American Vanguard Declares Quarterly Dividend

American Vanguard Declares Quarterly Dividend

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
American Vanguard Corp. (NYSE:AVD) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a $0.02 cash dividend payment to be distributed on April 15, 2021 to shareholders of record as of March 25, 2021.

Eric Wintemute, Chairman and CEO of American Vanguard, stated, “This dividend payment continues our history of providing cash returns to shareholders based on successful operational and financial performance. It reflects the confidence that the Board of Directors has in the strength of our business model and our longer-term strategic growth initiatives in biological product development, geographic market expansion, consumer pest control and SIMPAS precision application technology. We appreciate the support of our shareholders as we develop and deliver important solutions that enhance agricultural productivity, safeguard public health and facilitate environmental sustainability.”

Annual Cash Dividend Payments: Based on Date of Cash Distribution

2021 – – Payments in 2021 (including pending payment) . . . . . . . . . . . .$0.040

2020 – – Full Calendar Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.040

2019 – – Full Calendar Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.080

2018 – – Full Calendar Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.075

2017 – – Full Calendar Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.055

2016 – – Full Calendar Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.020

About American Vanguard

American Vanguard Corporation is a diversified specialty and agricultural products company that develops and markets products for crop protection and management, turf and ornamentals management and public and animal health. American Vanguard is included on the Russell 2000® & Russell 3000® Indexes and the Standard & Poors Small Cap 600 Index. To learn more about American Vanguard, please reference the Company’s web site at www.american-vanguard.com.

In its public commentary, the Company may discuss forward-looking information. Except for the historical information contained in this release, all forward-looking statements are estimates by the Company’s management subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ from management’s current expectations. Such factors include weather conditions, changes in regulatory policy and other risks as detailed in the Company’s SEC reports and filings. All forward-looking statements, if any, in this release represent the Company’s judgment as of the date of this release.

American Vanguard Corporation

William A. Kuser, Director of Investor Relations

(949) 260-1200

[email protected]

The Equity Group Inc.

www.theequitygroup.com

Lena Cati (212) 836-9611

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Chemicals/Plastics Agriculture Natural Resources Manufacturing

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8×8 Launches 8×8 Contact Center for Microsoft Teams

8×8 Launches 8×8 Contact Center for Microsoft Teams

New 8×8 Cloud Solution Allows Organizations to Seamlessly Integrate Customer Engagement and Global Telephony Capabilities with Microsoft Teams

CAMPBELL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–8×8, Inc. (NYSE: EGHT), a leading integrated cloud communications platform, today announced the availability of 8×8 Contact Center for Microsoft Teams, which is certified to integrate with Microsoft Teams. The 8×8 cloud contact center and communications product delivers an easy-to-administer, integrated customer engagement and global telephony direct routing solution that allows employees and contact center agents to interact with customers from any Teams endpoint.

“Organizations are rapidly adopting Microsoft Teams for all their employee collaboration requirements, and now recognize the importance of integrating it with the contact center to enhance customer experience,” said Dejan Deklich, Chief Product Officer at 8×8, Inc. “8×8 Contact Center for Microsoft Teams enables IT and service leaders to seamlessly embed customer engagement with global voice communications into Teams workflows to gain deeper insights across all interactions. This helps organizations meet their unique business requirements, allowing employees and customers to stay productive and engaged from anywhere.”

8×8 Contact Center for Microsoft Teams offers omnichannel contact center functionality that is fully integrated with Teams. The solution makes it easy to boost agent performance, simplify customer engagement workflows, and ignite collaboration across the organization. 8×8 Contact Center for Microsoft Teams allows sales, service and support agents to quickly connect and collaborate with other Teams-enabled experts, and resolve customer issues faster.

“Organizations have turned to Microsoft Teams to help solve their most critical collaboration and telephony needs, so integrating advanced contact center capabilities into their communication hub is a natural next step,” said Daniel Canning, Director, Microsoft Teams at Microsoft. “We are pleased to see 8×8 successfully complete the contact center certification process, providing their customers with a reliable integration with Teams, empowering their employees and contact center agents to connect with customers and provide a seamless experience.”

“Our digital transformation agenda is about using the very best technology solutions to deliver essential services to the community, responding to changes in how we work and the nature of interactions between our employees and citizens,” said Alison Hughes, Assistant Director ICT of Liverpool City Council. “8×8’s cloud contact center and communications product empowers both our contact center agents and employees to seamlessly collaborate and connect through the certified integration with Microsoft Teams. This enables our staff to work together to provide the vital services our local residents and businesses require while working from anywhere.”

According to the “Workplace Collaboration 2021-22 Research Study” from Metrigy Research, 70.4 percent of organizations adopting Microsoft Teams are using direct routing to connect to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). With 8×8 Contact Center for Microsoft Teams, contact center agents, knowledge workers and supervisors can make and receive PSTN calls using the Teams app as the preferred endpoint. Key features allow organizations to:

  • Accept incoming contact center calls in Teams, empowering agents to manage customer interactions, and capture call details and key metrics.
  • Gain rich contact center insights with full reporting and analytics into call quality, performance metrics, activity history, and speech analytics.
  • Use 8×8 Call Recording to support regulatory compliance.
  • Integrate out-of-the-box with more than 25 third-party business applications, such as Salesforce, Zendesk, NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365, to automatically log all calls with the ability to attach details, recordings and speech analytics to any customer record.
  • Operate worldwide with global calling plans in 42 countries across six continents including unlimited calling to up to 47 countries.

8×8 Contact Center for Microsoft Teams is now available at the Microsoft AppSource as a solution certified for Microsoft Teams.

8×8 Webinar

Learn more about the Top Microsoft Teams Trends in 2021 in the 8×8 webinar.

8×8 and Gartner Magic Quadrant

Recently, 8×8 was named a Leader in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Worldwide1. This is the ninth consecutive year 8×8 has been recognized as a Leader in this report. 8×8 was also recognized as a Challenger in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service2.

[1] Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Worldwide, Rafael Benitez, Megan Fernandez, Daniel O’Connell, Christopher Trueman, Pankil Sheith, November 12, 2020. This Magic Quadrant report name has changed from 2015 onwards- 2015-2020: Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Worldwide, 2014: Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, North America With Additional Regional Presence, 2012-2013: Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, North America.

[2] Gartner Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service, Steve Blood, Drew Kraus, Pri Rathnayake, November 9, 2020.

About 8×8, Inc.

8×8, Inc. (NYSE: EGHT) is transforming the future of business communications as a leading Software-as-a-Service provider of contact center, voice communications, video, chat and API solutions powered by one global cloud communications platform. 8×8 empowers workforces worldwide to connect individuals and teams so they can collaborate faster and work smarter. Real-time business analytics and intelligence provide businesses unique insights across all interactions and channels so they can delight end-customers and accelerate their business. For additional information, visit www.8×8.com, or follow 8×8 on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

8×8® and 8×8 X Series™ are trademarks of 8×8, Inc.

Media:

John Sun, 1-408-692-7054

john.sun@8×8.com

Investor Relations:

Victoria Hyde-Dunn, 1-669-333-5200

victoria.hyde-dunn@8×8.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Human Resources Marketing Telecommunications Communications Professional Services Software Internet VoIP

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Tennant Company Launches Industry’s First Industrial Robotic Floor Scrubber Made for Large Spaces: the T16AMR

Tennant Company Launches Industry’s First Industrial Robotic Floor Scrubber Made for Large Spaces: the T16AMR

Third AMR in World-Class Lineup Ensures Consistent Cleaning with Fewer Resources

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC), a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing of solutions to reinvent how the world cleans, is launching its newest and largest autonomous floor cleaning machine, the T16AMR Robotic Floor Scrubber. This industrial-grade autonomous scrubber is ideal for larger facilities. Featuring a wider scrub path and higher tank capacity, it allows for consistent, efficient cleaning while reducing total cost of ownership. This is the third AMR in Tennant’s lineup and the industry’s first AMR built on an industrial scrubber platform. Units begin shipping in April in the U.S. and Canada.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210315005092/en/

T16AMR: The first industrial robotic cleaning machine (Photo: Tennant Company)

T16AMR: The first industrial robotic cleaning machine (Photo: Tennant Company)

The T16AMR rider robotic scrubber operates in complex, real-world environments without direct operator control. This means the T16AMR is ready and available to clean any time—an especially valuable feature since staff shortages and increased cleaning protocols may overextend lean maintenance teams. The T16AMR is available with a high-capacity lithium-ion power upgrade that includes a fast charger to get the most out of a day of scrubbing. Lithium ion also has zero maintenance and the lowest cost per charge as compared to other power options. In addition to delivering consistent and efficient floor cleaning, the T16AMR is connected via an onboard telemetry system which provides supervisor notification of route completion and weekly reporting.

“Tennant Company appreciates the additional pressures our customers have in ensuring consistent cleaning with fewer resources. This is particularly problematic for those with large facilities. That’s why we’ve introduced the T16AMR, our largest autonomous machine to date. It will help customers increase their cleaning efficiency and maximize employee resources,” said David Strohsack, Vice President of Marketing, Tennant Company.

The T16AMR also reduces the total cost of ownership with a robust, industrial-strength platform and design, cleaning varying floor surfaces thoroughly in a single pass with the ability to run multiple routes, back-to-back, without assistance. Its twin cylindrical brushes easily clean and pick up small debris to prevent streaking and to reduce the need for pre-sweeping.

Additionally, the T16AMR reduces or eliminates chemical usage with eco-H2O NanoClean® technology that allows for detergent-free cleaning. Onboard cameras, sensors and alarms help maintain the safety of employees working around the machine. Unique to the Tennant AMRs, longer-range LIDAR accommodates larger, open spaces; and onboard diagnostics make maintenance troubleshooting a breeze.

“We’ve made the T16AMR easy to use and maintain. With its intuitive controls, touch screens and onboard learning center, the T16AMR is simple to train. After that, all the labor you’ll need to clean your floor is enough time to press the start button. Just show the machine where you want to clean and let the robot do the cleaning for you,” said Bill Ruhr, Senior Product Manager, Tennant Company. “You can repeat routes as work cycles require or connect multiple routes to maximize your AMR’s cleaning. The T16AMR makes sure the cleaning gets done—and gets done consistently—even when there’s no one around to do it. While there are still things to consider for cleaning, there’s a whole lot less to worry about.”

Tennant launched its first autonomous solution in 2018, with the introduction of the T7AMR Scrubber. In 2020, it followed with the T380AMR. The machine allows for cleaning narrow aisles, making tighter turns and smaller U-turns—perfect for smaller spaces. With the introduction of the T16AMR, Tennant now offers an exceptional marketplace solution for customers with a larger footprint.

The T16AMR, T380AMR and original T7AMR are all powered by BrainOS®, an advanced artificial intelligence and robotic technology platform, from Tennant partner Brain Corp.

“We’re excited to see Tennant bring its third BrainOS-powered AMR to market. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of robotic cleaning innovation by combining best-in-class software technology with proven, world-class equipment,” said Dr. Eugene Izhikevich, CEO at Brain Corp. “Cleaning robots are clearly becoming the new commercial standard. With the new T16AMR, Tennant now offers autonomous solutions that can accommodate a diverse range of spaces, from large industrial settings to smaller retail footprints.”

The T16AMR also includes unmatched customer support with Tennant’s AMR Customer Success and Service Team, ensuring consistent site deployment, available to assist customers nationwide.

Visit www.tennantco.com to learn more about the unique features, benefits and specifications of the new T16AMR Robotic Floor Scrubber.Watch it in action.

Company Profile

Founded in 1870, Tennant Company (TNC), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that empower customers to achieve quality cleaning performance, reduce their environmental impact and help create a cleaner, safer, healthier world. Its products include equipment for maintaining surfaces in industrial, commercial and outdoor environments; detergent-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies; and cleaning tools and supplies. Tennant’s global field service network is the most extensive in the industry. Tennant Company had sales of $1.0 billion in 2020 and has approximately 4,300 employees. Tennant has manufacturing operations throughout the world and sells products directly in 15 countries and through distributors in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.tennantco.com and www.ipcworldwide.com. The Tennant Company logo and other trademarks designated with the symbol “®” are trademarks of Tennant Company registered in the United States and/or other countries.

BrainOS® is a registered trademark of Brain Corp.

INVESTOR CONTACT:

William Prate

Senior Director, Investor Relations

[email protected]

763-540-1547

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jason Peterson

Corporate Communications Manager

[email protected]

763-513-1849

KEYWORDS: United States North America Minnesota

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Engineering Chemicals/Plastics Residential Building & Real Estate Manufacturing Commercial Building & Real Estate Construction & Property Other Manufacturing

MEDIA:

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T16AMR: The first industrial robotic cleaning machine (Photo: Tennant Company)

Wealth Management Team Led by Andrew Vahab Joins First Republic

Wealth Management Team Led by Andrew Vahab Joins First Republic

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–First Republic Bank (NYSE:FRC), a leading private bank and wealth management company, today announced that a 10-person wealth management team led by Andrew Vahab has joined First Republic Investment Management in New York City and South Florida.

Vahab and colleague David Guthrie were both named Managing Director and Wealth Manager. Evan Soff, David Stecker, and Vincent Zappola were each named Senior Vice President and Wealth Manager. Robert Nicastro and Michael Kantor were each named Vice President and Wealth Manager.

The team will provide portfolio management, retirement planning, investment consulting and other wealth management services to individuals, families, nonprofits and private family foundations. They are part of First Republic’s growing wealth management presence in New York City and South Florida.

“Andrew Vahab leads a team of exceptional wealth managers who have been very successful in helping clients achieve their objectives,” said Bob Thornton, President of First Republic Private Wealth Management. “They share First Republic’s commitment to exceptional client service and are a terrific addition to our expanding team of wealth management professionals.”

Vahab serves ultra-high net worth clients through complex multigenerational financial solutions and capital market strategies. Before joining First Republic, he was a Director, Senior Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager at Citi Personal Wealth Management. Vahab is active in his local community and serves on the board of the Youth Activity Center of Boca Raton and is also a Board Advisor for Lens on Life. Vahab earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Guthrie provides clients with holistic wealth management solutions with a focus on fixed income, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, options and individual equities strategies. Before joining First Republic, he was a Director and Senior Wealth Advisor at Citi Personal Wealth Management. Guthrie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University.

Soff provides clients with multigenerational planning and risk management solutions. Before joining First Republic, he was a Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Citi Personal Wealth Management. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University.

Stecker serves clients through holistic multigenerational family planning. Before joining First Republic, he was a Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Citi Personal Wealth Management. Stecker earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (cum laude) from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Zappola provides customized wealth strategies and portfolios for high net worth clients and multigenerational families. Before joining First Republic, he was a Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Citi Personal Wealth Management. Prior to that, he was an analyst and trader for both an ultra-high net worth family office and a long-short equity hedge fund. Zappola began his career at A.G. Edwards. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from North Carolina State University. Zappola is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Association.

Nicastro works with clients to offer customized wealth management solutions. Before joining First Republic, he was a Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Citi Personal Wealth Management. He works with a diverse range of clients to create wealth management strategies, with a focus on professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and retirees.

Kantor delivers capital market strategies and portfolio management to clients, with a focus on derivative solutions. Before joining First Republic, he was a Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Citi Personal Wealth Management. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. He is a CIMA® professional.

To learn more about First Republic Private Wealth Management, click here. To see our growing team of wealth management professionals, click here.

About First Republic Bank

Founded in 1985, First Republic and its subsidiaries offer private banking, private business banking and private wealth management, including investment, trust and brokerage services. First Republic specializes in delivering exceptional, relationship-based service and offers a complete line of products, including residential, commercial and personal loans, deposit services, and wealth management. Services are offered through preferred banking or wealth management offices primarily in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach and San Diego, California; Portland, Oregon; Boston, Massachusetts; Palm Beach, Florida; Greenwich, Connecticut; New York, New York; and Jackson, Wyoming. First Republic is a constituent of the S&P 500 Index and KBW Nasdaq Bank Index. For more information, visit firstrepublic.com.

FRC-G

Investors:

Andrew Greenebaum / Lasse Glassen

Addo Investor Relations

[email protected]

[email protected]

(310) 829-5400

Media:

Greg Berardi

Blue Marlin Partners

[email protected]

(415) 239-7826

 

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Finance Consulting Banking Professional Services Other Professional Services

MEDIA:

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Intel Study: Transparency and Security Assurance Drive Preference

Intel Study: Transparency and Security Assurance Drive Preference

Organizations are More Likely to Purchase Technologies and Services from Companies that are Transparent about Ongoing Security Assurance

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

  • Global study indicates 73% of respondents say they are more likely to purchase technologies and services from companies that proactively find, mitigate and communicate security vulnerabilities.
  • Intel has established systems to deliver security assurance and product innovation that help customers be more resilient to emerging threats.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Today, Intel released the results of a study examining how transparency, security innovation and ongoing security assurance impact purchase decisions. Key findings indicated a preference for technology providers that are transparent and proactive in helping organizations manage their cybersecurity risk.

Building security and privacy into products from concept to retirement is not only a strong development practice but also important to enable customers to understand their security posture and truly unleash the power of data.

“Security doesn’t just happen. If you are not finding vulnerabilities, then you are not looking hard enough,” said Suzy Greenberg, vice president, Intel Product Assurance and Security. “Intel takes a transparent approach to security assurance to empower customers and deliver product innovations that build defenses at the foundation, protect workloads and improve software resilience. This intersection between innovation and security is what builds trust with our customers and partners.”

Study Highlights

Ponemon Institute independently conducted a survey of 1,875 individuals in the United States; the United Kingdom; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and Latin America who are involved in overseeing the security of their organizations’ information technology (IT) infrastructure. In addition, respondents are familiar with their organizations’ purchases of IT security technologies and services.

Key findings from the study, sponsored by Intel, include:

  • Seventy-three percent of respondents say their organization is more likely to purchase technologies and services from technology providers that are proactive about finding, mitigating and communicating security vulnerabilities. Forty-eight percent say their technology providers don’t offer this capability.
  • Seventy-six percent of respondents say it is highly important that their technology provider offer hardware-assisted capabilities to mitigate software exploits.
  • Sixty-four percent of respondents say it is highly important for their technology provider to be transparent about available security updates and mitigations. Forty-seven percent say their technology provider doesn’t provide this transparency.
  • Seventy-four percent of respondents say it is highly important for their technology provider to apply ethical hacking practices to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in its own products.
  • Seventy-one percent of respondents say it is highly important for technology providers to offer ongoing security assurance and evidence that the components are operating in a known and trusted state.

Vendor Characteristics

The key findings indicate that specific vendor characteristics affect purchase decisions. In some cases, there is a significant gap between the importance of these characteristics and the ability of the provider to have the capability. Characteristics include:

  • Transparency about security updates and available mitigations.
  • Vendor’s ability to identify vulnerabilities in its own products and mitigate them.
  • Ongoing security assurance and evidence that the components are operating in a known and trusted state.
  • Hardware-assisted capabilities to help protect distributed workloads and data in use, and to defend against software exploits.

Developing the strongest products requires power, performance and security. Security capabilities rooted in hardware not only provide security assurance against current threats, but also improve software reliability and provide additional layers of protection at the foundation and across workloads to protect against future threats.

Intel’s approach is driven by extensive research and continuous integration of key learnings throughout the development processes and practices. As a result, Intel products are designed to deliver security assurance and advance security capabilities.

To read the full report, go to: The Role of Transparency and Security Assurance in Driving Technology Decision-Making

More:2020 Product Security Report | People, Processes, Products Define Intel’s Security Strategy, Intel Newsroom | Silicon as Code, the Cybersecurity Vulnerability Paradox, and the Transparency Requirements for a 21st Century Processor Vendor (IDC white paper, sponsored by Intel)

About Intel

Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel’s innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.

© Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Megan Phelan

Highwire Public Relations

916-834-0802

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Software Networks Internet Hardware Data Management Technology Semiconductor Security

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U.S. Bancorp Announces First Quarter Earnings Conference Call Details

U.S. Bancorp Announces First Quarter Earnings Conference Call Details

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) will release its first quarter 2021 earnings results before the market opens on Thursday, April 15. At 9 a.m. CT, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Cecere and Vice Chair and Chief Financial Officer Terry Dolan will host a conference call to review the financial results. The conference call will be available online or by telephone.

Via internet:

To access the webcast and presentation, visit U.S. Bancorp’s website at usbank.com and click on “About Us”, “Investor Relations” and “Webcasts & Presentations.”

Via telephone:

To access the conference call from locations within the United States and Canada, please dial 866.316.1409. Participants calling from outside the United States and Canada, please dial 706.634.9086. The conference ID number for all participants is 2351343.

Replay info:

For those unable to participate during the live call, a recording will be available at approximately Noon CT on Thursday, April 15 and will be accessible until Thursday, April 22 at 10:59 p.m. CT. To access the recorded message within the United States and Canada, please dial 855.859.2056. If calling from outside the United States and Canada, please dial 404.537.3406 to access the recording. The conference ID is 2351343.

About U.S. Bank

U.S. Bancorp, with nearly 70,000 employees and $554 billion in assets as of December 31, 2020, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with digital tools that allow customers to bank when, where and how they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial, corporate, and investment customers across the country and around the world as a trusted and responsible financial partner. This commitment continues to earn a spot on the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list and puts U.S. Bank in the top 5% of global companies assessed on the CDP A List for climate change action. Visit usbank.com for more.

Investors: Jennifer Thompson, U.S. Bancorp Investor Relations

612.303.0778, [email protected]

Media: Jeff Shelman, U.S. Bancorp Public Affairs and Communications

612.422.1423, [email protected]

KEYWORDS: Minnesota United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Other Professional Services Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

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AXIS Partners With Elpha Secure to Provide Cyber Security Software for Small Businesses

AXIS Partners With Elpha Secure to Provide Cyber Security Software for Small Businesses

PEMBROKE, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
AXIS Insurance, the specialty insurance business segment of AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (“AXIS Capital”) (NYSE: AXS), and Elpha Secure, a cyber security company built for the insurance industry, today announced a strategic partnership to provide cyber insurance and software protection to small businesses to help improve their cyber security. Elpha Secure offers Elphaware, a Software as a Service (SaaS) application used to mitigate the risk of common cyber threats. Elphaware provides small and micro businesses with the cyber security tools and protections that are expected in today’s marketplace.

“Today’s small businesses have a need for efficient, effective solutions to manage their cyber risks,” said Dan Trueman, Global Head of Cyber and Technology at AXIS Insurance. “Cyber risk mitigation requires sound insurance solutions balanced with resolute cyber security for the resiliency of small businesses and for long-term stability. The Elpha Secure team are innovators, having brought critical cyber risk mitigation solutions to small enterprises and micro-sized businesses.”

Elphaware provides small business owners with a suite of cyber security tools that work alongside existing security measures in a single, simple installation. The software has five primary features:

  • Secure, encrypted backups of critical data
  • Multi-factor Authentication for remote access
  • Ability to restore compromised systems in hours
  • Creation of a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • Insider threat and anomaly detection

Elphaware provides its users with fundamental cyber protection from social engineering and malware attacks, such as ransomware, and enables small businesses to recover quickly in the event of an incident.

“The entire Elpha Secure team is excited to work with AXIS,” said Preetam Dutta, Chief Executive Officer at Elpha Secure. “Together, we can help protect businesses from cyber criminals. We know cyber security is hard. Elpha Secure makes it easy.”

About AXIS Capital

AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance with shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2020 of $5.3 billion and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore and Canada. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of “A+” (“Strong”) by Standard & Poor’s and “A” (“Excellent”) by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com.

Follow AXIS Capital on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Elpha Secure

Elpha Secure is a cybersecurity company built for the insurance industry. The group combines cybersecurity software with cyber insurance for businesses. For more information about Elpha Secure, visit our website at www.elphasecure.com.

Investor Contact

Matt Rohrmann

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited

[email protected]

(212) 940-3339

Media Contact

Brian Price

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited

[email protected]

(312) 609-6761

KEYWORDS: Caribbean Singapore Canada North America Bermuda Asia Pacific Europe

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Security Small Business Technology Insurance Software Finance

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Robotic Assistance Devices Published Case Study Regarding Security and Cost Savings at Client Citrus Construction

Robotic Assistance Devices Published Case Study Regarding Security and Cost Savings at Client Citrus Construction

HENDERSON, Nev.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., (OTCPK:AITX), today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) has published a case study featuring RAD’s client Citrus Construction, a subsidiary of The Richman Group, the seventh largest rental apartment owner in the US. This case study outlines how the deployment of RAD’s ROSA has had a positive impact on the company’s job sites. Greg Van Haute, Vice President at Citrus Construction states “…we’re paying a fraction of what we were paying before. More importantly, we’ve seen a drop in crime”.

Construction companies, property managers and contractors are repeatedly plagued by the costly and dangerous instances of theft, vagrancy and trash dumping on their active job sites and properties. RAD’s ROSA is a breakthrough in autonomous security devices, complementing and at times outright replacing traditional security guards. “ROSA is doing the same or better than having a security guard in place,” Van Haute concluded.

“This case study is absolute validation towards everything that we have built into the RAD ecosystem,” said Steve Reinharz, President and CEO of RAD. “The cost savings and enhanced security profile that Citrus Construction is experiencing with just a few ROSAs is what we envision for every business, large or small.”

The Richman Group has indicated that they plan to share these successful results with its 100+ managed residential properties and their other construction projects. “RAD is just scratching the surface of the massive US construction market. There is so much potential in the construction services industry, and we expect that ROSA and the other RAD solutions will be warmly received as they were with Citrus Construction,” Reinharz concluded. According to Statista, in 2020, new construction in the United States was valued at just over $1.36 trillion.

The complete case study can be accessed online at

https://roboticassistancedevices.com/case-study-citrus-construction/

Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) is a high-tech start-up that delivers robotics and artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex security challenges, and fuel new business ideas at reduced costs. RAD developed its advanced security robot technology from the ground up including circuit board design, and base code development. This allows RAD to have complete control over all of design elements, performance, quality and the user’s experience of all security robots whether SCOT™, ROSA™, Wally™, Wally HSO™, AVA™, or ROAMEO™. Read about how RAD is reinventing the security services industry by downloading the Autonomous Remote Services Industry Manifesto.

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this news release other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the ability of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions to provide for its obligations, to provide working capital needs from operating revenues, to obtain additional financing needed for any future acquisitions, to meet competitive challenges and technological changes, to meet business and financial goals including projections and forecasts, and other risks. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement(s) and/or to confirm the statement(s) to actual results or changes in Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions expectations.

About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX)

AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX’s RAD and RAD-M companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services, and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staffs and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai and www.roboticassistancedevices.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter @SteveReinharz.

Investor Relations Contact

The Waypoint Refinery, LLC

845-397-2956

www.thewaypointrefinery.com

Steve Reinharz

949-636-7060

KEYWORDS: United States North America Nevada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Other Construction & Property Construction & Property Hardware

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Alaska Communications Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2020 Results

Alaska Communications Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2020 Results

  • Reported total revenue of $240.6 million, exceeding guidance and an increase of 3.8% year over year
  • Delivered strong fourth quarter revenue, driven by 12.7% increase in business and wholesale revenue
  • Met Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance
  • Increased broadband service locations in underserved areas by approximately 33%
  • Alaska Communications shareholders approved transaction with ATN International

ANCHORAGE, Alaska–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALSK) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020.

“We are pleased with our strong financial performance for 2020, driven by broadband growth and increased customer cloud infrastructure during this unprecedented year. We are proud of our team and their continued exemplary customer service to our communities, particularly the education and healthcare areas. During 2020, we continued to invest in our network and expanded our broadband service by more than 3,700 locations in underserved areas of Alaska, an increase in locations of approximately 33%. In addition, we began mesh fixed wireless trials, offering internet speeds up to 1 Gig. In 2021, we plan to expand our mesh network as part of our strategy to upgrade one third of our network, extending our reach to approximately 42,000 new and existing customer locations with new or improved service.

“On March 12, 2021, our shareholders approved our merger with a subsidiary of ATN International, Inc. This transaction positions us to remain the premier communications partner within the state of Alaska, while providing significant opportunities to grow. We expect synergies in fiber infrastructure expansion and in the latest technologies for commercial customers, including next-generation managed services and private network solutions,” said Bill Bishop, President & CEO.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2019

  • Total revenue was $62.3 million, compared to $58.3 million, an increase of 7.0%.

    • Business and wholesale revenue was $43.2 million, compared to $38.3 million, up 12.7%.
    • Consumer revenue was $9.0 million, compared to $9.2 million, a decrease of 2.6%.
    • Regulatory revenue was $10.2 million, compared to $10.8 million, a decrease of 5.2%.
  • Operating expenses were $68.2 million, including $9.6 million of transaction expenses, compared to $51.3 million.
  • Operating loss was $5.8 million, compared to operating income of $7.0 million.
  • Net loss attributable to Alaska Communications was $8.2 million, compared to net income of $2.6 million.
  • Capital expenditures were $15.3 million, compared to $13.2 million, or excluding prefunded projects were $13.5 million, compared to $10.0 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $14.9 million, compared to $17.9 million.
  • Adjusted Free Cash Flow was $2.9 million, compared to $9.7 million, or excluding prefunded projects was $2.4 million, compared to $9.3 million.

Full Year 2020 Compared to Full Year 2019

  • Total revenue was $240.6 million, compared to $231.7 million, an increase of 3.8%.

    • Business and wholesale revenue was $162.9 million, compared to $150.6 million, up 8.2%.
    • Consumer revenue was $36.6 million, compared to $37.0 million, a decrease of 1.2%.
    • Regulatory revenue was $41.1 million, compared to $44.1 million, a decrease of 6.7%.
  • Operating expenses were $228.7 million, including $9.6 million of transaction expenses, compared to $209.8 million.
  • Operating income was $11.9 million, compared to $21.9 million.
  • Net loss attributable to Alaska Communications was $1.1 million, compared to net income of $4.9 million.
  • Capital expenditures were $48.2 million, compared to $44.8 million, or excluding prefunded projects were $39.9 million, compared to $41.4 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $64.1 million, compared to $62.7 million.
  • Adjusted Free Cash Flow was $14.4 million, compared to $16.0 million, or excluding prefunded projects was $15.3 million, compared to $10.4 million.

Balance Sheet Highlights

  • Cash was $21.0 million atDecember 31, 2020, compared to $28.0 million at December 31, 2019.
  • Net debt was $151.9 million atDecember 31, 2020, compared to $153.8 million at December 31, 2019.

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures can be found in tables at the end of this release and on the Company’s website at http://www.alsk.com in the investment data section.

Laurie Butcher, Alaska Communications Chief Financial Officer, said, “In 2020, we delivered strong financial performance even with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We exceeded revenue guidance, driven by increased broadband revenue, equipment sales and special project revenue coming online. Our business and wholesale growth offset our consumer and regulatory decreases, and our growth revenues continue to outpace our legacy declines. Regarding capex, due to the timing of certain projects, we were able to accelerate expansion of our fiber network and spent slightly more than guidance. Adjusted Free Cash Flow was on target, and even with incurring $7.2 million in payments associated with transaction costs in the fourth quarter, our cash balances remain strong. As a result, we are well positioned for 2021.”

2020 Performance

Operating Statement ($ in M)

2020 Guidance

2020 Performance

Total Revenue

$232 – $237

$240.6

Adjusted EBITDA

$63 – $65

$64.1

Capital Expenditures

(excluding prefunded projects)

$37 – $39

$39.9

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

(excl. prefunded projects)

$14 – $16

$15.3

Transaction Update

On December 31, 2020, Alaska Communications and ATN International, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI) signed a definitive agreement under which the Company will become a consolidated, majority owned subsidiary of ATN. After the expiration of the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust waiting period, on March 12, 2021, Alaska Communications held a special shareholder meeting where the Company’s shareholders approved the merger, pending certification of the vote results. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021, subject to certain regulatory approvals and other conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of ATN will acquire all the outstanding shares of Alaska Communications common stock for $3.40 per share in cash. Alaska Communications’ prior agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Macquarie Capital and GCM Grosvenor, through its Labor Impact Fund, L.P., was terminated on December 31, 2020. The company paid a termination fee of $6.8 million.

Conference Call

Due to the pending transaction, the Company will not hold a conference call.

About Alaska Communications

Alaska Communications (NASDAQ: ALSK) is the leading provider of advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and consumers in Alaska. The Company operates a highly reliable, advanced statewide data network with the latest technology and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous U.S. For more information, visit www.alaskacommunications.com or www.alsk.com.

Revenue Category Definitions

Growth Revenues are defined as business broadband, managed IT services, equipment sales and installations, wholesale broadband and consumer broadband. Legacy Revenues are defined as business voice and other, Wholesale voice and other, consumer voice and other, and Access. CAF II Revenues are defined as high cost support.

Non-GAAP Measures

In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have provided certain non-GAAP financial information, including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Net Debt. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the effects of period to period changes in costs that are not directly attributable to the underlying performance of the Company’s business operations and is used by Management and the Company’s Board of Directors to evaluate current operating financial performance, analyze and evaluate strategic and operational decisions and better evaluate comparability between periods. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP liquidity measured used by Management and the Company’s Board of Directors to assess the Company’s ability to generate cash and plan for future operating and capital actions. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are common measures utilized by our peers (other telecommunications companies) and we believe they provide useful information to investors and analysts about the Company’s operating results, financial condition and cash flows. Net Debt provides Management and the Company’s Board of Directors with a measure of the Company’s current leverage position. The definition and computation of these non-GAAP measures are provided on Schedules 4, 6 and 9 to this press release. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow should not be considered a substitute for Net Income, Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities and other measures of financial performance recorded in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to our nearest GAAP measures can be found in the tables in this release. Other companies may not calculate non-GAAP measures in the same manner as Alaska Communications. The Company does not provide reconciliations of guidance for Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow to Net Cash from Operating Activities, in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. The Company does not forecast certain items required to develop the comparable GAAP financial measures. These items are charges and benefits for uncollectible accounts, certain other non-cash expenses, unusual items typically excluded from Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, and changes in operating assets and liabilities (generally the most significant of these items, representing cash inflows of $15.9 million in the twelve-month period of 2020).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events made using information currently available to management. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Such factors include, without limitation changes in technology and related standards, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy of Alaska and on the Company, the impact of natural or man-made disasters and accidents, Federal and Alaska Universal Service Fund changes and our current and historical compliance with the obligations of those programs, structural declines for voice and other legacy services, maintenance or IT issues, third-party intellectual property claims, potential pension shortfalls, the success or failure of future strategic transactions, funding through the rural health care universal service support mechanism and our ability to comply and our history of compliance with the regulatory requirements to receive those support payments, our ability to service our debt and refinance as required, adverse economic conditions, our success in providing broadband services on the North Slope and Western Alaska, the effects of competition in our markets, our relatively small size compared with our competitors, the Company’s ability to compete, manage, integrate, market, maintain, and attract sufficient customers for its products and services, adverse changes in labor matters, including workforce levels, labor negotiations, employee benefit costs, our ability to control other operating costs, disruption of our supplier’s provisioning of critical products or services, the actions of activist shareholders, changes in Company’s relationships with large customers, unforeseen changes in public policies, regulatory changes, our internal control over financial reporting, and changes in accounting standards or policies, which could affect reported financial results. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please refer to the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of the Company’s SEC filings may be obtained by contacting its investor relations department at (907) 564-7556 or by visiting its investor relations website at www.alsk.com.

Schedule 1

ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,

 

December 31,

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 
 
Operating revenues

$

62,333

 

$

58,262

 

$

240,569

 

$

231,694

 

 
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

30,316

 

 

26,847

 

 

112,443

 

 

105,615

 

Selling, general & administrative

 

17,610

 

 

14,512

 

 

65,773

 

 

66,718

 

Transaction and termination costs

 

9,550

 

 

–

 

 

9,550

 

 

–

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

10,560

 

 

9,851

 

 

40,667

 

 

37,276

 

Loss on disposal of assets, net

 

117

 

 

55

 

 

240

 

 

156

 

 
Total operating expenses

 

68,153

 

 

51,265

 

 

228,673

 

 

209,765

 

 
Operating (loss) income

 

(5,820

)

 

6,997

 

 

11,896

 

 

21,929

 

 
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense

 

(2,643

)

 

(2,910

)

 

(11,000

)

 

(12,059

)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

(2,830

)

Interest income

 

18

 

 

94

 

 

174

 

 

385

 

Other income (expense), net

 

(8

)

 

(17

)

 

439

 

 

175

 

Total other income and (expense)

 

(2,633

)

 

(2,833

)

 

(10,387

)

 

(14,329

)

 
(Loss) income before income tax benefit (expense)

 

(8,453

)

 

4,164

 

 

1,509

 

 

7,600

 

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

232

 

 

(1,537

)

 

(2,665

)

 

(2,765

)

 
Net (loss) income

 

(8,221

)

 

2,627

 

 

(1,156

)

 

4,835

 

 
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

(19

)

 

(17

)

 

(83

)

 

(93

)

 
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications

$

(8,202

)

$

2,644

 

$

(1,073

)

$

4,928

 

 
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Net (loss) income applicable to common shares

$

(8,202

)

$

2,644

 

$

(1,073

)

$

4,928

 

 
Basic

$

(0.15

)

$

0.05

 

$

(0.02

)

$

0.09

 

Diluted

$

(0.15

)

$

0.05

 

$

(0.02

)

$

0.09

 

 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

 

54,179

 

 

53,012

 

 

54,013

 

 

53,379

 

Diluted

 

54,179

 

 

53,975

 

 

54,013

 

 

54,277

 

 

Schedule 2

 
ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
 

December 31,

December 31,

Assets

2020

2019

 
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

$

19,644

 

$

26,662

 

Restricted cash

 

1,326

 

 

1,331

 

Short-term investments

 

434

 

 

434

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $4,060 and $4,627

 

41,893

 

 

34,354

 

Materials and supplies

 

7,624

 

 

8,900

 

Prepayments and other current assets

 

6,404

 

 

9,617

 

Total current assets

 

77,325

 

 

81,298

 

 
Property, plant and equipment

 

1,452,943

 

 

1,424,904

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(1,062,027

)

 

(1,042,546

)

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

390,916

 

 

382,358

 

 
Operating lease right of use assets

 

89,821

 

 

80,991

 

Other assets

 

11,370

 

 

12,598

 

Total assets

$

569,432

 

$

557,245

 

 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations

$

9,067

 

$

8,906

 

Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities

 

49,700

 

 

42,869

 

Operating lease liabilities – current

 

3,392

 

 

2,795

 

Total current liabilities

 

62,159

 

 

54,570

 

 
Long-term obligations, net of current portion

 

159,641

 

 

167,476

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,846

 

 

4,403

 

Operating lease liabilities – noncurrent

 

81,103

 

 

78,767

 

Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion

 

94,764

 

 

78,520

 

Total liabilities

 

403,513

 

 

383,736

 

 
Commitments and contingencies
Alaska Communications stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 145,000 authorized

 

549

 

 

541

 

Treasury stock, 1,000 shares at cost

 

(1,812

)

 

(1,812

)

Additional paid in capital

 

163,317

 

 

161,844

 

Retained earnings

 

9,442

 

 

15,367

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(6,340

)

 

(3,277

)

Total Alaska Communications stockholders’ equity

 

165,156

 

 

172,663

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

763

 

 

846

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

165,919

 

 

173,509

 

 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

569,432

 

$

557,245

 

 

Schedule 3

 
ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,

 

December 31,

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income

$

(8,221

)

$

2,627

 

$

(1,156

)

$

4,835

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization

 

10,560

 

 

9,851

 

 

40,667

 

 

37,276

 

Loss on disposal of assets, net

 

117

 

 

55

 

 

240

 

 

156

 

Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount

 

292

 

 

304

 

 

1,234

 

 

1,215

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

2,830

 

Amortization of deferred capacity revenue

 

(1,789

)

 

(1,255

)

 

(6,670

)

 

(4,655

)

Stock-based compensation

 

475

 

 

814

 

 

1,693

 

 

1,580

 

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

 

(232

)

 

1,385

 

 

2,658

 

 

2,919

 

Charge for uncollectible accounts

 

739

 

 

(18

)

 

(216

)

 

257

 

Amortization of ROU assets

 

825

 

 

572

 

 

2,897

 

 

2,288

 

Other non-cash expense (income), net

 

8

 

 

18

 

 

(91

)

 

70

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

3,459

 

 

1,842

 

 

15,863

 

 

10,044

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

6,233

 

 

16,195

 

 

57,119

 

 

58,815

 

 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures

 

(15,303

)

 

(13,208

)

 

(48,243

)

 

(44,764

)

Capitalized interest

 

(358

)

 

(396

)

 

(1,364

)

 

(1,379

)

Change in unsettled capital expenditures

 

(981

)

 

57

 

 

(579

)

 

640

 

Proceeds on sale of assets

 

–

 

 

5

 

 

–

 

 

25

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(16,642

)

 

(13,542

)

 

(50,186

)

 

(45,478

)

 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt

 

(2,267

)

 

(1,137

)

 

(8,908

)

 

(174,040

)

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

180,000

 

Debt issuance costs and discounts

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

(2,683

)

Cash paid for debt extinguishment

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

(1,252

)

Payment of cash dividend on common stock

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

(4,836

)

 

–

 

Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation

 

(17

)

 

(5

)

 

(456

)

 

(453

)

Purchases of treasury stock

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

(1,812

)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

120

 

 

105

 

 

244

 

 

211

 

Net cash used by financing activities

 

(2,164

)

 

(1,037

)

 

(13,956

)

 

(29

)

 
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(12,573

)

 

1,616

 

 

(7,023

)

 

13,308

 

 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

33,543

 

 

26,377

 

 

27,993

 

 

14,685

 

 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

20,970

 

$

27,993

 

$

20,970

 

$

27,993

 

 
Supplemental Cash Flow Data:
Interest paid

$

2,705

 

$

2,992

 

$

11,137

 

$

12,228

 

Dividends payable at December 31, 2020

$

16

 

$

–

 

$

16

 

$

–

 

Income taxes paid, net

$

(4,311

)

$

(5,051

)

$

(4,307

)

$

(5,041

)

 
Schedule 4
ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
ADJUSTED EBITDA
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,

 

December 31,

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 
Net (loss) income

$

(8,221

)

$

2,627

 

$

(1,156

)

$

4,835

 

Add (subtract):
Interest expense

 

2,643

 

 

2,910

 

 

11,000

 

 

12,059

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

–

 

 

2,830

 

Interest income

 

(18

)

 

(94

)

 

(174

)

 

(385

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

10,560

 

 

9,851

 

 

40,667

 

 

37,276

 

Other expense (income), net

 

8

 

 

17

 

 

(439

)

 

(175

)

Loss on disposal of assets, net

 

117

 

 

55

 

 

240

 

 

156

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(232

)

 

1,537

 

 

2,665

 

 

2,765

 

Stock-based compensation

 

475

 

 

814

 

 

1,693

 

 

1,580

 

Transaction-related costs

 

9,550

 

 

–

 

 

9,550

 

 

–

 

Cash severance expense

 

–

 

 

120

 

 

–

 

 

1,715

 

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

19

 

 

17

 

 

83

 

 

93

 

 
Adjusted EBITDA

$

14,901

 

$

17,854

 

$

64,129

 

$

62,749

 

Non-GAAP Measures:

The Company provides certain non-GAAP financial information, including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Net Debt. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the effects of period to period changes in costs that are not directly attributable to the underlying performance of the Company’s business operations and is used by Management and the Company’s Board of Directors to evaluate current operating financial performance, analyze and evaluate strategic and operational decisions and better evaluate comparability between periods. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP liquidity measure used by Management to assess the Company’s ability to generate cash and plan for future operating and capital actions. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are common measures utilized by our peers (other telecommunications companies) and we believe they provide useful information to investors and analysts about the Company’s operating results, financial condition and cash flows. Net Debt provides Management and the Board of Directors with a measure of the Company’s current leverage position.

The Company does not provide reconciliations of guidance for Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. The Company does not forecast certain items required to develop the comparable GAAP financial measures. These items are charges and benefits for uncollectible accounts, certain other non-cash expenses, unusual items typically excluded from Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, and changes in operating assets and liabilities (generally the most significant of these items, representing cash inflows of $15.9 million in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2020).

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are not GAAP measures and should not be considered a substitute for net income, net cash provided by operating activities, or net cash provided or used. Adjusted EBITDA as computed above is not consistent with the definition of Consolidated EBITDA referenced in our 2019 Senior Credit Facility, and other companies may not calculate Non-GAAP measures in the same manner we do.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense and income, loss on extinguishment of debt, depreciation and amortization, other income and expense, gain or loss on asset purchases or disposals, provision for income taxes, stock-based compensation, transaction-related costs, cash severance expense, and net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Schedule 5

ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
         
 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

         
Net cash provided by operating activities  

$

6,233

 

 

$

16,195

 

 

$

57,119

 

 

$

58,815

 

Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided by operating activities to adjusted free cash flow:        
Capital expenditures excluding prefunded projects  

 

(13,536

)

 

 

(9,981

)

 

 

(39,881

)

 

 

(41,355

)

Capital expenditures for prefunded projects  

 

(1,767

)

 

 

(3,227

)

 

 

(8,362

)

 

 

(3,409

)

Milestone payments received for prefunded projects  

 

2,615

 

 

 

3,785

 

 

 

16,895

 

 

 

9,070

 

Milestone payments made for prefunded projects  

 

–

 

 

 

–

 

 

 

(8,250

)

 

 

–

 

Deferred cost of sales for prefunded projects  

 

175

 

 

 

–

 

 

 

525

 

 

 

–

 

Amortization of revenue for prefunded projects  

 

(523

)

 

 

(113

)

 

 

(1,753

)

 

 

(113

)

Amortization of deferred capacity revenue  

 

1,789

 

 

 

1,255

 

 

 

6,670

 

 

 

4,655

 

Amortization of GCI capacity revenue  

 

(523

)

 

 

(522

)

 

 

(2,077

)

 

 

(2,071

)

Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount  

 

(292

)

 

 

(304

)

 

 

(1,234

)

 

 

(1,215

)

Interest expense  

 

2,643

 

 

 

2,910

 

 

 

11,000

 

 

 

12,059

 

Interest paid  

 

(2,705

)

 

 

(2,992

)

 

 

(11,137

)

 

 

(12,228

)

Interest income  

 

(18

)

 

 

(94

)

 

 

(174

)

 

 

(385

)

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)  

 

232

 

 

 

(1,385

)

 

 

(2,658

)

 

 

(2,919

)

Income tax (benefit) expense  

 

(232

)

 

 

1,537

 

 

 

2,665

 

 

 

2,765

 

Income taxes paid, net  

 

4,311

 

 

 

5,051

 

 

 

4,307

 

 

 

5,041

 

Charge for uncollectible accounts  

 

(739

)

 

 

18

 

 

 

216

 

 

 

(257

)

Amortization of ROU assets  

 

(825

)

 

 

(572

)

 

 

(2,897

)

 

 

(2,288

)

Transaction-related costs  

 

9,550

 

 

 

–

 

 

 

9,550

 

 

 

–

 

Other expense (income), net  

 

8

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

(439

)

 

 

(175

)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  

 

19

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

83

 

 

 

93

 

Other non-cash (expense) income, net  

 

(8

)

 

 

(18

)

 

 

91

 

 

 

(70

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities  

 

(3,459

)

 

 

(1,842

)

 

 

(15,863

)

 

 

(10,044

)

Adjusted free cash flow  

$

2,948

 

 

$

9,735

 

 

$

14,396

 

 

$

15,969

 

         
Schedule 6
ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
         
 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

         
Adjusted EBITDA  

$

14,901

 

 

$

17,854

 

 

$

64,129

 

 

$

62,749

 

         
Less:        
Capital expenditures excluding prefunded projects  

 

(13,536

)

 

 

(9,981

)

 

 

(39,881

)

 

 

(41,355

)

Amortization of GCI capacity revenue  

 

(523

)

 

 

(522

)

 

 

(2,077

)

 

 

(2,071

)

Cash severance expense  

 

–

 

 

 

(120

)

 

 

–

 

 

 

(1,715

)

Income taxes paid, net  

 

4,311

 

 

 

5,051

 

 

 

4,307

 

 

 

5,041

 

Interest paid  

 

(2,705

)

 

 

(2,992

)

 

 

(11,137

)

 

 

(12,228

)

 

 

2,448

 

 

 

9,290

 

 

 

15,341

 

 

 

10,421

 

Impact of prefunded projects:        
Capital expenditures for prefunded projects  

 

(1,767

)

 

 

(3,227

)

 

 

(8,362

)

 

 

(3,409

)

Milestone payments received for prefunded projects  

 

2,615

 

 

 

3,785

 

 

 

16,895

 

 

 

9,070

 

Milestone payments made for prefunded projects  

 

–

 

 

 

–

 

 

 

(8,250

)

 

 

–

 

Deferred cost of sales for prefunded projects  

 

175

 

 

 

–

 

 

 

525

 

 

 

–

 

Amortization of revenue for prefunded projects  

 

(523

)

 

 

(113

)

 

 

(1,753

)

 

 

(113

)

 

 

500

 

 

 

445

 

 

 

(945

)

 

 

5,548

 

Adjusted free cash flow*  

$

2,948

 

 

$

9,735

 

 

$

14,396

 

 

$

15,969

 

* Quarterly Adjusted Free Cash Flow fluctuates and should not be viewed as an indicator of annual performance. Onetime events, seasonality of capital spend and the timing of interest payments may result in negative Adjusted Free Cash Flow in one or more quarters.

Non-GAAP Measures:

Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP liquidity measure and is defined as Adjusted EBITDA, less recurring operating cash requirements which include capital expenditures, cash income taxes refunded or paid, cash interest paid, amortization of GCI capacity revenue, cash severance expense for the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, and cash receipts and payments, deferred costs and amortized revenue and expense associated with certain prefunded special projects as defined in the 2019 Senior Credit Facility. Amortization of deferred revenue associated with our interconnection agreement with GCI is excluded from Adjusted Free Cash Flow because no cash was received by the Company in connection with this agreement. Amortization of all other deferred revenue, including that associated with other IRU capacity arrangements, is included in Adjusted Free Cash Flow because cash was received by the Company, typically at contract inception, and is being recognized as revenue over the term of the relevant agreement.

See Schedule 3 for Net cash provided by operating activities, Net cash used by investing activities, and Net cash used by financing activities.

See Schedule 5 for the reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow.

Schedule 7

         
ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
REVENUE BY CUSTOMER GROUP
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
         
 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Business and wholesale revenue        
Business broadband  

$

16,288

 

 

$

15,427

 

$

64,238

 

 

$

61,785

Business voice and other  

 

7,189

 

 

 

7,218

 

 

28,936

 

 

 

28,660

Managed IT services  

 

1,148

 

 

 

1,529

 

 

5,052

 

 

 

6,494

Equipment sales and installations  

 

4,800

 

 

 

1,868

 

 

9,508

 

 

 

4,698

Wholesale broadband  

 

12,456

 

 

 

11,321

 

 

49,878

 

 

 

43,310

Wholesale voice and other  

 

1,282

 

 

 

929

 

 

5,256

 

 

 

5,617

         
Total business and wholesale revenue  

 

43,163

 

 

 

38,292

 

 

162,868

 

 

 

150,564

Growth in business and wholesale  

 

12.7

%

   

 

8.2

%

 
Consumer revenue        
Broadband  

 

6,706

 

 

 

6,709

 

 

27,180

 

 

 

26,589

Voice and other  

 

2,245

 

 

 

2,484

 

 

9,379

 

 

 

10,431

         
Total consumer revenue  

 

8,951

 

 

 

9,193

 

 

36,559

 

 

 

37,020

         
Total business, wholesale, and consumer revenue  

 

52,114

 

 

 

47,485

 

 

199,427

 

 

 

187,584

Growth in business, wholesale and consumer revenue  

 

9.7

%

   

 

6.3

%

 
Growth in broadband revenue  

 

6.0

%

   

 

7.3

%

 
         
Regulatory revenue        
Access  

 

5,295

 

 

 

5,853

 

 

21,448

 

 

 

24,416

High cost support  

 

4,924

 

 

 

4,924

 

 

19,694

 

 

 

19,694

         
Total regulatory revenue  

 

10,219

 

 

 

10,777

 

 

41,142

 

 

 

44,110

         
Total revenue  

$

62,333

 

 

$

58,262

 

$

240,569

 

 

$

231,694

Growth in total revenue  

 

7.0

%

   

 

3.8

%

 

Growth Revenues: Business broadband, Managed IT services, Equipment sales and installations, Wholesale broadband, and Consumer broadband

Legacy Revenues: Business voice and other, Wholesale voice and other, Consumer voice and other, and Access

CAF II Revenues: High Cost Support

Schedule 8

       
ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
KEY OPERATING STATISTICS
(Unaudited)
       
 

Three Months Ended

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2020

 

2020

 

2019

       
Voice:      
Business access lines  

 

65,294

 

 

 

66,253

 

 

 

68,242

 

Consumer access lines  

 

20,578

 

 

 

21,229

 

 

 

22,829

 

       
Voice ARPU business  

$

28.61

 

 

$

27.98

 

 

$

26.56

 

Voice ARPU consumer  

$

34.77

 

 

$

34.13

 

 

$

33.90

 

       
Broadband:      
Business connections  

 

14,652

 

 

 

14,672

 

 

 

14,880

 

Consumer connections  

 

30,598

 

 

 

32,012

 

 

 

31,480

 

       
Broadband ARPU business  

$

371.60

 

 

$

364.04

 

 

$

343.83

 

Broadband ARPU consumer  

$

72.84

 

 

$

72.41

 

 

$

70.81

 

       
Monthly Average Churn:      
Business voice  

 

0.4

%

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

0.7

%

Consumer broadband  

 

1.5

%

 

 

3.0

%

 

 

2.9

%

Consumer voice  

 

1.1

%

 

 

1.1

%

 

 

1.3

%

       
Schedule 9
     
ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.
LONG TERM DEBT AND NET DEBT
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
   

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

2019 senior secured credit facility due 2024  

$

168,896

 

 

$

177,750

 

Debt discount – 2019 senior secured credit facilities due 2024  

 

(1,523

)

 

 

(2,234

)

Debt issuance costs – 2019 senior secured credit facilities due 2024  

 

(1,341

)

 

 

(1,863

)

Capital leases and other long-term obligations  

 

2,676

 

 

 

2,729

 

Total debt  

 

168,708

 

 

 

176,382

 

Less current portion  

 

(9,067

)

 

 

(8,906

)

Long-term obligations, net of current portion  

$

159,641

 

 

$

167,476

 

     
Total debt  

$

168,708

 

 

$

176,382

 

Plus debt discounts and debt issuance costs  

 

2,864

 

 

 

4,097

 

Gross debt  

 

171,572

 

 

 

180,479

 

Cash and cash equivalents  

 

(19,644

)

 

 

(26,662

)

Net debt  

$

151,928

 

 

$

153,817

 

 

Media Contact

Heather Cavanaugh, 907-564-7722

Director, External Affairs and Corporate Communications

Investor Contact

Tiffany Smith, 907-564-7556

Manager, Board and Investor Relations

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Alaska

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Mobile/Wireless Telecommunications Software Networks Internet Hardware Data Management VoIP

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Chief Medical Officer of electroCore, Inc. Peter Staats, M.D. Describes Potential At-Home Solutions to Reduce Common COVID-19 Symptoms

Chief Medical Officer of electroCore, Inc. Peter Staats, M.D. Describes Potential At-Home Solutions to Reduce Common COVID-19 Symptoms

ROCKAWAY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Amid the vaccine roll out, 97,309 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to the CDC. Peter Staats, M.D. Chief Medical Officer of electroCore, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECOR), outlines common COVID-19 symptoms and at-home steps that can be discussed with health care providers to reduce symptoms.

At-home steps to reduce COVID-19 symptoms:

  • Confusion and Brain Fog: Although brain fog is not a true medical condition, it is a common symptom for many COVID-19 patients. Confusion and brain fog can be very frustrating and cause forgetfulness, cognitive decline, memory problems, inability to focus, haziness, and can even make sufferers feel exhausted. While there is no simple treatment for confusion and brain fog, plenty of sleep often is suggested to help promote good brain health. A healthy diet is recommended and encouraged, and when ready, physical activity and memory exercises can help jumpstart brain alertness.
  • Migraines: Traditional anti-inflammatory therapies like Advil and Tylenol may be a treatment option for many people. In addition, FDA cleared gammaCore Sapphire™ (nVNS) may be considered for appropriate patients. nVNS has been shown to decrease the pain of a migraine attack and can also prevent attacks from starting. gammaCore Sapphire is a handheld, rechargeable, portable device designed to non-invasively stimulate the vagus nerve. gammaCore Sapphire is cleared for preventive treatment of cluster headache, the acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache, and the acute and preventive treatment of migraine in adolescent (age 12 and older) and adult patients.
  • Cough: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drinking lots of warm fluids, like tea and broth is a beneficial nonmedical treatment in lessening coughs. Cough drops or hard candies help reduce the urge to cough. OTC cough suppressants like Dextromethorphan can be helpful for some patients as well.
  • Trouble Breathing:If you are experiencing new onset shortness of breath it is important to speak with your health care provider as this can be a sign of many types of problems.gammaCore SapphireTM CV (nVNS) received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA in July, 2020 to treat patients with known or suspected COVID-19 who are experiencing aggravation of asthma-related symptoms such as reduced airflow for whom approved drug therapies provide insufficient relief. gammaCore Sapphire CV offers 12 treatments per day for up to 3 months and may help achieve improved airflow. Physicians may choose to prescribe gammaCore Sapphire CV to ease such symptoms while waiting for COVID-19 test results.
  • Fever: As the body’s natural response to kill infection, a slight fever is a sign that the body is trying to fight the infection on its own. Low level fevers are generally not a bad thing and can be reduced with Tylenol and Motrin if indicated. Always consult with your healthcare provider if fevers spike past 102 degrees.
  • Joint Pain: Persistent joint pain can be a debilitating condition and can affect quality of life, so it is important to consult a medial professional. Anti-inflammatory medications like Advil and Aleve are known to relieve and help reduce joint pain. Exercise is an ongoing way to reduce the pain and strengthen the weakened muscles around joints.
  • Inability to Wake or Stay Awake: Exhaustion and sedation are very common problems associated with COVID-19. As the body is fighting the virus, try to avoid exertion by discontinuing even the simplest most mundane tasks. Patients should generally load up on drinks high in electrolytes to replenish fluids and minerals lost while fighting the infection.
  • Monitor your Health Post-Infection: Unfortunately, long-haul COVID-19 symptoms are very common, even for people who experienced a mild case initially. If symptoms continue for longer than expected, consult with your health care provider and reference the above tips.

“Remember, continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask, and avoid large indoor social gatherings even after you’ve been vaccinated,” adds Staats. “Don’t second guess whether your pain is real. Whether COVID-19 is in its early stages or you are a COVID-19 long-hauler experiencing the same or new symptoms, keep in close touch with your healthcare provider.”

The information contained herein is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately. If you choose to rely on any information provided herein, you do so solely at your own risk.

About electroCore, Inc.

electroCore, Inc. is a commercial stage bioelectronic medicine company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through its platform non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation therapy initially focused on the treatment of multiple conditions in neurology. The company’s current indications are the preventative treatment of cluster headache and migraine and acute treatment of migraine and episodic cluster headache.

For more information, visit www.electrocore.com.

About gammaCoreTM

gammaCoreTM (nVNS) is the first non-invasive, hand-held medical therapy applied at the neck as an adjunctive therapy to treat migraine and cluster headache through the utilization of a mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve that passes through the skin. Designed as a portable, easy-to-use technology, gammaCore can be self-administered by patients, as needed, without the potential side effects associated with commonly prescribed drugs. When placed on a patient’s neck over the vagus nerve, gammaCore stimulates the nerve’s afferent fibers, which may lead to a reduction of pain in patients.

gammaCore is FDA cleared in the United States for adjunctive use for the preventive treatment of cluster headache in adult patients, the acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache in adult patients, and the acute and preventive treatment of migraine in adolescent (ages 12 and older) and adult patients. gammaCore is CE-marked in the European Union for the acute and/or prophylactic treatment of primary headache (Migraine, Cluster Headache, Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias and Hemicrania Continua) and Medication Overuse Headache in adults.

  • gammaCore is contraindicated for patients with:

    • An active implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, hearing aid implant, or any implanted electronic device
    • A metallic device, such as a stent, bone plate, or bone screw, implanted at or near the neck
    • An open wound, rash, infection, swelling, cut, sore, drug patch, or surgical scar(s) on the neck at the treatment location
  • Safety and efficacy of gammaCore have not been evaluated in the following patients:

    • Patients diagnosed with narrowing of the arteries (carotid atherosclerosis)
    • Patients who have had surgery to cut the vagus nerve in the neck (cervical vagotomy)
    • Pediatric
    • Patients (younger than 12 years)
    • Pregnant women
    • Patients with clinically significant hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, or tachycardia

In the United States, the FDA has not cleared gammaCore for the treatment of pneumonia and/or respiratory disorders, such as COVID-19-associated acute respiratory stress disorder. Refer to the gammaCore Instructions for Use for all important warnings and precautions before using or prescribing this product.

The U.S. FDA has cleared the gammaCore Sapphire CV device under an emergency use authorization for acute use at home or in a healthcare setting to treat adult patients with known or suspected COVID-19 who are experiencing an exacerbation of asthma-related dyspnea and reduced airflow, and for whom approved pharmacologic therapies are not tolerated or provide insufficient symptom relief as assessed by their healthcare provider, using noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on either side of the patient’s neck.

gammaCore Sapphire CV has not been cleared or approved for acute use in the home or healthcare setting to treat adult patients with known or suspected COVID-19 who are experiencing an exacerbation of asthma-related dyspnea and reduced airflow, and for whom approved pharmacologic therapies are not tolerated or provide insufficient symptom relief as assessed by their healthcare provider, using noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on either side of the patient’s neck during pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

gammaCore Sapphire CV has been authorized only for the duration of the statement that circumstances exist that warrant authorization of the emergency use of medical devices under section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbbb-3(b)(1), until the authorization is terminated or revoked.

More information can be found at:

Letter of authorization: https://www.fda.gov/media/139967/download

Fact sheet for healthcare workers: https://www.fda.gov/media/139968/download

Patient information sheet: https://www.fda.gov/media/139969/download

Instructions for use of gammaCore https://www.fda.gov/media/139970/download

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and other written and oral statements made by representatives of electroCore may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about electroCore’s business prospects and clinical and product development plans; its pipeline or potential markets for its technologies; the timing, outcome and impact of regulatory, clinical and commercial developments; including trials for the study of nVNS in COVID-19 patients in Spain, the U.S., or elsewhere, the business, operating or financial impact of such studies; the potential of nVNS generally and gammaCore in particular for the acute and preventative treatment of migraine in adolescence and other statements that are not historical in nature, particularly those that utilize terminology such as “anticipates,” “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” other words of similar meaning, derivations of such words and the use of future dates. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the ability to raise the additional funding needed to continue to pursue electroCore’s business and product development plans, the inherent uncertainties associated with developing new products or technologies, the ability to commercialize gammaCore™, the potential impact and effects of COVID-19 on the business of electroCore, electroCore’s results of operations and financial performance, and any measures electroCore has and may take in response to COVID-19 and any expectations electroCore may have with respect thereto, competition in the industry in which electroCore operates and overall market conditions. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and electroCore assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure set forth in the reports and other documents electroCore files with the SEC available at www.sec.gov.

Investors:

Hans Vitzthum

LifeSci Advisors

617-430-7578

[email protected]

or

Media Contact:

Summer Diaz

electroCore

973-290-0097

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New Jersey

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Medical Devices Infectious Diseases FDA Fitness & Nutrition Cardiology Other Health Biotechnology Alternative Medicine General Health Health

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