Genefa Murphy, Former Micro Focus Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and HPE Executive Joins Five9 as New CMO

Genefa Murphy, Former Micro Focus Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and HPE Executive Joins Five9 as New CMO

SAN RAMON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Five9, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVN), an industry-leading provider of the intelligent cloud contact center, today announced the appointment of Genefa Murphy, PhD, an industry recognized global marketer with an impressive background in enterprise software as the company’s new Chief Marketing Officer.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210111005184/en/

As of January 11, 2021, Genefa Murphy joins Five9 as their new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). (Photo: Business Wire)

As of January 11, 2021, Genefa Murphy joins Five9 as their new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). (Photo: Business Wire)

“Genefa joins Five9 at an exciting time in the company’s journey as we continue to grow our markets internationally, and continue our expansion into large enterprises,” said Rowan Trollope, CEO, Five9. “She brings years of global enterprise software experience, a fresh perspective, and has a proven track record of scaling high performing marketing teams, all of which will help fuel our company trajectory as we continue to affirm our leadership in the cloud contact center space.”

Genefa joins Five9 from Micro Focus where as CMO she led a worldwide team who drove brand, core messaging, influencer marketing, regional and global campaigns, digital demand and sales, and technical enablement. She was also the executive sponsor for Micro Focus’ Corporate Social Responsibility Program. In her role, Genefa led her team though a transformational journey, from launching Micro Focus on the NYSE to rolling out a new enablement strategy to over 3000 worldwide sellers, to working day-to-day with customers and partners to ensure they understood the value of the Micro Focus offerings.

Murphy will report directly to Trollope. In her role, she will partner with the other members of the executive team to continue to evolve the company’s brand and reputation in the Cloud Contact Center as-a-Service space.

“As a technologist and as a consumer, I was attracted to Five9 as their solutions are truly at the heart of what matters – bringing people and technology together to help create engaging customer experiences in an efficient and effective way,” stated Genefa Murphy. “This in turn allows Five9 customers to create brand intimacy and loyalty which will allow them and Five9 to be successful in today’s digital economy.”

About Five9

Five9 is a leading provider of cloud contact center software for the intelligent contact center space, bringing the power of cloud innovation to customers and facilitating more than six billion customer engagements annually. Five9 provides end-to-end solutions with omnichannel routing, analytics, WFO and AI to increase agent productivity and deliver tangible business results. The Five9 Intelligent Cloud Contact Center is reliable, secure, compliant and scalable; designed to create exceptional, personalized customer experiences. 

For more information, visit www.five9.com.

Engage with us @Five9,LinkedIn,Facebook, Blog, That’s Genius Podcast.

Five9

Kendall Taylor

925-231-2196

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software Technology Internet Data Management

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As of January 11, 2021, Genefa Murphy joins Five9 as their new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). (Photo: Business Wire)

Easterly Government Properties to Participate in the Capital One Securities REIT Conference

Easterly Government Properties to Participate in the Capital One Securities REIT Conference

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (NYSE: DEA) (the “Company” or “Easterly”), a fully integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused primarily on the acquisition, development and management of Class A commercial properties leased to the U.S. Government, announced today that management will participate in virtual investor meetings at the Capital One Securities Inaugural REIT Conference being held virtually on January 11, 2021.

Electronic copies of the written materials to be provided to investors in connection with the meetings can be found in the Presentation section of the Company’s Investor Relations website at ir.easterlyreit.com.

About Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (NYSE:DEA) is based in Washington, D.C., and focuses primarily on the acquisition, development and management of Class A commercial properties that are leased to the U.S. Government. Easterly’s experienced management team brings specialized insight into the strategy and needs of mission-critical U.S. Government agencies for properties leased to such agencies either directly or through the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). For further information on the company and its properties, please visit www.easterlyreit.com.

Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

Lindsay S. Winterhalter

Vice President, Investor Relations & Operations

202-596-3947

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: District of Columbia United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Other Professional Services Other Construction & Property Commercial Building & Real Estate Finance Construction & Property REIT

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Lunchables Is Covering the Cost of Groceries Plus Instacart Grocery Delivery for a Year as Part of New Rewards Program

Lunchables Is Covering the Cost of Groceries Plus Instacart Grocery Delivery for a Year as Part of New Rewards Program

The brand’s new Leave It To Lunchables program is making mom’s life easier one reward at a time

PITTSBURGH & CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
From working full time to juggling virtual learning, grocery shopping, meal prep and a never-ending to-do list, this past year has required more from moms than ever before. Lunchables is here to help take one thing off moms’ plates and start 2021 off right! Beginning January 2021, the brand is offering a chance to win $10,000 for groceries and a year-long Instacart Express membership with its new Leave It To Lunchables Rewards Program.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210111005100/en/

Leave It To Lunchables Rewards Program (Graphic: Business Wire)

Leave It To Lunchables Rewards Program (Graphic: Business Wire)

The Leave It To Lunchables Rewards Program helps moms tackle their to-do lists while giving their kids a lunch they love. As mom stocks up on her family’s favorite Lunchables varieties, she’s on her way to redeeming rewards to treat herself with perks like free coffee runs, school supplies and movie rentals. It’s a win-win for moms and kids!

Joining the Leave It To Lunchables Rewards Program is easy! To start earning rewards and enter for a chance to win the grand prize, head to www.LunchablesRewards.com between now and March 31 to register your eligible purchases of Lunchables products. The brand will select one winner in April. See here for official rules.

“Moms are juggling more now than ever before with virtual learning, working from home and a never-ending to-do list,” says Molle Klein, associate brand manager for Lunchables. “With the new Leave It To Lunchables Rewards Program, we’re taking one thing off her plate. It’s a simple way to give kids a lunch they love and reward mom with her own prizes for all her hard work.”

Lunchables is also teaming up with Melissa Joan Hart to help support parents and get them through these demanding times. As a mom who knows a thing or two about juggling work and home life with three kids, Hart understands why moms deserve a reward for all the extra things they have on their plates right now.

“My kids and I have always loved Lunchables. They get a super tasty lunch, and I save time making a whole meal,” says Melissa Joan Hart. “When I learned about the new rewards program from Lunchables that helps parents through such a crazy year, I was so excited to team up with them! I’m already adding multiple Lunchables to my shopping cart, and now, I can get rewarded for it!”

To learn more about the Leave It To Lunchables Rewards Program, visit LunchablesRewards.com or follow along on social media via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

ABOUT THE KRAFT HEINZ COMPANY

We are driving transformation at The Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC), inspired by our Purpose, Let’s Make Life Delicious. Consumers are at the center of everything we do. With 2019 net sales of approximately $25 billion, we are committed to growing our iconic and emerging food and beverage brands on a global scale. We leverage our scale and agility to unleash the full power of Kraft Heinz across a portfolio of six consumer-driven product platforms. As global citizens, we’re dedicated to making a sustainable, ethical impact while helping feed the world in healthy, responsible ways. Learn more about our journey by visiting www.kraftheinzcompany.com or following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Lynne Galia

[email protected]

Jenna Perlman

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Illinois Pennsylvania

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Women Parenting Children Entertainment Supermarket Family Food/Beverage Consumer Retail Licensing (Entertainment)

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Leave It To Lunchables Rewards Program (Graphic: Business Wire)
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Improving Credit, Boosting Financial Health: Regions Bank Launches Virtual Financial Fitness Fridays

Improving Credit, Boosting Financial Health: Regions Bank Launches Virtual Financial Fitness Fridays

Free seminars offered online to help people reach financial goals.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Regions Bank on Monday announced the return of Financial Fitness Fridays, a no-cost, high-impact program designed to help people learn more about the power of building strong budgets and managing credit wisely.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210111005099/en/

Shalonda Tillman, Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank, leads a virtual financial education seminar offering practical tips to help people build workable budgets and reach their goals. (Photo: Business Wire)

Shalonda Tillman, Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank, leads a virtual financial education seminar offering practical tips to help people build workable budgets and reach their goals. (Photo: Business Wire)

The 2021 Financial Fitness Fridays program will be conducted through virtual seminars during the second half of January. Anyone can join, regardless of whether they have a Regions account, and there is no cost to participate. This year’s focus for Financial Fitness Fridays: credit.

From buying a home to making other major purchases or reaching other financial goals, having good credit is essential. And it’s within reach. Financial Fitness Fridays is designed to help people understand the value of strong credit to their overall financial health while building their credit score over time.

“As we begin a new year and prioritize our financial goals, now is a perfect time for people to connect with Regions professionals who offer free guidance and tools designed to help people better understand, use and improve their credit,” said Jason Epstein, consumer performance executive for Regions Bank. “Through Financial Fitness Fridays, our team delivers resources people need to get started on reaching their financial goals. It is part of our year-round commitment to advancing financial wellness in the communities we serve.”

The first Financial Fitness Fridays virtual seminar that’s open to the public will be held at 8:30 a.m. CT on Friday, Jan. 22. Regions Financial Wellness Relationship Manager Shalonda Tillman will discuss practical ways to build a strong credit report while showing how having good credit is an attainable goal that benefits overall financial health. Anyone can sign up to participate at this link.

Another opportunity to learn about credit reports will be offered on Friday, Jan. 29. Regions Financial Wellness Relationship Manager Alicia Somers will offer insights beginning at 11:30 a.m. CT. This session is open to the public as well; anyone can sign up at this link.

Beyond the practical steps provided through these virtual seminars, the events also serve to give people a personal connection with Regions professionals who can help with customized, one-on-one follow-ups and individual questions.

Financial Fitness Fridays complements Regions’ year-round Next Step financial wellness program. The bank offers consistently updated financial education online through the Next Step Financial Learning Center on regions.com. Earlier this month, Next Step released the results of a survey that showed saving more and spending less are the most important financial resolutions this year. Like Financial Fitness Fridays, Next Step articles, virtual seminars, podcasts, budgeting calculators, checklists and more are available for free to anyone.

Additionally, Regions shares financial guidance through the @RegionsNews Twitter handle and the bank’s news website, regions.doingmoretoday.com. Video content is available through the Regions Financial YouTube channel.

About Regions Financial Corporation

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $145 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,400 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Elmore

Regions Bank

(205) 264-4551

Regions News Online: regions.doingmoretoday.com

Regions News on Twitter: @RegionsNews

KEYWORDS: United States North America Alabama

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Professional Services Finance Health Consulting Banking Professional Services Education Training

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Shalonda Tillman, Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank, leads a virtual financial education seminar offering practical tips to help people build workable budgets and reach their goals. (Photo: Business Wire)

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Updates Investors in the Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Updates Investors in the Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:NERV) common stock between May 15, 2017 and November 30, 2020, inclusive (the “Class Period”), have until February 8, 2021 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Minerva class action lawsuit, McCoy v. Minerva Neurosciences, Inc.,No. 20-cv-12176 (D. Mass.), which is assigned to Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. The Minerva class action lawsuit charges Minerva and its Chief Executive Officer with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased Minerva common stock during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Minerva class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Minerva class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Minerva class action lawsuit. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery of the Minerva class action lawsuit is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Minervaclass action lawsuit or have questions concerning your rights regarding the Minervaclass action lawsuit, please provide your information here or contact counsel, J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller, at 800/449-4900 or 619/231-1058 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Lead plaintiff motions for the Minervaclass action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than February 8, 2021.

Minerva is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of a portfolio of product candidates to treat patients suffering from central nervous system diseases. Minerva’s lead product candidate, roluperidone (MIN-101), is in development for the treatment of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. In October 2016, Minerva reported positive results from a Phase 2b trial of roluperidone for this treatment, asserting that the “[d]ata show continuous improvement in negative symptoms, stable positive symptoms and extended safety profile.” Thereafter, on May 15, 2017, Minerva announced that it would proceed to a Phase 3 clinical trial for roluperidone following a successful “end-of-Phase 2” meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). In doing so, Minerva’s Chief Executive Officer, defendant Rémy Luthringer, stated that “[o]ur discussion with the [FDA] has helped to confirm our Phase 3 trial design, which is similar to our previous Phase 2b trial design. We believe that positive data from the Phase 3 trial, along with the positive data from the Phase 2b trial, may form the basis for the future submission of a New Drug Application [NDA] for [roluperidone] with the FDA.”

The Minerva class action lawsuit alleges that, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: (i) the truth about the feedback received from the FDA concerning the “end-of-Phase 2” meeting; (ii) that the Phase 2b study did not use the commercial formulation of roluperidone and was conducted solely outside of the United States; (iii) that the failure of the Phase 3 study to meet its primary and key secondary endpoints rendered that study incapable of supporting substantial evidence of effectiveness; (iv) that Minerva’s plan to use the combination of the Phase 2b and Phase 3 studies would be “highly unlikely” to support the submission of an NDA; (v) that reliance on these two trials in the submission of an NDA would lead to “substantial review issues” because the trials were inadequate and not well controlled; and (vi) that, as a result, Minerva’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On May 29, 2020, Minerva released the results of its Phase 3 clinical trial, revealing that the studied “doses were not statistically significantly different from placebo at Week 12 on the primary endpoint . . . or the key secondary endpoint.” On this news, Minerva’s stock price fell nearly 73%.

Then, on December 1, 2020, Minerva revealed that the “FDA advised that the Phase 2b study is problematic because it did not use the commercial formulation of roluperidone and was conducted solely outside of the United States. In addition, FDA commented that the Phase 3 study does not appear to be capable of supporting substantial evidence of effectiveness . . . .” Indeed, the “FDA cautioned that an NDA submission based on the current data from the Phase 2b and Phase 3 studies would be highly unlikely to be filed and that at a minimum, there would be substantial review issues due to the lack of two adequate and well-controlled trials to support efficacy claims for this indication.” On this news, Minerva’s stock price fell an additional 25%, further damaging investors.

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world’s leading law firms representing investors in securities class action litigation. With 200 lawyers in 9 offices, Robbins Geller has obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history. For seven consecutive years, ISS Securities Class Action Services has ranked the Firm in its annual SCAS Top 50 Report as one of the top law firms in the world in both amount recovered for shareholders and total number of class action settlements. Robbins Geller attorneys have helped shape the securities laws and have recovered tens of billions of dollars on behalf of aggrieved victims. Beyond securing financial recoveries for defrauded investors, Robbins Geller also specializes in implementing corporate governance reforms, helping to improve the financial markets for investors worldwide. Robbins Geller attorneys are consistently recognized by courts, professional organizations, and the media as leading lawyers in the industry. Please visit http://www.rgrdlaw.com for more information.

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, 800-449-4900

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Legal Professional Services

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Siemens Foundation Appoints Juan Cantu and Denise Quarles to Board of Directors

Siemens Foundation Appoints Juan Cantu and Denise Quarles to Board of Directors

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The Siemens Foundation today announced that Juan Cantu, national operations manager for Siemens Smart Infrastructure, and Denise Quarles, head of external affairs for Siemens USA’s Southeast region, have been named to the Siemens Foundation Board of Directors.

“We welcome Juan and Denise to our board of directors and look forward to benefitting from the tremendous skills and experiences they each bring,” said Barbara Humpton, chair of the Siemens Foundation Board of Directors and CEO of Siemens USA. “Their knowledge and passion for philanthropy and community engagement will be invaluable to the Siemens Foundation as we continue to advance social equity and workforce development in STEM.”

As national operations manager for Siemens Smart Infrastructure, Juan Cantu is responsible for front-line staffing for service personnel, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint at customer sites. He has held several service management roles within the company, most recently overseeing 500 employees as Pacific Zone service operations manager, where he supported a diverse customer portfolio ranging from healthcare and K-12 schools to industrial and life sciences. A Certified Energy Manager, Cantu was a nuclear machinist mate in the United States Navy for six years.

Each year, facilitated through the Siemens Foundation, Cantu’s branch hosts a Siemens STEM Day at a nearby elementary school. Siemens STEM Day is an educational program that brings science, technology, engineering, and math to life inside and outside of the classroom.

“Getting to see the passion and energy these young people exude as they experiment with STEM has quickly made STEM Day the best time of the year,” said Cantu. “I’m looking forward to having more direct involvement with the Siemens Foundation’s efforts to ensure the future workforce has the training, skills and opportunity necessary for a successful STEM career.”

In her role, Denise Quarles partners with Siemens’ leadership to establish public policy and government affairs priorities while spearheading the company’s public policy positions at the state and local level. She focuses on combining infrastructure with technology to meet emerging needs. Prior to Siemens, Quarles served as the director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability for the City of Atlanta. Before that, she served as vice president of environmental affairs at Southwire Company and adjunct instructor at the University of West Georgia. In addition to her new Siemens Foundation’s role, Quarles is on the board of directors for Greenhouse Accelerator and is a past board member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Motivated by her history with STEM programs to help pass the torch to tomorrow’s future STEM stars, Quarles credits her enthusiasm for science and engineering to her participation in a program designed to introduce minority students to STEM careers when she was a high school student. The impact of this experience inspired her to ultimately change her degree trajectory from liberal arts to chemical engineering.

“Being introduced to STEM at a young age was instrumental in determining my education and career path,” said Quarles. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be a voice that further connects the Siemens Foundation with communities of varying demographics that similarly may not be aware of or have access to STEM education and career opportunities.”

For more information on the Siemens Foundation, follow @SFoundation on Twitter or visit siemens-foundation.org.

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation has invested more than $130 million in the United States to advance equitable workforce development and education initiatives in science, technology, engineering and math. Its mission is inspired by the culture of innovation, research and continuous learning that is the hallmark of Siemens’ companies. Together, the programs at the Siemens Foundation are narrowing the opportunity gap for young people in the United States in STEM careers and igniting and sustaining today’s STEM workforce and tomorrow’s scientists and engineers.

Contact for journalists

Caroline Cassidy

Phone: (770) 826-7379; E-mail: [email protected]

KEYWORDS: District of Columbia United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Education Manufacturing Philanthropy Other Philanthropy Other Science Fund Raising Foundation Engineering Science Other Education Continuing

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Bank of Southern California Appoints Danni Remington Smithson as Regional Manager in Orange County

Bank of Southern California Appoints Danni Remington Smithson as Regional Manager in Orange County

Further Demonstrating its Commitment to the Region’s Business Community

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a commercial bank headquartered in San Diego, announced today that Danni Remington Smithson has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Regional Manager in Orange County. Based out of the company’s Irvine office, Mrs. Remington Smithson will be responsible for growing the Bank’s customer base within Orange County by building lasting relationships with local businesses. She will be joined by long-time colleague and commercial banking associate, Stephanie Johnson, who will assume the role of Assistant Vice President, Banking Support Sales Officer.

Mrs. Remington Smithson has more than two decades of industry experience and has dedicated her entire career to supporting the commercial banking needs of Orange County’s diverse business community. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President, Regional Manager for a local commercial bank.

Well-known for her involvement in the community and dedication to championing meaningful causes, Mrs. Remington Smithson serves on numerous business-focused and non-profit organizations, often assuming leadership roles. She served on the Greater Irvine Chamber board and was previously the Women of Influence Chair. She is also a member of the Risk Management Association on Orange County Chapter’s board and Woman in Finance Chair, an Honorary Chair for Irvine Public Schools Foundation Golf Tournament, and a long-time member of the Advisory Board for Serving People in Need (SPIN).

“I am excited to welcome Danni to Bank of Southern California’s newly expanded commercial banking team. Danni is deeply invested in Orange County with a remarkable commitment to leading and serving the local business community,” said David Rainer, Executive Chairman of Bank of Southern California. “In her short time here, she has already hit the ground running, and we look forward to working together to grow and strengthen the Bank’s presence in the region,” added Rainer.

Mrs. Remington Smithson is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado Boulder.

About Bank of Southern California

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, CA, is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank’s solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County. For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com or call 844.BNK.SOCAL.

Amanda Conover

Bank of Southern California

[email protected]

858.847.4762

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services

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Knowles Announces Preliminary Q4 2020 Results and Sets Date for Q4 Earnings Call

Knowles Announces Preliminary Q4 2020 Results and Sets Date for Q4 Earnings Call

Expected Q4 Sales of Approximately $243 Million Driven by Strong MEMS Microphone Demand and Improving Trends in Hearing Health

ITASCA, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN), a market leader and global provider of advanced micro-acoustic, audio processing, and precision device solutions, today announced preliminary results for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

The Company expects revenue, gross profit margin and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2020 to be as follows:

Preliminary Results

Prior Guidance

 

GAAP

Non-GAAP*

GAAP

Non-GAAP*

Revenues

$243 million

$243 Million

$210 to $225 million

$210 to $225 million

Gross Profit Margin

36.0% to 38.0%

37.0% to 39.0%

35.0% to 37.0%

36.0% to 38.0%

EPS

$0.28 to $0.32

$0.36 to $0.40

$0.19 to $0.25

$0.27 to $0.33

*Q4 2020 GAAP results are expected to include approximately $0.05 per share in stock-based compensation and $0.03 per share in amortization of intangibles and debt discount, which amounts have been excluded on a non-GAAP basis for purposes of calculating the expected non-GAAP results.

“Fourth quarter revenue and EPS are expected to be well above the high end of our prior guidance, primarily driven by stronger-than-expected MEMS microphone demand in multiple end markets and improving trends in our Hearing Health business. Precision Device revenues are expected to be in line with our prior guidance despite shipments into medtech and defense markets which continue to be impacted by COVID-19. Overall, we were able to deliver these results through a combination of improving demand and solid execution across the markets we serve, which I believe positions us well to deliver strong growth in revenue and earnings in 2021,” said Jeffrey Niew, president and CEO of Knowles. ““I believe our strategy to invest in high value solutions for a diverse set of growing end markets will drive shareholder value in 2021 and beyond.”

Webcast and Conference Call Information

The Company will provide a more detailed review of its financial results and business when it reports its fourth quarter and full year 2020 results on February 4, 2021.

Investors can listen to a live or replay webcast of the Company’s quarterly financial conference call at http://investor.knowles.com. The live webcast will begin on February 4, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. Central time. The webcast replay will be available after 7:00 p.m. Central time that day.

Investors can also listen to the conference call at 3:30 p.m. Central time on February 4, 2021 by calling (844) 589-0917 (United States) or (647) 253-8649 (International). The conference call replay will be available after 7:00 p.m. Central time February 4, 2021 through 11:59 p.m. Central time on February 11, 2021 at (800) 585-8367 (United States) or (416) 621-4642 (International). The access code is 6778685. A webcast replay will also be accessible via the Knowles website at http://investor.knowles.com.

Preliminary Financial Information

Preliminary financial results included in this press release represent the most current information available to management. The Company has not completed its customary financial closing procedures for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, nor have the financial results been audited, and the company’s actual results could vary materially from the preliminary estimates. As a result, investors should exercise caution in relying on this information and should not draw any inferences from this information regarding financial or operating data not provided. These preliminary estimates are not meant to be a comprehensive statement of our financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020 and should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company anticipates filing a more detailed press release regarding its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 financial results on Form 8-K on February 4, 2021, as well as filing its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 shortly thereafter.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the expected GAAP results included in this press release, Knowles has presented expected non-GAAP revenue, gross profit, and diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis that exclude certain amounts that would be included in the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Expected non-GAAP results are not presented in accordance with GAAP. Expected non-GAAP information should be considered a supplement to, and not a substitute for, expected results presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the expected non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release do not have standard meanings and may vary from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Knowles believes that non-GAAP measures are useful as supplements to its GAAP results of operations to evaluate certain aspects of its operations and financial performance, and its management team primarily focuses on non-GAAP items in evaluating Knowles’ performance for business planning purposes. Knowles also believes that these measures assist it with comparing its performance between various reporting periods on a consistent basis, as these measures remove from operating results the impact of items that, in Knowles’ opinion, do not reflect its core operating performance including, for example, stock-based compensation, certain intangibles amortization expense, impairment charges, restructuring, production transfer costs, and other charges which management considers to be outside our core operating results. Knowles believes that its presentation of these expected non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with the same information that Knowles uses internally for purposes of assessing its core operating performance.

About Knowles

Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) is a market leader and global provider of advanced micro-acoustic, audio processing, and precision device solutions, serving the mobile consumer electronics, communications, medtech, defense, automotive, and industrial markets. Knowles uses its leading position in MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) microphones and strong capabilities in audio processing technologies to optimize audio systems and improve the user experience in mobile, ear, and IoT applications. Knowles is also the leader in acoustic components, high-end capacitors, and mmWave RF solutions for a diverse set of markets. Knowles’ focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, proprietary manufacturing techniques, rigorous testing, and global scale, enables it to deliver innovative solutions that optimize the user experience. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles is a global organization with employees in 12 countries. The company continues to invest in high value solutions to diversify its revenue and increase exposure to high growth markets. For more information, visit knowles.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements about our future plans, objectives, expectations and financial performance and our continued business operations. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target,” and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The statements in this press release are based on currently available information and the current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of Knowles’ management concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those outcomes or results that are projected, anticipated, or implied in these statements, including risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental responses to it, including but not limited to, the impact on our supply chain, customer demand, and costs associated with our operations. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: unforeseen changes in MEMS microphone demand from our largest customers, in particular, two North American, a Korean, and Chinese OEM customers; our ongoing ability to execute our strategy to diversify our end markets and customers; our ability to stem or overcome price erosion in our segments; fluctuations in our stock’s market price; fluctuations in operating results and cash flows; our ability to prevent or identify quality issues in our products or to promptly remedy any such issues that are identified; the timing of OEM product launches; risks associated with increasing our inventories in advance of anticipated orders by customers; global economic instability; the impact of changes to laws and regulations that affect the Company’s ability to offer products or services to customers in different regions; risks associated with shareholder activism, including proxy contests; our ability to achieve continued reductions in our operating expenses; the ability to qualify our products and facilities with customers; our ability to obtain, enforce, defend or monetize our intellectual property rights; difficulties or delays in and/or the Company’s inability to realize expected cost synergies from its acquisitions; increases in the costs of critical raw materials and components; availability of raw materials and components; managing new product ramps and introductions for our customers; our dependence on a limited number of large customers; our ability to maintain and expand our existing relationships with leading OEMs in order to maintain and increase our revenue; increasing competition and new entrants in the market for our products; our ability to develop new or enhanced products or technologies in a timely manner that achieve market acceptance; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, and test our products and sub-components; escalating international trade tensions, new or increased tariffs and trade wars among countries; financial risks, including risks relating to currency fluctuations, credit risks and fluctuations in the market value of the Company; market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices, particularly for various precious metals used in our manufacturing operation, and changes in tax laws, changes in tax rates and exposure to additional tax liabilities; and other risks, relevant factors, and uncertainties identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, subsequent Reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and our other filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Knowles disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Mike Knapp

Investor Relations

Phone: 630.238.5236

Email: [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Illinois United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Semiconductor Consumer Electronics Technology Audio/Video Telecommunications Mobile/Wireless Hardware

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Abbott Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for the First Rapid Handheld Blood Test for Concussions

– The test to help evaluate mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), commonly known as concussion, produces a result within 15 minutes after a plasma sample is inserted and will run on Abbott’s i-STAT™ Alinity™ handheld device

– Having a blood test available could help eliminate wait time in the emergency room and could reduce the number of unnecessary CT scans by up to 40%

– The test simultaneously measures biomarkers UCH-L1 and GFAP, proteins found in the blood after a concussion or head trauma

– Building on this initial clearance, Abbott is also working on a test that would use whole blood on i-STAT at the point of care, and developing a test for its Alinity™ i and ARCHITECT® core laboratory instruments under FDA breakthrough designation

PR Newswire

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has received 510(k) clearance for the first rapid handheld traumatic brain injury (TBI) blood test, which will help clinicians assess individuals with suspected mild TBIs, including concussions. The test will run on Abbott’s handheld i-STAT™ Alinity™ platform. Tests results are available within 15 minutes after plasma is placed in the test cartridge.

TBIs, including concussions, are an alteration in brain function caused by an external force. This test measures specific proteins present in the blood after a TBI. A negative result on this test can be used to rule out the need for a head CT scan, a common tool used to diagnose concussion. For those who test positive, this test result complements CT scans to help clinicians evaluate whether someone has a TBI.

“Healthcare providers have been waiting for a blood test for the brain and now we have one,” said Beth McQuiston, M.D., medical director for Abbott’s diagnostics business. “You can’t treat what you don’t know and now physicians will be equipped with critical, objective information that will help them provide the best care possible, allowing patients to take steps to recover, prevent reinjury and get back to doing the things they care about most.”

The test requires a small blood sample drawn from the arm, from which plasma is extracted with a centrifuge and applied to the test’s cartridge. The cartridge is then inserted into the handheld instrument.

Abbott is also working on a whole blood test, which would eliminate the need for separation of plasma and could be used at the patient’s side in a healthcare setting. Our vision for the future is that we’d have a 15-minute, portable test that can be used outside the traditional healthcare setting where people experience head injuries and need a quick evaluation, like sporting events.

Abbott has also received FDA breakthrough designation – which speeds assessment of tests through increased FDA interaction – for a TBI test that would run on its Alinity™ i and ARCHITECT® core laboratory instruments. This is part of Abbott’s strategy to ensure that its tests are available both in the lab and in other settings where people need immediate answers and care.

The need for immediacy and accuracy in diagnosing TBI
Nearly 5 million people go to the emergency room for a TBI in the U.S. each year.

“Evaluating brain injuries is complex – and research shows that we only catch about half of those who show up to the hospital with a suspected TBI,” said Geoffrey Manley, M.D., Ph.D., vice chair of neurological surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. “And beyond those who go to the hospital for a suspected TBI, many more never do. A test like this could encourage more people to get tested after a head trauma, which is important, because not receiving a diagnosis can be dangerous and may prevent people from taking the necessary steps to recover safely.”

Survivors of TBI may experience impairment of memory, movement, sensation (e.g., vision and hearing), and emotional functioning (e.g., personality changes, psychological symptoms). Effects of TBI can last anywhere from a few days post-injury or may be permanent. People who sustain a TBI are more likely to have another one – similarly to how a sprained ankle or torn ligament is more susceptible to future injury.

These effects are worsened by misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis. Abbott’s blood test will give healthcare professionals an objective tool for evaluating people suspected of having an injury to the brain.

About
the i-STAT Alinity TBI plasma test
The i-STAT Alinity TBI plasma test simultaneously measures biomarkers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) in blood plasma, two complementary biomarkers that, in elevated concentrations, are tightly correlated to brain injury. It provides test results with 95.8% sensitivity and greater than 99% negative predictive value.

The TBI blood test was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) – which has been dedicated to developing a solution for the objective detection and evaluation of TBI for more than a decade. The DoD, through U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command’s (USAMRDC) U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA), played a critical role in developing the test run on Abbott’s i-STAT Alinity platform. The Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) research team were the first to demonstrate how this TBI blood test can be used for the benefit of TBI patients in clinical care.

About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 107,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

 

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SOURCE Abbott

Love’s New Normal: Zulily Shows What Is Top of Mind for Moms – “Me Time” Is The Most Desired Gift for Valentine’s Day

Research from the Seattle-based online retailer reveals new love languages discovered amid the pandemic: laughs through likes, heroic homemaking, gamifying togetherness, meal prep magic and sweatpant sweethearts

PR Newswire

SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Roses and chocolates might be traded in for a bath bomb and Vitamin-C serum this Valentine’s Day. A new survey from online retailer Zulily, reveals how couples are expressing and feeling the love in new ways amid the pandemic.

It’s no surprise, since 55 percent of moms say they’ve spent too much time with their partner in the last year, that moms are looking for the gift of “me time” this Valentine’s Day. But, they are also seeing hearts in new moments at home with their significant other. Moments and simple gestures like trivia nights, making the bed and even co-producing videos for TikTok have emerged as new signs of love amid the pandemic. Moms also rank date night (59 percent), individual passions (55 percent), shared interests (56 percent) and “me time” (49 percent) as all important to a successful relationship.

“We know that moms are the heroes of their homes. And, this year the ‘new normal’ has been working virtually, co-teaching their kids, pet wrangling, and trying to be one’s best self, all under the same roof with their partner for nearly an entire year. In a year where balancing life’s demands has become even more challenging, we’ve sought to understand how moms have adapted and what’s driving the way they celebrate and express love,” said Megan Marshall, Zulily’s director of brand marketing. “What we learned is that while moms may want a little more time to themselves to unwind, they also want to make the time with their partners more meaningful. Finding joy in the moment, whether it’s with a significant other, their children, or other women in their lives, is something worth celebrating this Valentine’s Day.”

Top findings from Zulily’s new nationwide survey of moms include:

Moms want the gift of “me time” this Valentine’s Day
Moms need a reboot and are looking to their partners for the gift of self-care and time to reenergize.

  • Fifty-two percent of moms say they are more likely to ask for “me time” for a holiday or birthday during the pandemic.
  • Fifty-seven percent of moms say they have proactively scheduled “me time” in their calendar or phone to make sure they take it.
  • Moms would make some serious trades for more “me time,” with one-third of respondents saying they would give up their cell phone for a month and nearly the same number (32 percent) saying they’d give up all their PTO for a weekend to themselves.
  • When it comes to what would help them take more “me time,” 46 percent of moms say more help at home and 42 percent say more time in a day.

Putting the “quality” back in “quality time”
Moms also want more true quality time with their partner, but the definition of quality time looks a little different in light of the pandemic.

  • Seventy percent of respondents say they crave more quality time with their partner in light of COVID-19’s impact on their relationship.
  • But the definition of “quality time” has changed – 92 percent of moms say they consider “quality time” to include being in the same room but doing separate activities.

The New Love Languages
As a result of the ongoing pandemic, moms want to feel the love in new ways. Thirty-five percent of moms say their love language has changed since the start of the pandemic, with five new languages discovered:

  1. Laughs Through Likes: Sharing memes (27 percent) and sending and co-creating TikTok videos (26 percent) have become a way for couples to find humor in the everyday.
  2. Heroic Homemaking:  Having partners do household chores (45 percent), organize the closet (16 percent), stock the fridge (11 percent) and make the bed (19 percent) represent more than just help at home, they’re signals of love.
  3. Gamifying Togetherness: Playing video games (28 percent), watching sports (26 percent), playing board games (26 percent) and trivia (16 percent) keeps couples entertained while closer together.
  4. Meal Prep Magic: With 36 percent of couples saying “cooking a meal” is a new love language discovered, food has become a way to all hearts.
  5. Sweatpant Sweethearts: Date nights at home (25 percent) and lounging around doing separate things in the same room (41 percent) have become ways couples cherish their time together while safe at home.

At the same time, some old love languages are here to stay:

  • When it comes to words of affirmation, “you are beautiful” ranked as the top words moms would like to hear from their partners amid a year spent in sweats and top knots.
  • Forty-three percent crave more physical touch compared to before the pandemic, with hugs and handholding (56 percent) ranking as the top touches moms crave more now.

To help celebrate this new normal of love, Zulily’s “Guide to Love’s New Normal” features more insights, tips and gift giving inspiration for the women in your life this Valentine’s Day. To learn more, visit The Find by Zulily.

Methodology
Survey conducted by OnePoll for Zulily with a sample of 1,006 U.S. mothers with children under 18 in December 2020.

About Zulily, LLC 
Zulily, LLC is an online retailer that launches a new store on its mobile apps and website every day. By creating an immersive and entertaining shopping experience featuring hundreds of sales and thousands of products at great prices, Zulily invites shoppers around the world to discover a wide assortment of curated products for themselves, their families, and their homes. Zulily’s wide variety of merchandise spans: size-inclusive women’s, men’s & kid’s apparel, accessories, and footwear; toys for every age and stage; beauty & wellness; and items for the home. Unique products from up-and-coming brands are featured alongside favorites from household names, giving customers something new to discover every day, delivered on a fun mobile shopping experience that sparks inspiration. Zulily launched in 2010 and is headquartered in Seattle with locations in Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and China. For more information visit zulily.com. 

Zulily, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qurate Retail, Inc. (NASDAQ: QRTEA, QRTEB), which includes QVC, HSN, Zulily and the Cornerstone brands (collectively, “Qurate Retail Group”), as well as other minority interests and green energy investments. Qurate Retail Group believes in a Third Way to Shop® – beyond transactional ecommerce or traditional brick-and-mortar stores. In addition to being #1 in video commerce, Qurate Retail Group is among the top 10 ecommerce retailers in North America (according to Internet Retailer) and is a leader in mobile commerce and social commerce. For more information, visit www.qurateretailgroup.com, or follow @QurateRetailGrp Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or follow Qurate Retail Group on YouTube or LinkedIn. 

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SOURCE Zulily