PenderFund Launches Pender Ventures to Accelerate Private Technology Investments

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PenderFund Capital Management Ltd. (“Pender”) today announced the launch of Pender Ventures, a new group and brand, created to accelerate its private investments into disruptive technology companies across Canada. The firm is also announcing that a new partner has joined the team and the final close of its latest fund, the Pender Technology Inflection Fund LP I (“PTIF”).

Led by managing partner Maria Pacella, Pender Ventures will serve as the umbrella for all of Pender’s private technology investments with a combined AUM of approximately $100M.

“When I joined Pender, the goal was to focus our investing on some of the most exciting growth opportunities, and these happened to be in technology. Now three years later, technology companies are becoming even more integral to how we live and work,” said Pacella. “This continued digital transformation has provided the impetus and Pender Ventures is the vehicle that will position us to double-down on the Pender ‘inflection point’ thesis. Our goal is to help companies scale faster, have global impact, and generate outsized returns for our investors.”

Announcement
of
a
Second Female Partner

In connection with its launch today, Pender Ventures is excited to announce that Kristina Bergman is joining the team as a second female partner. Bergman, a B.C. native who is moving back to Canada from Seattle to take on the role, is a veteran executive, entrepreneur and investor with 20 years of technology, marketing, product and investing experience. As a key member of the Pender Ventures team, she will help source new deals and support the goal of creating value for existing portfolio companies.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Pender Ventures team,” said Bergman. “As a founder myself, I understand the challenges that entrepreneurs face in scaling companies and the critical role capital can play in a firm’s life cycle, if injected at the right time. I look forward to helping Pender back founders and technologies that can move the world forward.”

Final close of Pender Technology Inflection Fund
LP I

Pender completed its final close of its Pender Technology Inflection Fund LP I. in October 2020. PTIF is a $25M Fund focused on helping companies scale past seed stage. Investors include Export Development Canada (EDC) and Vancity amongst others. The investment focus is on datacentric start-ups in health-tech, enterprise software and industrial transformations.

“The Pender Technology Inflection Fund is focused on helping enterprise technology companies scale globally, and fosters a diverse team of investment professionals, with 40% of the current portfolio led by women CEOs,” said Carl Burlock, Executive Vice-President and Chief Business Officer at EDC. “This valued partnership strongly aligns with EDC’s mandate of helping innovative and diverse Canadian companies grow their businesses internationally. We look forward to continued collaboration resulting in greater benefits for Canadian businesses.”

To date, the Fund has successfully invested in five dynamic Canadian companies across a range of information and health technology.

About Pender Ventures

Pender Ventures is the technology venture capital arm of Pender. To learn more about Pender Ventures and its investments, please visit www.penderventures.com.

About
PenderFund
Capital Management Ltd.

PenderFund is an independent, diversified asset manager based in Vancouver, BC. Pender’s family of funds invests across private and public equities and fixed income. For more information, please visit www.penderfund.com.

About EDC

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage. As international risk experts, we equip Canadian companies with the tools they need – the trade knowledge, financing solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to grow their business with confidence. Underlying all our support is a commitment to sustainable and responsible business. To help Canadian businesses facing extreme financial challenges brought on by the global response to COVID-19, the Government of Canada has expanded EDC’s domestic capabilities until December 31, 2021. This broader mandate will enable EDC to expand its support to companies focused domestically. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca.

Media
Enquiries

PenderFund
Capital Management
Export Development Canada
Melanie Moore
778-994-4266
[email protected]
1-888-222-4065
[email protected]
   

Aphex BioCleanse Systems Appoints Respected Marketing Veteran Mark Washo as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing

PR Newswire

PITTSFORD, N.Y., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Aphex BioCleanse Systems, Inc. (OTCPK: SNST) (“Aphex” or “the Company”), a sanitization solutions company focused on the development and distribution of chemical-free, water-based sanitization and disinfection products trademarked as Hy-IQ® Water, announced today that seasoned sports and business marketing executive Mark Washo has joined the Company as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

“As we watch the market for disinfectant products continue to grow exponentially, we see great potential for Aphex products to provide a much-needed sanitization solution during the pandemic. We are bringing Mark on during this crucial growth period because we are confident that his expertise will help us increase awareness for the differentiating factors of our products and for our overall brand,” said Aphex President and CEO David J. Weaver. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the team and watch him grow alongside us.”

Prior to joining Aphex, Washo held a number of respected senior marketing positions over the course of almost three decades. In his most recent role, he served as the Chief Business Officer of Marina Auto Stadium and the Rochester Rhinos where he managed the day to day operations of the stadium and professional USL soccer team.

His previous professional titles include Chief Marketing Officer of the Washington Spirit,  President, General Manager and Board of Governor of the WPS Washington Freedom, Executive Vice President of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, Senior Vice President of the New York-New Jersey MetroStars (Red Bull NY), Senior Director of Ticket Sales at D.C. United, Ticket Sales Executive at the Washington Wizards, and Direct Marketing Representative at Bison Baseball. In addition to his professional sports management experiences, Washo also successfully led the Washington DC DMA as Strategic Market Manager East Coast during his tenure with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises leading the brands overall sales and marketing strategy in the East Coast.

“Over the years, I have learned what to look for in a brand that holds the potential to differentiate itself from others in its industry. Aphex’s products bring a wide range of safe, effective and alcohol-free options to the market that are unmatched by its competitors. I believe consumers and businesses alike will react extremely positively to Aphex products as we continue to build brand awareness and I look forward to helping Aphex gain that visibility in the market,” said Washo.

About Aphex BioCleanse Systems, Inc.
Aphex BioCleanse Systems, Inc is the developer of the world’s first proprietary non-alcohol, non-toxic, and hydrogen-based cleaning technology. The technology, called Hy-IQ® Water, has a unique method of action that uses hydrogen ions traveling nearly at the speed of light to breach the cell walls of exoskeleton germs. Preliminary research has proven that it is more effective in killing pathogens than alcohol-based solutions and the company is currently seeking to be the first FDA-approved hand sanitizer. Learn more about Aphex at www.aphexus.com.

FDA Statement

The statements in this document have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. The products and statements referenced in this document are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company’s current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.aphexus.com

Phone: 1-585-386-0990

Address:
Aphex BioCleanse Systems Inc.
15 Fishers Rd, #111
Pittsford, NY 14534

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kathryn Reinhardt


[email protected]


858-264-6600

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SOURCE Aphex BioCleanse Systems Inc.

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Appoints a New Independent Director

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Appoints a New Independent Director

PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCHN) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Glenda J. Minor as a new independent director, effective immediately. Ms. Minor will also serve as a member of the Board’s Audit and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees.

Ms. Minor brings extensive finance and international leadership experience at Fortune 100 public and private companies in the automotive, steel and defense industries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and South America. She is currently Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Silket Advisory Services, a privately-owned consulting firm which advises companies on financial, strategic and operational initiatives. She was formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the steel manufacturer, EVRAZ North America Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of EVRAZ plc, and has held executive finance roles with increasing levels of managerial responsibility at Visteon Corporation and DaimlerChrysler, as well as financial management roles at General Motors Corporation and General Dynamics Corporation.

Ms. Minor currently serves on the Boards of Curtiss-Wright Corporation and Albermarle Corporation. She also is the Treasurer and Finance Chair of the Capital Area United Way serving 10 parishes in and around Baton Rouge and was formerly on the Board of Africa Bridge.

“I am pleased to welcome Glenda to Schnitzer’s Board of Directors,” said Tamara L. Lundgren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Schnitzer. “Glenda’s broad executive management and board governance experience across different industries will add immediate value as we continue to pursue our strategic initiatives and expand our business.” Ms. Lundgren added, “With Glenda’s addition, four of our Directors are now women, reflecting our strong commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels.”

About Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled metal products in North America with operating facilities located in 23 states, Puerto Rico and Western Canada. Schnitzer has seven deep water export facilities located on both the East and West Coasts and in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The Company’s integrated operating platform also includes 50 stores which sell serviceable used auto parts from salvaged vehicles and receive approximately 5 million annual retail visits. The Company’s steel manufacturing operations produce finished steel products, including rebar, wire rod and other specialty products. The Company began operations in 1906 in Portland, Oregon.

Investor Relations:

Michael Bennett

(503) 323-2811

[email protected]

Company Info:

www.schnitzersteel.com

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Oregon

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Steel Manufacturing

MEDIA:

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DISQO Ranked Among Top 25 Fastest Growing Private Companies by Los Angeles Business Journal

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Consumer insights platform DISQO today announced it has been ranked No. 19 among the top 25 of Los Angeles Business Journal’s 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in 2020, a list honoring companies in the Los Angeles area with the highest revenue growth. This was the 24th annual ranking and DISQO was honored at LABJ’s special digital event on Nov. 4, 2020, hosted by Josh Schimmels, Publisher and CEO of LABJ.

The Fastest Growing Private Companies in Los Angeles list was designed to identify, recognize and honor companies with the highest revenue growth who are at the forefront of LA’s economy. To be considered, companies had to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Be a privately held business
  • Be headquartered in the Los Angeles area
  • Have a minimum of $5 million revenue in 2019
  • Be in business a minimum of three years

While criteria for ranking on this list is centered on revenue growth, this year, the Journal decided to look beyond the numbers and behind the scenes to also consider what each company is achieving and what makes them so successful.

“We’re extremely proud that our team’s work has been recognized among some of the fastest growing tech companies in Greater Los Angeles,” said Jean-Philippe Durrios, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer at DISQO. “We’ve innovated a transparent and fair platform for consumers to share their voice with marketers who need reliable data to make sound decisions. Shifting consumer behaviors as a result of COVID-19 have amplified these needs and are accelerating our enviable revenue growth. We’re building a great team and culture that is becoming one of the best places to work in LA or anywhere.”

To learn more about DISQO, please visit https://www.disqo.com/. To learn more about this recognition, please visit LA Business Journal’s 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies. The rankings and event recap can be found in the Nov. 9 issue of the Los Angeles Business Journal.

About DISQO

DISQO is a next-generation consumer-first insights platform that delivers unprecedented data and analytics to the market research industry. The company powers insights professionals and marketers with automated solutions that drive consumer research and improve ad effectiveness. Today, DISQO delivers an accurate and complete view of the consumer journey via technology built on the foundation of first-party research from millions of engaged consumers. By engaging consumers who choose to share their attitudes and behaviors, DISQO captures the highest quality data, empowering its clients to make confident decisions. Founded in 2015, DISQO is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has over 160 employees.

Contact

Hollis Guerra
Blast PR for DISQO
[email protected]
805.403.0705

OctoML Announces Speaker Line-Up for 3rd Annual Apache TVM Conference Focused on Advances in Deep Learning Compilation and Optimization

SEATTLE, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OctoML, the MLOps automation company for superior model performance, portability and productivity, today announced the speaker line-up for the Apache TVM and Deep Learning Compilation Conference. The free virtual conference will cover the state of the art of deep learning compilation and optimization and recent advances in frameworks, compilers, systems and architecture support, security, training and hardware acceleration and is taking place Dec. 2-4: https://tvmconf.org

Speakers include technology leaders from Alibaba, Amazon, AMD, ARM, Bosch, Microsoft, NTT, OctoML, Qualcomm, Sima.ai and Xilinx, as well as researchers from Beihang University, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell, National Tsing-Hua University (Taiwan), UCLA, University of California at Berkeley, University of Toronto and University of Washington.

Apache TVM is an open source deep learning compiler and runtime that optimizes the performance of machine learning models across a multitude of processor types, including CPUs, GPUs, accelerators and mobile/edge chips. It uses machine learning to optimize and compile models for deep learning applications, closing the gap between productivity-focused deep learning frameworks and performance-oriented hardware backends. It is used by some of the world’s biggest companies like Amazon, AMD, ARM, Facebook, Intel, Microsoft and Qualcomm. 

”Apache TVM was founded to help machine learning engineers deliver superior models to their products and users. I’m delighted to see how much the community has grown under the Apache way, with hundreds of contributors and teams from companies and universities large and small. Our progress has only accelerated over the last year, and I’m very excited to see strong adoption by so many cutting-edge chip manufacturing and machine learning teams,” said Tianqi Chen, co-founder and CTO of OctoML and co-creator of Apache TVM.

Apache TVM was founded in 2016 as a deep learning research project at the University of Washington and is now an effort undergoing incubation at The Apache Software Foundation (ASF), driven by an open source community involving multiple industry and academic institutions under the Apache way.

About
OctoML

OctoML applies cutting-edge machine learning-based automation to make it easier and faster for machine learning teams to put high-performance machine learning models into production on any hardware. OctoML, founded by the creators of the Apache TVM machine learning compiler project, offers seamless optimization and deployment of machine learning models as a managed service. For more information, visit https://octoml.ai or follow @octoml.

Media and Analyst Contact:

Amber Rowland
[email protected] 
+1-650-814-4560

Sports Technology Company FORM Announces Availability of FORM Smart Swim Goggles on Apple.com in Time for the Holiday Shopping Season

Vancouver, Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FORM, the direct-to-consumer sports technology company behind FORM Smart Swim Goggles, today announced the immediate availability of the FORM goggles on Apple.com


The release of the FORM goggles on Apple.com comes soon after FORM’s launch of open water features through a free firmware update in the summer of 2020. Through the update, swimmers can view real-time GPS performance metrics and heart rate data in open water when using compatible smartwatches including Apple Watch Series 6, SE, 5, 4 and 3, as well as Garmin’s Forerunner 945 and 745, and the Garmin fēnix 6 Pro and fēnix 5 Plus.


“We’re thrilled that the FORM goggles will now be more accessible than ever through availability on Apple.com,” said FORM founder and CEO Dan Eisenhardt. “Swimming is one of the world’s biggest sports, and yet swimmers are totally under-served by technology. Our goal at FORM is to make the swimming experience better for everyone. With the availability of the FORM goggles on Apple.com, we’re expanding our reach to a wide network of consumers who are interested in how technology can improve their daily lives and solve real problems.”


As the first premium swim goggles with a see-through, augmented-reality display, the FORM goggles have provided the 240 million active pool swimmers across the world with the option to view performance metrics like split times, distance, stroke rate, pace per 100, and calories in real-time, as they swim. Swimmers can enjoy the benefits of the FORM goggles in the pool, or outside through GPS open water features. After your swim, the FORM goggles sync to the FORM Swim App, where swimmers can analyze their metrics and revisit past workouts to see their progress over time. The FORM Swim App, which has received over 125 4.8 star reviews, also lets you automatically sync workouts with other services, including the Apple Health app. 


The FORM Smart Swim Goggles can now be purchased on Apple.com for $199.95 USD. They are also available atformswim.com and onAmazon in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Australia and Japan. The FORM Swim App is available as a free download from theApp Store and fromGoogle Play™.
For more information visit: formswim.com


About FORM

Founded in 2016 in Vancouver, Canada, FORM is a sports technology company with a simple mission: to break down the barriers between what swimming is and what it could be. The company’s founder and CEO, Dan Eisenhardt, swam competitively for 14 years before starting his career as a sports technology entrepreneur. His previous company, Recon Instruments, was founded in 2008, introduced the world’s first smart eyewear for sports in 2010, and was acquired by Intel Corporation in 2015. At FORM, Dan is joined by a team of industry veterans with decades of combined expertise in sports-eyewear design, activity-tracking algorithms, and augmented-reality optics.


Contacts

Will Parry
Director of Marketing
+1 (778) 985-5685
[email protected]

Julia Hanbury
Public Relations Manager
+1 (604) 738-2220
[email protected]

Images

https://bit.ly/31TM7sv

Video

https://youtu.be/RuOGgcgzrbU

Table Trac Announces Third Quarter 2020 Results

PR Newswire

MINNETONKA, Minn., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Table Trac, Inc. (OTCQX: TBTC), a developer and provider of casino information and management systems that automate and monitor the operations of casinos, announced financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2020.

The 10-Q can be found @ http://www.sec.gov

Third Quarter Highlights

  • The Company delivered two systems and expanded the systems of two existing customers during the quarter. 
  • The Company had three new customer contracts in backlog as of September 30, 2020 that are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Second Quarter Financial Results

Net Income for the third quarter of 2020 was $78,861 compared to income of $531,035 in 2019, a decrease of approximately $450,000.  This decrease is due in part to the COVID-19 induced industry slowdown.

Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2020 were $843,781 compared with $1,339,984 in 2019, a decrease of approximately $496,000. This decrease is a direct result of the COVID-19 related decreases in sales and marketing activity.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: 


For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


2020


2019


Basic and diluted earnings per share calculation:

Net income to common stockholders

$

78,861

$

531,035

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic

4,486,788

4,493,777

Basic net income per share

$

0.02

$

0.12

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

4,494,785

4,500,862

Diluted net income per share

$

0.02

$

0.12

The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: 


For the nine Months Ended
June 30,


2020


2019


Basic and diluted earnings per share calculation:

Net income to common stockholders

$

111,247

$

805,753

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic

4,486,788

4,497,435

Basic net income per share

$

0.02

$

0.18

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

4,495,569

4,503,138

Diluted net income per share

$

0.02

$

0.18

About Table Trac, Inc.

Founded in 1995, Table Trac, Inc. designs, develops and sells casino information and management systems. The company has systems installed in North, South, and Central America, as well as the Caribbean.  More information is available at http://www.tabletrac.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information:

Randy Gilbert, CFO
Table Trac, Inc.
952-548-8877

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/table-trac-announces-third-quarter-2020-results-301172152.html

SOURCE Table Trac, Inc.

MDU Resources Increases Dividend for 30th Consecutive Year

PR Newswire

BISMARCK, N.D., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — MDU Resources Group, Inc.’s (NYSE: MDU) board of directors today increased the company’s quarterly common stock dividend to 21.25 cents per share, for an annualized dividend of 85 cents per share. This is the 30th consecutive year that MDU Resources has increased its common stock dividend. The previous quarterly dividend was 20.75 cents per share.

MDU Resources has paid uninterrupted dividends to shareholders for 83 years. Of the U.S.-listed, dividend-paying companies, fewer than 85 have increased their stock dividend as many consecutive years as MDU Resources.

“We remain committed to our long tradition of paying dividends to our shareholders as part of the total value they receive from their investment in MDU Resources, and we are very proud of achieving 30 consecutive years of dividend increases,” said Dennis W. Johnson, chair of the board.

MDU Resources is listed on the S&P High-Yield Dividend Aristocrats index, which measures the performance of companies within the S&P Composite 1500 that have followed a managed-dividends policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 20 years.

The company’s quarterly dividend is payable Jan. 1, 2021, to stockholders of record Dec. 10, 2020.

About MDU Resources

MDU Resources Group, Inc., a member of the S&P MidCap 400 index and the S&P High-Yield Dividend Aristocrats index, is Building a Strong America® by providing essential products and services through its regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services businesses. For more information about MDU Resources, see the company’s website at www.mdu.com or contact the Investor Relations Department at [email protected].

Financial Contact: Jason Vollmer, vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, 701-530-1755
Media Contact: Laura Lueder, manager of communications and public relations, 701-530-1095

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mdu-resources-increases-dividend-for-30th-consecutive-year-301172151.html

SOURCE MDU Resources Group, Inc.

RISE Education Announces Third Quarter 2020 Unaudited Financial Results

PR Newswire

BEIJING, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — RISE Education Cayman Ltd (“RISE” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: REDU), a leading junior English Language Training (“ELT”) provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Impact of COVID-19

The outbreak of COVID-19 in late January 2020 had a significant and material adverse impact on the Company’s operations through the first nine months of 2020. In accordance with government regulations to contain the outbreak, RISE’s learning centers were temporarily closed for a majority of the time during the period starting January 19, 2020 up to September 2020. This adversely impacted the Company’s ability to recognize revenue and collect tuition fees not only from renewed students due to the deferred academic schedule, but also from new students who are acquired through its physical network of learning centers. In response to this challenging environment, the Company proactively implemented measures during the first nine months of the year to stabilize its business through targeted cost controls and adjusted capital expenditure and liquidity plans to preserve cash. At the same time, the Company also upgraded and transformed Rise+ into a nation-wide open and interactive technology platform for learning, teaching and training. The Company successfully delivered its first online small group class through Rise+ platform in March 2020, which has demonstrated the Company’s digital capabilities and built a solid infrastructure for the transformation of its business into an Online Merge Offline (“OMO”) model.

Third Quarter of 2020 Financial and Operational Highlights

  • Total revenues were RMB320.0 million (US$47.1 million) in the third quarter of 2020, compared with RMB165.0 million for the preceding quarter and RMB411.1 million for the third quarter of 2019.
  • Net profit attributable to RISE was RMB28.0 million (US$4.1 million) in the third quarter of 2020, compared with net loss of RMB58.0 million for the preceding quarter and net income of RMB39.4 million for the third quarter of 2019.
  • Non-GAAP net profit attributable to RISE was RMB35.7 million (US$5.3 million) in the third quarter of 2020, compared with non-GAAP net loss of RMB51.6 million for the preceding quarter and non-GAAP net income of RMB48.5 million for the third quarter of 2019.
  • Adjusted EBITDA[1] was RMB57.8 million (US$8.5 million) in the third quarter of 2020, compared with adjusted EBITDA of a negative RMB44.5 million for the preceding quarter and adjusted EBITDA of RMB88.9 million for the third quarter of 2019.
  • Students in class[2] for Rise regular courses (including Rise Start and Rise On programs) were 50,462 as of September 30, 2020, a decrease of 110 from 50,572 as of June 30, 2020 and a decrease of 4,750 from 55,212 as of September 30, 2019.
  • New students enrolled[3] for Rise regular courses in the third quarter of 2020 were 8,328, compared with 3,749 for the preceding quarter and 9,310 for the third quarter of 2019. New students enrolled for other Rise courses (including Rise Up, Can-Talk, other Rise online courses and courses provided by The Edge learning centers) were 1,183 in the third quarter of 2020, compared with 1,185 for the preceding quarter and 1,229 for the third quarter of 2019.
  • The total number of the Company’s learning centers as of September 30, 2020 was 496, consisting of 90 self-owned (including 2 operated by The Edge) and 406 franchised learning centers.


Three Months Ended                                           

(in thousands RMB, except for percentage and per

ADS data)



Sep. 30, 2019






Jun. 30, 2020




Sep. 30, 2020




Pct. Change YoY




Pct. Change QoQ


Revenues

411,143

164,990

320,029

-22.2%

94.0%

Operating income/(loss)

65,826

(73,887)

19,429

-70.5%

N/A

Non-GAAP operating income/(loss)

74,946

(67,496)

27,128

-63.8%

N/A

Net income/(loss) attributable to RISE

39,362

(58,035)

28,014

-28.8%

N/A

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to RISE

48,482

(51,644)

35,713

-26.3%

N/A

Net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – basic

0.70

(1.03)

0.50

-28.6%

N/A

Net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – diluted

0.69

(1.03)

0.49

-29.0%

N/A

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – basic

0.86

(0.92)

0.63

-26.7%

N/A

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – diluted

0.85

(0.92)

0.63

-25.9%

N/A

Adjusted EBITDA

88,877

(44,487)

57,834

-34.9%

N/A

 



     Nine Months Ended


 September 30

(in thousands RMB, except for percentage and per ADS data)



2019



2020



Pct. Change

Revenues

1,113,225

594,007

-46.6%

Operating income/(loss)

162,127

(185,857)

N/A

Non-GAAP operating income/(loss)

212,407

(167,422)

N/A

Net income/(loss) attributable to RISE

96,965

(133,861)

N/A

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to RISE

147,245

(115,426)

N/A

Net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – basic

1.70

(2.37)

N/A

Net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – diluted

1.68

(2.37)

N/A

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – basic

2.58

(2.05)

N/A

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – diluted

2.55

(2.05)

N/A

Adjusted EBITDA

258,328

(94,662)

N/A

Ms. Lihong Wang, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of RISE, commented, “Our quarterly results continued to improve with a set of solid operational metrics as our business experienced robust recovery while emerging from the impact of COVID-19. As of date, our operations have generally returned to pre-pandemic ‘normal’. All of RISE’s self-owned learning centers (SOLCs) had been re-opened by the end of September. We have received very positive feedback from parents who are keen for their children to return to regular classrooms, as soon as offline classes are allowed to resume. Our financial performance improved substantially, with quarterly revenue nearly doubling from the prior quarter. Disciplined cost management and a well-planned marketing strategy put expenses well under control and helped the Company turn profitable in the third quarter, fueled by strong growth momentum. Looking ahead, we expect the adverse impact of COVID-19 on our business to linger for a longer time and more challenges are still ahead of us. However, we remain very optimistic about the direction of our Company, as we have seen a clear path to recovery and are excited about the long-term growth opportunities that lie ahead.”

Ms. Jiandong Lu, Chief Financial Officer of RISE, added, “Our total revenue reached RMB320 million in the third quarter, up 94% from the prior quarter. In addition, the adjusted EBITDA and net income attributable to RISE both turned positive, achieving RMB58 million and RMB28 million, respectively, for the quarter. This quarter has witnessed strong momentum in new student enrollment for our regular courses, an increase of 122% quarter-over-quarter as we re-opened all our self-owned learning centers. However, the pandemic still affected our operations negatively in the third quarter and its impact is likely to continue for some time. The lower new student enrollments in the first and second quarters due to the closure of our learning centers caused our student pool to shrink as compared to the same periods of last year, resulting in a decrease in the total number of students in class. The less effective learning online compared to offline, particularly for young students, also contributed to a loss of students in the third quarter. The teaching capacity constraints in the changing environment limited our ability to resume the pace of opening new classes for newly enrolled students. This being said, we believe that, with our offline network fully in operation, our class scheduling optimized and our teacher resources expanded, we will be in a better position to meet the rising demands for our services and achieve business growth next year.” 

Financial Results for the
Third Quarter
 of 2020

Revenues
Total revenues for the third quarter of 2020 increased by RMB155.0 million, or 94.0%, to RMB320.0 million (US$47.1 million) from RMB165.0 million for the preceding quarter and decreased by RMB91.1 million, or 22.2%, from RMB411.1 million for the same period of the prior year.

  • Revenues from educational programs for the third quarter of 2020 increased by 93.9% quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 12.3% year-over-year to RMB293.6 million (US$43.2 million). The quarter-over-quarter increase in revenues from educational programs was primarily due to the resumption of the Company’s offline operations. As the COVID-19 situation alleviated, the Company’s self-owned learning centers have been gradually reopened in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Wuxi since June 2020, and followed by Beijing and Shijiazhuang by the end of September 2020. The year-over-year decrease in revenues from educational programs was primarily due to continuous suspension of offline operation of the learning centers in Beijing and Shijiazhuang for more than two thirds of the quarter, which was caused by the second wave of pandemic outbreak in Beijing in June 2020.
  • Franchise revenues for the third quarter of 2020 increased by 95.5% quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 44.3% year-over-year to RMB25.3 million (US$3.7 million). The quarter-over-quarter increase in franchise revenues was primarily due to a growth in recurring franchise revenues as a result of the gradual reopening of our franchised learning centers. The year-over-year decrease in franchise revenues was primarily due to a decline in recurring franchise revenues reflecting the impact of COVID-19.
  • Other revenues for the third quarter of 2020 increased by RMB0.5 million quarter-over-quarter and decreased by RMB29.7 million year-over-year to RMB1.1 million (US$0.2 million). The year-over-year decrease was attributable to a decrease in study tours and cancellation of Rise Cup, our annual English language competition project, reflecting the impact of travel restrictions amid the pandemic.

Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues for the third quarter of 2020 increased by RMB21.3 million, or 15.1%, to RMB162.9 million (US$24.0 million) from RMB141.6 million for the preceding quarter and decreased by RMB33.4 million, or 17.0%, from RMB196.3 million for the same period of the prior year. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily due to the personnel costs associated with an increase in total teaching hours as the offline learning centers have gradually resumed full operations nationwide. Additionally, the quarter-over-quarter increase was also driven by the increased textbook and teaching material supply, together with the end of rental concession. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to a decrease in direct costs associated with the Company’s study tour services and costs of learning materials, and the declined teachers’ compensations as a result of the reduced teacher headcount and teaching hours. Non-GAAP cost of revenues[4] for the third quarter of 2020 increased by 15.5% quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 17.4% year-over-year to RMB158.9 million (US$23.4 million).

Gross Profit
As a result of the foregoing, the Company’s gross profit increased quarter-over-quarter to RMB157.1 million (US$23.1 million) for the third quarter of 2020 compared to RMB23.4 million for the preceding quarter. The Company’s gross profit for the third quarter of 2020 decreased by RMB57.8 million, or 26.9%, year-over-year from RMB214.9 million for the same period of the prior year.

Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2020 increased by RMB40.4 million, or 41.5%, to RMB137.7 million (US$20.3 million) from RMB97.3 million for the preceding quarter and decreased by RMB11.4 million, or 7.6%, from RMB149.0 million for the same period of the prior year. Non-GAAP operating expenses for the third quarter of 2020 were RMB134.0 million (US$19.7 million).

  • Selling and marketing expenses increased by 78.7% quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 8.8% year-over-year to RMB75.9 million (US$11.2 million) for the third quarter of 2020. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily attributable to the increased marketing expenses associated with increased student enrollments during the quarter. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to the Company’s personnel optimization efforts and disciplined investment in online and offline marketing activities. Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2020 increased by 81.2% quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 8.8% year-over-year to RMB74.7 million (US$11.0 million).
  • General and administrative expenses increased by 12.7% quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 6.1% year-over-year to RMB61.8 million (US$9.1 million) for the third quarter of 2020. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily attributable to the increased recruiting fee and office expenses and the end of rental concession. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to the Company’s continuous efforts on controlling administrative expenses and on personnel optimization. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2020 increased by 10.5% quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 4.2% year-over-year to RMB59.2 million (US$8.7 million).

Operating Income/(
Loss)
Operating income for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB19.4 million (US$2.9 million), compared to operating loss of RMB73.9 million for the preceding quarter and operating income of RMB65.8 million for the same period of the prior year. Non-GAAP operating income for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB27.1 million (US$4.0 million), compared to non-GAAP operating loss of RMB67.5 million for the preceding quarter and non-GAAP operating income of RMB74.9 million for the same period of the prior year.

Interest Expense
Interest expense for the third quarter of 2020 decreased to RMB5.5 million (US$0.8 million) from RMB5.9 million for the preceding quarter and RMB8.8 million for the same period of the prior year. The year-over-year decrease was attributable to decreases in both the outstanding balance of loans and the interest rate.

Other Income
Other income for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB16.0 million (US$2.4 million), compared with RMB2.2 million for the preceding quarter and RMB0.7 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase in other income quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year was primarily attributable to the output value-added tax exemption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)
Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB4.0 million (US$0.6 million), compared with income tax benefit of RMB11.0 million for the preceding quarter and income tax expense of RMB24.0 million for the same period of the prior year. 

Net Income
Attributable to RISE
Net income attributable to RISE for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB28.0 million (US$4.1 million), compared with net loss attributable to RISE of RMB58.0 million for the preceding quarter and net income attributable to RISE of RMB39.4 million for the same period of the prior year.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to RISE for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB35.7 million (US$5.3 million), compared with Non-GAAP net loss attributable to RISE of RMB51.6 million for the preceding quarter and Non-GAAP net income attributable to RISE of RMB48.5 million for the same period of the prior year.

EBITDA represents net income/(loss) before interests, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA income for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB54.5 million (US$8.0 million), compared with EBITDA loss of 46.4 million for the preceding quarter and EBITDA income of RMB84.2 million for the same period of the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA income for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB57.8 million (US$8.5 million), compared with adjusted EBITDA loss of 44.5 million for the preceding quarter and adjusted EBITDA income of RMB88.9 million for the same period of the prior year.

Basic and Diluted Earnings
 per
ADS
Basic and diluted net income attributable to RISE per ADS was RMB0.50(US$0.07) and RMB0.49(US$0.07), respectively, for the third quarter of 2020.

Basic and diluted non-GAAP net income attributable to RISE per ADS was RMB0.63(US$0.09) for the third quarter of 2020.

Cash Flow
Net cash inflow from operating activities for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB103.2 million (US$15.2 million), compared with net cash outflow of RMB118.1 million from operating activities for the preceding quarter and net cash inflow of RMB10.0 million from operating activities for the same period of the prior year. The quarter-over-quarter increase in cash inflow was mainly due to the resumption of offline student enrollment. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to the initial impact of the change in tuition fee collection schedule in 2019.   

Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2020, the Company had combined cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of RMB774.6 million (US$114.1 million), compared with RMB1,022.8 million as of December 31, 2019.

Current and non-current deferred revenue and customer advances were RMB712.7 million (US$105.0 million) as of September 30, 2020, representing a decrease of 5.7% from RMB756.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily because the revenue recognition for our courses and services is larger than the cash collection. Deferred revenue and customer advances consisted primarily of upfront tuition payments from students and initial franchise fees from the Company’s franchisees.

Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Revenues
Total revenues for the first nine months of 2020 decreased by RMB519.2 million, or 46.6%, to RMB594.0 million (US$87.5 million) from RMB1,113.2 million for the same period of the prior year.

  • Revenues from educational programs for the first nine months of 2020 decreased by 42.4% to RMB547.1 million (US$80.6 million), primarily due to the temporary suspension of our offline business for a substantial part of the first nine months of 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which was partially offset by the revenues generated by our online services.
  • Franchise revenues for the first nine months of 2020 decreased by 64.1% to RMB44.3 million (US$6.5 million), primarily due to a decline in recurring franchise revenue as a result of the temporary closure of franchised learning centers.
  • Other revenues for the first nine months of 2020 decreased by 93.4% to RMB2.6 million (US$0.4 million), primarily attributable to a decrease in study tours and cancellation of Rise Cup, reflecting the impact of travel restrictions amid the pandemic.

Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues for the first nine months of 2020 decreased by RMB64.0 million, or 12.5%, to RMB447.1 million (US$65.8 million) from RMB511.1 million for the same period of the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in direct costs associated with the Company’s study tour services, cost of learning materials, teachers’ compensations as a result of reduced teaching hours and headcount, social insurance exemption and rental concession. Non-GAAP cost of revenues for the first nine months of 2020 decreased by 12.7% to RMB434.9 million (US$64.0 million).

Gross Profit
Gross profit for the first nine months of 2020 decreased to RMB146.9 million (US$21.6 million) compared to RMB602.1 million for the same period of the prior year.

Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the first nine months of 2020 decreased by RMB107.2 million, or 24.4%, to RMB332.8 million (US$49.0 million) from RMB440.0 million for the same period of the prior year. Non-GAAP operating expenses for the first nine months of 2020 were RMB326.6 million (US$48.1 million).

  • Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 26.4% year-over-year to RMB161.6 million (US$23.8 million) for the first nine months of 2020, primarily due to the Company’s curtailed and disciplined investment in online and offline marketing activities and reduced personnel costs resulting from personnel optimization, lower performance-based compensations due to the lower new student enrollments, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses during the first nine months of 2020 decreased by 26.9% year-over-year to RMB158.2 million (US$23.3 million).
  • General and administrative expenses decreased by 22.3% year-over-year to RMB171.2 million (US$25.2 million) for the first nine months of 2020, primarily attributable to a decrease in share-based compensation expenses and the Company’s efforts on personnel optimization and rigorous control of administrative expenses. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2020 decreased by 9.6% year-over-year to RMB168.4 million (US$24.8 million).

Operating
Income/(Loss)
The Company recorded an operating loss of RMB185.9 million (US$27.4 million) for the first nine months of 2020, compared with operating income of RMB162.1 million for the same period of the prior year. Non-GAAP operating loss for the first nine months of 2020 was RMB167.4 million (US$24.7 million), compared with non-GAAP operating income of RMB212.4 million for the same period of the prior year.

Interest Expense
Interest expense for the first nine months of 2020 decreased to RMB18.2 million (US$2.7 million) compared to RMB26.7 million for the same period of the prior year, due to the reduced outstanding balance and lower interest rates.

Other Income
Other income for the first nine months of 2020 was RMB21.2 million (US$3.1 million), compared with RMB9.2 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase in other income was due to the output value-added tax exemption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)
Income tax benefit for the first nine months of 2020 was RMB26.7 million (US$3.9 million), compared with income tax expense of RMB61.9 million for the same period of the prior year.

Net Loss
Attributable to RISE
Net loss attributable to RISE for the first nine months of 2020 was RMB133.9 million (US$19.7 million).

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to RISE for the first nine months of 2020 was RMB115.4 million (US$17.0 million).

EBITDA loss for the first nine months of 2020 was RMB99.9 million (US$14.7 million).

Adjusted EBITDA loss for the first nine months of 2020 was RMB94.7 million (US$13.9 million).

Basic and Diluted Earnings
 per
ADS
Basic and diluted net loss attributable to RISE per ADS was RMB2.37 (US$0.35) for the first nine months of 2020.

Basic and diluted non-GAAP net loss attributable to RISE per ADS was RMB2.05 (US$0.30) for the first nine months of 2020.

Cash Flow
Net cash outflow from operating activities for the first nine months of 2020 was RMB97.3 million (US$14.3 million), compared with RMB48.0 million for the same period of the prior year. The cash outflow for the first nine months of 2020 was mainly attributable to reduced cash collection from regular courses as a result of the temporary closure of self-owned and franchised learning centers; while the cash outflow for the same period of 2019 was mainly attributable to the change in the collection schedule for tuition fees to comply with certain regulatory requirements.

B
usiness Outlook
While the adverse impact of pandemic on our business is expected to continue for certain period of time and the COVID-19 situation in China is constantly evolving, we believe that we have significantly improved our ability to cope with challenges in an uncertain environment and are well positioned to capture long-term growth opportunities. For the fourth quarter of 2020, we expect revenue to be in the range of RMB355 million to RMB365 million. The above forecast reflects our current and preliminary view, which is subject to substantial uncertainty.

Conference Call Information
RISE will hold a conference call on November 12, 2020 at 8:00 pm Eastern Time (or November 13, 2020 at 9:00 am Beijing Time) to discuss the financial results. Due to the impact of COVID-19, operator assisted conference calls are not available at the moment. All participants must preregister online prior to the call to receive the dial-in details.

Conference call preregistration link is https://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/7180429. Once preregistration has been completed, participants will receive dial-in numbers, an event passcode, and a unique registrant ID.

To join the conference, please dial the number you receive, enter the event passcode followed by your unique registrant ID, and you will be joined to the conference instantly.

A telephone replay will be accessible through November 19, 2020 by dialing the following numbers:

United States:                    +1-646-254-3697
International:                      +61-2-8199-0299
Mainland China:                 400-6322-162
Hong Kong:                        +852-3051-2780
Conference ID:                   #7180429

A live and archived webcast of the conference call, together with a copy of the presentation slides used for the conference call, will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.risecenter.com/.

Exchange Rate
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“USD”) at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB6.7896 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 30, 2020 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred to could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this earnings release.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement RISE’s financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company uses non-GAAP financial measures, which are adjusted from results based on U.S. GAAP. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to U.S. GAAP financial measures are set forth in the table at the end of this earnings release entitled “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results,” which provides more details on the non-GAAP financial measures.

Non-GAAP cost of revenues, non-GAAP operating expenses, including non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses and non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, provides the Company with an understanding of the results from the primary operations of the Company’s business by excluding the effects of certain transaction-related expenses that do not reflect the ordinary operating expenses of the Company’s operations and share-based compensation.

EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP net income/(loss) provide the Company with an understanding of the results from the primary operations of the Company’s business by excluding the effects of certain transaction-related expenses that do not reflect the ordinary EBITDA and net income/(loss) of the Company’s operations.

The Company uses non-GAAP operating expenses, including non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses and non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP operating income/(loss), Non-GAAP operating margin, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to RISE, and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE to evaluate the Company’s period-over-period operating performance because the Company’s management believes these provide a more comparable measure of the Company’s continuing business as it adjusts for transaction-related expenses that are not reflective of the normal earnings of the Company’s business. These measures may be useful to an investor in evaluating the underlying operating performance of the Company’s business, and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of the historical and current financial performance of the Company’s continuing operations and prospects for the future.

Non-GAAP financial information should not be considered a substitute for or superior to U.S. GAAP results. In addition, calculations of this non-GAAP financial information may be different from calculations used by other companies, and therefore comparability may be limited.

Non-GAAP cost of revenues exclude relevant share-based compensation expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets (“IA”) acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition from cost of revenues. Non-GAAP operating income/(loss) adds back share-based compensation expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition. Each of non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses or non-GAAP general and administrative expenses excludes relevant share-based compensation expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition. EBITDA represents net income/(loss) before interests, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

For more information on non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned “Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measures.”

About RISE Education
RISE Education Cayman Ltd is a leading junior English Language Training (“ELT”) provider based in Beijing. Founded in 2007, the Company pioneered the application of the “subject-based learning” philosophy in China, which uses language arts, math, natural science, and social science to teach English in an immersive environment that helps students learn to speak and think like a native speaker. Through three flagship courses, Rise Start, Rise On, and Rise Up, and other complementary products, the Company provides ELT to students aged three to six, seven to twelve and thirteen to eighteen, respectively. The Company’s highly scalable business model includes both self-owned and franchised learning centers. For more information, please visit http://en.risecenter.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements, including the statements relating to the Company’s future financial and operating results, are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, management’s quotations and the Business Outlook section contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about RISE and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to its ability to attract new students and retain existing students, its ability to maintain or enhance its brand, its ability to compete effectively against its competitors, its ability to execute its growth strategy, its ability to introduce new products or enhance existing products, its ability to obtain required licenses, permits, filings or registrations, its ability to grow or operate or effectively monitor its franchise business, quarterly variations in its operating results caused by factors beyond its control, macroeconomic conditions in China and government policies and regulations relating to its corporate structure, business and industry and their potential impact on its future business development, financial condition and results of operations. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and RISE undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although RISE believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by RISE is included in RISE’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Investor Relations Contact

Karen Gu

RISE Education
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +86 (10) 8559-9191


RISE EDUCATION CAYMAN LTD


UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


(in thousands)


As of


December 31
, 2019


September 30
, 2020


September 30
, 2020


RMB 


RMB


USD


ASSETS


Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

999,012

676,711

99,669

Restricted cash

23,813

97,849

14,412

Accounts receivable, net

1,745

2,397

353

Amounts due from related parties

191

1,013

149

Inventories

8,685

7,751

1,142

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

51,420

83,431

12,287


Total current assets

1,084,866

869,152

128,012

Property and equipment, net

137,340

106,503

15,686

Intangible assets, net

210,346

195,982

28,865

Long-term investment

33,000

33,000

4,860

Goodwill

665,416

670,334

98,730

Amounts due from a related party

4,000

589

Deferred tax assets

11,026

35,388

5,212

Other non-current assets

49,638

54,388

8,010

Operating lease right-of use assets

610,323

607,611

89,493


Total assets

2,801,955

2,576,358

379,457


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY


Current liabilities:

Current portion of long-term loan

134,015

235,939

34,750

Accounts payable

7,553

4,880

719

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

202,808

262,663

38,685

Deferred revenue and customer advances

716,637

676,913

99,699

Income taxes payable

14,594

9,262

1,364

Operating lease liabilities, current portion

157,911

181,158

26,682


Total current liabilities

1,233,518

1,370,815

201,899

Long-term loan

370,163

197,899

29,147

Deferred revenue and customer advances

39,397

35,806

5,274

Deferred tax liabilities

31,116

21,318

3,140

Other non-current liabilities

39,156

42,273

6,226

Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion

464,304

422,157

62,178


Total liabilities

2,177,654

2,090,268

307,864


Shareholders’ equity:

Ordinary shares

6,946

6,956

1,025

Additional paid-in capital

583,262

589,965

86,892

Statutory reserves

104,830

104,830

15,440

Accumulated deficit

(127,059)

(260,920)

(38,429)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

40,917

40,781

6,006


Total Rise Education Cayman Ltd shareholders’ equity

608,896

481,612

70,934

Non-controlling interests

15,405

4,478

660


Total equity

624,301

486,090

71,593


Total liabilities, non-controlling interests and shareholders’ equity

2,801,955

2,576,358

379,457

 


RISE EDUCATION CAYMAN LTD


UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


(in thousands, except share and ADS data and per share and per ADS data)


Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended
 Sep. 30


Sep. 30, 2019


Jun. 30, 2020


Sep. 30, 2020


Sep. 30, 2020


2019


2020


2020


RMB


RMB


RMB


USD


RMB


RMB


USD


Revenues

411,143

164,990

320,029

47,135

1,113,225

594,007

87,488

Educational programs

334,927

151,465

293,619

43,246

950,417

547,072

80,575

Franchise revenues

45,363

12,935

25,287

3,724

123,338

44,331

6,529

Others

30,853

590

1,123

165

39,470

2,604

384


Cost of revenues

(196,280)

(141,582)

(162,918)

(23,995)

(511,095)

(447,068)

(65,846)


Gross profit

214,863

23,408

157,111

23,140

602,130

146,939

21,642

Selling and marketing expenses 

(83,278)

(42,474)

(75,911)

(11,180)

(219,682)

(161,606)

(23,802)

General and administrative expenses 

(65,759)

(54,821)

(61,771)

(9,098)

(220,321)

(171,190)

(25,214)


Operating income/(loss)

65,826

(73,887)

19,429

2,862

162,127

(185,857)

(27,374)

Interest income

4,498

4,055

3,650

538

13,906

11,557

1,702

Interest expense

(8,836)

(5,883)

(5,547)

(817)

(26,684)

(18,221)

(2,684)

Foreign currency exchange loss

(941)

(17)

(86)

(13)

(1,430)

(183)

(27)

Other income, net

688

2,183

16,009

2,357

9,187

21,179

3,120


Income/(loss) before income tax expense

61,235

(73,549)

33,455

4,927

157,106

(171,525)

(25,263)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

(24,047)

11,029

(4,020)

(592)

(61,929)

26,737

3,938


Net income/(loss)

37,188

(62,520)

29,435

4,335

95,177

(144,788)

(21,325)

Add: net loss/(income) attributable
to non-controlling interests

2,174

4,485

(1,421)

(209)

1,788

10,927

1,609


Net income/(loss) attributable to
RISE Education Cayman Ltd

39,362

(58,035)

28,014

4,126

96,965

(133,861)

(19,716)


Net income/(loss) per ordinary share:

Basic

0.35

(0.51)

0.25

0.04

0.85

(1.19)

(0.17)

Diluted

0.34

(0.51)

0.25

0.04

0.84

(1.19)

(0.17)


Net income/(loss) per ADS
 (Notes 1)
:

Basic

0.70

(1.03)

0.50

0.07

1.70

(2.37)

(0.35)

Diluted

0.69

(1.03)

0.49

0.07

1.68

(2.37)

(0.35)


Shares used in net income/(loss) per ordinary share computation:

Basic

112,960,292

112,756,844

112,821,099

112,821,099

114,302,033

112,778,242

112,778,242

Diluted

114,343,590

112,756,844

113,598,108

113,598,108

115,632,850

112,778,242

112,778,242


ADSs used in net income/(loss) per ADS computation:

Basic

56,480,146

56,378,422

56,410,550

56,410,550

57,151,016

56,389,121

56,389,121

Diluted

57,171,795

56,378,422

56,799,054

56,799,054

57,816,425

56,389,121

56,389,121

Note 1: Each ADS represents two ordinary shares.


RISE EDUCATION CAYMAN LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except share and ADS data and per share and per ADS data)

 

                                Three Months Ended



      Nine Months Ended Sep. 30


Sep. 30, 2019


Jun. 30, 2020


Sep. 30, 2020


Sep. 30, 2020


2019


2020


2020

       RMB


       RMB


       RMB


        USD


  RMB


   RMB


  USD


Net income/(loss)

37,188

(62,520)

29,435

4,335

95,177

(144,788)

(21,325)


Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of nil:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(2,467)

(31)

(356)

(52)

(3,069)

(136)

(20)


Other comprehensive loss

(2,467)

(31)

(356)

(52)

(3,069)

(136)

(20)


Comprehensive income/(loss)

34,721

(62,551)

29,079

4,283

92,108

(144,924)

(21,345)

Add: comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interests

2,174

4,485

(1,421)

(209)

1,788

10,927

1,609


Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to RISE Education Cayman Ltd

36,895

(58,066)

27,658

4,074

93,896

(133,997)

(19,736)

 


RISE EDUCATION CAYMAN LTD


RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS


(in thousands, except ADS data and per ADS data)


Three Months Ended


Nine Months Ended
 Sep. 30


Sep. 30,
2019


Jun. 30,
2020


Sep. 30,
2020


Sep. 30,
2020


2019


2020


2020


RMB


RMB


RMB


USD


RMB


RMB


USD


Net income/(loss)

37,188

(62,520)

29,435

4,335

95,177

(144,788)

(21,325)

Share-based compensation (“SBC”)

4,705

1,935

3,351

494

37,335

5,245

772

IA amortization arising from Bain acquisition

4,415

4,456

4,348

640

12,945

13,190

1,943


Non-GAAP net income/(loss)

46,308

(56,129)

37,134

5,469

145,457

(126,353)

(18,610)

Add: net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interests

2,174

4,485

(1,421)

(209)

1,788

10,927

1,609


Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to RISE Education Cayman Ltd

48,482

(51,644)

35,713

5,260

147,245

(115,426)

(17,001)


Net income/(loss)

37,188

(62,520)

29,435

4,335

95,177

(144,788)

(21,325)

Add: Depreciation

11,695

17,465

11,480

1,690

33,583

41,591

6,126

Add: Amortization

6,904

7,834

7,651

1,127

17,526

23,363

3,441

Add: Interest expense

8,836

5,883

5,547

817

26,684

18,221

2,684

Add: Income tax expense/(benefit)

24,047

(11,029)

4,020

592

61,929

(26,737)

(3,938)

Less: Interest income

4,498

4,055

3,650

538

13,906

11,557

1,702


EBITDA

84,172

(46,422)

54,483

8,024

220,993

(99,907)

(14,714)

SBC

4,705

1,935

3,351

494

37,335

5,245

772


Adjusted EBITDA

88,877

(44,487)

57,834

8,518

258,328

(94,662)

(13,942)


Cost of revenues

196,280

141,582

162,918

23,995

511,095

447,068

65,846

Personnel costs

79,535

61,980

74,898

11,031

214,211

202,737

29,860

Rental costs

56,490

49,595

53,427

7,869

162,040

153,895

22,666

Others

60,255

30,007

34,593

5,095

134,844

90,436

13,320

Less: SBC

281

320

433

64

2,485

1,452

214

Less: IA amortization arising from Bain acquisition

3,599

3,632

3,544

522

10,552

10,752

1,584


Non-GAAP cost of revenues

192,400

137,630

158,941

23,409

498,058

434,864

64,048


Non-GAAP gross profit

218,743

27,360

161,088

23,726

615,167

159,143

23,440


Selling and marketing expenses 

83,278

42,474

75,911

11,180

219,682

161,606

23,802

Less: SBC

487

403

375

55

742

973

143

Less: IA amortization arising from Bain acquisition

816

824

804

118

2,393

2,438

359


Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses

81,975

41,247

74,732

11,007

216,547

158,195

23,300


General and administrative expenses 

65,759

54,821

61,771

9,098

220,321

171,190

25,214

Less: SBC

3,937

1,212

2,543

375

34,108

2,820

415


Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses

61,822

53,609

59,228

8,723

186,213

168,370

24,799


Operating expense

149,037

97,295

137,682

20,278

440,003

332,796

49,016

Less: SBC

4,424

1,615

2,918

430

34,850

3,793

558

Less: IA amortization arising from Bain acquisition

816

824

804

118

2,393

2,438

359


Non-GAAP operating expense

143,797

94,856

133,960

19,730

402,760

326,565

48,099


Operating income/(loss)

65,826

(73,887)

19,429

2,862

162,127

(185,857)

(27,374)

Add: SBC

4,705

1,935

3,351

494

37,335

5,245

772

Add: IA amortization arising from Bain acquisition

4,415

4,456

4,348

640

12,945

13,190

1,943


Non-GAAP operating income/(loss)

74,946

(67,496)

27,128

3,996

212,407

(167,422)

(24,659)

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS
attributable to RISE-basic (Notes 1)

0.86

(0.92)

0.63

0.09

2.58

(2.05)

(0.30)

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS
attributable to RISE-diluted  (Notes 1)

0.85

(0.92)

0.63

0.09

2.55

(2.05)

(0.30)

ADSs used in calculating net income/(loss) per ADS-basic (Notes 1):

56,480,146

56,378,422

56,410,550

56,410,550

57,151,016

56,389,121

56,389,121

ADSs used in calculating net income/(loss) per ADS-diluted (Notes 1):

57,171,795

56,378,422

56,799,054

56,799,054

57,816,425

56,389,121

56,389,121

Note 1: Each ADS represents two ordinary shares.

 

[1] Adjusted EBITDA excludes share-based compensation expenses from EBITDA.

[2] Students in class refers to the students who were taking our ongoing courses as of a given date.

[3] New students enrolled refers to the newly acquired students who enrolled in our courses during a given period of time.

[4] Non-GAAP cost of revenues exclude relevant share-based compensation (“SBC”) expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets, including teaching course license, acquired as part of the junior ELT business by the Company from certain third-party in 2013 (the “2013 acquisition”) from cost of revenues. Non-GAAP operating income adds back SBC expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition. Each of non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses and non-GAAP general and administrative expenses excludes relevant SBC expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition. For details on the calculation of each of these items and the reconciliation of each to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results.”

 

 

 

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rise-education-announces-third-quarter-2020-unaudited-financial-results-301172149.html

SOURCE RISE Education

Alpine Banks of Colorado Announces Shareholder Approval of Forward Stock Split of Class B Nonvoting Common Shares

Glenwood Springs, Colo., Nov. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpine Banks of Colorado (OTCQX: ALPIB) (“Alpine”), the holding company for Alpine Bank, announced today that its shareholders voted to approve amended and restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of Alpine’s authorized Class B nonvoting common shares, effect a 150-for-1 stock split of the Class B shares and provide that dividends payable on the Class B shares shall equal 1/150th of any dividends paid on Alpine’s Class A voting shares, among other things. The amended and restated Articles of Incorporation and the related stock split will become effective upon filing with the Colorado Secretary of State which Alpine anticipates will occur on December 1, 2020.

The 150-for-1 stock split of Alpine’s Class B shares will be executed in the form of a stock dividend of 149 additional shares of Class B stock for every one Class B share issued and outstanding to shareholders as of the close of business on the record date of November 23, 2020. After the close of business on December 1, 2020, Alpine’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, will distribute to shareholders of record on the record date a book entry statement in lieu of a share certificate, which will represent the additional number of Class B shares to be received as a result of the stock split. Holders of Class B shares do not need to exchange their existing stock certificates. It is currently expected that Alpine’s Class B shares will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on the OTCQX® Best Market on December 2, 2020.

Alpine currently has approximately 50,317 Class B shares outstanding.  After the stock split, the number Class B shares outstanding will increase to approximately 7,547,550 shares. In addition, Alpine’s Class B shares will trade under the symbol “ALPIBD” for 20 business days after effectiveness of the stock split. Alpine’s Class A voting common shares will not be affected by the stock split.

Glen Jammaron, Alpine’s Vice Chairman and President, stated: “Alpine has a strong and stable shareholder base, and we appreciate the large number of long-term, loyal shareholders.  We anticipate that this stock split will provide additional liquidity for our Class B shares by making more shares available in the marketplace and making our Class B shares more affordable for investors. We believe that Alpine offers the opportunity to invest in a growing community bank that has consistently offered an attractive cash dividend and solid growth.”

Answers to frequently asked questions about the stock split are available in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.alpinebank.com.

About Alpine Banks of Colorado

Alpine Banks of Colorado, through its wholly owned subsidiary Alpine Bank, is a $5.1-billion, employee-owned organization founded in 1973 with headquarters in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. With 40 banking offices across Colorado, Alpine Bank employs more than 760 people and serves more than 160,000 customers with personal, business, wealth management, mortgage and electronic banking services. Alpine Bank has a 5-star rating for financial strength by BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading bank rating firm. The 5-star rating is BauerFinancial’s highest rating for financial institutions. Learn more at www.alpinebank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar references to future periods. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact or guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement include statements regarding the expected timing and impact of the stock split. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Attachment

Eric Gardey
Alpine Banks of Colorado
(970) 384-3257
[email protected]