Hub Group Honored With the 2020 Humanitarian Logistics Award

OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hub Group (NASDAQ: HUBG) announced today it was honored with the 2020 Humanitarian Logistic Award by the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). ALAN created this award in 2017 “to honor individuals and organizations that have demonstrated an ongoing and sustained commitment to helping others in their time of greatest need.”

During the COVID-19 crisis, temperature controlled storage became a growing need across hospitals, food banks, government agencies and other frontline support. In response, Hub Group donated 211 refrigerated trailers to 59 non-profit organizations, adding up to over 9 million cubic feet of refrigerated storage space, the equivalent of two average-sized refrigerated warehouses. “Hub Group was able to connect with organizations that needed temperature controlled storage the most. We wanted our permanent trailer donations to make a real difference,” said Phillip Yeager, Hub Group’s President and COO.

Through collaboration with ALAN, Hub Group was introduced to Feeding America, a large nationwide system of food banks. “Hub Group’s donation of 31 refrigerated containers provided much-needed cold storage to help our network respond and deliver an average of 37% more weekly food distributions,” said Mike Loeffl, VP of Supply Chain Logistics and Operations at Feeding America. These weekly food distributions directly benefited communities that were stricken with unexpected joblessness and higher dependency on food banks.

“At Hub Group, we pride ourselves on sustainability, supporting our communities and giving back. Whether through our Cause Container program or our membership in initiatives like SmartWay, helping others is not a one-time event for us, but rather an integral part of how we do business. Especially in unprecedented times like 2020, it was a privilege to make a positive impact in so many areas with our trailer donations,” said David Yeager, Hub Group’s Chairman and CEO.

ABOUT HUB GROUP: Hub Group is the premier customer-centric supply chain company, offering comprehensive transportation and logistics management solutions. Keeping our customers’ needs in focus, Hub Group designs, continually optimizes and applies industry-leading technology to our customers’ supply chains for better service, greater efficiency and total visibility. As an award-winning, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: HUBG) with $3.7 billion in revenue, our 5,000 employees across the globe are always in pursuit of “The Way Ahead” – a commitment to service, integrity and innovation. For more information, visit www.hubgroup.com.



Contact Jennifer Telek from Hub Group Inc. 630 217 4772

Dada Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

SHANGHAI, China, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dada Group (NASDAQ: DADA, “Dada” or the “Company”), China’s leading local on-demand delivery and retail platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Third Quarter 2020 Highlights

  • Total net revenues were RMB1,301.5 million, an increase of 85.5% year-over-year.
  • Number of orders delivered of Dada Now for the twelve months ended September 30, 2020 was 1.0 billion, compared with 635.5 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Total Gross Merchandise Volume (“GMV”) of JDDJ for the twelve months ended September 30, 2020 was RMB21.3 billion, an increase of 102.9% year-over-year from RMB10.5 billion in the same period of 2019.
  • Number of active consumers for the twelve months ended September 30, 2020 was 37.3 million, an increase of 77.1% year-over-year from 21.1 million in the same period of 2019.

“We are pleased to report strong performance for the third quarter, with our business continuing to grow and our leading position further strengthening with market share expansion. JDDJ remains the largest local on-demand retail platform in the China supermarket segment with 24% market share in the first nine months of 2020, up from 21% in 2019. Dada Now maintains as the largest open on-demand delivery platform in China with 24% market share in the first nine months of 2020, up from 19% market share in 20191.” commented Mr. Philip Kuai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dada Group. “Our commitment to bring people everything on demand continues to win over consumers, especially in the lower-tier cities in China where we are expanding. We believe we have an exciting journey ahead as we execute our growth strategy.”

“In the third quarter, we saw strong revenue growth with significant improvement of operating margin,” said Beck Chen, Chief Financial Officer of Dada Group. “We will continue to invest in technology to empower retailers and brand owners with enhanced capabilities and improved efficiency to establish and further strengthen partnership with them, which we believe will provide the foundation to support our future growth. With the strong growth momentum, we are confident that JDDJ revenue will grow by 100% year over year in the second half of 2020.”

Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results        

Total net revenues were RMB1,301.5 million, an increase of 85.5% from RMB701.6 million in the same quarter of 2019.

    Three months ended September 30,
    2019   2020
    RMB   RMB
Net Revenue        
Dada Now        
Services   385,865   704,961
Sales of goods   10,800   14,034
Subtotal   396,665   718,995
JDDJ        
Services
note (1)
  304,967   582,507
Total   701,632   1,301,502
         

Note: 

(1) Includes net revenues from fulfillment services provided to retailers on JDDJ of RMB168,012 and RMB251,982, and commission fee revenues from retailers on JDDJ of RMB95,841 and RMB158,307 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Net revenues generated from Dada Now increased by 81.3% from RMB396.7 million in the third quarter of 2019 to RMB719.0 million, mainly driven by the increases in order volume of last-mile delivery service to logistics companies and intra-city delivery service to chain merchants.

Net revenues generated from JDDJ increased by 91.0% from RMB305.0 million in the third quarter of 2019 to RMB582.5 million, mainly due a 90.7% increase in GMV from the same quarter last year, which was driven by increases in average order size and the number of active consumers. The increase in online marketing services revenue as a result of the increasing promotional activities launched by brand owners also constituted to an increment of the net revenues generated form JDDJ.

Total costs and expenses were RMB1,758.1 million, compared with RMB1,208.4 million in the same quarter of 2019.

  • O
    peration
    s and support costs were RMB1,018.2 million, compared with RMB657.4 million in the same quarter of 2019. The rise was primarily due to an increase in rider cost as a result of increasing order volume for last-mile and intra-city delivery services provided to logistics companies, various chain merchants on the Dada Now platform and retailers on the JDDJ platform.
  • Selling and marketing expenses were RMB499.2 million, compared with RMB377.4 million in the same quarter of 2019. The increase was primarily due to (i) incentives to JDDJ consumers grew with GMV while the rate of incentives as a percentage of GMV declined (ii) an increase in advertising and marketing expenses, which was primarily attributable to the increase in referral fees paid to staff at retailer stores for their efforts to attract new consumers to the JDDJ platform, and (iii) an increase in personnel cost in connection with the Company’s growing business and increased share-based compensation expenses .
  • General and administrative expenses were RMB121.1 million, compared with RMB73.1 million in the same quarter of 2019. The increase was primarily due to (i) increased share-based compensation expenses, and (ii) increases in professional service fees that the Company incurred as a listed company.
  • Research and development expenses were RMB103.1 million, compared with RMB88.2 million in the same quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly attributable to the increase in research and development personnel cost as the Company continues to strengthen its technological capabilities. And the increased share-based compensation expenses also contributed to the increase in personnel cost.

Loss from operations was RMB449.9 million, compared with RMB500.9 million in the same quarter of 2019. Operating margin was -34.6%, compared with -71.4% in the same quarter of 2019.

Non-GAAP
l
oss from operations was RMB338.7 million, compared with RMB434.9 million in the same quarter of 2019. Non-GAAP operating margin was -26.0%, compared with -62.0% in the same quarter of 2019.

Net loss was RMB434.0 million, compared with RMB475.0 million in the same period of 2019.

Non-GAAP net loss was RMB324.0 million, compared with RMB411.3 million in the same period of 2019.

Net loss
attributable to ordinary shareholders
of Dada Group was RMB434.0 million, compared with RMB684.9 million in the same quarter of 2019.

Non-GAAP net loss
attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group

2
was RMB324.0 million, compared with RMB621.2 million in the same quarter of 2019.

Basic and diluted net loss per share for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB0.48, compared with RMB1.89 for the third quarter of 2019.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share

3
for the third quarter of 2020 was RMB0.36, compared with RMB1.71 for the third quarter of 2019.

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had RMB3,700.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments, an increase from RMB2,113.5 million as of December 31, 2019.

Environment,
social responsibility
and corporate governance

As Dada further refines its ESG framework and strategy, the Company focuses on creating a fair and sustainable future for riders, consumers, partners and employees.

  • The Company continues to provide flexible working opportunities and training for its crowdsourced riders.
  • The Company strengthened its efforts to share its success by giving back to communities and society in general. For example, during the third quarter, the Company leveraged its on-demand delivery infrastructure and retail platform to actively participate in the poverty alleviation drive between the eastern and western regions in China. The Company’s participation successfully helped expand the coverage and enhance the appeal and impact of the campaign.
  • The Company continued to support pandemic prevention initiatives in cities where occasional outbreaks of COVID-19 took place. The Company continues to provide contactless deliveries on both the JDDJ and Dada Now platforms, and dedicate resources to protecting the health of consumers, riders, retailers, employees and partners. As part of the overall drive to protect all, Dada continues to lend strong logistics support to the supply and distribution of daily necessities. The Company also rolled out a daily body temperature reporting mechanism and continues to provide nucleic acid testing for riders, as required by the government.

Business Outlook

For the fourth quarter of 2020, Dada expects total revenue to be between RMB2.0 billion and RMB2.1 billion. This outlook is based on information available as of the date of this press release and reflects the Company’s current and preliminary expectations, which are subject to change in light of various uncertainties, including those related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss the earnings at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, November 19, 2020 (9:00 a.m. Beijing time on Friday, November 20, 2020).

Please register in advance of the conference using the link provided below and dial in 10 minutes prior to the call, using participant dial-in numbers, Direct Event passcode and unique registrant ID which would be provided upon registering. You will be automatically linked to the live call after completion of this process, unless required to provide the conference ID below due to regional restrictions.

PRE-REGISTER LINK: http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/7915129 

CONFERENCE ID: 7915129

A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call through 07:59 a.m. Eastern Time, November 27, 2020.

Dial-in numbers for the replay are as follows:

International Dial-in    +61-2-8199-0299
U.S. Toll Free   1-855-452-5696
Mainland China 8008-700-206
Hong Kong 800-963-117
Passcode: 7915129#

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Dada’s website at https://ir.imdada.cn/.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company also uses certain non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating its business. For example, the Company uses non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income/(loss), non-GAAP net margin, non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group and non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group per share as supplemental measures to review and assess its financial and operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations is income/(loss) from operations excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition. Non-GAAP operating margin is non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations as a percentage of total net revenues. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) is net income/(loss) excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition and tax benefit from amortization of such intangible assets. Non-GAAP net margin is non-GAAP net income/(loss) as a percentage of total net revenues. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group is net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition and tax benefit from amortization of such intangible assets. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group per share is non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group divided by weighted average number of shares used in calculating net income/(loss) per share.

The Company presents the non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the Company’s management to evaluate the Company’s financial and operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations and non-GAAP net income/(loss) enable the Company’s management to assess the Company’s financial and operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition and tax benefit from amortization of such intangible assets. The Company also believes that the use of the non-GAAP measures facilitates investors’ assessment of the Company’s financial and operating performance.

The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income/(loss), non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group, and non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group per share is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company’s operations. Share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition and tax benefit from amortization of such intangible assets have been and may continue to be incurred in the Company’s business and is not reflected in the presentation of non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income/(loss), non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group, and non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group per share. Further, the non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP measures used by other companies, including peer companies, potentially limiting the comparability of their financial results to the Company’s. In light of the foregoing limitations, the non-GAAP income/(loss) from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income/(loss), non-GAAP net margin, non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group and non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group per share for the period should not be considered in isolation from or as an alternative to income/(loss) from operations, operating margin, net income/(loss), net margin, net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group and net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group per share, or other financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. For reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled, “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Among other things, quotations in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. Dada may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (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 Dada’s beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Dada’s strategies; Dada’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Dada’s ability to maintain its relationship with major strategic investors; its ability to provide efficient on-demand delivery services and offer quality on-demand retail experience; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brands; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Dada’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Dada does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Dada Group

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

1 According to industry data by iResearch Consulting Group, an independent research firm. 
2 Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group is net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition and tax benefit from amortization of such intangible assets.
3 Non-GAAP net loss per share is non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group divided by weighted average number of shares used in calculating net loss per share.

For more information, please visit https://ir.imdada.cn/.

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Dada Nexus Limited
Ms. Caroline Dong
E-mail: [email protected]

Christensen

In China
Mr. Rene Vanguestaine
Phone: +86-178-1749 0483
E-mail: [email protected]

In US
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
E-mail: [email protected]

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dada Nexus Limited
E-mail: [email protected]

Appendix I

DADA NEXUS LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share data and otherwise noted)
           
    As of December
31,
  As
of
September 30
,
 
    2019   2020  
    RMB   RMB  
ASSETS          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents   1,154,653   2,753,040  
Restricted cash   1,480   94,531  
Short-term investments   957,370   852,780  
Accounts receivable   38,234   104,632  
Inventories, net   3,886   5,658  
Amount due from related parties   308,682   419,360  
Prepayments and other current assets   100,354   138,570  
Total current assets   2,564,659   4,368,571  

Non-current assets          
Property and equipment, net   42,044   41,364  
Goodwill   957,605   957,605  
Intangible assets, net   715,877   567,580  
Operating lease right-of-use assets     96,927  
Non-current time deposits     400,000  
Other non-current assets   5,930   10,573  
Total
non-
current assets
  1,721,456   2,074,049  
           
TOTAL ASSETS   4,286,115   6,442,620  
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT          
Current liabilities          
Short-term loan     550,000  
Accounts payable   9,924   11,521  
Payable to riders   381,341   436,703  
Amount due to related parties   82,800   37,552  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   366,285   480,352  
Operating lease liabilities     41,203  
Total current liabilities   840,350   1,557,33
1
 
           
Non-current liabilities          
Deferred tax liabilities   43,701   39,814  
Non-current operating lease liabilities     61,088  
Total non-current liabilities   43,701   100,90
2
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES   884,051   1,658,23
3
 
           

DADA NEXUS LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
(Amounts in thousands, except share data and otherwise noted)

           
    As of December
31,
  As
of
September 30
,
 
    2019     2020    
    RMB   RMB  
           
TOTAL MEZZANINE EQUITY   10,593,026        
           
SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY (
DEFICIT
)
         
Ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value, 1,499,945,349 and 2,000,000,000 shares authorized, 369,290,629 and 910,142,677 shares issued, 369,290,629 and 898,428,565 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2020, respectively)   237     611    
Additional paid-in capital   309,102     13,547,531    
Subscription receivable   (35 )   (35 )  
Accumulated deficit   (7,639,926 )   (8,810,732 )  
Accumulated other comprehensive income   139,660     47,012    
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY (
DEFICIT
)
  (7,190,962 )   4,784,38
7
   
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MAZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY (
DEFICIT
)
  4,286,115     6,442,62
0
   

DADA NEXUS LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data and otherwise noted)

           
    For the three months ended
September 30,
 
    2019     20
20
   
    RMB   RMB  
           
Net Revenues (including related-party revenues of RMB378,926 and RMB670,890 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively)   701,632     1,301,502    
Costs and expenses          
Operations and support   (657,387 )   (1,018,168 )  
Selling and marketing   (377,384 )   (499,150 )  
General and administrative   (73,050 )   (121,135 )  
Research and development   (88,193 )   (103,117 )  
Other operating expenses   (12,343 )   (16,500 )  
Total costs and expenses   (
1,208,
357
)   (1,758,070 )  
Other operating income   5,804     6,635    
Loss from operations   (500,
92
1
)   (449,933 )  
           
Other income/(expenses)          
Interest income   23,634     18,717    
Interest expenses       (4,066 )  
Total other income   23,634     14,
65
1
   
Loss before income tax benefits   (477,
28
7
)   (435,
2
82
)  
Income tax benefits   2,258     1,253    
Net loss   (475,
0
29
)   (434,
02
9
)  
Accretion of convertible redeemable preferred shares   (209,871 )      
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group   (684,
90
0
)   (434,
02
9
)  
           
Net loss per share          
Basic   (1.89 )   (0.48 )  
Diluted   (1.89 )   (0.48 )  
           
Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per share          
Basic   362,197,963     898,428,565    
Diluted   362,197,963     898,428,565    
           
Net
l
oss
  (475,
0
29
)   (434,
02
9
)  
Other comprehensive income/(loss)          
Foreign currency translation adjustments   37,182     (107,726 )  
Total comprehensive loss   (
437,847
)   (541,
75
5
)  

Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results         
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data and otherwise noted)         
            
    For the three months ended
September 30,     
 
    2019     2020    
    RMB   RMB  
           
Loss from operations   (500,
92
1
)   (449,933 )  
           
Add:          
Share-based compensation expense   13,496     66,004    
Intangible assets amortization   52,505     45,231    
Non-GAAP loss from operations   (434,
9
20
)   (338,69
8
)  
           
Net loss   (475,
0
29
)   (434,
02
9
)  
           
Add:          
Share-based compensation expense   13,496     66,004    
Intangible assets amortization   52,505     45,231    
Income tax benefit   (2,257 )   (1,253 )  
Non-GAAP net loss   (411,
28
5
)   (324,
04
7
)  
           
Accretion of convertible redeemable preferred shares   (209,871 )      
           
Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Dada Group   (6
21
,
15
6
)   (324,
04
7
)  
           
Non-GAAP net loss per share          
Basic   (1.71 )   (0.36 )  
Diluted   (1.71 )   (0.36 )  
           
Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per share          
Basic   362,197,963     898,428,565    
Diluted   362,197,963     898,428,565    



Post Holdings Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, today reported results for the fourth fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.

Highlights:

  • Fourth quarter net sales of $1.4 billion; operating profit of $178.9 million; net earnings of $57.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $274.8 million
  • Fiscal year net sales of $5.7 billion; operating profit of $700.5 million; net earnings of $0.8 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $1,140.5 million
  • Generated $625.6 million in cash from operations in fiscal year 2020

Basis of Presentation

On October 21, 2019, the initial public offering (the “IPO”) of a minority interest in the BellRing Brands business, Post’s historical active nutrition business, was completed. Post fully consolidates the results of BellRing Brands, Inc. (“BellRing”) and its subsidiaries within Post’s financial statements and effective October 21, 2019 allocates 28.8% of BellRing’s consolidated net earnings/loss and net assets to noncontrolling interest within Post’s financial statements. On July 1, 2020, Post completed the acquisition of Henningsen Foods, Inc. (“Henningsen”), the results of which are included in the Foodservice segment.

Fourth Quarter Consolidated Operating Results

Net sales were $1,411.3 million, a decrease of 2.2%, or $31.5 million, compared to the prior year period net sales of $1,442.8 million. Net sales growth in BellRing Brands, Weetabix and Refrigerated Retail was offset by declines in Foodservice and Post Consumer Brands. Gross profit was $440.3 million, or 31.2% of net sales, a decrease of $11.9 million compared to the prior year period gross profit of $452.2 million, or 31.3% of net sales.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $229.8 million, or 16.3% of net sales, a decrease of $15.7 million compared to the prior year period SG&A expenses of $245.5 million, or 17.0% of net sales. Operating profit was $178.9 million, an increase of 74.4%, or $76.3 million, compared to the prior year period operating profit of $102.6 million. Operating profit in the fourth quarter of 2019 included non-cash goodwill and other intangible asset impairments of $63.3 million, which are discussed later in this release and were treated as adjustments for non-GAAP measures.

Net earnings were $57.0 million, an increase of 193.3%, or $118.1 million, compared to the prior year period net loss of $61.1 million. Net earnings/loss included income on swaps, net of $5.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and expense on swaps, net of $105.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, which is discussed later in this release and was treated as an adjustment for non-GAAP measures. Net earnings/loss included equity method losses, net of tax of $8.3 million and $11.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net earnings/loss excluded net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest of $10.3 million and $0.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Diluted earnings per common share were $0.83, compared to a loss of $0.84 in the prior year period. Adjusted net earnings were $39.5 million, or $0.58 per diluted common share, compared to the prior year period Adjusted net earnings of $107.0 million, or $1.43 per diluted common share.

Adjusted EBITDA was $274.8 million, a decrease of 9.5%, or $28.8 million, compared to the prior year period Adjusted EBITDA of $303.6 million, with the decrease driven by Foodservice. Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2020 included an adjustment of $9.8 million primarily for the portion of BellRing’s consolidated net earnings which was allocated to noncontrolling interest, resulting in Adjusted EBITDA including 100% of the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of BellRing.

Fiscal Year 2020 Consolidated Operating Results

Net sales were $5,698.7 million, an increase of 0.3%, or $17.6 million, compared to the prior year net sales of $5,681.1 million. Gross profit was $1,787.4 million, or 31.4% of net sales, a decrease of $4.7 million compared to the prior year gross profit of $1,792.1 million, or 31.5% of net sales.

SG&A expenses were $934.3 million, or 16.4% of net sales, an increase of $22.7 million compared to the prior year SG&A expenses of $911.6 million, or 16.0% of net sales. Operating profit was $700.5 million, a decrease of 10.3%, or $80.5 million, compared to the prior year operating profit of $781.0 million. Fiscal year 2019 operating profit included a $126.6 million gain related to the separate capitalization of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. (“8th Avenue”) and non-cash goodwill and other intangible asset impairments of $63.3 million, both of which were treated as adjustments for non-GAAP measures.

Net earnings were $0.8 million, a decrease of 99.4%, or $123.9 million, compared to the prior year net earnings of $124.7 million. Net earnings included loss on extinguishment of debt of $72.9 million and $6.1 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net earnings included expense on swaps, net of $187.1 million and $306.6 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. Loss on extinguishment of debt and expense on swaps, net are discussed later in this release and were treated as adjustments for non-GAAP measures. Net earnings included equity method losses, net of tax of $30.9 million and $37.0 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net earnings excluded net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest of $28.2 million and $1.3 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $0.01, compared to $1.66 in the prior year. Adjusted net earnings were $189.8 million, or $2.71 per diluted common share, compared to the prior year Adjusted net earnings of $378.0 million, or $5.03 per diluted common share.

Adjusted EBITDA was $1,140.5 million, a decrease of 5.8%, or $69.9 million, compared to the prior year Adjusted EBITDA of $1,210.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2020 included an adjustment of $26.4 million primarily for the portion of BellRing’s consolidated net earnings which was allocated to noncontrolling interest, resulting in Adjusted EBITDA including 100% of the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of BellRing.

Post Consumer Brands

North American ready-to-eat (“RTE”) cereal.

For the fourth quarter, net sales were $471.9 million, a decrease of 3.2%, or $15.5 million, compared to the prior year period. Volumes decreased 6.3%, as growth in Post branded cereals was offset by declines in private label and government bid business (primarily resulting from the decision to exit certain low-margin business), Malt-O-Meal bag cereal and licensed brand cereal. Reduced promotional spending and favorable mix partially offset the negative impact of the volume decline. Segment profit was $92.9 million, an increase of 6.5%, or $5.7 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $121.3 million, an increase of 0.2%, or $0.2 million, compared to the prior year period.

For fiscal year 2020, net sales were $1,949.1 million, an increase of 3.9%, or $73.2 million, compared to the prior year. Segment profit was $393.5 million, an increase of 16.7%, or $56.4 million, compared to the prior year. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $507.9 million, an increase of 9.7%, or $44.8 million, compared to the prior year.

Weetabix

Primarily United Kingdom RTE cereal and muesli.

For the fourth quarter, net sales were $113.7 million, an increase of 8.5%, or $8.9 million, compared to the prior year period and reflected a favorable foreign currency exchange rate tailwind of approximately 450 basis points. Volume growth of 5.0% was driven by extruded products (resulting from lapping capacity constraints in the prior year period) and biscuit products, which were partially offset by declines in drink products (resulting from reduced on-the-go consumption in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic). Segment profit was $28.0 million, an increase of 9.8%, or $2.5 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $37.9 million, an increase of 12.1%, or $4.1 million, compared to the prior year period.

For fiscal year 2020, net sales were $440.4 million, an increase of 5.3%, or $22.2 million, compared to the prior year. Segment profit was $112.3 million, an increase of 18.5%, or $17.5 million, compared to the prior year. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $146.6 million, an increase of 14.1%, or $18.1 million, compared to the prior year.

Foodservice

Primarily egg and potato products.

For the fourth quarter, net sales were $320.5 million, a decrease of 23.3%, or $97.1 million, compared to the prior year period and included a 290 basis point benefit from Henningsen. Volumes for the fourth quarter decreased 22.7% (including a 130 basis point benefit from Henningsen), driven by lower away-from-home demand in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic in various channels, including full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, education and travel and lodging. Egg volumes declined 22.6% (including an 80 basis point benefit from Henningsen) and potato volumes declined 26.8%.

Segment loss was $4.9 million, a decrease of 112.3%, or $44.7 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $23.7 million, a decrease of 69.4%, or $53.8 million, compared to the prior year period. Fourth quarter 2020 segment loss and segment Adjusted EBITDA were negatively impacted by (i) lost contribution margin on reduced volumes and unfavorable customer, product and channel mix, (ii) unfavorable fixed cost absorption driven by a reduction in volumes produced, (iii) lower net pricing (resulting from an unfavorable mix, lower market-based pricing and temporary price reductions to move excess and short-dated inventory) and (iv) increased reserves for obsolete and donated inventory on short-dated products.

For fiscal year 2020, net sales were $1,361.8 million, a decrease of 16.3%, or $265.6 million, compared to the prior year. Segment profit was $25.6 million, a decrease of 87.1%, or $172.8 million, compared to the prior year. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $144.0 million, a decrease of 53.5%, or $166.0 million, compared to the prior year.

Refrigerated Retail

Primarily side dish, egg, cheese and sausage products.

For the fourth quarter, net sales were $223.4 million, an increase of 2.0%, or $4.3 million, compared to the prior year period and benefited from improved average net pricing in side dishes. Volumes decreased 5.5% as growth in sausage was offset by declines in egg and cheese products. Side dish volumes were relatively flat as strong growth in Bob Evans branded side dishes was offset by declines in deli products and private label (resulting from the decision to exit certain low-margin business). Egg volumes declined 19.2% driven by declines in deli products (resulting from COVID-19 related in-store deli closures) and low-margin exited business. Volume information for additional products is disclosed in a table presented later in this release. Segment profit was $27.1 million, an increase of 21.5%, or $4.8 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $46.2 million, an increase of 11.6%, or $4.8 million, compared to the prior year period.

For fiscal year 2020, net sales were $961.2 million, an increase of 5.9%, or $53.9 million, compared to the prior year. Segment profit was $125.6 million, an increase of 32.1%, or $30.5 million, compared to the prior year. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $200.5 million, an increase of 14.8%, or $25.9 million, compared to the prior year.

BellRing Brands

Ready-to-drink (“RTD”) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders and nutrition bars.

For the fourth quarter, net sales were $282.6 million, an increase of 31.7%, or $68.1 million, compared to the prior year period. Premier Protein net sales increased 37.2%, with volumes up 40.6%. Net sales benefited from RTD shake distribution gains for both existing and new products, incremental promotional activity and lapping a reduction in customer trade inventory levels in the prior year period. Additionally, net sales benefited from an increase in customer trade inventory levels, as RTD shake shipments exceeded consumption driven by certain promotional events and retailer shelf resets that occurred early in the first quarter of 2021. Dymatize and PowerBar net sales increased 14.5% and 1.0%, respectively. Segment profit was $49.0 million, an increase of 21.6%, or $8.7 million, compared to the prior year period and included $2.0 million of incremental public company costs. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $56.7 million, an increase of 20.9%, or $9.8 million, compared to the prior year period.

For fiscal year 2020, net sales were $988.3 million, an increase of 15.7%, or $133.9 million, compared to the prior year. Segment profit was $164.0 million, a decrease of 6.3%, or $11.1 million, compared to the prior year and included $13.1 million of higher marketing and consumer advertising expenses and $8.4 million of incremental public company costs. Segment profit for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 included transaction costs of $1.9 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to BellRing’s separation from Post, which were treated as adjustments for non-GAAP measures. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $197.2 million, a decrease of 1.8%, or $3.6 million, compared to the prior year.

As of September 30, 2020, BellRing had $703.7 million in total principal value of debt and $48.7 million in cash and cash equivalents.

For further information, please refer to the BellRing fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 earnings release and conference call (the details of which are included later in this release).

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Post did not record any non-cash goodwill or other intangible asset impairments in the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-cash goodwill and other intangible asset impairments of $63.3 million were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019 in the Refrigerated Retail segment. The goodwill impairment charge of $48.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 related to the cheese business and primarily resulted from lost distribution with customers and a shift in supplier and consumer preferences to private label cheese products and away from branded cheese products. The intangible asset impairment charge of $14.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 related to the All Whites trademark and resulted from a strategic decision to discontinue use of All Whites as all products previously sold under All Whites are now being marketed and sold under Bob Evans Egg Whites.

Interest, Loss on Extinguishment of Debt, (Income) Expense on Swaps and Income Tax

Interest expense, net was $95.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $91.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. In fiscal year 2020, interest expense, net was $388.6 million, compared to $322.4 million in fiscal year 2019. Interest expense, net in the fourth quarter of 2020 included $13.5 million attributable to BellRing primarily in connection with the creation of BellRing’s capital structure in the first quarter of 2020. Interest expense, net in fiscal year 2020 included (i) $54.7 million attributable to BellRing and (ii) a loss of $8.4 million resulting from the reclassification of losses previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense. Interest expense, net in fiscal year 2019 included a gain of $31.0 million resulting from the reclassification of gains previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense. Excluding the aforementioned items, the remaining decrease for both periods was driven by the repayment of Post’s term loan in the first quarter of 2020 which resulted in an interest expense reduction of $14.8 million and $56.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and fiscal year 2020, respectively.

Loss on extinguishment of debt, net of $72.9 million was recorded in fiscal year 2020 in connection with (i) Post’s repayment of its 5.50% senior notes due in March 2025 and 8.00% senior notes due in July 2025, (ii) Post’s repayment of the entire principal balance of its term loan in the first quarter of 2020, (iii) the assignment of debt to BellRing Brands, LLC related to the creation of BellRing’s capital structure in the first quarter of 2020 and (iv) the amendment and restatement of Post’s credit agreement in March 2020. Loss on extinguishment of debt, net of $6.1 million was recorded in fiscal year 2019 in connection with (i) Post’s repayment of $863.0 million in total principal value of its term loan, (ii) the assignment of debt to 8th Avenue related to its separate capitalization and (iii) Post’s open market purchases of $60.0 million in total principal value of certain senior notes.

(Income) expense on swaps, net relates to non-cash mark-to-market adjustments and cash settlements on interest rate swaps. Income on swaps, net was $5.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to expense of $105.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. For fiscal year 2020, expense on swaps, net was $187.1 million, compared to $306.6 million in fiscal year 2019.

Income tax expense was $15.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a benefit of $43.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. For fiscal year 2020, income tax expense was $3.5 million, an effective income tax rate of 5.5%, compared to a benefit of $3.9 million in fiscal year 2019, an effective income tax rate of negative 2.5%. In fiscal year 2020, the effective income tax rate differed significantly from the statutory tax rate primarily as a result of rate differential on foreign income and discrete tax benefits, which largely related to Post’s equity method investment in 8th Avenue. In fiscal year 2019, the effective income tax rate differed significantly from the statutory rate as a result of discrete tax benefits, primarily relating to excess tax benefits for share-based payments and uncertain tax positions, which was partially offset by the tax impact of non-deductible goodwill impairment.

Share Repurchases

During the fourth quarter of 2020, Post repurchased 1.5 million shares of its common stock for $125.5 million at an average price of $86.69 per share. During fiscal year 2020, Post repurchased 6.1 million shares of its common stock for $587.7 million at an average price of $97.65 per share. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, Post had $289.5 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization.

Retirement of Board Member Jay W. Brown

On November 18, 2020, Jay W. Brown, a member of the Board of Directors of Post, notified Post of his decision to retire as a director of Post. Mr. Brown has been a member of Post’s Board of Directors since 2012, and is a member of the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee and the Strategy and Financial Oversight Committee. Mr. Brown’s announced retirement was not due to any disagreement with Post on any matter. Mr. Brown’s retirement from the Board of Directors, and all committees thereof, will be effective on December 15, 2020.

COVID-19 Commentary

Post continues to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business and remains focused on ensuring its ability to safeguard the health of its employees, including their economic health, maintaining the continuity of its supply chain to serve customers and consumers and preserving financial liquidity to mitigate the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

Post products sold through food, drug, mass, club and eCommerce generally have continued to experience an uplift in sales in the fourth quarter of 2020, driven by increased at-home consumption in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post’s foodservice business continues to be negatively impacted by lower away-from-home demand resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various channels, including full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, education and travel and lodging. From April lows, Post’s foodservice volumes improved in the second half of 2020, performing relatively in line with changes in the degree of restrictions on mobility and gathering. The trajectory of foodservice volume recovery is expected to continue to correlate with changes in the degree of restrictions on mobility and gathering.

The convenient nutrition category in which BellRing operates continues to be negatively impacted by changes in consumer behavior (primarily lower on-the-go consumption) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the liquids and powders sub-categories returned to growth relatively in line with their pre-pandemic growth rates. However, the bar sub-category continues to experience year-over-year declines. International net sales for Dymatize and PowerBar improved when compared to the third quarter of 2020, but continue to be negatively impacted by changes in consumer behavior as discussed earlier. The trajectory of volume recovery for Dymatize and PowerBar is expected to be impacted by changes in the degree of restrictions on mobility and gathering, including closures of specialty retail stores and gyms.

As of September 30, 2020, Post had approximately $1.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents on hand and the available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility was $731.2 million (reflecting $18.8 million of outstanding letters of credit, a reduction in the borrowing capacity).

Outlook

Under the assumption the COVID-19 pandemic persists through Post’s second quarter, Post management expects Adjusted EBITDA for the first half of fiscal year 2021 to be between $520-$550 million and is expected to favor the first quarter.

Post management expects Post’s fiscal year 2021 capital expenditures to range between $225-$250 million, including approximately $4 million attributable to BellRing.

Post provides Adjusted EBITDA guidance only on a non-GAAP basis and does not provide a reconciliation of its forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP guidance measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation, including adjustments that could be made for income/expense on swaps, net, noncontrolling interest, equity method investment adjustment, transaction and integration costs, mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and other charges reflected in Post’s reconciliations of historical numbers, the amounts of which, based on historical experience, could be significant. For additional information regarding Post’s non-GAAP measures, see the related explanations presented under “Post’s Use of Non-GAAP Measures.”

BellRing Outlook

For fiscal year 2021, BellRing management expects net sales and Adjusted EBITDA to grow 8%-13% and 5%-10%, respectively, over fiscal year 2020 (resulting in a net sales range of $1.07-$1.12 billion and an Adjusted EBITDA range of $207-$217 million).

BellRing management expects the following:

  • Net sales growth to be high single digits in the first half of 2021 and mid teens in the second half of 2021;
  • Adjusted EBITDA growth to occur entirely in the second half of 2021, resulting from the timing of material and logistics cost increases, as well as incremental investments in brand building; and
  • Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA pacing in the first half of 2021 to be similar to 2020.

BellRing management expects fiscal year 2021 capital expenditures of approximately $4 million.

BellRing provides Adjusted EBITDA guidance only on a non-GAAP basis and does not provide a reconciliation of its forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP guidance measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation, including adjustments that could be made for noncontrolling interest adjustment, separation costs and other charges reflected in BellRing’s reconciliation of historical numbers, the amounts of which, based on historical experience, could be significant. For additional information regarding BellRing’s non-GAAP measures, see the related explanations presented under “Use of Non-GAAP Measures” in BellRing’s fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 earnings release. BellRing, as a separate publicly-traded company, releases guidance regarding its future performance. These statements are prepared by BellRing’s management, and Post does not accept any responsibility for any such statements.

8th Avenue Standalone Financial Information

Post owns a 60.5% common equity interest in 8th Avenue, which is an unconsolidated affiliate that manufactures and distributes private label peanut and other nut butters, dried fruit and nut products, granola and pasta.

For the fourth quarter, net sales were $229.0 million, an increase of 10.1%, or $21.0 million, compared to the prior year period. Net loss was $2.2 million, an improvement of $6.7 million, compared to the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA was $22.6 million, an increase of 9.7%, or $2.0 million, compared to the prior year period.

For fiscal year 2020, net sales were $924.2 million, an increase of 10.2%, or $85.7 million, compared to the prior year. Net loss was $6.4 million, an improvement of 63.6%, or $11.2 million, compared to the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $94.2 million, an increase of 4.1%, or $3.7 million, compared to the prior year.

As of September 30, 2020, 8th Avenue was capitalized with $24.4 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, $615.9 million of senior secured debt, $60.1 million related to a sale-leaseback transaction, $250.0 million in principal amount of preferred equity and $61.6 million of accumulated, but unpaid, preferred dividends. Summarized financial information for 8th Avenue is disclosed later in this release.

For 8th Avenue, Post management expects fiscal year 2021 Adjusted EBITDA to range between $100-$105 million.

Post provides Adjusted EBITDA guidance for 8th Avenue only on a non-GAAP basis and does not provide a reconciliation of its forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP guidance measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation, including transaction, integration and sale-leaseback costs, non-cash stock-based compensation and other charges reflected in 8th Avenue’s reconciliation of historical numbers, the amounts of which, based on historical experience, could be significant. For additional information regarding Post’s non-GAAP measures, see the related explanations presented under “Post’s Use of Non-GAAP Measures.”

Post’s Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Post uses certain non-GAAP measures in this release to supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures include total segment profit, Adjusted net earnings, Adjusted diluted earnings per common share, Adjusted EBITDA for Post and 8th Avenue and segment Adjusted EBITDA. The reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is provided later in this release under “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures.”

Management uses certain of these non-GAAP measures, including Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA, as key metrics in the evaluation of underlying company and segment performance, in making financial, operating and planning decisions and, in part, in the determination of cash bonuses for its executive officers and employees. Additionally, Post is required to comply with certain covenants and limitations that are based on variations of EBITDA in its financing documents. Management believes the use of these non-GAAP measures provides increased transparency and assists investors in understanding the underlying operating performance of Post and its segments and in the analysis of ongoing operating trends. Non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, as they exclude certain items as described later in this release. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. For additional information regarding Post’s non-GAAP measures, see the related explanations provided under “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” later in this release.

Post Conference Call to Discuss Earnings Results and Outlook

Post will host a conference call on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. EST to discuss financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021 outlook and to respond to questions. Robert V. Vitale, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff A. Zadoks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the call.

Interested parties may join the conference call by dialing (877) 540-0891 in the United States and (678) 408-4007 from outside of the United States. The conference identification number is 3039636. Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of Post’s website at www.postholdings.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available through Friday, December 4, 2020 by dialing (800) 585-8367 in the United States and (404) 537-3406 from outside of the United States and using the conference identification number 3039636. A webcast replay also will be available for a limited period on Post’s website in the Investor Relations section.

BellRing Conference Call to Discuss Earnings Results and Outlook

BellRing will host a conference call on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. EST to discuss financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021 outlook and to respond to questions. Darcy H. Davenport, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Paul A. Rode, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the call.

Interested parties may join the conference call by dialing (833) 954-1568 in the United States and (409) 216-6583 from outside of the United States. The conference identification number is 4971167. Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of BellRing’s website at www.bellring.com. A slide presentation containing supplemental material will also be available at the same location on BellRing’s website.

A replay of the conference call will be available through Friday, December 4, 2020 by dialing (800) 585-8367 in the United States and (404) 537-3406 from outside of the United States and using the conference identification number 4971167. A webcast replay also will be available for a limited period on BellRing’s website in the Investor Relations section.

Prospective Financial Information

Prospective financial information is necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions underlying the prospective financial information described above will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. For further discussion of some of the factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from the information provided above, see “Forward-Looking Statements” below. Accordingly, the prospective financial information provided above is only an estimate of what Post’s and BellRing’s management believes is realizable as of the date of this release. It also should be recognized that the reliability of any forecasted financial data diminishes the farther in the future that the data is forecasted. In light of the foregoing, the information should be viewed in context and undue reliance should not be placed upon it.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this release and on Post’s conference call are forward-looking statements, including Post’s Adjusted EBITDA outlook for the first half of fiscal year 2021, Post’s capital expenditure outlook for fiscal year 2021, statements regarding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Post’s business, Post’s continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BellRing’s net sales, Adjusted EBITDA and capital expenditures outlook for fiscal year 2021 and Post management’s Adjusted EBITDA outlook for 8th Avenue for fiscal year 2021. These forward-looking statements are sometimes identified from the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “target,” “is likely,” “will,” “can,” “may” or “would” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions, and include all statements regarding future performance, earnings projections, events or developments. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including negative impacts on the global economy and capital markets, the health of Post’s employees, Post’s ability to manufacture and deliver its products, operating costs, demand for its foodservice and on-the-go products and Post’s operations generally;
  • Post’s high leverage, Post’s ability to obtain additional financing (including both secured and unsecured debt), Post’s ability to service its outstanding debt (including covenants that restrict the operation of Post’s business) and a downgrade or potential downgrade in Post’s credit ratings;
  • Post’s ability to continue to compete in its product categories and Post’s ability to retain its market position and favorable perceptions of its brands;
  • Post’s ability to anticipate and respond to changes in consumer and customer preferences and behaviors and introduce new products;
  • changes in economic conditions, disruptions in the U.S. and global capital and credit markets, changes in interest rates, volatility in the market value of derivatives and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
  • disruptions or inefficiencies in Post’s supply chain, including as a result of Post’s reliance on third party suppliers or manufacturers for the manufacturing of many of Post’s products, pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic) and other outbreaks of contagious diseases, fires and evacuations related thereto, changes in weather conditions, natural disasters, agricultural diseases and pests and other events beyond Post’s control;
  • significant volatility in the cost or availability of inputs to Post’s business (including freight, raw materials, energy and other supplies);
  • Post’s ability to hire and retain talented personnel, the ability of Post’s employees to safely perform their jobs, including the potential for physical injuries or illness (such as COVID-19), employee absenteeism, labor strikes, work stoppages and unionization efforts;
  • allegations that Post’s products cause injury or illness, product recalls and withdrawals and product liability claims and other related litigation;
  • Post’s ability to identify, complete and integrate or otherwise effectively execute acquisitions or other strategic transactions and effectively manage its growth;
  • Post’s ability to promptly and effectively realize the strategic and financial benefits expected as a result of the initial public offering of a minority interest in its BellRing Brands business, which consists of Post’s historical active nutrition business;
  • impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other intangibles;
  • Post’s ability to successfully implement business strategies to reduce costs;
  • legal and regulatory factors, such as compliance with existing laws and regulations, as well as new laws and regulations and changes to existing laws and regulations and interpretations thereof, affecting Post’s business, including current and future laws and regulations regarding food safety, advertising and labeling and animal feeding and housing operations;
  • the loss of, a significant reduction of purchases by or the bankruptcy of a major customer;
  • the failure or weakening of the RTE cereal category and consolidations in the retail and foodservice distribution channels;
  • the ultimate impact litigation or other regulatory matters may have on Post;
  • Post’s ability to successfully collaborate with third parties that have invested with Post in 8th Avenue and to effectively realize the strategic and financial benefits expected as a result of the separate capitalization of 8th Avenue;
  • costs associated with Bob Evans Farms, Inc.’s (“Bob Evans”) obligations in connection with the sale and separation of its restaurants business in April 2017, which occurred prior to Post’s acquisition of Bob Evans, including certain indemnification obligations under the restaurants sale agreement and Bob Evans’s payment and performance obligations as a guarantor for certain leases;
  • Post’s ability to protect its intellectual property and other assets and to continue to use third party intellectual property subject to intellectual property licenses;
  • the ability of Post and its customers’, and 8th Avenue’s and its customers’, private brand products to compete with nationally branded products;
  • risks associated with Post’s international businesses;
  • the impact of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (commonly known as “Brexit”) on Post and its operations;
  • costs, business disruptions and reputational damage associated with information technology failures, cybersecurity incidents or information security breaches;
  • changes in estimates in critical accounting judgments;
  • losses or increased funding and expenses related to Post’s qualified pension or other postretirement plans;
  • significant differences in Post’s, 8th Avenue’s and BellRing’s actual operating results from Post’s guidance regarding Post’s and 8th Avenue’s future performance and BellRing’s guidance regarding its future performance;
  • Post’s ability and BellRing’s ability to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and
  • other risks and uncertainties described in Post’s and BellRing’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These forward-looking statements represent Post’s judgment as of the date of this release except with respect to BellRing’s guidance regarding its future performance, which represents BellRing’s judgment as of the date of this release. Post disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

About Post Holdings, Inc.

Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice, food ingredient and convenient nutrition food categories. Through its Post Consumer Brands business, Post is a leader in the North American ready-to-eat cereal category offering a broad portfolio including recognized brands such as Honey Bunches of Oats®, Pebbles™, Great Grains® and Malt-O-Meal® bag cereal. Post also is a leader in the United Kingdom ready-to-eat cereal category with the iconic Weetabix® brand. As a leader in refrigerated foods, Post delivers innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato products to the foodservice channel and the retail refrigerated side dish category, offering side dish, egg, cheese and sausage products through the Bob Evans®, Simply Potatoes® and Crystal Farms® brands. Post’s publicly-traded subsidiary BellRing Brands, Inc. is a holding company operating in the global convenient nutrition category through its primary brands of Premier Protein®, Dymatize® and PowerBar®. Post participates in the private brand food category through its investment with third parties in 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., a leading, private brand centric, consumer products holding company. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com.

Contact:

Investor Relations
Jennifer Meyer
[email protected]
(314) 644-7665

Media Relations
Lisa Hanly
[email protected]
(314) 665-3180
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in millions, except per share data)

  Three Months Ended

September 30,
  Year Ended

September 30,
  2020   2019   2020   2019
Net Sales $ 1,411.3        $ 1,442.8        $ 5,698.7        $ 5,681.1     
Cost of goods sold 971.0        990.6        3,911.3        3,889.0     
Gross Profit 440.3        452.2        1,787.4        1,792.1     
Selling, general and administrative expenses 229.8        245.5        934.3        911.6     
Amortization of intangible assets 40.1        40.3        160.3        161.3     
Loss (gain) on sale of business —        0.7        —        (126.6 )  
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —        63.3        —        63.3     
Other operating (income) expenses, net (8.5 )     (0.2 )     (7.7 )     1.5     
Operating Profit 178.9        102.6        700.5        781.0     
Interest expense, net 95.3        91.9        388.6        322.4     
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net —        —        72.9        6.1     
(Income) expense on swaps, net (5.3 )     105.7        187.1        306.6     
Other income, net (1.9 )     (2.1 )     (11.5 )     (13.2 )  
Earnings (Loss) before Income Taxes and Equity Method Loss 90.8        (92.9 )     63.4        159.1     
Income tax expense (benefit) 15.2        (43.5 )     3.5        (3.9 )  
Equity method loss, net of tax 8.3        11.3        30.9        37.0     
Net Earnings (Loss) Including Noncontrolling Interest 67.3        (60.7 )     29.0        126.0     
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest 10.3        0.4        28.2        1.3     
Net Earnings (Loss) 57.0        (61.1 )     0.8        124.7     
Less: Preferred stock dividends —        —        —        3.0     
Net Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders $ 57.0        $ (61.1 )     $ 0.8        $ 121.7     
               
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share:              
Basic $ 0.85        $ (0.84 )     $ 0.01        $ 1.72     
Diluted $ 0.83        $ (0.84 )     $ 0.01        $ 1.66     
               
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding:              
Basic 67.3        72.9        68.9        70.8     
Diluted 68.4        72.9        70.1        75.1     

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in millions)  

  September 30, 2020   September 30, 2019
       
ASSETS
Current Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,187.9        $ 1,050.7     
Restricted cash 5.5        3.8     
Receivables, net 441.6        445.1     
Inventories 599.4        579.8     
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 53.4        46.9     
Total Current Assets 2,287.8        2,126.3     
       
Property, net 1,779.7        1,736.0     
Goodwill 4,438.6        4,399.8     
Other intangible assets, net 3,197.5        3,338.5     
Equity method investments 114.1        145.5     
Other assets 329.0        205.5     
Total Assets $ 12,146.7        $ 11,951.6     
       
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities      
Current portion of long-term debt $ 64.9        $ 13.5     
Accounts payable 367.9        395.6     
Other current liabilities 541.6        393.8     
Total Current Liabilities 974.4        802.9     
       
Long-term debt 6,959.0        7,066.0     
Deferred income taxes 784.5        688.5     
Other liabilities 599.8        456.9     
Total Liabilities 9,317.7        9,014.3     
       
Shareholders’ Equity      
Preferred stock —        —     
Common stock 0.8        0.8     
Additional paid-in capital 4,182.9        3,734.8     
Retained earnings 208.6        207.8     
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (29.3 )     (96.8 )  
Treasury stock, at cost (1,508.5 )     (920.7 )  
Total Shareholders’ Equity excluding Noncontrolling Interest 2,854.5        2,925.9     
Noncontrolling interest (25.5 )     11.4     
Total Shareholders’ Equity 2,829.0        2,937.3     
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 12,146.7        $ 11,951.6     

SELECTED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS INFORMATION (Unaudited)

(in millions)

  Year Ended

September 30,
  2020   2019
Cash provided by (used in):      
Operating activities $ 625.6        $ 688.0     
Investing activities, including capital expenditures of $234.6 and $273.9 (218.5 )     26.7     
Financing activities (272.0 )     (652.4 )  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 3.8        (2.3 )  
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 138.9        $ 60.0     

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)

(in millions)

      Three Months Ended

September 30,
  Year Ended

September 30,
    2020   2019   2020   2019
Net Sales              
  Post Consumer Brands $ 471.9        $ 487.4        $ 1,949.1        $ 1,875.9     
  Weetabix 113.7        104.8        440.4        418.2     
  Foodservice 320.5        417.6        1,361.8        1,627.4     
  Refrigerated Retail 223.4        219.1        961.2        907.3     
  BellRing Brands 282.6        214.5        988.3        854.4     
  Eliminations (0.8 )     (0.6 )     (2.1 )     (2.1 )  
  Total $ 1,411.3        $ 1,442.8        $ 5,698.7        $ 5,681.1     
Segment Profit (Loss)              
  Post Consumer Brands $ 92.9        $ 87.2        $ 393.5        $ 337.1     
  Weetabix 28.0        25.5        112.3        94.8     
  Foodservice (4.9 )     39.8        25.6        198.4     
  Refrigerated Retail 27.1        22.3        125.6        95.1     
  BellRing Brands 49.0        40.3        164.0        175.1     
  Total segment profit 192.1        215.1        821.0        900.5     
General corporate expenses and other 11.3        46.4        109.0        169.6     
Loss (gain) on sale of business —        0.7        —        (126.6 )  
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —        63.3        —        63.3     
Interest expense, net 95.3        91.9        388.6        322.4     
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net —        —        72.9        6.1     
(Income) expense on swaps, net (5.3 )     105.7        187.1        306.6     
Earnings (Loss) before Income Taxes and Equity Method Loss $ 90.8        $ (92.9 )     $ 63.4        $ 159.1     

SUPPLEMENTAL REFRIGERATED RETAIL SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)

The below table presents volume percentage changes for the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter for products within the Refrigerated Retail segment.

Product   Volume Percentage
Change
All   (5.5 )%
Side dishes   0.3 %
Egg   (19.2 )%
Cheese   (8.7 )%
Sausage   15.9 %

EXPLANATION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

Post uses certain non-GAAP measures in this release to supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures include total segment profit, Adjusted net earnings, Adjusted diluted earnings per common share, Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA. The reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is provided in the tables following this section. Non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, as they exclude certain items as described below. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Total segment profit

Total segment profit represents the aggregation of the segment profit for each of Post’s reportable segments, which is each of Post’s reportable segment’s earnings/loss before income taxes and equity method earnings/loss before impairment of property, goodwill and other intangible assets, facility closure related costs, restructuring expenses, gain/loss on assets and liabilities held for sale, gain/loss on sale of businesses and facilities, gain on bargain purchase, interest expense and other unallocated corporate income and expenses. Post believes total segment profit is useful to investors in evaluating Post’s operating performance because it facilitates period-to-period comparison of results of segment operations.

Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per common share

Post believes Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per common share are useful to investors in evaluating Post’s operating performance because they exclude items that affect the comparability of Post’s financial results and could potentially distort an understanding of the trends in business performance.

Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per common share are adjusted for the following items:

a.  Income/expense on swaps, net: Post has excluded the impact of non-cash mark-to-market adjustments and cash settlements on interest rate swaps due to the inherent uncertainty and volatility associated with such amounts based on changes in assumptions with respect to estimates of fair value and economic conditions and as the amount and frequency of such adjustments and settlements are not consistent.
b. Payments of debt extinguishment costs, net: Post has excluded payments and other expenses for premiums on debt extinguishment, net of gains realized on debt repurchased at a discount, as such payments are inconsistent in amount and frequency. Additionally, Post believes that these costs do not reflect expected ongoing future operating expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
c. Gain/loss on sale of business: Post has excluded gains and losses recorded on divestitures as the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent. Additionally, Post believes that these gains and losses do not reflect expected ongoing future operating income and expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
d. Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets: Post has excluded expenses for impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets as such non-cash amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency and Post believes that these
costs do not reflect expected ongoing future operating expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
e. Transaction costs and integration costs: Post has excluded transaction costs related to professional service fees and other related costs associated with signed and closed business combinations and divestitures and integration costs incurred to integrate acquired or to-be-acquired businesses as Post believes that these exclusions allow for more meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance and comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods. Post believes such costs are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of acquired assets as part of Post or the performance of the divested assets, and such costs are not factored into management’s evaluation of potential acquisitions or Post’s performance after completion of an acquisition or the evaluation to divest an asset. In addition, the frequency and amount of such charges varies significantly based on the size and timing of the acquisitions and divestitures and the maturity of the businesses being acquired or divested. Also, the size, complexity and/or volume of past acquisitions and divestitures, which often drive the magnitude of such expenses, may not be indicative of the size, complexity and/or volume of future acquisitions or divestitures. By excluding these expenses, management is better able to evaluate Post’s ability to utilize its existing assets and estimate the long-term value that acquired assets will generate for Post. Furthermore, Post believes that the adjustments of these items more closely correlate with the sustainability of Post’s operating performance. Post also has excluded certain expenses incurred to effect BellRing’s separation from Post and to support BellRing’s transition into a separate stand-alone, publicly-traded entity as the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent. Additionally, Post believes that these separation costs do not reflect expected ongoing future operating expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s or the BellRing Brands segment’s current operating performances or comparisons of Post’s or the BellRing Brands segment’s operating performances to other periods.
f. Gain on bargain purchase: Post has excluded gains recorded for acquisitions in which the fair value of the assets acquired exceeded the purchase price as such amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency. Post believes such gains are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of acquired assets as part of Post, and such amounts are not factored into the performance of acquisitions after their completion.
g. Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges: Post has excluded the impact of mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges due to the inherent uncertainty and volatility associated with such amounts based on changes in assumptions with respect to fair value estimates. Additionally, these adjustments are primarily non-cash items and the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent.
h. Restructuring and facility closure costs, including accelerated depreciation: Post has excluded certain costs associated with facility closures as the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent. Additionally, Post believes that these costs do not reflect expected ongoing future operating expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
i. Provision for legal settlements: Post has excluded gains and losses recorded to recognize the anticipated or actual resolution of certain litigation as Post believes such gains and losses do not reflect expected ongoing future operating income and expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
j. Purchase price adjustment on acquisition: Post has excluded adjustments to the purchase price of an acquisition in excess of one year beyond the acquisition date as such amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency. Post believes such costs are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of acquired assets as part of Post, and such amounts are not factored into the performance of acquisitions after completion of acquisitions.
k.
Assets held for sale:
Post has excluded adjustments recorded to adjust the carrying value of facilities and other assets classified as held for sale as such adjustments represent non-cash items and the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent. Additionally, Post believes that these adjustments do not reflect expected ongoing future operating expenses or income and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
l. Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities: Post has excluded the impact of mark-to-market adjustments on investments in equity securities due to the inherent volatility associated with such amounts based on changes in market pricing variations and as the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent. Additionally, these adjustments are non-cash items and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
m. Debt consent solicitation costs: Post has excluded professional service fees and other related costs in connection with its debt consent solicitation as Post believes that these costs do not reflect expected ongoing future operating expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
n. Foreign currency gain/loss on intercompany loans: Post has excluded the impact of foreign currency fluctuations related to intercompany loans denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the respective legal entity in evaluating Post’s performance to allow for more meaningful comparisons of performance to other periods.
o. Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired business: Post has excluded the impact of fair value step-up adjustments to inventory in connection with business combinations as such adjustments represent non-cash items, are not consistent in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and size of Post’s acquisitions.
p. Advisory income: Post has excluded advisory income received from 8th Avenue as Post believes such income does not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
q. Noncontrolling interest adjustment: Post has included an adjustment to reflect the removal of the portion of the non-GAAP adjustments related to BellRing which are attributable to noncontrolling interest in the calculation of Adjusted net earnings.
r. Income tax effect on adjustments: Post has included the income tax impact of the non-GAAP adjustments using a rate described in the applicable footnote of the reconciliation tables, as Post believes that its GAAP effective income tax rate as reported is not representative of the income tax expense impact of the adjustments.
s. U.S. tax reform net benefit: Post has excluded the impact of an income tax benefit recorded in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019 in connection with preparing its fiscal year 2018 corporate income tax returns which related to the (i) re-measurement of its existing deferred tax assets and liabilities and (ii) adjustment to the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings. Post believes that this net benefit as reported is not representative of Post’s current income tax position and exclusion of the benefit allows for more meaningful comparisons of performance to other periods.

Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA
Post believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating Post’s operating performance and liquidity because (i) Post believes it is widely used to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets, (ii) it presents a measure of corporate performance exclusive of Post’s and BellRing’s capital structure and the method by which the assets were acquired and (iii) it is a financial indicator of a company’s ability to service its debt, as Post and BellRing Brands, LLC are required to comply with certain covenants and limitations that are based on variations of EBITDA in their respective financing documents. Post believes that segment Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating Post’s operating performance because it allows for assessment of the operating performance of each reportable segment. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to provide forward-looking guidance and uses Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA to forecast future results.

Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA reflect adjustments for income tax expense/benefit, interest expense, net and depreciation and amortization including accelerated depreciation, and the following adjustments discussed above: income/expense on swaps, net, gain/loss on sale of business, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, transaction costs and integration costs, gain on bargain purchase, mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges, restructuring and facility closure costs excluding accelerated depreciation, provision for legal settlements, purchase price adjustment on acquisition, assets held for sale, mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities, debt consent solicitation costs, foreign currency gain/loss on intercompany loans, inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired business and advisory income. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA reflect adjustments for the following items:

t.    Gain/loss on extinguishment of debt, net: Post has excluded gains and losses recorded on extinguishment of debt, inclusive of payments for premiums, the write-off of debt issuance costs and the write-off of net unamortized debt premiums and discounts, net of gains realized on debt repurchased at a discount, as such losses are inconsistent in amount and frequency. Additionally, Post believes that these gains and losses do not reflect expected ongoing future operating income and expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
u.    Non-cash stock-based compensation: Post’s and BellRing’s compensation strategies include the use of stock-based compensation to attract and retain executives and employees by aligning their long-term compensation interests with shareholders’ and stockholders’ investment interests, respectively. After its IPO, BellRing continues to be charged for Post stock-based compensation through the master services agreement with Post. BellRing’s director compensation strategy includes an election by any director who earns retainers in which the director may elect to defer compensation granted as a director to BellRing Class A common stock, earning a match on the deferral, both of which are stock-settled upon the director’s retirement from the BellRing board of directors. Post has excluded non-cash stock-based compensation as non-cash stock-based compensation can vary significantly based on reasons such as the timing, size and nature of the awards granted and subjective assumptions which are unrelated to operational decisions and performance in any particular period and do not contribute to meaningful comparisons of Post’s and BellRing’s operating performances to other periods.
v.    Noncontrolling interest adjustment: Post has included adjustments for (i) the portion of BellRing’s consolidated net earnings/loss which was allocated to noncontrolling interest, resulting in Adjusted EBITDA including 100% of the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of the BellRing Brands business as Post believes this basis contributes to a more meaningful evaluation of the consolidated operating company performance and (ii) income tax expense/benefit, interest expense, net and depreciation and amortization for Post’s consolidated Weetabix investment which is attributable to the noncontrolling owners of the consolidated Weetabix investment.
w.    Equity method investment adjustment: Post has included adjustments for the 8th Avenue equity investment loss and Post’s portion of income tax expense/benefit, interest expense, net and depreciation and amortization for its unconsolidated Weetabix investment accounted for using equity method accounting.

RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

TO ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS (Unaudited)

(in millions)

    Three Months Ended

September 30,
  Year Ended

September 30,
    2020   2019   2020   2019
Net Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders $ 57.0        $ (61.1 )     $ 0.8        $ 121.7     
Dilutive preferred stock dividends —        —        —        3.0     
Net Earnings (Loss) for Diluted Earnings per Share 57.0        (61.1 )     0.8        124.7     
               
Adjustments:              
  (Income) expense on swaps, net (5.3 )     105.7        187.1        306.6     
  Payments of debt extinguishment costs, net —        —        49.8        (4.0 )  
  Loss (gain) on sale of business —        0.7        —        (126.6 )  
  Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —        63.3        —        63.3     
  Transaction costs 0.1        7.2        5.5        25.5     
  Integration costs 0.9        6.1        3.5        13.5     
  Gain on bargain purchase (11.7 )     —        (11.7 )     —     
  Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges (7.6 )     9.4        6.3        8.7     
  Restructuring and facility closure costs, including accelerated depreciation 0.3        1.6        2.3        20.5     
  Provision for legal settlements —        5.0        0.6        2.4     
  Purchase price adjustment on acquisition —        3.8        —        3.8     
  Assets held for sale 2.7        —        2.7        (0.6 )  
  Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities 1.4        —        1.4        —     
  Debt consent solicitation costs —        —        —        1.3     
  Foreign currency gain on intercompany loans (0.3 )     —        (0.5 )     —     
  Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired business 0.4        —        0.4        —     
  Advisory income (0.2 )     (0.2 )     (0.6 )     (0.6 )  
  Noncontrolling interest adjustment 0.1        —        (0.1 )     —     
  Total Net Adjustments (19.2 )     202.6        246.7        313.8     
Income tax effect on adjustments (1) 1.7        (34.5 )     (57.7 )     (55.7 )  
U.S. tax reform net benefit —        —        —        (4.8 )  
Adjusted Net Earnings $ 39.5        $ 107.0        $ 189.8        $ 378.0     
                 
(1) For all periods, income tax effect on adjustments was calculated on all items, except (income) expense on swaps, net, impairment of non-deductible goodwill and gain on bargain purchase, using a rate of 24.5%, the sum of Post’s U.S. federal corporate income tax rate plus Post’s blended state income tax rate, net of federal income tax benefit. Income tax effect for (income) expense on swaps, net was calculated using a rate of 21.5%. Income tax effect for impairment of non-deductible goodwill and gain on bargain purchase was calculated using a rate of 0.0%.

RECONCILIATION OF WEIGHTED-AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING

TO ADJUSTED WEIGHTED-AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING (Unaudited)

(in millions)

    Three Months Ended

September 30,
  Year Ended

September 30,
    2020   2019   2020   2019
Weighted-average shares for diluted earnings (loss) per share 68.4      72.9      70.1      75.1   
Effect of securities that were anti-dilutive for diluted earnings (loss) per share:              
  Stock options —      1.0      —      —   
  Stock appreciation rights —      0.1      —      —   
  Restricted stock unit awards —      0.5      —      —   
  Performance-based restricted stock units —      0.1      —      —   
Adjusted weighted-average shares for adjusted diluted earnings per share 68.4      74.6      70.1      75.1   

RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Unaudited)

    Three Months Ended

September 30,
  Year Ended

September 30,
    2020   2019   2020   2019
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share $ 0.83        $ (0.84 )     $ 0.01        $ 1.66     
Adjustment to Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

(1)
—        0.02        —        —     
Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share, as calculated using adjusted weighted-average diluted shares

(2)
0.83        (0.82 )     0.01        1.66     
               
Adjustments:              
  (Income) expense on swaps, net (0.07 )     1.42        2.67        4.08     
  Payments of debt extinguishment costs, net —        —        0.71        (0.05 )  
  Loss (gain) on sale of business —        0.01        —        (1.69 )  
  Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —        0.85        —        0.84     
  Transaction costs —        0.09        0.08        0.34     
  Integration costs 0.01        0.08        0.05        0.18     
  Gain on bargain purchase (0.17 )     —        (0.17 )     —     
  Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges (0.11 )     0.12        0.09        0.12     
  Restructuring and facility closure costs, including accelerated depreciation —        0.02        0.03        0.27     
  Provision for legal settlements —        0.07        0.01        0.03     
  Purchase price adjustment on acquisition —        0.05        —        0.05     
  Assets held for sale 0.04        —        0.04        (0.01 )  
  Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities 0.02        —        0.02        —     
  Debt consent solicitation costs —        —        —        0.02     
  Foreign currency gain on intercompany loans —        —        (0.01 )     —     
  Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired business 0.01        —        0.01        —     
  Advisory income —        —        (0.01 )     (0.01 )  
  Total Net Adjustments (0.27 )     2.71        3.52        4.17     
Income tax effect on adjustments (3) 0.02        (0.46 )     (0.82 )     (0.74 )  
U.S. tax reform net benefit —        —        —        (0.06 )  
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Common Share $ 0.58        $ 1.43        $ 2.71        $ 5.03     
                 
(1) Represents the effect of the change in adjusted weighted-average diluted shares on reported net earnings/loss available to common shareholders (as reconciled in the prior table), after consideration of the adjustments (which are presented in this table).

(2) Per share adjustments are based on adjusted weighted-average diluted shares (as reconciled in the prior table).

(3) For all periods, income tax effect on adjustments was calculated on all items, except (income) expense on swaps, net, impairment of non-deductible goodwill and gain on bargain purchase, using a rate of 24.5%, the sum of Post’s U.S. federal corporate income tax rate plus Post’s blended state income tax rate, net of federal income tax benefit. Income tax effect for (income) expense on swaps was calculated using a rate of 21.5%. Income tax effect for impairment of non-deductible goodwill and gain on bargain purchase was calculated using a rate of 0.0%.

RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)

(in millions)

  Three Months Ended

September 30,
  Year Ended

September 30,
  2020   2019   2020   2019
Net Earnings (Loss) $ 57.0        $ (61.1 )     $ 0.8        $ 124.7     
Income tax expense (benefit) 15.2        (43.5 )     3.5        (3.9 )  
Interest expense, net 95.3        91.9        388.6        322.4     
Depreciation and amortization, including accelerated depreciation 95.8        91.5        370.3        379.6     
(Income) expense on swaps, net (5.3 )     105.7        187.1        306.6     
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net —        —        72.9        6.1     
Loss (gain) on sale of business —        0.7        —        (126.6 )  
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —        63.3        —        63.3     
Non-cash stock-based compensation 12.5        10.5        49.8        38.9     
Noncontrolling interest adjustment 9.8        (0.2 )     26.4        (0.7 )  
Equity method investment adjustment 8.5        11.9        31.1        37.7     
Transaction costs 0.1        7.2        5.5        25.5     
Integration costs 0.9        6.1        3.5        13.5     
Gain on bargain purchase (11.7 )     —        (11.7 )     —     
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges (7.6 )     9.4        6.3        8.7     
Restructuring and facility closure costs, excluding accelerated depreciation 0.3        1.6        2.4        8.3     
Provision for legal settlements —        5.0        0.6        2.4     
Purchase price adjustment on acquisition —        3.8        —        3.8     
Assets held for sale 2.7        —        2.7        (0.6 )  
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities 1.4        —        1.4        —     
Debt consent solicitation costs —        —        —        1.3     
Foreign currency gain on intercompany loans (0.3 )     —        (0.5 )     —     
Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired business 0.4        —        0.4        —     
Advisory income (0.2 )     (0.2 )     (0.6 )     (0.6 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 274.8        $ 303.6        $ 1,140.5        $ 1,210.4     
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales 19.5    %   21.0    %   20.0    %   21.3    %

RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT PROFIT (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

(in millions)

  Post Consumer
Brands
  Weetabix   Foodservice   Refrigerated Retail   BellRing

Brands
  Corporate/ Other   Total
Segment Profit (Loss) $ 92.9      $ 28.0        $ (4.9 )     $ 27.1      $ 49.0        $ —        $ 192.1     
General corporate expenses and other —      —        —        —      —        (11.3 )     (11.3 )  
Other income, net —      —        —        —      —        (1.9 )     (1.9 )  
Operating Profit (Loss) 92.9      28.0        (4.9 )     27.1      49.0        (13.2 )     178.9     
Other income, net —      —        —        —      —        1.9        1.9     
Depreciation and amortization 28.2      10.2        31.3        18.7      6.3        1.1        95.8     
Non-cash stock-based compensation —      —        —        —      1.7        10.8        12.5     
Noncontrolling interest adjustment —      (0.5 )     —        —      —        —        (0.5 )  
Equity method investment adjustment —      0.2        —        —      —        —        0.2     
Transaction costs —      —        —        —      —        0.1        0.1     
Integration costs 0.2      —        0.3        0.4      —        —        0.9     
Gain on bargain purchase —      —        —        —      —        (11.7 )     (11.7 )  
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges —      —        (3.4 )     —      —        (4.2 )     (7.6 )  
Restructuring and facility closure costs —      —        —        —      —        0.3        0.3     
Assets held for sale —      —        —        —      —        2.7        2.7     
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities —      —        —        —      —        1.4        1.4     
Foreign currency gain on intercompany loans —      —        —        —      (0.3 )     —        (0.3 )  
Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired business —      —        0.4        —      —        —        0.4     
Advisory income —      —        —        —      —        (0.2 )     (0.2 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 121.3      $ 37.9        $ 23.7        $ 46.2      $ 56.7        $ (11.0 )     $ 274.8     
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales 25.7  %   33.3    %   7.4    %   20.7  %   20.1    %   —        19.5    %

RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT PROFIT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

(in millions)

  Post Consumer
Brands
  Weetabix   Foodservice   Refrigerated Retail   BellRing

Brands
  Corporate/ Other   Total
Segment Profit $ 87.2      $ 25.5        $ 39.8      $ 22.3        $ 40.3      $ —        $ 215.1     
General corporate expenses and other —      —        —      —        —      (46.4 )     (46.4 )  
Loss on sale of business —      —        —      —        —      (0.7 )     (0.7 )  
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —      —        —      (63.3 )     —      —        (63.3 )  
Other income, net —      —        —      —        —      (2.1 )     (2.1 )  
Operating Profit (Loss) 87.2      25.5        39.8      (41.0 )     40.3      (49.2 )     102.6     
Other income, net —      —        —      —        —      2.1        2.1     
Depreciation and amortization, including accelerated depreciation 28.3      8.3        28.8      18.7        6.3      1.1        91.5     
Loss on sale of business —      —        —      —        —      0.7        0.7     
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —      —        —      63.3        —      —        63.3     
Non-cash stock-based compensation —      —        —      —        —      10.5        10.5     
Noncontrolling interest adjustment —      (0.6 )     —      —        —      —        (0.6 )  
Equity method investment adjustment —      0.6        —      —        —      —        0.6     
Transaction costs —      —        —      —        0.3      6.9        7.2     
Integration costs 5.6      —        0.1      0.4        —      —        6.1     
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges —      —        3.8      —        —      5.6        9.4     
Restructuring and facility closure costs, excluding accelerated depreciation —      —        —      —        —      1.6        1.6     
Provision for legal settlements —      —        5.0      —        —      —        5.0     
Purchase price adjustment on acquisition —      —        —      —        —      3.8        3.8     
Advisory income —      —        —      —        —      (0.2 )     (0.2 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 121.1      $ 33.8        $ 77.5      $ 41.4        $ 46.9      $ (17.1 )     $ 303.6     
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales 24.8  %   32.3    %   18.6  %   18.9    %   21.9  %   —        21.0    %

RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT PROFIT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

(in millions)

  Post Consumer
Brands
  Weetabix   Foodservice   Refrigerated Retail   BellRing

Brands
  Corporate/ Other   Total
Segment Profit $ 393.5      $ 112.3        $ 25.6        $ 125.6      $ 164.0        $ —        $ 821.0     
General corporate expenses and other —      —        —        —      —        (109.0 )     (109.0 )  
Other income, net —      —        —        —      —        (11.5 )     (11.5 )  
Operating Profit 393.5      112.3        25.6        125.6      164.0        (120.5 )     700.5     
Other income, net —      —        —        —      —        11.5        11.5     
Depreciation and amortization, including accelerated depreciation 112.4      35.9        119.6        73.1      25.3        4.0        370.3     
Non-cash stock-based compensation —      —        —        —      6.5        43.3        49.8     
Noncontrolling interest adjustment —      (1.8 )     —        —      —        —        (1.8 )  
Equity method investment adjustment —      0.2        —        —      —        —        0.2     
Transaction costs —      —        —        —      1.9        3.6        5.5     
Integration costs 2.0      —        0.3        1.2      —        —        3.5     
Gain on bargain purchase —      —        —        —      —        (11.7 )     (11.7 )  
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges —      —        (1.9 )     —      —        8.2        6.3     
Restructuring and facility closure costs, excluding accelerated depreciation —      —        —        —      —        2.4        2.4     
Provision for legal settlement —      —        —        0.6      —        —        0.6     
Assets held for sale —      —        —        —      —        2.7        2.7     
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities —      —        —        —      —        1.4        1.4     
Foreign currency gain on intercompany loans —      —        —        —      (0.5 )     —        (0.5 )  
Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired business —      —        0.4        —      —        —        0.4     
Advisory income —      —        —        —      —        (0.6 )     (0.6 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 507.9      $ 146.6        $ 144.0        $ 200.5      $ 197.2        $ (55.7 )     $ 1,140.5     
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales 26.1  %   33.3    %   10.6    %   20.9  %   20.0    %   —        20.0    %

RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT PROFIT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

(in millions)

  Post Consumer
Brands
  Weetabix   Foodservice   Refrigerated Retail   BellRing

Brands
  Corporate/ Other   Total
Segment Profit $ 337.1      $ 94.8        $ 198.4        $ 95.1        $ 175.1      $ —        $ 900.5     
General corporate expenses and other —      —        —        —        —      (169.6 )     (169.6 )  
Gain on sale of business —      —        —        —        —      126.6        126.6     
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —      —        —        (63.3 )     —      —        (63.3 )  
Other income, net —      —        —        —        —      (13.2 )     (13.2 )  
Operating Profit 337.1      94.8        198.4        31.8        175.1      (56.2 )     781.0     
Other income, net —      —        —        —        —      13.2        13.2     
Depreciation and amortization, including accelerated depreciation 117.4      35.0        111.8        74.1        25.3      16.0        379.6     
Gain on sale of business —      —        —        —        —      (126.6 )     (126.6 )  
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets —      —        —        63.3        —      —        63.3     
Non-cash stock-based compensation —      —        —        —        —      38.9        38.9     
Noncontrolling interest adjustment —      (2.0 )     —        —        —      —        (2.0 )  
Equity method investment adjustment —      0.7        —        —        —      —        0.7     
Transaction costs —      —        —        —        0.4      25.1        25.5     
Integration costs 8.6      —        0.3        4.6        —      —        13.5     
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges —      —        (2.1 )     —        —      10.8        8.7     
Restructuring and facility closure costs, excluding accelerated depreciation —      —        —        —        —      8.3        8.3     
Provision for legal settlements —      —        1.6        0.8        —      —        2.4     
Purchase price adjustment on acquisition —      —        —        —        —      3.8        3.8     
Assets held for sale —      —        —        —        —      (0.6 )     (0.6 )  
Debt consent solicitation costs —      —        —        —        —      1.3        1.3     
Advisory income —      —        —        —        —      (0.6 )     (0.6 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 463.1      $ 128.5        $ 310.0        $ 174.6        $ 200.8      $ (66.6 )     $ 1,210.4     
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales 24.7  %   30.7    %   19.0    %   19.2    %   23.5  %   —        21.3    %

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR 8TH AVENUE (Unaudited)

(in millions)

  Three Months Ended

September 30,
  Year Ended

September 30,
  2020   2019   2020   2019
Net Sales $ 229.0        $ 208.0        $ 924.2        $ 838.5     
Gross Profit $ 35.4        $ 35.2        $ 160.0        $ 139.6     
               
Net Loss $ (2.2 )     $ (8.9 )     $ (6.4 )     $ (17.6 )  
Less: Preferred Stock Dividend 8.5        7.7        32.5        29.1     
Net Loss Available to 8th Avenue Common Shareholders $ (10.7 )     $ (16.6 )     $ (38.9 )     $ (46.7 )  

EXPLANATION AND RECONCILIATION OF 8TH AVENUE’S NON-GAAP MEASURE

Post believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating 8th Avenue’s operating performance and liquidity because (i) Post believes it is widely used to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets, (ii) it presents a measure of corporate performance exclusive of 8th Avenue’s capital structure and the method by which the assets were acquired and (iii) it is a financial indicator of a company’s ability to service its debt. Management uses 8th Avenue’s Adjusted EBITDA to provide forward-looking guidance and to forecast future results.

8th Avenue’s Adjusted EBITDA reflects adjustments for interest expense, net, income tax expense/benefit and depreciation and amortization, and the following adjustments:

  1. Transaction, integration and sale-leaseback costs: Post has excluded transaction costs related to professional service fees and other related costs associated with (i) signed and closed business combinations, (ii) a sale-leaseback transaction, (iii) the separate capitalization of 8th Avenue and (iv) integration costs incurred to integrate the component business units that comprise the combined 8th Avenue organization. Post believes that these exclusions allow for more meaningful evaluation of 8th Avenue’s current operating performance and comparisons of 8th Avenue’s operating performance to other periods. Post believes such costs are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of 8th Avenue’s assets or acquired assets as part of 8th Avenue, and such costs are not factored into 8th Avenue management’s evaluation of its performance, its evaluation of potential acquisitions or its performance after completion of an acquisition. In addition, the frequency and amount of such charges varies significantly based on the size and timing of the acquisitions and the maturity of the businesses being acquired. Also, the size, complexity and/or volume of past acquisitions, which often drive the magnitude of such expenses, may not be indicative of the size, complexity and/or volume of future acquisitions. By excluding these expenses, 8th Avenue management is better able to evaluate 8th Avenue’s ability to utilize its existing assets and estimate the long-term value that its assets will generate for 8th Avenue. Furthermore, Post believes that the adjustments of these items more closely correlate with the sustainability of 8th Avenue’s operating performance.
  2. Gain on bargain purchase: Post has excluded gains recorded for acquisitions in which the fair value of the assets acquired exceeded the purchase price as such amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency. Post believes such gains are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of acquired assets as part of 8th Avenue, and such amounts are not factored into the performance of acquisitions after their completion.
  3. Non-cash stock-based compensation: 8th Avenue’s compensation strategy includes the use of stock-based compensation to attract and retain executives and employees by aligning their long-term compensation interests with shareholders’ investment interests. Post has excluded non-cash stock-based compensation as non-cash stock-based compensation can vary significantly based on reasons such as the timing, size and nature of the awards granted and subjective assumptions which are unrelated to operational decisions and performance in any particular period and do not contribute to meaningful comparisons of 8th Avenue’s operating performance to other periods.
  4. Advisory costs: Post has excluded advisory costs payable by 8th Avenue to Post and a third party as Post believes such costs do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of 8th Avenue’s current operating performance or comparisons of 8th Avenue’s operating performance to other periods.

RECONCILIATION OF 8TH AVENUE’S NET LOSS TO 8TH AVENUE’S ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)

(in millions)

  Three Months Ended

September 30,
  Year Ended

September 30,
  2020   2019   2020   2019
Net Loss $ (2.2 )     $ (8.9 )     $ (6.4 )     $ (17.6 )  
Interest expense, net 9.6        13.3        47.5        54.8     
Income tax (benefit) expense (3.1 )     2.3        (3.0 )     (1.4 )  
Depreciation and amortization 16.4        12.3        54.3        48.7     
Integration costs 1.0        0.7        1.9        2.1     
Loss (gain) on bargain purchase 0.3        —        (3.1 )     —     
Non-cash stock-based compensation 0.1        0.7        0.2        1.8     
Transaction costs 0.1        —        0.5        1.0     
Sale-leaseback costs —        —        0.7        —     
Advisory costs 0.4        0.2        1.6        1.1     
Adjusted EBITDA $ 22.6        $ 20.6        $ 94.2        $ 90.5     
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales 9.9    %   9.9    %   10.2    %   10.8    %



360 DigiTech Announces Third Quarter 2020 Unaudited Financial Results

SHANGHAI, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 360 DigiTech, Inc. (QFIN) (“360 DigiTech” or the “Company”), a data driven, technology empowered digital platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Third Quarter Operational Highlights

  • Total loan origination volume*1 was RMB66,000 million, representing an increase of 17.9% from RMB55,965 million in the same period of 2019. Loan origination volume under capital-light model within Platform Services was RMB16,908 million, an increase of 48.7% from RMB11,373 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Total outstanding loan balance*2 was RMB84,214 million as of September 30, 2020, an increase of 19.3% from RMB70,568 million as of September 30, 2019. Outstanding loan balance under capital-light model within Platform Services was RMB21,453 million as of September 30, 2020, an increase of 97.2% from RMB10,877 million as of September 30, 2019.
  • The weighted average tenor of loans*3 originated in the third quarter of 2020 was approximately 8.40 months, compared with 7.90 months in the same period of 2019, and 8.54 months in the second quarter of 2020.
  • Cumulative registered users was 155.96 million, an increase of 23.8% from 126.00 million as of September 30, 2019, and an increase of 4.7% from 148.98 million as of June 30, 2020.
  • Users with approved credit lines*4 was 29.28 million as of September 30, 2020, an increase of 28.3% from 22.83  million as of September 30, 2019, and an increase of 5.7% from 27.71 million as of June 30, 2020.
  • Cumulative borrowers with successful drawdown, including repeat borrowers was 18.71 million as of September 30, 2020, an increase of 27.0% from 14.73 million as of September 30, 2019, and an increase of 5.3% from 17.77 million as of June 30, 2020.
  • 90 day+ delinquency ratio*5 was 1.96% as of September 30, 2020.
  • The percentage of funding from financial institutions*6 in the third quarter of 2020 was 99%.
  • Repeat borrower contribution*7 for the third quarter of 2020 was 86.7%.

1 “Total loan origination volume” refers to the total principal amount of loans originated through the Company’s platform during the given period, including loans volume originated through Intelligence Credit Engine (“ICE”). “ICE” is an open platform on our “360 Jietiao” APP, we match borrowers and financial institutions through big data and cloud computing technology on “ICE”, and provide pre-loan investigation report of borrowers. For loans originated through “ICE”, the Company do not provide post-loan risk management nor bear principal risk.
2 “Total outstanding loan balance” refers to the total amount of principal outstanding for loans originated through the Company’s platform at the end of each period, including loan balance for “ICE”, excluding loans delinquent for more than 180 days.
3 For loan facilitated in 2020, we use the actual term for extinguished loans and use the contractual term for outstanding loans to calculate the weighted average tenor.
4 “Users with approved credit lines” refers to the total number of users who had submitted their credit applications and were approved with a credit line by the Company at the end of each period.
5 “90 day+ delinquency ratio” refers to the outstanding principal balance of on- and off-balance sheet loans that were 90 to 179 calendar days past due as a percentage of the total outstanding principal balance of on- and off-balance sheet loans on our platform as of a specific date. Loans that are charged-off and loans under “ICE” are not included in the delinquency rate calculation.
6 “The percentage of funding from financial institutions” is based on cumulative loan origination during the given period, excluding loans originated by our own funds.
7 “Repeat borrower contribution” for a given period refers to (i) the principal amount of loans borrowed during that period by borrowers who had historically made at least one successful drawdown, divided by (ii) the total loan origination volume through our platform during that period.

Third Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights

  • Total net revenue increased by 43.4% to RMB3,703.5 million (US$545.5 million) from RMB2,583.0 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Income from operations increased by 45.5% to RMB1,371.4 million (US$202.0 million) from RMB942.4 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Non-GAAP*8 income from operations increased by 48.0% to RMB1,427.8 million (US$210.3 million) from RMB964.7 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Operating margin was 37.0%. Non-GAAP operating margin was 38.6%.
  • Net income increased by 67.9% to RMB1,231.7 million (US$181.4 million) from RMB733.5 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Non-GAAP net income increased by 70.4% to RMB1,288.1 million (US$189.7 million) from RMB755.8 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Net income margin was 33.3%. Non-GAAP net income margin was 34.8%.

8 Non-GAAP income from operations (Adjusted Income from operations) and Non-GAAP net income (Adjusted net income) are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure, please see the section of “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement” and the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

Mr. Haisheng Wu, Chief Executive Officer and Director of 360 DigiTech, commented, “We are very pleased to report yet another strong quarter with best ever operational metrics and record setting financial results. In the third quarter, loans originated through our digital platform grew nearly 18% year-on-year to reach RMB66.0 billion despite some regulatory headwinds late in the quarter. During the quarter approximately 28% of the loan origination was under the capital-light model and other technology solutions*9, for which we bear no or limited principal risk. As part of our long-term strategy to build a data driven, technology empowered digital platform, we expect to accelerate the growth of those platform solutions in the coming quarters.

Throughout the quarter, we have witnessed continued recovery in consumer demand for credit and further improvement in asset quality. In fact, some key leading indicators of asset quality of our customers are at the best levels ever, a strong testimony for our effective risk management and solid overall execution. As the domestic outbreak of COVID-19 has been largely contained and the macro economy is on a recovery track, we are well positioned to benefit from the positive trends and to further strengthen our leadership position in the industry.

It has been a quite busy period over last few months on the regulation front. In July, the official release of the “Interim Measures for Administration of Internet Loans Issued by Commercial Banks” by the CBIRC clearly validated our business model and provided detailed guidelines for the industry. In August, the Supreme People’s Court of China issued “Guidelines on Laws Applicable to Trials of Private Lending Cases” setting a series of rules for private lending, including an interest rate cap. In early November, the CBIRC issued a draft version of “Interim Administrative Measures for Online Micro-credit Business” aiming to cap leverage ratios in micro lending and joint-lending activities. We believe this new set of rules are consistent with the regulators’ effort in recent years to deleverage the financial system and mitigate potential systematic risk. We have marginal exposure in micro lending and joint-lending. Also in November, the CBIRC issued “Notice on Promoting the Sustainable Development Capability of Consumer Finance and Auto Finance Companies and Improving Quality and Efficiency of Financial Services”, which clearly set out specific practices for the cooperation between consumer finance companies and loan facilitation platforms. Such regulatory changes appeared favoring leading platform with strong risk management and regulatory compliance capability. We see opportunities to expand the service scope and depth of our data driven technology empowered digital platform to reach our long-term strategic goals.”

“We are very excited to report our first ever billion RMB quarter in term of non-GAAP net income. During the quarter, total revenue reached RMB3.70 billion and non-GAAP net income reached RMB1.29 billion. The robust financial performance was driven by noticeable improvement in macro environment and continued optimization of our operations.” Mr. Alex Xu, Chief Financial Officer, commented “We are particularly pleased to see the initial impact of the latest interest rate cap was partially offset by improved operational efficiency. Unit customer acquisition cost remained relatively stable and weighted average funding cost reached another new low in the quarter. At the end of the quarter we had approximately RMB7.9 billion in cash and cash equivalent on the balance sheet, of which approximately RMB4.8 billion was non-restricted. While there are still some uncertainties concerning our industry, we are highly confident to exceed the stated operational targets we set out earlier this year.”

Mr. Yan Zheng, Chief Risk Officer, added, “The noticeable improvement in asset quality continued in the quarter. Among the key leading indicators, Day-1 delinquency*10 decreased to approximately 5.3% at the end of the third quarter from approximately 6.2% at the end of the second quarter. Meanwhile the 30-day collection rate*11 also improved to approximately 90% at the end of the third quarter, compared to approximately 88% at the end of the second quarter. Furthermore we are encouraged to see some of these metrics continue to improve into the current quarter and some are already at the best level ever. This further demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of our risk management systems. While we have seen clear indications of macro improvement, we will continue to take prudent approach in overall risk management operations to ensure sustainable enhancement in asset quality.”

9 “We’ve used mainly data technology tools and AI risk management systems in the process of providing such services as loan facilitation, post-origination and borrowers’ referral to our customers. Revenue from these technology powered services amount to 53% of our total net revenue. “
10 “D1 delinquency rate” is defined as (i) the total amount of principal that became overdue as a specified date, divided by (ii) the total amount of principal that was due for repayment as of such date.
11 “M1 collection rate” is defined as (i) the amount of principal that was repaid in one month among the total amount of principal that became overdue as a specified date, divided by (ii) the total amount of principal that became overdue as a specified date.

Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Total net revenues was RMB3,703.5 million (US$545.5 million), compared to RMB2,583.0 million in the same period of 2019, and RMB3,340.1 million in the prior quarter.

Net revenue from Credit Driven Services was RMB2,955.4 million (US$435.3 million), compared to RMB2,129.3 million in the same period of 2019, and RMB3,081.1 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year growth was mainly due to the releasing of guarantee liabilities under the new accounting standard, and the increase in loan origination.

Loan facilitation and servicing fees-capital heavy were RMB1,220.7 million (US$179.8 million), compared to RMB1,555.1 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB1,353.9 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year and sequential decrease was primarily due to a decline in interest rates of the loans, partially offset by increase of origination volume.

Financing income*12 was RMB530.8 million (US$78.2 million), compared to RMB409.8 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB628.1 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year growth and sequential decline were primarily due to the changes in volume of on-balance sheet loans. 

Revenue from releasing of guarantee liabilities was RMB1,172.6 million (US$172.7 million), compared to RMB119.6 million in the same period of 2019, and RMB1,076.6 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to the change of accounting standard, and the sequential growth was due to increase in origination volume.

Other services fees were RMB31.2 million (US$4.6 million), compared to RMB44.8 million in the same period of 2019, and RMB22.6 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year and sequential changes were primarily due to fluctuation of late payment fees.

Net revenue from Platform Services was RMB748.1 million (US$110.2 million), compared to RMB453.8 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB258.9 million in the prior quarter.

Loan facilitation and servicing fees-capital light were RMB663.4 million (US$97.7 million), compared to RMB336.3 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB178.6 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to growth in loan origination volume under capital-light model. The robust sequential growth was in part due a reversal of the take rate reduction in the second quarter related to higher projected delinquency of certain capital light assets. The actual performance of such assets turned out better than expected in the third quarter.

Referral services fees were RMB68.1 million (US$10.0 million), compared to RMB113.0 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB64.5 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year decline was primarily due to a decrease in volume of referral business as a result of a more conservative customer acquisition strategy adopted during the first half of 2020 in the backdrop of the COVID-19.

Other services fees were RMB16.7 million (US$2.5 million), compared to RMB4.5 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB15.9 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year and sequential increases were mainly due to growth in late payment fees as loan origination volume under capital-light model increases.

Total operating costs and expenses were RMB2,332.1 million (US$343.5 million), compared to RMB1,640.7 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB2,346.8 million in the prior quarter.

Origination and servicing expenses were RMB408.7 million (US$60.2 million), compared to RMB290.0 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB399.8 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to growth in loan origination volume and an increase in collection fees as we proactively expanded our collection operations early this year. The sequential increase was partially offset by improvement in operational efficiency.

Funding costs were RMB144.6 million (US$21.3 million), compared to RMB118.4 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB161.1 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by growth in loan origination volume while funding cost percentage continued to decline. The sequential decrease was mainly due to funding cost percentage decline.

Sales and marketing expenses were RMB271.1 million (US$39.9 million), compared to RMB896.9 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB269.1 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year decline was primarily due to a more conservative customer acquisition strategy and more effective customer acquisition operations.

General and administrative expenses were RMB102.4 million (US$15.1 million), compared to RMB85.6 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB109.5 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year increase was due to expanded business operations, partially offset by our continued effort to improve operational efficiency, which also resulted in sequential decline in general and administrative expenses.

Provision for loans receivable was RMB67.4 million (US$9.9 million), compared to RMB151.0 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB218.6 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year and sequential decline was in part due to the reversal of provision for previous quarters’ on balance sheet loans as asset quality improved.

Provision for financial assets receivable was RMB81.6 million (US$12.0 million), compared to RMB44.6 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB79.2 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year increase was due to growth in loan facilitation volume and higher projected default rates. The sequential increase is mainly due to the growth in loan volume and partially offset by the decreased projected default rates.

Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets was RMB66.2 million (US$9.7 million), compared to RMB54.2 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB90.8 million in the prior quarter. The year-over-year increase was due to growth in loan origination under capital light and higher projected default rates. The sequential decline was driven by improving asset quality.

Provision for contingent liability was RMB1,190.2 million (US$175.3 million), compared to RMB1,018.9 million in the prior quarter. The sequential increase was mainly due to growth in loan origination, partially offset by the reversal of provision for loans originated in prior quarters as those loans performed better than initially expected.

Income from operations was RMB1,371.4 million (US$202.0 million), compared to RMB942.4 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB993.2 million in the prior quarter.

Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB1,427.8 million (US$210.3 million), compared to RMB964.7 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB1,058.9 million in the prior quarter.

Operating margin was 37.0%. Non-GAAP operating margin was 38.6%.

Income before income tax expense was RMB1,459.0 million (US$214.9 million), compared to RMB922.4 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB1,042.7 million in the prior quarter.

Income taxes expense was RMB227.3 million (US$33.5 million). Effective tax rate was 15%, compared to 20% in the same period of 2019 and 15% in the prior quarter.

Net income attributed to the Company was RMB1,231.9 million (US$181.4 million), compared to RMB733.6 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB876.5 million in the prior quarter.

Non-GAAP net income attributed to the Company was RMB1,288.3 million (US$189.7 million), compared to RMB755.9 million in the same period of 2019 and RMB942.2 million in the prior quarter.

Net income margin was 33.3%. Non-GAAP net income margin was 34.8%.

Net income per fully diluted ADS was RMB7.98 (US$1.18).

Non-GAAP net income per fully diluted ADS was RMB8.35 (US$1.23).

Weighted average basic ADS used in calculating GAAP and non-GAAP net income per ADS was 150.09 million.

Weighted average diluted ADS used in calculating GAAP and non-GAAP net income per ADS was 154.32 million.

12 “Financing income” is generated from loans originated through the Company’s platform funded by the consolidated trusts and Fuzhou Microcredit, which charge fees and interests from borrowers.

M1+ Delinquency Rate by Vintage and M6+ Delinquency Rate by Vintage

The following charts and tables display the historical cumulative M1+ delinquency rates by loan origination vintage and M6+ delinquency rates by loan origination vintage for all loans originated through the company’s platform:

http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f3cac188-719e-4204-86ae-79c9c00f0e97

http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/56137440-b531-4b7d-9629-16301f0aa360

Business Outlook

While it is still prudent to take a conservative approach in business and financial planning given the fast changing regulatory environment as well as some residual impact from the COVID-19, we are encouraged by the strong business momentum. As such the Company would like to raise its total loan origination volume target for fiscal year 2020 to the range of RMB 242 billion to RMB 244 billion, from previous guidance of RMB 200 billion to RMB 220 billion. This forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary views, which is subject to change.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which has subsequently been amended by ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-10, ASU 2019-11 and ASU 2020-03. This ASU is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. This ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including final periods within those fiscal years.

We have adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective transition method. The new guidance requires the recognition of credit losses to be measured using an expected credit loss model (referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model). ASC 326 establishes a new accounting principle which requires gross accounting for guarantee liability. That is, to record both a guarantee obligation and an allowance for credit losses, calculated using the CECL impairment model, in addition to the guarantee obligation under ASC 460. As a result, at inception of the guarantee, we have recognized both a stand-ready guarantee liability under ASC 460 with an associated financial assets receivable, and a contingent guarantee liability with an allowance for credit losses under CECL model. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ASC 460 stand-ready guarantee is recognized into guarantee revenue over the term of the guarantee, while the contingent guarantee is reduced by the payouts made by the company to compensate the investors upon borrowers’ default. Upon adoption, we recognized the cumulative effect of approximately RMB1.43 billion after tax as a decrease to the opening balance of retained earnings and RMB1.9 billion as an increase to the opening balance of guarantee liabilities as of January 1, 2020.

Move from Nasdaq Global Market to Nasdaq Global Select Market

The Company’s application to move the listing of its ADSs from The Nasdaq Global Market to the higher tier of The Nasdaq Global Select Market has been approved by Nasdaq, and its ADSs has begun trading on The Nasdaq Global Select Market from November 19, 2020.

Conference Call

360 DigiTech’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, November 19, 2020 (9:00 AM Beijing Time on November 20).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States: +1-646-722-4977
Hong Kong: +852-3027-6500
Mainland China: 400-821-0637
International: +65-6408-5782
PIN: 60180978#

Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the PIN to join the call.

A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call until November 27, 2020:

United States: +1-646-982-0473
International: +65-6408-5781
Access code: 319338659#

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at ir.360shuke.com.

About 360 DigiTech

360 DigiTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: QFIN) (“360 DigiTech” or the “Company”) is a data driven, technology empowered digital platform. Through its platform the Company enables financial institutions to provide better and targeted products and services to a broader consumer base. The Company also offers standardized risk management service, in the form of SaaS modules to institutional clients. When coupled with its partnership with 360 Group, the Company’s solutions created noticeable advantages in customer acquisition, funding optimization, risk assessment and post-lending management.

For more information, please visit: ir.360shuke.com

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement

To supplement our financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we use non-GAAP financial measure, which is adjusted from results based on U.S. GAAP to exclude share-based compensation expenses. Reconciliations of our non-GAAP financial measures to our U.S. GAAP financial measures are set forth in tables at the end of this earnings release, which provide more details on the non-GAAP financial measures.

We use non-GAAP income from operation, non-GAAP operation margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income margin in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. Non-GAAP income from operation represents income from operation excluding share-based compensation expenses, and non-GAAP net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation expenses. Such adjustments have no impact on income tax. We believe that non-GAAP income from operation and non-GAAP net income help identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that we include in results based on U.S. GAAP. We believe that non-GAAP income from operation and non-GAAP net income provide useful information about our operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making. Our non-GAAP financial information should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to U.S. GAAP results. In addition, our calculation of non-GAAP financial information may be different from the calculation used by other companies, and therefore comparability may be limited.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB6.7896 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of September 30, 2020.

Safe Harbor Statement

Any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. 360 Finance may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Forms 20-F and 6-K, 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 the Company’s business outlook for 2019, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Further information regarding such risks and uncertainties is included in 360 Finance’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and 360 Finance does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

360 DigiTech      
E-mail: [email protected]

Christensen

In China
Mr. Eric Yuan
Phone: +86-138-0111-0739
E-mail: [email protected]

In US 
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: [email protected]

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and U.S. dollars (“USD”)
except for number of shares and per share data, or otherwise noted)

       
  December 31, September 30, September 30,
  2019 2020 2020
  RMB RMB USD
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents 2,108,123 4,821,031   710,061  
Restricted cash 1,727,727 2,400,617   353,573  
Security deposit prepaid to third-party guarantee companies 932,983 654,633   96,417  
Funds receivable from third party payment service providers 118,860 149,436   22,010  
Accounts receivable and contract assets, net 2,332,364 2,225,995   327,854  
Financial assets receivable, net 1,912,554 3,023,254   445,277  
Amounts due from related parties 478,767 244,687   36,039  
Loans receivable, net 9,239,565 8,164,168   1,202,452  
Prepaid expenses and other assets 652,545 457,484   67,380  
Total current assets 19,503,488 22,141,305   3,261,063  
Non-current assets:      
Accounts receivable and contract assets, net-non current 19,508 314,967   46,390  
Financial assets receivable, net-non current 59,270 551,607   81,243  
Property and equipment, net 17,113 20,706   3,050  
Intangible assets 3,512 3,547   522  
Deferred tax assets 697,348 1,150,562   169,459  
Other non-current assets 55,362 54,766   8,066  
Total non-current assets 852,113 2,096,155   308,730  
TOTAL ASSETS 20,355,601 24,237,460   3,569,793  
       
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

LIABILITIES
     
Current liabilities:      
Payable to investors of the consolidated trusts-current 4,423,717 3,498,751   515,310  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 720,918 829,935   122,238  
Amounts due to related parties 55,622 53,794   7,923  
Short term loans 200,000 184,870   27,228  
Guarantee liabilities-stand ready  2,212,125 3,647,546   537,225  
Guarantee liabilities-contingent  734,730 3,525,452   519,243  
Income tax payable 1,056,219 935,778   137,825  
Other tax payable 263,856 156,614   23,067  
Total current liabilities 9,667,187 12,832,740   1,890,059  
Non-current liabilities:      
Deferred tax liabilities                     –                14,825                   2,183  
Payable to investors of the consolidated trusts-noncurrent 3,442,500        3,138,526   462,255  
Other long-term liabilities 31,184              20,544   3,026  
Total non-current liabilities 3,473,684 3,173,895   467,464  
TOTAL LIABILITIES 13,140,871 16,006,635   2,357,523  
Ordinary shares 20 21   3  
Additional paid-in capital 5,117,184 5,309,654   782,028  
Retained earnings  2,071,332 2,932,733   431,945  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 24,906 (12,540 ) (1,847 )
TOTAL 360 DIGITECH INC EQUITY 7,213,442 8,229,868   1,212,129  
Noncontrolling interests 1,288 957   141  
TOTAL EQUITY 7,214,730 8,230,825   1,212,270  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 20,355,601 24,237,460   3,569,793  
       

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and U.S. dollars (“USD”)
except for number of shares and per share data, or otherwise noted)

               
   
Three months ended September 30,
 
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
  2019 2020 2020   2019 2020 2020
  RMB RMB USD   RMB RMB USD
Credit driven services 2,129,275   2,955,392   435,282     6,034,567   8,846,546   1,302,954  
    Loan facilitation and servicing fees-capital heavy 1,555,089   1,220,748   179,797     4,994,681   3,741,738   551,098  
    Financing income 409,763   530,766   78,173     724,223   1,768,279   260,439  
    Revenue from releasing of guarantee liabilities  119,579   1,172,640   172,711     204,261   3,255,371   479,464  
    Other services fees 44,844   31,238   4,601     111,402   81,158   11,953  
Platform services 453,764   748,129   110,187     784,399   1,379,922   203,240  
    Loan facilitation and servicing fees-capital light 336,269   663,354   97,701     465,007   1,145,564   168,723  
    Referral services fees 113,004   68,086   10,028     312,720   187,149   27,564  
    Other services fees 4,491   16,689   2,458     6,672   47,209   6,953  
Total net revenue 2,583,039   3,703,521   545,469     6,818,966   10,226,468   1,506,194  
    Origination and servicing 290,003   408,693   60,194     753,789   1,156,112   170,277  
    Funding costs 118,402   144,596   21,297     209,148   464,272   68,380  
    Sales and marketing 896,907   271,082   39,926     2,424,948   763,144   112,399  
    General and administrative 85,584   102,387   15,080     309,230   320,606   47,220  
    Provision for loans receivable 151,010   67,383   9,924     205,808   593,211   87,371  
    Provision for financial assets receivable 44,607   81,642   12,025     101,517   254,565   37,493  
    Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets 54,156   66,163   9,745     183,149   213,950   31,511  
    Provision for contingent liabilities                      –     1,190,176   175,294                        –     3,911,793   576,145  
Total operating costs and expenses 1,640,669   2,332,122   343,485     4,187,589   7,677,653   1,130,796  
Income from operations 942,370   1,371,399   201,984     2,631,377   2,548,815   375,398  
    Interest (expense) income, net (25,546 ) 19,623   2,890     (27,478 ) 44,601   6,569  
    Foreign exchange (loss) gain  (64,793 ) 63,408   9,339     (67,521 ) 39,521   5,821  
    Other income, net 70,409   4,609   679     94,305   96,899   14,272  
Income before income tax expense 922,440   1,459,039   214,892     2,630,683   2,729,836   402,060  
    Income taxes expense (188,952 ) (227,315 ) (33,480 )   (559,077 ) (438,492 ) (64,583 )
Net income 733,488   1,231,724   181,412     2,071,606   2,291,344   337,477  
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 73   151   22     73   453   67  
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company 733,561   1,231,875   181,434     2,071,679   2,291,797   337,544  
Net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc.              
Basic                2.55                  4.10                   0.60                    7.20                  7.73                  1.14  
Diluted                2.45                  3.99                   0.59                    6.88                  7.50                  1.10  
               
Net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc.               
Basic                5.10                  8.20                   1.20                 14.40               15.46                  2.28  
Diluted                4.90                  7.98                   1.18                 13.76               15.00                  2.20  
               
Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share              
Basic 288,054,825   300,174,655    300,174,655     287,788,219   296,518,120   296,518,120  
Diluted 299,107,729   308,646,862    308,646,862     301,306,666   305,520,538   305,520,538  
               

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income

(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and U.S. dollars (“USD”)
except for number of shares and per share data, or otherwise noted)

       
   
Three months ended September 30,
 
  2019 2020 2020
  RMB RMB USD
Net income 733,488 1,231,724   181,412  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax of nil:      
Foreign currency translation adjustment 68,476 (64,847 ) (9,551 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) 68,476 (64,847 ) (9,551 )
Total comprehensive income 801,964 1,166,877   171,861  
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 73 151   22  
Comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders 802,037 1,167,028   171,883  
       
       
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
  2019 2020 2020
  RMB RMB USD
Net income 2,071,606 2,291,344   337,477  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax of nil:      
Foreign currency translation adjustment 65,946 (37,446 ) (5,515 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) 65,946 (37,446 ) (5,515 )
Total comprehensive income 2,137,552 2,253,898   331,962  
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 73 453   67  
Comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders 2,137,625 2,254,351   332,029  
           

 

Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and U.S. dollars (“USD”)
except for number of shares and per share data, or otherwise noted)

       
   
Three months ended September 30,
 
  2019  2020  2020
  RMB RMB USD
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Income to Net Income      
Net income 733,488   1,231,724   181,412
Add: Share-based compensation expenses 22,320   56,396   8,306
Non-GAAP net income 755,808   1,288,120   189,718
Non-GAAP net income margin 29.3 % 34.8 %  
GAAP net income margin 28.4 % 33.3 %  
       
Net income attributable to shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc 733,561   1,231,875   181,434
Add: Share-based compensation expenses 22,320   56,396   8,306
Non-GAAP net income attributable to shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc 755,881   1,288,271   189,740
Weighted average ADS used in calculating net income per ordinary share  -diluted 149,553,865   154,323,431   154,323,431
Net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc. -diluted 4.90   7.98   1.18
Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc. -diluted 5.05   8.35   1.23
       
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Income from operations to Income from operations      
Income from operations 942,370   1,371,399   201,984
Add: Share-based compensation expenses 22,320   56,396   8,306
Non-GAAP Income from operations 964,690   1,427,795   210,290
Non-GAAP operating margin 37.3 % 38.6 %  
GAAP operating margin 36.5 % 37.0 %  
       
       
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
  2019   2020   2020
  RMB RMB USD
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Income to Net Income      
Net income 2,071,606   2,291,344   337,477
Add: Share-based compensation expenses 164,702   193,447   28,492
Non-GAAP net income 2,236,308   2,484,791   365,969
Non-GAAP net income margin 32.8 % 24.3 %  
GAAP net income margin 30.4 % 22.4 %  
       
Net income attributable to shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc 2,071,679   2,291,797   337,544
Add: Share-based compensation expenses 164,702   193,447   28,492
Non-GAAP net income attributable to shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc 2,236,381   2,485,244   366,036
Weighted average ADS used in calculating net income per ordinary share  -diluted 150,653,333   152,760,269   152,760,269
Net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc. -diluted 13.76   15.00   2.20
Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of 360 DigiTech, Inc. -diluted 14.84   16.27   2.40
       
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Income from operations to Income from operations      
Income from operations 2,631,377   2,548,815   375,398
Add: Share-based compensation expenses 164,702   193,447   28,492
Non-GAAP Income from operations 2,796,079   2,742,262   403,890
Non-GAAP operating margin 41.0 % 26.8 %  
GAAP operating margin 38.6 % 24.9 %  

 



Sysco Declares Quarterly Dividend Payment

HOUSTON, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) today announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share, payable on January 29, 2021, to common stockholders of record at the close of business on January 8, 2021.


A


bout Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 57,000 associates, the company operates 326 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 625,000 customer locations. For fiscal 2020 that ended June 27, 2020, the company generated sales of more than $52 billion. Information about our CSR program, including Sysco’s 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, can be found at sysco.com/csr2020report.

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoCorporation or Twitter at https://twitter.com/Sysco. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. Investors should also follow us at www.twitter.com/SyscoStock and download the Sysco IR App, available on the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Market. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

For more information contact:
   
Shannon Mutschler Rachel Lee
Media Contact Investor Relations Contact
[email protected]  [email protected] 
T 281-584-4059 T 281-436-7815



Methode Electronics to Announce Second Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results on Thursday, December 3, 2020

CHICAGO, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions, today announced it will release its second quarter fiscal 2021 results for the period ended October 31, 2020, on Thursday, December 3, 2020, before the market opens.

Following the release, the company will conduct a conference call and webcast to review financial and operational highlights led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Donald W. Duda, and Chief Financial Officer, Ron Tsoumas, at 10:00 a.m. CST.

To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 407-8031 (domestic) or (201) 689-8031 (international) at least five minutes prior to the start of the event. A simultaneous webcast can be accessed through the company’s website, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investors page.

A replay of the teleconference will be available shortly after the call through December 17, 2020, by dialing (877) 481-4010 and providing passcode 38912. A replay will also be available through the company’s website, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investors page.

About Methode Electronics, Inc.

Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) is a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, LED lighting and sensing technologies. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Industrial, Interface and Medical.

Our components are found in the primary end-markets of the aerospace, appliance, construction, consumer and industrial equipment, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), medical, rail, consumer automotive, commercial vehicle, and other transportation industries.

For Methode Electronics, Inc.

Robert K. Cherry
Vice President, Investor Relations
[email protected]
708-457-4030



MannKind Receives Fourth $12.5 Million Milestone Payment from United Therapeutics

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:MNKD) today announced that it has achieved the final development milestone under its licensing and collaboration agreement with United Therapeutics for the development and commercialization of a dry powder formulation of treprostinil.

Treprostinil Technosphere (“TreT”) is an investigational product currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). All current clinical trials are now fully enrolled, including the BREEZE study in patients with PAH and a pivotal pharmacokinetics study in healthy subjects, both of which are being conducted by United Therapeutics, as well as a human factors study being conducted by MannKind. In addition, MannKind’s stability program for TreT has reached the milestone required for a regulatory filing.

“We are looking forward to working with United Therapeutics during the first part of 2021 to prepare an FDA submission for TreT,” said Michael Castagna, Chief Executive Officer of MannKind.

MannKind has now received all of the milestone payments that were specified in its agreement with United Therapeutics. MannKind remains entitled to receive low double-digit royalties on net sales of TreT. MannKind will also manufacture supplies of TreT for United Therapeutics and will earn a manufacturing margin.

About Mann
Kind
Corporation

MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ: MNKD) focuses on the development and commercialization of inhaled therapeutic products for patients with endocrine and orphan lung diseases. MannKind is currently commercializing Afrezza® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder, the Company’s first FDA-approved product and the only inhaled ultra rapid-acting mealtime insulin in the United States, where it is available by prescription from pharmacies nationwide. MannKind is headquartered in Westlake Village, California, and has a state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Danbury, Connecticut. The Company also employs field sales and medical representatives across the U.S. For further information, visit www.mannkindcorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “goal,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon MannKind’s current expectations. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties detailed in MannKind’s filings with the SEC. For a discussion of these and other factors, please refer to MannKind’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as well as MannKind’s other filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and MannKind undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Company Contact
:

818-661-5000
[email protected]



Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals Stockholders Approve Combination with F-star Therapeutics

1-for-4 Reverse Stock Split to be Effective November 20, 2020

HOPKINTON, Mass., Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBPH) (“Spring Bank”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for oncology and inflammatory diseases, announced that at its special meeting of stockholders held earlier today, Spring Bank’s stockholders approved the issuance of shares of Spring Bank common stock to holders of share capital of F-star Therapeutics Limited (“F-star”) in connection with its proposed combination with F-star (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, stockholders also approved a proposal to effect a reverse stock split of all outstanding shares of Spring Bank common stock at a reverse stock split ratio as mutually agreed to be Spring Bank and F-star in the range of one new share for every three to seven shares outstanding (or any number in between). Spring Bank and F-star have agreed that the exchange ratio for the reverse stock split will be one for every four shares of Spring Bank common stock outstanding (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split will be effective for trading purposes as of the commencement of trading on Friday, November 20, 2020. At the special meeting, Spring Bank stockholders also approved a change of the corporate name of Spring Bank from “Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” to “F-star Therapeutics, Inc.” effective upon closing of the Exchange. It is anticipated that the closing of the Exchange will occur on November 20, 2020.

As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of Spring Bank’s common stock immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split will be reduced into a smaller number of shares, such that every 4 shares of Spring Bank’s common stock held by a stockholder immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split will be combined and reclassified into one share of Spring Bank’s common stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Stockholders of record who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares because they hold a number of pre-split shares not evenly divisible by the number of pre-split shares for which each post-split share is to be reclassified, will be entitled to a cash payment equal to the product of such fraction to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by the closing price of Spring Bank’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the last trading day prior to the Reverse Stock Split effective time (as adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split), rounded up to the nearest whole cent. The Reverse Stock Split will not affect the total number of authorized shares of Spring Bank common stock.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning Spring Bank, F-star, the proposed Exchange, the satisfaction of applicable closing conditions, the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Spring Bank or F-star as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Spring Bank and F-star. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the risk that the conditions to the closing of the proposed Exchange are not satisfied; uncertainties as to the timing of the completion of the proposed Exchange; the ability of each of Spring Bank and F-star to complete the Exchange and other transactions contemplated thereby; and risks associated with the possible failure to realize certain anticipated benefits of the proposed Exchange, including with respect to future financial and operating results. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in Spring Bank’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. Spring Bank can give no assurance that the conditions to the Exchange will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, Spring Bank undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc

Investors & Media:

Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals
Garrett Winslow
(508) 473-5993



First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund Declares its Monthly Common Share Distribution of $0.1194 Per Share for December

First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund Declares its Monthly Common Share Distribution of $0.1194 Per Share for December

WHEATON, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund (the “Fund”) (NYSE: FTHY) has declared the Fund’s regularly scheduled monthly common share distribution in the amount of $0.1194 per share payable on December 28, 2020, to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2020. The ex-dividend date is expected to be December 1, 2020. The monthly distribution information for the Fund appears below.

First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund (FTHY):

Distribution per share:

$0.1194

Distribution Rate based on the November 18, 2020 NAV of $21.12:

6.78%

Distribution Rate based on the November 18, 2020 closing market price of $19.68:

7.28%

We anticipate these distributions will be paid out of net investment income earned by the Fund. The final determination of the source and tax status of all distributions paid in 2020 will be made after the end of 2020 and will be provided on Form 1099-DIV.

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide current income. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its managed assets in high yield debt securities of any maturity that are rated below investment grade at the time of purchase or unrated securities determined by First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) to be of comparable quality. High yield debt securities include U.S. and non-U.S. corporate debt obligations and senior, secured floating rate loans (“Senior Loans”). Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as “junk” or “high yield” securities and are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective or that the Fund’s investment strategies will be successful.

First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund’s investment advisor. FTA and its affiliate First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately-held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $147 billion as of October 31, 2020 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separate managed accounts. FTA is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. FTA and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois.

Past performance is no assurance of future results. Investment return and market value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. The Fund may not be appropriate for all investors.

Principal Risk Factors: Securities held by the Fund, as well as shares of the Fund itself, are subject to market fluctuations caused by factors such as general economic conditions, political events, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments as a result of the risk of loss associated with these market fluctuations. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. Such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. The outbreak of the respiratory disease designated as COVID-19 in December 2019 has caused significant volatility and declines in global financial markets, which have caused losses for investors. The impact of this COVID-19 pandemic may last for an extended period of time and will continue to impact the economy for the foreseeable future.

The Fund will typically invest in securities rated below investment grade, which are commonly referred to as “junk” or “high yield” securities and considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. Such issuers are more likely than investment grade issuers to default on their payments of interest and principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults could reduce the Fund’s NAV and income distributions. An economic downturn would generally lead to a higher non-payment rate, and a high yield security may lose significant market value before a default occurs. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a high yield security may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the high yield security’s value.

The debt securities in which the Fund invests are subject to certain risks, including issuer risk, reinvestment risk, prepayment risk, credit risk, and interest rate risk. Issuer risk is the risk that the value of fixed-income securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called bonds at market interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate. Prepayment risk is the risk that, upon a prepayment, the actual outstanding debt on which the Fund derives interest income will be reduced. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a security will be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due and that the value of a security may decline as a result. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed-income securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates.

Senior Loans are structured as floating rate instruments in which the interest rate payable on the obligation fluctuates with interest rate changes. As a result, the yield on Senior Loans will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the Fund to experience a reduction in the income it receives from a Senior Loan. In addition, the market value of Senior Loans may fall in a declining interest rate environment and may also fall in a rising interest rate environment if there is a lag between the rise in interest rates and the reset. Many Senior Loans have a minimum base rate, or floor (typically, a “LIBOR floor”), which will be used if the actual base rate is below the minimum base rate. To the extent the Fund invests in such Senior Loans, the Fund may not benefit from higher coupon payments during periods of increasing interest rates as it otherwise would from investments in Senior Loans without any floors until rates rise to levels above the LIBOR floors. As a result, the Fund may lose some of the benefits of incurring leverage. Specifically, if the Fund’s borrowings have floating dividend or interest rates, its costs of leverage will increase as rates increase. In this situation, the Fund will experience increased financing costs without the benefit of receiving higher income. This in turn may result in the potential for a decrease in the level of income available for dividends or distributions to be made by the Fund.

The senior loan market has seen a significant increase in loans with weaker lender protections including, but not limited to, limited financial maintenance covenants or, in some cases, no financial maintenance covenants (i.e., “covenant-lite loans”) that would typically be included in a traditional loan agreement and general weakening of other restrictive covenants applicable to the borrower such as limitations on incurrence of additional debt, restrictions on payments of junior debt or restrictions on dividends and distributions. Weaker lender protections such as the absence of financial maintenance covenants in a loan agreement and the inclusion of “borrower-favorable” terms may impact recovery values and/or trading levels of senior loans in the future. The absence of financial maintenance covenants in a loan agreement generally means that the lender may not be able to declare a default if financial performance deteriorates. This may hinder the Fund’s ability to reprice credit risk associated with a particular borrower and reduce the Fund’s ability to restructure a problematic loan and mitigate potential loss. As a result, the Fund’s exposure to losses on investments in senior loans may be increased, especially during a downturn in the credit cycle or changes in market or economic conditions.

Many financial instruments use or may use a floating rate based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), which is being phased out by the end of 2021. There remains some uncertainty regarding the future of utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate.

A second lien loan may have a claim on the same collateral pool as the first lien or it may be secured by a separate set of assets. Second lien loans are typically secured by a second priority security interest or lien on specified collateral securing the borrower’s obligation under the interest and present a greater degree of investment risk. These loans are also subject to the risk that borrower cash flow and property securing the loan may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to those loans with a higher priority. These loans also have greater price volatility than those loans with a higher priority and may be less liquid. However, second lien loans often pay interest at higher rates than first lien loans reflecting such additional risks.

The Fund intends to terminate on or about August 1, 2027. Because the assets of the Fund will be liquidated in connection with the termination, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities when it otherwise would not, including at times when market conditions are not favorable, which may cause the Fund to lose money. The Fund is not a “target term” Fund and its primary objective is to provide high current income. As a result, the Fund may not return the Fund’s initial public offering price of $20.00 per share at its termination.

Use of leverage can result in additional risk and cost, and can magnify the effect of any losses.

The risks of investing in the Fund are spelled out in the shareholder report and other regulatory filings.

The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.

The Fund’s daily closing New York Stock Exchange price and net asset value per share as well as other information can be found at www.ftportfolios.com or by calling 1-800-988-5891.

Press Inquiries Jane Doyle 630-765-8775

Analyst Inquiries Jeff Margolin 630-915-6784

Broker Inquiries Jeff Margolin 630-915-6784

KEYWORDS: United States North America Illinois

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

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Novo Reports Scheduling of Annual General Meeting

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Novo Resources Corp. (“Novo” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: NVO & NVO.WT; OTCQX: NSRPF) reports that its annual general meeting (the “Meeting”) has been scheduled for December 17, 2020 at 4 pm PST.

The Company is pleased to announce that its board of directors (the “Board”) has proposed that the size of the Board be increased to six directors and has invited Mr. Ross Hamilton of Perth, Western Australia to stand for election to the Board at the Meeting. Mr. Hamilton has over 20 years of international experience in sustainability, environmental stewardship, climate change, community engagement, indigenous affairs and stakeholder relations within the mining, metals and large infrastructure sectors. Mr. Hamilton is the founder and director of an environmental, social and corporate governance focused advisory firm and serves as an expert advisor to the International Finance Corporation and the UN Global Compact. He previously served as a Director at the International Council on Mining and Metals based in London, UK, and in several leadership roles at BHP in Western Australia. Mr. Hamilton holds a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) degree from Monash University and a Master’s degree in Sustainability Management from Curtin University.

Due to the ongoing health risk related to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing government restrictions on public gatherings in support of social distancing, the Company strongly recommends that shareholders cast their votes by proxy in advance of the Meeting and not attend the Meeting in person. Despite this, any registered shareholder wishing to attend the Meeting must contact Diane Barley at [email protected] in advance so that they may be informed of applicable safety protocols. Please see the Company’s notice of meeting and information circular, as filed under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com, and on the Company’s website at www.novoresources.com, for further details of the Meeting.

Recognizing the important opportunity that an annual meeting provides shareholders to both hear from, and communicate with, management, a presentation and virtual question and answer period will be organized, details of which will be announced in the near future

Shareholders with any questions are encouraged to contact Leo Karabelas at [email protected] or +1-416-543-3120.

About Novo Resources Corp.

Novo is advancing its flagship Beatons Creek gold project to production while exploring and developing its highly prospective land package covering approximately 14,000 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In addition to the Company’s primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its shareholders. For more information, please contact Leo Karabelas at (416) 543-3120 or e-mail [email protected]

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

Quinton Hennigh

Quinton Hennigh
President and Chairman

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