,050 new store openings, 1,750 remodels, and 100 store relocations.

“We are excited to once again accelerate our real estate growth plans in fiscal year 2021,” said Jeff Owen, Dollar General’s chief operating officer. “Our portfolio of high-return real estate projects continues to be a top priority for capital allocation as we look to continue delivering long-term shareholder value. With a robust pipeline in place and plans to execute an average of nearly eight real estate projects per day in fiscal year 2021, we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to further expand our footprint and serve even more customers across the country.”

Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call on December 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. CT/10:00 a.m. ET, hosted by Todd Vasos, chief executive officer, Jeff Owen, chief operating officer, and John Garratt, chief financial officer. To participate via telephone, please call (877) 407-0890 at least 10 minutes before the conference call is scheduled to begin. The conference ID is 13711997. There will also be a live webcast of the call available at https://investor.dollargeneral.com under “News & Events, Events & Presentations.” A replay of the conference call will be available through December 31, 2020, and will be accessible via webcast replay or by calling (877) 660-6853. The conference ID for the telephonic replay is 13711997.

Non-GAAP Disclosure

Adjusted SG&A, Adjusted operating profit, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted EPS, and their respective growth metrics, for the 39-week period ended November 1, 2019 have not been derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but rather exclude the impact of the Significant Legal Expenses, which are associated with wage and hour and consumer/product certified class action litigation and related matters. Due to the nature, infrequency, and financial magnitude of such matters, the Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors in assessing the Company’s operating performance as these measures provide an additional relevant comparison of the Company’s operating performance across periods. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measures calculated in accordance with GAAP are provided in the accompanying schedules.

The non-GAAP measures discussed above are not measures of financial performance or condition, liquidity or profitability in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered as alternatives to SG&A, operating profit, net income, diluted EPS or any other measure derived in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of the Company’s financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP. Because not all companies use identical calculations, these presentations may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Forward-looking statements include those regarding the Company’s outlook, strategy, initiatives, plans and intentions including, but not limited to, statements made within the quotations of Mr. Vasos and Mr. Owen, and in the sections entitled “Share Repurchases,” “Dividend,” “Fiscal Year 2020 Update,” and “Fiscal Year 2021 Store Growth Outlook.” A reader can identify forward-looking statements because they are not limited to historical fact or they use words such as “outlook,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “can,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “predict,” “position,” “assume,” “opportunities,” “intend,” “continue,” ”future,” “long-term,” ”guidance,” “look to,” “looking ahead,” “subject to,” “committed,” “focus on,” or “likely to,” and similar expressions that concern the Company’s strategy, plans, intentions or beliefs about future occurrences or results. These matters involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual performance of the Company to differ materially from that which the Company expected. Many of these statements are derived from the Company’s operating budgets and forecasts as of the date of this release, which are based on many detailed assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. However, it is very difficult to predict the effect of known factors on the Company’s future results, and the Company cannot anticipate all factors that could affect future results that may be important to an investor. All forward-looking information should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

  • risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to, the effects on the Company’s supply chain, distribution network, store and distribution center growth, store and distribution center closures, transportation and distribution costs, SG&A expenses, share repurchase activity, as well as domestic and foreign economies and customers’ spending patterns;
  • economic factors, including but not limited to employment levels; inflation; higher fuel, energy, healthcare and housing costs, interest rates, consumer debt levels, and tax rates; tax law changes that negatively affect credits and refunds; lack of available credit; decreases in, or elimination of, government subsidies such as unemployment and food assistance programs; commodity rates; transportation, lease and insurance costs; wage rates; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; measures that create barriers to or increase the costs of international trade (including increased import duties or tariffs); and changes in laws and regulations, and their effect on, as applicable, customer spending and disposable income, the Company’s ability to execute its strategies and initiatives, the Company’s cost of goods sold, and the Company’s SG&A expenses (including real estate costs);
  • failure to achieve or sustain the Company’s strategies and initiatives, including those relating to merchandising, real estate and new store development, store formats, digital, shrink, sourcing, private brand, inventory management, supply chain, store operations, expense reduction, technology, the Company’s Fresh initiative and the Company’s Fast Track initiative;
  • failure to timely and cost-effectively execute the Company’s real estate projects or to anticipate or successfully address the challenges imposed by the Company’s expansion, including into new states or urban areas;
  • competitive pressures and changes in the competitive environment and the geographic and product markets where the Company operates, including, but not limited to, pricing, promotional activity, expanded availability of mobile, web-based and other digital technologies, and alliances or other business combinations;
  • levels of inventory shrinkage;
  • failure to successfully manage inventory balances;
  • failure to maintain the security of the Company’s business, customer, employee or vendor information or to comply with privacy laws;
  • damage or interruption to the Company’s information systems as a result of external factors, staffing shortages or challenges in maintaining or updating the Company’s existing technology or developing or implementing new technology;
  • a significant disruption to the Company’s distribution network, the capacity of the Company’s distribution centers or the timely receipt of inventory, or delays in constructing or opening new distribution centers;
  • risks and challenges associated with sourcing merchandise from suppliers, including, but not limited to, those related to international trade;
  • product liability, product recall or other product safety or labeling claims;
  • the impact of changes in or noncompliance with governmental regulations and requirements (including, but not limited to, those relating to environmental compliance, product and food safety or labeling, information security and privacy, labor and employment, employee wages, and those governing the sale of products, as well as tax laws, the interpretation of existing tax laws, or the Company’s failure to sustain its reporting positions negatively affecting the Company’s tax rate) and developments in or outcomes of private actions, class actions, multi-district litigation, arbitrations, derivative actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation;
  • incurrence of material uninsured losses, excessive insurance costs or accident costs;
  • natural disasters, unusual weather conditions (whether or not caused by climate change), pandemic outbreaks, acts of violence or terrorism, and global political events;
  • failure to attract, train and retain qualified employees while controlling labor costs and other labor issues;
  • loss of key personnel or inability to hire additional qualified personnel;
  • risks associated with the Company’s private brands, including, but not limited to, the Company’s level of success in improving their gross profit rate;
  • seasonality of the Company’s business;
  • deterioration in market conditions, including market disruptions, limited liquidity and interest rate fluctuations, or changes in the Company’s credit profile;
  • new accounting guidance or changes in the interpretation or application of existing guidance;
  • the factors disclosed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; and
  • such other factors as may be discussed or identified in this press release.

All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by these and other cautionary statements that the Company makes from time to time in its SEC filings and public communications. The Company cannot assure the reader that it will realize the results or developments the Company anticipates or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect the Company or its operations in the way the Company expects. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any duty, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they were made, except as otherwise required by law. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company.

Investors should also be aware that while the Company does, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts and others, it is against the Company’s policy to disclose to them any material, nonpublic information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the Company agrees with any statement or report issued by any securities analyst regardless of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, the Company has a policy against confirming projections, forecasts or opinions issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the Company’s responsibility.

About Dollar General Corporation

Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 80 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 16,979 stores in 46 states as of October 30, 2020. In addition to high-quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

(Unaudited)

October 30

November 1

January 31

2020

2019

2020

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,199,443

 

$

276,076

 

$

240,320

 

Merchandise inventories

 

5,025,810

 

 

4,496,377

 

 

4,676,848

 

Income taxes receivable

 

111,139

 

 

103,188

 

 

76,537

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

197,040

 

 

192,901

 

 

184,163

 

Total current assets

 

7,533,432

 

 

5,068,542

 

 

5,177,868

 

Net property and equipment

 

3,701,782

 

 

3,131,073

 

 

3,278,359

 

Operating lease assets

 

9,343,375

 

 

8,639,378

 

 

8,796,183

 

Goodwill

 

4,338,589

 

 

4,338,589

 

 

4,338,589

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

1,199,900

 

 

1,200,059

 

 

1,200,006

 

Other assets, net

 

36,364

 

 

35,149

 

 

34,079

 

Total assets

$

26,153,442

 

$

22,412,790

 

$

22,825,084

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of operating lease liabilities

$

1,044,368

 

$

940,504

 

$

964,805

 

Accounts payable

 

3,770,528

 

 

2,844,171

 

 

2,860,682

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

1,060,602

 

 

717,467

 

 

709,156

 

Income taxes payable

 

10,713

 

 

3,341

 

 

8,362

 

Total current liabilities

 

5,886,211

 

 

4,505,483

 

 

4,543,005

 

Long-term obligations

 

4,131,573

 

 

2,763,045

 

 

2,911,993

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

8,285,027

 

 

7,688,923

 

 

7,819,683

 

Deferred income taxes

 

686,694

 

 

634,041

 

 

675,227

 

Other liabilities

 

178,418

 

 

173,003

 

 

172,676

 

Total liabilities

 

19,167,923

 

 

15,764,495

 

 

16,122,584

 

 
Commitments and contingencies
 
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

214,375

 

 

222,775

 

 

220,444

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

3,426,729

 

 

3,308,160

 

 

3,322,531

 

Retained earnings

 

3,346,821

 

 

3,120,738

 

 

3,162,660

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,406

)

 

(3,378

)

 

(3,135

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

6,985,519

 

 

6,648,295

 

 

6,702,500

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

26,153,442

 

$

22,412,790

 

$

22,825,084

 

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

For the Quarter Ended

October 30

% of Net

November 1

% of Net

2020

Sales

2019

Sales

Net sales

$

8,199,625

100.00

%

$

6,991,393

100.00

%

Cost of goods sold

 

5,631,385

68.68

 

 

4,926,307

70.46

 

Gross profit

 

2,568,240

31.32

 

 

2,065,086

29.54

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

1,795,110

21.89

 

 

1,573,669

22.51

 

Operating profit

 

773,130

9.43

 

 

491,417

7.03

 

Interest expense

 

40,298

0.49

 

 

24,264

0.35

 

Income before income taxes

 

732,832

8.94

 

 

467,153

6.68

 

Income tax expense

 

158,572

1.93

 

 

101,603

1.45

 

Net income

$

574,260

7.00

%

$

365,550

5.23

%

 
Earnings per share:
Basic

$

2.32

$

1.43

Diluted

$

2.31

$

1.42

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

 

247,131

 

256,041

Diluted

 

249,063

 

257,699

 
 

For the 39 Weeks Ended

October 30

% of Net

November 1

% of Net

2020

Sales

2019

Sales

Net sales

$

25,332,315

100.00

%

$

20,596,331

100.00

%

Cost of goods sold

 

17,350,148

68.49

 

 

14,380,033

69.82

 

Gross profit

 

7,982,167

31.51

 

 

6,216,298

30.18

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

5,299,626

20.92

 

 

4,634,869

22.50

 

Operating profit

 

2,682,541

10.59

 

 

1,581,429

7.68

 

Interest expense

 

110,117

0.43

 

 

75,007

0.36

 

Income before income taxes

 

2,572,424

10.15

 

 

1,506,422

7.31

 

Income tax expense

 

560,117

2.21

 

 

329,304

1.60

 

Net income

$

2,012,307

7.94

%

$

1,177,118

5.72

%

 
Earnings per share:
Basic

$

8.06

$

4.57

Diluted

$

8.00

$

4.54

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

 

249,731

 

257,618

Diluted

 

251,627

 

259,022

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

For the 39 Weeks Ended

October 30

November 1

2020

2019

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income

$

2,012,307

 

$

1,177,118

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization

 

424,466

 

 

372,378

 

Deferred income taxes

 

11,207

 

 

14,308

 

Noncash share-based compensation

 

51,366

 

 

35,605

 

Other noncash (gains) and losses

 

9,266

 

 

10,531

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories

 

(352,261

)

 

(401,006

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(13,525

)

 

(24,345

)

Accounts payable

 

919,806

 

 

425,414

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

357,320

 

 

108,906

 

Income taxes

 

(32,251

)

 

(52,076

)

Other

 

(4,161

)

 

(5,723

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

3,383,540

 

 

1,661,110

 

 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment

 

(697,598

)

 

(518,051

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

1,587

 

 

1,910

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(696,011

)

 

(516,141

)

 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of long-term obligations

 

1,494,315

 

 

 

Repayments of long-term obligations

 

(2,564

)

 

(525

)

Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper outstanding

 

(425,200

)

 

(90,800

)

Borrowings under revolving credit facilities

 

300,000

 

 

 

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facilities

 

(300,000

)

 

 

Costs associated with issuance of debt

 

(13,574

)

 

(1,675

)

Repurchases of common stock

 

(1,566,546

)

 

(785,301

)

Payments of cash dividends

 

(268,630

)

 

(246,776

)

Other equity and related transactions

 

53,793

 

 

20,697

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(728,406

)

 

(1,104,380

)

 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

1,959,123

 

 

40,589

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

240,320

 

 

235,487

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

2,199,443

 

$

276,076

 

 
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for:
Interest

$

105,192

 

$

99,277

 

Income taxes

$

580,656

 

$

368,471

 

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

$

1,319,711

 

$

1,311,734

 

Purchases of property and equipment awaiting processing for payment, included in Accounts payable

$

100,288

 

$

96,950

 

 
 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Selected Additional Information

(Unaudited)

 
 

Sales by Category (in thousands)

 

For the Quarter Ended

October 30

November 1

2020

2019

% Change

Consumables

$

6,385,315

$

5,523,157

 

15.6

%

Seasonal

 

906,623

 

750,843

 

20.7

%

Home products

 

517,147

 

400,934

 

29.0

%

Apparel

 

390,540

 

316,459

 

23.4

%

Net sales

$

8,199,625

$

6,991,393

 

17.3

%

 
 

For the 39 Weeks Ended

October 30

November 1

2020

2019

% Change

Consumables

$

19,585,114

$

16,164,317

 

21.2

%

Seasonal

 

2,986,146

 

2,341,914

 

27.5

%

Home products

 

1,601,450

 

1,151,715

 

39.0

%

Apparel

 

1,159,605

 

938,385

 

23.6

%

Net sales

$

25,332,315

$

20,596,331

 

23.0

%

 
 
 
 

Store Activity

 

For the 39 Weeks Ended

October 30

November 1

2020

2019

 
Beginning store count

 

16,278

 

15,370

 

New store openings

 

780

 

769

 

Store closings

 

(79

)

(45

)

Net new stores

 

701

 

724

 

Ending store count

 

16,979

 

16,094

 

Total selling square footage (000’s)

 

125,542

 

118,998

 

Growth rate (square footage)

 

5.5

%

5.6

%

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Selling General and Administrative Expenses, Adjusted Operating Profit,

Adjusted Net Income, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

(Unaudited)

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 
 

For the 39 Weeks Ended

October 30

November 1

2020

% Net Sales

2019

% Net Sales

bps Change

% Change

 
Net sales

$

25,332.3

$

20,596.3

 

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses

$

5,299.6

20.92

$

4,634.9

 

22.50

 

(1.58

)

14.3

Significant Legal Expenses

 

 

(31.0

)

(0.15

)

0.15

 

Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses

$

5,299.6

20.92

$

4,603.9

 

22.35

 

(1.43

)

15.1

 
Operating profit

$

2,682.5

10.59

$

1,581.4

 

7.68

 

2.91

 

69.6

Significant Legal Expenses

 

 

31.0

 

0.15

 

(0.15

)

Adjusted operating profit

$

2,682.5

10.59

$

1,612.4

 

7.83

 

2.76

 

66.4

 
Net income

$

2,012.3

7.94

$

1,177.1

 

5.72

 

2.22

 

71.0

 
Significant Legal Expenses

 

 

31.0

 

0.15

 

(0.15

)

Deferred tax benefit of Significant Legal Expenses

 

 

(6.9

)

(0.03

)

0.03

 

Significant Legal Expenses net of deferred tax benefit

 

 

24.1

 

0.12

 

(0.12

)

 
Adjusted net income

$

2,012.3

7.94

$

1,201.2

 

5.83

 

2.11

 

67.5

 
Diluted earnings per share:
As reported

$

8.00

$

4.54

 

76.2

After-tax impact of Significant Legal Expenses

 

 

0.09

 

Adjusted

$

8.00

$

4.64

 

72.4

 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding:

 

251.6

 

259.0

 

 

 

Investor Contacts:

Donny Lau (615) 855-5591

Kevin Walker (615) 855-4954

Media Contacts:

Crystal Ghassemi (615) 855-5210

KEYWORDS: Tennessee United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Retail Home Goods Discount/Variety Other Retail

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Eaton Appoints Thomas B. Okray Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Eaton Appoints Thomas B. Okray Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Richard H. Fearon to retire

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Power management company Eaton (NYSE:ETN) today announced that Thomas B. Okray has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer effective April 1, 2021. He succeeds Richard H. Fearon, vice chairman and chief financial and planning officer, who will be retiring on March 31, 2021. In this role, Okray will report to Craig Arnold, Eaton’s chairman and chief executive officer.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201203005139/en/

Eaton appoints Thomas B. Okray executive vice president and chief financial officer. (Photo: Business Wire)

Eaton appoints Thomas B. Okray executive vice president and chief financial officer. (Photo: Business Wire)

Okray joins Eaton from W.W. Grainger where he was senior vice president and chief financial officer. Throughout his career, Okray has held various leadership roles including executive vice president and chief financial officer for Advance Auto Parts; vice president, Finance, Global Customer Fulfillment at Amazon; and chief financial officer, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain at General Motors.

Okray holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Okray and his family will relocate to Cleveland, Ohio.

“I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Rick for his 18 years of service to Eaton,” said Arnold. “Over the years, Rick has been an instrumental figure in shaping Eaton into the company it is today. He is highly respected in the investment community and has been a trusted partner to our senior leadership team, our board, and to me. We wish him and his family the best for the future.”

Over the next few months, Okray and Fearon will be working together to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2019 revenues were $21.4 billion, and we sell products to customers in more than 175 countries. We have approximately 92,000 employees. For more information, visit Eaton.com.

Margaret Hagan, 440-523-4343

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Ohio Illinois Michigan North America United States Ireland United Kingdom Europe

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Energy Environment Utilities Alternative Energy Retail Energy Other Professional Services Finance Banking Professional Services Other Transport Other Manufacturing Transport Textiles Steel Supply Chain Management Packaging Engineering Chemicals/Plastics Automotive Manufacturing Aerospace Other Retail Manufacturing Logistics/Supply Chain Management

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Eaton appoints Thomas B. Okray executive vice president and chief financial officer. (Photo: Business Wire)