XpresCheck™ Named State of Hawaii Trusted Testing Partner

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XpresSpa Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: XSPA) (“XpresSpa” or the “Company”), a health and wellness company, today announced that XpresCheck has been named a State of Hawaii Trusted Testing Partner.

All travelers ages five and over are required to take a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) lab in order to bypass the State of Hawaii’s 14-day mandatory quarantine. The State of Hawaii accepts test results only from Trusted Testing and Travel Partners and tests must be taken no more than 72 hours before flight departure time.

XpresCheck’s rapid molecular COVID-19 test and, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test, which are currently offered at JFK International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport, satisfy these guidelines.

Doug Satzman, XpresSpa Group CEO, stated, “We are pleased to have been named a Trusted Testing Partner by the State of Hawaii as part of their efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. While current travelers to Hawaii originating from JFK, Newark, or Logan airports may test for COVID-19 at one of our Wellness Centers before connecting through another airport, it is our understanding that nonstop flights originating from the east coast may be resuming in the near future.”

About XpresSpa Group, Inc.

XpresSpa Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: XSPA) is a leading global health and wellness holding company. XpresSpa Group’s core asset, XpresSpa, is a leading airport retailer of spa services and related health and wellness products, with 50 locations in 25 airports globally. Through its XpresTest, Inc. subsidiary, the Company also provides COVID-19 screening and testing, rapid testing services for other communicable diseases that include influenza, mononucleosis and group A streptococcus, and flu vaccination services under its XpresCheck™ brand. Current XpresCheck Wellness Centers include JFK International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Logan International Airport. To learn more about XpresSpa Group, visit: www.XpresSpaGroup.com. To learn more about XpresSpa, visit www.XpresSpa.com. To learn more about XpresCheck, visit www.XpresCheck.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should,” “seeks,” “future,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements relating to expectations about future results or events are based upon information available to XpresSpa Group as of today’s date and are not guarantees of the future performance of the company, and actual results may vary materially from the results and expectations discussed. Additional information concerning these and other risks is contained in XpresSpa Group’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning XpresSpa Group, or other matters and attributable to XpresSpa Group or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. XpresSpa Group does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.

Investor Relations:

ICR
Raphael Gross
[email protected]
(203) 682-8253

Media

Julie Ferguson
[email protected]
(312) 385-0098



Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund 8% Distribution Policy Reaffirmed and Declared Fourth Quarter Distribution of $0.12 Per Share

Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund 8% Distribution Policy Reaffirmed and Declared Fourth Quarter Distribution of $0.12 Per Share

RYE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The Board of Directors of The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. (NYSE:GCV) (the “Fund”) declared a $0.12 per share cash distribution payable on December 18, 2020 to common stock shareholders of record on December 11, 2020. With this fourth quarter distribution, the total distributions from the Fund for 2020 would equate to $0.48 per share.

The Fund intends to pay a minimum annual distribution of 8% of the average net asset value of the Fund within a calendar year or an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

We note that 8% of the average net asset value of the Fund would be $0.42 based on the ending net asset values per share as of December 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, and September 30, 2020 of $5.68, $4.54, $5.39, and $5.75, respectively. In declaring a distribution of $0.12 per share, the Board of Directors has chosen to distribute $0.05 greater than that called for by the distribution policy. The net asset value per share fluctuates daily.

The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment.

All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2020 would include approximately 10% from net investment income, 55% from net capital gains and 35% would be deemed a return of capital on a book basis. This information does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website. The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2020 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2020 distributions in early 2021 via Form 1099-DIV.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. More information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund is available by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or visiting www.gabelli.com.

About Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund

The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $149 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to seek a high level of total return on its assets through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (NYSE:GBL).

NYSE: GCV

CUSIP – 36240B109

Investor Relations:

Laurissa Martire

(914) 921-5399

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Other Professional Services Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

Vasta Platform Limited Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

SÃO PAULO, Brazil, Nov. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vasta Platform Limited (NASDAQ: VSTA) – “Vasta” or the “Company,” announces today its financial and operating results for the third quarter of 2020 (3Q20) ended September 30, 2020. Financial results are expressed in Brazilian Reais and are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

HIGHLIGHTS

  • With the completion of the 2020 sales cycle (4Q19 to 3Q20), Vasta reported a subscription revenue of R$692 million, which represents 18% increase in comparison to the subscription revenue for the 2019 sales cycle (R$584 million), or 21% higher than the ACV 2019 (R$572 million), and reinforces the resilience of our business by showing a solid result even during a period of strong socioeconomic instability caused by the pandemic.
  • The subscription revenue for the commercial year of 2020 was only 3% lower than the ACV 2020 of R$716 million, impacted by the lower volume of orders received by reason of the increase in dropout mainly from pre-K and kindergarten students in partner schools, which also reinforces the predictability of our subscription revenue.
  • For 2021, Vasta has already obtained, in terms of ACV, R$835 million, which represents an increase of 21% in relation to the subscription revenues of the 2020 sales cycle, ended now, in 3Q20. From this increase, to date, 80% relate to contracts of traditional learning systems and complementary solutions and 20% regarding to contracts of learning system PAR. However, it should be stressed that the sales campaign will last until late December/early January, which should ensure an even higher increase over the coming months.
  • The offer of a robust and engaging digital platform, as is the case with Plurall, was vital for the company to ensure the stability of its operation and growth for the following year. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Plurall has already reported more than 8 million accumulated live classes, with an average of 72 thousand classes transmitted live per day since August. Currently, Plurall accounts for nearly 50% of the entire educational web traffic of private Brazilian educational platforms, proving to be not only a tool with high engagement and satisfaction rates but also an extremely important tool for the schools.
  • As regards financial indicators, Vasta reported a net revenue of R$141.4 million in 3Q20 and R$654.1 million in 9M20, which represents a 4.1% and 4.3% increase, respectively. Even with a different seasonality in 2020, with a recognition of revenue more concentrated at the beginning of the sales cycle (4Q19 and 1Q20), the Company managed to have a solid performance this quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of R$12.1 million was 39% higher than the one verified in 3Q19, due to revenue increase.
  • Year-to-date, Vasta’s adjusted EBITDA was R$138 million (19% above the previous year), with a 21.0% margin (2.7 p.p. expansion).
  • With the IPO resources, Vasta started to rely on net cash of R$1,025 million, an amount which will be important to accelerate the Company’s inorganic growth projects.

MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT

With the end of the 2020 sales cycle, Vasta managed to prove its resilience and the predictability of its subscription revenue by reporting an impact of only 3% in relation to the ACV 20 engaged before the effects of the pandemic on the educational sector and the world as a whole. This was only possible thanks to the strong relationship we have with our partners and the success of our digital platform, Plurall, which has become an essential and transforming foundation for schools to maintain their academic activities, fostering engagement and satisfaction among all stakeholders involved: students, teachers, academic coordinators, school owners, and family members. The development of this ecosystem benefits everyone, and we have seen that, as the months go by, the level of interaction within the platform has been higher and higher, resulting in more engaging classes and a more dynamic and efficient learning process. The pedagogical process itself has experienced a revolution throughout this year, and we managed to offer a system that allowed us not only to help the school in this transition from the analogic to the virtual environment but also enabled the development of new competencies that would not be possible without a fully integrated digital platform. In addition to offering all activities and content related to our learning systems, Plurall allows the sharing of additional content, videos, games, interactive exercises, in addition to the entire network of available online tutors and a series of indicators that allow the follow-up of the academic development of each student, each class and each school, as well as the comparison of this performance in an ecosystem including more than four thousand integrated schools.

All this has generated an ever-growing satisfaction of our partner schools, and what we see right now is one of the highest contract renewal rates ever reported in our history. But Plurall has not been working only as a retention and engagement platform but also as an important hub attracting new schools, and we noticed, during the sales campaign, that many students were helpless throughout this year and could not follow the academic activities planned at the beginning of the academic year.

The combination of a low churn and very healthy sales campaign considering the current circumstances ensures a solid growth prospect for next year. However, a third important variable of this equation must also be mentioned, which consists of the cross-sell opportunities we have in our platform. It should be borne in mind that, when we built the 2020 sales cycle, there were only two options of extracurricular activities, namely, the language solution (English Stars) and the social and emotional solution (O líder em mim [The leader in me]), against the total of six that we currently have. In addition to this, for the sales cycle of 2021, we launched Plurall Store, a Marketplace made to sell generally international third-party digital solutions, in a revenue share model exclusively for the Brazilian market. Fully digital solutions, financially affordable, and in line with the existing demand for this type of service in the Brazilian market. Therefore, there is no question that the complementary solutions will gain more and more relevance in the coming sales cycles, and this is why we are striving to aggregate and bring in even more options for our partners.

In summary, even with all difficulties faced throughout this difficult year, we managed to stand out in the educational market by positioning ourselves as a platform containing the best academic solutions and a digital interface that has made a difference in this virtual environment in which we are living. Therefore, we believe that the growth expected for next year reflects the aforementioned competitive advantages and could be even greater if it were not for the economic scenario currently experienced. In any event, this resilience shown even in a difficult environment makes us confident in the sustainability of our business and the potential that we can still capture over the coming years.

For 2021, we have already closed to date a total of contracts that accounts for an ACV of R$835 million, which represents a 21% increase in comparison with that which was reported in the 2020 sales cycle. However, it should be mentioned that the process will only end in late December/early January, and we are confident that it is possible to deliver an even more promising result.

Last, but not least, we have projects for expansion through acquisitions. With the resources raised in the IPO, Vasta is committed to allocating 50% of the total captured to accelerate its growth projects and increase the offer of solutions in its platform. This commitment was assumed with all our shareholders, and we are confident that it is possible to meet it even before we expected, as the acquisitions pipeline is hot, and important Core Education and Complementary Solutions targets are in the process of being closed.

In other words, the prospects with the current solutions portfolio are already very promising; the resources raised in the IPO will serve as a catalyst to further accelerate our growth and ensure a sustainable cross-sales rhythm in our ecosystem. This project is only starting, and its legacy will generate an extraordinary result for those who believed in our history from the start.

COVID-19 UPDATE

As discussed in more detail in our September 30, 2020 condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company set up a Crisis Committee and approved some measures composed by actions that first of all safeguarded the physical and mental health of its employees and then preserved operational and financial capacity to face this period. We highlight the main initiatives carried out by Company: (i) Preserve employees’ health and safety by implementing measures such as work from home policy, temporary closure of our distribution centers re-opening with reduced operations and the adoption of health and safety measures recommended by government authorities; (ii) Ensure educational content and services delivery through online platforms; (iii) Improve the financial health identifying required measures to ensure adequate liquidity and cash position; (iv) Implement short term restructuring measures required to improve financial health, seeking to preserve jobs and the organization long term plan, including but not limited to temporary reduction in wages and working hours; (v) Plan and execute organizational changes with mid-term impact for the post-COVID world, if required; (vi) Strategic Plan for opportunities generated by the crisis; (vii) Philanthropic actions that contributes to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on our Company segment; and (viii) Provide on-line campaigns to promote our products to potential new customers.

Related to sales and services provided to our customers, even though municipality and state-wide governments had taken some measures that could hard hit our business, for example school’s lockdown and social distancing, our customers kept their educational services through our virtual platforms. As a result, we have not had interruption in the sales and services levels contracted by our customers.

Despite of the continuity of educational services, the process of social lockdown is pervasive and it is increasing the level of uncertainties over our business cycle and logistics process, thus, it is likely that we will identify some impacts on revenue and profitability through the quarters forthcoming. This characteristic is based on macroeconomic forecasting which have indicated unfavorable social and economic indicators to Brazil in the 2020’s year-end and during the next year.

REVENUE RECOGNITION AND SEASONALITY

As we release our results for the third quarter of 2020, it is important to highlight the revenue recognition and seasonality of our business.

Our main deliveries of printed and digital materials to our customers occur in the last quarter of each year (typically in November and December), and in the first quarter of each subsequent year (typically in February and March), and revenue is recognized when the customers obtain control over the materials. In addition, the printed and digital materials we provide in the fourth quarter are used by our customers in the following school year and, therefore, our fourth quarter results reflect the growth in the number of our students from one school year to the next, leading to higher revenue in general in our fourth quarter compared with the preceding quarters in each year. Consequently, in aggregate, the seasonality of our revenues generally produces higher revenues in the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year. In this sense, the numbers for the second quarter and third quarter are usually less relevant. In addition, we generally bill our customers during the first half of each school year (which starts in January), which generally results in a higher cash position in the first half of each year compared to the second half.

A significant part of our expenses is also seasonal. Due to the nature of our business cycle, we need significant working capital, typically in September or October of each year, in order to cover costs related to production and inventory accumulation, selling and marketing expenses, and delivery of our teaching materials at the end of each year in preparation for the beginning of each school year. As a result, these operating expenses are generally incurred between September and December of each year.

Purchases through our Livro Fácil e-commerce platform are also very intense during the back-to-school period, between November, when school enrollment takes place and families plan to anticipate the purchase of products and services, and February of the following year, when classes are about to start. Thus, e-commerce revenue is mainly concentrated in the first and fourth quarters of the year.

KEY BUSINESS METRICS

ACV Bookings: ACV Bookings is a non-accounting managerial metric and represents our partner schools’ commitment to pay for our solutions offerings. We believe it is a meaningful indicator of demand for our solutions. In particular, we believe ACV Bookings is a helpful metric because it is designed to show amounts that we expect to be recognized as revenue from subscription services for the 12-month period between October 1 of one fiscal year through September 30 of the following fiscal year. We define ACV Bookings as the revenue we would expect to recognize from a partner school in each school year, based on the number of students who have contracted our services, or “enrolled students,” that will access our content at such partner school in such school year. We calculate ACV Bookings by multiplying the number of enrolled students at each school with the average ticket per student per year; the related number of enrolled students and average ticket per student per year are each calculated in accordance with the terms of each contract with the related school. Although our contracts with our schools are typically for 4-year terms, we record one year of revenue under such contracts as ACV Bookings. ACV Bookings are calculated based on the sum of actual contracts signed during the sales period and assumes the historical rates of returned goods from customers for the preceding 24-month period. Since the actual rates of returned goods from sales during the period may be different from the historical average rates and the actual volume of merchandise ordered by our customers may be different from the contracted amount, the actual revenue recognized during each period of a sales cycle may be different from the ACV Bookings for the respective sales cycle. Our reported ACV Bookings are subject to risks associated with, among other things, economic conditions and the markets in which we operate, including risks that our contracts may be canceled or adjusted (including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic).

As mentioned above, Vasta has already captured, to date, a total of contracts that accounts for an ACV of R$835 million for 2021, which represents a 21% increase in comparison with that which was reported in the 2020 sales cycle. However, it should be mentioned that the sales campaign will last until late December/early January, which should ensure even higher growth for the end of the cycle.

OPERATING PERFORMANCE


Student Base – Subscription Models


Student Base
  3Q20   3Q19   Chg.%
Partner Schools (Core Content)   4,167   3,400   22.6 %
Partner Schools (Complementary Content)   636   417   52.5 %
Students (Core Content)   1,311,147   1,185,799   10.6 %
Students (Complementary Content)   213,058   133,583   59.5 %

During the academic year, schools only adjust their orders according to the effective number of students until no more than the second quarter, and therefore, there is no change in relation to the operating performance in the second half of the year. This situation could have been different by reason of the impact of the pandemic on the sector as a whole, but the effort to offer an efficient and engaging digital platform, added to the Company’s capacity to support all academic year activities remotely, ultimately reinforced the resilience of the business and strengthened even further the relationship with partner schools.

Since 2020 was a very abnormal year, we decided to maintain the number of students in Q3, as usually made, although there were drop-outs at our partners schools during the pandemic crises, as can be seen by the 3% reduction in revenues subscription vs. ACV 2020.


Net Revenue


Net Revenue – Values in R$ (‘000)
  3Q20   3Q19   Chg.%   9M20   9M19   Chg.%
Subscription   105,849   102,467   3.3 %   476,025   434,377   9.6 %
Core Content   105,481   102,374   3.0 %   442,379   411,807   7.4 %
Complementary Content   368   93   295.7 %   33,646   22,570   49.1 %
Non-subscription   35,566   33,345   6.7 %   178,041   192,458   -7.5 %
Total   141,415   135,811   4.1 %   654,066   626,835   4.3 %

The net revenue from subscription products, which includes all educational solutions with recurring revenue (basically, learning systems), represented 75% of the total revenue of the company this quarter and was 3.3% higher than in the same period last year. It should be taken into consideration that the relatively low increase is a consequence of the seasonality of the business, which reserves increased recognition of the revenue at the beginning of the sales cycle. For this reason, when analyzing the accrued performance for the year, revenue from subscription was 9.6% higher. Whereas in the analysis of the Annual Contract Value (ACV) of Vasta’s subscription services and products for the full 2020 sales cycle (between October 2019 and September 2020), the accumulated increase was 18.4%, which is a performance that reinforces not only the resilience of the business, particularly when considering the entire economic instability faced along the year, but also the commercial power of Vasta’s service platform.

    2019 Sales Cycle   2020 Sales Cycle    
                     
Vasta   4Q18-3Q19   % Net Rev.   4Q19-3Q20   % Net Rev.   Chg.%
Net Revenue   873,196     100.0 %   1,017,128     100.0 %   16.5 %
Subscription   584,582     66.9 %   691,924     68.0 %   18.4 %
Non-subscription 288.614     33.1 %   325,204     32.0 %   12.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA   196,086         276,259         40.9 %
Adj. EBITDA Margin 22.5 %       27.2 %      
4.7 p.p.
 
                         

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE


Vasta – Values


in R$ (‘000)

 
3Q20   3Q19   Chg.%   2Q20   Chg.%   9M20   9M19   Chg.%
Gross revenue   209,001     161,460     29.4 %   138,204     51.2 %   790,408     721,625     9.5 %
Deductions from gross revenue   (67,586 )   (25,649 )   163.5 %   (17,971 )   276.1 %   (136,342 )   (94,790 )   43.8 %
Taxes   (1,191 )   (3,820 )   -68.8 %   (1,419 )   -16.1 %   (4,915 )   (7,947 )   -38.2 %
Returns   (61,077 )   (11,739 )   420.3 %   (10,440 )   485.0 %   (104,187 )   (49,261 )   111.5 %
Discounts   (5,318 )   (10,090 )   -47.3 %   (6,112 )   -13.0 %   (27,240 )   (37,582 )   -27.5 %
Net revenue   141,415     135,811     4.1 %   120,233     17.6 %   654,066     626,835     4.3 %
                                                 
Total Cost of goods sold and services   (62,230 )   (60,291 )   3.2 %   (48,422 )   28.5 %   (277,985 )   (298,348 )   -6.8 %
Cost of goods sold and services   (62,230 )   (60,291 )   3.2 %   (48,422 )   28.5 %   (277,985 )   (298,348 )   -6.8 %
                                                 
Gross profit   79,185     75,520     4.9 %   71,811     10.3 %   376,081     328,487     14.5 %
Gross profit margin   56,0 %   55,6 %   0.4p.p.     59,7 %   -3.7p.p.     57,5 %   52,4 %   5.1p.p.  
                                                 
General and administrative expenses   (79,334 )   (64,293 )   23.4 %   (72,167 )   9.9 %   (237,428 )   (194,461 )   22.1 %
                                                 
Impairment losses on trade receivables   (1,121 )   4,277     -126.2 %   (1,264 )   -11.3 %   (12,704 )   (3,721 )   241.4 %
                                                 
Commercial expenses   (35,841 )   (36,890 )   -2.8 %   (42,803 )   -16.3 %   (116,437 )   (99,553 )   17.0 %
                                                 
(Loss) Profit before financial income and taxes   (37,110 )   (21,386 )   73.5 %   (44,422 )   -16.5 %   9,513     30,751     -69.1 %
Operating margin   -26,2 %   -15,7 %   -10.5p.p.     -36,9 %   10.7p.p.     1,5 %   4,9 %   -3.5p.p.  
Corporate Expenses   (3,176 )   (19,583 )   -83.8 %   (9,917 )   -68.0 %   (25,388 )   (51,731 )   -50.9 %
(+) Depreciation and amortization   43,516     48,110     -9.5 %   43,468     0.1 %   129,134     131,365     -1.7 %
EBITDA   3,230     7,141     -54.8 %   (10,872 )   -129.7 %   113,259     110,385     2.6 %
EBITDA margin   2,3 %   5,3 %   -3.0p.p.     -9,0 %   11.3p.p.     17,3 %   17,6 %   -0.3p.p.  
(+) Impact COVID-19           n.a.         n.a.     5,642         n.a.  
(+) Non-recurring expenses   1,910         n.a.     8,300     -77.0 %   10,210         n.a.  
(+) Share-based compensation plan   6,930     404     1617.1 %   900     670.0 %   8,559     882     870.5 %
(+) Provision for risks of tax, civil and labor losses       1,111     -100.0 %       n.a.         4,055     -100.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA   12,070     8,655     39.5 %   (1,672 )   -821.9 %   137,670     115,322     19.4 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin   8,5 %   6,4 %   2.2p.p.     -1,4 %   9.9p.p.     21,0 %   18,4 %   2.7p.p.  

Vasta’s adjusted EBITDA was 39% higher than the one verified in 3Q19, by reason of the combination between revenue increase and lower expenses, which was partially compensated by the increase in general and administrative expenses. Year-to-date, Vasta’s adjusted EBITDA was R$138 million (19% above the previous year), with a margin of 21.0% (2.7 p.p. expansion), which strengthens the efficiency gains recorded in the period. The net loss for the accumulated nine months of the year was R$67.0 million, a better performance than the net loss of R$100.9 million recorded in the same period of 2019.


PDA and Accounts Receivable¹

Values in R$ (000)   3Q20   3Q19   Chg.%   2Q20   Chg.%
Gross Accounts Receivable   267,783     188,587     42.0 %   352,748     -24.1 %
PDA Balance   (26,929 )   (18,792 )   43.3 %   (30,715 )   -12.3 %
Coverage Ratio   10,1 %   10,0 %   0.9 %   8,7 %   15.5 %
Net Accounts Receivable   240,854     169,795     41.9 %   322,033     -25.2 %
Average Accounts Receivable Term (days)   85     65     20 days    115     -30 days 

* Excludes Credit Card balance. ¹ For comparison purposes, 3Q19 numbers considers the write-off of liabilities due over 360 days with the respective write-off of the PDA balance.

As a percentage of revenue, the provision for doubtful accounts (PDA) remained at a quite low level (0.8%) and closer to the historical levels for the segment, as the previous quarters were impacted by changes in the provisioning criterion made in 3Q19 to adapt to the volumes of historical losses and the additional provisioning made in the beginning of the year (1Q20) to cover any future losses due to the pandemic. Whereas net accounts receivable showed a 42% increase, leading to a 20-day increase in the average accounts receivable term. This longer average term is a result of the impact of the pandemic, primarily on non-subscription products and on the longer payment term granted to partner schools.

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

Vasta will discuss its third quarter 2020 results on November 13, 2020, via a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To access the call (ID: 4729729), please dial: +1 (833) 519-1336 or (914) 800-3898. An audio replay of the call will be available through November 20, 2020 by dialing +1 (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 and entering access code 4729729. A live and archived webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.vastaplatform.com.

ABOUT VASTA

Vasta is a leading, high-growth education company in Brazil powered by technology, providing end-to-end educational and digital solutions that cater to all needs of private schools operating in the K-12 educational segment, ultimately benefiting all of Vasta’s stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, administrators and private school owners. Vasta’s mission is to help private K-12 schools to be better and more profitable, supporting their digital transformation. Vasta believes it is uniquely positioned to help schools in Brazil undergo the process of digital transformation and bring their education skill-set to the 21st century. Vasta promotes the unified use of technology in K-12 education with enhanced data and actionable insight for educators, increased collaboration among support staff and improvements in production, efficiency and quality. For more information, please visit ir.vastaplatform.com.

CONTACT

Investor Relations
+55 11 3133 7311
[email protected]

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate” and “potential,” among others. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to of various factors, including (i) general economic, financial, political, demographic and business conditions in Brazil, as well as any other countries we may serve in the future and their impact on our business; (ii) fluctuations in interest, inflation and exchange rates in Brazil and any other countries we may serve in the future; (iii) our ability to implement our business strategy and expand our portfolio of products and services; (iv) our ability to adapt to technological changes in the educational sector; (v) the availability of government authorizations on terms and conditions and within periods acceptable to us; (vi) our ability to continue attracting and retaining new partner schools and students; (vii) our ability to maintain the academic quality of our programs; (viii) the availability of qualified personnel and the ability to retain such personnel; (ix) changes in the financial condition of the students enrolling in our programs in general and in the competitive conditions in the education industry; (x) our capitalization and level of indebtedness; (xi) the interests of our controlling shareholder; (xii) changes in government regulations applicable to the education industry in Brazil; (xiii) government interventions in education industry programs, that affect the economic or tax regime, the collection of tuition fees or the regulatory framework applicable to educational institutions; (xiv) cancellations of contracts within the solutions we characterize as subscription arrangements or limitations on our ability to increase the rates we charge for the services we characterize as subscription arrangements; (xv) our ability to compete and conduct our business in the future; (xvi) our ability to anticipate changes in the business, changes in regulation or the materialization of existing and potential new risks; (xvii) the success of operating initiatives, including advertising and promotional efforts and new product, service and concept development by us and our competitors; (xviii) changes in consumer demands and preferences and technological advances, and our ability to innovate to respond to such changes; (xix) changes in labor, distribution and other operating costs; our compliance with, and changes to, government laws, regulations and tax matters that currently apply to us; (xx) the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures, including our internal control over financial reporting; (xxi) health crises, including due to pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic and government measures taken in response thereto; (xxii) other factors that may affect our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations; and (xxiii) other risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors.” Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This press release presents our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Conversion Ratio information for the convenience of investors. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Conversion Ratio are the key performance indicators used by us to measure financial operating performance. Our management believes that these Non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and shareholders. We also use these measures internally to establish budgets and operational goals to manage and monitor our business, evaluate our underlying historical performance and business strategies and to report our results to the board of directors.

We calculate EBITDA as Net profit (loss) for the period / year plus income taxes and social contribution plus/minus net finance result plus depreciation and amortization. The EBITDA measure provides useful information to assess our operational performance.

We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus/minus: (a) share-based compensation expenses, mainly due to the grant of additional shares to Somos’ employees in connection with the change of control of Somos to Cogna (for further information refer to note 20 to the audited combined carve-out financial statements of Somos—Anglo); (b) provision for risks of tax, civil and labor losses regarding penalties, related to income tax positions taken by the Predecessor Somos—Anglo and the Successor (“Vasta”) in connection with a corporate reorganization carried out by the Predecessor Somos—Anglo (for further information refer to note 20 to the audited combined carve-out financial statements of Somos—Anglo); and (c) higher Impairment losses on trade receivables (to align with the current situation). We understand that such adjustments are relevant and should be considered when calculating our Adjusted EBITDA, which is a practical measure to assess our operational performance that allows us to compare it with other companies that operates in the same segment.

We calculate Free Cash Flow as the net cash flows from operating activities as presented in the statement of cash flows of our financial statements less cash flows required for: (i) acquisition of property, plant and equipment; (ii) addition to intangible assets; and (iii) acquisition of subsidiaries. We consider Free Cash Flow to be a liquidity measure, therefore, we adjust our Free Cash Flow metric with amounts that directly impacted the cash flows in the period in addition to the operating activities. The Free Cash Flow measure provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by our operations, deducting for investments in property and equipment to maintain and grow our business.

We calculate Adjusted Cash Conversion Ratio as the cash flows from operating activities divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the relevant period.

We understand that, although EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Conversion Ratio are used by investors and securities analysts in their evaluation of companies, these measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results of operations as reported under IFRS. Additionally, our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Conversion Ratio may be different from the calculation used by other companies, including our competitors in the education services industry, and therefore, our measures may not be comparable to those of other companies.

 
Vasta Platform Limited

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
  As of
September 30, 2020



  As of
December 31, 2019



   
  Successor (Vasta)


  R$ millions   R$ millions
       
Statement of Financial Position:      
Assets      
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents 317.9   43.3
Marketable Securities 707.1  
Trade receivables 247.3   388.8
Inventories 239.0   222.2
Taxes Recoverable and Income tax and social contribution recoverable 29.0   50.3
Prepayments 28.0   22.6
Other receivables 1.8   1.9
Related parties – other receivables 4.7   38.1
Total current assets 1,574.8   767.2
Non-current assets      
Judicial deposits and Escrow Accounts 171.9   172.9
Deferred income tax and social contribution 118.9   57.3
Property, plant and equipment 181.0   185.0
Intangible assets and goodwill 4,945.3   4,985.4
Total non-current assets 5,417.1   5,400.6
Total assets 6,991.9   6,167.8
Liabilities and parent’s net investment      
Current liabilities      
Bonds and financing 480.5   440.9
Lease liabilities 13.1   7.1
Suppliers 157.7   223.7
Suppliers related parties 130.5   207.2
Taxes payable 0.5   0.9
Income tax and social contribution payable 14.3   18.8
Salaries and social contributions 71.5   61.7
Contract liabilities and deferred income 21.2   49.3
Accounts payable for business combination 17.0   1.8
Other liabilities 5.1   3.9
Other liabilities – related parties 233.2   49.2
Loans from related parties 20.6   29.2
Total current liabilities 1,165.2   1,093.7
Non-current liabilities      
Bonds and financing 306.6   1.200.0
Lease liabilities 144.5   146.6
Accounts payable for business combination 26.6   9.2
Provision for risks of tax, civil and labor losses 610.6   609.0
Contract liabilities and deferred revenues 7.3   9.2
Total non-current liabilities 1,095.6   1,974.0
Total liabilities 2,260.8   3,067.7
Total parent’s net investment 4,731.1   3,100.1
Total liabilities and parent’s net investment 6,991.9   6,167.8

 
Vasta Platform Limited

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
  For Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2020   2019
   
  Successor (Vasta)
  R$ millions
Statement of Profit or Loss      
Net revenue from sales and services 654.1     626.8  
Net revenue from sales 634.9     608.5  
Net revenue from services 19.2     18.3  
Costs of goods sold and services (278.0 )   (298.3 )
Gross profit 376.1     328.5  
General and administrative expenses (394.9 )   (352.7 )
Other operating income, net 2.9     3.3  
Profit (loss) before finance result and taxes (15.9 )   (20.9 )
Finance income 14.6     2.8  
Finance costs (101.4 )   (133.8 )
Finance result (86.8 )   (131.0 )
Profit before income tax and social contribution (102.7 )   (151.9 )
Income tax and social contribution 34.8     51.0  
Net profit for the period (67.9 )   (100.9 )

  For the period from July 01 to September 30
  2020   2019
   
  Successor (Vasta)
  R$ millions
Statement of Profit or Loss      
Net revenue from sales and services 141.4     135.8  
Net revenue from sales 134.2     131.4  
Net revenue from services 7.2     4.4  
Costs of goods sold and services (62.2 )   (60.3 )
Gross profit 79.2     75.5  
General and administrative expenses (120.4 )   (119.7 )
Other operating income, net 0.9     3.3  
Profit (loss) before finance result and taxes (40.3 )   (40.9 )
Finance income 5.9     1.5  
Finance costs (24.9 )   (50.7 )
Finance result (19.0 )   (49.2 )
Profit before income tax and social contribution (59.3 )   (90.1 )
Income tax and social contribution 18.6     29.1  
Net profit for the period (40.7 )   (61.0 )

               
Vasta Platform Limited

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
               
  For Nine Months Ended
September 30,
          For the period from July
01 to September 30
  2020    2019            2020    2019 
               
               
  Content & EdTech
Platform
          Content & EdTech
Platform
  R$ millions           R$ millions
Statement of profit or loss:               Statement of profit or loss:      
Net revenue from sales and services 569.8     531.9           Net revenue from sales and services 136.2     122.7  
Cost of goods sold and services (202.7 )   (211.0 )         Cost of goods sold and services (60.6 )   (53.0 )
Gross profit 367.1     320.9           Gross profit 75.6     69.7  
General and administrative expenses (366.4 )   (333.8 )         General and administrative expenses (115.1 )   (114.7 )
Other operating income, net 2.9     3.3           Other operating income, net 0.9     3.3  
Profit before finance result and taxes 3.6     (9.6 )         Profit before finance result and taxes (38.6 )   (41.7 )
                       
                       
                       
  For Nine Months Ended
September 30,
          For the period from July
01 to September 30
  2020    2019            2020    2019 
               
               
  Digital Services Platform           Digital Services Platform
  R$ millions           R$ millions
Statement of profit or loss:               Statement of profit or loss:      
Net revenue from sales and services 84.4     94.8           Net revenue from sales and services 5.3     13.0  
Cost of goods sold and services (75.2 )   (87.3 )         Cost of goods sold and services (1.7 )   (7.3 )
Gross profit 9.2     7.5           Gross profit 3.6     5.7  
General and administrative expenses (28.6 )   (19.0 )         General and administrative expenses (5.4 )   (5.0 )
Other operating income, net               Other operating income, net (1.7 )    
Profit before finance result and taxes (19.4 )   (11.5 )         Profit before finance result and taxes (3.5 )   0.7  

 
Vasta Platform Limited

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
  For Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2020   2019
   
  Successor (Vasta)
  R$ millions
Net profit (loss) for the period (67.9 )   (100.9 )
(+) Income tax and social contribution (34.8 )   (51.0 )
(+/-) Finance result 86.8     131.0  
(+) Depreciation and amortization 129.2     131.4  
EBITDA 113.3     110.5  
(+) Share-based compensation plan 8.6     0.9  
(+) Provision for risks of tax, civil and labor losses     4.1  
(+) Impact COVID-19 5.6      
(+) Non-recurring expenses 10.2      
Adjusted EBITDA 137.7     115.4  

  For the period from July 01 to September 30
  2020   2019
   
  Successor (Vasta)
  R$ millions
Net profit (loss) for the period (40.7 )   (61.0 )
(+) Income tax and social contribution (18.6 )   (29.1 )
(+/-) Finance result 19.0     49.2  
(+) Depreciation and amortization 43.6     48.1  
EBITDA 3.3     7.2  
(+) Share-based compensation plan 6.9     0.4  
(+) Provision for risks of tax, civil and labor losses     1.1  
(+) Impact COVID-19      
(+) Non-recurring expenses 1.9      
Adjusted EBITDA 12.1     8.7  

 
Vasta Platform Limited

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
  For Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2020   2019
   
  Successor (Vasta)
  R$ millions
Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities 306.8     81.1  
(-) Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (3.7 )   (11.8 )
(-) Additions to intangible assets (32.2 )   (28.6 )
(-) Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired (8.7 )    
Free Cash Flow 262.2     40.7  

  For the period from July 01 to September 30
  2020   2019
   
  Successor (Vasta)
  R$ millions
Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities 115.1     101.3  
(-) Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (1.5 )   (6.0 )
(-) Additions to intangible assets (6.5 )   (19.0 )
(-) Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired 14.8      
Free Cash Flow 121.9     76.3  

 
Vasta Platform Limited

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
  For Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2020   2019
   
  Successor (Vasta)
  R$ millions
       
Adjusted EBITDA 137.7     115.4  
Free Cash Flow 262.2     40.7  
Adjusted Cash Conversion Ratio 190.4 %   35.3 %

  For the period from July 01 to September 30
  2020   2019
   
  Successor (Vasta)
  R$ millions
       
Adjusted EBITDA 12.1     8.7  
Free Cash Flow 121.9     76.3  
Adjusted Cash Conversion Ratio 1,005.6 %   879.5 %

 
Vasta Platform Limited

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
      For the nine months ended
September 30,
  Notes   2020   2019
           
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Profit before income tax and social contribution     (102,696 )   (151,982 )
Adjustments for:          
Depreciation and amortization 9 and 10   129,059     131,365  
Impairment losses on trade receivables 7   12,704     3,721  
(Reversal) Provision for risks of tax, civil and labor losses 18   (4,966 )   3,005  
Interest on provision for risks of tax, civil and labor losses 18   13,406     25,092  
Reversal of provision for obsolete inventories 8   4,551     13,797  
Interest on bonds and financing 11   46,725     82,603  
Refund liability and right to returned goods     (25,118 )   (24,292 )
Imputed interest on suppliers     2,945     4,821  
Interest on accounts payable for business combination     1,394     103  
Share-based payment expense         404  
Interest on lease liabilities 13   11,337     12,134  
Interest on marketable securities     (2,018 )    
Disposals of rights of use assets and lease liabilities     (1,023 )    
Residual value of disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 9 and 10   1,931     2,336  
           
Changes in     88,230     103,107  
Trade receivables     133,798     146,242  
Inventories     (30,350 )   54  
Prepayments     (4,629 )   (2,432 )
Taxes recoverable     22,090     (7,632 )
Judicial deposits and escrow accounts     1,029     (9,375 )
Other receivables     2,828     (1,166 )
Suppliers     (79,323 )   (62,327 )
Salaries and social charges     9,484     (31,036 )
Tax payable     6,267     15,733  
Contract liabilities and deferred income     3,510     (3,262 )
Other receivables and liabilities from related parties     219,010      
Other payables     7,157     9,567  
Cash from (used in) operating activities     379,101     157,473  
Income tax and social contribution paid     (5,234 )   (14,683 )
Interest lease liabilities paid 13   (10,900 )   (8,532 )
Payment of interest on bonds and financing 11   (49,403 )   (53,144 )
Payment of provision for tax, civil and labor losses     (6,812 )    
Net cash from operating activities     306,752     81,114  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 9   (3,730 )   (11,808 )
Additions to intangible assets 10   (32,226 )   (28,594 )
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired     (8,703 )    
Acquisition of investment in marketable securities     (705,097 )    
Net cash applied in investing activities     (749,756 )   (40,402 )
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
           
Issuance of bonds 11        
Loans from related parties paid 17   (75,846 )    
Loans from related parties addition 17   65,600      
Suppliers – related Parties          
Lease liabilities paid 13   (9,207 )   (13,815 )
Parent’s Net Investment     4,197     3,925  
Issuance of common shares
in initial public offering
1.2   1,836,317      
Expenses of offering 1.2   (174,683 )    
Repayments of bonds and financing 11   (852,136 )   (59,457 )
Others     (76,642 )   (43,056 )
Net cash from (applied in) financing activities     717,600     (112,403 )
           
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     274,596     (71,691 )
           
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 6   43,287     102,231  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 6   317,883     30,540  
           
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     274,596     (71,691 )

 
Vasta Platform Limited

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
Issuance/Series Issuance Date Maturity Applicable
Index
Interest Spread on
top of Applicable
Index
Outstanding balance as of
September 30, 2020
         
R$ in millions
5th / Series 1 March 15, 2018 May 15, 2021 CDI 1.15%p.a. 100,1
5th / Series 2 August 15, 2018 August 15, 2023 CDI 1.00%p.a. 102,1
6th / Series 2 August 15, 2017 August 15, 2022 CDI 1.70%p.a. 204,9
7th / Single March 15, 2018 September 9, 2021 CDI 1.15%p.a. 379,0
8th / Single October 25, 2017 October 25, 2020 CDI 1.00%p.a. 0,0
        Total R$786,1
           
           
           
Issuance/Series Issuance Date Maturity Applicable
Index
Interest Spread
on top of Applicable
Index
Outstanding balance as of
September 30, 2020
         
R$ in millions
Cogna Educação S.A. March 5, 2020 July 31, 2020 CDI 3.57% p.a. 20.6
Editora Ática S.A. February 13, 2020 July 31, 2020 CDI 3.57% p.a.
Somos Educação S.A. August 14, 2019 July 31, 2020 CDI 3.57% p.a.
        Total R$20.6



Gabelli Multimedia Trust10% Distribution Policy Reaffirmed andDeclared Fourth Quarter Distribution of $0.22 Per Share

Gabelli Multimedia Trust10% Distribution Policy Reaffirmed andDeclared Fourth Quarter Distribution of $0.22 Per Share

RYE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The Board of Directors of The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (NYSE:GGT) (the “Fund”) reaffirmed and satisfied its 10% distribution policy by declaring a $0.22 per share cash distribution payable on December 18, 2020 to common stock shareholders of record on December 11, 2020. With this fourth quarter distribution, the total distributions from the Fund for 2020 would equate to $0.88 per share.

The average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset values as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters during the year. We note that 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund would be $0.64 based on the ending net asset values per share as of December 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, and September 30, 2020 of $7.93, $4.87, $6.14, and $6.65, respectively. In declaring a distribution of $0.22 per share, the Board of Directors has chosen to distribute $0.24 greater than that called for by the distribution policy. The net asset value per share fluctuates daily.

The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment.

The Fund intends to pay a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund within a calendar year or an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2020 would be deemed 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis. The source of the distributions will likely change due to investment activity through the end of the calendar year and this information does not represent what should be reported for tax purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2020 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2020 distributions in early 2021 via Form 1099-DIV.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. More information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund is available by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or visiting www.gabelli.com.

About The Gabelli Multimedia Trust

The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with $283 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (NYSE:GBL).

NYSE: GGT

CUSIP – 36239Q109

Investor Relations Contact:

Carter Austin

(914) 921-5475

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Other Professional Services Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

Gabelli Equity Trust 10% Distribution Policy Reaffirmed and Declared Fourth Quarter Distribution of $0.15 Per Share

Gabelli Equity Trust 10% Distribution Policy Reaffirmed and Declared Fourth Quarter Distribution of $0.15 Per Share

RYE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The Board of Directors of The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (NYSE:GAB) (the “Fund”) reaffirmed and satisfied its 10% distribution policy by declaring a $0.15 per share cash distribution payable on December 18, 2020 to common stock shareholders of record on December 11, 2020. With this fourth quarter distribution, the total distributions from the Fund for 2020 would equate to $0.60 per share.

The average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset values as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters during the year. We note that 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund would be $0.48 based on the ending net asset values per share as of December 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, and September 30, 2020 of $5.88, $3.87, $4.60, and $4.99, respectively. In declaring a distribution of $0.15 per share, the Board of Directors has chosen to distribute $0.12 greater than that called for by the distribution policy. The net asset value per share fluctuates daily.

The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment.

The Fund intends to pay a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund within a calendar year or an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2020 would include approximately 1% from net investment income, 1% from net capital gains and 98% would be deemed a return of capital on a book basis. The source of the distributions will likely change due to investment activity through the end of the calendar year and this information does not represent what should be reported for tax purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2020 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2020 distributions in early 2021 via Form 1099-DIV.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. More information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund is available by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or visiting www.gabelli.com.

About The Gabelli Equity Trust

The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with $1.9 billion in total net assets whose primary investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (NYSE:GBL).

NYSE – GAB

CUSIP – 362397101

Investor Relations:

Molly Marion

(914) 921-5681

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Finance

MEDIA:

Professional Diversity Network, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Results

CHICAGO, Nov. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (NASDAQ:IPDN), (“IPDN” or the “Company”), a global developer and operator of online and in-person networks that provide access to networking, training, educational and employment opportunities for diverse individuals, today announced its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Third Quarter Financial Highlights:

  • Total Company revenues increased by $354,000 or 37.2%, from $952,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020, to $1,306,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
  • PDN Network revenues increased by $389,000 or 65.1% compared to the revenues for the second quarter of 2020. The significant increase in revenues was attributable to higher customer acquisitions and continued growth in our recruitment business as a result of increased political and corporative efforts on diversity and inclusion.
  • Basic and diluted net loss per share decreased by $0.04, from a net loss per share of $0.11 for the three months ended September 30, 2019, to a net loss per share of $0.07 for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Net loss per share decreased by $0.08, from a net loss per share of $0.47 during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, to a net loss per share of $0.39 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
  • Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA increased by $601,000, from ($607,000) during the three months ended September 30, 2019, to ($6,000) during the three months ended September 30, 2020.
  • In the third quarter of 2020, the Company raised $3.0 million in gross proceeds from common stock offerings, which it expects to utilize for organic growth of its existing business as well as to fund future strategic acquisitions.

“The significant investments we have made in our e-commerce, technology platform and branding initiatives in the current year have begun to reflect these positive financial results. Typically, our fourth quarter is the strongest quarter of the year as a result of client renewals, and due to increased political and corporate awareness efforts in terms of greater diversity recruitment and in creating a more inclusive workplace, we expect to benefit from these initiatives and expect to finish the year in a very strong position,” said Adam He, CEO of Professional Diversity Network.

Financial Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended in September 30, 2020


Revenue

Total revenues decreased by $36,000, or 2.7%, from $1,341,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2019, to $1,305,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to a $198,000 decrease in revenues in our NAPW Network as a result of a continued decline in legacy and new membership enrollment due to the negative financial impact of COVID-19. The decrease in revenues in the current period was offset by a $161,000 or 19.5% increase in revenues in our PDN Network due to higher recruitment service fees as we continue to see a favorable impact from our sales collaborations and new client acquisitions.

Total revenues decreased by $733,000, or 18.5%, from $3,973,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, to $3,240,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease was primarily attributable to $889,000 or 45.6% decline in membership fees and related services revenues in our NAPW Network, which was partially offset by $156,000 in higher recruitment service revenues in our PDN Network.


Costs and Expenses

Total costs and expenses decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to $2,226,000 compared to $2,250,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease was primarily the result of lower intangible amortization expense of $179,000, a decrease of $102,000 in sales and marketing expenses primarily due to lower advertising expense, lower personnel costs and $69,000 decrease in costs of revenues associated with a $62,000 reduction in our partner revenue sharing arrangements. This decrease was partially offset by $325,000 in higher general and administrative expenses associated with a $767,000 litigation settlement expense, and partially offset by lower salaries and benefits and corporate overhead costs in the current period.

Total costs and expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to $7,388,000 compared to $6,513,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase of $875,000 was primarily the result of higher general and administrative expenses for litigation settlements of $1,475,000 and a $325,000 increase in stock-based compensation expense, which was partially offset by a reduction of $356,000 in general and administrative personnel costs. The increase in general and administrative expenses was partially offset by $513,000 in lower intangible amortization expense, a $283,000 reduction in sales and marketing expense primarily associated with a $271,000 reduction in personnel costs and a decrease of $137,000 in cost of revenues primarily due to lower revenue partner revenue sharing arrangements and event venue and facility costs.


Net Loss from Continuing Operations

Net loss from continuing operations was $912,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of 41.6% from $644,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Net loss from continuing operations was $4,116,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of 124.1% from $1,837,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $2.7 million compared to cash and cash equivalents of $0.6 million at December 31, 2019. During the third quarter of 2020, we raised gross proceeds of $3.0 million from the sale of our common stock, which puts the Company in a strong liquidity position to fund organic growth in our networks as well as to fund potential strategic acquisitions.

About Professional Diversity Network 
Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (PDN) is a global developer and operator of online and in-person networks that provides access to networking, training, educational and employment opportunities for diverse professionals. Through an online platform and our relationship recruitment affinity groups, we provide our employer clients a means to identify and acquire diverse talent and assist them with their efforts to recruit diverse employees. Our mission is to utilize the collective strength of our affiliate companies, members, partners and unique proprietary platform to be the standard in business diversity recruiting, networking and professional development for women, minorities, veterans, LGBT and disabled persons globally.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy any securities of any entity. We base our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. Our actual results may differ materially from those stated or implied in such forward-looking statements, due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business.  We describe material risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our business, including our financial condition and results of operations, under “Risk Factors”, in our most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “should,” and “would” or similar words. Except as required by law, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise. Our most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K, together with this press release and the financial information contained herein, are available on our website, www.ipdnusa.com. Please click on “Investor Relations.”

Investor Inquiries:
[email protected]

+1 (312) 614-0950

Source: Professional Diversity Network, Inc.



In Celebration of JetBlue For Good Month, JetBlue Donates Three Million TrueBlue Points to Charitable Organizations

In Celebration of JetBlue For Good Month, JetBlue Donates Three Million TrueBlue Points to Charitable Organizations

On World Kindness Day, JetBlue Invites Customers to Join in Donating Points for Good to a Variety of Charities Including Autism Speaks, Make-A-Wish, Together We Rise, World Central Kitchen, Among Many Other Worthy Organizations

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) is continuing its tradition of commemorating November as JetBlue For Good Month. On World Kindness Day and throughout JetBlue For Good Month, JetBlue is celebrating good deeds both big and small by donating three million TrueBlue points to a variety of charities. The airline is also encouraging its customers to join in the good by donating loyalty points to help nonprofits continue their work within their local communities. TrueBlue members can donate points to JetBlue’s longstanding partners including Autism Speaks, Make-A-Wish®, Together We Rise and World Central Kitchen, among other worthy causes.

When TrueBlue members donate points at trueblue.jetblue.com/donate-points, they go directly to the selected charity, and each charity may use the points for travel necessary to advance its mission. For example, since 2012 JetBlue has donated more than 23 million TrueBlue points to Make-A-Wish to bring experiences of joy to children battling critical illnesses.

“Although we celebrate JetBlue For Good Month in November, it is just a small representation of what JetBlue and our crewmembers do throughout the year for our local communities and nonprofit partners,” said Icema Gibbs, director corporate social responsibility and diversity, equity and inclusion, JetBlue. “This year the season of giving will look different. We encourage our customers and crewmembers to think about ways to organically help their neighbors. Donating loyalty points can go a long way, whether helping to make kids’ wishes come true or flying volunteers to feed the hungry, all good deeds add up to make a big impact.”

Need some inspiration on charities to donate points to? Here are a few of JetBlue’s favorite charities:

  • Autism Speaks– In partnership with Autism Speaks, JetBlue’s Blue Horizons for Autism program provides families and individuals affected by autism with the opportunity to practice the air travel experience in a realistic, relaxed environment, surrounded by other families in the autism community. To date, JetBlue and Autism Speaks have helped more than 1,000 individuals through the program.
  • Together We Rise – At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, as dorms and school housing shut down, some students were vulnerable to being displaced, especially foster youth dependent upon college housing. In partnership with its longstanding partner Together We Rise, JetBlue provided flights to students needing help getting to family and friends or a permanent housing situation.
  • World Central Kitchen – In 2019, when Hurricane Dorian first hit the Bahamas, JetBlue helped World Central Kitchen by flying volunteers and supplies to Nassau. Onsite volunteers served 20,000 meals to those impacted and displaced by the hurricane.

For more information or to donate points to the charity of your choice, visit trueblue.jetblue.com/donate-points.

Giving back is part of JetBlue’s DNA and is core to its mission of inspiring humanity® – Centered around volunteerism and service, JetBlue For Good focuses on the areas that are most important to the airline’s customers and crewmembers – Community, Youth/Education and the Environment. JetBlue’s core programs and partnerships directly impact the areas where its customers and crewmembers live and work by enhancing education and providing access to those that are traditionally underserved. JetBlue’s signature programs include its award-winning Soar with Reading initiative which has provided more than $3.75 million worth of books to kids who need them most; its Blue Horizons For Autism program which helps introduce air travel in a realistic environment to families and children affected by autism; and its “GreenUp” campaign which highlights the airline’s commitment to local environments. Join the #JetBlueForGood conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, check for regular updates, and get involved. 

About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. For more information, visit jetblue.com.

Media

JetBlue Corporate Communications

Tel: +1 718 709 3089

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Philanthropy Air Transport Other Philanthropy Transportation Travel Other Transport

MEDIA:

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Mirum Pharmaceuticals Presents New Data From Its Maralixibat and Volixibat Clinical Studies at AASLD Annual Meeting

Mirum Pharmaceuticals Presents New Data From Its Maralixibat and Volixibat Clinical Studies at AASLD Annual Meeting

  • Maralixibat data highlights the relationship between the reduction of serum bile acids and pruritus intensity, improved growth, and other quality of life measures.
  • Analysis of the natural variability of pruritus in children with Alagille syndrome demonstrates persistent severity.
  • Volixibat data shows highly active dose levels selected for Phase 2 studies.

FOSTER CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIRM), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapies for debilitating liver diseases, today announced new analyses from its maralixibat and volixibat clinical programs, as featured at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases – The Liver Meeting Digital Experience™.

A summary of findings from each of the poster presentations is below. To view the data in full, please visit the AASLD section within the Events page on our corporate website.

“Data generated from six years of clinical evaluation of maralixibat in Alagille syndrome has offered key understandings in the severe burden of pruritus and related markers of cholestasis, helping to elucidate the potential benefit of maralixibat in this treatment setting,” said Dr. Pam Vig, chief scientific officer at Mirum. “We are also excited to begin Phase 2 studies of volixibat in adult patients with cholestatic liver disease, which will evaluate dose levels shown to be effective in increasing bile acid excretion, suggesting the potential to reduce the burden of cholestasis in these settings.”

Abstract #341: Pruritus intensity is associated with cholestasis biomarkers and quality of life measures after maralixibat treatment in children with Alagille syndrome

Alagille syndrome (ALGS)-associated pruritus is often extremely debilitating, resulting in bleeding, scarring, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and decreased quality of life, with significant impact on the patient and their family. This analysis, which utilized data from the maralixibat Phase 2b ICONIC study in pediatric patients with cholestatic pruritus associated with ALGS, evaluated how change in pruritus intensity is related to change in cholestasis markers and other clinical parameters. The study evaluated 31 patients, of which 27 were evaluated for this analysis over a 48-week period. Overall, the positive treatment effects of maralixibat in patients with ALGS demonstrate important correlations with multiple clinically relevant parameters. Pruritus, as measured by the fully validated Itch Reported Outcome Observer (ItchRO[Obs]) tool, was correlated with several parameters including the Clinician Scratch Scale, serum bile acids (sBA) and sBA subspecies, autotaxin, growth and quality of life measures, including fatigue.

Abstract #1792: Natural variability of pruritus in Alagille syndrome; an analysis from the ICONIC study utilizing the Itch Reported Outcome Observer (ItchRO[Obs]) tool

Pruritus is known to be one of the most burdensome symptoms associated with ALGS; however, the variability of its severity and frequency has not been fully established. Assessments rely on observer- or patient-reported outcomes measures. The ItchRO(Obs) and ItchRO(Pt) tools were used to assess the natural variability of pruritus in children with ALGS who were enrolled in the Phase 2b ICONIC, placebo-controlled, randomized study. The scores were assessed during the 28-day screening period of ICONIC, when no drug was administered. The results showed that both the morning and evening assessment of pruritus was persistent over time with minimal fluctuations in severity and frequency.

Abstract #1221: A Phase 1 dose-ranging study assessing fecal bile acid excretion by volixibat, an apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter inhibitor, and coadministration with loperamide

The primary goal of this Phase 1 clinical study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a range of dose levels and dose regimens of volixibat, to help guide dose selection for clinical trials in patients with cholestatic disease, in particular the planned Phase 2 programs in adult patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. The study evaluated the effects of volixibat alone and in combination with loperamide, seeking to understand whether the addition of loperamide would reduce the mild gastrointestinal side effects that are often observed with ASBT inhibitors.

The analysis found that volixibat was well-tolerated at all dose levels and regimens evaluated. As expected for the mechanisms of action of volixibat, fecal bile acid excretion was increased across all treatment groups. Overall, twice-daily dosing was associated with greater increases in bile acid excretion compared to once-daily dosing. Use of volixibat in adult healthy volunteers was associated with meaningful increases in fecal bile acid excretion and serum 7αC4, which are markers of bile acid synthesis. In addition, standard dosing of loperamide helped to reduce the mild and transient gastrointestinal disturbance during the initial dosing of volixibat, without a drug-drug interaction. The effects on bile acid trafficking and synthesis support the further study of volixibat in patients with cholestatic liver disease.

About Maralixibat

Maralixibat is a novel, minimally absorbed, orally administered investigational drug being evaluated in several rare cholestatic liver diseases. Maralixibat inhibits the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), resulting in more bile acids being excreted in the feces, leading to lower levels of bile acids systemically, thereby potentially reducing bile acid mediated liver damage and related effects and complications. More than 1,600 individuals have received maralixibat, including more than 120 children who have received maralixibat as an investigational treatment for Alagille syndrome (ALGS) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). In the ICONIC Phase 2b ALGS clinical trial, patients taking maralixibat had significant reductions in bile acids and pruritus compared to placebo, as well as reduction in xanthomas and accelerated growth long-term. In a Phase 2 PFIC study, a genetically defined subset of BSEP deficient (PFIC2), patients responded to maralixibat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted maralixibat Breakthrough Therapy designation for treatment of pruritus associated with ALGS in patients one year of age and older and for PFIC2. Maralixibat was generally well-tolerated throughout the studies. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea and abdominal pain. Until maralixibat is approved by the FDA and available for prescribing, the medication is available to patients with ALGS through Mirum’s expanded access program. For more information, please visit ALGSEAP.com. For more information about the Phase 3 study for maralixibat in pediatric patients with PFIC, visit PFICtrial.com.

About Volixibat

Volixibat is an oral, minimally absorbed agent designed to selectively inhibit ASBT. Volixibat may offer a novel approach in the treatment of adult cholestatic diseases by blocking recycling of bile acids, through inhibition of the apical sodium dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), thereby reducing bile acids systemically and in the liver. Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials of volixibat demonstrated on-target fecal bile acid excretion, a pharmacodynamic marker of ASBT inhibition, in addition to decreases in LDL cholesterol and increases in 7αC4 which are markers of bile acid synthesis. Volixibat has been evaluated in more than 400 subjects across multiple clinical trials. The most common adverse events reported were mild to moderate gastrointestinal events observed in the volixibat groups.

About Mirum Pharmaceuticals

Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of a late-stage pipeline of novel therapies for debilitating liver diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, maralixibat, is an investigational oral drug in development for Alagille syndrome (ALGS), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), and biliary atresia. The company has initiated a rolling NDA submission for maralixibat in the treatment of patients with cholestatic pruritus associated with ALGS and expects to complete the submission in the first quarter of 2021. Additionally, the company plans to submit a marketing authorization application to the European Medicines Agency for maralixibat in the treatment of patients with PFIC2 in the fourth quarter 2020.

The company is also developing volixibat, also an oral ASBT-inhibitor, in primary sclerosing cholangitis and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. For more information, visit MirumPharma.com. Follow Mirum on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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 statements regarding, among other things, the results, conduct and progress of Mirum’s ongoing and planned studies for maralixibat and volixibat, and the regulatory approval path for maralixibat and volixibat. 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 “plans,” “will,” ”may,” “expects,” “goal,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Mirum’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with Mirum’s business in general, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the other risks described in Mirum’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Mirum undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

Media Contact:

Erin Murphy

[email protected]

Investor Contact:

Ian Clements, Ph.D.

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Health Clinical Trials

MEDIA:

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New Phase 3 Data at AASLD Show Durable Response to Odevixibat in a Rare Pediatric Liver Disease


PEDFIC 1
meets
both U
.
S
.
and EU
primary
and secondary
endpoints with
high
ly
statistically
significant reductions in
serum bile acids
and
pruritus


Interim
results from
long-term
extension
study
show
sustained
improvements
in serum bile acids, pruritus


Improvements
in growth measures and
liver
parameters
observed with long-term administration
suggests disease modifying potential of odevixibat


T
reatment effect
consistent across
wide range of
PFIC patient types 1, 2 and 3


Next-generation,
novel
bile acid modulator
s for adult liver diseases unveiled
, including compound A3907

BOSTON, Nov. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Albireo Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALBO), a clinical-stage rare liver disease company developing novel bile acid modulators, today announced new data in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) confirming statistically significant reductions in serum bile acids (sBAs) and improvements in pruritus for odevixibat, a potent, once-daily, non-systemic ileal bile acid transport inhibitor (IBATi). Interim results from the extension study also showed continued treatment effect for sBAs, pruritus, growth and liver parameters across PFIC1, PFIC2 and PFIC3 patients. Data to be presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Liver Meeting November 13-16.

Full results from PEDFIC 1, the first and largest, global, phase 3 study ever conducted in PFIC, confirm both U.S. and EU primary endpoints were met in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Additionally, long-term data from PEDFIC 2, an open-label Phase 3 extension study, demonstrate continued and durable reductions in sBAs, improvements in pruritus assessments and encouraging markers of liver and growth function in patients treated up to 48 weeks. Across both studies, odevixibat was generally well tolerated, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mostly mild or moderate. Collectively, these studies reaffirm odevixibat’s potential to be the first drug treatment approved for patients living with PFIC, a devastating disease which is currently treated with surgical options including liver transplantation. The data support near-term regulatory filings in the U.S. and EU.

“The full results from the PEDFIC 1 Phase 3 trial confirm the magnitude of treatment effects seen in the topline data and reinforce the potential for odevixibat to alter the biology of PFIC disease. There were highly statistically significant reductions in both pruritus and serum bile acids in the PEDFIC 1 study,” said Richard Thompson, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Hepatology at King’s College London and principal investigator of PEDFIC 1 and PEDFIC 2. “We saw durability and sustained effect in the interim results in PEDFIC 2, which are encouraging signs that IBAT inhibition with odevixibat may offer a transformative treatment and genuine alternative to surgery for patients with PFIC.”

Final
R
esults
from PEDFIC 1,
F
irst and
L
argest
S
tudy
E
ver in PFIC1 and PFIC2

Full results from PEDFIC 1, the global Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of odevixibat in children with PFIC, confirms both U.S. and EU primary endpoints were met in the placebo-controlled trial. Key findings include:

  • Significant reductions in prurit
    u
    s and SBAs: Overall, treatment with odevixibat at both doses of 40 and 120 µg/kg/day led to statistically significant reductions in pruritus symptoms and serum bile acids over 24 weeks, compared with placebo. Statistically significant improvement was seen in the proportion of positive pruritus assessments (p=0.004), which is the U.S. regulatory primary endpoint. The EU regulatory primary endpoint was also achieved, which was a 70% reduction in serum bile acids (sBAs) or reaching a level of 70 μmol/L (p=0.003).
  • Rapid, sustained effect
    : Rapid onset of treatment effects, sustained through week 24.
  • Well tolerated
    : Odevixibat was well tolerated, with an overall adverse event incidence not dose dependent and similar to placebo. There were no drug-related serious adverse events (SAEs) reported during the study. Diarrhea/frequent bowel movements were the most common treatment-related gastrointestinal adverse events, which occurred in 9.5% of odevixibat treated patients vs. 5.0% of placebo patients. Only one patient in the 120 µg/kg/day group discontinued treatment due to an AE of diarrhea.

 

Placebo Odevixibat P-value
n=20 n=42  
Proportion of positive pruritus assessments
(Mean)
28.7% 53.5​% 0.004
Clinically meaningful improvement in pruritus score 10.5% 42.9% 0.018
Protocol defined bile acid reduction 0% 33.3% 0.003
Absolute change in serum bile acid 13.1 -114.3 0.002
D
rug-related diarrhea/frequent bowel movements
5.0% 9.5% —-

Interim
R
esults
f
rom PEDFIC 2
E
xtension
S
tudy
R
eaffirm
O
devixibat
E
ffect in
T
reated and
N
ew
P
atients

The PEDFIC 2 interim data include results through 24 weeks of treatment (data cutoff date: July 15, 2020) from 69 patients who received 120 µg/kg/day oral dose, which is the planned commercial formulation of odevixibat.

Cohort 1 consists of PFIC1 and PFIC2 patients from PEDFIC 1 who rolled into PEDFIC 2. This includes patients treated with odevixibat (patient group P1O), as well as patients treated with placebo (patient group P1P).

Cohort 2 consists of newly enrolled patients who did not participate in the PEDFIC 1 trial, including patients with PFIC 1, PFIC 2, PFIC3 and MYO5B deficiency.

Key findings include:

  • Affirmation of efficacy: Mean reductions in sBAs and improvements in pruritus assessments, height and weight with odevixibat exposure were observed in all PEDFIC 2 patient groups.
  • Sustained effect: Patients with 48 weeks of cumulative odevixibat exposure (P10 group) achieved a mean reduction in sBAs from 251.8 µmol/L to 85.1 µmol//L (p<0.0001) and a mean monthly improvement in the pruritus score, defined as a drop from baseline of 1.0 point or more on the 0-4 point scale, from 3.0 to 1.4 (p<0.0001). Cohort 2 confirms the 24-week data from PEDFIC 1, reinforcing the decline in sBA and pruritus seen in the PEDFIC 1 study.
  • Encouraging change in height & weight
    observed: In patients exposed to odevixibat for 48 weeks (P10), mean height Z scores also improved from –1.6 to –0.5 (p=0.02) from baseline to PEDFIC 2 week 24, and mean weight Z scores normalized over 48 weeks (–0.9 to 0.2; p=0.03).
  • Patients remain on treatment: 93% of treated patients are on ongoing treatment with odevixibat.
  • Improvement across PFIC types 1, 2 and 3: Subgroup analyses showed rapid effect and improvements in patients across multiple PFIC subtypes. For example, patients with PFIC 1, PFIC 2 and PFIC 3 in P1P and cohort 2 had mean reductions vs. baseline in sBAs of -31.7 umol/L, -120.8umol/L and 126.8 umol/L, respectively, through week 12.
  • Well
    tolerated
    : Odevixibat was generally well tolerated in PEDFIC 2. Most TEAEs were mild or moderate. No drug-related serious TEAEs occurred. The incidence of diarrhea was low (10.1% overall), and no patient experienced severe diarrhea. No clinically significant changes or safety signals were noted in laboratory assessments.

“PEDFIC 1 & 2 demonstrated how odevixibat has profound and durable improvements in multiple parameters, including serum bile acids, pruritus, height, growth, sleep and liver parameters. Even more important is we saw a sustained treatment effect across a wide range of PFIC patients,” said Ron Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Albireo. “These results give us confidence in the potential for IBAT inhibition in our pivotal studies in biliary atresia and Alagille syndrome.”

The PEDFIC 1 (#LO4) and PEDFIC 2 (#LP19) results will be shared in late-breaking presentations at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting Digital Experience™ (TLMdX®).

Novel Bile Acid Modulator Approaches

Albireo will present the latest preclinical data on multiple new approaches to modulating bile acids in adult liver diseases (#P348) by targeting certain bile acid transporters: the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) and the sodium-taurocholate co-transporting peptide (NTCP). This has the potential to significantly change the bile acid transporter approach in adult liver diseases by diverting bile acids (BAs) from the liver through several pathways.

Data from the first preclinical study will be presented on Albireo’s ASBT inhibitor A3907 (#P509) as a novel intervention for adult liver diseases. A3907 is a selective ASBT inhibitor being developed for adult liver diseases, including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Due to oral bioavailability, A3907 can inhibit ASBT in the intestine and kidney, with the potential to increase elimination of bile acids by both fecal and urinary excretion. By using dual pathway diversion of sBAs, next generation modulators like A3907 seek to improve efficacy while reducing side effects such as diarrhea, which can be common with bile acid transport inhibitors today.

Results from the preclinical studies of A3907:

  • Demonstrated ability to increase urinary excretion of bile acids in mice
  • Reduced the NAFLD activity score by ≥2 points in >50% and >40 % of animals at 30 and 45 mg/kg, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.05 vs. pretreatment)
  • Prevented fibrosis stage progression in >50% of animals at 10, 30 and 45 mg/kg (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.01 vs. pretreatment) in a diet-induced mouse model of biopsy confirmed NASH
  • Significantly reduced plasma levels of transaminases, total cholesterol, and markers for cell damage and fibrosis, as well as liver weight and liver total cholesterol levels

“In addition to the exciting results of our work with odevixibat in PFIC, we are progressing multiple approaches for modulating bile acids with new compounds like A3907, with the goal of finding new ways to maximize the approach to increase efficacy without sacrificing tolerability for patients,” added Cooper. “Our current work in adult liver diseases represent important pipeline developments for Albireo and reinforce our scientific leadership in bile acid modulation.”

Conference Call

Albireo will host a post-AASLD conference call and live audio webcast on November 17, at 10 a.m. EST. To access the live conference call by phone, please dial 877-407-0792 (domestic) or 201-689-8263 (international) and provide the access code 13709929. The live audio webcast will be accessible from the Albireo Media & Investors page: http://ir.albireopharma.com/. To ensure a timely connection to the webcast, it is recommended that participants register at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. An archived version of the webcast will be available for replay in the Events & Presentations section of the Media & Investors page of Albireo’s website for two weeks following the event.

About Odevixibat

Odevixibat is an investigational product candidate being developed to treat rare pediatric cholestatic liver diseases, including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), biliary atresia and Alagille syndrome. A highly potent, once-daily, non-systemic ileal bile acid transport inhibitor (IBATi), odevixibat acts locally in the small intestine. Odevixibat does not require refrigeration and can be taken as a capsule for older children, or opened and sprinkled onto food, which are factors of key importance for adherence in a pediatric patient population. Odevixibat is currently being evaluated in the ongoing PEDFIC 2 open-label trial (NCT03659916) and the BOLD Phase 3 trial in patients with biliary atresia (NCT04336722). Initiation of a pivotal Phase 3 trial of odevixibat for Alagille syndrome is also anticipated by the end of 2020.

Odevixibat has received Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug Designations in the United States. In addition, the FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to odevixibat for the treatment of Alagille syndrome, biliary atresia and primary biliary cholangitis. The EMA has granted odevixibat Orphan Designation, as well as access to the PRIority MEdicines (PRIME) scheme for the treatment of PFIC. Its Pediatric Committee has agreed to Albireo’s odevixibat Pediatric Investigation Plan for PFIC and biliary atresia. EMA has also granted Orphan Designation to odevixibat for the treatment of Alagille syndrome, biliary atresia and primary biliary cholangitis. Odevixibat has the potential to become the first approved drug treatment for patients with PFIC. The company intends to complete regulatory filings in the EU and U.S. for odevixibat in PFIC no later than early 2021, in anticipation of potential regulatory approval, issuance of a rare pediatric disease priority review voucher and launch in the second half of 2021.

About PFIC

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive, life-threatening liver disease. People diagnosed with PFIC have impaired bile flow, or cholestasis, caused by genetic mutations. The resulting bile build-up in liver cells causes liver disease and symptoms. The most prominent and problematic ongoing manifestation of the disease is pruritus, or intense itching, which often results in a severely diminished quality of life. PFIC is also characterized by jaundice, and poor weight gain and growth. In many cases, PFIC leads to cirrhosis and liver failure within the first 10 years of life, and nearly all people with PFIC require treatment before age 30. There are no drugs currently approved for PFIC, only surgical options, including a procedure known as partial external biliary diversion (PEBD) and liver transplantation. These options carry substantial risks. Additional information on PFIC is available at https://www.pficvoices.com.

About A3907

A3907 is a selective inhibitor of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) with a dual mechanism of action. Due to oral bioavailability, A3907 acts on both renal and ileal transporters to increase elimination of bile acids by both fecal and urinary excretion. This dual inhibition approach may yield greater dosing flexibility, greater efficacy and lower rates of adverse events associated with the category, such as diarrhea. We expect to complete investigational new drug enabling studies for A3907 this year and plan to advance development in adult liver disease.

About Albireo

Albireo Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel bile acid modulators to treat rare pediatric and adult liver diseases, and other adult liver diseases and disorders. Albireo’s lead product candidate, odevixibat, is being developed to treat rare pediatric cholestatic liver diseases and is in Phase 3 development in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) and biliary atresia, with a third Phase 3 trial being planned in Alagille syndrome. The Company expects to complete IND-enabling studies for new preclinical candidate A3907 this year and plans to advance development in adult liver disease. Albireo was spun out from AstraZeneca in 2008 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with its key operating subsidiary in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Boston Business Journal named Albireo one of the 2020 Best Places to Work in Massachusetts for the second consecutive year. For more information on Albireo, please visit www.albireopharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding, among other things: the plans for, or progress, scope, cost, initiation, duration, enrollment, results or timing for availability of results of, development of odevixibat or any other Albireo product candidate or program, including regarding expectations regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our business and our ability to adapt our approach as appropriate; the Phase 3 clinical program for odevixibat in patients with PFIC, the pivotal trial for odevixibat in biliary atresia (BOLD), and the planned pivotal trial for odevixibat in Alagille syndrome; the target indication(s) for development or approval, the size, design, population, location, conduct, cost, objective, enrollment, duration or endpoints of any clinical trial, or the timing for initiation or completion of or availability or reporting of results from any clinical trial, including the long-term open-label extension study for odevixibat in PFIC, the pivotal trial for odevixibat in biliary atresia, the planned pivotal trial for odevixibat in Alagille syndrome; the potential approval and commercialization of odevixibat; discussions with the FDA or EMA regarding our programs; the potential benefits or competitive position of odevixibat, A3907, or any other Albireo product candidate or program or the commercial opportunity in any target indication; the potential effects of odevixibat of the treatment of PFIC patients and its potential to improve the current standard of care; the potential benefits of an orphan drug designation; the potential issuance of a rare pediatric disease priority review voucher; or Albireo’s plans, expectations or future operations, financial position, revenues, costs or expenses. Albireo often uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “planned,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or experience may differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement as a result of various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to: negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on manufacturing, supply, conduct or initiation of clinical trials, or other aspects of our business; whether favorable findings from clinical trials of odevixibat to date, including findings in indications other than PFIC, will be predictive of results from other clinical trials of odevixibat; whether either or both of the FDA and EMA will determine that the primary endpoint for their respective evaluations and treatment duration of the double-blind Phase 3 trial in patients with PFIC are sufficient to support approval of odevixibat in the United States or the European Union, to treat PFIC, a symptom of PFIC, a specific PFIC subtype(s) or otherwise; the outcome and interpretation by regulatory authorities of the ongoing third-party study pooling and analyzing of long-term PFIC patient data; the timing for initiation or completion of, or for availability of data from, clinical trials of odevixibat, including the pivotal program in biliary atresia or the planned pivotal program in Alagille syndrome, and the outcomes of such trials; Albireo’s ability to obtain coverage, pricing or reimbursement for approved products in the United States or European Union; delays or other challenges in the recruitment of patients for, or the conduct of, company’s clinical trials; and Albireo’s critical accounting policies. These and other risks and uncertainties that Albireo faces are described in greater detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in Albireo’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or in subsequent filings that it makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of risks and uncertainties that Albireo faces, the results or events indicated by any forward-looking statement may not occur. Albireo cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. In addition, any forward-looking statement in this press release represents Albireo’s views only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Albireo disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

Media Contact:

Colleen Alabiso, 857-356-3905, [email protected]
Lisa Rivero, 617-947-0899, [email protected]

Investor Contact:

Hans Vitzthum, LifeSci Advisors, LLC., 857-272-6177

Vaccinex Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Addition
al
data from SIGNAL Huntington’s disease
(HD)
trial support continued development in
H
D
and in
Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

Phase
1/2 Study to
Evaluate Pepinemab in Combination with KEYTRUDA® in Advanced, Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Planned for H1 2021

Ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $17.1 million

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vaccinex, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCNX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, and supporting multiple collaborations with large biotech and major pharma partners through a proprietary discovery platform that enables selection of high value antibodies to difficult multipass membrane receptors, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020 and provided a corporate update.

Pepinemab
Clinical Update
s
:

  • Huntington’s Disease. The company reported post-hoc analysis of data from the SIGNAL phase 2 clinical trial evaluating our lead drug candidate, pepinemab, for the treatment of Huntington’s disease (HD). While this mid-stage trial did not meet pre-specified co-primary endpoints, the company believes study results show encouraging metrics across several endpoints that provide a strong rationale for continued development in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the company believes an important cognitive benefit is reflected in the observed effect of pepinemab on the HD-Cognitive Assessment Battery Composite score (p=0.007), a broad measure of cognitive improvement. The company believes that the treating physicians’ Clinical Global Impression of Change provided a further signal of benefit as fewer pepinemab treated patients experienced deteriorating health status. Finally, the company believes pre-specified imaging analysis of brain in patients with early manifest disease demonstrated a significant treatment-related reduction in normal disease-associated brain atrophy and loss of brain metabolic activity.
  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).
    CLASSICAL-Lung
    C
    linical
    T
    rial. The recently completed CLASSICAL-Lung study evaluated pepinemab in combination with the anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor BAVENCIO® (avelumab) for the treatment of advanced (stage IIIB/IV) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Near topline data for this trial presented at the virtual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in late May 2020 suggested that combination therapy induces an objective response rate that is a factor of two greater than observed with avelumab alone. The company believes that it is particularly striking that this was seen in the more difficult to treat PD-L1 negative and PD-L1 low population.
  • Head
    and
    Neck Cancer. The company announced a clinical collaboration with Merck, known as MSD outside the US and Canada, to evaluate the combination of pepinemab with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA®, for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This cancer indication is notable for the relatively high levels of SEMA4D expression, which has been shown to induce correspondingly high levels of myeloid suppressor cells that block anti-cancer immune responses. Pepinemab is known to have a dual mechanism of action the both increases infiltration and activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and reduces myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). The company believes that HNSCC is, therefore, representative of cancer indications of special interest for treatment with pepinemab in combination with KEYTRUDA®. A 65-patient study is planned for H1 2021.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease. The mechanism of action of pepinemab in slowing cognitive deterioration and brain atrophy that were demonstrated in the SIGNAL study in Huntington’s disease, are believed to be equally applicable to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The company is planning to initiate a Phase 1/2 study of pepinemab in AD in 2021 with partial funding support received from both the Alzheimer’s Association and from the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
  • Other
    Trials. Pepinemab is also being evaluated in multiple investigator-sponsored trials (ISTs) being conducted by the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University to evaluate pepinemab in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in “Window of Opportunity” studies in colorectal, pancreatic, head and neck cancer and melanoma.

Other
Third
Quarter Accomplishments:

  • As summarized above, Maurice Zauderer, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Vaccinex, presented additional data from the SIGNAL Huntington’s Disease study at the virtual Huntington’s Study Group (HSG) 2020 Annual Meeting.
  • The company has entered into several new biotech and major pharma collaborations to employ our novel discovery platform for structural studies and to select high value antibodies against difficult multipass membrane receptors.

Upcoming
Anticipa
ted
Milestones
:

  • H
    1
    202
    1
    Planned initiation of a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial of pepinemab in combination with KEYTRUDA® for the treatment of patients with HNSCC.
  • 2021
    Planned initiation of Alzheimer’s disease Phase 1/2 study.

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended
September
30
, 20
20
:

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were $7.3 million, as compared to $6.6 million for the comparable period in 2019. This increase was driven by higher clinical trial costs as well as an increase in consulting services.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were $1.9 million, as compared to $1.5 million for the comparable period in 2019. The increase was due to increased stock-based compensation as a result of new option awards to employees and board members, as well as increased directors’ and officers’ insurance premiums.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities. Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities on September 30, 2020 were $17.1 million. This reflects $12.3 million raised through the company’s existing at-the-market (ATM) equity facility, $8.0 million through the sale of a senior secured convertible debenture, $4.0 million through a private placement transaction, and $300,000 through the company’s existing equity line of credit facility. The company also received $575,000 of the previously announced $750,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association under the 2020 Part the Cloud Program.

About Vaccinex, Inc.

Vaccinex, Inc. is developing innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, and supporting multiple collaborations with large biotech and major pharma partners through a proprietary discovery platform that enables selection of high value antibodies to difficult multipass membrane receptors. The company’s lead drug candidate, pepinemab, blocks SEMA4D, a potent biological effector that prevents immune infiltration into tumors and triggers chronic inflammation in the brain. The company additionally intends to leverage its proprietary drug discovery platform, ActivMAb®, to create opportunities for future pipeline expansion and strategic collaborations, particularly by exploiting its unique capability to select high value antibodies against important multi-pass membrane receptors including GPCR and ion channels.

Forward Looking Statements

To the extent that statements contained in this presentation are not descriptions of historical facts regarding Vaccinex, Inc. (“Vaccinex,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), they are forward-looking statements reflecting management’s current beliefs and expectations. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, expectations and objectives with respect to the results and timing of our clinical trials of pepinemab in various indications, the use and potential benefits of pepinemab in Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease and other indications, and other statements identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “appears,” “expect,” “planned,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “hypothesis,” “potential,” “advance,” and similar expressions or their negatives (as well as other words and expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances). Forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome of our research and pre-clinical development programs, clinical development programs, future results, performance, or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, uncertainties inherent in the execution, cost and completion of preclinical and clinical trials, uncertainties related to regulatory approval, risks related to our dependence on our lead product candidate pepinemab, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other matters that could affect our development plans or the commercial potential of our product candidates. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the other risks and uncertainties described in our Form 10-K dated March 9, 2020 and subsequent filings with the SEC.

Investor Contact
Media Contact
Jeremy Feffer Cait Williamson, Ph.D.
LifeSci Advisors, LLC LifeSci Communications, LLC
212-915-2568 646-751-4366
[email protected]  [email protected]