Online Holiday Shopping Is Booming but Not Without Concerns for Identity Theft and Fraud

Online Holiday Shopping Is Booming but Not Without Concerns for Identity Theft and Fraud

A national survey by Experian reveals that many shoppers believe there’s greater risk this season but almost 20 percent would still chance it for a Cyber Monday deal

COSTA MESA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
There is no doubt consumers will increasingly shop online for the holidays this year due to the pandemic. According to a national consumer survey by Experian, 62 percent of shoppers will buy from the comfort of their computers, but it may not be such a jolly experience with many worried about being a victim of identity theft and fraud.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201120005168/en/

Consumers ages 45-54 would most risk their identity for a good Cyber Monday deal, according to an Experian survey. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Consumers ages 45-54 would most risk their identity for a good Cyber Monday deal, according to an Experian survey. (Graphic: Business Wire)

In fact, 57 percent feel there’s a greater risk this year of identity theft because of COVID-19 while 18 percent of survey respondents have already been affected by a coronavirus-related scam. The number of consumers surveyed who have been victims during past holiday shopping seasons jumped to 24 percent from 12 percent in 2019, which also may be why consumers are concerned.

“The holidays are always a ripe period for cybercriminals with increased online traffic occurring,” said Experian Vice President of Consumer Protection Michael Bruemmer. “But this year is even more attractive for hackers so consumers need to make sure they are following several good security practices to keep their information and financial accounts safe. Retailers should also be very vigilant so that shoppers have a positive customer experience.”

Consumers can improve their safety habits

Even though they are concerned about identity theft, more than a quarter (28%) of survey respondents said they would risk being a victim for a good Cyber Monday deal, up from 19 percent in 2019.

Less than half of those surveyed (49%) shop on protected internet connections and check if the websites are secure (47%). However, 33 percent will pay for purchases online with a credit card dedicated specifically for this purpose, which is up 7 percent from 2019.

Five tips for a safer digital experience

  1. Don’t use public WiFi: Public networks make it easier for hackers to intercept your data and steal your sensitive information. If you’re going to enter your credit card information or other sensitive data on your phone or computer, do it at home on your own private network, or use a secure virtual private network (VPN) connection.
  2. Consider identity theft monitoring: A product like Experian IdentityWorks will help you monitor your financial accounts and credit report to identify possible fraud such as a credit card account opened in your name.
  3. Change passwords: Use a password manager to create strong passwords for online accounts, and change them regularly.
  4. Use secure websites: Only shop on websites you are familiar with and have the URL that starts with “https” rather than “http.” Https indicates the website has a secured connection, which means your connection to that website is much harder to hack.
  5. Don’t use a debit card: Your credit card offers much more protection for online purchases. If fraud occurs, the money is not gone from your checking account and you can file a claim with your card issuer.

For additional survey data, visit https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/survey-some-consumers-would-risk-identity-theft-for-an-online-holiday-deal/. To learn more about protecting yourself against identity theft, visit the Ask Experian blog at https://www.experian.com/education.

About the survey

The online survey was conducted by Experian Oct. 29 to November 5, 2020, among 1,000 adults 18 years of age or older who reside in the United States. This online survey is not based on a probability sample; therefore, no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organisations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 17,800 people operating across 45 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximise every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

Sandra Bernardo

Experian

1 949 529 7550

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Consumer Technology Finance Security Banking Professional Services Internet Consumer Retail Online Retail

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Consumers ages 45-54 would most risk their identity for a good Cyber Monday deal, according to an Experian survey. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Burning Rock Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Burning Rock Biotech Limited (NASDAQ: BNR, the “Company” or “Burning Rock”), a company focused on the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the field of precision oncology, today reported financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Recent Business Highlights

  • Early Detection. Validated a new version of ELSA-seq to expand from 3 cancer types (lung, liver, and colon/rectum) to 6 cancer types (esophagus, pancreas, and ovary added). This demonstrates Burning Rock’s continued progress on its blood-based, pan-cancer early detection R&D.

    ° The new version of the ELSA-seq assay was able to detect more cancer types (liver, colon/rectum, esophagus, pancreas, lung, and ovary) at early stages (I-III), demonstrated higher specificity, and was able to predict the tissue of origin with high accuracy.

    ° The validation data was presented at ESMO Asia Virtual Congress 2020 (“ESMO Asia”) in a mini oral presentation (Company presentation link here). At 99.5% specificity (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 96.7-100), the sensitivity from cross validation was 79.9% (95% CI 74.6-84.4). These results generally held in the pre-allocated independent validation set, which demonstrated 98.3% specificity (95% CI 95.8-99.4) and 80.6% sensitivity (95% CI 76.0-84.6). The results show a significant improvement of specificity compared to the earlier version of the test (presented in January 2020 at AACR Special Conference on Liquid Biopsy, poster link here), which showed 95.1% specificity (95% CI 91.2-97.4) and 80.8% sensitivity (95% CI 77.0-84.1).

    ° In terms of identifying the location of the malignancies, the test produced a tissue-of-origin result in 98.6% of cases, and 81.0% (95% CI 77.2-84.3) of these predictions were correct.

  • Therapy Selection. Analytical validation data of Magnis BR using a 520-gene tissue-based panel and a 168-gene liquid-based panel was presented at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) Annual Meeting in a platform presentation (abstract number TT04). Magnis BR demonstrated comparable testing accuracy, superior library quality repeatability, and shorter turnaround time compared to manual library preparation approach.

    ° Magnis BR, Burning Rock’s fully automated NGS library preparation system, is a key component of Burning Rock’s strategy of empowering hospitals to run NGS tests in-house with minimized lab space and staff requirement. Its fully automated “walk-away” 9-hour overnight library preparation procedure enables hospitals to generate NGS reports in as quickly as 3 days.

    ° As China’s first and only capture-based fully automated NGS library preparation system, Magnis BR further strengthens Burning Rock’s competitive position in the important in-hospital testing market.

  • Licensed-in the Myriad myChoice® test into China on an exclusive basis for collaborative drug development studies and clinics.

    ° Highly synergistic with Burning Rock’s existing testing platforms, leveraging Burning Rock’s strengths in oncology NGS testing and commercial access.

    ° This test offers significant benefits to Chinese patients with myChoice® regarded as the ‘gold-standard’ for determining HRD status, as PARP inhibitors demonstrate increasing significance in a range of cancer types.

Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Revenues were RMB123.9 million (US$18.2 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 19.4% increase from RMB103.7 million for the same period in 2019, or a 28.8% increase compared to the average of 3Q19 and 4Q19. Sequentially, revenues increased by 15.8% from RMB107.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.

  • Revenue generated from central laboratory business was RMB89.9 million (US$13.2 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 29.7% increase from RMB69.3 million for the same period in 2019, or a 20.5% sequential increase from RMB74.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, primarily attributable to resumed volume growth of the Company’s central laboratory business. Number of patients tested in the central laboratory channel was 8,644 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 27.7% increase from 6,769 for the same period in 2019, or a 19.2% increase from 7,252 for three months ended June 30, 2020.
  • Revenue generated from in-hospital business was RMB31.7 million (US$4.7 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 3.3% increase from RMB30.7 million for the same period in 2019, or a 41.6% increase compared to the average of 3Q19 and 4Q19. Sequentially, revenue generated from in-hospital business increased by 14.9% from RMB27.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Number of contracted partner hospitals in the in-hospital channel increased to 25 as of September 30, 2020 from 24 as of June 30, 2020 and 19 as of December 31, 2019.
  • Revenue generated from pharma research and development services was RMB2.3 million (US$0.3 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 38.7% decrease from RMB3.7 million for the same period in 2019, due to declined pharma testing volumes.

Cost of revenues was RMB32.3 million (US$4.8 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 26.5% increase from RMB25.5 million for the same period in 2019, which was generally in line with the Company’s continued business growth.

Gross profit was RMB91.6 million (US$13.5 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 17.1% increase from RMB78.2 million for the same period in 2019. Gross margin was 73.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 75.4% for the same period in 2019.

Operating expenses were RMB216.2 million (US$31.8 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 93.5% increase from RMB111.8 million for the same period in 2019.

  • Research and development expenses were RMB69.3 million (US$10.2 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing an 81.1% increase from RMB38.3 million for the same period in 2019, primarily due to (i) an increase in staff cost of research and development personnel, and (ii) an increase in share-based compensation expenses for options granted to research and development personnel.
  • Selling and marketing expenses were RMB44.2 million (US$6.5 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, representing a 3.7% increase from RMB42.6 million for the same period in 2019.
  • General and administrative expenses increased significantly to RMB102.7 million (US$15.1 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from RMB30.9 million for the same period in 2019, primarily due to (i) an increase in share-based compensation expenses for options granted to general and administrative personnel, and (ii) an increase in staff cost of general and administrative personnel.

Net loss was RMB127.1 million (US$18.7 million), compared to RMB32.2 million for the same period in 2019.

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were RMB2.4 billion (US$353.8 million) as of September 30, 2020.

2020 Financial Guidance

The Company reiterates its 2020 full-year revenue guidance of approximately RMB420 million (US$61.9 million).

Conference Call Information

Burning Rock will host a conference call to discuss the third quarter 2020 financial results at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (9:00 p.m. Hong Kong time) on November 20, 2020.

Details of the conference call are as follows:

International: +65 67135090
U.S.: +1 8456750437
U.K.: +44 2036214779
Hong Kong: +852 30186771
China Mobile: 4006208038
China Landline: 8008190121
Conference ID: 5637209

A replay of the conference call will be available for one week (dial-in number: +61 2 8199 0299; same conference ID as shown above).

About Burning Rock

Burning Rock Biotech Limited (NASDAQ: BNR), whose mission is to guard life via science, focuses on the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the field of precision oncology. Its business consists of i) NGS-based therapy selection testing for late-stage cancer patients, with the leading market share in China and over 185,000 tissue and liquid-based tests completed cumulatively, and ii) cancer early detection, which has moved beyond proof-of-concept R&D into the clinical validation stage.

For more information about Burning Rock, please visit: ir.brbiotech.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “target,” “confident” and similar statements. Burning Rock may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Burning Rock’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Burning Rock’s control. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Burning Rock does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

 
Selected Operating Data
 
  For the three months ended
  March
31, 2019
  June
30, 2019
  September
30, 2019
  December
31, 2019
  March
31, 2020
  June
30, 2020
  September
30, 2020
Central Laboratory Channel:                          
Number of patients tested 5,336   6,047   6,769   7,576   4,680   7,252   8,644
Number of ordering physicians(1) 984   1,059   1,155   1,222   810   1,175   1,194
Number of ordering hospitals(2) 249   265   281   304   232   284   289

 

________________________  
(1)  Represents physicians who on average order at least one test from us every month during a relevant period in the central laboratory channel.
(2)  Represents hospitals whose residing physicians who on average order at least one test from us every month during a relevant period in the central laboratory channel.

  A
s
of
  March
31, 2019
  June
30, 2019
  September
30, 2019
  December
31, 2019
  March
31, 2020
  June
30, 2020
  September
30, 2020
In-hospital Channel:                          
Pipeline partner hospitals(1) 17   20   21   21   23   23   22
Contracted partner hospitals(2) 14   15   19   19   21   24   25
Total number of partner hospitals 31   35   40   40   44   47   47

 

____________________________  
(1)  Refers to hospitals that are in the process of establishing in-hospital laboratories, laboratory equipment procurement or installation, staff training or pilot testing using the Company’s products.
(2) Refers to hospitals that have entered into contracts to purchase the Company’s products for use on a recurring basis in their respective in-hospital laboratories the Company helped them establish. Kit revenue is generated from contracted hospitals.

 
Selected Financial Data
 
  For the three months ended
Revenues

 
March
31, 2019
  June
30, 2019
  September
30, 2019
  December
31, 2019
  March
31, 2020
  June
30, 2020
  September
30, 2020
   
  (RMB in thousands)
Central laboratory channel 72,807   63,394   69,304   70,749   46,141   74,607   89,899
In-hospital channel 26,557   16,329   30,704   14,088   17,123   27,588   31,704
Pharma research and development channel 5,101   5,090   3,716   3,838   4,065   4,776   2,278
Total revenues 104,465   84,813   103,724   88,675   67,329   106,971   123,881

  For the three months ended
Gross profit

 
March
31, 2019
  June
30, 2019
  September
30, 2019
  December
31, 2019
  March
31, 2020
  June
30, 2020
  September
30, 2020
   
  (RMB in thousands)
Central laboratory channel 54,910   46,122   50,113   51,420   32,434   56,556   67,804
In-hospital channel 19,870   12,571   25,412   319   10,126   19,269   22,410
Pharma research and development channel 3,332   3,366   2,662   3,237   2,224   2,573   1,373
Total gross profit 78,112   62,059   78,187   54,976   44,784   78,398   91,587

  For the three months ended
Share-based compensation expenses

 
March
31, 2019
  June
30, 2019
  September
30, 2019
  December
31, 2019



  March
31, 2020
  June
30, 2020
  September
30, 2020
   
  (RMB in thousands)
Cost of revenues  143    177    180    178      176    183    160
Research and development expenses  722    708    1,486    6,461      2,072    25,314    10,572
Selling and marketing expenses  364    517    485    (131 )    253    491    341
General and administrative expenses  429    537    1,149    9,387      1,665    1,639    57,805
Total share-based compensation expenses 1,658   1,939   3,300   15,895     4,166   27,627   68,878

 
Burning Rock Biotech Limited Unaudited Condensed Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income


 (in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data)
 
    For the three months ended
  March
31, 2019



  June
30, 2019



  September
30, 2019



  December
31, 2019



  March
31, 2020



  June
30, 2020



  September
30, 2020



  September
30, 2020



  RMB


  RMB


  RMB


  RMB


  RMB


  RMB


  RMB


  US$


Revenues 104,465     84,813     103,724     88,675     67,329     106,971     123,881     18,246  
Cost of revenues (26,353 )   (22,754 )   (25,537 )   (33,699 )   (22,545 )   (28,573 )   (32,294 )   (4,757 )
Gross profit 78,112     62,059     78,187     54,976     44,784     78,398     91,587     13,489  
                 
Operating expenses:                
Research and
  development expenses
(31,427 )   (34,992 )   (38,278 )   (52,238 )   (40,016 )   (71,176 )   (69,330 )   (10,211 )
Selling and
  marketing expenses
(26,690 )   (34,929 )   (42,606 )   (49,109 )   (29,815 )   (37,992 )   (44,174 )   (6,506 )
General and
  administrative expenses
(31,565 )   (20,614 )   (30,866 )   (49,112 )   (34,295 )   (42,272 )   (102,731 )   (15,131 )
Total operating expenses (89,682 )   (90,535 )   (111,750 )   (150,459 )   (104,126 )   (151,440 )    (216,235 )    (31,848 )
Loss from operations  (11,570 )   (28,476 )   (33,563 )   (95,483 )   (59,342 )   (73,042 )    (124,648 )    (18,359 )
Interest income 128     3,806     3,686     3,541     3,985     44     698     103  
Interest expense (4,210 )   (1,826 )   (1,650 )   (1,303 )   (1,178 )   1,939     (776 )   (114 )
Other (expense) income, net (176 )   (329 )   (37 )   (341 )   (151 )   122     (176 )   (26 )
Foreign exchange
  (loss) gain, net
(101 )   1,142     800     (355 )   611     (118 )   (2,228 )   (328 )
Change in fair value
  of warrant liability
64     (347 )   (1,403 )   (1,153 )   3,503              
Loss before income tax (15,865 )   (26,030 )   (32,167 )   (95,094 )   (52,572 )   (71,055 )    (127,130 )    (18,724 )
Income tax expenses                              
Net loss (15,865 )   (26,030 )   (32,167 )   (95,094 )   (52,572 )   (71,055 )    (127,130 )    (18,724 )
Net loss attributable to
  Burning Rock Biotech
  Limited’s shareholders
(15,865 )   (26,030 )   (32,167 )   (95,094 )   (52,572 )   (71,055 )   (127,130 )   (18,724 )
Accretion of convertible
  preferred shares
(50,296 )   (41,770 )   (33,772 )   (39,173 )   (26,288 )   (38,400 )        
Net loss attributable to
  ordinary shareholders
 

(66,161

)

   

(67,800

)

   

(65,939

)

   

(134,267

)

   

(78,860

)

   

(109,455

)

   

(127,130

)

   

 (18,724

)

Loss per share:                
Ordinary shares – basic
  and diluted
(2.86 )   (2.93 )   (2.85 )   (5.49 )   (3.15 )   (2.68 )        
Class A ordinary shares –
  basic and diluted
                        (1.22 )   (0.18 )
Class B ordinary shares –
  basic and diluted
                        (1.22 )   (0.18 )
Weighted average shares
  outstanding used in loss
  per share computation:
               
Ordinary shares – basic
  and diluted
23,167,232     23,167,232     23,167,232     24,437,444     25,031,575     40,786,167          
Class A ordinary shares –
  basic and diluted
                        86,479,686     86,479,686  
Class B ordinary shares –
  basic and diluted
                        17,324,848     17,324,848  
Other comprehensive
  (loss) income, net
  of tax of nil:
               
Foreign currency
  translation adjustments
(278 )   (14,288 )   45,317     (6,647 )   11,422     (2,336 )   (91,093 )   (13,417 )
Total comprehensive
  (loss) income
(16,143 )   (40,318 )   13,150     (101,741 )   (41,150 )   (73,391 )    (218,223 )    (32,141 )
Total comprehensive (loss)
  income attributable to
  Burning Rock Biotech
  Limited’s shareholders
(16,143 )   (40,318 )   13,150     (101,741 )   (41,150 )   (73,391 )    (218,223 )   (32,141 )

 
Burning Rock Biotech Limited

Unaudited Condensed Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income

 (in thousands, except for number of shares and per share data)

 
  For the nine months ended
  September 30,
2019



  September 30,
2020



  September 30,
2020



  RMB


  RMB


  US$


Revenues 293,002     298,181     43,917  
Cost of revenues (74,644 )   (83,412 )   (12,286 )
Gross profit 218,358     214,769     31,631  
       
Operating expenses:      
Research and development expenses (104,697 )   (180,522 )   (26,588 )
Selling and marketing expenses (104,225 )   (111,981 )   (16,493 )
General and administrative expenses (83,045 )   (179,298 )   (26,408 )
Total operating expenses (291,967 )    (471,801 )    (69,489 )
Loss from operations  (73,609 )    (257,032 )    (37,858 )
Interest income 7,620     4,727     696  
Interest expense (7,686 )   (15 )   (2 )
Other expense, net (542 )   (205 )   (30 )
Foreign exchange (loss) gain, net 1,841     (1,735 )   (256 )
Change in fair value of warrant liability (1,686 )   3,503     516  
Loss before income tax (74,062 )    (250,757 )    (36,934 )
Income tax expenses          
Net loss (74,062 )    (250,757 )    (36,934 )
Net loss attributable to Burning Rock Biotech Limited’s shareholders (74,062 )   (250,757 )   (36,934 )
Accretion of convertible preferred shares (125,838 )   (64,688 )   (9,528 )
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (199,900 )    (315,445 )    (46,462 )
       
       
       
Loss per share for class A and class B ordinary shares:

Ordinary shares – basic and diluted
(8.63 )        
Class A ordinary shares – basic and diluted     (5.56 )   (0.82 )
Class B ordinary shares – basic and diluted     (5.56 )   (0.82 )
       
Weighted average shares outstanding used in loss per share computation:

Ordinary shares – basic and diluted
23,167,232          
Class A ordinary shares – basic and diluted     39,446,747     39,446,747  
Class B ordinary shares – basic and diluted     17,324,848     17,324,848  
       
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of nil
:
     
Foreign currency translation adjustments 30,751     (82,007 )   (12,078 )
Total comprehensive loss (43,311 )    (332,764 )    (49,012 )
Total comprehensive
loss
attributable to Burning Rock Biotech Limited’s shareholders
(43,311 )   (332,764 )   (49,012 )
                 

 
Burning Rock Biotech Limited

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 
  As of
  December 31,
2019
  September 30,
2020
  September 30,
2020
  RMB
  RMB
  US$
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents 94,235   2,061,566   303,636
Restricted cash 4,009   263   39
Short-term investment 313,988   340,505   50,151
Accounts receivable 88,822   93,839   13,821
Contract assets 909   20,257   2,984
Amounts due from related parties 74,368    
Inventories 58,116   69,805   10,281
Prepayments and other current assets 72,340   60,970   8,980
Total current assets 706,787    2,647,205    389,892
Non-current assets:          
Equity method investment 1,790   1,527   225
Long-term investment 38,369   37,456   5,517
Property and equipment, net 89,314   96,688   14,241
Intangible assets, net 343   3,455   509
Other non-current assets 10,954   16,162   2,380
Total non-current assets 140,770    155,288    22,872
TOTAL ASSETS 847,557    2,802,493    412,764
           

 
Burning Rock Biotech Limited

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(in thousands)

 
  As of
  December 31,
2019



  September 30,
2020



  September 30,
2020



  RMB


  RMB


  US$


LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY      
Current liabilities
:
     
Accounts payable 12,348     30,284     4,460  
Deferred revenue 49,539     67,109     9,884  
Capital lease obligations, current 4,893     5,300     781  
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 54,059     110,545     16,282  
Customer deposits 4,104     16,076     2,368  
Short-term borrowing 2,370     2,370     349  
Current portion of long-term borrowings 37,129     37,208     5,480  
Total current liabilities 164,442      268,892      39,604  
       
       
       
       
                 
       
                 
Non-current liabilities:      
Deferred government grants 991     263     39  
Capital lease obligations 4,816     787     116  
Long-term borrowings 18,266          
Warrant liability 23,503          
Total non-current liabilities 47,576      1,050      155  
TOTAL LIABILITIES 212,018      269,942      39,759  
       
       
       
       
                 
       
                 
Mezzanine equity:                
Series A convertible preferred shares 186,991          
Series B convertible preferred shares 466,983          
Series C convertible preferred shares 873,059          
Total
mezzanine equity
1,527,033          
       
       
       
       
                 
       
                 
Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:      
Ordinary shares 31          
Class A ordinary shares     114     17  
Class B ordinary shares     21     3  
Additional paid-in capital 45,640     3,866,806     569,519  
Accumulated deficits (946,464 )   (1,261,682 )   (185,826 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 9,299     (72,708 )   (10,708 )
Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity (
891,494
)    2,532,551      373,005  
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANIE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY 847,557     2,802,493     412,764  
       
                 
       
                 
                 

 
Burning Rock Biotech Limited

Unaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

 
  For the three months ended
  September 30,
2019



  September 30,
2020



  September 30,
2020



  RMB


  RMB


  US$


Net cash used in operating activities (17,395 )   (37,052 )   (5,457 )
Net cash used in investing activities (25,684 )   (365,373 )   (53,814 )
Net cash used in financing activities (22,878 )   (20,939 )   (3,084 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 5,501     (81,043 )   (11,936 )
Net decrease cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (60,456 )   (504,407 )   (74,291 )
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of period 185,740     2,566,236     377,966  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of period 125,284     2,061,829     303,675  
       

  For the nine months ended
  September 30,
2019



  September 30,
2020



  September 30,
2020



  RMB





  RMB





  US$





Net cash (used in) generated from operating activities (177,905 )   17,116     2,519  
Net cash used in investing activities (368,922 )   (72,884 )   (10,734 )
Net cash generated from financing activities 570,643     2,097,242     308,891  
Effect of exchange rate on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 6,134     (77,889 )   (11,471 )
Net increase cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 29,950     1,963,585     289,205  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of period 95,334     98,244     14,470  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of period 125,284     2,061,829     303,675  
       



Freedom Boat Club Celebrates Banner Year of Record Growth During Annual Conference

VENICE, Fla., Nov. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Freedom Boat Club, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and the nation’s largest boat club, held its annual franchisee conference last week, virtually bringing together club owners from around the world to celebrate a record year for the business.  Through November 2020, Freedom Boat Club has grown to more than 245 locations serving more than 55,000 members.

“2020 marked one of the most successful years in franchise history as consumers turned to boating as safe, social-distance activity to spend time with friends and family,” said Cecil Cohn, President, Freedom Boat Club Network. “We are energized by the passion of our members and franchisees who are committed to building the largest and most diverse consumer base in boating by introducing the on-water lifestyle to the next generation and fostering a growing community of lifetime boaters.”

The three-day virtual event was attended by franchisees from around the world as Freedom shared its vision for 2021 across Operations, Technology, Shared Services, Public Relations, Marketing, as well as providing updates from Freedom’s vast array of vendor partners.

Additionally, operators were able to interact with some of the world’s leading boat brands including Sea Ray, Bayliner, Cypress Cay, Boston Whaler, and more – all powered by Mercury Marine’s industry-leading four-stroke outboard engines.

“The annual conference is always one of the highlights of the year, and while we would have loved to join our fellow franchisees in person, we appreciated the opportunity to do so virtually,” said Matt O’Hara, franchise owner, Freedom Boat Club of Lake George. “The three days of online learning were valuable and left us with some key takeaways to improve our business, and more importantly continue to improve the member experience. We now look forward to combining the interest in boating and boat clubs generated in 2020 with the comprehensive tools provided by Brunswick to ensure Freedom Boat Club grows its position as the No. 1 option for consumers looking to create memories with their loved ones in 2021.”

“The event totally exceeded every expectation I had,” said Lisa Almeida, franchise owner, Freedom Boat Club of Jacksonville. “The presentations were informative and concise, and the ability to network with peers in real-time enabled me to experience that same joyful camaraderie that we get when we’re in-person.  I walked away, just as I do every year, feeling that same joy and love in my heart for my Freedom Boat Club family.”

“I thought in many ways, the conference this year was more efficient by saving on travel time,” said Amit Kumaria, franchise owner, Freedom Boat Club of Toronto. “The technology gives you the best of both worlds and it’s clear to me that we have a terrific leadership team in place. We look forward to more successful years like the one we all had in 2020.”

The conference concluded with an award ceremony where many franchisees were presented awards based on performance and contributions over the past year, including Franchise of the Year awarded to Matt Carrick & Matt O’Connor from Boston. Other award recipients included:

  • Guardian of Reciprocity – Freedom Boat Club Gulf Coast, Russell Atkinson
  • Territory Expansion – Freedom Boat Club of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, Dan Lund
  • Highest % of Revenue Increase – Freedom Boat Club of Pittsburgh, Michael Hills
  • Pacesetter Club Award (Recognizes clubs who meet specific financial benchmarks)
    • Freedom Boat Club of Delaware & New Jersey
    • Freedom Boat Club of Eastern CT
    • Freedom Boat Club of Newburyport & Portsmouth
    • Freedom Boat Club of Maine
    • Freedom Boat Club of Northern Virginia
    • Freedom Boat Club of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast
    • Freedom Boat Club of Lake Oconee
    • Freedom Boat Club of Savannah
    • Freedom Boat Club of San Diego
    • Freedom Boat Club of Tacoma
    • Freedom Boat Club of Seattle
  • Marketing National Brand Champion – Freedom Boat Club of Southern Virginia, Andy Sutter
  • Marketer of the Year – Freedom Boat Club of Pittsburgh, Michael Hills
  • Membership Executive of the Year – Dustin Tidwell, Freedom Boat Club of the Palm

Beaches and Treasure Coast

  • Presidents Club – Freedom Boat Club of Tampa Bay, Glenn Bergoffen & Lisa Reho

Rookie Franchise of the Year – Freedom Boat Club of Carolina Beach, Zach Hollenbaugh

ABOUT FREEDOM BOAT CLUB

Freedom Boat Club, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and headquartered in Venice, FL., is the world’s oldest and largest boat club with over 245 locations in 31 states, Canada, and Europe.  More information about Freedom Boat Club and membership opportunities can be found at www.FreedomBoatClub.com and franchise opportunities at www.FreedomBoatClubFranchise.com.

ABOUT BRUNSWICK

Headquartered in Mettawa, Ill., Brunswick Corporation’s leading consumer brands include Mercury Marine outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers and SmartCraft electronics; Power Products Integrated Solutions; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick, and Whale marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine, and Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Thunder Jet and Uttern boats; Boating Services Network, Freedom Boat Club and NAUTIC-ON. For more information, visit https://www.brunswick.com.



Lee Gordon
Vice President – Brunswick Global Communications & Public Relations
Brunswick Office: 847-735-4003
Mercury Office: 920-924-1808
Cell: 904-860-8848
[email protected]

HeadHunter Group PLC Announces Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

MOSCOW, Russia, Nov. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HeadHunter Group PLC (Nasdaq: HHR, MOEX: HHRU) announced today its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. As used below, references to “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company” or similar terms shall mean HeadHunter Group PLC.

Third Quarter 2020 Financial and Operational Highlights

(in millions of RUB(1) and USD(2))

Three months ended

September 30, 2020
  Three months ended

September 30, 2019
  Change

(3)
  Three months ended

September 30, 2020
 
RUB   RUB       USD

(4)
 
               
               
               
           
           
Revenue 2,308   2,142   7.7%   29.0  
Russia Segment Revenue 2,165   1,984   9.1%   27.2  
Net Income 585    571   2.6%   7.3  
Net Income Margin, % 25.4%   26.6%   (1.3) ppts      
Adjusted EBITDA(5) 1,296   1,145   13.2%   16.3  
Adjusted EBITDA Margin, %(5) 56.1%   53.5%   2.7 ppts      
Adjusted Net Income(5) 856   732   17.0%   10.7  
Adjusted Net Income Margin, %(5) 37.1%   34.2%   2.9 ppts      
                 

(1)   “RUB” or “₽” denote Russian Ruble throughout this release.
(2)    “USD” or “$” denote U.S. Dollar throughout this release.
(3)     Percentage movements and certain other figures in this release may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. This is because percentages and/or figures contained herein are calculated based on actual numbers and not the rounded numbers presented.
(4)    Dollar translations are included solely for the convenience of the reader and were calculated at the exchange rate quoted by the Central Bank of Russia as of September 30, 2020 (RUB 79.6845 to USD 1). 
(5)     Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Margin are non-IFRS measures. See “Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” elsewhere in this release for a description of these measures and a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure.
  • Revenue is up 7.7%, primarily due to the increase in the number of paying customers in our Russia segment across all customer segments, reflecting the gradual recovery in business activity in the third quarter of 2020 after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in the end of the second quarter of 2020.
  • Net income was ₽585 million, relatively flat compared to ₽571 million in the third quarter 2019, as the increase in revenue and the decrease in finance costs were offset by the increase in operating expenses related to our SPO occurring in the third quarter of 2020, and the increase in income tax expense.
  • Adjusted EBITDA is up 13.2% due to increase in revenue, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin is up to 56.1% from 53.5%, or by 2.7 ppts, as our marketing expenses declined as a percentage of revenue due to allocation of expenses.
  • Adjusted Net Income is up 17.0% and Adjusted Net Income Margin is up to 37.1% from 34.2%, due to the increase in Adjusted EBITDA, together with a decrease in finance costs, partially offset by the increase in income tax expense.

(in millions of RUB and USD)

As of

September 30, 2020
  As of
December 31, 2019
  Change   As of

September 30, 2020
 
RUB   RUB       USD  
         
Net Working Capital(1) (3,111)   (2,994)   3.9%   (39.0)  
         
Net Debt(1) (2) 3,102   3,040 2.0%   38.9  
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio(1) 0.8x   0.8x        

(1)   Net Working Capital, Net Debt, and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio are non-IFRS financial measures. See “Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” elsewhere in this release for a description of these measures and a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure.

(2)   For the purposes of calculation of this ratio as of September 30, 2020, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated on the last twelve months basis. See calculation of the Adjusted EBITDA on the last twelve months basis elsewhere in this release.

  • Net Working Capital as of September 30, 2020 decreased by ₽117 million, or 3.9%, primarily due to an increase in trade and other payables and decrease in advances paid, caused by (i) deferral of annual D&O insurance policy prepayment to the fourth quarter of 2020; (ii) SPO-related professional services rendered in the third quarter of 2020 not paid as of the quarter-end, and (iii) an increase in payables attributable to on-line advertisement due to the timing of incurring these expenses in the period.
  • Net Debt increased by ₽62 million, or 2.0%, primarily due to cash generated from operating activities (see “Cash Flows”), which was partly offset by decrease in loans and borrowings as of September 30, 2020, due to repayments to PJSC ‘VTB Bank’ in accordance with the repayment schedule.
  • Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio as of September 30, 2020 was 0.8x, flat compared to December 31, 2019, as our Net Debt and Adjusted EBITDA on a last twelve months basis remained flat.

“Solid performance in the third quarter confirmed the continuous recovery trend observed since April, with improved KPIs translating into revenue growth across all client and product categories” said Mikhail Zhukov, Chief Executive Officer of HeadHunter Group PLC.

“We see meaningful opportunities arising in the transforming labor market, on the back of heightened digitalization of employment patterns. While this trend has already become increasingly prevalent across the industry in recent years, the lockdown has highlighted an importance and efficiency of remote solutions and accelerated the structural transition from offline to online recruitment channels.

Whilst the final outcome remains unclear
, to date we have seen the second spike of the COVID-19 disrupting business activity to a much lower extent compared to the beginning of the pandemic. Employers and job seekers seem to have
at least
partially adapted to the ‘new reality’ whil
st
the Russian Government
has
managed to combat the spreading
of the virus
without imposing harsh restrictions on the economy. As
a
result, we have not observed any particular negative effect on our operational and financial metrics from the second spike to date and expect to keep further growing our resi
lient business.”

Impact of COVID-19 on Our Operations and Financial Position

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 virus a global pandemic.

We observed no specific impact of COVID-19 on our financial position as of September 30, 2020. However, our financial results for the second and the third quarter of 2020 were significantly affected. A decrease in the number of job postings and the number of new CV database subscriptions resulted in a decrease in revenues in the second quarter of 2020. As a response to a decrease in revenue, we implemented various cost-cutting initiatives, including putting all non-essential hiring on hold. In the third quarter of 2020, we saw our KPIs and revenues gradually recovering. Accordingly, we removed most of our cost-saving restrictions in the third quarter of 2020.

Our liquidity analysis based on our recent performance and current estimates shows that we have adequate resources to finance our operations for the foreseeable future. As at September 30, 2020, we were compliant with all financial and other covenants per our bank loan agreement. Based on current projections on our future performance, we expect to remain compliant with these covenants for at least 12 months from the date when this financial information was authorised for issue. In compliance with the recommendations of the authorities, we migrated to working from home from mid-March 2020, and have remained fully operational during the pandemic.

Our financial position, results and liquidity may be affected in the future by any further adverse developments related to COVID-19.

Operating Segments

For management purposes, we are organized into operating segments based on the geography of our operations. Our operating segments include “Russia,” “Belarus,” “Kazakhstan” and other countries. As each segment, other than Russia, individually comprises less than 10% of our revenue, for reporting purposes we combine all segments other than Russia into the “Other segments” category.

Customers

We sell our services predominantly to businesses that are looking for job seekers to fill vacancies inside their organizations. We refer to such businesses as “customers.” In Russia, we divide our customers into (i) Key Accounts and (ii) Small and Medium Accounts, based on their annual revenue and employee headcount. We define “Key Accounts” as customers who, according to the Spark-Interfax database, have an annual revenue of ₽2 billion or more or a headcount of 250 or more employees and have not marked themselves as recruiting agencies on their page on our website, and we define “Small and Medium Accounts” as customers who, according to the Spark-Interfax database, have both an annual revenue of less than ₽2 billion and a headcount of less than 250 employees and have not marked themselves as recruiting agencies on their page on our website. Our website allows several legal entities and/or natural persons to be registered, each with a unique identification number, under a single account page (e.g., a group of companies). Each legal entity registered under a single account is defined as a separate customer and is included in the number of paying customers metric. Natural persons registered under a single account are assumed to be employees of the legal entities of that account and thus, are not considered separate customers and are not included in the number of paying customers metric. However, in a specific reporting period, if only natural persons used our services under such account, they are collectively included in the number of paying customers as one customer.

Seasonality

Revenue

We generally do not experience seasonal fluctuations in demand for our services and prior to COVID-19 our revenue remained relatively stable throughout each quarter. However, our customers are predominately businesses and, therefore, use our services mostly on business days. As a result, our quarterly revenue is affected by the number of business days in a quarter, with the exception of our services that represent “stand-ready” performance obligations, such as subscriptions to access our curriculum vitae (“CV”) database, which are satisfied over the period of subscription, including weekends and holidays.

Public holidays in Russia predominantly fall during the first quarter of each year, which results in lower business activity in that quarter. Accordingly, our first quarter revenue is typically slightly lower than in the other quarters. For example, our first quarter revenue in our Russia segment in 2018 and 2019 was 20.9% and 21.6%, respectively.

The number of business days in a quarter may also be affected by calendar layout in a specific year. In addition, the Government of Russia decides on an annual basis how public holidays that occur on weekends will be reallocated to business days throughout the year as a requirement of the Labor Code of Russia. As a result, the number of business days in a quarter may be different in each year (while the total number of business days in a year usually remains the same). Therefore, the comparability of our quarterly results, including with respect to our revenue growth rate, may be affected by this variance. In addition, when a calendar layout in a specific year provides for several consecutive holidays or a small number of business days between holidays or holidays adjacent to weekends, HR managers of our customers may take short vacations, further contributing to the decrease in business activities in these periods.

The following table illustrates the number of business days by quarter for the years 2018 to 2020. In 2020 there is 1 business day more in the second quarter and in the total year and the same number of business days in the first, third and fourth quarters, meaning that the calendar layout in 2020 is substantially the same as in 2019, allowing for good comparability of our quarterly results:

  Number of business days   As % of total business days per year    
  2020   2019   2018   2020     2019     2018    
                               
First quarter 57   57   56   23.0 %   23.1 %   22.7 %  
Second quarter 60   59   61   24.2 %   23.9 %   24.7 %  
Third quarter 66   66   65   26.6 %   26.7 %   26.3 %  
Fourth quarter 65   65   65   26.2 %   26.3 %   26.3 %  
Year 2
48
  247   247   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %  

On March 25, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the period from March 30, 2020 to May 11, 2020 was announced a ‘period of non-working days’ in Russia. As a result, two and 22 working days formally became non-working in the first and second quarter of 2020, respectively. However, at least some level of business activity was retained during this period, as remote work was encouraged and some sectors such as banking were functioning with limited capacity.

Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

Our operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) consist primarily of personnel and marketing expenses. Personnel and marketing expenses, in total, accounted for 76.3% and 77.4% of our total operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Most of our marketing and personnel expenses are fixed and not directly tied to our revenue.

Marketing expenses are more volatile in terms of allocation to quarters and are affected by our decisions on how we realize our strategy in a particular year, which can differ from year to year. Therefore, total marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue for a particular quarter may not be fully representative of the whole year. Personnel expenses are relatively stable over the year; however, they are also affected by other dynamics, such as our hiring decisions. Some costs and expenses, such as share-based compensation or foreign exchange gains or losses, can be significantly concentrated in a particular quarter.

As an example, the third quarter segment external expenses in our Russia segment in 2018 and 2019 were 24.7% and 26.4%, respectively, of total Russia segment external expenses for the year.

Net income and Adjusted EBITDA

Even though our revenue remains relatively stable throughout each quarter, seasonal revenue fluctuations, as described above, affect our net income. As a result of revenue seasonality, our profitability in the first quarter is usually lower than in other quarters and for the full year, because our expenses as a percentage of revenue are usually higher in the first quarter due to lower revenue. For example, our Adjusted EBITDA margin was 46.1% for the first quarter of 2019, compared to 50.5% for the full year 2019. Our profitability is also affected by our decisions on timing of expenses, again as described above.

Contract liabilities

Our contract liabilities are affected by the annual subscriptions’ renewal cycle in our Key Accounts customer segment. A substantial number of our Key Accounts renew their subscriptions in the first quarter but prepay us in the fourth quarter of a previous year, as per our normal payment terms. As a result, we receive substantial prepayments from our customers in the fourth quarter which causes a consequential increase in our contract liabilities at the end of that quarter. For example, our contract liabilities as of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2019 were ₽2,107 million, ₽2,041 million, ₽1,971 million, and ₽2,367 million, respectively.

Net cash generated from operating activities

Our net cash generated from operating activities is affected by seasonal fluctuations in business activity as explained in “Revenue” and by substantial prepayments from our customers (see “Contract liabilities”), as well as by our decisions in regard to timing of expenses (see “Operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)”), and to a lesser extent by payment terms provided to us by our largest suppliers, such as TV advertising agencies and others.

Net
W
orking
C
apital

Our Net Working Capital is primarily affected by changes in our contract liabilities as discussed above. As our contract liabilities have usually been highest in the fourth quarter, our Net Working Capital has usually been lowest in the fourth quarter. For example, our Net Working Capital of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2019 was ₽(2,672) million, ₽(2,697) million, ₽(2,588) million, and ₽(2,994) million, respectively. However, for 2020 we decided not to offer customers an opportunity to renew a contract for the same price if they paid us before January 1, 2020, which was the effective date of our new price list. This resulted in some customers shifting their payments from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2020 and accordingly there were lower than expected contact liabilities as of December 31, 2019. In the future, our Net Working Capital pattern will depend on whether we offer such an opportunity to our customers.

Third Quarter 2020 Results

Our revenue was ₽2,308 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to ₽2,142 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased by ₽166 million, or 7.7%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to an increase the number of paying customers in our Russia segment. In our Other segment, revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by ₽15 million, or 9.4%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019 on the back of political turmoil in Belarus.

The following table breaks down revenue by product:

  For the three months

ended September 30,
    For the nine months

ended September 30,
   
(in thousands of RUB)  2020   2019  
Change
    2020   2019  
Change
   
Bundled Subscriptions 616,501   584,492   5.5 %   1,718,711   1,642,467   4.6 %  
CV Database Access 504,234   493,409   2.2 %   1,321,800   1,312,798   0.7 %  
Job Postings 973,618   879,272   10.7 %   2,260,150   2,290,258   (1.3 )%  
Other value-added
services
213,848   185,149   15.5 %   531,784   476,860   11.5 %  
Total revenue 2,308,201   2,142,322   7.7 %   5,832,445   5,722,383   1.9 %  

The following table sets forth the revenue broken down by type of customer and region:

  For the three months ended

September 30,
    For the nine months ended

September 30,
   
(in thousands of RUB) 2020   2019  
Change
    2020   2019  
Change 
   
Key Accounts in Russia                          
Moscow and St. Petersburg 564,798   515,281   9.6 %   1,493,220   1,443,978   3.4 %  
Other regions of Russia 214,301   178,432   20.1 %   578,475   464,018   24.7 %  
Sub-total 779,099   693,713   12.3 %   2,071,695   1,907,996   8.6 %  
Small and Medium Accounts in
Russia
                   
Moscow and St.
Petersburg
735,865   731,744   0.6 %   1,779,545   1,930,182   (7.8 )%  
Other regions of Russia 539,058   461,140   16.9 %   1,288,564   1,195,879   7.8 %  
Sub-total 1,274,923   1,192,884   6.9 %   3,068,109   3,126,061   (
1.9
)
%
 
Foreign customers of Russia
segment
14,283   6,098   134.2 %   42,014   36,128   16.3 %  
Other customers in Russia 96,949   91,774   5.6 %   243,153   227,535   6.9 %  
Total for “Russia” operating
segment
2,165,254   1,984,469   9.1 %   5,424,971   5,297,72
0
  2.4 %  
Other segments 142,947   157,853   (9.4 )%   407,474   424,663   (4.0 )%  
Total revenue 2,308,201   2,142,322   7
.
7
%   5,832,445   5,722,383   1
.
9
%  

The following table sets forth the number of paying customers and ARPC for the periods indicated:

  For the three months ended

September 30,
      For the nine months ended

September 30,
 
  2020   2019  
Change
      2020   2019  
Change
 
Number of paying customers                    
Russia segment                    
Key Accounts                    
Moscow and St. Petersburg 4,716   4,517   4.4 %     5,280   5,144   2.6 %
Other regions of Russia 5,222   4,570   14.3 % 5,938   5,340   11.2 %
Key Accounts, total 9,938   9,087   9.4 % 11,218   10,484   7.0 %
Small and Medium Accounts                    
Moscow and St. Petersburg 72,313   68,376   5.8 % 106,793   107,066   (0.3 )%
Other regions of Russia 101,253   85,525   18.4 % 150,950   138,743   8.8 %
Small and Medium Accounts, total 173,566   153,901   12.8 % 257,743   245,809   4.9 %
Foreign customers of Russia segment 700   493   42.0 % 1,297   990   31.0 %
Total for “Russia” operating segment 184,204   163,481   12.7 % 270,258   257,283   5.0 %
Other segments, total 11,237   14,013   (19.8 )% 19,049   21,665   (12.1 )%
Total number of paying customers 195,441   177,494   10.1 % 289,307   278,948   3.7 %
                     
ARPC (in RUB)                    
Russia segment                    
Key Accounts                    
Moscow and St. Petersburg 119,762   114,076   5.0 % 282,807   280,711   0.7 %
Other regions of Russia 41,038   39,044   5.1 % 97,419   86,895   12.1 %
        Key Accounts, total 78,396   76,341   2.7 % 184,676   181,991   1.5 %
Small and Medium Accounts                    
Moscow and St. Petersburg 10,176   10,702   (4.9 )% 16,663   18,028   (7.6 )%
Other regions of Russia 5,324   5,392   (1.3 )% 8,536   8,619   (1.0 )%
        Small and Medium Accounts,                         
total
7,345   7,751   (5.2 )% 11,904   12,717   (
6.4
)
%
Other segments, total 12,721   11,265   12.9 % 21,391   19,601   9.1 %
  • Lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions resulted in gradual recovery in business activity during the third quarter of 2020, and the increase in the number of paying customers in all customer segments.
  • Our ARPC dynamics in the third quarter of 2020 reflects our price increases effective from 2020, as well as reduced consumption on the back of COVID-19.

    º   The increase in the ARPC in our Key Accounts by 2.7% was due to an increase in the average price per unit (e.g. by 13.0% and 10.2% on average for CV database and bundled subscriptions in Moscow and St. Petersburg and Other regions, respectively, and by 21.4% and 18.4% on average for job postings in Moscow and St. Petersburg and Other regions, respectively), that was partly offset by a decline in the number of units per customer (e.g. by 7.2% and 5.8% on average for CV database and bundled subscriptions in Moscow and St. Petersburg and Other regions, respectively, and by 6.7% on average for job postings in Moscow and St. Petersburg).

    º   The decrease in the ARPC in our Small and Medium Accounts by 5.2% was mostly driven by a decline in the number of units per customer (e.g. by 23.0% and 15.6% on average for CV and bundled subscriptions in Moscow and St. Petersburg and Other regions, respectively, and by 3.9% on average for job postings in Other regions), partly offset by an increase in the average price per unit (e.g. by 14.1% and 11.7% on average for CV database and bundled subscriptions in Moscow and St. Petersburg and Other regions, respectively, and by 10.2% on average for job postings in Other regions).

  • In both Key Accounts and Small and Medium Accounts, our customers in the Other regions of Russia were evidently less impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as restrictive measures in the regions were less severe than in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Operating Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) were ₽1,183 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to ₽1,092 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, representing an increase by ₽91 million, or 8.4%.

(in thousands of RUB) For the three months ended

September 30, 
  For the nine months ended

September 30, 
 
  2020   2019  
Change
  2020   2019  
Change
 
Personnel expenses (649,869 ) (557,037 ) 16.7 % (1,771,614 ) (1,629,293 ) 8.7 %
Marketing expenses (234,768 ) (292,801 ) (19.8 )% (787,028 ) (772,404 ) 1.9 %
Other general and
administrative expenses:
           
Subcontractors and other expenses related
to provision of services
(52,873 ) (47,398 ) 11.6 % (130,701 ) (126,854 ) 3.0 %
Office rent and maintenance (42,390 ) (48,625 ) (12.8 )% (122,425 ) (148,352 ) (17.5 )%
Professional services (128,178 ) (50,865 ) 152.0 % (245,048 ) (295,592 ) (17.1 )%
Insurance expense (46,354 ) (43,624 ) 6.3 % (133,397 ) (68,797 ) 93.9 %
Hosting and other web-site maintenance (11,960 ) (10,893 ) 9.8 % (34,543 ) (28,703 ) 20.3 %
Other operating
expenses
(16,428 ) (40,392 ) (59.3 )% (47,748 ) (87,148 ) (45.2 )%
Total other general and administrative
expenses
(298,183 ) (241,797 ) 23.3 % (713,862 ) (755,446 ) (5.5 )%
Operating costs and expenses
(exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
(1,182,8
20
) (1,091,635 ) 8.4 % (3,272,504 ) (3,157,143 ) 3.7 %
                         

Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) as percentage of revenue:

  For the three months ended

September 30, 
    For the nine months ended

September 30, 
   
  2020     2019    
Change
    2020     2019    
Change
   
Personnel expenses 28.2 %   26.0 %   2.2 %   30.4 %   28.5 %   1.9 %  
Marketing expenses 10.2 %   13.7 %   (3.5 )%   13.5 %   13.5 %   0.0 %  
Other general and
administrative expenses:
           
Subcontractors and other
expenses related to
provision of services
2.3 %   2.2 %   0.1 %   2.2 %   2.2 %   0.0 %  
Office rent and maintenance 1.8 %   2.3 %   (0.4 )%   2.1 %   2.6 %   (0.5 )%  
Professional services 5.6 %   2.4 %   3.2 %   4.2 %   5.2 %   (1.0 )%  
Insurance expense 2.0 %   2.0 %   0.0 %   2.3 %   1.2 %   1.1 %  
Hosting and other web-site         
maintenance
0.5 %   0.5 %   0.0 %   0.6 %   0.5 %   0.1 %  
Other operating expenses 0.7 %   1.9 %   (1.2 )%   0.8 %   1.5 %   (0.7 )%  
Total other general and
administrative
expenses
12.9 %   11.3 %   1.6 %   12.2 %   13.2 %   (1.0 )%  
Operating costs and expenses
(exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
51.2 %   51.0 %   0.3 %   56.1 %   55.2 %   0.9 %  

Personnel expenses

  • Personnel expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased by ₽93 million, or 16.7%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to: (i) an increase in salaries due to indexation of wages effective from the beginning of 2020 and an increase in headcount from 758 as of September 30, 2019 to 800 as of September 30, 2020, and (ii) cash bonus and cash-settled share-based awards related to the SPO transaction in July 2020.
  • Personnel expenses increased as a percentage of revenue from 26.0% in the third quarter 2019 to 28.2% in the third quarter of 2020. Personnel expenses excluding share-based compensations and expenses related to SPO transaction in July 2020 were 24.3% of our revenue in the third quarter of 2020, flat compared to 23.9% in the third quarter of 2019. See “Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” elsewhere in this release for a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure.

Marketing expenses

Marketing expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by ₽58 million, or 19.8%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to the allocation of our TV advertisement and other expenses.

Marketing expenses as percentage of revenue decreased to 10.2% in the third quarter of 2020 from 13.7% in the third quarter of 2019, due to allocation of expenses.

Other general and administrative expenses

Our other general and administrative expenses consist primarily of professional services, insurance costs and office rent and maintenance costs. Our total other general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased by ₽56 million, or 23.3%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019, due to mainly SPO-related professional costs in the third quarter of 2020 not occurring in the third quarter 2019, partly offset by a decrease in other operating expenses mostly due to decline in business travelling expenses on the back of COVID-19 pandemic.

Our other general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 12.9% in the third quarter of 2020 from 11.3% in the third quarter 2019, due to the increase in expenses related to the SPO transaction in July 2020. Excluding other financing and transactional costs and insurance cover related to IPO, our other general and administrative expenses were 9.0% of our revenue in the third quarter of 2020, relatively flat compared to 9.5% in the third quarter 2019. See “Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” elsewhere in this release for a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure.

Net foreign exchange gain

Net foreign exchange loss was ₽10 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to ₽11 million gain for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The net foreign exchange loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 reflects mostly the foreign exchange loss on USD-denominated dividend payable, partly offset by the foreign exchange gain on the USD-denominated cash balances.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization were ₽187 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were relatively flat compared to ₽172 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase mainly relates to capital expenditures incurred in the renovation of office premises and the related acquisition of furniture and equipment.

Finance income and costs

Our finance income was ₽15 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to ₽12 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to a modification gain of ₽5 million caused by a change in the terms of the loan issued by PJSC ‘VTB Bank’ that was partly offset by a decrease in income from cash deposits.

Finance costs were ₽93 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to ₽145 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Finance costs for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by ₽53 million, or 36.4%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to a gradual decrease in the Key Rate of the Central Bank of Russia over the last 12 months from 7% as of September 30, 2019 to 4.25% as of September 30, 2020 that resulted in a decrease in the interest charge accrued on our bank loan.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased by ₽73 million, or 37.9%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to increase in the effective tax rate coupled with an increase in the taxable profit.

The effective tax rate has increased to 31.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from 25.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 mainly due to (a) non-deductible SPO-related expense occurred in the three months ended September 30, 2020 not occurring in the three months ended September 30, 2019, and (b) the reversal of provision for uncertain tax positions in the third quarter of 2019. Without the effect from the reversal in prior year and effect from non-deductible SPO-related expense in current year, the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2019 would have been 28.4% and the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 would have been 28.0%, respectively.

Net income,
A
djusted EBITDA and
A
djusted
N
et
I
ncome

In the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019, our net income has increased by 2.6% to ₽585 million, our Adjusted EBITDA has increased by 19.0% to ₽ 1,363 million, and our Adjusted Net Income has increased by 26.1% to ₽922 million, primarily due to the reasons described above.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth the summary cash flow statements for the periods indicated:

(in thousands of RUB) For the nine months ended
September
30, 
   
  2020     2019     Change    
Net cash generated from operating activities 1,948,946     1,569,252     379,694    
Net cash used in investing activities (180,524 )   (493,824 )   313,300    
Net cash used in financing activities (2,735,530 )   (2,334,096 )   (401,434 )  
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (967,108 )   (1,258,668 )   291,560    
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2,089,215     2,861,110     (771,895 )  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 197,821     (63,035 )   260,856    
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 1,319,928     1,539,407     (219,479 )  

Net cash generated from operating activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net cash generated from operating activities was ₽1,949 million compared to ₽1,569 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The change between the periods of ₽380 million was primarily driven by: (i) a decrease in interest paid due to decreases in the Key Rate of Central Bank of Russia, (ii) decrease in income tax paid, and (iii) decrease in advances paid, primarily due to the deferral of the annual D&O insurance policy prepayment to the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net cash used in investing activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net cash used in investing activities was P181 million compared to ₽494 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The change between the periods of ₽313 million was mainly due to the acquisition of a 25.01% ownership interest in LLC “Skilaz” for ₽232 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Net cash used in financing activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net cash used in financing activities was ₽2,736 million compared to ₽2,334 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Change between the periods in cash used in financing activities by ₽401 was due to increase in dividends paid to shareholders in September 2020, that was partly offset by repayment of the loan to an associate of the non-controlling shareholder in March 2019.

Capital Expenditures

Our additions to property and equipment and intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were ₽213 million, a decrease of ₽124 million compared to ₽337 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to a decrease in the office renovation expenses, as we completed our office renovation project in Moscow in the second quarter of 2020, and our cost savings initiatives.

Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results Conference Call

Conference Call Information

We will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results at 9:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (5:00 p.m. Moscow time, 2:00 p.m. London time) on November 20, 2020.

We recommend using the dial-in option only if you would like to ask questions. In this case please dial in at least 15 minutes prior to the call start time and clearly state the requested information. For listen only mode, please use the webcast link.

To participate in the conference call, please use the following details:

Standard International:  +44 (0) 2071 928338
UK (local):  +44 (0) 8444 819752
UK (toll free): 0800 279 6619
USA (local):  +1 646 741 3167
USA (toll free):  +1 877 870 9135
Russian Federation (local): +7 495 249 9851
Russian Federation (toll free): 810 800 2114 4011
Conference ID:  2992016



W

ebcast:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xcs64ueg

Contacts:

Investor Inquiries:
Roman Safiyulin
Phone: +7 966 005-17-82
E-mail: [email protected]

Media Inquiries:
Alexander Dzhabarov
Phone: +7 926 687-2624
E-mail: [email protected]

About HeadHunter Group PLC

HeadHunter is the leading online recruitment platform in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States focused on providing comprehensive talent acquisition services, such as access to extensive CV database, job postings (jobs classifieds platform) and a portfolio of value-added services.

USE OF NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), we present the following non-IFRS1 financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin. The presentation of these financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. For more information on these non-IFRS financial measures, please see the tables captioned “Reconciliations of non-IFRS financial measures to the nearest comparable IFRS measures”, included following the accompanying financial tables. We define the various non-IFRS financial measures we use as follows:

  • “Adjusted EBITDA” as net income (loss) plus: (1) income tax expense; (2) net interest expense/(income); (3) depreciation and amortization; (4) transaction costs related to business combinations; (5) (gain)/loss on the disposal of subsidiary; (6) transaction costs related to disposal of subsidiary; (7) expenses related to equity-settled awards, including related social taxes; (8) IPO-related costs and other income/(loss) not related to underlying business activity; (9) insurance expenses related to the IPO; (10) (income) from the depositary; (11) one-off litigation settlement and related legal costs; and (12) share of (profit)/loss of equity-accounted investees; (13) other financing and transactional costs.
  • “Adjusted Net Income” as net income (loss) plus: (1) transaction costs related to business combinations; (2) (gain)/loss on the disposal of subsidiary; (3) transaction costs related to the disposal of subsidiary; (4) expenses related to equity-settled awards, including related social taxes; (5) IPO-related costs and other income/(loss) not related to underlying business activity; (6) insurance expenses related to IPO; (7) (income) from the depositary; (8) one-off litigation settlement and related legal costs; (9) share of (profit)/loss of equity-accounted investees; (10) amortization of intangible assets recognized upon the acquisition by HeadHunter Group PLC of the outstanding equity interests of HeadHunter FSU Limited from Mail.Ru Group Limited; (11) the tax effect of the adjustment described in (10); (12) (gain) or loss related to the remeasurement and expiration of a tax indemnification asset; (13) net (gain) or loss on financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss; (14) other financing and transactional costs
  • “Adjusted EBITDA Margin” as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.
  • “Adjusted Net Income Margin” as Adjusted Net Income divided by revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin are used by our management to monitor the underlying performance of the business and its operations. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin are used by different companies for differing purposes and are often calculated in ways that reflect the circumstances of those companies. You should exercise caution in comparing Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin as reported by us to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin as reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin are unaudited and have not been prepared in accordance with IFRS or any other generally accepted accounting principles.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin are not measurements of performance under IFRS or any other generally accepted accounting principles, and you should not consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin or Adjusted Net Income Margin as alternatives to net income, operating profit or other financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS or other generally accepted accounting principles. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation. Some of these limitations are:

________________________
1 Denotes International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 

  • Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin do not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments,
  • Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs, and
  • the fact that other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income Margin differently than we do, which limits their usefulness as comparative measures.

The tables at the end of this release provide detailed reconciliations of each non-IFRS financial measure we use to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure.

We provide earnings guidance on a non-IFRS basis and do not provide earnings guidance on an IFRS basis. A reconciliation of our Adjusted EBITDA Margin guidance to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure cannot be provided without unreasonable efforts and is not provided herein because of the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliations, including depreciation and amortization, expenses related to equity-settled awards and the other adjustments reflected in our reconciliation of historical non-IFRS financial measures, the amounts of which, could be material.

Adjusted Operating Costs and Expenses (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization)

Adjusted Operating Costs and Expenses (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization) is a financial measure not defined under IFRS. We believe that Adjusted Operating Costs and Expenses (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization) is a useful metric to assess our operating activities. We excluded expenses incurred in connection with potential financing and strategic transactions, including IPO and SPO- related expenses that are not indicative of our ongoing expenses. We also excluded equity-settled awards as these are non-cash expenses and highly dependent on our share price at the time of equity award grants. Therefore, we believe that it is useful for investors and analysts to see operating costs and expenses financial measures excluding the impact of these charges in order to obtain a clearer picture of our operating activity . Other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. See the tables at the end of this release providing the calculation of Adjusted Operating Costs and Expenses (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization).

Net Working Capital

Net Working Capital is a financial measure not defined under IFRS. We believe that Net Working Capital is a useful metric to assess our ability to service debt, fund new investment opportunities, distribute dividends to our shareholders and assess our working capital requirements. Other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. See the tables at the end of this release providing the calculation of Net Working Capital.

Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio

Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio are financial measure not defined under IFRS. We believe that Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio are important measures that indicate our ability to repay outstanding debt. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any standardized measure under IFRS. Other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. See the tables at the end of this release providing the calculation of Net Debt and discussion of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expected financial performance and operational performance for the year ending December 31, 2020, the anticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and results of operations, the sufficiency of our resources and our ability to finance our operations for the foreseeable future, as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted or implied by such statements, and our reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted or implied by such statements include, among others, significant competition in our markets, our ability to maintain and enhance our brand, our ability to improve our user experience and product offerings, our ability to respond to industry developments, our reliance on Russian Internet infrastructure, macroeconomic and global geopolitical developments affecting the Russian economy or our business, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the political, legal and/or regulatory environment, privacy and data protection concerns and our need to expend capital to accommodate the growth of the business, as well as those risks and uncertainties included under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 and our prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) filed with the SEC on July 16, 2020, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), each of which is on file with the SEC and is available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. In addition, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements that we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release are inherently uncertain and may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. In addition, the forward-looking statements made in this release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income

(in thousands of RUB and USD, except per share amounts)

  For the three months ended September 30,     For the nine months ended September 30,    
  2020   2019   2020     2020     2019     2020    
  RUB   RUB USD     RUB     RUB     USD    
Revenue 2,308,201     2,142,322     28,967     5,832,445     5,722,383     73,194    
Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (1,182,820 )   (1,091,635 )   (14,844 )   (3,272,504 )   (3,157,143 )   (41,068 )  
Depreciation and
amortization
(187,187 )   (171,704 )   (2,349 )   (555,497 )   (505,531 )   (6,971 )  
Operating income 938,194     878,983     11
,
774
    2,004,444     2,059,709     25,155    
Finance income 14,667     12,031     184     42,437     57,723     533    
Finance costs (92,569 )   (145,481 )   (1,162 )   (320,066 )   (470,160 )   (4,017 )  
Net foreign exchange
(loss)/gain
(10,294 )   11,398     168     84,474     (24,730 )   426    
Share of loss of equity-accounted
investees (net of income tax)
(14,030 )   (3,536 )   (129 )   (38,776 )   (8,584 )   1,060    
Other income 13,358     8,613     (176 )   33,954     13,544     (487 )  
Profit before income
tax
849,326     762,008     10
,
659
    1,806,467     1,627,502     22,670    
Income tax expense (263,987 )   (191,435 )   (3,313 )   (570,446 )   (542,918 )   (7,159 )  
Net
income
for the
period
585,339     570,573     7
,
346
    1,236,021     1,084,584     15,511    
                                     
Attributable to:                  
        Owners of the
Company
545,198     531,399     6,842     1,127,945     982,092     14,155    
        Non-controlling
interest
40,141     39,174     504     108,076     102,492     1,356    
Comprehensive
income/(loss)
                 
Items that are or may
be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
:
                 
Foreign currency translation differences 25,484     1,331     320     42,024     (25,591 )   527    
Total comprehensive
income, net of tax
610,823     571,904     7
,
666
    1,278,045     1,058,993     16,039    
                                     
Attributable to:                  
        Owners of the
Company
568,013     532,754     7,128     1,164,721     958,155     14,617    
        Non-controlling
interest
42,810     39,150     537     113,324     100,838     1,422    
Earnings per share                  
        Basic (in Russian Roubles per share) 10.8     10.6     0.14     22.5     19.6     0.28    
        Diluted (in Russian Roubles per share) 10.6     10.3     0.13     21.9     19.3     0.27    



Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Financial Position

As at

(in thousands of Russian Roubles)

September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019     September 30, 2020    
                     
                   
  RUB     RUB     USD    
                     
                   
Non-current assets      
Goodwill 6,981,576     6,954,183     87,615    
Intangible assets 2,408,527     2,733,417     30,226    
Property and equipment 467,754     429,744     5,870    
Equity-accounted investees 140,070     178,847     1,758    
Right-of-use assets 223,757     279,249     2,808    
Deferred tax assets 154,833     149,835     181    
Loans issued to equity-accounted
        investees
14,426         1,943    
Other financial assets 16,917     25,341     212    
Other non-current assets 21,817     22,134     274    
Total non-current assets 10,429,677     10,772,750     130
,
887
   
Current assets      
        Trade and other receivables 73,486     57,908     922    
        Prepaid expenses and other current assets 65,205     119,249     818    
Loans issued to equity-accounted
                investees (current portion)
4,809         60    
Cash and cash equivalents 1,319,928     2,089,215     16,565    
                Total current assets 1,463,428     2,266,372     18
,
365
   
                Total assets 11,893,105     13,039,122     149
,
252
   
                   
Equity      
        Share capital 8,597     8,547     108    
        Share premium 1,958,087     1,863,877     24,573    
        Foreign currency translation reserve (68,415 )   (105,191 )   (859 )  
        Retained earnings 915,122     1,587,697     11,484    
Total equity attributable to owners of
the Company
2,813,391     3,354,930     35
,
307
   
        Non-controlling interest 43,505     33,263     546    
                Total equity 2,856,896     3,388,193     35,853    
                   
Non-current liabilities      
Loans and borrowings 3,947,986     4,064,501     49,545    
Lease liabilities 176,859     230,802     2,219    
Deferred tax liabilities 450,436     512,804     5,653    
Trade and other payables 6,722     4,239     84    
Provisions 48,537     19,498     609    
Other non-current liabilities 105,622     126,828     1,326    
                Total non-current liabilities 4,736,162     4,958,672     59,436    
Current liabilities      
Contract liabilities 2,323,073     2,367,416     29,153    
Trade and other payables 900,958     780,219     11,307    
Loans and borrowings (current portion) 473,571     1,064,554     5,943    
Lease liabilities (current portion) 72,877     59,816     915    
Income tax payable 434,505     369,974        
Provisions (current portion) 69,377     26,398        
Other current liabilities 25,686     23,880      322  
                Total current liabilities 4,300,047     4,692,257      53,963  
                Total liabilities 9,036,209     9,650,929      113,400  
                Total equity and liabilities 11,893,105     13,039,122      149,252  


Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended

(in thousands of Russian Roubles)      
  For the nine months ended

September 30
,
2020
    For the nine months ended

September 30
,
2019
    For the nine months ended

September 30
,
2020
   
  RUB     RUB     USD    
                   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income for the period 1,236,021     1,084,584     15,511    
Adjusted for non-cash items and items not affecting cash
flow from operating activities:
     
        Depreciation and amortization 555,497     505,531     6,971    
        Net finance costs 277,629     412,437     3,484    
Net foreign exchange (gain)/loss (84,474 )   24,730     (1,060 )  
        Other non-cash items (4,307 )   3,834     (54 )  
Management incentive agreement,
including social taxes
179,009     147,243     2,247    
Share grant to the Board of Directors 16,259     7,524     204    
Share of loss of equity-accounted investees,
net of income tax
38,776     8,584     487    
        Income tax expense 570,446     542,918     7,159    
Change in trade receivables and other operating assets 40,568     (146,335 )   509    
Change in contract liabilities (52,575 )   (94,972 )   (660 )  
Change in trade and other payables 65,716     85,000     825    
Change in other liabilities (29,141 )   156,236     (366 )  
Income tax paid (570,906 )   (710,947 )   (7,165 )  
Interest paid (289,572 )   (457,115 )   (3,634 )  
Net cash generated from operating activities 1,948,946     1,569,252     24
,
458
   
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Acquisition of equity-accounted investee     (234,729 )      
Acquisition of intangible assets (57,570 )   (71,251 )   (722 )  
Acquisition of property and equipment (140,255 )   (245,500 )   (1,760 )  
Loans issued to equity-accounted investees (19,235 )       (241 )  
Interest received 36,536     57,656     458    
Net cash used in investing activities (180,524 )   (493,824 )   (2
,
265
)  
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Bank loan received 4,615,000         57,916    
Bank loan restructuring fees (52,762 )       (662 )  
Bank and other loans repaid (5,276,447 )   (1,055,000 )   (66,217 )  
Payment for lease liabilities (41,710 )   (38,632 )   (523 )  
Dividends paid to shareholders (1,885,441 )   (1,133,501 )   (23,662 )  
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest (94,214 )   (106,963 )   (1,183 )  
Contribution from non-controlling interest 44       1    
Net cash used in financing activities (2,735,530 )   (2,334,096 )   (34
,
330
)  
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (967,108 )   (1,258,668 )   (12
,
137
)  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2,089,215     2,861,110     26,219    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 197,821     (63,035 )   2,482    
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 1,319,928     1,539,407     16,564    
                   
                   



Reconciliations of non-IFRS financial measures to the nearest comparable IFRS measures

Reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure:

(in thousands of RUB) For the three months ended September 30,     For the nine months ended September 30,    
  2020     2019     2020     2019    
Net income 585
,
339
    570
,
573
    1
,
236
,
021
    1
,
084
,
584
   
Add the effect of:        
Income tax expense 263,987     191,435     570,446     542,918    
Net interest costs 77,902     133,450     277,629     412,437    
Depreciation and amortization 187,187     171,704     555,497     505,531    
EBITDA 1
,
114
,
415
    1
,
067
,
162
    2
,
639
,
593
    2
,
545
,
470
   
Add the effect of:        
Equity-settled awards,
        including social taxes(1)
56,929     43,956     166,963     117,062    
IPO-related costs(2)             188,294    
Insurance cover related to IPO(3)     39,064     54,772     61,874    
Income from depository(4) (11,637 )   (8,613 )   (29,141 )   (13,544 )  
Other financing and transactional costs(5) 122,235         155,697        
Share of loss of equity-accounted
        investees(6)
14,030     3,536     38,776     8,584    
Adjusted EBITDA 1
,
295
,
973
    1
,
145
,
105
    3
,
026
,
660
    2
,
907
,
740
   
                         

(1)   Represents non-cash expenses related to equity-settled awards issued in accordance with the Management Incentive Agreement, and equity-settled share-based awards issued to board members and related social taxes, which are payable as a result of us becoming Russian tax resident in June 2019.
(2)    In connection with our initial public offering in May 2019, we incurred expenses related to legal, accounting and other professional fees that are not indicative of our ongoing expenses.
(3)    Subsequent to and in connection with our IPO, in May 2019 we purchased a one-year D&O insurance policy for $2.7 million, of which we allocated $2.4 million to the cover related to our IPO, which we believe does not relate to our ordinary course of business, and $250 thousand to directors’ and officers’ insurance in the ordinary course of business, based on the estimate of our insurance provider. The cost of this insurance policy is expensed over the policy term on a pro-rata time basis and thus recurs in the reporting periods during its term. We have recently renewed the policy for the second 12-month period. Due to a decrease in IPO-related risks over time, we believe that our D&O insurance expense in the second 12-month period mostly relates to our ordinary course of business.
(4)    In connection with our IPO, we have signed the Deposit Agreement, in accordance with which we shall receive income from our depositary over the five-year period from the date of the IPO, provided that we meet certain covenants as specified in the Deposit Agreement. We believe that this income does not relate to our ordinary course of business.
(5)    Reflects legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with potential financing and strategic transactions that are not indicative of our ongoing expenses. In the third quarter of 2020, our other financing and transactional costs primarily consist of professional services and personnel expenses related to our SPO occurred in July 2020. 
(6)    On May 6, 2019, we acquired a 25.01% equity-accounted investee, LLC “Skilaz”. We believe that share of profit or loss in equity-accounted investees is not indicative of our core operating performance.
     

Reconciliation of net income to Adjusted N Income, the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure:

  For the three months ended
September
30,
    For the
nine
months ended
September
30,
   
  2020     2019     2020     2019    
Net income 585,339     570,573     1,236,021     1,084,584    
Add the effect of:        
Equity-settled awards,
        including social taxes(1)
56,929     43,956     166,963     117,062    
IPO-related costs(2)             188,294    
Insurance cover related to IPO(3)     39,064     54,772     61,874    
Income from depositary(4) (11,637 )   (8,613 )   (29,141 )   (13,544 )  
Other financing and transactional costs(5) 122,235         155,697        
Share of loss of equity-accounted         
investees(6)
14,030     3,536     38,776     8,584    
Amortization of intangible assets         
recognized upon the Acquisition(7)
103,947     103,947     311,840     311,841    
Tax effect on adjustments(8) (20,789 )   (20,789 )   (62,368 )   (62,368 )  
Net (gain)/loss on financial assets         
measured at fair value through         
profit and loss(9)
5,782         8,424        
Adjusted Net Income 855,836     731,674     1,880,985     1,696,327    

(1)   Represents non-cash expenses related to equity-settled awards issued in accordance with the Management Incentive Agreement, and equity-settled share-based awards issued to board members and related social taxes, which are payable as a result of us becoming Russian tax resident in June 2019.
(2)   In connection with our initial public offering in May 2019, we incurred expenses related to legal, accounting and other professional fees that are not indicative of our ongoing expenses.
(3)   Subsequent to and in connection with our IPO, in May 2019 we purchased a one-year D&O insurance policy for $2.7 million, of which we allocated $2.4 million to the cover related to our IPO, which we believe does not relate to our ordinary course of business, and $250 thousand to directors’ and officers’ insurance in the ordinary course of business, based on the estimate of our insurance provider. The cost of this insurance policy is expensed over the policy term on a pro-rata time basis and thus recurs in the reporting periods during its term. We have recently renewed the policy for the second 12-month period. Due to a decrease in IPO-related risks over time, we believe that our D&O insurance expense in the second 12-month period mostly relates to our ordinary course of business.
(4)     In connection with our IPO, we have signed the Deposit Agreement, in accordance with which we shall receive income from our depositary over the five-year period from the date of the IPO, provided that we meet certain covenants as specified in the Deposit Agreement. We believe that this income does not relate to our ordinary course of business.
(5)      Reflects legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with potential financing and strategic transactions that are not indicative of our ongoing expenses. In the third quarter of 2020, our other financing and transactional costs primarily consist of professional services and personnel expenses related to our SPO occurred in July 2020.
(6)    On May 6, 2019, we acquired a 25.01% equity-accounted investee, LLC “Skilaz”. We believe that share of profit or loss in equity-accounted investees is not indicative of our core operating performance. 
(7)   As a result of the Acquisition, we recognized the following intangible assets: (i) trademark and domain names in the amount of ₽1,634,306 thousand, (ii) non-contractual customer relationships in the amount of ₽2,064,035 thousand and (iii) CV database in the amount of ₽618,601 thousand, which have a useful life of 10 years, 5-10 years and 10 years, respectively.
(8)    Calculated by applying the statutory Russian tax rate of 20% to amortization of the assets recognized upon the Acquisition.
(9)   We believe that the movements in fair values of financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss are not indicative of our underlying business performance.
     

Reconciliation of operating costs and expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) to Adjusted Operating Costs and Expenses (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization), the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure:

  For the three months ended
September
30, 2020
    For the
three
months ended
September
30, 2019
   
  Personnel
expenses
    Marketing
expenses
    Other general
and
administrative
expenses
    Total     Personnel
expenses
    Marketing
expenses
    Other general
and
administrative
expenses
    Total    
Operating costs and expenses
(exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
(649,869 )   (234,768 )   (298,183 )   (1,182,820 )   (557,037 )   (292,801 )   (241,797 )    (1,091,635 )  
Add the effect of:                    
Equity-settled awards, including social taxes(1) 56,929             56,929     43,956             43.956    
Insurance cover related to IPO(2)                         39,064     39,064    
Other financing and transactional costs(3) 31,984         90,251     122,235                    
Adjusted
O
perating
C
osts and
E
xpenses
(

E
xclusive of
D
epreciation and
A
mortization)
(560,956 )   (234,768 )   (207,932 )   (1,003,656 )   (513,081 )   (292,801 )   (202,733 )    (1,008,615 )  

(1)   Represents non-cash expenses related to equity-settled awards issued in accordance with the Management Incentive Agreement, and equity-settled share-based awards issued to board members and related social taxes, which are payable as a result of us becoming Russian tax resident in June 2019.
(2)   Subsequent to and in connection with our IPO, in May 2019 we purchased a one-year D&O insurance policy for $2.7 million, of which we allocated $2.4 million to the cover related to our IPO, which we believe does not relate to our ordinary course of business, and $250 thousand to directors’ and officers’ insurance in the ordinary course of business, based on the estimate of our insurance provider. The cost of this insurance policy is expensed over the policy term on a pro-rata time basis and thus recurs in the reporting periods during its term. We have recently renewed the policy for the second 12-month period. Due to a decrease in IPO-related risks over time, we believe that our D&O insurance expense in the second 12-month period mostly relates to our ordinary course of business.
(3)   Reflects legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with potential financing and strategic transactions that are not indicative of our ongoing expenses. In the third quarter of 2020, our other financing and transactional costs primarily consist of professional services and personnel expenses related to our SPO occurred in July 2020.

We believe that Net Working Capital is a useful metric to assess our ability to service debt, fund new investment opportunities, distribute dividends to our shareholders and assess our working capital requirements.

Calculation of our Net Working Capital is presented in the table below:

(in thousands of RUB) September 30, 2020   December 31, 2019  
Trade and other receivables 73,486    57,908   
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 65,205    119,249   
Contract liabilities (2,323,073)   (2,367,416)  
Trade and other payables (900,958)   (780,219)  
Other current liabilities (25,686)   (23,880)  
Net Working Capital (3,111,026)   (2,994,358)  

We believe that Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio are important measures that indicate our ability to repay outstanding debt.

Calculation of our net debt is presented in the table below:

(in thousands of RUB) September 30, 2020   December 31, 2019  
Loans and borrowings 3,947,986    4,064,501   
Loans and borrowings (current portion) 473,571    1,064,554   
Cash and cash equivalents (1,319,928)   (2,089,215)  
Net Debt 3,101,629    3,039,840   

We calculate our Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio by dividing Net Debt by Adjusted EBITDA.

Calculation of Adjusted EBITDA on the last twelve months basis as of September 30, 2020:

(in thousands of RUB) RUB
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2019 3,930,747  
Less Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (2,907,740 )
Add Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 (3,026,660 )
Adjusted EBITDA on the last twelve months basis 4,049,667     



Canaan Inc. to Report Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results on November 30, 2020

HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: CAN) (“Canaan” or the “Company”), a leading high-performance computing solutions provider, today announced that it plans to release its third quarter 2020 financial results before the market opens on Monday, November 30, 2020.

The Company’s management team will hold a Direct Event conference call on Monday, November 30, 2020, at 7:00 A.M. Eastern Time (or 8:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Details for the conference call are as follows:

Event Title: Canaan Inc. Third Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call  
Registration Link:
http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/3299694
 

All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Upon registering, each participant will receive a set of participant dial-in numbers, the Direct Event passcode, and a unique access PIN, which can be used to join the conference call.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible through December 8, 2020, by dialing the following numbers:

International: +61-2-8199-0299    
United States: +1-646-254-3697    
Hong Kong, China: +852-3051-2780    
Replay PIN: 3299694    

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at investor.canaan-creative.com.

About Canaan Inc.

Established in 2013, Canaan Inc. provides high-performance computing solutions to efficiently solve complex problems. In 2016, Canaan successfully initiated the production of its second 16nm chip and passed the test to receive China’s national high-tech enterprise certification. In 2018, Canaan achieved major technological breakthroughs to launch the K210, the world’s second-ever RISC-V-based edge artificial intelligence (AI) chip, which is now widely used for access control in situations such as smart door locks and more. Canaan Inc. is currently focused on the research and development of advanced technology, including such areas as AI chips, AI algorithms, AI architectures, system on a chip (SoC) integration and chip integration. Using the AI chip as its base, Canaan Inc. has established an intellectual value chain. Canaan Inc. also provides a suite of AI service solutions and is able to tailor these solutions to the needs of its partners. For more information, please visit: investor.canaan-creative.com.

Investor Relations Contact

Canaan Inc.
Mr. Shaoke Li
Email: [email protected]

ICR Inc.
Jack Wang
Tel: +1 (347) 396-3281
Email: [email protected]



Paulson & Co. Requisitions Special Meeting of Midas Gold Shareholders

-Nominates Five Highly Qualified Directors to Strengthen Long-Term Commitment
to U.S. Redomicile and the Development of Stibnite Gold Project-

-Stibnite Gold Project Set to Finance Restoration of Existing Brownfields Site-

-$1 Billion Investment in Stibnite Gold Project Expected to Create 1,000 Direct and Indirect Jobs in Idaho-

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paulson & Co. Inc. (“Paulson”), as manager of funds holding 209.4 million, or 44.1%, of the outstanding common shares of Midas Gold Corp. (TSX: MAX) (“Midas Gold” or the “Company”) today sent the Company a letter requisitioning a special meeting of shareholders in order to refresh the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

Marcelo Kim, Partner at Paulson, said, “If elected, the new Board will have more U.S.-based directors, specifically Idaho-based directors, and greater diversity of thought and experience, better equipping the Board to help the Company achieve its long-term goals. And, in stark contrast to current directors, the new Board expects to hold substantial amounts of stock in the Company, creating economic alignment with Midas Gold’s shareholders.”

Paulson, the single largest shareholder of Midas Gold, has decided to take this matter to its fellow shareholders for the following reasons:

  • With Midas Gold set to receive its major Federal permit in the next year – now that the public comment period has concluded – Paulson believes it is necessary and appropriate to proactively refresh the Board with members better aligned with the evolution of the Company into a U.S.-based producer of critical minerals.
  • Reconstituting the Board with more U.S. and Idaho-based directors will demonstrate the Company’s long-term commitment to Idaho, its people and the successful restoration and development of the Stibnite Gold Project.
  • More U.S.-based representation is necessary to reflect the growing strategic value that the Stibnite Gold Project has to the U.S. Government as the potential first new domestic source of the critical mineral antimony, an essential mineral in national security and energy products, including renewables.
  • Paulson has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Company by recently converting all of its debt into common shares, reducing any potential economic drag as Midas Gold moves forward.
  • Paulson tried to engage collaboratively with the Board to arrange a respectful transition that acknowledged their many years of service, but its efforts to date were rebuffed.

Accordingly, Paulson is calling for the removal of Keith Allred, Jaimie Donovan, Brad Doores, Jon Goode, and Peter Nixon, to be replaced with five new independent, highly qualified directors.

Further, Paulson intends to expand the Board and to elevate Laurel Sayer, the current and longstanding CEO of Midas Gold Idaho, to the refreshed Board.

Paulson has called for a meeting to be held no later than January 18, 2021.

Proposed Slate of New Directors

  • Bob Dean, who was raised in Idaho and now resides in Boise, has over two decades of experience in business, investment management, corporate finance, and capital markets, having spent over 20 years at Allen & Company. He is currently the Managing Member of Gemstone Capital and Co-Owner of Ada Sand & Gravel, one of the largest independent producers of construction aggregates in Southwestern Idaho. Mr. Dean is a Board Member of Natural Intelligence Systems, Inc., an Advisory Committee Member at Greybull Stewardship, and serves as a Board Member of several non-profits including Trailhead Boise, MoFi, and Ramapo for Children.   
  • David
    Deisley, who resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, most recently led the successful permitting effort for the Donlin Gold Project in Alaska for NovaGold Resources and brings extensive recent permitting experience in the U.S. as well as a wealth of experience in corporate affairs, native/tribal stakeholder engagement, legal governance, litigation, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to his tenure with NovaGold, Mr. Deisley was the Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and General Counsel for Goldcorp and previously worked at Barrick Gold.
  • Jeff
    Malmen, a native Idahoan who resides in Boise, is currently the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for IDACORP and Idaho Power, where he has worked since 2007. In his role, he oversees government and regulatory affairs, corporate communications and corporate services, including supply chain, real estate and facilities. Prior to that, Jeff enjoyed a 21-year career in state and federal politics, most recently as Chief of Staff for Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Idaho Governor Phil Batt prior to that. He also served as Administrator of the Division of Financial Management for Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne. He is the Vice Chairman of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry and Board Member of the Idaho Mining Association.
  • Chris Robison, who resides in Denver, Colorado and was most recently Chief Operating Officer for Newmont Mining, the world’s largest gold miner, brings extensive expertise in mining, metallurgy, project development, mine safety, stakeholder engagement, environmental issues, corporate social responsibility, supply chain, mergers and acquisitions, capital investments, business improvement and regulatory issues. Prior to his role at Newmont, Mr. Robison had a distinguished career at Rio Tinto Minerals and Kennecott Utah Copper.
  • Alex
    Sternhell, based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is one of the top Washington strategists and lobbyists helping to shape U.S. public policy as Principal of the Sternhell Group. Mr. Sternhell has more than two decades of experience working on Capitol Hill. He served as the Democratic Deputy Staff Director of and Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs as well as the Staff Director for the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Securities and Investment. He played a key role in drafting and negotiating nearly every major piece of financial services legislation in recent history, including Sarbanes-Oxley, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, and Gramm-Leach Bliley.

Long-
Term Commitment to
Restoration and
U
.
S
.
Critical Minerals

Paulson believes it is in Midas Gold’s long-term best interests to become a U.S.-listed, U.S.-domiciled, and U.S.-based company, committed to the restoration and development of the Stibnite Gold Project. The project will re-establish fish passageways, rehabilitate natural vegetation, and improve overall water quality at a brownfields site, and lead to a significant $1 billion investment that will create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in Idaho. Additionally, once developed, the Stibnite Gold Project is set to become the only source of U.S.-mined antimony, which has been declared a critical mineral by the U.S. Government.   By making these changes to the Company’s Board at this time, Midas Gold will be better positioned to deliver on its promises to its stakeholders.   Redomiciling from Canada to the U.S. will streamline Midas Gold’s corporate structure by eliminating duplicate overheads, including the Vancouver office, thereby empowering employees in Idaho to continue advancing the Stibnite Gold Project.

Advisors

Paulson has retained Mackenzie Partners, Inc. and Carson Proxy as its strategic shareholder services advisors. Goodmans LLP is acting as legal counsel.

Ceasing to File under Part 4 of National Instrument 62-103

In connection with the requisition, Paulson also announced today that it has ceased filing reports in accordance with the alternative monthly reporting system under Part 4 of National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues (“NI 62-103”) for Midas Gold.

Paulson is an investment advisor that furnishes investment advice to and manages onshore and offshore investment funds and separate managed accounts (such investment funds and accounts, the “Funds”). In its role as investment advisor or manager, Paulson possesses voting and/or investment power over the securities of the issuer described in this news release. All of the securities identified in this news release are owned by the Funds.

Paulson controls the common shares described herein on behalf of the Funds for investment purposes. In fulfilling its responsibilities to the Funds, Paulson may make its views known regarding the operation of the business and strategic direction or alternatives to Midas Gold’s management or board of directors from time to time, when proxies are solicited and on other occasions. Depending on market conditions and other factors that Paulson may deem material to its investment decisions, Paulson may, on behalf of the Funds, in the future acquire additional common shares, notes, debentures, options or other derivative securities related to the common shares of Midas Gold, in the open market or in privately negotiated purchases or otherwise. Paulson may also, on behalf of the Funds, depending on then-current circumstances, dispose of all or a portion of the common shares, notes, debentures, options or other derivative securities related to the common shares of Midas Gold, in one or more transactions, in each case to the extent then permitted by applicable law and regulation. Other than as described in this news release, Paulson does not have any plans or intentions with respect to any of the items enumerated in Item 5 of Form 62-103F2.

A report on Form 62-103F2 – Required Disclosure by an Eligible Institutional Investor under Section 4.3 is being filed by Paulson in accordance with NI 62-103 and will be available under Midas Gold’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements and information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook”, “objective”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “should”, “plans”, “continue”, or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information in this news release may include, but is not limited to, statements of Paulson regarding (i) the requisitioned meeting, (ii) how Paulson intends to vote on the resolutions proposed by the requisition, (iii) the proposed replacement of directors, (iv) the nominees for election as directors of Midas Gold, and (v) the creation of 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in Idaho. Material assumptions that were applied in providing forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, (i) the future growth potential of the Stibnite Gold Project, (ii) the results of Midas Gold’s operations, (iii) future cash flows, (iv) the future performance and business prospects and opportunities of Midas Gold, and (v) the current general regulatory environment and economic conditions remaining unchanged.

Although Paulson believes that the expectations reflected in any such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements including, without limitation, the risks that (i) Midas Gold may not accept the requisition or call the requisitioned meeting, (ii) the requisitioned meeting, if called, may not proceed for any reason whatsoever, (iii) the nominees for election as directors may cease to stand for election as directors for any reason whatsoever, (iv) Paulson may not vote in favor of the matters proposed in the requisition, and (v) uncertainties arising from the behavior of financial and commodity markets, predicting natural geological phenomena, and from numerous other matters of natural, regional, and global scale, including those of an environmental, climactic, natural, political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature, may prevent the Stibnite Gold Project from creating the number of jobs that Paulson currently envisions. Except as required by law, Paulson does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

A copy of this news release may be obtained on Midas Gold’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The head office of Midas Gold is Suite 890, 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W2. The address of Paulson is 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036.

About Paulson & Co. Inc.

Paulson, founded in 1994, is a private investment management firm headquartered in New York. Paulson first invested in Midas Gold in 2016 and has continued to provide the Company with $66 million of capital to support the development Stibnite Gold Project and its plans to redevelop and restore a brownfields site, as well as provide America with its only source of domestically mined antimony, a critical mineral.
                
Contacts
Investors:
Daniel Burch
Mackenzie Partners, Inc.
212-929-5748
[email protected]

Christine Carson
Carson Proxy
416-804-0825
[email protected]

Media:
Chris Ullman
Ullman Communications LLC
202-641-2234
[email protected]



XCMG to Take Part in bauma China 2020 with the Largest Outdoor Exhibition

PR Newswire

SHANGHAI, Nov. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — XCMG (000425.SZ) is set to join the 2020 bauma China with a full exhibition lineup of 120 construction equipment products, 65 sets of parts and components as well as demonstrations of the company’s latest technologies.

The international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles will be hosted from November 24 to 27 in Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). XCMG will be at booth A.24-B.32 for outdoor exhibition and W3.100-W3.811 for indoor exhibition with a total exhibition area of 8,878 square meters (95,562 square feet). XCMG will also be livestreaming in English, Russian, Arabia, French and Chinese throughout http://live.global-ce.com/baumachina2020xcmg/.

As a leading Chinese construction machinery manufacturer and among the top five enterprises in the global market, XCMG will introduce its new brand slogan of “Dream Up, Build Better” at the event.

The largest outdoor exhibitor will take center stage with the world’s largest-scale integrated construction solution covering major sectors of hoisting, port, earthwork, mining, road and piling machineries; application of information technologies; as well as the unveiling of mining and emergency rescue product sets; and the release of new cranes, excavators and loaders for the overseas market.

“This exhibition will be showcasing the best and strongest of XCMG. To take lead in the ever-competitive market, XCMG must be consistent and persistent in quality and innovation; and remain at the forefront of technological development,” said Wang Min, Chairman of XCMG.

XCMG will highlight a series of new intelligent products and technologies, including the unmanned excavator, XE335DK; intelligent excavator with voice recognition, XE215G; the world’s first all-terrain crane with remote intelligent control, XCA260; and more.

Following the market trends of new energy, XCMG will exhibit electric loaders XC918EV and XC958EV, and the world’s first hybrid truck crane, XCT25EV, among other clean power products.

Highlights of XCMG’s presentation on opening day include:

  • the official launch of X-GSS, XCMG’s global digital spare parts service information system;
  • the release of the 5G intelligent cabin by XCMG Road Machinery;
  • the official release of the super-tonnage loader XC9350;
  • delivery ceremony of 10 XCA1600 all-terrain cranes;
  • large-scale joint construction demonstration.

For more information, please visit: www.xcmg.com, or XCMG pages on FacebookTwitterYouTubeLinkedIn and Instagram.

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SOURCE XCMG

CalPrivate Bank Appoints SiSi Pouraghabagher to the CalPrivate Bank Board

LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (OTCQX:PBAM), (“Company”) and CalPrivate Bank (“Bank”) announced today the appointment of Setareh “SiSi” Pouraghabagher to the board of its subsidiary, CalPrivate Bank.

“We are excited to welcome SiSi to the Bank board. Her financial services, business transformation, Chief Financial Officer and public company director experience, will be invaluable to CalPrivate as we continue to grow and meet the opportunities of an increasingly complex and rapidly changing operating environment”, said Selwyn Isakow Chairman of PBAM and the Bank.

SiSi is a former CFO and COO for a $2 billion dollar insurance division of a Fortune 50 company, as well as former CAO of a $6 billion dollar division of a global public insurance company. She is an independent director for State Auto Financial Corporation and an independent director and Audit Committee Chair for Point B, a private national management consulting firm. SiSi is a faculty member for the graduate and undergraduate programs at California Polytechnic’s (Cal Poly) Orfalea College of Business where she teaches financial accounting and SEC reporting courses. Previously, SiSi served as the chief financial officer for two private technology companies in Orange County, California. SiSi began her career as an auditor at Deloitte. SiSi is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and California Society of Certified Public Accountants and holds an active CPA license.

About Private Bancorp of America, Inc.

Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (OTCQX: PBAM), is the holding company for CalPrivate Bank. CalPrivate Bank provides a Distinctly Different banking experience through unparalleled service and creative funding solutions to high net worth individuals, professionals, locally owned businesses and real estate entrepreneurs. Customers are serviced through offices in Coronado, San Diego, La Jolla, Newport Beach, El Segundo and Beverly Hills as well as efficient electronic banking offerings. The Bank also offers various portfolio and government guaranteed lending programs, including SBA and cross-border Export-Import Bank programs. CalPrivate Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender and a Bauer Financial 5 star rated bank.

Investor Relations Contact

Rick Sowers
President and CEO
Private Bancorp of America, Inc.
(424) 303-4894

Safe Harbor Paragraph

This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Private Bancorp of America, Inc. cautions readers that a number of important factors could cause actual
results to differ materially from those in the forward

looking statements. These factors include the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related government actions on the Bank and its customers, loan losses, economic conditions and competition in the geographic and business areas in which Private Bancorp of America, Inc. operates, our ability to successfully integrate and develop business through the addition of new personnel and facilities and merged banks, whether our efforts to expand loan, product and service offerings will prove profitable, the effects of the bank mergers and acquisitions in our markets, system failures and internet security, inflation, fluctuations in interest rates, legislation and governmental regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward

looking statements and we undertake no obligation to update those statements whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise.

 



Zoomlion Brings Nine Leading Product Lines to bauma China 2020

Live-streaming groundbreaking breakthroughs including lightweight technology and voice interaction

PR Newswire

SHANGHAI, Nov. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (Zoomlion) will exhibit over 50 sets of construction equipment products from nine product lines at bauma China 2020 that feature the company’s latest technologies. The international trade fair will open on November 24 in Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).

As the largest outdoor exhibitor of the event, Zoomlion will display mobile cranes, tower cranes, concrete machineries, earth moving machineries, aerial work platforms, foundation machinery as well as industrial vehicles and dry-mix mortar equipment.

The company will launch its all-new business sector of mining machinery, including the release of two new products as Zoomlion develops more reliable, efficient and intelligent mining equipment that build on its strong foundation and innovative capabilities.

“The theme for Zoomlion’s exhibition at bauma China 2020 is ‘Vision Creates Future.’ As an industry trendsetter, Zoomlion is confident to lead the technological evolution to create innovative and intelligent products for global customers,” said Mr. Guo Xuehong, Vice President of Zoomlion.

Zoomlion will highlight a series of industry-leading new technologies and breakthroughs, including:

  • Dry-mix mortar equipment that adopts Zoomlion’s patented Powerdos ultra-high-precision powder automatic metering system;
  • The world’s tallest self-propelled straight arm aerial work platform;
  • Lightweight technologies of concrete machinery – such as the innovative hollow boom, carbon fiber concrete pipe and ultra-high-strength steel;
  • Intelligent hoisting technologies such as automatic target locking, autonomous path planning, intelligent obstacle avoidance and precise alignment;
  • Self-developed intelligent control system ETI for construction cranes;
  • 4.0A generation intelligent products;
  • Intelligent technology featuring voice interaction

Zoomlion will also present its lineup of sustainable energy products, including the world’s first electric truck crane, electric mixer truck, lithium hybrid aerial work platform and industrial vehicles that run on electricity and hydrogen energy.

In addition to the advanced and intelligent products, Zoomlion will demonstrate its latest intelligent manufacturing achievement – the construction of Zoomlion Intelligent Industrial City in Changsha – through a live presentation powered by ZValley 5G. A new Excavation Machinery Park, set to open by end of this year in the Industrial City, will integrate Zoomlion’s existing and new industrial capabilities.

Zoomlion will demonstrate real-time 5G remote control of excavators, showing how construction activities can be simplified and improved, and create an immersive experience for visitors by allowing them to operate 5G smart tower crane onsite

In this special time, Zoomlion invites global audiences to experience bauma China 2020 through live streaming events:

1.  Access the English-language live streaming at http://zomo.360vrjy.com. The session is scheduled for 2:30 to 4:20 p.m. (Beijing Time) on November 25, where audiences will have the opportunity to win Zoomlion product models. An English-speaking host will also take audiences to watch live stream at https://www.nimo.tv/zoomlion.

2.  An English-language live streaming of exhibitor dialogue will be hosted on Zoomlion’s store on Alibaba at http://zoomlion1.en.alibaba.com.

3.  Visit Zoomlion’s website for all information on its exhibition at bauma China 2020 at https://baumachina2020vr.lmjx.net/sh/zoomlion/.

About Zoomlion

Founded in 1992, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (01157.HK) is a high-end equipment manufacturing enterprise that integrates engineering machinery, agricultural machinery, and financial services. The company now sells more than 600 cutting-edge products from 56 product lines covering ten significant categories.

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SOURCE Zoomlion

New memoir chronicles one woman’s life story—how a fabricated whistle blower call destroyed her confidence, leading to her subsequent search for self-worth

Dawn Duhamel releases ‘Whistled: A memoir of achievement, betrayal, and the search for self-worth’

CENTENNIAL, Colo., Nov. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A variety of traumatic personal events, including burglary, #MeToo moments, a school shooting, the layoffs of the Great Recession, and a dramatic whistleblower call, have impacted Dawn Duhamel’s life. In “Whistled: A memoir of achievement, betrayal, and the search for self-worth” (published by Archway Publishing), she shares her story, chronicling the events that shaped her.

 

“After being fired for the first time at the age of 50, following controversial, fabricated, whistleblower complaints, I realized that many people have had similar experiences in their career,” the author shares. “I spoke at a national conference and was overwhelmed by the number of women who said my story struck a chord. I wrote this book so that others would know they are not alone. It’s important to document the struggles of women coming of age in a male-dominated industry.”

 

“Whistled: A memoir of achievement, betrayal, and the search for self-worth” narrates Duhamel’s struggle with negative self-talk after a lifetime of achievement. After 24 months of questioning her value, she discovered how to lose resentment, honor forgiveness and discover gratitude. This book shares her journey of finding meaning in loss, hope in resiliency, and courage in vulnerability.

 

The publication of this memoir aims to remind people that they are not alone in their situation or their feelings. It speaks to anyone who has been betrayed, dismissed or discarded, whether that be by an employer or in a personal relationship.

 

 

To purchase a copy, visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/809304-whistled.

 

“Whistled: A memoir of achievement, betrayal, and the search for self-worth”

By Dawn Duhamel

Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 222 pages | ISBN 9781480891777

Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 222 pages | ISBN 9781480891791

E-Book | 222 pages | ISBN 9781480891784

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Dawn Duhamel began working at the age of 12 and has spent her professional career in the world of homebuilding, where she was one of the youngest sales and marketing directors in the industry. She earned high‐level management responsibilities by the age of 26, and led top-producing teams for both the private and public sectors. She has worked for Fortune 500 corporations as well as small businesses. Duhamel and her husband have three daughters.

Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit www.archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957.

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Archway Publishing
844-669-3957
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