The Home Depot Announces First Quarter Results

PR Newswire

ATLANTA, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today reported sales of $37.5 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2021, an increase of $9.2 billion, or 32.7 percent from the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Comparable sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 increased 31.0 percent, and comparable sales in the U.S. increased 29.9 percent.

Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 were $4.1 billion, or $3.86 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $2.2 billion, or $2.08 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2020. For the first quarter of fiscal 2021, diluted earnings per share increased 85.6 percent from the same period in the prior year.

“Fiscal 2021 is off to a strong start as we continue to build on the momentum from our strategic investments and effectively manage the unprecedented demand for home improvement projects,” said Craig Menear, chairman and CEO. “I am proud of the resilience and strength our associates have continued to demonstrate, and I would like to thank them and our supplier partners for their hard work and dedication to our customers.”

The Home Depot will conduct a conference call today at 9 a.m. ET to discuss information included in this news release and related matters. The conference call will be available in its entirety through a webcast and replay at ir.homedepot.com/events-and-presentations.

At the end of the first quarter, the Company operated a total of 2,298 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The Company employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

###

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related recovery on our business, operations and financial results (which, among other things, may affect many of the items listed below); the demand for our products and services; net sales growth; comparable sales; effects of competition; our brand and reputation; implementation of store, interconnected retail, supply chain and technology initiatives; inventory and in-stock positions; state of the economy; state of the housing and home improvement markets; state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans and consumer credit; impact of tariffs; issues related to the payment methods we accept; demand for credit offerings; management of relationships with our associates, suppliers and service providers; international trade disputes, natural disasters, public health issues (including pandemics and quarantines
, related shut-downs and other governmental orders, and similar restrictions, as well as subsequent re-openings
), and other business interruptions that could disrupt supply or delivery of, or demand for, the Company’s products or services; continuation or suspension of share repurchases; net earnings performance; earnings per share; dividend targets; capital allocation and expenditures; liquidity; return on invested capital; expense leverage; stock-based compensation expense; commodity price inflation and deflation; the ability to issue debt on terms and at rates acceptable to us; the impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims and litigation, including compliance with related settlements; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; the impact of regulatory changes, including changes to tax laws and regulations; store openings and closures; guidance for fiscal 2021 and beyond; financial outlook; and the impact of acquired companies, including HD Supply Holdings, Inc., on our organization and the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of those acquisitions. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control, dependent on the actions of third parties, or are currently unknown to us – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


THE HOME DEPOT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended



in millions, except per share data


May 2,

2021


May 3,

2020


% Change

Net sales

$

37,500

$

28,260

32.7

%

Cost of sales

24,758

18,635

32.9

 Gross profit

12,742

9,625

32.4

Operating expenses:

Selling, general and administrative

6,374

5,829

9.3

Depreciation and amortization

587

520

12.9

 Total operating expenses

6,961

6,349

9.6

Operating income

5,781

3,276

76.5

Interest and other (income) expense:

Interest and investment income

(6)

(17)

(64.7)

Interest expense

339

324

4.6

Interest and other, net

333

307

8.5

Earnings before provision for income taxes

5,448

2,969

83.5

Provision for income taxes

1,303

724

80.0

Net earnings

$

4,145

$

2,245

84.6

%

Basic weighted average common shares

1,071

1,073

(0.2)

%

Basic earnings per share

$

3.87

$

2.09

85.2

Diluted weighted average common shares

1,075

1,077

(0.2)

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

3.86

$

2.08

85.6


Three Months Ended



Selected Sales Data

 (1)


May 2,

2021


May 3,

2020


% Change

Customer transactions (in millions)

447.2

374.8

19.3

%

Average ticket

$

82.37

$

74.70

10.3

Sales per retail square foot

$

605.60

$

466.58

29.8

————


(1) 
Selected Sales Data does not include results for the legacy Interline Brands business or results for HD Supply Holdings, Inc.

 


THE HOME DEPOT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)



in millions


May 2,

2021


May 3,

2020


January 31,

2021


Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

6,648

$

8,696

$

7,895

Receivables, net

3,624

2,610

2,992

Merchandise inventories

19,178

14,989

16,627

Other current assets

1,222

982

963

Total current assets

30,672

27,277

28,477

Net property and equipment

24,673

22,697

24,705

Operating lease right-of-use assets

5,864

5,634

5,962

Goodwill

7,137

2,220

7,126

Other assets

4,221

909

4,311

Total assets

$

72,567

$

58,737

$

70,581


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

14,494

$

10,056

$

11,606

Accrued salaries and related expenses

2,167

1,974

2,463

Current installments of long-term debt

1,164

4,200

1,416

Current operating lease liabilities

803

853

828

Other current liabilities

9,130

6,265

6,853

Total current liabilities

27,758

23,348

23,166

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

34,697

31,622

35,822

Long-term operating lease liabilities

5,279

5,075

5,356

Other liabilities

3,085

2,182

2,938

Total liabilities

70,819

62,227

67,282

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

1,748

(3,490)

3,299

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

72,567

$

58,737

$

70,581

 


THE HOME DEPOT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended



in millions


May 2,

2021


May 3,

2020


Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

Net earnings

$

4,145

$

2,245

Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

703

607

Stock-based compensation expense

146

88

Changes in working capital

1,301

2,834

Changes in deferred income taxes

(87)

(68)

Other operating activities

102

31

 Net cash provided by operating activities

6,310

5,737


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

Capital expenditures

(524)

(586)

Other investing activities

(4)

8

 Net cash used in investing activities

(528)

(578)


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

Repayments of short-term debt, net

(974)

Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discounts and premiums

4,960

Repayments of long-term debt

(1,390)

(27)

Repurchases of common stock

(3,788)

(791)

Proceeds from sales of common stock

13

18

Cash dividends

(1,775)

(1,611)

Other financing activities

(130)

(125)

 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(7,070)

1,450

Change in cash and cash equivalents

(1,288)

6,609

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

41

(46)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

7,895

2,133

 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

6,648

$

8,696

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-home-depot-announces-first-quarter-results-301293019.html

SOURCE The Home Depot

Daqo New Energy Announces Unaudited First Quarter 2021 Results

PR Newswire

SHANGHAI, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) (“Daqo New Energy”, the “Company” or “we”), a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2021.

First Quarter 2021 Financial and Operating Highlights

  • Polysilicon production volume was 20,185 MT in Q1 2021, compared to 21,008 MT in Q4 2020
  • Polysilicon sales volume was 21,471 MT in Q1 2021, compared to 23,186 MT in Q4 2020
  • Polysilicon average total production cost(1) was $6.29/kg in Q1 2021, compared to $5.92/kg in Q4 2020
  • Polysilicon average cash cost(1) was $5.37/kg in Q1 2021, compared to $5.04/kg in Q4 2020
  • Polysilicon average selling price (ASP) was $11.90/kg in Q1 2021, compared to $10.79/kg in Q4 2020
  • Revenue was $256.1 million in Q1 2021, compared to $247.7 million in Q4 2020
  • Gross profit was $118.9 million in Q1 2021, compared to $109.5 million in Q4 2020. Gross margin was 46.4% in Q1 2021, compared to 44.2% in Q4 2020
  • Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $83.2 million in Q1 2021, compared to $72.8 million in Q4 2020
  • Earnings per basic American Depositary Share (ADS)(3) was $1.13 in Q1 2021, compared to $1.01 in Q4 2020
  • EBITDA (non-GAAP)(2) was $128.1 million in Q1 2021, compared to $115.1 million in Q4 2020. EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(2) was 50.0% in Q1 2021, compared to 46.5% in Q4 2020
  • Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)(2) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $86.2 million in Q1 2021, compared to $77.3 million in Q4 2020
  • Adjusted earnings per basic ADS(3) (non-GAAP)(2) was $1.18 in Q1 2021, compared to $1.07 in Q4 2020


Three months ended

US$ millions

except as indicated otherwise


Mar 31,
2021


Dec 31,
2020


Mar 31,
2020

Revenues

256.1

247.7

168.8

Gross profit

118.9

109.5

56.6

Gross margin

46.4%

44.2%

33.5%

Income from operations

109.2

98.0

45.8

Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp.
shareholders

83.2

72.8

33.2

Earnings per basic ADS(3) ($ per ADS)

1.13

1.01

0.47

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)(2) attributable to
Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders

86.2

77.3

37.7

Adjusted earnings per basic ADS(3) (non-GAAP)(2)
($ per ADS) 

1.18

1.07

0.54

EBITDA (non-GAAP)(2) 

128.1

115.1

63.1

EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(2)

50.0%

46.5%

37.4%

Polysilicon sales volume (MT) 

21,471

23,186

19,101

Polysilicon average total production cost ($/kg)(1)

6.29

5.92

5.86

Polysilicon average cash cost (excl. dep’n) ($/kg)(1)

5.37

5.04

5.01

 

Notes:

(1)     Production cost and cash cost only refer to production in our polysilicon facilities in Xinjiang. Production cost is calculated by the inventoriable costs relating to production of polysilicon in Xinjiang divided by the production volume in the period indicated. Cash cost is calculated by the inventoriable costs relating to production of polysilicon excluding depreciation expense, divided by the production volume in the period indicated.

(2)     Daqo New Energy provides EBITDA, EBITDA margins, adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic ADS on a non-GAAP basis to provide supplemental information regarding its financial performance. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section captioned “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the tables captioned “Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures” set forth at the end of this press release.

(3)     ADS means American Depositary Share. On November 17, 2020, the Company effected a change of the ratio of its ADSs to ordinary shares from one (1) ADS representing twenty-five (25) ordinary shares to one (1) ADS representing five (5) ordinary shares. The earnings per ADS and number of ADS information has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the change for all periods presented.

Management Remarks

Mr. Longgen Zhang, CEO of Daqo New Energy, commented, “During the quarter, we continued to see strong momentum in customer demand for high-purity polysilicon, which led to a significant shortage of polysilicon and higher polysilicon ASPs. Our ASP in the first quarter of 2021 was $11.90/kg, approximately 10% higher than Q4 2020. Due to the elapsed time from contract signing, product shipment, to revenue recognition upon products’ arrival at customers’ sites, it takes time for market prices to be fully reflected in our ASPs during periods of rapid price change. Based on current customer contracts and product deliveries, we expect our ASP in the second quarter of 2021 to be in the range of $19.00$20.00/kg, a significant improvement compared to Q1 that better reflects recent market pricing trends. As of today, current market pricing for high-purity mono-grade polysilicon has already reached the level of $23$25/kg. With strong end market demand driven by global carbon neutrality commitments by all major economies, major mono-wafer manufacturers continue their capacity expansion and new entrants build new wafer capacity. As a result, we believe that supply in the polysilicon market will remain tight until the middle of 2022, when the market will finally see some additional supply of polysilicon.”

“During the quarter we produced 20,185 MT of polysilicon which lays a solid foundation for achieving our production target this year and also gives us the confidence to raise our guidance for annual production volume to the range of 81,000 MT to 83,000 MT from 80,000 MT to 81,000 MT. During the quarter, approximately 99% of our polysilicon products were sold to mono-wafer customers and we already began commercial shipments of N-type polysilicon to four major customers. Our production cost was up by 4% in RMB terms in the quarter as compared to Q4 2020, primarily due to the rise in the cost of silicon raw material and the impact of lower production volumes. We expect production costs to stabilize in the coming quarters as the cost of silicon raw material has stabilized for the time being. We will continue our efforts to reduce cost and improve quality as we expect to see the benefit from our newly implemented digital manufacturing system to stabilize production, maximize output and optimize efficiency.”

“On the business development front, we have already sold out our production volume of this year through the long-term supply agreements with customers that span all the major mono-wafer manufactures as well as major integrated solar manufacturers. More importantly, in connection with these long-term supply contracts, we have received RMB 800 million of prepayments from customers this year to date, which will help us fund our future expansion plans and ensure our future market share. This shows the tightness of the polysilicon market and the strong momentum in demand growth, as well as the fact that, in our customers’ mind, Daqo is the leading supplier of high-purity mono-grade and N-type polysilicon with high reliability, stability and consistency.”

“In mid-March we began construction for our new Phase 4B project, which will add 35,000 metric ton capacity for high-purity polysilicon. We expect to complete the project by the end of 2021 and ramp up to full capacity by the end of Q1 2022. Our Phase 4B project and the potential IPO on China’s STAR Market will bring us into a new phase of development and enable us to quickly expand capacity to address the fast-growing demand from the global solar PV market for ultra-high purity polysilicon.”

“In the present context of global carbon neutrality goals, major economies in the world including China are launching ambitious policies to mandate the use of clean energy and address climate change. With the megatrend of the transformation to a low-carbon economy and de-carbonization of the energy sector, we are entering a new era of accelerated growth for the solar industry. We believe Daqo New Energy is very well positioned to benefit from this tremendous opportunity.”


Outlook and guidance

The Company expects to produce approximately 20,000MT to 21,000MT of polysilicon and sell approximately 20,000MT to 21,000MT of polysilicon to external customers during the second quarter of 2021. For the full year of 2021, the Company expects to produce approximately 81,000 to 83,000 MT of polysilicon, inclusive of the impact of the Company’s annual facility maintenance.

This outlook reflects Daqo New Energy’s current and preliminary view as of the date of this press release and may be subject to changes. The Company’s ability to achieve these projections is subject to risks and uncertainties. See “Safe Harbor Statement” at the end of this press release.

First Quarter 2021 Results


Revenues

Revenues were $256.1 million, compared to $247.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $168.8 million in the first quarter of 2020. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher ASPs partially offset by slightly lower polysilicon sales volume.


Gross profit and margin

Gross profit was $118.9 million, compared to $109.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $56.6 million in the first quarter of 2020. Gross margin was 46.4%, compared to 44.2% in the fourth quarter of 2020 and 33.5% in the first quarter of 2020. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to higher ASPs.


Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $9.0 million, compared to $11.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $8.9 million in the first quarter of 2020. SG&A expenses during the quarter included $2.5 million in non-cash share-based compensation costs related to the Company’s share incentive plan, compared to $4.5 million in the fourth quarter and $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2020. 


Research and development expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $1.2 million, compared to $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. Research and development expenses can vary from period to period and reflect R&D activities that take place during the quarter.


Income from operations and operating margin

As a result of the foregoing, income from operations was $109.2 million, compared to $98.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $45.8 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Operating margin was 42.6%, compared to 39.6% in the fourth quarter of 2020 and 27.1% in the first quarter of 2020.


Interest expense

Interest expense was $7.8 million, compared to $8.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $6.3 million in the first quarter of 2020.


Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and earnings per ADS

As a result of the aforementioned, net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $83.2 million, compared to $72.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $33.2 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Earnings per basic American Depository Share (ADS) was $1.13, compared to $1.01 in the fourth quarter of 2020, and $0.47 in the first quarter of 2020.


EBITDA (non-GAAP)

EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $128.1 million, compared to $115.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $63.1 million in the first quarter of 2020. EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 50.0%, compared to 46.5% in the fourth quarter of 2020 and 37.4% in the first quarter of 2020.


Financial Condition

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had $227.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared to $118.4 million as of December 31, 2020 and $120.8 million as of March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, the notes receivable balance was $38.5 million, compared to $0.2 million as of December 31, 2020 and $4.4 million as of March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, total borrowings were $222.2 million, of which $100.4 million were long-term borrowings, compared to total borrowings of $193.7 million, including $123.2 million long-term borrowings, as of December 31, 2020 and total borrowings of $265.6 million, including $149.0 million long-term borrowings, as of March 31, 2020.


Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was $159.2 million, compared to $31.1 million in the same period of 2020.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $79.9 million, compared to $12.9 million in the same period of 2020. The net cash used in investing activities in 2021 and 2020 was primarily related to the capital expenditures on the Company’s polysilicon expansion projects.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $31.7 million, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $10.0 million in the same period of 2020.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Daqo New Energy’s consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP”), the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures that are adjusted for certain items from the most directly comparable GAAP measures including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and EBITDA margin; adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic and diluted ADS. Our management believes that each of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors, enabling them to better assess changes in key element of the Company’s results of operations across different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independent of certain items as described below. Thus, our management believes that, used in conjunction with US GAAP financial measures, these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with meaningful supplemental information to assess the Company’s operating results in a manner that is focused on its ongoing, core operating performance. Our management uses these non-GAAP measures internally to assess the business, its financial performance, current and historical results, as well as for strategic decision-making and forecasting future results. Given our management’s use of these non-GAAP measures, the Company believes these measures are important to investors in understanding the Company’s operating results as seen through the eyes of our management. These non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with US GAAP or intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP; the non-GAAP measures should be reviewed together with the US GAAP measures, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

The Company uses EBITDA, which represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and EBITDA margin, which represents the proportion of EBITDA in revenues. Adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic and diluted ADS exclude costs related to share-based compensation. Share-based compensation is a non-cash expense that varies from period to period. As a result, our management excludes this item from our internal operating forecasts and models. Our management believes that this adjustment for share-based compensation provides investors with a basis to measure the Company’s core performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without the period-to-period variability created by share-based compensation.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures is presented later in this document.

Conference Call

The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss the results at 8:00 AM Eastern Time on May 18, 2021. (9:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong time on the same day).

The dial-in details for the live conference call are as follows:

Participant dial in (toll free):

+1-888-346-8982

Participant international dial in:

+1-412-902-4272

China mainland toll free:

4001-201203

Hong Kong toll free:

800-905945

Hong Kong-local toll:

+852-301-84992

 

Participants please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and ask to be
joined into the Daqo New Energy Corp. call.

You can also listen to the conference call via Webcast through the URL:
https://services.choruscall.com/links/dq210518.html

A replay of the call will be available 1 hour after the end of the conference through May 25, 2021.

The conference call replay numbers are as follows:

US Toll Free:

+1-877-344-7529

International Toll:

+1-412-317-0088

Canada Toll Free:

855-669-9568

Replay access code:

10156391

To access the replay using an international dial-in number, please select the link below.
https://services.choruscall.com/ccforms/replay.html

Participants will be required to state their name and company upon entering the call.

About Daqo New Energy Corp.

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) (“Daqo” or the “Company”) is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. Founded in 2007, the Company is one of the world’s lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon. It has a total annual capacity of 70,000 metric tons of high-purity polysilicon, with another 35,000 metric tons polysilicon capacity under construction, which is expected to reach full capacity by the end of the first quarter of 2022.

For more information, please visit www.dqsolar.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for the second quarter and the full year of 2021 and quotations from management in this announcement, Xinjiang Daqo’s IPO plan as well as Daqo New Energy’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the demand for photovoltaic products and the development of photovoltaic technologies; global supply and demand for polysilicon; alternative technologies in cell manufacturing; the Company’s ability to significantly expand its polysilicon production capacity and output; the reduction in or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for solar energy applications; the Company’s ability to lower its production costs; and the duration of COVID-19 outbreaks in China and many other countries and the impact of the outbreaks and the quarantines and travel restrictions instituted by relevant governments on economic and market conditions, including potentially weaker global demand for solar PV installations that could adversely affect the Company’s business and financial performance. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the reports or documents the Company has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

 

 

 


Daqo New Energy Corp.


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(US dollars in thousands, except ADS and per ADS data)


Three months Ended


Mar 31, 2021


Dec 31, 2020


Mar 31, 2020

Revenues       

$256,095

$247,725

$168,831

Cost of revenues

(137,151)

(138,238)

(112,277)

Gross profit

118,944

109,487

56,554

Operating expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses

(9,033)

(11,236)

(8,892)

Research and development expenses

(1,197)

(1,498)

(1,654)

Other operating income

479

1,226

(215)

Total operating expenses

(9,751)

(11,508)

(10,761)

Income from operations

109,193

97,979

45,793

Interest expense

(7,825)

(8,254)

(6,287)

Interest income

282

187

151

Income before income taxes

101,650

89,912

39,657

Income tax expense

(14,487)

(13,606)

(6,344)

Net income from continuing operations

87,163

76,306

33,313

Net loss from discontinued operations

(86)

Net income

87,163

76,306

33,227

Net income / (loss) attributable to non-controlling
interest

3,944

3,480

 

(3)

Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp.
  shareholders

$83,219

$72,826

$33,230

Net income

87,163

76,306

33,227

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
  of nil

(3,857)

31,107

(9,819)

Total other comprehensive income / (loss)

(3,857)

31,107

(9,819)

Comprehensive income

83,306

107,413

23,408

Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to non-
  controlling interest

3,788

5,698

(9)

Comprehensive income attributable to Daqo New
  Energy Corp. shareholders

$79,518

$101,715

$23,417

Earnings per ADS

-Continuing operations

1.13

1.01

0.47

     -Discontinued operations

0.00

0.00

0.00

 Basic

1.13

1.01

0.47

-Continuing operations

1.08

0.96

0.44

     -Discontinued operations

0.00

0.00

0.00

 Diluted

1.08

0.96

0.44

Weighted average ADS outstanding

Basic

73,338,969

72,147,808

69,959,236

Diluted

76,744,468

76,065,033

76,340,541

 

 

 


Daqo New Energy Corp.


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(US dollars in thousands)

Mar 31, 2021

Dec 31, 2020

Mar 31, 2020

ASSETS:

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

167,049

76,596

63,168

Restricted cash

60,800

41,808

57,639

Short-term investment

7,631

Accounts receivable, net

18

213

Notes receivable

38,547

153

4,402

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

9,857

11,477

13,249

Advances to suppliers

5,468

7,949

8,962

Inventories

34,064

42,159

33,234

Amount due from related parties

129

Current assets associated with discontinued
  operation

664

Total current assets

323,434

180,271

181,531

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,081,352

1,027,086

968,418

Prepaid land use right

30,534

30,829

28,936

Deferred tax assets

1,330

Investment in affiliate

682

685

631

Operating lease right-of-use assets

96

119

173

Other non-current assets

3,016

153

Non-current asset associated with discontinued
  operation

197

TOTAL ASSETS

1,439,114

1,239,143

1,181,216

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings, including current portion
  of long-term borrowings

121,822

70,431

116,602

Accounts payable

17,848

18,953

17,716

Notes payable

60,774

49,355

89,614

Advances from customers-short term portion

64,640

37,783

11,640

Payables for purchases of property, plant and
equipment

34,778

49,555

106,208

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities


24,632

30,148

11,284

Amount due to related parties

4,889

5,150

43,363

Income tax payable

18,087

22,678

10,975

Lease liabilities – short term portion

83

82

85

Current liabilities associated with discontinued
operation

 

1,164

Total current liabilities


347,553

284,135

408,651

Long-term borrowings

100,422

123,222

149,018

Advance from customers – long term portion

77,494

3,265

1,624

Amount due to related parties – long term
portion

4,272

4,238

Deferred government subsidies

21,629

21,907

20,536

Deferred Tax Liabilities

2,505

3,461

6,271

Lease liabilities – long term portion

77

TOTAL LIABILITIES


553,875

440,228

586,177

 

EQUITY:

Ordinary shares

37

37

35

Treasury stock

(1,749)

(1,749)

(1,749)

Additional paid-in capital

415,467

412,450

391,843

Retained earnings

413,337

330,118

234,152

Accumulated other comprehensive
income/(loss)

22,567

26,267

(29,750)

Total Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders’
  equity


849,659

767,123

594,531

Non-controlling interest

35,580

31,792

508

Total equity


885,239

798,915

595,039

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

1,439,114

1,239,143

1,181,216

 

 


Daqo New Energy Corp.


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(US dollars in thousands)

For the three months ended March 31,

2021

2020


Operating Activities:

Net income

87,163

33,227

Less: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

(86)

Net income from continuing operations

87,163

33,313

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

22,035

22,900

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

49,980

(25,148)

Net cash provided by operating activities-continuing operations

159,178

31,065

Net cash provided by operation activities-discontinued operations

15

Net cash provided by operating activities

159,178

31,080


Investing activities:

Net cash used in investing activities-continuing operations

(79,891)

(12,893)

Net cash used in investing activities-discontinuing operations

(14)

Net cash used in investing activities

(79,891)

(12,907)


Financing activities:

Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities – continuing operations

31,740

(10,027)

Net cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations

(1)

Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities

31,740

(10,028)

Effect of exchange rate changes

(1,582)

(1,997)

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

109,445

6,148

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period

118,404

115,294

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period

227,849

121,442

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the
statement of financial position that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows.

Mar 31, 2021

Mar 31, 2020

Cash and cash equivalents

167,049

63,803

Restricted cash

60,800

57,639

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the

statement of cash flows

227,849

121,442

 

 

 


Daqo New Energy Corp.


Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures

(US dollars in thousands)


Three months Ended


Mar. 31, 2021


Dec. 31, 2020


Mar. 31, 2020


Net income from continuing operations

87,163

76,306

33,313

Income tax expense

14,487

13,606

6,344

Interest expense

7,825

8,254

6,287

Interest income

(282)

(187)

(151)

Depreciation & amortization

18,914

17,118

17,275


EBITDA (non-GAAP)

128,107

115,097

63,068


EBIDTA margin (non-GAAP)

50.0%

46.5%

37.4%


Three months Ended


Mar. 31, 2021


Dec. 31, 2020


Mar. 31, 2020


Net income attributable to Daqo New Energy
  Corp. shareholders

83,219

72,826

33,230

Share-based compensation

3,001

4,478

4,461


Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) attributable to
  Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders

86,220

77,304

37,691


Adjusted earnings per basic ADS (non-GAAP)

 

$1.18

 

$1.07

 

$0.54


Adjusted earnings per diluted ADS (non-GAAP)

$1.12

$1.02

$0.49

 

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/daqo-new-energy-announces-unaudited-first-quarter-2021-results-301293289.html

SOURCE Daqo New Energy Corp.

Xtreme Fighting Championships Ready To Deliver Action-Packed, Two-Event MMA Showcase In Iowa

PR Newswire

DESTIN, Fla., May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Xtreme Fighting Championships (OTC: DKMR) is ready to deliver an action-packed fight week showcase in Des Moines, IA, featuring XFC 44 and YoungGuns 2 on May 28 at beautiful Wells Fargo Arena, LIVE on FOX Sports.

XFC 44 features Andre “The Asian Sensation” Soukhamthath’s return to the Main Event as he welcomes top Mexican contender Jose “El Teco” Quinonez to the famed Hexagon, LIVE on FOX Sports and XFCTV.com. XFC 44 is stacked with the action-packed Semifinal Rounds of the XFC Lightweight and Welterweight Tournaments, and much more.

YoungGuns 2 introduces the next generation of MMA superstars to the XFC’s global platform, LIVE on FOX Sports and XFCTV.com. The event will feature several returning combatants from YoungGuns 1, a number of young athletes who have earned XFC contracts through our International Tryout Events, and a handful of new fighters hungry to showcase their skills on the international stage.

XFC 44


May 28 | Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA

Andre Soukhamthath (14-8) vs. Jose Quinonez (8-5)
Bantamweight Main Event
Kurt Holobaugh (18-7) vs. Jose Verdugo (19-9)
XFC Lightweight Tournament Semifinal
Tom O’Connor (9-1) vs. Damonte Robinson (6-1-1)
XFC Lightweight Tournament Semifinal
LaRue Burley (10-4) vs. Carson Hardman (9-2)
XFC Welterweight Tournament Semifinal
Ryan Dickson (11-5) vs. Bobby Nash (10-4)
XFC Welterweight Tournament Semifinal
Marino Eatman (5-3) vs. Brett Martin (9-1)
Heavyweight Feature Bout
Austin Bashi (3-0) vs. Emanuel Pugh (pro debut)
Bantamweight Feature Bout

YoungGuns 2


May 28 | Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA

Davi Young vs. Jake Kozorosky
YoungGuns Lightweight Bout
James Bennett vs. Boston Salmon
YoungGuns Featherweight Bout
Luis Navarro vs. Tyson Miller
YoungGuns Welterweight Bout
Cody Linne vs. Orlando Ortega
YoungGuns Flyweight Bout
Ygor Gorbachev vs. Juan Roman
YoungGuns Lightweight Bout
Atty Belanger vs. Autumn Newcomb
YoungGuns Flyweight Bout

XFC President Myron Molotky: “We’re very excited to deliver two world-class, professional MMA events in one night on May 28. XFC 44 features many of the XFC’s biggest stars, and YoungGuns 2 will showcase the future of combat sports athletes.”

XFC CEO Steve Smith: “We’re counting down the minutes until fight week in Iowa. The story of MMA can’t be told without this great state, and we’ve got two world-class events on deck for May 28 at the spectacular Wells Fargo Arena. This will be an unforgettable night for those who join us in Des Moines, and for everyone watching around the world.”

Media Contact:
Ed Kapp
[email protected]

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xtreme-fighting-championships-ready-to-deliver-action-packed-two-event-mma-showcase-in-iowa-301293254.html

SOURCE Xtreme Fighting Championships

Equifax Ignite Live 2021 Explores Digital Convergence for Financial Services

In a free, virtual conference, experts discuss post-pandemic growth opportunities as evolving consumer and business behaviors reshape the marketplace

PR Newswire

ATLANTA, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX), a data, analytics, and technology company announced its free, virtual conference, Ignite LIVE 2021, will take place Tuesday, May 25 from 10am-2pm ET. This year’s event focuses on digital convergence across the financial services industry. As the U.S. looks ahead to the ‘new normal,’ businesses must adapt to a mosaic of shifting demands to remain competitive and take advantage of growth opportunities.

To register for Ignite Live 2021, click here.

Engaging discussions with industry experts, customers and partners will focus on how businesses have pivoted to meet customer demands, streamline processes and embrace new technologies to increase growth and mitigate risks. Throughout the event, Equifax will showcase data, analytics and technology solutions, including digital identity and fraud prevention capabilities powered by The Equifax Cloud™.

“As we exit the global pandemic, we enter a new world with new expectations. People behave differently, and financial landscapes have evolved. From this upheaval, new trends emerged, existing ones accelerated, and old ones disappeared,” states Prasanna Dhore, Equifax’s Chief Data & Analytics and Innovation Officer. “We are now witnessing a convergence, and convergence introduces new opportunities if we open ourselves to new thinking. This conference is a perfect chance to learn how to optimize decisions, embrace digital commerce, automate processes, and improve the customer experience. “

Key topics focusing on digital convergence during Ignite Live 2021 will include:

  • Protecting Your Business from Digital Identity Fraud. Businesses have turned digital customer experiences into explosive growth. But with accelerated growth, unprotected businesses are seeing rising losses from fraud. Join us to learn more from experts, including Brad Wiskirchen, CEO of Kount, an Equifax Company, about proven strategies and best practices to increase revenue and protect every digital interaction.
  • Expanding Credit with xAI: Not All Explainable AI is Equal. Explainable Artificial Intelligence (xAI) has incredible value for both consumers and lenders. The pandemic has forced a rapid change in consumer behaviors, and they expect to be rewarded for positive behavior. See how Equifax xAI allows clients to reward consumers and extend credit deep into the credit spectrum.
  • Accelerating Innovation: Validate Ideas and Understand New Markets with a Unique Testing Ground. See how the InnovationX immersive experience helps fintechs, established financial institutions and other organizations accelerate innovation in today’s competitive market. This unique testing ground for new products enables organizations to                    validate ideas and understand new markets with ready access to real-time, cloud-native data and advanced analytics.
  • Seeing the Value: Verified Employment and Income in Today’s Lending Landscape. When consistently applied “at application,” using verified employment and income helps lenders make more confident decisions and provides ways to increase financial inclusion.

As a champion of financial inclusion, Equifax is committed to helping people live their financial best. Through special events such as Ignite LIVE 2021, Equifax is well-positioned to bring together leading data scientists, business executives, analytics experts and scholars to address market challenges and opportunities impacting consumer behaviors and business models. The historic shifts in the U.S. and global marketplace due to the pandemic mean businesses and financial institutions must collaborate and innovate like never before to ensure financially healthy communities.

To register for Ignite Live 2021, click here.

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC.
At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 11,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com

For more information

[email protected]

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/equifax-ignite-live-2021-explores-digital-convergence-for-financial-services-301293290.html

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft – VLKAY; VLKPY

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of  Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (“Volkswagen” or the “Company”) (OTCMKTS:  VLKAY; VLKPY).  Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Volkswagen and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. 


[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On March 30, the Wall Street Journal published a “WSJ News Exclusive” entitled “No, Volkswagen Isn’t Rebranding Itself Voltswagen: German car maker says announcement by its U.S. operation was supposed to be an April Fools’ gag[.]”  The Wall Street Journal article reported, in pertinent part, that “Volkswagen AG’s U.S. subsidiary said Tuesday the company would rebrand itself as Voltswagen of America to promote its electric car strategy, but a spokesman for the parent company in Germany later said the move was a joke.” 

On March 31, 2021, further reports regarding how Volkswagen, Volkswagen of America, and its spokespeople purposefully misled to reporters were published.  For example, ABC News published an article entitled “An unwelcome prank: Volkswagen purposely hoodwinks reporters: Journalists are wary of looking out for pranksters around April Fool’s Day, but this time it came from a multi-billion dollar corporation[.]” 

On this news, Volkswagen’s American Depositary Receipt (“ADR”) price fell $2.14 per ADR, or over 5%, over the next two full trading days, to close at $35.58 per ADR on April 1, 2020, damaging investors.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-on-behalf-of-investors-of-volkswagen-aktiengesellschaft–vlkay-vlkpy-301293252.html

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

BD to Build New €165 Million Manufacturing Facility in Zaragoza, Spain To Support Ongoing Strong Growth of Pre-Filled Drug Delivery Business

New plant will produce drug delivery devices, employ 150 people in 2024 and up to 600 when full operations start in 2030

PR Newswire

MADRID, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, will build a €165 million ($200 million USD) high-tech manufacturing facility in the city of Zaragoza, located in the Aragon region of Spain, that will create up to 600 jobs by 2030.

BD plans to begin construction of the new plant in late 2021, and the new facility will be the fourth manufacturing plant for BD in Spain. The site will initially have a workforce of 150 people and encompass an area of 8,000 square meters (86,000 square feet). By 2030 it is expected to employ up to 600 people with an area of 30,000 square meters (323,000 square feet). The new facility will meet high sustainability and eco-efficiency standards, and it will be a fully digital site, incorporating the latest in intelligent and autonomous technologies, also knowns as Industry 4.0 solutions.

“BD’s new plant in Zaragoza will produce drug delivery devices, primarily for pharmaceutical companies that supply the European market with drugs in pre-fillable syringes such as vaccines and other biologic drugs,” said Eric Borin, worldwide president of BD Pharmaceutical Systems. “This new plant will also add needed capacity to support major vaccination campaigns, such as the one currently taking place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The new site represents a portion of the $1.2 billion USD investment over four years that was announced in December 2020 to expand and upgrade manufacturing capacity and technology for pre-fillable syringes (PFS) and advanced drug delivery systems (ADDS) as part of BD’s 2025 growth strategy. The new site also continues BD’s commitment to Spain, where it started operations more than 40 years ago and currently has three production plants located in San Agustín de Guadalix, Fraga and Almaraz. These facilities produce a total of 10 billion medical devices each year and employ 1,500 people. The Fraga plant is a key production site for the manufacture of COVID-19 vaccination injection devices.

“After the December 2020 announcement of BD’s intention to build a new plant in Europe, a detailed site location search process resulted in Zaragoza, Aragon being selected because of the optimal conditions offered by the region, the synergies that could be produced with BD’s Fraga facility, and the results and excellent performance of the plants that currently exist in Spain,” Lourdes López, general director of BD in Spain and Portugal, added.

The planned site in Zaragoza is subject to administration process completion.

About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians’ care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers’ capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/ and Twitter @BDandCo.

 


Contacts:


Media:                                                    


Investors:

Troy Kirkpatrick                                       

Kristen M. Stewart, CFA

VP, Public Relations                             

SVP, Strategy & Investor Relations

858.617.2361                                      

201.847.5378        


[email protected]                   


[email protected]  

                                                                                                                                                           

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bd-to-build-new-165-million-manufacturing-facility-in-zaragoza-spain-to-support-ongoing-strong-growth-of-pre-filled-drug-delivery-business-301293097.html

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

Jupai Reports First Quarter 2021 Results

PR Newswire

SHANGHAI, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Jupai Holdings Limited (“Jupai” or the “Company”) (NYSE: JP), a leading third-party wealth management service provider, focusing on distributing wealth management products and providing quality product advisory services to high-net-worth individuals in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

FIRST QUARTER 2021 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Net revenues in the first quarter of 2021 were RMB83.7 million, a decrease of 13.4% from the corresponding period in 2020.


(RMB ‘000, except percentages)


Q1 2020


Q1 2020 %


Q1 2021


Q1 2021 %


YoY Change %

One-time commissions

39,496

40.9%

31,227

37.3%

-20.9%

Recurring management fees

25,293

26.2%

24,826

29.7%

-1.8%

Recurring service fees

31,798

32.9%

27,622

33.0%

-13.1%


Total net revenues


96,587


100.0%


83,675


100.0%


-13.4%

  • Income from operations in the first quarter of 2021 was RMB3.5 million, as compared to loss from operations of RMB12.1 million from the corresponding period in 2020.
  • Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders in the first quarter of 2021 was RMB3.9 million, as compared to net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB19.9 million from the corresponding period in 2020.
  • Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders (non-GAAP[1]) in the first quarter of 2021 was RMB4.3 million, as compared to adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB17.2 million from the corresponding period in 2020.

FIRST QUARTER
2021 OPERATIONAL UPDATES 

  • Total number of active clients[2]during the first quarter of 2021 was 608, as compared to 559 active clients during the first quarter of 2020.
  • The aggregate value of wealth management products
    distributed
    by the Company during the first quarter of 2021 was RMB1.9 billion, a 29.1% increase from the corresponding period in 2020.


Three months ended


March 31, 2020


March 31, 2021


Product type


(RMB in millions, except percentages)

Fixed income products

971

67%

1,085

58%

Private equity products

212

15%

229

12%

Secondary market equity fund products

206

14%

505

27%

Other products

59

4%

51

3%


All products


1,448


100%


1,870


100%

  • Jupai’s coverage network as of March 31, 2021 included 32 client centers covering 30 cities, as compared to 44 client centers covering 39 cities as of March 31, 2020.
  • Total assets under management[3] as of March 31, 2021 were RMB32.9 billion, as compared to RMB39.8 billion from March 31, 2020.


Assets under management – breakdown by product type


As of


March 31, 2020


March 31, 2021


Product type


(RMB in millions, except percentages)

Fixed income products

13,048

33%

9,604

29%

Private equity products

24,684

62%

21,048

64%

Secondary market equity fund products

994

2%

1,053

3%

Other products

1,090

3%

1,162

4%


All products


39,816


100%


32,867


100%

“In the first quarter 2021, we were pleased to see the gradual recovery of investment sentiment among high net worth individuals in China,” said Mr. Jianda Ni, Jupai’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer. “Jupai’s total aggregate value of wealth management products distributed increased to RMB 1.87 billion in the first quarter from RMB 1.16 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 as we continued to improve client experience and develop our product portfolio in line with our Asset Transparency System strategy. We remain optimistic in the company and the long term prospects of China’s wealth management industry.”

Ms. Min Liu, Jupai’s chief financial officer, said, “Jupai continued to improve business performance and profitability. Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders increased nearly 100% and total number of active clients also resumed growth, increasing 33% compared to the fourth quarter last year. Jupai will continue to implement our key strategies and offer a range of more diverse high-quality products and service for high net worth clients.”



[1]
Jupai’s non-GAAP financial measures are derived from adjusting the corresponding GAAP financial measures by excluding the effects of share-based compensation.



[2]
“Active clients” for a given period refer to clients who purchase wealth management products distributed by Jupai at least once during that given period.



[3]
“Assets under management” or “AUM” of Jupai refers to the amount of capital contributions made by investors to the funds managed by the Company, for which the Company is entitled to receive management fees. The amount of AUM of Jupai is recorded and carried based on the historical cost of the contributed assets instead of fair market value of assets for almost all AUM of Jupai. For assets denominated in currencies other than Renminbi, the AUM are translated into Renminbi upon their contribution, without interim value adjustments solely due to changes in foreign exchange rates. As a result, Jupai’s management fees for almost all its AUM are calculated based on the historical cost balance of the AUM.

FIRST QUARTER
2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Net Revenues

Net revenues for the first quarter of 2021 were RMB83.7 million, a 13.4% decrease from the corresponding period in 2020, primarily due to decreases in one-time commissions and recurring service fees.

  • Net revenues from one-time commissions for the first quarter of 2021 were RMB31.2 million, a 20.9% decrease from the corresponding period in 2020, primarily due to the change in product mix.
  • Net revenues from recurring management fees for the first quarter of 2021 were RMB24.8 million, a 1.8% decrease from the corresponding period in 2020. Nil and RMB31.9 thousand carried interest was recognized as part of Jupai’s recurring management fees in the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively.
  • Net revenues from recurring service fees for the first quarter of 2021 were RMB27.6 million, a 13.1% decrease from the corresponding period in 2020. The Company recognized RMB4.6 million and RMB0.4 million variable performance fees in the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were RMB80.2 million, a decrease of 26.2% from the corresponding period in 2020.

  • Cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2021 was RMB37.4 million, a decrease of 39.7% from the corresponding period in 2020. This was primarily due to decrease in headcount of wealth management advisors and client managers.
  • Selling expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were RMB17.9 million, a decrease of 10.1% from the corresponding period in 2020, primarily due to the decrease in marketing and promotion activities.
  • General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were RMB25.1 million, a decrease of 28.9% from the corresponding period in 2020, mainly due to continuous improvement in operating efficiency.
  • Government subsidies received by the Company for the first quarter of 2021 was RMB0.2 million, a decrease of 97.2% from the corresponding period in 2020. Government subsidies were recorded when received, with their availability and amount dependent upon government policies.

Operating margin for the first quarter of 2021 was 4.1%, as compared to -12.6% for the corresponding period in 2020.

Income tax expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were RMB0.3 million, a decrease of 97.3% from the corresponding period in 2020, primarily due to taxable losses for the first quarter of 2021.

Net
Income

  • Net
    Income

– Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2021 was RMB3.9 million, as compared to net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB19.9 million from the corresponding period in 2020.

– Net margin attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2021 was 4.7%, as compared to -20.6% from the corresponding period in 2020.

– Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders per basic and diluted American depositary share (“ADS”) for the first quarter of 2021 was RMB0.12 and RMB0.12, respectively, as compared to net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per basic and diluted ADS of RMB0.59 and RMB0.59, respectively, from the corresponding period in 2020.

  • Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP)

– Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders
(non-GAAP) for the first quarter of 2021 was RMB4.3 million, as compared to adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RMB17.2 million from the corresponding period in 2020.

– Adjusted net margin attributable to ordinary shareholders (non-GAAP) for the first quarter of 2021 was 5.1%, as compared to -17.8% from the corresponding period in 2020.

– Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS (non-GAAP) for the first quarter of 2021 was RMB0.13, as compared to adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS (non-GAAP) of RMB0.51 from the corresponding period in 2020.


Repurchase of


Shares

As of May 17, 2021, we had repurchased 539,142 ADSs as part of the Company’s share repurchase program of up to US$10 million announced in February 2020, at a total cost of US$748,848, inclusive of transaction charges and related fees.


Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had RMB612.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, as compared to RMB657.2 million as of December 31, 2020.

Net cash used in operating activities during the first quarter of 2021 was RMB14.5 million, as compared to RMB21.2 million from the corresponding period in 2020, primarily due to the change in working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2021 was RMB30.5 million, as compared to RMB2.0 million from the corresponding period in 2020, primarily due to the payment for investment.

Net cash used in financing activities during the first quarter of 2021 was nil, as compared to RMB7.1 million from the corresponding period in 2020, primarily due to the repurchase of shares in 2020.

CONFERENCE CALL

Jupai’s management will host an earnings conference call on May 18, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m.Beijing/Hong Kong time).

Please register in advance for the conference call using the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with a calendar invite with participant dial-in numbers, passcode, and a unique access pin by email. To join the conference, simply dial the number you receive after preregistering, enter the passcode followed by your pin, and you will join the conference instantly.

PRE-REGISTER LINK: http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/9649917

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until May 26, 2021:

U.S./International:

+1-855-452-5696 or +61-2-8199-0299

Mainland China:

400-602-2065

Hong Kong:

800-963-117

Singapore:

800-616-2305

Passcode:

9649917

Additionally, a live and archived webcast will be available at http://jupai.investorroom.com.

DISCUSSION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company’s earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the effects of share-based compensation. The reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest GAAP measures as set forth in the table captioned “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results” below.

The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The financial results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measure used by the Company may be prepared differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.

When evaluating the Company’s operating performance in the periods presented, management reviewed non-GAAP net income results reflecting adjustments to exclude the impacts of share-based compensation, to supplement U.S. GAAP financial data. As such, the Company believes that the presentation of the non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shares per diluted ADS and non-GAAP net margin attributable to ordinary shareholders provides important supplemental information to investors regarding financial and business trends relating to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in a manner consistent with that used by management. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, the Company recognized significant amounts of expenses for the restricted shares and share options. The Company utilized the non-GAAP financial results to make financial results comparable period to period and to better understand its historical business operations.

ABOUT JUPAI HOLDINGS LIMITED

Jupai Holdings Limited (“Jupai”) (NYSE: JP) is a leading third-party wealth management service provider focusing on distributing wealth management products and providing quality product advisory services to high-net-worth individuals in China. Jupai’s comprehensive and personalized client service and broad range of carefully selected third-party and self-developed products have made it a trusted brand among its clients. Jupai maintains extensive and targeted coverage of China’s high-net-worth population.

For more information, please visit http://jupai.investorroom.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Jupai’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Jupai may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Jupai’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the goals and strategies of the Company and the Company’s ability to manage its growth and implement its business strategies; future business development, financial condition and results of operations of the Company; condition of the wealth management market in China and internationally; the demand for and market acceptance of the products the Company distributes; the Company’s ability to maintain and further grow its active high-net-worth client base and maintain or increase the amount of investment by clients; developments in relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company’s industry and the Company’s ability to comply with those policies and regulations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain quality employees; the Company’s ability to adapt to potential uncertainties in China’s real estate industry and stay abreast of market trends and technological advances; the results of the Company’s investments in research and development to enhance its product choices and service offerings; general economic and business conditions in China; and the Company’s ability to protect its reputation and enhance its brand recognition. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Jupai’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Jupai does not undertake any obligation to update any such information, including forward-looking statements, as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

Contacts:
Jupai Investor Relations
Email: [email protected]

Philip Lisio

The Foote Group
Phone: +86 (10) 8429 9544
Email: [email protected]

 

 

 

 


Jupai Holdings Limited


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


(In RMB or USD, as indicated)

As of

December 31,

March 31,

December 31,

March 31,

2020

2021

2020

2021

RMB’000

RMB’000

USD[4]‘000

USD[5]‘000


Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

630,417

583,765

96,616

89,100

Restricted cash

26,819

28,480

4,110

4,347

Accounts receivable

7

40

1

6

Other receivables

61,255

61,794

9,388

9,432

Amounts due from related parties

20,182

22,666

3,093

3,459

Other current assets

16,034

15,335

2,457

2,341

Total current assets

754,714

712,080

115,665

108,685

Long-term investments

218,950

218,950

33,556

33,418

Investment in affiliates

100,342

130,737

15,378

19,954

Amounts due from related parties — non-current

229,155

229,006

35,119

34,953

Property and equipment, net

17,094

15,244

2,620

2,327

Intangible assets, net

34,177

33,445

5,238

5,105

Other non-current assets

13,539

12,415

2,075

1,895

Right-of-use assets

39,119

36,032

5,995

5,499

Deferred tax assets

4,312

4,161

661

635


Total Assets

1,411,402

1,392,070

216,307

212,471


Liabilities and Equity

Current liabilities:

Accrued payroll and welfare expenses

57,926

49,804

8,877

7,602

Income tax payable

85,592

85,766

13,118

13,090

Other tax payable

2,644

899

405

137

Amounts due to related parties — current

16,626

16,773

2,548

2,560

Deferred revenue from related parties

10,364

8,277

1,588

1,263

Deferred revenue

8,599

7,428

1,318

1,134

Other current liabilities

59,760

58,980

9,159

9,002

Total current liabilities

241,511

227,927

37,013

34,788

Deferred revenue — non-current from related parties

11,425

988

1,751

151

Deferred revenue — non-current

1,284

1,234

197

189

Operating Lease Liabilities — non-current

12,620

11,141

1,934

1,700


Total Liabilities

266,840

241,290

40,895

36,828


Equity

1,144,562

1,150,780

175,412

175,643


Total Liabilities and Total Shareholders’ Equity

1,411,402

1,392,070

216,307

212,471



[4]
The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (US$) in this column is based on the noon buying rate on December 31, 2020, as set
forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which was RMB 6.525 to US$1.00.



[5]
The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (US$) in this column is based on the noon buying rate on March 31, 2021, as set forth in
the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which was RMB 6.5518 to US$1.00.

 

 

 


Jupai Holdings Limited


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements


(In RMB or USD, as indicated, except for ADS data and per ADS data)

Three months ended

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

2020

2021

2020

2021

RMB’000

RMB’000

USD[6]‘000

USD[7]‘000


Revenues

Third party revenues

62,333

46,174

8,803

7,047

Related party revenues

34,407

37,324

4,859

5,697

Total revenues

96,740

83,498

13,662

12,744

Taxes and surcharges

(153)

177

(21)

27


Net revenues

96,587

83,675

13,641

12,771

Operating costs and expenses:

Cost of revenues

(61,996)

(37,415)

(8,755)

(5,711)

Selling expenses

(19,924)

(17,910)

(2,814)

(2,733)

General and administrative expenses

(35,348)

(25,131)

(4,992)

(3,836)

Government subsidies

8,549

236

1,207

36

Total operating cost and expenses

(108,719)

(80,220)

(15,354)

(12,244)


Income (loss) from operations

(12,132)

3,455

(1,713)

527

Interest income

1,180

1,092

167

166

Investment income (loss)

975

(67)

137

(10)

Other income (loss)

384

(343)

54

(52)

Total other income

2,539

682

358

104

Income (loss) before taxes and Gain (loss) from equity in affiliates

(9,593)

4,137

(1,355)

631

Income tax expense

(12,670)

(341)

(1,789)

(52)

Gain (loss) from equity in affiliates

(2,313)

395

(327)

61


Net income (loss)

(24,576)

4,191

(3,471)

640

Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests

4,683

(283)

662

(44)


Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

(19,893)

3,908

(2,809)

596

Net income (loss) per ADS:

Basic

(0.59)

0.12

(0.08)

0.02

Diluted

(0.59)

0.12

(0.08)

0.02

Weighted average number of ADSs used in computation:

Basic

33,682,030

33,222,952

33,682,030

33,222,952

Diluted

33,682,030

33,293,931

33,682,030

33,293,931



[6]
The conversion of data from Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (US$) for three months ended March 31, 2020 in this table and the following
tables is based on the noon buying rate on March 31, 2020, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, which was RMB 7.0808 to US$1.00.



[7]
The conversion of data from Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (US$) for three months ended March 31, 2021 in this table and the following
tables is based on the noon buying rate on March 31, 2021, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, which was RMB 6.5518 to US$1.00.

 

 

 


Jupai Holdings Limited


Unaudited Condensed Comprehensive Income Statements


(In RMB or USD, as indicated)

Three months ended

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

2020

2021

2020

2021

RMB’000

RMB’000

USD’000

USD’000


Net
 income (loss)

(24,576)

4,191

(3,471)

640

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

3,751

1,679

530

256

Other comprehensive loss

3,751

1,679

530

256

Comprehensive income (loss)

(20,825)

5,870

(2,941)

896

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling
interests

(4,720)

273

(667)

42


Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

(16,105)

5,597

(2,274)

854

 

 

 


Jupai Holdings Limited


Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results


(In RMB, except for ADS data, per ADS data and percentages)

Three months ended

March 31,

March 31,

2020

2021

RMB’000

RMB’000


Net margin
attributable to ordinary shareholders

-20.6%

4.7%

Adjusted net margin attributable to ordinary shareholders (non-GAAP)

-17.8%

5.1%

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders

(19,893)

3,908

Adjustment for share-based compensation (net of tax effect of nil for both three months
ended March 31, 2020 and 2021)

2,701

347


Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders (non-GAAP)

(17,192)

4,255

Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per ADS, diluted

(0.59)

0.12

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per ADS, diluted (non-GAAP)

(0.51)

0.13

Weighted average number of ADSs used in computation:

Diluted

33,682,030

33,293,931

 

 

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jupai-reports-first-quarter-2021-results-301293262.html

SOURCE Jupai Holdings Limited

Northern Star Acquisition Corp. and BARK Announce BARK’s Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2021 Results and Reaffirm Fiscal 2022 Outlook

For fiscal fourth quarter, revenue increased 79% year over year

For fiscal full year 2021, revenue increased 69% year over year

Annual Meeting to approve proposed merger scheduled for May 28, 2021

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Northern Star Acquisition Corp. (“Northern Star”) (NYSE: STIC), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, announced today the preliminary financial results for its merger partner, Barkbox, Inc. (“BARK” or the “Company”) for its fourth quarter and twelve months ended March 31, 2021. BARK has also reaffirmed its fiscal full year 2022 financial forecast, and, in addition, provided fiscal first quarter 2022 revenue guidance.

Preliminary Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2021 Results:

  • Revenue increased 79.0% to $112.2 million as compared to the same period last year.
    • Subscription Shipments increased 70.3% year over year to 3.5 million.
  • Gross margin was 60.6% as compared to 61.9% for the same period last year.
  • Net loss was $(7.1) million, or (6.3)% of revenue, as compared to $(4.1) million, or (6.6)% of revenue, for the same period last year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $0.2 million as compared to $(0.8) million for the same period last year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin was 0.2% as compared to (1.3)% for the same period last year.
  • New Subscriptions totaled 264,000, an increase of 72.5% year over year.
  • Lifetime Value (“LTV”) to Customer Acquisition Cost (“CAC”)(2) was 6.6x.

Preliminary Fiscal Full Year 2021 Results:

  • Revenue increased 68.8% to $378.6 million as compared to fiscal year 2020.
    • Subscription Shipments increased 52.5% year over year to 11.6 million.
  • Gross margin was 59.7% as compared to 60.4% for fiscal year 2020.
  • Net loss was $(31.4) million, or (8.3)% of revenue, as compared to $(31.4) million, or (14.0)% of revenue, for the fiscal year 2020.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $(7.9) million as compared to $(17.8) million for fiscal year 2020.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin was (2.1)% as compared to (7.9)% for fiscal year 2020.
  • New Subscriptions totaled 1.2 million, an increase of 91.4% year over year.
  • LTV to CAC was 6.3x.

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA, is a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the impact of certain special items. Please note that our non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. See the “Non-GAAP Financial Information” section of this release for additional information about these items.

(2)

Lifetime Value (“LTV”) to CAC (“LTV:CAC”) is a measure of the return on the cost to acquire New Subscriptions. This unit economics metric indicates how efficient we are in acquiring each New Subscription on average. The average life time of a subscription is calculated as the inverse of the Average Monthly Subscription Churn. LTV is calculated as the average life time of a subscription times the average gross profit per subscription shipped in the period. LTV:CAC is LTV divided by CAC. Average gross profit per subscription shipped in the period is calculated as Direct to Consumer Gross Profit for the period divided by number of subscriptions shipped in the period.

“In fiscal 2021, BARK continued to generate impressive revenues, which grew nearly 70% year over year, reflecting the strength of the Company’s differentiated product offerings and brand appeal, proprietary data-driven platform, omnichannel sales approach and our outstanding customer engagement,” said Manish Joneja, Chief Executive Officer of BARK. “Through our pending merger with Northern Star, we are confident BARK will have the capital and resources necessary to accelerate our key strategic initiatives and further our position as the leading brand for dogs in the rapidly growing pet industry worldwide. We are excited about BARK’s many growth opportunities ahead as we continue on our mission to make all dogs happy.”

“BARK’s strong fourth quarter and fiscal year performance further demonstrates the Company’s outstanding execution as it continues to outpace the growth in the pet industry,” stated Joanna Coles, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Star. “We believe that BARK’s powerful business model and strong management team will drive long-term profitable growth and compelling shareholder value.”

Preliminary Fiscal Fourth Quarter Details:

Revenue increased 79.0% to $112.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 as compared to $62.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. Direct to Consumer (“DTC”) revenue increased 79.3% to $101.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 as compared to $56.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase in DTC revenue was driven by the increase in Subscription Shipments combined with an increase in Average Order Value (“AOV”). Commerce revenue increased 76.8% to $10.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 as compared to $6.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase in Commerce revenue was driven by an increase in Retail and BARK Home revenues.

Gross profit increased 75.1% to $68.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 from $38.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. Gross margin was 60.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to 61.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. The decrease in gross margin in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 was due to higher inbound freight costs as a result of worldwide shipping congestion, combined with accommodations given to customers affected by shipment delays in December.

General and administrative expenses increased 77.8% to $55.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 from $31.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, primarily due to the increase in Subscription Shipments in the quarter as well as the continuing build out of new product line teams. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased by 30 basis points to 49.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 from 49.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Advertising and marketing expenses increased 58.6% to $16.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 from $10.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. This increase was primarily related to materially higher New Subscriptions for the quarter when compared to the same period last year, combined with approximately comparable CAC offset slightly by a reduction in marketing expenses related to Retail. New Subscriptions were 264,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to 153,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, a 72.5% increase compared to last year. CAC was $51.47, an increase of only 1.8% compared to last year. As a percentage of revenue, advertising and marketing expenses decreased 180 basis points to 14.5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 from 16.3% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Net loss was $(7.1) million, with a net loss margin of (6.3)%, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 as compared to a net loss of $(4.1) million, with a net loss margin of (6.6)%, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Adjusted EBITDA was $0.2 million, or an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 0.2%, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA of $(0.8) million, or an Adjusted EBITDA margin of (1.3)%, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Preliminary Fiscal Full Year 2021 Details:

Revenue increased 68.8% to $378.6 million in the fiscal year 2021 as compared to total revenue of $224.3 million in the fiscal year 2020. DTC revenue increased 63.6% to $334.0 million in the fiscal year 2021 as compared with $204.2 million in the fiscal year 2020. The increase in DTC revenue was primarily driven by a significant increase in Subscription Shipments, which grew by 4.0 million, or 52.5%, during the fiscal year. AOV grew 7.2% year over year also contributing to the increase in DTC revenue. Commerce revenue increased 121.1% to $44.6 million in the fiscal year 2021 as compared with $20.2 million in the fiscal year 2020. The increase in Commerce revenue was driven by an increase in Retail and BARK Home revenues.

Net loss was $(31.4) million, (8.3)% of revenue, in the fiscal year 2021 as compared with net loss of $(31.4) million, (14.0)% of revenue, in the fiscal year 2020. Contributing to the net loss in fiscal year 2021 was significantly higher year over year interest expense due to fees associated with early repayment of debt, as well as significantly higher stock based compensation on a year over year basis.

For the fiscal year 2021, Adjusted EBITDA was $(7.9) million, or (2.1)% of revenue, versus Adjusted EBITDA of $(17.8) million, or (7.9)% of revenue, for the fiscal year 2020. The change in Adjusted EBITDA is the result of an increase in revenue and gross profit for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 in both Direct to Consumer and Commerce. In addition, lower than historical CAC as a result of decreased pricing for social media advertising due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to lower advertising and marketing expense as a percentage of revenue. As BARK grows its new businesses and media rates return to historic levels, the Company does not expect to maintain this low CAC.

Preliminary Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance as of March 31, 2021 was $38.3 million compared with $9.7 million as of March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had total debt outstanding of $115.7 million compared with $61.5 million as of March 31, 2020.

Inventories as of March 31, 2021 increased 95.1% to $77.5 million compared with $39.7 million as of March 31, 2020.

Fiscal Year 2022 Outlook

Based on information available as of May 18, 2021, BARK is issuing guidance for fiscal first quarter 2022 and reaffirming guidance for fiscal full year 2022 as follows:

For fiscal first quarter 2022, the Company expects:

  • Net revenue in the range of $116 million to $118 million, reflecting an approximate 56% year over year increase at the mid point of the range.

For fiscal full year 2022, the Company reaffirms its forecast included in the investor presentation furnished as an exhibit to Northern Star’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2020, including:

  • Net revenue of $516 million.
  • Net loss of $(41) million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $(31) million.

Transaction Update

Norther Star’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to consider the previously announced merger agreement between Northern Star and BARK has been set for May 28, 2021. Stockholders of record as of April 5, 2021 (the “Record Date”) are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal 2021 results will be held today, May 18, 2021, at 6:30 a.m. ET. During the conference call, the Company may make comments concerning business and financial developments, trends and other business or financial matters. The Company’s comments, as well as other matters discussed during the conference call, may contain or constitute information that has not been previously disclosed.

Those who wish to participate in the call may do so by dialing (866) 465-0807, conference ID 6479967. Any interested party will also have the opportunity to access the call via the Internet at https://investors.bark.co/. To listen to the live call, please go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register and download any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a recording will be available for 12 months after the date of the event. Recordings may be accessed at https://investors.bark.co/.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


(UNAUDITED)


Fiscal Year 2020


Fiscal Year 2021


Quarter Ended


Fiscal Year


Ended


Quarter Ended


Fiscal Year


Ended


June 30,
2019


September
30, 2019


December
31, 2019


March 31,
2020


March 31,
2020


June 30,
2020


September
30, 2020


December
31, 2020


March 31,
2021


March 31,
2021

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

Revenue

$

50,027

$

52,455

$

59,183

$

62,670

$

224,335

$

74,808

$

86,413

$

105,175

$

112,208

$

378,604

Cost of revenue

19,703

19,195

26,161

23,862

88,921

27,888

34,859

45,674

44,243

152,664

Gross profit

30,324

33,260

33,022

38,808

135,414

46,920

51,554

59,501

67,965

225,940

Operating expenses:

General and administrative

25,752

27,877

30,977

31,287

115,893

32,036

39,279

52,567

55,628

179,510

Advertising and marketing

7,650

11,153

17,101

10,243

46,147

11,575

12,958

26,250

16,246

67,029

Total operating expenses

33,402

39,030

48,078

41,530

162,040

43,611

52,237

78,817

71,874

246,539

Loss from operations

(3,078)

(5,770)

(15,056)

(2,722)

(26,626)

3,309

(683)

(19,316)

(3,909)

(20,599)

Interest expense

(1,105)

(1,308)

(1,421)

(1,587)

(5,421)

(1,514)

(1,906)

(4,961)

(2,542)

(10,923)

Other income, net

173

142

180

184

679

221

1,211

(696)

(605)

131

Loss before income taxes

(4,010)

(6,936)

(16,297)

(4,125)

(31,368)

2,016

(1,378)

(24,973)

(7,056)

(31,391)

Provision for income taxes

Net loss and comprehensive loss

$

(4,010)

$

(6,936)

$

(16,297)

$

(4,125)

$

(31,368)

2,016

(1,378)

(24,973)

(7,056)

(31,391)


GROSS PROFIT BY SEGMENT


(UNAUDITED)


Fiscal Year 2020


Fiscal Year 2021


Quarter Ended


Fiscal Year Ended


Quarter Ended


Fiscal Year Ended


June 30,


September
30,


December
31,


March 31,


March 31,


June 30,


September
30,


December
31,


March 31,


March 31,


2019


2019


2019


2020


2020


2020


2020


2020


2021


2021


(in thousands)


(in thousands)

Direct to Consumer:

Revenue

$

47,676

$

47,972

$

52,001

$

56,502

$

204,151

$

67,099

$

75,368

$

90,202

$

101,300

$

333,970

Costs of revenue

18,168

16,740

23,241

21,041

79,191

24,116

29,052

36,866

38,010

128,044

 Gross profit

$

29,508

$

31,232

$

28,760

$

35,461

$

124,960

$

42,983

$

46,316

$

53,336

$

63,290

$

205,926

Commerce:

Revenue

$

2,351

$

4,483

$

7,182

$

6,168

$

20,184

$

7,709

$

11,045

$

14,973

$

10,908

$

44,634

Costs of revenue

1,535

2,454

2,920

2,821

9,730

3,772

5,807

8,808

6,233

24,620

 Gross profit

$

816

$

2,029

$

4,262

$

3,347

$

10,454

$

3,937

$

5,237

$

6,165

$

4,675

$

20,014

Consolidated:

Revenue

$

50,027

$

52,455

$

59,183

$

62,671

$

224,335

$

74,808

$

86,413

$

105,175

$

112,208

$

378,604

Costs of revenue

19,703

19,195

26,161

23,862

88,921

27,888

34,859

45,674

44,243

152,664

 Gross profit

$

30,324

$

33,260

$

33,022

$

38,808

$

135,414

$

46,920

$

51,554

$

59,501

$

67,965

$

225,940


Key Performance Indicators


Fiscal Year 2020


Fiscal Year 2021


For the Quarter Ended


Fiscal Year Ended


For the Quarter Ended


Fiscal Year Ended


June


30,


September 30,


December 31,


March 31,


March 31,


June


30,


September 30,


December 31,


March 31,


March 31,


2019


2019


2019


2020


2020


2020


2020


2020


2021


2021

Subscription Shipments (in 000’s)

1,812

1,801

1,971

2,034

7,618

2,368

2,675

3,113

3,463

11,619

Average Monthly Subscription Shipment Churn

7.0

%

8.0

%

6.1

%

8.9

%

7.5

%

6.2

%

5.3

%

6.5

%

5.4

%

5.9

%

Active Subscriptions (in 000’s)

1,033

1,075

1,175

1,207

1,207

1,382

1,499

1,729

1,826

1,826

New Subscriptions (in 000’s)

102

142

230

153

627

303

252

381

264

1,200

CAC

57.31

57.68

56.47

50.56

55.44

30.83

43.98

60.50

51.47

47.55

LTV:CAC

4.1x

3.8x

4.2x

3.9x

3.9x

9.5x

7.4x

4.4x

6.6x

6.3x

Average Order Value

26.32

26.63

26.39

27.77

26.80

28.34

28.18

28.98

29.25

28.74

 

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

BARK reports its financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, BARK’s management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, both non-GAAP financial measures, provide investors with additional useful information in evaluating its performance.

BARK calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), adjusted to exclude: (1) interest expense, (2) depreciation and amortization, (3) stock-based compensation expense, (4) change in fair value of warrants and derivatives, (5) sales and use tax expense, and (6) one time transaction costs associated with the financing and merger. BARK calculates Adjusted EBITDA margin by dividing Revenue for the period by Adjusted EBITDA for the period.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP. BARK believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, when taken together with its financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, provides meaningful supplemental information regarding its operating performance and facilitates internal comparisons of its historical operating performance on a more consistent basis by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of its business, results of operations or outlook. In particular, BARK believes that the use of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are helpful to its investors as it is a measure used by management in assessing the health of its business, determining incentive compensation and evaluating its operating performance, as well as for internal planning and forecasting purposes.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are presented for supplemental informational purposes only, have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin include that (1) the measures do not properly reflect capital commitments to be paid in the future, (2) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the underlying assets may need to be replaced and Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect these capital expenditures, (3) the measures do not consider the impact of stock-based compensation expense, which is an ongoing expense for BARK and (4) the measures do not reflect other non-operating expenses, including interest expense. In addition, its use of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because they may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA margin in the same manner, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, when evaluating BARK’s performance, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin alongside other financial measures, including its net income (loss) and other results stated in accordance with GAAP.

The following tables presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP, and the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA margin, for the periods presented:


ADJUSTED EBITDA


Fiscal Year 2020


Fiscal Year 2021


Quarter Ended


Fiscal Year Ended


Quarter Ended


Fiscal Year Ended


June


30,


September
30,


December
31,


March 31,


March 31,


June


30,


September
30,


December
31,


March 31,


March 31,


2019


2019


2019


2020


2020


2020


2020


2020


2021


2021


(in thousands)


(in thousands)

Net loss

$

(4,011)

$

(6,936)

$

(16,296)

$

(4,124)

$

(31,367)

$

2,016

$

(1,378)

$

(24,972)

$

(7,058)

$

(31,391)

Adjusted to exclude the following:

Interest expense

$

1,105

$

1,308

$

1,420

1,587

5,421

1,514

1,906

4,961

2,542

10,923

Depreciation and amortization expense

$

257

$

318

$

375

448

1,397

509

528

660

708

2,405

Stock compensation expense

$

376

$

245

$

798

398

1,817

388

1,004

2,734

2,395

6,522

Change in fair value of warrants and derivatives

$

(61)

$

(41)

$

(33)

39

(96)

(34)

(1,229)

1,599

594

931

Sales and use tax expense (1)

$

1,950

$

1,591

$

667

815

5,023

597

243

285

85

1,211

Transaction costs (2)

$

$

$

630

916

1,545

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(385)

$

(3,514)

$

(13,069)

$

(838)

$

(17,806)

$

4,990

$

1,075

$

(14,102)

$

182

$

(7,854)

Net loss margin

(8.02)

%

(13.22)

%

(27.54)

%

(6.58)

%

(13.98)

%

2.70

%

(1.59)

%

(23.74)

%

(6.29)

%

(8.29)

%

Adjusted EBITDA margin

(0.77)

%

(6.70)

%

(22.08)

%

(1.34)

%

(7.94)

%

6.67

%

1.24

%

(13.41)

%

0.16

%

(2.07)

%

(1)

Sales and use tax expense relates to recording a liability for sales and use tax we did not collect from our customers. Historically, we had collected state or local sales, use, or other similar taxes in certain jurisdictions in which we only had physical presence. On June 21, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court decided, in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. that state and local jurisdictions may, at least in certain circumstances, enforce a sales and use tax collection obligation on remote vendors that have no physical presence in such jurisdiction. A number of states have positioned themselves to require sales and use tax collection by remote vendors and/or by online marketplaces. The details and effective dates of these collection requirements vary from state to state and accordingly, we recorded a liability in those periods in which we created economic nexus based on each state’s requirements. Accordingly, we now collect, remit, and report sales tax in all states that impose a sales tax.

(2)

Transactions costs represent non-recurring consulting and advisory costs with respect to the merger agreement entered into with Northern Star Acquisition Corp. on December 16, 2020.


BARKBOX, INC.


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


AS OF MARCH 31, 2021 AND 2020


(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)


2021


2020


ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

38,278

$

9,676

Accounts receivable—net

8,927

3,929

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

7,409

1,500

Inventory

77,454

39,696

Total current assets

132,068

54,801

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—NET

13,465

7,144

INTANGIBLE ASSETS—NET

2,070

1,341

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS

3,260

1,403

TOTAL ASSETS

$

150,863

$

64,689


LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable

50,501

38,584

Accrued and other current liabilities

44,605

21,416

Deferred revenue

27,177

13,282

Short-term debt

45,184

Total current liabilities

122,283

118,466

LONG-TERM DEBT

115,729

16,346

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

11,834

5,277

Total liabilities

249,846

140,089

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)

REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK:

Series Seed preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share—2,057,188 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 2020

1,897

1,897

Series A preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share—2,110,400 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 2020

4,948

4,948

Series B preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share—990,068 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 2020

10,285

10,285

Series C preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share—2,142,188 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 2020

34,585

34,585

Series C-1 preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share—710,716 shares authorized; 452,671 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 2020

8,272

8,272

Total redeemable convertible preferred stock

59,987

59,987

STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:

Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share—18,600,000 and 17,000,000 shares authorized; 5,498,588 and 5,196,711 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively

Treasury stock, at cost

(4,764)

(4,755)

Additional paid-in capital

25,748

17,931

Accumulated deficit

(179,954)

(148,563)

Total stockholders’ deficit

(158,970)

(135,387)

TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

$

150,863

$

64,689


BARKBOX, INC.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021, AND 2020


(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)


2021


2020

Net cash used in operating activities

$

(19,618)

$

(19,666)

Net cash used in investing activities

(4,825)

(4,677)

Net cash provided by financing activities

54,498

22,678

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

30,055

(1,665)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — beginning of period

9,676

11,341

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — end of period

$

39,731

$

9,676

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

38,278

$

9,676

Restricted cash – Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,453

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

39,731

$

9,676

About BARK

BARK is the world’s most dog-centric company, devoted to making dogs and their people happy with the best products, services and experiences. BARK’s dog-obsessed team applies its unique, data-driven understanding of what makes each dog special to design playstyle-specific toys, wildly satisfying treats and wellness supplements, and dog-first experiences that foster the health and happiness of dogs everywhere. Founded in 2012, BARK loyally serves dogs nationwide with monthly subscription services, BarkBox and Super Chewer; a curated e-commerce experience on BarkShop.com; custom collections via its retail partner network, including Target and Amazon; wellness products that meet your dogs’ needs with BARK Bright; and a meal personalization and delivery service for dogs BARK Eats. At BARK, we want to be the people our dogs think we are and promise to be their voice until every dog reaches its full tail-wagging potential. Sniff around at bark.co for more information.

About Northern Star Acquisition Corp.

Northern Star Acquisition Corp. is a special purpose acquisition company whose management team and Board of Directors are composed of veteran consumer, media, technology, retail and finance industry executives and founders, including Joanna Coles, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, and Jonathan Ledecky, President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Coles is a creative media and technology executive who in her previous roles as editor of two leading magazines and Chief Content Officer of Hearst Magazines developed an extensive network of relationships at the intersection of technology, fashion and beauty. Ms. Coles currently serves as a special advisor to Cornell Capital, a $7 billion private investment firm, and is on the board at Snap Inc., Sonos, Density Software, and on the global advisory board of global payments company Klarna. Mr. Ledecky is a seasoned businessman with over 35 years of investment and operational experience. He has executed hundreds of acquisitions across multiple industries and raised over $25 billion in debt and equity. He is also co-owner of the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders franchise. For additional information, please visit https://northernstaric.com.

Important Information and Where to Find It

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed merger transaction involving Northern Star and BARK. Northern Star has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which includes a proxy statement/prospectus of Northern Star, and certain related documents, to be used at the meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 28, 2021 to approve the proposed business combination and related matters. Investors and security holders of Northern Star are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, and any amendments thereto and other relevant documents that have or will be filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they contain important information about BARK, Northern Star and the business combination. The definitive proxy statement has been mailed to shareholders of Northern Star as of April 5, 2021. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the registration statement and other documents containing important information about each of the companies, without charge, at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

Participants in the Solicitation

Northern Star, BARK and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Northern Star in favor of the approval of the business combination and related matters. Shareholders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of Northern Star’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading Northern Star’s Final Prospectus dated November 10, 2020, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2020, and the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination when they become available. Information concerning the interests of Northern Star’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their stockholders generally, is set forth in the proxy statement relating to the business combination.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction.

Key Performance Indicators

BARK measures its business using both financial and operating data and use the following metrics and measures (among others) to assess the near-term and long-term performance of its overall business, including identifying trends, formulating financial projections, making strategic decisions, assessing operational efficiencies, and monitoring our business. BARK present a number of key performance indicators to assist investors in understanding its operating results on an on-going basis. These key performance indicators may also assist investors in making comparisons of BARK’s operating results with those of other companies.

In assessing the performance of the business during the twelve months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, BARK’s management reviewed the following key performance indicators, each of which is described below:

  • Subscription Shipments: BARK defines Subscription Shipments as the total number of subscription product shipments shipped in a given period. Subscription Shipments does not include gift subscriptions or one-time subscription shipments.
  • Active Subscriptions: BARK defines Active Subscriptions as the total number of unique product subscriptions with at least one shipment during the last 12 months. Active Subscriptions does not include gift subscriptions or one-time subscription purchases.
  • Average Monthly Subscription Shipment Churn: Average Monthly Subscription Shipment Churn is calculated as the average number of subscriptions that have been cancelled in the last three months, divided by the average monthly active subscriptions in the last three months. The number of cancellations used to calculate Average Monthly Subscription Shipment Churn is net of the number of subscriptions reactivated during the last three months.
  • New Subscriptions: BARK defines New Subscriptions as the number of unique subscriptions with their first shipment occurring in a period.
  • Average Order Value (“AOV”): Direct to Consumer revenue for the period divided by Subscription Shipments for the same period.
  • Customer Acquisition Cost (“CAC”): Customer Acquisition Cost (“CAC”) is a measure of the cost to acquire New Subscriptions in its Direct to Consumer business segment. CAC is a monthly measure defined as media spend in BARK’s Direct to Consumer business segment in the period indicated, divided by total New Subscriptions in such period.
  • Lifetime Value (“LTV”): Lifetime Value is the dollar value of each subscription as measured by the cumulative Direct to Consumer Gross Profit for the average life of the subscription.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Preliminary Estimated Results

The preliminary estimated results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 are preliminary, unaudited and subject to completion. They reflect BARK management’s current views and may change as a result of BARK’s review of results and other factors, including a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties. Such preliminary results are subject to the finalization and closing of BARK’s accounting books and records (which have yet to be performed), and should not be viewed as a substitute for full quarterly or annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Northern Star and BARK caution you that these preliminary results are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes and that actual results may differ materially from those described above. For more information regarding factors that could cause actual results to differ from those described above, please see “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

The preliminary estimated results have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, BARK’s management. BARK’s independent registered public accounting firm, has not audited, reviewed, compiled, or applied agreed-upon procedures with respect to the preliminary estimated financial information.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity.

These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of BARK’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of BARK. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements could include changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the merger, including the risk that any required regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the merger is not obtained; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to BARK; the risk that spending on pets may not increase at projected rates; that BARK subscriptions may not increase their spending with BARK; BARK’s ability to continue to convert social media followers and contacts into customers; BARK’s ability to successfully expand its product lines and channel distribution; competition; the uncertain effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; and those factors discussed in documents of Northern Star filed, or to be filed, with SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither Northern Star nor BARK presently know or that Northern Star and BARK currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Northern Star’s and BARK’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Northern Star and BARK anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause Northern Star’s and BARK’s assessments to change. However, while Northern Star and BARK may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Northern Star and BARK specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Northern Star’s and BARK’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Any financial projections in this communication are forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Northern Star’s and BARK’s control. While all projections are necessarily speculative, Northern Star and BARK believe that the preparation of prospective financial information involves increasingly higher levels of uncertainty the further out the projection extends from the date of preparation. The assumptions and estimates underlying the projected results are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the projections. The inclusion of projections in this communication should not be regarded as an indication that Northern Star and BARK, or their respective representatives and advisors, considered or consider the projections to be a reliable prediction of future events.

This communication is not intended to be all-inclusive or to contain all the information that a person may desire in considering in an investment in Northern Star and is not intended to form the basis of an investment decision in Northern Star. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Northern Star and BARK, the proposed transactions or other matters and attributable to Northern Star and BARK or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

Contacts

For BARK

Investors:
ICR, Inc.
Jean Fontana
[email protected]  

Media:
Garland Harwood
[email protected]  

For Northern Star Acquisition Corp.

Jonathan Gasthalter/Nathaniel Garnick/Sam Fisher
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170
[email protected]

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northern-star-acquisition-corp-and-bark-announce-barks-preliminary-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2021-results-and-reaffirm-fiscal-2022-outlook-301293361.html

SOURCE BARK and Northern Star Acquisition Corp.

ChipMOS to Present at 2021 Citi Regional Tech Conference

PR Newswire

HSINCHU, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (“ChipMOS” or the “Company”) (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 8150 and NASDAQ: IMOS), an industry leading provider of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test services (“OSAT”), today announced that it will present virtually to institutional investors at the 2021 Citi Regional Tech Conference on May 20, 21 and 24, 2021.

Management from the Company, including Jesse Huang, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Investor Relations, will discuss the Company’s recent financial results, business trends and growth opportunities. The Company’s latest investor update is available on the investor relations’ section of its website at www.chipmos.com.

About ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.:

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (“ChipMOS” or the “Company”) (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 8150 and NASDAQ: IMOS) (https://www.chipmos.com is an industry leading provider of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test services. With advanced facilities in Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu Industrial Park and Southern Taiwan Science Park in Taiwan, ChipMOS provide assembly and test services to a broad range of customers, including leading fabless semiconductor companies, integrated device manufacturers and independent semiconductor foundries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as ‘believes,’ ‘expects,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘projects,’ ‘intends,’ ‘should,’ ‘seeks,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘future’ or similar expressions or by discussion of, among other things, strategy, goals, plans or intentions. These statements may include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Actual results may differ materially in the future from those reflected in forward-looking statements contained in this document, due to various factors, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Further information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors are included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC.

Contact
s
:


In Taiwan

Jesse Huang

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

+886-6-5052388 ext. 7715


[email protected]


In the U.S.

David Pasquale

Global IR Partners

+1-914-337-8801


[email protected]

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chipmos-to-present-at-2021-citi-regional-tech-conference-301291515.html

SOURCE ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

High Tide Achieves Further Recognition with Addition to the Cannabis ETF (NYSE: THCX)

PR Newswire

CALGARY, AB, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – High Tide Inc. (“High Tide” or the “Company“) (TSXV: HITI) (OTCQB: HITID) (FRA:2LYA), a retail-focused cannabis corporation enhanced by the manufacturing and distribution of consumption accessories, is pleased to announce today that it has been added to the Cannabis ETF (NYSE: THCX) (the “THCX“). Listed on New York Stock Exchange’s Archipelago Exchange, the THCX tracks the Innovation Labs Cannabis Index, a portfolio of 33 stocks that are expected to benefit from the growth of the legal global marijuana, cannabinoid and hemp industries.

“High Tide’s inclusion in THCX is a significant vote of confidence in the progress we have made growing and expanding our business, particularly in the United States“, said Raj Grover, President and Chief Executive Officer of High Tide. “Today’s news provides us with an additional tool to broaden our reach and profile among U.S. investors who are attracted to High Tide’s consistent track record of delivering profitability and results for shareholders. With our pending listing on Nasdaq, we hope that more institutions and ETFs will continue to take positions in High Tide”, added Mr. Grover.

About The Cannabis ETF

The THCX is a U.S.-listed ETF that provides investors with a liquid and diversified vehicle to gain access to the explosive growth of the legal cannabis market. The THCX tracks the Innovation Labs Cannabis Index, a modified-market capitalization-weighted index that is rebalanced on a monthly basis.

About High Tide Inc.

High Tide is a retail-focused cannabis company enhanced by the manufacturing and distribution of consumption accessories. The Company is the most profitable Canadian retailer of recreational cannabis as measured by Adjusted EBIDTA,1 with 85 current locations spanning Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. High Tide’s retail segment features the Canna Cabana, KushBar, Meta Cannabis Co., Meta Cannabis Supply Co. and NewLeaf Cannabis banners, with additional locations under development across the country. High Tide has been serving consumers for over a decade through its numerous consumption accessory businesses including e-commerce platforms Grasscity.com, Smokecartel.com, FABCBD.com and CBDcity.com, and its wholesale distribution division under Valiant Distribution, including the licensed entertainment product manufacturer Famous Brandz. High Tide’s strategy as a parent company is to extend and strengthen its integrated value chain, while providing a complete customer experience and maximizing shareholder value. Key industry investors in High Tide include Tilray Inc. (TSX:TLRY) (NASDAQ:TLRY) and Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE:ACB) (TSX:ACB).

___________________


1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV“) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “potential”, “believe”, “intend” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements relating to High Tide’s intention and ability to complete its NASDAQ listing and High Tide being added to other ETFs in the future. While High Tide considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements also necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; marketing costs; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments involving the retail cannabis markets; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the retail cannabis industries generally; income tax and regulatory matters; the ability of High Tide to implement its business strategy; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations; the COVID-19 pandemic nationally and globally and the response of governments to the COVID-19 pandemic in respect of the operation of retail stores and other risks.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Readers are further cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the assumption that: (i) High Tide’s financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, (ii) there will continue to be a demand and market opportunity for High Tide’s product offerings, (iii) current and future economic conditions will neither affect the business and operations of High Tide nor High Tide’s ability to capitalize on anticipated business opportunities, (iv) High Tide will complete its NASDAQ listing. Although considered reasonable by management of High Tide at the time of preparation, these assumptions may prove to be imprecise and result in actual results differing materially from those anticipated, and as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements, forward-looking financial information and other metrics presented herein are not intended as guidance or projections for the periods referenced herein or any future periods, and in particular, past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results of High Tide in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast or projection of High Tide’s future results.
Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect our expectations as of the date hereof, and thus are subject to change thereafter. High Tide disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters referred to above and elsewhere in High Tide’s public filings and material change reports, which are and will be available on SEDAR.


This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/high-tide-achieves-further-recognition-with-addition-to-the-cannabis-etf-nyse-thcx-301293032.html

SOURCE High Tide Inc.