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Olympia Financial Group Inc. Announces February Dividend

Olympia Financial Group Inc. Announces February Dividend

CALGARY, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Olympia Financial Group Inc. (TSX: OLY) announces that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly cash dividend on its common shares of $0.23 per common share. The dividend will be payable on February 26, 2021 to shareholders on record as at February 17, 2021. The ex-dividend date is February 16, 2021.

Olympia Financial Group Inc. designates the entire amount of this taxable dividend to be an “eligible dividend” for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), as amended from time to time. Please contact your tax advisor if you have any questions with regards to the designation of the eligible dividend.

About Olympia Financial Group Inc.

Olympia Financial Group Inc. (“OFGI”) conducts most of its operations through its subsidiary Olympia Trust Company, a non-deposit taking trust company. Olympia Trust Company is licensed to conduct trust activities in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Olympia Trust Company administers self-directed registered plan accounts, provides currency exchange and payment services, corporate trust and transfer agency services. OFGI also offers private health services plansand information technology services to exempt market dealers, registrants and issuers through its subsidiary Olympia Benefits Inc.

OFGI’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “OLY”.

Olympia Financial Group Inc.

Rick Skauge, President and Chief Executive Officer

Gerhard Barnard, Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Phone: (403) 261-0900

Fax: (403) 265-1455

KEYWORDS: North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Finance

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At Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is an Ongoing Commitment

At Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is an Ongoing Commitment

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
In honor of Black History Month, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has deepened our commitment to our Equity Action Plan, established in June 2020. The plan outlines a set of actions that we are committed to in the fight for racial justice and equity, including:

  1. Philanthropic support and long-term partnerships with non-profit organizations that advocate for racial justice and equity;
  2. Increasing Black representation across our company, and among our vendors, partners and collaborators; and
  3. Reinforcing an internal culture of inclusion and belonging.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion are values core to Williams-Sonoma, Inc. We, as a company, made the commitment to work toward racial equity, recognizing that our actions ultimately matter most. Together with our associates, our Equity Action non-profit partners and our business partners, we will continue to use our collective power to drive and advocate for positive change,” said Laura Alber, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Since the launch of this Equity Action Plan, we have dedicated time, talent and financial support to carry out its commitments. “We acted quickly to deliver on the commitments in a short time through the passion and dedication of our associates and partners, and we know our work has just begun. There is so much more we can do, together,” said Karalyn Smith, Chief Talent Officer.

Philanthropic support expands beyond national organizations to local non-profits in the communities we serve

We formed ongoing partnerships with three national non-profit leaders: NAACP, National Urban League and Jackie Robinson Foundation, launching efforts to support their missions. In honor of Black History Month, we launched a donation campaign across our brands where we invite our customers to get involved by supporting these three organizations and the work they do.

At a local level, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has committed $1 million to match employee donations to qualified racial justice and equity non-profits, to support the positive impact of these non-profits in our communities. We now have local community partnerships with over 20 non-profits across the country, like CAMBA in Brooklyn and the Hidden Genius Project in the Bay Area, focused on improving education and supporting community development projects fighting for racial equity.

Representation of Black talent has increased, diversifying our workforce, partners and product offerings, with clear goals established to grow representation at all levels of leadership

We are proud of our progress in increasing our representation of Black talent across levels and workforces. We broadened our talent pipeline for both full-time and intern positions by partnering with over 150 organizations, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, BRAG and blackjobs.com. All open jobs since launching our Equity Action Plan have a diverse slate of candidates, and we incorporated unconscious bias training into the hiring processes.

In addition to these talent initiatives, our brands are consciously increasing Black representation among our vendors, partners and collaborators. We are excited to share our new initiatives and continue to forge new partnerships to increase the diversity of our offerings:

  • West Elm has taken the 15% Pledge to increase its representation of Black-owned businesses and is featuring Black artists, designers and makers in its assortment, found in stores and online. You can meet these innovative makers in the weekly Instagram “Meet the Maker” series.
  • Pottery Barn has launched its partnership with the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) to work with its community of creators, artists, and design professionals to bring Black Excellence in design and artistry to our customers.
  • Pottery Barn Kids has launched a partnership with Conscious Kid to offer curated book bundles that celebrate diversity and help promote healthy racial identity development in youth.
  • Williams Sonoma is highlighting the important work Black chefs are doing by featuring an online collection of cookbooks written by Black authors filled with recipes, stories and the diversity of the Black experience in the food industry and Black culture in America.

Reinforcing an internal culture of inclusion and belonging remains a core value and focus

We introduced new forums to deepen our associates’ learning about diversity, equity, race and bias while intentionally reinforcing our culture of inclusion. These events have brought together individuals across teams in dialogue, opening up sometimes difficult, and always valuable, conversations. Our Black Associate Network continues to play an impactful role in creating a culture of belonging, alongside our other associate networks and our Equity Action Committee, comprised of a diverse group of leaders across teams.

For more information on Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s continued efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as all of our other sustainability initiatives, visit https://sustainability.williams-sonomainc.com/.

ABOUT WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer. The company’s products, representing distinct merchandise strategies — Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham — are marketed through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs and retail stores. These brands are also part of The Key Rewards, our free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma family of brands. We operate in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, offer international shipping to customers worldwide, and have unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico and South Korea, as well as e-commerce websites in certain locations.

WSM-PR

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Elise Wang, Investor Relations and Corporate PR

(415) 616-8571

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Home Goods Women Retail Other Philanthropy Men Catalog Online Retail Interior Design Luxury Fund Raising Consumer Foundation Department Stores Philanthropy Construction & Property Office Products Other Retail Specialty

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Wolf Popper LLP Announces Investigation on Behalf of Investors in Clover Health Investments, Corp. (CLOV)

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Wolf Popper LLP is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of purchasers of Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ: CLOV).

On April 21, 2020, a blank check/special purpose acquisition vehicle called Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. III (“SCH”) had its IPO. SCH’s securities were listed and traded under the symbols IPOC, IPOC.WS, and IPOC.U. On October 6, 2020, SCH announced it was going to merge with Clover Health Investments Corp. in a deal that valued Clover at a $3.7B enterprise value. The deal closed on January 7, 2021 and the company changed its name to Clover Health Investments, Corp. and its stock symbol to “CLOV”.

On February 4, 2021, Hindenburg Research issued a report alleging that Clover was “under active investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which is investigating at least 12 issues ranging from kickbacks to marketing practices to undisclosed third-party deals, according to a Civil Investigative Demand (similar to a subpoena) [Hindenburg] obtained.”   

On this news, Clover’s stock price fell over 12% and closed at $12.23 per share on February 4, 2021.

On February 5, 2021, Clover announced that it had “received a letter from the [SEC] indicating that it is conducting an investigation and requesting document and data preservation for the period from January 1, 2020, to the present, relating to certain matters that are referenced in the [Hindenburg] article.

SCH and Clover investors who would like to discuss our investigation should contact Joshua Ruthizer at (212) 451-9668 or (877) 370-7703 or at [email protected].

Wolf Popper has successfully recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors. Wolf Popper’s reputation and expertise have been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed the firm to major positions in securities litigation. For more information about Wolf Popper, please visit the Firm’s website at www.wolfpopper.com.

Attorney Advertising: Prior Results Do Not Guarantee A Similar Outcome.

Wolf Popper LLP

Joshua W. Ruthizer

845 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Tel.: (212) 451-9668
Tel.: (877) 370-7703
Fax: (877) 370-7704
Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Wolf Popper LLP

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SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Rigrodsky Law, P.A. Reminds Investors of Investigations of, HMSY, JWS, MGLN, and CNIG Mergers

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rigrodsky Law, P.A. announces that it is investigating:

HMS Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ GS:

HMSY

) regarding possible breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of law related to HMS Holdings’ agreement to be acquired by Gainwell Technologies. Under the terms of the agreement, HMS Holdings’ shareholders will $37.00 in cash per share. To learn more about this investigation and your rights, visit: https://www.rl-legal.com/cases-hms-holdings-corp.

Jaws Acquisition Corp. (NYSE:

JWS

) regarding possible breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of law related to Jaws Acquisition’s agreement to merge with Cano Health, LLC. To learn more about this investigation and your rights, visit: https://www.rl-legal.com/cases-jaws-acquisition-corp.

Magellan Health, Inc. (NASDAQ GS:

MGLN

) regarding possible breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of law related to Magellan Health’s agreement to be acquired by Centene Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, Magellan’s shareholders will receive $95.00 in cash per share. To learn more about this investigation and your rights, visit: https://www.rl-legal.com/cases-magellan-health-inc.

Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation (OTC:

CNIG

) regarding possible breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of law related to Corning Natural Gas Holding’s agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Argo Infrastructure Partners, LP. Under the terms of the agreement, Corning Natural Gas Holding’s shareholders will receive $24.75 in cash per share. To learn more about this investigation and your rights, visit: https://www.rl-legal.com/cases-corning-natural-gas-holding-corporation.

You may also contact Seth D. Rigrodsky or Gina M. Serra cost and obligation free at (888) 969-4242 or [email protected].

Rigrodsky Law, P.A., with offices in Delaware and New York, has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of investors and achieved substantial corporate governance reforms in securities fraud and corporate class actions nationwide.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

CONTACT:

Rigrodsky Law, P.A.
Seth D. Rigrodsky
Gina M. Serra
(888) 969-4242 (Toll Free)
(302) 295-5310
Fax: (302) 654-7530
[email protected]
https://rl-legal.com



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i3 Verticals Reports Public Sector Acquisition

i3 Verticals Reports Public Sector Acquisition

Intends to Issue Fiscal 2021 Guidance in Connection with Quarterly Earnings

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
i3 Verticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IIIV) (the “Company”), today announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Business Information Systems, GP and Business Information Systems, Inc. (collectively “BIS”), a business based in east Tennessee that provides software and electronic payment solutions in a variety of states. BIS will fit within the Company’s Public Sector vertical.

Chairman and CEO Greg Daily commented, “We are pleased to announce the completion of the BIS transaction, which is our largest acquisition to date. BIS is a premier provider of integrated payment and transaction solutions that create efficiencies and cost-savings for state and local governments. BIS significantly expands the scope of our Public Sector vertical and will add new and innovative products that we believe will accelerate our cross-selling vision across our customer base. The BIS leadership team is populated with creative and aggressive thinkers who will enhance our management team and fit in well with the i3 Verticals culture. We could not be more enthusiastic about this transaction and the approximately 150 employees who will join our team. We welcome each one of them and look forward to growing our businesses together.”

The aggregate purchase price at the closing of this transaction was approximately $87.7 million, consisting of $52.5 million in cash and approximately $35.2 million of Class A common stock. The transaction also includes contingent consideration of up to $16.0 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain growth metrics over established time periods.

Equity Awards to BIS Employees

In connection with the acquisition, the Company granted equity awards under its 2020 Acquisition Equity Incentive Plan to certain BIS employees in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The Company granted options to purchase a total of 575,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock to fifty-six employees as a material inducement to enter into employment with the Company. These stock options will vest ratably over three years, subject to the employees’ continued service to the Company through each applicable vesting date. The stock options have an exercise price equal to $29.30, the closing price per share of the Company’s Class A common stock as reported by Nasdaq on February 1, 2021, the date of grant.

2021 Guidance

The Company intends to issue adjusted net revenue, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance for fiscal 2021 in connection with its earnings release on Monday, February 8, 2021. The Company will discuss the BIS acquisition and its 2021 guidance in further detail during its conference call on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

About i3 Verticals

Helping drive the convergence of software and payments, i3 Verticals delivers integrated payment and software solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses and other organizations in strategic vertical markets, such as education, non-profit, the public sector, and healthcare and to the business-to-business payments market. With a broad suite of payment and software solutions that address the specific needs of its clients in each strategic vertical market, i3 Verticals processed approximately $14.4 billion in total payment volume for the 12 months ended September 30, 2020.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to present facts or current conditions included in this release are forward-looking statements, including any statements of a general economic or industry specific nature. Forward-looking statements give the Company’s current expectations and projections relating to its financial condition, results of operations, guidance, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You generally can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could have,” “exceed,” “significantly,” “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events.

The forward-looking statements contained in this release are based on assumptions that we have made in light of the Company’s industry experience and its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. As you review and consider information presented herein, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They depend upon future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect the Company’s actual future performance or results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Certain of these factors and other risks are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and include, but are not limited to: (i) the anticipated impact to the Company’s business operations, payment volume and volume attrition due to the global pandemic of a novel strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19); (ii) the Company’s indebtedness and the ability to maintain compliance with the financial covenants in the Company’s senior secured credit facility in light of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; (iii) the ability to meet the Company’s liquidity needs in light of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; (iv) the ability to raise additional funds on terms acceptable to us, if at all, whether debt, equity or a combination thereof; (v) the triggering of impairment testing of the Company’s fair-valued assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, in the event of a decline in the price of the Company’s Class A common stock; (vi) the ability to generate revenues sufficient to maintain profitability and positive cash flow; (vii) competition in the Company’s industry and the ability to compete effectively; (viii) the dependence on non-exclusive distribution partners to market the Company’s products and services; (ix) the ability to keep pace with rapid developments and changes in the Company’s industry and provide new products and services; (x) liability and reputation damage from unauthorized disclosure, destruction or modification of data or disruption of the Company’s services; (xi) technical, operational and regulatory risks related to the Company’s information technology systems and third-party providers’ systems; (xii) reliance on third parties for significant services; (xiii) exposure to economic conditions and political risks affecting consumer and commercial spending, including the use of credit cards; (xiv) the ability to increase the Company’s existing vertical markets, expand into new vertical markets and execute the Company’s growth strategy; (xv) the ability to successfully identify acquisition targets, complete those acquisitions and effectively integrate those acquisitions into the Company’s services; (xvi) potential degradation of the quality of the Company’s products, services and support; (xvii) the ability to retain clients, many of which are small- and medium-sized businesses, which can be difficult and costly to retain; (xviii) the Company’s ability to successfully manage its intellectual property; (xix) the ability to attract, recruit, retain and develop key personnel and qualified employees; (xx) risks related to laws, regulations and industry standards; (xxi) operating and financial restrictions imposed by the Company’s senior secured credit facility; and (xxii) the risk factors included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 and in our subsequent filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of these assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. Factors or events that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Clay Whitson

Chief Financial Officer

(615) 988-9890

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Tennessee

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Finance Consulting Preschool Professional Services Continuing University Primary/Secondary Software Education Internet Electronic Design Automation Data Management Security

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Kroger Announces New Vaccine Payment for All Associates

Retailer also provides an additional $50 million in rewards for associates, totaling $1.5 billion invested in fiscal year 2020 in rewarding frontline associates and safeguarding the health of associates and customers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic

PR Newswire

CINCINNATI, Feb. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Family of Companies today announced that it will provide a one-time payment of $100 to all associates who receive the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition to the new vaccine payment, the company also announced an additional $50 million investment to thank and reward associates across its 35-state footprint, including a $100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center associates. Both rewards will be loaded to associates’ loyalty cards on Thursday, Feb. 11.

The one-time $100 vaccine payment will be offered to all associates who receive the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and present appropriate proof of vaccination to their human resources representative. Associates who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons will have the option of completing an educational health and safety course to receive the payment.

“Through the unknowns of this pandemic, our associates have risen to the challenge and shown the true meaning of Our Purpose—To Feed the Human Spirit,” said Tim Massa, Kroger’s chief people officer. “Since March, we have invested more than $1.5 billion to both reward our associates and to safeguard our associates and customers through the implementation of dozens of safety measures that we continue to execute today. We’ve also welcomed more than 100,000 new associates to The Kroger Family of Companies. As we move into a new phase of the pandemic, we’re increasing our investment to not only recognize our associates’ contributions, but also encourage them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available to them to optimize their well-being as well as the community’s.”

In addition to the new vaccine payment and associate rewards, The Kroger Family of Companies has taken numerous actions to support associates during this extraordinary time, including:

  • Providing additional pay, multiple special bonuses and rewards that are available to view at KrogerCovidResponse.com
  • Offering COVID-19 testing to associates based on symptoms and medical need
  • Continuing to advocate on behalf of frontline associates to have priority access to the vaccine
  • Providing COVID-19 Emergency Leave to associates most directly affected by the virus or experiencing related symptoms and providing paid time off
  • Requiring and supplying masks for associates and encouraging them to stay home if they are sick
  • Requiring customers to wear masks in stores, or alternatively, encouraging the use of e-commerce services
  • Providing comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare coverage and retirement benefits
  • Making $15 million available through the company’s Helping Hands fund to provide financial support to associates experiencing certain hardships due to COVID-19
  • Making mental health resources readily available
  • Continuing implementation of customer capacity limits
  • Continuing the use of safety partitions and physical distancing floor decals

“We know that the most effective defense against this pandemic comes in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine and the continuation of the rigorous safety precautions we’ve established across our stores, manufacturing facilities and supply chain,” said Dr. Marc Watkins, Kroger’s chief medical officer. “We are strongly encouraging all customers and associates to receive the vaccine to curb the spread of COVID-19, and we’ll do all we can to ensure they have access as soon as it’s available.”

As one of the most-accessible health care partners in the U.S., Kroger Health continues to play a critical role in helping distribute the vaccine in collaboration with public health officials and community partners. As of Feb. 5, Kroger Health professionals have administered more than 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines to essential health care workers, skilled-nursing facility employees and residents and some elderly populations.

Kroger Health continues to hire to fill the need for 1,000 additional health care personnel, including pharmacy technicians, to support operations and the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Kroger Health is also committed to training current associates. To view opportunities and apply, visit Jobs.Kroger.com.

Committed to Associate Wage Growth
In addition to COVID-related reward and safety measures, The Kroger Family of Companies has been investing to raise the wages of frontline associates for the last several years. As part of Restock Kroger, over the period of 2018 to 2020, Kroger invested an incremental $800 million in associate wage increases, reflecting $300 million more than the original plan. As a result of this continuing investment, the average wage rate has increased to over $15 per hour. And with the company’s comprehensive and best-in-class benefits like healthcare, paid time off and retirement plans – including pensions, the average hourly rate is over $20. Additionally, in November 2020, the company committed to investing nearly $1 billion to help secure and stabilize pensions for associates.

Media Assets:
Download Kroger b-roll and photography.

About The Kroger Co.:
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

About Kroger Health:

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., is one of America’s leading retail healthcare organizations, with over 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics in 35 states serving more than 14 million customers. Our team of 22,000 healthcare practitioners – from pharmacists and nurse practitioners, to dietitians and technicians – are committed to helping people live healthier lives. We believe in practicing at the top of our licenses and enabling “food as medicine” to help prevent or manage certain diseases. We are dedicated to providing testing and wellness services to help Americans combat the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more at Kroger.com/covidcare.

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SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Bristol Myers Squibb’s Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel), a New CAR T Cell Therapy for Adults with Relapsed or Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Bristol Myers Squibb’s Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel), a New CAR T Cell Therapy for Adults with Relapsed or Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma

  Breyanzi demonstrated a 73% overall response rate and 54% complete response (CR) rate in the largest pivotal trial in 3L+ LBCL, TRANSCEND NHL 001 trial

Breyanzi demonstrated sustained responses in patients who achieved a CR with median duration of response not reached

Grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome and Grade ≥3 neurologic toxicities following Breyanzi treatment occurred in 4% and 12% of patients, respectively

PRINCETON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel), a CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified (including DLBCL arising from indolent lymphoma), high-grade B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma grade 3B. Breyanzi is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.1Breyanzi is a CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy with a defined composition and 4-1BB costimulatory domain. Breyanzi is administered as a defined composition to reduce variability of the CD8 and CD4 component dose. The 4‑1BB signaling enhances the expansion and persistence of Breyanzi. Breyanzi offers a potentially definitive treatment. A single dose of Breyanzi contains 50 to 110 x 106 CAR-positive viable T cells (consisting of 1:1 CAR-positive viable T cells of the CD8 and CD4 components). Please see the Important Safety Information section below, including Boxed WARNINGS for Breyanzi regarding Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and Neurologic Toxicities (NT).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210205005520/en/

“Breyanzi, a CAR T cell therapy, will have an important role in clinical practice, offering people living with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma the chance for sustained response with an individualized treatment experience,” said Samit Hirawat, M.D., chief medical officer, Bristol Myers Squibb. “Today’s FDA approvalreflects our deep commitment to advancing cell therapy research, developing innovative treatments and supporting patients at every step of their treatment journey.”

Bristol Myers Squibb plans to manufacture Breyanzi for each individual patient at its state-of-the-art cellular immunotherapy manufacturing facility in Bothell, Washington. Breyanzi offers a 24-day target turnaround time, and inpatient or outpatient administration options. To help support broad patient access, Bristol Myers Squibb plans to launch Breyanzi across an expansive network of treatment centers. Treatment centers will be Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) certified to support the appropriate use of Breyanzi, which is available only through the Breyanzi REMS program. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and associated outpatient clinics, must enroll and comply with REMS requirements and be trained on the management of CRS and NT. Bristol Myers Squibb is also supporting the patient and physician treatment experience by providing Cell Therapy 360, a digital service platform, which optimizes access to relevant information, manufacturing updates, patient and caregiver support, and outpatient management resources to support patients. BMS will offer patients disposable wearable technology during the initial post-infusion monitoring period, which will help them track their temperature in real time through a smartphone when away from the treatment center.

“In TRANSCEND NHL 001, Breyanzi produced sustained responses in a significant proportion of patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. TRANSCEND also demonstrated feasibility of outpatient administration, which is meaningful for patients, physicians and the healthcare system,” said Jeremy Abramson, M.D., M.M.Sc., director of the lymphoma program at Massachusetts General Hospital and principal investigator for TRANSCEND NHL 001. “With this approval, we now have an important new treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma who have undergone at least two prior lines of systemic therapy.”

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a rapidly growing, aggressive disease and the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), accounting for one out of every three cases diagnosed.2 Seventy-three percent of patients will not respond to or will relapse following second-line treatment or later.3 For patients who relapse or do not respond to initial therapies, conventional treatment options that provide sustained responses are limited and median life expectancy is about six months.3 The goal of treatment in DLBCL is curative intent with definitive therapy.3 Additional options are needed in R/R DLBCL to deliver sustained responses to these patients.

“People battling relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma continue to face a challenging treatment journey, both physically and emotionally,” said Meghan Gutierrez, chief executive officer, Lymphoma Research Foundation. “Breyanzi is an innovative treatment that offers a new option for patients, and another reason for this community to maintain hope for the future.”

Bristol Myers Squibb offers various programs and resources to address the needs of patients and caregivers, and provide support that allows for access to therapies, including Breyanzi.

Breyanzi has been granted Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation for R/R DLBCL in the European Union and a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency.

TRANSCEND NHL 001 Pivotal Trial Results

The FDA approval of Breyanzi is based on data from the TRANSCEND NHL 001 (017001) trial in which 268 patients with R/R LBCL received Breyanzi, the largest pivotal trial in third-line plus R/R LBCL that included patients with a broad range of histologies and high-risk disease. In the trial, Breyanzi was administered in the inpatient and outpatient settings.1

In the study, 192 patients were treated with Breyanzi at the dose of 50 to 110 x 106 CAR-positive viable T cellsand evaluated for efficacy. Of these patients, 73% achieved a response (95% CI: 67%-80%), including 54% who had minimal or no detectable lymphoma remaining following treatment (CR; 95% CI: 47%-61%) and 19% who achieved a partial response (PR; 95% CI: 14%-26%). Median duration of response was 16.7 months in all responders (95% CI: 5.3 – NR), and for patients who achieved a CR, median duration of response was not reached (95% CI: 16.7 – NR); for patients with a best response of PR, median duration of response was 1.4 months (95% CI: 1.1 – 2.2). Of 104 patients treated with Breyanzi who achieved a best overall response of CR, 65% had remission lasting at least six months and 62% had remission lasting at least nine months.

In the study, 268 patients treated with Breyanzi were evaluated for safety. Any grade CRS occurred in 46% (122/268) of patients using the Lee grading system.4 Grade ≥3 CRS occurred in 4% (11/268) of patients. One patient had fatal CRS and two had ongoing CRS at the time of death. The most common manifestations of CRS included fever (93%), hypotension (49%), tachycardia (39%), chills (28%) and hypoxia (21%). The median duration of CRS was five days (range: 1-30 days) and median time to onset was five days (range: 1-15 days). Any grade neurologic toxicities (NT) occurred in 35% (95/268) of patients receiving Breyanzi. Grade ≥3 NT occurred in 12% (31/268) of patients. Three patients had fatal neurologic toxicity and seven had ongoing neurologic toxicity at time of death. The most common NT included encephalopathy (24%), tremor (14%), aphasia (9%), delirium (7%), headache (7%), ataxia (6%), and dizziness (6%). Neurologic toxicities resolved in 81 of 95 patients (85%), with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1-87 days). The median time to onset of the first event was eight days (range: 1-46 days).1 Median duration of neurologic toxicity was 15 days (range: 1 to 785 days) in all patients, including those with ongoing neurologic events at the time of death or at data cutoff.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients. The most common nonlaboratory, serious adverse reactions (>2%) were CRS, encephalopathy, sepsis, febrile neutropenia, aphasia, pneumonia, fever, hypotension, dizziness, and delirium. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients. The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions of any grade (≥20%) were fatigue, CRS, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, headache, encephalopathy, infections (pathogen unspecified), decreased appetite, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness, cough, constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and edema.

Indication

BREYANZI is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified (including DLBCL arising from indolent lymphoma), high-grade B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma grade 3B.

Limitations of Use: BREYANZI is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES

  • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving BREYANZI. Do not administer BREYANZI to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab with or without corticosteroids.
  • Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving BREYANZI, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with BREYANZI. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
  • BREYANZI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the BREYANZI REMS.

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)

CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with BREYANZI. CRS occurred in 46% (122/268) of patients receiving BREYANZI, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system) CRS in 4% (11/268) of patients. One patient had fatal CRS and 2 had ongoing CRS at time of death. The median time to onset was 5 days (range: 1 to 15 days). CRS resolved in 119 of 122 patients (98%) with a median duration of 5 days (range: 1 to 17 days). Median duration of CRS was 5 days (range 1 to 30 days) in all patients, including those who died or had CRS ongoing at time of death.

Among patients with CRS, the most common manifestations of CRS include fever (93%), hypotension (49%), tachycardia (39%), chills (28%), and hypoxia (21%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, diffuse alveolar damage, renal insufficiency, capillary leak syndrome, hypotension, hypoxia, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS).

Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of BREYANZI. Sixty-one of 268 (23%) patients received tocilizumab and/or a corticosteroid for CRS after infusion of BREYANZI. Twenty-seven (10%) patients received tocilizumab only, 25 (9%) received tocilizumab and a corticosteroid, and 9 (3%) received corticosteroids only.

Neurologic Toxicities

Neurologic toxicities that were fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with BREYANZI. CAR T cell-associated neurologic toxicities occurred in 35% (95/268) of patients receiving BREYANZI, including ≥ Grade 3 in 12% (31/268) of patients. Three patients had fatal neurologic toxicity and 7 had ongoing neurologic toxicity at time of death. The median time to onset of the first event was 8 days (range: 1 to 46 days). The onset of all neurologic events occurred within the first 8 weeks following BREYANZI infusion. Neurologic toxicities resolved in 81 of 95 patients (85%) with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1 to 87 days). Three of four patients with ongoing neurologic toxicity at data cutoff had tremor and one subject had encephalopathy. Median duration of neurologic toxicity was 15 days (range: 1 to 785 days) in all patients, including those with ongoing neurologic events at the time of death or at data cutoff.

Seventy-eight (78) of 95 (82%) patients with neurologic toxicity experienced CRS. Neurologic toxicity overlapped with CRS in 57 patients. The onset of neurologic toxicity was after onset of CRS in 30 patients, before CRS onset in 13 patients, same day as CRS onset in 7 patients, and same day as CRS resolution in 7 patients.

Neurologic toxicity resolved in three patients before the onset of CRS. Eighteen patients experienced neurologic toxicity after resolution of CRS.

The most common neurologic toxicities included encephalopathy (24%), tremor (14%), aphasia (9%), delirium (7%), headache (7%), dizziness (6%), and ataxia (6%). Serious events including cerebral edema and seizures occurred with BREYANZI. Fatal and serious cases of leukoencephalopathy, some attributable to fludarabine, have occurred in patients treated with BREYANZI.

CRS and Neurologic Toxicities Monitoring

Monitor patients daily at a certified healthcare facility during the first week following infusion, for signs and symptoms of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS and neurologic toxicities for at least 4 weeks after infusion; evaluate and treat promptly. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS or neurologic toxicity occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

BREYANZI REMS

Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, BREYANZI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the BREYANZI REMS. The required components of the BREYANZI REMS are:

  • Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer BREYANZI must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements.
  • Certified healthcare facilities must have on-site, immediate access to tocilizumab.
  • Ensure that a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after BREYANZI infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS.
  • Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer BREYANZI are trained on the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities.

Further information is available at www.BreyanziREMS.com, or contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-888-423-5436.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of BREYANZI. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

Serious Infections

Severe infections, including life-threatening or fatal infections, have occurred in patients after BREYANZI infusion. Infections (all grades) occurred in 45% (121/268) of patients. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 19% of patients. Grade 3 or higher infections with an unspecified pathogen occurred in 16% of patients, bacterial infections occurred in 5%, and viral and fungal infections occurred in 1.5% and 0.4% of patients, respectively. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after BREYANZI administration and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to standard institutional guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia has been observed in 9% (24/268) of patients after BREYANZI infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

Avoid administration of BREYANZI in patients with clinically significant active systemic infections.

Viral reactivation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells. Ten of the 11 patients in the TRANSCEND study with a prior history of HBV were treated with concurrent antiviral suppressive therapy to prevent HBV reactivation during and after treatment with BREYANZI. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

Prolonged Cytopenias

Patients may exhibit cytopenias not resolved for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and BREYANZI infusion. Grade 3 or higher cytopenias persisted at Day 29 following BREYANZI infusion in 31% (84/268) of patients, and included thrombocytopenia (26%), neutropenia (14%), and anemia (3%). Monitor complete blood counts prior to and after BREYANZI administration.

Hypogammaglobulinemia

B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with BREYANZI. The adverse event of hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 14% (37/268) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dL after infusion in 21% (56/268) of patients. Hypogammaglobulinemia, either as an adverse reaction or laboratory IgG level below 500 mg/dL after infusion, was reported in 32% (85/268) of patients. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with BREYANZI and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement as clinically indicated.

Live vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following BREYANZI treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during BREYANZI treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with BREYANZI.

Secondary Malignancies

Patients treated with BREYANZI may develop secondary malignancies. Monitor lifelong for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-888-805-4555 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples for testing.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving BREYANZI are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or impaired coordination in the 8 weeks following BREYANZI administration. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.

Adverse Reactions

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients. The most common nonlaboratory, serious adverse reactions (> 2%) were CRS, encephalopathy, sepsis, febrile neutropenia, aphasia, pneumonia, fever, hypotension, dizziness, and delirium. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients.

The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions of any grade (≥ 20%) were fatigue, CRS, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, headache, encephalopathy, infections (pathogen unspecified), decreased appetite, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness, cough, constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and edema.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision—transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Juno Therapeutics, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. The approval of Breyanzi is based on a Biologics License Application that was submitted by Juno Therapeutics. In certain countries outside the U.S., due to local laws, Celgene and Juno Therapeutics are referred to as, Celgene, a Bristol Myers Squibb company and Juno Therapeutics, a Bristol Myers Squibb company.

Bristol Myers Squibb Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, whether Breyanzi for the indication described in this release will be commercially successful and that continued approval of such product candidate for such indication described in this release may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

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References

  1. Breyanzi Prescribing Information. Bristol Myers Squibb; February 2021.
  2. American Cancer Society. Types of B cell Lymphoma. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/b-cell-lymphoma.html. Accessed February 2021.
  3. Crump M., et al. Outcomes in refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: results from the international SCHOLAR-1 study. Blood. 2017; 130(16): 1800-1808.
  4. Lee DW, et al. Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of cytokine release syndrome. Blood. 2014;124:188-195.

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Media Inquiries:

[email protected]

Kimberly Whitefield

[email protected]

Investors:

Tim Power

609-252-7509

[email protected]

 

KEYWORDS: United States North America New Jersey

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Oncology FDA Health Clinical Trials Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

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Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend and Income Fund Announces Discount Management Programs

Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend and Income Fund Announces Discount Management Programs

PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Today, Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend and Income Fund (the “Fund”), a New York Stock Exchange–listed closed-end fund trading under the symbol “DEX,” announced that the Fund’s Board approved the commencement of the Fund’s annual tender offer measurement period. If the Fund is trading at an average discount of more than 10% during the 12-week measurement period, the Board will consider conducting a tender offer to provide a periodic liquidity opportunity to shareholders. Additional information about the tender offer would be communicated to shareholders at a later date.

In addition, the Fund announced the results of its recent share repurchase program utilization. For the fiscal year ended Nov. 30, 2020, the Fund repurchased 108,837 common shares valued at $1,010,719 with an average discount per share of 8.60%.

The Fund has implemented a managed distribution policy. Under the policy, the Fund is managed with a goal of generating as much of the distribution as possible from net investment income and short-term capital gains. The balance of the distribution will then come from long-term capital gains to the extent permitted, and if necessary, a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’. Even though the Fund may realize current year capital gains, such gains may be offset, in whole or in part, by the Fund’s capital loss carryovers from prior years.

Under the Fund’s managed distribution policy, the Fund makes monthly distributions to common shareholders at a targeted annual distribution rate of 6.5% of the Fund’s average NAV per share. The Fund will calculate the average NAV per share from the previous three full months immediately prior to the distribution based on the number of business days in those three months on which the NAV is calculated. The distribution will be calculated as 6.5% of the prior three month’s average NAV per share, divided by 12. The Fund will generally distribute amounts necessary to satisfy the Fund’s managed distribution policy and the requirements prescribed by excise tax rules and Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. This distribution methodology is intended to provide shareholders with a consistent, but not guaranteed, income stream and a targeted annual distribution rate and is intended to narrow any discount between the market price and the NAV of the Fund’s common shares, but there is no assurance that the policy will be successful in doing so. The methodology for determining monthly distributions under the Fund’s managed distribution policy will be reviewed at least annually by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, and the Fund will continue to evaluate its distribution in light of ongoing market conditions.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s managed distribution policy. The amounts and sources of the Fund’s distributions to be reported will be estimates and will not be provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. The Fund invests globally in dividend-paying or income-generating securities across multiple asset classes, including but not limited to: equity securities of large, well-established companies; securities issued by real estate companies (including real estate investment trusts and real estate industry operating companies); debt securities (such as government bonds; investment grade and high risk, high yield corporate bonds; and convertible bonds); and emerging market securities. The Fund also uses enhanced income strategies by engaging in dividend capture trading; option overwriting; and realization of gains on the sale of securities, dividend growth, and currency forwards. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest: (1) at most 60% of its net assets in securities of U.S. issuers; and (2) at least 40% of its net assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Manager, in which case, the Fund would invest at least 30% of its net assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers; and (3) the Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in securities issued by real estate companies (including real estate investment trusts and real estate industry operating companies). In addition, the Fund utilizes leveraging techniques in an attempt to obtain higher return for the Fund.

About Macquarie Investment Management

Macquarie Investment Management, a member of Macquarie Group, includes the former Delaware Investments and is a global asset manager with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. As active managers, we prioritize autonomy and accountability at the team level in pursuit of opportunities that matter for clients. Macquarie Investment Management is supported by the resources of Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG; ADR: MQBKY), a global provider of asset management, investment, banking, financial and advisory services.

Advisory services are provided by Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust, a registered investment advisor. Macquarie Group refers to Macquarie Group Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. For more information about Delaware Funds® by Macquarie, visit delawarefunds.com or call 800 523-1918.

Other than Macquarie Bank Limited (MBL), none of the entities referred to in this document are authorized deposit-taking institutions for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of MBL, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group Limited and an affiliate of Macquarie Investment Management. MBL does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these entities, unless noted otherwise.

© 2021 Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc.

Investors

Computershare

866 437-0252

delawarefunds.com/closed-end

Media contacts

Daniela Palmieri

215 255-8878

Jessica Fitzgerald

215 255-1336

KEYWORDS: Pennsylvania United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Finance

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Delaware Investments® Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. Announces Discount Management Programs

Delaware Investments® Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. Announces Discount Management Programs

PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Today, Delaware Investments Dividend and Income Fund (the “Fund”), a New York Stock Exchange–listed closed-end fund trading under the symbol “DDF,” announced that the Fund’s Board approved the commencement of the Fund’s annual tender offer measurement period. If the Fund is trading at an average discount of more than 10% during the 12-week measurement period, the Board will consider conducting a tender offer to provide a periodic liquidity opportunity to shareholders. Additional information about the tender offer would be communicated to shareholders at a later date.

In addition, the Fund announced the results of its recent share repurchase program utilization. For the fiscal year ended Nov. 30, 2020, the Fund repurchased 77,000 common shares valued at $623,838 with an average discount per share of 10.17%.

The Fund has implemented a managed distribution policy. Under the policy, the Fund is managed with a goal of generating as much of the distribution as possible from net investment income and short-term capital gains. The balance of the distribution will then come from long-term capital gains to the extent permitted, and if necessary, a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’. Even though the Fund may realize current year capital gains, such gains may be offset, in whole or in part, by the Fund’s capital loss carryovers from prior years.

Under the Fund’s managed distribution policy, the Fund makes monthly distributions to common shareholders at a targeted annual distribution rate of 7.5% of the Fund’s average net asset value (“NAV”) per share. The Fund will calculate the average NAV per share from the previous three full months immediately prior to the distribution based on the number of business days in those three months on which the NAV is calculated. The distribution will be calculated as 7.5% of the prior three month’s average NAV per share, divided by 12. The Fund will generally distribute amounts necessary to satisfy the Fund’s managed distribution policy and the requirements prescribed by excise tax rules and Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. This distribution methodology is intended to provide shareholders with a consistent, but not guaranteed, income stream and a targeted annual distribution rate and is intended to narrow any discount between the market price and the NAV of the Fund’s common shares, but there is no assurance that the policy will be successful in doing so. The methodology for determining monthly distributions under the Fund’s managed distribution policy will be reviewed at least annually by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, and the Fund will continue to evaluate its distribution in light of ongoing market conditions.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s managed distribution policy. The amounts and sources of the Fund’s distributions to be reported will be estimates and will not be provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund is a diversified closed-end fund. The primary investment objective is to seek high current income; capital appreciation is a secondary objective. The Fund seeks to achieve its objectives by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 65% of its total assets in income-generating equity securities, including dividend-paying common stocks, convertible securities, preferred stocks, and other equity-related securities, which may include up to 25% in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate industry operating companies. Up to 35% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in nonconvertible debt securities consisting primarily of high-yield, high-risk corporate bonds. In addition, the Fund utilizes leveraging techniques in an attempt to obtain a higher return for the Fund. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.

About Macquarie Investment Management

Macquarie Investment Management, a member of Macquarie Group, includes the former Delaware Investments and is a global asset manager with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. As active managers, we prioritize autonomy and accountability at the team level in pursuit of opportunities that matter for clients. Macquarie Investment Management is supported by the resources of Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG; ADR: MQBKY), a global provider of asset management, investment, banking, financial and advisory services.

Advisory services are provided by Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust, a registered investment advisor. Macquarie Group refers to Macquarie Group Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. For more information about Delaware Funds® by Macquarie, visit delawarefunds.com or call 800 523-1918.

Other than Macquarie Bank Limited (MBL), none of the entities referred to in this document are authorized deposit-taking institutions for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of MBL, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group Limited and an affiliate of Macquarie Investment Management. MBL does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these entities, unless noted otherwise.

© 2021 Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc.

Investors

Computershare

866 437-0252

delawarefunds.com/closed-end

Media contacts

Daniela Palmieri

215 255-8878

Jessica Fitzgerald

215 255-1336

KEYWORDS: Pennsylvania United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

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Helix Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call Information

Helix Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call Information

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE: HLX) will issue a press release reporting its fourth quarter and full year 2020 results on Monday, February 22, 2021, after the close of business. The press release and associated slide presentation will be available on Helix’s website, www.HelixESG.com.

Helix will review its fourth quarter and full year 2020 results on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time via a live webcast and teleconference. The live webcast will be available on our website under “For the Investor.” Investors and other interested parties wishing to dial in to the teleconference may join by dialing 1-800-926-5188 for participants in the United States or 1-303-223-0120 for international participants. The passcode is “Staffeldt.” A replay of the webcast will be available on our website under “For the Investor” by selecting the “Audio Archives” link beginning approximately two hours after the completion of the event.

About Helix

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is an international offshore energy services company that provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry, with a focus on well intervention and robotics operations. For more information about Helix, please visit our website at www.HelixESG.com.

Erik Staffeldt

Executive Vice President & CFO

281-618-0465

KEYWORDS: United States North America Texas

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Energy Other Energy Oil/Gas

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