DSS Releases Full Year 2020 Financial Results: Income From Continuing Operations Increased $5.7 Million in 2020

Generated positive income of $3.1M vs. a loss of $2.6M in 2019

Revenue up 12% to $17.4M in 2020

Stockholders’ Equity up 522% to $76.5M

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Document Security Systems, Inc. (“DSS” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: DSS), a multinational company operating business segments in direct marketing, consumer packaging, brand protection technology, healthcare, real estate, blockchain security, and securitized digital assets, today announced its financial results for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

“I am pleased to report we made tremendous progress in 2020 toward our goal of transforming DSS, an initiative we first embarked upon in 2019,” stated Frank D. Heuszel, CEO of DSS. “Despite an extremely challenging business environment from COVID-19, our team executed on multiple fronts, generating a $5.7 million increase in net income from continuing operations, 12% revenue growth, and a 522% surge in stockholders’ equity. We continue to build on the successes of 2020 with several key strategic initiatives already achieved this year which I believe will help to further accelerate revenue and profit growth in the quarters ahead.”

“Because of our strong and balanced corporate performance in 2020, we are well positioned to drive sustainable growth in 2021,” continued Heuszel. “2020 was our highest net income in years. The investments made in 2020, as well as those we have made and will continue to make in 2021, place us in an advantageous position to capitalize on the wealth of opportunities across the markets we target with our diverse business segments.”

2020 Financial Highlights:

The following summarizes financial highlights of fiscal 2020:

  • Net income from continuing operations increased to $3.1 million, or $1.01 per share, up $5.7 million from a net loss from continuing operations of approximately $2.6 million ($3.05 per share) in 2019. The increase in net income in 2020 primarily reflects the company’s unrealized gains of $10.6 million on its marketable securities.
  • Strengthened cash position with addition of $20.2 million from multiple offerings in 2020, followed by two additional offerings in 2021 generating $61.0 million.
  • Stockholders’ equity increased 522% to $76.5 million as of December 31, 2020, up from $12.3 million at December 31, 2019.
  • Revenue increased 12% to $17.4 million in 2020, up from $15.6 million in 2019.
  • Printed products segment revenue was $13.0 million in 2020, compared to $13.2 million in 2019.
  • Technology sales, services, and licensing segment revenue was $2.1 million in 2020, compared to $2.1 million in 2019.
  • Direct marketing revenue increased to $2.3 million in 2020, up from $0.2 million in 2019.
  • Costs and expenses totaled $28.1 million in 2020, as compared to $18.2 million in 2019, driven by increases in sales, marketing, general, and administrative expenses, along with an increase in professional fees primarily driven by acquisition activities and consulting fees incurred by the Direct Marketing business segment.

“Since the spring of 2019, we have reduced the Company’s monthly cash burn by eliminating non-essential layers of management and redundant operating expenses, as well as by renegotiating vendor contracts and supply chain optimization,” commented Jason Grady, Chief Operating Officer of DSS. “We remain relentlessly focused on strengthening DSS by exiting unprofitable business lines, investing in and continuing to revive our core businesses, improving top line revenues and net margins, controlling costs and creating new long-term scalable, recurring revenue streams. I am very pleased with the progress our team has made on these fronts and confident that shareholders will continue to see improvements as we execute on our robust, multi-faceted, global business strategy.”

Key Highlights and Strategic Milestones:

  • Completed acquisition of Impact BioMedical.
  • Launched collaborative partnership with Coinstreet Partners and GSX Group to develop new digital asset exchange business in US.
  • Expanded DSS Securities ecosystem through investments in WestPark Capital and BMI Capital in February 2021.
  • Published results from Impact BioMedical’s in-vitro testing of Equivir and Linebacker against COVID-19, demonstrating success as a treatment, as well as a prophylactic protecting the cells from infection by the virus. Impact BioMedical also demonstrated 10-fold reduction in viral population of COVID-19 in surface disinfectant efficacy testing of its proprietary 3F Biofragrance.
  • Impact BioMedical initiated bioplastics research collaboration with one of the world’s largest plastics manufacturers to develop five new types of advanced microbial-resistant plastics.
  • Impact BioMedical expanded its nutraceutical product lines through investment in nano nutraceutical contract manufacturer Nano9.
  • Signed global personal protective equipment (PPE) exporter as an early adopter of the Company’s new AuthentiGuard as a Service (AGaaS) anti-counterfeiting technology.
  • Launched AGaaS app on The App Store.
  • Premier Packaging subsidiary signed multi-year contract valued at $3.2 million per annum with one of world’s largest photography and image sharing companies; total contract valued at nearly $10 million.
  • Premier Packaging subsidiary signed multi-year contract valued at $2.6 million per annum with the world leading digital retailer and manufacturing platform for photography and
    personalized products.
  • Expanded board to eight members and appointed Tung Moe Chan, Group Chief Development Officer of Singapore Exchange-listed Alset International Limited, as a new director.
  • Increased ownership in Sharing Services Global Corp. (OTCQB: SHRG) to 62,457,378 class A common shares, representing 32.2% ownership, as of December 31, 2020; entered into a letter of intent to provide a $30 million investment into SHRG through convertible promissory note in Q1 2021.
  • Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, Chairman of DSS, through Global BioMedical Pte Ltd., converted 4,293 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock of DSS into 662,500 restricted shares of the Common Stock of the Company at an above-market conversion price of $6.48 per share.

A full analysis of results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 is available in the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2021 and is available on the Company’s website at www.dsssecure.com or through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Edgar database at www.sec.gov.

About Document Security Systems, Inc.

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

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

Investor Contact:

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

Safe Harbor Disclosure

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



Organic Garage Commences Trading on OTCQX Market Under Ticker OGGFF

Organic Garage Commences Trading on OTCQX Market Under Ticker OGGFF

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Organic Garage Ltd. (“Organic Garage” or the “Company”) (TSXV: OG; FRA: 9CW1; OTCQX: OGGFF), is pleased to announce that effective March 31, 2021, it will graduate from the Pink Market and commence trading on the OTCQX Best Market (“OTCQX”) under the symbol “OGGFF”.

Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com. The Company continues to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol “OG” and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “9CW1”.

“The commencement of trading on the OTCQX will provide a large U.S. investor base with the opportunity to participate directly in Organic Garage’s ongoing growth,” stated Matt Lurie, President and CEO of Organic Garage. “Trading on OTCQX will enhance our share liquidity and widen the reach and awareness of our products and services.”

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX® Best Market, the OTCQB® Venture Market and the Pink® Open Market for 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link® ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how OTC Markets creates better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

About Organic Garage Ltd.

Organic Garage (TSXV: OG; FRA:9CW1; OTCQX: OGGFF) is one of Canada’s leading independent organic grocers and is committed to offering its customers a wide selection of healthy and natural products at everyday affordable prices. The Company’s stores are in prime retail locations designed to give customers an inclusive, unique and value focused grocery shopping experience. Founded in 2005 by a fourth-generation grocer, Organic Garage is headquartered in Toronto. The Company is focused on continuing to expand its retail footprint within the Greater Toronto Area. For more information please visit the Organic Garage website at www.organicgarage.com.

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

Forward looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Organic Garage, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Organic Garage to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Although Organic Garage has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Organic Garage’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, Organic Garage assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

Bill Mitoulas

T: (416) 479-9547

E: [email protected]

W: www.organicgarage.com

KEYWORDS: North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Retail Health Other Consumer Consumer Supermarket Fitness & Nutrition Food/Beverage

MEDIA:

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Wellteq Appoints Chief Medical Officer

  • Dr. George Gellert MD, MPH, MPA, FABPM joins Wellteq as Chief Medical Officer

  • Based in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Gellert served most recently as Senior Medical Director at 3M Health Information Systems, Hospital Performance Improvement

  • Dr. Gellert is the former Associate Enterprise and Regional Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) for Christus Health and held prior executive leadership roles at WebMD and GlaxoSmithKline

  • Dr. Gellert was seconded as a national expert by the U.S. Department of State to advise the United Nations IAEA and its partners in the development of a global cancer control programme, developing a framework for an interagency, public-private alliance that secured funding for multidisciplinary cancer control projects in all six WHO global regions

  • Dr. Gellert has domain expertise in epidemiology and health outcomes research; health informatics; population health program design, execution and evaluation; product development; business strategy/development; strategic alliances; and has authored over 150 peer reviewed articles in leading medical journals

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wellteq Digital Health Inc. (CSE: WTEQ), (the “Company” or “Wellteq”), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. George Gellert MD, MPH, MPA, FABPM, as Chief Medical Officer of Wellteq. Dr. Gellert has accumulated extensive experience in senior officer positions including his tenure as:

  • Chief Medical Information Officer at CHRISTUS Health, an integrated delivery network including 49 hospitals and long-term care facilities and 250 clinics, where he led the successful Electronic Health Records adoption by over 15,000 physicians and 8,000 nurses in 6 US states, Mexico, Chile, and Columbia.
  • Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President for HCORP Inc., deploying patient-centric interactive communication technologies for patient education/engagement and improvement of clinical staff efficiencies;
  • Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances at WebMD where he developed a Public-Private partnership with the UN Secretary General’s Office to create a public health Internet information portal now operated by the World Health Organisation (WHO);
  • Head of Product Development and Outcomes Research at SmithKline Beecham Healthcare where he managed one of the largest multi-site health outcomes research teams in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Gellert joins Wellteq to build out the Company’s “Continuum of Care” model, and to expand its corporate wellness propositions into supporting a wider range of users’ clinical, disease prevention and wellness needs. Dr. Gellert stated, “Given its track record, existing and emerging capabilities, Wellteq is ideally positioned to offer a powerful and unprecedented suite of highly integrated health promotion/wellness, disease prevention and telemedical/remote patient monitoring and virtual services that engage individuals seamlessly across their entire health care lifecycle.”

Scott Montgomery, Wellteq CEO stated, “Dr. Gellert exemplifies the hybrid of medical and commercial excellence having managed entire hospital groups in the world’s largest healthcare system while taking a senior role in advising US State and Federal Government, United Nations and WHO health initiatives. Dr. Gellert will innovate the clinical design within our virtual care platform and bring forward Wellteq’s clinical applications to help support healthcare’s effort to reduce behaviour-related illness. Today is an incredibly exciting day for Wellteq and healthcare innovation more broadly as we take another key step in shifting healthcare towards data-driven and proactive delivery in line with modern technology capabilities.”

About Wellteq Digital Health Inc.

Wellteq Digital Health Inc. is a leading provider of corporate wellness solutions developed to provide data-driven personalized health and wellness coaching to engage its users in healthier behaviours. As an enterprise (business-to-business) model Wellteq currently has two main sectors of customers, employers and insurance companies. Wellteq have secured a large multinational portfolio of customers, including UBS, DBS and Bupa Insurance, and reseller partners like Willis Towers Watson, Advanced Human Imaging and Garmin. Wellteq is developing its newly acquired Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) technologies for connected patient applications in healthcare which will extend the Wellteq’s continuum of care from preventative wellness through to virtual healthcare.

Investor Contact:

Glen Akselrod
Bristol Investor Relations
[email protected]
T: (905) 326-1888 ext 1

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains information or statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

Forward looking information may include, without limitation, statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, milestones, strategies and outlook of Wellteq, and includes statements about, among other things, future developments and the future operations, strengths and strategies of Wellteq. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results.

The forward-looking statements made in this news release are based on management’s assumptions and analysis and other factors that may be drawn upon by management to form conclusions and make forecasts or projections, including management’s experience and assessments of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Although management believes that these assumptions, analyses and assessments are reasonable at the time the statements contained in this news release are made, actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Examples of risks and factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from forward-looking statements may include: the timing and unpredictability of regulatory actions; regulatory, legislative, legal or other developments with respect to its operations or business; limited marketing and sales capabilities; early stage of the industry and product development; limited products; reliance on third parties; unfavourable publicity or consumer perception; general economic conditions and financial markets; the impact of increasing competition; the loss of key management personnel; capital requirements and liquidity; access to capital; the timing and amount of capital expenditures; the impact of COVID-19; shifts in the demand for Wellteq’s products and the size of the market; patent law reform; patent litigation and intellectual property; conflicts of interest; and general market and economic conditions.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Wellteq as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Wellteq undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.



University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Pilot Study Shows Promise for High-Risk Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer Treatment with Cesium-131 and Surgical Resection

RICHLAND, Wash., March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A recently published small prospective series of patients with recurrent head and neck (H&N) cancers treated with surgical resection and Isoray’s Cesium-131 brachytherapy found potential benefits that support further research into combination therapy with Cesium-131 brachytherapy and surgical resection.

The prospective series was conducted at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and involved 12 patients who were consented to an IRB-approved protocol that began accruing patients in 2016. The research team was led by Dr. Min Yao, Department of Radiation Oncology, and Dr. Chad Zender, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Yao is also a professor in the radiology department of the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, and Zender is an associate professor at the Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine and in the department of otolaryngology at the University of Cincinnati.

The primary findings of this study include the fact that re-treatment of recurrent head and neck cancers with surgical resection and Cesium-131 brachytherapy appears safe and feasible. This finding is especially important due to the potential complications that follow re-irradiation of recurrent head and neck cancer using external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).         

Study authors noted that brachytherapy provides the possibility of optimal dose conformity with sharp dose fall-off that limits radiation dose to normal tissues, leading to fewer side effects compared to EBRT. They also noted that brachytherapy performed at the time of surgery is convenient for patients, who would otherwise require 4-6 weeks of wound healing followed by 6-7 weeks of daily treatment with EBRT.

In addition, this small series found an acceptable rate of cancer recurrence inside the field of the Cesium-131 implant area – one out of twelve. The recurrence of most patients in this series was distant to the area of the Cesium-131 implant. The overall survival in this small series of patients were similar to those treated with a prolonged course of EBRT.

Dr. Min Yao said, “While this was a small prospective study, the findings are in line with several retrospective and prospective studies that have reported the feasibility of brachytherapy in postoperative re-irradiation in recurrent head and neck cancers. Further research exploring the combination of immunotherapy and Cs-131 implant is warranted. We are proud to continue our legacy as innovators committed to researching promising therapies to bring opportunities to patients through medical advancements and the very best in care.”

Commenting on the study, Isoray CEO Lori Woods said, “Looking to the future and bringing together the promise of Cesium-131 with surgical resection and immunotherapy represents what could prove to be a central moment in the treatment of head and neck cancer. We continue to strive to bring new brachytherapy treatment opportunities to the forefront to benefit patients and the medical professionals who care for them. This is yet another example of the commitment we have made as leaders in the field of brachytherapy.”

With over 66,600 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. every year and over 14,000 deaths a year, cancers of the head and neck represent a significant source of mortality and cancer-related morbidity. Cancers of the head and neck recur frequently following initial treatment, which typically involves a regimen of surgical resection, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy.

The anatomy of the head and neck is complex. It includes structures related with speech and swallowing and also critical structures such as spinal cord and carotid artery.  As a result, re-treatment with external beam radiation treatment becomes problematic due to the limited amount of radiation that can be administered to the area without giving rise to serious complications.

Brachytherapy with Cesium-131 offers a source of potentially effective radiation therapy for recurrent head and neck cancers due to the highly compact dose delivered by Cesium-131 implants.  Cesium-131 is capable of delivering high doses of radiation to the cancerous target following surgical resection in such a way that keeps the important anatomic structures of the head and neck from receiving damaging radiation.

Isoray is a medical technology company and innovator in seed brachytherapy. The Company is the world’s only producer of Cesium-131 brachytherapy, commercially known as Cesium Blu, which is powering expanding internal radiation treatment options throughout the body for difficult to treat head and neck, lung, brain, gynecological, pelvic, and colorectal cancers as well as prostate cancer.

About Isoray

Isoray, Inc., through its subsidiary, Isoray Medical, Inc., is the sole producer of Cesium -131, commercially known as Cesium Blu, brachytherapy seeds, which are expanding brachytherapy treatment options throughout the body. Learn more about this innovative Richland, Washington company and explore the many benefits and uses of Cesium Blu by visiting www.isoray.com. Join us on LinkedIn and Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this news release about Isoray’s future expectations, including whether the study discussed in this news release will be successful and have favorable outcomes, the advantages of Cesium-131 and its delivery systems coupled with immunotherapy, the perception by patients of quality of life outcomes compared to other treatment options, whether demand for and use of Cesium-131 will increase or continue as anticipated and all other statements in this release, other than historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). This statement is included for the express purpose of availing Isoray, Inc. of the protections of the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA. It is important to note that actual results and ultimate corporate actions could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements based on such factors as the impact of COVID-19 on our financial results, suppliers, employees and scheduling of procedures, whether ongoing patient results are favorable and in line with the conclusions of clinical studies and initial patient results, physician acceptance, training and use of our products, our ability to manufacture our products in sufficient quantities to meet demand within required delivery time periods while meeting our quality control standards, whether we, our distributors and our customers will successfully obtain and maintain all required regulatory approvals and licenses to market, sell and use our products in its various forms, changes in laws and regulations applicable to our products, and other risks detailed from time to time in Isoray’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. Unless required to do so by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



Contact
Media and Public Relations: Sharon Schultz (302) 539-3747
Investor Relations: Mark Levin (501) 255-1910

IIROC Trading Halt – SGR.R

Canada NewsWire

TORONTO, March 31, 2021 /CNW/ – The following issues have been halted by IIROC:

Company: Slate Grocery REIT

TSX Symbol: SGR.R

All Issues: No

Reason: Pending Closing

Halt Time (ET): 8:00 AM

IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension (halt) of trading in a security of a publicly-listed company. Trading halts are implemented to ensure a fair and orderly market. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) – Halts/Resumptions

QAD DynaSys Announces the Release of DSCP 2021

QAD DynaSys Announces the Release of DSCP 2021

QAD DynaSys Digital Supply Chain Planning delivers innovative technology using agility and resilience to give customers a clear path from disruption to recovery

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–QAD DynaSys, a leading provider of digital supply chain planning solutions, today unveiled the innovative new capabilities of the 2021 release of the QAD DynaSys DSCP (Digital Supply Chain Planning) platform. In response to the unprecedented supply chain disruptions of 2020, QAD DynaSys has enhanced its flagship solution with digital planning capabilities designed to help its customers be more agile and resilient. These enhancements include end-to-end scenario planning capability that delivers a true parallel planning experience combined with supply chain risk management and pervasive financial metrics to enable fact-based decision making that aligns with corporate objectives. QAD DynaSys is a division of QAD (NASDAQ: QADA) (NASDAQ: QADB).

“At QAD DynaSys, we pride ourselves on truly understanding the needs of our customers,” said QAD DynaSys President Ariel Weil. “Consequently, we acutely felt our customer’s pain during the COVID-19-caused disruption to the global supply chain. Our product roadmap is focused on helping our customers respond to disruption and this release offers several key technologies designed to enable them to be more agile and resilient during challenging times.”

“2020 was a year like no other for QAD DynaSys R&D,” added QAD DynaSys Vice President of R&D and Support Jean-Luc Rominger. “Despite much of the team being forced to work remotely, we quickly reorganized into a virtual office and rapidly delivered crucial technology to our customers. We are launching the QAD DynaSys Digital Supply Chain Planning 2021 platform focused on supporting responsive and informed decision making.”

DSCP 2021’s new features mark a significant step in the product’s evolution. A summary of the new features includes:

  • Scenario Planning: Advanced Scenario Management Planningprovides end-to-end business simulation capability so customers may predict the potential impact of future events before they occur. DSCP 2021 provides a comprehensive scenario analysis feature that compares multiple plans side-by-side and weights objectives to allow planners to make informed and fact-based decisions.
  • Risk Opportunity Management: DSCP 2021 allows planners to identify, socialize and collaboratively mitigate risks and exploit opportunities.
  • Financial Planning: This release adds financial metrics across the supply chain to roll up costs and revenues from purchasing, production, distribution and sales activities. Using these metrics, planners can analyze the business in terms of revenue, profitability and budget adherence. Users can simulate exceptional events such as production overtime or expedited freight to model their profitability impact before commitment.
  • Social Collaboration: Social Collaboration captures qualitative intelligence from planning stakeholders to generate an auditable record of discussions relating to planning decisions, task execution, risk mitigation and exception resolution. The user experience is similar to that of common social media apps. The objective is to facilitate the collective input of stakeholders to reach the best consensus outcome.

QAD DynaSys DSCP 2021 is a functionally rich, digital planning solution that helps global companies operate effectively. Available in the cloud for digital supply chain software implementation without the need for the user to administer the hardware, it provides an end-to-end solution with specific capabilities for demand planning, inventory optimization, supply planning, manufacturing planning, financial planning, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP).

About QAD DynaSys – Effective Enterprise Digital Supply Chain Planning

QAD DynaSys, a division of QAD Inc., (Nasdaq: QADA) (Nasdaq: QADB), provides Digital Supply Chain Planning solutions. Since 1985, QAD DynaSys provides an integrated and collaborative planning solution that allows businesses to optimize their supply chains, including sales and operations planning, demand planning, network and inventory and business resources optimizations. QAD DynaSys software enables customers and partners in industries such as the food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, life sciences, apparel, luxury, high tech, automotive, distribution and retail verticals to meet their goals of better managing Digital Supply Chain Planning, and becoming more Effective Enterprises.

For more information about QAD DynaSys, visit www.dys.com or email [email protected].

Note to Investors: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding projections of revenue, income and loss, capital expenditures, plans and objectives of management regarding the company’s business, future economic performance or any of the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are based on the company’s current expectations. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “could,” “will likely result,” “estimates,” “intends,” “may,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “might,” “plan” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks associated with our cloud service offerings, such as defects and disruptions in our services, our ability to properly manage our cloud service offerings, our reliance on third-party hosting and other service providers, and our exposure to liability and loss from security breaches; demand for the company’s products, including cloud service, licenses, services and maintenance; pressure to make concessions on our pricing and changes in our pricing models; protection of our intellectual property; dependence on third-party suppliers and other third-party relationships, such as sales, services and marketing channels; changes in our revenue, earnings, operating expenses and margins; the reliability of our financial forecasts and estimates of the costs and benefits of transactions; the ability to leverage changes in technology; defects in our software products and services; third-party opinions about the company; competition in our industry; the ability to recruit and retain key personnel; delays in sales; timely and effective integration of newly acquired businesses; economic conditions in our vertical markets and worldwide; exchange rate fluctuations; and the global political environment. For a more detailed description of the risk factors associated with the company and factors that may affect our forward-looking statements, please refer to the company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and, in particular, the section entitled “Risk Factors” therein, and in other periodic reports the company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission thereafter. Management does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

QAD DynaSys

Arnaud Hédoux

03 88 19 42 33 / 06 09 01 82 56

[email protected]

or

Symphony Communication

Françoise Fouquet

01 30 64 14 20 / 06 08 25 27 74

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Supply Chain Management Retail Other Technology Technology Software

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Fuwei Films Provides Updates on Corporate Transactions

PR Newswire

BEIJING, March 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Fuwei Films (Holdings) Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: FFHL) (“Fuwei Films” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality BOPET plastic films in China, today announced that the Company has entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Enesoon New Energy Limited (“Enesoon”), a British Virgin Islands company directly and indirectly holding subsidiaries in China primarily engaged in green thermal energy storage businesses, and Enesoon’s shareholders. The Purchase Agreement will result in the issuance by the Company of 111,111,111 new ordinary shares (“Consideration Shares”) in exchange for all outstanding shares of Enesoon. As a result of this transaction, the former shareholders of Enesoon will beneficially own in the aggregate approximately 97.1% of the Company’s outstanding shares.

The closing of the transactions contemplated under the Purchase Agreement is subject to various closing conditions, including approval of the issuance of Consideration Shares by the shareholders of the Company, receipt of NASDAQ approval, receipt by the Company of a satisfactory fairness opinion or valuation and other customary conditions. 

The Company has also terminated the securities purchase agreement previously entered into with Gold Glory Blockchain Inc. (“Gold Glory”), a California-headquartered company focused on blockchain technology applications and digital asset services, which would have resulted in the issuance by the Company of 9,500,000 new ordinary shares in exchange for all outstanding shares of Gold Glory. Gold Glory has failed to provide its audited financial reports within the agreed period. Therefore, the transaction could not be executed as originally planned and has thus been terminated.

About Fuwei Films

Fuwei Films conducts its business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fuwei Films (Shandong) Co., Ltd. (“Fuwei Shandong”). Fuwei Shandong develops, manufactures and distributes high-quality plastic films using the biaxial oriented stretch technique, otherwise known as BOPET film (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate). Fuwei’s BOPET film is widely used to package food, medicine, cosmetics, tobacco, and alcohol, as well as in the imaging, electronics, and magnetic products industries.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains information that constitutes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to risks. Risk factors that could contribute to such differences include those matters more fully disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which, among other things, include the significant oversupply of BOPET films resulting from the rapid growth of the Chinese BOPET industry capacity, changes in the international market and trade barriers, especially the uncertainty of the antidumping investigation and imposition of an anti-dumping duty on imports of the BOPET films originating from the People’s Republic of China (“China“) conducted by certain countries; uncertainty around coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, uncertainty around U.S.-China trade war and its effect on the Company’s operation, fluctuations of the RMB exchange rate, and our ability to obtain adequate financing for our planned capital expenditure requirements; uncertainty as to our ability to continuously develop new BOPET film products and keep up with changes in BOPET film technology; risks associated with possible defects and errors in our products; uncertainty as to our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; uncertainty as to our ability to attract and retain qualified executives and personnel; and uncertainty in acquiring raw materials on time and on acceptable terms, particularly in view of the volatility in the prices of petroleum products in recent years; the effect of the announcement of the transaction with Enesoon on the ability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and others with whom the Company or Enesoon do business, or on the Company’s or Enesoon’s operating results and business generally; risks that the transaction disrupts current plans and operations and the potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the transaction; the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all; the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to consummation of the proposed transaction, at all or in a timely manner; and business disruption following the transaction.. The forward-looking information provided herein represents the Company’s estimates as of the date of the press release, and subsequent events and developments may cause the Company’s estimates to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking information in the future. Therefore, this forward-looking information should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s estimates of its future financial performance as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Actual results of our operations may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors.

For more information, please contact:

In China:

Ms. Xiaoli Yu
Investor Relations Officer
Phone: +86-133-615-59266
Email: [email protected]

In the U.S.:

Shiwei Yin

Investor Relations
Grayling
Phone: +1-646-284-9474
Email: [email protected]

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fuwei-films-provides-updates-on-corporate-transactions-301259547.html

SOURCE Fuwei Films (Holdings) Co., Ltd.

Outlook Therapeutics Reports Positive Safety Profile from NORSE THREE Open-Label Safety Study for ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab-vikg)

  • Positive safety profile in NORSE THREE open-label safety study reinforces previously reported safety data for ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™
    , an investigational ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab-vikg for the treatment of wet AMD

  • Topline efficacy and safety data from pivotal Phase 3 NORSE TWO study on target to report in calendar Q3 2021, followed by BLA submission by end of 2021

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J., March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Outlook Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: OTLK), a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing the first FDA-approved ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab-vikg for use in retinal indications, today announced positive topline results from its NORSE THREE open-label safety study evaluating ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab-vikg) to treat retinal diseases.

Topline results from the open-label safety study demonstrated that ONS-5010 showed no unexpected safety trends and had a safety profile consistent with that of prior published data on the use of bevacizumab for ophthalmic conditions, such as the 2011 CATT study undertaken by the National Eye Institute. The safety endpoints for NORSE THREE were the frequency and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events and an evaluation of changes in safety parameters. In the study, 20 out of 197 patients (10%) experienced an adverse event in the study eye that were most commonly associated with the injection procedure and not ONS-5010. There were no serious adverse events associated with treatment. Notably, there were zero cases of ocular inflammation, a concern that has emerged for other anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) therapies to treat retinal conditions.

“The additional validation of the ONS-5010 safety profile seen in the results of this study, which match up favorably with historical data from prior studies of bevacizumab in ophthalmology, is very encouraging. ONS-5010 has the potential to be a valuable therapeutic addition to the clinical practice of retina physicians. I look forward to the topline data readout from the pivotal safety and efficacy study later this year,” said Mark Humayun, MD, PhD, Medical Advisor to Outlook Therapeutics.

NORSE THREE was conducted to ensure that an adequate number of patient exposures to ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™ are available for Outlook Therapeutics’ data package for its planned biologics license application (BLA) submission in the United States and for other global regulatory filings. The open-label study met its goal of ensuring that a sufficient number of individuals have now been treated with ONS-5010 by enrolling 197 treatment-naïve and previously treated subjects with a range of retinal diseases for which an anti-VEGF drug is a therapeutic option, including wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Subjects enrolled in the study received three monthly intravitreal doses of ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™.

Following the data readout of the pivotal safety and efficacy study (NORSE TWO) later this year, Outlook Therapeutics plans to submit a new BLA filing under the PHSA 351(a) regulatory pathway in the fourth quarter of calendar 2021. If the BLA is approved, it will result in 12 years of marketing exclusivity for ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™ as the first and only FDA-approved ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab-vikg to treat wet AMD.

Commercial launch planning for ONS-5010 has begun, including manufacturing, distribution, physician and patient outreach, and engagement with key opinion leaders and the payor community. With potential for an enhanced safety and cost-effectiveness profile, ONS-5010, if approved, is well positioned to become the first-line drug of choice in the United States for retinal indications and to be widely adopted by payors and clinicians worldwide in the $13.1 billion global anti-VEGF market.  

“We are very pleased with the positive safety profile demonstrated by ONS-5010 in this open-label safety study. This study provided us with the necessary number of patient exposures to ONS-5010 to complete our planned BLA submission for wet AMD later this year,” said Lawrence A. Kenyon, President, CEO and CFO of Outlook Therapeutics. “These results reinforce the positive safety profile seen in our earlier clinical experience trial. Moving forward, our team is now laser-focused on successfully completing our pivotal trial, NORSE TWO, and preparing the BLA after the data readout expected in the third quarter of this calendar year. On behalf of the Outlook Therapeutics team, we would like to thank the clinicians and patients who participated in this study, despite the disruptions of the pandemic.”

In addition to the clinical development plan evaluating ONS-5010 for wet AMD, Outlook Therapeutics has received agreements from the FDA on three Special Protocol Assessments (SPAs) for three additional registration clinical trials. These SPAs cover the protocols for a planned registration clinical trial evaluating ONS-5010 to treat BRVO (NORSE FOUR), and two planned registration clinical trials evaluating ONS-5010 for the treatment of DME (NORSE FIVE and NORSE SIX). Outlook Therapeutics expects to initiate registration clinical trials for ONS-5010 for DME and BRVO later in 2021.

About ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab-vikg)

ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab-vikg) is an investigational ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab-vikg under development to be administered as an intravitreal injection for the treatment of wet AMD and other retinal diseases. ONS-5010 is currently being evaluated in a pivotal registration clinical trial for wet AMD (NORSE TWO) and, if successful, is expected to be submitted to the FDA as a new BLA for this ophthalmic indication under the 351(a) regulatory pathway. Because no currently approved ophthalmic formulations of bevacizumab are available, clinicians wishing to treat retinal patients with bevacizumab use unapproved repackaged IV bevacizumab provided by compounding pharmacists, products that have known risks of contamination and inconsistent potency and availability.

ONS-5010 is a full-length, humanized anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) that inhibits VEGF and associated angiogenic activity. VEGF is a protein that promotes the growth of new abnormal blood vessels. With wet AMD, abnormally high levels of VEGF are secreted in the eye and can lead to vision loss. Anti-VEGF injection therapy blocks this growth. Since the advent of anti-VEGF therapy, it has become the standard-of-care treatment option within the retina community globally. 

If approved, ONS-5010 will be the first and only FDA-approved ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab-vikg to treat retinal diseases. Outlook Therapeutics currently intends to initiate registration trials for diabetic macular edema (DME) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and to commercialize ONS-5010 in both vials and single-use pre-filled syringes. 

About Outlook Therapeutics, Inc.        

Outlook Therapeutics is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company working to develop ONS-5010 / LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab-vikg) as the first FDA-approved ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab-vikg for use in retinal indications, including wet AMD, DME and BRVO. If ONS-5010 is approved, Outlook Therapeutics expects to commercialize it as the first and only FDA-approved ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab-vikg for use in treating retinal diseases in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan and other markets. Outlook Therapeutics expects to file ONS-5010 with the U.S. FDA as a new BLA under the PHSA 351(a) regulatory pathway. For more information, please visit www.outlooktherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts are “forward-looking statements,” including those relating to future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “intend” or “continue,” the negative of terms like these or other comparable terminology, and other words or terms of similar meaning. These include statements about the timing of completion of, and pivotal safety and efficacy data from, NORSE 2, ONS-5010’s potential as the first FDA-approved ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab-vikg, including benefits therefrom to patients, payors and physicians, the timing of BLA submission and commercial launch of ONS-5010, and plans for regulatory approvals in other markets. Although Outlook Therapeutics believes that it has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements contained herein, they are based on current expectations about future events affecting Outlook Therapeutics and are subject to risks, uncertainties and factors relating to its operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond its control. These risk factors include those risks associated with developing pharmaceutical product candidates, risks of conducting clinical trials and risks in obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, as well as those risks detailed in Outlook Therapeutics’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which include the uncertainty of future impacts related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These risks may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this press release. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Outlook Therapeutics does not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

CONTACTS:

Media Inquiries:

Harriet Ullman
Assistant Vice President
LaVoie Health Science
T: 617-669-3082
[email protected]

Investor Inquiries:       
Jenene Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
JTC Team, LLC
T: 833.475.8247 
[email protected]



Acuity Brands Reports Fiscal 2021 Second-Quarter Results

Continued Fundamental Improvements Across the Business Despite Lower Volume Resulting From the Pandemic

  • Net Sales Declined 5.8% versus Prior Year
  • Gross Profit Margin Expansion of 170 Basis Points versus Prior Year
  • Outstanding Share Count Reduced By Approximately 9.6% Since May 2020
  • Acuity Brands Reaches Carbon Neutrality Across its Operations

ATLANTA, March 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) (the “Company”) a market-leading industrial technology company announced net sales of $776.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 ended February 28, 2021, a decrease of $47.6 million or 5.8 percent, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2020. Diluted earnings per share was $1.74, an increase of 20.8 percent over prior year and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.12 per share, an increase of 15.2 percent over prior year.

“I am very proud of our team for another quarter of solid performance. We continue to see signs of a modest recovery in the wider market, while our margin expansion reflects the hard work of our associates who continue to control costs in a more consistent and predictable way,” stated Neil Ashe, Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands. “Earlier this month, we advanced our sustainability journey and highlighted our ongoing commitment to the environment, our people, and our communities, with the announcement that we had achieved carbon neutrality in our operations.”

Gross profit of $336.7 million declined $7.2 million, or 2.1 percent, as compared to the prior year. Gross profit was 43.4 percent of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2021, an increase of approximately 170 basis points from 41.7 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The decline in gross profit was primarily due to the impact of lower sales volume, while the improvement in gross profit margin was the result of ongoing product and productivity improvements.

Operating profit of $91.0 million increased $9.6 million, or 11.8 percent as compared to prior year. Operating profit was 11.7 percent of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2021, an increase of 180 basis points from 9.9 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The improvement in operating profit margin was largely driven by the improvement in gross profit margin and ongoing cost management.

Adjusted operating profit of $108.9 million increased $7.2 million, or 7.1 percent, for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 as compared to the prior year. Adjusted operating profit was 14.0 percent of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2021, an increase of 170 basis points from 12.3 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Net income of $62.9 million increased $5.7 million, or 10.0 percent, as compared to prior year. Diluted earnings per share of $1.74 increased $0.30, or 20.8 percent, for the second quarter of fiscal 2021, as compared to $1.44 for the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Adjusted net income of $76.7 million increased $3.6 million, or 4.9 percent, as compared to the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.12 increased $0.28, or 15.2 percent, as compared to $1.84 for the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Channel Performance

Net sales of $592.7 million in the Independent Sales Network and of $73.9 million in the Direct Sales Network were approximately flat as compared to prior year.

Retail sales of $43.0 million declined $13.8 million as compared to the prior year. This was primarily due to a strong year-over-year pre-pandemic comparison combined with a current-quarter customer inventory rebalancing.

Sales in Corporate Accounts of $26.7 million declined $28.1 million as compared to prior year. This reflects a decrease in shipments to larger retailers as they continued to defer nonessential renovations.

Cash Flow and Capital Allocation

Net cash from operating activities of $212.6 million was approximately flat, declining $2.1 million, or 1.0 percent for the first half of fiscal 2021 as compared to the prior year. During the first half of 2021, the Company repurchased 3.2 million shares of common stock for a total of $338.3 million at an average price of $104 per share. The Company had approximately 4.4 million shares remaining under its most recent authorization at the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2021. Since May of 2020, the Company has reduced the outstanding share count by approximately 10 percent.

Carbon Neutrality Statement

On March 22, 2021, the Company announced to associates that it had achieved 100 percent carbon neutrality in operations through a combination of carbon reduction and offsetting measures. The Company will continue to update the market on ongoing efforts through the EarthLIGHT report, in periodic company press releases and through the sustainability section of the Company website.

Outlook

A further discussion relating to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the economic recovery will take place on our fiscal 2021 second-quarter conference call.

Conference Call

As previously announced, Acuity Brands will hold a conference call today, March 31, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its fiscal 2021 second-quarter results. Interested parties may access the call via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at investors.acuitybrands.com to hear live or to hear a replay.

About Acuity Brands

Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. The Company designs, manufactures, and brings to market products and services that make the world more brilliant, productive, and connected including building management systems, lighting, lighting controls, and location-aware applications. Acuity Brands achieves growth through the development of innovative new products and services.

Through the Acuity Business System, Acuity Brands achieves customer-focused efficiencies that allow the Company to increase market share and deliver superior returns. The Company looks to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.

Acuity Brands is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 11,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuitybrands.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This news release includes the following non-generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures: “adjusted gross profit,” “adjusted gross profit margin,” “adjusted SD&A expenses,” “adjusted SD&A expenses as a percent of net sales,” “adjusted operating profit,” “adjusted operating profit margin,” “adjusted other expense,” “adjusted net income,” “adjusted diluted EPS,” and “free cash flow (“FCF”)”. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance the reader’s overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance and prospects for the future. Specifically, management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors by excluding or adjusting items for acquisition-related items, amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, impairment on investment, and special charges associated with continued efforts to streamline the organization and integrate recent acquisitions. FCF is provided to enhance the reader’s understanding of the Company’s ability to generate additional cash from its business. Management typically adjusts for these items for internal reviews of performance and uses the above non-GAAP measures for baseline comparative operational analysis, decision making, and other activities. Management believes these non-GAAP measures provide greater comparability and enhanced visibility into the Company’s results of operations as well as comparability with many of its peers, especially those companies focused more on technology and software. Non-GAAP financial measures included in this news release should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The most directly comparable GAAP measures for adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross profit margin are “gross profit” and “gross profit margin,” respectively, which include acquisition-related items. The most directly comparable GAAP measures for adjusted SD&A expenses and adjusted SD&A expenses as a percent of net sales are “SD&A expenses” and “SD&A expenses as a percent of net sales,” respectively, which include amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, and acquisition-related items. The most directly comparable GAAP measures for adjusted operating profit and adjusted operating profit margin are “operating profit” and “operating profit margin,” respectively, which include the impact of acquisition-related items, amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, and special charges. The most directly comparable GAAP measure for adjusted other expense is “other expense,” which includes an impairment of investment. The most directly comparable GAAP measures for adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS are “net income” and “diluted EPS,” respectively, which include the impact of acquisition-related items, amortization of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, an impairment of investment, and special charges. The most directly comparable GAAP measure for FCF is “net cash provided by operating activities.” A reconciliation of each measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is available in this news release. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, have limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial measures. Our presentation of such measures, which may include adjustments to exclude unusual or non-recurring items, should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by other unusual or non-recurring items.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release includes “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, that are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond our control. We caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this press release is not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements are statements other than those of historical fact and may include statements relating to goals, plans, market conditions and projections regarding Acuity Brand’s strategy, and specifically include statements made in this press release regarding: continued signs of modest recovery in the wider market, our ongoing commitment to the environment, our people, and our communities and our intention to update the market on ongoing carbon neutrality efforts through the EarthLIGHT report. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “plan,” “seek,” “comfortable with,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” or “continue” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. A number of important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from those contained in or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, filed on October 23, 2020 and those described from time to time in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which can be found at the SEC’s website www.sec.gov. Any forward-looking information presented herein is made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, or otherwise.

ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except share data)

  February 28, 2021   August 31, 2020
 
(unaudited)
   
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 498.7     $ 560.7  
Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $2.6 and $2.6, respectively 448.0     500.3  
Inventories 321.3     320.1  
Prepayments and other current assets 76.1     58.6  
Total current assets 1,344.1     1,439.7  
Property, plant, and equipment, net 262.0     270.5  
Operating lease right-of-use assets 63.3     63.4  
Goodwill 1,084.2     1,080.0  
Intangible assets, net 587.2     605.9  
Deferred income taxes 2.5     2.7  
Other long-term assets 16.9     29.5  
Total assets $ 3,360.2     $ 3,491.7  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable $ 321.5     $ 326.5  
Current maturities of debt 4.0     24.3  
Current operating lease liabilities 17.3     17.2  
Accrued compensation 91.4     85.4  
Other accrued liabilities 142.1     164.2  
Total current liabilities 576.3     617.6  
Long-term debt 494.0     376.8  
Long-term operating lease liabilities 52.2     56.8  
Accrued pension liabilities 68.0     91.6  
Deferred income taxes 95.5     94.9  
Self-insurance reserves 6.8     6.5  
Other long-term liabilities 134.9     120.0  
Total liabilities 1,427.7     1,364.2  
Stockholders’ equity:      
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued      
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 53,985,970 and 53,885,165
issued, respectively
0.5     0.5  
Paid-in capital 977.8     963.6  
Retained earnings 2,635.9     2,523.3  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (118.1 )   (132.7 )
Treasury stock, at cost — 18,244,813 and 15,012,449 shares, respectively (1,563.6 )   (1,227.2 )
Total stockholders’ equity 1,932.5     2,127.5  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,360.2     $ 3,491.7  



ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per-share data)

  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
  February 28,
2021
  February 29,
2020
  February 28,
2021
  February 29,
2020
Net sales $ 776.6     $ 824.2     $ 1,568.6     $ 1,658.9  
Cost of products sold 439.9     480.3     899.5     959.2  
Gross profit 336.7     343.9     669.1     699.7  
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses 245.4     260.9     491.4     526.2  
Special charges 0.3     1.6     1.0     8.5  
Operating profit 91.0     81.4     176.7     165.0  
Other expense:              
Interest expense, net 6.6     5.7     11.5     14.0  
Miscellaneous expense, net 2.2     1.0     3.8     2.4  
Total other expense 8.8     6.7     15.3     16.4  
Income before income taxes 82.2     74.7     161.4     148.6  
Income tax expense 19.3     17.5     38.9     34.4  
Net income $ 62.9     $ 57.2     $ 122.5     $ 114.2  
               
Earnings per share:              
Basic earnings per share $ 1.75     $ 1.45     $ 3.32     $ 2.89  
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding 36.0     39.5     36.9     39.5  
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.74     $ 1.44     $ 3.30     $ 2.88  
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding 36.2     39.7     37.1     39.7  
Dividends declared per share $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.26     $ 0.26  
               
Comprehensive income:              
Net income $ 62.9     $ 57.2     $ 122.5     $ 114.2  
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:              
Foreign currency translation adjustments 6.7     (3.7 )   11.3     (1.8 )
Defined benefit plans, net of tax 1.7     1.7     3.3     3.6  
Other comprehensive income (loss) items, net of tax 8.4     (2.0 )   14.6     1.8  
Comprehensive income $ 71.3     $ 55.2     $ 137.1     $ 116.0  



ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In millions)

  Six Months Ended
  February 28, 2021   February 29, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $ 122.5     $ 114.2  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 50.0     49.8  
Share-based payment expense 15.2     24.7  
Asset impairment 4.0      
Accounts receivable 54.5     66.9  
Inventories (0.4 )   8.3  
Prepayments and other current assets (7.6 )   (4.0 )
Accounts payable (4.3 )   (12.3 )
Other (21.3 )   (32.9 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 212.6     214.7  
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment (21.2 )   (24.9 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment 0.4     0.2  
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired     (302.9 )
Other investing activities (3.1 )   (1.9 )
Net cash used for investing activities (23.9 )   (329.5 )
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Issuance of long-term debt 493.9     400.0  
Repayments of long-term debt (397.1 )   (350.5 )
Repurchases of common stock (338.3 )    
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 0.9     0.5  
Payments of taxes withheld on net settlement of equity awards (3.3 )   (4.7 )
Dividends paid (9.7 )   (10.4 )
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (253.6 )   34.9  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 2.9     (0.5 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (62.0 )   (80.4 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 560.7     461.0  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 498.7     $ 380.6  



ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

DISAGGREGATED NET SALES

(In millions)

The following table shows net sales by channel for the periods presented:

  Three Months Ended      
  February 28,
2021
  February 29,
2020
  Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
Independent sales network $ 592.7     $ 596.9     $ (4.2 )   (0.7 )%
Direct sales network 73.9     73.3     0.6     0.8  % 
Retail sales 43.0     56.8     (13.8 )   (24.3 )%
Corporate accounts 26.7     54.8     (28.1 )   (51.3 )%
Other 40.3     42.4     (2.1 )   (5.0 )%
Total $ 776.6     $ 824.2     $ (47.6 )   (5.8 )%

  Six Months Ended      
  February 28,
2021
  February 29,
2020
  Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
Independent sales network $ 1,192.2     $ 1,214.9     $ (22.7 )   (1.9 )%
Direct sales network 150.2     157.6     (7.4 )   (4.7 )%
Retail sales 98.0     110.2     (12.2 )   (11.1 )%
Corporate accounts 50.7     88.3     (37.6 )   (42.6 )%
Other 77.5     87.9     (10.4 )   (11.8 )%
Total $ 1,568.6     $ 1,658.9     $ (90.3 )   (5.4 )%



ACUITY BRANDS, INC.

Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Measures

The tables below reconcile certain GAAP financial measures to the corresponding non-GAAP measures:

(In millions except per share data) Three Months Ended          
  February 28,
2021
      February 29,
2020
      Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
Net sales $ 776.6         $ 824.2         $ (47.6 ) (5.8 )%
                     
Gross profit (GAAP) $ 336.7         $ 343.9         $ (7.2 ) (2.1 )%
Percent of net sales     43.4  %       41.7  %   170    bps
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)         0.1            
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP) $ 336.7         $ 344.0         $ (7.3 ) (2.1 )%
Percent of net sales     43.4  %       41.7  %   170   bps
                     
Selling, distribution, and administrative (SD&A) expenses (GAAP) $ 245.4         $ 260.9         $ (15.5 ) (5.9 )%
Percent of net sales     31.6  %       31.7  %   (10 ) bps
Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets (10.1 )       (10.4 )          
Less: Share-based payment expense (7.5 )       (8.0 )          
Less: Acquisition-related items (1)         (0.2 )          
Adjusted SD&A expenses (Non-GAAP) $ 227.8         $ 242.3         $ (14.5 ) (6.0 )%
Percent of net sales     29.3  %       29.4  %   (10 ) bps
                     
Operating profit (GAAP) $ 91.0         $ 81.4         $ 9.6   11.8  %
Percent of net sales     11.7  %       9.9  %   180   bps
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets 10.1         10.4            
Add-back: Share-based payment expense 7.5         8.0            
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)         0.3            
Add-back: Special charges 0.3         1.6            
Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP) $ 108.9         $ 101.7         $ 7.2   7.1  %
Percent of net sales     14.0  %       12.3  %   170   bps
                     
Net income (GAAP) $ 62.9         $ 57.2         $ 5.7   10.0  %
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets 10.1         10.4            
Add-back: Share-based payment expense 7.5         8.0            
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)         0.3            
Add-back: Special charges 0.3         1.6            
Total pre-tax adjustments to net income 17.9         20.3            
Income tax effects (4.1 )       (4.4 )          
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) $ 76.7         $ 73.1         $ 3.6   4.9  %
                     
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) $ 1.74         $ 1.44         $ 0.30   20.8  %
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) $ 2.12         $ 1.84         $ 0.28   15.2  %

(1) Acquisition-related items include profit in inventory and professional fees.

(In millions, except per share data) Six Months Ended          
  February 28,
2021
      February 29,
2020
      Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
Net sales $ 1,568.6         $ 1,658.9         $ (90.3 ) (5.4 )%
                     
Gross profit (GAAP) $ 669.1         $ 699.7         $ (30.6 ) (4.4 )%
Percent of net sales     42.7  %       42.2  %   50    bps
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)         1.2            
Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP) $ 669.1         $ 700.9         $ (31.8 ) (4.5 )%
Percent of net sales     42.7  %       42.3  %   40    bps
                     
Selling, distribution, and administrative (SD&A) expenses (GAAP) $ 491.4         $ 526.2         $ (34.8 ) (6.6 )%
Percent of net sales     31.3  %       31.7  %   (40 ) bps
Less: Amortization of acquired intangible assets (20.2 )       (20.0 )          
Less: Share-based payment expense (15.2 )       (24.7 )          
Less: Acquisition-related items (1)         (1.3 )          
Adjusted SD&A expenses (Non-GAAP) $ 456.0         $ 480.2         $ (24.2 ) (5.0 )%
Percent of net sales     29.1  %       28.9  %   20    bps
                     
Operating profit (GAAP) $ 176.7         $ 165.0         $ 11.7   7.1  %
Percent of net sales     11.3  %       9.9  %   140    bps
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets 20.2         20.0            
Add-back: Share-based payment expense 15.2         24.7            
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)         2.5            
Add-back: Special charges 1.0         8.5            
Adjusted operating profit (Non-GAAP) $ 213.1         $ 220.7         $ (7.6 ) (3.4 )%
Percent of net sales     13.6  %       13.3  %   30    bps
                     
Other expense (income) (GAAP) $ 15.3         $ 16.4         $ (1.1 ) (6.7 )%
Less: Impairment of investment (4.0 )                  
Adjusted other expense (income) (Non-GAAP) $ 11.3         $ 16.4         $ (5.1 ) (31.1 )%
                     
Net income (GAAP) $ 122.5         $ 114.2         $ 8.3   7.3  %
Add-back: Amortization of acquired intangible assets 20.2         20.0            
Add-back: Share-based payment expense 15.2         24.7            
Add-back: Acquisition-related items (1)         2.5            
Add-back: Special charges 1.0         8.5            
Add-back: Impairment of investment 4.0                    
Total pre-tax adjustments to net income 40.4         55.7            
Income tax effect (9.3 )       (12.6 )          
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) $ 153.6         $ 157.3         $ (3.7 ) (2.4 )%
                     
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) $ 3.30         $ 2.88         $ 0.42   14.6  %
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) $ 4.14         $ 3.97         $ 0.17   4.3  %

______________________________

(1) Acquisition-related items include profit in inventory and professional fees.

(In millions except per share data) Six Months Ended      
  February 28,
2021
  February 29,
2020
  Increase
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) $ 212.6     $ 214.7     $ (2.1 ) (1.0 )%
Less: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment (21.2 )   (24.9 )      
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) $ 191.4     $ 189.8     $ 1.6   0.8  %

Investor Contact:

Charlotte McLaughlin
Vice President, Investor Relations
(404) 853-1456
[email protected]

Media Contact:

Candace Flippin Steele
Chief Communications Officer
[email protected]



Paysign Announces Launch of New Digital Banking Referral Program

Paysign Announces Launch of New Digital Banking Referral Program

Paysign Premier Now Available to Businesses as a Turnkey Solution

HENDERSON, Nev.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Paysign, Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYS), a leading provider of prepaid card programs, digital banking services, and payment processing, today announced the launch of their Paysign Premier referral program, designed to give businesses easy, turnkey access to a digital banking solution for their payees. The referral program is available immediately with no startup costs.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210331005243/en/

The Paysign Premier digital bank account is a “checkless” demand deposit account (DDA) with a personalized Visa® debit card. It offers accountholders access to their pay up to two days early, cash back rewards, real-time account info through a mobile app or web portal, and 24/7/365 bilingual customer care. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The Paysign Premier digital bank account is a “checkless” demand deposit account (DDA) with a personalized Visa® debit card. It offers accountholders access to their pay up to two days early, cash back rewards, real-time account info through a mobile app or web portal, and 24/7/365 bilingual customer care. (Graphic: Business Wire)

As a complement to their suite of tailored payment solutions, Paysign has packaged a turnkey version of their Premier digital bank account program to allow businesses to streamline their payments process and reduce costs without going through a lengthy program design and implementation. By offering digital banking as a benefit to their payees – whether employees, gig workers, vendors, or contractors – businesses can instantly add value and improve payee loyalty and satisfaction.

“Digital banking solutions have been gaining in popularity among businesses and consumers for the last decade,” said Mark Newcomer, co-founder and CEO of Paysign. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only sped up the trend. Now, more than ever, it pays for businesses to consider ways of streamlining their own payout practices, while offering a valuable financial service to their payees in the process. We’re excited that the new Premier referral program removes the barriers typically associated with getting a payments solution off the ground.”

The Paysign Premier digital bank account is a “checkless” demand deposit account (DDA) with a personalized Visa® debit card. It offers accountholders access to their pay up to two days early, cash back rewards, real-time account info through a mobile app or web portal, and 24/7/365 bilingual customer care.

Visit paysign.com/digitalbanking for more information about Paysign’s digital banking solutions for businesses, or email [email protected] to get started with the Premier referral program.

About Paysign

Paysign, Inc. is a leading provider of prepaid card programs and integrated payment processing services designed for businesses, consumers, and government institutions. Incorporated in 2001 and headquartered in southern Nevada, the company creates customized, innovative payment solutions for clients across all industries, including pharmaceutical, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. Built on the foundation of a reliable payments platform, Paysign’s end-to-end technologies securely enable digital payout solutions and facilitate the distribution of funds for donor compensation, copay assistance, customer incentives, employee rewards, travel expenses, per diem, as well as reimbursements and rebates. Paysign’s solutions lower administrative costs, streamline operations, increase revenues, accelerate product adoption, and improve customer, employee, and channel partner loyalty. To learn more, visit paysign.com.

Paysign Media Relations

Alicia Ches

Director, Marketing

702.749.7257

[email protected]


Paysign Investor Relations

888.522.4810

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Nevada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software Finance Consulting Banking Professional Services Technology Mobile/Wireless Security

MEDIA:

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The Paysign Premier digital bank account is a “checkless” demand deposit account (DDA) with a personalized Visa® debit card. It offers accountholders access to their pay up to two days early, cash back rewards, real-time account info through a mobile app or web portal, and 24/7/365 bilingual customer care. (Graphic: Business Wire)