Sachem Capital Corp. Announces Quarterly Dividend of $0.12 Per Share

Sachem Capital Corp. Announces Quarterly Dividend of $0.12 Per Share

BRANFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Sachem Capital Corp. (NYSE American: SACH) announced today that its board of directors authorized and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid to shareholders of record as of the close of trading on the NYSE American on December 31, 2020. The dividend will be payable on January 8, 2021.

John Villano, CPA, Chief Executive Officer of Sachem Capital Corp., stated, “This most recent dividend brings the total amount of dividends paid for 2020 to $0.48 per share, reflecting our strong performance despite the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrating our commitment to maximizing shareholder value. To support our continued expansion in 2021, we recently completed a $25 million public offering of our 7.75% notes due 2025 and we just received notice that the underwriters have exercised their overallotment option to purchase an additional $3 million aggregate principal amount of notes. The closing on those additional notes is currently scheduled for December 29, 2020. These additional funds enable us to capitalize on the market demand for our loan products.”

About Sachem Capital, Corp.

Sachem Capital Corp. (the “Company”) specializes in originating, underwriting, funding, servicing and managing a portfolio of mortgage loans secured by first mortgage liens on real property (referred to in the industry as “hard money” loans). Its customers include real estate investors and developers who use the proceeds of the loans to fund their acquisition, renovation, development, rehabilitation and/or improvement of properties located primarily in Connecticut. The properties securing the Company’s loans are generally classified as residential or commercial real estate and, typically, are held for resale or investment. The Company does not lend to owner occupants. The Company’s primary underwriting criteria is a conservative loan to value ratio. The Company believes that it qualifies and operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for federal income tax purposes.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, strategy and plans, and our expectations for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “seek,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “likely,” “continue,” “design,” and the negative of such terms and other words and terms of similar expressions are intended to identify forward- looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to several risks, uncertainties and assumptions as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2019 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2020. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. In addition, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. We disclaim any duty to update any of these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as others made in this press release. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made by us in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

Investor & Media:

Crescendo Communications, LLC

David Waldman

Email: [email protected]

Tel: (212) 671-1021

 

KEYWORDS: United States North America Connecticut

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Finance Banking Professional Services Residential Building & Real Estate Construction & Property

MEDIA:

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Paychex, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Results

Paychex, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Results

Second Quarter Fiscal 2021 Key Points

  • The Company raises guidance as second quarter results reflect sequential improvement in financial performance and key business metrics.
  • Diluted earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) each increased 4% to $0.75 per share and $0.73 per share, respectively.
  • Second quarter service revenue was consistent with the prior year period at $968.9 million, compared to a year-over-year decrease of 6% in the first quarter.
  • Management Solutions revenue increased 1% to $732.8 million.
  • Total revenue decreased 1% to $983.7 million.

(1) Adjusted diluted earnings per share and adjusted net income are not United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of these non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures of diluted earnings per share and net income.

ROCHESTER, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Paychex, Inc. (the “Company,” “Paychex,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) (Nasdaq:PAYX) today announced service revenue was $968.9 million for the three months ended November 30, 2020 (the “second quarter”), consistent with the prior year period. Total revenue decreased 1% from the prior year period to $983.7 million for the second quarter. Net income increased 5% to $272.4 million and diluted earnings per share increased 4% to $0.75 per share for the second quarter, each compared to the prior year period. Adjusted net income(1) and adjusted diluted earnings per share, both non-GAAP measures, increased 4% from the prior year period to $264.8 million and $0.73 per share, respectively, for the second quarter.

Martin Mucci, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Financial results for the second quarter showed continued recovery in our key business metrics. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted our results and year-over-year comparisons; however, client retention remains strong, and our sales performance has resulted in year-over-year growth in the number of clients sold and serviced. We remain focused on providing excellent customer service, human resource (“HR”) expertise, and product innovations to support our clients through the challenges of the pandemic. In addition, our margins have demonstrated sequential improvement as our cost-saving initiatives have proceeded as expected.”

Mucci added, “More than ever before, companies are turning to technology solutions to maintain operations, stay connected with employees, and keep their people productive. We recently introduced additional enhancements to our Paychex Flex® platform to help our clients manage risk, stay compliant, better assess performance, and adapt to mobile and artificial intelligence-driven trends. Headlining these product releases are an Apple Watch®/Google Assistant™ device integration allowing employees greater access to their information, a professional employer organization (“PEO”) Protection Plus Package to protect clients against unforeseen costs, and additional forward-looking solutions in our platform to help employers and their employees complete key tasks quickly, safely, and accurately in a paperless, mobile fashion. We believe our continuing investments in our service delivery platforms strongly position us to meet the demands of the current business environment and support employers no matter where they are in their HR journey.”

Results of operations for the second quarter improved but continued to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Total revenue and adjusted diluted earnings per share grew 6% and 16%, respectively, since the three months ended August 31, 2020 (the “first quarter”) and year-over-year second quarter results showed marked improvement from the first quarter.

Management Solutions revenue was $732.8 million for the second quarter, an increase of 1% compared to the prior year period. The growth was primarily driven by increases in our client base and increased penetration of our suite of solutions, particularly HR outsourcing, time and attendance, and retirement services, partially offset by a decline in check volumes.

PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue was $236.1 million for the second quarter, a decrease of 3% compared to the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by a decline in the number of our clients’ worksite employees. Insurance Solutions revenue declined as a result of lower workers’ compensation premiums driven by reduced wages due to fewer worksite employees for certain industries and related premium rates.

Interest on funds held for clients decreased 25% to $14.8 million for the second quarter, compared to the prior year period. The decrease resulted from lower average investment balances, average interest rates, and realized gains. Funds held for clients’ average investment balances were impacted by lower client fund collections and changes in client base mix, offset by timing of collections and remittances and wage inflation.

Average investment balances and interest rates are summarized below:

 

 

For the three months ended

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended

 

 

 

 

 

November 30,

 

 

 

 

November 30,

 

 

 

$ in millions

 

2020

 

2019

 

Change

 

2020

 

2019

 

Change

Average investment balances:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funds held for clients

 

$

3,581.4

 

 

$

3,726.3

 

 

(4

)%

 

$

3,544.3

 

 

$

3,735.5

 

 

(5

)%

Corporate cash equivalents and investments

 

$

964.9

 

 

$

788.5

 

 

22

%

 

$

993.6

 

 

$

825.2

 

 

20

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average interest rates earned (exclusive of net realized gains/(losses)):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funds held for clients

 

 

1.6

%

 

 

2.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

1.6

%

 

 

2.1

%

 

 

 

Corporate cash equivalents and investments

 

 

0.2

%

 

 

1.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

%

 

 

1.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net realized gains

 

$

0.4

 

 

$

0.9

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.7

 

 

$

1.8

 

 

 

 

Total expenses decreased approximately 3% to $629.4 million for the second quarter compared to the prior year period. This decrease in total expenses was driven by lower discretionary spending, reduced facilities costs resulting from cost-saving initiatives, and amortization of intangible assets.

Operating income increased 4% to $354.3 million for the second quarter compared to the prior year period. Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of total revenue) was 36.0% for the second quarter, compared to 34.5% for the prior year period.

Our effective income tax rate was 22.1% for the second quarter compared to 23.2% for the prior year period. The effective income tax rates in both periods were impacted by the recognition of net discrete tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments.

Year-To-Date Fiscal 2021 Key Points

The key points for the six months ended November 30, 2020 (the “six months”) are as follows:

  • Total revenue decreased 3% to $1.9 billion.
  • Operating income decreased 8% to $638.3 million. Adjusted operating income(1) decreased 3% to $670.5 million.
  • Diluted earnings per share decreased 8% to $1.34 per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) decreased 4% to $1.36 per share.

Adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share include adjustments for one-time costs of $32.2 million related to the acceleration of cost-saving initiatives, including the long-term strategy to reduce our geographic footprint and headcount optimization, and net tax windfall benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments.

(1)

 

Adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are not U.S. GAAP measures.  Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of these non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures of operating income and diluted earnings per share.

Financial Position and Liquidity

As of November 30, 2020, our financial position remained strong with cash, restricted cash, and total corporate investments of $963.4 million. Total short-term and long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs, were $803.9 million as of November 30, 2020. Our positive cash flows have historically allowed us to support our business and to pay substantial dividends to our stockholders. We currently anticipate that cash, restricted cash, and total corporate investments as of November 30, 2020, along with projected operating cash flows and available short-term financing, will support our business operations, capital purchases, share repurchases, and dividend payments for the foreseeable future. Our strong balance sheet and operational flexibility have allowed us to successfully manage through the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to date while protecting our cash flow and liquidity. We continue to evaluate the nature and extent of changes to the market and economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the potential impact on our business and financial position.

Cash flows from operations were $430.7 million for the six months, a decrease of 24% from the prior year period. The decrease in our operating cash flows was driven by lower net income and changes in our operating assets and liabilities. The changes in our operating assets and liabilities were primarily driven by an increase in accounts receivable balances due to growth in our business, offset by an increase in other long-term liabilities.

During the six months, we paid dividends of $446.7 million and repurchased 0.4 million shares of our common stock for a total of $28.8 million. In the respective prior year period, we paid dividends of $444.3 million and repurchased 2.0 million shares of our common stock for a total of $171.9 million.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

 

For the three months ended

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended

 

 

 

 

November 30,

 

 

 

 

November 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ in millions

 

2020

 

2019(1)

 

Change

 

2020(1)

 

2019

 

Change

Operating income

 

$

354.3

 

 

$

341.7

 

 

4

%

 

$

638.3

 

 

$

690.8

 

 

(8

)%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost-saving initiatives(2)

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income

 

$

355.3

 

 

$

341.7

 

 

4

%

 

$

670.5

 

 

$

690.8

 

 

(3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

272.4

 

 

$

258.7

 

 

5

%

 

$

484.0

 

 

$

522.9

 

 

(7

)%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation payments(3)

 

 

(8.5

)

 

 

(4.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

(15.5

)

 

 

(11.5

)

 

 

Cost-saving initiatives(2)

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

(7.6

)

 

 

(4.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

8.8

 

 

 

(11.5

)

 

 

Adjusted net income

 

$

264.8

 

 

$

253.8

 

 

4

%

 

$

492.8

 

 

$

511.4

 

 

(4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.72

 

 

4

%

 

$

1.34

 

 

$

1.45

 

 

(8

)%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation payments(3)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.04

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

Cost-saving initiatives(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.73

 

 

$

0.70

 

 

4

%

 

$

1.36

 

 

$

1.42

 

 

(4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

272.4

 

 

$

258.7

 

 

5

%

 

$

484.0

 

 

$

522.9

 

 

(7

)%

Non-GAAP adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

8.5

 

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.9

 

 

 

12.6

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

 

77.2

 

 

 

78.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

141.7

 

 

 

158.4

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

48.6

 

 

 

55.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

98.2

 

 

 

107.9

 

 

 

Total non-GAAP adjustments

 

 

134.3

 

 

 

140.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

256.8

 

 

 

278.9

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

 

406.7

 

 

 

398.8

 

 

2

%

 

 

740.8

 

 

 

801.8

 

 

(8

)%

Cost-saving initiatives(2)

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

407.7

 

 

$

398.8

 

 

2

%

 

$

773.0

 

 

$

801.8

 

 

(4

)%

(1)

 

The calculation of the impact of non-GAAP adjustments on diluted earnings per share is performed on each line independently. The table may not add down by +/- $0.01 due to rounding.

(2)

 

One-time costs and corresponding tax benefit recognized related to the acceleration of cost-saving initiatives, including the long-term strategy to reduce our geographic footprint and headcount optimization. These events are not expected to recur.

(3)

 

Net tax windfall benefits related to employee stock-based compensation payments recognized in income taxes. This item is subject to volatility and will vary based on employee decisions on exercising employee stock options and fluctuations in our stock price, neither of which is within the control of management.

In addition to reporting operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share, which are U.S. GAAP measures, we present adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”), and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures. We believe these additional measures are indicators of our core business operations performance period over period. Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA, are not calculated through the application of U.S. GAAP and are not required forms of disclosure by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). As such, they should not be considered a substitute for the U.S. GAAP measures of operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share, and, therefore, they should not be used in isolation but in conjunction with the U.S. GAAP measures. The use of any non-GAAP measure may produce results that vary from the U.S. GAAP measure and may not be comparable to a similarly defined non-GAAP measure used by other companies.

Outlook

Our outlook for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”) incorporates anticipated impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic based on current assumptions and market conditions. Changes in the macroeconomic environment could alter our guidance. During the six months, we recognized one-time costs of $32.2 million related to the acceleration of cost-saving initiatives, including the long-term strategy to reduce our geographic footprint and headcount optimization. Our guidance for adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA margin, and adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes these one-time costs. In addition, adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the tax benefit on stock-based compensation payments of $15.5 million. We have updated our guidance as follows:

  • Management Solutions revenue is anticipated to be in the range of (1%) to 1%;
  • Total revenue is anticipated to be in the range of (3%) to flat;
  • Adjusted operating margin(1) is anticipated to be approximately 36%;
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) is anticipated to be approximately 41%;
  • Other expense, net is anticipated to be in the range of $25 million to $30 million;
  • The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2021 is anticipated to be approximately 24%; and
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share(2) is anticipated to be in the range of (1%) to (4%).

Other aspects of our guidance for fiscal 2021 remain unchanged from what we provided previously.

(1)

 

Adjusted operating margin and adjusted EBITDA margin are not U.S. GAAP measures.  Adjusted operating margin is calculated as operating margin, adjusted for one-time non-recurring items, as a percentage of total revenue. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as net income, adjusted for interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and one-time non-recurring items, as a percentage of total revenue.  We believe that the exclusion of certain one-time non-recurring items when calculating these measures provides a better indicator of our core business operations performance period over period.

(2)

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a U.S. GAAP measure. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section on page 4 of this press release for a discussion of this non-GAAP measure and a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure of diluted earnings per share.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

We anticipate filing our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) for the second quarter by the close of business on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, and it will be available on Paychex Investor Relations. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-Q and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in that Form 10-Q.

Conference Call

Interested parties may access the webcast of our Earnings Release Conference Call, scheduled for December 23, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, on Paychex Investor Relations. The webcast will be archived for approximately 90 days. Our news releases, current financial information, SEC filings, and investor presentations are also accessible on Paychex Investor Relations.

About Paychex

Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq:PAYX) is a leading provider of integrated human capital management solutions for human resources, payroll, benefits, and insurance services. By combining its innovative software-as-a-service technology and mobility platform with dedicated, personal service, Paychex empowers small- and medium-sized business owners to focus on the growth and management of their business. Backed by more than 45 years of industry expertise, Paychex serves more than 680,000 payroll clients as of May 31, 2020 across more than 100 locations in the U.S. and Europe, and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees. Learn more about Paychex by visiting paychex.com and stay connected on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain written and oral statements made by us may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words and phrases as “we expect,” “expected to,” “estimates,” “estimated,” “intend,” “overview,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “we look forward to,” “would equate to,” “projects,” “projections,” “projected,” “projected to be,” “anticipates,” “anticipated,” “we believe,” “believes,” “could be,” “targeting,” and other similar words or phrases. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding operating performance, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to our outlook, revenue growth, earnings, earnings-per-share growth, or similar projections.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, many of which are outside our control. Our actual results and financial conditions may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

  • the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. and global economy, and in particular on our small- and medium-sized business clients;
  • changes in governmental regulations and policies;
  • our ability to comply with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations;
  • our ability to keep pace with changes in technology and to provide timely enhancements to our products and services;
  • our compliance with data privacy laws and regulations;
  • the possibility of cyberattacks, security vulnerabilities and Internet disruptions, including breaches of data security and privacy leaks, data loss and business interruptions;
  • the possibility of failure of our operating facilities, computer systems, or communication systems during a catastrophic event, including the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • the failure of third-party service providers to perform their functions;
  • the possibility that we may be subject to additional risks related to our co-employment relationship with our PEO;
  • changes in health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance rates and underlying claim trends;
  • our clients’ failure to reimburse us for payments made by us on their behalf;
  • the effect of changes in government regulations mandating the amount of tax withheld or the timing of remittances;
  • volatility in the political and economic environment;
  • risks related to acquisitions and the integration of the businesses we acquire;
  • our failure to comply with covenants in our debt agreements;
  • changes in the availability of qualified people, including management, technical, compliance and sales personnel;
  • our failure to protect our intellectual property rights;
  • the possible effects of negative publicity on our reputation and the value of our brand; and
  • potential outcomes related to pending or future litigation matters.

Any of these factors, as well as such other factors as discussed in our SEC filings, could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results. The information provided in this document is based upon the facts and circumstances known as of the date of this press release, and any forward-looking statements made by us in this document speak only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements after the date of issuance of this press release to reflect events or circumstances after such date, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

 

 

For the six months ended

 

 

 

 

November 30,

 

 

 

November 30,

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Change(2)

 

2020

 

2019

 

Change(2)

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Solutions

 

$

732.8

 

 

$

726.7

 

 

1

%

 

$

1,420.2

 

 

$

1,451.2

 

 

(2

)%

PEO and Insurance Solutions

 

 

236.1

 

 

 

244.1

 

 

(3

)%

 

 

466.0

 

 

 

491.1

 

 

(5

)%

Total service revenue

 

 

968.9

 

 

 

970.8

 

 

%

 

 

1,886.2

 

 

 

1,942.3

 

 

(3

)%

Interest on funds held for clients(1)

 

 

14.8

 

 

 

19.9

 

 

(25

)%

 

 

29.7

 

 

 

40.4

 

 

(27

)%

Total revenue

 

 

983.7

 

 

 

990.7

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

1,915.9

 

 

 

1,982.7

 

 

(3

)%

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of service revenue

 

 

319.9

 

 

 

323.4

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

627.0

 

 

 

648.8

 

 

(3

)%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

309.5

 

 

 

325.6

 

 

(5

)%

 

 

650.6

 

 

 

643.1

 

 

1

%

Total expenses

 

 

629.4

 

 

 

649.0

 

 

(3

)%

 

 

1,277.6

 

 

 

1,291.9

 

 

(1

)%

Operating income

 

 

354.3

 

 

 

341.7

 

 

4

%

 

 

638.3

 

 

 

690.8

 

 

(8

)%

Other expense, net(1)

 

 

(4.7

)

 

 

(4.7

)

 

n/m

 

 

 

(12.6

)

 

 

(9.5

)

 

n/m

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

349.6

 

 

 

337.0

 

 

4

%

 

 

625.7

 

 

 

681.3

 

 

(8

)%

Income taxes

 

 

77.2

 

 

 

78.3

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

141.7

 

 

 

158.4

 

 

(11

)%

Net income

 

$

272.4

 

 

$

258.7

 

 

5

%

 

$

484.0

 

 

$

522.9

 

 

(7

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.76

 

 

$

0.72

 

 

6

%

 

$

1.35

 

 

$

1.46

 

 

(8

)%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.72

 

 

4

%

 

$

1.34

 

 

$

1.45

 

 

(8

)%

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

 

360.0

 

 

 

358.1

 

 

 

 

 

359.5

 

 

 

358.4

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution

 

 

362.0

 

 

 

360.6

 

 

 

 

 

361.6

 

 

 

361.1

 

 

 

(1)

 

Further information on interest on funds held for clients and other expense, net, and the short- and long-term effects of changing interest rates can be found in our filings with the SEC, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as applicable, under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and subheadings “Results of Operations” and “Market Risk Factors.” These filings are accessible at www.paychex.com.

(2)

 

Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.

   

 

n/m – not meaningful

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 30,

 

May 31,

 

 

2020

 

2020

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

693.5

 

$

905.2

Restricted cash

 

 

59.0

 

 

49.8

Corporate investments

 

 

174.9

 

 

27.2

Interest receivable

 

 

24.8

 

 

26.2

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

519.0

 

 

384.1

PEO unbilled receivables, net of advance collections

 

 

448.0

 

 

380.0

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

38.8

 

 

16.8

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

241.3

 

 

244.8

Current assets before funds held for clients

 

 

2,199.3

 

 

2,034.1

Funds held for clients

 

 

3,393.1

 

 

3,430.5

Total current assets

 

 

5,592.4

 

 

5,464.6

Long-term restricted cash

 

 

25.9

 

 

21.3

Long-term corporate investments

 

 

10.1

 

 

10.2

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

 

 

392.4

 

 

407.4

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

99.6

 

 

114.8

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

297.2

 

 

330.6

Goodwill

 

 

1,798.9

 

 

1,791.1

Long-term deferred costs

 

 

367.7

 

 

372.5

Other long-term assets

 

 

31.2

 

 

38.2

Total assets

 

$

8,615.4

 

$

8,550.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

70.4

 

$

79.4

Accrued corporate compensation and related items

 

 

149.3

 

 

131.7

Accrued worksite employee compensation and related items

 

 

518.3

 

 

512.4

Short-term borrowings

 

 

6.9

 

 

5.1

Accrued income taxes

 

 

 

 

50.5

Deferred revenue

 

 

40.6

 

 

39.2

Other current liabilities

 

 

309.9

 

 

277.6

Current liabilities before client fund obligations

 

 

1,095.4

 

 

1,095.9

Client fund obligations

 

 

3,284.6

 

 

3,331.0

Total current liabilities

 

 

4,380.0

 

 

4,426.9

Accrued income taxes

 

 

13.6

 

 

33.5

Deferred income taxes

 

 

240.4

 

 

240.8

Long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs

 

 

797.0

 

 

796.8

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

92.2

 

 

96.9

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

202.5

 

 

174.4

Total liabilities

 

 

5,725.7

 

 

5,769.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 600.0 shares;

Issued and outstanding: 360.6 shares as of November 30, 2020 and 358.8 shares as of May 31, 2020

 

 

3.6

 

 

3.6

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

1,394.1

 

 

1,289.9

Retained earnings

 

 

1,418.9

 

 

1,431.4

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

73.1

 

 

56.5

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

2,889.7

 

 

2,781.4

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

8,615.4

 

$

8,550.7

PAYCHEX, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended

 

 

November 30,

 

 

2020

 

2019

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

484.0

 

 

$

522.9

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

98.2

 

 

 

107.9

 

Amortization of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities, net

 

 

18.5

 

 

 

20.4

 

Amortization of deferred contract costs

 

 

95.1

 

 

 

92.4

 

Stock-based compensation costs

 

 

25.5

 

 

 

23.8

 

Benefit from deferred income taxes

 

 

(6.7

)

 

 

(2.7

)

Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

3.4

 

Net realized gains on sales of AFS securities

 

 

(0.7

)

 

 

(1.8

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest receivable

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

(1.6

)

Accounts receivable and PEO unbilled receivables, net

 

 

(207.6

)

 

 

(53.2

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(18.8

)

 

 

(44.5

)

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 

 

(14.8

)

 

 

(14.5

)

Deferred costs

 

 

(89.7

)

 

 

(85.3

)

Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities

 

 

35.9

 

 

 

(2.7

)

Net change in operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities

 

 

5.7

 

 

 

0.1

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

430.7

 

 

 

564.6

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of AFS securities

 

 

(4,215.4

)

 

 

(13,537.8

)

Proceeds from sales and maturities of AFS securities

 

 

3,777.2

 

 

 

14,167.1

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(54.6

)

 

 

(59.9

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

 

Purchases of other assets

 

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(4.2

)

Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities

 

 

(490.4

)

 

 

565.2

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in client fund obligations

 

 

(46.4

)

 

 

(88.0

)

Net proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

51.3

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(446.7

)

 

 

(444.3

)

Repurchases of common shares

 

 

(28.8

)

 

 

(171.9

)

Activity related to equity-based plans

 

 

57.7

 

 

 

7.9

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(462.4

)

 

 

(645.0

)

Net change in cash, restricted cash, and equivalents

 

 

(522.1

)

 

 

484.8

 

Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

1,659.8

 

 

 

935.2

 

Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents, end of period

 

$

1,137.7

 

 

$

1,420.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash, and equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

693.5

 

 

$

600.6

 

Restricted cash

 

 

84.9

 

 

 

62.7

 

Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for clients

 

 

359.3

 

 

 

756.7

 

Total cash, restricted cash, and equivalents

 

$

1,137.7

 

 

$

1,420.0

 

© 2020 Paychex, Inc.

Investor Relations:

Efrain Rivera, CFO, or Terri Allen

585‑383‑3406

Media Inquiries:

Adam Kranitz

585‑383-3074

KEYWORDS: New York United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software Human Resources Finance Consulting Data Management Professional Services Technology Security

MEDIA:

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Ehave KetaDASH Subsidiary Announces Intent to Battle Major Depression through Home Delivery of Ketamine

Ketamine, originally approved by the FDA for anesthesia and pain relief, is now one of the psychedelics compounds being studied to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, addiction, and depression.

MIAMI, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ehave, Inc. (OTC Pink: EHVVF) (the “Company”), a provider of digital therapeutics delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions to patients, today announced it intends to offer home infusion of ketamine for patients whose healthcare provider has prescribed it as a treatment. Through its recently formed KetaDASH (www.ketadash.com) subsidiary, Ehave will provide medical professionals with the platform for home IV delivery. The platform will include software, protocols, and equipment, as well as a smart and intuitive dashboard for KetaDash designed to help patients and medical professionals interact.

Ehave Chief Executive Officer, Ben Kaplan, said, “The main reason we are focusing on ketamine as a psychedelic-assisted therapy is to present a new treatment for individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD or other mental or emotional health challenges. Our goal is to provide an IV service that will allow medical professionals to provide psychedelic-assisted therapies in the comfort and convenience of their patients’ homes. We believe a large number of patients prefer a medical technician come to their home over going to a clinic.”

Lisa Ling, who hosts “This is Life” on CNN, recently aired a special on the psychedelic treatment revolution and how ketamine has been successfully repurposed over the past few years to treat depression and PTSD. The report is available online at https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/20/opinions/psychedelics-trauma-healing-this-is-life-heacock/index.html.

Victor S. Dorodny, MD,ND,PHD,MPH (www.DrDorodny.com), Medical Advisor to Ehave, said, “Ketamine, a widely used anesthetic medication, is now being used to treat depression, suicidality, chronic pain, migraines, OCD and even some PTSD symptoms. For many, this breakthrough treatment represents a powerful opportunity to manage their mental health challenges. KetaDash will allow the patients who are prescribed Ketamine to receive required treatments in the safety and comfort of their homes.”

Additional Ehave Inc. Information

We are truly grateful for the support of EHVVF shareholders! Please join the conversation on our Ehave supporter’s telegram group at https://t.me/EhaveInc.

The company posts important information and updates through weekly videos from the official company YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyW1mgMd0qmYkEMq3O6FWA.

Please follow Ehave on Twitter @Ehaveinc1

About Ehave, Inc.

Ehave, Inc. (EHVVF) is a leader of digital therapeutics delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions to patients. Our primary focus is on improving the standard care in therapeutics to prevent or treat brain disorders or diseases through the use of digital therapeutics, independently or together, with medications, devices, and other therapies to optimize patient care and health outcomes. Our main product is the Ehave Telemetry Portal, which is a mental health informatics platform that allows clinicians to make objective and intelligent decisions through data insights. The Ehave Infinity Portal offers a powerful machine learning and artificial intelligence platform with a growing set of advanced tools and applications developed by Ehave and its leading partners. This empowers patients, healthcare providers, and payers to address a wide range of conditions through high quality, safe, and effective data-driven involvement with intelligent and accessible tools. For more information visit: www.ehave.com.

About KetaDASH

KetaDash is a smart and intuitive dashboard designed for those giving and receiving Ketamine infusion therapy. Clients and the associated medical professionals can get detailed insight on the progress and effectiveness of the therapy. Patients can check the availability of nearby nurses, who can help them get their therapy in their own home. KetaDash lets you easily create your profile, check availability of the nurses, and schedule your appointment.

Patients and nurses, both can check the scheduled appointment details from their end. Also, when a client requests for a therapy, a nurse can accept or reject it depending on their availability. www.ketadash.com

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Company’s research, manufacturing and other development efforts; (ii) the Company’s ability to advance its products to successfully complete development and commercialization; (iii) the manufacturing, development, commercialization, and market acceptance of the Company’s products; (iv) the lack of sufficient funding to finance the product development and business operations; (v) competitive companies and technologies within the Company’s industry and introduction of competing products; (vi) the Company’s ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; (vii) loss of key management personnel; (viii) the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its products and its ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (ix) potential failure to comply with applicable health information privacy and security laws and other state and federal privacy and security laws; and (x) the difficulty of predicting actions of the USA FDA and its regulations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement unless required by law. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in Ehave, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 24, 2015, as amended, which is available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov.

For Investor Relations, please contact:

Gabe Rodriguez

Phone: (623) 261-9046

Email: [email protected] 



Misonix to Present at the 39th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Misonix, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSON), a provider of minimally invasive therapeutic ultrasonic medical devices and regenerative products that enhance clinical outcomes, today announced that it will be participating in the 39th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. Misonix Chief Executive Officer, Stavros Vizirgianakis, along with Joe Dwyer, Misonix Chief Financial Officer, will be making a virtual company presentation on Thursday, January 14th at 3:40 p.m. ET. Management will also be available to speak with institutional investors in one-on-one virtual meetings throughout the day.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Company’s web site at www.misonix.com.

If you have questions about Misonix or are interested in conducting a conference call or meeting with management, please contact the Company’s investor relations firm, JCIR, at (212) 835-8500 or via email at [email protected].

About Misonix, Inc.

Misonix, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSON) is a provider of minimally invasive therapeutic ultrasonic medical devices and regenerative tissue products. Its surgical team markets and sells Nexus, BoneScalpel, and SonaStar, which facilitate precise bone sculpting and removal of soft and hard tumors and tissue, primarily in the areas of neurosurgery, orthopedic, plastic and maxillo-facial surgery. The Company’s wound team markets and sells TheraSkin, Therion, TheraGenesis and SonicOne to debride, treat and heal chronic and traumatic wounds in inpatient, outpatient and physician office sites of service. At Misonix, Better Matters! That is why throughout the Company’s history, Misonix has maintained its commitment to medical technology innovation and the development of products that radically improve outcomes for patients. Additional information is available on the Company’s web site at www.misonix.com.

Contacts:   
Joe Dwyer  Norberto Aja, Jennifer Neuman
Chief Financial Officer  JCIR
Misonix, Inc. 212-835-8500 or [email protected]
631-927-9113  



TOMI SteraMist Disinfection Provides Highest Clean for Merakey

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TOMI Environmental Solutions, Inc.® (“TOMI”) (NASDAQ:TOMZ), a global company specializing in disinfection and decontamination, utilizing its premier Binary Ionization Technology (BIT) platform through its SteraMist products – a hydrogen peroxide-based mist and fog composed of ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP), is pleased to showcase a highly-valued customer relationship with Merakey Behavioral Health.

Merakey provides education, support and therapy services in the areas of intellectual and developmental disability, behavioral health, autism, and addiction recovery to children and adults. It has locations in 12 states with a heavy concentration throughout Pennsylvania, placing great confidence in the SteraMist technology to safeguard their staff and patients in several facilities. TOMI’s Service Network (TSN) member, Enviro-Mist, utilizes SteraMist technology to treat 234,582 square feet across five Merakey campuses in Southeastern Pennsylvania on a quarterly basis.

Additionally, Merakey operations personnel treat their own facilities using five TOMI SteraMist Surface Unit disinfection devices, one for each facility. Merakey routinely treats more frequently with their units, as well as providing spot disinfection for suspected COVID-positive exposure and high traffic areas. These areas include common areas, dining areas, hallways, bathrooms, staff offices, nurse stations, and break areas.

The need for the SteraMist technology has never been greater, with medical facilities seeking a safeguard to act as a secure medical haven for patients experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges. Coronavirus has elevated disinfection protocols adopted by the medical community and will continue to evolve well beyond the pandemic, with further scrutiny placed on other harmful pathogens prevalent in medical environments such as MRSA, C. diff, and C. auris. With a second wave rise in COVID infection rates alongside the looming influenza season, diagnoses and medical treatments may be complicated and sheer volume may challenge healthcare structures.

Patient waiting rooms, lobby/common areas, clinical assessment, in-patient rooms, therapy and activity areas maintain hard deadline limitations for disinfection execution. SteraMist’s quick application, lack of toxic byproducts, and nonexistent residue creates the perfect solution to bring high traffic areas back into circulation quickly to avoid disrupting regular patient care.

Dr. Halden Shane, CEO of TOMI, stated that, “Not all COVID-19 disinfectants are created the same, and unlike a majority of the other options, SteraMist does not use harmful chemicals or damage the most delicate of electronics, equipment or fixtures. SteraMist is rooted in scientific evidence, developed under a DARPA grant and is the first ever EPA-registered Hospital-Healthcare and General Disinfectant equipment and solution combination. SteraMist can be trusted for its efficacy and non-caustic impact to patient care environments.”

TOMI™ Environmental Solutions, Inc.: Innovating for a safer world

®
 

TOMI™ Environmental Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:TOMZ) is a global decontamination and infection prevention company, providing environmental solutions for indoor surface disinfection through the manufacturing, sales and licensing of its premier Binary Ionization Technology® (BIT) platform. Invented under a defense grant in association with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense, BIT solution utilizes a low percentage Hydrogen Peroxide as its only active ingredient to produce a fog of ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP). Represented by the SteraMist® brand of products, iHP produces a germ-killing aerosol that works like a visual non-caustic gas.

TOMI products are designed to service a broad spectrum of commercial structures, including, but not limited to, hospitals and medical facilities, cruise ships, office buildings, hotel and motel rooms, schools, restaurants, meat and produce processing facilities, military barracks, police and fire departments, and athletic facilities. TOMI products and services have also been used in single-family homes and multi-unit residences.

TOMI develops training programs and application protocols for its clients and is a member in good standing with The American Biological Safety Association, The American Association of Tissue Banks, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, America Seed Trade Association, and The Restoration Industry Association.

For additional information, please visit http://www.tomimist.com/ or contact us at [email protected].

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain written and oral statements made by us may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). Forward-looking statements are identified by such words and phrases as “we expect,” “expected to,” “estimates,” “estimated,” “current outlook,” “we look forward to,” “would equate to,” “projects,” “projections,” “projected to be,” “anticipates,” “anticipated,” “we believe,” “could be,” and other similar phrases. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to revenue growth, earnings, earnings-per-share growth, or similar projections, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. They are forward-looking, and they should be evaluated in light of important risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results. The information provided in this document is based upon the facts and circumstances known at this time. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

John Nesbett/Jennifer Belodeau
IMS Investor Relations
[email protected]  



Meten EdtechX Remains Strong Growth of its “BiGao” Exam Preparatory Product

Meten EdtechX’s Exam Production Line Has Formed a Complete Business Close-loop

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Meten EdtechX Education Group Ltd. (Nasdaq: METX) (“Meten EdtechX” or the “Company”), a leading omnichannel English language training (“ELT”) service provider in China, today announced the latest business development of its exam preparatory product segments, demonstrating that the performance of the “BiGao” exam preparatory product (“BiGao”) for middle school students has exhibited strong growth since launch in July 2019. Meanwhile, with the launch of the “YunFan”, the exam preparatory product (“YunFan”) for college students, in December 2020, the competitiveness of Meten EdtechX in the market of exam preparatory products in China has been further strengthened.

With the core goal of improving students’ exam performance, “BiGao” provides a comprehensive VIP learning program for mid-to-high net worth families in China, covering various subjects, including English and mathematics ranging from the junior high school to the college entrance examination. Relying on the improving results from exam scores and good experiences, the cumulative gross billing generated from “BiGao” for the five months ended November 30, 2020 has been approximately RMB20 million, and has increased significantly by more than 360% compared to the same periods last year. It is worth noting that a significant number of the Company’s students from both online and offline ELT business segments are customers of “BiGao”, which enables “BiGao” to expand its customer base efficiently.

“YunFan” exam preparatory product was officially launched on December 22, 2020. Unlike “BiGao”, “Yunfan” is an exam preparatory product mainly designed to assist college students with their exam preparation, including high-level exams such as national English levels 4 and 6 and postgraduate entrance exams. The launch of “YunFan” enables the Company to expand its domestic exam preparatory product segments to different age groups and complete the close-loop of its business from ELT and domestic exam preparatory services in China to overseas exam preparation, which can effectively improve the conversion rate of the students of Meten EdtechX among different product lines and the user stickiness of the Company.

About Meten EdtechX

Meten EdtechX is a leading ELT service provider in China, delivering English language and future skills training for Chinese students and professionals. Through a sophisticated digital platform and nationwide network of learning centers, the Company provides its services under three industry-leading brands: Meten (adult and junior ELT services), ABC (primarily junior ELT services) and Likeshuo (online ELT). It offers superior teaching quality and student satisfaction, which are underpinned by cutting edge technology deployed across its business, including AI-driven centralized teaching and management systems that record and analyze learning processes in real time.

The Company is committed to improving the overall English language competence and competitiveness of the Chinese population to keep abreast of the rapid development of globalization. Its experienced management is focused on further developing its digital platform and expanding its network of learning centers to deliver a continually evolving service offerings to a growing number of students across China.

For more information, please visit: https://investor.metenedu-edtechx.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, our ability to attract students without a significant decrease in course fees; our ability to continue to hire, train and retain qualified teachers; our ability to maintain and enhance our “Meten” brand; our ability to effectively and efficiently manage the expansion of our school network and successfully execute our growth strategy; the outcome of ongoing, or any future, litigation or arbitration, including those relating to copyright and other intellectual property rights; competition in the English language training sector in China; changes in our revenues and certain cost or expense items as a percentage of our revenues; the expected growth of the Chinese English language training and private education market; Chinese governmental policies relating to private educational services and providers of such services; health epidemics and other outbreaks in China; and general economic conditions 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 Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Meten EdtechX
Wendy Wang
+86 136-5142-6060
[email protected]

Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Tina Xiao
+1 917-609-0333
[email protected]



Dominion Water Reserves Corp. Announces New Director and Leadership Changes

MONTREAL, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dominion Water Reserves Corp. (“DWR” or the “Company”) (CSE: DWR), is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Alexandre Côté as a Director of the Company. Mr. Côté joins the Board following the resignation of Mr. Quentin Yarie. The Company would like to thank Mr. Yarie for his contribution to the Company.

Mr. Côté is currently the Managing Director of Hybrid Financial. Prior to co-founding Hybrid Financial, Alexandre Côté was a Managing Director at AXA Canada where he helped create a Guaranteed Investment Funds platform. His team launched one of the first traditional fixed income funds listed in Canada. He also worked as VP of sales at OpenSky Capital, the largest independent marketer of structured products in Canada with over $3 billion in assets. As one of the first employees, he helped establish and develop the company. Mr. Côté started his career at Talvest, where he was responsible for a region with approximately $500 million of AUM. Mr. Cote earned a B.A. in Commerce from Laval University.

In addition, the Company announces that Mr. Andrew Lindzon has stepped down as CEO but will remain as a Director of the Company and will be replaced by Mr. Germain Turpin, a director and the current VP Finance of the Company, who will be the Interim CEO.

Mr. Turpin has 20 Years of experience in the Quebec water industry and in the former owner of two of the assets held by DWR. Germain’s sector knowledge combined with his experience as an operator will be major assets in the marketing and distribution of our renewed international assets, spring water, silicon water (13.2%) and water from the largest esker in Canada.

The Company also wishes to update that it has completed the previously announced transaction with Aquanor Inc. (“Aquanor”) (please see press release dated October 27, 2020) and issued 714,826 common shares, at a deemed issue price of $0.35, to Aquanor as partial consideration for the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding securities of 11973002 Canada Inc. which owns a 100% interest in the St-Joseph de Coleraine water sources. The shares are subject to a hold period of four months and one day.

About Dominion Water Reserves Corp.

DWR’s operations are based in Quebec, with its primary business being a consolidator of the water industry by acquiring fresh spring water permits and developing operations across Quebec with plans to expand across North America. DWR currently controls more than 30% of Quebec’s volume of fresh groundwater reserves currently under permit and is strategically positioned to increase its holding. DWR’s mission is to acquire, manage and develop spring water assets building a critical mass in terms of capacity and strategically securing a leadership role in North America’s fresh spring water.  The corporation prioritizes sustainability and environmental consciousness. A strong governance structure is in place to ensure that the corporation carries out its business responsibly, applying the highest social and environmental standards.

For further information please contact

Jean Gosselin
Phone: 514-394-7717
Email: [email protected]

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Dominion Water Reserves Corp.



Megan Britt to Lead Investor Relations for Tyson Foods

SPRINGDALE, Ark., Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) has named Megan Britt as the company’s new Vice President of Investor Relations.

Britt will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of investor relations, including shareholder communications, financial media relations and internet and intranet investor content. She begins her new role on January 4 and will report to Chief Financial Officer Stewart Glendinning.

Britt has almost 15 years of experience in roles in finance, including investor relations, investment management, decision analysis and corporate strategy. She most recently served as Vice President of Investor Relations for Corteva Agriscience, based in Wilmington, Delaware. Prior to her role at Corteva, she held various director roles at DuPont.

“We’re pleased to have Megan join our team as we continue to position Tyson Foods for long-term growth,” said Glendinning. “We believe her experience and leadership skills will be a great benefit to our investor relationships.”

“I’m looking forward to joining Tyson Foods and becoming part of a company with such a rich history and promising global future,” said Britt.

Britt holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Agricultural and Applied Economics from Texas Tech University.

About Tyson Foods, Inc. 

Tyson Foods, Inc., (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp®, and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, United States, the company has 139,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit WWW.TYSONFOODS.COM

Contact: Gary Mickelson, 479-236-9022

Category: IR, Newsroom

 



DSS Wholly Owned Subsidiary Impact BioMedical Announces Exclusive Distribution Agreement with BioMed Technology

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Document Security Systems, Inc. (NYSE American: DSS), a multinational company operating businesses focused on brand protection technology, blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, real estate, and securitized digital assets, today announced its wholly owned subsidiary Impact BioMedical, Inc. (“Impact BioMedical”) entered into a 10-year exclusive distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with BioMed Technology Asia Pacific Holdings Limited (“BioMed”), a limited liability company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. BioMed is the holding company of BioMed Technology Holdings Limited which focuses on manufacturing natural probiotics, pursuant to which the Company will directly market, advertise, promote, distribute and sell certain BioMed products to resellers. The products to be distributed by the Company include BioMed’s PGut Premium Probiotics®, PGut Allergy Probiotics®, PGut SupremeSlim Probiotics®, PGut Kids Probiotics®, and PGut Baby Probiotics®.

Under the terms of the Distribution Agreement, the Company will have exclusive rights to distribute the products within the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea and non-exclusive distribution rights in all other countries. In exchange, the Company agreed to certain obligations, including mutual marketing obligations to promote sales of the products.

“We are pleased to have secured exclusive distribution rights to key major markets globally,” stated Chan Heng Fai, Chairman of DSS. “This latest agreement further strengthens Impact BioMedical’s foundation and provides the potential for strong near-term revenue growth. We look forward to providing further updates on this and other initiatives as we continue to execute.”

The global probiotics market was estimated at US$48 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.9% through 2025, driven by the growing consumer inclination towards preventive healthcare in conjunction with the development of efficient probiotic strains.
         
In connection with the Distribution Agreement, the Company also entered into a subscription agreement with BioMed (the “Subscription Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase 525 ordinary shares of BioMed (the “Shares”) at a purchase price of HK$9,333.33 per share for total consideration of HK$4,900,000 (approximately US$630,000).

The Subscription Agreement provides, among other things, the Company the right to appoint a new director to the board of BioMed. With respect to an issuance of shares to a third party by BioMed, the Company will have the right of first refusal to purchase such shares, as well as customary tag-along rights.

About Impact BioMedical, Inc.

Impact BioMedical, Inc. (“Impact BioMedical”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of DSS. Impact BioMedical strives to leverage its scientific know-how and intellectual property rights to provide solutions that have been plaguing the biomedical field for decades. By tapping into the scientific expertise of GRDG Sciences, LLC, Impact BioMedical pledges to undertake a concerted effort in the R&D, drug discovery and development for the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncological and immuno related diseases. For more information on Impact BioMedical visit http://impbio.com/.

About Document Security Systems, Inc.

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

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

Investor Contact:

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

Safe Harbor Disclosure

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



Loop Media, Inc. Partners With Ultimate Gamer For Times Square Virtual New Year’s Eve Celebration

Consumers Now Can Escape Their Quarantine Realities & Make New Year’s Eve Plans, As Loop Media & Ultimate Gamer Kick Off Their Partnership With An Innovative New “Virtual New Year’s Eve” Immersive Experience 

Glendale, CA, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire — Loop Media, Inc. (“Loop Media”), the first media company that gives consumers and businesses fully-integrated 360-degree and other premium short-form content experiences (OTC: LPTV), will kick off its partnership with Ultimate Gamer, the world’s first and only multi-genre esports proving ground, on Virtual New Year’s Eve (VNYE), a brand new, immersive experience that will bring the world of Times Square to everyone, everywhere.

Times Square will be empty this New Year’s Eve for the first time since the ceremony’s inception in 1907 due to rising COVID-19 infection rate concerns. Jamestown—the real-estate investment and management company that owns One Times Square—has planned a New Year’s Eve celebration blending virtual and augmented experiences with live camera feeds, which is totally free. Users can download the “VNYE” app or sign in to VNYE.com.

As an exclusive gaming partner, Ultimate Gamer will provide unique virtual experiences, interactive content, and streams geared toward gamers and esports fans through the app and website. 

From December 19th, 2020 – January 3rd, 2021, Ultimate Gamer will host a variety of streams on VNYE, featuring popular esports teams like Misfits Gaming and Team Furia; gaming personalities including HipHopGamer and Jobless Gamer; and entertainment from NBA2K content creators HankDaTank, BreeZe, ColeTheMan, and Hollywood, among others. Throughout the two weeks, Ultimate Gamer will host Fortnite, Valorant, Apex Legends, and League of Legends competitions with fun prizes and giveaways leading up to New Year’s Eve.

Also included within the Ultimate Gamer experience will be curated music videos, courtesy of Loop Media. Loop Media’s video library includes not only one of the largest and most current collection of music videos, but also film and game trailers, as well as sports highlights that provide a variety of engaging product offerings to users. The Loop™ app is available to consumers on iPhone and Android, as well as all popular connected TVs including Amazon Fire TV and Android TV-supported sets such as Sony, Sharp, Philips, and more.

About Loop Media

Loop Media, Inc is the first media company that gives consumers and businesses fully-integrated 360-degree and other premium short-form content experiences. Loop improves the entire viewing experience for premium short-form content by focusing on venues and consumers in the evolving frontier of digital out-of-home, streamlining the public-to-private viewing experience. Loop’s growing library of over 500,000 short-form videos, including: music videos, film, game and TV trailers, viral videos, sports clips and atmospherics and travel videos can be viewed in many popular hospitality, dining, and retail venues; on leading branded media and entertainment sites; and on over-the-top TV platforms and CTV devices. To learn more about Loop products and applications, please visit us online at Loop.tv

About Ultimate Gamer

Ultimate Gamer is where the world comes to play. With over 2 million registered users, the company is on a mission to build the world’s largest community of gamers. In 2021, Ultimate Gamer will launch a premier worldwide competition to identify and crown the ‘Best Gamer on Earth™’ and award a $1 million prize. As the first and only multi-genre esports and gaming proving ground, Ultimate Gamer is focused on bringing gamers of all skill levels together. For more information on how to get involved, please visit ultimategamer.com.

Loop Media, Inc. Press:

Jon Lindsay Phillips
RLM PR
[email protected]
+1-646-828-8566 

Ultimate Gamer Press:

Kalie Moore
High Vibe PR
[email protected]