Stratasys to Acquire Origin, Bringing New Additive Manufacturing Platform to Polymer Production

Stratasys to Acquire Origin, Bringing New Additive Manufacturing Platform to Polymer Production

Origin’s resin-based Programmable PhotoPolymerization (P3) technology expands Stratasys leadership in the fast-growing market for 3D-printed mass production parts

SAN FRANCISCO & REHOVOT, Israel–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS) announced today it signed an agreement to acquire 3D printing start-up Origin Inc. in a transaction for total consideration of up to $100 million, including cash and stock. The merger enables Stratasys to expand its leadership through innovation in the fast-growing mass production parts segment with a next-generation photopolymer platform. Subject to various approvals and other closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in January 2021.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201209005324/en/

Origin's 3D printers are particularly well-suited to mass production of end-use parts, which is the fastest growing segment of the 3D printing industry and a strategic priority for Stratasys. (Photo: Business Wire)

Origin’s 3D printers are particularly well-suited to mass production of end-use parts, which is the fastest growing segment of the 3D printing industry and a strategic priority for Stratasys. (Photo: Business Wire)

Stratasys expects Origin’s proprietary Programmable PhotoPolymerization (P3) technology to be an important growth engine for the company, adding up to $200 million incremental annual revenue within five years. The acquisition will help fortify Stratasys’ leadership position in polymers and production applications of 3D printing in industries such as dental, medical, tooling, and select industrial, defense, and consumer goods segments.

Under the terms of the agreement, the total consideration for the transaction is comprised of $60 million paid on closing ($6 million of which is subject to the founders’ retention over 3 years) and $40 million that is subject to performance-based earnouts over 3 years. The acquisition will be paid using a combination of stock of approximately $45 million and cash of approximately $55 million at closing and throughout the earnout period. Approximately $32 million of the cash expenditure will be at closing. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Stratasys’ growth rate and be slightly dilutive to non-GAAP earnings per share in 2021, and accretive to Stratasys’ non-GAAP earnings per share by 2023. The Origin team will join Stratasys and lead the development of its technology and product platform, with a full global launch via the Stratasys go-to-market organization towards mid-2021.

“Our customers are looking for additive manufacturing solutions that enable use of industrial-grade resins for mass production parts with process and quality control,” said Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif. “We believe Origin’s software-driven Origin One system is the best in the industry by combining high throughput with incredible accuracy. When combined with Origin’s extensive materials ecosystem and our industry-leading go-to-market capabilities, we believe we will be able to capture a wide range of in-demand production applications on a global scale. Together with our intended entry into powder bed fusion technology, the acquisition of Origin reflects another step in fulfilling our objective to lead in polymer additive manufacturing by offering comprehensive, best-in-class technologies and solutions to create a fully digital additive value chain, designed for Industry 4.0 integration.”

According to an internal Stratasys market analysis, manufacturing applications show the most potential for significant growth in the 3D printing industry, reaching approximately $25 billion by 2025. Stratasys anticipates that production-oriented resin-based solutions can address a significant part of the total market for polymer additive manufacturing. In fact, it is estimated that resin polymer-based additive systems will grow at a 20% annual rate from 2020 to 2025.

Origin’s P3 technology, an advancement on Digital Light Processing (DLP) principles, cures liquid photopolymer resin with light. The company’s first manufacturing-grade 3D printer, Origin One, precisely controls light, heat, and force, among other parameters, via Origin’s closed-loop feedback software. This new technology enables customers to build parts with industry-leading accuracy, consistency, size and detail, while using a wide range of commercial-grade, durable resins.

Origin works with a network of material partners such as Henkel, BASF and DSM to develop resins for its system. “We partnered and developed materials with Origin before Origin One was launched because we believed in their technology and vision for the future of photopolymers in additive manufacturing,” said François Minec, Managing Director at BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH. “Now, as part of Stratasys, we’re confident that together we can take on the broader manufacturing ecosystem.”

Origin One systems have been successfully deployed across a variety of industries, including shoe manufacturer ECCO. “We’re pleased to continue our cooperation with the Origin team as an exclusive partner within the area of the footwear industry categorized as Direct Injection Production, now also by leveraging Stratasys’ global infrastructure,” said Jakob Møller Hansen, Vice President Research & Development, ECCO.

The COVID-19 pandemic further illustrated Origin’s technology fit for production applications, including hundreds of thousands of clinically validated nasopharyngeal swabs, thousands of PPE face shields, and ventilator splitters for hospitals.

“We founded Origin to create a whole new additive manufacturing platform that enables mass production of end-use parts with incredible accuracy, consistency, and throughput along with a wide range of available materials,” said Origin CEO and co-founder Christopher Prucha. “Stratasys is the best company for us to join to achieve our vision, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to significantly expand market reach and enable us to bring our P3 technology to a larger audience.”

Stratasys Ltd. Acquisition of Origin Conference Call Details

Stratasys will hold a conference call to discuss the acquisition of Origin on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 8:30 a.m. EST.

The conference call will be available via live webcast on the Stratasys website at investors.stratasys.com, or directly at the following web address: https://78449.themediaframe.com/dataconf/productusers/ssys/mediaframe/42481/indexl.html

Participants may join by phone by calling U.S. toll-free 1-877-407-0619 or international 1-412-902-1012. Listeners are advised to dial into the call at least ten minutes prior to the start time to register. The webcast will be available for six months at investors.stratasys.com or by accessing the above web address.

Based in San Francisco, Origin is pioneering a new approach to additive manufacturing of end-use parts. Origin One, the company’s manufacturing-grade 3D printer, uses Programmable PhotoPolymerization to precisely control light, heat, and force, among other variables, to produce parts with exceptional accuracy and consistency. The company works with a network of partners to develop a wide range of commercial-grade materials for its system, resulting in some of the toughest and most resilient materials in additive manufacturing. The company was founded in 2015 and is led by alumni from Google and Apple. Investors include Floodgate, DCM, Mandra Capital, Haystack, TDK Ventures, Stanford University, and Joe Montana. Learn more at www.origin.io.

Stratasys is a global leader in additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology and is the manufacturer of FDM®, PolyJet Technology™, and stereolithography 3D printers. The company’s technologies are used to create prototypes, manufacturing tools, and production parts for industries including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer products and education. For more than 30 years, Stratasys products have helped manufacturers reduce product-development time, cost, and time-to-market, as well as reduce or eliminate tooling costs and improve product quality. The Stratasys 3D printing ecosystem of solutions and expertise includes 3D printers, materials, software, expert services, and on-demand parts production.

To learn more about Stratasys, visit www.stratasys.com, the Stratasys blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Stratasys reserves the right to utilize any of the foregoing social media platforms, including the company’s websites, to share material, non-public information pursuant to the SEC’s Regulation FD. To the extent necessary and mandated by applicable law, Stratasys will also include such information in its public disclosure filings.

Stratasys, FDM, and PolyJet Technology are trademarks of StratasysLtd. and/or its affiliates. Origin is a registered trademark of Origin. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and Stratasys assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these non-Stratasys products.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained in this press release may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “believe,” “should,” “intend,” “project” or other similar words, but may be identified in other ways as well. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the anticipated completion of the acquisition of Origin by Stratasys, Stratasys’ objectives, plans and strategies with respect to Origin following its acquisition, statements that contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition with respect to Origin and Stratasys after the acquisition, and all statements (other than statements of historical fact) that address activities, events or developments that Stratasys intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Stratasys has based these forward-looking statements on assumptions and assessments made by its management and, in certain cases, by Origin’s management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things: any potential obstacles to closing the acquisition of Origin; the degree of success of Stratasys in efficiently and successfully integrating the operations of Origin into Stratasys after the acquisition; the general economic environment and the economic environment for 3D printing and Stratasys’ customers in particular; the impact of competition and new technologies; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which Stratasys operates, particularly in respect of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; government regulations and approvals; changes in customers’ budgeting priorities; litigation and regulatory proceedings; and those factors referred to under “Risk Factors”, “Information on the Company”, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”, and generally in Stratasys’ annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on February 26, 2020, and in other reports that Stratasys furnishes to or files with the SEC from time to time, including, most recently, the report of foreign private issuer on Form 6-K reporting Stratasys’ results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2020, furnished to the SEC on November 12, 2020. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in Stratasys’ SEC reports, which are designed to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and Stratasys undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Stratasys Corporate &

North America

[email protected]

+1 612-716-9228

Europe, Middle East, and

Africa

Jonathan Wake / Miguel Afonso, Incus Media

[email protected]

+44 1737 215200

Asia Pacific and Japan

Alice Chiu

[email protected]

+852 9189 7273

Investor Relations

Yonah Lloyd

[email protected]

+972-54-4382464

Brazil, Central America and South America

[email protected]

+55 (11) 2626-9229

KEYWORDS: California United States North America Israel Middle East

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Chemicals/Plastics Hardware Manufacturing

MEDIA:

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Origin’s 3D printers are particularly well-suited to mass production of end-use parts, which is the fastest growing segment of the 3D printing industry and a strategic priority for Stratasys. (Photo: Business Wire)
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The acquisition of Origin by Stratasys is a clear illustration of the growing global interest in the flexibility and efficiency of additive manufacturing using 3D printers. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Pandemic upends Canadians’ professional future, with one in four considering career change

Pandemic upends Canadians’ professional future, with one in four considering career change

Morneau Shepell’s Mental Health Index™ for November continues to trend below the pre-pandemic benchmark, led by significant psychological strain

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of total wellbeing, mental health and digital mental health services, today released its monthly Mental Health Index™ report, showing a consistent negative mental health score among Canadians for the eighth consecutive month. The findings show that worsening psychological health, an increase in employment dissatisfaction and extended mental strain continue to impact the mental wellbeing of Canadians.

The Mental Health Index™ score is -11.1, a slight improvement from October (-11.4). The score measures the improvement or decline in mental health from the pre-2020 benchmark of 75. The Mental Health Index™ also tracks sub-scores against the benchmark, measuring financial risk (2.9), psychological health (-3.2), isolation (-11.1), work productivity (-11.1), depression (-12.5), anxiety (-12.5) and optimism (-12.9). When compared to the previous month, all sub-scores improved except for psychological health, which has declined 0.7 points month-over-month and reached its lowest point since the inception of the Index in April (down 2.8 points from -0.4).

“We’re at a pivotal point in navigating the pandemic. On one hand, the recent news about potentially life-saving vaccines being administered in the first half of next year should bring Canadians some encouragement. On the other hand, we are also approaching some of the most difficult months of the year for many Canadians as we approach the holidays and winter months,” said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer. “Information overload will continue to be an issue in the coming months. Employers cannot assume that all employees are feeling positive about the new pandemic-related developments and must continue to check in on their wellbeing to maintain a productive workforce.”

Many Canadians consider changing careers, despite their employers handling the pandemic well

The pandemic has created both challenges and opportunities for Canadians, leading many to consider the future of their personal and professional lives and, in some instances, a change in employment. Overall, 24 per cent of respondents indicated that the pandemic has led them to consider a job or career change. Thirty-six per cent of respondents under the age of 40 said they are considering a job/career change, compared to only 15 per cent of respondents over the age of 50 who indicated the same. Additionally, 20 per cent said they are undecided, suggesting a greater proportion of workers may be at risk of turnover.

Since the pandemic started almost one in five (18 per cent) indicated that their view of their employer worsened, while 12 per cent indicated that it became more positive. The majority of employees (72 per cent) believe that their employers are handling health and safety well, compared to only seven per cent of employees that believe it has been poorly handled. Similarly, 63 per cent of employees believe their employer is handling technology well, 56 per cent of employees believe their employer is handling flexible work hours well, and 50 per cent of employees believe their employer is handling work-from-home policies well.

“Employers have been faced with many challenges throughout the pandemic, with one of the most significant being their ability to sustain the relationship with employees as virtual communication replaces in-person conversations,” said Paula Allen, global leader, research and total wellbeing. “Beyond the perception of how employers are handling the pandemic, we’re also seeing that some employees are viewing their employer more negatively than before the pandemic. This demonstrates that maintaining the status quo is not enough and employers need to take a proactive effort to prioritize communication and put the needs and wellbeing of employees first in everything they do.”

Parents concerned about the mental health of both young and adult children

Parents of young children have struggled throughout the pandemic, both when balancing work and children’s education needs while schools were closed, and when navigating health concerns as children returned to the classroom. The most common concerns cited among parents with children under 18 years old are quality of education (49 per cent), mental health of their children (42 per cent), the physical health of their children (37 per cent) and the safety of attending school in person (37 per cent). When considering the greatest concern, however, the mental health of children was the top concern (24 per cent), followed by quality of education (22 per cent). Physical health was the greatest concern for 13 per cent.

Parents of older children reported a unique set of concerns regarding the pandemic. The top three most common concerns among respondents with children aged 18 to 30 include the financial impact of the pandemic (49 per cent), mental health (46 per cent) and job or career impact (41 per cent). When asking about children of any age, a detrimental mental health score was observed by parents whose top concern is their child’s mental health (-20.0 for parents with young children and -14.6 for those with adult children).

About the Mental Health Index

The monthly Mental Health Index™ by Morneau Shepell was conducted through an online survey in English and French from October 25 to November 5, 2020, with 3,000 respondents in Canada. All respondents reside in Canada and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflect this population. The Mental Health Index™ is published monthly, beginning April 2020, and compares against benchmark data collected in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The full Canada report can be found at https://www.morneaushepell.com/permafiles/93166/mental-health-index-report-canada-november-2020.pdf.

About Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

Heather MacDonald

Morneau Shepell

[email protected]

855-622-3327

Catherine Snider

Kaiser & Partners

[email protected]

416.419.8333

ID-CORP, ID-MH

KEYWORDS: North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Consumer Research Mental Health Human Resources Finance Professional Services Consumer Health Science Other Professional Services

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November 2020’s Most Wanted Malware: Notorious Phorpiex Botnet Returns As Most Impactful Infection

Check Point Research reports new surge in attacks using the Phorpiex Botnet delivering the Avaddon ransomware in malicious spam campaigns

SAN CARLOS, Calif., Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point Research, the Threat Intelligence arm of Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, has published its latest Global Threat Index for November 2020, showing a new surge in infections by the well-known Phorpiex botnet which has made it the month’s most prevalent malware, impacting 4% of organizations globally.  Phorpiex was last seen in the Threat Index’s top 10 in June this year. 

The Phorpiex botnet was first reported in 2010, and at its peak controlled more than a million infected hosts. Known for distributing other malware families via spam as well as fueling large-scale “sextortion” spam campaigns and cryptomining, Phorpiex has again been distributing the Avaddon ransomware, as Check Point researchers originally reported earlier this year.  Avaddon is a relatively new Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) variant, and its operators have again been recruiting affiliates to distribute the ransomware for a cut of the profits. Avaddon has been distributed via JS and Excel files as part of malspam campaigns and is able to encrypt a wide range of file types.

“Phorpiex is one of the oldest and most persistent botnets, and has been used by its creators for many years to distribute other malware payloads such as GandCrab and Avaddon ransomware, or for sextortion scams. This new wave of infections is now spreading another ransomware campaign, which shows just how effective a tool Phorpiex is,” said Maya Horowitz, Director, Threat Intelligence & Research, Products at Check Point. “Organizations should educate employees about how to identify potential malspam and to be wary of opening unknown attachments in emails, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. They should also ensure they deploy security that actively prevents them from infecting their networks.”

The research team also warns that “HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution (CVE-2020-13756)” is the most common exploited vulnerability, impacting 54% of organizations globally, followed by “MVPower DVR Remote Code Execution” impacted 48% of organizations worldwide and “Dasan GPON Router Authentication Bypass (CVE-2018-10561) impacted 44% of organizations globally.


Top malware families


*The arrows relate to the change in rank compared to the previous month.

This month, Phorpiex is the most popular malware with a global impact of 4% of organizations, closely followed by Dridex and Hiddad which both impacted 3% of organizations worldwide.  

  1. ↑ Phorpiex – Phorpiex is a botnet known for distributing other malware families via spam campaigns as well as fueling large scale Sextortion campaigns.
  2. ↑ Dridex – Dridex is a Trojan that targets the Windows platform and is reportedly downloaded via a spam email attachment. Dridex contacts a remote server and sends information about the infected system. It can also download and execute arbitrary modules received from the remote server.

  3. Hiddad – Hiddad is an Android malware infection which repackages legitimate mobile apps and then releases them to a third-party store. Its main function is to display ads, but it can also gain access to key security details built into the OS.


Top exploited vulnerabilities

This month HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution (CVE-2020-13756)” is the most common exploited vulnerability, impacting 54% of organizations globally, followed by “MVPower DVR Remote Code Execution” impacted 48% of organizations worldwide and “Dasan GPON Router Authentication Bypass (CVE-2018-10561) impacted 44% of organizations globally.


  1. HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution (CVE-2020-13756) – HTTP headers let the client and the server pass additional information with an HTTP request. A remote attacker may use a vulnerable HTTP Header to run arbitrary code on the victim machine.




  2. MVPower DVR Remote Code Execution – remote code execution vulnerability exists in MVPower DVR devices. A remote attacker can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code in the affected router via a crafted request.




  3.  
    Dasan GPON Router Authentication Bypass (CVE-2018-10561) – An authentication bypass vulnerability that exists in Dasan GPON routers. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information and gain unauthorized access into the affected system.


Top Mobile Malwares

This month Hiddad remains the most prevalent Mobile malware, followed by xHelper and Lotoor.

  1. Hiddad
    Hiddad is an Android malware infection which repackages legitimate apps and then releases them to a third-party store. Its main function is to display ads, but it can also gain access to key security details built into the OS.

  2. xHelper – xHelper is a malicious application seen in the wild since March 2019, used for downloading other malicious apps and display advertisement. The application is capable of hiding itself from the user and reinstalling itself in case it is uninstalled.

  3. Lotoor
    Lotoor is a hack tool that exploits vulnerabilities on Android operating system in order to gain root privileges on compromised mobile devices.

Check Point’s Global Threat Impact Index and its ThreatCloud Map is powered by Check Point’s ThreatCloud intelligence, the largest collaborative network to fight cybercrime which delivers threat data and attack trends from a global network of threat sensors. The ThreatCloud database inspects over 2.5 billion websites and 500 million files daily, and identifies more than 250 million malware activities every day.

The complete list of the top 10 malware families in November can be found on the Check Point Blog.
  
Follow Check Point Research via:
Blog: https://research.checkpoint.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_cpresearch

About Check Point Research

Check Point Research provides leading cyber threat intelligence to Check Point Software customers and the greater intelligence community. The research team collects and analyzes global cyber-attack data stored on ThreatCloud to keep hackers at bay, while ensuring all Check Point products are updated with the latest protections. The research team consists of over 100 analysts and researchers cooperating with other security vendors, law enforcement and various CERTs.

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading provider of cyber security solutions to governments and corporate enterprises globally.  Check Point’s solutions protect customers from 5th generation cyber-attacks with an industry leading catch rate of malware, ransomware and advanced targeted threats. Check Point offers a multilevel security architecture, “Infinity Total Protection with Gen V advanced threat prevention”, this combined product architecture defends an enterprise’s cloud, network and mobile devices. Check Point provides the most comprehensive and intuitive one point of control security management system. Check Point protects over 100,000 organizations of all sizes.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emilie Beneitez Lefebvre

Check Point Software Technologies
[email protected]
                             INVESTOR CONTACT:

Kip E. Meintzer

Check Point Software Technologies
[email protected]
     



EU Boosts Evaxion’s Artificial Intelligence Vaccine Research

  • EIB signs €20 million (DKK 149 million) loan agreement with Danish research and development company Evaxion Biotech A/S.
  • Evaxion will use financing for research and development into
    its
    proprietary artificial intelligence platforms used to identify novel vaccine and immunotherapy targets.
  • T
    ransaction supported by European Commission through InnovFin – EU finance for innovators
    program
    , under the Infectious Diseases Finance Facility window.

LUXEMBOURG and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €20 million loan agreement with Evaxion, supported by the Infectious Diseases Finance Facility window under the EU’s InnovFin – EU finance for innovators program, backed by the EU’s research and innovation program Horizon 2020, which guarantees EIB loans for highly innovative projects. The financing will support Evaxion’s research and development (R&D) investments in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the most suitable targets for immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases.

The main focus of the research, Evaxion’s proprietary AI-based platforms, could potentially transform the drug discovery process for vaccines and immunotherapies. In particular, the infectious disease programs targeting Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa aim to identify novel vaccines to address the resistance to common treatments developed by these pathogens. The EU financing will support the investments in Evaxion’s AI platforms, as well as its pre-clinical and clinical activity.

Lars Wegner, CEO of Evaxion, said: “Thisloan agreement with the EIB underpins Evaxion’s position as a leader in the utilization of AI for discovery and development of novel vaccines and immunotherapies, and supports important research and development within our key programs. We are proud to be entering into this agreement with EIB, which is an example of critical financing being used to address some of the biggest challenges to human health.”

EIB Vice-President Christian Kettel Thomsen stated: “As the EU bank, the EIB strives to ensure that high impact projects receive the financing they need. The EIB is delighted to be supporting Evaxion. The use of AI in the development of vaccines and immunotherapies is true innovation and is perfectly in sync with the EIB’s overarching priority: improving people’s lives. In recent years, the Bank’s investments in Denmark have been able to support many innovative companies, of which this is an excellent example.”

Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, added: “Protecting the health of our citizens and leading the digital transformation are key priorities underpinning Europe’s prosperity and growth. This EU-backed loan for Evaxion’s research using AI may help to transform the drug discovery process to treat cancer and infectious diseases.”

The project not only strengthens European R&D, but is also contemplated to have an impact on the safeguarding and creation of highly skilled jobs in the EU. The research will be wholly carried out in Denmark, and is expected to contribute to technological advancements in artificial intelligence and its applications in healthcare. As such, the project is expected to bring important social benefits in terms of advances in research and alleviating the burden placed on healthcare services by the increased incidence of multi-resistant pathogens.

Background Information:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. In 2019, the Bank provided over €850 million in loans for Danish projects in various sectors, including services, innovative industry and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Under Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation framework program for 2014-2020, the Infectious Diseases Finance Facility (IDFF) provides financial products ranging from standard debt to equity-type financing for amounts typically between €7.5 million and €75 million to innovative players active in developing innovative vaccines, drugs, medical and diagnostic devices or novel research infrastructure for combating infectious diseases. Project costs may include clinical trial costs, set-up of commercialization such as market access, development of prototypes or industrial roll-out of novel equipment, pre-clinical R&D costs and working capital requirement. This facility is delivered directly by the EIB, which has so far provided €241 million under the InnovFin IDFF.

About Evaxion

Evaxion Biotech A/S is an AI-immunology™ platform company decoding the human immune system to discover and develop novel, targeted immunotherapies to treat cancer and infectious diseases. Based on its proprietary and scalable AI-immunology core technology, Evaxion Biotech is developing a broad pipeline of novel assets which comprises three patient-specific cancer immunotherapies, two of which are in Phase 1/2 clinical development. In addition, the Company is advancing a portfolio of vaccines to prevent bacterial and viral infections with one program currently in preclinical development against S. aureus and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI).

Press contacts:

European Investment Bank: Tim Smit, +352 691 286423, [email protected]
European Commission: Flora Matthaes, +32 460 755148, [email protected]
Evaxion: Glenn S. Vraniak +1 (513) 476-2669, [email protected]



UP Fintech Holding Limited Selects KPMG as its Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

BEIJING, China, Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UP Fintech Holding Limited, Inc. (NASDAQ: TIGR) (“UP Fintech” or the “Company”), a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors, announced that the Company engaged KPMG Huazhen LLP (“KPMG”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, to replace Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP (“DTT”). The change of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm was approved by the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors.

DTT has served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2018, and the reports of DTT on the Company’s consolidated financial statements contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle.

The Company is working closely with DTT and KPMG to ensure a seamless transition.

The Company and the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors would like to express their sincere gratitude to DTT for its professionalism and quality of services rendered to the Company over the past years.

About UP Fintech Holding Limited

UP Fintech Holding Limited is a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors. The Company’s proprietary mobile and online trading platform enables investors to trade in equities and other financial instruments on multiple exchanges around the world. The Company offers innovative products and services as well as a superior user experience to customers through its “mobile first” strategy, which enables it to better serve and retain current customers as well as attract new ones. The Company offers customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, margin financing, IPO subscription, ESOP management, investor education, community discussion and customer support. The Company’s proprietary infrastructure and advanced technology are able to support trades across multiple currencies, multiple markets, multiple products, multiple execution venues and multiple clearinghouses.

For more information on the Company, please visit: https://ir.itiger.com.

For investor and media inquiries please contact:

Investor Relations Contact

UP Fintech Holding Limited
Email: [email protected]



Screenlyy Selects Acuant to Provide its Most Comprehensive Customer Verification Solution to Date for Guest Screening

Acuant Helps Screenlyy Keep Users, Their Property, and Their Community Secure with Identity Verification Technology

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acuant, a leading global provider of identity verification solutions, today announced a seamless integration of its products into Screenlyy’s ID Verification Solution. Screenlyy provides ID verification and user screening to vacation rental and corporate housing owners and property managers.

Incorporating Acuant products into its application, Screenlyy further strengthens its authentication solutions for more robust customer verification checks that keep the process low friction. Screenlyy provides end-to-end guest ID verification and screening software for property managers and rental hosts, which allows the verification and assessment of guests before accepting reservations. This service helps keep the users, their property and their community safe, while also reducing the cost, time, and liability associated with potentially risky guests.

Screenlyy implemented Acuant’s AssureID and FaceID, as well as various database checks, to provide a comprehensive customer verification solution that establishes trust and minimizes risk. The online process is fast, simple and secure with all personal data being encrypted. Hosts are provided with real time results that enable them to make a faster, better informed renting decision.

“Our partnership worked smoothly from the start. Acuant worked very closely with us in order to get a thorough understanding of our business goals and requirements and made sure we were provided with the products that have allowed us to achieve our business objectives,” said Brett Wise, founder of Screenlyy. “We were able to do this without significant development resources and most importantly, maintain and improve a positive customer experience.”

“We are excited to continue the journey with Screenlyy to ensure that they provide a safe and trusted community in the hospitality space,” said Yossi Zekri, President and CEO of Acuant. “Ultimately, they share our mission of empowering trust and making that accessible to all, and they are doing this in an industry that is entirely dependent on trusting and knowing who you are letting into your home and community.”

About Acuant

Acuant’s Trusted Identity Platform powers trust for all industries with automated identity verification, regulatory compliance (AML/KYC) and digital identity solutions. Omnichannel deployment offers seamless customer experiences to fight fraud and establish trust from any location in seconds. Patented technology is powered by AI and human assisted machine learning to deliver unparalleled results and operational efficiency. Acuant gives you real time, actionable insights to detect suspicious behavior while expediting trusted identities. With leading partners in every major industry and completing more than 1 billion transactions in over 200 countries and territories, Acuant is the leader in global coverage. To learn more visit http://www.acuant.com.

Malini Gujral
[email protected]



Loop Insights and Empower Clinics “Travel Bubble” Solution For Global Travel Industry Partner With SimpliFlying, World’s Leading Aviation Marketing Consulting Firm, To Support Specific Near Term Opportunities With World Renown Resorts, National Tourism Boards, Major Airlines, Airports, Cruise Ships, and Ports

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Loop Insights Inc. (MTRX:TSXV) (RACMF:OTCQB) (the “Company” or “Loop”), a provider of contactless solutions and artificial intelligence (“AI”) to drive real-time insights, enhanced customer engagement, and automated venue tracing to the brick and mortar space, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding (“MOU”) with SimpliFlying, the world’s leading aviation marketing consulting firm, to support specific near-term opportunities with world renown resorts, national tourism boards, major airlines, airports, cruise ships, and ports.

On October 19th, Loop and Empower Clinics (CBDT:CSE) (EPWCF:OTC) (8EC:FRA) announced a partnership that created the first-ever COVID-19 “Travel Bubble”, combining each company’s respective expertise in venue tracing and testing, each of which has made significant technological advancements and achieved significant milestones in the interim.

Specifically, in the case of Loop, the Company recently announced the successful execution of its “Venue Bubble” solution in two separate live environments hosting NCAA Division 1 basketball teams. This implementation represented the first-ever end-to-end COVID-19 Venue Bubble Solution in a live environment.

As a result of this success, existing discussions have significantly advanced with the following near-term Travel Bubble opportunities: 

NATIONAL TOURISM BOARDS – Dominican Tourism, Cayman Islands Tourism, Bahamas Tourism, Jamaican Tourism, and Turks & Caicos Tourism Boards.

WORLD RENOWN RESORTS – Iberostar, Bahia Principe, and Hyatt Resorts.

Today’s partnership with SimpliFlying now accelerates the possibility for Loop to truly deliver Travel Bubble solutions on a global basis. With Empower Clinics already delivering diverse and dynamic testing solutions capable of processing thousands of tests per day from its world-class laboratory in Dallas, SimpliFlying provides the final piece that connects international airline carriers, airports, cruise lines, and ports that rely on SimpliFlying to provide them with the necessary solution providers, procedures, and protocols.

Loop Insights CEO Rob Anson stated “This partnership is a very important and powerful next step to accelerate Loop’s potential growth. With the Company’s recent launch of its first live venue events, with the whole world watching, including world-renown venues and hospitality companies, Loop hit it out of the park and provided the world with the empirical data necessary to demonstrate our bubble solution is nothing short of world-class. By adding the direct integration with Empower’s diverse testing capabilities and SimpliFlying’s network of large-scale customer projects, we have now commenced significant discussions surrounding travel bubble opportunities with some of North America’s largest airlines, resort operators, venues, and hospitality groups globally. We anticipate this new revenue stream may be significant for the Company as we progress these opportunities in 2021.”

SIMPLIFLYING IS A TRUSTED NAME TO AIRLINES, AIRPORTS, AND HOTEL GROUPS

SimpliFlying has been consulting to airlines for over a decade and is one of the largest in the world, having worked with over 100 airlines, OEMs, and airports globally with clients that include American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Toronto Pearson Airport.

SimpliFlying also solves complex operational issues facing the airline and tourism industry, working with large hotel groups such as Intercontinental and others.

SIMPLIFLYING LAUNCH OF “SIMPLITESTED” RECEIVES EARLY PRAISE AS ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE APPROACHES SO FAR

With the Coronavirus Pandemic wreaking havoc on the global airline and tourism industry, the work of SimpliFlying has become more important than ever in helping to solve how airlines, airports, cruise lines, hotels, and tourism will safely get back to operations. SimpliFlying is working closely with major international airlines and major Canadian airlines on “Travel Bubbles” and “Tourism Bubbles” that involve testing and tracing protocols throughout the travel supply chain.

To this end, SimpliFlying has just launched SimpliTested to highlight and support the needs of key industries around the globe, in partnership with FDA and CE-approved testing providers, reliable labs, and cutting edge exposure notification apps. The initiative has already received early praise from the media:

“SimpliFlying’s “Testing+” proposal is one of the most comprehensive approaches we’ve seen proposed so far.”  (Forbes “How Testing Can Get The World Flying Again” (September 17, 2020)

Shashank Nigam, Founder & CEO of SimpliFlying stated “The travel industry needs a consistent testing standard that is accurate, affordable and easy to self-administer, with reliable contact tracing. The SimpliTested solution disrupts and drastically improves COVID testing for travel in partnership with Empower Clinics and Loop Insights. Testing can be comfortable and contact tracing built-in to ensure the risk of community exposure is severely restricted. This instantly makes it more appealing to the average traveller, airlines, resorts, and the local tourism authorities.”

Steven McAuley, Chairman, and CEO of Empower stated “The prospect of vaccines becoming available will not diminish the need for comprehensive solutions for testing, contact tracing and strategic operational changes to so many industry and society processes and protocols. Loop Insights, SimpliFlying, and Empower’s testing products and lab capabilities represent exactly what is needed to get our economy working again. Loop Insights’ contact tracing solution is proven, effective and ties together data and workflow. SimpliFlying with its deep connections to airlines, airports, tourism and hospitality provide the strategic design of how our solutions must work together ensuring precise new workflows are implemented balancing health & safety with the most basic functional needs of travellers and operators.”

This Press Release Is Available On The Loop Insights Verified Forum On AGORACOM For Shareholder Discussion And Management Engagement https://agoracom.com/ir/LoopInsights/forums/discussion

About SimpliFlying

SimpliFlying is the world’s leading aviation marketing consulting firm, yet we behave like an agile startup. Our team is 100% remote-based in Singapore, Spain, UK, and Canada – meaning we can provide airlines with a global and a 24/7 presence.  Since 2009, we have not only worked with an enviable list of aviation brands but also built a unique work culture that appeals to the disruptors in the industry.  Our team is young, energetic, and brimming with ideas on how to make airlines remarkable. These are ideas based on over ten years of working with over 100 aviation firms and analyzing hundreds of aviation marketing campaigns monthly.

About Empower

Empower provides body and mind wellness for more than 165,000 patients through its clinics in the United States, a telemedicine platform, and a world-class medical diagnostics laboratory in Texas. Supported by an experienced leadership team, Empower is aggressively growing its clinical and digital presence across the U.S. Our Health & Wellness and Diagnostics & Technology business units are positioned to positively impact the integrated health of our patients, while simultaneously providing long term value for our shareholders.

About Loop Insights

Loop Insights Inc. is a Vancouver-based Internet of Things (“IoT”) technology company that delivers transformative artificial intelligence (“AI”) automated marketing, contact tracing, and contactless solutions to the brick and mortar space. Its unique IoT device, Fobi, enables data connectivity across online and on-premise platforms to provide real-time, detailed insights and automated, personalized engagement. Its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure, and customize campaigns according to each vertical, creates a highly scalable solution for its prospective global clients that span industries. Loop Insights operates in the telecom, casino gaming, sports and entertainment, hospitality, and retail industries, in Canada, the US, the UK, Latin America, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia. Loop’s products and services are backed by Amazon’s Partner Network.

For more information, please contact:

Loop Insights Inc.   LOOP Website: www.loopinsights.ai
Rob Anson, CEO   Facebook: @ LoopInsights
T : +1 877-754-5336 Ext. 4   Twitter: @ LoopInsights
E : [email protected]   LinkedIn: @ LoopInsights


Forward-Looking Statements/Information:
 

This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Loop’s control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, and competition from other industry participants, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although Loop believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, Loop does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Trading in the securities of Loop should be considered highly speculative. There can be no assurance that Loop will be able to achieve all or any of its proposed objectives. 

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



Can B Corp to Present at The 13th Annual LD Micro Main Event Conference

HICKSVILLE, NY, Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire — Can B Corp. (OTCQB: CANB) (“Can B” or the “Company”), a diversified health and wellness company, announced today that it will be presenting at the 13th annual LD Micro Main Event investor conference on Tuesday, December 15 at 9 am EST. Chief Executive Officer Marco Alfonsi and Chief Financial Officer Stan Teeple will be presenting to a live, virtual audience. 

Register here: 

ve.mysequire.com/

The Main Event will feature a new and unique format, with companies presenting for 10 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A by a panel of investors and analysts. 

“The time has finally come to do something different in the virtual conference world. Let’s see if we can pull off something that can be enjoyed by both executives and investors alike,” stated Chris Lahiji, Founder of LD, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of SRAX, Inc.

The Main Event will take place on December 14th and 15th, exclusively on the Sequire Virtual Events platform. 

View Can B’s profile here: 

http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/CANB

About LD Micro/SEQUIRE

LD Micro began in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource to the microcap world. What started as a newsletter highlighting unique companies, has transformed into the pre-eminent event platform in the space. For more information, please visit ldmicro.com.

The upcoming Main Event will be highlighting a new format that will benefit both executives and the investors tuning in from all over the globe. 

In September 2020, LD Micro. Inc. was acquired by SRAX, Inc., a financial technology company that unlocks data and insights for publicly traded companies. Through its premier investor intelligence and communications platform, Sequire, companies can track their investors’ behaviors and trends and use those insights to engage current and potential investors across marketing channels. For more information on SRAX, visit srax.com and mysequire.com.


About Can B Corp.

Can B Corp. (OTCQB: CANB) is a Health & Wellness company providing the highest quality cannabidiol (CBD) products under the brands of Canbiola, Seven Chakras, NuWellness, Pure Leaf Oil, and Duramed. Can B utilizes multi-channel distribution to reach consumers, including medical facilities, doctor offices, retailers, online and direct. Can B is also an exclusive partner of the LifeGuard® Brand in developing a line of consumer products. The Company is also launching Super Foods, a line of nutritional supplements. Can B Corp. owns and operates an R&D and production facility in Lacey, WA, and Green Grow Farms, a licensed hemp grow and cultivation in New York. To learn more about Can B Corp. and our comprehensive line of high-quality CBD products, please visit: Canbiola.com and www.CanBCorp.com, follow Can B Corp on Instagram and Facebook, or visit one of the 1,000+ retail outlets that carry Can B Corp. products.

For more information about Can B Corp., please visit: CanBCorp.com

Twitter @CanBCorp

Instagram @canbcorp

Facebook @ Can B Corp


Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements and risks and uncertainties discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “intend,” “expect,” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Expected, actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with, among other things, the impact of economic, competitive, and other factors affecting our operations, markets, products, and performance. The matters discussed herein should not be construed in any way, shape, or manner of our future financial condition or stock price. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Investors and Media:

[email protected]

(917) 658-7878



Integra Resources Intersects 4.53 g/t Gold and 262.67 g/t Silver Over 85.35 m at Florida Mountain, Including 11.74 g/t Gold and 652.45 g/t Silver Over 30.48 m

Integra continues to intersect high-grade gold-silver vein mineralization at Florida Mountain. Highlight intercepts include:
  Drill Hole FME-20-085 (Within and below existing resource estimate)
    4.53 grams per tonne (“g/t”) gold (“Au”) and 262.67 g/t silver (“Ag”) (7.91 g/t gold equivalent (“AuEq”)) over 85.35 meters (“m”)
      Including 11.74 g/t Au and 652.45 g/t Ag (20.14 g/t AuEq) over 30.48 m
  Drill Hole FME-20-086 (50m beneath existing resource estimate)
    0.55 g/t Au and 18.16 g/t Ag (0.79 g/t AuEq) over 123.14 m
      Including 9.98 g/t Au and 16.43 g/t Ag (10.19 g/t AuEq) over 1.22 m
  Drill Hole FME-20-087 (230 mbeneath existing resourceestimate along the Alpine Vein)
    1.76 g/t Au and 347.37 g/t Ag (6.23 g/t AuEq) over 1.37 m
  Drill Hole FME-20-088 (220m beneath the existing resourceestimate along the Trade Dollar Vein)
      13.36 g/t Au and 13.04 g/t Ag (13.53 g/t AuEq) over 2.44 m
  Drill Hole FME-20-091 (30m south of existing resource estimate)
    2.36 g/t Au and 2.38 g/t Ag (2.39 g/t AuEq) over 30.93 m
      Including 14.49 g/t Au and 9.94 g/t Ag (14.62 g/t AuEq) over 3.96 m
  Drill Hole FME-20-093 (250m south of existing resource estimate)
    8.61 g/t Au and 479.00 g/t Ag (14.78 g/t AuEq) over 1.61 m

Multiple intercepts reported in today’s results occurred beneath and/or to the south of the existing NI 43-101 Resource Estimate at Florida Mountain, demonstrating the strong potential for resource expansion to the south of the current resource as well as at depth.
To date Integra has drilled 20 drill holes at Florida Mountain specifically targeting high-grade shoots. Of these 20 drill holes, 13 have intersected significant high-grade gold-silver mineralization.
Three exploration drill rigs are currently in operation at DeLamar, with one rig at each of Florida Mountain, Milestone and Blacksheep/Georgianna.
A video summary of today’s news release is available by clicking the following link:
  https://youtu.be/jtZlDdmX7D8

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Integra Resources Corp. (“Integra” or the “Company”) (TSX-V:ITR; NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce further exploration results from the 2020 Florida Mountain exploration program at the DeLamar Project, situated in Owyhee County in southwest Idaho. The drill results outlined today continue to underscore the strong exploration potential that exists in near-deposit targets at Florida Mountain.

“Florida Mountain continues to demonstrate potential for both low-grade, heap-leachable resource expansion as well as the potential for a high-grade resource below and within the existing NI 43-101 Resource Estimate. Drilling has intersected significant mineralization outside the known resource, potentially increasing the resource footprint by approximately 300 meters to the south. Drilling through the current resource envelope at Florida Mountain has also encountered multiple shoots of higher-grade material that could potentially positively affect the economics of the Project,” commented George Salamis, President and CEO of Integra Resources. “The hit-rate of high-grade gold and silver in drill sections outside of the known resource boundary, in the form of plunging shoots and vein extensions, is over 60 %, an impressive rate for exploration that validates the geological model developed by the exploration team. Furthermore, additional data from drilling at Florida Mountain continue to strengthen the geological model and controls of high-grade distribution and should result in continued drilling success.” Mr. Salamis continued, “The Company is also excited about the winter drill program in new areas such as Georgianna, where low-grade disseminated gold-silver mineralization and high-grade vein-type mineralization has been recently sampled at surface during the 2020 field exploration program. The Georgianna area, in particular, bears remarkable resemblance to the neighboring DeLamar Deposit situated 3 km to the southeast, with similar anomalous geophysical and soil geochemistry signatures and geological attributes.”

To view a video summary of today’s news release, please click the following link:

https://youtu.be/jtZlDdmX7D8

To discuss today’s results or to receive an update from Integra’s management team, book a meeting via the following link:

https://calendly.com/integraresources/30min

Florida Mountain
Drill
Results

The following table highlights selected intercepts from the Florida Mountain drill holes announced today:

Drill Hole Number From (m) To

(m)
Interval

(m)

(1)
g/t
Au

(


2)
g/t
Ag

(


2)
g/t
AuEq

(


3)
FME-20-085
2.13
87.48
85.35
4.53
262.67
7.91

Incl:
5.18 34.14 30.48 11.74 652.45 20.14
FME-20-086 97.84 220.98 123.14
0.55 18.16 0.79
Incl: 218.24 219.46 1.22 9.98 16.43 10.19
FME-20-087 342.75 344.12 1.37 1.76 347.37 6.23
FME-20-088 330.40 332.84 2.44 13.36 13.04 13.53
FME-20-091
46.18 77.11 30.93
2.36 2.38 2.39
Incl: 73.15 77.11 3.96 14.49 9.94 14.62
FME-20-093 34.66 36.27 1.61 8.61 479.00 14.78
FME-20-093 166.42 167.03 0.61 4.32 4.11 4.373

(1)   Downhole thickness; true width varies depending on drill hole dip; most drill holes are aimed at intersecting the vein structures close to perpendicular therefore true widths are close to downhole widths (approximately 70% conversion ratio)
(2)   Intervals reported are uncapped
(3)   Gold equivalent = g Au/t + (g Ag/t ÷ 77.70)

To view a plan map showing the drill hole locations of today’s results at Florida Mountain, please click the following link:

https://www.integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/fm_plan_map_vfinal.pdf

To view a long section of the Alpine vein system at Florida Mountain, please click the following link:

https://www.integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/alpine_vein_ls_east_-_trace.pdf

To view a long section of the Stone Cabin – Tip Top vein system at Florida Mountain, please click the following link:

https://www.integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/stone_cabin_tip_top_ls_east_-_trace.pdf

To view a long section of the Trade Dollar – Black Jack vein system at Florida Mountain, please click the following link:

https://www.integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/trade_dollar_black_jack_ls_east_v1_-_trace.pdf

The intercepts reported today consist of mineralization with wide-spread low-grade gold-silver values, crosscut and underlain by narrower high-grade, steeply dipping low-sulphidation quartz-adularia veins. Widespread intercepts from shallow oxide and transitional resource definition drilling conducted by Integra over the previous two years has confirmed potentially mineable widths and grades for these high-grade structures.

Integra’s exploration team has modeled 7 high-grade vein structures that appear similar in size and orientation to the historically productive high-grade Trade Dollar – Black Jack vein system. Most historic underground production stemmed from the Trade Dollar – Black Jack vein, while the remaining 6 veins saw limited production up until mining operations ceased with the start of World War I. Geometrically, the veins occur in the form of plunging shoots over an altitude difference of approximately 300 m below the apex of Florida Mountain. Strike lengths of the individual shoots tend to be 100 m to 200 m long and with widths of between 1 m and 8 m.   

Integra refined its understanding of the controls on high-grade vein mineralization at Florida Mountain in early 2020 and has been using this model to specifically target the higher-grade “shoots” within the several vein systems identified to date. These higher-grade shoots are interpreted as being localized at the intersections of the North-Northwest and roughly East-West Trending fault/fracture systems. The deep intercepts on both the Stone Cabin / Tip Top and Alpine vein systems announced today are situated within some of these structurally controlled high-grade shoots. The intercepts in drill hole FME-20-093 announced today indicate that the Stone Cabin / Tip Top vein systems appear to extend over 250 m south of previous drilling and the current resource boundary. Since 2018, Integra has drilled 20 drill holes at Florida Mountain that have specifically targeted high-grade shoots, with 13 significant intercepts to date. The success of current high-grade drill targeting at Florida Mountain lends increased confidence in the exploration model, and is a positive step towards the stated goal of defining a high-grade underground resource at Florida Mountain.

To date, less than 15% of the overall vein system strike length has seen targeted drill testing. The high-grade underground potential at Florida Mountain remains a high priority drill target, as underscored by results such as those released today. Further drilling is currently underway, testing additional high-grade vein continuity at Florida Mountain and, will continue throughout the winter for as long as weather and environmental conditions permit.

Next Phases of the 2020 Exploration Drill Program

Three exploration drill rigs are currently in operation on the DeLamar Project at Florida Mountain, Milestone and the Georgianna/Blacksheep area. Drilling at Florida Mountain is focusing on exploration for high-grade vein mineralization at depth and along strike extensions to the shallow oxide/transitional near-surface stockwork mineralization. The two additional drill rigs are operating at Milestone and Georgianna. These areas have been the focus of heightened field activity in 2019 and 2020, where several large, untested soil geochemical and coincident geophysical anomalies were outlined. Approximately 3,000 m of drilling is scheduled to be drilled in the Blacksheep area over the next several months.

To view a plan map outlining the locations of the Milestone and Georgianna / Blacksheep areas, please click the following link:

https://www.integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/where_we_drill_now.pdf

Sampling and QA/QC Procedure

Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project, including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in the assay stream for all drill holes. The samples are submitted directly to American Assay Labs in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis. Analysis of gold is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption (AA) finish on a 1 assay ton aliquot. Gold results over 5 g/t are re-run using a gravimetric finish. Silver analysis is performed using ICP for results up to 100 g/t on a 5 acid digestion, with a fire assay, gravimetric finish for results over 100 g/t silver.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by E. Max Baker Ph.D. (F.AusIMM), Integra’s Vice President Exploration, of Reno, Nevada, and is a “Qualified Person” (“QP”) as defined in National Instrument 43- 101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Integra Resources

Integra is a development-stage mining company focused on the exploration and de-risking of the past producing DeLamar Gold-Silver Project in Idaho, USA. Integra is led by the management team from Integra Gold Corp. which successfully grew, developed and sold the Lamaque Project, in Quebec, for C$600 M in 2017. Since acquiring the DeLamar Project, which includes the adjacent DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold and silver Deposits, in late 2017, the Company has demonstrated significant resource growth and conversion while providing a robust economic study in its maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment. The Company is currently focused on resource growth through brownfield and greenfield exploration and the start of pre-feasibility level studies designed to advance the DeLamar Project towards a potential construction decision. For additional information, please reference the “Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the DeLamar and Florida Mountain Gold – Silver Project, Owyhee County, Idaho, USA (October 22, 2019).”

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

George Salamis
President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

Corporate Inquiries: [email protected]
Company website: www.integraresources.com
Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576

Forward looking and other cautionary statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. . In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: statements about the estimation of mineral resources; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future exploration prospects; the completion and timing of mineral resource estimates and PEA; future growth potential of Integra; and future development plans.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of the Company’s business; the Company’s formative stage of development; the Company’s financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Integra believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Integra cannot assure its shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources

The terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource”, “inferred mineral resource” used herein are Canadian mining terms used in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as may be amended from time to time (the “CIM Definition Standards”). Inferred mineral resources’ have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) Industry Guide 7 (“Industry Guide 7”). United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.  

Under Industry Guide 7, a mineral reserve is defined as a part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the mineral reserve determination is made. While the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource”, and “inferred mineral resource” are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under Industry Guide 7 and historically they have not been permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. As such, information contained herein concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public under Industry Guide 7 by U.S. companies in SEC filings.

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



Photronics Reports Full Year and Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

  • 2020 revenue was a record $609.7 million, an increase of 11% compared with 2019 and the third consecutive year of record annual revenue
  • Fourth quarter 2020 revenue was $149.3 million, down 5% sequentially and 4% year-over-year
  • Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders was $33.8 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, for the full year of 2020; and $6.5 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2020
  • During the fourth quarter, cash provided by operating activities was $64.8 million, capex was $34.1 million, share repurchases were $17.5 million, and ending cash balance was $278.7 million
  • First quarter 2021 guidance: revenue between $145 and $155 million with diluted EPS between $0.07 and $0.14

BROOKFIELD, Conn., Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Photronics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAB), a worldwide leader in photomask technologies and solutions, today reported financial results for its fiscal 2020 full year and fourth quarter ended October 31, 2020.

Full year revenue was a record $609.7 million, up 11% compared with 2019. IC revenue was $418.4 million, up 3% compared with last year; and FPD revenue was a record $191.3 million, up 32% compared with last year.

Fourth quarter revenue was $149.3 million, down 5% compared with the previous quarter and 4% compared with the same quarter last year. Integrated circuit (IC) revenue was $105.9 million, down 3% sequentially and 6% compared with the fourth quarter of last year. Flat panel display (FPD) revenue was $43.4 million, down 12% compared with last quarter and 1% compared with the same period last year.

Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders was $33.8 million ($0.52 per diluted share) compared with $29.8 million ($0.44 per diluted share) in 2019; fourth quarter net income was $6.5 million ($0.10 per diluted share), compared with $10.8 million ($0.17 per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2020 and $9.7 million ($0.15 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter of 2019.

“We achieved record annual revenue for the third consecutive year in 2020, overcoming tremendous global and regional challenges,” said Peter Kirlin, chief executive officer. “Fourth quarter revenue declined 5% sequentially as typical seasonality was worsened by geopolitical factors and softness in some sectors. With the decrease in quarterly revenue, profit margins contracted due to the effect of operating leverage on our income. We increased our cash balance while investing in organic growth and returning cash to our shareholders through share repurchases, ending 2020 in a strong financial position. Our expectations are for another growth year in 2021, with high single-digit percent growth in revenue and an up-tick in operating profit similar to the 23% increase achieved in 2020.”

First
Quarter 20
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Guidance

For the first quarter of 2021, Photronics expects revenue to be between $145 million and $155 million, and net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders to be between $0.07 and $0.14 per diluted share.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. The call can be accessed by logging onto Photronics’ website at www.photronics.com. The live dial-in number is (877) 377-7095 or (408) 774-4601 outside of the United States and Canada. The call will be archived on Photronics’ website.

Investor and Analyst Day

Photronics will host an investor and analyst day on December 14, 2020. The event will be conducted virtually and feature updates from management and a Q&A session. More information can be found on the Investors section of Photronics’ website at www.photronics.com.

About Photronics


Photronics
is a leading worldwide manufacturer of integrated circuit (IC) and flat panel display (FPD) photomasks. High precision quartz plates that contain microscopic images of electronic circuits, photomasks are a key element in the IC and FPD manufacturing process. Founded in 1969, Photronics has been a trusted photomask supplier for over 50 years. As of October 31, 2020, the company had 1,728 employees. The company operates 11 strategically located manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. Additional information on the company can be accessed at www.photronics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the company and its subsidiaries. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Photronics to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans,” “may increase,” “may fluctuate,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” or similar words or expressions are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. Any statements that refer to outlook, expectations or other characterizations of future events, circumstances or results are also forward-looking statements. Important risks, assumptions and other important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are specified in Photronics’ Annual and Quarterly filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under headings such as “Forward-Looking Statements”, “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in other filings and furnishings made by Photronics with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the current pandemic and future recurrences and other developments with respect thereto, governmental responses to the pandemic and related matters, changes in end markets resulting therefrom, changes in investment, tax, trade, exchange and other laws and regulations, compliance with local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations including, but not limited to, import and export controls, tariffs and penalties, fines and violations related thereto, as well as economic, competitive, legal, governmental, political, monetary and fiscal policy, and technological factors and decisions we may make in the future regarding our business, capital structure and other matters. Photronics undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements or, except as required to be disclosed in filings or furnishings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events. There is no assurance that Photronics’ expectations will be realized.


PHOTRONICS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
    Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    October 31,     August 2,     October 31,     October 31,     October 31,  
    2020     2020     2019     2020     2019  
                               
Revenue   $        149,286     $        157,895     $        156,257     $        609,691     $        550,660  
                               
Cost of goods sold   117,401     120,161     118,098     475,037     429,819  
                               
Gross profit   31,885     37,734     38,159     134,654     120,841  
                               
Operating Expenses:                              
                               
Selling, general and administrative 12,790     13,306     12,140     53,582     52,326  
                               
Research and development   4,110     4,492     4,543     17,144     16,394  
                               
Total Operating Expenses   16,900     17,798     16,683     70,726     68,720  
                               
Operating income   14,985     19,936     21,476     63,928     52,121  
                               
Other  (expense) income, net   (2,937 )   (2,135 )   (6,111 )   (2,327 )   (1,420 )
                               
Income before income tax provision 12,048     17,801     15,365     61,601     50,701  
                               
Income tax provision   3,469     4,937     2,327     21,258     10,210  
                               
Net income   8,579     12,864     13,038     40,343     40,491  
                               
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,119     2,088     3,338     6,523     10,698  
                               
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders $             6,460     $          10,776     $             9,700     $          33,820     $          29,793  
                               
Earnings per share:                              
                               
Basic   $                0.10     $                0.17     $                0.15     $                0.52     $                0.45  
                               
Diluted   $                0.10     $                0.17     $                0.15     $                0.52     $                0.44  
                               
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:                            
                               
Basic   64,193     64,780     66,230     64,866     66,347  
                               
Diluted   64,768     65,247     66,862     65,470     69,155  

PHOTRONICS, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
    October 31,     October 31,  
    2020     2019  
             

Assets
           
             
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 278,665     $ 206,530  
Accounts receivable   134,470     134,454  
Inventories   57,269     48,155  
Other current assets   29,735     38,388  
             
Total current assets   500,139     427,527  
             
Property, plant and equipment, net 631,475     632,441  
Intangible assets, net   3,437     7,870  
Other assets   53,131     50,827  
             
Total assets   $ 1,188,182     $ 1,118,665  
             
             
             

Liabilities and Equity
           
             
Current liabilities:            
Debt   $ 13,678     $ 10,873  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 129,261     141,081  
             
Total current liabilities   142,939     151,954  
             
Long-term debt   54,980     41,887  
Other liabilities   27,997     13,732  
             
Photronics, Inc. shareholders’ equity 804,962     769,892  
Noncontrolling interests   157,304     141,200  
Total equity   962,266     911,092  
             
Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,188,182     $ 1,118,665  

PHOTRONICS,  INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
             
    Year Ended
    October 31,     October 31,  
    2020     2019  
             
Cash flows from operating activities:            
Net income   $         40,343     $         40,491  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash          
provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization   93,814     83,879  
Share-based compensation   4,927     3,680  
Changes in operating assets, liabilities and other 3,962     (59,664 )
             
Net cash provided by operating activities   143,046     68,386  
             
Cash flows from investing activities:            
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (70,815 )   (178,375 )
Government incentive   5,263     27,003  
Other   (159 )   (34 )
             
Net cash used in investing activities   (65,711 )   (151,406 )
             
Cash flows from financing activities:            
Proceeds from debt   20,340     54,633  
Contributions from noncontrolling interest 17,596     29,394  
Purchases of treasury stock   (34,394 )   (21,696 )
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (16,151 )   (45,050 )
Repayments of debt   (7,392 )   (61,319 )
Proceeds from share-based arrangements 4,239     2,071  
Other   (248 )   (92 )
             
Net cash used in financing activities   (16,010 )   (42,059 )
             
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 10,986     2,381  
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 72,311     (122,698 )
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 209,291     331,989  
             
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $       281,602     $       209,291