UAES and ROHM Hold Opening Ceremony for a Joint Laboratory on SiC Technology

Kyoto, Japan and Santa Clara, CA, Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ROHM, together with Chinese Tier 1 comprehensive automotive manufacturer United Automotive Electronic Systems Co., Ltd. (UAES), recently held an opening ceremony announcing the establishment of a joint laboratory on SiC technology at UAES headquarters in Shanghai, China.

SiC power devices are being increasingly adopted in the fields of electric vehicles, infrastructure, environment / energy, and industrial equipment. This is due, in large part, to the advantages they provide over silicon-based power devices such as IGBTs, including significantly reduced loss during both switching and conduction, along with support for higher temperature operation.

Since 2015, UAES and ROHM have been collaborating and carrying out detailed technical exchanges on automotive applications utilizing SiC power devices. After several years of technical exchanges, automotive products incorporating ROHM SiC power devices were released earlier this year.

The new joint laboratory contains important equipment required for device and application evaluation in automotive, such as onboard chargers and DC/DC converters. This will allow ROHM and UAES to strengthen their partnership and accelerate development of innovative power solutions centered on SiC.

Mr. Guo Xiaolu, Deputy General Manager, United Automotive Electronic Systems Co., Ltd., “With ROHM, which has been introducing SiC power devices since 2015, we have strengthened our collaboration, including top management. And after many years of technical exchanges, we are pleased to announce the successful development and mass production of SiC-equipped automotive applications this year. The establishment of this joint laboratory is a testament to the deepening relationship between our two companies, and we can look forward to further technical support through this new comprehensive facility.”

Dr. Kazuhide Ino, CSO and Senior Director of Power Device Business, ROHM Co., Ltd., “We are pleased to have established a joint laboratory with UAES, a leading manufacturer of automotive applications. As a leading supplier of SiC power devices, ROHM develops industry-leading devices and has a proven track record of providing power solutions that combine peripheral components such as driver ICs. In the rapidly expanding automotive sector, as research tailored to customer needs and market trends becomes an important factor, we will continue to strengthen our partnership through this joint research lab and contribute to technical innovation in the automotive sector with power solutions centered on SiC.”

About UAES (United Automotive Electronic Systems Co., Ltd.)

UAES, a comprehensive automotive Tier 1 manufacturer, was established as a joint venture by Robert Bosch and Zhonglian Automobile Electronics Systems Co., Ltd. (a Chinese company affiliated with SAIC). Founded in 1995, it has since gained a large share in the Chinese market for engine control units and powertrain systems for gas-powered vehicles, and from 2009 has focused on developing applications for electric vehicles, including the main inverters. For more information, please visit UAES’ official website: www.uaes.com

About ROHM

ROHM, a leading semiconductor and electronic component manufacturer, was established in 1958. From the automotive and industrial equipment markets to the consumer and communication sectors, ROHM supplies ICs, discretes, and electronic components featuring superior quality and reliability through a global sales and development network. Our strengths in the analog and power markets allow us to propose optimized solutions for entire systems that combine peripheral components (i.e., transistors, diodes, resistors) with the latest SiC power devices, as well as driver ICs that maximize their performance. Please visit ROHM’s website for more information: www.rohm.com

Terminology

IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor)

A power transistor that combines the high-speed switching characteristics of a MOSFET with the low conduction loss of a bipolar transistor.

Conduction and Switching Losses

Losses inevitably occur in transistors such as MOSFETs and IGBTs due to their particular device structure. Conduction loss is generated by the internal resistance component when current flows (ON state) through the device. Switching loss occurs when the conduction state of the device is switched (during switching operation).

Attachment



Travis Moench
ROHM Semiconductor
858.625.3600
[email protected]

Heather Savage
BWW Communications
720.295.0260
[email protected]

Primoris Services Corporation to Acquire Future Infrastructure Holdings, LLC to Establish Leading Platform in Telecommunication Services

DALLAS, Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primoris Services Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: PRIM), (“Primoris” or the “Company”), a leading provider of specialty contracting services in North America, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Future Infrastructure Holdings, LLC (“Future Infrastructure” or “FIH”) from Tower Arch Capital LLC (“Tower Arch”) and other interest holders in an all cash transaction valued at $620 million.

Future Infrastructure is a leading provider of non-discretionary maintenance, repair, upgrade and installation services to the telecommunication, regulated gas utility and infrastructure end markets. For the last 12 months ended September 30, 2020, FIH generated total revenue of $342 million, total adjusted earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”) of $66 million and adjusted EBITDA margin of 19 percent.

Strategic Advantages and Benefits

  • Establishes a robust platform in the large and growing Telecommunication Services market; which is benefitting from multi-year tailwinds due to significant fiber deployments to support last-mile broadband capacity, the Internet of Things (“IoT”), 5G technology, and substantial growth in data consumption;
  • Complements and further strengthens Primoris’ existing utility services capabilities while introducing a number of potential cross-selling opportunities; and
  • Accelerates Primoris’ ongoing portfolio transition towards higher growth, higher margin, and recurring revenue under Master Service Agreements (“MSA”).

Financial Advantages and Benefits

  • The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings in the first year and to enhance pro forma top line growth, gross margin and EBITDA and free cash flow generation;
  • Primoris anticipates significant tax benefits arising from the transaction with an expected net present value of at least $80 million;
  • Within 24 – 30 months after the close of the transaction, Primoris expects annual cost savings of at least $10 million from initiatives focused on: financial and IT systems, insurance programs savings and equipment spend optimization, among other factors.
  • Pro forma for the transaction Primoris net leverage remains comfortably below 3.0x net debt to adjusted EBITDA for the last 12 months ended September 30, 2020.

Tom McCormick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Primoris, said, “This acquisition is fully aligned with our strategic and operational goals and represents a defining moment for Primoris. It moves us meaningfully into a market we have been targeting and does so in a way that establishes a new, robust platform while creating additional opportunities for our existing services.”

“Our employees are our greatest assets and we just added approximately 1,100 very valuable assets to Primoris. We want to welcome the Future Infrastructure employees to the Primoris family of companies and look forward to working with all of them to grow this Company into what we all believe it can be,” added McCormick. “Our visions and cultures are aligned. Both organizations are passionate about safety and dedicated to quality. Additionally, we look forward to working with Future Infrastructure’s customers and suppliers and building on the positive relationships that have been created over the years.”

Curt Dowd, Chief Executive Officer of Future Infrastructure, commented, “I cannot imagine a better home for Future Infrastructure. Similar to Primoris, Future Infrastructure has developed an industry-leading reputation built on superior quality, reliability and a commitment to safety.”

Don Riggs, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Future Infrastructure, added, “Future brings to Primoris a well-established brand and a comprehensive suite of operational capabilities serving a large base of blue-chip customers in a growing market. We are pleased to become a Primoris company.”

Upon completion of the transaction, Primoris expects Future Infrastructure’s platform of Telecom and Utility end markets businesses to be integrated into Primoris’ Utilities and Distribution Segment and Primoris’ Transmission and Distribution Segment, furthering Primoris’ strategic plan for service line expansion, new market entry and growth in the Company’s MSA revenue base.


Transaction Approvals and Closing Conditions


The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both Primoris and Future Infrastructure and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, depending on the timing of regulatory approvals.


Financing


The acquisition will be funded using $120 million of cash on hand, a revolving advance of $100 million under our existing credit facilities and proceeds from a new $400 million term loan. CIBC and Bank of the West are serving as Joint Lead Arrangers for Primoris on the financing.


Advisors


Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as lead financial advisor to Primoris. UBS Investment Bank is also providing financial advice. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is serving as the Company’s legal counsel. BofA Securities is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Future Infrastructure. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as Future Infrastructure’s legal counsel.


Conference Call


Tom McCormick, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ken Dodgen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 7:30 am Central Time / 8:30 am Eastern Time to discuss the transaction.

Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing:

  • (833) 476-0954 (Domestic)
  • (236) 714-2611 (International)

Presentation slides to accompany the conference call are available for download in the Investor Relations section of Primoris’ website at www.prim.com. Once at the Investor Relations section, please click on “Events & Presentations”.

If you are unable to participate in the live call, a replay may be accessed by dialing (800) 585-8367, conference ID 2192956, and will be available for approximately two weeks. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed and replayed through the Investor Relations section of Primoris’ website at www.prim.com.
  
About Primoris Services Corporation
Founded in 1960, Primoris, through various subsidiaries, has grown to become one of the leading providers of specialty contracting services operating mainly in the United States and Canada. Primoris provides a wide range of specialty construction services, fabrication, maintenance, replacement, and engineering services to a diversified base of customers. The Company’s national footprint extends from Florida, along the Gulf Coast, through California, into the Pacific Northwest and into Canada. Additional information on Primoris is available at www.prim.com.

About Future Infrastructure

Future Infrastructure, founded in 1999, is a provider of maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation services to the telecommunications, regulated utility gas, pipeline, transportation, and civil infrastructure customers throughout the southern and western regions of the United States. Additional information on Future Infrastructure is available at www.future-infrastructure.com.

About Tower Arch

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, Tower Arch Capital is a lower-middle market private equity fund. Tower Arch focuses on partnering with and growing high-quality family and entrepreneur-owned companies to deliver long-term value for their management teams and investors. Tower Arch brings operational, consulting, and financial expertise to small companies to give them the tools they need to achieve their full potential. Target investments include control positions in entrepreneur and family-owned businesses with revenue between $20 million and $150 million or EBITDA between $5 million and $25 million. Additional information on Tower Arch Capital is available at www.towerarch.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements give the current expectations of the Company’s management. Words such as “could,” “will,” “may,” “assume,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “target,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” or “project” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this release include the Company’s expectations regarding the consummation of the transactions described herein.

Forward-looking statements can be affected by assumptions used or known or unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially and adversely from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among other things, (a) the risks and uncertainties disclosed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and (b) the following risks inherent in the transactions (in addition to others described elsewhere in this document and in the subsequent filings with the SEC): failure to obtain regulatory approval necessary to consummate the transactions or to obtain regulatory approvals on favorable terms; failure to secure financing arrangements on favorable terms to consummate the transactions;  delays in consummating the transactions or the failure to consummate the transactions; the possibility of business disruption during the pendency of or following the transactions; the risk that management time may be diverted on transaction-related issues; the reaction of customers and other third parties to the proposed transactions; and other events or circumstances that could adversely impact the completion of the transactions, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other industry, political, competitive or economic conditions outside of our control.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and can be affected by assumptions the Company might make or by known or unknown risk and uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in this release and in the Company’s annual and quarterly reports will be important in determining future results. Consequently, you are urged to consider the limitations on, and risks associated with, forward-looking statements and not unduly rely on the accuracy of forward-looking statements, as the Company cannot assure you that the Company’s expectations or forecasts expressed in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

For additional information, contact:

Brook Wootton
Vice President, Investor Relations
Primoris Services Corporation, 214-545-6773
[email protected]



Archrock Announces Upsizing and Pricing of $300 Million of Senior Notes

HOUSTON, Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Archrock, Inc. (NYSE: AROC) (“Archrock”) today announced the pricing of an upsized private offering by Archrock Partners, L.P. (“Archrock Partners”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Archrock, of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250% senior notes due 2028 (the “New Notes”) at an issue price of 104.875% of their face value. The size of the offering was increased by $50 million from the previously announced offering size of $250 million. The New Notes are being offered as additional notes under an indenture, dated December 20, 2019 (the “Indenture”), pursuant to which the Issuers previously issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250% senior notes due 2028 (the “Initial Notes”). The offering is expected to close on December 17, 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Archrock Partners Finance Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Archrock Partners, will serve as co-issuer of the New Notes. The New Notes will have identical terms as the Initial Notes, other than the issue date, and the New Notes and the Initial Notes will be treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture. Archrock Partners intends to use the net proceeds of the sale of the New Notes to partially repay outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and for general partnership purposes.

The New Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder and applicable state securities laws. The New Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and non-U.S. persons in transactions outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

About Archrock

Archrock is an energy infrastructure company with a pure-play focus on midstream natural gas compression. Archrock is the leading provider of natural gas compression services to customers in the oil and natural gas industry throughout the United States and a leading supplier of aftermarket services to customers that own compression equipment in the United States.

About Archrock Partners

Archrock Partners is a leading provider of natural gas compression services to customers in the oil and natural gas industry throughout the United States. Archrock owns all of the limited and general partnership interests in Archrock Partners.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside Archrock or Archrock Partners’ control. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to: statements regarding Archrock Partners’ proposed offering, the completion of such offering, the intended use of net proceeds from the proposed offering, and the impact of market conditions on such offering.

While Archrock and Archrock Partners believe that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, they caution that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. Among the factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: local, regional and national economic conditions and the impact they may have on Archrock Partners’ and its customers; conditions in the oil and gas industry, including the level of production of, demand for or price of oil or natural gas; changes in safety, health, environmental and other regulations; the financial condition of Archrock Partners’ customers; the failure of any customer to perform its contractual obligations; and the performance of Archrock.

These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties described in Archrock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and those reports set forth from time to time in Archrock’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.archrock.com. Except as required by law, Archrock and Archrock Partners expressly disclaim any intention or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE: Archrock, Inc.


For information, contact:

Megan Repine
Vice President, Investor Relations
(281) 836-8360
[email protected]



GAMCO Investors Files Trademark Application For New ETF

GAMCO Investors Files Trademark Application For New ETF

GREENWICH, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMCO”) (NYSE: GBL) has filed a trademark application for Gabelli Love Our Planet & People ETFTM, which is its first ETF in a trust of nine Precidian ActiveShares actively managed ETFs.

Gabelli Love Our Planet & People ETF is an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ETF that will emphasize the environmental aspect, or “E” in ESG, placing an emphasis on investing in publicly traded companies with a focus on sustainability. The Fund combines a research intensive process with social screens and a holistic ESG overlay to deliver returns in a socially responsive manner. The launch of the ETF is pending Securities and Exchange Commission approval of a final registration statement.

GAMCO Investors, Inc. (NYSE:GBL), through its subsidiaries, manages assets of private advisory accounts (GAMCO) and mutual funds and closed-end funds (Gabelli Funds, LLC), and is known for its Private Market Value with a Catalyst™ style of investment. As of September 30, 2020, GAMCO Investors, Inc. had $29.7 billion in assets under management. Further information can be found at www.gabelli.com.

About Gabelli Love Our Planet & People ETF

Gabelli Love Our Planet & People ETF is a diversified, open-end management investment company whose primary investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80%, of its assets in U.S. exchange-listed common and preferred stocks of companies that meet the Fund’s guidelines for environmental responsibility at the time of investment. Your investment in the Fund is not guaranteed and you could lose some or all of the amount you invested. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (NYSE:GBL).

These ETFs are not yet available to purchase, and this is not a solicitation to purchase a security. Please read the Prospectus, including the Risk Discussion, carefully (when it becomes available) to understand the attributes and risks of these ETF before investing.

This ETF is different from traditional ETFs. Traditional ETFs tell the public what assets they hold each day. This ETF will not. This may create additional risks for your investment. For example:

  • You may have to pay more money to trade the ETF’s shares. This ETF will provide less information to traders, who tend to charge more for trades when they have less information.
  • The price you pay to buy ETF shares on an exchange may not match the value of the ETF’s portfolio. The same is true when you sell shares. These price differences may be greater for this ETF compared to other ETFs because it provides less information to traders.
  • These additional risks may be even greater in bad or uncertain market conditions. The differences between this ETF and other ETFs may also have advantages. By keeping certain information about the ETF secret, this ETF may face less risk that other traders can predict or copy its investment strategy. This may improve the ETF’s performance. If other traders are able to copy or predict the ETF’s investment strategy, however, this may hurt the ETF’s performance. For additional information regarding the unique attributes and risks of the ETF, see the ActiveShares prospectus/registration statement.

You should consider the ETFs’ investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The ETFs’ Prospectus, which will be available from G.distributors, LLC, a registered broker-dealer and FINRA member firm, will contain this and other information about the ETFs, and should be read carefully before investing.

Gabelli Funds, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc.

To obtain a Prospectus (when it becomes available), please call 800-GABELLI or visit https://www.gabelli.com/funds/etfs/intro.

John Ball

Senior Vice President

(914) 921-7728

For further information please visit www.gabelli.com.

KEYWORDS: New York Connecticut United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Finance Banking Environment Professional Services Other Professional Services

MEDIA:

Mesoblast Corporate Update

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mesoblast Limited (Nasdaq:MESO; ASX:MSB), global leader in allogeneic cellular medicines for inflammatory diseases, will host a webcast today to provide a corporate update.

The webcast will begin at 9.00am AEDT, Tuesday, December 15; 5.00pm EST, Monday, December 14, 2020. It can be accessed via https://webcast.boardroom.media/mesoblast-limited/20201214/NaN5fd6e483de11ae0019f60917

The archived webcast will be available on the Investor page of the Company’s website:
www.mesoblast.com

About Mesoblast

Mesoblast is a world leader in developing allogeneic (off-the-shelf) cellular medicines. The Company has leveraged its proprietary mesenchymal lineage cell therapy technology platform to establish a broad portfolio of commercial products and late-stage product candidates. Mesoblast has a strong and extensive global intellectual property portfolio with protection extending through to at least 2040 in all major markets. The Company’s proprietary manufacturing processes yield industrial-scale, cryopreserved, off-the-shelf, cellular medicines. These cell therapies, with defined pharmaceutical release criteria, are planned to be readily available to patients worldwide.

Remestemcel-L is being developed for inflammatory diseases in children and adults including steroid refractory acute graft versus host disease and moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Mesoblast has completed Phase 3 trials of rexelemestrocel-L for advanced heart failure and chronic low back pain. Two products have been commercialized in Japan and Europe by Mesoblast’s licensees, and the Company has established commercial partnerships in Europe and China for certain Phase 3 assets.

Mesoblast has locations in Australia, the United States and Singapore and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (MSB) and on the Nasdaq (MESO). For more information, please see www.mesoblast.com, LinkedIn: Mesoblast Limited and Twitter: @Mesoblast

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement includes forward-looking statements that relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “look forward to,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions and variations thereof. We make such forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and actual results may differ from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material and adverse. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that may impact our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the timing, progress and results of Mesoblast’s preclinical and clinical studies; Mesoblast’s ability to advance product candidates into, enroll and successfully complete, clinical studies; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; and the pricing and reimbursement of Mesoblast’s product candidates, if approved; Mesoblast’s ability to establish and maintain intellectual property on its product candidates and Mesoblast’s ability to successfully defend these in cases of alleged infringement. You should read this press release together with our risk factors, in our most recently filed reports with the SEC or on our website. Uncertainties and risks that may cause Mesoblast’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Unless required by law, we do not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Release authorized by the Chief Executive

For more information, please contact:


Corporate Communications / Investors
                                    
Schond Greenway
T: +1 212 880 2060
E: [email protected]
  Paul Hughes
T: +61 3 9639 6036
E: [email protected]
     

Media


Kristen Bothwell
T: +1 917 613 5434
E: [email protected]
   
     



NASB Financial, Inc. Announces Financial Results

PR Newswire

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — NASB Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCQX: NASB) announced today net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, of $39.2 million or $5.30 per share.  This compares to net income of $40.5 million or $5.48 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, and $14.0 million or $1.90 per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. 

Net income for the year ended September 30, 2020, was $103.5 million or $14.02 per share.  This compares to net income of $43.2 million or $5.85 per share for the year ended September 30, 2019.  The increase in earnings was primarily attributable to higher volumes of mortgage banking activity in the current year. 

NASB Financial, Inc. is a unitary thrift holding company for North American Savings Bank, F.S.B. (“NASB”).  Since 1927, NASB has been serving the financial needs of customers by providing an array of personal banking and lending products in the Kansas City metro area.  Nationwide, NASB offers competitive residential and commercial mortgages with the safety and security of a Federal institution.  For more information, visit nasb.com.

(Financial Highlights Schedule Attached)


NASB Financial, Inc.


Financial Highlights

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

  9/30/20

 6/30/20

  9/30/19

9/30/20

9/30/19


EARNINGS DATA:

Net interest income

$

24,577

23,923

22,378

94,231

82,672

Provision for loan losses

7,500

1,900

10,150

1,750

Non-interest income

75,095

66,584

20,826

174,544

56,286

Non-interest expense

39,160

34,223

24,532

119,332

79,652

Income tax expense

13,818

13,868

4,668

35,788

14,389

     Net income

$

39,194

40,516

14,004

103,505

43,167


FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:

Total assets

`

$

2,552,198

2,600,212

2,605,225

2,552,198

2,605,225

Total loans held for sale

493,212

486,077

420,428

493,212

420,428

Total loans held for investment and
mortgage-backed securities, net

1,646,143

1,742,954

1,911,521

1,646,143

1,911,521

Customer and brokered deposit accounts

1,752,768

1,824,617

1,828,972

1,752,768

1,828,972

Stockholders’ equity

350,382

314,883

262,267

350,382

262,267


FINANCIAL RATIOS AND PER SHARE DATA:

Book value per share

$

47.42

42.62

35.56

47.42

35.56

Earnings per share

5.30

5.48

1.90

14.02

5.85

Cash dividends paid per share

0.55

0.55

0.50

2.15

2.00

Return on assets (annualized net income
divided by total average assets)

6.09%

6.20%

2.22%

4.01%

1.85%

Return on equity (annualized net income
divided by average stockholders’ equity)

47.13%

55.15%

21.80%

33.79%

17.48%

Weighted average shares outstanding

7,388,493

7,389,089

7,381,378

7,384,118

7,383,976

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasb-financial-inc-announces-financial-results-301192418.html

SOURCE NASB Financial, Inc.

SEIU Local 2: Tropicana Management Storms from Bargaining Table After Workers Refuse A Fresh Offer of More Wage Freezes

Management’s latest round of behaviour confirms concerns raised by Black leaders last week about the unfitness of Tropicana management to Federal funds. The Federal government should select another leading Black organization to serve this role until frontline Tropicana workers are back to work.

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the workers’ strike enters its 7th week, Tropicana management puts down a final offer that includes claw-backs on paid time off, further years of wage freezes for most workers, and cutbacks to benefits and wages for new employees. The offer represents a net decrease in current compensation. When workers countered with their long-standing demand for a modest wage increase of 1% per year over the next three years, Tropicana management stormed out of bargaining.

Instead of seeking to quickly resolve the labour dispute, management’s approach seeks to needless extend picketing through the holiday season and amid a worsening pandemic. Management has demonstrated that its real goal is to break the spirit of workers and impede their right to a fair first collective agreement.

Sylvia Waldron works as an administrator for Tropicana and has been with the organization for over 30 years. She says of the offer: “After the claw-backs on benefit premiums and paid time off, this offer would have us working more hours for less pay. We’ve endured years and years of wage freeze and we’ve been on strike for 6 weeks. This offer is an insult.”

A majority of Tropicana workers would see their wages continue to be frozen, and instead, they would be given a yearly lump sum payment of around $200. But since this is accompanied by removing two existing days of paid time off, most workers would experience a net decrease in total wages. The offer would also lower the wage and benefits floor for new employees.

As the strike enters the 7th week, Tropicana continues egregiously misusing public funds on strike-breakers, anti-union consultants, and security guards instead of providing fair wages for frontline staff. Management’s latest round of behaviour confirms concerns raised by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Black union leaders, and Matthew Green MP last week about the fitness of Tropicana management to Federal funds. The Federal government should select another leading Black organization to serve this role until frontline Tropicana workers are back to work.

SEIU Local 2 represents workers in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and British Columbia.

Contact:
Assya Moustaqim-Barrette
[email protected]
416-274-4903



Castle Biosciences Announces Commencement of Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock

Castle Biosciences Announces Commencement of Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Castle Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTL), announced today that it has commenced a proposed underwritten public offering, subject to market and other conditions, to issue and sell $125,000,000 of shares of its common stock. In connection with the offering, Castle expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $18,750,000 of shares of common stock. All of the shares in the proposed offering will be offered by Castle. There can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering.

SVB Leerink and Baird are acting as joint bookrunning managers in the proposed offering. Canaccord Genuity is acting as passive bookrunner and BTIG and Lake Street Capital Markets are acting as co-managers for the offering.

The securities described above are being offered by Castle pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, including a base prospectus, that was previously filed by Castle and became effective by rule of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 14, 2020. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available for free on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering, when available, may be obtained from: SVB Leerink LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, One Federal Street, 37th Floor, Boston, MA 02110, by telephone at (800) 808-7525, ext. 6132, or by email at [email protected]; or Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, Attention: Syndicate Department, 777 East Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202, by telephone at (800) 792-2473, or by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About Castle Biosciences

Castle Biosciences is a commercial-stage dermatologic cancer company focused on providing physicians and their patients with personalized, clinically actionable genomic information to make more accurate treatment decisions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about Castle’s expectations regarding the completion and timing of the proposed offering, and its expectations with respect to granting the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional shares. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 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 Castle’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. 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, which include, without limitation, risks associated with market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions related to the proposed public offering, risks and uncertainties associated with Castle’s business and finances in general, risks associated with the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the other risks described in Castle’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020, the preliminary prospectus supplement relating to the proposed public offering and other filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Castle undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Media and Investor Contact:

Camilla Zuckero

832-835-5158

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Texas United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Science Research Finance Oncology Health Professional Services Genetics Clinical Trials

MEDIA:

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Virtual Conference Marks Launch of Mood Ring™ Cannabis Products in British Columbia

PR Newswire

The latest brand from Neptune Wellness Solutions, Mood Ring™ offers high-quality, affordable and environmentally friendly recreational cannabis to Canadians

LAVAL, QC, Dec. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. (“Neptune” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NEPT) (TSX: NEPT), a diversified and fully integrated health and wellness company focused on natural, plant-based, sustainable and purpose-driven lifestyle brands, has announced Mood Ring™ recreational cannabis products will be available for purchase — for the first time — this week in British Columbia.

The Company marked Mood Ring’s official entrance into the Canadian market with a virtual conference involving journalists from various media outlets, and key Neptune executives.

“This is a landmark moment for Neptune as we embark on widespread distribution through-out the Canadian market,” said Michael Cammarata, Neptune’s Chief Executive Office and President. “The Company’s mission is to become the brand leader in cannabis and we have established a KPI program that we believe will deliver new and innovative SKUs for the next five successive quarters.

“We believe cannabinoids are poised to be the next super-ingredient. We are standing on the edge of a plant-based transformation, driven as a result of changing consumer demand. Neptune intends to bring the benefits of cannabis to the world to harness its wide range of benefits across wellness, beauty, household products, among other uses.”

Developed and manufactured at the Company’s purpose-built facility in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Mood Ring™ is the next-generation of cannabis products, including High CBD Oil, High CBD Capsules, Classic Hashish and Legacy Hashish. The latter two products are comprised of extracted cannabis trichomes and use Neptune’s newly implemented and proprietary solventless extraction for THC concentrates.

From this week, the products will be available for purchase through the BC Cannabis Stores online and subsequently the brick-and-mortar locations. Additionally, the Mood Ring™ product line will be available to the 299 private licensed retailers in British Columbia.

In Canada, Neptune anticipates further purchase orders imminently, following the signing of a supply agreement with Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), the wholesaler and sole online retailer for recreational cannabis in Ontario for the sale and distribution of Mood Ring™. The Company is now working with additional provincial boards to register products and increase the distribution capabilities for Mood Ring™.

“Canadian customers will soon learn Mood Ring™ isn’t only about Hashish, Oil and Capsules. We are aggressively pursuing the development and manufacturing of many new cannabis product lines that continue to meet our commitment to reaching a certain bar – that is, high quality, affordable and environmentally friendly products,” said Greg Herle, Neptune’s National Sales Director

The potential retail footprint of Mood Ring™ is at least 584 retail stores, the Company said. For more information about Mood Ring™ visit https://www.moodring.com/.

ABOUT NEPTUNE WELLNESS SOLUTIONS INC.:

Neptune Wellness Solutions is a unique global health and wellness company that is changing consumer habits by creating and distributing environmentally friendly, ethical, and innovative consumer product goods. Neptune’s simultaneous focus on B2C and B2B customer-oriented brand development provides the Company with international reach and scale from its owned and operated facilities that extract and create product formulation, all the way to the sales floor at top global retailers. Underpinned by a disruptive spirit, Neptune’s diversified and fully integrated business model focuses on natural, plant-based, sustainable and purpose-driven lifestyle brands and the use of cannabinoids in household products to make them safer, healthier, and more effective. Its portfolio includes emerging brands such as Forest Remedies™, Ocean Remedies™, Neptune Wellness™, Mood Ring™, and OCEANO3™, poised for rapid growth and expansion. Backed with a cost-efficient manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure that can be scaled up and down or into adjacent product categories to identify innovation opportunities, Neptune quickly adapts to consumer preferences and demand and is bringing its products as well as other Fortune 100 brands to market through strategic distribution partnerships, mass retail partners and e-commerce channels. Neptune is committed to its core mission of redefining health and wellness and helping humanity thrive by providing sustainable consumer-focused solutions. For additional information, please visit: https://neptunecorp.com/.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. securities laws and Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could cause the actual results of Neptune to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements labeled with the terms “believes”, “belief”, “expects”, “intends”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “will”, “should” or “plans” to be uncertain and forward-looking. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The forward looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” section contained in Neptune’s latest Annual Information Form (the “AIF”), which also forms part of Neptune’s latest annual report on Form 40-F, and which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml and on the investor section of Neptune’s website at www.neptunecorp.com. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Neptune does not undertake to update any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in Neptune public securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities commissions. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained in the AIF under “Risk Factors”. Neither NASDAQ nor the Toronto Stock Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Related Links:


www.neptunecorp.com



www.moodring.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virtual-conference-marks-launch-of-mood-ring-cannabis-products-in-british-columbia-301192416.html

SOURCE Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc.

Porch to Participate in the MKM Partners Virtual Conference on December 15, 2020

SEATTLE, Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Porch.com, Inc. (“Porch” or “the Company”), a leading software and services platform reinventing the home services industry, is scheduled to participate at the MKM Partners Virtual Conference on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

Porch CEO, Chairman and Founder Matt Ehrlichman is scheduled to participate in a fireside chat at 3:10 p.m. Eastern time, with one-on-one meetings held throughout the conference.

The fireside chat is available for webcast by clicking here.

To schedule a one-on-one meeting, request a conference invitation or receive additional information, please contact Porch’s investor relations team—Gateway IR—at (949) 574-3860.

In July, Porch.com announced a merger agreement with PropTech Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: PTAC) (“PropTech” or “PTAC”), a special purpose acquisition company targeting businesses in the real estate technology industry, that would result in Porch becoming a publicly listed company. With the expansion of its leadership team, Porch.com is well positioned to go public later this month.

About


Porch



Seattle-based Porch, the vertical software platform for the home, provides software and services to more than 10,500 home services companies such as home inspectors, moving companies, real estate agencies, utility companies, and warranty companies. Through these relationships and its multiple brands, Porch provides a moving concierge service to homebuyers, helping them save time and make better decisions on critical services, including insurance, moving, security, TV/internet, home repair and improvement, and more. To learn more about Porch, visit porchcorp.com.

About PropTech Acquisition Corporation

PropTech Acquisition Corporation is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses focused on real estate technology. For more information, visit proptechacquisition.com.

PropTech and Porch Business Combination Summary

On July 30, 2020, Porch entered into a definitive agreement with PropTech Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: PTAC) (“PropTech”), a special purpose acquisition company targeting businesses in the real estate technology industry, which would result in Porch becoming a publicly listed company. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur in Q4 2020, PropTech will be renamed Porch Group, Inc. and is expected to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the new ticker symbol “PRCH.”

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or PTAC’s or Porch’s future financial or operating performance. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of PTAC and Porch. Although PTAC and Porch believe that their respective plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, neither PTAC nor Porch can assure you that either will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” “intends” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about the anticipated merger closing timing and the ability of PTAC and Porch prior to the merger, and the combined company following the merger (“New Porch”), to: access, collect and use personal data about consumers; execute its business strategy, including monetization of services provided and expansions in and into existing and new lines of business; anticipate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic and its effect on business and financial conditions; manage risks associated with operational changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; meet the closing conditions to the merger, including approval by stockholders of PTAC and Porch on the expected terms and schedule; realize the benefits expected from the proposed merger; anticipate the uncertainties inherent in the development of new business lines and business strategies; retain and hire necessary employees; increase brand awareness; attract, train and retain effective officers, key employees or directors; upgrade and maintain information technology systems; acquire and protect intellectual property; meet future liquidity requirements and comply with restrictive covenants related to long-term indebtedness; effectively respond to general economic and business conditions; maintain the listing on, or the delisting of PTAC’s or New Porch’s securities from, NASDAQ or an inability to have our securities listed on the NASDAQ or another national securities exchange following the merger; obtain additional capital, including use of the debt market; enhance future operating and financial results; successfully execute expansion plans; anticipate rapid technological changes; comply with laws and regulations applicable to its business, including laws and regulations related to data privacy and insurance operations; stay abreast of modified or new laws and regulations applying to its business, including copyright and privacy regulation; anticipate the impact of, and response to, new accounting standards; respond to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political unrest and regulatory changes in international markets from various events; anticipate the significance and timing of contractual obligations; maintain key strategic relationships with partners and distributors; respond to uncertainties associated with product and service development and market acceptance; anticipate the impact of new U.S. federal income tax law, including the impact on deferred tax assets; successfully defend litigation; successfully deploy the proceeds from the merger; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in PTAC’s Annual Report on Form 10 K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the section entitled “Risk Factors” in PTAC’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements; Market, Ranking and Other Industry Data” in the definitive proxy statement/consent solicitation statement/prospectus filed by PTAC and other documents of PTAC filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Neither PTAC nor Porch undertakes any duty to update these forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law.

Participants in the Solicitation

PTAC and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from PTAC’s shareholders with respect to the proposed business combination. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in PTAC is contained in PTAC’s annual report on Form 10 K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the SEC and is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants is set forth in the definitive proxy statement/consent solicitation statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination.

Porch and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of PTAC in connection with the proposed business combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed business combination is set forth in the definitive proxy statement/consent solicitation statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination.

Additional Information About the Proposed Business Combination and Where to Find It

The business combination will be submitted to stockholders of PTAC for their consideration. PTAC has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC containing a preliminary proxy statement and a preliminary prospectus of PTAC and a preliminary consent solicitation statement of Porch. After the registration statement was declared effective, PTAC mailed a definitive proxy statement/consent solicitation statement/prospectus relating to the proposed business combination to its shareholders. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the business combination. PTAC’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read the definitive proxy statement/consent solicitation statement/prospectus and, when available, the amendments thereto and other documents filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about Porch, PTAC and the business combination. The definitive proxy statement/consent solicitation statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the proposed business combination were mailed to shareholders of PTAC as of November 27, 2020, the record date for voting on the proposed business combination. Shareholders can also obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/consent solicitation statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/consent solicitation statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Investor Relations contact:

Gateway Investor Relations
Cody Slach, Matt Glover
(949) 574-3860
[email protected]

PropTech Contact:

[email protected]