The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation presses start with Quest to Conquer Cancer

The new fundraising initiative encourages gamers, spectators and supporters of all abilities to raise funds through gaming for cancer research

Toronto, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation has kicked-off its new fundraising initiative, Quest to Conquer Cancer, to unite video game streamers, spectators and supporters all over the world to fundraise for cancer research through live gaming broadcasts. Quest will culminate in a week-long fundraising finale — Quest Together, Conquer Together — which will start on December 5 and run through to December 12.

All money raised through Quest to Conquer Cancer directly supports more than 1,300 researchers and scientists as they continue to push boundaries and set global standards in cancer care. This means earlier detection, advanced research, improved diagnostics to better understand the individual nature of each cancer and targeted treatments, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.

“Time and time again, we have seen the gaming community show passion and ingenuity to support charitable causes while doing what they love,” said Michael Burns, President and CEO at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. “With Quest to Conquer Cancer, we want to inspire this community to play a key role in support of cancer research.”

Quest has no fundraising minimum and features game challenges, prize drops and a unique reward system for reaching fundraising milestones. All donations to streamers or through the Quest to Conquer Cancer website go directly to fund cancer research at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This inaugural year’s goal is to raise $1 million.

The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is partnering with gaming leaders and brands, including Stonemountain64, Nick Eh 30 and Digital Extremes, to create unique gaming experiences throughout the Quest campaign. These events will act as touch points to bring the community together and celebrate supporters. Quest has already attracted the attention of esports organizations around the world, such as Chaos EC, Electrify Esports and BOOM Esports.

“Cancer is a disease that impacts everyone – whether it’s your mother, father, sibling or friend,” said David Steinberg, also known as StoneMountain64. “As a Quest partner, it’s been incredible to see gamers from all over the world come together, share their personal stories and raise funds in support of ground-breaking cancer research.”

In December, Quest Together, Conquer Together will bring content creators, esports organizations and game publishers together for a weeklong charity marathon stream and celebration. To unite participants from across the globe, Quest fundraisers will be encouraged to host their fundraising finale using the hashtag #QuestTogether.

“We did not become one of the top five cancer research centres in the world alone. We got here with the help of our community, which we’re thrilled to be expanding with Quest,” said Burns.

To learn more about this initiative or join as a Quest fundraiser, visit QuestToConquerCancer.com.

-30-

About Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has achieved an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top five international cancer research centres, is a member of the University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute for Education at UHN. All are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more information: www.theprincessmargaret.ca

Ceilidh McMeekin
Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
587-227-5459
[email protected]

Envestnet and RiskPro® Announce Enablement of Enterprises to Mitigate Regulatory Risk from Advisor-Directed Portfolios

Scheduled to Go Live in Early 2021, the Integration Will Strengthen Transparency & Documentation Capabilities for Enterprises and Advisors

PR Newswire

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. and CHICAGO, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — RiskPro and Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) announce an integration which will enable investment advisors to build and manage client portfolios with less regulatory risk. The strategic relationship between the two companies will allow RiskPro’s proposal generation, portfolio construction, and automated risk surveillance software to function within existing enterprise workflows on the Envestnet unified advice platform.

“This is not just an important strategic relationship—this is something much bigger that will set a new, higher standard for investment account suitability and regulatory transparency,” said Nick Scalzo, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of RiskPro. “Working together, RiskPro and Envestnet have the opportunity to provide more advisors across the country with tools that help align client portfolios with each client’s individual risk tolerance—increasing the likelihood of meeting client expectations, while reducing the enterprise’s regulatory risk and liability.”  

RiskPro’s Perpetual Suitability software (https://www.riskproadvisor.com/perpetual-suitability), which will be offered to Envestnet’s enterprise customers when the integration goes live in early 2021, helps advisors’ clients determine their own Personal Risk Budget (PRB) using a fully documented process that clearly defines risk in terms that clients can understand—maximum annual dollar gain or loss potential. Once a client’s PRB has been calculated, advisors affiliated with Envestnet enterprise customers can make investment recommendations with a 98% statistical probability that maximum risk tolerances will not be exceeded over any given 12-month period. This statistical probability applies to institutional model portfolios as well as to portfolios that investment advisors construct on their own.

RiskPro’s technology allows each enterprise to set its own surveillance rules for monitoring the risk of a client’s portfolio, as compared to the client’s PRB, on a daily basis. Enterprise home offices and the advisors are alerted if the risk of a client’s portfolio falls outside of the surveillance rules set by the enterprise, and all steps required by the home office for realignment are well-documented.

“Our strategic relationship with RiskPro will strengthen the essential advice that enterprises deliver to clients, while empowering their advisors to help clients achieve financial wellness,” said Blake Wood, Senior Vice President and Director of Product Strategy at Envestnet. “We consistently seek ways to broaden the data-driven intelligence we can offer advisors, and RiskPro’s technology solutions help advisors at enterprises make better, risk-managed investment recommendations for investors. This is what makes RiskPro an ideal strategic partner for Envestnet, and we look forward to the launch of our integration.”  

To learn more about Envestnet and RiskPro’s integration visit the Envestnet Advisor Summit site for a new technology session in the coming weeks: https://www.envestnet.com/advisorsummit.

About RiskPro

RiskPro® is a revolutionary technology platform that provides risk profiling, portfolio construction, and automated account surveillance. Serving as the World’s First Virtual Portfolio Strategist, RiskPro evaluates and communicates risk for investors, advisors, and home offices, utilizing a common language that is simple to understand. RiskPro was developed by ProTools, LLC., a RegTech innovator headquartered in Newport Beach, CA. To learn more about how RiskPro enables financial institutions to achieve Perpetual Suitability, visit www.riskproadvisor.com or contact Jeff Olsen, President, at (949) 922-3764 or via email at [email protected]. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About Envestnet

Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) is transforming the way financial advice and wellness are delivered. Our mission is to empower advisors and financial service providers with innovative technology, solutions, and intelligence to make financial wellness a reality for everyone. Over 105,000 advisors and more than 5,100 companies including: 17 of the 20 largest U.S. banks, 47 of the 50 largest wealth management and brokerage firms, over 500 of the largest RIAs, and hundreds of FinTech companies—leverage the Envestnet platform to grow their businesses and client relationships.

For more information on Envestnet, please visit www.envestnet.com, subscribe to our blog, and follow us on Twitter (@ENVintel) and LinkedIn.

RiskPro and Envestnet are separate and unaffiliated firms, and are not responsible for each other’s services or policies.  This release should not be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of any particular product, service, or firm.

Media Contacts

Julie Mochan, AIF®
RiskPro®
949.259.6928
[email protected]

Dana Taormina

JConnelly for Envestnet
973.647.4626
[email protected]

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SOURCE Envestnet, Inc.; RiskPro

Playboy Invests in Digital Commerce Expansion With Senior Hires

Playboy Invests in Digital Commerce Expansion With Senior Hires

Two Strategic Leaders Tapped to Enhance Company’s Data and Digital Presence

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company” or “Playboy”), which recently announced it would return to the public markets via a merger with Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp (Nasdaq: MCAC) (“Mountain Crest”), a special purpose acquisition company, has recently made two strategic hires – AJ Saltzman, Vice President, Digital Product, and Tittu Nellimoottil, Senior Vice President, Data, to enhance and expand the Company’s growing digital commerce platform.

“On behalf of the entire Playboy organization, I am delighted to welcome AJ and Tittu to the team,” said Ben Kohn, CEO of Playboy. “AJ and Tittu will be pivotal in the development of our digital commerce experience as we build towards our goal of creating the leading pleasure and leisure lifestyle platform for men and women around the world.”

AJ Saltzman, VP Digital Product

Saltzman’s strategy to build out the Company’s e-commerce destinations is not to approach them solely as places where commercial transactions are made, but as experiences that envelop a consumer in the Playboy lifestyle of sophisticated fun and pleasure. Her belief is that everything should be done through the lens of the consumer and works to ensure users feel they have an unparalleled online experience when they visit the site. Prior to joining Playboy, Saltzman was Senior Director of Digital Product Management at GOAT, and held similar roles at Who What Wear, Ticketmaster and NASA.

“It isn’t enough just to have a website where users can browse a catalog of products, enter their shipping address, and pay,” said Saltzman. “Playboy’s rich history and iconic status as a brand gives us an incredible opportunity to create an innovative, personalized, immersive digital experience where users can not only shop but also explore the world of Playboy – past, present and future. And as a consumer at heart with a deep respect for the Playboy brand, I’m personally very excited for what we can do.”

Tittu Nellimoottil, SVP Data

Nellimoottil brings a modern growth hacking mentality to Playboy and will be working with his team to digitize, consolidate and leverage the nearly seven decades of data that Playboy and its subsidiary Yandy owns, ushering it into the new age of AI-driven, personalized e-commerce. Nellimoottil and his team will build data tools to enable teams across Playboy to make efficient, data-driven decisions at all areas and levels of the business. Prior to Playboy, Nellimoottil served as the Director of Data Science at FabFitFun, was the Technical Lead for Marketplace Data Science at Bird and worked on business credit scores at PayPal. He also holds a PhD in computational biology from the University of Southern California.

“We are a company that is sitting on nearly 70 years of data in many formats, and that is creating millions of connections with consumers every day,” said Nellimoottil. “It’s a goldmine for a data leader like myself, and it poses an immense opportunity and an exciting challenge with a huge reward – utilizing all of that raw data to inform our product innovation, distribution and marketing to better serve consumers today.”

About Playboy

Playboy is one of the largest and most recognizable global lifestyle platforms in the world, with a strong consumer business focused on four categories comprising The Pleasure Lifestyle: Sexual Wellness, Style & Apparel, Gaming & Lifestyle and Beauty & Grooming. Under its mission of Pleasure for All, the 67-year-old Playboy brand drives more than $3 billion in global consumer spend and sells products across 180 countries. Playboy is one of the most iconic brands in history.

About Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp

Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Mountain Crest Acquisition Corp’s efforts to identify a prospective target business was not limited to a particular industry or geographic region, although the Company focused on operating businesses in North America. Visit https://www.mcacquisition.com/.

Important Information About the Proposed Business Combination and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, Mountain Crest intends to file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which includes the preliminary proxy statement filed on November 10, 2020 with the SEC, and a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, when available. Mountain Crest’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read the preliminary proxy statement and the amendments thereto and, when available, the definitive proxy statement and documents incorporated by reference therein filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about Playboy, Mountain Crest, and the proposed business combination. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement relating to the proposed business combination with the SEC, Mountain Crest will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting on the business combination and the other proposals. STOCKHOLDERS OF MOUNTAIN CREST ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION THAT MOUNTAIN CREST FILES WITH THE SEC BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MOUNTAIN CREST, PLAYBOY, AND THE BUSINESS COMBINATION. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement, the definitive proxy statement, and other relevant materials filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by visiting the investor relations section of https://www.mcacquisition.com/.

Participants in the Solicitation

Mountain Crest and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Mountain Crest’s stockholders with respect to the business combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Mountain Crest , and additional information regarding the interests of such participants are included in the preliminary proxy statement for the proposed business combination available at www.sec.gov. Information about Mountain Crest’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Mountain Crest common stock is set forth in Mountain Crest’s prospectus, dated June 4, 2020 and in the preliminary proxy statement, as modified or supplemented by any Form 3 or Form 4 filed with the SEC since the date of such filings. Other information regarding the interests of the participants in the proxy solicitation is included in the preliminary proxy statement pertaining to the proposed business combination. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Playboy and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Mountain Crest in connection with the proposed business combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed business combination is included in the preliminary proxy statement for the proposed business combination.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Mountain Crest’s and Playboy’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Mountain Crest’s and Playboy’s expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the proposed business combination, the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the proposed business combination, and the timing of the Mountain Crest shareholders meeting and completion of the proposed business combination.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside Mountain Crest’s and Playboy’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive merger agreement (the “Agreement”); (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Mountain Crest and Playboy following the announcement of the Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (3) the inability to complete the proposed business combination, including due to failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of Mountain Crest, certain regulatory approvals, or satisfy other conditions to closing in the Agreement; (4) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Agreement or could otherwise cause the transaction to fail to close; (5) the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Playboy’s business and/or the ability of the parties to complete the proposed business combination; (6) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of Mountain Crest’s shares of common stock on Nasdaq following the proposed business combination; (7) the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed business combination; (8) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Playboy to grow and manage growth profitably, and retain its key employees; (9) costs related to the proposed business combination; (10) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (11) the possibility that Mountain Crest or Playboy may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (12) risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Playboy; (13) risks related to the organic and inorganic growth of Playboy’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; (14) the amount of redemption requests made by Mountain Crest’s stockholders; and (15) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of Mountain Crest for its initial public offering and the proxy statement relating to the proposed business combination, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and in Mountain Crest’s other filings with the SEC. Mountain Crest cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Mountain Crest and Playboy caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Mountain Crest and Playboy do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed business combination. This press release shall also not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Matthew Frappier, ICR for Playboy

203.982.9171

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Publishing Finance Men Communications Professional Services Consumer Books Entertainment

MEDIA:

CORRECTING and REPLACING Medicago and GSK Announce Start of Phase 2/3 Clinical Trials of Adjuvanted COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

CORRECTING and REPLACING Medicago and GSK Announce Start of Phase 2/3 Clinical Trials of Adjuvanted COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

The COVID-19 vaccine candidate will contain GSK’s pandemic adjuvant

Phase 3 part of clinical trial to enroll over 30,000 volunteers worldwide

QUEBEC CITY, Quebec & LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Please replace the release with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.

The updated release reads:

MEDICAGO AND GSK ANNOUNCE START OF PHASE 2/3 CLINICAL TRIALS OF ADJUVANTED COVID-19 VACCINE CANDIDATE

The COVID-19 vaccine candidate will contain GSK’s pandemic adjuvant

Phase 3 part of clinical trial to enroll over 30,000 volunteers worldwide

Medicago, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Quebec City, and GSK are pleased to announce the start of Phase 2/3 clinical trials of its plant-derived vaccine candidate for COVID-19 to evaluate its efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. Based on the positive Phase 1 results and the approval of Canadian regulatory authorities, Medicago has decided to launch the Phase 2/3 clinical trial with GSK’s pandemic adjuvant.

“Our Phase 1 results of the adjuvanted vaccine candidate were very encouraging and fully support further clinical evaluation,” said Nathalie Landry, Executive Vice President, Scientific and Medical Affairs at Medicago.

Thomas Breuer, Chief Medical Officer GSK Vaccines said “This is the first of several GSK COVID-19 vaccine candidate collaborations to start Phase 2/3 clinical testing and an important step forward in our contribution to the global fight against the pandemic. We are delighted with the very promising Phase 1 results of Medicago’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate in combination with GSK’s pandemic adjuvant. Proven dose-sparing and a high immune response due to GSK’s adjuvant make us confident of delivering an efficacious vaccine with an acceptable safety profile in collaboration with Medicago.”

The Coronavirus-Like Particle COVID-19 vaccine candidate (CoVLP) is composed of recombinant spike (S) glycoprotein expressed as virus-like particles (VLPs).

The study is a multi-portion design to confirm that the chosen formulation and dosing regimen of CoVLP (two doses of 3.75 µg CoVLP combined with GSK’s pandemic adjuvant given 21 days apart) has an acceptable immunogenicity and safety profile in healthy adults 18-64 years of age and in elderly subjects aged 65 and over.

The Phase 2 trial part is a randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the adjuvanted recombinant COVID-19 plant-derived vaccine candidate in subjects aged 18 and above. It will be conducted in multiple sites in Canada and, upon FDA allowance, in the United States and on a population composed of healthy adults (18-64y) and elderly adults (over 65y). Each age group will have over 300 subjects randomized 5:1 to receive the adjuvanted CoVLP vaccine candidate: placebo and with 2:1 stratification in older adults (65-74 and ≥75). All subjects will be followed for a period of 12 months after the last vaccination for the assessment of safety and durability of the immune responses to the vaccine candidate.

The Phase 3 part of the study should start before the end of 2020 and is an event-driven, randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled design that will evaluate the efficacy and safety of the CoVLP formulation, compared to placebo, in over 30,000 subjects in North America, Latin America and/or Europe and within the same population, or – alternatively – amongst a broader one pending approval by regulatory authorities.

About Medicago

Medicago is a biopharmaceutical company and pioneer in plant-derived therapeutics. Founded in 1999 with the belief that innovative approaches and rigorous research would bring new solutions in healthcare.

Our mission is to improve global health outcomes by leveraging innovative plant-based technologies for rapid responses to emerging global healthcare challenges. Medicago is committed to advancing therapeutics against life-threatening diseases worldwide. Our team includes over 450 scientific experts and employees in Canada and the United States and academic affiliations in Europe and South Africa.

Medicago has previously demonstrated its capability to be a first responder in a flu pandemic. In 2009, the company produced a research-grade vaccine candidate against H1N1 in just 19 days. In 2012, Medicago manufactured 10 million doses of a monovalent influenza vaccine candidate within one month for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), part of the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2015, Medicago also demonstrated in principle that it could rapidly produce an anti-Ebola monoclonal antibody cocktail for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information:www.medicago.com

To learn more about our plant-based technology: Video / Website

About GSK and its commitment to tackling COVID-19

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com/about-us.

GSK is collaborating with companies and research groups across the world working on promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates through the use of our innovative vaccine adjuvant technology. The use of an adjuvant is of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protecting more people. GSK does not expect to profit from COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic phase, and will invest any short-term profit in coronavirus related research and long-term pandemic preparedness, either through GSK internal investments or with external partners.

Medicago Media contact (English):

Alissa Von Bargen

+1-647-234-5975

[email protected]

Medicago Media contact (French):

Marie-Pier Côté

+ 1-418-999-4847

[email protected]

GSK enquiries:

Media enquiries:

Simon Steel, +44 (0) 20 8047 5502 (London)

Simon Moore, +44 (0) 20 8047 5502 (London)

Kathleen Quinn, +1 202 603 5003 (Washington DC)

Analyst/Investor enquiries:

Sarah Elton-Farr, +44 (0) 20 8047 5194 (London)

James Dodwell, +44 (0) 20 8047 2406 (London)

Jeff McLaughlin, +1 215 751 7002 (Philadelphia)

KEYWORDS: Europe United Kingdom North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology Infectious Diseases Health Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials

MEDIA:

First Electronic SOFR vs Fed Funds Compression Trade Executed via Bloomberg SEF

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Bloomberg announced that the first electronic SOFR versus Effective Federal Funds Rate (“EFFR”) basis swap compression trade was executed on the Bloomberg SEF (“BSEF”). The participants successfully executed a 10-year cleared swap unwind (equal and opposite to an original cleared position), using request-for-quote through Bloomberg’s list trading tool, BOLT, to achieve compression of the original position at CME, where the swap was cleared.

Bloomberg supports trading on coupon, basis spread and Net Present Value (NPV), allowing clients to rebalance portfolios from LIBOR to Risk Free Rates. These workflows are complemented by portfolio analytics to calculate margin costs, analyze key rate risk and evaluate what-if scenarios all seamlessly integrated with BOLT.

Clients have had access to trade USD SOFR outright and basis product suite electronically since 2018, alongside offerings in other major currency Risk Free Rate products set to replace LIBOR as market standard.

“The Libor transition requires a synchronized effort, which is essential to a sound and resilient financial system,” said Steven Doherty, director, public investments, Northwestern Mutual. “Executing the first electronic trade using this new enhanced functionality creates efficiencies and supports our goal of maximizing long-term investment returns for our policyowners, while maintaining our unsurpassed financial strength.”

“Libor transition is one of the most important changes in the Rates and FX market today. Wells Fargo’s Macro sales and trading team will remain dedicated to supporting this critical evolution for our clients, including providing technology solutions for efficient execution of SOFR risks,” said James Wang, Global Head of Institutional Interest Rates & Foreign Exchange Sales at Wells Fargo.

“Being the first to market with our SOFR compression trading offering is a clear demonstration of Bloomberg’s commitment to support market participants looking to manage their IBOR exposure,” said Nicholas Bean, Head of Electronic Trading Solutions at Bloomberg. “Clients who trade on Bloomberg continue to have access to deep liquidity alongside the post trade efficiencies that come with electronic execution.”

“Compression is a crucial tool for cleared market participants, and the ability to compress SOFR versus EFFR trades is of particular significance for our clearing members who are looking to boost operational and capital efficiency,” said Sunil Cutinho, President, CME Clearing. “We are pleased to provide this service to clients through services such as Bloomberg SEF and BOLT.”

BSEF provides its participants with electronic trading for CDS, IRS, and FX derivatives built on the core technology behind Bloomberg’s trading platforms, which are used by more than 1,000 global institutions today.

About Bloomberg
Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas. The company’s strength – delivering data, news and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately – is at the core of the Bloomberg Terminal. Bloomberg’s enterprise solutions build on the company’s core strength: utilizing technology to allow customers to access, integrate, distribute and manage data and information across organizations more efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo.

 

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SOURCE Bloomberg

International companies to host live webcasts at Deutsche Bank’s Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference on November 18th and 19th, 2020

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Deutsche Bank today announced the lineup for its Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference (“dbVIC”) on Wednesday, November 18 and Thursday, November 19th, featuring live webcast presentations from international companies with American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programs in the US. 

Representatives from participating companies based in Australia, China, Germany, Finland, Amsterdam, South Africa and the UK will respond to questions during formal presentations, and will also interact with investors via virtual trade booths. The conference is targeted to all categories of investors  and analysts interested in non-US companies.

There is no fee for participants to log in, attend live presentations and/or ask questions. 

Please register via this link: www.adr.db.com/dbvic 

Pre-registration is suggested.


November 18
th Agenda (US Eastern Standard Time):

  • 8:30 AM: China Online Education (NYSE: COE)
  • 9:00 AM: Hailiang (Nasdaq: HLG)
  • 9:30 AM: Cootek (NYSE: CTK)
  • 10:00 AM: Travis Perkins (London: TPK, OTC: TPRKY)
  • 10:30 AM: Telstra (Australia: TLS, OTC: TLSYY)
  • 11:00 AM: Nordea (Helsinki: NDA-FI, OTC: NRDBY)


November 19
th Agenda (US Eastern Standard Time):

  • 8:30 AM: Brambles (Australia: BXB, OTC: BXBLY)
  • 9:00 AM: BlueCity (Nasdaq: BLCT)
  • 9:30 AM: Harmony Gold (Johannesburg: HAR, NYSE: HMY)
  • 10:00 AM: DSM (Amsterdam: DSM, OTC: RDSMY)
  • 10:30 AM: Hugo Boss (Germany: BOSS, OTC: BOSSY)
  • 11:00 AM: Merck KGaA (Germany: MRK, OTC: MKKGY)

The presentations will be available for replay after the Conference. 

In addition to specializing in administering cross-border equity structures such as American and Global Depositary Receipts, Deutsche Bank provides corporates, financial institutions, hedge funds and supranational agencies around the world with trustee, agency, escrow and related services. The Bank offers a broad range of services for diverse products, from complex securitizations and project finance to syndicated loans, debt exchanges and restructurings.

Deutsche Bank provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking and asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany’s leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

Deutsche Bank is sponsoring the Deutsche Bank Depositary Receipt Investor Conference solely for informational purposes. Deutsche Bank does not prepare, review, approve or edit any presentations, statements, documents or other information or materials, whether in written, electronic or verbal form, provided by any company participating in such conference, and disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any such information or materials. Deutsche Bank is not promoting, endorsing or recommending any company participating in the conference.

The Depositary Receipts have been registered pursuant to the US Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”). The investment or investment service which is the subject of this notice is not available to retail clients as defined by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. This notice has been approved and/or communicated by Deutsche Bank AG New York. The services described in this notice are provided by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (Deutsche Bank) or by its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in accordance with appropriate local registration and regulation. Deutsche Bank is providing the attached notice strictly for information purposes and makes no claims or statement, nor does it warrant or in any way represent, as to the accuracy or completeness of the details contained herein or therein. This announcement appears as a matter of record only. Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by Deutsche Bank or any other issuer or entity for the purchase or sale of any securities nor does it constitute a solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction where solicitation would be unlawful. No part of this notice may be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank. Past results are not an indication of future performance. Copyright© November 2020 Deutsche Bank AG. All rights reserved.

 

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SOURCE dbVIC – Deutsche Bank Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. Executives To Appear At The 2020 Stephens Annual Investment Conference

PR Newswire

DENVER, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX), parent company of RE/MAX, one of the world’s leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, and of Motto Mortgage, the first national mortgage brokerage franchise brand in the U.S., announced today that Chief Financial Officer, Karri Callahan, and President of Motto Mortgage, Ward Morrison, are scheduled to participate in the 2020 Stephens Annual Investment Conference on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. EST.

The conference will be available via live audio webcast at https://investors.remax.com/investor-relations.

About RE/MAX Holdings, Inc.

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX) is one of the world’s leading franchisors in the real estate industry, franchising real estate brokerages globally under the RE/MAX® brand, and mortgage brokerages within the U.S. under the Motto® Mortgage brand. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by David and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. Now with more than 135,000 agents across over 110 countries and territories, nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by total residential transaction sides. Dedicated to innovation and change in the real estate industry, RE/MAX launched Motto Franchising, LLC, a ground-breaking mortgage brokerage franchisor, in 2016. Motto Mortgage has grown to over 130 offices across more than 30 states.

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SOURCE RE/MAX Holdings, Inc.

IIROC Trading Halt – NOVR

Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 12, 2020 /CNW/ – The following issues have been halted by IIROC:

Company: Nova Royalty Corp.

TSX-Venture Symbol: NOVR

All Issues: Yes

Reason: At the Request of the Company Pending News

Halt Time (ET): 8:24 AM

IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension (halt) of trading in a security of a publicly-listed company. Trading halts are implemented to ensure a fair and orderly market. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) – Halts/Resumptions

Corning® Guardiant® Antimicrobial Particles Enable Paint and Coatings Demonstrated to Kill More Than 99.9% of Bacteria and Viruses, Including SARS-CoV-2, in Two Hours or Less

CORNING, NY, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) announced on Tuesday a new breakthrough in glass-ceramic technology, Corning® Guardiant®. Under test methods approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paint and coatings containing Corning Guardiant were shown to kill more than 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The tests provide the first demonstration of highly durable antimicrobial activity against SARS-CoV-2. The demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy remained active even after tests simulating six years of scrubbing. The tests were designed to account for the cleaning that a surface could be subjected to over time.  

“We strive to create innovations that make the world a better place,” said Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer, Corning Incorporated. “Our scientists have developed this unique paint additive using our highly engineered glass-ceramic technology. We are excited about the new lab results and look forward to working with our valued partner PPG.”  

Corning is working alongside PPG as it seeks EPA registration for its paint product formulated with Corning Guardiant.

Corning Guardiant contains copper, which has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial efficacy when applied to surfaces, consistently reducing germs on contact. Corning Guardiant keeps the most effective form of copper readily available for reducing harmful germs.

This technology and market opportunity are complementary to Corning’s extensive expertise in materials science. Corning is currently collaborating with leading paint and coatings manufacturers around the world, including PPG, to develop products containing Corning Guardiant that meet governmental and regulatory requirements. Subject to EPA approval, PPG’s antiviral paint product will be available under the name COPPER ARMORTM.  Prior to making claims in the United States against harmful germs such as SARS-CoV-2, finished products incorporating Corning Guardiant must first be registered with the U.S. EPA.

“PPG is proud to partner with Corning to continue innovating and creating solutions that address our customers’ greatest needs,” said Michael H. McGarry, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “We know that now more than ever, our customers are seeking multiple layers of protection as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Following registration with the EPA, we look forward to launching a paint product in the coming months that contains Corning Guardiant, providing customers with an additional safeguard from the Coronavirus in areas that pose a higher health risk.”

The results of SARS-CoV-2 testing on coatings containing Corning Guardiant were recently obtained by Dr. Luisa Ikner in Professor Charles Gerba’s lab at the University of Arizona. Following U.S. EPA recommendations that test methods mimic in-use conditions for antimicrobial surface materials seeking claims against harmful germs, the lab used stringent test methods that simulated realistic contamination, which is dry and invisible.

In addition to the SARS-CoV-2 results, Corning has also published research on Corning Guardiant demonstrating kill of other bacteria and viruses with greater than 99.9% efficacy in under two hours, including gram positive bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus), gram negative bacteria (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and non-enveloped viruses (such as murine norovirus, which belongs to the hardest-to-kill class of viruses in terms of its susceptibility to disinfectants).

Coatings containing additives such as silver and zinc pass traditional “wet” contamination test methods, but do not perform well under dry test conditions. Coatings containing organic antimicrobial agents such as “Quats,” scientific literature suggests, have limited effectiveness against non-enveloped viruses. Coatings containing Corning Guardiant have distinctly demonstrated effectiveness under both wet and dry test conditions.

For additional information, videos, and images about Corning Guardiant, please visit our resource center.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which are based on current expectations and assumptions about Corning’s financial results and business operations, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include: the duration and severity of the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, and its ultimate impact across our businesses on demand, operations and our global supply chains; the effects of acquisitions, dispositions and other similar transactions by the Company, the effect of global business, financial, economic and political conditions; tariffs and import duties; currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, primarily the Japanese yen, New Taiwan dollar, euro, Chinese yuan, and South Korean won; product demand and industry capacity; competitive products and pricing; availability and costs of critical components and materials; new product development and commercialization; order activity and demand from major customers; the amount and timing of our cash flows and earnings and other conditions, which may affect our ability to pay our quarterly dividend at the planned level or to repurchase shares at planned levels; possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, cyber-attack, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, or major health concerns; unanticipated disruption to equipment, facilities, IT systems or operations; effect of regulatory and legal developments; ability to pace capital spending to anticipated levels of customer demand; rate of technology change; ability to enforce patents and protect intellectual property and trade secrets; adverse litigation; product and components performance issues; retention of key personnel; customer ability, most notably in the Display Technologies segment, to maintain profitable operations and obtain financing to fund their ongoing operations and manufacturing expansions and pay their receivables when due; loss of significant customers; changes in tax laws and regulations including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017; and the potential impact of legislation, government regulations, and other government action and investigations.

For a complete listing of risks and other factors, please reference the risk factors and forward-looking statements described in our annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day that they are made, and Corning undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

Web Disclosure

In accordance with guidance provided by the SEC regarding the use of company websites and social media channels to disclose material information, Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) wishes to notify investors, media, and other interested parties that it uses its website (http://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/about-us/news-events.html) to publish important information about the company, including information that may be deemed material to investors, or supplemental to information contained in this or other press releases. The list of websites and social media channels that the company uses may be updated on Corning’s media and website from time to time. Corning encourages investors, media, and other interested parties to review the information Corning may publish through its website and social media channels as described above, in addition to the company’s SEC filings, press releases, conference calls, and webcasts.

About Corning Incorporated

Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science, with a 169-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning’s capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning’s markets include mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, automotive technologies, life sciences technologies, and display technologies.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

At PPG (NYSE: PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.1 billion in 2019. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

We protect and beautify the world is a trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. Copper Armor is a trademark of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc.

Corning Media Relations Contacts:

Pamela W. Porter
(607) 974-9980
[email protected]

Gabrielle Bailey
(607) 974-6394
[email protected]

Corning Investor Relations Contact:

Ann H.S. Nicholson
(607) 974-6716
[email protected]

PPG Media Relations Contact:

Greta Edgar
(724) 316-7552
[email protected]

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Celsius Delivers Record Third Quarter Revenue of $36.8M, up 80%

North America Third Quarter 2020 Revenue Grows 60% to $26.9 Million up from $16.8 Million

Distribution Expansion and Robust Demand for Portfolio Continues to Drive Momentum

PR Newswire

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — (Nasdaq: CELH) Celsius Holdings Inc., maker of the leading global fitness drink, CELSIUS®, today reported financial results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020.

2020 Third Quarter Highlights:

  • Revenue of $36.8 million, up 80% from $20.4 million in the year ago quarter.
    • North American revenue increased 60% to $26.9 million, up from $16.8 million in the year ago quarter
      • Driven by continued strong double-digit growth in traditional channels of trade and expansion with world class retail and distribution partners as well as 111% growth in ecommerce sales, off-set by softness in sales from the Fitness channel (down 23% from the prior year) affected by the health crisis and the related adverse impact to the macro-economic environment
    • International revenue increased 172% to $10.0 million, from $3.7 million in the year ago quarter
      • Nordic revenues increased by 182% to $9.5 million due to consolidation of results from the acquisition of our Nordic partner in October of 2019
      • Revenues from other International markets totaled $420,000 which included royalty revenues from China of $192,000 and $228,000 from all other international markets (e.g., Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, Caribbean, etc.)
  • Gross profit of $17.5 million, up 103% from $8.6 million in the year ago quarter
    • Gross profit margins total 47.6% (53.7% excluding outbound freight) of revenues
  • Net Profit to common stockholders of approximately $4.8 million compared to $960,000 in the year ago quarter
  • Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA* excluding one-time charges totaled a profit of approximately $6.9 million compared to $2.6 million in the year ago quarter

2020 Year-to-Date Highlights:

  • Revenue of $95.1 million, up 86.3% from $51.0 million in the 2019 period
    • North American revenue increased 57.4% to $67.1 million, up from $42.6 million in the 2019 period
      • Driven by continued strong double-digit growth in traditional channels of trade and expansion with world class retail and distribution partners as well as a 141% growth in ecommerce sales, off-set by softness in sales from the Fitness channel (down 17% from the prior year) affected by the health crisis and the related adverse impact to the macro-economic environment
    • International revenue increased 232% to $28.0 million, from $8.4 million in the 2019 period
      • Nordic revenues increased by 251% to $26.8 million due to consolidation of revenues from the acquisition of our Nordic partner in October of 2019
      • Revenues from other International markets totaled $1.2 million which included royalty revenues from China of $569,000 and $609,000 from all other international markets (e.g., Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, Caribbean, etc.)
  • Gross profit of $43.6 million, up 105% from $21.2 million in the 2019 period
    • Gross profit margins total 45.8% (52.6% excluding outbound freight) of revenues
  • Net Profit to common stockholders of approximately $6.9 million compared to a net income to common stockholders of $11.1 million in the 2019 period, inclusive of a $12.1 million net gain recognized for the establishment of a note receivable related to the business model change in China in 2019
  • Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA* excluding one-time charges totaled a profit of approximately $12.2 million compared to $3.4 million in the 2019 period

*     The Company reports financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), but believes that disclosure of adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, may provide additional insights into operating performance.

Other Highlights:

  • Trend forward functional energy brand has gained momentum as CELSIUS® is growing faster than the category:
    • Reported 44% growth, year to date (Last 52 Weeks Ending 10.04.2020, SHELF STABLE FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGE, SPINSscan Conventional Markets: TOTAL US – CONVENIENCE)
    • Reported 63% growth, year to date (Last 52 Weeks Ending 10.04.2020, SHELF STABLE FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGE, SPINSscan Conventional Markets: Total U.S. -– MULO+Convenience+Natural Channels)
  • CELSIUS® distribution in the United States exceeds 79,000 retail locations nationally
  • Secured additional distribution agreements with partners in the Anheuser-Busch InBev, PepsiCo, Keurig Dr. Pepper and MillerCoors networks, further expanding availability to new regions as Celsius builds out its national distribution network which now includes over 147 regional direct store delivery (DSD) partners
  • Transitioned Target & 7-Eleven over from wholesale to Big Geyser in NYC and sales volumes have more than doubled. Additional 1,200 Target stores were transitioned to DSD through September and October of 2020 with additional planned regions to transition to DSD through 2020 as well as select CVS regions
  • Issuance of common stock pursuant to private placement.  On August 25, 2020 the Company issued 1,437,909 shares of its common stock and obtained approximately $22,000,000 of cash as part of a private placement.

Subsequent to Quarter End:

  • Exclusive launch of Kiwi-Guava-Lime flavored, On-The-Go Powdered Sticks at 2,750 Walmart locations. In addition, the company expanded their Stevia line through Kroger at 1,100 locations nationwide
  • On October 30, 2020, the Company remitted approximately $10 million as payment in-full of the bonds that were issued in connection with the October 2019 acquisition of Func Food. As a result, our Balance Sheet is now debt free.

“During the third quarter, Celsius continued to position the company for outpaced revenue growth through the build out of our national DSD distribution platform, new national retail accounts and first mover marketing initiatives.  Despite the material closure of locations in both our vending and health and fitness channels, which cumulatively represented approximately 23% of North American revenue in our 2019 third quarter, North American revenue growth accelerated 27%, from the 47% revenue growth recognized in the third quarter of 2019, to over 60% in the current quarter,” said John Fieldly, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Operationally, third-quarter results were an all-time record for the company, including record revenue both in North America and in the Nordics, gross profit, gross margins, operating income and cash flow from operations.  Moving through the fourth quarter and into 2021, the company expects a continuation of the accelerated DSD transition with our retail partners, further expansion into the underpenetrated convenience channel and new innovative flavors across expanded geographic markets.”

Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2019

Revenue

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, revenue was approximately $36.8 million, an increase of $16.4 million or 80.4% from $20.4 million for the same quarter of 2019. The revenue increase of 80.4% was attributable to continued strong growth of 60.4% in North American revenues, reflecting double digit growth from existing accounts, new distribution and expanded distribution to major retailers. European revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $9.5 million, an increase of 182.3% from 2019 quarter revenue of $3.4 million. The 2020 results now reflect the full financial impact of consolidation of the results of operations of Func Food Group, Oyj (“Func Food”), our European distribution partner whom we acquired in October 2019. Asian revenues (which primarily consist of royalty revenues from our China licensee) for the three months ended September 30, 2020 amounted to $274,532 an increase of 40.8% from $194,982 in the 2019 quarter. Other international markets generated $145,415 of revenue during the third quarter of 2020, an increase of $57,015 when compared to $88,400 for the same quarter in the prior year. The total increase in revenue from the 2019 quarter to the 2020 quarter was primarily attributable to increases in sales volume, as opposed to increases in product pricing.

The following table sets forth the amount of revenues by segment and changes therein for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:


Three months ended September 30,


Revenue Source


2020


2019


Change

Total Revenue

$

36,839,150

$

20,423,848

80.4

%

North American Revenue

$

26,891,527

$

16,765,598

60.4

%

European Revenue

$

9,527,676

$

3,374,868

182.3

%

Asian Revenue

$

274,532

$

194,982

40.8

%

Other

$

145,415

$

88,400

64.5

%

Gross profit

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, gross profit increased by approximately $8.9 million or 103.4% to $17.5 million, from $8.6 million for the same quarter in 2019. Gross profit margins for the three months ended September 30, 2020, were 47.6%, which compared favorably to 42.2% for the same quarter in 2019. The increase in gross profit is mainly related to increase in sales volume from the 2019 quarter to the 2020 quarter, as opposed to increases in product pricing.

Sales and marketing expenses

Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were approximately $8.3 million, an increase of approximately $3.3 million or 67.9% from approximately $4.9 million in the 2019 quarter. This increase reflects the impact of the consolidation of the operating results of Func Food following its October 2019 acquisition by the Company, which resulted in an increase in our marketing investments of 88.3% or $1.7 million from the 2019 quarter to the 2020 quarter. Similarly, all other sales and marketing expenses give effect to increases related to the consolidation of Func Food’s operations. Specifically, employee costs, which also includes investments in human resources to properly service our markets, increased to $2.3 million or 70.9% from the 2019 quarter to the 2020 quarter. Moreover, due to the increase in business volume from the 2019 quarter to the 2020 quarter, our support to distributors and investments in trade activities, our storage and distribution costs increased by $705,000 from the 2019 quarter to the 2020 quarter.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were approximately $4.6 million, an increase of approximately $2.4 million or 107.7%, from $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. This increase similarly reflects the impact of the consolidation of Func Food’s operations which were not present in the results for the 2019 quarter. As such, administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were $1.3 million, an increase of $865,700 or 181.9% from $475,797 for the prior year’s quarter. Employee costs for the three months ended September 30, 2020, reflected an increase of $360,307 or 63.0%, not only attributable to the consolidation of Func Food’s operations, but also reflecting additional investments in resources in order to properly support our higher business volume. All other increases for general and administrative expenses from the 2019 quarter to the 2020 quarter were approximately $1.1 million. These increases mostly resulted from higher stock option expense of $1.2 million and, additional depreciation and amortization of $15,000 which were partially offset by net decreases in all other administrative expense of $121,744.

Other income/(expense)

Total net other income for the three months ended on September 30, 2020 was $45,300, which compares favorably to other expenses of $543,000 for the same period in the prior year. The 2020 quarter results reflect a total favorable impact of $588,300 which includes $155,000 of lower amortization expenses, $143,000 gain related to foreign currency fluctuations, $407,600 gain on note receivable from China and net other miscellaneous expenses of $62,800 which were partially offset by higher net interest expenses of $54,500.

Net Income/(Loss)

As a result of the above, for the three months ended September 30, 2020, net income was $4.8 million or $0.07 per share based on a weighted average of 70,473,351 shares outstanding and dilutive earnings per share of $0.06 based on a fully-dilutive weighted average of 74,848,239 shares outstanding, which includes the dilutive impact of outstanding stock options to purchase 4,374,888 shares. In comparison, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company had net income of approximately $961,042 or a $0.02 per share, based on a weighted average of 59,307,404 shares outstanding and a dilutive earnings per share of $0.03 based on a fully-dilutive weighted average of 62,532,510 shares outstanding.

Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Revenue

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, revenue was approximately $95.1 million, an increase of $44.1 million or 86.3% from $51.0 million for the same period in 2019. The revenue increase of was attributable in large part to continued strong growth of 57.4% in North American revenues, reflecting double digit growth in both existing accounts, new distribution and expanded distribution to major retailers. European revenue was $26.8 million for the nine-months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of 251.0%, from to $7.6 million in revenue for the 2019 period. The 2020 results now reflect the full financial impact of the consolidation of the results of operations of Func Food. Asian revenues (which primarily consist of royalty revenues from our China licensee) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were $868,915 an increase of 38.1% from $629,028 for the 2019 period. Other international markets generated $308,706 of revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 an increase of $149,586 from $159,120 for the same period in 2019. The total increase in revenue from the 2019 period to the 2020 period was primarily attributable to increases in sales volume, as opposed to increases in product pricing.

The following table sets forth the amount of revenues by category and changes therein for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: 


Nine months Ended September 30,


Revenue Source


2020


2019


Change

Total Revenue

$

95,061,265

$

51,031,426

86.3

%

North American Revenue

$

67,083,888

$

42,607,433

57.4

%

European Revenue

$

26,799,756

$

7,635,845

251.0

%

Asian Revenue

$

868,915

$

629,028

38.1

%

Other Revenue

$

308,706

$

159,120

94.0

%

Gross profit

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, gross profit increased by approximately $22.3 million or 105.3% to $43.5 million, from $21.2 million for the same period in 2019. Gross profit margins increased to 45.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from 41.6% for the same period in 2019. The increase in gross profit dollars and gross profit margins is mainly related to increases in volume, as opposed to increases in product pricing.

Sales and marketing expenses

Sales and marketing expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were approximately $23.6 million, an increase of approximately $9.5 million or 67.8% from approximately $14.1 million for the same period in 2019. This increase reflects the impact of the consolidation of the operating results of Func Food following its October 2019 acquisition by the Company. As a result, our marketing investments increased by 77.4% or $4.2 million from the 2019 period to the 2020 period. Similarly, all other sales and marketing expenses give effect to increases related to the consolidation of Func Food’s operations. Specifically, employee costs for the 2020 period, which also includes investments in human resources to properly service our markets, increased by $3.6 million or 87.9% from the 2019 period. Moreover, due to the increase in business volume, our support to distributors, investments in trade activities and storage and distribution costs increased by $1.7 million from the 2019 period to the 2020 period.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were approximately $12.5 million, an increase of $5.3 million or 71.9%, from $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This increase similarly reflects the impact of the consolidation of Func Food’s operations which were not present in the results for the 2019 period. As such, administrative expenses reflected an increase of $2.6 million, which included an increase of $221,000 in our bad debt reserve, to cover potential collectability risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Employee costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, reflect an increase of $1.1 million or 58.9%, not only attributable to the consolidation of Func Food’s operations, but also additional investments in resources in order to properly support our higher business volume. All other increases for general and administrative expenses from the 2019 period to the 2020 period were $1.4 million. These increases mostly resulted from higher stock option expense of $1.3 million, depreciation and amortization of $34,000 and net increases in all other administrative expenses of $59,000.

Other Income/(expense)

Total net other expense for the nine months ended on September 30, 2020 was $590,000, which reflects a variance of $11.9 million when compared to net total other income of $11.3 million for the same period in the prior year. The variance of $11.9 million is mainly related to the recognition of a gain of $12.1 million pertaining to a note receivable from our Chinese licensee. The note receivable is the part of an agreement executed with our China distributor, related to the restructuring of our business relationship to a royalty-based model, which requires the repayment, over a five-year period, pursuant to an unsecured, interest-bearing note, of the investment the Company made in the China market during 2017 and 2018.

Net Income

As a result of all of the above, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company had a net income of $6.9 million or $0.10 per share based on a weighted average of 70,184,071 shares outstanding and $0.09 per share based on a weighted average of 73,524,209 shares outstanding, which includes the dilutive impact of outstanding stock options to purchase 3,340,138 shares. In comparison, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 there was net income of $11.1 million or $0.19 per share based on a weighted average of 58,023,685 shares outstanding, and after adding back interest expense on convertible notes of $348,493 and the amortization on discount on notes payable of $707,286, a diluted net income of $12.2 million or $0.20 per share based on a weighted average of 62,050,032 shares outstanding, which includes the dilutive impact of the stock options of 1,223,700 shares and the dilutive effect of the convertible notes of 2,802,647 shares.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, we had cash of approximately $52.2 million and $23.1 million, respectively, and working capital of approximately $62.2 million and $24.8 million, respectively. Cash provided in operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $3.8 million and cash used in operations was approximately $966,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, mainly reflecting investments in inventory, pre-payments and deposits and increase in accounts receivable.

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call today, Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results with the investment community.

To participate in the conference call, please call one of the following telephone numbers at least 10 minutes before the start of the call:


Participant Dial-In Numbers:

Toll Free: 877-709-8150
Toll/International: 201-689-8354

The conference may also be accessed by going to: https://hd.choruscall.com/InComm/?callme=true&passcode=13668240&h=true&info=company&r=true&B=6 for the live audio webcast of the call, which will subsequently be available for replay.

Disclosures can be found on the Company’s online disclosure portal at: https://www.celsiusholdingsinc.com/sec-filings/.


About Celsius Holdings, Inc.

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CELH), is a global company with a proprietary, clinically proven formula for its master brand CELSIUS® and all its sub-brands. A lifestyle fitness drink and a pioneer in the rapidly growing performance energy sector, CELSIUS® has five beverage lines that each offer proprietary, functional, healthy-energy formulas clinically-proven to offer significant health benefits to its users. The five lines include, CELSIUS® Originals, CELSIUS HEAT™, CELSIUS® BCAA +Energy,  CELSIUS® On-the-Go, and CELSIUS® Sweetened with Stevia. CELSIUS® has zero sugar, no preservatives, no aspartame, no high fructose corn syrup, and is non-GMO, with no artificial flavors or colors. The CELSIUS® line of products is Certified Kosher and Vegan. CELSIUS® is also soy and gluten-free and contains very little sodium. CELSIUS® is backed by six university studies that were published in peer-reviewed journals validating the unique benefits CELSIUS® provides. CELSIUS® is sold nationally at Target, CVS, Walmart, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, 7-Eleven, Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Fresh Market, Sprouts and other key regional retailers such as HEB, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Harris Teeter, Shaw’s and Food Lion. It is also available on Amazon, at fitness clubs and in select micro-markets across the country. For more information, please visit http://www.celsiusholdingsinc.com.


Forward-Looking Statements
 
This press release may contain statements that are not historical facts and are considered forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements contain projections of Celsius Holdings’ future results of operations and/or financial position, or state other forward-looking information. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar words. You should not rely on forward-looking statements since Celsius Holdings’ actual results may differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions; our business strategy for expanding our presence in our industry; anticipated trends in our financial condition and results of operation; the impact of competition and technology change; existing and future regulations affecting our business; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports Celsius Holdings has filed previously with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Celsius Holdings does not intend to and undertakes no duty to update the information contained in this press release.

— Tables Follow —

 

 


Celsius Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets


September 30,
2020
(Unaudited)


December 31,
2019 (1)


ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash

$

52,158,098

$

23,090,682

Accounts receivable-net (note 2)

16,561,371

7,774,618

Note receivable-current (note 6)

1,810,773

1,181,116

Inventories-net (note 4)

15,679,192

15,292,349

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (note 5)

4,731,887

4,170,136

Total current assets

90,941,321

51,508,901

Notes Receivable (note 6)

9,053,866

10,630,040

Property and equipment-net (note 8)

467,380

132,889

Right of use assets

415,595

809,466

Long term security deposits

60,875

104,134

Intangibles (note 9)

16,740,838

17,173,000

Goodwill (note 9)

10,419,321

10,023,806


Total Assets


$


128,099,196


$


90,382,236


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (note 11)

$

18,117,611

$

17,292,647

Lease liability obligation (note 7)

397,931

649,074

Bonds payable-net (note 13)

9,540,007

8,634,279

Other current liabilities (note 12)

716,678

107,399

Total current liabilities

28,772,227

26,683,399

Long-term liabilities:

Lease liability obligation (note 7)

124,978

239,848


Total Liabilities


28,897,205


26,923,247


Commitments and contingencies (note 17)


Stockholders’ Equity:

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 71,651,556 and 68,941,311 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (note 15)

71,652

68,942

Additional paid-in capital

156,548,446

127,552,998

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(866,664)

(753,520)

Accumulated deficit

(56,551,443)

(63,409,431)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

99,201,991

63,458,989


Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity


$


128,099,196


$


90,382,236



(1)


Derived from Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 


Celsius Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)


For the three months ended
September 30,


For the nine months ended
September 30,


2020


2019


2020


2019

Revenue (note 3)

$

36,839,149

$

20,423,847

$

95,061,265

$

51,031,426

Cost of revenue (note 2)

19,305,416

11,801,478

51,512,534

29,821,968

Gross profit

17,533,733

8,622,369

43,548,731

21,209,458

Selling and marketing expenses

8,267,996

4,923,968

23,640,914

14,086,910

General and administrative expenses

4,557,438

2,194,530

12,460,009

7,249,378

Total operating expenses

12,825,434

7,118,498

36,100,923

21,336,288


Income/(loss) from operations


4,708,299


1,503,871


7,447,808


(126,830)


Other Income (Expense):

Interest income on note receivable (note 6)

78,690

96,300

268,709

288,070

Interest on notes



(105,385)



(348,493)

Interest expense on bonds

(144,021)



(391,458)

Interest on other obligations

(3,419)

(3,393)

(13,400)

(12,041)

Amortization of discount on notes payable



(528,463)



(707,285)

Amortization of discount on bonds payable

(178,649)



(506,100)



Amortization of intangibles

(145,277)

(429,307)



Amortization of financial leases

(49,713)

(289,277)



Other miscellaneous income/(expense)

(62,817)

(27,614)



Gain on lease cancellations



152,112



Realized foreign exchange gain/(loss)

142,917

262,022



Gain/(loss) on investment repayment-China (Note Receivable Note 6)

407,593

(1,888)

384,493

12,050,921

Total other income (expense)

45,304

(542,829)

(589,820)

11,271,172


Net Income


$


4,753,603


$


961,042


$


6,857,988


$


11,144,342


Other comprehensive income/(loss):

Unrealized foreign currency translation income/(losses).

110,027

(55,303)

(113,144)

(71,793)


Comprehensive Income


$


4,863,630


$


905,739


$


6,744,844


$


11,072,549

Income per share:

Basic

$

0.07

$

0.02

$

0.10

$

0.19

Diluted

$

0.06

$

0.03

$

0.09

$

0.20

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

70,473,351

59,307,404

70,184,071

58,023,685

Diluted 1


74,848,239


62,532,510


73,524,209


62,050,032

 

 


Celsius Holdings, Inc.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure


Three months ended Sept 30,


Nine months ended Sept 30,


2020


2019


2020


2019

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders (GAAP measure)


$4,753,603


$961,043


$6,857,988


$11,144,342




Add back:


Depreciation and Amortization Expense

405,468

549,320

1,306,864

767,616

Net interest expense

68,750

12,478

136,149

72,464

Stock-based compensation

2,143,700

900,000

4,718,699

3,354,295

Other Non-Operational (Gains)/Losses-Net

(80,100)



(386,520)



(Gain)/Loss on Note Receivable

(407,593)

1,888

(384,493)

(12,050,921)


Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA


$6,883,828


$2,424,729


$12,248,687


$3,287,796


Non-recurring one-time charges:

Acquisition Costs



144,763



144,763

Total non-recurring one-time charges



144,763



144,763


Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA excluding one-time charges


$6,883,828


$2,569,492


$12,248,687


$3,432,559

 

*The Company reports financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), but believe that disclosure of adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, may provide users with additional insights into operating performance.

Investor Relations:
Cameron Donahue
(651) 653-1854
[email protected]

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SOURCE Celsius Holdings, Inc.