Market Newsdesk

NEW YORK, July 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Integral Ad Science (Nasdaq: IAS), a global leader in digital media quality, today released new research, Pandemic Effects: What’s Next in Shifting Consumer Priorities, that examines how consumer behavior and spending habits will change as COVID-19 restrictions ease, providing insights for marketers on how they can best engage consumers through digital channels.

“Our latest research offers an essential look into the current state of consumer behavior as the state of COVID-19 protocols evolve,” said Tony Marlow, CMO, IAS. “The pandemic transformed many shopping and social habits to their core. Consumers will maintain some new behaviors adopted during quarantine, while returning to other pre-pandemic activities, especially around physical shopping. Digital marketers should take these major shifts into consideration when designing their future campaigns in order to make every impression count.”

As consumers reassess their social activities and where they spend their money  post-pandemic, IAS’s research indicates the following: 

New Consumer Shopping & Dining Habits Place Convenience Front and Center
The research shows consumers prioritized convenience above all else during the height of the pandemic by shifting to more online shopping (59%), dining and cooking at home (53%), and using delivery and pick-up services (46%). Additionally, 83% of respondents indicated they will continue at least one of these activities once restrictions are lifted to maintain the convenience.

The Return of Social Activities: Americans Ready to Head Back to Restaurants & More 
IAS found that consumers are looking forward to getting out after a year of lockdown protocols, with 65 percent of respondents naming dining out at restaurants as the number one social activity that they’re looking forward to resuming. Additionally, consumers ranked vacation/seeing friends (61%), traveling (55%), and going to the movies (43%) as top priorities. 78%  of consumers report feeling extremely or very comfortable engaging in social activities now that restrictions are easing.

Consumers Do Their Homework to Shop Smart Online & Support Small Businesses  
Despite the readiness to resume in-person activities, consumers report they will maintain researching products online before purchasing, with 89 percent of consumers reporting their spending will increase or remain the same in the next year. Most Americans (75%) indicated they will stick with shopping at local and small businesses that may have struggled during the pandemic. However, 51% of U.S. consumers will now be splitting their time between online channels and physical stores, meaning brands need to align their online and offline strategies. 

Brand Safety & Suitability Is a Must for Marketers Post-Pandemic
Brands can adapt to consumer preferences to make their digital ads even more effective as they engage key audiences post-pandemic. On average, 57% of U.S. consumers say they prefer to see advertising on safe, reputable sites or alongside relevant content.

This new research from IAS surveyed 991 U.S. consumers to understand how consumer behavior has changed in the past year and what behaviors will continue to evolve in 2022. 

About Integral Ad Science
Integral Ad Science (IAS) is a global leader in digital media quality. IAS makes every impression count, ensuring that ads are viewable by real people, in safe and suitable environments, activating contextual targeting, and driving supply path optimization. Our mission is to be the global benchmark for trust and transparency in digital media quality for the world’s leading brands, publishers, and platforms. We do this through data-driven technologies with actionable real-time signals and insight. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in New York, IAS works with thousands of top advertisers and premium publishers worldwide. For more information, visit integralads.com.

Media Contact

Julie Nicholson


[email protected]
 

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SOURCE Integral Ad Science, Inc.

NEW YORK, July 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) announced today that Peter Warwick has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the global children’s publishing, education and media company, effective August 1, 2021.  Mr. Warwick, 69, who has served as an independent director on the Company’s Board since 2014, assumes the lead operating roles and responsibilities of the late M. Richard (Dick) Robinson, Jr., who passed away in early June. In Mr. Warwick’s new role as CEO, he will be responsible for Scholastic’s business strategy and overseeing all business segments and corporate functions. 

“It is an honor to accept the position of CEO at one of the premier publishing houses in the world, and to lead our dedicated and exceptionally talented management team and employees,” Mr. Warwick said. “Dick Robinson built Scholastic into the most admired global children’s book and education business. His devotion to children’s literacy, education, and journalistic integrity was so profound it is ingrained in the culture of the Company. I am deeply committed to continuing to embrace these same principles going forward and build upon the core Scholastic mission while creating value for all of our stakeholders. As a Board member for the last seven years, I have been part of the decisions that have built a powerful business platform and enhanced our beloved brand. We will grow our business by continuing to create new and exciting content, developing educational programs in print and digital formats, and further strengthening our partnerships with children, parents and educators around the world.”

The Board of Directors issued the following statement: “Peter will be only the third CEO in Scholastic’s rich 100-year history, and he has proven himself exceptionally qualified to take on that role. During his tenure as a member of the Board, Peter has been an effective and creative leader and advocate for Scholastic. His prior career as the chief executive officer of significant business units within Thomson Reuters and Pearson provides Peter with the requisite experience and insights to deliver strong growth and financial performance at Scholastic. Under Peter’s leadership, our collection of great businesses, unparalleled content, and remarkable people will continue and grow in strength to serve our customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.”

The Company also announced the immediate appointment of two new members to the Company’s Board of Directors. Iole Lucchese, the Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer of the Company and President, Scholastic Entertainment, was elected to fill the Board seat recently vacated by the passing of Dick Robinson, with the Board also appointing Ms. Lucchese as the Chair of the Board. In her current executive positions, which she will continue to hold, Ms. Lucchese has worked in partnership with Dick Robinson to advance the Company’s strategic and creative initiatives across all operating units, including new product and program offerings, business transformation, and digital expansion, as well as overseeing the Company’s digital content and marketing initiatives and its expanding media activities. Ms. Lucchese has been with the Company for 30 years, starting her career with Scholastic Canada and rising to the leadership of Scholastic Canada before moving to the Company’s headquarters office in New York City. Throughout her career, she has evidenced a strong track record of instigating effective change, including the significant expansion of the book publishing and distribution group in Canada, the expansion of the Company’s digital activities, and her responsibility for the renewal of its media activities, strengthening the “Scholastic” brand through bringing Scholastic’s highly engaging content to audiences in new formats. 

Additionally, Robert Dumont has been elected as a director of the Company, as designee of the Robinson Family. Mr. Dumont is currently the principal at Robert Dumont PLLC, a NY-based boutique law firm specializing in tax and estate planning for international private clients.  Mr. Dumont established his private practice after 30 years of experience with large organizations: first as a partner in Baker & McKenzie and then as the leader of Deloitte Tax LLP’s international private client practice.  Mr. Dumont fills the Board seat held by Andrew Hedden, who resigned from the Board for this purpose after 30 years of Board service.  Mr. Hedden continues to serve the Company as its Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.  James W. Barge will continue to serve as the Board’s Lead Independent Director.

Commenting on these director appointments, the Company’s Board of Directors stated, “We are pleased to welcome Iole and Bob to our Board. They bring decades of leadership and insights that are vital to Scholastic’s future success. Their good counsel, expertise and passion will add a new energy to our Board, further strengthening our commitment to the continuance of Scholastic’s mission of creating, in both print and digital formats, books, educational materials and children’s media that encourage and inspire students from all backgrounds throughout the world.”

The Board further stated, “We believe the executive and Board leadership changes made today, in the wake of Dick Robinson’s passing, will provide the organizational direction necessary to  move Scholastic forward in continuing and building upon its core mission and its focus on our customers, parents, educators and the children.”

About Scholastic

For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children’s media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children’s learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

SCHL: Financial

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SOURCE Scholastic Corporation

HOUSTON, July 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — KBR (NYSE: KBR) won two recompetes totaling more than $120 million to provide leading-edge engineering services for U.S. Navy training systems and aircraft survivability equipment.

Most recently, KBR won a $64.9 million task order to develop and upgrade training system hardware and software, as well as electronic classroom content and interactive courseware for the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231).

KBR will also research and develop recommendations for live, virtual, and constructive training that is interoperable with other platforms. This work will enhance training effectiveness for aircrew and maintainers, increasing overall readiness for the Navy.

Additionally, KBR won a $55.3 million task order to perform research and analysis, including forecasting and predictive modeling, for the Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Office (PMA-272). The company will boost the reliability, availability, and maintainability of aircraft survivability equipment. This equipment includes electronic systems that safeguard aircraft and crews against infrared and laser missiles and other threats on the battlefield. KBR will also develop and manage databases and electronic technical manuals.

“These recompetes speak to KBR’s commitment and capability to prepare and protect men and women in the fleet. Our work helps servicemembers carry out their missions effectively and come home safely,” said Byron Bright, KBR Government Solutions President.

The U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron awarded both cost-plus-fixed-fee task orders through the DoD Information Analysis Center’s (IAC) Multiple Award Contract, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity vehicle for complex, integrated professional projects. KBR will carry out work for these task orders in Florida as well as other locations over the next five years.

KBR advances defense and national security interests on land, at sea, in the air, space and cyberspace. Its in-depth portfolio spans defense modernization; military, civil and commercial space; intelligence; cyber; and advanced logistics. KBR also provides the DoD with one of the largest independent flight test organizations in the world.

About DoD IAC Program

The DoD IAC, sponsored by Defense Technical Information Center, provides technical data management and research support for DoD and federal government users. Established in 1946, the IAC program serves the DoD science and technology (S&T) and acquisition communities to drive innovation and technological developments by enhancing collaboration through integrated scientific and technical information development and dissemination for the DoD and broader S&T community.

About KBR

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries.

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statement

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company’s control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company’s ability to respond to the challenges and business disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company’s ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies relating to the streamlining of its Energy Solutions business; the company’s ability to manage its liquidity; the company’s ability to continue to generate anticipated levels of revenue, profits and cash flow from operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic downturn; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company’s indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company’s customers, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company’s ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company’s ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company’s customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

KBR’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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SOURCE KBR, Inc.

SHENZHEN, China, July 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (“Lexin” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: LX), a leading online consumption and consumer finance platform for new generation consumers in China, has been named as the only Chinese winner in the Global Finance Magazine’s 2021 Innovators Awards. The Company won for Outstanding Financial Innovators-Fintechs – in the Asia Pacific region, for its technological innovations in the financial services industry.

Lexin deployed innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data throughout every step of its transaction processes, including customer acquisition, risk management, fund matching, and operations, to enhance operational efficiency.

For risk management, Lexin established AI capabilities in forecasting users’ life cycle delinquencies to reduce risks and to improve efficiency in loan issuance, transaction processing, and anti-fraud, etc. Its automatic attribution feature significantly enhances the efficiency of risk management by diagnosing the causes of risks in real-time, sparing analysts the time and effort for data collation.

Lexin’s asset quality continues to improve thanks to its technological innovations. Lexin’s 90 day+ delinquency rate was at 1.84% as of March 31, 2021, and the first payment default rate (30 day+) has been below 1% for 8 months as of March 31, 2021, effectively resolving the pandemic-related risks while maintaining a high level of performance. To date as of the end of the second quarter, Lexin’s coincident 1+ days past due is at 4.92%, as compared to last year’s 8.08% for the same period, representing a 40% decrease. Its latest recovery rates for bad debts has reached an all-time high, improving by 30% as compared to the same period last year.

Aside from its own risk management purpose, Lexin is also leveraging its over seven years of solid internet product experience, operating capabilities, and financial technologies to help financial institutions tackle challenges such as traffic acquisition, developing new operating models, and improving efficiency in risk management. Lexin’s risk profiling and strategy optimizing services can effectively identify the quality portion of denied loan applicants and help financial institutions improve loan-issuance rates by 20-30 percent while maintaining stable asset quality.

The Innovators Awards are intended to shine a spotlight on organizations that regularly identify new paths and design new tools in finance, and all selections were made by the editorial board of Global Finance with the input of reporters who are experts on the functions being served by these innovators, according to Global Finance.

About LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.

LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is a leading online consumption and finance platform for new generation consumers and users in China. The Company provides a comprehensive range of consumption, financial and business services including financial technology services, “buy now pay later” (“BNPL”) services, and membership benefits through its ecommerce platform Fenqile, BNPL product Maiya, and membership platform Le Card. The Company works with financial institutions and brands both online and offline to provide a comprehensive consumption ecosystem catering to the needs of young professionals in China. Lexin utilizes advanced technologies such as big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence throughout the Company’s services and operations, which include risk management, loan facilitation, and the near-instantaneous matching of users’ funding requests with offers from the Company’s many funding partners, and other consumption and financial services.

For more information, please visit http://ir.lexin.com
To follow us on Twitter, please go to: https://twitter.com/LexinFintech

Media inquiries:
Limin Chen
Tel: +86 (755) 3637-8888 ext. 6993
E-mail: [email protected]

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SOURCE LexinFintech

BEIJING, July 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — TAL Education Group (“TAL” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TAL), a leading K-12 after-school tutoring services provider in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 ended May 31, 2021, before the market opens on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

The Company will host a corresponding conference call and live webcast at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. Beijing Time) on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

Please note that you will need to pre-register for conference call participation, using the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be sent participant dial-in numbers, Direct Event passcode and unique registrant ID by email.

Conference call registration link: http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/4961808. It will automatically direct you to the registration page of “TAL Education Group First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022 Earnings Conference Call”, where you may fill in your details for RSVP. When you are requested to submit a participant conference ID, please enter the number “4961808”.

In the 10 minutes prior to the call start time, you may use the conference access information (including dial-in number(s), Direct Event passcode and unique registrant ID) provided in the confirmation email that you have received following your pre-registration.

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of TAL’s website at https://ir.100tal.com/.

A telephone replay of the conference call will be available through 9:59 a.m. on August 13, 2021, U.S. Eastern Time (9:59 p.m. on August 13, 2021, Beijing Time).

The dial-in details for the replay are as follows:

About
 TAL Edu
cati
on Group

TAL Education Group is a leading K-12 after-school tutoring services provider in China. The acronym “TAL” stands for “Tomorrow Advancing Life”, which reflects our vision to promote top learning opportunities for Chinese students through both high-quality teaching and content, as well as leading edge application of technology in the education experience. TAL Education Group offers comprehensive tutoring services to students from pre-school to the twelfth grade through three flexible class formats: small classes, personalized premium services, and online courses. Our tutoring services cover the core academic subjects in China’s school curriculum as well as competence oriented programs. The Company’s learning center network currently covers 110 cities.

We also operate www.jzb.com, a leading online education platform in China. Our ADSs trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TAL”.

For further information, please contact:

Echo Yan

Investor Relations
TAL Education Group
Tel: +86 10 5292 6658
Email: [email protected]

Caroline Straathof

IR Inside
Tel: +31 6 5462 4301
Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE TAL Education Group