Emergent BioSolutions Announces Exercise of $20 Million Option to Supply U.S. Department of Defense with BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed)

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) today announced the exercise of contract option and modification valued at approximately $20 million to supply BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The first delivery, which was valued at approximately $7 million began in December 2024, and remaining deliveries are expected in 2025.

“We’re pleased to continue our work with the U.S. Department of Defense to supply BioThrax® to protect our nation’s service members who have a high risk of exposure to anthrax,” said Paul Williams, senior vice president, products head at Emergent. “This procurement ensures a continued supply of this important medical countermeasure to the U.S. military and demonstrates our commitment to delivering solutions that address our customers’ needs to prepare for public health threats.”

This option is under Emergent’s existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) procurement contract (W911SR24D0001) with the DoD and led by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense to supply BioThrax® for use by all branches of the U.S. military as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for anthrax disease.  

On December 16, 2024, Emergent announced a $50 million contract option from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to procure doses of CYFENDUS® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted). In addition to BioThrax® and CYFENDUS®, Emergent’s anthrax franchise includes two treatments, Anthrasil® [Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)], a polyclonal antibody therapeutic, and raxibacumab, a monoclonal antibody therapeutic.

About BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed)

Indication

BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) is a vaccine indicated for the active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by Bacillus anthracis in persons 18 through 65 years of age.

BioThrax® is approved for: (1) Pre-exposure prophylaxis of disease in persons at high risk of exposure. (2) Post-exposure prophylaxis of disease following suspected or confirmed Bacillus anthracis exposure, when administered in conjunction with recommended antibacterial drugs.

The efficacy of BioThrax® for post-exposure prophylaxis is based solely on studies in animal models of inhalational anthrax.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications: Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of BioThrax® or a component of the vaccine.

Latex: The stopper of the vial contains natural rubber latex and may cause allergic reactions in latex sensitive individuals.

Pregnancy: Avoid use in pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

History of Anthrax Disease: History of anthrax disease may increase the potential for severe local adverse reactions.

Altered Immunocompetence: If BioThrax® is administered to immunocompromised persons, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the immune response may be diminished.

Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness: Vaccination with BioThrax® may not protect all individuals.

Adverse reactions: The most common (>10%) local (injection-site) adverse reactions observed in clinical studies were tenderness, pain, erythema, edema, and arm motion limitation. The most common (≥5%) systemic adverse reactions were muscle aches, fatigue, and headache.

U.S. Prescribing Information

The full Prescribing Information for BioThrax® vaccine can be found here.

About Emergent BioSolutions

At Emergent, our mission is to protect and enhance life. For 25 years, we’ve been at work defending people from things we hope will never happen—so we are prepared just in case they ever do. We provide solutions for complex and urgent public health threats through a portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics that we develop and manufacture for governments and consumers. We also offer a range of integrated contract development and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers. To learn more about how we plan to protect or enhance 1 billion lives by 2030, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the development, availability, supply and government procurement of BioThrax® vaccine and the continued development of Emergent’s anthrax franchise, are forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements by using words like “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current intentions, beliefs, and expectations regarding future events based on information that is currently available. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be accurate. Readers should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or if known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from our expectations. Readers are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events, or circumstances. Readers should consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risk factors identified in our periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, when evaluating our forward-looking statements.

Investor Contact:

Richard S. Lindahl
Executive Vice President, CFO
[email protected]

Media Contact:

Assal Hellmer
Vice President, Communications
[email protected]



Top-Performing Team The Burgman Group Joins Real

Top-Performing Team The Burgman Group Joins Real

High-volume team, led by industry influencer Shane Burgman, expands Real’s presence throughout Florida’s Space Coast

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, today announced it has expanded its presence throughout Florida’s Space Coast with the addition of The Burgman Group. Led by industry influencer Shane Burgman, the three-person team has built a reputation for its tenacious work ethic, which has made it one of the top-producing teams in the market. During his 10-year career, Burgman has averaged 50 home sales a year valued at more than $200 million in total sales.

Burgman began his real estate career in 2015 following 10 active-duty years in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Submarine Missile Technician. He credits his military service for his passion to make a difference in people’s lives and core values of hard work and high ethical standards, qualities that enabled him to make a successful transition to real estate. In addition to his strong track record, Burgman has built a loyal social media following based on his high-quality production value, market insights and real estate advice. He currently has 22,000 followers on Instagram and 5,000 on YouTube with more than 1 million views.

Having experienced multiple military transfers during his time in the Navy, Burgman understands the difficulties that relocations pose and has used this experience to help other military families looking to settle on Florida’s Space Coast. At Real, he will be part of the company’s Military Division, which specializes in serving the needs of Veterans and active-duty service members and their families.

“Shane’s unwavering honesty and relentless work ethic have earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted names in real estate and a leader among his peers,” Real President Sharran Srivatsaa said. “I’m thrilled to welcome Shane and his team to Real and look forward to seeing how our platform helps them elevate their impact on clients while inspiring their peers.”

Burgman said Real’s collaborative community, technology and entrepreneurial focus are what drew him and this team to Real.

“I’ve been following Real for a while. I’m stoked about this new opportunity and thrilled to enhance my clients’ overall experience. Real’s commission structure and revenue share provide upside potential that allows us to build long-term wealth, while the company’s technology platform is designed for teams like ours that are always looking to better serve clients. We couldn’t be more excited to make the move to Real,” Burgman said.

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simple. The fast-growing company combines essential real estate, mortgage and closing services with powerful technology to deliver a single seamless end-to-end consumer experience, guided by trusted agents. With a presence throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports more than 24,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, expectations regarding Real’s ability to continue to attract agents.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real’s business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets, economic and industry downturns, Real’s ability to attract new agents and retain current agents and those risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 14, 2024, a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Investor inquiries, please contact:

Ravi Jani

Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

[email protected]

908.280.2515

For media inquiries, please contact:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

[email protected]

201.564.4221

KEYWORDS: United States North America Canada New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Residential Building & Real Estate Other Technology Technology Construction & Property Software

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo

Verastem Oncology Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

Verastem Oncology Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq: VSTM), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with cancer, today announced the grant of stock options to purchase 15,000 shares of its common stock to one new employee. The awards were granted pursuant to the Nasdaq inducement grant exception as an inducement material to the employee’s acceptance of employment with Verastem Oncology in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock options have an exercise price equal to $6.49 per share, the closing price of Verastem Oncology’s common stock as reported by Nasdaq on January 2, 2025. The stock options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock that were granted to one new employee will vest at a rate of twenty-five percent (25%) on the one-year anniversary of the employee’s date of hire, with the remaining shares vesting quarterly over the next three (3) years in equal quarterly amounts, provided the employee continues to serve as an employee of or other service provider to Verastem Oncology on each such vesting date.

About Verastem Oncology

Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq: VSTM) (Verastem, Inc.) is a late-stage development biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of new medicines to improve the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer. Our pipeline is focused on RAS/MAPK-driven cancers, specifically novel small molecule drugs that inhibit critical signaling pathways in cancer that promote cancer cell survival and tumor growth, including RAF/MEK inhibition and FAK inhibition. For more information, please visit www.verastem.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

For Investor and Media Inquiries:

Julissa Viana

Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations

[email protected] or

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Massachusetts United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology Health Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Oncology

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo

Cencora Announces Date and Time for First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Release

Cencora Announces Date and Time for First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Release

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Cencora, Inc. (NYSE: COR) today announced that it plans to release its results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2025 on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, prior to the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. ET on February 5, 2025.

Participating in the conference call will be:

Robert P. Mauch, President & Chief Executive Officer

James F. Cleary, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

The live call will be webcast via the Company’s website at investor.cencora.com. Users are encouraged to log on to the webcast approximately 10 minutes in advance of the scheduled start time of the call.

To access the call via telephone from within the United States and Canada, dial (833) 470-1428. From outside the United States and Canada, dial +1 (404) 975-4839. The access code for the call will be 427679.

Replays of the call will be made available via telephone and webcast. A replay of the webcast will be posted on investor.cencora.com approximately one hour after the completion of the call and will remain available for one year. The telephone replay will also be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call and will remain available for 7 days. To access the telephone replay from within the United States and Canada, dial (866) 813-9403. From outside the United States, dial +1 (929) 458-6194. The access code for the replay is 402593.

Please check the website investor.cencora.com for updates regarding the timing of the live webcasts and for replay information.

About Cencora

Cencora is a leading global pharmaceutical solutions organization centered on improving the lives of people and animals around the world. Cencora partners with pharmaceutical innovators across the value chain to facilitate and optimize market access to therapies. Care providers depend on Cencora for the secure, reliable delivery of pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, and solutions. Cencora’s 46,000+ worldwide team members contribute to positive health outcomes through the power of Cencora’s purpose: Cencora is united in its responsibility to create healthier futures. Cencora is ranked #10 on the Fortune 500 and #18 on the Global Fortune 500 with more than $290 billion in annual revenue. Learn more at investor.cencora.com.

Bennett S. Murphy

Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations and Treasury

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Pennsylvania United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Health

MEDIA:

Albertsons Companies, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Albertsons Companies, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

BOISE, Idaho–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) (the “Company”) today reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended November 30, 2024.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Highlights

  • Identical sales increased 2.0%

  • Digital sales increased 23%

  • Loyalty members increased 15% to 44.3 million

  • Net income of $401 million, or $0.69 per share

  • Adjusted net income of $420 million, or $0.71 per share

  • Adjusted EBITDA of $1,065 million

  • Increased quarterly common stock dividend by 25% to $0.15 per share

“We delivered solid operating and financial performance in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 in an environment where the consumer remains cautious,” said Vivek Sankaran, CEO. “Investments in our Customers for Life strategy drove increased digital engagement across our platforms, evidenced by strong growth in our digital sales, pharmacy operations, and membership in our loyalty program. We want to thank our teams for their ongoing commitment to serving our customers and supporting the communities in which we operate, especially during the holiday season.”

Sankaran added, “As we look ahead to the balance of fiscal 2024 and beyond, we are energized about our plans to accelerate growth through our Customers for Life strategy, leveraging investments to enhance digital engagement and omnichannel revenue growth, improve our value proposition with customers, and drive digital media growth. At the same time, we expect our robust productivity agenda to provide fuel to invest in the business. We look forward to driving growth and providing value to our customers and returns to our stockholders.”

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Results

Net sales and other revenue increased 1.2% to $18,774.5 million for the 12 weeks ended November 30, 2024 (“third quarter of fiscal 2024”) from $18,557.3 million during the 12 weeks ended December 2, 2023 (“third quarter of fiscal 2023”). The increase was driven by our 2.0% increase in identical sales, with strong growth in pharmacy sales being the primary driver of the identical sales increase. We also continued to grow our digital sales with a 23% increase during the third quarter of fiscal 2024. The increase in Net sales and other revenue was partially offset by lower fuel sales.

Gross margin rate decreased to 27.9% during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to 28.0% during the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Excluding the impact of fuel and LIFO expense, gross margin rate decreased 27 basis points compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The strong growth in pharmacy sales, which carries an overall lower gross margin rate, and increases in picking and delivery costs related to the continued growth in our digital sales were the primary drivers of the decrease, partially offset by the benefits from our productivity initiatives.

Selling and administrative expenses increased to 25.1% of Net sales and other revenue during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to 24.8% during the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Excluding the impact of fuel, Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales and other revenue increased six basis points. The increase in Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales and other revenue was primarily attributable to Merger-related costs and an increase in occupancy costs including third-party store security services, partially offset by the leveraging of employee costs and benefits from our productivity initiatives.

Net loss on property dispositions and impairment losses was $10.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to net loss of $23.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

Interest expense, net was $109.0 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $116.3 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The decrease in interest expense, net was primarily attributable to lower average outstanding borrowings.

Other income, net was $5.6 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $6.7 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

Income tax expense was $14.5 million, representing a 3.5% effective tax rate, during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $95.1 million, representing a 20.8% effective tax rate, during the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The decrease in the effective rate was primarily driven by the recognition of $81.0 million of discrete state income tax benefits related to the settlement of audits.

Net income was $400.6 million, or $0.69 per share, during the third quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to $361.4 million, or $0.62 per share, during the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The third quarter of fiscal 2024 included the $81.0 million or $0.14 per share benefit related to certain discrete state income tax benefits related to the settlement of audits.

Adjusted net income was $420.3 million, or $0.71 per share, during the third quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to $462.3 million, or $0.79 per share, during the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA was $1,065.1 million, or 5.7% of Net sales and other revenue, during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $1,106.5 million, or 6.0% of Net sales and other revenue, during the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

Capital Allocation and Common Stock Repurchase Program

During the first 40 weeks of fiscal 2024, capital expenditures were $1,446.7 million, which primarily included the completion of 84 remodels, the opening of nine new stores and continued investment in our digital and technology platforms. During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company also paid its quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share on November 8, 2024 to stockholders of record as of October 28, 2024.

On December 11, 2024, subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company announced that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) increased the quarterly cash dividend 25% from $0.12 per common share to $0.15 per common share. On January 8, 2025, the Company announced the next quarterly dividend payment of $0.15 per share of Class A common stock to be paid on February 7, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 24, 2025.

On December 11, 2024, subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company announced that the Board has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $2.0 billion of our common stock, inclusive of the existing authorization. The share repurchase program could include open market repurchases, accelerated share repurchase programs, tender offers, block trades, potential privately negotiated transactions, or trading plans in compliance with the federal securities laws.

Termination of the Merger Agreement

As previously disclosed, on October 13, 2022, the Company, The Kroger Co. (“Kroger”) and Kettle Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kroger (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub would have been merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as the surviving corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Kroger. On December 10, 2024, subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon issued a preliminary injunction in the case Federal Trade Commission et al. v. The Kroger Company and Albertsons Companies, Inc. (Case No.: 3:24-cv-00347-AN), whereby the court enjoined the consummation of the Merger. In light of the preliminary injunction, and in accordance with Section 8.1(e) of the Merger Agreement, the Company exercised its right to terminate the Merger Agreement and sent a notice to Kroger on December 10, 2024 terminating the Merger Agreement. Also on December 10, 2024, the King County Superior Court for the State of Washington issued a permanent injunction in the case State of Washington v. Kroger Co. et al (Case No.: 24-2-00977-9 SEA) whereby it enjoined the consummation of the Merger.

Following the Company’s termination of the Merger Agreement, on December 10, 2024, the Company filed a lawsuit against Kroger in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware seeking damages in an amount to be determined at trial, in addition to the $600 million termination fee which Kroger is already obligated to pay the Company under the Merger Agreement. On December 11, 2024, Kroger delivered a termination notice to the Company, alleging that the Company’s December 10, 2024 termination notice was not effective and that Kroger had no obligation to pay the $600 million termination fee. Details regarding the termination of the Merger Agreement and ensuing litigation are available in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on January 8, 2025.

Fiscal 2024 Outlook

The Company is providing an updated fiscal 2024 outlook and expects its financial results to be as follows:

  • Identical sales growth in the range of 1.8% to 2.0% (previously 1.8% to 2.2%)

  • Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $3.95 billion to $3.99 billion (previously $3.90 billion to $3.98 billion)

  • Adjusted net income per Class A common share in the range of $2.25 to $2.31 per share (previously $2.20 to $2.30 per share)

  • Effective income tax rate in the range of 15% to 16% (previously 23%) (1)

  • Capital expenditures in the range of $1.8 billion to $1.9 billion (unchanged)

The Company is unable to provide a full reconciliation of the GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures (as defined below) used in the updated fiscal 2024 outlook without unreasonable effort because it is not possible to predict certain of the adjustment items with a reasonable degree of certainty. This information is dependent upon future events and may be outside of the Company’s control and could have a significant impact on its GAAP financial results for fiscal 2024. The expected effective tax rate does not reflect potential future rate adjustments for the resolution of tax audits or potential changes in tax laws, which cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty.

(1)

Expected effective tax rate of 15% to 16% reflects the $81.0 million of discrete state income tax benefits recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2024

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, which will be hosted by Vivek Sankaran, CEO, and Sharon McCollam, President & CFO. The call will be webcast and can be accessed at https://albertsonscompanies.com/investors/events-and-presentations. A replay of the webcast will be available for at least two weeks following the completion of the call.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of November 30, 2024, the Company operated 2,273 retail food and drug stores with 1,732 pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under more than 20 well known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2023, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $350 million in food and financial support, including more than $35 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That Impact Our Operating Results and Trends

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The “forward-looking statements” include our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our business and our industry. They include statements relating to our future operating or financial performance which the Company believes to be reasonable at this time. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “future” and “intends” and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements and may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations include:

  • the termination of the Merger Agreement and our inability to successfully optimize our value-creating initiatives following the termination of the Merger Agreement;

  • litigation in connection with the previously pending Merger and the termination of the Merger Agreement, resulting in:

    • ongoing costs, including damages that we may be required to pay in connection with the lawsuit against Kroger or our inability to collect the $600 million termination fee from Kroger, all of which could be substantial; and

    • negative reactions from the financial markets and our suppliers, customers, and associates;

  • significant transaction costs related to the previously pending Merger;

  • our inability to execute on our standalone business strategies following the termination of the Merger Agreement due to prolonged uncertainties and restrictions on our business during the pendency of the Merger;

  • our ability to recruit and retain qualified associates who are critical to the success of our Customers for Life strategy;

  • changes in macroeconomic conditions such as rates of food price inflation or deflation, fuel and commodity prices and expiration of student loan payment deferments;

  • changes in price of goods sold in our stores and cost of goods used in our food products due to change in government regulations such as tariffs;

  • changes in consumer behavior and spending due to the impact of macroeconomic factors;

  • failure to achieve productivity initiatives, unexpected changes in our objectives and plans, inability to implement our strategies, plans, programs and initiatives, or enter into strategic transactions, investments or partnerships in the future on terms acceptable to us, or at all;

  • changes in wage rates and ability to negotiate acceptable contracts with labor unions;

  • challenges with our supply chain;

  • operational and financial effects resulting from cyber incidents at the Company or at a third party, including outages in the cloud environment and the effectiveness of business continuity plans during a ransomware or other cyber incident; and

  • changes in tax rates, tax laws, and regulations that directly impact our business or our customers.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements and risk factors. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our view only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation, other than as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In evaluating our financial results and forward-looking statements, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties more fully described in the “Risk Factors” section or other sections in our reports filed with the SEC including the most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

Non-GAAP Measures and Identical Sales

Non-GAAP Measures. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per Class A common share and Net debt ratio (collectively, the “Non-GAAP Measures”) are performance measures that provide supplemental information the Company believes is useful to analysts and investors to evaluate its ongoing results of operations, when considered alongside other GAAP measures such as net income, operating income, gross margin, and net income per Class A common share. These Non-GAAP Measures exclude the financial impact of items management does not consider in assessing the Company’s ongoing core operating performance, and thereby provide useful measures to analysts and investors of its operating performance on a period-to-period basis. Other companies may have different definitions of Non-GAAP Measures and provide for different adjustments, and comparability to the Company’s results of operations may be impacted by such differences. The Company also uses Adjusted EBITDA and Net debt ratio for board of director and bank compliance reporting. The Company’s presentation of Non-GAAP Measures should not be construed as an inference that its future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

Identical Sales. As used in this earnings release, the term “identical sales” includes stores operating during the same period in both the current fiscal year and the prior fiscal year, comparing sales on a daily basis. Direct to consumer digital sales are included in identical sales, and fuel sales are excluded from identical sales.

Albertsons Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

12 weeks ended

 

40 weeks ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Net sales and other revenue

$

18,774.5

 

 

$

18,557.3

 

 

$

61,591.4

 

 

$

60,898.2

 

Cost of sales

 

13,528.1

 

 

 

13,360.0

 

 

 

44,484.8

 

 

 

43,996.7

 

Gross margin

 

5,246.4

 

 

 

5,197.3

 

 

 

17,106.6

 

 

 

16,901.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

4,717.7

 

 

 

4,607.3

 

 

 

15,777.1

 

 

 

15,215.7

 

Loss on property dispositions and impairment losses, net

 

10.2

 

 

 

23.9

 

 

 

59.4

 

 

 

43.1

 

Operating income

 

518.5

 

 

 

566.1

 

 

 

1,270.1

 

 

 

1,642.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

109.0

 

 

 

116.3

 

 

 

358.3

 

 

 

383.1

 

Other (income) expense, net

 

(5.6

)

 

 

(6.7

)

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

(14.6

)

Income before income taxes

 

415.1

 

 

 

456.5

 

 

 

911.5

 

 

 

1,274.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

14.5

 

 

 

95.1

 

 

 

124.7

 

 

 

228.7

 

Net income

$

400.6

 

 

$

361.4

 

 

$

786.8

 

 

$

1,045.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per Class A common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per Class A common share

$

0.69

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

1.36

 

 

$

1.82

 

Diluted net income per Class A common share

 

0.69

 

 

 

0.62

 

 

 

1.35

 

 

 

1.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average Class A common shares outstanding (in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

580.2

 

 

 

576.2

 

 

 

579.7

 

 

 

575.2

 

Diluted

 

584.1

 

 

 

581.1

 

 

 

582.9

 

 

 

580.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of net sales and other revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

27.9

%

 

 

28.0

%

 

 

27.8

%

 

 

27.8

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

25.1

%

 

 

24.8

%

 

 

25.6

%

 

 

25.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of stores at end of quarter

 

2,273

 

 

 

2,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

Albertsons Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

November 30,

2024

 

February 24,

2024

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

202.3

 

 

$

188.7

 

 

Receivables, net

 

929.0

 

 

 

724.4

 

 

Inventories, net

 

5,137.2

 

 

 

4,945.2

 

 

Other current assets

 

397.0

 

 

 

429.2

 

 

Total current assets

 

6,665.5

 

 

 

6,287.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

9,632.9

 

 

 

9,570.3

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

6,094.9

 

 

 

5,981.6

 

Intangible assets, net

 

2,349.3

 

 

 

2,434.5

 

Goodwill

 

1,201.0

 

 

 

1,201.0

 

Other assets

 

721.7

 

 

 

746.2

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

26,665.3

 

 

$

26,221.1

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

4,026.1

 

 

$

4,218.2

 

 

Accrued salaries and wages

 

1,352.0

 

 

 

1,302.6

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt and finance lease obligations

 

61.3

 

 

 

285.2

 

 

Current maturities of operating lease obligations

 

686.3

 

 

 

677.6

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

1,029.4

 

 

 

974.1

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

7,155.1

 

 

 

7,457.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and finance lease obligations

 

7,777.1

 

 

 

7,783.4

 

Long-term operating lease obligations

 

5,685.5

 

 

 

5,493.2

 

Deferred income taxes

 

729.3

 

 

 

807.6

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

1,952.6

 

 

 

1,931.7

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock

 

6.0

 

 

 

5.9

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,169.2

 

 

 

2,129.6

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost

 

(304.2

)

 

 

(304.2

)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

90.9

 

 

 

88.0

 

 

Retained earnings

 

1,403.8

 

 

 

828.2

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

3,365.7

 

 

 

2,747.5

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

26,665.3

 

 

$

26,221.1

 

 

Albertsons Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions)

(unaudited)

 

 

40 weeks ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Net income

$

786.8

 

 

$

1,045.5

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Loss on property dispositions and impairment losses, net

 

59.4

 

 

 

43.1

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,396.9

 

 

 

1,359.9

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets amortization

 

522.0

 

 

 

510.7

 

LIFO expense

 

22.9

 

 

 

87.8

 

Deferred income tax

 

(182.9

)

 

 

(116.5

)

Contributions to pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of expense (income)

 

(70.7

)

 

 

(17.0

)

Deferred financing costs

 

12.4

 

 

 

12.0

 

Equity-based compensation expense

 

87.9

 

 

 

80.5

 

Other operating activities

 

12.8

 

 

 

(14.7

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Receivables, net

 

(205.1

)

 

 

(139.4

)

Inventories, net

 

(214.9

)

 

 

(481.6

)

Accounts payable, accrued salaries and wages and other accrued liabilities

 

(77.6

)

 

 

54.1

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

(435.1

)

 

 

(424.3

)

Self-insurance assets and liabilities

 

35.4

 

 

 

31.3

 

Other operating assets and liabilities

 

171.9

 

 

 

(300.6

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

1,922.1

 

 

 

1,730.8

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Payments for property, equipment and intangibles, including lease buyouts

 

(1,446.7

)

 

 

(1,535.0

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

24.1

 

 

 

201.3

 

Other investing activities

 

6.1

 

 

 

4.9

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,416.5

)

 

 

(1,328.8

)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, including ABL facility

 

50.0

 

 

 

150.0

 

Payments on long-term borrowings, including ABL facility

 

(250.7

)

 

 

(500.7

)

Payments of obligations under finance leases

 

(41.1

)

 

 

(45.4

)

Dividends paid on common stock

 

(208.5

)

 

 

(207.1

)

Dividends paid on convertible preferred stock

 

 

 

 

(0.8

)

Employee tax withholding on vesting of restricted stock units

 

(42.0

)

 

 

(37.1

)

Other financing activities

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(492.3

)

 

 

(638.6

)

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

13.3

 

 

 

(236.6

)

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

193.2

 

 

 

463.8

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

206.5

 

 

$

227.2

 

 

Albertsons Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

(in millions, except per share data)

 

The following table reconciles Net income to Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBITDA (in millions):

 

12 weeks ended

 

40 weeks ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Net income

$

400.6

 

 

$

361.4

 

 

$

786.8

 

 

$

1,045.5

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on energy hedges, net (d)

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.7

)

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

(6.1

)

Business transformation (1)(b)

 

15.0

 

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

52.8

 

 

 

37.9

 

Equity-based compensation expense (b)

 

21.7

 

 

 

23.3

 

 

 

87.9

 

 

 

80.5

 

Loss on property dispositions and impairment losses, net

 

10.2

 

 

 

23.9

 

 

 

59.4

 

 

 

43.1

 

LIFO expense (a)

 

3.5

 

 

 

27.6

 

 

 

22.9

 

 

 

87.8

 

Merger-related costs (2)(b)

 

61.1

 

 

 

35.9

 

 

 

220.8

 

 

 

124.2

 

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements, net (b)

 

2.2

 

 

 

(6.7

)

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

(6.7

)

Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs (c)

 

3.8

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

11.9

 

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions (b)

 

11.1

 

 

 

11.0

 

 

 

36.9

 

 

 

37.5

 

Miscellaneous adjustments (3)(f)

 

4.8

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

36.0

 

 

 

24.0

 

State income tax benefits related to the settlement of audits

 

(81.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(81.0

)

 

 

 

Tax impact of adjustments to Adjusted net income

 

(32.2

)

 

 

(32.7

)

 

 

(125.0

)

 

 

(103.9

)

Adjusted net income

$

420.3

 

 

$

462.3

 

 

$

1,112.9

 

 

$

1,375.7

 

Tax impact of adjustments to Adjusted net income

 

32.2

 

 

 

32.7

 

 

 

125.0

 

 

 

103.9

 

State income tax benefits related to the settlement of audits

 

81.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

81.0

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

14.5

 

 

 

95.1

 

 

 

124.7

 

 

 

228.7

 

Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs (c)

 

(3.8

)

 

 

(3.6

)

 

 

(12.3

)

 

 

(11.9

)

Interest expense, net

 

109.0

 

 

 

116.3

 

 

 

358.3

 

 

 

383.1

 

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions (b)

 

(11.1

)

 

 

(11.0

)

 

 

(36.9

)

 

 

(37.5

)

Depreciation and amortization (e)

 

423.0

 

 

 

414.7

 

 

 

1,396.9

 

 

 

1,359.9

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

1,065.1

 

 

$

1,106.5

 

 

$

3,149.6

 

 

$

3,401.9

 

 

Albertsons Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

(in millions, except per share data)

 

The following tables reconcile diluted net income per Class A common share to Adjusted net income per Class A common share (in millions, except per share data):

 

 

12 weeks ended

 

40 weeks ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (4)

$

420.3

 

$

462.3

 

$

1,112.9

 

$

1,375.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average Class A common shares outstanding – diluted

 

584.1

 

 

581.1

 

 

582.9

 

 

580.5

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible Preferred Stock (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

Restricted stock units and awards (6)

 

7.4

 

 

6.9

 

 

8.0

 

 

6.4

Adjusted weighted average Class A common shares outstanding – diluted

 

591.5

 

 

588.0

 

 

590.9

 

 

587.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income per Class A common share – diluted

$

0.71

 

$

0.79

 

$

1.88

 

$

2.34

 

 

12 weeks ended

 

40 weeks ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Net income per Class A common share – diluted

$

0.69

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

$

1.35

 

 

$

1.80

 

Non-GAAP adjustments (7)

 

0.03

 

 

 

0.18

 

 

 

0.56

 

 

 

0.57

 

Restricted stock units and awards (6)

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

(0.03

)

Adjusted net income per Class A common share – diluted

$

0.71

 

 

$

0.79

 

 

$

1.88

 

 

$

2.34

 

 

(1)

Includes costs associated with third-party consulting fees related to our Customers for Life strategy and associated business transformation initiatives.

(2)

Primarily relates to third-party legal and advisor fees and retention program expense related to the Merger.

(3)

Primarily includes net realized and unrealized gains and losses related to non-operating investments, lease adjustments related to non-cash rent expense and costs incurred on leased surplus properties, pension settlement loss, adjustments for unconsolidated equity investments and other costs not considered in our core performance.

(4)

See the reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted net income above for further details.

(5)

Represents the conversion of convertible preferred stock to the fully outstanding as-converted Class A common shares as of the end of each respective period, for periods in which the convertible preferred stock is antidilutive under GAAP.

(6)

Represents incremental unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and unvested restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) to adjust the diluted weighted average Class A common shares outstanding during each respective period to the fully outstanding RSUs and RSAs as of the end of each respective period.

(7)

Reflects the per share impact of Non-GAAP adjustments for each period. See the reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted net income above for further details.

 

Albertsons Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

(in millions, except per share data)

 
Non-GAAP adjustment classifications within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

(a)

Cost of sales

(b)

Selling and administrative expenses

(c)

Interest expense, net

(d)

(Gain) loss on energy hedges, net:

 

12 weeks ended

 

40 weeks ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Cost of sales

$

(0.4

)

 

$

(0.5

)

 

$

2.0

 

 

$

(4.3

)

Selling and administrative expenses

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(0.9

)

 

 

(1.8

)

Total (Gain) loss on energy hedges, net

$

(0.5

)

 

$

(0.7

)

 

$

1.1

 

 

$

(6.1

)

 

(e) Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

12 weeks ended

 

40 weeks ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Cost of sales

$

41.3

 

$

40.9

 

$

136.7

 

$

125.9

Selling and administrative expenses

 

381.7

 

 

373.8

 

 

1,260.2

 

 

1,234.0

Total Depreciation and amortization

$

423.0

 

$

414.7

 

$

1,396.9

 

$

1,359.9

 

(f) Miscellaneous adjustments:

 

 

12 weeks ended

 

40 weeks ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Selling and administrative expenses

$

8.2

 

 

$

7.3

 

 

$

32.6

 

$

29.2

 

Other (income) expense, net

 

(3.4

)

 

 

(3.9

)

 

 

3.4

 

 

(5.2

)

Total Miscellaneous adjustments

$

4.8

 

 

$

3.4

 

 

$

36.0

 

$

24.0

 

 

Albertsons Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

(in millions)

 

The following table is a reconciliation of Net Debt Ratio on a rolling four quarter basis:

 

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Total debt (including finance leases)

$ 7,838.4

 

$ 8,534.8

Cash and cash equivalents

202.3

 

222.7

Total debt net of cash and cash equivalents

7,636.1

 

8,312.1

 

 

 

 

Rolling four quarters Adjusted EBITDA

$ 4,065.4

 

$ 4,452.1

 

 

 

 

Total Net Debt Ratio

1.88

 

1.87

 

The following table is a reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA on a rolling four quarter basis:

 

 

Rolling four quarters ended

 

November 30,

2024

 

December 2,

2023

Net income

$

1,037.3

 

 

$

1,356.6

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,816.0

 

 

 

1,786.1

 

Interest expense, net

 

467.3

 

 

 

474.7

 

Income tax expense

 

189.0

 

 

 

269.1

 

EBITDA

 

3,509.6

 

 

 

3,886.5

 

 

 

 

 

Loss (gain) on interest rate swaps and energy hedges, net

 

4.0

 

 

 

(1.6

)

Business transformation (1)

 

60.0

 

 

 

51.7

 

Equity-based compensation expense

 

111.9

 

 

 

122.2

 

Loss (gain) on property dispositions and impairment losses, net

 

60.2

 

 

 

(18.3

)

LIFO (benefit) expense

 

(12.9

)

 

 

174.4

 

Merger-related costs (2)

 

277.2

 

 

 

156.9

 

Certain legal and regulatory accruals and settlements, net

 

2.0

 

 

 

50.3

 

Miscellaneous adjustments (3)

 

53.4

 

 

 

30.0

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

4,065.4

 

 

$

4,452.1

 

(1)

Includes costs associated with third-party consulting fees related to our Customers for Life strategy and associated business transformation initiatives.

(2)

Primarily relates to third-party legal and advisor fees and retention program expense related to the Merger and costs in connection with our previously-announced Board-led review of potential strategic alternatives.

(3)

Primarily includes net realized and unrealized gains and losses related to non-operating investments, lease adjustments related to non-cash rent expense and costs incurred on leased surplus properties, pension settlement loss, adjustments for unconsolidated equity investments and other costs not considered in our core performance.

 

For Investor Relations, contact [email protected]

For Media Relations, contact [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Idaho United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Online Retail Retail Other Retail Supermarket Specialty Food/Beverage

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo

Albertsons Companies Announces Common Stock Dividend

Albertsons Companies Announces Common Stock Dividend

BOISE, Idaho–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) (the “Company”) today announced its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 of $0.15 per share of common stock. The cash dividend is payable on February 7, 2025, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 24, 2025.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of November 30, 2024, the Company operated 2,273 retail food and drug stores with 1,732 pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under more than 20 well known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2023, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $350 million in food and financial support, including more than $35 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements regarding the Company’s expectations, perspectives and projected financial performance, are forward looking statements. The words “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions, when related to the Company and its subsidiaries, indicate forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions that the risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The Company also cautions that undue reliance should not be placed on any of the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no responsibility to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect actual outcomes. Certain potential factors that could affect our business and financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements are described in the “Risk Factors” section or other sections in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 22, 2024, and in reports subsequently filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

For Investor Relations, contact [email protected]

For Media Relations, contact [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Idaho United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Supermarket Retail

MEDIA:

Logo
Logo

Lithium Argentina Provides 2024 Production Results, 2025 Guidance and Update on Special Meeting of Shareholders

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. (“Lithium Argentina” or the “Company”) (TSX: LAAC) (NYSE: LAAC) is pleased to announce its 2024 production results for the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine operations (“Caucharí-Olaroz” or the “Operation”) in Argentina and provide production guidance for 2025.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Achieved 2024 production guidance with approximately 25,400 tonnes of lithium carbonate produced.
  • Production averaged 85% of design capacity during the fourth quarter of 2024.
  • 2025 production guidance set at 30,000 – 35,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate.
  • An updated technical report on Stage 1 of Caucharí-Olaroz was filed.
  • Lithium Argentina will hold a special meeting of shareholders on January 17, 2025, to approve the redomiciling of the Company to Switzerland with amendments to certain resolutions outlined below.

Caucharí-Olaroz achieved 2024 production targets producing approximately 25,400 tonnes of lithium carbonate. Fourth quarter production volumes reached approximately 8,500 tonnes, a 25% increase compared to the third quarter of the year.

“We are exceptionally proud of our achievements this year, which reflect the outstanding performance of our team and our commitment to operational excellence,” commented Sam Pigott, Lithium Argentina’s President and CEO. “Our results reflect the dedication and collaboration of our technical teams in Argentina and abroad.”

“As we look ahead to 2025, our focus will shift towards improving the stability and consistency of our operations and further optimizing our cost profile. We look forward to developing our future growth plans this year and are excited to continue playing a key role in Argentina’s transformation as a global leader in the lithium industry.”

For 2025, Caucharí-Olaroz is expected to produce between 30,000 – 35,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate with a focus on optimizing operations to achieve higher production rates near nameplate capacity, more consistent quality and lower unit operating costs.

Updated Technical Report

The Company filed an updated technical report (the “Technical Report”) for Caucharí-Olaroz’ initial 40,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate production (“Stage 1”). The Operation is owned by Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd (“Ganfeng”), Lithium Argentina and Jujuy Energía y Minería Sociedad del Estado (“JEMSE”) with 46.7%, 44.8% and 8.5% interest, respectively.

The Technical Report reflects development progress and updated operational, cost and economic parameters for the Operation as of December 31, 2024. The Company’s revised long-term operating cost estimate is approximately $6,543 per tonne of lithium carbonate based on Caucharí-Olaroz’ current performance. The Technical Report outlines an updated after-tax NPV(8%) for Stage 1 estimated at $3.6 billion on a 100% basis using Benchmark Minerals Inc.’s most recent price forecast.  

A full copy of the NI 43-101 Technical Report entitled “Operational Technical Report at the Cauchari-Olaroz Salars, Jujuy Province, Argentina”, with an effective date of December 31, 2024 is available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Upcoming Special Meeting of Shareholders

Lithium Argentina also announced today that it has adopted amendments to certain resolutions to be approved at its special meeting of shareholders to be held on January 17, 2025 (the “Meeting”) to approve the redomiciling of the Company in Switzerland under the new name, Lithium Argentina AG, and ancillary matters (“Ancillary Resolutions”).

The Board of Directors of the Company recommends that Shareholders vote IN FAVOR of redomiciling and the Ancillary Resolutions ahead of the proxy voting deadline on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 10:00 am PT.

At the Meeting, the Company will propose amendments to Ancillary Resolutions (d), (e), (f) and (g) outlined in its management information circular dated December 4, 2024. In keeping with Lithium Argentina’s commitment to both the best interests of shareholders and adherence to governance best practices, the foregoing amendments to the Ancillary Resolutions are as follows:

(d)   approval of the introduction of a capital band (the “Capital Band Resolution”): The Company will amend the proposed Capital Band Resolution to lower the proposed maximum upper limit and lower limit of the capital band of the Company’s current share capital from 20% to 10% and reflect same in the proposed Articles of Association.

(e)   approval of the introduction of conditional capital for equity incentive plans (the “Equity Incentive Conditional Capital Resolution”): The Company will amend the proposed Equity Incentive Conditional Capital Resolution to lower the proposed maximum authorization to increase the conditional share capital for equity incentive plans of the Company from 15% of the Company’s current share capital to 10% and reflect same in the proposed Articles of Association.

(f)   approval of the introduction of conditional capital for financing purposes (the “FinancingConditional Capital Resolution”): The Company will amend the proposed Financing Conditional Capital Resolution to lower the maximum authorization to increase the conditional share capital for financing purposes of the Company from 20% of the Company’s current share capital to 10% and reflect same in the proposed Articles of Association.

(g)   approval of the new articles of association (general revision of the articles of association) (the “New Articles Resolution”): The Company will amend the New Articles Resolution to adopt the proposed Articles of Association with the following amendments to Article 13(2) thereof to read as follows in order to define a five year time limit by which the Company will have authority to hold virtual shareholder meetings without further shareholder approval. Until 17 January 2030, the shareholders’ meetings may be held by electronic means without a venue.

With respect to the proposed Equity Incentive Conditional Capital Resolution, the Company clarifies that the conditional capital for equity incentive plans will be utilized to support issuances under its existing 8% rolling Equity Incentive Plan last approved by a vast majority of the votes cast by the Company’s shareholders at its 2024 annual shareholder meeting. The ability of the Company to adequately compensate its current and prospective officers, directors and employees by offering incentives aligning their interests with those of its shareholders is of paramount importance for the success of the Company and is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. In accordance with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Company does not issue securities-based compensation arrangements other than under its Equity Incentive Plan or other plans or arrangements as approved by shareholders. The allocation of shares for issuance under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan is subject to reapproval by shareholders every three (3) years in accordance with the TSX Company Manual.

In connection with the proposed Financing Conditional Capital Resolution, the Company wishes to clarify that approximately 8.4% of the conditional capital relates to supporting its existing obligations with respect to the issuance of common shares upon conversion of its currently outstanding 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 and therefore does not constitute a new increase to its reserved share capital in respect to the convertible notes.

In line with Lithium Argentina’s commitment to both the best interests of shareholders and adherence to governance best practices, the Company is committed to conducting future shareholder meetings in a hybrid or in-person format. However, recognizing the importance of adaptability in extraordinary circumstances, such as pandemics, health emergencies, or other unforeseen external events, the Company will retain the flexibility to hold virtual-only meetings when necessary until January 17, 2030 in the event such circumstances arise.  

In the event it holds a virtual meeting only in the future, the Company must ensure in accordance with Swiss law that shareholders will have the same rights participating electronically as they would have for an in-person meeting. Without limitation to the foregoing, as required by Article 701c – 701f of the Swiss Code of Obligations, the board of the Company will ensure that the identity of the participants is verified, that votes are transmitted in real-time, that shareholders are able to submit motions and participate in discussions, and that voting results cannot be manipulated. Consistent with our past practices, clear procedures will be set and disclosed in the Company’s future meeting materials to ensure that shareholders can effectively participate in the meetings and meaningfully communicate with the Company’s management and directors.

Meeting materials are available on Lithium Argentina’s website at http://lithium-argentina.com/investor-relations/Special-Meeting, and under the Company’s SEDAR+ and EDGAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively, before casting your vote.

Shareholders who have questions or require assistance in voting their shares are encouraged to contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, the Company’s proxy solicitation agent, by telephone at 1-877-452-7184 (North American Toll Free) or 416-304-0211 (Collect Outside North America), or by email at [email protected].

Technical Information

The Technical Report has been prepared by the following independent Qualified Persons:

Ernest Burga, P.Eng.

David Burga, P.Geo.

Daniel Weber, P.G., RM-SME

Anthony Sanford, Pr.Sci.Nat.

Marek Dworzanowski, CEng, PrEng.

The technical information in this news release with respect to Caucharí-Olaroz, has been reviewed and approved by Ernest Burga, P.Eng.

Further detailed information about the Caucharí-Olaroz, including a description of the key assumptions, parameters and risks associated with the information discussed in this news release is contained in the Technical Report.

ABOUT LITHIUM ARGENTINA

Lithium Argentina is an emerging producer of lithium carbonate for use primarily in lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles. The Company, in partnership with Ganfeng operates the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine operation in Argentina and advancing development of additional lithium resources in the region. Lithium Argentina currently trades on the TSX and on the NYSE.

For further information contact:
Investor Relations
Telephone: +1 778-653-8092
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lithium-argentina.com

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (which we refer to collectively as forward-looking information) under the provisions of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “predict”, “propose”, “potential”, “target”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “scheduled”, “implement” and similar words or expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release include, without limitation, information with respect to the following matters or the Company’s expectations relating to such matters: expected operating costs and other cost, operating and economic parameters; after-tax NPV; timing and amount of future production; expected capacity of production; the approval of the redomicile and ancillary matters; the holding of a special meeting of shareholders; and its compensation plans.

Forward-looking information may involve known and unknown risks, assumptions

Forward-looking information may involve known and unknown risks, assumptions and uncertainties which may cause the Company’s actual results or performance to differ materially. This information reflects the Company’s current views with respect to future events and is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company today, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingences, and accordingly, the Company can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. With respect to forward-looking information included in this news release, the Company has made assumptions regarding, among other things: current technological trends; the business relationship between the Company and its joint venture partner; ability to fund its operations; the ability to operate in a safe and effective manner; uncertainties relating to maintaining mining, exploration, environmental and other permits or approvals in Argentina; demand for lithium; impact of increasing competition in the lithium business, including the Company’s competitive position in the industry; general economic conditions; stability and support of legislative, regulatory and community environment in the jurisdiction where it operates; estimates of and changes to market prices for lithium and commodities; estimates costs for the project or operation; estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, including whether mineral resources will ever be developed into mineral reserves; reliability of technical data; and the ability to achieve full production; and accuracy of budget and estimates.

Forward-looking information also involves known and unknown risks that may cause actual results to differ materially, these risks include, among others: the operation may not operate and produce as planned; cost overruns; market prices affecting development of the operation; risks associated with co-ownership arrangements; risks with ability to successfully secure adequate financing if necessary; risks to the growth of the lithium markets; lithium prices; inability to obtain any future required governmental permits and that operations may be limited by government-imposed limitations; technology risk; inability to achieve and manage expected growth; political risk associated with foreign operations, including co-ownership arrangements with foreign domiciled partners; emerging and developing market risks; risks associated with not having production experience; operational risks; changes in government regulations; changes in environmental requirements; failure to obtain or maintain necessary licenses, permits or approvals; insurance risk; receipt and security of mineral property titles and mineral tenure risk; changes in project or operation parameters; uncertainties associated with estimating mineral resources and mineral reserves, including uncertainties regarding assumptions underlying such estimates; whether mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves; opposition to the; geological or technical or processing problems; liabilities and risks; health and safety risks; unanticipated results; unpredictable weather; unanticipated delays; reduction in demand for lithium; inability to generate profitable operations; restrictive covenants in debt instruments; intellectual property risks; dependency on key personnel; currency and interest rate fluctuations; volatility in general market and industry conditions; uncertainties with respect to obtaining all applicable shareholder, court and regulatory approvals or satisfying other requirements necessity or desirability of permitting or facilitating the completion of the redomiciling; being subject to satisfying all conditions prescribed by applicable stock exchanges; there being no guarantee that the redomiciling will procure the anticipated benefits nor that the expected impacts will materialize as expected; potential adverse tax consequences resulting from the transaction; discretion of the Company to implement the redomicile or not; risks associated with the Company being governed under a different corporate legal regime post continuation; change in the rights of shareholders as a result of the continuation; unforeseen events that could prevent, delay in or increase in cost of completing the continuation. Additional risks, assumptions and other factors are set out in the Company’s management discussion analysis and most recent annual information form, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca

Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks and assumptions, given the inherent uncertainties in such forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results to differ materially. Forward-looking information is made as of the date hereof and the Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 



uniQure Announces Pricing of its Public Offering

LEXINGTON, Mass. and AMSTERDAM, Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — uniQure N.V. (Nasdaq: QURE), a leading gene therapy company advancing transformative therapies for patients with severe medical needs, today announced the pricing of its underwritten public offering of 4,411,764 of its ordinary shares at a public offering price of $17.00 per share. The aggregate gross proceeds to uniQure from the offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by uniQure, are expected to be approximately $75 million. All securities to be sold in the offering are being sold by uniQure. In addition, uniQure has granted to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 661,764 additional ordinary shares at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The offering is expected to close on or about January 10, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Leerink Partners, Stifel and Guggenheim Securities are acting as the bookrunning managers for the offering. Chardan and H.C. Wainwright & Co. are acting as the lead managers for the offering.

The securities described above are being offered by uniQure pursuant to its automatically effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-284168) filed with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 7, 2025. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering was filed with the SEC and a final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to this offering will be filed with the SEC. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from Leerink Partners LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, 53 State Street, 40th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, by telephone at + 1 (800) 808-7525, ext. 6105, or by email at [email protected], Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Attention: Prospectus Department, One Montgomery Street, Suite 3700, San Francisco, CA 94104, by telephone at (415) 364-2720 or by email at [email protected] or Guggenheim Securities, LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 330 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10017, by telephone at (212) 518-9544 or by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. Any offer, if at all, will be made only by means of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus forming a part of the effective registration statement.

About uniQure

uniQure is delivering on the promise of gene therapy – single treatments with potentially curative results. The approvals of uniQure’s gene therapy for hemophilia B – a historic achievement based on more than a decade of research and clinical development – represent a major milestone in the field of genomic medicine and ushers in a new treatment approach for patients living with hemophilia. uniQure is now advancing a pipeline of proprietary gene therapies for the treatment of patients with Huntington’s disease, refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, ALS, Fabry disease, and other severe diseases.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations of market conditions, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and the timing of the public offering, the grant to the underwriters of an option to purchase additional securities, the gross proceeds we expect to receive and other statements identified by words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “shall,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict” and similar words or expressions.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information available to management only as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms, or at all, continued interest in our rare disease and gene therapy portfolio, the ability to develop our product candidates and technologies, regulatory developments, the impact of changes in the financial markets and global economic conditions, and other factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in uniQure’s periodic securities filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2024, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 5, 2024, the preliminary prospectus supplement filed January 7, 2025 and the accompanying prospectus, and other filings that uniQure makes with the SEC from time to time. Given these risks, uncertainties, and other factors, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and uniQure assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

uniQure Contacts  
   
For Investors: For Media:
   
Chiara Russo Tom Malone
Direct: 617-306-9137 Direct: 339-970-7758
Mobile: 617-306-9137 Mobile: 339-223-8541
[email protected] [email protected]



Centessa Pharmaceuticals Announces Appointment of Stephen Kanes, MD PhD, as Chief Medical Officer

BOSTON and LONDON, Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company with a mission to discover, develop and ultimately deliver medicines that are transformational for patients, today announced the appointment of Stephen Kanes MD PhD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Kanes is a neuropsychiatrist, with a career in neuroscience, clinical psychiatry, and neuroscience drug development spanning more than 30 years. 

“Centessa is rapidly advancing a potential best-in-class and first-in-class portfolio of orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonists with a robust series of clinical milestones anticipated this year,” said Saurabh Saha MD PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Centessa. “Steve is a great addition to our team and brings an exceptional set of skills in the design and execution of clinical programs across key therapeutic areas, including neurology and psychiatry. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to progress our novel OX2R agonists for the treatment of sleep-wake, neurological, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.”  

“Orexin agonists are one of the most exciting emerging areas of therapeutic science, and Centessa’s potential best-in-class OX2R agonists represent an extraordinary opportunity to address unmet patient needs across multiple therapeutic areas,” said Stephen Kanes, MD PhD, Chief Medical Officer. “With Phase 2a clinical studies of ORX750 now underway, it’s an exciting time to be joining Centessa. I look forward to working with the team and contributing to the success of the Company’s growing OX2R agonist franchise.”

Dr. Kanes served as Chief Medical Officer of Sage Therapeutics from 2013 to 2021, where he led the successful clinical development of ZULRESSO® (brexanolone), the first-ever treatment approved for Postpartum Depression (PPD), along with the buildout of the development organization and Sage Therapeutics’ broad neuroscience portfolio. Most recently, Dr. Kanes was Chief Executive Officer of EmbarkNeuro, a neuroscience focused biotech company. Earlier in his career, Dr. Kanes was Executive Director in Clinical Development in the Inflammation, Neuroscience and Respiratory therapeutic areas at AstraZeneca, and a faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Psychiatry where he explored both the genetics and physiology of severe mental illness. He has authored or co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications in behavioral neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, genetics, brain imaging, clinical trials, and health economics and serves as an ad hoc reviewer for multiple journals including Neuropsychopharmacology and The American Journal of Medical Genetics and Biological Psychiatry. Dr. Kanes received his BA from the University of Pennsylvania in the Biological Basis of Behavior and both his PhD in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology and MD from the Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency at Yale-New Haven Medical Center and a neuropsychiatry postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Centessa Pharmaceuticals

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that aims to discover and develop medicines that are transformational for patients. We are developing potential best-in-class orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonists intended to be orally administered for the treatment of sleep-wake disorders including narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), narcolepsy type 2 (NT2) and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in neurological, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric conditions. We also anticipate that our OX2R agonists may have utility in treating impaired attention, cognitive deficits, fatigue, and other symptoms. Our lead OX2R agonist, ORX750, is in Phase 2 clinical trials for NT1, NT2 and IH. ORX750 has not been approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority. Centessa’s proprietary LockBody technology platform aims to redefine immuno-oncology treatment for patients with cancer. LockBody drug candidates are designed to selectively drive potent effector function activity to the tumor micro-environment (TME) while avoiding systemic toxicity.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “objective,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “aim,” “seek,” and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including statements related to the Company’s ability to discover and develop transformational medicines for patients; its expectations for executing on the Company’s pipeline; its expectations on its anticipated cash runway; the timing of commencement of new studies or clinical trials or clinical and preclinical data related to ORX750, ORX142, ORX489 and other OX2R agonist molecules, LB101, other LockBody candidates, and the LockBody technology platform; its ability to identify, screen, recruit and maintain a sufficient number of or any subjects in its existing and anticipated studies or clinical trials of ORX750, ORX142, ORX489 and other OX2R agonist molecules, LB101 and any other LockBody candidates; its expectations on executing its research and clinical development plans and the timing thereof; its expectations as to the potential results and impact of each of its clinical programs and trials; the Company’s ability to differentiate ORX750, ORX142, ORX489 and other OX2R agonist molecules, LB101, other LockBody candidates from other treatment options; the development, design and therapeutic potential of ORX750, ORX142, ORX489 and other OX2R agonist molecules, LB101, other LockBody candidates and the LockBody technology platform; and regulatory matters, including the timing and likelihood of success of obtaining regulatory clearance, obtaining authorizations to initiate or continue clinical trials. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on our current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the safety and tolerability profile of our product candidates; our ability to identify, screen and recruit a sufficient number of or any subjects in our existing and anticipated new studies or clinical trials of ORX750, ORX142, ORX489 or LB101 or within anticipated timelines; our expectations relating to the clinical trials of ORX750, including the predicted timing of enrollment, the predicted efficacious doses of ORX750 and our ability to successfully conduct our clinical development of ORX750, our ability to protect and maintain our intellectual property position; business (including commercial viability), regulatory, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties, contingencies and assumptions about the Company; risks inherent in developing product candidates and technologies; future results from our ongoing and planned clinical trials; our ability to obtain adequate financing, including through our financing facility with Oxford Finance, to fund our planned clinical trials and other expenses; trends in the industry; the legal and regulatory framework for the industry, including the receipt and maintenance of clearances to conduct or continue clinical testing; our operating costs and use of cash, including cash runway, cost of development activities and conducting clinical trials, future expenditures risks; the risk that any one or more of our product candidates will not be successfully developed and/or commercialized; the risk that the historical results of preclinical studies or clinical studies will not be predictive of future results in ongoing or future studies; economic risks to the United States and United Kingdom banking systems; and geo-political risks such as the Russia-Ukraine war or the Middle East conflicts. These and other risks concerning our programs and operations are described in additional detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our other reports, which are on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We explicitly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law.

Contact:

Kristen K. Sheppard, Esq.
SVP of Investor Relations
[email protected]



RCLCO Ranks Summerlin® and Bridgeland® Among Nation’s Top 10 Best-Selling Master Planned Communities of 2024

Strong New Home Sales Continue Across the Howard Hughes National Portfolio

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Summerlin® and Bridgeland®, two of the award-winning communities in the Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH) portfolio, have been ranked among the nation’s top 10 best-selling master planned communities (MPCs) for 2024, according to the year-end report released by national real estate consultant RCLCO. Summerlin, in Las Vegas ranked #5 on the RCLCO list with 1,055 home sales while Bridgeland, in the Greater Houston area, ranked #7 nationally with 938 home sales, making it one of the top-selling communities in Texas.

“In 2024, Howard Hughes communities achieved strong new home sales in our MPCs, accompanied by what we expect will be all-time-high residential land sales in terms of price-per-acre and acres sold,” said David R. O’Reilly, Chief Executive Officer of Howard Hughes. “The inclusion of two Howard Hughes communities, Summerlin and Bridgeland, in the top 10 on RCLCO’s 2024 national list of best-selling master planned communities demonstrates the strong demand for the high-quality, amenity-rich lifestyles our communities offer—drawing top talent and businesses seeking access to a skilled workforce and a business-friendly environment.”

The relative consistency year-over-year among 2024 top performers highlights the resilient nature of U.S. homebuyer demand and specifically, the tremendous appeal of master planned communities located in the Sunbelt. According to RCLCO’s recent report, the Houston MSA was once again the top-performing metropolitan area in the nation, representing 22% of all sales among top-ranked MPCs. Nevada demonstrated its continued strong appeal claiming over 26% of all sales among the top five best-selling MPCs.

SUMMERLIN

Summerlin continues to be one of Nevada’s top-selling communities with 1,055 new homes sold in 2024. According to Karl Pischke, principal with RCLCO Consulting, Summerlin leads all ranked MPCs in terms of total appearances on its national best-selling MPC list, with over 28 years on the top 25.

“Summerlin’s long-running top ranking speaks volumes about its enduring appeal,” said Pischke. “It’s an impressive run and a distinction held by no other MPC in the country.” 

Now in its 35th year, Summerlin continues to deliver more amenities than any other community in Southern Nevada—including over 300 parks; over 200 miles of interconnected trails; resident-exclusive community centers; ten golf courses; 26 public, private and charter schools; a public library and performing arts center; Summerlin Hospital Medical Center; houses of worship representing a dozen different faiths; office parks; and neighborhood shopping centers. Downtown Summerlin®, the community’s walkable urban center, includes the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa; City National Arena, home of the National Hockey League’s Vegas Golden Knights practice facility; and Las Vegas Ballpark, a world-class Triple-A baseball stadium and home of the Las Vegas Aviators.  

“When Summerlin began to take shape more than 35 years ago, its master plan envisioned a dynamic mixed-used development that would set the standard for MPCs for years to come,” said Jose Bustamante, President of the Nevada Region at Howard Hughes. “The community’s long-term top sales ranking clearly highlights its decades-long success as Southern Nevada’s premier community and is a model national real estate development. Going forward, we expect to remain a top-selling master planned community as we continue to develop our remaining land holdings across Summerlin, including new commercial opportunities at Downtown Summerlin, our vibrant central gathering place activated with exciting dining, shopping, entertainment, and sports events.”   

During 2025, Summerlin expects to add more than one dozen new neighborhoods to its line-up that will continue to add to the diversity of home offerings in the community. In addition, three new parks are projected to open in 2025, adding to the community’s significant acreage set aside for structured play and passive open areas, continuing the community’s dedication to providing an active and outdoor lifestyle that embraces connection to the natural environment.

BRIDGELAND

Named 2024 Master Planned Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders, Bridgeland sold 938 homes during the year to earn the distinction of being the #2 top-selling master planned community in Texas and #7 nationwide, according to RCLCO’s recent report.

The year was also marked by significant commercial milestones as the 11,500-acre master planned community began work on the initial phase of Bridgeland Central®. This emerging 925-acre urban district is projected to introduce modern retail, hotels, entertainment, and premier office space to Northwest Houston, establishing Bridgeland as the region’s leading job center.

Village Green at Bridgeland Central®, the initial phase of Bridgeland’s urban core, broke ground in February 2024 and will deliver 28,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and commercial space beginning this spring. The 70-acre mixed-use development also celebrated the grand opening of Texas’ top-ranked grocery store, H-E-B, in October 2024. The 128,000-square-foot store includes the area’s first True Texas BBQ, complete with a drive-thru for residents and visitors.

One Bridgeland Green®, Bridgeland Central’s first commercial office development, made history after breaking ground in May 2024, becoming Greater Houston’s first mass timber office. The Class A building, which is 80% pre-leased, is expected to welcome tenants—CrossCover Insurance, Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, the Bridgeland Welcome Center, and Howard Hughes’ Bridgeland team—this summer.

“As Bridgeland celebrates another year of successful home sales, we remain affirmed in our approach to developing sustainable master planned communities that balance residential and commercial growth with the preservation of the natural environment,” said Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region at Howard Hughes. “Bridgeland will continue to serve and attract residents seeking a community that will meet every need at every phase of life.”

The combined residential and emerging commercial offerings coupled with 3,000 acres of parks, lakes, trails and open space have contributed to Bridgeland’s standing as one of the top-selling master planned communities in Texas. Today, Bridgeland is home to approximately 23,000 residents across four villages and is projected to grow to nearly 70,000 at full buildout.

About Summerlin

®


A Howard Hughes community, Summerlin began to take shape in 1990 and has ranked in the country’s top 10 best-selling master planned communities for nearly two decades. Located along the western rim of the Las Vegas valley, Summerlin encompasses 22,500 acres with approximately 5,000 gross acres remaining to accommodate future growth, including infrastructure, open space and common areas, all within the master plan. The community is currently home to nearly 127,000 residents who enjoy an unparalleled list of amenities. These include more than 300 neighborhood and village parks, more than 200 completed miles of trails, 26 public and private schools, 14 houses of worship, ten golf courses, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks and dozens of actively selling floor plans. Homes are available in a variety of styles—from single-family homes to townhomes—with offerings in a wide price range, including custom homesites in The Ridges. Summerlin is recognized as one of the country’s premier locations to raise a family and to operate a business, named MPC of the Year for 2020 by the National Home Builders Association.

About Bridgeland®

Bridgeland is an 11,500-acre master planned community located in Cypress, Texas, and is ranked among the top-selling master planned communities in the country. The National Association of Home Builders’ 2024 Master Planned Community of the Year opened in 2006 and offers a wide variety of housing options and extensive outdoor amenities, with a strong emphasis on conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Bridgeland, a LEED Pre-certified community, has over 3,000 acres dedicated to lakes, trails, and parks, and offers resort-style pools, 74 current parks, stocked lakes and complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboats, and other recreational opportunities for residents to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Bridgeland Central®, the community’s emerging 925-acre urban district is now underway with 70-acre Village Green at Bridgeland Central and will help propel future commercial growth. Bridgeland is a Howard Hughes community and supports over 180 local causes and charitable organizations in the Houston region through the company’s HHCares program. For more information, visit Bridgeland.com.

About Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.

Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. owns, manages, and develops commercial, residential, and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. The company’s award-winning portfolio comprises the country’s premier master planned communities, as well as operating properties and development opportunities including Downtown Columbia® in Maryland; The Woodlands®, Bridgeland® and The Woodlands Hills® in the Greater Houston, Texas area; Summerlin® in Las Vegas; Ward Village® in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi; and Teravalis™ in the Greater Phoenix, Arizona area. The Howard Hughes portfolio is strategically positioned to meet and accelerate development based on market demand, resulting in one of the strongest real estate platforms in the country. Dedicated to innovative placemaking, the company is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHH. For additional information visit www.howardhughes.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements accompanied by words such as “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “enables,” “realize,” “plan,” “intend,” “assume,” “transform” and other words of similar expression, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections as of the date of this release and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are set forth as risk factors in Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly and Annual Reports. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release.

Media Contact:

Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.
Cristina Carlson, 646-822-6910
Senior Vice President, Head of Corporate Communications
[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.
Eric Holcomb, 281-475-2144
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
[email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f77da67-fc3d-467b-b17e-f4833acf1b90

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe9cd9e5-813d-4035-b5a4-8c6bfcf80251