Categories
Business

AM Best revises outlooks to positive for members of Enumclaw Insurance Group

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #insuranceAM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) of Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company and Enumclaw Property & Casualty Insurance Company, which comprise Enumclaw Insurance Group (Enumclaw). The companies are headquartered in Enumclaw, Washington.

These Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Enumclaw’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

 

The revision in the outlooks to positive from stable reflects Enumclaw’s strategic profitability initiatives and enhanced exposure management, which have resulted in a stabilization in underwriting performance in recent years. Corrective underwriting actions were implemented to mitigate weather-related losses, including wildfire and winter weather. Enumclaw’s very strong balance sheet strength assessment is supported by risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), its high quality investment portfolio, and a comprehensive reinsurance program, with this assessment somewhat offset by adverse reserve development in recent years. The neutral business profile assessment reflects its long-standing knowledge and expertise within the Pacific Northwest and its broad product offerings in both personal and commercial lines. AM Best views Enumclaw’s ERM as appropriate for the risk profile of the organization

 

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 use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

 

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 London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Maxwell Gilberg
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5684
maxwell.gilberg@ambest.com

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

Michelle Baurkot
Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5314

michelle.baurkot@ambest.com

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

Categories
Business

Wiley schedules second quarter fiscal 2022 earnings release and conference call

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Wiley (NYSE: JWA and JWB), a global leader in scientific research and career-connected education, will release its second quarter 2022 results prior to market open on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. The Company has scheduled a conference call beginning at 10 am ET that day to discuss the results.

  • The live audio webcast and presentation slides will be available at https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3551395/01DAF1B2966C0BBB1AB1A59ED5F92CBB, or on Wiley’s Investor Relations website at investors.wiley.com. An archive of the webcast will be available for a period of one year.
  • US and Canada callers, please dial (844) 418-0103 and enter the participant code 4565599#. Or International callers, please dial (236) 714-3019 and enter the participant code 4565599#.

 

About Wiley

Wiley (NYSE: JWA), a global leader in research and education, is unlocking human potential by enabling discovery, powering education, and shaping workforces. For over 200 years, Wiley has fueled the world’s knowledge ecosystem. Today, our high-impact content, platforms, and services help researchers, learners, institutions, and corporations achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. Visit us at Wiley.com, Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Contacts

Investor:
Brian Campbell

(201) 748-6874

brian.campbell@wiley.com

Categories
Business Education

Barnes & Noble Education reports second quarter fiscal year 2022 financial results

Consolidated Second Quarter GAAP Sales Increase 5.3% to $627.0 million

Consolidated Second Quarter GAAP Net Income Improved $15 Million to $22.5 Million

BNC’s First Day® Complete and First Day® Inclusive Access Offerings Revenue Grew 80%

Retail Segment Gross Comparable Store Sales (non-GAAP) Increase 13.2%

General Merchandise Gross Comparable Store Sales (non-GAAP) Increase 78.3%

 

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) —Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE:BNED), a leading solutions provider for the education industry, today reported sales and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal year 2022, which ended on October 30, 2021.

Barnes & Noble Education is a highly seasonal business and the second quarter includes the Fall rush period, which is historically the largest sales period for the Company. While the Company’s fiscal 2022 second quarter results benefitted from many students returning to in-person classes and greater attendance at campus events and sporting activities as compared to the prior year period when much of this activity was curtailed, as anticipated, the Company’s performance continues to be affected by the ongoing COVID-19 environment, including overall enrollment declines, many community colleges continuing to offer virtual classes, in conjunction with broader macro issues including labor challenges, inflationary pressures and supply chain issues.

 

Financial highlights for the second quarter 2022:

  • Consolidated second quarter GAAP sales of $627.0 million increased 5.3%, as compared to the prior year period.
  • Consolidated second quarter GAAP net income improved $15.0 million to $22.5 million, compared to GAAP net income of $7.5 million in the prior year period.
  • Consolidated second quarter non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings of $25.0 million, compared to non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings of $11.1 million in the prior year period.
  • Consolidated second quarter non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $39.0 million, compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $24.5 million in the prior year period.
  • Retail segment gross comparable store sales (non-GAAP) increased 13.2%. For comparable store sales reporting purposes, logo and emblematic general merchandise sales fulfilled by FLC and Fanatics are included on a gross basis. Please see more detailed definition in the Second Quarter Results table and Retail segment discussion below.

 

Operational highlights for the second quarter 2022:

  • 65 campus stores utilized BNC’s First Day® Complete courseware delivery program during the 2021 Fall Term, representing total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 295,000*, up from 12 campus stores with 43,000 in total undergraduate enrollment in the 2020 Fall Term.
  • Signed agreements for 10 additional campus stores, with total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 86,000*, to implement BNC’s First Day Complete courseware delivery program for the upcoming 2022 Spring Term, bringing the total First Day Complete store count to 75 for the current academic year, with total undergraduate enrollment at these First Day Complete schools of over 380,000.
  • BNC’s First Day Complete and First Day® inclusive access offerings revenue increased 80%.
  • DSS revenue grew 39% to $8.3 million, with bartleby® revenue growing approximately 70% year-over-year.

*As reported by National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

 

“We were thrilled to welcome students back to campus for the 2021-2022 academic year and our second quarter results benefitted from their return to on-campus, in-person learning and the significantly increased resumption of on-campus events and sporting activities,” said Michael P. Huseby, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, BNED. “Despite overall enrollment declines and many community colleges continuing to offer virtual classes, on a gross comparable sales basis, our textbook business was essentially flat and, despite the global supply chain issues, our general merchandise business grew 78%, as many of our campus partners returned to a more traditional Fall rush experience. Our results also benefited from the significantly increased adoption of our First Day offerings, which provide improved student outcomes through equitable access, enhanced convenience and improved course material affordability. Our DSS business also continued to exhibit strong subscriber growth as students looked for solutions to provide additional help with their studies. While the environment we are operating in remains challenging, we continue to execute on our strategic initiatives that are centered on profitable growth.”

 

Second Quarter 2022 and Year to Date Results

Results for the 13 and 26 weeks of fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 are as follows:

$ in millions

Selected Data (unaudited)

13 Weeks

13 Weeks

26 Weeks

26 Weeks

Q2 2022

Q2 2021

Fiscal 2022

Fiscal 2021

Total Sales

$627.0

$595.5

$867.8

$799.5

Net Income (Loss)

$22.5

$7.5

$(21.8)

$(39.1)

Non-GAAP(1)

Adjusted EBITDA

$39.0

$24.5

$14.5

$(13.5)

Adjusted Earnings

$25.0

$11.1

$(15.1)

$(30.6)

Retail Gross Comparable Store Sales Variances (2)

$73.5

$(205.1)

$147.6

$(311.3)

(1) These non-GAAP financial measures have been reconciled in the attached schedules to the most directly comparable GAAP measure as required under SEC rules regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures.

(2) Retail Gross Comparable Store Sales includes sales from physical and virtual stores that have been open for an entire fiscal year period and does not include sales from closed stores for all periods presented. As per our merchandising agreement with Fanatics Lids College, Inc. (“FLC”) and Fanatics, in-store and online logo and emblematic general merchandise sales fulfilled by FLC and Fanatics, respectively, are recognized on a net commission revenue basis, as compared to the recognition of logo and emblematic sales on a gross basis in the prior year period. For Retail Gross Comparable Store Sales (non-GAAP) purposes, sales for logo and emblematic general merchandise fulfilled by FLC, Fanatics and digital agency sales are included on a gross basis.

The Company has three reportable segments: Retail, Wholesale and Digital Student Solutions (“DSS”). Unallocated shared-service costs, which include various corporate level expenses and other governance functions, continue to be presented as Corporate Services. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Retail Segment Results

Retail sales increased by $32.4 million, or 5.6%, as compared to the prior year period. Gross comparable store sales (non-GAAP) increased 13.2% for the quarter. Comparable textbook sales remained essentially flat, as compared to a 19% decline a year ago, as enrollment declines were mitigated by the growth of the company’s First Day offerings. BNC’s First Day Complete and First Day by course offerings total revenue grew 80% to $96.0 million during the quarter. Comparable general merchandise sales increased 78.3%, as compared to a 52.0% decline a year ago, benefitting greatly from the return to an on campus learning experience and the resumption of many activities and events.

 

As a reminder, per our merchandising agreement with Fanatics Lids College, Inc. (“FLC”) and Fanatics, on a consolidated GAAP sales basis, in-store and online logo and emblematic general merchandise sales fulfilled by FLC and Fanatics, respectively, are recognized on a net commission revenue basis, as compared to the recognition of logo and emblematic sales on a gross basis in the prior year period. For comparable sales purposes, sales for logo and emblematic general merchandise fulfilled by FLC and Fanatics are included on a gross basis.

 

Retail non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter improved by $21.1 million to $39.4 million, as compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $18.3 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA benefited from improved sales and margin, partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses, which increased as a result of the store re-openings, and higher incentive plan compensation expense.

 

Wholesale Segment Results

Wholesale second quarter sales of $21.7 million decreased $14.7 million, or 40.5%, as compared to the prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to COVID-19 related supply constraints of used textbooks resulting from the lack of on campus textbook buyback opportunities during the prior fiscal year and lower customer demand, partially offset by lower returns and allowances.

 

Wholesale non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter declined to $1.2 million, as compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $6.6 million in the prior year, declining on the lower sales.

 

DSS Segment Results

DSS second quarter sales of $8.3 million increased $2.3 million, or 39.2%, as compared to the prior year period. Bartleby generated 120,000 gross subscribers during the quarter, representing 33% year-over-year growth.

 

DSS non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA was $0.8 million for the quarter, as compared to $0.7 million in the prior year period, as the increased sales were offset by higher product development investments and higher incentive plan compensation expense.

 

Other

Selling and administrative expenses for Corporate Services, which includes unallocated shared-service costs, such as various corporate level expenses and other governance functions, were $6.8 million for the quarter, compared to $5.5 million in the prior period, primarily due to higher incentive plan compensation expense.

 

Intercompany gross margin eliminations of $4.2 million for the quarter were reflected in non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, compared to eliminations of $4.4 million impacting non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA in the prior year period.

 

Outlook

While it is difficult to predict the ongoing effects of the COVID virus, based on its current views, the Company expects to generate positive non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA in fiscal year 2022, as most schools return to a traditional on-campus environment for learning, events and sporting activities. The Company expects non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA to approach annual pre-COVID levels in fiscal year 2023, based on an expectation that campuses will be able to resume on campus learning, events and sporting activities with substantially less-restrictive COVID-related policies and operating protocols next year, and that there are fewer negative impacts from the broader supply chain issues.

 

Conference Call

A conference call with Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. senior management will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 and can be accessed at the Barnes & Noble Education corporate website at investor.bned.com or www.bned.com.

 

Barnes & Noble Education expects to report fiscal 2022 third quarter results in early March 2022.

 

ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC.

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE:BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services and academic solutions, a digital direct-to-student learning ecosystem, wholesale capabilities and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting students, faculty and institutions as they make tomorrow a better, more inclusive and smarter world. For more information, visit www.bned.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and information relating to us and our business that are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. When used in this communication, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “forecasts,” “projections,” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make, including any statements made in regards to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including, among others: risks associated with COVID-19 and the governmental responses to it, including its impacts across our businesses on demand and operations, as well as on the operations of our suppliers and other business partners, and the effectiveness of our actions taken in response to these risks; general competitive conditions, including actions our competitors and content providers may take to grow their businesses; a decline in college enrollment or decreased funding available for students; decisions by colleges and universities to outsource their physical and/or online bookstore operations or change the operation of their bookstores; implementation of our digital strategy may not result in the expected growth in our digital sales and/or profitability; risk that digital sales growth does not exceed the rate of investment spend; the performance of our online, digital and other initiatives, integration of and deployment of, additional products and services including new digital channels, and enhancements to higher education digital products, and the inability to achieve the expected cost savings; the risk of price reduction or change in format of course materials by publishers, which could negatively impact revenues and margin; the general economic environment and consumer spending patterns; decreased consumer demand for our products, low growth or declining sales; the strategic objectives, successful integration, anticipated synergies, and/or other expected potential benefits of various acquisitions may not be fully realized or may take longer than expected; the integration of the operations of various acquisitions into our own may also increase the risk of our internal controls being found ineffective; changes to purchase or rental terms, payment terms, return policies, the discount or margin on products or other terms with our suppliers; our ability to successfully implement our strategic initiatives including our ability to identify, compete for and execute upon additional acquisitions and strategic investments; risks associated with operation or performance of MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC’s point-of-sales systems that are sold to college bookstore customers; technological changes; risks associated with counterfeit and piracy of digital and print materials; our international operations could result in additional risks; our ability to attract and retain employees; risks associated with data privacy, information security and intellectual property; trends and challenges to our business and in the locations in which we have stores; non-renewal of managed bookstore, physical and/or online store contracts and higher-than-anticipated store closings; disruptions to our information technology systems, infrastructure and data due to computer malware, viruses, hacking and phishing attacks, resulting in harm to our business and results of operations; disruption of or interference with third party web service providers and our own proprietary technology; work stoppages or increases in labor costs; possible increases in shipping rates or interruptions in shipping service; product shortages, including decreases in the used textbook inventory supply associated with the implementation of publishers’ digital offerings and direct to student textbook consignment rental programs, as well as the risks associated with the impacts that public health crises may have on the ability of our suppliers to manufacture or source products, particularly from outside of the United States; changes in domestic and international laws or regulations, including U.S. tax reform, changes in tax rates, laws and regulations, as well as related guidance; enactment of laws or changes in enforcement practices which may restrict or prohibit our use of texts, emails, interest based online advertising, recurring billing or similar marketing and sales activities; the amount of our indebtedness and ability to comply with covenants applicable to any future debt financing; our ability to satisfy future capital and liquidity requirements; our ability to access the credit and capital markets at the times and in the amounts needed and on acceptable terms; adverse results from litigation, governmental investigations, tax-related proceedings, or audits; changes in accounting standards; and the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part I – Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 1, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this press release.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

We have three reportable segments: Retail, Wholesale and DSS as follows:

  • The Retail Segment operates 1,445 college, university, and K-12 school bookstores, comprised of 794 physical bookstores and 651 virtual bookstores. Our bookstores typically operate under agreements with the college, university, or K-12 schools to be the official bookstore and the exclusive seller of course materials and supplies, including physical and digital products. The majority of the physical campus bookstores have school-branded e-commerce sites which we operate and which offer students access to affordable course materials and affinity products, including emblematic apparel and gifts. The Retail Segment also offers inclusive access programs, in which course materials, including e-content, are offered at a reduced price through a course materials fee, and delivered to students on or before the first day of class. Additionally, the Retail Segment offers a suite of digital content and services to colleges and universities, including a variety of open educational resource-based courseware.
  • The Wholesale Segment is comprised of our wholesale textbook business and is one of the largest textbook wholesalers in the country. The Wholesale Segment centrally sources, sells, and distributes new and used textbooks to approximately 3,200 physical bookstores (including our Retail Segment’s 794 physical bookstores) and sources and distributes new and used textbooks to our 651 virtual bookstores. Additionally, the Wholesale Segment sells hardware and a software suite of applications that provides inventory management and point-of-sale solutions to approximately 400 college bookstores.
  • The Digital Student Solutions (“DSS”) Segment includes direct-to-student products and services to assist students to study more effectively and improve academic performance. The DSS Segment is comprised of the operations of Student Brands, LLC, a leading direct-to-student subscription-based writing services business, and bartleby®, a direct-to-student subscription-based offering providing textbook solutions, expert questions and answers, writing and tutoring.

Corporate Services represents unallocated shared-service costs which include corporate level expenses and other governance functions, including executive functions, such as accounting, legal, treasury, information technology, and human resources.

All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

13 weeks ended

26 weeks ended

October 30,

2021

October 31,

2020

October 30,

2021

October 31,

2020

Sales:

Product sales and other

$

577,329

$

551,832

$

805,099

$

745,042

Rental income

49,648

43,653

62,672

54,457

Total sales

626,977

595,485

867,771

799,499

Cost of sales:

Product and other cost of sales (a)

453,070

452,475

627,231

618,240

Rental cost of sales

28,348

27,725

34,952

35,112

Total cost of sales

481,418

480,200

662,183

653,352

Gross profit

145,559

115,285

205,588

146,147

Selling and administrative expenses

107,902

91,972

194,137

162,015

Depreciation and amortization expense

11,952

13,193

24,576

27,256

Restructuring and other charges (a)

1,116

3,387

3,739

9,058

Operating income (loss)

24,589

6,733

(16,864

)

(52,182

)

Interest expense, net

2,264

912

4,758

3,565

Income (loss) before income taxes

22,325

5,821

(21,622

)

(55,747

)

Income tax (benefit) expense

(203

)

(1,694

)

196

(16,610

)

Net income (loss)

$

22,528

$

7,515

$

(21,818

)

$

(39,137

)

Income (loss) per common share:

Basic

$

0.43

$

0.15

$

(0.42

)

$

(0.81

)

Diluted

$

0.41

$

0.15

$

(0.42

)

$

(0.81

)

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic

51,666

48,804

51,570

48,608

Diluted

54,568

49,428

51,570

48,608

(a) For additional information, see the Notes in the Non-GAAP disclosure information of this Press Release.

13 weeks ended

26 weeks ended

October 30,

2021

October 31,

2020

October 30,

2021

October 31,

2020

Percentage of sales:

Sales:

Product sales and other

92.1

%

92.7

%

92.8

%

93.2

%

Rental income

7.9

%

7.3

%

7.2

%

6.8

%

Total sales

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales:

Product and other cost of sales (a)

78.5

%

82.0

%

77.9

%

83.0

%

Rental cost of sales (a)

57.1

%

63.5

%

55.8

%

64.5

%

Total cost of sales

76.8

%

80.6

%

76.3

%

81.7

%

Gross profit

23.2

%

19.4

%

23.7

%

18.3

%

Selling and administrative expenses

17.2

%

15.4

%

22.4

%

20.3

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

1.9

%

2.2

%

2.8

%

3.4

%

Restructuring and other charges

0.2

%

0.6

%

0.4

%

1.1

%

Operating income (loss)

3.9

%

1.2

%

(1.9

)%

(6.5

)%

Interest expense, net

0.4

%

0.2

%

0.5

%

0.4

%

Income (loss) before income taxes

3.5

%

1.0

%

(2.4

)%

(6.9

)%

Income tax (benefit) expense

%

(0.3

)%

%

(2.1

)%

Net income (loss)

3.5

%

1.3

%

(2.4

)%

(4.8

)%

(a) Represents the percentage these costs bear to the related sales, instead of total sales.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

October 30,

2021

October 31,

2020

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

10,996

$

7,353

Receivables, net

218,053

167,493

Merchandise inventories, net

370,529

457,677

Textbook rental inventories

50,642

50,736

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

68,965

23,762

Total current assets

719,185

707,021

Property and equipment, net

91,875

93,130

Operating lease right-of-use assets

252,650

286,038

Intangible assets, net

141,847

166,140

Goodwill

4,700

4,700

Deferred tax assets, net

23,248

8,231

Other noncurrent assets

26,010

31,734

Total assets

$

1,259,515

$

1,296,994

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

333,099

$

314,042

Accrued liabilities

122,734

134,181

Current operating lease liabilities

118,434

121,518

Total current liabilities

574,267

569,741

Long-term operating lease liabilities

171,341

198,990

Other long-term liabilities

51,113

48,329

Long-term borrowings

183,300

99,500

Total liabilities

980,021

916,560

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized, 5,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none

Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized, 200,000 shares; issued, 54,162 and 53,316 shares, respectively; outstanding, 51,976 and 49,064 shares, respectively

541

533

Additional paid-in-capital

736,886

735,647

Accumulated deficit

(436,432

)

(321,964

)

Treasury stock, at cost

(21,501

)

(33,782

)

Total stockholders’ equity

279,494

380,434

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

1,259,515

$

1,296,994

Contacts

Media:
Carolyn J. Brown

Senior Vice President

Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

908-991-2967

cbrown@bned.com

Investors:
Andy Milevoj

Vice President

Corporate Finance and Investor Relations

908-991-2776

amilevoj@bned.com

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Categories
Business Sports & Gaming Technology

PayNearMe announces partnership with Pin4 to enable players to withdraw iGaming and sports betting winnings in cash

MoneyLine™, powered by PayNearMe®, expands payout options to allow players to make real-time, cardless cash withdrawals at 18,000 ATMs across the nation

 

SECAUCUS, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — SBC SUMMIT – PayNearMe, the payments company designed to manage the complexities of iGaming, today announced a partnership with Pin4 to enable operators to give players instant access to their winnings. PayNearMe’s integration of Pin4’s patented technology into its MoneyLine platform gives iGaming and sports betting players a quick and easy option to withdraw their funds in cash at more than 18,000 ATMs across the nation.

“Our cash-in at retail option is very popular with players for funding iGaming and sports betting accounts, and those same players want cash withdrawal options,” said Michael Kaplan, Chief Revenue Officer and General Manager of PayNearMe. “By integrating Pin4 into MoneyLine, operators can now give players the option to withdraw their winnings in real-time via cash at nearby ATMs. Together, we are giving operators a fast and convenient way to enable cash payouts for their players.”

 

To initiate a cash payout, the player enters their mobile phone number and withdrawal amount. Once processed by the operator, the player receives two text messages:

 

  1. A four-digit order number, the dollar amount of the payout and the time window for withdrawing funds
  2. A link to a locator map that identifies ATMs in the area where the player can immediately withdraw the funds

 

The player simply enters their mobile phone number, the amount of the withdrawal, the order number and a separate secure four-digit PIN into a participating ATM to receive their funds in cash.​

 

“Withdrawing funds has always been a significant pain point for players; we’re helping operators solve for that with this partnership,” Kaplan said. “We provide the most — and the industry’s best — deposit and withdrawal options on a single platform and will continue to identify ways to expand these options for operators and their players.”

 

“Instant cash withdrawals can help iGaming and sports betting operators attract more players,” said Rich Witkowski, CEO of Pin4. “PayNearMe is the leading payments company in the iGaming and sports betting market. The company’s innovation around the player experience makes PayNearMe the ideal partner to help us bring our cash at ATM solution to the U.S. gaming market.”

 

Pin4 will be available in the MoneyLine platform in early 2022. PayNearMe will continue to add innovative deposit and withdrawal options to its platform.

 

PayNearMe operates and processes payments for licensed operators in 17 U.S. states and is expanding its gaming footprint as new states legalize iGaming and online sports betting. PayNearMe’s MoneyLine platform is designed to remove friction, enabling operators to deliver a best-in-class player journey. With one platform and integration, iGaming and sports betting operators can facilitate deposits, payouts and engagements using data to automate decisioning and better manage payment experiences that ultimately reduce costs and increase revenue.

 

Click here to book a demo of PayNearMe’s MoneyLine platform and learn more about the benefits of the integration of Pin4.

 

About PayNearMe

PayNearMe develops technology to facilitate the end-to-end customer payment experience, making it easy for businesses to manage and accept payments. Our modern, flexible and reliable platform is built from the ground up to increase engagement, improve operational efficiency, and drive down the total cost of accepting payments.

 

MoneyLine™, powered by PayNearMe, simplifies end-to-end money movement for iGaming and sports betting operators. It delivers the most reliable payment experience across key touch points with players, including cashiering, deposits, payouts, cash at cage, engagements and more. With one platform and one integration for key deposit and payout types, operators can reduce costs, get to market faster, and make the entire payment experience seamless for their players. Player insights within the platform deliver a holistic view of key player and payment metrics.

 

PayNearMe has been servicing the iGaming market since 2013 and is currently active in 17 regulated gaming markets in the US. The company processes cash deposits for 16 of the 17 largest online casinos in the U.S. and 9 of the 10 largest U.S. operators, including BetMGM, TVG, PointsBet, FanDuel and William Hill.

 

PayNearMe has enabled cash payments through our proprietary electronic cash network since 2009, and today is accepted at over 31,000 retail locations in the U.S.

 

To learn more about PayNearMe, please visit www.paynearme.com. Follow PayNearMe on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. The PayNearMe service is operated by PayNearMe MT, Inc., a licensed money transmitter.

 

About Pin4

Pin4 is a global Fintech company enabling businesses and government organizations to efficiently deliver real-time cash payments to their customers and patrons. Pin4’s patented process enables these individuals to conveniently access cash payments using just their mobile phones and the local ATM network without the use of a credit or debit card or bank account. Whether it’s a B2C or G2C payment, P2P transfer or cash withdrawal from a digital account or wallet, Pin4 provides hassle free cash to millions of individuals annually. Find out more at pin4.com.

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding product development and availability. The development release and timing of future product releases remains at PayNearMe’s sole discretion. Any such referenced products do not represent promises to deliver, commitments or obligations of PayNearMe MT, Inc. PayNearMe assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

Contacts

Kristin Jones
Jones PR for PayNearMe
kristin@jonespr.net
314-534-8187

Categories
Business Local News

Bristol Myers Squibb’s applications for deucravacitinib for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis accepted by U.S. Food and Drug Administration and validated by European Medicines Agency

Applications supported by positive results from the pivotal Phase 3 POETYK-PSO clinical trial program demonstrating superior efficacy of deucravacitinib over Otezla® (apremilast) and placebo in treating adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

U.S. Food and Drug Administration assigned a target action date of September 10, 2022; European Medicines Agency validation confirms the submission is complete and begins the centralized review process

Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, would be the first TYK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of any disease

 

PRINCETON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $BMY #BMSBristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for deucravacitinib for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The FDA has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of September 10, 2022. These latest regulatory milestones are in addition to the NDA acceptance by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for deucravacitinib for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis.

“There is a strong need for more effective and well-tolerated oral therapies for people living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, as many remain undertreated or even untreated,” said Jonathan Sadeh, M.D., MSc., senior vice president of Immunology and Fibrosis Development, Bristol Myers Squibb. “Findings from the pivotal POETYK-PSO trials demonstrate the potential of deucravacitinib to elevate the oral standard of care for individuals who are candidates for systemic therapy. We look forward to continuing to work with the FDA and EMA with the goal of bringing deucravacitinib to patients and physicians as quickly as possible.”

 

The regulatory applications are based on positive results from the pivotal POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 trials, which evaluated once daily deucravacitinib in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis versus placebo and Otezla® (apremilast). Deucravacitinib demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful improvements in skin clearance, symptom burden and quality of life measures compared to placebo and Otezla. Deucravacitinib was well-tolerated with a low rate of discontinuation due to adverse events, with no clinically meaningful lab abnormalities. Primary results were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Meeting Experience in April 2021, and additional analyses were presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 30th Anniversary Congress in September 2021.

 

Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in the POETYK-PSO clinical trial program.

 

About Deucravacitinib

Deucravacitinib (pronounced doo-krav-a-sih-ti-nib) is a first-in-class, oral, selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action and is the first and only selective TYK2 inhibitor in clinical studies across multiple immune-mediated diseases. Bristol Myers Squibb scientists designed deucravacitinib to selectively target TYK2, thereby inhibiting signaling of interleukin (IL)-23, IL-12 and Type 1 interferon (IFN), key cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of multiple immune-mediated diseases. Deucravacitinib achieves a high degree of selectivity by binding to the regulatory domain of TYK2, resulting in allosteric inhibition of TYK2 and its downstream functions. Deucravacitinib selectively inhibits TYK2 at physiologically relevant concentrations. At therapeutic doses, deucravacitinib does not inhibit JAK1, JAK2 or JAK3.

 

Deucravacitinib is being studied in multiple immune-mediated diseases, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition to POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2, Bristol Myers Squibb is evaluating deucravacitinib in three other Phase 3 studies in psoriasis: POETYK PSO-3 (NCT04167462); POETYK PSO-4 (NCT03924427); POETYK PSO-LTE (NCT04036435). Deucravacitinib is not approved for use in any country.

 

About the Phase 3 POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 Studies

PrOgram to Evaluate the efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib, a selective TYK2 inhibitor (POETYK) PSO-1 (NCT03624127) and POETYK PSO-2 (NCT03611751) are global Phase 3 studies designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of deucravacitinib compared to placebo and Otezla® (apremilast) in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Both POETYK PSO-1, which enrolled 666 patients, and POETYK PSO-2, which enrolled 1,020 patients, were multi-center, randomized, double-blind trials that evaluated deucravacitinib (6 mg once daily) compared with placebo and Otezla (30 mg twice daily). POETYK PSO-2 included a randomized withdrawal and retreatment period after Week 24.

 

The co-primary endpoints of both POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 were the percentage of patients who achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response and those who achieved static Physician’s Global Assessment (sPGA) score of 0 or 1 at Week 16 versus placebo. Key secondary endpoints of the trials included the percentage of patients who achieved PASI 75 and sPGA 0/1 compared to Otezla at Week 16 and other measures evaluating deucravacitinib versus placebo and Otezla.

 

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a widely prevalent, chronic, systemic immune-mediated disease that substantially impairs patients’ physical health, quality of life and work productivity. Psoriasis is a serious global problem, with at least 100 million people worldwide impacted by some form of the disease, including around 14 million people in Europe and approximately 7.5 million people in the United States. Nearly one-quarter of people with psoriasis have cases that are considered moderate to severe. Up to 90 percent of patients with psoriasis have psoriasis vulgaris, or plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by distinct round or oval plaques typically covered by silvery-white scales. Despite the availability of effective systemic therapy, many patients with moderate to severe psoriasis remain undertreated or even untreated and are dissatisfied with current treatments. People with psoriasis report an impact on their emotional well-being, straining both personal and professional relationships and causing a reduced quality of life. Psoriasis is associated with multiple comorbidities that may impact patients’ well-being, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and depression.

 

Bristol Myers Squibb: Pioneering Paths Forward in Immunology to Transform Patients’ Lives

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. For people living with immune-mediated diseases, the debilitating reality of enduring chronic symptoms and disease progression can take a toll on their physical, emotional and social well-being, making simple tasks and daily life a challenge. Driven by our deep understanding of the immune system that spans over 20 years of experience, and our passion to help patients, the company continues to pursue pathbreaking science with the goal of delivering meaningful solutions that address unmet needs in rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology and multiple sclerosis. We follow the science, aiming to tailor therapies to individual needs, improve outcomes and expand treatment options by working to identify mechanisms with the potential to achieve long-term remission – and perhaps even cures – in the future. By building partnerships with researchers, patients and caregivers to deliver innovative treatments, Bristol Myers Squibb strives to elevate patient care to new standards and deliver what matters most – the promise of living a better life.

 

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

 

Celgene and Juno Therapeutics are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. In certain countries outside the U.S., due to local laws, Celgene and Juno Therapeutics are referred to as, Celgene, a Bristol Myers Squibb company and Juno Therapeutics, a Bristol Myers Squibb company.

 

Otezla® (apremilast) is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the possibility that the NDA may not be accepted for filing by the FDA without the provision of further information or responses to additional requests, that deucravacitinib (BMS-986165) may not receive regulatory approval for the indication described in this release in the currently anticipated timeline or at all, any marketing approvals, if granted, may have significant limitations on their use, and, if approved, whether such product candidate for such indication described in this release will be commercially successful. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

corporatefinancial-news

Contacts

Bristol Myers Squibb

Media Inquiries:
media@bms.com

Investors:
Tim Power

609-252-7509

Timothy.Power@bms.com

Nina Goworek

908-673-9711

Nina.Goworek@bms.com

Categories
Culture Local News

L’il Critters supports Feed the Children’s Annual ‘No Hunger Holidays’ campaign with a match to help families struggling with food insecurity

EWING, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — L’il CrittersTM, America’s #1 Children’s Gummy Vitamin Brand, a Church & Dwight Co., Inc. brand, is continuing their partnership with Feed the Children, a leading nonprofit focused on alleviating childhood hunger, to support its No Hunger Holidays campaign that helps to create a hunger-free season for families struggling with food insecurity and poverty across the U.S. L’il Critters is launching a donation match campaign between Giving Tuesday (Nov. 30, 2021) and Dec. 30, 2021, to match donations up to $50,000 [1], which directly goes towards food distribution, personal care and household essentials, and education materials to thousands of children and families.

“We’re thrilled to help Feed the Children provide supplemental meals and daily essentials and create an impact for vulnerable families facing hardships this holiday season,” says John Bullock, Brand Manager for L’il Critters. “This Giving Tuesday, we hope that people are inspired to lend a hand as more families this year are struggling economically.” The nonprofit’s annual campaign aims to provide much-needed food and daily essentials to at-risk families trying to make ends meet throughout the holiday season, having an even greater bearing on families affected by health and economic challenges from recent years.

 

“The L’il Critters and Church & Dwight Co., Inc., partnership means so very much to Feed the Children, and more importantly, to the families we serve,” said Travis Arnold, president and CEO, Feed the Children. “We believe that no child should go to bed hungry, especially during a time full of warmth, love and sharing. L’il Critters and Church & Dwight Co., Inc. are a critical part of providing compassionate support to those who are facing tough decisions about how to care for their families.”

 

In April 2020, as families began to struggle with the impact of COVID-19, the percentage of food-insecure households was estimated to be between 22-38%. In contrast, in 2016 only 12.3% of households were food insecure [2] in the U.S. Every $10 given helps provide 60 meals for struggling families this holiday season.

 

To donate and learn more about Feed the Children’s annual holiday campaign, please visit feedthechildren.org/nohungerholidays.

 

[1] No Purchase is Necessary to Participate. From November 30, 2021 until December 30, 2021, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. will match monetary donations up to $50,000.

 

[2] Feed the Children. Hunger Facts and Figures. https://www.feedthechildren.org/our-work/hunger-facts/.

 

About L’il Critters

L’il Critters, America’s #1 Kids Gummy Vitamin Brand, offers a wide variety of dietary supplements with a fusion of natural fruit flavors and ChefsBest® award winning taste [3] for children. Since 1998, we have revolutionized the dietary supplement industry with five simple words: “We Make Nutrition Taste Good.™”

 

[3] On select products. The ChefsBest Excellence Award is awarded to brands that surpass quality standards established by independent professional chefs. Evaluation funded by Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

 

About Feed the Children

At Feed the Children, we feed hungry kids. We envision a world where no child goes to bed hungry. In the U.S. and internationally, we are dedicated to helping families and communities achieve stable lives and to reducing the need for help tomorrow while providing food and resources to help them today. We distribute product donations from corporate donors to local community partners, we provide support for teachers and students, and we mobilize resources quickly to aid recovery efforts when natural disasters strike. Internationally, we manage child-focused community development programs in 8 countries. We welcome partnerships because we know our work would not be possible without collaborative relationships.

Contacts

Becky Hong

becky@gcomworks.com
646-964-4446

Categories
Business Regulations & Security

DNA; SRNG Investor Alert: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings Inc. (f/k/a Soaring Eagle Acquisition Corp.) investors of class action and lead plaintiff deadline: January 18, 2022

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Attorney Advertising–Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings Inc. (“Ginkgo” or the “Company”) (NYSE: DNA; SRNG) (f/k/a Soaring Eagle Acquisition Corp.) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired Owlet between May 11, 2021, and October 5, 2021, inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/dna.

This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company’s failure to derive real revenue from third-party customers left it almost completely dependent on related parties; (2) as a result, most, if not all, of the Company’s revenue came from related parties the Company created, funded, or controlled through its ownership and board seats; (3) the Company was misclassifying and underreporting related party revenue in order to conceal the Company’s near total-dependence on related parties; (4) many of the Company’s new R&D partners are undisclosed related parties and/or façades; (5) as a result, the Company’s valuation was significantly less than Defendants disclosed to investors; and (6) as a result, Defendants’ public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.

 

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/dna or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Ginkgo you have until January 18, 2022, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

 

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm’s expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contacts

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

Peretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson

212-697-6484 | info@bgandg.com

Categories
Business Local News

PARTS iD, Inc. announces participation in the Wells Fargo TMT Summit 2021

 

CRANBURY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — PARTS iD, Inc. (NYSE American: ID) (“PARTS iD” or “Company), the owner and operator of, among other verticals, “CARiD.com,” a leading digital commerce platform for the automotive aftermarket, announced today that Chief Executive Officer, Nino Ciappina, and Chief Financial Officer, Kailas Agrawal are participating in the Wells Fargo TMT Summit 2021.

 

Management’s fireside chat presentation is scheduled for 10:30 am Eastern Time on November 30, 2021 and will be simultaneously broadcast on the Internet at https://www.partsidinc.com/.

 

About PARTS iD, Inc.

PARTS iD is a technology-driven, digital commerce company focused on creating custom infrastructure and unique user experiences within niche markets. Founded in 2008 with a vision of creating a one-stop eCommerce destination for the automotive parts and accessories market, management believes that the Company is a market leader and proven brand-builder, fueled by its commitment to delivering a revolutionary shopping experience; comprehensive, accurate and varied product offerings; and continued digital commerce innovation.

Contacts

Investors:

Brendon Frey

ICR

ir@partsidinc.com

Categories
Business Culture

Vision Solar helps feed 12,500 families by partnering with Operation Turkey National this holiday season

BLACKWOOD, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #Giveback–Vision Solar today announced that they are officially a national sponsor for the non-profit organization, Operation Turkey, a community of volunteers dedicated to feeding and clothing the homeless nationwide on Thanksgiving Day.

Through our partnership, we are helping Operation Turkey provide over 12,500 people with a thanksgiving meal and care package on Thanksgiving Day. Vision Solar and their leadership team have expressed their importance on giving back and how it aligns with their company core values, one of which is, “To give and to grow.” Vision Solar’s CEO, Jonathan Seibert, has stated:

 

“We are honored to be a part of this journey. Together we are forever impacting our world and the lives of our neighbors, while truly living out our social responsibility as a company.” when asked about Vision Solar’s philanthropy involvement.

 

To express their gratitude, Operation Turkey team leads visited Vision Solar’s headquarters location and gave out their famous turkey hugs, where they dress up in turkey costumes and give hugs to national sponsors’ employees in an effort to educate in an interactive way more about their organization.

 

To learn more about Operation Turkey and its annual impact, visit www.operationturkey.com

 

For any inquiries regarding this press release, please feel free to contact John Czelusniak at jczelusniak@visionsolar.com or Juliana Echavarria jechavarria@visionsolar.com

 

About Vision Solar:

Vision Solar is one of the fastest growing solar energy companies in the United States. Their full-service renewable energy company installs solar services for residential homes nationwide. Over the past three years, Vision Solar has grossed over $100 million in revenue, with significant increase in projected growth to produce 1000+ high-quality Green Jobs by 2022. To learn more, visit: https://www.visionsolar.com

Contacts

Juliana Echavarria

Vision Solar LLC

marketing@visionsolar.com

Categories
Business

Best’s Market Segment Report: AM Best revises outlook to stable for U.S. Workers’ Compensation Insurance industry

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — AM Best has revised its market segment outlook to stable from negative for the U.S. workers’ compensation insurance market, according to a new AM Best report.

The Best’s Market Segment Report, titled, “Market Segment Outlook: U.S. Workers’ Compensation,” states that the revision is based on the following factors:

  • Unexpectedly muted impacted of the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • Solid risk-adjusted capitalization;
  • Redundant loss position; and
  • Favorable combined ratios.

 

The impact of COVID-19 on insurers’ balance sheets and operating performance has been somewhat muted. AM Best believes the segment’s solid level of risk-adjusted capitalization will withstand the effects of the pandemic. Although the segment remains in a redundant loss position, that redundancy is diminishing. The segment also continues to report favorable combined ratios driven by consistent loss ratios. Underwriting results have deteriorated only slightly, benefiting from lesser fraud, fewer workplace accidents and lower defense costs.

 

There are however, offsetting factors that AM Best will continue to monitor for longer term implications, including rate decreases and intensifying competition.

 

To access the full copy of this market segment report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=315015.

 

To view current Best’s Market Segment Outlooks, please visit http://www.ambest.com/ratings/RatingOutlook.asp.

 

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 London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Jacqalene Lentz, CPA
Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5762
jacqalene.lentz@ambest.com

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

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