Categories
Business

AM Best removes from under review with positive implications and upgrades credit ratings of Moda Health Plan, Inc. and Oregon Dental Service

OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has removed from under review with positive implications and upgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to B++ (Good) from B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bbb” from “bb” of Moda Health Plan, Inc. (Moda Health). Concurrently, AM Best has removed from under review with positive implications and upgraded the FSR to B++ (Good) from B (Fair) and the Long-Term ICR to “bbb+” from “bb” of Oregon Dental Service (ODS). Both companies are domiciled in Portland, OR. The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings of Moda Health reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as adequate, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile, appropriate ERM and support of its owners.

The rating upgrades for Moda Health reflects the improvement in absolute capital during the third quarter of 2020 and in its estimated Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). In April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government is required to pay health insurers for the amounts owed under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s Risk Corridors program. Moda Health had been party to a lawsuit suing the federal government and recently recovered payment of $248.9 million for damages incurred during 2014-2016. Furthermore, with the increased level of capital, AM Best expects Moda’s debt leverage and financial flexibility to substantially improve. Moda Health had issued external surplus notes, which previously comprised a sizable portion of the company’s capital and surplus.

The ratings of ODS reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The rating upgrades for ODS reflect the improvement in its estimated Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR) as well as the improvement in the financial flexibility and fungibility of capital within the ODS organization, driven by the sizeable payment from the federal government to Moda Health. ODS maintains a 50.5% ownership in its subsidiary, Moda Health, following its sale of its remaining shares of common stock to Delta Dental of California (DDC) and formation of its strategic partnership that closed in 2019.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media – Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2020 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Jeffrey Lane
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5567
jeffrey.lane@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Wayne Kaminski
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5061
wayne.kaminski@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Categories
Healthcare

Topcon announces the U.S. launch of Aladdin-M

Company Introduces Tool for Measuring and Monitoring Axial Length Metrics


OAKLAND, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#SeeingEyeHealthDifferently–Topcon Healthcare, a leading provider of medical devices and software solutions for the global eye care community, announced today that it has launched its new Aladdin-M instrument to the US market. Aladdin-M combines corneal topography, pupillometry, and optical biometry to enable objective measurement of corneal curvature, pupil dynamics, and axial length metrics.

The versatile, all-in-one Aladdin-M provides the critical tools needed to support myopia management while also incorporating features for keratoconus screening and contact lens fitting. Aladdin-M’s exclusive software enables documentation of axial length measurements to identify risk factors and track changes in Rx and axial length measurements over time to show progression and response to treatment. The instrument is compact, easy to operate, and offers rapid capture to ensure patient satisfaction.

It is estimated that 50% of the world’s population may be myopic by 20501. With the launch of Aladdin-M, Topcon achieves a milestone in supporting the battle against this global myopia epidemic.

“Aladdin-M is ideally suited to help eye care professionals combat the growing crisis of myopia. Its versatility and ease of use allow eye care professionals to easily build a myopia service within their practice, educate patients on the implications of myopia, manage their patients’ conditions, and grow their service offerings,” stated John Trefethen, Global VP of Marketing & Product Design for Topcon Healthcare.

Topcon will debut the Aladdin-M device at the Vision Source Exchange On-Demand meeting, August 27th – 29th.

About Topcon Healthcare

Topcon Healthcare sees eye health differently. Our vision is to empower providers with smart and efficient technologies for enhanced patient care. Keeping pace with the ever-changing landscape of the healthcare industry, we offer the latest integrated solutions, including advanced multimodal imaging, vendor-neutral data management, and ground-breaking remote diagnostic technology.

A globally-oriented business, Topcon is focused on developing solutions towards solving societal challenges in the mega-domains of healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. In healthcare, these challenges include increasing eye disease, rising medical costs, access to healthcare, and physician shortages. By investing in value-driven innovations, Topcon works to enable people to enjoy good health and high quality of life.

  1. Holden, BA, Fricke,TR, Wilson, DA et al. Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016; 123:1036–42. Available from: doi: DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006

Contacts

John Trefethen, MFA

Global Vice President, Marketing & Product Design Topcon Healthcare

E- mail: jtrefethen@topcon.com

Categories
Business

Majesco positioned as a visionary in Gartner 2020 Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America

MORRISTOWN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Majesco (NASDAQ: MJCO), a global provider of cloud insurance platform software for insurance business transformation, today announced that it has been once again positioned as a Visionary in the August 2020 Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America.

Per the report, which evaluates 11 vendors, “This Magic Quadrant provides a lens into the North American market for life insurance policy administration system (PASs) used by individual and group life and annuity (L&A) insurers.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated, business operating conditions can change dramatically overnight, and life insurance PASs and the infrastructure on which they operate must be scalable, secure and adaptable to change,” says Richard Natale, Senior Director Analyst and Rajesh Narayan, Senior Director Analyst in the report. “Life insurance CIOs should be evaluating their PASs now to determine the degree to which they enable, or are a barrier to, this type of resiliency in the face of disruption.”

The report notes that “in the next 12 to 18 months, life insurance IT budgets will be under pressure. CFOs and CEOs will look at discretionary budgets for convenient ways to cut expenses in an effort to preserve capital and cash, such as discretionary spending earmarked for digital innovation. However, the potential does exist where PAS modernization accelerates to address operational issues that have been uncovered due to the pandemic. This could also accelerate the need for a PAS modernization or replacement. Examples include:

  • Consumer behavior and a material shift to digital channels
  • Long-term changes in consumer demand for insurance products
  • Data and analytics needed to address changes in risk and actuarial models
  • A permanent shift to how and where people work
  • New uses for automation, such as touchless claims handling
  • Rapid response to a crisis with products such as parametric insurance
  • Potential governmental intervention and regulation”

Now more than ever, life insurance companies need a robust, cloud-based core insurance business platform that can satisfy the needs of today’s digital customer,” says Adam Elster, CEO of Majesco. “We’re honored to be named a Visionary by Gartner in the Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America. We remain committed to creating a future of insurance that is agile, nimble and fast. We are proud of the investments we’ve made this past year that we believe have strengthened our positioning on the Completeness of Vision axis. To us, this recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating an L&A and Group core system that will help our customers seamlessly transition to the future of insurance.”

Majesco L&A and Group Core Suite supports all individual, group and voluntary benefits on a single platform, recognizing that growing and retaining customers, regardless of where they originate, is critical to insurer’s growth strategies. The suite provides essential core system capabilities for policy, billing and claims. It brings a host of exciting, innovative capabilities to life, group and annuities insurance, such as an AI-powered group sales process to deliver digital RFP, an AI bot-driven conversational UX for navigation, and an always straight through processing approach to speed up transaction processing individually or across multiple points. The powerful design allows for rapid adaptation for new, innovative products or benefit plans, giving insurers the power, flexibility and speed needed to capture opportunities and create profitable growth.

Majesco L&A and Group Core Suite brings a strong, innovative solution to life, annuities, group and voluntary benefits insurance market that will digitally enable the business from traditional products to new parametric products in this new era of insurance,” stated Manish Shah, President and Chief Product Officer for Majesco. “In our opinion, our Visionary positioning in the Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America is a result of strong execution of the product vision and demonstrates our commitment to innovation and understanding of the emerging shift in new customer needs and expectations to help our customers gain market leadership with a new generation of customers.”

Gartner “Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America,” Richard Natale, Rajesh Narayan, 3 August 2020.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Majesco

Majesco (NASDAQ: MJCO) provides technology, expertise, and leadership that helps insurers modernize, innovate and connect to build the future of their business – and the future of insurance – at speed and scale. Our platforms connect people and businesses to insurance in ways that are innovative, hyper-relevant, compelling and personal. Over 200 insurance companies worldwide in P&C, L&A and Group Benefits are transforming their businesses by modernizing, optimizing or creating new business models with Majesco. Our market-leading solutions include CloudInsurer® P&C Core Suite (Policy, Billing, Claims); CloudInsurer® LifePlus Solutions (AdminPlus, AdvicePlus, IllustratePlus, DistributionPlus); CloudInsurer® L&A and Group Core Suite (Policy, Billing, Claims); Digital1st® Insurance with Digital1st® Engagement, Digital1st® EcoExchange and Digital1st® Platform – a cloud-native, microservices and open API platform; Distribution Management, Data and Analytics and an Enterprise Data Warehouse. For more details on Majesco, please visit www.majesco.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Majesco’s reports that it files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which you should review, including those statements under “Item 1A – Risk Factors” in Majesco’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to: the adverse impact on economies around the world and our customers of the current COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to achieve increased market penetration for our product and service offerings and obtain new customers; our ability to raise future capital as needed; the growth prospects of the property & casualty and life & annuity insurance industry; the strength and potential of our technology platform and our ability to innovate and anticipate future customer needs; our ability to compete successfully against other providers and products; data privacy and cyber security risks; technological disruptions; our ability to successfully integrate our acquisitions and identify new acquisitions; the risk of loss of customers or strategic relationships; the success of our research and development investments; changes in economic conditions, political conditions and trade protection measures; regulatory and tax law changes; immigration risks; our ability to obtain, use or successfully integrate third-party licensed technology; key personnel risks; and litigation risks.

These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events and Majesco cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Majesco or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this presentation. Majesco disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Contacts

Laura Tillotson

Director, Marketing Communications and Creative Services

+ 201 230 0752

laura.tillotson@majesco.com

Categories
Business

B&G Foods issues voluntary allergy alert on undeclared milk in a limited number of boxes of Back to Nature® Organic Rosemary & Olive Oil Stoneground Wheat Crackers

PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–B&G Foods announced today it is voluntarily recalling 1,502 cases of a single date code of 6 oz. Back to Nature Organic Rosemary & Olive Oil Stoneground Wheat Crackers, with a “best by” date of APR 07 2021, after learning that the product may contain undeclared milk ingredients. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product contained in the recalled boxes. There is no health risk associated with this product for individuals without an allergy to milk.


This recall affects only 1,502 cases of the following product, which were distributed in retail stores nationwide:

Description

Consumer UPC #

Size

Best By Date

Back to Nature Organic

Rosemary & Olive Oil

Stoneground Wheat

Crackers

8-19898-01015-8

6 oz.

APR 07 2021

(The “best by” date is located on

the top of the box.)

This recall does not apply to any other “best by” dates, sizes or varieties of Back to Nature products.

No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date. This recall was initiated in cooperation with the FDA and the third party co-packer that produced the product.

B&G Foods discovered this issue when it received a consumer complaint that the foil bag within a single box of Back to Nature Organic Rosemary & Olive Oil Stoneground Wheat Crackers contained cheese crackers. B&G Foods initiated the recall based on the results of its investigation after locating a second box in its warehouse with the same “best by” date that was inadvertently filled with a foil bag of cheese crackers, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk. The foil bags do correctly indicate whether the crackers are rosemary & olive oil crackers or cheese crackers and the outer box provides an allergen advisory statement indicating that the product is “Made on the same equipment that processes milk.” However, out of an abundance of caution, B&G Foods is recalling all 1,502 cases with this particular “best by” date that have been shipped to its customers. Product with this particular “best by” date was shipped and distributed by B&G Foods to its customers’ warehouses located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers seeking a refund or additional information may also contact B&G Foods by calling 855.346.2225 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time or submitting a contact at https://backtonaturefoods.com/contact-us.

Contacts

Media Relations:

ICR, Inc.

Matt Lindberg

203.682.8214

Categories
Business

Movado Group, Inc. announces second quarter results

~ Second Quarter Net Sales of $88.5 million ~

~ Second Quarter Loss Per Share of ($0.28), or ($0.07) Excluding Restructuring Plan and Other Items ~

~ Ends Second Quarter with Cash of $170 million ~

~ Announces Licensing Partnership with Calvin Klein ~

PARAMUS, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Movado Group, Inc. (NYSE: MOV) today announced second quarter and six-month results for the period ended July 31, 2020.

Efraim Grinberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We remain focused on ensuring the safety and health of our employees, customers and the communities where we operate. In a quarter that was significantly impacted globally by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud of our team’s ability to build on our multi-year investments in our digital center of excellence and adapt to support our ongoing mission to put consumers first, allowing them to connect with our great brands, designs and platforms wherever and whenever they choose to shop. These efforts allowed us to capture strong online demand where our Movado brand generated a 130% increase in our own and third party ecommerce sales. In North America, we reopened our outlet stores in June and were encouraged by the improved sequential performance in July, despite reduced stores hours. We are also seeing encouraging demand in our domestic department store channel. In China, we had a 16% increase in sales for the quarter with trends continuing to accelerate and we had positive top line growth in France and Germany, despite our customers being closed for nearly half of the quarter.”

Mr. Grinberg continued, “The aggressive actions we took at the height of the pandemic have positioned us well to continue to navigate the current environment. We have implemented initiatives that are expected to generate $90 million in cost savings in this fiscal year and have strengthened our financial health as evidenced by our cash balance of $170 million after repaying $37 million on our revolver at quarter end. As we look to the remainder of the year, we continue to expect improving sales trends in the second half relative to the first half with improved profitability and we will continue to be disciplined and agile in managing the business given the continued uncertainty. The actions we have taken, combined with our strong liquidity, enable us to leverage our powerful portfolio of brands which will be further strengthened by the exciting new licensing partnership announced today to design and develop Calvin Klein timepieces and jewelry. As a result, we have confidence that we will emerge from this extraordinary period a stronger company that is even better positioned to deliver long-term shareholder value.”

Non-GAAP Items (See attached table for GAAP and Non-GAAP measures)

Second quarter fiscal 2021 results of operations included the following items:

  • Operating expenses include a $0.7 million pre-tax charge, or $0.5 million after tax, representing $0.02 per diluted share, associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to the acquisition of Olivia Burton;
  • $0.3 million pre-tax charge, or $0.2 million after tax, representing $0.01 per diluted share, associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets and deferred compensation related to the acquisition of MVMT;
  • $7.4 million pre-tax charge, or $5.0 million after tax, representing $0.22 per diluted share, related to corporate initiatives primarily in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
  • Other non-operating income includes a $1.3 million pre-tax gain, or $0.8 million after tax, representing $0.04 per diluted share, associated with the sale of a non-operating asset in Switzerland.

Second quarter Fiscal 2020 results of operations included the following items:

  • Operating expenses include a $0.7 million pre-tax charge, or $0.6 million after tax, representing $0.02 per diluted share, associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to Olivia Burton;
  • $1.1 million pre-tax charge, or $0.9 million after tax, representing $0.04 per diluted share, associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets and deferred compensation related to the acquisition of MVMT;
  • $0.3 million pre-tax gain, or $0.2 million after tax, representing $0.01 per diluted share, associated with the change in estimate of the remaining accrual for the fiscal 2018 cost saving initiatives; and
  • Other non-operating income includes a $13.6 million pre-tax benefit, or $10.4 million after tax, representing $0.44 per diluted share, associated with the remeasurement of the contingent consideration liability associated with the MVMT acquisition.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2021 (See attached table for GAAP and Non-GAAP measures)

  • Net sales decreased 43.9% to $88.5 million compared to $157.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Net sales on a constant dollar basis also decreased 43.9%.
  • Gross profit was $45.4 million, or 51.2% of sales, compared to $85.3 million, or 54.1% of sales, in the second quarter last year. The decrease in gross margin percentage was primarily the result of unfavorable changes in channel and product mix, decreased leverage on fixed costs due to decreased sales, and U.S. special tariff headwinds.
  • Operating expenses were $54.3 million compared to $76.6 million in the prior year period. For the second quarter of fiscal 2021, adjusted operating expenses were $45.9 million, which excludes the operating expense charges mentioned above in the Non-GAAP Items section. For the second quarter of fiscal 2020, adjusted operating expenses were $75.1 million, which excludes the operating expense charges mentioned above in the Non-GAAP Items section. The decrease in adjusted operating expenses was primarily due to the Company’s initiative to minimize all non-essential operating expenses such as certain marketing, selling and payroll related expenses.
  • Operating loss was $8.9 million compared to operating income of $8.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. Adjusted operating loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 was $0.6 million, which excludes the fiscal 2021 charges listed above in the Non-GAAP Items section, compared to adjusted operating income for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 of $10.3 million, which excludes the fiscal 2020 charges listed above in the Non-GAAP Items section.
  • The Company recorded a tax benefit of $1.6 million compared to a tax provision of $4.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company recorded an adjusted tax provision in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 of $0.6 million compared to an adjusted tax provision of $1.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2020.
  • Net loss was $6.6 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to net income of $17.5 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 . Adjusted net loss for the fiscal 2021 period was $1.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, which excludes the second quarter fiscal 2021 net charges listed above in the Non-GAAP Items section after the associated tax effects. This compares to adjusted net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 of $8.3 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, which excludes the second quarter fiscal 2020 net charges listed above in the Non-GAAP Items section after the associated tax effects.

First Half Fiscal 2021 (See attached table for GAAP and Non-GAAP measures)

  • Net sales were $158.2 million compared to $304.4 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020, a decrease of 48.0% primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Net sales on a constant dollar basis decreased 47.8%.
  • Gross profit was $77.2 million, or 48.8% of sales, compared to $164.2 million, or 54.0% of sales in the same period last year. Adjusted gross profit for the first six months of fiscal 2021, which excludes $3.5 million in corporate initiative charges related to the impact to the business of the COVID-19 pandemic, was $80.8 million, or 51.0% of net sales. Adjusted gross profit for the first six months of fiscal 2020, which excludes $0.1 million in adjustments associated with the amortization of acquisition accounting adjustments related to the MVMT acquisition, was $164.4 million, or 54.0% of net sales. The decrease in adjusted gross margin percentage was primarily the result of decreased leverage on fixed costs due to decreased sales, unfavorable changes in channel and product mix, unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates and U.S. special tariff headwinds.
  • Operating expenses were $268.3 million as compared to $150.5 million in the first six months of last fiscal year. For the first six months of fiscal 2021, adjusted operating expenses were $99.0 million, which excludes $155.9 million in adjustments related to the impairment of goodwill and certain intangible assets, $11.1 million in corporate initiative charges related to the impact to the business from the COVID-19 pandemic, $1.4 million of expenses associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to Olivia Burton and $1.0 million in adjustments associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets and deferred compensation related to the MVMT acquisition. For the first six months of fiscal 2020, adjusted operating expenses were $146.9 million, which excludes $1.4 million of expenses associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to Olivia Burton and $2.5 million in adjustments associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets, accounting adjustments and deferred compensation related to the MVMT acquisition, partially offset by $0.3 million in adjustments associated with the change in estimate of the remaining accrual for the fiscal 2018 cost saving initiatives. The decrease in adjusted operating expenses was primarily due to the Company’s initiative to minimize all non-essential operating expenses such as certain marketing, selling and payroll related expenses.
  • Operating loss was $191.1 million compared to operating income of $13.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020. Adjusted operating loss for the first six months of fiscal 2021 was $18.2 million, which excludes the fiscal 2021 charges listed in the immediately preceding bullet, compared to adjusted operating income of $17.4 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020 which excludes the fiscal 2020 net charges listed in the immediately preceding bullet.
  • The Company recorded a tax benefit in the first six months of fiscal 2021 of $33.9 million as compared to a tax provision of $5.6 million in the first six months of last year. Based upon adjusted pre-tax income, the adjusted tax benefit was $4.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2021 compared to an adjusted tax provision of $3.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2020.
  • Net loss was $156.6 million, or $6.75 per diluted share, compared to net income of $21.4 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, in the first six months of fiscal 2020. Adjusted net loss for the first half of fiscal 2021 was $14.7 million, or $0.63 per diluted shares, which excludes $131.1 million, net of $24.9 million of tax, in adjustments related to the impairment of goodwill and certain intangible assets, $10.0 million, net of $4.6 million of tax, in corporate initiative charges related to the impact to the business from the COVID-19 pandemic, $1.1 million, net of $0.3 million of tax, of expenses associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to Olivia Burton and $0.6 million, net of $0.4 million of tax, in adjustments associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets and deferred compensation related to the MVMT acquisition, and $0.8 million, net of $0.5 million of tax, associated with a gain on the sale of a non-operating asset in Switzerland. This compares to adjusted net income for the first half of fiscal 2020 of $13.9 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, which excludes $1.1 million, net of $0.3 million of tax, of expenses associated with the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to Olivia Burton; $2.0 million, net of $0.6 million of tax, of expenses related to the amortization of acquired intangible assets, accounting adjustments and deferred compensation related to MVMT; $10.4 million, net of $3.3 million of tax, of gains associated with the remeasurement of the contingent consideration liability associated with the MVMT acquisition; and $0.2 million, net of $0.1 million of tax, of gains associated with the change in estimate of the remaining accrual for the fiscal 2018 cost saving initiatives.

Fiscal 2021 Outlook

Given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 crisis and lack of visibility, the potential financial impact to the business cannot be reasonably estimated. The Company is not providing fiscal 2021 guidance.

Conference Call

The Company’s management will host a conference call and audio webcast to discuss its results today, August 27, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call may be accessed by dialing (877) 407-0784. Additionally, a live webcast of the call can be accessed at www.movadogroup.com. The webcast will be archived on the Company’s website approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call. Additionally, a telephonic re-play of the call will be available at 12:00 p.m. ET on August 27, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. ET on September 10, 2020 and can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 and entering replay pin number 13708469.

Movado Group, Inc. designs, sources, and distributes MOVADO®, MVMT®, OLIVIA BURTON®, EBEL®, CONCORD®, COACH®, TOMMY HILFIGER®, HUGO BOSS®, LACOSTE®, SCUDERIA FERRARI®, REBECCA MINKOFF® and URI MINKOFF® watches worldwide, and operates Movado company stores in the United States and Canada.

In this release, the Company presents certain financial measures that are not calculated according to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Specifically, the Company is presenting adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses and adjusted operating income, which are gross profit, gross margin, operating expenses and operating income, respectively, under GAAP, adjusted to eliminate the amortization of acquisition accounting adjustments related to the Olivia Burton and MVMT acquisitions, corporate initiatives and the impairment of goodwill and certain intangible assets. The Company is also presenting adjusted tax provision, which is the tax provision under GAAP, adjusted to eliminate the impact of charges for the Olivia Burton and MVMT acquisitions, corporate initiatives, the impairment of goodwill and certain intangible assets and the gain on sale of a non-operating asset. The Company believes these adjusted measures are useful because they give investors information about the Company’s financial performance without the effect of certain items that the Company believes are not characteristic of its usual operations. The Company is also presenting adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted effective tax rate, which are net income, earnings per share and effective tax rate, respectively, under GAAP, adjusted to eliminate the after-tax impact of amortization of acquisition accounting adjustments related to the Olivia Burton and MVMT acquisitions, corporate initiatives, the impairment of goodwill and certain intangibles and the gain on sale of a non-operating asset. The Company believes that adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted effective tax rate are useful measures of performance because they give investors information about the Company’s financial performance without the effect of certain items that the Company believes are not characteristic of its usual operations. Additionally, the Company is presenting constant currency information to provide a framework to assess how its business performed excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the current period. Comparisons of financial results on a constant dollar basis are calculated by translating each foreign currency at the same US dollar exchange rate as in effect for the prior-year period for both periods being compared. The Company believes this information is useful to investors to facilitate comparisons of operating results. These non-GAAP financial measures are designed to complement the GAAP financial information presented in this release. The non-GAAP financial measures presented should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the comparable GAAP financial measures, and the methods of their calculation may differ substantially from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” and variations of such words and similar expressions. Similarly, statements in this press release that describe the Company’s business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals are also forward-looking statements. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements and levels of future dividends to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. These risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to general economic and business conditions which may impact disposable income of consumers in the United States and the other significant markets (including Europe) where the Company’s products are sold, uncertainty regarding such economic and business conditions, trends in consumer debt levels and bad debt write-offs, general uncertainty related to possible terrorist attacks, natural disasters, pandemics, including the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases on travel and traffic in our retail stores and the stores of our wholesale customers, supply disruptions and delivery delays from our Chinese and other suppliers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, adverse impact on the Company’s wholesale customers and customer traffic in the Company’s stores as a result of increased uncertainty and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the stability of the European Union (including the impact of the United Kingdom’s process to exit from the European Union), the stability of the United Kingdom after its exit from the European Union, and defaults on or downgrades of sovereign debt and the impact of any of those events on consumer spending, changes in consumer preferences and popularity of particular designs, new product development and introduction, decrease in mall traffic and increase in e-commerce, the ability of the Company to successfully implement its business strategies, competitive products and pricing, the impact of “smart” watches and other wearable tech products on the traditional watch market, seasonality, availability of alternative sources of supply in the case of the loss of any significant supplier or any supplier’s inability to fulfill the Company’s orders, the loss of or curtailed sales to significant customers, the Company’s dependence on key employees and officers, the ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired businesses without disruption to other business activities, the possible impairment of acquired intangible assets including goodwill if the carrying value of any reporting unit were to exceed its fair value, volatility in reported earnings resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of contingent acquisition consideration, the continuation of the company’s major warehouse and distribution centers, the continuation of licensing arrangements with third parties, losses possible from pending or future litigation, the ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights, the ability to lease new stores on suitable terms in desired markets and to complete construction on a timely basis, the ability of the Company to successfully manage its expenses on a continuing basis, information systems failure or breaches of network security, the continued availability to the Company of financing and credit on favorable terms, business disruptions, and general risks associated with doing business outside the United States including, without limitation, import duties, tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs), quotas, political and economic stability, changes to existing laws or regulations, and success of hedging strategies with respect to currency exchange rate fluctuations, and the other factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it. Be advised that developments subsequent to this press release are likely to cause these statements to become outdated with the passage of time. The Company assumes no duty to update its forward looking statements and this release shall not be construed to indicate the assumption by the Company of any duty to update its outlook in the future.

(Tables to follow)

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

July 31,

July 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Net sales

$

88,538

$

157,816

$

158,204

$

304,365

Cost of sales

43,182

72,477

80,955

140,153

Gross profit

45,356

85,339

77,249

164,212

Operating expenses

54,272

76,563

112,409

150,462

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

155,919

Total operating expenses

54,272

76,563

268,328

150,462

Operating (loss)/income

(8,916

)

8,776

(191,079

)

13,750

Non-operating (expense)/income:
Gain on sale of a non-operating asset

1,317

1,317

Change in contingent consideration

13,627

13,627

Interest expense

(590

)

(225

)

(861

)

(449

)

Interest income

8

24

23

45

(Loss)/Income before income taxes

(8,181

)

22,202

(190,600

)

26,973

(Benefit)/Provision for income taxes

(1,559

)

4,741

(33,889

)

5,588

Net (loss)/income

(6,622

)

17,461

(156,711

)

21,385

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(7

)

(44

)

(103

)

(45

)

Net (loss)/income attributable to Movado Group, Inc.

$

(6,615

)

$

17,505

$

(156,608

)

$

21,430

Diluted Income Per Share Information
Net (loss)/income attributable to Movado Group, Inc.

$

(0.28

)

$

0.75

$

(6.75

)

$

0.92

Weighted diluted average shares outstanding

23,240

23,292

23,191

23,370

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
GAAP AND NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In thousands, except for percentage data)
(Unaudited)

As Reported

Three Months Ended

July 31,

% Change

2020

2019

Total net sales, as reported

$

88,538

$

157,816

-43.9

%

Total net sales, constant dollar basis

$

88,461

$

157,816

-43.9

%

As Reported

Six Months Ended

July 31,

% Change

2020

2019

Total net sales, as reported

$

158,204

$

304,365

-48.0

%

Total net sales, constant dollar basis

$

158,813

$

304,365

-47.8

%

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
GAAP AND NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Operating

(Loss)/Income

Pre-tax

(Loss)/Income

(Benefit)/Provision

for Income Taxes

Net

(Loss)/Income

Attributable to

Movado Group,

Inc.

Diluted EPS

Three Months Ended July 31, 2020
As Reported (GAAP)

$

88,538

$

45,356

$

(8,916

)

$

(8,181

)

$

(1,559

)

$

(6,615

)

$

(0.28

)

Olivia Burton Costs (1)

671

671

139

532

$

0.02

MVMT Costs (2)

284

284

108

176

$

0.01

Gain On Sale of a Non-Operating Asset (3)

(1,317

)

(474

)

(843

)

$

(0.04

)

Corporate Initiatives (4)

7,368

7,368

2,353

5,015

$

0.22

Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)

$

88,538

$

45,356

$

(593

)

$

(1,175

)

$

567

$

(1,735

)

$

(0.07

)

Three Months Ended July 31, 2019
As Reported (GAAP)

$

157,816

$

85,339

$

8,776

$

22,202

$

4,741

$

17,505

$

0.75

Olivia Burton Costs (1)

690

690

131

559

0.02

MVMT Costs (2)

1,125

1,125

270

855

0.04

Change In Contingent Consideration (5)

(13,627

)

(3,270

)

(10,357

)

(0.44

)

Cost Savings Initiatives (6)

(320

)

(320

)

(77

)

(243

)

(0.01

)

Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)

$

157,816

$

85,339

$

10,271

$

10,070

$

1,795

$

8,319

$

0.36

Net Sales Gross Profit Operating
(Loss)/Income
Pre-tax
(Loss)/Income
(Benefit)/Provision
for Income Taxes
Net
(Loss)/Income
Attributable to
Movado Group,
Inc.
Diluted EPS
Six Months Ended July 31, 2020
As Reported (GAAP)

$

158,204

$

77,249

$

(191,079

)

$

(190,600

)

$

(33,889

)

$

(156,608

)

$

(6.75

)

Olivia Burton Costs (1)

1,356

1,356

258

1,098

$

0.05

MVMT Costs (2)

981

981

373

608

$

0.03

Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment (7)

155,919

155,919

24,867

131,052

$

5.65

Gain On Sale of a Non-Operating Asset (3)

(1,317

)

(474

)

(843

)

$

(0.04

)

Corporate Initiatives (4)

3,508

14,608

14,608

4,592

10,016

$

0.43

Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)

$

158,204

$

80,757

$

(18,215

)

$

(19,053

)

$

(4,273

)

$

(14,677

)

$

(0.63

)

Six Months Ended July 31, 2019
As Reported (GAAP)

$

304,365

$

164,212

$

13,750

$

26,973

$

5,588

$

21,430

$

0.92

Olivia Burton Costs (1)

1,402

1,402

266

1,136

0.05

MVMT Costs (2)

140

2,598

2,598

624

1,974

0.08

Change In Contingent Consideration (5)

(13,627

)

(3,270

)

(10,357

)

(0.44

)

Cost Savings Initiatives (6)

(320

)

(320

)

(77

)

(243

)

(0.01

)

Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)

$

304,365

$

164,352

$

17,430

$

17,026

$

3,131

$

13,940

$

0.60

Contacts

ICR, Inc.

Rachel Schacter/Allison Malkin

203-682-8200

Read full story here

Categories
Healthcare

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories announces the launch of Penicillamine Capsules USP, 250 mg in the U.S. market

HYDERABAD, India & PRINCETON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, along with its subsidiaries together referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”) today announced the launch of Penicillamine Capsules USP, 250 mg, a therapeutic equivalent generic version of Cuprimine® (penicillamine) Capsules, 250 mg, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

The Cuprimine® brand and generic market had U.S. sales of approximately $80 million MAT for the most recent twelve months ending in June 2020 according to IQVIA Health*.

Dr. Reddy’s Penicillamine Capsules, USP is available as 250 mg capsules in a bottle count sizes of 100.

Please click here for prescribing information including boxed warning.

Warnings

Physicians planning to use penicillamine should thoroughly familiarize themselves with its toxicity, special dosage considerations, and therapeutic benefits. Penicillamine should never be used casually. Each patient should remain constantly under the close supervision of the physician. Patients should be warned to report promptly any symptoms suggesting toxicity.

Cuprimine® is a trademark of Bausch Health Companies Inc.

*IQVIA Retail and Non-Retail MAT June 2020

RDY-0820-305

About Dr. Reddy’s: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY) is an integrated pharmaceutical company, committed to providing affordable and innovative medicines for healthier lives. Through its three businesses – Pharmaceutical Services & Active Ingredients, Global Generics and Proprietary Products – Dr. Reddy’s offers a portfolio of products and services including APIs, custom pharmaceutical services, generics, biosimilars and differentiated formulations. Our major therapeutic areas of focus are gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, diabetology, oncology, pain management and dermatology. Dr. Reddy’s operates in markets across the globe. Our major markets include – USA, India, Russia & CIS countries, and Europe. For more information, log on to: www.drreddys.com

Disclaimer: This press release may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on the management’s current views and assumptions and involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. In addition to statements which are forward-looking by reason of context, the words “may”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “potential”, or “continue” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to without limitation, (i) general economic conditions such as performance of financial markets, credit defaults , currency exchange rates, interest rates, persistency levels and frequency / severity of insured loss events, (ii) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (iii) changing levels of competition and general competitive factors, (iv) changes in laws and regulations and in the policies of central banks and/or governments, (v) the impact of acquisitions or reorganization, including related integration issues, and (vi) the susceptibility of our industry and the markets addressed by our, and our customers’, products and services to economic downturns as a result of natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics or other widespread illness, including coronavirus (or COVID-19), and (vii) other risks and uncertainties identified in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those listed under the “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” sections of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2020. The company assumes no obligation to update any information contained herein.”

Contacts

INVESTOR RELATIONS
AMIT AGARWAL

amita@drreddys.com
(PH: +91-40-49002135)

MEDIA RELATIONS
APARNA TEKURI

aparnatekuri@drreddys.com
(PH: +91-40-49002446)

Categories
Business

P360 listed as a sample vendor in Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Life Science Commercial Operations, 2020

P360 was recognized as a vendor under the Life Science Sales Performance Management category in the 2020 report

PISCATAWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#GartnerP360, a leading developer of technology for life sciences companies, today announced that it has been identified as a Sample Vendor in the Gartner Hype Cycle for Life Science Commercial Operations, 2020. P360 was named Sample Vendor in the Life Science Sales Performance Management (LSSPM) category.[1] As per the report, “LSSPM tools apply technology to streamline the sales operation processes through automation, intuitive workflows, advanced analytics and cloud-based connectivity.”


“P360’s solutions are built to streamline and accelerate sales operations for pharmaceutical commercial organizations, enabling them to work more efficiently and effectively,” stated P360 CEO and Founder Anupam Nandwana. “Swittons, our IoT powered smart devices for life sciences organizations, are a great example of the innovative solutions we develop. We believe in our solution’s value to our customers.”

Earlier this year, P360 launched its industry first IoT product Swittons as a platform for life sciences digital transformation initiatives. Swittons devices are an essential part of any advanced analytics and AI deployment. By integrating with existing systems and collecting data from sources across the enterprise, Swittons help automate messaging and other functions by utilizing push/pull data streams. Each device can be customized to align with specialized workflows, and can be used to authenticate via biometric and RFID models.

Swittons can be configured for labs, biotech organizations and medical device companies. They are also designed to be compatible with existing commercial infrastructure and integrate seamlessly with leading CRM and ERP systems. The devices, which can be custom branded, come programmed to execute up to four different predefined functions.

Bringing critical data from a device to the enterprise has never been easier, because Swittons takes care of all the complex technical work. To learn more about Swittons, simply visit Swittons.com.

Swittons is powered by the technology and expertise developed by P360. Delivering a 360 view through the pharma, physician and patient ecosystem, P360 designs and deploys capabilities that ensure the highest efficiencies and returns on sales operations, data management, clinical trials, patient centricity and IoT innovation. With expertise in supporting commercial operations for companies of all sizes, P360 has built an industry-leading platform that gives customers ownership of their data and the ability to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.

In addition to being listed as a sample vendor in Gartner’s Hype Cycle report, Swittons and P360 CEO Anupam Nandwana was recently named to the PharmaVoice 100, which recognize the most inspirational, motivational and transformational individuals throughout the life-sciences industry.

To learn more about P360, visit P360.com.

[1] Gartner, “Hype Cycle for Life Science Commercial Operations,” Animesh Gandhi, Michael Shanler, August 6, 2020.

Gartner Disclaimer:

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s Research and Advisory organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Swittons

Based in Piscataway Township, New Jersey, and powered by P360, Swittons is an end-to-end enterprise IoT solution for commercial acceleration. From dashboard to device to data, Swittons powers seamless engagement. Swittons for physicians and pharma is changing everything about how businesses communicate. To learn more, visit Swittons.com.

About P360

Based in Piscataway Township, New Jersey, P360 is a leading developer of technology for the life sciences industry. Product offerings include BirdzAI, PatientJourney360, Data360, Trials360 and Swittons. To learn more about P360, visit P360.com.

Contacts

Brian Fitzgerald

Brian.Fitzgerald@P360.com
808-754-0437

Categories
Business

MetLife Investment Management originates $6.2 billion in private placement debt for 1H 2020

Private placement debt portfolio grows to $91.2 billion1

WHIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetLife Investment Management (MIM), the institutional asset management business of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), today announced it originated $6.2 billion in private placement debt for the first half of 2020, across nearly 100 transactions. This included $1.7 billion of investments originated on behalf of institutional clients.

Despite COVID-driven economic uncertainty and associated volatility in the fixed income markets, we remained active throughout the first six months of 2020, serving as a key capital partner to our issuers,” said John Wills, global head of private placements at MIM.

MIM’s private placement debt origination for the first half of 2020 comprised $4.5 billion in corporate private placement debt transactions and $1.7 billion in infrastructure private placement debt transactions. This origination activity, which added 29 new credits, helped grow MIM’s total private placement debt portfolio to $91.2 billion as of June 30, 2020.

MIM’s corporate private placement activity was diversified across industry sectors, including general industrial, healthcare, professional services, retail and utilities. MIM was selective in its infrastructure private placement opportunities and participated in transactions that provided strong structural protections and relative value across the following sectors: electric transmission, renewable power, social housing and infrastructure, and stadiums. Investments included nearly $550 million in six transactions across the renewable power and social housing and infrastructure sectors.

I am proud of our team’s efforts to support our borrowers and institutional investor clients,” added Wills. “The breadth, depth and experience of our deal sourcing and credit management capabilities served our clients across the corporate, insurance and pension communities well during these extremely difficult times. We expect that MIM will continue to be a leading private placement provider in corporate and infrastructure debt, benefiting from our size, sector expertise and global footprint.”

About MetLife Investment Management

MetLife Investment Management, the institutional asset management business of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), is a global public fixed income, private capital and real estate investment manager providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors worldwide. MetLife Investment Management provides public and private pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, funds and other institutional clients with a range of bespoke investment and financing solutions that seek to meet a range of long-term investment objectives and risk-adjusted returns over time. MetLife Investment Management has over 150 years of investment experience and as of June 30, 2020, had $629.1 billion2 in total assets under management. For more information, visit https://investments.metlife.com.

About MetLife

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements in this news release, such as “expect,” “will,” and “continue” are based on assumptions and expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, including the “Risk Factors” MetLife, Inc. describes in its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. MetLife’s future results could differ, and it has no obligation to correct or update any of these statements.

______________________________

1 As of June 30, 2020. At estimated fair value. Includes corporate and infrastructure private placement debt contained in MetLife’s general account, separate accounts and non-proprietary assets of unaffiliated/third party clients.

2 Total assets under management is comprised of all MetLife general account and separate account assets and unaffiliated/third party assets, at estimated fair value, managed by MIM.

Contacts

James Murphy

(973) 355-4673

Categories
Business

CS Energy achieves 1 gigawatt installed of solar projects

National EPC energy firm, majority owned by funds managed by Ares Management Corporation, achieved significant milestone in August 2020

EDISON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CS Energy, LLC, a leading integrated energy firm that designs and builds optimized projects in the solar, storage and emerging energy industries, announced today that it has reached a major milestone: completing the installation of 1 gigawatt of solar energy projects.


The 1 GW achievement puts CS Energy in a distinguished category. According to Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors* rankings, fewer than 10 EPCs have installed 1 GW of solar as of 2020, but with CS Energy’s consistent 20 percent annual growth rate, the milestone was reached quickly. The company closed 2018 with 650 MW of completed solar projects and ended 2019 with 820 MW. In 2020, CS Energy reached 1,000 MW, despite industry contractions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is an incredible milestone, and one only possible because of the hard work and dedication of our team,” shared Matthew Skidmore, CEO of CS Energy. “I am so proud of our talented workforce, which has completed CS Energy projects to the highest standards of quality and safety across the country. We’re excited to put our deep experience to work for our clients as we begin installing the next gigawatt.”

CS Energy has completed nearly 200 solar projects across 16 states, in a mix of utility-scale solar projects and energy storage projects. Much of the 1 GW has been completed in the last three years as the firm manages increasingly larger projects, such as a recent 29 MW solar project in New Jersey. The growth coincides with funds managed by the Infrastructure and Power strategy of Ares Management Corporation taking majority ownership of the company in 2018.

“We made a strategic investment in CS Energy knowing the firm had the capabilities to expand its impact on renewable energy projects across the country,” shared Keith Derman, Partner and Co-Head of Ares Infrastructure and Power. “We are thrilled that CS Energy has been able to achieve such a substantial milestone and consider it a testament to the company’s legacy of experience and reliability.”

The 1 GW accomplishment comes as CS Energy garners additional recognition from the solar industry. CS Energy was named the nation’s number-one commercial solar installer in 2019 by global research firm Wood Mackenzie. With more than 10 percent of the U.S. market share, CS Energy installed as much as the second- and third-ranked companies combined. In 2020, CS Energy once again made Solar Power World magazine’s annual list of Top Solar Contractors, ranking in the Top 10 for national EPCs, and as the #1 solar contractor in both New York and New Jersey.

Additionally, the company utilizes its expertise to lead a variety of solar industry subsectors. CS Energy is considered an expert in landfill solar installations, having installed more than 160 MW on top of closed capped landfills. CS Energy is also on the forefront of Solar + Storage projects: the company has installed more than 135 MWh of energy storage projects and is ranked as the #2 Solar + Storage installer in the nation by Solar Power World.

Starting with just 12 employees in 2004, the company has grown to a highly skilled team of more than 160 people. CS Energy began in the solar industry as part of The Conti Group, a construction and engineering firm that has been operating for more than 115 years. Building on the organic success in the solar industry, the group branched out into Conti Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Conti Group, in 2017. Conti Solar was majority acquired by funds managed by the Infrastructure and Power strategy of Ares Management Corporation in 2018 the company rebranded as CS Energy.

“CS Energy is thriving from the roots planted at The Conti Group—roots in skilled construction, quality customer service, and an educated leadership group. It’s been a pleasure to see CS Energy deliver on our shared vision of creating a nation-leading integrated energy company,” said Kurt Conti, Chairman of the Board of The Conti Group.

* https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020-top-solar-contractors/

About CS Energy

CS Energy is an industry-leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) energy firm that designs and builds optimized projects in solar, energy storage, and emerging energy industries. CS Energy’s attention to detail, flawless execution and highly talented workforce has enabled the company to successfully design and install over 1 GW of solar projects across the United States. CS Energy leverages strong relationships with solar developers, IPPs, utilities, off-takers, suppliers, and landowners to help our customers streamline the project development process, lower project costs, and create value for all stakeholders. Majority-owned by Ares Infrastructure and Power, CS Energy has an experienced and committed management team and the financial resources required to continue expanding its solar and energy storage business as a trusted and long-term partner.

About Ares Management Corporation

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager operating integrated businesses across Credit, Private Equity and Real Estate. Ares Management’s investment groups collaborate to deliver innovative investment solutions and consistent and attractive investment returns for fund investors throughout market cycles. Ares Management’s global platform had approximately $165 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2020 with more than 1,300 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, pro forma for the acquisition of SSG Capital Holdings Limited which closed on July 1, 2020.

About Ares Infrastructure and Power

Ares Infrastructure and Power (“AIP”) strategy seeks to provide flexible capital for cash-generating assets across the climate infrastructure, natural gas generation, and energy transportation sectors. AIP leverages a broadly skilled and cohesive team of more than 25 investment professionals with deep domain experience and has deployed nearly $9 billion of capital in more than 200 different infrastructure and power assets and companies.

About The Conti Group

The Conti Group is a privately held group of companies spanning the construction, engineering, renewable energy, real estate, technology and biotech markets whose mission is to create positive impact and great value for customers, partners, employees, and society.

Contacts

CS Energy Media:
Dianaliz Santiago-Borcan

732.520.5143

dborcan@csenergy.com

Categories
Business

Statement in response to news of the indictment of Teva USA

TEL AVIV & PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: and TASE: TEVA) is responding to news reports detailing that a federal grand jury in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has returned a criminal indictment charging Teva USA with three counts of antitrust violations under the Sherman Act.

Teva is deeply disappointed that the government has chosen to proceed with this prosecution. The Company has been investigating this matter for over four years and has concluded that Teva did not participate in price fixing. Based on our internal review, Teva firmly rejects the allegations and will vigorously defend the Company in court. Teva has fully cooperated throughout the course of the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation and has attempted to reach a resolution in the best interest of the Company, its stakeholders and the patients the company serves. The DOJ has shown an unwillingness to consider alternatives that would not deeply impact Teva and the stakeholders who depend on the Company, including the patients who benefit from our medicines.

As we defend this matter, Teva will maintain focus on its critical role in the U.S. healthcare system, ensuring access to affordable medicines, including helping millions of patients who suffer multiple chronic conditions. One out of every 10 of the 3.69 billion generic prescriptions written in the United States each year is filled with a Teva product.

About Teva

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) has been developing and producing medicines to improve people’s lives for more than a century. We are a global leader in generic and specialty medicines with a portfolio consisting of over 3,500 products in nearly every therapeutic area. Around 200 million people around the world take a Teva medicine every day, and are served by one of the largest and most complex supply chains in the pharmaceutical industry. Along with our established presence in generics, we have significant innovative research and operations supporting our growing portfolio of specialty and biopharmaceutical products. Learn more at http://www.tevapharm.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding criminal charges filed by the DOJ against Teva USA, which are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from that expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks relating to:

  • our ability to successfully defend against the DOJ criminal charges;
  • the potential impact the DOJ criminal charges, and a potential criminal conviction, may have on our business and operations in general, including our ability to defend and reach a favorable resolution of the civil, private and other litigations related to this matter, the effects on our current indebtedness and our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in additional transactions, make new investments, and our ability to continue to do business with governmental bodies in the United States;
  • our ability to successfully compete in the marketplace, including: that we are substantially dependent on our generic products; consolidation of our customer base and commercial alliances among our customers; the increase in the number of competitors targeting generic opportunities and seeking U.S. market exclusivity for generic versions of significant products; competition for our specialty products, especially COPAXONE®, our leading medicine, which faces competition from existing and potential additional generic versions, competing glatiramer acetate products and orally-administered alternatives; the uncertainty of commercial success of AJOVY® or AUSTEDO®; competition from companies with greater resources and capabilities; delays in launches of new products and our ability to achieve expected results from investments in our product pipeline; ability to develop and commercialize biopharmaceutical products; efforts of pharmaceutical companies to limit the use of generics, including through legislation and regulations and the effectiveness of our patents and other measures to protect our intellectual property rights;
  • our substantial indebtedness, which may limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in additional transactions or make new investments, may result in a further downgrade of our credit ratings; and our inability to raise debt or borrow funds in amounts or on terms that are favorable to us;
  • our business and operations in general, including: uncertainty regarding the magnitude, duration, and geographic reach of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business, financial condition, operations, cash flows, and liquidity and on the economy in general; interruptions in our supply chain, including due to potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and business in geographic locations impacted by the pandemic and on the business operations of our customers and suppliers; adequacy of and our ability to successfully execute and maintain the activities and efforts related to the measures we have taken or may take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated costs therewith; effectiveness of our restructuring plan announced in December 2017; challenges associated with conducting business globally, including adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, political or economic instability, major hostilities or terrorism; our ability to attract, hire and retain highly skilled personnel; our ability to develop and commercialize additional pharmaceutical products; compliance with anti-corruption sanctions and trade control laws; manufacturing or quality control problems; disruptions of information technology systems; breaches of our data security; variations in intellectual property laws; significant sales to a limited number of customers; our ability to successfully bid for suitable acquisition targets or licensing opportunities, or to consummate and integrate acquisitions; our prospects and opportunities for growth if we sell assets and potential difficulties related to the operation of our new global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system;
  • compliance, regulatory and litigation matters, including: increased legal and regulatory action in connection with public concern over the abuse of opioid medications in the U.S. and our ability to reach a final resolution of the remaining opioid-related litigation; costs and delays resulting from the extensive governmental regulation to which we are subject or delays in governmental processing time including due to modified government operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and effects on product and patent approvals; the effects of reforms in healthcare regulation and reductions in pharmaceutical pricing, reimbursement and coverage; governmental investigations into S&M practices; potential liability for patent infringement; product liability claims; increased government scrutiny of our patent settlement agreements; failure to comply with complex Medicare and Medicaid reporting and payment obligations; and environmental risks;
  • other financial and economic risks, including: our exposure to currency fluctuations and restrictions as well as credit risks; potential impairments of our intangible assets; potential significant increases in tax liabilities; and the effect on our overall effective tax rate of the termination or expiration of governmental programs or tax benefits, or of a change in our business;

and other factors discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the first and second quarters of 2020 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, including in the sections captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements.” Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Contacts

IR Contacts
United States
Kevin C. Mannix (215) 591-8912

Israel
Yael Ashman 972 (3) 926-7516

PR Contacts
United States
Kelley Dougherty (973) 832-2810

Israel
Yonatan Beker 972 (54) 888 5898