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NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — InvestorsObserver issues critical PriceWatch Alerts for IBIO, FLDM, ATOS, BCRX, and GME.

To see how InvestorsObserver’s proprietary scoring system rates these stocks, view the InvestorsObserver’s PriceWatch Alert by selecting the corresponding link.

• IBIO: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?stocksymbol=IBIO&prnumber=012220211
• FLDM: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?stocksymbol=FLDM&prnumber=012220211
• ATOS: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?stocksymbol=ATOS&prnumber=012220211
• BCRX: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?stocksymbol=BCRX&prnumber=012220211
• GME: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?stocksymbol=GME&prnumber=012220211

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InvestorsObserver’s PriceWatch Alerts are based on our proprietary scoring methodology. Each stock is evaluated based on short-term technical, long-term technical and fundamental factors. Each of those scores is then combined into an overall score that determines a stock’s overall suitability for investment.

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SOURCE InvestorsObserver

WARRENTON, Va., Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Fauquier Bankshares, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: FBSS), parent company of The Fauquier Bank (the “Bank”), reported net income of $1.4 million, or $0.36 per diluted share for the fourth quarter, compared with $1.5 million, or $0.41 per diluted share for the prior quarter and $1.6 million or $0.41 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2019.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, net income was $5.9 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, compared with $6.8 million, or $1.80 per diluted share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.  

Marc Bogan, President and CEO, stated “Financial results for the fourth quarter, and full year 2020, were strong given the headwind our bank, and the overall economy, faced during this unprecedented year.  Excluding the one-time expenses associated with our previously announced merger with Virginia National Bankshares Corporation, net income for the fourth quarter and full year 2020 exceeded the previous quarter over quarter, and full year results. Mr. Bogan continued by saying, “Even in this very difficult operating environment, our net interest margin held up well, and our cost of funds remained at very low levels.  Also, our Wealth Management team crossed $500 million in assets under management in 2020, and as a result, contributed favorably to our noninterest income.  As we enter 2021, we are eager to finalize our merger and begin integrating with the Virginia National team to continue to provide our clients and communities with exceptional financial services and support in the upcoming year.”

Fourth Quarter and Year to Date Highlights

• Net income of $1.4 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $1.5 million for the prior quarter and $1.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Year to date net income of $5.9 million, compared to $6.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019;
• Net interest margin of 3.43% for the fourth quarter, compared to 3.22% for the prior quarter and 3.65% for the fourth quarter of 2019. Year to date net interest margin of 3.46%, compared to 3.74% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019;
• Total loans of $616.7 million at December 31, 2020, compared to $638.1 million at September 30, 2020 and $550.2 million at December 31, 2019;
• Allowance for loan losses of $6.9 million at December 31, 2020, compared to $6.7 million at September 30, 2020 and $5.2 million at December 31, 2019;
• Provision for loan losses of $167,000 for the fourth quarter, compared to $345,000 for the prior quarter and $91,000 for the fourth quarter of 2019. Year to date provision for loan losses was $1.8 million, compared to $346,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019;
• Deposits of $766.1 million at December 31, 2020, compared to $739.8 million at September 30, 2020 and $622.2 million at December 31, 2019;
• Regulatory capital remains strong with ratios exceeding the well capitalized thresholds in all categories.

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), the Bank originated 549 Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans, totaling $53.1 million as of December 31, 2020.  The Bank’s forgiveness of 223 PPP loans under the terms of the PPP, with an aggregate principal balance of $22.6 million, contributed to the overall decline of $21.4 million in the loan portfolio at December 31, 2020.  In addition, the CARES Act along with interagency guidance provided financial institutions the option to temporarily suspend certain accounting requirements related to troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) with respect to loan modifications, including the deferral of scheduled payments.  As of December 31, 2020, under the current regulatory guidance, 5 loans, totaling $518,000 in principal loan balances, were granted a 90-day deferment of scheduled payments and one loan, with a principal balance of $2.6 million was modified.  These 6 loans were not considered TDRs under the current guidance. 

Return on average equity (“ROE”) was 7.47% for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 8.58% for the prior quarter and 9.35% for the fourth quarter of 2019.  Return on average assets (“ROA”) was 0.63% for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 0.74% for the prior quarter and 0.85% for the fourth quarter of 2019.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, ROE and ROA were 8.31% and 0.73%, respectively, compared to 10.64% and 0.96%, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

Net interest income was $6.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $6.3 million for the prior quarter and $6.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.  Net interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $25.8 million and $24.7 million, respectively.  While interest income has been significantly impacted by the lower interest rate environment, interest income has benefited from the PPP loans and related fees.  PPP loans contributed approximately $660,000 and $1.2 million to interest income for the fourth quarter and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, respectively.  The interest rate environment also contributed to the decrease in interest expense during the fourth quarter, resulting in a 3 basis point and 41 basis point decline in the cost of funds when compared to the prior quarter and fourth quarter of 2019, respectively.  Cost of funds for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 0.35% and 0.71%, respectively.

The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology determines the level of loan provision at the end of each quarter, based on loan portfolio growth, net charge-off history, asset quality, impaired loans and other qualitative factors, including economic indicators.  The provision for loan losses for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $167,000, compared to $345,000 for the prior quarter and $91,000 for the fourth quarter of 2019.  The provision for loan losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $1.8 million and $346,000, respectively.  The allowance for loan losses increased to $6.9 million or 1.11% of total loans on December 31, 2020, compared with $6.7 million or 1.05% of total loans for the prior quarter and $5.2 million or 0.95% of total loans on December 31, 2019. 

Nonperforming assets were $11.5 million on December 31, 2020, compared to $11.6 million for the prior quarter and $6.5 million on December 31, 2019.  Included in nonperforming assets were $10.2 million of nonperforming loans and $1.4 million of other real estate owned.  Net loan recoveries were $2,000 for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to net charge-offs of $44,000 for the prior quarter and net charge-offs of $259,000 for the fourth quarter of 2019.  Net charge-offs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $130,000 and $295,000, respectively.  The Bank continues to monitor the performance of our entire loan portfolio for indications of stress, including identifying certain commercial loan industries that we believe are more susceptible to risk presented by the pandemic.   

Noninterest income was $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $1.5 million for the prior quarter and fourth quarter of 2019.  Noninterest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $6.5 million and $6.0 million, respectively.  Noninterest income during the fourth quarter of 2020 included $992,000 of net gains on the sales of available for sale securities, resulting from a strategic repositioning of the investment portfolio.          

Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $7.4 million, compared with $5.7 million for the prior quarter and $5.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.  Noninterest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $23.5 million and $22.5 million, respectively.  Included in noninterest expenses were $1.2 million of merger related expenses which were primarily legal and consulting expenses incurred in connection with the merger.

Shareholders’ equity was $72.5 million on December 31, 2020, compared with $72.2 million for the prior quarter and $67.1 million on December 31, 2019.  Book value per common share was $19.08 on December 31, 2020, compared to $19.03 for the prior quarter and $17.74 on December 31, 2019. 

About Fauquier Bankshares, Inc. 
Fauquier Bankshares, through its operating subsidiary, The Fauquier Bank, is an independent community bank offering a full range of financial services, including internet banking, mobile banking, commercial, retail, insurance, wealth management, and financial planning services through eleven banking offices throughout Fauquier and Prince William counties in Virginia. Additional information is available at www.tfb.bank or by calling Investor Relations at (800) 638-3798.

Use of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to GAAP in the United States and prevailing practices in the banking industry.  However, certain non-GAAP measures are used by management to supplement the evaluation of the Company’s performance.  This includes the Company’s calculation of the efficiency ratio (non-GAAP).  The Company’s management believes that the use of this non-GAAP financial information provides meaningful information about operating performance by enhancing comparability with other financial periods and with other financial institutions.  The non-GAAP measure used by management that is set forth in this release enhance comparability by calculating net interest income used in the efficiency ratio on a tax equivalent basis and excluding the effects of securities gains/losses from noninterest income.  This non-GAAP financial information should not be considered an alternative to GAAP-basis financial statements, and other bank holding companies may define or calculate similar measures differently.  A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company to evaluate and measure the Company’s performance to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is presented below.

Additional Information About the Merger and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed merger (the “Merger”) of Fauquier Bankshares, Inc. (“Fauquier“) into Virginia National Bankshares Corporation (“Virginia National”), Virginia National has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4, which includes a preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the Merger.  The final registration statement will include a final joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be mailed to shareholders of both Virginia National and Fauquier. SECURITY HOLDERS OF VIRGINIA NATIONAL AND FAUQUIER ARE ADVISED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE FINAL JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING VIRGINIA NATIONAL, FAUQUIER AND THE PROPOSED MERGER TRANSACTION. Security holders may obtain free copies of these documents, once they are filed, and other documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Security holders will also be able to obtain these documents, once they are filed, free of charge, by requesting them in writing from Tara Y. Harrison, Virginia National’s Chief Financial Officer, at 404 People Place, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911, or by telephone at (434) 817-8587, or Christine E. Headly, Fauquier’s Chief Financial Officer, at 10 Courthouse Square, Warrenton, Virginia 20186, or by telephone at (540) 349-0218.

Virginia National, Fauquier and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Virginia National and Fauquier in connection with the proposed Merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of Virginia National and Fauquier will be included in the final joint proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the transaction may be obtained by reading the final joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed Merger when it becomes available. You may obtain free copies of each document as described in the preceding paragraph.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the Merger.  No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about (i) the benefits of a Merger between Virginia National and Fauquier; (ii) Fauquier’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts; and (iii) other statements identified by words such as “may”, “assumes”, “approximately”, “will”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “targets”, “projects”, or words of similar meaning generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of Fauquier and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Fauquier. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change and difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. As a result, although Fauquier believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, actual results may differ materially from any projected future results performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: (1) the businesses of Virginia National and Fauquier may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected; (2) the expected growth opportunities or cost savings from the Merger may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; (3) deposit attrition, operating costs, customer losses and business disruption following the Merger, including adverse effects on relationships with employees and customers, may be greater than expected; (4) the regulatory approvals required for the Merger may not be obtained on the proposed terms or on the anticipated schedule; (5) the shareholders of Virginia National or Fauquier may fail to approve the Merger; (6) economic, legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, may adversely affect the businesses in which Virginia National and Fauquier are engaged; (7) the interest rate environment may further compress margins and adversely affect net interest income; (8) results may be adversely affected by continued diversification of assets and adverse changes to credit quality; (9) competition from other financial services companies in Virginia National’s and Fauquier’s markets could adversely affect operations; (10) an economic slowdown could adversely affect credit quality and loan originations; (11) the COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affecting Virginia National, Fauquier, and their respective customers, employees and third-party service providers; the adverse impacts of the pandemic on their respective business, financial position, operations and prospects have been material, and it is not possible to accurately predict the extent, severity or duration of the pandemic or when normal economic and operation conditions will return; and (12) other factors that may affect future results of Virginia National and Fauquier, including: changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; capital management activities; and other actions of the bank regulatory agencies and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Fauquier’s reports (such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).

Readers are cautioned not to rely too heavily on the forward-looking statements contained in this release.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and Fauquier does not undertake any obligation to update, revise or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOURCE Fauquier Bankshares, Inc.

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Community Bankers Trust Corporation (NASDAQ: ESXB), the holding company for Essex Bank, announced today that it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and the 2020 fiscal year on Friday, January 29, 2021, before the market opens.

The Company will host a conference call for interested parties on Friday, January 29, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the fourth quarter and 2020 fiscal year results. The public is invited to listen to this conference call by dialing 866-374-8379 at least five minutes prior to the call.  Interested parties may also listen to this conference call through the internet by accessing the “Corporate Overview – Corporate Profile” page of the Company’s internet site at www.cbtrustcorp.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available from 12:00 noon Eastern Time on January 29, 2021 until 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on February 19, 2021. The replay will be available by dialing 877-344-7529 and entering access code 10151230 or through the internet by accessing the “Corporate Overview – Corporate Profile” page of the Company’s internet site at www.cbtrustcorp.com.

About Community Bankers Trust Corporation and Essex Bank

Community Bankers Trust Corporation is the holding company for Essex Bank, a Virginia state bank with 24 full-service offices, 18 of which are in Virginia and six of which are in Maryland.  The Bank also operates two loan production offices.

Additional information on the Bank is available on the Bank’s website at www.essexbank.com.  For information on Community Bankers Trust Corporation, please visit its website at www.cbtrustcorp.com.

 

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SOURCE Community Bankers Trust Corporation

PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 2020 can be remembered as anything but a stable year for the markets. With rising political and economic uncertainty, gold has become a go-to asset for many investors looking to reduce the risks and diversify their portfolios. But the question now is: after setting fresh records this year, will gold prices go up past $2,000 per ounce once again any time soon? A recent article in Capital.com answered that question in a positive manner It said: “The gold market dipped in early June only to break through and reach all-time highs later this summer. On August 6, the metal hit $2,070 per ounce, soaring 35 per cent since the start of 2020 and 40 per cent from the March lows. The growth was driven by the weakening US dollar and a number of significant geopolitical and economic events on the global arena, such as the EU’s agreement on a €750bn (£670bn, $890bn) coronavirus recovery fund and the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston, US.    Active stocks in the mining markets this week include Valorem Resources Inc. (CSE: VALU), Tanzanian Gold Corporation (NYSE: TRX) (TSX: TNX), Golden Star Resources Ltd. (NYSE: GSS) (TSX: GSC), Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI), B2Gold Corp. (NYSE: BTG) (TSX: BTO).

The Capital.com article continued: “As the dollar started to pick up, the metal retreated to trade between $1,900–$1,950 per ounce in September. After dipping to $1,865 per ounce in the last days of October, a solid increase in gold prices followed on the back of the US presidential election turmoil, with the commodity peaking at $1,960 per ounce on November 9… So, will gold keep going up? Well, if the global economy continues to stagnate due to the pandemic, and rising geopolitical tensions impact already disrupted international trade, we might see the price of gold climbing higher and even breaking its previous records.”

VALOREM RESOURCES INC. (CSE: VALU) BREAKING NEWS:  Valorem Announces Exploration Program for Wings Shear Project – Valorem Resources Inc. (the “Company” or “Valorem”) announced this week that it has planned a systematic exploration program to maximize the utilization of existing exploration-trench and other data for the Wings Shear project (the “Property”). This, coupled with new work, will enable Valorem to fill in gaps and quickly evaluate anomalies and structures to generate drill targets.

The Company will use a combination of soil sampling and magnetic/VLF-EM geophysical surveys, on detailed grids over known anomalous areas and along gold-bearing structures.   Collection of up to 5,000 soil samples over previously untested zones, and 90 line km of magnetics/VLF-EM, will be carried out over the 1 km long gold-bearing structural zone located on the Wings Shear Trend. The results of the surveys, along with geological mapping, will be used to plan for the first-phase drill program, which is currently scheduled to begin in the late summer/early fall of 2021.

Valorem has engaged local service provider Planet X Exploration Services Ltd. (“Planet X”), as an operator on Property. A regional geochemical soil-sampling survey design has also been completed by Planet X and consulting Geoscientist Dr. Steve Amor Ph.D. P. Geo.   The Company plans to begin field work over the winter months, as weather and suitable working conditions permit.

The Property is underlain to the NW and SE by the Jonathan’s Pond Formation, comprising interbedded psammite, semipelite and pelite, with minor mafic sills and dykes and calc-silcate layers. The central area of the Property is underlain by the Indian Bay Big Pond Formation, comprising medium to thick bedded, buff, grey and maroon sandstone; thinly bedded maroon and green siltstone and black pelite and tuffaceous semipelite. Numerous fossiliferous and conglomeratic boulders occur nearby and are interpreted to be derived from this unit.

Regional deformation, leading to abundant quartz-vein emplacement and the development of local shear zones, makes the Jonathan’s Pond Formation an attractive target for structurally controlled, vein-hosted gold mineralization. At the Wing Pond showings, located in the centre of the property, gold mineralization is hosted by sulphide- (arsenopyrite, pyrite, stibnite ± galena ± sphalerite) bearing quartz veins cutting metasediments.

Tony Louie, interim CEO of the Company stated, “We are excited to begin the process of moving the Property forward with this proposed program. The Wings Shear trend is an exciting untested mineralized zone. This deep-seated gold-bearing structure has been traced for over 1 km and is located approximately 27 km east of the Newfound Gold Inc.’s Queensway Project.”   Read this entire release for the Valorem Resources news at:  https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-valu/ 

Other recent developments in the mining markets include:

Tanzanian Gold Corporation (TSX: TNX) (NYSE American: TRX) recently announced that TanGold (operating through its wholly owned subsidiary in Tanzania) and its joint venture partner, The State Mining Company (STAMICO), have worked together to submit an updated mine plan for the Buckreef Gold Project (Buckreef or the Project) to the Mining Commission in Tanzania. STAMICO, which is 100% owned by the United Republic of Tanzania (the Government), owns a 45% non-dilutable equity interest in Buckreef Gold Company Limited, which wholly-owns the Project.

Changing circumstances necessitated an updated mine plan, including reviewing the mining license area to accommodate artisanal mining on certain concessions, and the separation of the oxide and sulphide mine processing plants for metallurgical considerations. As part of the submission to the Mining Commission, Buckreef intends to relinquish certain concessions since this has no impact on the Buckreef concession and Mineral Resources (2.04 million ozs), as reported in the Company’s press release dated June 24, 2020. The updated mine plan, once approved, will replace the mine plan submitted to the Mining Commission in 2017 as part of the renewal of Buckreef’s Special Mining License. An update of a mine plan is a normal procedure under the provisions of the Tanzanian mining laws.

Golden Star Resources Ltd. (NYSE American: GSS) (TSX: GSC) recently announced its preliminary production performance for the fourth quarter of 2020 (“Q4 2020”) and full year 2020 (“FY 2020”), and its guidance for 2021 (“FY 2021”). The Company anticipates releasing its audited 2020 financial results on February 24, 2021, after market close. 

Andrew Wray, President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Star, commented: “In what was a transformational year for Golden Star, the operational performance of Wassa stood out with the delivery of our improved production guidance range despite the numerous challenges that have arisen as a result of the pandemic. The strong cash flow generation from the asset, combined with the sale of Bogoso-Prestea and the refinancing of the Macquarie loan facility, marked a significant improvement in our financial position. In turn, this enabled us to invest in key infrastructure necessary for the long-term growth of Wassa, including electrical upgrades, an upgraded pump station and the paste fill plant. The latter was delivered below budget and is expected to be operational during Q1 2021, following a slight delay due to the re-engineering of a component during the commissioning phase.

The Board of Gold Fields (JSE: GFI) (NYSE: GFI) recently announced the appointment of Chris Griffith as the Chief Executive Officer designate and Executive Director of the Company. Mr Griffith will succeed Nick Holland on 1 April 2021.

Mr Holland, who was due to retire on 30 September 2021 after 13 years as CEO of the Company, has agreed to retire six months earlier to facilitate the leadership transition.  Mr Griffith, 55, was previously CEO of Anglo American Platinum. He resigned from this position on 16 April 2020 to pursue other career opportunities and is currently on gardening leave until 31 March 2021. 

Prior to Anglo American Platinum, which he led as CEO since 2012, Mr Griffith spent four years as CEO of Kumba Iron Ore, another company in the Anglo American stable. A graduate mining engineer from the University of Pretoria, he had joined Anglo American in 1990 from JCI.

B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) recently announced its consolidated gold production and gold revenues for the fourth quarter and full-year 2020, in addition to its production and budget guidance for 2021

B2Gold had another remarkable year of strong growth in 2020, marking the twelfth consecutive year of record annual gold production. The Company’s total gold production for 2020 was an annual record of 1,040,737 ounces, and consolidated gold production from the Company’s three operating mines was an annual record of 995,258 ounces of gold. Due to the Company’s strong net positive cash position, strong operating results and the current higher gold price environment, B2Gold’s quarterly dividend rate was increased in the third quarter of 2020 by 100% to $0.04 per common share (or an annualized rate of $0.16 per common share), one of the highest dividend yields in the gold sector.

DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels.  FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein.  FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material.  All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks.  All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers.  Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks.  For current services performed FNM has been compensated seventy six hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Valorem Resources Inc. by a non-affiliated third party.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Contact Information:

Media Contact email: [email protected] – +1(561)325-8757

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SOURCE Financialnewsmedia.com

PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Revenue projections for the recreational and medical marijuana markets keep rising, each one larger than the previous studies. According to a recent report by ArcView Market Research and BDS Analytics, the global licensed dispensary sales of cannabis will reach $40.6 billion by 2024, registering a CAGR of 24.5%. The US will account for about $30 billion or 73% of the global cannabis dispensing market in 2024. It is also projected that by 2024 the retail dispensing sales of legal recreational cannabis will reach $26.7 billion whereas the revenue generated from the sales of medical cannabis will reach $13.9 billion… but the most, according to an article in High There says that the delivery sub-market will be the highest , fastest  growing stream in the market.  They said: “The cannabis industry continues to skyrocket as it’s legalized across the country and other parts of the world.  As the industry surges forward, new laws help change how cannabis businesses provide for their customers.  Cannabis delivery, for example, is heating up across California for the canna-businesses that took the next big step early and got a delivery license… After California legalized statewide cannabis delivery, it removed the previous regulations that prevented the legal access to cannabis delivery across the state.”   Active Cannabis companies in the markets this week include NxGen Brands Inc. (OTCPK: NXGB), Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), HEXO Corp (NYSE: HEXO)  (TSX: HEXO), Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: KSHB).

The High There article continued: “States that have already legalized cannabis, like California, are seeing a spike in business thanks to the overwhelming convenience of cannabis delivery… being the next wave in cannabis commerce.  What many are considering the next trend for cannabis business, delivery services can help surge revenue for the retailers that jump in to take advantage. The cannabis industry is already a recording  (all-time highs) and (continues) climbing…  A particularly explosive section of this industry is almost exclusively the new cannabis delivery sector. In fact, (in 2016), according to industry reports , 44% of medical marijuana users across the U.S. regularly used a cannabis delivery service to buy their bud.  With legalization only having ramped up since then, it’s likely the numbers have only continued to increase, making the market ripe for cannabis delivery.”

NxGen Brands Inc. (OTCPK: NXGB) BREAKING NEWS:  NxGen Brands, Inc. Acquires Exclusive License To Utilize & Market Various High Demand Technologies – NxGen Brands announced this week that it has acquired an exclusive worldwide license for various tracking and observation technologies and their related products and services. The Company can utilize these technologies to further augment their newly announced digital supply chain & blockchain cannabis dispensary delivery services market app.  It also utilizes these ready-to-market solutions as independent apps and services, bringing more potential revenues to the Company.

The Licensed Technology from MyIAD includes:

a) PTYpass —  A contactless biometric human tracking for travel COVID  

b) MyIAD GPS Solutions. —  A GPS Tracking & Monitoring Solution

c) MyIAD SOS. —  A satellite Observation System.

c) MyIAD Law Solutions —  A House Arrest & Domestic Violence Solution.

d) MyIAD IP Solutions —  A Analytic Security & Monitoring Solution.

e) MyIAD Solar Solutions —  A Solar & Green Based IP Solutions.

f) MonitorINMATES  —  A Real Time Offender Management & Tracking System.

g) MonitoREOS —  A Real Time Offender Management & Tracking System.  (Latino Markets); and

h) Heart Watch —  Real Time Management & Tracking System for Heart. (Watch approved hardware)

The ten (10) year licenses were acquired from MyIAD Corporation, a Wyoming Corporation (Licensor) in return for stock and a five percent (5%) royalty. The full agreement can be viewed on the OTC Markets website. https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/NXGB/disclosure

Angel Burgos, the Company CEO said: “I founded and personally developed the above products and services between 2010 thru 2017, before becoming NxGen’s CEO, and envisioned that when the time was right to expand the Company’s development and next generation products and services, I would grant the Company an exclusive license. The recent announcement of our entry into the digital supply chain & blockchain cannabis dispensary delivery services market through our partnership with our partner, Bengala Technologies, LLC a nationally recognized developer in this field, made this the right time. The Company believes that this asset in conjunction with my past experience in tracking electronic monitored citizens in house arrest and currently the program running in Tocumen International in Panama as the center application for contact tracing for all arrivals which average 486K citizens being monitored should help shorten the time it will take us to launch the dispensary MJ platform, and can generate revenues for the Company along the way with the entry into additional fields.”  To read this and more news for NxGen Brands, please visit  https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-nxgb/

Other recent developments in the markets include:

Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) has recently launched high-quality cannabis derivative products under the Top Leaf brand in response to rising consumer demands for solventless cannabis extracts. This most recent launch is consistent with Sundial’s focus on premium inhalables, following branded retail offerings of flower, pre-roll and vape cartridges.

“We made a strategic decision to produce these premium products based on demand for solventless, flavorful, pure, and potent cannabis concentrates from a growing group of consumers,” said Andrew Stordeur, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sundial. “Our control of the entire manufacturing process from cultivation to extraction enables us to deliver premium quality products on a consistent basis. Adding bubble hash and other advanced concentrates to our product portfolio will expand Sundial’s share of this rapidly expanding market segment.”

Truss CBD USA, a joint venture between HEXO Corp (NYSE: HEXO) (TSX: HEXO) and Molson Coors Beverage Company (“Molson Coors“) (NYSE: TAP), recently announced the U.S. launch of Veryvell^TM, a new line of non-alcoholic, sparkling CBD beverages, exclusively available in Colorado.

Veryvell^TM is a hemp-derived, adaptogenic, sparkling CBD water now available to Colorado-based consumers in three flavours: Focus (Grapefruit Tarragon), Mind & Body (Strawberry Hibiscus) and Unwind (Blueberry Lavender). Veryvell^TM is Powered by HEXO^TM, the recognized quality and innovation behind award-winning products.

“We are excited to launch Veryvell^TM in Colorado through Truss CBD USA, in collaboration with our partner, Molson Coors. Our joint venture with Molson Coors Canada saw Truss Beverage Brands become the number one choice for consumers in Canada and we are expecting similarly great results in the US.” said HEXO CEO and co-founder Sebastien St-Louis. “We have near-term plans to invest additional capital in the USA to support Truss CBD USA and to further execute on our Powered by HEXO^TM strategy with other potential CPG partners, outside of beverages, with whom we are currently in ongoing negotiations.”

Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED) recently announced that it has entered into an arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) with its wholly-owned subsidiary The Tweed Tree Lot Inc. (“Tweed NB”), Canopy Rivers Inc. (“Canopy Rivers”) (TSX: RIV) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Canopy Rivers Corporation (“CRC”) pursuant to which Canopy Growth will acquire certain assets from CRC, as set out below, in exchange for cash, common shares in the capital of Canopy Growth (the “Canopy Growth Shares”) and the surrender of all shares in the capital of Canopy Rivers held by Canopy Growth by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the “Arrangement”).

“Canopy Rivers was established in 2017 as a strategic investment vehicle for Canopy Growth, helping us pursue key business opportunities including development of the Vert Mirabel greenhouse which today is a very important component of our Canadian cannabis operations,” said David Klein, CEO, Canopy Growth. “With our new strategy in place, it is appropriate for us to divest our interest in Canopy Rivers to increase our focus as a company.”

KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: KSHB) a premier provider of ancillary products and services to the legal cannabis and CBD industries, recently reported financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended November 30, 2020.

Nick Kovacevich, KushCo’s Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Fiscal Q1 2021 built on the strong momentum we achieved in the previous quarter with modest revenue growth and positive adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter in a row. We were expecting more significant growth during the quarter, but like many other importers of goods, we were faced with temporary, yet unexpected and uncontrollable, shipping delays due to record-breaking shipments to U.S. ports around the holiday season, which were exacerbated by new COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, some of the revenue that we were expecting to realize in Q1 was pushed into Q2, especially in the month of December where we had one of our strongest months in company history with $14.7 million in revenue.

DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels.  FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein.  FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material.  All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks.  All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers.  Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks.  For current services performed FNM has been compensated twenty five hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by NxGen Brands Inc. by a non-affiliated third party.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Contact Information:

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SOURCE Financialnewsmedia.com

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Whether it’s enhancing STEM programs, building a rooftop garden or providing care for Virginia wildlife, this year’s Dominion Energy environmental stewardship grants will support a variety of initiatives benefitting communities across eight states.

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has awarded $1.3 million in grants to 118 organizations working to improve natural spaces or teach about the environment. Over the last 15 years, Dominion Energy has donated over $37 million to a wide variety of environmental projects across its footprint.

“These grants support programs and people dedicated to making our world a better, more livable place for future generations,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “It’s a privilege to support these community efforts to improve the environment and provide environmental education opportunities.”

The competitive grants support education and stewardship projects that preserve, enhance or make nature more accessible. Some of this year’s grants include support for:

• The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, Reston, Virginia, is receiving $15,000 to install native plants in demonstration sites in urban and suburban communities.
• Friends of the DPS Hub Farm
  , Durham, North Carolina, is receiving $25,000 for thousands of students to enjoy science programs about wetland ecosystems.
• Clear Dot Charter School, Columbia, South Carolina, is receiving $5,000 to create a large coral farm, complete with a new chemistry lab, to grow coral that will then be planted on offshore reefs.
• Keep Ohio Beautiful, Fairlawn, Ohio, is receiving $15,000 to provide community environmental clean-up kits to Cleveland’s 29 Community Development Corporations.
• 
  Utah State University, Logan, Utah, is receiving $25,000 toward an ongoing project to improve understanding of ozone-precursor emissions in the Uinta Basin.

The full list of 2020 Environmental Stewardship Grants and additional program information are available at https://www.dominionenergy.com/envirogrants.

About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed over $58 million in 2020 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

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SOURCE Dominion Energy

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the “Company” or “Sunstone”) (NYSE: SHO),  the owner of Long-Term Relevant Real Estate® in the hospitality sector, announced the following tax treatment of the 2020 distributions to holders of the Company’s common and preferred stock.

For stockholders with shares held through a bank, broker or nominee, questions regarding the dividend should be directed to the applicable bank, broker or nominee.  For registered stockholders, questions regarding the dividend should be directed to Sunstone’s transfer agent: Shareholder Services at American Stock Transfer and Trust Company at (718) 921-8124 or toll free at (800) 937-5449.

Shareholders are encouraged to consult with a personal tax advisor regarding their specific tax treatment of the Company’s distributions. 

About Sunstone Hotel Investors

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that invests in Long-Term Relevant Real Estate® within the hospitality sector.  Sunstone’s hotels are primarily in the urban and resort upper upscale segment and are predominantly operated under nationally recognized brands such as Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. For further information, please visit Sunstone’s website at www.sunstonehotels.com.

For Additional Information

Bryan Giglia

Chief Financial Officer
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.
(949) 382-3036

Aaron Reyes

Vice President, Corporate Finance & Treasurer
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.
(949) 382-3018

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SOURCE Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

SHANGHAI, Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Boqii Holding Limited (“Boqii” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today announced the appointment of Mr. Kai Fang as the Company’s Chief Strategy Officer, effective immediately.

Mr. Fang has over 15 years of capital market experience in top financial institutions. Prior to joining Boqii, he served as a Managing Director and the Head of Financial Sponsors Group in CITIC CLSA. Before that, Mr. Fang also held senior roles in equity capital markets division at BofA Merrill Lynch and China Renaissance. Mr. Fang received his bachelor’s degree from Peking University and an MBA degree from the University of Chicago.

Mr. Hao Liang, Boqii’s Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We welcome Mr. Fang to join us as CSO. We believe that his extensive background in capital markets and strategic planning will be of great value to Boqii. We look forward to working closely with him and continuing to create more values for our users and shareholders together.”

About Boqii Holding Limited

Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE: BQ) is China’s leading pet-focused platform. We are the leading destination for pet products and supplies in China with our broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and our own private labels, offered at competitive prices. Our online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Our Boqii Community also provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Boqii Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Tel: +86-21-6882-6051
Email: [email protected]

The Blueshirt Group
Ms. Susie Wang
Email: [email protected]

In the United States:

The Blueshirt Group
Ms. Julia Qian
Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Boqii Holding Limited