Inaugural Shanghai Electric Cup ‘Industrial App’ Awards Given to 16 Outstanding Entries, Empowering Digital Innovation for Energy Industry

PR Newswire

SHANGHAI, Dec. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Electric (the “Company”) (SEHK: 02727, SSE: 601727), the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of electric power generation equipment, industrial equipment and integration services, has recently concluded a five-month industrial innovation application competition. The inaugural ‘Shanghai Electric Cup’ was launched in July this year with the support of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization and the Shanghai Industrial Internet Association. Aimed at fostering an environment of digital innovation, the competition saw 140 entries from around the world take a total of 16 prizes.

The first time to organize this event, Shanghai Electric took the opportunity for the company’s internal and external teams to promote industrial innovation and accelerate digital transformation. The theme of the competition aimed to push applicants to develop practical applications for use in industrial settings, and called for a focus on connecting four concepts – smart cities, smart energy, smart manufacturing and smart transportation – four areas that outline the future direction of Shanghai Electric.

Of the 140 entries from domestic and international teams, the top three prizes were awarded to 16 projects, ten of which were from Shanghai Electric and six from other companies. The Company’s Central Research Institute signed project incubation agreements with four of the award-winning external teams. Shanghai Electric Digital Technology (SEDT) and other six companies reached an ecosystem cooperation agreement for SEunicloud, Shanghai Electric’s industrial internet platform.

About the competition and the unveiling of the winners, Shanghai Electric President, Huang Ou said, “On the path of improving our skills in 3D design and industrial applications, the extraordinary achievements of those participants we see in this year’s contest are the small steps in accelerating the digital transformation of Shanghai Electric, but those joint efforts have amounted to a huge step forward for the entire company.”

“From digitizing product models to business models, this competition has laid the foundation for Shanghai Electric to build a new ecosystem for SEunicloud, as well as gathered a specialized team to speed up the digital transformation of our company,” he added.

Also unveiled at the awards ceremony, the upgraded SEunicloud Industrial Internet Platform 2.0 revealed improvements in terms of the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Intelligence (BI), and Creative Intelligence (CI). With these upgrades, the platform will further accelerate Shanghai Electric’s digital transformation and marks yet another substantial step forward in the construction of Shanghai Electric’s Industrial Internet.

The 2.0 release features a new AI big data module capable of providing data value displays and business analysis for a multitude of industrial scenarios. The upgraded Business Intelligence module utilizes fast data processing and visualization tools to produce intuitive displays and enable intelligent analysis across huge datasets. In addition, through an inbuilt visual development integrated system, the platform can be used as an InaaS (Innovation-as-a-Service) platform.

Shanghai Electric’s focus on digitization and development is reflected in a consistently high R&D investment rate of over 3.4%. This number is intended to be higher for development in new industries, predicted at an increase of 6% from 2019, and investment in pre-research and development which is expected to see an increase of 11%.

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SOURCE Shanghai Electric

Mind Cure Announces Retail Roll Out of Nootropics Lineup Across North America with Body Energy Club

PR Newswire

Mind Cure’s nootropic products are set to launch across 17 locations within North America starting Feb, 2021.

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Mind Cure Health Inc. (CSE: MCUR) (OTCQB: MCURF) (FRA: 6MH) (“Mind Cure” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Mind Cure’s three nootropic supplements, Focus, Energy, and Immunity, will be available in Body Energy Club locations to provide customers with a tactile, in-store shopping experience. Body Energy Club carries one of the widest varieties of high-quality supplements for individuals seeking to achieve peak performance.

“We are thrilled that Mind Cure’s line of nootropic supplements will be joining the extensive array of wellness supplements offered at Body Energy Club. While we ready the release of our online store, we’re eager for our wellness products to be made available for in-person purchase as well, starting in one of the most health-conscious area codes in the country,” said Kelsey Ramsden, President & CEO, Mind Cure.

About Body Energy Club

Body Energy Club was established in 2002, beginning with one store on Davie Street in Vancouver and growing to 17 locations (including franchises) in Vancouver and LA. Body Energy Club offers all-natural supplements and smoothies that promote overall health, weight loss, and brain function. Body Energy Club’s original goal and founding principles involve making healthy lifestyle choices available and affordable for everyone by offering the widest selection of health products at the lowest possible price.

“We believe Mind Cure’s focus on mental hygiene and wellness aligns well with our core values at Body Energy Club. We pride ourselves on carrying the best-in-class supplements at affordable prices. Mind Cure’s line of functional mushrooms provide the kind of quality and careful formulation that our customers care about,” said Grayson Williams, Co-Owner, Body Energy Club.

About Mind Cure’s Nootropics

Mind Cure harnesses the benefits of nootropic mushrooms, which can promote daily mental hygiene and cognitive function. Mind Cure’s current line of supplements include three functional mushroom-based nootropics (in powder and capsule form): Lion’s Mane Focus, to enhance focus; Reishi Energy, to improve sleep & generate energy; and Turkey Tail Immunity, to promote immune-system function. Mind Cure sources fruiting bodies from purely organic farms in California, and sources mycelium from organic Canadian grains. Mind Cure continues to expand its nootropic products as the company discovers new potential through research and shifting regulations, identifying, and perfecting natural products that can help people achieve their best selves.

Mind Cure’s current line of nootropics will be available for pre-order mid-January on our company website www.mindcurewellness.com.

About Mind Cure Health Inc.

Mind Cure exists as a response to the current mental health crisis and urgent calls for effective treatments. Mind Cure believes in the need to reinvent the mental health care model for patients and practitioners to allow psychedelics to advance into common and accepted care.

Mind Cure is focused on identifying and developing pathways and products that ease suffering, increase productivity, and enhance mental health. Mind Cure is interested in exploring diverse therapeutic areas beyond psychiatry, including digital therapeutics, neuro-supports, and psychedelics, all to improve mental health.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Philip Tapley, Chairman
Phone: 1-888-593-8995

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (also known as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or industry results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “feel”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “subject to”, “will”, “would”, and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: Mind Cure’s three nootropic supplements, Focus, Energy, and Immunity, becoming available at Body Energy Club locations; and Mind Cure continuing to expand its nootropic products as the Company discovers new potential through research and shifting regulations, identifying, and perfecting natural products.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Mind Cure, including, without limitation: the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the Canadian economy and Mind Cure’s business, and the extent and duration of such impact; no change to laws or regulations that negatively affect Mind Cure’s business; there will be a demand for Mind Cure’s products in the future; no unanticipated expenses or costs arise; Mind Cure will be able to continue to identify products that make them ideal candidates for providing solutions for treating mental health; that the functional mushroom industry will continue to grow; that Body Energy Club will be a successful reseller of Mind Cure’s nootropic products; and Mind Cure will be able to operate its business as planned. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Mind Cure believes to be reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such information.

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. Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to: the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Canadian economy, Mind Cure’s industry and Mind Cure’s business, which may negatively impact, and may continue to negatively impact, Mind Cure and may materially adversely affect Mind Cure’s investments, results of operations, financial condition, and Mind Cure’s ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing, and satisfy its financial obligations; general economic conditions; future growth potential; competition for mental health and wellness investments; that Body Energy Club may not be a successful reseller of Mind Cure’s nootropic products; and changes in legislation or regulations. Management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information contained herein are based upon reasonable assumptions and information currently available; however, management can give no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. Additional information on the risk factors that could affect Mind Cure can be found under “Risk Factors” in Mind Cure’s final prospectus which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Mind Cure. The forward-looking information is stated as of the date of this news release and Mind Cure assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

United States Advisory

The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), may be offered and sold outside the United States to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered, sold, or resold in the United States or to, or for the account of or benefit of, a U.S. Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. Hedging transactions involving the securities must not be conducted unless in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in the state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and the CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE Mind Cure Health Inc.

Sandvik completes the acquisition of CGTech

PR Newswire

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Sandvik has completed the previously announced acquisition of US based CGTech, a global market leader in software for numerical control (NC/CNC) simulation, verification and optimization.

In 2019, CGTech had revenues of about SEK 470 million and around 180 employees. The deal will initially have a neutral impact on Sandvik’s earnings per share.

CGTech will be part of Sandvik Machining Solutions’ division Sandvik Coromant, within the business area Sandvik Manufacturing and Machining Solutions.

Stockholm, 31 December 2020

Sandvik AB

For further information, contact Louise Tjeder, Vice President Investor Relations, phone: +46 (0) 70 782 63 74 or Edvard Bergström, Vice President Communications Relations and Productions, +46 (0) 70 993 83 11.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/sandvik/r/sandvik-completes-the-acquisition-of-cgtech,c3263098

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Sandvik completes the acquisition of CGTech

 

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SOURCE Sandvik

Yum China Adds Two Shared Service Center Branches

Increased investment in technologies and facilities to improve efficiency and support long-term growth

PR Newswire

SHANGHAI, Dec. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Yum China“, NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987) announced that the Suzhou and Wuxi branches of its Centralized Shared Service Center (CSSC) have officially been put into operation. This brings the total number of CSSC in China to three, which will further support the Company’s long-term growth and protect the Company’s business continuity in the event of a crisis.  

“Expanding CSSC is a strategic priority, which not only better prepares us for challenges such as COVID-19, but also supports the Company’s sustainable growth in the long run,” said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. “The two CSSC branches form part of our on-going strategy to create a more resilient business model by investing in digital and technology and enhancing efficiency and agility.”

Yum China has operations in over 1,400 cities with over 400,000 employees. In order to streamline and standardize the HR and finance processes, and drive operational excellence and cost efficiency, the Company established its first CSSC in Wuhan in 2015. The CSSC provides centralized processing of HR and finance activities related to administrative and transactional processes. Despite the challenges experienced in Wuhan due to COVID-19, including a period of lockdown, the CSSC successfully implemented a robust contingency plan and leveraged emerging technologies, such as robotic process automation (RPA), AI and cloud calls to achieve minimum disruption of operations. These actions ensured the normal operation of all personnel and finance functions, including the timely and accurate payment of salaries for more than 400,000 employees, and aiding the recruitment of management trainees for approximately 10,000 restaurants. The two new CSSC branches in Suzhou and Wuxi will support the Company’s operations in Eastern China and further strengthen the Company’s crisis management capabilities.

Yum China will continue to drive digital transformation and enhance organizational efficiency throughout the business.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as “expect,” “expectation,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “could,” “intend,” “belief,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “predict,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “look forward to” or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results.

About Yum China Holdings, Inc.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. is a licensee of Yum! Brands in mainland China. It has exclusive rights in mainland China to KFC, China’s leading quick-service restaurant brand, Pizza Hut, the leading casual dining restaurant brand in China, and Taco Bell, a California-based restaurant chain serving innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China also owns the Little Sheep, Huang Ji Huang, East Dawning and COFFii & JOY concepts outright. Yum China also partners with Lavazza to explore and develop the Lavazza coffee shop concept in China. The Company had 10,150 restaurants in over 1,400 cities at the end of September 2020. Yum China ranked # 361 on the Fortune 500 list for 2020. In 2020, Yum China was named to the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and was certified as a Top Employer 2020 in China by the Top Employers Institute, both for the second consecutive year. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com.

 

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SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc.

Tetragon Financial Group Limited November 2020 Monthly Factsheet

PR Newswire

LONDON, Dec. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Tetragon has released its Monthly Factsheet for November 2020. Please click below to access the Monthly Factsheet.



November 2020 Factsheet

About Tetragon:
Tetragon is a closed-ended investment company that invests in a broad range of assets, including public and private equities and credit (including distressed securities and structured credit), convertible bonds, real estate, venture capital, infrastructure, bank loans and TFG Asset Management, a diversified alternative asset management business. Where appropriate, through TFG Asset Management, Tetragon seeks to own all, or a portion, of asset management companies with which it invests in order to enhance the returns achieved on its capital. Tetragon’s investment objective is to generate distributable income and capital appreciation. It aims to provide stable returns to investors across various credit, equity, interest rate, inflation and real estate cycles. The company is traded on Euronext in Amsterdam N.V. and on the Specialist Fund Segment of the main market of the London Stock Exchange. For more information please visit the company’s website at www.tetragoninv.com.


Tetragon: 


Press Inquiries:

Yuko Thomas

Prosek Partners

Investor Relations



[email protected]


[email protected]

United States

United Kingdom

Andy Merrill and Ryan Fitzgibbon

Zara Thornton

+1 212 279 3115 ext. 216 and ext. 234

+44 (0) 20 8323 0476

This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets under Section 1:107 of the Financial Markets Supervision Act as a collective investment scheme from a designated country.

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SOURCE Tetragon Financial Group Limited

CytoDyn Announces Research on Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Published in Journal of Translational Autoimmunity

Manuscript entitled: “Disruption of CCR5 Signaling to Treat COVID-19-Associated Cytokine Storm: Case Series of Four Critically Ill Patients Treated with Leronlimab,” by Nicholas J. Agresti, M.D.

VANCOUVER, Washington, Dec. 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CytoDyn Inc. (OTC.QB: CYDY), (“CytoDyn” or the “Company”), a late-stage biotechnology company developing Vyrologix™ (leronlimab-PRO 140), a CCR5 antagonist with the potential for multiple therapeutic indications, announced today a research manuscript submitted by Nicholas J. Agresti, M.D. has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Translational Autoimmunity. Dr. Agresti’s research findings were based on four critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with leronlimab under eIND.

The manuscript Ms. No. JTAUTO-D-20-00043R1 is entitled “Disruption of CCR5 Signaling to Treat COVID-19-Associated Cytokine Storm: Case Series of Four Critically Ill Patients Treated with Leronlimab.” The research paper can be accessed here.

Nicholas J. Agresti, M.D., stated, “We are very thankful with the clinical outcomes for these patients and are honored by the acceptance of our research for publication. We hope this work will continue to advance research to understand how to effectively mitigate the effects of COVID-19.”

Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn, commented, “We are appreciative of Dr. Agresti’s work and view his publication as a validation of leronlimab as an important potential therapeutic in the treatment of seriously ill COVID-19 patients. Dr. Agresti’s four patients were treated with leronlimab under eIND. All four patients were on mechanical ventilator and they fully recovered.”

About Coronavirus Disease 2019

CytoDyn completed its Phase 2 clinical trial (CD10) for COVID-19, a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial for mild-to-moderate patients in the U.S. which produced statistically significant results for NEWS2. CytoDyn completed enrollment of 390 patients in its Phase 2b/3 randomized clinical trial for the severe-to-critically ill COVID-19 population and expects to release results in mid-January 2021.

About Leronlimab (PRO 140)

The FDA has granted a Fast Track designation to CytoDyn for two potential indications of leronlimab for critical illnesses. The first indication is a combination therapy with HAART for HIV-infected patients and the second is for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Leronlimab is an investigational humanized IgG4 mAb that blocks CCR5, a cellular receptor that is important in HIV infection, tumor metastases, and other diseases, including NASH. Leronlimab has completed nine clinical trials in over 800 people and met its primary endpoints in a pivotal Phase 3 trial (leronlimab in combination with standard antiretroviral therapies in HIV-infected treatment-experienced patients). 

In the setting of HIV/AIDS, leronlimab is a viral-entry inhibitor; it masks CCR5, thus protecting healthy T cells from viral infection by blocking the predominant HIV (R5) subtype from entering those cells. Leronlimab has been the subject of nine clinical trials, each of which demonstrated that leronlimab could significantly reduce or control HIV viral load in humans. The leronlimab antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side effects and less frequent dosing requirements compared with daily drug therapies currently in use. 

In the setting of cancer, research has shown that CCR5 may play a role in tumor invasion, metastases, and tumor microenvironment control. Increased CCR5 expression is an indicator of disease status in several cancers. Published studies have shown that blocking CCR5 can reduce tumor metastases in laboratory and animal models of aggressive breast and prostate cancer. Leronlimab reduced human breast cancer metastasis by more than 98% in a murine xenograft model. CytoDyn is, therefore, conducting a Phase 1b/2 human clinical trial in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and was granted Fast Track designation in May 2019.  

The CCR5 receptor appears to play a central role in modulating immune cell trafficking to sites of inflammation. It may be crucial in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and other inflammatory conditions. Clinical studies by others further support the concept that blocking CCR5 using a chemical inhibitor can reduce the clinical impact of acute GvHD without significantly affecting the engraftment of transplanted bone marrow stem cells. CytoDyn is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical study with leronlimab to support further the concept that the CCR5 receptor on engrafted cells is critical for the development of acute GvHD, blocking the CCR5 receptor from recognizing specific immune signaling molecules is a viable approach to mitigating acute GvHD. The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to leronlimab for the prevention of GvHD. Due to the lack of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is suspending its Phase 2 trial for acute GvHD. 

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a late-stage biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for multiple therapeutic indications based on leronlimab, a novel humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor. CCR5 appears to play a critical role in the ability of HIV to enter and infect healthy T-cells. The CCR5 receptor also appears to be implicated in tumor metastasis and immune-mediated illnesses, such as GvHD and NASH.

CytoDyn has successfully completed a Phase 3 pivotal trial with leronlimab in combination with standard antiretroviral therapies in HIV-infected treatment-experienced patients. The FDA met telephonically with Company key personnel and its clinical research organization and provided written responses to the Company’s questions concerning its recent Biologics License Application (“BLA”) for this HIV combination therapy in order to expedite the resubmission of its BLA filing for this indication.

CytoDyn has completed a Phase 3 investigative trial with leronlimab as a once-weekly monotherapy for HIV-infected patients. CytoDyn plans to initiate a registration-directed study of leronlimab monotherapy indication. If successful, it could support a label extension. Clinical results to date from multiple trials have shown that leronlimab can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV. No drug-related serious site injection reactions reported in about 800 patients treated with leronlimab and no drug-related SAEs reported in patients treated with 700 mg dose of leronlimab. Moreover, a Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that leronlimab monotherapy can prevent viral escape in HIV-infected patients; some patients on leronlimab monotherapy have remained virally suppressed for more than six years.

CytoDyn is also conducting a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial with leronlimab in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. More information is at www.cytodyn.com.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.  Words and expressions reflecting optimism, satisfaction or disappointment with current prospects, as well as words such as “believes,” “hopes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “plans,” “anticipates” and variations thereof, or the use of future tense, identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements specifically include statements about leronlimab, its ability to have positive health outcomes, the possible results of clinical trials, studies or other programs or ability to continue those programs, the ability to obtain regulatory approval for commercial sales, and the market for actual commercial sales. The Company’s forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance, and actual results could vary materially from those contained in or expressed by such statements due to risks and uncertainties including: (i) the sufficiency of the Company’s cash position, (ii) the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to fund its operations, (iii) the Company’s ability to meet its debt obligations, if any, (iv) the Company’s ability to enter into partnership or licensing arrangements with third parties, (v) the Company’s ability to identify patients to enroll in its clinical trials in a timely fashion, (vi) the Company’s ability to achieve approval of a marketable product, (vii) the design, implementation and conduct of the Company’s clinical trials, (viii) the results of the Company’s clinical trials, including the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, (ix) the market for, and marketability of, any product that is approved, (x) the existence or development of vaccines, drugs, or other treatments that are viewed by medical professionals or patients as superior to the Company’s products, (xi) regulatory initiatives, compliance with governmental regulations and the regulatory approval process, (xii) general economic and business conditions, (xiii) changes in foreign, political, and social conditions, and (xiv) various other matters, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. The Company urges investors to consider specifically the various risk factors identified in its most recent Form 10-K, and any risk factors or cautionary statements included in any subsequent Form 10-Q or Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements to take into account events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release.

CONTACTS

Investors:

Michael Mulholland
Office: 360.980.8524, ext. 102
[email protected]



Dada Group Celebrates Top 10 Milestones and Achievements of 2020

PR Newswire

SHANGHAI, Dec. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Dada Group (Nasdaq: DADA) (“Dada” or the “Company”), China’s leading local on-demand delivery and retail platform, is proud to celebrate the Company’s top 10 achievements of 2020.

“In a year marked by uncertainty, Dada has consistently offered consumers a safe and efficient shopping experience while achieving impressive growth and geographical expansion”, said Philip Kuai, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dada Group. “We’re proud of our progress this year and remain focused on bringing people everything on demand. We look forward to continuing our momentum and building on our success in 2021 and beyond.”

Key milestones in 2020 include:

  • Battle Against Coronavirus: At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Dada Group launched its “Contactless Delivery” service. JDDJ partnered with retailers to launch “Daojia Fresh Market” and set up the “Daojia Secured Sourcing Alliance.” Hundreds of thousands of Dada Now riders were on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19, delivering critical supplies to households across China. Dada is pleased to have played a key role in supporting the safety and wellbeing of citizens around the country.
     
  • Listing on NASDAQ: On June 5, 2020, the eve of the Company’s 6th anniversary, Dada Group successfully listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, becoming the first Chinese on-demand retail company to go public in the U.S. Analyst Reports from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Haitong International and other domestic and international investment banks have noted Dada’s strong market positioning and long-term prospects.
     
  • Expansion into Lower-Tier Cities: Dada is committed to providing on-demand shopping and delivery services to customers across China, and both Dada Now and JDDJ are accelerating the geographic expansion of their businesses into lower-tier markets. To date, Dada Now and JDDJ cover more than 2,600 and 1,200 counties and cities, respectively. The lower-tier market has become a major growth driver for JDDJ, with sales in those cities increasing by more than 170% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2020.
     
  • Technological Empowerment: With its vision to “Bring People Everything On Demand,” Dada Group is a technology-driven company that works to accelerate the development of on-demand retail and improve digitalization capabilities. Dada’s Haibo system provides omni-channel digital solutions for retailers, and has been deployed in more than 1,500 large- and medium-sized supermarket chain stores. Additionally, Dada’s Smart Distribution SaaS system opens its technical capabilities to help chain brands improve the efficiency of delivery and management for their own delivery teams.
     
  • Supermarket O2O Leadership: JDDJ has established partnerships with over 2/3 of the 100 largest supermarket chains in China. In 2020, JDDJ strengthened its existing partnerships with leading supermarkets including Walmart, Yonghui Supermarket and CR Vanguard, while also establishing new partnerships with dozens of regional leaders such as Ouya Supermarket, Zhenhua Supermarket, Sanhe Supermarket, Zhebei Supermarket, Guihe Supermarket and Sifang Street. JDDJ ranked first in market share of supermarket O2O platforms in China and has helped consumers across the country enjoy quality products and one-hour delivery services.
     
  • Enhanced Partnerships with Brands: JDDJ has partnered with more than 130 domestic and international fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands, establishing itself as a leading platform for brand marketing and sales growth. In 2020, JDDJ announced enhanced partnership agreements with Yili, Mengniu, P&G, Unilever, Mars Wrigley, Pepsi, Nestle, and other household names. Events including “Super Brand Day,” “Super Fan Day” and “Super CP Day” have supported the marketing and branding efforts of Dada’s partners.
     
  • Channel and Product Expansion: Through JD.com’s Omni-channel Fulfillment Program, retailers can be integrated into JD.com through JDDJ, allowing them to increase their online traffic and user base. While JDDJ’s core business is in the supermarket category, the smart phone business grew at a high rate with more than 6,000 online stores on JDDJ this year. New categories such as pets, beauty and clothing also steadily grew.
     

  • New Delivery Record:
    On November 12th, Dada Now’s daily delivery orders exceeded 10 million, setting a new record. In addition to record-breaking delivery order performance, the overall delivery fulfillment rate during the Singles Day Festival was over 99%, demonstrating Dada’s seamless business model and leadership in the on-demand retailing logistics industry.
     
  • New Service Expansion: In 2020, Dada Now expanded its service boundaries and launched new capabilities such as order pickup and collection. Dada Pickup provides services including crowdsourcing pickers and digital picking management for supermarkets to help stores reduce costs. In terms of collection, Dada Now works with JD Logistics to improve the efficiency of order collections and the user shipping experience.
     
  • Delivery Capacity Upgrades
    : In 2020, Dada Now upgraded the capacity of its three logistics networks: intra-city delivery, last-mile delivery and individual delivery. For intra-city delivery, Dada Now launched the “Dedicated Delivery” service for chain brands, creating a “stationed + crowdsourcing” mixed model to reduce costs, increase efficiency and meet personalized distribution needs of each brand. For last-mile delivery, Dada Now upgraded the training and assessment of riders to ensure the quality and efficiency of deliveries. For individual deliveries, Dada Now launched a “Credit Riders” service to deliver high-value orders. The Company also created a “one-to-one” delivery service to meet the differentiated needs of individual users and small- and medium-sized merchants.

About Dada Group

Dada Group is a leading platform of local on-demand retail and delivery in China. It operates JDDJ, one of China’s largest local on-demand retail platforms for retailers and brand owners, and Dada Now, a leading local on-demand delivery platform open to merchants and individual senders across various industries and product categories. The Company’s two platforms are inter-connected and mutually beneficial. The Dada Now platform enables improved delivery experience for participants on the JDDJ platform through its readily accessible fulfillment solutions and strong on-demand delivery infrastructure. Meanwhile, the vast volume of on-demand delivery orders from the JDDJ platform increases order volume and density for the Dada Now platform. In June 2020, Dada Group began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market, under the ticker symbol “DADA.”

 

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SOURCE Dada Group

FDA Accepts Protocol for Adding an Open-Label Extension to CytoDyn’s Phase 3 Trial for Severe-to-Critical COVID-19 Patients

The agency also provided specific guidance for inclusion/exclusion criteria for patients seeking leronlimab under eIND authorization

VANCOUVER, Washington, Dec. 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CytoDyn Inc. (OTC.QB: CYDY), (“CytoDyn” or the “Company”), a late-stage biotechnology company developing Vyrologix™ (leronlimab-PRO 140), a CCR5 antagonist with the potential for multiple therapeutic indications, announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has accepted the protocol submitted on December 28 for adding an open-label extension to its Phase 3 trial (“CD12”). Hospitals previously participating in the CD12 trial now have the option of enrolling additional eligible patients, with all patients receiving leronlimab. Treatment for eligible patients will continue until further notified by the FDA and/or CytoDyn.

The FDA also provided specific guidance for the benefit of physicians seeking access to leronlimab under an eIND for COVID-19 patients, which must first meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the CD12 study. The agency specified certain subgroups of patients will be excluded from the eIND authorization process: mild/moderate COVID-19, mechanically ventilated with PEEP <15 cmH20 with Pa02/FiO2 >150 mmHg and on vasopressors >48 hours.

Mahboob Rahman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Clinical Development for CytoDyn, stated, “We appreciate the specificity of the guidance from the FDA, as this will facilitate a prompt and efficient review and approval process for qualified patients. As the pace of this pandemic is not slowing down in the foreseeable future, providing a safe and effective treatment is the highest priority for all.”

Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn, commented, “We are most thankful to the FDA for their acceptance of the open-label extension to allow access to leronlimab for eligible patients and the definitive criteria provided for the benefit of physicians considering an eIND for their COVID-19 patients.”

About Coronavirus Disease 2019

CytoDyn completed its Phase 2 clinical trial (CD10) for COVID-19, a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial for mild-to-moderate patients in the U.S. which produced statistically significant results for NEWS2. CytoDyn completed enrollment of 390 patients in its Phase 2b/3 randomized clinical trial for the severe-to-critically ill COVID-19 population and expects to release results in mid-January 2021.

About Leronlimab (PRO 140)

The FDA has granted a Fast Track designation to CytoDyn for two potential indications of leronlimab for critical illnesses. The first indication is a combination therapy with HAART for HIV-infected patients and the second is for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Leronlimab is an investigational humanized IgG4 mAb that blocks CCR5, a cellular receptor that is important in HIV infection, tumor metastases, and other diseases, including NASH. Leronlimab has completed nine clinical trials in over 800 people and met its primary endpoints in a pivotal Phase 3 trial (leronlimab in combination with standard antiretroviral therapies in HIV-infected treatment-experienced patients). 

In the setting of HIV/AIDS, leronlimab is a viral-entry inhibitor; it masks CCR5, thus protecting healthy T cells from viral infection by blocking the predominant HIV (R5) subtype from entering those cells. Leronlimab has been the subject of nine clinical trials, each of which demonstrated that leronlimab could significantly reduce or control HIV viral load in humans. The leronlimab antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side effects and less frequent dosing requirements compared with daily drug therapies currently in use. 

In the setting of cancer, research has shown that CCR5 may play a role in tumor invasion, metastases, and tumor microenvironment control. Increased CCR5 expression is an indicator of disease status in several cancers. Published studies have shown that blocking CCR5 can reduce tumor metastases in laboratory and animal models of aggressive breast and prostate cancer. Leronlimab reduced human breast cancer metastasis by more than 98% in a murine xenograft model. CytoDyn is, therefore, conducting a Phase 1b/2 human clinical trial in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and was granted Fast Track designation in May 2019.

The CCR5 receptor appears to play a central role in modulating immune cell trafficking to sites of inflammation. It may be crucial in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and other inflammatory conditions. Clinical studies by others further support the concept that blocking CCR5 using a chemical inhibitor can reduce the clinical impact of acute GvHD without significantly affecting the engraftment of transplanted bone marrow stem cells. CytoDyn is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical study with leronlimab to support further the concept that the CCR5 receptor on engrafted cells is critical for the development of acute GvHD, blocking the CCR5 receptor from recognizing specific immune signaling molecules is a viable approach to mitigating acute GvHD. The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to leronlimab for the prevention of GvHD. Due to the lack of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is suspending its Phase 2 trial for acute GvHD. 

About CytoDyn

CytoDyn is a late-stage biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for multiple therapeutic indications based on leronlimab, a novel humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor. CCR5 appears to play a critical role in the ability of HIV to enter and infect healthy T-cells. The CCR5 receptor also appears to be implicated in tumor metastasis and immune-mediated illnesses, such as GvHD and NASH.

CytoDyn has successfully completed a Phase 3 pivotal trial with leronlimab in combination with standard antiretroviral therapies in HIV-infected treatment-experienced patients. The FDA met telephonically with Company key personnel and its clinical research organization and provided written responses to the Company’s questions concerning its recent Biologics License Application (“BLA”) for this HIV combination therapy in order to expedite the resubmission of its BLA filing for this indication.

CytoDyn has completed a Phase 3 investigative trial with leronlimab as a once-weekly monotherapy for HIV-infected patients. CytoDyn plans to initiate a registration-directed study of leronlimab monotherapy indication. If successful, it could support a label extension. Clinical results to date from multiple trials have shown that leronlimab can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV. No drug-related serious site injection reactions reported in about 800 patients treated with leronlimab and no drug-related SAEs reported in patients treated with 700 mg dose of leronlimab. Moreover, a Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that leronlimab monotherapy can prevent viral escape in HIV-infected patients; some patients on leronlimab monotherapy have remained virally suppressed for more than six years.

CytoDyn is also conducting a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial with leronlimab in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. More information is at www.cytodyn.com

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Words and expressions reflecting optimism, satisfaction or disappointment with current prospects, as well as words such as “believes,” “hopes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “plans,” “anticipates” and variations thereof, or the use of future tense, identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements specifically include statements about leronlimab, its ability to have positive health outcomes, the possible results of clinical trials, studies or other programs or ability to continue those programs, the ability to obtain regulatory approval for commercial sales, and the market for actual commercial sales. The Company’s forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance, and actual results could vary materially from those contained in or expressed by such statements due to risks and uncertainties including: (i) the sufficiency of the Company’s cash position, (ii) the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to fund its operations, (iii) the Company’s ability to meet its debt obligations, if any, (iv) the Company’s ability to enter into partnership or licensing arrangements with third parties, (v) the Company’s ability to identify patients to enroll in its clinical trials in a timely fashion, (vi) the Company’s ability to achieve approval of a marketable product, (vii) the design, implementation and conduct of the Company’s clinical trials, (viii) the results of the Company’s clinical trials, including the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, (ix) the market for, and marketability of, any product that is approved, (x) the existence or development of vaccines, drugs, or other treatments that are viewed by medical professionals or patients as superior to the Company’s products, (xi) regulatory initiatives, compliance with governmental regulations and the regulatory approval process, (xii) general economic and business conditions, (xiii) changes in foreign, political, and social conditions, and (xiv) various other matters, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. The Company urges investors to consider specifically the various risk factors identified in its most recent Form 10-K, and any risk factors or cautionary statements included in any subsequent Form 10-Q or Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements to take into account events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release.

CONTACTS

Investors:

Michael Mulholland
Office: 360.980.8524, ext. 102
[email protected]



Renren Announces Unaudited First Half 2020 Financial Results

PR Newswire

BEIJING, Dec. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) (“Renren” or the “Company”), which operates a premium used auto business in China through its subsidiary Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ: KXIN) (“Kaixin”) as well as several U.S.-based SaaS businesses, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2020. 


First Half of 2020 Highlights

  • Total net revenues were US$41.2 million, an 80.9% decrease from the corresponding period in 2019.
    — Kaixin revenues (1) were US$33.3 million, an 83.7% decrease from the corresponding period in 2019.
  • Operating loss was US$23.2 million, improved from an operating loss of US$26.4 million in the corresponding period in 2019.
  • Net loss attributable to the Company was US$16.6 million, compared to a net income attributable to the Company of US$67.7 million in the corresponding period in 2019.
  • Adjusted loss from operations (2) (non-GAAP) was US$12.0 million, improved from an adjusted loss from operations of US$19.4 million in the corresponding period in 2019.
  • Adjusted net loss (2) (non-GAAP) was US$8.5 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of US$15.5 million in the corresponding period in 2019.

 

(1)       Kaixin revenues are the net revenue from the Company’s subsidiary Kaixin, which are included in the Company’s Auto Group segment. Please refer to the table of additional information for details.

(2)       Adjusted loss from operations and net income (loss) are non-GAAP measures, which are defined as loss from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets and net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of contingent consideration and amortization of intangible assets, respectively. See “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.


First Half 2020 Results

Total net revenues for the first half of 2020 were US$41.2 million, representing an 80.9% decrease from the corresponding period in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic had a material adverse impact on the Company’s used-car dealership business.

Cost of revenues was US$34.0 million, compared to US$201.9 million from the corresponding period of 2019. The decrease was in line with the decrease of revenue.

Operating expenses were US$30.4 million, a 23.4% decrease from the corresponding period of 2019.

Selling and marketing expenses were US$5.3 million, a 58.5% decrease from the corresponding period of 2019. The decrease resulted from the effort to improve operation efficiency in headcount and personnel-related expenses.  

Research and development expenses were US$8.0 million, a 39.5% decrease from the corresponding period in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in headcount and personnel-related expenses.

General and administrative expenses were US$17.1 million, a 25.0% increase from the corresponding period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase in share-based compensation expenses.

Share-based compensation expenses, which were all included in operating expenses, were US$11.0 million, compared to US$6.9 million in the corresponding period in 2019. The increase was mainly due to a modification which repriced the exercise price with respect to options during the first half of 2020, which led to the higher share-based compensation expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Loss from operations was US$23.2 million, improved from a loss from operations of US$26.4 million in the corresponding period in 2019.

Net loss attributable to Renren Inc. was US$16.6 million, compared to a net income of US$67.7 million in the corresponding period in 2019.

Adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) was US$12.0 million, improved from an adjusted loss from operations of US$19.4 million in the corresponding period in 2019. Adjusted loss from operations is defined as loss from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets.

Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was US$8.5 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of US$15.5 million in the corresponding period in 2019. Adjusted net loss is defined as net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of contingent consideration and amortization of intangible assets.


Business Outlook

The Company expects to generate revenues in an amount ranging from US$8 million to US$12 million in the second half of 2020. The decrease in revenues as compared with the second half of 2019 or the first half of 2020 is expected to be primarily due to Kaixin Auto Holdings having decided to put a halt to its used-car dealership business operations while reexamining its business model. This forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary view, which is subject to change.


Binding Term Sheet with Haitaoche

The Company’s subsidiary Kaixin entered into a binding term sheet (the “Biding Term Sheet”) with Haitaoche Limited (“Haitaoche”) on November 3, 2020.

The Binding Term Sheet sets forth the terms and conditions by which Haitaoche will merge with a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Kaixin, with Haitaoche continuing as the surviving entity and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kaixin (the “Merger”). As consideration for the Merger, Kaixin will issue a number of ordinary shares of Kaixin to the shareholders of Haitaoche (the “Haitaoche Shareholders”) so that the Haitaoche Shareholders will collectively hold 51% of Kaixin’s share capital upon the closing of the Merger.


Conference Call Information

The Company will not host a conference call. Please contact our Investor Relations Department if you have any questions.


About Renren Inc.

Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) operates a premium used auto business in China through its subsidiary Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ: KXIN) as well as several US-based SaaS businesses. Renren’s American depositary shares, each of which currently represents forty-five Class A ordinary shares, trade on NYSE under the symbol “RENN”.


Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook for the second half of 2020 and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Renren’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Renren may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Renren’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Renren’s goals and strategies; Renren’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Renren’s  expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its services; Renren’s expectations regarding the retention and strengthening of its relationships with used auto dealerships; Renren’s plans to enhance user experience, infrastructure and service offerings; competition in the used auto industry in China; and government policies and regulations relating to the used auto industry in China. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Renren does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.


About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Renren’s consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), Renren uses “adjusted income (loss) from operations” and “adjusted net income (loss)” which are defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC, in evaluating its business. Renren defines adjusted income (loss) from operations as income (loss) from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets and adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of contingent consideration and amortization of intangible assets, respectively. Renren continuously and periodically reviews its operating results and business performance. Starting from the first quarter of 2018, there was a significant impact on net income (loss) due to the material and significant noncash amount of fair value change of contingent consideration relating to the used auto dealerships of the emerging used auto business. Due to the nature of the business, Renren believes that including adjusted income (loss) from operations and excluding the impact of such fair value changes more appropriately reflects Renren’s results of operations, and provides investors with a better understanding of Renren’s business performance. To facilitate investors and analysts, the aforesaid impact is presented retrospectively in “Reconciliation of non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures”. Renren presents adjusted income (loss) from operations and adjusted net income (loss) because they are used by Renren’s management to evaluate its operating performance. Renren also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating Renren’s consolidated results of operations in the same manner as Renren’s management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of Renren’s peer companies.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Reconciliation of non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures” at the end of this release.

 

 

 


RENREN INC.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands of US dollars)


December
31,


June 30,


2019


2020


 ASSETS


 Current assets:

 Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,473

$

5,059

 Restricted cash

13,091

 Short-term investments

1,436

 Accounts receivable, net

649

595

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

30,454

32,643

 Amounts due from related parties

688

678

 Inventory

21,981

18,527


 Total current assets

72,772

57,502


 Non-current assets:

 Property and equipment, net

851

619

 Goodwill and intangible assets, net

832

641

 Long-term investments

13,454

13,507

 Amount due from related parties- non-current

131,758

131,346

 Restricted cash – non-current 

358

5,643

 Right-of-use lease assets

5,506

3,900

 Other non-current assets

680

626


 Total non-current assets

153,439

156,282


 TOTAL ASSETS

$

226,211

$

213,784


 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY


 Current liabilities:

 Accounts payable

$

5,393

$

2,088

 Short-term debt

31,077

26,213

 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

37,068

34,589

 Short-term lease liabilities

2,836

3,088

 Payable to investors

14

14

 Amounts due to related parties

774

3,269

 Deferred revenue and advance from customers 

750

273

 Income tax payable

20,054

19,454

 Contingent consideration 

204

94


 Total current liabilities

98,170

89,082


 Non-current liabilities:

 Long-term debt

1,585

 Long-term lease liabilities

1,980

1,140

 Long-term contingent consideration

828

381


 Total non-current liabilities

2,808

3,106


 TOTAL LIABILITIES

$

100,978

$

92,188


 Shareholders’ Equity:

 Class A ordinary shares

751

757

 Class B ordinary shares

305

305

 Additional paid-in capital

720,513

731,521

 Statutory reserves

6,712

6,712

 Accumulated deficit

(614,830)

(631,407)

 Accumulated other comprehensive income

(9,338)

(8,978)


 Total Renren Inc. shareholders’ equity

104,113

98,910

 Noncontrolling interests

21,120

22,686


 TOTAL EQUITY

125,233

121,596


 TOAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

226,211

$

213,784

 

 

 


RENREN INC.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands of US dollars, except share data and per share data, ADS data, and per ADS data)


June 30,


June 30,


2019


2020


 Net revenues:

 Automobile sales

$

200,914

$

32,996

 Others

14,214

8,164


 Total net revenues

215,128

41,160


 Cost of revenues 

(201,873)

(33,993)


 Gross profit

13,255

7,167


 Operating expenses:

 Selling and marketing

(12,769)

(5,293)

 Research and development

(13,243)

(8,010)

 General and administrative

(13,657)

(17,071)


 Total operating expenses

(39,669)

(30,374)


 Loss from operations

(26,414)

(23,207)

 Other  income 

2,505

511

 Fair value change of contingent consideration

88,116

557

 Interest income

4,393

3,734

 Interest expenses

(1,468)

(779)


 Total non-operating income

93,546

4,023


 Income (loss) before provision of income tax and loss in equity
method investments, net of tax

67,132

(19,184)

 Income tax expenses

(628)


 Income (loss) before loss in equity method investments and
noncontrolling interest, net of tax

66,504

(19,184)

  (Loss) income in equity method investments, net of tax

(910)

79


 Income (loss) from continuing operations

65,594

(19,105)


 Net income (loss)

65,594

(19,105)

 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

2,133

2,528


 Net income (loss) attributable to Renren Inc.

$

67,727

$

(16,577)

 Net  income (loss) per share from continuing operations
attributable to Renren Inc.shareholders:

 Basic

$

0.06

$

(0.02)

 Diluted

$

0.04

$

(0.02)

 Net  income (loss) per share attributable to Renren Inc.
shareholders:

 Basic

$

0.06

$

(0.02)

 Diluted

$

0.04

$

(0.02)

 Net income (loss) attributable to Renren Inc. shareholders per
ADS*:

 Basic

$

2.53

$

(0.70)

 Diluted

$

1.56

$

(0.70)

 Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net loss
per ordinary share attributable to Renren Inc. shareholders:

 Basic

1,045,443,122

1,058,890,544

 Diluted

1,083,883,429

1,058,890,544

 * Each ADS represents 45 Class A ordinary shares.

 

 

 


Reconciliation of Non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial
measures

 (In thousands of US dollars)


June 30,


June 30,


2019


2020


 Loss from opeartions

$

(26,414)

$

(23,207)

 Add back: Shared-based compensation expenses

6,869

11,015

     Add back: Amortization of intangible assets

192

192


 Adjusted loss from operations

$

(19,353)

$

(12,000)


 Net income (loss)

$

65,594

$

(19,105)

 Add back: Shared-based compensation expenses

6,869

11,015

  Add back: Fair value change of contingent consideration 

(88,116)

(557)

     Add back: Amortization of intangible assets

192

192


 Adjusted net income (loss)

$

(15,461)

$

(8,455)

 

 

 


RENREN INC.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands of US dollars)


For the Six Months Ended


June 30, 2019


June 30,  2020


Kaixin


Renren


Total


Kaixin


Renren


Total


 Net revenues:

 Automobile sales

$

200,914

$

$

200,914

$

32,996

$

$

32,996

 Others

3,685

10,529

14,214

299

7,865

8,164


 Total

204,599

10,529

215,128

33,295

7,865

41,160


 Cost of revenues 

$

195,969

$

5,904

$

201,873

$

32,375

$

1,618

$

33,993

 

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renren-announces-unaudited-first-half-2020-financial-results-301199347.html

SOURCE Renren Inc.

Kaixin Auto Holdings Announces Unaudited First Half 2020 Financial Results

BEIJING, Dec. 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaixin Auto Holdings (“Kaixin” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KXIN), one of the premium used car dealership networks in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

First Half of 2020 Operational Highlights

  • Gross Merchandise Value (GMV)
    1 was US$34.2 million, representing a decrease of 84.5% from US$220.8 million in the first half of 2019.

  • Number of cars sold was 673 units, compared with 3,657 units sold in the first half of 2019.

  • Inventory turnover days were 98 days, compared with 41 days in the first half of 2019.

First Half of 2020 Financial Highlights

  • Total net revenues were US$33.3 million, representing a decrease of 83.7% from US$204.6 million in the first half of 2019.

  • Gross profit was US$0.9 million, representing a decrease of 89.3% from US$8.6 million in the first half of 2019.

  • Loss from operations was US$5.3 million, compared with a loss of US$8.3 million in the first half of 2019.

  • Net loss attributable to the Company was US$5.8 million, compared with a net income attributable to the Company of US$57.3 million in the first half of 2019.

  • Adjusted net loss
    2 (non-GAAP) was US$4.6 million, compared with an adjusted net loss of US$1.7 million in the first half of 2019.

  • Adjusted loss from operations
    2 (non-GAAP) was US$4.0 million, compared with an adjusted loss from operations of US$1.6 million in the first half of 2019.

  • Adjusted EBITDA
    3 (non-GAAP) was negative US$3.9 million, compared with an adjusted EBITDA of US$2.0 thousand in the first half of 2019.

“We are one of the dealership networks in the premium used car segment in China. Our strategy is to provide consumers with the simplest, most comprehensive and transparent services available. The COVID-19 pandemic and the disputes with some non-controlling shareholders of the dealerships had a material adverse impact on Kaixin’s used-car dealership business and the Company has experienced a significant loss of revenues in the first half of 2020. We believe our rich corporate resources and a multitude of value-added services would enable us to overcome the difficulty,” commented Mr. Joseph Chen, chairman of Kaixin.

“Facing the dramatic decline of sales and gross margin of the used-car dealerships amid the pandemic early this year, we took prompt cost-cutting initiatives to preserve resources and improve operating efficiency. The company has been laying off non-essential personnel and finding ways to reduce corporate overheads. The cost cutting effort results in significant improvement in operating efficiency. Going forward, we will continue to refine our business and operating model, and explore new partnerships and growth opportunities,” added Mr. Mingjun Lin, acting chief executive officer of Kaixin.

Ms. Lucy Yang, chief financial officer of Kaixin, said, “Our first half 2020 revenue was US$33.3 million, a decline of 83.7% compared with the same period last year. As we implement various cost cutting initiatives, I am glad to see that total operating expenses has declined to US$6.2 million in the first half of 2020 from that of US$16.9 million in the first half of 2019. Our loss from operations was US$5.3 million, compared with a loss from operations of US$8.3 million in the first half of 2019.”


First half 2020 Results

Total net revenues for the first half of 2020 were US$33.3 million, representing an 83.7% decrease from the first half of 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a material adverse impact on the Company’s used-car dealership business.

Cost of revenues was US$32.4 million, representing a decrease of 83.5% from US$196.0 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease was in line with the decrease in revenues.

Gross profit was US$0.9 million, representing a decrease of 89.3% from US$8.6 million in the first half of 2019. Gross profit margin was 2.8% in the first half of 2020, compared with 4.2% in the first half of 2019.

Operating expenses were US$6.2 million, a 63.4% decrease from US$16.9 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease resulted from the effort to improve operation efficiency in headcount and personnel-related expenses.

Selling and marketing expenses were US$1.9 million, a 77.0% decrease from US$8.0 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease resulted from the effort to improve operation efficiency in headcount and personnel-related expenses.

Research and development expenses were US$0.5 million, a 73.7% decrease from US$1.9 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in headcount and personnel-related expenses.

General and administrative expenses were US$3.8 million, a 44.9% decrease from US$7.0 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in headcount and personnel-related expenses.

Loss from operations was US$5.3 million, compared with a loss from operations of US$8.3 million in the first half of 2019.

Net loss attributable to the Company was US$5.8 million, compared with a net income attributable to the Company of US$57.3 million in the first half of 2019 which included a large accrual of gain from fair value change related to cooperation agreements with dealers.

Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was US$4.6 million, compared with an adjusted net loss of US$1.7 million in the first half of 2019.

Adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) was US$4.0 million, compared with an adjusted loss from operations of US$1.6 million in the first half of 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was negative US$3.9 million, compared with an adjusted EBITDA of US$2.0 thousand in the first half of 2019.


Business Outlook

Given the serious challenges to its operations, the Company decided to put a halt to its used-car dealership business operations while reexamining its business model, as publicly announced on August 26, 2020. The management of the Company currently expects:

  • total revenues for the second half of 2020 to be of a minimal amount. This forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.


Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook for the second half of 2020 and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Kaixin’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Kaixin may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Kaixin’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: our goals and strategies; our future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the social networking site market in China; our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our services; our expectations regarding the retention and strengthening of our relationships with used auto dealerships; our plans to enhance user experience, infrastructure and service offerings; competition in our industry in China; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Kaixin does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.


About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Kaixin’s consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), Kaixin uses “adjusted loss from operations”, “adjusted net loss” and “adjusted EBITDA”, which are defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC, in evaluating its business. We define adjusted loss from operations as loss from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses, provision for financing receivable, provision for PPE, one-time provision for other receivable and one-time listing fee and adjusted net loss as net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of contingent consideration, provision for financing receivable, provision for PPE, one-time provision for other receivable and one-time listing fee. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) excluding fair value change of contingent consideration, share-based compensation expense, interest expenses, income tax expenses, depreciation, provision for financing receivable, provision for PPE, one-time provision for other receivable and one-time listing fee. Kaixin continuously and periodically reviews the operating results and business performance from operational perspectives. Starting from the first quarter of 2018, there was a significant impact on net income (loss) due to the material and significant noncash amount of fair value change of contingent consideration relating to the used auto dealerships of the emerging used auto business. Due to the nature of the business, Kaixin believes that including adjusted income (loss) from operations and excluding the impact of such fair value changes more appropriately reflects Kaixin’s results of operations, and provides investors with a better understanding of Kaixin’s business performance. To facilitate investors and analysts, we present the foresaid impact in “Reconciliation of non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures” retrospectively. We present adjusted income (loss) from operations, net income (loss) and EBITDA because they are used by our management to evaluate our operating performance. We also believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our consolidated results of operations in the same manner as our management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of our peer companies.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Reconciliation of non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures” at the end of this release.

For more information, please contact:

Kaixin Auto Holdings

Investor Relations
Email: [email protected]

_________________

1Includes automobile sales transactions at the Company’s dealerships including cars owned by Kaixin and cars sourced by Kaixin Affiliated Network Dealers that Kaixin sells pursuant to profit-sharing arrangements.

2Adjusted loss from operations and adjusted net loss are non-GAAP measures. We define adjusted loss from operations as loss from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses, provision for financing receivable, provision for PPE, one-time provision for other receivable and one-time listing fee. We define adjusted net loss as net (loss) income excluding fair value change of contingent consideration, share-based compensation expenses, provision for financing receivable, provision for PPE, one-time provision for other receivable, and one-time listing fee. See “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

3Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. It is defined as net (loss) income excluding fair value change of contingent consideration, share-based compensation expense, interest expenses, income tax expenses, depreciation, provision for financing receivable, provision for PPE, one-time provision for other receivable and one-time listing fee. See “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

           
KAIXIN AUTO HOLDINGS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of US dollars)
           
    December 31,     June 30,
    2019     2020
               
ASSETS              
               
Current assets:              
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,190     $ 1,040  
Accounts receivable, net   219       247  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   27,586       30,565  
Inventory   20,990       17,536  
Total current assets   51,985       49,388  
               
Non-current assets:              
Property and equipment, net   153       110  
Right-of-use lease assets   2,252       1,700  
Total non-current assets   2,405       1,810  
               
TOTAL ASSETS $ 54,390     $ 51,198  
               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY              
               
Current liabilities:              
Accounts payable $ 4,122     $ 1,072  
Short-term debt   16,630       15,213  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   17,302       17,525  
Short-term lease liabilities   1,785       2,216  
Amounts due to related parties   4,214       2,614  
Advance from customers   1,677       4,946  
Income tax payable   5,319       5,251  
Total current liabilities   51,049       48,837  
               
Non-current liabilities:              
Long-term lease liabilities   810       322  
Total non-current liabilities   810       322  
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 51,859     $ 49,159  
               
Shareholders’ Equity:              
Ordinary shares   5       6  
Additional paid-in capital   186,450       191,894  
Statutory reserves   4,004       4,004  
Accumulated deficit   (192,189 )     (197,967 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (2,840 )     (2,884 )
               
Total Kaixin Auto Holdings shareholders’ equity   (4,570 )     (4,947 )
               
Non-controlling interest   7,101       6,986  
               
TOTAL EQUITY   2,531       2,039  
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 54,390     $ 51,198  
               

           
KAIXIN AUTO HOLDINGS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data)
           
  For the Six Months Ended
    June 30,     June 30,
    2019     2020
Net revenues              
Automobile sales $ 200,914     $ 32,996  
Others   3,685       299  
Total net revenues   204,599       33,295  
               
Cost of revenues              
Automobile sales   (193,304 )     (32,374 )
Provision for financing receivable   (2,594 )      
Others   (71 )     (1 )
Total cost of revenues   (195,969 )     (32,375 )
               
Gross profit   8,630       920  
           
Operating expenses:              
Selling and marketing   (8,040 )     (1,852 )
Research and development   (1,916 )     (503 )
General and administrative   (6,963 )     (3,837 )
           
Total operating expenses   (16,919 )     (6,192 )
           
Loss from operations   (8,289 )     (5,272 )
               
Other income, net   1,506       84  
Fair value change of contingent consideration   65,594        
Interest income   59       5  
Interest expenses   (1,034 )     (607 )
Total non-operating income (loss)   66,125       (518 )
               
Income (loss) before provision of income tax and noncontrolling interest, net of tax   57,836       (5,790 )
Income tax expenses   (628 )      
           
Net income (loss)   57,208       (5,790 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests   101       12  
               
Net income (loss) attributable to Kaixin Auto Holdings $ 57,309     $ (5,778 )
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Kaixin Auto Holdings shareholders:              
Basic $ 1.94     $ (0.10 )
Diluted $ 1.09     $ (0.10 )
               
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net (loss) income per ordinary share attributable to Kaixin Auto Holdings shareholders:              
Basic   29,609,923       59,649,464  
Diluted   52,809,497       59,649,464  
               

 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP results of operations measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures 
(In thousands of US dollars)
           
  For the Six Months Ended
    June 30,     June 30,
  2019     2020
               
Loss from operations $ (8,289 )   $ (5,272 )
Add back: Shared-based compensation expenses   2,510       1,232  
Add back: Provision for financing receivable   2,594        
Add back: Provision for PPE   507        
Add back: One-time provision for other receivable   150        
Add back: One-time listing fee   905        
Adjusted loss from operations $ (1,623 )   $ (4,040 )
               
Net income (loss) $ 57,208     $ (5,790 )
Add back: Fair value change of contingent consideration   (65,594 )      
Add back: Shared-based compensation expenses   2,510       1,232  
Add back: Provision for financing receivable   2,594        
Add back: Provision for PPE   507        
Add back: One-time provision for other receivable   150        
Add back: One-time listing fee   905        
Adjusted net loss $ (1,720 )   $ (4,558 )
               
Net income (loss) $ 57,208     $ (5,790 )
Add back: Fair value change of contingent consideration   (65,594 )      
Add back: Shared-based compensation expenses   2,510       1,232  
Add back: Provision for financing receivable   2,594        
Add back: Provision for PPE   507        
Add back: One-time provision for other receivable   150        
Add back: One-time listing fee   905        
Add back: Interest expenses   975       602  
Add back: Income tax expenses   628        
Add back: Depreciation   119       41  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 2     $ (3,915 )