Categories
Business Technology

TrueFort named Futuriom 40 Hot Cloud Tech Company to Watch in 2022

Company Recognized For Securing Data in Cloud Environments using Application Behavior-based Zero Trust Policy Enforcement

 

WEEHAWKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #ApplicationprotectionTrueFort, the zero trust application protection company, today announced it has been named a Futuriom 40 Hot Cloud Tech Company to Watch in 2022. Every year, independent cloud technology analysis firm Futuriom names the strongest private companies in key markets for cloud and communications infrastructure, including cloud cybersecurity, with the potential for long-term success and big financial exits, including IPOs.

“Being named a Futurion 40 Company to Watch is a tremendous honor. We are in great company on this year’s list which speaks volumes about our future prospects,” said Sameer Malhotra, CEO of TrueFort. “Our application behavior-based approach to enforcing Zero Trust for protecting data in the cloud is unique and provides unmatched capabilities for detecting, containing and responding to threats before they can result in damage.”

 

According to R. Scott Raynovich, Founder and Chief Analyst of Futuriom, “One trend in cloud infrastructure is to build more integrated cloud cybersecurity solutions that can help unify a variety of cybersecurity data sources and tools to feed analytics platforms, helping cybersecurity teams streamline their process to drive a more complete and automated cybersecurity posture. This includes the zero-trust movement, a software-driven approach to verifying user or application identity across multiple vectors to secure data in cloud computing environments. TrueFort is one company to watch in the Unified Cloud Security space.”

 

Traditional security products have focused on protecting underlying IT infrastructure from threats but the success of attackers in executing ransomware, supply chain and phishing attacks shows that there are still significant gaps in security coverage. TrueFort fills this void, offering Zero Trust protection for enterprise applications and workloads in the cloud that are the gateway to sensitive data and, increasingly, the target of attackers. The company’s Fortress platform leverages patented behavioral analysis and machine intelligence to help organizations better understand their applications’ trusted behaviors to fend off attacks in real-time.

 

About TrueFort

TrueFort is the leader in delivering zero trust protection for critical applications. Leveraging unique real-time, adaptive trust, and cloud-to-ground capabilities, TrueFort’s Fortress platform detects and contains security threats before they become business risks. Founded by former IT executives from Bank of America and Goldman Sachs, leading global enterprises trust TrueFort to deliver unprecedented application visibility and security. For more information visit https://truefort.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Marc Gendron

Marc Gendron PR for TrueFort

617.877.7480

marc@mgpr.net

Categories
Business Environment

American Water announces completion of sale of its utility operations in Michigan to Ullico

CAMDEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, today announced the close of the sale of its utility operations in Michigan to Ullico, Inc.’s infrastructure business, through its portfolio company, Triton Utilities, Inc., for a purchase price of $6 million in cash.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to partner with Ullico on the sale of our Michigan operation. They are well positioned to continue to serve the customers in the area, working with the local employees,” said Susan Hardwick, president and CEO of American Water. “This decision to sell these operations is consistent with our strategy to operate in states where we can best serve customers and drive efficiencies.”

 

American Water’s Michigan utility operations consist of approximately 5,000 customer connections and a population of approximately 12,000 across five townships in northern Houghton County, Michigan.

 

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE:AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

AWK-IR

Contacts

Investor Contact:
Aaron Musgrave

Senior Director, Investor Relations

(856) 955-4029

aaron.musgrave@amwater.com

Media Contact:

Ruben Rodriguez

Senior Director, External Communications

(856) 955-4180

ruben.e.rodriguez@amwater.com

Categories
Business

AM Best affirms credit ratings of Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska and First Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company

OLDWICK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #insuranceAM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa+” (Superior) of Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska (BHLN). AM Best also has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICR of “aa-” (Superior) of First Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company (New York, NY). The outlooks of these Credit Ratings (ratings) are stable.

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

 

The ratings of First Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. Both BHLN and First Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company receive substantial financial, operational and other resource support from their parent company, National Indemnity Company.

 

Despite a slight decline in capital for year-end 2020, BHLN has a very strong level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and benefits from an ongoing flow of reinsurance transactions. Partially offsetting BHLN’s favorable balance sheet strength assessment are fluctuating statutory operating trends, driven by the deal flow and mortality results on certain blocks, as well as exposure to interest-sensitive structured settlement business.

 

First Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company also experienced a slight decline in capital for year-end 2020. However, the company maintained favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, which fell within the strongest category, driven by an extremely liquid asset portfolio that is heavily invested in cash and short-term investments. Partially offsetting the favorable balance sheet strength assessment are the fluctuating operating results and limited product and geographic diversification. It is noted by AM Best that both entities serve a specific purpose within the greater Berkshire Hathaway organization and hence most of these unfavorable factors are part of the overall strategy and actively monitored by senior management.

 

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 © 2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

Bruno Caron
Associate Director
+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

Kevin Varvaro
Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5487
kevin.varvaro@ambest.com

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

Categories
Business International & World

Beiersdorf strengthens its position on North American market with new U.S. headquarters and new Innovation Center

  • The German-based skincare company debuts inspiring new office in Stamford, Conn. and R&D Facility in New Jersey
  • Through its commitment to the North American business, Beiersdorf creates further opportunities to drive local growth
  • New Innovation Center to accelerate local innovation and become the first center of excellence for therapeutic OTC as well as sun care products

 

HAMBURG, Germany & STAMFORD, Conn. & FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Beiersdorf, the Hamburg, Germany-based skincare company with an impressive portfolio of globally renowned brands, such as Aquaphor, Eucerin, NIVEA, La Prairie and Coppertone, has officially moved its North American headquarters from Wilton, Conn. to Stamford, Conn. Additionally, as part of its global R&D strategy, the company opened its doors on an all new Innovation Center in Florham Park, NJ.


Both new facilities represent a strong commitment to the region and will help drive growth for Beiersdorf with a strengthened position in the North American market. Already a globally recognized leader in sun protection, Beiersdorf – by establishing a new regional hub for innovation in New Jersey – will gain further local insights to help identify unmet consumer needs and further fuel innovation.

 

“The opening of our new headquarters in Stamford and our new Innovation Center marks an exciting new beginning for Beiersdorf North America,” said Mauricio Valdes, General Manager Beiersdorf North America. “These new hubs—positioned in fast-growing, business and science centers close to New York City—demonstrate our deep commitment and investment in North America, and will expand our capabilities, open up exciting possibilities, and be at the heart of our continued growth in this pivotal region.”

 

New Headquarters Offers Dynamic Work Environment

In total, 180 employees will work out of the new Stamford office at 301 Tresser Boulevard. The new space sits within a one-million square feet scenic campus, that comprises 2.5 acres of green space in the center of the city of Stamford. It is one of the largest office complexes in Connecticut, and is highly convenient—just off Interstate 95, a short walk from the Stamford train station and within driving distance of the three major airports.

 

Designed to optimize the experience of flexible and evolving dynamic work styles, the campus features thoughtful and modern amenities such as an indoor/outdoor dining at the Terrace Café, state-of-the-art fitness center, a meditation space, or dry-cleaning services. With its bright and airy aesthetic, the LEED-certified, open-concept office has over 250 workpoints, collaboration areas, plus natural air venting, and a panoramic view of the Long Island Sound.

 

Global Center of Excellence for OTC and Sun Care Products

The Stamford office is within driving distance of Beiersdorf’s newly built, state-of-the-art Innovation Center, in Florham Park, N.J. Only 35 miles west of New York City, this area of New Jersey is considered a “science hot bed,” as it is also home to other large research and development centers, and has excellent access to talent and universities, suppliers, and testing institutes. This Innovation Center is one of only two Beiersdorf regional Innovation Centers in the world; the other in Shanghai. The Innovation Center in N.J. is the first global center of excellence for over-the-counter and sun care products outside of Hamburg.

 

Beiersdorf’s Research & Development division sets industry-wide global standards on formulating, analyzing, and evaluating the effectiveness of skin care products, thanks to more than 900 scientists globally in the Consumer Business segment, including 45 in the new U.S. facility.

 

“Regional Innovation Centers are a vital part of our global R&D strategy. With this new center we significantly enhance our R&D capabilities, allowing us to accelerate innovation as well as to facilitate close collaboration with our local partners. It therefore enables us to fuse and fully leverage internal and external skin expertise in order to identify unmet consumer needs, and to develop innovative, therapeutic skin care products,” said Dr. Gitta Neufang, Corporate Senior Vice President Global R&D. Apart from the two regional Innovation Centers in China and, now, in the U.S., Beiersdorf has regional development labs in Brazil, India, Japan, and Mexico.

 

The new LEED-certified center in New Jersey spans about 32,000 square feet of office and laboratory space with room for expansion, and includes collaboration spaces, a consumer sensory panel focus room, and state-of-the-art GMP laboratory suites for the development of OTC products.

 

“The Beiersdorf Innovation Center will be our powerhouse in North America,” said Beiersdorf CEO Vincent Warnery. “The U.S. represents the world’s largest skin and sun care markets. A strong R&D presence in North America and an enhanced position in skin and sun care is vital to expanding our business in the region and fully pays into our C.A.R.E.+ strategy.”

 

About Beiersdorf AG

Beiersdorf has stood for innovative, high-quality skincare and body care as well as pioneering skin research for close to 140 years. Leading international brands such as NIVEA, the world’s no. 1 skincare brand,* EUCERIN (dermocosmetics), LA PRAIRIE (selective cosmetics), and HANSAPLAST (adhesive bandages and wound care) are valued by millions of people around the world day after day. Other renowned brands such as LABELLO, AQUAPHOR, FLORENA, 8X4, HIDROFUGAL, GAMMON, COPPERTONE, MAESTRO, CHAUL, STOP THE WATER WHILE USING ME!, and CHANTECAILLE round off the extensive portfolio. Through the wholly owned affiliate tesa SE, Beiersdorf is also a global leader in the manufacture of technical adhesive tapes and provides self-adhesive system solutions to industry, businesses, and consumers.

 

The Hamburg-based company generated sales of 7,025 million euros as well as an operating result (EBIT) of 828 million euros in fiscal year 2020. Beiersdorf has more than 20,000 employees worldwide, who are connected by shared core values, a strong corporate culture, and the Beiersdorf purpose “Care Beyond Skin.” With its C.A.R.E.+ strategy, the company is pursuing a multiyear investment program focusing on competitive, sustainable growth. The program is consistent with the ambitious sustainability agenda, with which Beiersdorf generates clear added value for consumers, society, and the environment.

 

* Source: Euromonitor International Limited; NIVEA as umbrella brand in the categories Face Care, Body Care, and Hand Care; in retail value terms, 2020.

Additional information can be found at www.beiersdorf.com.

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Contacts

Corporate Communications

Anke Schmidt

Phone: +49 40 4909-2001

E-mail: cc@beiersdorf.com

Categories
Business Regulations & Security

SLI Investor Alert: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies Standard Lithium Ltd. investors of class action and lead plaintiff deadline: March 28, 2022

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Attorney Advertising–Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (NYSE: SLI) on behalf of purchasers of Standard Lithium securities between May 19, 2020, and November 17, 2021, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants’ violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies. Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: www.bgandg.com/sli.

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 materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s business, operations, and compliance policies, and specifically, made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the LiSTR technology’s extraction recovery efficiencies were overstated; (2) accordingly, the Company’s final product lithium recovery percentage at the Demonstration Plant would not be as high as the Company had represented to investors; and (3) as a result, the Company’s public statements were materially false and 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/sli 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 Standard Lithium you have until March 28, 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 Technology

ASCO Power Technologies announces more application notes releases for 2022

  • ASCO Power articles describe applications for its products that solve critical power challenges.
  • The documents are free and accessible online through the Application Notes portal.
  • Each article leads readers to additional ASCO educational resources.

 

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — ASCO Power Technologies, the world’s leading provider of critical power solutions, announces the latest releases and plans for its Application Notes library in 2022. The documents are accessible through the website and explain the value of ASCO Power solutions in overcoming backup power issues found in different facilities.

In 2021, ASCO Power Technologies has released a collection of articles in the Application Notes Portal, focusing on topics such as ASCO product fundamentals, applications, and multi-device solutions to code and operational challenges. They address solutions across ASCO product lines, including the firm’s premium transfer switches, paralleling switchgear, load banks, and Critical Power Management Systems. Readers can expect more articles on the said topics this year.

 

Readers can find the latest titles below:

 

Visit the ASCO Power Application Notes page to access more articles.

 

ASCO critical power solutions are backed by technology, support, and service that are unmatched in the industry. Visit www.ascopower.com or contact an ASCO representative to learn more.

 

About ASCO Power Technologies

ASCO Power Technologies has provided power reliability solutions for more than 125 years. The firm designs, manufactures, services, and supports automatic transfer switches, power control equipment, load banks, and critical power management appliances. ASCO products serve mission-critical functions in data centers, healthcare facilities, telecommunication networks, commercial buildings, and industrial operations. To learn more about any of ASCO’s premium products and services, call (800) 800 ASCO (2726), email CustomerCare@Ascopower.com, or visit www.ascopower.com. To receive updates on the latest news and updates, follow ASCO’s Facebook and LinkedIn.

Contacts

Laurence Grodsky

+ 1 973 307 7352

Larry.Grodsky@ascopower.com

Categories
Business

New Jersey Resources reports first-quarter fiscal 2022 results

WALL, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Today, New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE: NJR) reported results for the first-quarter of fiscal 2022. Highlights include:

 

  • Consolidated net income of $111.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared with $81.0 million for the same period last year
  • Consolidated net financial earnings (NFE), a non-GAAP financial measure, of $65.8 million, or $0.69 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared with NFE of $44.7 million, or $0.46 per share, for the same period last year
  • Re-affirmed fiscal 2022 net financial earnings per share (NFEPS) guidance range of $2.20 to $2.30
  • New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) received approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) on the settlement of its rate case, authorizing a $79.3 million increase to its base rates with new rates effective on December 1, 2021
  • NJNG’s Hydrogen project was completed and began producing green hydrogen in October 2021 and was included in the settlement of the base rate case
  • A new North Zone delivery point for Adelphia Gateway began operations in January 2022
  • Asset Management Agreements (AMAs)* at Energy Services became effective during the first-quarter

 

First-quarter fiscal 2022 net income totaled $111.3 million, or $1.16 per share, compared with $81.0 million, or $0.84 per share, during the same period in fiscal 2021. First-quarter fiscal 2022 NFE totaled $65.8 million, or $0.69 per share, compared to NFE of $44.7 million, or $0.46 per share, during the same period in fiscal 2021.

 

NJR is off to good start in fiscal 2022 with new base rates at NJNG and more stable fee-based revenue at Energy Services,” said Steve Westhoven, President and CEO of NJR. “We are confident in our ability to achieve our fiscal 2022 net financial earnings guidance.”

 

Key Performance Metrics

Three Months Ended

December 31,

($ in Thousands)

2021

2020

Net income

$

111,312

$

81,045

Basic EPS

$

1.16

$

0.84

Net financial earnings

$

65,770

$

44,657

Basic net financial earnings per share

$

0.69

$

0.46

*On December 16, 2020, Energy Services entered into a series of Asset Management Agreements (AMAs) with an investment grade public utility, under which the utility is obligated to purchase and Energy Services may deliver natural gas in exchange for aggregate contracted fees of approximately $500.0 million payable in cash to Energy Services over 10 years. The AMAs include a series of initial and permanent releases that commenced in November 2021.

A reconciliation of net income to NFE for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, is provided below.

Three Months Ended

December 31,

(Thousands)

2021

2020

Net income

$

111,312

$

81,045

Add:

Unrealized (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions

(82,191

)

(37,491

)

Tax effect

19,536

8,913

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory

23,577

(7,532

)

Tax effect

(5,603

)

1,790

Net income to NFE tax adjustment

(861

)

(2,068

)

Net financial earnings

$

65,770

$

44,657

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Basic

95,944

96,114

Diluted

96,356

96,415

Basic earnings per share

$

1.16

$

0.84

Add:

Unrealized (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions

(0.86

)

(0.39

)

Tax effect

0.21

0.09

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory

0.25

(0.08

)

Tax effect

(0.06

)

0.02

Net income to NFE tax adjustment

(0.01

)

(0.02

)

Basic net financial earnings per share

$

0.69

$

0.46

NFE is a measure of earnings based on the elimination of timing differences to effectively match the earnings effects of the economic hedges with the physical sale of natural gas, SRECs and foreign currency contracts. Consequently, to reconcile net income and NFE, current-period unrealized gains and losses on the derivatives are excluded from NFE as a reconciling item. Realized derivative gains and losses are also included in current-period net income. However, NFE includes only realized gains and losses related to natural gas sold out of inventory, effectively matching the full earnings effects of the derivatives with realized margins on physical natural gas flows. NFE also may exclude impairment charges associated with equity method investments, which are non-cash charges considered unusual in nature that occur infrequently and are not indicative of the Company’s performance for its ongoing operations. For the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no impairments of equity method investments recorded to earnings. Included in the tax effects are current and deferred income tax expense corresponding with the components of NFE.

 

A table detailing NFE for the three months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, is provided below.

 

Net Financial Earnings (Loss) by Business Unit

Three Months Ended

December 31,

(Thousands)

2021

2020

New Jersey Natural Gas

$

51,080

$

49,467

Clean Energy Ventures

(6,821

)

(10,274

)

Storage and Transportation

2,962

3,508

Energy Services

17,567

1,500

Home Services and Other

447

(62

)

Subtotal

65,235

44,139

Eliminations

535

518

Total

$

65,770

$

44,657

Fiscal 2022 NFE Guidance:

NJR reaffirmed fiscal 2022 NFE guidance of $2.20 to $2.30 per share, subject to the risk and uncertainties identified below under “Forward-Looking Statements.” The following chart represents NJR’s current expected contributions from its subsidiaries for fiscal 2022:

Company

Expected Fiscal 2022

Net Financial Earnings

Contribution

New Jersey Natural Gas

60 to 65 percent

Clean Energy Ventures

20 to 23 percent

Storage and Transportation

5 to 10 percent

Energy Services

9 to 11 percent

Home Services and Other

0 to 1 percent

In providing fiscal 2022 NFE guidance, management is aware there could be differences between reported GAAP earnings and NFE due to matters such as, but not limited to, the positions of our energy-related derivatives. Management is not able to reasonably estimate the aggregate impact or significance of these items on reported earnings and, therefore, is not able to provide a reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP equivalent for its operating earnings guidance without unreasonable efforts.

 

New Jersey Natural Gas

NJNG reported first-quarter fiscal 2022 NFE of $51.1 million, compared to NFE of $49.5 million during the same period in fiscal 2021. The increase in the first-quarter was due primarily to the deferral of a portion of pandemic related bad debt costs incurred of $10.7 million through the July 2, 2020 BPU deferral order, and the base rate increase resulting from NJNG’s recent rate case settlement, partially offset by lower other income, higher depreciation and interest expense.

 

Customer Growth:

  • NJNG added 1,730 new customers during the first-quarter of fiscal 2022, compared with 1,948 in fiscal 2021. The decrease in customer additions was due primarily to slower growth in the new construction market during the first quarter of fiscal 2022.

Base Rate Settlement:

  • On November 17, 2021, NJNG received approval from the BPU on its rate case settlement agreement and new rates were effective on December 1, 2021. Under the approved rate case agreement, NJNG’s total annual revenue is expected to increase by $79.0 million and includes a return on equity of 9.60% with a 54.0% common equity ratio and reflects a rate base of $2.52 billion with an overall rate of return of 6.84%.

 

Infrastructure Update:

  • NJNG’s Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) is a five-year, $150 million accelerated recovery program that began in fiscal 2021. IIP consists of a series of infrastructure projects designed to enhance the safety and reliability of NJNG’s natural gas distribution system. In the first quarter, NJNG spent $5.7 million under the program to begin work on various distribution system reinforcement projects.
  • The Howell Green Hydrogen Project delivers hydrogen through NJNG’s utility distribution pipeline to heat customers’ homes and businesses and began commercial operation in October 2021. The recovery of the investment in this project was included in the recently completed rate case.

BGSS Incentive Programs:

BGSS incentive programs contributed $3.8 million to utility gross margin in the first quarter, compared with $4.6 million during the same period last year. The decrease for the first-quarter was due primarily to timing differences in the storage incentive program and lower capacity release volumes, partially offset by increased margin from off-system sales.

For more information on utility gross margin, please see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” below.

Energy-Efficiency Programs:

SAVEGREEN invested $12.9 million during the first-quarter of fiscal 2022 to help customers with energy-efficiency upgrades for their homes and businesses. NJNG recovered $6.8 million of its outstanding investments during the first quarter.

Clean Energy Ventures (CEV)

CEV reported first-quarter fiscal 2022 net financial losses of $(6.8) million, compared with net financial loss of $(10.3) million during the same period in fiscal 2021. The improvement was due primarily to increased revenue from the sale of SRECs and higher electric prices in the first-quarter of fiscal 2022.

Solar Investment Update:

  • Placed a solar project into service, adding 1.0 megawatt (MW) to CEV’s total installed capacity.

Storage and Transportation

Storage and Transportation reported first-quarter fiscal 2022 NFE of $3.0 million, compared with NFE of $3.5 million during the same period in fiscal 2021. The decrease in NFE was due primarily to lower earnings from equity affiliates.

Infrastructure Updates:

  • Adelphia Gateway – In January 2022, Adelphia Gateway placed into service a new delivery point and the associated facilities in its North Zone.

Energy Services

Energy Services reported first-quarter fiscal 2022 NFE of $17.6 million, compared with NFE of $1.5 million for the same period last fiscal year. The improved performance was due primarily to the recognition of revenues from the Asset Management Agreements entered into during fiscal 2021 that became effective during the first-quarter.

Home Services and Other Operations

Home Services and Other Operations reported first-quarter fiscal 2022 NFE of $0.4 million compared with a net financial loss of $(0.1) million for the same period in fiscal 2021. The increase was due primarily to higher operating income related to an increase in installation revenue.

Expenditures and Cash Flows:

NJR is committed to maintaining a strong financial profile.

  • During the first-quarter of fiscal 2022, capital expenditures were $152.7 million, including accruals, of which $59.7 million were related to NJNG, compared with $119.3 million, of which $83.9 million were related to NJNG, during the same period in fiscal 2021.
  • During the first-quarter of fiscal 2022, cash flows used in operations were $37.4 million, compared with cash flows from operations of $31.7 million during the same period of fiscal 2021. The decrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to changes in working capital.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. NJR cautions readers that the assumptions forming the basis for forward-looking statements include many factors that are beyond NJR’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as estimates of future market conditions and the behavior of other market participants. Words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “should” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements and such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations, assumptions and beliefs as of this date concerning future developments and their potential effect upon NJR. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations, assumptions and beliefs or that the effect of future developments on NJR will be those anticipated by management. Forward-looking statements in this earnings release include, but are not limited to, certain statements regarding NJR’s NFEPS guidance for fiscal 2022, cash proceeds from the AMAs, projected NFEPS growth rate, results of future rate cases, forecasted contribution of business segments to NJR’s NFE for fiscal 2022, customer growth at NJNG, future NJR and NJNG capital expenditures, infrastructure programs and investments such as SRL, IIP, the Howell Green Hydrogen Project and energy efficiency programs, the ability to operate the Adelphia Gateway Pipeline project, and other legal and regulatory expectations.

Additional information and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NJR’s expectations are contained in NJR’s filings with the SEC, including NJR’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other SEC filings, which are available at the SEC’s web site, http://www.sec.gov. Information included in this earnings release is representative as of today only and while NJR periodically reassesses material trends and uncertainties affecting NJR’s results of operations and financial condition in connection with its preparation of management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition contained in its Quarterly and Annual Reports filed with the SEC, NJR does not, by including this statement, assume any obligation to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement referenced herein in light of future events.

Non-GAAP Financial Information:

This earnings release includes the non-GAAP financial measures NFE/net financial loss, NFE per basic share, financial margin and utility gross margin. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP can be found below. As an indicator of NJR’s operating performance, these measures should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or operating revenues as determined in accordance with GAAP. This information has been provided pursuant to the requirements of SEC Regulation G.

NFE and financial margin exclude unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments related to NJR’s unregulated subsidiaries and certain realized gains and losses on derivative instruments related to natural gas that has been placed into storage at Energy Services and the impairment on NJR’s investments in the PennEast Project, net of applicable tax adjustments as described below. Volatility associated with the change in value of these financial instruments and physical commodity reported on the income statement in the current period. In order to manage its business, NJR views its results without the impacts of the unrealized gains and losses, and certain realized gains and losses, caused by changes in value of these financial instruments and physical commodity contracts prior to the completion of the planned transaction because it shows changes in value currently instead of when the planned transaction ultimately is settled. An annual estimated effective tax rate is calculated for NFE purposes and any necessary quarterly tax adjustment is applied to NJR Energy Services Company.

NJNG’s utility gross margin represents the results of revenues less natural gas costs, sales, expenses and other taxes and regulatory rider expenses, which are key components of NJR’s operations. Natural gas costs, sales, expenses and other taxes and regulatory rider expenses are passed through to customers and, therefore, have no effect on utility gross margin. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental measures to other GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of NJR’s performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures are more reflective of NJR’s business model, provide transparency to investors and enable period-to-period comparability of financial performance. A reconciliation of all non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP can be found below. For a full discussion of NJR’s non-GAAP financial measures, please see NJR’s most recent Report on Form 10-K, Item 7.

About New Jersey Resources

New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) is a Fortune 1000 company that, through its subsidiaries, provides safe and reliable natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, asset management and home services. NJR is composed of five primary businesses:

  • New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR’s principal subsidiary, operates and maintains over 7,500 miles of natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure to serve over half a million customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean and parts of Morris, Middlesex and Burlington counties.
  • Clean Energy Ventures invests in, owns and operates solar projects with a total capacity of more than 365 megawatts, providing residential and commercial customers with low-carbon solutions.
  • Energy Services manages a diversified portfolio of natural gas transportation and storage assets and provides physical natural gas services and customized energy solutions to its customers across North America.
  • Storage and Transportation serves customers from local distributors and producers to electric generators and wholesale marketers through its ownership of Leaf River and the Adelphia Gateway Pipeline Project, as well as our 50% equity ownership in the Steckman Ridge natural gas storage facility.
  • Home Services provides service contracts as well as heating, central air conditioning, water heaters, standby generators, solar and other indoor and outdoor comfort products to residential homes throughout New Jersey.

NJR and its over 1,200 employees are committed to helping customers save energy and money by promoting conservation and encouraging efficiency through Conserve to Preserve® and initiatives such as The SAVEGREEN Project® and The Sunlight Advantage®.

For more information about NJR:

www.njresources.com.

Follow us on Twitter @NJNaturalGas.

“Like” us on facebook.com/NewJerseyNaturalGas.

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

December 31,

(Thousands, except per share data)

2021

2020

OPERATING REVENUES

Utility

$

274,435

$

195,729

Nonutility

401,407

258,576

Total operating revenues

675,842

454,305

OPERATING EXPENSES

Gas purchases

Utility

122,269

56,145

Nonutility

278,794

173,247

Related parties

1,846

1,734

Operation and maintenance

68,984

73,636

Regulatory rider expenses

16,671

10,701

Depreciation and amortization

30,393

27,362

Total operating expenses

518,957

342,825

OPERATING INCOME

156,885

111,480

Other income, net

4,136

4,117

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

19,477

19,786

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES

141,544

95,811

Income tax provision

30,807

17,441

Equity in earnings of affiliates

575

2,675

NET INCOME

$

111,312

$

81,045

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic

$

1.16

$

0.84

Diluted

$

1.16

$

0.84

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Basic

95,944

96,114

Diluted

96,356

96,415

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP PERFORMANCE MEASURES

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

December 31,

(Thousands)

2021

2020

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES

A reconciliation of net income, the closest GAAP financial measurement, to net financial earnings is as follows:

Net income

$

111,312

$

81,045

Add:

Unrealized (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions

(82,191

)

(37,491

)

Tax effect

19,536

8,913

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory

23,577

(7,532

)

Tax effect

(5,603

)

1,790

Net income to NFE tax adjustment

(861

)

(2,068

)

Net financial earnings

$

65,770

$

44,657

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Basic

95,944

96,114

Diluted

96,356

96,415

A reconciliation of basic earnings per share, the closest GAAP financial measurement, to basic net financial earnings per share is as follows:

Basic earnings per share

$

1.16

$

0.84

Add:

Unrealized (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions

$

(0.86

)

$

(0.39

)

Tax effect

$

0.21

$

0.09

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory

$

0.25

$

(0.08

)

Tax effect

$

(0.06

)

$

0.02

Net income to NFE tax adjustment

$

(0.01

)

$

(0.02

)

Basic NFE per share

$

0.69

$

0.46

NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION

A reconciliation of operating revenue, the closest GAAP financial measurement, to utility gross margin is as follows:

Operating revenues

$

274,772

$

195,729

Less:

Gas purchases

124,594

59,309

Regulatory rider expense

16,671

10,701

Utility gross margin

$

133,507

$

125,719

Three Months Ended

(Unaudited)

December 31,

(Thousands)

2021

2020

ENERGY SERVICES

The following table is a computation of financial margin:

Operating revenues

$

369,244

$

229,477

Less: Gas purchases

278,687

173,837

Add:

Unrealized (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions

(85,647

)

(38,781

)

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory

23,577

(7,532

)

Financial margin

$

28,487

$

9,327

A reconciliation of operating income, the closest GAAP financial measurement, to financial margin is as follows:

Operating income

$

86,778

$

51,582

Add:

Operation and maintenance expense

3,751

4,016

Depreciation and amortization

28

42

Subtotal

90,557

55,640

Add:

Unrealized (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions

(85,647

)

(38,781

)

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory

23,577

(7,532

)

Financial margin

$

28,487

$

9,327

A reconciliation of net income to net financial earnings is as follows:

Net income

$

65,744

$

38,872

Add:

Unrealized (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions

(85,647

)

(38,781

)

Tax effect

20,357

9,219

Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas

23,577

(7,532

)

Tax effect

(5,603

)

1,790

Net income to NFE tax adjustment

(861

)

(2,068

)

Net financial earnings

$

17,567

$

1,500

FINANCIAL STATISTICS BY BUSINESS UNIT

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

December 31,

(Thousands, except per share data)

2021

2020

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES

Operating Revenues

Natural Gas Distribution

$

274,772

$

195,729

Clean Energy Ventures

10,183

6,370

Energy Services

369,244

229,477

Storage and Transportation

12,143

13,104

Home Services and Other

13,951

12,577

Sub-total

680,293

457,257

Eliminations

(4,451

)

(2,952

)

Total

$

675,842

$

454,305

Operating Income (Loss)

Natural Gas Distribution

$

74,183

$

62,912

Clean Energy Ventures

(3,972

)

(8,264

)

Energy Services

86,778

51,582

Storage and Transportation

1,876

3,689

Home Services and Other

862

1,996

Sub-total

159,727

111,915

Eliminations

(2,842

)

(435

)

Total

$

156,885

$

111,480

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

Storage and Transportation

$

1,056

$

3,193

Eliminations

(481

)

(518

)

Total

$

575

$

2,675

Net Income (Loss)

Natural Gas Distribution

$

51,080

$

49,467

Clean Energy Ventures

(6,821

)

(10,274

)

Energy Services

65,744

38,872

Storage and Transportation

2,962

3,508

Home Services and Other

447

(62

)

Sub-total

113,412

81,511

Eliminations

(2,100

)

(466

)

Total

$

111,312

$

81,045

Net Financial Earnings (Loss)

Natural Gas Distribution

$

51,080

$

49,467

Clean Energy Ventures

(6,821

)

(10,274

)

Energy Services

17,567

1,500

Storage and Transportation

2,962

3,508

Home Services and Other

447

(62

)

Sub-total

65,235

44,139

Eliminations

535

518

Total

$

65,770

$

44,657

Throughput (Bcf)

NJNG, Core Customers

24.6

24.4

NJNG, Off System/Capacity Management

25.1

25.9

Energy Services Fuel Mgmt. and Wholesale Sales

63.5

104.8

Total

113.2

155.1

Common Stock Data

Yield at December 31

3.5

%

3.7

%

Market Price at December 31

$

41.06

$

35.55

Shares Out. at December 31

95,962

96,139

Market Cap. at December 31

$

3,940,188

$

3,417,741

Contacts

Media Contact:
Michael Kinney

732-938-1031

mkinney@njresources.com

Investor Contact:
Dennis Puma

732-938-1229

dpuma@njresources.com

Read full story here

Categories
Business Lifestyle

NICE expands partnership with Google, adding CXone to the Chrome Enterprise Recommended program

NICE announces CXone compatibility with the Chrome OS ecosystem

 

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #CXoneNICE (Nasdaq: NICE) today announced the expansion of its partnership with Google and the optimization of CXone, the world’s #1 cloud native customer experience platform, for Chrome OS. Joining Google’s Chrome Enterprise Recommended program, CXone, NICE’s secure, scalable and rapidly deployable platform, now meets the technical bar set by Google to be considered as an optimized solution for devices across the Chrome OS ecosystem for use in contact centers.

Organizations using Chrome OS devices can now tap into CXone, the premier CX platform, and benefit from efficient work-from-anywhere capabilities to ensure extraordinary agent and customer experiences. Chrome OS users can leverage CXone’s enterprise-grade platform with its unified suite of CX applications including AI-powered conversational self-service, knowledge management, AI-powered omnichannel contact routing (ACD), Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Predictive Dialer, Workforce Engagement, CX Analytics, and more. Both NICE CXone and Chrome OS comprise of the efficient, flexible and scalable infrastructure necessary to power a remote workforce that can be onboarded rapidly and efficiently and serve customers across conventional and digital channels from any place and at any time.

 

Paul Jarman, CEO, NICE CXone, commented, “This expansion of our partnership with Google reaffirms NICE’s commitment to bringing exceptional, next-gen, digitally fluent experiences to organizations and their agents on an operating system of their choice. With CXone, organizations on Chrome have a platform that’s proven to be mission-critical in supporting millions of interactions for both trusted global brands as well as small and medium businesses. We’re proud to be an enabler for innovation that drives CX to new heights of excellence in the Chrome OS ecosystem.”

 

Thomas Riedl, Director of Product for Chrome OS Enterprise and Education, said, “We are dedicated to bringing the best experience for contact center agents and IT administrators to Chrome OS, and in that spirit are excited to welcome NICE CXone to our Chrome Enterprise Recommended ecosystem.”

 

Chrome OS is a cloud-first, easy-to-manage operating system that can secure and optimize contact centers while supporting remote agents. Additionally, the Chrome OS team recently launched the contact center solution track for the Chrome Enterprise Recommended program. Learn more about Chrome Enterprise Recommended here.

 

NICE CXone has been recognized as a leader by top analyst firms including Gartner in its Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service and Magic Quadrant for Workforce Engagement Management. Ventana Research also acknowledged NICE as the Overall Exemplary Leader in its 2022 Value Index for Agent Management as well as a leader in Contact Center in the Cloud Value Index.

 

About NICE

With NICE (Nasdaq: NICE), it’s never been easier for organizations of all sizes around the globe to create extraordinary customer experiences while meeting key business metrics. Featuring the world’s #1 cloud native customer experience platform, CXone, NICE is a worldwide leader in AI-powered self-service and agent-assisted CX software for the contact center – and beyond. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, partner with NICE to transform – and elevate – every customer interaction. 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. Jarman, 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
Christopher Irwin-Dudek, +1 201 561 4442, ET, chris.irwin-dudek@nice.com

Investors
Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ET, ir@nice.com
Omri Arens, +972 3 763 0127, CET, ir@nice.com

Categories
Business Lifestyle

Solidia Technologies names Fred Dunand vice president of engineering

Ceramics and industrial operations expert brings over 20 years of international experience in construction materials and building products manufacturing and sustainability

 

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #CO2Solidia Technologies® today named construction materials industry entrepreneur and manufacturing leader Fred Dunand as vice president of Engineering. Dunand brings to Solidia over 20 years of international experience in ceramics design, project management, plant construction, engineering, and the manufacture of low-carbon concrete products.


“Ceramics are in my blood,” said Dunand. “I embrace innovation daily, and I am passionately committed to advancing excellence, efficiency, sustainability, and workplace safety. I am excited to join a team whose goal is to fundamentally disrupt and modernize the building materials industry.”

 

Starting in France in the ceramics industry, Dunand’s career has taken him to four countries and 13 states, most recently to Mississippi as an entrepreneur pushing the green envelope with the production of highly specialized products for the concrete masonry industry. Launched in 2017, Saturn Materials’ product line used a high content of fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants, achieving a nearly 70% reduction in the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint while meeting ASTM standards. The ecologically friendly manufacturing process only expelled water vapor and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional concrete production.

 

Previously, as director of operations and special project manager at CalStar Products, Dunand helped prove the market suitability of a new technology platform and strengthened the manufacturing organization, increasing flexibility in the production model. He also previously coordinated a variety of production units as a site superintendent for projects at Keyria, Inc. (formerly Ceric Inc.), including on-site coordination of a new production unit making bricks, pavers, and blocks with 100% fly ash for Calstar, and commissioning the handling equipment, dryers, and kiln and training operators at a General Shale Brick plant, as well as plant construction and equipment installations at a Brampton Brick plant and another General Shale Brick plant – all with 100 million annual production capacities.

 

“Fred Dunand is a natural leader and consummate innovator intimately familiar with concrete manufacturing operations,” said Solidia interim CEO Russell Hill. “We are thrilled to have him on our team to facilitate workplace excellence, help expand our business with new production capacity, and to help advance the commercial viability of our technologies based on his vast industry experience and history delivering improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability in materials manufacturing operations.”

 

Dunand studied at the Ceramics Collège in Vierzon, France, and was educated as a materials specialist at the Lycée Dorian in Paris. In addition to English, he speaks and writes in French, Italian, Spanish, and some Czech. He is an active member of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), a mentor at the Mississippi State Architectural School, and active in many local business and charitable organization in the Columbus, Miss. area.

 

About Solidia Technologies

Based in Piscataway, N.J. (USA), Solidia Technologies® is a leading provider of decarbonization technologies and sustainable solutions to the construction and building materials industries. Investors include Imperative Ventures, Zero Carbon Partners, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Prelude Ventures, PIVA Capital, John Doerr, BP, OGCI Climate Investments, Bill Joy, Kleiner Perkins, BASF Venture Capital, LafargeHolcim, Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures, Air Liquide Venture Capital (ALIAD), and other private investors. Recognition includes: Fast Company 2021 World Changing Idea; Solar Impulse 1000 Efficient Solution; Global Cleantech 100; Inc.’s Top Start-Up to Watch 2020; Best Place to Work in NJ; BP Advancing Low Carbon accreditation; ERA Grand Challenge finalist; Sustainia 100; NJBiz Business of the Year; and R&D Top 100. Follow Solidia on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Contacts

Ellen Yui, YUI+Company, Inc.

o: 301-270-8571, m: 301-332-4135

ellenyui@yuico.com

Categories
Business Lifestyle

Cross River and PayTile join forces to deliver location-based payments platform

PayTile Pioneers the Use of Geo-Location to Offer Quick, Cashless Payments to Users

Cross River continues to power leading financial services innovators, ensuring seamless, safe and secure transactions

 

FORT LEE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Cross River Bank (“Cross River”), a technology-driven financial services organization that provides core infrastructure and embedded financial solutions, today announced that it will be powering PayTile, a fintech company that offers location-based payments through their app. PayTile is one of the first ever peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms that uses geo-location to facilitate safe and private financial transactions between users without sharing users’ personal information. Through this new partnership, Cross River will provide PayTile with core banking infrastructure and leading payments capabilities.

 

In an increasingly cashless world, PayTile’s P2P product protects users’ personal information during a digital transaction. The PayTile app can be used as a payment method in scenarios where using physical cash would be preferred (tipping the valet, buying furniture via Facebook Marketplace, or shopping at the farmers market). The experience is similar to the iPhone’s “AirDrop” functionality–users can send money to people nearby without the hassle of exchanging either party’s username, legal name, email or phone number with the recipient.

 

PayTile is simultaneously launching Money Drop, their proprietary technology that takes the app beyond just P2P payments. Without any hardware, PayTile can digitally place cash or other digital goods at an exact location for users to pick up and redeem. PayTile’s business partners plan to use Money Drop to draw a physical crowd via incentives, whether that’s to sell discounted tickets at a stadium or to offer coupons to celebrate the opening of a brick-and-mortar establishment.

 

“Anu and the team at PayTile are revolutionizing peer-to-peer payments,” said Gilles Gade, Founder, President and CEO of Cross River. “By partnering with innovative companies like PayTile, Cross River creates real time solutions to empower consumers and their finances.”

 

“PayTile’s mission is to make digital payments as private as cash and as safe as a card,” says Anu Vora, CEO of PayTile. “While traditional P2P apps exist to pay the people you already know, PayTile exists to safely pay people you don’t know.”

 

Cross River’s technology is enabling the delivery of innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers and businesses across the globe. Its full-stack infrastructure enables the fastest growing fintechs to innovate and scale, all while maintaining a focus on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. As Cross River becomes PayTile’s first and exclusive banking partner, PayTile customers will use Cross River’s digital infrastructure and payments capabilities, like ACH, to fund their PayTile wallets, and Push-to-Card to replace cash and move funds digitally. Consumers will be able to send and receive money through mobile wallets powered by Cross River.

 

About Cross River

Cross River is a fast-growing financial services organization that merges the forward-thinking offerings of a technology company with the established expertise and traditional services of a bank. Since its founding in 2008, Cross River has developed strategic partnerships with leading technology companies, marketplace lenders and payment providers, while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. Cross River provides a highly secure, API-based banking platform and comprehensive suite of products encompassing lending, payments, risk management and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) offerings to deliver responsible financial solutions that empower businesses and consumers anytime, anywhere. Cross River Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered FDIC insured bank. For more information, please visit Cross River’s website at www.crossriver.com or Twitter @crossriverbank.

 

About PayTile

PayTile is an innovative approach to digitally replace cash. PayTile’s geo-location based payments platform is built for people who care about their privacy. The app intuitively facilitates sending and receiving money without asking for usernames, building a social network for transaction history, or requiring any personal information to be shared between users at all. For businesses, PayTile offers the ability to build gamified experiences via Money Drop (digital goods dropped at exact locations without any physical hardware), so companies can reward loyal customers who show up, strengthen customer engagement, and bring new consumers through their door. PayTile is funded by Candid Ventures, a venture studio that backs moonshot ideas led by underrepresented founders. PayTile is available for download on all mobile devices. Learn more at paytile.com.

Contacts

Media Contact
Cross River

Michelle Chung

mchung@crossriver.com