Categories
Technology

NICE Actimize introduces breakthrough AI-powered Watch List screening solution for superior risk management

The advanced watch list filtering solution features real-time screening for parties and payments that leverage AI and biometrics to match and screen for global sanctions

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Financial services organizations are increasingly challenged to efficiently screen parties and payments against required sanctions lists. With these requirements in mind, NICE Actimize, a NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) business, announces the launch of WL-X, its breakthrough, next-generation Watch List (WL) screening solution leveraging the power of artificial intelligence for superior data management, advanced screening capabilities and frictionless customer onboarding.

NICE Actimize’s WL-X features real-time and on-demand screening for parties and payments that leverages AI and biometrics to match and screen against global sanctions, politically-exposed persons (PEPs), adverse media and other lists. The solution also orchestrates and aggregates list data from premium and public sources with internal lists providing full auditability to ensure accurate screening.

Serving as the foundation for data-driven, advanced screening processes, NICE Actimize’s WL-X solution expedites customer onboarding while reducing friction​.The advanced solution also offers best-in-class detection featuring advanced facial biometrics, intelligent payment parsing in compliance with ISO20022, and the industry’s most advanced culture/name matching technology.

“Sanctions screening is a critical function across AML operations, but it still relies on traditional technology and workflows,” said Neil Katkov, PhD, Head of Risk, at research and advisory firm Celent. “It makes sense to apply the next-generation technologies that are already transforming investigation and other areas of AML to these legacy-burdened processes.”

“NICE Actimize’s innovative screening technology supports financial services organizations looking to boost accuracy and efficiency while complying with global regulations,” said Craig Costigan, CEO, NICE Actimize. “A cost-effective anti-money laundering compliance program includes advanced screening capabilities to reduce regulatory risk, generate high quality matches with lower false positives while speeding operational efficiency. And with NICE Actimize WL-X technology, organizations get all of these benefits.”

Additional features of the next generation NICE Actimize WL-X solution include:

  • Real-time and batch screening capabilities which adhere to regulatory obligations for new and current customers, their counterparties and payments.​
  • Seamless access to aggregated, normalized and verified data from multiple lists sourced from a comprehensive selection of premium and public data sources.​
  • The use of advanced fuzzy matching technologies plus facial biometrics for precise matching capabilities.
  • Machine-learning driven model optimization to adapt and ensure low false positives.
  • Full controls across the AML value chain from onboarding to ongoing monitoring and any ad-hoc checks ​along the way.

NICE Actimize Autonomous Anti-Money Laundering Suite

NICE Actimize’s Autonomous AML modernizes AML programs through a unique combination of AI, machine learning, domain expertise, Intelligent Automation and visual storytelling to better combat money-laundering and terrorist financing. It keeps programs up-to-date with regulatory compliance while creating a single integrated view of the customer. In addition to the new WLF-X solution, the suite includes solutions for Suspicious Activity Monitoring, Customer Due Diligence/KYC, Suspicious Transaction Activity Reporting (STAR), Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR) and X-Sight ActimizeWatch, a secure cloud-based managed analytics service that delivers laser-sharp financial crime detection by actively monitoring analytics performance.

For more information, please visit our web site here.

To join NICE Actimize’s webinar, “Transforming Sanctions Screening: A Discussion with Celent,” please register here.

About NICE Actimize

NICE Actimize is the largest and broadest provider of financial crime, risk and compliance solutions for regional and global financial institutions, as well as government regulators. Consistently ranked as number one in the space, NICE Actimize experts apply innovative technology to protect institutions and safeguard consumers and investors assets by identifying financial crime, preventing fraud and providing regulatory compliance. The company provides real-time, cross-channel fraud prevention, anti-money laundering detection, and trading surveillance solutions that address such concerns as payment fraud, cybercrime, sanctions monitoring, market abuse, customer due diligence and insider trading. Find us at www.niceactimize.com, @NICE_Actimize or Nasdaq: NICE.

About NICE

NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) is the world’s leading provider of both cloud and on-premises enterprise software solutions that empower organizations to make smarter decisions based on advanced analytics of structured and unstructured data. NICE helps organizations of all sizes deliver better customer service, ensure compliance, combat fraud and safeguard citizens. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, are using NICE solutions. https://www.nice.com.

Trademark Note: NICE and the NICE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE’s marks, please see: www.nice.com/nice-trademarks.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Costigan, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the “Company”). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “project,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in economic and business conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; successful execution of the Company’s growth strategy; success and growth of the Company’s cloud Software-as-a-Service business; changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company’s products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company’s dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners;, cyber security attacks or other security breaches against the Company; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.

Contacts

Corporate Media Contact
Cindy Morgan-Olson, +1 646 408 5896, ET, cindy.morgan-olson@niceactimize.com

Investors
Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ET, ir@nice.com
Yisca Erez +972 9 775 3798, CET, ir@nice.com

Categories
Technology

NICE Actimize recognized with 2021 Frost & Sullivan North America Technology Innovation Leadership Award for enterprise fraud management

The analyst report stated that by embracing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing, NICE Actimize continuously developed new features and functionalities for enterprise fraud management

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — NICE Actimize, a NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) business, has announced that it is the recipient of the 2021 Frost & Sullivan North America Technology Innovation Leadership Award for enterprise fraud management (EFM). For the Technology Innovation Leadership Award, Frost & Sullivan analysts independently evaluated two key factors — technology leverage and business impact — across ten benchmarking criteria. Frost & Sullivan’s Technology Innovation Award recognizes the company that has introduced the best underlying technology for achieving remarkable product and customer success while driving future business value.

To download a full copy of the “2021 Frost & Sullivan North America Technology Innovation Leadership for Enterprise Fraud Management” report on NICE Actimize and its EFM expertise, please click here.

According to Frost & Sullivan’s analysis of NICE Actimize, “At the foundation of NICE Actimize’s expansive product portfolio lies its Integrated Fraud Management (IFM-X) platform. Launched as a next-generation platform in 2019, IFM-X serves as a fraud hub for NICE Actimize’s clients, combining disparate data streams, adaptive data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to solve clients’ complex needs with holistic fraud management.

The technology innovation report explained, “The platform includes a variety of packaged solutions specifically designed to enable use cases in authentication management, digital banking fraud, payments fraud, business email compromise, advanced fraud analytics, card and emerging payments fraud, check fraud, and internal threats.”

“NICE Actimize’s leadership and dedication to the industry have led the company to create an extensive portfolio of fraud management products that empower users in an endless number of use cases. By embracing key mega trends such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud computing, the company continuously developed new features and functionalities that enable its clients to be proactive as they join forces to address the emerging fraud threats,” said Jeffrey Castilla, Best Practices Research Team Leader, Frost & Sullivan. “With its strong overall performance, NICE Actimize earns the 2021 Frost & Sullivan Technology Leadership Award for enterprise fraud management.”

The report also acknowledged NICE Actimize’s continuing commitment to the cloud, observing, “NICE Actimize is positioned to support their clients on their journey with a suite of cloud-based value-added services. The company had already started its journey to the cloud years ago, beginning with ActimizeWatch, its managed analytics service, and subsequently developing into an extensive suite of solutions.”

Additionally, the report cited NICE Actimize’s investment in AI and machine learning targeting its enterprise fraud solutions, explaining, “NICE Actimize continues to evolve it’s AI/ML capabilities with investments in automated and adaptive machine learning, as well leveraging cutting-edge AI/ML techniques like ‘Federated Learning’ to automatically share fraud signals between its risk models, across NICE Actimize’s client base. This allows organizations to be proactively protected from emerging Fraud typologies based on collective intelligence.”

“As a leader in the enterprise fraud management space, NICE Actimize continually innovates with advancements in cloud, artificial intelligence, and machine learning so that financial services organizations more effectively stop emerging fraud threats,” said Craig Costigan, CEO, NICE Actimize. “We thank Frost & Sullivan for identifying NICE Actimize’s differentiators in technology and innovation that support FSOs in their fight against the challenging environment surrounding new and aggressive fraud types.”

The report also noted that in 2020, “NICE Actimize announced a strategic acquisition of a market leader in entity enrichment and resolution. This acquisition became X-Sight DataIQ, which NICE Actimize integrated into its portfolio. X-Sight DataIQ orchestrates the aggregation of entity data across hundreds of public and premium sources to ensure that entity data is always accurate. This intelligence fuels detection accuracy and alert resolution efficiency.”

For additional NICE Actimize resources in enterprise fraud:

For the eBook, “The Future of Fraud Fighting Evolving to Stay Ahead of Threats,” please click here.

For more information on NICE Actimize’s Fraud Management Solutions Suite, please click here.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages more than 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses, and the investment community from 45 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

About NICE Actimize

NICE Actimize is the largest and broadest provider of financial crime, risk and compliance solutions for regional and global financial institutions, as well as government regulators. Consistently ranked as number one in the space, NICE Actimize experts apply innovative technology to protect institutions and safeguard consumers and investors assets by identifying financial crime, preventing fraud and providing regulatory compliance. The company provides real-time, cross-channel fraud prevention, anti-money laundering detection, and trading surveillance solutions that address such concerns as payment fraud, cybercrime, sanctions monitoring, market abuse, customer due diligence and insider trading. Find us at www.niceactimize.com, @NICE_Actimize or Nasdaq: NICE.

About NICE

NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) is the world’s leading provider of both cloud and on-premises enterprise software solutions that empower organizations to make smarter decisions based on advanced analytics of structured and unstructured data. NICE helps organizations of all sizes deliver better customer service, ensure compliance, combat fraud and safeguard citizens. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, are using NICE solutions. www.nice.com.

Trademark Note: NICE and the NICE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE’s marks, please see: www.nice.com/nice-trademarks.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Costigan, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the “Company”). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “project,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in economic and business conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; successful execution of the Company’s growth strategy; success and growth of the Company’s cloud Software-as-a-Service business; changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company’s products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company’s dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners;, cyber security attacks or other security breaches against the Company; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.

Contacts

Corporate Media Contact:

Cindy Morgan-Olson, +1-646-408-5896, NICE Actimize, cindy.morgan-olson@niceactimize.com

Investors
Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354,  ir@nice.com, ET

Yisca Erez +972 9 775 3798,  ir@nice.com, CET

Categories
Business

NRG Energy, Inc. to report Third Quarter 2020 financial results November 5, 2020

PRINCETON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$NRG #earnings–NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) plans to report Third Quarter 2020 financial results on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Management will present the results during a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

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

609.524.5428

candice.adams@nrg.com

Categories
Business

AM Best affirms credit ratings of Genworth Financial, Inc. and its U.S. Life Subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bb+” of Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company (GLAIC) (Richmond, VA). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of C++ (Marginal) and the Long-Term ICRs of “b” of Genworth Life Insurance Company (GLIC) (Wilmington, DE) and Genworth Life Insurance Company of New York (GLICNY) (New York, NY). Additionally, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICRs of “b” of Genworth Financial, Inc. (Genworth) [NYSE: GNW] and Genworth Holdings, Inc. (both domiciled in Delaware), as well as their Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

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

The ratings of GLAIC also reflect its strong balance sheet strength, including the level and quality of capital, and the quality of the asset portfolio. Although absolute and risk-adjusted capital, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), increased in 2019, many uncertainties around the strength of the balance sheet remain related to the potential for future reserve increases or asset impairments. There has been history of negative profitability in aggregate and in most lines of businesses. GLAIC calculated its risk-based capital (RBC) level at 438% at the end of 2019, an increase from the prior-year RBC score of 422%.

The ratings of GLIC and GLICNY reflect the group’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as weak, as well as its weak operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings of GLIC and GLICNY reflect AM Best’s view of its balance sheet strength and its operating performance. Risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by BCAR and other capital metrics, is low and volatile. A strong offsetting factor is management’s focused strategy of garnering actuarially supported premium rate increases on in-force, long-term care policies. Management identified the need for these increases several years ago, took corrective action and has achieved meaningful results. While GNW has demonstrated success at achieving premium rate increases in the past, operating losses continue to persist due to deviation in experience relative to pricing assumptions. The impact and timing of the approval and receipt of those rate increases continue to be uncertain. GLIC calculated its RBC level at 213% at the end of 2019, an increase from the prior-year RBC score of 199%, while GLICNY’s RBC improved to 291% from 223% between 2018 and 2019.

The rating affirmations of the two holding companies, Genworth and Genworth Holdings, Inc., as well as its associated debt, reflect the ongoing challenges the operating companies face, its debt obligations and secured promissory note to settle recent dispute. Genworth has shown financial flexibility navigating through those complications, including the sale of Genworth’s stake in Genworth MI Canada, Inc. in 2019, the recent $750 million senior notes offering by Genworth Mortgage Holdings, Inc. and a potential 19.9% IPO of the U.S. mortgage insurance business. Finally, GNW continues to pursue closing the transaction with China Oceanwide Holdings Group Co. Ltd. and the $1.5 billion capital commitment, which has been delayed due to funding issues given current market challenges with COVID-19.

The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed with a stable outlook:

Genworth Holdings, Inc. (guaranteed by Genworth Financial, Inc.)—

— “b” on $400 million 7.20% senior unsecured notes, due 2021

— “b” on $750 million 7.625% senior unsecured notes, due 2021

— “b” on $400 million 4.9% senior unsecured notes, due 2023

— “b” on $400 million 4.8% senior unsecured notes, due 2024

— “b” on $300 million 6.50% senior unsecured notes, due 2034

— “ccc+” on $600 million fixed/floating rate junior subordinated notes, due 2066

The following indicative Long-Term IRs on securities available under the universal shelf registration have been affirmed with a stable outlook:

Genworth Financial, Inc.—

–“b” on senior unsecured debt

–“b-” on subordinated debt

–“ccc+” on preferred stock

Genworth Holdings, Inc.—

— “b” on senior unsecured debt

— “b-” on subordinated debt

— “ccc+” on preferred stock

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

Bruno Caron
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5144
bruno.caron@ambest.com

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

Michael Porcelli
Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5548
michael.porcelli@ambest.com

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

Categories
International & World

AM Best downgrades credit ratings of Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited; places under review with developing implications

OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B++ (Good) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “bbb+” from “a-” of Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) (Barbados). Concurrently, AM Best has placed these Credit Ratings (ratings) under review with developing implications.

The ratings reflect ICBL’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

This rating action follows the announcement that BF&M Limited, ICBL’s majority shareholder, has sold its 51% share ownership in ICBL to Paynes Bay Finance Inc., an investment vehicle owned and controlled by Joe Poulin through his family office, JPK Capital. The rating downgrades reflect the removal of rating enhancement that ICBL received from BF&M Limited.

Additionally, the under review with developing implications status reflects the need for AM Best to assess the new majority shareholder, its strategic plans for ICBL and the potential impact on the company’s rating fundamentals. The ratings will remain under review until AM Best has conducted detailed discussions with JPK Capital and completes its evaluation of the transaction and the implications for ICBL.

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

Ricardo A. Longchallon

Senior Financial Analyst

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5676
ricardo.longchallon@ambest.com

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

Sharon Marks
Associate Director
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 55477

sharon.marks@ambest.com

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

Categories
Business

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

Private placement debt portfolio grows to $91.2 billion1

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

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

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

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

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

About MetLife Investment Management

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

About MetLife

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

______________________________

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

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

Contacts

James Murphy

(973) 355-4673

Categories
Business

Dun & Bradstreet reports second quarter 2020 financial results

SHORT HILLS, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DNB), a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, today announced unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020. A reconciliation of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to non-GAAP financial measures has been provided in this press release, including the accompanying tables. An explanation of these measures is also included below under the heading “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

  • Revenue of $420.6 million, up 5.4%, and up 5.6% on a constant currency basis; which includes the net impact of lower deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments of $35.9 million.
  • Net loss of $207.1 million, or diluted loss per share of $0.66, and adjusted net income of $81.6 million, or adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.26.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $176.1 million, up 18.5%, and adjusted EBITDA margin of 41.9%, an increase of 470 basis points; which includes the net impact of lower deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments of $35.9 million.
  • Completed initial public offering and concurrent private placement of $400.0 million in July, raising net proceeds of $2.2 billion.

Dun & Bradstreet Chairman Bill Foley said, “Our recent IPO was a significant milestone for the company, and another step forward as part of our longer journey of transformation. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead at Dun & Bradstreet as we work to drive long-term value and sustained growth.”

Dun & Bradstreet CEO Anthony Jabbour said, “Our performance for the quarter was in line with expectations and we continue to make significant progress in our transformation that ultimately supports our long-term strategic goals. Despite a challenging macro-economic environment, our core business fundamentals remained strong and we continue to be uniquely positioned to support our customers through these difficult times.”

Second Quarter 2020 Segment Results

North America

North America revenue was $354.3 million, a decrease of 1.8% as reported and on a constant currency basis. Finance and Risk revenue was $193.6 million, a decrease of 3.6%, and a decrease of 3.5% on a constant currency basis driven by structural changes we made within our legacy Credibility solutions and the impact of COVID-19 on usage volumes. Sales and Marketing revenue was $160.7 million, an increase of 0.4% as reported and on a constant currency basis. North America adjusted EBITDA was $170.1 million, a decrease of 2.8%, with adjusted EBITDA margin of 48.0%, a decrease of 50 basis points.

International

International revenue was $68.4 million, a decrease of 9.9%, and a decrease of 8.9% on a constant currency basis. Finance and Risk revenue was $55.9 million, a decrease of 12.4%, and a decrease of 11.3% on a constant currency basis primarily driven by lower non-recurring revenues in the Worldwide Network along with the impact of COVID-19 on usage volumes. Sales and Marketing revenue was $12.5 million, an increase of 3.5% and an increase of 3.6% on a constant currency basis. International adjusted EBITDA was $20.2 million, a decrease of 26.7%, with adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.5%, a decrease of 670 basis points.

Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $99.8 million and total debt of $4,061 million. As of June 30, 2020, we had available capacity of $312.5 million on our revolving credit facility.

On July 6, 2020, Dun & Bradstreet completed its initial public offering at an offering price of $22.00 per share. The Company issued 90.0 million shares, including the additional 11.7 million shares purchased by the underwriters resulting from the exercise of their overallotment option. In addition, the Company issued 18.5 million shares in connection with the $400 million concurrent private placement which resulted in net proceeds of $2.2 billion after deducting underwriting discounts and IPO related expenses. Dun & Bradstreet used a portion of the net proceeds to redeem all of its outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and repay $300.0 million of its 10.250% Senior Unsecured Notes outstanding due 2027.

Business Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet’s full year 2020 outlook is as follows:

  • Revenue is expected to be in the range of $1,729 million to $1,759 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $704 million to $724 million.
  • Revenue and adjusted EBITDA include a ($21) million impact from deferred revenue purchase accounting, in both the low and high ends of the range.
  • Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $0.89 to $0.93.
  • Adjusted EPS includes a $(0.04) impact from deferred revenue purchase accounting, in both the low and high ends of the range.

The foregoing forward-looking statements reflect Dun & Bradstreet’s expectations as of today’s date and Revenue assumes constant foreign currency rates. Given the number of risk factors, uncertainties and assumptions discussed below, actual results may differ materially. Dun & Bradstreet does not intend to update its forward-looking statements until its next quarterly results announcement, other than in publicly available statements.

Earnings Conference Call and Audio Webcast

Dun & Bradstreet will host a conference call to discuss the second quarter 2020 financial results on August 6, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. ET. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 833-350-1376, or for international callers 647-689-6655. A replay will be available from 11:30 a.m. ET on August 6, 2020, through August 13, 2020, by dialing 800-585-8367, or for international callers 416-621-4642. The replay passcode will be 7189713.

The call will also be webcast live from Dun & Bradstreet’s investor relations website at https://investor.dnb.com. Following the completion of the call, a recorded replay of the webcast will be available on the website.

About Dun & Bradstreet

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk, and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnb.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to reporting GAAP results, we evaluate performance and report our results on the non-GAAP financial measures discussed below. We believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP measures provides useful information to investors and rating agencies regarding our results, operating trends and performance between periods. These non-GAAP financial measures include adjusted revenue, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (‘‘adjusted EBITDA’’), adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted net income. Adjusted results are non-GAAP measures that adjust for the impact due to purchase accounting application and divestitures, restructuring charges, equity-based compensation, acquisition and divestiture-related costs (such as costs for bankers, legal fees, due diligence, retention payments and contingent consideration adjustments) and other non-core gains and charges that are not in the normal course of our business (such as gains and losses on sales of businesses, impairment charges, effect of significant changes in tax laws and material tax and legal settlements). We exclude amortization of recognized intangible assets resulting from the application of purchase accounting because it is non-cash and not indicative of our ongoing and underlying operating performance. Recognized intangible assets arise from acquisitions, or primarily the Take-Private Transaction. We believe that recognized intangible assets by their nature are fundamentally different from other depreciating assets that are replaced on a predictable operating cycle. Unlike other depreciating assets, such as developed and purchased software licenses or property and equipment, there is no replacement cost once these recognized intangible assets expire and the assets are not replaced. Additionally, our costs to operate, maintain and extend the life of acquired intangible assets and purchased intellectual property are reflected in our operating costs as personnel, data fee, facilities, overhead and similar items. Management believes it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase accounting and contribute to revenue generation. Amortization of recognized intangible assets will recur in future periods until such assets have been fully amortized. In addition, we isolate the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates on our revenue growth because we believe it is useful for investors to be able to compare revenue from one period to another, both after and before the effects of foreign exchange rate changes. The change in revenue performance attributable to foreign currency rates is determined by converting both our prior and current periods’ foreign currency revenue by a constant rate. As a result, we monitor our adjusted revenue growth both after and before the effects of foreign exchange rate changes. We believe that these supplemental non-GAAP financial measures provide management and other users with additional meaningful financial information that should be considered when assessing our ongoing performance and comparability of our operating results from period to period. Our management regularly uses our supplemental non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate our business and make operating decisions. These non-GAAP measures are among the factors management uses in planning for and forecasting future periods. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Our non-GAAP or adjusted financial measures reflect adjustments based on the following items, as well as the related income tax.

Adjusted Revenue

We define adjusted revenue as revenue adjusted to include revenue for the period from January 8 to February 7, 2019 (‘‘International lag adjustment’’) for the Predecessor related to the lag reporting for our International operations. On a GAAP basis, we report International results on a one-month lag, and for 2019 the Predecessor period for International is December 1, 2018 through January 7, 2019. The Successor period for International is February 8, 2019 (commencing on the closing date of the Take-Private Transaction) through November 30, 2019 for the Successor period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The International lag adjustment is to facilitate comparability of 2019 periods to 2020 periods.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. (Successor) / The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (Predecessor) excluding the following items:

  • depreciation and amortization;
  • interest expense and income;
  • income tax benefit or provision;
  • other expenses or income;
  • equity in net income of affiliates;
  • net income attributable to non-controlling interests;
  • dividends allocated to preferred stockholders;
  • revenue and expense adjustments to include results for the period from January 8 to February 7, 2019, for the Predecessor related to the International lag adjustment (see above discussion);
  • other incremental or reduced expenses from the application of purchase accounting (e.g. commission asset amortization);
  • equity-based compensation;
  • restructuring charges;
  • merger and acquisition-related operating costs;
  • transition costs primarily consisting of non-recurring incentive expenses associated with our synergy program;
  • legal reserve and costs associated with significant legal and regulatory matters; and
  • asset impairment.

We calculate adjusted EBITDA margin by dividing adjusted EBITDA by adjusted revenue.

Adjusted Net Income

We define adjusted net income as net income (loss) attributable to Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. (Successor) / The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (Predecessor) adjusted for the following items:

  • revenue and expense adjustments to include results for the period from January 8 to February 7, 2019, for the Predecessor related to the International lag adjustment (see above discussion);
  • incremental amortization resulting from the application of purchase accounting. We exclude amortization of recognized intangible assets resulting from the application of purchase accounting because it is non-cash and is not indicative of our ongoing and underlying operating performance. The Company believes that recognized intangible assets by their nature are fundamentally different from other depreciating assets that are replaced on a predictable operating cycle. Unlike other depreciating assets, such as developed and purchased software licenses or property and equipment, there is no replacement cost once these recognized intangible assets expire and the assets are not replaced. Additionally, the Company’s costs to operate, maintain and extend the life of acquired intangible assets and purchased intellectual property are reflected in the Company’s operating costs as personnel, data fee, facilities, overhead and similar items;
  • other incremental or reduced expenses from the application of purchase accounting (e.g. commission asset amortization);
  • equity-based compensation;
  • restructuring charges;
  • merger and acquisition-related operating costs;
  • transition costs primarily consisting of non-recurring incentive expenses associated with our synergy program;
  • legal reserve and costs associated with significant legal and regulatory matters;
  • change in fair value of the make-whole derivative liability associated with the Series A Preferred Stock;
  • asset impairment;
  • non-recurring pension charges, related to pension settlement charge and actuarial loss amortization eliminated as a result of the Take-Private Transaction;
  • dividends allocated to preferred stockholders;
  • merger, acquisition and divestiture-related non-operating costs;
  • debt refinancing and extinguishment costs; and
  • tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments and the impact resulting from the enactment of the CARES Act.

Adjusted Net Earnings per Diluted Share

We calculate adjusted net earnings per diluted share by dividing adjusted net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable in connection with awards outstanding under our stock incentive plan. For consistency purposes, we assume the stock split effected on June 23, 2020 at the beginning of each of the Predecessor periods.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expectations, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Forward-looking statements are based on Dun & Bradstreet’s management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, them. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar references to future periods, or by the inclusion of forecasts or projections. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected. It is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Consequently, the risks and uncertainties listed below should not be considered a complete discussion of all of our potential trends, risks and uncertainties. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The risks and uncertainties that forward-looking statements are subject to include, but are not limited to: (i) an outbreak of disease, global or localized health pandemic or epidemic, or the fear of such an event (such as the COVID-19 global pandemic), including the global economic uncertainty and measures taken in response; (ii) the short- and long-term effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, including the pace of recovery or any future resurgence; (iii) our ability to implement and execute our strategic plans to transform the business; (iv) our ability to develop or sell solutions in a timely manner or maintain client relationships; (v) competition for our solutions; (vi) harm to our brand and reputation; (vii) unfavorable global economic conditions; (viii) risks associated with operating and expanding internationally; (ix) failure to prevent cybersecurity incidents or the perception that confidential information is not secure; (x) failure in the integrity of our data or systems; (xi) system failures and personnel disruptions, which could delay the delivery of our solutions to our clients; (xii) loss of access to data sources; (xiii) failure of our software vendors and network and cloud providers to perform as expected or if our relationship is terminated; (xiv) loss or diminution of one or more of our key clients, business partners or government contracts; (xv) dependence on strategic alliances, joint ventures and acquisitions to grow our business; (xvi) our ability to protect our intellectual property adequately or cost-effectively; (xvii) claims for intellectual property infringement; (xviii) interruptions, delays or outages to subscription or payment processing platforms; (xix) risks related to acquiring and integrating businesses and divestitures of existing businesses; (xx) our ability to retain members of the senior leadership team and attract and retain skilled employees; (xxi) compliance with governmental laws and regulations; (xxii) risks associated with our structure and status as a “controlled company;” and (xxiii) the other factors described under the headings “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and other sections of our final prospectus dated June 30, 2020 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2020, in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)

Three-Month Period

Six-Month Period

Successor

Predecessor

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Period from January 1 to June 30, 2019

Period from January 1 to February 7, 2019

Revenue

$

420.6

$

398.9

$

815.9

$

573.0

$

178.7

Operating expenses

139.2

127.8

278.1

192.2

56.7

Selling and administrative expenses

143.4

126.0

269.3

339.6

122.4

Depreciation and amortization

132.6

136.8

266.9

217.3

11.1

Restructuring charge

6.8

17.4

11.3

35.9

0.1

Operating costs

422.0

408.0

825.6

785.0

190.3

Operating income (loss)

(1.4

)

(9.1

)

(9.7

)

(212.0

)

(11.6

)

Interest income

0.2

0.6

0.5

1.6

0.3

Interest expense

(78.0

)

(86.0

)

(161.0

)

(135.0

)

(5.5

)

Other income (expense) – net

(122.7

)

8.1

(32.7

)

12.3

(86.0

)

Non-operating income (expense) – net

(200.5

)

(77.3

)

(193.2

)

(121.1

)

(91.2

)

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates

(201.9

)

(86.4

)

(202.9

)

(333.1

)

(102.8

)

Less: provision (benefit) for income taxes

(27.5

)

(23.1

)

(101.8

)

(60.1

)

(27.5

)

Equity in net income of affiliates

0.6

2.8

1.2

2.9

0.5

Net income (loss)

(173.8

)

(60.5

)

(99.9

)

(270.1

)

(74.8

)

Less: net (income) loss attributable to the non-controlling interest

(1.2

)

(1.5

)

(1.6

)

(1.9

)

(0.8

)

Less: Dividends allocated to preferred stockholders

(32.1

)

(32.0

)

(64.1

)

(49.9

)

Net income (loss) attributable to Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. (Successor) / The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (Predecessor)

(207.1

)

(94.0

)

(165.6

)

(321.9

)

(75.6

)

Basic earnings (loss) per share of common stock:

Net income (loss) attributable to Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. (Successor) / The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (Predecessor)

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.30

)

$

(0.53

)

$

(1.02

)

$

(2.04

)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share of common stock:

Net income (loss) attributable to Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. (Successor) / The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (Predecessor)

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.30

)

$

(0.53

)

$

(1.02

)

$

(2.04

)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding-basic

314.5

314.5

314.5

314.5

37.2

Weighted average number of shares outstanding-diluted

314.5

314.5

314.5

314.5

37.2

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions, except share data and per share data)

June 30,
2020

December 31,
2019

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

99.8

$

98.6

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $10.1 at June 30, 2020 and $7.3 at December 31, 2019 (Note 3)

246.2

269.3

Other receivables

7.9

10.0

Prepaid taxes

91.8

4.0

Other prepaids

36.8

31.4

Other current assets

6.5

4.6

Total current assets

489.0

417.9

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $12.0 at June 30, 2020 and $7.5 at December 31, 2019

28.1

29.4

Computer software, net of accumulated amortization of $85.5 at June 30, 2020 and $52.9 at December 31, 2019

391.8

379.8

Goodwill

2,848.0

2,840.1

Deferred income tax

13.7

12.6

Other intangibles

5,022.3

5,251.4

Deferred costs

61.5

47.0

Other non-current assets

130.7

134.6

Total non-current assets

8,496.1

8,694.9

Total assets

$

8,985.1

$

9,112.8

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

$

59.9

$

55.0

Accrued payroll

59.8

137.9

Accrued income tax

23.2

7.8

Short-term debt

325.3

81.9

Cumulative Series A Preferred Stock redemption liability

1,067.9

Make-whole derivative liability

205.2

172.4

Other accrued and current liabilities

191.5

167.3

Deferred revenue

520.8

467.5

Total current liabilities

2,453.6

1,089.8

Long-term pension and postretirement benefits

185.7

206.6

Long-term debt

3,620.8

3,818.9

Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits

17.1

16.8

Deferred income tax

1,187.8

1,233.5

Other non-current liabilities

131.1

137.7

Total liabilities

7,596.1

6,503.3

Commitments and contingencies

Cumulative Series A Preferred Stock $0.001 par value per share,1,050,000 shares authorized and issued at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019; Liquidation Preference of $1,067.9 at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

1,031.8

Equity

Successor Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, authorized—2,000,000,000 shares; issued— 314,494,968 shares

Capital surplus

2,043.9

2,116.9

Accumulated deficit

(675.0)

(573.5)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(37.8)

(23.5)

Total stockholder equity

1,331.1

1,519.9

Non-controlling interest

57.9

57.8

Total equity

1,389.0

1,577.7

Total liabilities and stockholder equity

$

8,985.1

$

9,112.8

Contacts

Media:

Lisette Kwong

973-921-6263

KwongL@dnb.com

Investors:

Debra McCann

973-921-6008

IR@dnb.com

Read full story here

Categories
Business

Tegra118’s RetireUp adds Protective Life Insurance Company to growing roster of insurance carriers

Builds momentum in solving for retirement and lifetime income needs by continuing to add products from top-tier insurance carriers on its comprehensive platform

WARREN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tegra118, a top provider of wealth and asset management technology solutions, announced that its recently acquired RetireUp business has added Protective® Income Builder indexed annuity from Protective Life Insurance Company to its extensive lineup of modeled products available on its RetireUp Pro platform.

Tegra118’s leading RetireUp Pro platform allows financial professionals to transform complex concepts into simple numbers engaging visuals and real-life “what if” scenarios. With its ability to model insurance products at the actuarial level directly within the client’s portfolio, Tegra118’s RetireUp Pro enables financial professionals to easily demonstrate the potential benefits of incorporating annuities into a retirement plan for a holistic and personalized approach to the overall financial planning process.

“Tegra118’s RetireUp Pro is a vital tool to help engage clients in the financial planning process, simplify retirement income planning and provide a more personalized approach,” said Jim Wagner, Senior Vice President and Chief Distribution Office, Protective Life. “Including our products on a dynamic platform that enables financial professionals to look at the interconnectivity of risk and retirement to better advise their clients aligns well with our mission of helping people protect their tomorrow so they can embrace today.”

“Protective’s alliance with Tegra118’s RetireUp helps elevate the advisor-client conversation by providing a best-in-class income product,” said Michael Roth, the new Head of Retirement at Tegra118. “Solving for lifetime income in retirement is a complex problem that is unique to each retiree and our technology solves this by continuously adding innovative retirement solutions and modelling them through a user interface that is easy to understand.”

“We’re excited to work with Protective and bring their high-quality income and annuity products on our platform,” said Cheryl Nash, Chief Executive Officer, Tegra118. “One of the ways we demonstrate value to our clients is by working with the highest-rated insurance companies to give financial professionals even greater options in creating personalized, customized income solutions. Protective’s products meet that criteria and help demonstrate the benefits of adding annuities to a financial plan.”

RetireUp’s nimble and efficient software and simulations make it easy for financial professionals to assess a client’s needs for specific lifetime income products by translating complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand “big-picture” visuals, enabling them to help investors become active participants in their own financial futures.

About Protective Life Corporation

Protective Life Corporation (Protective) provides financial services through the production, distribution and administration of insurance and investment products throughout the U.S. Protective traces its roots to its flagship company, Protective Life Insurance Company – founded in 1907. Throughout its more than 110-year history, Protective’s growth and success can be largely attributed to its ongoing commitment to serving people and doing the right thing – for its employees, distributors, and most importantly, its customers. Protective’s administrative office is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and its 3,000+ employees are located in offices across the United States. As of December 31, 2019, Protective had assets of approximately $120 billion. Protective Life Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750). For more information about Protective, please visit www.Protective.com.

About Tegra118

Tegra118 is an industry leading provider of software solutions to the wealth and asset management industry with a vast network of broker-dealers, asset managers, and custodians and trading interfaces. Its technology platform provides portfolio management, trading, accounting, rebalancing and reporting for managed accounts. Tegra118 also provides modular, goals-based financial planning, performance reporting and fee billing software for financial advisors and asset managers using modern API-based open technology. Tegra118 is committed to delivering powerful solutions that set a new standard for how people interact with, manage, and grow their wealth.

Tegra118 is a Motive Partners company, a specialist private equity firm with offices in New York City and London, focused on technology-enabled business and financial services companies. For more information, please visit www.tegra118.com.

Contacts

Media Relations:
Tricia Viola

Vice President, Marketing

Tegra118

201 253 3389

tricia.viola@fiserv.com

Categories
Business

A boss idea: New Jersey-based team launches ShoreHaven Wealth Partners with Dynasty Financial Partners

Team Previously Managed $420 Million in Client Assets

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Leading wealth advisor Lawrence Durso, his son Michael Durso and advisor Michael Lombardi today announced the launch of their new firm, ShoreHaven Wealth Partners, an independent wealth management firm based in Red Bank, New Jersey. The team had previously worked together at Durso Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley where they managed $420 million in client assets.

ShoreHaven Wealth Partners is an independent wealth management firm working with a select group of affluent multigenerational families and high net worth individuals, to protect, grow and transition their assets. Many of their clients are family-owned businesses who face succession and transition challenges.

Joining ShoreHaven Wealth from Morgan Stanley are the following professionals:

  • Lawrence Durso, a veteran wealth advisor. Mr. Durso has worked in the financial services industry since 1978;
  • his son, Michael Durso, CFA, an investment specialist. He has worked in financial services since 2006;
  • Michael Lombardi, CFP, also has experience working in financial services since 2006, and
  • Sheryl Iannuzzelli, Director of Relationship Management, Chief Compliance Officer

ShoreHaven Wealth Partners has joined the Dynasty Financial Partners network. Through Dynasty, the firm has access, on their clients’ behalf, to a full array of capital markets and investment banking capabilities, as well as a vast range of investment research and consulting, advanced technology, proprietary analytical tools, and an online research center. They have also selected Fidelity Institutional as the custodian for their clients’ assets. ShoreHaven Wealth has chosen Black Diamond for performance reporting.

“We are excited to launch ShoreHaven Wealth Partners as an independent firm. We believe there are great opportunities to create a customized planning process for our clients as well as create our own brand. And, in the future, we anticipate adding like-minded advisors to our firm,” said Mr. Larry Durso.

“The ShoreHaven team is a group of seasoned financial advisors and experts and they are well-positioned to flourish in the independent space. Because of the relationship between Larry and his son Mike, the team brings a particularly insightful perspective to their clients in understanding the impact of family dynamics on the management of wealth across generations,” said Shirl Penney, CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners. “The movement to independence is continuing – even during the lockdown – and we are pleased that an increasing number of RIAs are choosing Dynasty as their platform services partner to help them scale, grow, expand margins, operate more efficiently, and better care for their clients. We are thrilled to welcome ShoreHaven Wealth to the Dynasty Network!”

BIOS

Lawrence Durso, Founding Partner, CEO

Larry Durso founded ShoreHaven Wealth Partners in 2020 with his son Michael and Michael Lombardi. Most recently he had led the Durso Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, where he was a Managing Director- Wealth Management.

Lawrence Durso has worked in the financial services industry since 1978. He has primarily focused on creating solutions for unique problems typically associated with high net worth clients and their families. Additionally, he holds multiple securities registrations and life and health insurance licenses.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree (summa cum laude) from St. John’s University and a Master’s Degree from Columbia University.

Mr. Durso is active in several charitable organizations, including St. John’s University (past President of the SJU Staten Island Alumni Association) and the Daughters of Saint Paul. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, also a member of the Algonquin Arts Theatre Board of Trustees and an active Supporter of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.

Michael Durso, CFA®, Founding Partner, Chief Investment Officer

Michael Durso is a co-founder and Chief Investment Office (CIO) of ShoreHaven Wealth Partners. As CIO, he is responsible for oversight of ShoreHaven’s asset allocation, manager selection, and investment strategy.

He has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry and has worked with clientele ranging from pensions, foundations, endowments, home offices and financial advisors to successful professionals and their families.

He began his career at AllianceBernstein in 2006, where he worked with financial advisors as a Senior Regional Consultant. In 2009, he joined BlackRock, where he was a Vice President within the iShares ETF business. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2016, he worked at SKY Harbor Capital Management, where he was responsible for relationship management in the Americas.

He earned his BBA degree in Finance with a minor in Marketing from James Madison University in 2006. While at James Madison, he was a varsity member of the Track and Cross Country program and 2003 IC4A Men’s Cross Country Championship team. He was also a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity.

Michael a CFA® Charter Holder and member of the New York Society of Securities Analysts (NYSSA).

Michael Lombardi, CFP®, Founding Partner, Chief Planning Officer

Prior to co-founding ShoreHaven Wealth Partners, he worked with Lawrence Durso in the Durso Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley since 2012. Mr. Lombardi began his career as a financial advisor at Wachovia Securities in 2006, shortly after earning his B.S. in finance from The College of New Jersey. He completed the Certified Financial Planning Program at Boston University and, in 2013, was awarded the CFP® certification.

Sheryl Iannuzzelli, Director of Relationship Management, Chief Compliance Officer

Sheryl Iannuzzelli runs the day-to-day operations of the team. She joined the Durso Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley in 1995. Ms. Iannuzzelli holds a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University.

About ShoreHaven Wealth Partners

ShoreHaven Wealth Partners is an independent wealth management firm based in Red Bank, New Jersey that works with a select group of affluent multigenerational families and high net worth individuals, to protect, grow and transition their assets. Many of their clients are family-owned businesses who face succession and transition challenges.

Their objective is to help clients enjoy what’s important in their lives, through the benefit of financial prosperity. For more information, please visit: www.ShoreHavenWealth.com and on Twitter: @ShoreHavenWP

About Dynasty Financial Partners

Dynasty Financial Partners is known for assisting advisors of integrity to better service their clients, run their businesses more profitably, grow faster, and enhance the enterprise value of their firms. Dynasty does this by providing wealth management and technology platforms for select independent financial advisory firms. Dynasty creates access to valuable resources and industry-leading capabilities through an open architecture platform, enabling advisors to address their clients’ needs and to protect and grow their wealth. Dynasty supports independent advisors and their teams in being independent, but not alone, by creating exclusive community events and experiences. Dynasty also offers access to flexible capital solutions to help advisors expand, scale, and grow their business. Dynasty’s core principle is “objectivity without compromise,” and the firm is committed to developing solutions that allow investment advisors to act as true fiduciaries to their clients. ​

For more information, please visit www.dynastyfinancialpartners.com.

Also visit Dynasty on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynasty-financial-partners
Twitter: @DynastyFP
Youtube: http://bit.ly/1MKXhC8

Contacts

Media
Sally Cates

sallycates@dynastyfinancialpartners.com
212-373-1000

Categories
Business

Columbia Care raises approximately $14 million of non-dilutive capital through second sale leaseback

The Transaction Includes the Company’s New Jersey Cultivation and Manufacturing Facility and Dispensary; Additional Sale Leaseback Financings Expected in 2H 2020

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Columbia Care Inc. (NEO: CCHW) (CSE: CCHW) (OTCQX: CCHWF) (FSE: 3LP) (“Columbia Care” or the “Company”) announced the close of its sale leaseback transaction with Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE:IIPR) (“IIP”) valued at approximately $14 million. The transaction includes the Company’s dispensary, cultivation and manufacturing facilities in Vineland, New Jersey, totaling approximately 54,000 square feet.

Upon closing, Columbia Care entered into a long-term, triple-net lease agreement with IIP and will continue to develop, operate, and manage the properties. The Company’s New Jersey dispensary commenced sales operations in June, while its cultivation facility recently completed its first harvest and is expected to sell finished, packaged products into both the wholesale and retail markets. Columbia Care expects to continue expanding its cultivation, manufacturing and packaging capabilities over the next 12 months, in addition to adding two more dispensaries and introducing home delivery throughout the state. New Jersey is a rapidly growing market that is expected to transition from medical-only to adult use in 1Q 2021. There are currently 78,000 registered patients and only 11 operating dispensaries in the state.

“Coupled with our other recent financing announcements, this incremental non-dilutive capital will bolster our already strong balance sheet and enable us to continue to execute against our growth and profitability initiatives across the United States,” said Nicholas Vita, CEO of Columbia Care. “With the adult use cannabis measure likely to be passed by New Jersey voters in November, we remain well-positioned to be one of the market leaders in the Garden State. Columbia Care is thrilled to partner with IIP as we capitalize on the positive tailwinds across our various markets and achieve adjusted EBITDA profitability later this year.”

IIP President and CEO Paul Smithers commented: “We are excited to partner with the team at Columbia Care as we believe the cannabis market in New Jersey is poised for strong growth in the coming years. We look forward to enabling Columbia Care to further its position as a leading operator in the state.”

About Columbia Care Inc.

Columbia Care is one of the largest and most experienced cultivators, manufacturers and providers of medical and adult use cannabis products and related services with licenses in 18 US jurisdictions1 and the EU. Columbia Care has completed more than 1.8 million sales transactions since inception and working in collaboration with renowned and innovative teaching hospitals and medical centers globally, continues to be a patient-centered health and wellness company setting the standard for compassion, professionalism, quality, care and innovation in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry. For more information on Columbia Care, please visit www.col-care.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws and reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events. The Company has made assumptions with respect to its New Jersey operations including adult use legalization passage, home delivery, its ability to find suitable additional dispensary locations as well as its ability to negotiate additional lease arrangements satisfactory to the Company; complete all planned construction in a timely manner and attract qualified staff. Columbia Care has also made certain general industry assumptions in the preparation of such forward-looking statements including projections that may be impacted by macroeconomic factors and other factors not controllable by the Company. While Management believes its assumptions and forward-looking statements to be reasonable at the time of preparation, there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements. Investors are also advised to review other risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Columbia Care’s Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2020, filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and described from time to time in documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

1 Includes Colorado, subject to successful completion of the acquisition of The Green Solution and W. Virginia industrial hemp cultivation license.

Contacts

Investor Contact:
Gary F. Santo, Jr.

Investor Relations

+1.212.271.0915

ir@col-care.com

Media Contact:
Gabriella Velez

5WPR

columbiacare@5wpr.com