Author: Michelle Dryden

Categories
Business

Protective Insurance selects Majesco P&C Core Suite for Commercial Auto and Workers’ Compensation lines of business on Majesco CloudInsurer® to accelerate their digital transformation

Leading provider of insurance for the transportation industry executes its vision of a new digital business model by replacing legacy systems from three different vendors with Majesco’s next-generation solutions

MORRISTOWN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Majesco (NASDAQ: MJCO), a global leader of cloud insurance software, today announced that Protective Insurance selected Majesco P&C Core Suite for Commercial Auto and Workers’ Compensation claims and billing solutions on Majesco CloudInsurer® to replace legacy solutions and modernize and optimize their business operation and accelerate their digital transformation strategy.

With more than 90 years of experience, Protective Insurance Company specializes in providing insurance for the transportation industry. Licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and all Canadian provinces, Protective provides tailored insurance programs to trucking fleets. Its products are backed by a dedicated safety services team, experienced claims management and superior customer service.

“We’re committed to modernizing our existing systems by bringing innovative, business solutions to the cloud. This technology transformation will give us the flexibility to make the right decisions; to pivot our direction with minimal impact to our business,” said Jeremy Johnson, CEO of Protective Insurance. “After a detailed and careful selection process, Majesco stood out with a core suite that delivers advanced capabilities, user-friendly functionality, mature cloud platform that integrates with the transformation program already underway, and a track record of rapid and successful delivery that will help accelerate our digital transformation and vision for the future of insurance.”

Key to the selection was Majesco’s next-generation core suite with out-of-the-box capabilities, robust functionality and flexible configuration, strong roadmap, mature cloud platform, and a track record of rapid and successful delivery that directly aligned with Protective’s vision of creating a new business model that better serves today’s digital-focused customer. The ability to easily leverage data from Majesco’s systems combined with the configurability and functionality of its core suite will be crucial to fuelling their strategy for innovation and growth. The first phase of the project will focus on commercial auto followed by a second phase that will implement workers’ compensation.

“Protective’s digital business vision is very much aligned with Majesco’s vision, making this partnership seamless from the start,” says Adam Elster, CEO of Majesco. “Our SaaS and Cloud core platforms have become the de-facto software-delivery model for insurance, and we’re thrilled Protective has chosen Majesco to help keep them at the forefront of the industry and lead in this new era of insurance.”

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

Phibro Animal Health Corporation declares quarterly dividend

TEANECK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Board of Directors of Phibro Animal Health Corporation (Nasdaq:PAHC) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share on its Class A common stock and Class B common stock, payable on September 23, 2020, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2020.

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation

Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a diversified global developer, manufacturer and supplier of a broad range of animal health and mineral nutrition products for livestock, helping veterinarians and farmers produce healthy, affordable food while using fewer natural resources. For further information, please visit www.pahc.com.

Contacts

Richard Johnson

Chief Financial Officer, Phibro Animal Health Corporation

+1 201-329-7300

investor.relations@pahc.com

Categories
Local News

Lou Sigillo joins Cenlar as senior vice president of contact centers

EWING, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cenlar FSB, the nation’s leading mortgage loan subservicer, announced today that Lou Sigillo has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Contact Centers.


“Lou is an award-winning and driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in every facet of call-center operations,” said Kimberly Gibson, Executive Vice President, Borrower Operations and Executive Committee Member for Cenlar. “Over this time he has demonstrated passion and commitment to the customer experience. He is a strong advocate for the customer and, at the same time, is adept at driving efficiencies across the business.”

Prior to Cenlar, Lou was a Senior Vice President of Client Engagement for Alorica, one of the largest global outsourcing companies in the world. Before that, Lou was Vice President of Customer Service Operations for Verizon’s wireless operations. At Verizon, he directed the customer service strategy, service delivery and service excellence across internal centers, home-based agents, and strategic partner call centers. Among his accomplishments was the transformation of customer service from multiple field organizations into a centralized national organization.

Lou will be responsible for overseeing Cenlar’s contact center operations, with an initial goal of standardizing, streamlining, and upgrading workforce and technological processes. These efforts will be oriented toward building a seamless customer journey and frictionless omnichannel experience.

About Cenlar FSB

Cenlar FSB is a federally chartered, employee-owned wholesale bank, servicing more than 2.7 million mortgage loans in 50 states. As the nation’s leading subservicer, Cenlar boasts a loyal and growing client base of more than 150 institutions including banks, credit unions, and mortgage bankers. Our 3,000 employees, strategically located throughout the United States, are dedicated to teamwork and customer satisfaction, thereby providing client solutions that are unparalleled in quality, flexibility and innovation. Headquartered in Ewing, NJ, Cenlar is industry rated and audited regularly by independent third parties.

For more information, visit www.cenlar.com. Find us on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cenlar-fsb/

 

Contacts

Adrienne R. Kowalski

Corporate Communications Director

arkowalski@cenlar.com

Categories
Healthcare

Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca enter new global development and commercialization collaboration for Daiichi Sankyo’s ADC DS-1062

  • Agreement represents second collaboration between Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca for a Daiichi Sankyo DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC)
  • AstraZeneca to pay Daiichi Sankyo up to $6 billion in total consideration, including a $1 billion upfront payment and up to an additional $5 billion contingent upon achievement of future regulatory and sales milestones

TOKYO, MUNICH & BASKING RIDGE, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) announced today that it has entered into a global development and commercialization agreement with AstraZeneca (LSE, STO, NYSE: AZN) for Daiichi Sankyo’s DS-1062, a TROP2 directed DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC), currently in phase 1 clinical development for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).


Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca will jointly develop and commercialize DS-1062 worldwide, except in Japan where Daiichi Sankyo will maintain exclusive rights. Daiichi Sankyo will manufacture and supply DS-1062.

This agreement represents the second global ADC collaboration between the two companies following a similar agreement in March 2019 for Daiichi Sankyo’s ENHERTU®, a HER2 directed DXd ADC.

“DS-1062, one of our lead DXd ADCs that will form a pillar of our next mid-term business plan, has the potential to become a best-in-class TROP2 ADC in multiple tumors, including lung and breast cancers,” said Sunao Manabe, Representative Director, President and CEO of Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited. “This new strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca, a company with extensive experience and significant expertise in the global oncology business, will enable us to deliver DS-1062 to more patients around the world as quickly as possible. As we have done with ENHERTU, we will jointly design and implement strategies to maximize the value of DS-1062.”

“We see significant potential in this antibody drug conjugate in lung as well as in breast and other cancers that commonly express TROP2,” said Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca. “We are delighted to enter this new collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo and to build on the successful launch of ENHERTU to further expand our pipeline and leadership in oncology. We now have six potential blockbusters in oncology with more to come in our early and late pipelines.”

Financial Terms

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will pay Daiichi Sankyo an upfront payment of $1 billion, of which $350 million is due upon execution, $325 million after 12 months and $325 million after 24 months. Contingent payments of up to $5 billion include $1 billion for achievement of future regulatory milestones, and $4 billion for sales-related milestones. Total payments under the agreement have the potential to reach up to $6 billion.

Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca will share equally development and commercialization costs as well as profits from DS-1062 worldwide, except for Japan. Daiichi Sankyo is expected to book sales in U.S., certain countries in Europe, and certain other markets where Daiichi Sankyo has affiliates. AstraZeneca is expected to book sales in other markets worldwide, including China, Australia, Canada and Russia.

The upfront payment and regulatory milestones will be booked as revenue over the period in which Daiichi Sankyo has contractual performance obligations under this collaboration. Impact on Daiichi Sankyo’s consolidated financials for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 will be announced at an appropriate time in the future. The collaboration is expected to enhance the corporate and shareholder value for Daiichi Sankyo over the mid- to long-term.

About TROP2

TROP2 (trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed in many cancers including up to 80 percent of patients with triple negative breast cancer.[1] High TROP2 expression also has been identified in a majority of NSCLCs.2 Research indicates that high TROP2 expression is associated with cancer cell growth and proliferation and poor patient survival.3 TROP2 is recognized as a promising molecular target for therapeutic development in various cancers.4

About DS-1062

DS-1062, a TROP2 directed ADC, is one of three lead DXd ADCs in the oncology pipeline of Daiichi Sankyo.

ADCs are targeted cancer medicines that deliver cytotoxic chemotherapy (“payload”) to cancer cells via a linker attached to a monoclonal antibody that binds to a specific target expressed on cancer cells. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology, DS-1062 is comprised of a humanized anti-TROP2 monoclonal antibody attached to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload by a tetrapeptide-based linker with a customized drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of four to optimize the benefit-risk ratio for the intended patient population.

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that DS-1062 selectively binds to the TROP2 receptor on the surface of a tumor cell. It is proposed that DS-1062 is then internalized into the cancer cell where lysosomal enzymes break down the tetrapeptide-based linker and release the DXd payload.

DS-1062 is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors that are refractory to or relapsed from standard treatment or for whom no standard treatment is available. The study is currently enrolling patients with unresectable advanced NSCLC and unresectable/advanced or metastatic TNBC.

DS-1062 is an investigational agent that has not been approved for any indication in any country. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

About the Collaboration between AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo

Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca entered into a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize ENHERTU (a HER2 directed ADC) in March 2019, and DS-1062 (a TROP2 directed ADC) in July 2020, except in Japan where Daiichi Sankyo maintains exclusive rights. Daiichi Sankyo is responsible for manufacturing and supply of ENHERTU and DS-1062.

ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan; fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki in the U.S. only) currently is approved in the U.S. and Japan for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens based on the DESTINY-Breast01 trial, and is under accelerated assessment in the EU for a similar potential indication.

U.S. FDA-Approved Indication for ENHERTU

ENHERTU is a HER2 directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
  • Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.

Contraindications

None.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU, ILD occurred in 9% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 4.1 months (range: 1.2 to 8.3).

Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg prednisolone or equivalent). Upon improvement, follow by gradual taper (e.g., 4 weeks).

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 30% of patients and 16% had Grade 3 or 4 events. Median time to first onset was 1.4 months (range: 0.3 to 18.2). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.7% of patients.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. Based on the severity of neutropenia, ENHERTU may require dose interruption or reduction. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less. Reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3ºC or a sustained temperature of ≥38ºC for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved. Reduce dose by one level.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. In the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, two cases (0.9%) of asymptomatic LVEF decrease were reported. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVEF decrease through treatment interruption. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU if LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Adverse Reactions

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in a pooled analysis of 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Breast01 and Study DS8201-A-J101. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks. The median duration of treatment was 7 months (range: 0.7 to 31).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, vomiting, nausea, cellulitis, hypokalemia, and intestinal obstruction. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients including interstitial lung disease (2.6%), and the following events occurred in one patient each (0.4%): acute hepatic failure/acute kidney injury, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 9% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, nausea, and ILD. Dose reductions occurred in 18% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, and neutropenia.

The most common adverse reactions (frequency ≥20%) were nausea (79%), fatigue (59%), vomiting (47%), alopecia (46%), constipation (35%), decreased appetite (32%), anemia (31%), neutropenia (29%), diarrhea (29%), leukopenia (22%), cough (20%), and thrombocytopenia (20%).

Use in Specific Populations

  • Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU.
  • Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
  • Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 7 months following the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months following the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
  • Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
  • Geriatric Use: Of the 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 26% were ≥65 years and 5% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (53%) as compared to younger patients (42%).
  • Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, and Medication Guide.

About Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise

The mission of Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise is to leverage our world-class, innovative science and push beyond traditional thinking to create meaningful treatments for patients with cancer. We are dedicated to transforming science into value for patients, and this sense of obligation informs everything we do. Anchored by our DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology, our powerful research engines include biologics, medicinal chemistry, modality and other research laboratories in Japan, and Plexxikon Inc., our small molecule structure-guided R&D center in Berkeley, CA. For more information, please visit: www.DSCancerEnterprise.com.

About Daiichi Sankyo

Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical therapies to improve standards of care and address diversified, unmet medical needs of people globally by leveraging our world-class science and technology. With more than 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 15,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. In addition to a strong portfolio of medicines for cardiovascular diseases, under the Group’s 2025 Vision to become a “Global Pharma Innovator with Competitive Advantage in Oncology,” Daiichi Sankyo is primarily focused on providing novel therapies in oncology, as well as other research areas centered around rare diseases and immune disorders. For more information, please visit: www.daiichisankyo.com.

__________________________________________

References:

1 Zhao W. et al. Oncology Reports 40: 759-766, 2018.

2 Zaman, S. et al. OncoTargets and Therapy 2019:12 1781–1790.

3 Inamura, K. et al. Oncotarget. 2017; 8(17):28725-28735.

4 Zeng, P. et al. Nature Scientific Reports 2016;6: e33658.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Global/US:
Jennifer Brennan

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

jbrennan2@dsi.com
+1 908 992 6631 (office)

+1 201 709 9309 (mobile)

Japan:
Masashi Kawase

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

kawase.masashi.a2@daiichisankyo.co.jp
+81 3 6225 1126 (office)

EU:
Lydia Worms

Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH

lydia.worms@daiichi-sankyo.eu
+49 (89) 7808751 (office)

+49 176 11780861 (mobile)

Investor Relations Contact:
DaiichiSankyoIR@daiichisankyo.co.jp

Categories
Business

Elmer Bancorp, Inc. announces second quarter 2020 financial results

ELMER, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ELMER BANCORP, INC. (“Elmer Bancorp” or the “Company”) (OTC Pink: ELMA), the parent company of The First National Bank of Elmer (the “Bank”), announces its operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

For the three months ended June 30, 2020, Elmer Bancorp reported net income of $492,000, or $0.43 per common share compared to $467,000, or $0.41 per common share for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 net income totaled $964,000, or $0.84 per common share compared to $930,000, or $0.81 per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 totaled $2.843 million, an increase of $58,000 from the three months ended June 30, 2019 total of $2.785 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, net interest income totaled $5.595 million compared to $5.589 million for the six-month period of 2019. An increase in interest income on loans resulting from core loan growth year-over-year and interest income related to the addition of $32.0 million in SBA PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans was almost entirely offset by a reduction in interest income on overnight investments resulting from the significant drop in interest rates during the period. The loan loss provision for the three months ended June 30, 2020 totaled $143,000 compared to $70,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019, an increase of $73,000, or 104%, as management continues to remain cautious in the current operating environment by adding to the allowance for losses. The allowance for loan losses was 1.42% of total core loans (excluding PPP loans) at June 30, 2020 compared to 1.39% of total loans at December 31, 2019.

Non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was $38,000 lower than the same three-month period last year and $12,000 lower than the six-month period last year. Significant declines in service charges on deposit accounts, primarily overdraft fees, were partially offset by an increase in the cash surrender value of Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) as the Company increased it’s investment in BOLI year-over-year. In addition, fee income on the placement of mortgages increased year-over-year. Non-interest expenses were lower for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 versus the prior year periods by $80,000 and $93,000, respectively. The 2019 periods included other real estate owned (“OREO”) write-downs totaling $84,000 compared to $17,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. In addition, lower occupancy costs (building maintenance and repairs and snow removal costs) and miscellaneous expenses were partially offset by higher legal and professional fees and data processing expenses.

Elmer Bancorp’s total assets at June 30, 2020 totaled $326.9 million compared to $282.8 million at June 30, 2019. Total core assets (excluding PPP related assets) totaled $294.5 million, an increase of $11.7 million over June 30, 2019 and $8.7 million higher than December 31, 2019. Loans totaled $283.9 million at June 30, 2020. Total core loans (excluding PPP loans) at June 30, 2020 were $252.8 million, $17.4 million higher than June 30, 2019 and $9.5 million higher than December 31, 2019. The growth in loans was attributable to increases in commercial real estate and construction loans.

Deposits saw a significant increase primarily resulting from the PPP loan program and other government stimulus programs. At June 30, 2020, total deposits were $296.8 million, an increase of $39.6 million over the December 31, 2019 total of $257.2 million. Increases in non-interest-bearing demand deposits, money market accounts and savings deposits contributed to the increase in deposit levels. Stockholders’ equity at June 30, 2020 totaled $27.9 million compared to $26.8 million at December 31, 2019. Book value per share at June 30, 2020 was $24.29 per common share compared to $23.32 at December 31, 2019 and $22.71 at June 30, 2019. The Company and the Bank met all capital requirements at June 30, 2020.

Brian W. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “While we are pleased that our earnings performance for the second quarter and the year-to-date 2020 exceeded the results for the same periods of 2019, we remain cautious and diligent in the current operating environment. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unique challenges in the banking industry, including the timely execution of the SBA PPP loan program. We are proud to have extended $32 million in PPP loans to 240 businesses which assisted in saving over 4,000 local jobs. At the same time, we are pleased to report the growth in our core loans and deposits. The coronavirus pandemic leaves much uncertainty about future economic conditions and the overall effect it will have on the capital of many financial institutions. Going forward, we anticipate increases in the provision for loan losses to bolster our allowance for possible loan losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to navigate through these trying times, we wish to thank our loyal customers, stockholders and employees for their continued support and wish you all good health.”

The First National Bank of Elmer, a nationally chartered bank headquartered in Elmer, New Jersey, has a long history of serving the community since its beginnings in 1903. We are a community bank focused on providing deposit and loan products to retail customers and to small and mid-sized businesses from our six full-service branch offices located in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties, New Jersey, including our main office located at 10 South Main Street in Elmer, New Jersey. Deposits at The First National Bank of Elmer are insured up to the legally maximum amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

For more information about Elmer Bank and its products and services, please visit our website at www.elmerbank.com or call toll free 1-877-358-8141.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and other statements made from time to time by the Company’s management contain express and implied statements relating to our future financial condition, results of operations, credit quality, corporate objectives, and other financial and business matters, which are considered forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative and speak only as of the date made, and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, all of which may change over time. Actual results could differ materially from those expected or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from such forward-looking statements include economic conditions affecting the financial industry: changes in interest rates and shape of the yield curve, credit risk associated with our lending activities, risks relating to our market area, significant real estate collateral and the real estate market, operating, legal and regulatory risk, fiscal and monetary policy, economic, political and competitive forces affecting our business, our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks, and management’s analysis of these risks and factors being incorrect, and/or the strategies developed to address them being unsuccessful. Any statements made that are not historical facts should be considered forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements or to make any public announcement when we consider forward-looking statements to no longer be accurate because of new information of future events, except as may be required by applicable law or regulation.

ELMER BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended Three Months Ended
6/30/2020 6/30/2019 6/30/2020 3/31/2020 6/30/2019
Statement of Income Data: (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income

$

6,078

$

6,149

$

3,075

$

3,003

$

3,052
Interest expense

483

551

232

251

267
Net interest income

5,595

5,598

2,843

2,752

2,785
Provision for loan losses

236

175

143

93

70
Net interest income after provision
for loan losses

5,359

5,423

2,700

2,659

2,715
Non-interest income

466

468

220

246

258
Non-interest expense

4,510

4,603

2,250

2,260

2,330
Income before income tax expense

1,315

1,288

670

645

643
Income tax expense

351

358

178

173

176
Net income

$

964

$

930

$

492

$

472

$

467
Earnings per share:
Basic

$

0.84

$

0.81

$

0.43

$

0.41

$

0.41
Diluted

$

0.84

$

0.81

$

0.43

$

0.41

$

0.41
Weighted average shares outstanding (y-t-d)

1,148,066

1,147,129

1,148,066

1,147,427

1,147,129
Statement of Condition Data (Period End): 6/30/2020 6/30/2019 12/31/2019 3/31/2020
Total investments

$

9,950

$

14,699

$

12,215

$

11,067
Total gross loans

$

283,869

$

235,457

$

243,309

$

253,129
Allowance for loan losses

$

3,589

$

3,408

$

3,391

$

3,453
Total assets

$

326,859

$

282,771

$

285,843

$

286,075
Total deposits

$

296,767

$

255,121

$

257,192

$

257,022
Total stockholders’ equity

$

27,902

$

26,060

$

26,762

$

27,276
Book value per share

$

24.29

$

22.71

$

23.32

$

23.77

 

Contacts

Matthew A. Swift

Senior Vice President

Chief Financial Officer and

Chief Operating Officer

1-856-358-7000

Categories
Business

AM Best affirms Issue Credit Rating of Weston2038 LLC’s Credit-Linked Note

OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Rating (Long-Term IR) of “a” to the $846 million (of which $742 million remains outstanding) 6.00% Variable Funding Credit-Linked Note (note), due July 1, 2038, issued by Weston2038 LLC (Weston2038), a Delaware limited liability company (issuer). The outlook of the Credit Rating (rating) is stable.

The note is in consideration for a Variable Funding Surplus Note issued by Redding Reassurance Company 3 LLC (Redding Re 3), a Missouri-domiciled special purpose financial captive reinsurer and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Wilton Reassurance Company (Wilton Reassurance). The Variable Funding Surplus Note is used to support excess reserves for a specified block life business policies ceded by Wilton Reassurance on a coinsurance basis to Redding Re 3.

Redding Re 3 issued a Surplus Note (in the form of a Variable Surplus Note) to Weston2038 with a face amount equal to the initial amount of excess reserves, in exchange for the Weston2038-issued note with an equivalent face amount. The Variable Surplus Note and note have the same interest rate. Concurrently, Weston2038 entered into a risk transfer agreement (i.e., cash-settled ISDA swap) with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (Bermuda) Ltd. (Hannover Re Bermuda) to provide liquidity for any redemption/monetization of the note.

As of December 2019, statutory reserves, economic reserves and excess reserves were in line with the projected results.

The rating action represents AM Best’s current opinion as to the issuer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the noteholders when due. The rating primarily takes into consideration the following: Hannover Re Bermuda’s Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “aa” as the swap counterparty to Weston2038; netting arrangements among transaction parties; no reserves or funds at Weston2038, except reliance on funds provided by Redding Re 3; and potential legal risks at it relates to enforceability of the various transaction agreements.

The Long-Term IR could be upgraded or downgraded and/or the outlook revised if material changes occur in the financial condition and credit ratings of Hannover Re Bermuda.

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

Alma W. Nieves

Financial Analyst,

Insurance-Linked Securities

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5713
alma.nieves@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Yuhmei Chen

Senior Financial Analyst,

Insurance-Linked Securities

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5236
yuhmei.chen@ambest.com

Jim Peavy

Director, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Categories
Business

AM Best affirms credit ratings of Union Medical Benefits Society Limited

SINGAPORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” of Union Medical Benefits Society Limited (UniMed) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect UniMed’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorises as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

UniMed’s balance sheet strength assessment is supported by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which AM Best categorised as strongest in fiscal-year 2019, and is expected to remain at this level over the medium term, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). This reflects the company’s low underwriting leverage and prudent investment approach. In addition, AM Best views the company as having a favourable liquidity position. As a not-for-profit insurer, UniMed has no dividend commitments, but AM Best considers its financial flexibility as limited. Notwithstanding this, the company’s sizeable capital buffer provides protection against potential adverse developments in future earnings or balance sheet items.

AM Best views UniMed’s operating performance to be strong, with a five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 9.9% and five-year average operating ratio of 87.9% (fiscal-years 2015-2019), albeit with a moderate level of volatility over this period. The company’s overall earnings have been driven by sound underwriting performance and stable investment returns. UniMed benefits from an efficient cost structure that allows it to offer competitive health coverage and premiums to its members. The company’s loss ratio also has reduced over the past several years, driven in part by improvements in its surgical claims approval process and diligent control over timely and appropriate rates adjustments. While the public health care system in New Zealand is responsible for the pandemic response to COVID-19, AM Best does expect a level of volatility in UniMed’s prospective loss experience. For fiscal-year 2020, claims volumes are expected to fall from the deferral of elective surgeries during the country’s lockdown period, followed by a subsequent catch up in claims activity over the coming fiscal periods.

AM Best assesses UniMed’s business profile as limited. The company is a small-sized, not-for-profit insurer with a market share of 4% in New Zealand’s health insurance industry, based on 2019 gross written premiums. UniMed’s underwriting portfolio continues to have limited product line and geographical diversification. In addition, the company has a concentration toward a few large group medical accounts, which increases the susceptibility of overall earnings to changes in the performance of these key accounts. Despite ongoing challenging market conditions, UniMed’s membership has increased in fiscal-year 2019 due to a portfolio transfer from The Education Benevolent Society Incorporated and its newly launched retail offering. Prospectively, UniMed’s top line may be affected adversely due to cancellations and weaker sales as a result of economic downturn related to COVID-19.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

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 specialising 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

Sin Yee Chuah

Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5022
sinyee.chuah@ambest.com

Doniella Pliss
Director, Analytics
+65 6303 5024
doniella.pliss@ambest.com

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

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

Categories
Local News

NRG Energy Inc. to acquire Direct Energy

Acquisition Expected to Add More Than Three Million Residential and Commercial & Industrial Customers Across 50 States and Canada, Supporting NRG’s Integrated Strategy

To Enhance Free Cash Flow Strength and Stability

PRINCETON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Centrica PLC under which NRG will acquire Direct Energy, a North American subsidiary of Centrica PLC for $3.625 billion in an all-cash transaction.

The transaction builds on NRG’s status as a growing, customer-driven integrated energy provider, adding more than three million retail customers across 50 states and Canada. The transaction on closing is expected to generate approximately $740 million in annual run-rate Adjusted EBITDA1, while enhancing free cash flow strength and stability and providing earnings diversification.

With operations in all 50 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces, Direct Energy is one of North America’s leading retail providers of electricity, natural gas, and home and business energy-related products and services. For NRG, the acquisition builds on and complements its integrated model, enabling better matching of power generation with customer demand. It also broadens NRG’s presence into states and locales where it does not currently operate, supporting NRG’s objective to diversify its business.

The combination will deliver greater efficiencies and enable continued investment in NRG’s award-winning customer service, operational best practices and reliability. With NRG’s decades of participation in electricity markets throughout the U.S., NRG has broad insights into energy market dynamics and trends to inform innovative solutions and products for the combined company’s customers.

“This combination improves NRG’s status as one of North America’s premier integrated power companies, bringing the power of energy to people and organizations through our diverse generation platform and leading retail brands,” said Mauricio Gutierrez, President and Chief Executive Officer of NRG. “The acquisition aligns with our broader strategy of perfecting our integrated business model and drives significant value creation for our customers and stakeholders. Direct Energy ’s complementary assets, talented team and excellent customer service make it a natural fit for our portfolio, and we look forward to welcoming Direct Energy to the NRG team.”

Strategic and Financial Benefits

  • Broader Retail PlatformThe transaction broadens NRG’s retail business adding over 3 million customers. The transaction provides substantial regional diversity to NRG given that 76% of Direct Energy’s Home Energy customers are outside of Texas. The transaction will allow the combined company to reduce costs and leverage shared best practices.
  • Balanced Generation and Retail PlatformDirect Energy’s significant East footprint provides better balance within NRG’s existing portfolio while also providing NRG the ability to expand its successful capital-light renewable PPA strategy outside of Texas.
  • Significant Cost and Operational SynergiesThe acquisition is expected to create $300 million in annual run-rate synergies driven by leveraging NRG’s scalable operational platform and best-in-class cost discipline.
  • Disciplined Capital AllocationThe transaction exceeds NRG’s investment criteria and is accretive to free cash flow. In addition, NRG expects to achieve its targeted credit ratios within twelve months of closing, thereby maintaining its commitment to achieve investment grade credit metrics.

Financial Terms

NRG will acquire Direct Energy for $3.625 billion in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment.

Approvals and Time to Close

Closing for the transaction is targeted by year end 2020. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, consents and regulatory approvals, including approval by shareholders of Centrica PLC and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The companies will also submit as pre-merger notification to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and the Commissioner of Competition under the Canadian Competition Act.

Advisors

Citi and Credit Suisse are serving as financial advisors and Latham & Watkins and Baker Botts LLP. are serving as legal counsel to NRG.

Investor Call

On July 24, 2020, NRG will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern to discuss this announcement. Investors, the news media and others may access the live webcast of the conference call and accompanying presentation materials by logging on to NRG’s website at http://www.nrg.com and clicking on “Presentations & Webcasts” in the “Investors” section found at the top of the home page. The webcast will be archived on the site for those unable to listen in real time.

About NRG Energy

At NRG, we’re bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to more than 3.7 million residential, small business, and commercial and industrial customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, and by working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy, @nrginsight.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, the information presented in this press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can typically be identified by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “objective,” “projection,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “plan,” “think,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “predict,” “target,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s future revenues, income, indebtedness, capital structure, plans, expectations, objectives, projected financial performance and/or business results and other future events, and views of economic and market conditions.

Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct, and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated herein include, among others, the potential impact of COVID-19 or any other pandemic on the Company’s operations, financial position, risk exposure and liquidity, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, weather conditions, competition in wholesale power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in the wholesale power markets, changes in government regulations, the condition of capital markets generally, our ability to access capital markets, cyberterrorism and inadequate cybersecurity, unanticipated outages at our generation facilities, adverse results in current and future litigation, failure to identify, execute or successfully implement acquisitions, repowerings or asset sales, our ability to implement value enhancing improvements to plant operations and companywide processes, our ability to achieve margin enhancement under our publicly announced transformation plan, our ability to achieve our net debt targets, our ability to maintain investment grade credit metrics, our ability to proceed with projects under development or the inability to complete the construction of such projects on schedule or within budget, the inability to maintain or create successful partnering relationships, our ability to operate our business efficiently, our ability to retain retail customers, our ability to realize value through our commercial operations strategy, the ability to successfully integrate businesses of acquired companies, our ability to realize anticipated benefits of transactions (including expected cost savings and other synergies) or the risk that anticipated benefits may take longer to realize than expected, and our ability to execute our Capital Allocation Plan. Achieving investment grade credit metrics is not a indication of or guarantee that the Company will receive investment grade credit ratings. Debt and share repurchases may be made from time to time subject to market conditions and other factors, including as permitted by United States securities laws. Furthermore, any common stock dividend is subject to available capital and market conditions.

NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The adjusted EBITDA are estimates as of July 24, 2020. These estimates are based on assumptions the company believed to be reasonable as of that date. NRG disclaims any current intention to update such guidance, except as required by law. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this press release should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG’s future results included in NRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

_______________________

1 EBITDA forecasts are based on NRG Energy’s own estimates and should not be construed as a profit forecast for the purpose of Centrica’s Listing Rule obligations under Listing Rule 13.5.

Contacts

Investors:
Kevin L. Cole, CFA

609.524.4526

investor.relations@nrg.com

Media:
Candice Adams

609.524.5428

candice.adams@nrg.com

Categories
Local News

NRG Energy Inc. to hold investor call to discuss acquisition of Direct Energy

PRINCETON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On Friday, July 24, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG) will hold an investor call to discuss its acquisition of Direct Energy, as announced today by Centrica PLC, as well as a preview of the Company’s second quarter 2020 financial results.

A live webcast of the conference call, including presentation materials, can be accessed through NRG’s website at http://www.nrg.com and clicking on “Presentations & Webcasts” in the “Investors” section found at the top of the home page. The webcast will be archived on the site for those unable to listen in real time.

About NRG Energy

At NRG, we’re bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to more than 3.7 million residential, small business, and commercial and industrial customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, and by working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy, @nrginsight.

Contacts

Investors:
Kevin L. Cole, CFA

609.524.4526

investor.relations@nrg.com

Media:
Candice Adams

609.455.3777

candice.adams@nrg.com

Categories
Business

Majesco announces new and innovative updates for Majesco’s billing for P&C

These updates reflect the monthly updates for the last seven months that include next-generation capabilities needed to meet the demands of today’s digital customer

MORRISTOWN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Majesco (NASDAQ: MJCO), a global leader of cloud insurance software, today announced the new and innovative updates for Majesco’s Billing for P&C, representing the monthly updates for the last seven months. Rather than providing periodic releases, Majesco provides monthly, automated releases to keep customers at the leading edge and enable them to rapidly respond to market changes.

Billing has become a key component of carriers’ customer engagement and digital strategies – recognizing the growing demand for new payment methods, billing plans, access to real-time billing information, electronic billing payments, and on-the-spot adjustments due to unprecedented market shifts such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Cloud-based solutions like Majesco Billing for P&C are helping insurers not only modernize and optimize their business, but also to create a new business for the future. Four of the top 10 P&C insurers in the US are using the market leading Majesco Billing for P&C.

“Billing can seem like a routine back end process, but it is one that touches every customer and done wrong, can have a tremendously negative impact on the customer relationship. It is a powerful signal of the kind of customer service that will be delivered by an insurer across all touchpoints,” commented Karlyn Carnahan, Head of Celent’s North American Property Casualty business. “Utilizing a seamless and flexible solution allows insurers to deliver on an important “moment of truth” while freeing up resources to continue to transform the customer experience in other areas.”

Some of the new and innovative enhancements for Majesco Billing for P&C to support digital customer engagement and operational optimization include:

Advanced Capabilities for Moratoriums – Enable carriers to serve their customers and ease financial hardships through automated processes that can otherwise be a very manual labor-intensive process, especially true in the context of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The enhanced support includes leniency towards fees, late charges and collections etc. Additionally, on return to normalcy, the automated processes can automatically spread unpaid balances over multiple installments even going beyond policy expiry date based on customer preferences.

Expanded Payment Gateways – Leverage pre-built integrations for frictionless and secure ACH and Credit Card processing with payment gateways including Chase Paymentech, One Inc and CyberSource.

Automated Agency Payment Upload – Support for electronic upload of agency payments followed by automated payment allocation and reconciliation process. This enables the carriers to focus on collections and work on discrepancies instead of spending days and weeks on reconciliation through manual data entry.

Enhanced Data Extraction Utility – Mask and export production data to other non-production environments for analysis purposes while ensuring sensitive customer data is masked following data privacy and security compliance requirements.

Cohesive Event-Based Communication – Via messaging queues, enable asynchronous event-based communication between systems providing consistency, flexibility, reliability and scalability of processes.

Robust Open API Catalog and Gateway – Expanded API catalog with over 200 additional OAS3.0 Compliant APIs available to rapidly and dynamically integrate with other systems and Majesco Digital1st® EcoExchange innovative partner solutions over an enterprise gateway servicing all APIs with enterprise monitoring and servicing feature for Majesco CloudInsurer® customers.

Extensive Performance & Scalability Gains – Majesco Billing for P&C is now certified for 100 million policies with 1000 concurrent users, providing extensive scale for large insurers.

“A new generation of insurance buyers with different needs and expectations, coupled with unprecedented market shifts, have created both a challenge and opportunity for next generation billing platforms,” said Manish Shah, President and Chief Product Officer at Majesco. “Today’s announcement continues the incredible momentum that we’ve built in enabling insurers, reinsurers, InsurTechs and MGAs to modernize and optimize the billing experience for their end users, while at the same time innovate with new billing options and capabilities, putting them at the forefront of digital business transformation.”

The latest enhancements underscore Majesco’s relentless innovation and commitment to helping their customers transform to a digital customer centric strategy that propels them into the future of insurance.

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