SOS Announces that the First Batch of 5000 Pieces of Crypto Mining Rigs Gone Live Today

PR Newswire

QINGDAO, China, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SOS Limited (NYSE: SOS) (the “Company” or “SOS”) announced today that the 5000 PCS of crypto mining rigs, which were the first batch of delivery received on February 9, 2021, have gone live today.

This batch of 5000 PCS of mining rigs can generate about BTC Hash Power 175P. If the machine operates as expected, the annual ROI (return on investment) is projected to be significant based on the current crypto price momentum.

Mr. Yandai Wang, Chairman of SOS, commented, ” As institutional investors are also jumping on the bandwagon of cryptocurrencies like BTC, we expect the price momentum of crypto currencies like BTC and ETH will increase further and we will do our best to capture this opportunity by creating more cloud crypto mining pools in the near term.”

About SOS Limited

SOS is an emerging blockchain-based and big data-driven marketing and solution provider, with a nationwide membership base of approximately 20 million in China. In July 2020, the headquarters of the company was moved from Gui ‘An New Area to Qingdao West Coast New Area. Recently, SOS has outlined its strategy in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, which include a series of initiatives to expand its business into cryptocurrency mining as well as cryptocurrency security and insurance. The core infrastructure of SOS’ marketing data, technology and solutions to insurance and emergency rescue services is built on big data, blockchain-based technology, cloud computing, AI, satellite, and 5G network, etc. SOS has created a cloud “software as a service (SaaS)” platform for emergency rescue services, with three major product categories: basic cloud, cooperative cloud, and information. This system provides innovative marketing solutions to clients such as insurance companies, financial institutions, medical institutions, healthcare providers, auto manufacturers, security providers, senior living assistance providers, and other service providers in the emergency rescue services industry.

 

SOS has obtained a national high-tech enterprise certification and the title of “Big Data Star Enterprise,” awarded by Gui’an New District Government. Staying on the forefront of digital technology innovation, the Company has registered 99 software copyrights and 2 patents. For more information, please visit: http://www.sosyun.com/ .

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” “outlook,” and “project” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward-looking statements include timing of the proposed transaction; the business plans, objectives, expectations and intentions of the parties;, SOS’s estimated and future results of operations, business strategies, competitive position, industry environment and potential growth opportunities market acceptance of our products; the ultimate impact of the current Coronavirus pandemic, or any other health epidemic, on our business, our research programs, healthcare systems or the global economy as a whole; our intellectual property; our reliance on third party organizations; our anticipated financial and operating results, including anticipated sources of revenues; our assumptions regarding the size of the available market, benefits of our product offering, product pricing, timing of product launches; management’s expectation with respect to future acquisitions; statements regarding our goals, intentions, plans and expectations, including the introduction of new products and markets; and our cash needs and financing plans and etc. These forward-looking statements reflect the current analysis of existing information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. As a result, caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. SOS may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Due to known and unknown risks, our actual results may differ materially from our expectations or projections. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact our expectations and projections can be found in our periodic filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. SOS’s SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. SOS disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE SOS Limited

New REFRESH® DIGITAL Lubricant Eye Drops Tackle Eye Dryness Due to Everyday Screen Use

– In Today’s Increasingly Digital World, Over-The-Counter REFRESH® DIGITAL Lubricant Eye Drops Bring Temporary Relief to Dry, Irritated Eyes

PR Newswire

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — From scrolling through social media feeds, to video conferences for work and school, to relaxing with television and video games, Americans are spending approximately 13 hours a day on some type of digital device.1 As the reliance on screens to connect digitally for both professional and personal use continues to rise, more than half of adults suffer from digital eye strain,2 which often includes dry, irritated eyes.

“The relationship between digital technology and eye health is complex,” said optometrist Dr. Selina McGee, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. “We typically blink our eyes once every three to four seconds, or approximately 20 times per minute. This provides the eye with the moisture it needs to function comfortably. When looking at screens for prolonged periods of time, we tend to blink less completely, and our blink rate is often cut in half. This causes eyes to miss out on the much-needed hydration from natural tears, which then leads to eye dryness, burning, irritation, or discomfort.”

REFRESH® DIGITAL is a new lubricant eye drop formulated to specifically relieve dryness and irritation that may occur from prolonged screen time. A scientific advancement, REFRESH® DIGITAL features proprietary HydroCell™ technology that supports all three layers of the tear film to keep eyes hydrated.

“We often use multiple screens simultaneously during our daily routine, and many people just cope with eye discomfort associated with extended screen time,” said Dr. McGee. “However, I tell my patients that when it comes to their eyes, they should not settle. REFRESH® DIGITAL offers a way for them to quickly relieve dry, irritated eyes from screen time.”

In addition to using REFRESH® DIGITAL lubricant eye drops, Dr. McGee notes that the 20-20-20 rule can also help reduce the effects of digital screen time on eyes: for every 20 minutes of screen time look away at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

REFRESH® DIGITAL is available in both a convenient multidose bottle and preservative-free, single-use vials online and at retail locations nationwide where over-the-counter eye drops are sold.

About REFRESH®
With over 30 years’ experience, REFRESH® has dedicated decades of research to eye health and offers a full line of lubricant eye drops, ointments and gel drops for use daytime, nighttime and anytime in between. Learn more about REFRESH® DIGITAL and the complete line of REFRESH® products at www.refreshbrand.com.

About Allergan Eye Care
As a leader in eye care, Allergan has discovered, developed, and delivered some of the most innovative products in the industry for more than 70 years. Allergan has launched over 125 eye care products and invested billions of dollars in treatments for the most prevalent eye conditions including glaucoma, ocular surface disease, and retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion.

We remain steadfast in helping eye care providers deliver the best in patient care through innovative products and outreach programs.

About AbbVie
AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

References:

  1. 2020 Eyesafe Neilsen screen time estimates
  2. 2019 Vision Council digital eye strain survey

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SOURCE AbbVie

DarioHealth Announces Participation in the Cowen 41st Annual Healthcare Conference

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — DarioHealth Corp. (Nasdaq: DRIO), a pioneer in the global digital therapeutics (DTx) market, announced today that the company plans to participate in the upcoming Cowen 41st Annual Health Care Conference, a virtual event taking place March 1-4, 2021.

DarioHealth_Logo

Dario’s CEO, Erez Raphael and Rick Anderson, President and General Manager for North America are scheduled to present in a virtual setting on Monday, March 1st, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Interested parties can access the live and archived webcast at www.dariohealth.investorroom.com.

About DarioHealth Corp.
DarioHealth Corp. (Nasdaq: DRIO) is a leading global digital therapeutics company revolutionizing how people with chronic conditions manage their health. Dario’s next-generation, AI-powered, digital therapeutic solutions support more than just an individual’s disease. Dario provides adaptive, personalized experiences that drive behavior change through evidence-based interventions, intuitive, clinically proven digital tools, high-quality software, and coaching to help individuals improve health and sustain meaningful outcomes. Dario offers one of the highest-rated diabetes and hypertension solutions on the market. The company’s cross-functional team operates at the intersection of life sciences, behavioral science, and software technology and is rapidly expanding into new chronic conditions and geographic markets, using a performance-based approach to improve its users’ health. Dario makes the right thing to do the easy thing to do. To learn more about DarioHealth and its digital health solutions, or for more information, visit http://dariohealth.com.

DarioHealth Corporate Contact:
Suzanne Bedell
VP Marketing
[email protected]
+1-347-767-4220

Investor Relations Contact:
Chuck Padala
[email protected]
+1-646-627-8390

Media Contact:

Natalie Joslin

[email protected]

+1 301-233-7907

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SOURCE DarioHealth Corp.

Sino Global Shipping Partners up with CyberMiles Blockchain to Explore Non-Fungible Token Business

PR Newswire

ROSLYN, N.Y., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sino Global Shipping America Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate with the e-commerce blockchain company CyberMiles Foundation to jointly explore opportunities using CyberMiles’ blockchain non-fungible token (“NFT”) CRC-721 protocol and trading platform, which allows enterprises, institutions, and individuals to issue and trade NFTs on CyberMiles’ public blockchain.

Many cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are considered fungible tokens. Each fungible token is identical to each other fungible token: one Bitcoin is equal in value to any other one Bitcoin. Non-fungible tokens are different.  Each NFT is unique and not interchangeable with another. This feature makes NFTs ideal where the provenance of underlying assets is important. For example, digital art pieces, sports memorabilia, in-game assets, other digital collectibles, contracts and even limited-edition physical products that are digitally linked to verify scarcity. The total value of the NFT market is now estimated at $250 million.

CyberMiles (https://www.cybermiles.io/en-us/) (CMT) is a next generation public blockchain for smart contracts. CyberMiles’ Smart Business Contracts are optimized for e-commerce applications. It provides a large library of commerce-related Smart Business Contracts, striving to offer the best streamlined process and experience in helping to build decentralized e-commerce applications.

About Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd.

Founded in the United States in 2001, Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd. is a company engaged in shipping, chartering, logistics and related services. Headquartered in New York, Sino-Global has offices in Los Angeles, Mainland China, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong. The Company’s current service offerings consist of shipping agency services, shipping and chartering services, inland transportation management services and ship management services. Additional information about Sino-Global can be found on the Company’s corporate website at www.sino-global.net. The Company routinely posts important information on its website.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “plan”, “outlook”, and “project” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward-looking statements include timing of the proposed cryptocurrency mining initiative; the business plans, objectives, and expectations of the Company regarding the initiative, and SINO’s estimated and future results of operations, business strategies, competitive position, industry environment and potential growth opportunities. These forward-looking statements reflect the current analysis of existing information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. As a result, caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Due to known and unknown risks, our actual results may differ materially from our expectations or projections. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: there is uncertainty about the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the impact it will have on SINO’s operations, the demand for SINO’s products and services, global supply chains and economic activity in general. In addition, the value of cryptocurrencies may fluctuate significantly over time. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in the other public filings with the SEC by SINO. 

Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact our expectations and projections will be found in our periodic filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. SINO’s SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. SINO disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information, please contact:

Tina (Tuo) Pan, Acting Chief Financial Officer
1-718-888-1814
[email protected]

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SOURCE Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd.

LivePerson launches AI Annotator™, empowering brands to automate conversations at an unprecedented pace

New tool enables live agents to effortlessly optimize bots and upskill into AI roles

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — LivePerson, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPSN), a global leader in Conversational AI, today announced the launch of AI Annotator, a new tool automating brand-consumer conservations faster than ever before by harnessing the expertise of agents to improve Conversational AI.

AI Annotator automates conservations faster than ever by harnessing agents’ expertise to improve Conversational AI.

Until today, tuning Conversational AI bots required a lengthy optimization process, carried out by scarce, expensive data science and developer talent. With AI Annotator, a brand’s contact center agents can flag areas for improvement and suggest solutions in just seconds, all while going about their day-to-day tasks. This new way to optimize Conversational AI crowdsources feedback from agents who are already experts at working with customers, reducing the time and effort to make fully functional bots to a fraction of what they were before.  


Consumers are making a permanent shift to adopting conversational commerce
, flocking to brands they can message on channels like SMS, WhatsApp, Apple Business Chat, Facebook Messenger, and brand websites and apps. Since bots can handle exponentially more conversations than human agents — and respond to customers instantly — optimizing their performance with AI Annotator makes it simple and cost-effective to:

  • Hold high-impact messaging conversations with more customers faster than ever
  • Amplify the impact of every bot optimization by applying them to all future conversations
  • Expand Conversational AI into more customer care, marketing, and sales use cases
  • Increase employee engagement and reduce attrition by providing exciting new career paths, like bot tuner and bot manager, for the AI-driven economy

“Without AI Annotator, new automations typically require a protracted optimization cycle by technical experts before they’re ready for prime time. In a world that changes overnight, brands simply can’t afford to settle for this stagnation,” said Rob LoCascio, founder and CEO of LivePerson. “With AI Annotator, the agents that know customers best can make these changes in an instant, helping brands stay on the cutting edge of conversational commerce with no need for additional expensive headcount to get the job done.”

How AI Annotator works

When a brand’s bot has trouble understanding a phrase a customer uses in a conversation, AI Annotator instantly surfaces the issue to the brand’s agents, who can then use a simple point-and-click interface to annotate the conversation, or recommend what the bot should do.

Because agents are deeply experienced in identifying consumer needs and how to handle them, they are perfectly positioned to provide this ongoing feedback in ways that will best satisfy customers.

“AI Annotator puts the power of AI into the hands of the people who truly understand what customers want,” said Alex Spinelli, CTO at LivePerson. “Bringing them into the bot-tuning cycle means better conversations between brands and customers, plus better career options for the agents themselves as they gain experience working with AI and automation.”

As soon as an agent makes an annotation, AI Annotator routes it to a manager for approval. Once approved, all future uses of similar phrases will be automatically identified and handled by the automation.

AI Annotator provides extensive reporting to help brands track how conversations are being improved and how agents are making an impact on bot optimization. It is fully integrated into LivePerson’s industry-leading Conversational Cloud, where the world’s largest brands build and run AI-powered automations on popular messaging channels, websites, and apps. Brands using the Conversational Cloud have seen results including higher qualified leads 2.5x more likely to convert to sales, up to 20% increases in average order value and customer satisfaction, and 50% decreases in labor costs and agent attrition.

To learn more about AI Annotator, visit liveperson.com.

About LivePerson, Inc.

LivePerson makes life easier for people and brands everywhere through trusted conversational AI. Our 18,000 customers, including leading brands like HSBC, Orange, GM Financial, and The Home Depot, use our conversational solutions to orchestrate humans and AI, at scale, and create a convenient, deeply personal relationship — a conversational relationship — with their millions of consumers. LivePerson has been named to Fast Company‘s World’s Most Innovative Companies list for its leadership in artificial intelligence. For more information about LivePerson (NASDAQ: LPSN), please visit www.liveperson.com.

Contact:
Mike Tague
[email protected]

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SOURCE LivePerson, Inc.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and 2020 Year-End Results

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP), a leading automotive replacement parts manufacturer and distributor, reported today its consolidated financial results for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

Consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $282.7 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $241.3 million during the comparable quarter in 2019. Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $22.7 million or $1.00 per diluted share, compared to $12.7 million or 56 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2019. Excluding non-operational gains and losses identified on the attached reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures, earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $24.7 million or $1.08 per diluted share, compared to $13.6 million or 59 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Consolidated net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, were $1,128.6 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $1,137.9 million during the comparable period in 2019.  Earnings from continuing operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, were $80.4 million or $3.52 per diluted share, compared to $69.1 million or $3.03 per diluted share in the comparable period of 2019.  Excluding non-operational gains and losses identified on the attached reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures, earnings from continuing operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $82.4 million or $3.61 per diluted share and $70.8 million or $3.10 per diluted share, respectively.

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in the fourth quarter of 2020 was $13.6 million compared to $1.2 million in the comparable period last year. The loss pertains to asbestos-related liabilities from a brake business, originally acquired in 1986 and subsequently divested in 1998, and are adjusted at least annually, when the Company engages an independent actuary to assess the Company’s exposure. 

Mr. Eric Sills, Standard Motor Products’ Chief Executive Officer and President stated, “We are very pleased with our fourth quarter results, as we achieved records in both sales and earnings from continuing operations. After a very difficult second quarter when we experienced a slowdown caused by the pandemic, business rebounded in the second half, and we ended within one percent of our 2019 full-year revenue, setting a new high for full-year earnings from continuing operations.

“By segment, Engine Management sales were up 14.8% in the quarter, due to a combination of carry-over of an order backlog coming out of the third quarter, and generally strong demand across our entire customer base. Customer POS was consistently up in the mid-single digits, reflecting ongoing positive sell-through.  Temperature Control sales were up 30% in the quarter, as the warm weather continued into the period.

“Our strong profits for the quarter were mainly the result of increased absorption in our plants from elevated sales and production levels. For the full year, our record profits were primarily due to higher production levels in certain periods and annual savings initiatives, and to a lesser extent by certain non-recurring benefits from cost reduction initiatives and COVID-related government incentives, partially offset by COVID-related costs.

“Looking forward, we enter 2021 with many positives – our industry remains healthy and our customers’ POS has remained strong. However, as previously announced in December, we were informed of the loss of a major account in our Engine Management segment. When we initially reported the loss, the timing was still uncertain. We now know that the business will be phased out over the course of the first quarter of 2021. As we said before, the loss was due to a shift in business strategy by the customer, and we are aggressively working to reduce costs accordingly while we seek to replace the business. We remain very confident in our go-to-market strategy, which continues to be very well received by the balance of our customers. In fact, we are delighted to announce that we just received the 2020 Supplier of the Year award from O’Reilly Auto Parts, in which they recognized the strength of our partnership.

“We are very excited to announce the publication of our inaugural Sustainability Report, now available on our website. We believe we have a long heritage of investing in our people, our communities, and our planet, and we are pleased to share the details publicly.

“As we continue to return value to our shareholders, our Board of Directors recently approved the payment of a quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share, payable on March 1, 2021. Our Board has also authorized an additional $20 million common stock repurchase plan, which when added to the amount remaining under the prior plan will allow us to repurchase up to $26.5 million of our outstanding shares. We repurchased shares of our common stock in the amount of $4.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2020.”

Mr. Lawrence I. Sills, Chairman of the Board, then stated “Mr. Roger M. Widmann announced that he will retire from the Board this coming May, at the conclusion of his term. Roger has been a valuable member of our Board, where he has served since 2005, including as Chairman of our Compensation and Management Development Committee for the past nine years. He has been a major contributor in all areas, and he will be missed. We wish him a well-deserved retirement.”  

Mr. Eric Sills continued, “In conclusion, as we reflect back on a year unlike any in history, certain positives come to mind. First, we cannot be more proud of our employees, who helped us navigate uncharted waters with tremendous dedication and skill. We owe them a debt of gratitude. Second, it demonstrated once again the resiliency of the automotive aftermarket, proving how essential it is to the basic functioning of our country and its infrastructure. We remain very confident about our future.”


Conference Call

Standard Motor Products, Inc. will hold a conference call at 11:00 AM, Eastern Time, on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.  The dial-in number is 888-632-3389 (domestic) or 785-424-1674 (international). The playback number is 800-839-9725 (domestic) or 402-220-6093 (international). The participant passcode is 62175.

Under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Standard Motor Products cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by the company, including those that may be made in this press release, are based on management’s expectations at the time they are made, but they are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events or performance to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results, events or performance to differ materially from those risks and uncertainties discussed in this press release are those detailed from time-to-time in prior press releases and in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.  By making these forward-looking statements, Standard Motor Products undertakes no obligation or intention to update these statements after the date of this release.

 


STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.


Consolidated Statements of Operations


(In thousands, except per share amounts)

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

DECEMBER 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

NET SALES

$    282,738

$    241,252

$ 1,128,588

$ 1,137,913

COST OF SALES

188,584

168,408

791,933

806,113

GROSS PROFIT

94,154

72,844

336,655

331,800

SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

60,972

54,232

224,670

234,715

INTANGIBLE ASSET IMPAIRMENT

2,600

2,600

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSES

1,116

464

2,585

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

5

10

(26)

(5)

OPERATING INCOME 

30,587

17,506

108,895

94,495

OTHER NON-OPERATING INCOME, NET

220

305

812

2,587

INTEREST EXPENSE

221

967

2,328

5,286

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES

30,586

16,844

107,379

91,796

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

7,844

4,106

26,962

22,745

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

22,742

12,738

80,417

69,051

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATION, NET OF INCOME TAXES

(13,568)

(1,220)

(23,024)

(11,134)

NET EARNINGS

$         9,174

$      11,518

$      57,393

$      57,917

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

   BASIC EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

$             1.02

$             0.57

$             3.59

$             3.09

   DISCONTINUED OPERATION

(0.61)

(0.06)

(1.02)

(0.50)

   NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC

$             0.41

$             0.51

$             2.57

$             2.59

   DILUTED EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

$             1.00

$             0.56

$             3.52

$             3.03

   DISCONTINUED OPERATION

(0.60)

(0.06)

(1.01)

(0.49)

   NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE – DILUTED

$             0.40

$             0.50

$             2.51

$             2.54

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES

22,379,056

22,434,134

22,374,123

22,378,414

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON AND DILUTIVE SHARES

22,855,523

22,882,235

22,825,885

22,818,451

 

 

 


STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.


Segment Revenues and Operating Income


(In thousands)

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

DECEMBER 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)




Revenues


Ignition, Emission Control, Fuel & Safety

   Related System Products

$ 193,518

$ 167,276

$ 691,722

$ 705,994

Wire and Cable

38,342

34,681

143,963

143,167


        Engine Management

231,860

201,957

835,685

849,161

Compressors

22,060

15,405

163,071

160,485

Other Climate Control Parts

25,667

21,319

118,883

117,870


        Temperature Control

47,727

36,724

281,954

278,355

All Other

3,151

2,571

10,949

10,397


        Revenues

$   282,738

$   241,252

$ 1,128,588

$ 1,137,913




Gross Margin


Engine Management

$   76,451

33.0%

$   61,823

30.6%

$ 251,747

30.1%

$ 251,560

29.6%

Temperature Control

14,333

30.0%

8,349

22.7%

75,161

26.7%

70,064

25.2%

All Other

3,370

2,672

9,747

10,176


        Gross Margin

$     94,154

33.3%

$     72,844

30.2%

$    336,655

29.8%

$    331,800

29.2%




Selling, General & Administrative


Engine Management

$   37,203

16.0%

$   34,439

17.1%

$    137,440

16.4%

$    145,162

17.1%

Temperature Control

13,297

27.9%

11,364

30.9%

53,865

19.1%

56,397

20.3%

All Other

10,472

8,429

33,365

33,156


        Selling, General & Administrative

$     60,972

21.6%

$     54,232

22.5%

$    224,670

19.9%

$    234,715

20.6%




Operating Income


Engine Management

$   39,248

16.9%

$   27,384

13.6%

$    114,307

13.7%

$    106,398

12.5%

Temperature Control

1,036

2.2%

(3,015)

-8.2%

21,296

7.6%

13,667

4.9%

All Other

(7,102)

(5,757)

(23,618)

(22,980)


        Subtotal

33,182

11.7%

18,612

7.7%

111,985

9.9%

97,085

8.5%


Intangible Asset Impairment

(2,600)

-0.9%

0.0%

(2,600)

-0.2%

0.0%


Restructuring & Integration

0.0%

(1,116)

-0.5%

(464)

0.0%

(2,585)

-0.2%


Other Income (Expense), Net

5

0.0%

10

0.0%

(26)

0.0%

(5)

0.0%


        Operating Income

$     30,587

10.8%

$     17,506

7.3%

$    108,895

9.6%

$      94,495

8.3%

 


STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.


Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Measures


(In thousands, except per share amounts)

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

DECEMBER 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)



EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

GAAP EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

$22,742

$12,738

$  80,417

$69,051

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSES

1,116

464

2,585

INTANGIBLE ASSET IMPAIRMENT

2,600

2,600

CERTAIN TAX CREDITS AND PRODUCTION DEDUCTIONS FINALIZED IN PERIOD

(235)

(144)

INCOME TAX EFFECT RELATED TO RECONCILING ITEMS

(676)

(291)

(797)

(673)

NON-GAAP EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

$24,666

$13,563

$  82,449

$70,819



DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

GAAP DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

$    1.00

$    0.56

$     3.52

$    3.03

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSES

0.05

0.02

0.11

INTANGIBLE ASSET IMPAIRMENT

0.11

0.11

CERTAIN TAX CREDITS AND PRODUCTION DEDUCTIONS FINALIZED IN PERIOD

(0.01)

(0.01)

INCOME TAX EFFECT RELATED TO RECONCILING ITEMS

(0.03)

(0.02)

(0.03)

(0.03)

NON-GAAP DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

$    1.08

$    0.59

$     3.61

$    3.10



OPERATING INCOME

GAAP OPERATING INCOME

$30,587

$17,506

$108,895

$94,495

INTANGIBLE ASSET IMPAIRMENT

2,600

2,600

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSES

1,116

464

2,585

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

(5)

(10)

26

5

NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME

$33,182

$18,612

$111,985

$97,085

MANAGEMENT BELIEVES THAT EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, AND OPERATING INCOME, 
EACH OF WHICH ARE NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS AND ARE ADJUSTED FOR SPECIAL ITEMS, ARE MEANINGFUL TO INVESTORS BECAUSE THEY PROVIDE A VIEW OF THE 
COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO ONGOING OPERATING RESULTS. SPECIAL ITEMS REPRESENT SIGNIFICANT CHARGES OR CREDITS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO AN
UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPANY’S OVERALL OPERATING RESULTS IN THE PERIODS PRESENTED. SUCH NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS ARE NOT RECOGNIZED IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND SHOULD NOT BE VIEWED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO GAAP MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE.

 


STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.


Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


(In thousands)

DECEMBER 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2020

2019

(Unaudited)



ASSETS

CASH

$              19,488

$              10,372

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, GROSS

203,861

131,852

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

5,822

5,212

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

198,039

126,640

INVENTORIES

345,502

368,221

UNRETURNED CUSTOMER INVENTORY

19,632

19,722

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

15,875

15,602

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

598,536

540,557

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

89,105

89,649

OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

29,958

36,020

GOODWILL

77,837

77,802

OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET

54,004

64,861

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

44,770

37,272

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

40,507

38,858

OTHER ASSETS

21,823

18,835

TOTAL ASSETS

$           956,540

$           903,854



LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

NOTES PAYABLE

$              10,000

$              52,460

CURRENT PORTION OF OTHER DEBT

135

4,456

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

100,018

92,535

ACCRUED CUSTOMER RETURNS

40,982

35,240

ACCRUED CORE LIABILITY

22,014

24,357

ACCRUED REBATES

46,437

26,072

PAYROLL AND COMMISSIONS

35,938

26,649

SUNDRY PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

47,078

38,819

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

302,602

300,588

OTHER LONG-TERM DEBT

97

129

NONCURRENT OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES

22,450

28,376

ACCRUED ASBESTOS LIABILITIES

55,226

49,696

OTHER LIABILITIES

25,929

20,837

 TOTAL LIABILITIES 

406,304

399,626

 TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

550,236

504,228

 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

$           956,540

$           903,854

 


STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


(In thousands)

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

DECEMBER 31,

2020

2019

(Unaudited)



CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

NET EARNINGS 

$ 57,393

$ 57,917

ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET EARNINGS TO NET CASH

PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

26,323

25,809

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

(7,470)

5,094

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAXES

23,024

11,134

OTHER

18,768

11,359

CHANGE IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

(71,933)

2,789

INVENTORIES

17,984

(17,901)

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

7,428

(1,950)

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

(370)

(8,296)

SUNDRY PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES 

40,651

(2,957)

OTHER

(13,902)

(6,070)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

97,896

76,928



CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

ACQUISITIONS OF AND INVESTMENTS IN BUSINESSES

(43,490)

NET PROCEEDS FROM SALE OF FACILITY

4,801

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

(17,820)

(16,185)

OTHER INVESTING ACTIVITIES

21

62

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES 

(17,799)

(54,812)



CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET CHANGE IN DEBT

(46,708)

7,860

PURCHASE OF TREASURY STOCK

(13,482)

(10,738)

DIVIDENDS PAID

(11,218)

(20,593)

OTHER FINANCING ACTIVITIES

(108)

93

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

(71,516)

(23,378)

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

535

496

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

9,116

(766)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at beginning of year

10,372

11,138

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at end of year

$ 19,488

$ 10,372

 

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SOURCE Standard Motor Products, Inc.

Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Barry Marshall to Join Advisory Board of Xcelerate, Inc.

PR Newswire

MAULDIN, S.C., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Xcelerate, Inc. (OTC: UDHI) is honored to announce Barry James Marshall AC FRACP FRS FAA will join its Advisory Board, effective immediately. In 2005 Dr. Marshall and his longtime collaborator Dr. Robin Warren were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its role in peptic ulcer disease. This discovery also established the causative link between Helicobacter pylori infection and stomach cancer. Currently Dr. Marshall serves as Clinical Professor and Director of The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research at University of Western Australia. Additionally, Dr. Marshall has been involved with the establishment of the Marshall Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering at Shenzhen University

“This is truly a breakthrough day for Xcelerate,” said Michael O’Shea, Xcelerate’ s CEO. “Adding a Nobel Prize researcher and medical technology innovator to our Advisory Board will greatly accelerate the transition to our next phase of business development while supplying a tremendous boost toward our long-term goal of a NASDAQ listing. Xcelerate is seeking to acquire innovation at the patent/engineering level, marry it to early-stage medtech companies, and supply it in a controlled clinical care setting where developments will be trialed, tested, and applied. This will provide end-to-end controlled medtech development resulting in quicker product profitability and greater ROI by fostering engineering, clinical and business developments under one umbrella.”

To interview either Dr. Marshall or Mr. O’Shea, contact Justin Baronoff 561-750-9800; [email protected]

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including all statements not statements of historical fact regarding intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the Company’s financing plans; (ii) trends affecting Company’s financial condition or results of operations; (iii) Company’s growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words “may,” “would,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, beyond the Company’s ability to control, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements resulting from various factors.

Media Contact:
Justin Baronoff 561-750-9800; [email protected]

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nobel-prize-laureate-dr-barry-marshall-to-join-advisory-board-of-xcelerate-inc-301233079.html

SOURCE Xcelerate, Inc.

MFA Financial, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Earnings continue to stabilize as financing initiatives are implemented

$50.7 million of accretive common stock repurchases

Limited dilution from execution of warrant transactions with Apollo and Athene

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — MFA Financial, Inc. (NYSE: MFA) today provided its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020.

Fourth Quarter 2020 financial results update:

  • MFA generated fourth quarter net income of $37.6 million, or $0.08 per common share.
  • MFA paid a regular cash dividend for the fourth quarter of $0.075 per share of common stock on January 29, 2021.
  • GAAP book value at December 31, 2020 was $4.54 per common share, while Economic book value, a non-GAAP financial measure of MFA’s financial position that adjusts GAAP book value by the amount of unrealized market value changes in residential whole loans held at carrying value for GAAP reporting, was $4.92 per common share at quarter-end.
  • Markets for residential mortgage assets further stabilized following the disruptions experienced earlier in 2020.  Earnings and changes in book value continued to be positively impacted by improvements in the values of residential mortgage assets.  Income from residential whole loans at fair value included $30.9 million of market value gains, while changes in the fair value of loans held on our balance sheet at carrying value also resulted in an increase in Economic book value during the quarter of approximately $0.07 per common share.  While MFA’s fourth quarter financial results had fewer unusual items than prior periods, they were impacted by certain items that will not reoccur in future periods.  In particular, fourth quarter net income included expenses totaling $25.3 million (or $0.06 per common share) recognized on the repayment of the senior secured term loan from Apollo and Athene and a $3.1 million non-cash charge (or $0.01 per common share) related to the redemption of our 8% Senior Notes (both items discussed further below). 
  • Additionally, during the quarter, we completed two transactions with Apollo and Athene that eliminated potential future dilution from the warrants that were issued in connection with the loan. In the first transaction, the Company repurchased, for $33.7 million, approximately 48% of the warrants and in the second transaction, the remaining warrants were exercised by Apollo and Athene, resulting in MFA issuing approximately 12.3 million shares of common stock and receiving $6.5 million in cash.  The combined impact of the warrant exercise and repurchase transactions decreased MFA’s GAAP book value per common share by $0.18 and Economic book value per common share by $0.19, reflecting less than 4% dilution of previously reported book value.
  • We continued to make significant progress on initiatives to lower the cost of financing our investments with more durable forms of borrowing.  During the quarter, we completed two Non-QM securitization transactions, totaling $951.6 million, that generated $214.6 million of additional liquidity and lowered the funding rate for the associated assets by approximately 193 basis points.  After the end of the fourth quarter, we completed a securitization solely consisting of $217.5 million of Business Purpose Rental Loans, generating $48.4 million of additional liquidity.  As the weighted average coupon of the bonds sold was 1.06%, this transaction is expected to lower the funding rate of the underlying assets by more than 150 basis points.
  • During the fourth quarter, under our previously announced stock repurchase program we repurchased 14,085,678 shares of common stock at an average price of approximately $3.61 per share.  These repurchases were accretive to MFA’s GAAP book value by $0.03 per common share and Economic book value by $0.04 per common share.
  • On January 6, 2021, we completed the redemption of the $100 million 8% Senior Notes due 2042 (the “Senior Notes”).  In connection with this redemption, we recorded in our fourth quarter interest expense a non-cash charge of approximately $3.1 million representing remaining unamortized deferred expenses incurred when the Senior Notes were originally issued in 2012.

Commenting on the fourth quarter 2020 results, Craig Knutson, MFA’s CEO and President said, “MFA’s fourth quarter financial results were a continuation of a return to normal, as we put the capital transactions necessary to emerge from our COVID-19 pandemic-induced distress behind us.  The Apollo/Athene debt was fully paid off during the fourth quarter, and the associated warrants have been extinguished through a combination of repurchases and exercise.  While the warrant settlement was mildly dilutive, a strong quarter and the impact of accretive common stock repurchases mitigated this dilution, with GAAP book value down just 1.5% and Economic book value flat compared to September 30.  The net impact of the warrant transactions decreased reported book value amounts by roughly 3.9%.”

Mr. Knutson added, “We continued to make substantial progress on multiple initiatives by seizing market opportunities in the fourth quarter that we believe should have a significant positive impact on our results as we enter 2021.  With interest rates at historic lows and robust demand for mortgage credit, particularly rated mortgage credit, we executed two new securitizations in the fourth quarter and another subsequent to year-end.  This brings our aggregate securitizations to just over $1.5 billion since September.  These transactions substantially reduce our interest costs and also generate significant additional liquidity.  In addition to paying off expensive debt (including our 8% Senior Notes that we redeemed in early January), we also deployed capital to repurchase MFA common stock at levels well below book value.”

Mr. Knutson continued, “We also took advantage of a strong housing market to materially reduce our REO portfolio in 2020, selling over 1,000 properties for aggregate proceeds of $271 million, which was nearly 2.5 times the proceeds realized in 2019.  These properties sold for an average of 105.9% of carrying value, generating gains on disposal of $15.1 million.” 


Q4 2020 Portfolio Activity

MFA’s residential mortgage investment portfolio decreased by $346.0 million during the fourth quarter, primarily due to portfolio run-off.  Acquisition of new investments continued to be modest, with $83.2 million of Non-QM loans and $27.3 million of Business Purpose loans purchased during the quarter.

At December 31, 2020, the net carrying value of our investments in residential whole loans totaled $5.3 billion.  Of this amount, $4.1 billion is recorded at carrying value and $1.2 billion is recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet.  Loans held at carrying value generated an overall yield of 4.66% during the quarter, a slight increase from the prior quarter.  Yields on purchased performing loans were essentially unchanged from the prior quarter at 4.57%, while yields on purchased credit deteriorated loans increased to 5.16% from 4.89% in the prior quarter.  Overall delinquency rates on loans held at carrying value were largely unchanged from the prior quarter.  The amount of Non-QM loans that were 60 or more days delinquent, measured as a percentage of the unpaid principal balance, declined during the quarter and was 7.9% at December 31, 2020, compared to 8.8% at September 30, 2020. In addition, the amount of purchased credit deteriorated loans that were 90 or more days delinquent, measured as a percentage of the unpaid principal balance, marginally increased during the quarter and was 18.5% at December 31, 2020, compared to 18.2% at September 30, 2020.  Delinquency levels for our Rehabilitation loans also increased from the prior quarter, with loans that were 60 or more days delinquent totaling $161.8 million, compared to $143.3 million at September 30, 2020.    

For the fourth quarter, a reversal of the provision for credit losses of $19.0 million was recorded on residential whole loans held at carrying value, primarily reflecting lower estimates of future rates of unemployment and lower loan balances.  The total allowance for credit losses recorded on residential whole loans held at carrying value at December 31, 2020 was $86.8 million.  In addition, as of December 31, 2020, reserves for credit losses totaling approximately $1.2 million were recorded related to undrawn commitments on loans held at carrying value. Further, we recorded a provision for credit losses on other financial instruments of $3.3 million during the fourth quarter.  The total allowance for credit losses on other financial instruments was $9.0 million as of December 31, 2020.

Net gains for the quarter on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings were $49.8 million, including unrealized gains in the fair value of the underlying loans of $30.9 million, and $18.9 million of coupon interest payments and other gains realized during the quarter.  The percentage amount of fair value loans that were 90 or more days delinquent decreased to 47.0% at December 31, 2020 from 49.0% at September 30, 2020.

In addition, as of the end of the quarter, we held approximately $250 million of REO properties, which has decreased from $299 million as of the end of the third quarter as foreclosure activity in recent months has slowed, while asset sales continued.  MFA’s proactive asset management team has been able to shorten liquidation timelines and increase property sale proceeds, leading to improved outcomes and better returns.

At the end of the fourth quarter, MFA held approximately $53.9 million of RPL/NPL MBS.  In addition, our investments in MSR-related assets totaled $239.0 million at December 31, 2020.  Our investments in CRT securities totaled $104.2 million at December 31, 2020.


Expenses recognized on repayment of senior secured term loan

Included in Other income are expenses of approximately $25.3 million recorded on the repayment of the remaining balance of the $500 million senior secured term loan from Apollo and Athene that was obtained on June 26, 2020.  These expenses are recognized as the loan was repaid at its par value and include accelerated accretion of original issue discount and the reversal of unrealized market value gains recorded in the prior quarter.


Impact of warrant transactions

During the quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 48% of the warrants that were issued to Apollo and Athene in connection with the senior secured term loan.  These warrants were repurchased for $33.7 million, reflecting the market value of the warrants at the time of repurchase.  The impact of this transaction is reflected directly in the Company’s stockholders’ equity and had no impact on current period net income.  In addition, the remaining warrants were exercised by Apollo and Athene late in the quarter, resulting in the Company issuing approximately 12.3 million shares of common stock and receiving $6.5 million in cash.


General and Administrative and other expenses

For the three months ended December 31, 2020, MFA’s costs for compensation and benefits and other general and administrative expenses were $8.6 million, or an annualized 1.37% of average stockholders’ equity for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.  Compensation related expenses for the quarter were lower than our normal expected run rate, primarily due to the finalization of incentive compensation accruals for 2020, which resulted in a reduction in accrued incentive compensation of approximately $3.1 million.  


Stock Repurchase Program

On November 2, 2020, MFA’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which MFA may repurchase up to $250 million of its common stock through the end of 2022.  Under this program during the fourth quarter, the Company repurchased 14,085,678 shares of common stock at an average price of approximately $3.61 per share.  In addition, as previously discussed, during the year ended December 31, 2020 the Company repurchased 17,593,576 warrants for $33.7 million that were included in the stock repurchase program.  As of December 31, 2020, the Company was permitted to purchase an additional $165.7 million of its common stock. 

MFA expects to fund the share repurchases from current cash balances and future investment portfolio run-off. The Company currently has approximately 451.7 million shares of common stock outstanding.

The following table presents MFA’s asset allocation as of December 31, 2020, and the fourth quarter 2020 yield on average interest-earning assets, average cost of funds and net interest rate spread for the various asset types.


Table 1 – Asset Allocation


At December 31, 2020


Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value (1)


Residential Whole Loans, at Fair Value


Residential Mortgage Securities


MSR-Related Assets


Other,
net (2)


Total



($ in Millions)

Fair Value/Carrying Value

$

4,108

$

1,217

$

161

$

239

$

1,137

$

6,862

Financing Agreements with non-mark-to-market
collateral provisions

(906)

(253)

(1,159)

Financing Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions

(839)

(285)

(89)

(125)

(1,338)

Less Securitized Debt

(1,261)

(254)

(1,515)

Less Convertible Senior Notes

(225)

(225)

Less Senior Notes

(100)

(100)

Net Equity Allocated

$

1,102

$

425

$

72

$

114

$

812

$

2,525

Debt/Net Equity Ratio (3)

2.7

x

1.9

x

1.2

x

1.1

x

1.7

x



For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2020

Yield on Average Interest Earning Assets (4)(5)

4.66

%

N/A

7.22

%

12.27

%

4.44

%

Less Average Cost of

  Funds (6)

(2.81)

(3.57)

(2.71)

(2.67)

(3.37)

Net Interest Rate Spread

1.85

%

N/A

4.51

%

9.60

%

1.07

%

 


(1)


Includes $2.3 billion of Non-QM loans, $563.4 million of Rehabilitation loans, $442.5 million of Single-family rental loans, $136.2 million of Seasoned performing loans and $630.3 million of Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans.  At December 31, 2020, the total fair value of these loans is estimated to be approximately $4.3 billion.


(2)


Includes $814.4 million of cash and cash equivalents, $7.2 million of restricted cash, $249.7 million of real estate owned, and $47.1 million of capital contributions made to loan origination partners, as well as other assets and other liabilities.


(3)


Total Debt/Net Equity ratio represents the sum of borrowings under our financing agreements noted above as a multiple of net equity allocated.


(4)


Yields reported on our interest earning assets are calculated based on the interest income recorded and the average amortized cost for the quarter of the respective asset.  At December 31, 2020, the amortized cost of our interest earning assets were as follows: Legacy Non-Agency MBS – $2.2 million; RPL/NPL MBS – $46.9 million; Credit Risk Transfer securities – $86.2 million; Residential Whole Loans at carrying value – $4.2 billion; and MSR-related assets – $184.9 million.  In addition, the yield for residential whole loans at carrying value was 4.61%, net of 5 basis points of servicing fee expense incurred during the quarter.  For GAAP reporting purposes, such expenses are included in Loan servicing and other related operating expenses in our statement of operations. 


(5)


Interest payments received on residential whole loans at fair value is reported in Other Income as Net (loss)/gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings in our statement of operations.  Accordingly, no yield is presented as such loans are not included in interest earning assets for reporting purposes.


(6)


Average cost of funds includes interest on financing agreements, Convertible Senior Notes, Senior Notes, securitized debt and Secured Term notes.  Total average cost of funds excludes the non-cash charge of $3.1 million recorded in connection with the redemption of the Senior Notes that was completed early in 2021.

 

The following table presents the activity for our residential mortgage asset portfolio for the three months ended December 31, 2020:


Table 2 – Investment Portfolio Activity Q4 2020


(In Millions)


September 30, 2020


Runoff (1)


Acquisitions


Other (2)


December 31, 2020


Change

Residential whole loans and REO

$

5,916

$

(511)

$

111

$

59

$

5,575

$

(341)

MSR-related assets

252

(21)

8

239

(13)

Residential mortgage securities

153

(2)

10

161

8


Totals

$

6,321

$

(534)

$

111

$

77

$

5,975

$

(346)

 


(1)

Primarily includes principal repayments, cash collections on Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans and sales of REO.


(2)

Primarily includes changes in fair value and adjustments to record lower of cost or estimated fair value adjustments on REO. 

 

The following tables present information on our investments in residential whole loans.


Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:


Table 3 – Portfolio composition


(Dollars In Thousands)


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

Purchased Performing Loans:

Non-QM loans

$

2,357,185

$

3,707,245

Rehabilitation loans

581,801

1,026,097

Single-family rental loans

446,374

460,742

Seasoned performing loans

136,264

176,569

Total Purchased Performing Loans

3,521,624

5,370,653

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (1)

673,708

698,717

Total Residential whole loans, at carrying value

$

4,195,332

$

6,069,370

Allowance for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value

(86,833)

(3,025)

Total Residential whole loans at carrying value, net

$

4,108,499

$

6,066,345

Number of loans

13,112

17,082

 


(1)


The amortized cost basis of Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans was increased by $62.6 million on January 1, 2020 in connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-13.

 


Table 4 – Yields and average balances


For the Three-Month Period Ended


(Dollars in Thousands)


December 31, 2020


September 30, 2020


December 31, 2019


Interest


Average
Balance


Average
Yield (1)


Interest


Average
Balance


Average Yield


Interest


Average
Balance


Average
Yield

Purchased Performing Loans:

Non-QM loans

$

24,316

$

2,435,751

3.99

%

$

25,884

$

2,534,967

4.08

%

$

37,032

$

3,130,041

4.73

%

Rehabilitation loans

9,983

669,320

5.97

%

10,863

802,661

5.41

%

16,087

1,010,975

6.36

%

Single-family rental loans

6,193

470,197

5.27

%

6,917

489,536

5.65

%

6,091

404,600

6.02

%

Seasoned performing loans

1,993

143,926

5.54

%

1,945

153,003

5.08

%

2,730

184,532

5.92

%

Total Purchased Performing Loans

42,485

3,719,194

4.57

%

45,609

3,980,167

4.58

%

61,940

4,730,148

5.24

%

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

8,973

694,988

5.16

%

8,784

718,957

4.89

%

10,314

712,914

5.79

%

Total Residential whole loans, at carrying value

$

51,458

$

4,414,182

4.66

%

$

54,393

$

4,699,124

4.63

%

$

72,254

$

5,443,062

5.31

%

 


(1)


Average yield reported for Single-family rental loans for the three-month period ended December 31, 2020 excludes $846,000 of prepayment penalties that are collected on loans that payoff before a specified date.  For GAAP reporting purposes prepayment penalties are reported in Other income.  If such fees were included in interest income, the reported yield for the period ended December 31, 2020 would have been 5.99%.

 


Table 5 – Credit related metrics



December 31, 2020


Carrying Value


Amortized Cost Basis


Unpaid Principal Balance (“UPB”)


Weighted Average Coupon (1)


Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)


Weighted Average LTV Ratio (2)


Weighted Average Original FICO (3)


Aging by Amortized Cost Basis


Past Due Days


(Dollars In Thousands)


Current


30-59


60-89


90+

Purchased Performing Loans:

Non-QM loans (4)

$

2,336,117

$

2,357,185

$

2,294,086

5.84

%

351

64

%

712

$

2,099,134

$

73,163

$

36,501

$

148,387

Rehabilitation loans (4)

563,430

581,801

581,801

7.29

3

63

719

390,706

29,315

25,433

136,347

Single-family rental loans (4)

442,456

446,374

442,208

6.32

324

70

730

415,386

6,652

3,948

20,388

Seasoned performing loans (4)

136,157

136,264

149,004

3.30

171

40

723

124,877

2,186

1,170

8,031

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (4)(5)

630,339

673,708

782,319

4.46

287

76

N/A

N/M

N/M

N/M

119,621

Residential whole loans, at carrying value, total or weighted average

$

4,108,499

$

4,195,332

$

4,249,418

5.77

%

282



December 31, 2019


Carrying Value


Amortized Cost Basis


Unpaid Principal Balance (“UPB”)


Weighted Average Coupon
(1)


Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)


Weighted Average LTV Ratio (2)


Weighted Average Original FICO (3)


Aging by UPB


Past Due Days


(Dollars In Thousands)


Current


30-59


60-89


90+

Purchased

   Performing Loans:

Non-QM loans (4)

$

3,706,857

$

3,707,245

$

3,592,701

5.96

%

368

67

%

716

$

3,492,533

$

59,963

$

19,605

$

20,600

Rehabilitation loans (4)

1,023,766

1,026,097

1,026,097

7.30

8

64

717

868,281

67,747

27,437

62,632

Single-family rental loans (4)

460,679

460,741

457,146

6.29

324

70

734

432,936

15,948

2,047

6,215

Seasoned performing loans

176,569

176,569

192,151

4.24

181

46

723

187,683

2,164

430

1,874

Purchased Credit Impaired Loans (5)

698,474

698,718

873,326

4.46

294

81

N/A

N/M

N/M

N/M

108,998

Residential whole loans, at carrying value, total or weighted average

$

6,066,345

$

6,069,370

$

6,141,421

5.96

%

288

 




(1)


Weighted average is calculated based on the interest bearing principal balance of each loan within the related category. For loans acquired with servicing rights released by the seller, interest rates included in the calculation do not reflect loan servicing fees. For loans acquired with servicing rights retained by the seller, interest rates included in the calculation are net of servicing fees.


(2)


LTV represents the ratio of the total unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated value of the collateral securing the related loan as of the most recent date available, which may be the origination date. For Rehabilitation loans, the LTV presented is the ratio of the maximum unpaid principal balance of the loan, including unfunded commitments, to the estimated “after repaired” value of the collateral securing the related loan, where available. For certain Rehabilitation loans, totaling $189.9 million and $269.2 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, an after repaired valuation was not obtained and the loan was underwritten based on an “as is” valuation. The weighted average LTV of these loans based on the current unpaid principal balance and the valuation obtained during underwriting, is 68% and 69% at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.  Excluded from the calculation of weighted average LTV are certain low value loans secured by vacant lots, for which the LTV ratio is not meaningful.


(3)


Excludes loans for which no Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) score is available. 


(4)


At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the difference between the Carrying Value and Amortized Cost Basis represents the related allowance for credit losses. 


(5)


Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans tend to be characterized by varying performance of the underlying borrowers over time, including loans where multiple months of payments are received in a period to bring the loan to current status, followed by months where no payments are received.  Accordingly, delinquency information is presented for loans that are more than 90 days past due that are considered to be seriously delinquent.

 

 


Table 6 – LTV 90+ Days Delinquencies

The following table presents certain information regarding the Company’s Residential whole loans that are 90 days or more delinquent:


December 31, 2020


(Dollars In Thousands)


Carrying Value / Fair Value


UPB


LTV (1)

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

$

119,621

$

145,028

86.7

%

Non-QM loans

$

148,387

$

144,681

65.9

%

Rehabilitation loans

$

136,347

$

136,347

65.8

%

Single-family rental loans

$

20,388

$

20,233

72.7

%

Seasoned performing loans

$

8,031

$

8,823

55.1

%

Residential whole loans, at fair value

$

571,729

$

625,621

86.8

%

 


(1)

 LTV represents the ratio of the total unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated value of the collateral securing the related loan as of the most recent date available, which may be the origination date.  For Rehabilitation loans, the LTV presented is the ratio of the maximum unpaid principal balance of the loan, including unfunded commitments, to the estimated “after repaired” value of the collateral securing the related loan, where available.  For certain Rehabilitation loans, an after repaired valuation was not obtained and the loan was underwritten based on an “as is” valuation.  Excluded from the calculation of weighted average LTV are certain low value loans secured by vacant lots, for which the LTV ratio is not meaningful. 

 


Table 7 – Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table presents a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses on the Company’s Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value:


For the Year Ended December 31, 2020


(Dollars In Thousands)


Non-QM Loans


Rehabilitation Loans (1)(2)


Single-family Rental Loans


Seasoned Performing Loans


Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (3)


Totals

Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019

$

388

$

2,331

$

62

$

$

244

$

3,025

Transition adjustment on adoption of ASU 2016-13 (4)

6,904

517

754

19

62,361

70,555

Current provision

26,358

33,213

6,615

230

8,481

74,897

Write-offs

(428)

(219)

(647)

Valuation adjustment on loans held for sale

70,181

70,181

Allowance for credit and valuation losses at March 31, 2020

$

103,831

$

35,633

$

7,431

$

249

$

70,867

$

218,011

Current provision/(reversal)

(2,297)

(5,213)

(500)

(25)

(2,579)

(10,614)

Write-offs

(420)

(207)

(627)

Valuation adjustment on loans held for sale

(70,181)

(70,181)

Allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2020

$

31,353

$

30,000

$

6,931

$

224

$

68,081

$

136,589

Current provision/(reversal)

(4,568)

(7,140)

(1,906)

(74)

(16,374)

(30,062)

Write-offs

(32)

(227)

(22)

(281)

Allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2020

$

26,753

$

22,633

$

5,025

$

150

$

51,685

$

106,246

Current provision/(reversal)

(5,599)

(3,837)

(1,107)

(43)

(7,997)

(18,583)

Write-offs

(86)

(425)

(319)

(830)

Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020

$

21,068

$

18,371

$

3,918

$

107

$

43,369

$

86,833


For the Year Ended December 31, 2019


(Dollars In Thousands)


Non-QM Loans


Rehabilitation Loans


Single-family Rental Loans


Seasoned Performing Loans


Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans


Totals

Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2018

$

$

$

$

$

968

$

968

Current provision

500

183

683

Write-offs

Allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2019

$

$

500

$

$

$

1,151

$

1,651

Current provision

385

385

Write-offs

(50)

(50)

Allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2019

$

$

450

$

$

$

1,536

$

1,986

Current provision

347

347

Write-offs

(62)

(62)

Allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2019

$

$

388

$

$

$

1,883

$

2,271

Current provision/(reversal)

388

2,220

62

(1,639)

1,031

Write-offs

(277)

(277)

Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019

$

388

$

2,331

$

62

$

$

244

$

3,025

 


(1)


In connection with purchased Rehabilitation loans, the Company had unfunded commitments of $60.6 million, with an allowance for credit losses of $1.2 million at December 31, 2020. Such allowance is included in “Other liabilities” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.


(2)


Includes $161.8 million of loans that were assessed for credit losses based on a collateral dependent methodology.


(3)


Includes $70.3 million of loans that were assessed for credit losses based on a collateral dependent methodology.


(4)


Of the $70.6 million of reserves recorded on adoption of ASU 2016-13, $8.3 million was recorded as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity and $62.4 million was recorded as a “gross up” of the amortized cost basis of Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans. 

 


Residential Whole Loans, at fair value at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:


Table 8 – Credit related metrics


 
(Dollars in Thousands)


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

Less than 60 Days Past Due:

Outstanding principal balance

$

602,292

$

666,026

Aggregate fair value

$

595,521

$

641,616

Weighted Average LTV Ratio (1)

72.57

%

76.69

%

Number of loans

3,033

3,159

60 Days to 89 Days Past Due:

Outstanding principal balance

$

54,180

$

58,160

Aggregate fair value

$

49,652

$

53,485

Weighted Average LTV Ratio (1)

82.11

%

79.48

%

Number of loans

263

313

90 Days or More Past Due:

Outstanding principal balance

$

625,621

$

767,320

Aggregate fair value

$

571,729

$

686,482

Weighted Average LTV Ratio (1)

86.78

%

89.69

%

Number of loans

2,326

2,983

    Total Residential whole loans, at fair value

$

1,216,902

$

1,381,583

 


(1)


LTV represents the ratio of the total unpaid principal balance of the loan, to the estimated value of the collateral securing the related loan.  Excluded from the calculation of weighted average LTV are certain low value loans secured by vacant lots, for which the LTV ratio is not meaningful.

 


Table 9 – Net gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings


For the Year Ended December 31,


 (In Thousands)


2020


2019

Coupon payments, realized gains, and other income received (1)

$

72,700

$

91,438

Net unrealized gains

17,204

47,849

Net gain on transfers to REO

4,309

19,043

    Total

$

94,213

$

158,330

 


(1)


Primarily includes gains on liquidation of non-performing loans, including the recovery of delinquent interest payments, recurring coupon interest payments received on mortgage loans that are contractually current, and cash payments received from private mortgage insurance on liquidated loans. 

 


Webcast

MFA Financial, Inc. plans to host a live audio webcast of its investor conference call on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss its fourth quarter 2020 financial results. The live audio webcast will be accessible to the general public over the internet at http://www.mfafinancial.com through the “Webcasts & Presentations” link on MFA’s home page.  To listen to the conference call over the internet, please go to the MFA website at least 15 minutes before the call to register and to download and install any needed audio software.  Earnings presentation materials will be posted on the MFA website prior to the conference call and an audio replay will be available on the website following the call.


Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this press release or other written or oral communications, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” the negative of these words or similar expressions, are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, as such, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results with respect to our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives.  Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: risks related to the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, including the pandemic’s effect on the general economy and our business, financial position and results of operations (including, among other potential effects, increased delinquencies and greater than expected losses in our whole loan portfolio); changes in interest rates and the market (i.e., fair) value of MFA’s residential whole loans, MBS and other assets; changes in the prepayment rates on residential mortgage assets, an increase of which could result in a reduction of the yield on certain investments in its portfolio and could require MFA to reinvest the proceeds received by it as a result of such prepayments in investments with lower coupons, while a decrease in which could result in an increase in the interest rate duration of certain investments in MFA’s portfolio making their valuation more sensitive to changes in interest rates and could result in lower forecasted cash flows; credit risks underlying MFA’s assets, including changes in the default rates and management’s assumptions regarding default rates on the mortgage loans in MFA’s residential whole loan portfolio; MFA’s ability to borrow to finance its assets and the terms, including the cost, maturity and other terms, of any such borrowings; implementation of or changes in government regulations or programs affecting MFA’s business; MFA’s estimates regarding taxable income, the actual amount of which is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the amount of interest income and financing costs, the method elected by MFA to accrete the market discount on residential whole loans and the extent of prepayments, realized losses and changes in the composition of MFA’s residential whole loan portfolios that may occur during the applicable tax period, including gain or loss on any MBS disposals and whole loan modifications, foreclosures and liquidations; the timing and amount of distributions to stockholders, which are declared and paid at the discretion of MFA’s Board and will depend on, among other things, MFA’s taxable income, its financial results and overall financial condition and liquidity, maintenance of its REIT qualification and such other factors as MFA’s Board deems relevant; MFA’s ability to maintain its qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; MFA’s ability to maintain its exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (or the “Investment Company Act”), including statements regarding the concept release issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) relating to interpretive issues under the Investment Company Act with respect to the status under the Investment Company Act of certain companies that are engaged in the business of acquiring mortgages and mortgage-related interests; MFA’s ability to continue growing its residential whole loan portfolio, which is dependent on, among other things, the supply of loans offered for sale in the market; expected returns on MFA’s investments in nonperforming residential whole loans (“NPLs”), which are affected by, among other things, the length of time required to foreclose upon, sell, liquidate or otherwise reach a resolution of the property underlying the NPL, home price values, amounts advanced to carry the asset (e.g., taxes, insurance, maintenance expenses, etc. on the underlying property) and the amount ultimately realized upon resolution of the asset; targeted or expected returns on MFA’s investments in recently-originated loans, the performance of which is, similar to MFA’s other mortgage loan investments, subject to, among other things, differences in prepayment risk, credit risk and financing cost associated with such investments; risks associated with MFA’s investments in MSR-related assets, including servicing, regulatory and economic risks, risks associated with our investments in loan originators, and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those described in the annual, quarterly and current reports that MFA files with the SEC, could cause MFA’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements it makes. All forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, assumptions and expectations of MFA’s future performance, taking into account all information currently available.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect MFA. Except as required by law, MFA is not obligated to, and does not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


MFA FINANCIAL, INC.


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)


December 31,

2020


December 31,

2019


Assets:

Residential whole loans:

Residential whole loans, at carrying value ($2,704,646 and $4,847,782 pledged as collateral, respectively) (1)

$

4,195,332

$

6,069,370

Residential whole loans, at fair value ($827,001 and $794,684 pledged as collateral, respectively) (1)

1,216,902

1,381,583

Allowance for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value

(86,833)

(3,025)

Total residential whole loans, net

5,325,401

7,447,928

Residential mortgage securities, at fair value ($161,000 and $3,966,591 pledged as collateral, respectively)

161,000

3,983,519

Mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) related assets ($238,999 and $1,217,002 pledged as collateral, respectively)

238,999

1,217,002

Cash and cash equivalents

814,354

70,629

Restricted cash

7,165

64,035

Other assets

385,381

785,057

Total Assets

$

6,932,300

$

13,568,170


Liabilities:

Financing agreements ($3,366,772 and $0 held at fair value, respectively)

$

4,336,976

$

10,031,606

Other liabilities

70,522

152,612

Total Liabilities

$

4,407,498

$

10,184,218


Stockholders’ Equity:

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 7.50% Series B cumulative redeemable; 8,050 shares authorized; 8,000 shares issued and outstanding ($200,000 aggregate liquidation preference)

$

80

$

80

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 6.50% Series C fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable; 12,650 shares authorized; 11,000 shares issued and outstanding ($275,000 aggregate liquidation preference)

110

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 874,300 and 886,950 shares authorized; 451,714 and 452,369 shares issued

  and outstanding, respectively

4,517

4,524

Additional paid-in capital, in excess of par

3,848,129

3,640,341

Accumulated deficit

(1,405,327)

(631,040)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

77,293

370,047

Total Stockholders’ Equity

$

2,524,802

$

3,383,952

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

6,932,300

$

13,568,170

 


(1)


Includes approximately $1.4 billion and $186.4 million of Residential whole loans, at carrying value and $382.3 million and $567.4 million of Residential whole loans, at fair value transferred to consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  Such assets can be used only to settle the obligations of each respective VIE.

 


MFA FINANCIAL, INC.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


Three Months Ended

December 31,


Year Ended

December 31,


(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)


2020


2019


2020


2019


(Unaudited)


(Unaudited)


(Unaudited)


Interest Income:

Residential whole loans held at carrying value

$

51,458

$

72,254

$

258,764

$

243,980

Residential mortgage securities

2,459

62,880

54,137

274,554

MSR-related assets

5,768

14,415

35,957

52,647

Other interest-earning assets

761

2,879

9,850

7,152

Cash and cash equivalent investments

30

690

676

3,393


Interest Income

$

60,476

$

153,118

$

359,384

$

581,726


Interest Expense:

Asset-backed and other collateralized financing arrangements

$

32,041

$

76,570

$

242,039

$

315,344

Other interest expense

9,003

5,893

26,719

17,012


Interest Expense

$

41,044

$

82,463

$

268,758

$

332,356


Net Interest Income

$

19,432

$

70,655

$

90,626

$

249,370


Reversal/(Provision) for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instruments

$

15,709

$

(1,032)

$

(22,381)

$

(2,569)


Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit and Valuation Losses

$

35,141

$

69,623

$

68,245

$

246,801


Other Income, net:

Impairment and other losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets

$

$

(180)

$

(425,082)

$

(180)

Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of residential mortgage securities and residential whole loans

11,975

(188,847)

62,002

Net unrealized gain/(loss) on residential mortgage securities measured at fair value through earnings

2,946

(897)

(10,486)

7,080

Net gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings

49,782

41,415

94,213

158,330

Loss on terminated swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes

(57,034)

Other, net

(21,654)

3,084

(18,885)

(1,375)


Other Income/(Loss), net

$

31,074

$

55,397

$

(606,121)

$

225,857


Operating and Other Expense:

Compensation and benefits

$

1,908

$

7,920

$

31,042

$

32,235

Other general and administrative expense

6,727

4,812

25,666

20,413

Loan servicing, financing and other related costs

11,763

11,667

40,372

41,893

Costs associated with restructuring/forbearance agreement

44,434

$


Operating and Other Expense

$

20,398

$

24,399

$

141,514

$

94,541


Net Income/(Loss)

$

45,817

$

100,621

$

(679,390)

$

378,117

Less Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement

$

8,218

$

3,750

$

29,796

15,000


Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities

$

37,599

$

96,871

$

(709,186)

$

363,117


Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share

$

0.08

$

0.21

$

(1.57)

$

0.80


Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share

$

0.08

$

0.21

$

(1.57)

$

0.79

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Book Value per Common Share to non-GAAP Economic Book Value per Common Share

“Economic book value” is a non-GAAP financial measure of our financial position.  To calculate our Economic book value, our portfolios of Residential whole loans at carrying value are adjusted to their fair value, rather than the carrying value that is required to be reported under the GAAP accounting model applied to these loans.  This adjustment is also reflected in our end of period stockholders’ equity in the table below.  Management considers that Economic book value provides investors with a useful supplemental measure to evaluate our financial position as it reflects the impact of fair value changes for all of our residential mortgage assets, irrespective of the accounting model applied for GAAP reporting purposes.  Economic book value does not represent and should not be considered as a substitute for Stockholders’ Equity, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and our calculation of this measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation of our GAAP book value per common share to our non-GAAP Economic book value per common share for the quarterly periods below:


(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)


December 31, 2020


September 30, 2020


June 30, 2020


March 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

GAAP Total Stockholders’ Equity

$

2,524.8

$

2,565.7

$

2,521.1

$

2,440.7

$

3,384.0

Preferred Stock, liquidation preference

(475.0)

(475.0)

(475.0)

(475.0)

(200.0)

GAAP Stockholders’ Equity for book value per common share

2,049.8

2,090.7

2,046.1

1,965.7

3,184.0

Adjustments:

Fair value adjustment to Residential whole loans, at carrying value

173.9

141.1

(25.3)

(113.5)

182.4

Stockholders’ Equity including fair value adjustment to Residential whole loans, at carrying value (Economic book value)

$

2,223.7

$

2,231.8

$

2,020.8

$

1,852.2

$

3,366.4

GAAP book value per common share

$

4.54

$

4.61

$

4.51

$

4.34

$

7.04

Economic book value per common share

$

4.92

$

4.92

$

4.46

$

4.09

$

7.44

Number of shares of common stock outstanding

451.7

453.3

453.2

453.1

452.4

 

 


INVESTOR CONTACT:



[email protected]


212-207-6488



www.mfafinancial.com


MEDIA CONTACT:


Abernathy MacGregor


Tom Johnson


212-371-5999

Category: Earnings

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mfa-financial-inc-announces-fourth-quarter-2020-financial-results-301232946.html

SOURCE MFA Financial, Inc.

EMCORE’s SDI500/SDI505 IMUs Receive Determination of Non-ITAR Status from U.S. Department of State


Determination Will Greatly Increase the Marketability of EMCORE’s SDI500/SDI505 IMUs to International Customers

ALHAMBRA, CA, Feb. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq: EMKR), a leading provider of advanced mixed-signal products that serve the aerospace & defense and broadband communications markets, announced today that its dual-use SDI500/SDI505 Revision F Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) have received a determination that they are not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) administered by the U.S. Department of State and that EMCORE has determined that its SDN500 Inertial Navigation System (INS) is likewise not subject to ITAR. This determination of Non-ITAR status is expected to dramatically increase the size of the market that EMCORE can address with its Quartz Micro-Electromechanical Systems (QMEMs) IMU and INS offerings.

As a result of this Commodity Jurisdiction (CJ) determination concluded by the U.S. Department of State, EMCORE’s SDI500/SDI505 Revision F Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) offerings were confirmed to be subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) administered by the Department of Commerce (DOC). EAR classification typically results in fewer export-related restrictions and requirements. For this reason, this CJ determination for the SDI500/SDI505 will greatly increase the marketability of these IMUs to international customers.

EMCORE’s SDI500/SDI505 IMUs outperform other MEMS IMUs and have been proven to deliver comparable performance to older, costlier optical IMUs in a lower power, smaller, and lighter form factor. They leverage industry-leading QMEMS technology to deliver outstanding Angle Random Walk (ARW) values of 0.02°/√hr with 1°/hr bias stability. The SDI500/SDI505 IMUs are designed to achieve the demanding performance levels required in sophisticated systems including weapons guidance and targeting, commercial and defense fixed-wing aircraft & helicopters, UAVs (Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles), and a wide variety of other high-precision commercial, industrial, marine, defense, and space applications.

EMCORE’s SDN500 is the Company’s most advanced QMEMS INS/GPS tactical grade system, combining the latest generation quartz gyros and accelerometers from the SDI500/SDI505, with high-speed signal processing and a 48-channel Coarse/Acquisition code GPS receiver into a powerful, tightly coupled guidance and navigation system.

“We would like to thank the U.S. Department of State for its evaluation of our commodity jurisdiction request and conclusion that our dual-use SDI500/SDI505 IMUs are not subject to ITAR,” said David Hoyh, EMCORE’s Director of Sales & Marketing for navigation products. “The determination of EAR status under the DOC enables more customers worldwide to benefit from these important, high-precision EMCORE products,” added Mr. Hoyh.

We would welcome a deeper engagement with technical teams around the world to explore how our current and upcoming products could meet your needs for guidance, navigation, and control. For further discussion and specifications, call +1 866-234-4976; e-mail: [email protected]; or visit us on the web: www.emcore.com/nav.

About EMCORE

EMCORE Corporation is a leading provider of advanced mixed-signal products that serve the aerospace & defense and broadband communications markets. Our best-in-class components and systems support a broad array of applications including navigation and inertial sensing, defense optoelectronics, broadband transport, 5G wireless infrastructure, optical sensing, and cloud data centers. We leverage industry-leading Quartz MEMS, Lithium Niobate, and Indium Phosphide chip-level technology to deliver state-of-the-art component and system-level products across our end-market applications. EMCORE has vertically-integrated manufacturing capability at its wafer fabrication facility in Alhambra, CA, and Quartz MEMS manufacturing facility in Concord, CA. Our manufacturing facilities maintain ISO 9001 quality management certification, and we are AS9100 aerospace quality certified at our facility in Concord. For further information about EMCORE, please visit http://www.emcore.com.

Forward-looking statements:

The information provided herein may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include statements regarding EMCORE’s plans, strategies, business prospects, growth opportunities, changes, and trends in our business and expansion into new markets. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about EMCORE and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, the following: (a) uncertainties regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of measures intended to reduce its spread on our business and operations, which is evolving and beyond our control; (b) the rapidly evolving markets for EMCORE’s products and uncertainty regarding the development of these markets; (c) EMCORE’s historical dependence on sales to a limited number of customers and fluctuations in the mix of products and customers in any period; (d) delays and other difficulties in commercializing new products; (e) the failure of new products: (i) to perform as expected without material defects, (ii) to be manufactured at acceptable volumes, yields, and cost, (iii) to be qualified and accepted by our customers, and (iv) to successfully compete with products offered by our competitors; (f) uncertainties concerning the availability and cost of commodity materials and specialized product components that we do not make internally; (g) actions by competitors; and (h) other risks and uncertainties discussed under Item 1A – Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, as updated by our subsequent periodic reports. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and EMCORE undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

EMCORE Corporation

David Hoyh
Director, Sales & Marketing
(925) 979-4503
[email protected]

Investor

Tom Minichiello
Chief Financial Officer
(626) 293-3400
[email protected]

Media

Joel Counter
Director, Corporate & Marketing Communications
(626) 999-7017
[email protected]



Clikia Subsidiary Reports Record Breaking Quarterly Revenues of $966,035 as Compared to $882,649 for the Previous Quarter, an increase of Almost 9.5% Quarter to Quarter

Clikia Subsidiary Turns Net Loss of $122,137 for the Previous Quarter into Net Income of $28,554 this Quarter

FORT LEE, NJ, Feb. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire — Clikia Corp. (OTC: CLKA), an emerging leader in the global custom luxury goods marketplace, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Maison Luxe, announces reports record breaking quarterly revenues of $966,035 as compared to $882,649 for the previous quarter, an increase of almost 9.5% quarter to quarter and a $122,137 net loss last quarter into $28,665 net income this quarter. The financial statement can be viewed in its entirety at https://backend.otcmarkets.com/otcapi/company/financial-report/271820/content.

The increase in revenues and net income is primarily due to execution of the Company’s business, sales and marketing plan which nurtured a growing pipeline throughout the year which resulted in many new and repeat customers. Clikia prides itself with excellent products, competitively priced, on time deliveries and friendly and supportive customer service.

Anil Idnani, CEO of Clikia, stated, “2021 has been a fantastic year for us, but just the beginning. We are significantly growing our Revenues and Profitability. We are extremely confident that 2022 will continue our path of explosive growth and success for our company and its shareholders.”

ABOUT CLIKIA CORP.

Clikia Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary (1) Maison Luxe, offers highly desired luxury retail consumer items that are responsibly sourced and affordable to the end customer. Maison Luxe focuses its efforts primarily within the fine timepieces and jewelry segments both on a wholesale and B2C (business-to-consumer) basis (2) Amani Jewelers, operates in the jewelry marketplace, with a strategic focus on the rapidly growing lab-grown diamonds market. For more information, please reference https://www.maisonluxeny.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT 

This press release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “plans,” “suggests,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “intends,” or similar expressions. Many forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results implied by such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to continue to enhance our products and systems to address industry changes, our ability to expand our customer base and retain existing customers, our ability to effectively compete in our market segment, the lack of public information on our company, our ability to raise sufficient capital to fund our business, operations, our ability to continue as a going concern, and a limited public market for our common stock, among other risks. Many factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond the company’s control. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Anil Idnani, CEO
[email protected]
551-486-3980