Market Newsdesk

May 24, 2021 9:43 am

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Announces Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Peloton Interactive, Inc.

RADNOR, Pa., May 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Peloton Interactive, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTON) (“Peloton”) on behalf of those who purchased or acquired Peloton securities between September 11, 2020 and May 5, 2021, inclusive (the “Class Period”).

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: June 28, 2021

Website:	https://www.ktmc.com/peloton-interactive-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=peloton

*Contact:*	James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453
	Adrienne Bell, Esq. (484) 270-1435
	Toll free (844) 887-9500

Peloton provides interactive fitness products such as the Peloton Bike and the Peloton Tread+ and Tread, which include touchscreens that stream live and on-demand classes. Peloton also provides connected fitness subscriptions and access to all live and on-demand classes. Peloton launched the Tread+ treadmill in 2018. At that time, it was called the “Tread.” Peloton renamed its signature treadmill in September 2020 to “Tread +.”

On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, Peloton announced voluntary recalls of both its Tread+ and Tread treadmill machines over safety concerns. Peloton also advised customers who have the products to immediately stop using them and contact Peloton for a full refund. Peloton’s Chief Executive Officer, John Foley said in a statement, “I want to be clear, Peloton made a mistake in our initial response to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s request that we recall the Tread+.”

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) in addition to the tragic death of a child, Peloton’s Tread+ had caused a serious safety threat to children and pets as there were multiple incidents of injury to both; (2) safety was not a priority to Peloton as the defendants were aware of serious injuries and death resulting from the Tread+ yet did not recall or suggest a halt of the use of the Tread+; (3) as a result of the safety concerns, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) declared the Tread+ posed a serious risk to public health and safety resulting in its urgent recommendation for consumers with small children to cease using the Tread+; (4) the CPSC also found a safety threat to Tread+ users if they lost their balance; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, the defendants’ statements about Peloton’s business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Peloton investors may, no later than June 28, 2021, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member’s claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
James Maro, Jr., Esq.
Adrienne Bell, Esq.
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
(844) 887-9500 (toll free)
[email protected]

May 24, 2021 9:42 am

InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN) Announces CryptoCurrencyWire Audio Production Featuring Anthony Scaramucci, Founder and Managing Partner of Skybridge Capital

Los Angeles, May 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (via InvestorWire) InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”), a multifaceted communications organization engaged in connecting public companies to the investment community, is pleased to announce the release of the latest CryptoCurrencyWire Audio Production as part of its sustained effort to provide specialized content distribution via widespread syndication channels.

CryptoCurrencyWire’s latest audio production features Anthony Scaramucci, founder and managing partner of Skybridge Capital and former White House Communications Director under the Trump administration.

SkyBridge Capital is a global alternative investment firm specializing in hedge fund solutions and opportunistic investment vehicles. Scaramucci founded SkyBridge in 2005, following a stint at Goldman Sachs and the sale of an investment firm he cofounded.

He guided Skybridge into cryptocurrency investments following his experience in Washington D.C., and only after extensive research, as Scaramucci detailed during the interview.

“When I was unceremoniously fired from the White House, the first thing I did was register the URL SkybridgeBitcoin.com. The reason I did was, my experience in Washington led me to believe that the U.S. dollar would eventually be digitized,” he said. “We heard, even back then, four-plus years ago, that the Chinese currency, the renminbi, was going to be digitized. Bitcoin at that point was accelerating. The bubble had popped at $20,000, and it was heading back down to $3,000. I said we’re going to do extensive research on this, because I believe this is going to be a big part of our future.”

Still, Scaramucci said, some very specific criteria would have to be met before Skybridge would open a bitcoin fund to investors.

“I said in my notes from 2017 if three things happen to bitcoin then I would be an investor, and I would build a bitcoin product,” he said. “One, it must continue to scale. I arbitrarily picked the number 100 million users. I think we’re well over that now. Two was regulation. How would the government regulate bitcoin and other digital assets? I think the regulation has been more or less benign. The third thing, equally important, was storage. Were we going to be able to store hundreds of millions of dollars of bitcoin and not have to worry that our keys would be stolen, our passwords taken, or we would be hacked? So now we’re storing our bitcoin at Fidelity.”

Scaramucci said he stands by the bitcoin price prediction he made earlier this year.

“I said a month or two back when bitcoin was at, call it the low 40s, that it would reach $100,000 by the end of the year. It shot up to $64,000, so I said, ‘It looks like it’s getting there more quickly than I expected.’ I’m going to maintain that prediction, $100,000, because I’m looking at the exponential growth of wallets, and bitcoin users and bitcoin owners. It makes me think there’s nowhere for the price to go, long-term, other than up because of the supply and demand imbalance.”

Join InvestorBrandNetwork’s Jonathan Keim and Anthony Scaramucci, founder and managing partner of Skybridge Capital, as they discuss why Skybridge chooses not to hedge its bitcoin position, Scaramucci’s reaction to Elon Musk’s recent tweets regarding bitcoin and why he prefers to invest in bitcoin over other cryptocurrencies.

To hear the entire episode please visit: https://www.CryptoCurrencyWire.com/CryptoNewsAudio

The latest audio production from CryptoCurrencyWire continues to reinforce InvestorBrandNetwork’s commitment to the expansion of its robust network of brands, client partners, followers and the growing IBN Podcast Series. For more than 15 years, IBN has leveraged this commitment to provide unparalleled distribution and corporate messaging solutions to 500+ public and private companies.

To learn more about IBN’s achievements and milestones via a visual timeline please visit: https://IBN.fm/TimeLine

About CryptoCurrencyWire

CryptoCurrencyWire (CCW)
is a financial news and content distribution company that provides: (1) access to a network of wire services via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets; (3) enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers; and (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CCW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CCW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CRYPTO to 77948 (U.S. mobile phones only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CryptoCurrencyWire.com

About InvestorBrandNetwork

The InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”) consists of financial brands introduced to the investment public over the course of 15+ years. With IBN, we have amassed a collective audience of millions of social media followers. These distinctive investor brands aim to fulfill the unique needs of a growing base of client-partners. IBN will continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients.

Through NetworkNewsWire (“NNW”) and its affiliate brands, IBN provides: (1) access to a network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets; (3) enhanced press release solutions to ensure maximum impact; (4) full-scale distribution to a growing social media audience; (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions; and (6) a total news coverage solution.

For more information on IBN, visit https://www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorBrandNetwork website applicable to all content provided by IBN, wherever published or re-published: https://IBN.fm/Disclaimer

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company’s SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Corporate Communications

InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN)
Los Angeles, California
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
310.299.1717 Office
[email protected]

May 24, 2021 9:40 am

Magal Security Systems Ltd. Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

PR Newswire

YEHUD, Israel, May 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Magal Security Systems, Ltd. (NASDAQ: MAGS) today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Management will hold an investors’ conference call later today (at 10 am Eastern Time) to discuss the results.

FIRST QUARTER 2021 HIGHLIGHTS:

Entered into an asset and share purchase agreement for the sale of the Integrated Solutions division to Aeronautics Ltd. for $35 million (
closing expected in June 2021), representing value of $1.51 per share; accordingly, Magal’s Integrated Solutions division results are excluded from results from continuing operations.
Strong cash position of $25.9 million, or $1.12 per share, as of March 31^st 2021 with no debt.
Future focus on Senstar’s high gross margin operation growth – 62.1% in Q1 2021.

Mr. Dror Sharon, Chief Executive Officer of Magal, said, “Following the execution of the sale agreement of Magal’s Integrated Solutions division, our results from continuing operations represent two components. The first is the results of operations of our Product Division, Senstar. Given the seasonal effect typically seen in the first quarter and the ongoing recovery process from the impact of COVID-19 on our commercial operations, we are pleased with Senstar’s results, which, when factoring back in the sales to the Integrated Solutions division, delivered 12% EBITDA contribution on sales. As the seasonal activity ramps up, we expect our top line to increase, driving an improvement in profitability throughout the year. The second component is the expenses associated with being a public company, which remained stable during the quarter compared to the prior year. “

Continued Mr. Sharon, “We are on track to complete the divestiture of the Integrated Solution division by the end of the second quarter. At that time, we will focus on developing Senstar’s business model, which is associated with an attractive gross margin and is highly scalable. After the divestiture closes, Senstar will continue to invest in its four growth drivers of revenue and profitability. We plan to continue increasing our percentage of revenue from our key verticals, Energy, Corrections, Logistics, and Critical Infrastructure. With over $10 million invested in recent years in R&D, we intend to monetize our investment by bringing new innovative hardware and software products and solutions to market. We see an opportunity to make our sales process more efficient and have several initiatives to grow our pipeline by expanding into new geographic regions. We are also evaluating new distribution channels that could support us in new geographies or connect us with new customers that would be difficult for us to access on our own. Lastly, after the divestiture, we will have approximately $60 million in cash. We continue working on M&A targets that will bring differentiated, innovative technology to increase revenue and support our brand leadership in the global security solution market.”

FIRST QUARTER 2021 RESULTS*

Revenue of $6.5 million compared to $7.6 million
Gross margin of 62.1% compared to 64.8%
Operating loss of ($681,000) compared to ($214,000)
Net loss
attributable to Magal’s shareholders of ($2.0)
million, including ($1.2) million loss from discontinued operations, compared to net income of $0.4 million
EBITDA from continuing operations of ($369,000) compared to $80,000

* The first quarter results from continuing operations exclude the results of the Magal Integrated Solutions Division, whose sale to Aeronautics Ltd. is expected to close during the second quarter of 2021. In addition, the revenue from continuing operations excludes sales from Senstar to the Magal Integrated Solutions division, which is considered a related party for this period. Integrated Solutions division results are reported hereunder as income from discontinued operations.

Revenue for the first quarter of 2021 was $6.5 million, a decline of 14.2% compared with $7.6 million in the first quarter of 2020. The decline in first quarter revenue was primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 in regions that still have strict limitations on traveling, gathering in groups, and social distancing.

First quarter gross margin was 62.1% of revenue versus 64.8% last year. The decline in gross margin was primarily due to the mix of Senstar hardware and software products sold during the quarter and the decline in revenues.

Operating expenses were $4.7 million, an 8.0% reduction from the prior year’s first quarter operating expenses of $5.2 million. The decline in operating expenses is attributable to the decrease in selling and marketing expenses and the receipt of an additional payroll-related governmental subsidy

Operating loss for the first quarter was ($681,000) compared to an operating loss of ($214,000) in the year-ago period.

Financial income was $19,000 compared to financial income of $744,000 in the first quarter last year. This is due to the adjustment of monetary assets and liabilities, denominated in currencies, other than the functional currency of the operational entities in the group. At the end of each period, a change in currency valuation of monetary assets and liabilities is recorded as a non-cash financial expense or income.

Net loss attributable to Magal shareholders in the quarter was ($2.0 million) or $(0.09) per share versus net income of $438,000 or $0.02 per share in the first quarter of last year. The reported net loss includes a $1.2 million loss from discontinued operations versus $34,000 of income in the same period in the previous year.

The EBITDA loss from continuing operations for the first quarter was ($369,000) versus EBITDA from continuing operations of $80,000 in the first quarter of 2020.

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and deposits related to continuing operations as of March 31, 2021, was $25.9 million, or $1.12 per share, compared with cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and deposits related to continuing operations of $24.5 million, or $1.06 per share, at December 31, 2020.

EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION:

The Company will host a conference call later today, MAY 24, 2021. The call will begin promptly at 10:00 am Eastern Time, 5:00 pm Israel Time, 3:00 pm UK Time. The Company requests that participants dial in 10 minutes before the conference call commences.

To participate, please call one of the following teleconferencing numbers and the conference ID number 13719269:

US: 1-877-407-9716
Israel: 1-809-406-247
UK: 0-800-756-3429
International: 1-201-493-6779

The conference call will also be webcast live at http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=144686.

A replay link of the call will be available at www.magalsecurity.com on May 24, 2021, after 1:00 pm Eastern time through June 7, 2021, at 11:59 pm Eastern time. The replay in number is 13719269.

ABOUT MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.

Magal is a leading international provider of physical and video security solutions and products, as well as site management. Since 1969, Magal has delivered its products as well as tailor-made security solutions and turnkey projects to hundreds of satisfied customers in over 100 countries – under the most challenging conditions.

Magal offers comprehensive integrated solutions for critical sites, managed by Fortis X – our new generation, cutting-edge physical security information management system (PSIM). The solutions leverage our broad portfolio of home-grown solutions including, PIDS (Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems) and Symphony, our advanced VMS (Video Management Software) with native IVA (Intelligent Video Analytics) security solutions.

On February 7, 2021, we entered into an agreement with Aeronautics Ltd. to sell our Integrated Solutions (Project) division in consideration of $35 million in cash, on a cash-free debt-free basis subject to post-closing working capital and other customary adjustments. Following the sale of the Integrated Solutions (Project) division, we will continue to operate our Senstar Products division, with development and manufacturing facilities located in Canada and sales and support offices in the US, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regions.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on assumptions and expectations which may not be realized and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may differ from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. A number of these risks and other factors that might cause differences, some of which could be material, along with additional discussion of forward-looking statements, are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, there is uncertainty about the spread of the COVID19 virus and the impact it will have on the Company’s operations, the demand for the Company’s products, global supply chains and economic activity in general.

For more information:

Magal Security Systems Ltd.

Diane Hill, Assistant to the CEO

Tel: +972-3-539-1421

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.magalsecurity.com

IR Contact:

Brett Maas

Managing Partner

Hayden IR

+1 646-536-7331

[email protected]

* Tables to follow *

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(All numbers except EPS expressed in thousands of US$)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021	2020	% Change

Revenue	6,540	7,624	(14)
Cost of revenue	2,478	2,680	(8)

Gross profit	4,062	4,944	(18)
Operating expenses:
Research and development, net	1,007	1,213	(17)
Selling and marketing	2,133	2,544	(16)
General and administrative	1,603	1,401	14
Total operating expenses	4,743	5,158	(8)

Operating income (loss)	(681)	(214)
Financial income (expenses), net	19	744

Income (loss) before income taxes	(662)	530

Taxes on income	70	56

Income (loss) from continuing operations	(732)	474
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net	(1,237)	35

Net income (loss)	(1,969)	509

Income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests and non-controlling interests	21	70

Net income (loss) attributable to Magal’s shareholders	(1,990)	439


Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations	$(0.03)	$0.02
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations, net	$(0.06)	$0.00

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	$(0.09)	$0.02


Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	23,163,985	23,153,985

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(All numbers except EPS expressed in thousands of US$)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021 %	2020 %

Gross margin	62.1	64.8
Research and development, net as a % of revenues	15.4	15.9
Selling and marketing as a % of revenues	32.6	33.4
General and administrative as a % of revenues	24.5	18.4
Operating margin	–	–
Net margin from continuing operations	–	6.2

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.
RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA FROM CONTINUING OPERATION TO INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATION
(All numbers expressed in thousands of US$)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021	2020

GAAP income (loss) from continuing operations	(732)	474
Less:
Financial income, net	19	744
Taxes on income	70	56
Depreciation and amortization	(312)	(294)
EBITDA from continuing operations	(369)	80

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(All numbers expressed in thousands of US$)

	March 31,	December 31,
	2021	2020
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$25,916	$24,531
Restricted cash and deposits	9	10
Trade receivables, net	5,566	7,670
Unbilled accounts receivable	83	64
Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses	1,345	899
Inventories	4,327	5,325

Total current assets	37,246	38,499

LONG TERM INVESTMENTS AND RECEIVABLES:

Deferred tax assets	862	813
Operating lease right-of-use assets	1,550	1,703

Total long-term investments and receivables	2,412	2,516

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	2,049	2,080

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	2,814	2,979

GOODWILL	11,571	11,507

ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	42,570	50,476

TOTAL ASSETS	$98,662	$108,057

MAGAL SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(All numbers expressed in thousands of US$)

		March 31,	December 31,
		2021	2020

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Trade payables		$468	$1,511
Customer advances		398	355
Deferred revenues		2,609	2,709
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses		5,137	6,164
Short-term operating lease liabilities		337	460

Total current liabilities		8,949	11,199

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Deferred revenues		1,714	1,624
Deferred tax liabilities		560	522
Accrued severance pay		621	644
Long-term operating lease liabilities		1,256	1,335
Other long-term liabilities		278	285

Total long-term liabilities		4,429	4,410

LIABILITIES ATTRIBUTED TO DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS		21,080	25,350

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share Capital: Ordinary shares of NIS 1 par value –
	Authorized: 39,748,000 shares at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; Issued and outstanding: 23,163,985 shares at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020	6,753	6,753
Additional paid-in capital		70,025	69,965
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		42	34
Foreign currency translation adjustments (stand-alone financial statements)		8,111	9,104
Accumulated deficit		(20,749)	(18,759)

Total shareholders’ equity		64,182	67,097
Non-controlling interest		22	1

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		64,204	67,098

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$98,662	$108,057

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magal-security-systems-ltd-reports-first-quarter-2021-financial-results-301297728.html

SOURCE Magal Security Systems, Ltd.

May 24, 2021 9:40 am

As Summer Road Trip Season Kicks Off, National Survey from Erie Insurance Reveals Drivers’ Top 5 Concerns About Other Drivers

Survey also shows what to expect in terms of speeding, social media use, and falling asleep at the wheel – and the surprising percentage of drivers planning a road trip of a thousand miles or more

PR Newswire

ERIE, Pa., May 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — With Americans planning to hit the road over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, a national survey commissioned by Erie Insurance provides new insights about what drivers can expect to see on the road. The survey asked about everything from concerns about other drivers’ behaviors; their own habits when it comes to speeding and use of social media while driving; and the number of miles they’ll drive in a single road trip. The survey also found that while drivers may be road ready, their cars may not be, as some put off vehicle maintenance during the pandemic.

“We know a lot of drivers are anxious to travel again as pandemic restrictions begin to lift, so we commissioned this survey to get a glimpse into drivers’ mindsets as they venture back out,” said Jon Bloom, vice president of personal auto, Erie Insurance. “Our survey uncovered some concerning behaviors and showed that we need to remain vigilant and keep reminding people that driving is something that requires their full attention. We want everyone to enjoy their road trips and make it home safely.”

Driving Behaviors

When asked about their own driving behaviors, nearly three quarters of drivers (72%) admitted they sometimes or often speed. Another 62% said they sometimes or often drive while tired, and a very concerning 7% said they sometimes or often fall asleep at the wheel. Drivers aged 25-44 seem the most tired, with 13% of them saying they sometimes or often fall asleep while driving.

When asked what most worries them about other drivers, the top 5 concerns were:

1.	Texting or talking on the phone while driving	50%
2.	Road rage	18%
3.	Speeding	14%
4.	Tailgating	12%
5.	Failing to yield	3%

Social Media and Cell Phone Use While Driving
Significant percentages of drivers admit they use their cell phones while driving, including to access GPS (36%), to take or make calls (36% and 28%, respectively), or to check or reply to texts (26% and 17%, respectively).

A much smaller percentage (5%) admit to accessing social media while driving. Of those, their top 5 social media activities are:

1.	Scrolling through photos, posts or other content	89%
2.	Taking pictures	37%
3.	Posting photos or videos	26%
4.	Watching or shooting videos	22%
5.	Commenting on other people’s photos or videos	19%

Racking Up the Miles
Half of survey respondents (51%) said they plan to take at least one road trip vacation this year. Of those, 14% plan to drive 1,000 miles or more on their trip. Westerners are most likely to drive this far (25%), while few drivers from the Northeast (5%) and Midwest (7%) plan to venture this far from home.

You’re Ready to Roll – But is Your Car?
Most drivers kept up with their vehicle’s maintenance during the pandemic, but one in five said they put off some of these tasks. The top 5 common vehicle services they postponed are below and also are shown in this infographic:

1.	Oil and filter changes	65%
2.	Cleaning interior and exterior of vehicle	45%
3.	Tire rotation	38%
4.	Checking tire inflation, tread and general condition	28%
5.	Engine and cabin air filter changes	24%

See more results from the Erie Insurance auto insurance survey and visit our website at www.erieinsurance.com.

Methodology
This survey was conducted online by Falls on behalf of Erie Insurance, from February 12 through February 25, 2021, among 500 U.S. residents ages 18 and older. Falls established the sampling quotas, designed the questionnaire, tabulated the survey responses, and managed the overall project. Falls used Dynata (Plano, TX) to administer the survey via the internet, including mobile devices, to Dynata’s captive U.S. panels who met the age, gender and regional demographic criteria.

About Erie Insurance

According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th largest homeowners insurer, 13th largest automobile insurer and 13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company and the 15th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia.

News releases and more information are available on ERIE’s website at www.erieinsurance.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-summer-road-trip-season-kicks-off-national-survey-from-erie-insurance-reveals-drivers-top-5-concerns-about-other-drivers-301297727.html

SOURCE Erie Insurance Group

May 24, 2021 9:38 am

CryptoCurrencyWire Collaborates with ELEV8 as an Official NewsWire for the ELEV8: Miami Summit

New York, May 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — — via InvestorWire — CryptoCurrencyWire (“CCW”), one of 50+ brands within the InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”) platform, is pleased to announce the extension of its ongoing collaboration with ELEV8 for a fourth consecutive year in its capacity as an official newswire for the upcoming ELEV8: Miami 2021 Summit. Set to be hosted at The Wynwood Garage in Miami’s Wynwood Art District, the ELEV8 Miami conference will take place June 2-3, 2021 in the midst of Miami’s Bitcoin week.

ELEV8 operates as a global platform, working together to connect some of the blockchain community’s largest and most successful companies, corporate and enterprise thought leaders and innovators within the blockchain, distributed-ledger technology and digital asset space. Through a unique combination of proprietary content, industry events and facilitated networking, ELEV8 has actively sought to assist in eliminating barriers to growth and creating increased value for stakeholders across all industries.

With cryptocurrency market capitalizations touching all-time highs in 2021, digital currencies and blockchain applications have attracted an unprecedented amount of attention from corporate, institutional and new retail investors alike. The ELEV8: Miami Summit will seek to address the latest trends and investment opportunities for digital assets, NFTs, ALT coins, blockchain adoption, cryptocurrencies and the state of the institutional and retail market. Attendees will leave the conference with a greater understanding on how decentralized finance will continue to impact issues such as liquidity, derivatives, trading and infrastructure. The summit is set to feature more than 20+ keynote speakers, in addition to several dynamic workshops, panel discussions, presentations, case studies, and networking events.

IBN and CCW will work in conjunction with one another to leverage their extensive array of corporate communications solutions to increase recognition for conference participants who are seeking to enhance visibility before investors, journalists, consumers, and the public. Effective brand awareness strategies offered by CCW will include a wire-grade press release to announce the event, professionally written articles with amplified article syndication across CCW’s 5,000+ strategic distribution partners as well as featured placement of the ELEV8 summit on CCW’s dedicated events page.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with the ELEV8 team once again,” said Jonathan Keim, Director of Communications for CryptoCurrencyWire. “This collaboration has long been a highlight for us, and we are always excited to have the opportunity to highlight the decentralized finance sector, a sector which we believe will continue to gain increased prominence over the coming years.”

In addition to CryptoCurrencyWire’s widespread dissemination of articles and press releases, InvestorBrandNetwork is set to provide social media coverage for the Miami-based event. Collectively, among its 50+ investor-oriented brands, the network now has more than 2 million likes and followers across a variety of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

“We are pleased to continue our multi-year collaboration with CryptoCurrencyWire,” said Dene Coria, Program Director at ELEV8. “With their expansive syndication network of prominent media outlets and sustained coverage through a strong social media presence, we’re confident that CryptoCurrencyWire will play a key role in helping us reach a wider audience and provide invaluable exposure to our sponsors, presenters and exhibitors at next week’s event.”

To find out more and register, visit the event’s official website at https://www.elev8con.com/elev8-miami-summit-2021/.

About ELEV8

ELEV8’s vision is that emerging new technologies such as digital assets, cryptocurrencies, AI, and blockchain create a more interconnected economic global ecosystem, working to eliminate barriers to growth and creating increased value for stakeholders across all industries. We believe future technologies will serve as the foundation for new economic systems which are more efficient, open, and accessible. We believe future technologies will serve as the foundation for new economic systems which are more efficient, open, and accessible. Our mission is to enable that progress with industry research, distribution of the most current news and by hosting industry events that convene executives at the forefront of shaping the future of emerging technology. Our platform is home to the world’s leading tech experts; we collaborate with industry stakeholders across vertical markets and openly share insight. ELEV8 is at the forefront of shaping the future.

View ELEV8’s research & industry content here: https://www.elev8con.com/industry-content/

About CryptoCurrencyWire (CCW)

CryptoCurrencyWire is a financial news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with CCW Prime. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, CCW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, CCW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness.

CryptoCurrencyWire is where news, content and information converge via crypto.

For more information, please visit https://www.CryptoCurrencyWire.com.

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CryptoCurrencyWire website applicable to all content provided by CCW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.cryptocurrencywire.com/disclaimer/

Corporate Communications Contact:

CryptoCurrencyWire (CCW)
New York, New York
www.CryptoCurrencyWire.com
212.418.1217 Office
[email protected]

May 24, 2021 9:38 am

Greystone and MONTICELLOAM to Form Joint Venture for Comprehensive Healthcare Capital Solutions

Combining Strengths of Both Industry Leaders, New JV Will Offer a Range of Solutions Including Lending, Servicing and Asset Management; Distressed Workouts; and Operational Consulting

NEW YORK, May 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greystone, a leading national commercial real estate finance firm, and MONTICELLOAM, LLC (“MONTICELLOAM”), that with its affiliates, provides specialized private real estate and asset-based lending, servicing management services and consulting, today announced their intention to combine their senior housing and healthcare lines of business under a new joint venture. The joint venture is anticipated to become a leading one-stop-shop provider of capital finance products and services for the senior housing and healthcare industry.

Greystone is the #1 healthcare lender in the United States for FHA-insured loans, originating over $3 billion overall in senior housing and healthcare finance across FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, bridge and other proprietary platforms. MONTICELLOAM services approximately $1.8 billion in senior housing and healthcare loans throughout the United States. The joint venture intends to provide best-in-class services and capital solutions for the skilled nursing, assisted living, and senior housing sectors.

The joint venture expects to offer the following to owners and operators of senior housing and healthcare facilities:

First mortgage floating rate bridge loans;
Fixed-rate conventional term loans;
FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac permanent financing;
Mezzanine and preferred equity products;
Tax-exempt bond financing;
Equity capital;
Accounts Receivable and working capital lines of credit;
Loan servicing and asset management;
Troubled asset advisory/workout services; and
Healthcare operational consulting

“MONTICELLOAM and Greystone each have a long history of providing for the needs of senior housing and healthcare owners and operators,” said Stephen Rosenberg, CEO of Greystone. “Together, we will be even better positioned to meet all of the needs of our clients.”

Alan Litt of MONTICELLOAM remarked, “We’ve long known Steve and his team, and we believe the ability to custom-structure senior housing and healthcare transactions, together with our proprietary technology, will enable us to operate seamlessly, supplemented by Greystone’s historically large presence in middle-market bridge and FHA-insured loan markets. Whatever capital or service a senior housing or healthcare client wants, they can now get it under one roof.”

About Greystone

Greystone is a private national commercial real estate finance company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lender in these sectors. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Company LLC, Greystone Funding Company LLC and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greystone.com.

About MONTICELLOAM

MONTICELLOAM affiliates offer floating rate term loans, 5, 7 and 10-year fixed rate term loans, as well as working capital lines of credit. MONTICELLOAM affiliates provide financing for skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities and other healthcare facilities or senior housing communities throughout the U.S. The firm was founded in October 2014 by Alan Litt, Thomas Lally and Jonathan Litt, each of whom has over 25 years of industry experience as lenders, investors, developers and owner operators. For more information, visit www.monticelloam.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Karen Marotta
Greystone
212-896-9149
[email protected]

May 24, 2021 9:36 am

AGCO Names Ivory Harris Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

AGCO Names Ivory Harris Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
AGCO, Your Agriculture Company, (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery and prevision ag technology, announced that Ivory Harris is named Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer effective today. Ivory assumes responsibility for all global human resources activities and will be focused on leading and developing a high-impact talent strategy that helps AGCO achieve its farmer-first strategy.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210524005524/en/

Ivory Harris AGCO Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer (Photo: Business Wire)

“Ivory has extensive experience in talent management, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, leadership development and total rewards and will be a key partner in achieving our strategic aspirations,” said Eric Hansotia, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. He continued, “I look forward to leveraging her passion and experience as we create outstanding experiences for our employees and our farmer customers in the years ahead.”

Ms. Harris joins AGCO following a 17-year career at BASF, where she held roles of increasing scope and responsibility throughout her tenure. Her most recent role was Vice President, People Service, US. Previous roles included Vice President, Total Rewards & Corporate HR Solutions, North America and Global Director, Human Resources, Bioscience Research. Ms. Harris also previously held a Senior Project Expert, International Delegation role based in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

About AGCO

AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®. Powered by Fuse® smart farming solutions, AGCO’s full line of equipment and services helps farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of $9.1 billion in 2020. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210524005524/en/

Cristiane Masina

Global Corporate Communications Manager

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Georgia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Manufacturing Human Resources Agriculture Natural Resources Other Manufacturing

MEDIA:

Logo

Photo

Ivory Harris AGCO Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer (Photo: Business Wire)

May 24, 2021 9:35 am

ARES Security Designated as a Top Value Provider for the Florida Department of Education’s Alyssa’s Law Project

Vienna, Virginia, May 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARES Security has signed the statewide contract with Florida’s Department of Education as an approved vendor for the Alyssa’s Law mandate and will begin finalizing agreements with individual school districts to provide their comprehensive school safety solution. ARES Security’s web-based, hosted school safety solution is quick and easy to deploy, guaranteeing the districts will meet or exceed the requirements of the Alyssa’s Law mandate.

Although all of the vendors met the minimum requirements for the statewide Alyssa’s Law Project, ARES Security was ranked by the Department of Education’s Negotiation Committee as one of the top two best value solutions based on all evaluation factors including capabilities, technology, and cost. This ensures the districts exceed the capabilities included in the basic requirements and are also protected against future statewide budget risks, assuring ongoing continuity with districts that contract with ARES Security as a long term partner.

The ARES Security School Safety solution provides much needed capabilities for the schools to enhance routine school safety and security while also meeting the requirements for the Alyssa’s Law mandate. ARES Security’s solution provides unique capabilities for each district or school to configure specific settings, such as the ability to send notifications or safety checks to its users. Schools can also provide access to their information sharing application to a variety of users including students and parents and limit their alerting capabilities so only administrators are able to activate an emergency response.

Each school, law enforcement or designated emergency response organization will also receive access to a custom command and control platform, AVERT C2, that provides the ability to integrate critical information such as floorplans, law enforcement personnel, GIS data, contact information, and standard operating procedures out of the box. This comprehensive solution will enhance day-to-day safety and provides all users, responders, and supporting agencies with critical information to streamline awareness and collaboration throughout an emergency response. ARES Security will also offer the districts a long-term roadmap to continue increasing school safety and security capabilities over time, allowing schools to also integrate existing data feeds such as Cameras or Access Control into the comprehensive solution.

“We are honored to be selected for this opportunity, and to provide one of the best valued solutions to safeguard schools in Florida,” said Ben Eazzetta, CEO of ARES Security, “We feel our system will not just meet the minimum requirements but offer the best long term technology roadmap and cost protection the districts need to have for a viable long term system. Our tagline is ‘Protecting the World’s Most Critical Assets’ and there is nothing more critical than our children.”

Media Contacts:

[email protected]

Coleman Maness
ARES Security Corporation
[email protected]

May 24, 2021 9:35 am

Trina Solar to Deliver 210mm 550W High-Power Vertex Modules in North America, newly produced from its Vietnam Factory

PR Newswire

THAI NGUYEN, Vietnam, May 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Trina Solar Co., Ltd. (“Trina Solar” or the “Company”) announced the first batch of Trina Solar 210mm cells and Vertex modules coming off the production line from the company’s overseas factory in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. This shipment marks Trina Solar’s commencement of the full-capacity delivery of its high-power 210mm Vertex 550W modules globally, making Trina Solar the first solar company to deliver 210 modules to the North American market.

https://www.trinasolar.com/sites/default/files/2021051905.jpg

Trina Solar broke ground on its Thai Nguyen plant in December 2020, and completed construction in five months. This new state-of-the-art factory has a capacity for 3GW of cells and 4.5GW of 210 modules. On May 15, the facility successfully manufactured the first batch of 210mm Vertex 550W high-power modules. Plans for Vertex 400W and 670W module production are now on the agenda in the Vietnam-based plant, which can boost the annual capacity to an equivalent of 3.5 GW of 210 cells and 5GW of 210 modules, respectively.

For the solar PV industry, Trina Solar’sVietnam plant represents the first overseas factory that manufactures advanced 210 cells and 550W modules. This fully automated facility strengthens Trina Solar’s efficient global delivery of Vertex modules, and can better satisfy surging demand for high-quality, high-efficiency 210 products all across North America. With energy analysts forecasting strong growth for utility-scale solar projects across the U.S. in the coming decade, Trina Solar’s high-powered 210mm 550W modules can help project developers and financiers achieve ever great project value.

Currently, Trina Solar runs multiple 210 Vertex cell and module factories in China and Vietnam, which are expected to produce more than 50GW of modules in total by the end of 2021.

About Trina Solar

Founded in 1997, Trina Solar is the world leading PV and smart energy total solution provider. The company engages in PV products R&D, manufacture and sales; PV projects development, EPC, O&M; smart micro-grid and multi-energy complementary systems development and sales, as well as energy cloud-platform operation. In 2018, Trina Solar launched Energy IoT brand, established the Trina Energy IoT Industrial Development Alliance together with leading enterprises and research institutes in China and around the world, and founded the New Energy IoT Industrial Innovation Center. With these actions, Trina Solar is committed to working with its partners to build the energy IoT ecosystem and develop an innovation platform to explore New Energy IoT, as it strives to be a leader in global intelligent energy. For more information, please visit 

www.trinasolar.com

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View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trina-solar-to-deliver-210mm-550w-high-power-vertex-modules-in-north-america-newly-produced-from-its-vietnam-factory-301297722.html

SOURCE Trina Solar Co., Ltd

May 24, 2021 9:34 am

DSS Expands Footprint of DSS Securities through Acquisition of 24.9% of Broker-Dealer Sentinel Brokers Company

DSS has option to buy additional 50.1% of Sentinel

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Document Security Systems, Inc. (“DSS” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: DSS), a multinational company operating business segments in blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, consumer packaging, real estate, renewable energy, and securitized digital assets, today announced the further expansion of its DSS Securities, Inc. business through an acquisition of 24.9% of Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc. (“Sentinel”), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. Terms of the agreement include the option to acquire an additional 50.1% of Sentinel.

“We are thrilled to further expand the footprint of DSS Securities,” stated Frank D. Heuszel, CEO of DSS. “Owning a broker-dealer will help to accelerate our plans to build out an ecosystem around this high-growth, high-return potential segment of our operations.”

Founded in 1996 by Joseph Lawless, Sentinel primarily operates as a financial intermediary, facilitating institutional trading of municipal and corporate bonds as well as preferred stock.

“Markets are continually evolving,” commented Lawless. “As Sentinel celebrates our 25th anniversary this year, it’s exciting to engage a synergistic strategic partner the caliber of DSS that has tremendous vision and resources giving it the ability to capitalize on a wealth of opportunities. I am excited to work with the DSS team as we move forward.”

“This is great opportunity to accelerate the trajectory of our digital securities business,” commented Jason Grady, Chief Operating Officer of DSS. “We plan to continue to invest qualified ventures as opportunities warrant, effectively allocating the capital we have available to drive growth and maximize returns.”

DSS Securities completed its acquisition of 24.9% of Sentinel through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sentinel Brokers, LLC.

About Document Security Systems, Inc.

DSS is a multinational company operating business segments in blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, consumer packaging, real estate, renewable energy, and securitized digital assets. Its business model is based on a distribution sharing system in which shareholders will receive shares in its subsidiaries as DSS strategically spins them out into IPOs. Its historic business revolves around counterfeit deterrent and authentication technologies, smart packaging, and consumer product engagement. DSS is led by its Chairman and largest shareholder, Mr. Fai Chan, a highly successful global business veteran of more than 40 years specializing in corporate transformation while managing risk. He has successfully restructured more than 35 corporations with a combined value of $25 billion.

For more information on DSS visit http://www.dsssecure.com.

Investor Contact:

Dave Gentry, CEO
RedChip Companies Inc.
407-491-4498
[email protected]

Safe Harbor Disclosure

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the Company’s intended use of proceeds and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include: risks relating to our growth strategy; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; risks relating to the results of development activities; our ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel; our need for substantial additional funds; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the prospectus and in our other filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, our reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q, all of which can be obtained on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management’s current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.