Monthly Archives: March 2020

Cipher Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to Host Earnings Call

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2020 / Cipher Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (TSX:CPH.TO) will be discussing their earnings results in their 2019 Fourth Quarter Earnings call to be held on March 26, 2020 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time.

To listen to the event live or access a replay of the call – visit
https://www.investornetwork.com/event/presentation/60563

To receive updates for this company you can register by emailing info@investornetwork.com or by clicking get investment info from the company's profile.

About Investor Network

Investor Network (IN) is a financial content community, serving millions of unique investors market information, earnings, commentary and news on what's trending. Dedicated to both the professional and the average traders, IN offers timely, trusted and relevant financial information for virtually every investor. IN is an Issuer Direct brand, to learn more or for the latest financial news and market information, visit www.investornetwork.com. Follow us on Twitter @investornetwork.

SOURCE: Investor Network

ReleaseID: 582644

Vertex Energy, Inc. Provides Business Update

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2020 / Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTNR) ("Vertex" or the "Company"), a leading specialty refiner and marketer of high-quality hydrocarbon products, today provided an update on its recent performance and outlook, including recent actions taken to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus ("COVID-19").

FIRST QUARTER 2020 PERFORMANCE

Management anticipates Adjusted EBITDA to be in a range of approximately $2.0 to $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2020. Results for the three months ending March 31, 2020 are expected to be supported by firm utilization at the Company's Heartland and Marrero refineries, together with successful actions taken to mitigate spread compression in the period.
Management anticipates free cash flow to be in a range of approximately $1.8 to $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2020. The Company defines free cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA less total capital expenditures.
The Company had total cash and total funds available under its credit facilities of approximately $16.0 million as of March 25, 2020. Given total debt outstanding on the Company's credit facilities of approximately $6.7 million as of March 25, 2020, the Company has sufficient liquidity to support the ongoing management of the business.

COVID-19 MITIGATION ACTIONS

The Company's operations are classified as "critical infrastructure and essential services" by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As such, the Company's facilities will remain operational to ensure that businesses and communities continue to have access to essential services and materials produced by the Company.
The Company has employed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention transmission prevention protocols at all of its facilities. Social distancing, staggered shifts, and increased general sanitation activities have been employed throughout the organization.
The Company is currently executing on business contingency plans, consistent with its emergency response protocols.

FULL-YEAR 2020 OUTLOOK

Multi-year supply-offtake agreements support long-term demand for production. At the Marrero refinery, 100% of marine fuel production is committed under a 10-year off-take agreement with a strategic partner. At the Heartland refinery, the Company has contracted the majority of its base oil production under extended term offtake agreements. Both base oil and marine production sold under these multi-year contracts are indexed to market prices.
Long-term profitability is not directly tied to movements in crude oil prices. Unlike a traditional fuel refiner that uses crude oil as its primary feedstock, Vertex processes uses motor oil as its feedstock, a regulated waste stream as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In the current environment, Vertex is being paid by used motor oil generators to collect their used motor oil, creating a revenue opportunity for the Company, resulting in a negative lift cost for the feedstock in comparison to the lift cost for crude oil producers.
Used Motor Oil (UMO) feedstock supply could be impacted in a prolonged COVID-19 outbreak scenario. Recent virus-related declines in broader economic activity could temporarily impact the availability of used motor oil supplied as a feedstock to the Company's Marrero refinery, the Company's largest refining facility. Vertex is evaluating other sources of supply to support run rates at its refineries to mitigate the potential shortfall of supply. However, given short term insufficient supplies of UMO feedstock in the event of a prolonged softening in economic activity, the Company may consider reducing utilization rates at its refineries from current levels in the near term.
Withdrawing full-year 2020 Adjusted EBITDA guidance. Given current market volatility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has chosen to withdraw all aspects of its outlook and assumptions for the full-year 2020. As the potential impact from COVID-19 is difficult to predict, the extent to which it may negatively affect our operating results is uncertain. Any impact will depend on future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the severity and duration of COVID-19 and the actions taken by authorities to contain it or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control.

"While COVID-19 represents a clear and present headwind for our business, we have taken actions to mitigate virus-related risks to our organization, while positioning the business for growth, once conditions improve. The majority of our production is guaranteed for purchase under multi-year supply-offtake agreements at fair market values, creating a stable base of demand for our products. Given current market conditions, we see an opportunity for Vertex to differentiate itself as one of the leading producers of tomorrow's energy through the processing of alternative feedstocks, while producing equivalent or better finished products than those generated from conventional crude oil. In the interim, we remain focused on ensuring the continued safety and welfare of our employees and customers, while remaining operationally agile in what appears to be a very fluid environment," stated Benjamin P. Cowart, Chairman, President and CEO of Vertex.

ABOUT VERTEX ENERGY

Houston-based Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTNR) is a specialty refiner of alternative feedstocks and marketer of high-purity petroleum products. Vertex is one of the largest processors of used motor oil in the U.S., with operations located in Houston and Port Arthur (TX), Marrero (LA) and Heartland (OH)(co-owned). Vertex also co-owns a facility, Myrtle Grove, located on a 41-acre industrial complex along the Gulf Coast in Belle Chasse, LA, with existing hydro-processing and plant infrastructure assets, that include nine million gallons of storage. The Company has built a reputation as a key supplier of Group II+ and Group III base oils to the lubricant manufacturing industry throughout North America.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management's view of Vertex Energy's future expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "believes," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," or "may," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act, and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Any statements made in this news release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the results of Vertex Energy, its divisions and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. These risk factors and others are included from time to time in documents Vertex Energy files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on Vertex Energy's future results and/or could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements which include, among others, the following: the continued spread of COVID-19, including the speed, depth, geographic reach and duration of the spread; actions taken by the Company in response to COVID-19; the legal, regulatory and administrative developments that occur at the federal, state and local levels in response to COVID-19, including quarantines and ‘stay-at-home' orders affecting our operations; uncertainties of the impact of COVID-19 throughout our operations, including our ability to execute business operations, strategies, and initiatives in the expected time frame; and the demand for the Company's services and products, including based on downturns in the economy caused by COVID-19 and/or responses thereto. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Vertex Energy cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Vertex Energy undertakes no obligation to update these statements after the date of this release, except as required by law, and takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by Vertex Energy.

CONTACT:

Noel Ryan, IRC
720.778.2415
IR@vertexenergy.com

SOURCE: Vertex Energy, Inc.

ReleaseID: 582657

Bitauto Holdings Ltd. to Host Earnings Call

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2020 / Bitauto Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:BITA) will be discussing their earnings results in their 2019 Fourth Quarter Earnings call to be held on March 26, 2020 at 8:15 AM Eastern Time.

To listen to the event live or access a replay of the call – visit
https://www.investornetwork.com/event/presentation/60886

To receive updates for this company you can register by emailing info@investornetwork.com or by clicking get investment info from the company's profile.

About Investor Network

Investor Network (IN) is a financial content community, serving millions of unique investors market information, earnings, commentary and news on what's trending. Dedicated to both the professional and the average traders, IN offers timely, trusted and relevant financial information for virtually every investor. IN is an Issuer Direct brand, to learn more or for the latest financial news and market information, visit www.investornetwork.com. Follow us on Twitter @investornetwork.

SOURCE: Investor Network

ReleaseID: 582652

Canadian Solar, Inc. to Host Earnings Call

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2020 / Canadian Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSIQ) will be discussing their earnings results in their 2019 Fourth Quarter Earnings call to be held on March 26, 2020 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time.

To listen to the event live or access a replay of the call – visit
https://www.investornetwork.com/event/presentation/60751

To receive updates for this company you can register by emailing info@investornetwork.com or by clicking get investment info from the company's profile.

About Investor Network

Investor Network (IN) is a financial content community, serving millions of unique investors market information, earnings, commentary and news on what's trending. Dedicated to both the professional and the average traders, IN offers timely, trusted and relevant financial information for virtually every investor. IN is an Issuer Direct brand, to learn more or for the latest financial news and market information, visit www.investornetwork.com. Follow us on Twitter @investornetwork.

SOURCE: Investor Network

ReleaseID: 582656

Williams Industrial Services Group, Inc. to Host Earnings Call

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2020 / Williams Industrial Services Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS:WLMS) will be discussing their earnings results in their 2019 Fourth Quarter Earnings call to be held on March 26, 2020 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time.

To listen to the event live or access a replay of the call – visit
https://www.investornetwork.com/event/presentation/60666

To receive updates for this company you can register by emailing info@investornetwork.com or by clicking get investment info from the company's profile.

About Investor Network

Investor Network (IN) is a financial content community, serving millions of unique investors market information, earnings, commentary and news on what's trending. Dedicated to both the professional and the average traders, IN offers timely, trusted and relevant financial information for virtually every investor. IN is an Issuer Direct brand, to learn more or for the latest financial news and market information, visit www.investornetwork.com. Follow us on Twitter @investornetwork.

SOURCE: Investor Network

ReleaseID: 582653

BEQUANT Partners with BCB Group for Payment and Liquidity Services

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2020 / London Digital Asset firm BEQUANT and BCB Group, an FCA regulated business payments provider for the cryptocurrency space, have announced a partnership, whereby BEQUANT will be using BCB Group's multi-currency payment accounts as well as market liquidity in FX and crypto. BEQUANT has been actively developing its digital services for institutional clients and has recently launched its Prime Brokerage and BEQUANT Solutions units.

Together, these services will provide an unprecedented level of digital asset integration for the financial services industry. BEQUANT Prime Brokerage provides collateral management, custody, manages relationships with digital asset exchanges, provides benefits from aggregated volume discounts and offers leverage and portfolio margining. BEQUANT Prime Solutions offers a powerful digital asset suite, including trading terminals, cross-border compliance and matching engines to deep liquidity and tokenization.

George Zarya, CEO of BEQUANT commented "BCB Group is a reliable and trustworthy partner, and their services allow us to effortlessly manage our business needs".

Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie, Founder and CEO of BCB Group added "BEQUANT's holistic approach to institutional crypto markets makes them an ideal client for BCB, where our mission is to build the infrastructure this market needs to trade and settle frictionlessly. We recognise BEQUANT's efforts to remain on the front foot with regulators which resonate with our own outlook and we look forward to a fruitful partnership."

About BEQUANT

BEQUANT is a one-stop-solution provider for professional digital asset investors and institutions. Our breadth of products includes prime brokerage, custody, fund administration enhanced by an institutional trading platform providing low-latency, and direct market access to top liquidity pools.

About BCB Group

BCB Group is Europe's leading crypto-dedicated payment services provider, serving some of the industry's largest clients. BCB Group provides payment services in 20+ currencies, FX, cryptocurrency liquidity and digital asset custody. Responding to institutional demand for operational best practice in the cryptocurrency market, BCB Group was created by established thought leaders in finance, regulation and technology.

BEQUANT
Contact: Sunil Chauhan
Telephone: +44 (0) 2038933214
Email: Sunil.Chauhan@BEQUANT.pro
Website: www.BEQUANT.pro

BCB Group
Contact: Sam Shrager
Telephone:+44 7877 940652, +44 207 298 6090
Email: sam@bcbgroup.io
Website: https://bcbgroup.io/

SOURCE: BEQUANT

ReleaseID: 582664

Mota Ventures Moves Forward with Its Acquisition of Spanish CBD Company Sativida

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (CSE:MOTA)(FSE:1WZ:GR)(OTCPINK:PEMTF) (the "Company" or "Mota") is pleased to announce that further to its January 10, 2020 news release, it has now acquired the intellectual property and trade names of Sativida from Sativida OU (Estonia). The Company will license both back to Sativida OU's subsidiary, VIDA BCN LABS S.L. (collectively with Sativida OU, "Sativida") in exchange for a royalty associated with the gross revenues generated by Sativida.

Sativida is an arms'-length producer and online retailer of cannabidiol ("CBD") and branded CBD products in various jurisdictions in Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Sativida currently develops and retails a vast range of organic CBD oils and cosmetics across Europe and is in the process of expanding its distribution network internationally to include the United States. Sativida has become the number one search-ranked online retailer of CBD products in Spain and Mexico, and intends to continue its expansion into other countries in Europe and Latin America.

Through Mota, Sativida has an agreement with Unified Funding, LLC ("Unified") for the expansion of the brand into the United States. Unified will provide assistance to Sativida with product sourcing, packaging, shipping, payment infrastructure and marketing in the United States. Unified Funding is an e-Commerce and technology company focused on serving U.S.-based and international consumers in the CBD and natural health products market. Powered by its proprietary technology platform, Unified has created an e-Commerce ecosystem to scale its brands through data analysis, strategic customer acquisition and supply chain management. Since June 2015, Unified has generated a database of over 4.5 million consumers and has facilitated over US$200 million in consumer transactions from more than one million paying customers.

"I am very excited to announce the acquisition of the Sativida brand. This gives Mota immediate entry into the European market and will be a building block for our planned European expansion. Mota's U.S. operation, First Class CBD, is set to enter the European market and we expect the acquisition of the Sativida brand to expedite this expansion. Furthermore, our partnership with Unified Funding, LLC, the e-Commerce platform behind the success of First Class CBD, will allow us to bring the Sativida brand to the U.S. market as well," stated Ryan Hoggan, CEO of the Company.

Noah Laith, founder of Sativida, commented, "Joining Mota is a major step for Sativida that will provide access to the capital, connections and infrastructure necessary to grow our business in Europe and internationally."

Pursuant to the previously announced binding agreement with Sativida dated January 9, 2020 (the "Transaction Agreement"), the Company was granted the right to acquire Sativida in stages (the "Transaction"), at the discretion of the Company, as certain corporate and intellectual property registrations were completed. To accomplish this, the Company set up a wholly-owned Spanish subsidiary ("Spanish Subco") and coordinated the registration of various intellectual property and trade names associated with business operations of Sativida.

The Company, through Spanish Subco, has now completed the acquisition of the intellectual property and trade names of Sativida in Spain, and will license both back to Sativida in exchange for a royalty associated with the gross revenues generated by Sativida. Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, the Company also holds the right to acquire, through Spanish Subco, all of the outstanding share capital of Sativida at any time for no additional consideration.

Consideration for the Transaction is made up of an initial component of €2,000,001 (the "Consideration") and an earn-out component made up of three milestone payments based upon the revenue of Sativida (each, a "Milestone Payment"). The Consideration was paid in 5,496,221 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") at a deemed price of $0.5689 per share. Each Milestone Payment will be based on a 400% multiple of Sativida's revenue until the aggregate of the Initial Consideration and Milestone Payments reaches €4,000,000, at which point the multiple will be reduced to 100%. In no event will the combined Milestone Payments and the value of the Initial Consideration exceed €15,000,000. Payment of the Milestone Payments will be satisfied by the Company issuing common shares ("Milestone Shares") to Sativida. The total number of Milestone Shares issuable to Sativida will be determined by dividing the amount due by the volume weighted average closing price of the Company's common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange in the ten trading days prior to the day that the Milestone Payment is due.

The Consideration Shares and the Milestone Shares will each be subject to a 36-month pooling arrangement such that 10% of the Consideration Shares, or the Milestone Shares, as applicable, will be released from escrow on upon their issuance, with an additional 15% being released every six-months thereafter until all Consideration Shares or all Milestone Shares, as applicable, are released.

As part of the Transaction, Mota Ventures will enter into employment contracts with certain employees of Sativida and will provide an option pool that may be divided among the employees of Sativida equal to €60,000 in stock options of Mota Ventures for every €1,000,000 in revenue that Sativida earns, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, Mota Ventures has paid a 10% finder's fee based on the total value of the Consideration Shares (528,072 common shares) to certain finders that assisted in introducing the Transaction to the parties as well as a 2% administrative success fee based on the total value of the Consideration Shares (105,614 common shares) to a consultant who assisted in the administration of the transaction.

The Company and Sativida are at arms'-length. The Transaction is not expected to result in a "reverse-takeover" or "fundamental change" for the Company under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, or result in the creation of any new insider or control person of the Company. No changes to the board of directors, or management, of the Company are contemplated in connection with the Transaction.

About Mota Ventures Corp.

Mota is seeking to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand. Its plan is to cultivate and extract CBD into high-quality value-added products from its Latin American operations and distribute it both domestically and internationally. Its existing operations in Colombia consist of a 2.5-hectare site that has optimal year-round growing conditions and access to all necessary infrastructure. Mota is looking to establish sales channels and a distribution network internationally through the acquisition of the Sativida and First Class CBD brands. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota.

About Sativida

Sativida is a producer and online retailer of CBD and branded CBD products in various jurisdictions in Europe, including Spain and the United Kingdom. Sativida currently develops and retails a vast range of organic CBD oils and cosmetics across Europe and is currently expanding its distribution network internationally. For more information on Sativida, readers are encouraged to review their website at www.sativida.es.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MOTA VENTURES CORP.

Ryan Hoggan
Chief Executive Officer

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact the President of the Company, Joel Shacker, at +604.423.4733 or by email at IR@motaventuresco.com or www.motaventuresco.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with respect to the expansion of Sativida's business and entrance into the U.S. market, the expansion of First Class CBD's business and entrance into the European market, its plans to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand, its plans to cultivate and extract cannabis to produce CBD and high-quality value added CBD products in Latin America for distribution domestically and internationally. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp.

ReleaseID: 582610

Methyl Paraben Market, 2020-2026: Key Companies, Status Quo, Industry Structure, Supply & Demand, Size, and Competitive Landscape

The report offers detailed coverage of Methyl Paraben industry and main market trends. The market research includes historical and forecast market data, demand, application details, price trends, and company shares of the leading Methyl Paraben by geography.

March 26, 2020 /MarketersMedia/

Based on the industrial chain, Methyl Paraben report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Thermocouple industry in details.

Access Sample of the Report – https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/1530787 .

Deep analysis about market status (2015-2020), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2020-2026), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also be included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry will be analyzed scientifically, the feature of product circulation and sales channel will be presented as well. In a word, this report will help you to establish a panorama of industrial development and characteristics of the Methyl Paraben.

Geographically, the global Methyl Paraben is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa and South America. This report forecasts revenue growth at a global, regional & country level, and provides an analysis of the market trends in each of the sub-segments from 2020 to 2026.

The information for each competitor includes:
* Company Profile
* Main Business Information
* SWOT Analysis
* Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
* Market Share

Global Methyl Paraben Industry 2020 Market Research Report is spread across 123 pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends and competitive landscape details in this niche sector.

Order a Copy of Global Methyl Paraben Report 2020 @ https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/1530787 .

Market by Type
Food Grade
Cosmetics Grade
Others

Market by Application
Food Preservatives
Cosmetics Preservatives
Medicine Preservatives
Others

The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. Some of the leading players in the global Methyl Paraben are:
• Ueno Fine Chemicals (Japan)
• Gujarat Organics (India)
• Sharon Laboratories (Israel)
• Zhejiang Shengxiao (China)
• Jiangsu BVCO (China)
• Shandong Ailitong (China)
• Hangzhou Top (China)
• Kunshan Shuangyou (China)
• …

This report focuses on Thermocouple volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Methyl Paraben size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan. At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.
The report is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for the industry stakeholders such as manufacturers and partners, end users, etc., besides allowing them in strategizing investments and capitalizing on market opportunities.

Key Target Audience are:
– Manufacturers of Thermocouple
– Raw material suppliers
– Market research and consulting firms
– Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers
– Organizations, forums and alliances related to Thermocouple

Major Points from Table of Contents
Part 1 Market Overview
1.1 Market Definition
1.2 Market Development
1.3 By Type
1.4 By Application
1.5 Region Overview
Part 2 Global Market Status and Future Forecast
Part 3 Asia-Pacific Market Status and Future Forecast
Part 4 Asia-Pacific Market by Geography
Part 5 Europe Market Status and Future Forecast
Part 6 Europe Market by Geography
Part 7 North America Market Status and Future Forecast
Part 8 North America Market by Geography
Part 9 South America Market Status and Future Forecast
Part 10 South America Market by Geography
Part 11 Middle East & Africa Market Status and Future Forecast
Part 12 Middle East & Africa Market by Geography
Part 13 Key Companies
Part 14 Conclusion

The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: regional markets, product, and application.

About Us
Orian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world’s most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients.

Contact Info:
Name: Ruwin Mendez
Email: Send Email
Organization: Orian Research
Website: https://www.orianresearch.com/report/methyl-paraben/1530787

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/methyl-paraben-market-2020-2026-key-companies-status-quo-industry-structure-supply-demand-size-and-competitive-landscape/88951191

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 88951191

Evotec SE Fiscal Year 2019 Results: Excellent 2019 Performance; Very Good Outlook for Continued Growth 2020

VERY STRONG FINANCIAL RESULTS: 19% INCREASE IN GROUP REVENUES, ADJUSTED GROUP EBITDA UP 29%
VERY STRONG YEAR END FINANCIAL POSITION AT € 320 M
UNIQUE EVT EXECUTE INNOVATION PLATFORM SUPPORTS LONG-TERM GROWTH
SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF EVT INNOVATE CO-OWNED PORTFOLIO TO > 100 PROJECTS IN SMALL MOLECULES, BIOLOGICS, AND CELL THERAPIES

HAMBURG, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2020 / Evotec SE (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, MDAX/TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) today reported financial results and corporate updates for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2019.

FINANCIALS REFLECT STRONG GROWTH

Group revenues up 19% to € 446.4 m (2018: € 375.4 m)
Adjusted Group EBITDA up 29% to € 123.1 m (2018: € 95.5 m)
Unpartnered R&D expenses of € 37.5 m (2018: € 22.8 m)
Liquidity position more than doubled to € 320.0 m (31 December 2018: € 149.4 m)

"ACTION PLAN 2022" ON TRACK, DESPITE MASSIVE GLOBAL INSECURITIES

Multiple new and extended strategic drug discovery and development alliances, e.g. expansion of agreement with Sanofi to create a centralised global sample management hub in Toulouse; multiyear agreement with Takeda; new precision medicine initiatives in women's health and oncology
Continued strong performance and growth in all EVT Execute service offerings at all sites
Successful start of Just – Evotec Biologics integration; Construction and ramp-up of first J.POD(R) in Seattle initiated; first J.POD(R) partner MSD signed up (in January 2020)
Significant expansion and progress in partnered pipeline; e.g. positive clinical Phase II POC results in chronic cough with Bayer and several clinical Phase I & Phase II starts
Multiple important milestone achievements, e.g. in iPSC-based drug discovery alliances
Focus on "omics", machine-learning and artificial intelligence platforms in all modalities
Formation of spin-off Breakpoint Therapeutics on DNA damage response; joint venture NephThera created with Vifor Pharma focused on novel nephrology therapeutics
Academic BRIDGE model continuous to mature and gain momentum
Building a leading position in anti-infectives drug discovery and development (e.g. alliances with GARDP, GNA Now, Helmholtz, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

FINANCIAL GUIDANCE 2020 – CONTINUED STRONG ORGANIC GROWTH
Given current global insecurities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, a likely negative impact is already estimated within the introduced guidance for revenues and adjusted EBITDA. It is not possible to precisely predict or quantify the potential impact on revenue and financial performance at this early stage. This uncertainty also explains the broader than usual ranges. Evotec will continue to very closely monitor the further development of this exceptional situation and update on guidance in case the situation changes materially.

Group revenues expected to be in a range of € 440 – 480 m (2019: € 446.4 m including revenues from material recharges according to IFRS 15)
Adjusted Group EBITDA expected to be on the similar level as in 2019, € 100 – 120 m (2019: € 123.1 m)
Unpartnered research and development expenses expected to be approx. € 40 m (2019: € 37.5 m)

FINANCIALS REFLECT STRONG GROWTH

Key figures of consolidated income statement & segment information

Evotec SE & subsidiaries

In T€
EVT
Execute2)
EVT
Innovate2)
Evotec Group
20191)
Evotec Group
20181)

External revenues
337,605
94,329
446,437
375,405

Intersegment revenues
82,698


Gross margin in %
26.0
34.6
29.8
29.8

 
 
 
 
 

R&D expenses3)
(2,144)
(65,498)
(58,432)
(35,619)

SG&A expenses
(52,524)
(14,022)
(66,546)
(57,012)

Impairment result (net)

(11,919)
(11,919)
(4,364)

Income from bargain purchase



15,400

Other operating income (expenses), net
22,027
44,573
66,600
47,042

Operating result
76,807
(14,213)
62,594
77,463

 
 
 
 
 

Adjusted EBITDA4),5)
122,507
636
123,143
95,457

1) Data including reclasses of recharges according to IFRS 15
2) Revenues in the segments consist of revenues from contracts with customers without revenues from recharges as those are not of importance for the management to assess the economic situation of the segments.
3) Thereof unpartnered R&D expenses of € 37.5 m 2019 and € 22.8 m in 2018
4) Before contingent considerations, income from bargain purchase and excluding impairments on goodwill, other intangible and tangible assets as well as the total non-operating result.
5) Including first-time application of IFRS 16, positively affecting adjusted EBITDA by € 15.5 m

In 2019, Evotec's Group revenues increased by 19% to € 446.4 m (€ 431.9 m excl. IFRS 15) (2018: € 375.4 m / 2018 excl. IFRS 15: € 364.0 m). This increase resulted primarily from the growth performance in the base business, increased milestone payments and a positive contribution from the acquired business of Just – Evotec Biologics (€ 16.1 m) in the 2nd half of the year. Full year impact from IFRS 15 amounts to € 14.5 m (2018: € 11.4 m). In total, revenues from milestones, upfront payments and licences increased by 32% to € 39.0 m in 2019 (2018: € 29.5 m), mainly due to milestone payments from existing long-term alliances as with Bayer in endometriosis/chronic cough and kidney diseases, from Evotec's iPSC-based collaborations with Bristol-Myers Squibb/Celgene in neurodegeneration as well as from Sanofi in diabetes.

In 2019, Evotec focused its unpartnered R&D expenses of € 37.5 m (2018: € 22.8 m) primarily on initiatives in the fields of metabolic diseases, oncology, and platform projects. Platform investments focused in particular on the continued expansion of Evotec's industry-leading iPSC platform as well as industrialisation and integration of "omics", artificial intelligence ("AI") and machine learning, as well as data analytics platforms. Its partnered R&D expenses of € 20.9 m (2018: € 12.7 m) related to its infectious disease portfolio were predominantly reported as R&D expenses while the costs fully reimbursed by its partner Sanofi were recognised under other operating income and thus do not negatively affect the operating result or adjusted EBITDA. This split into unpartnered and partnered R&D expenses has only been applied since July 2018 when the Lyon site was acquired from Sanofi.

In 2019, the Group's selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased by 17% to € 66.5 m (2018: € 57.0 m). This increase resulted primarily from first full year SG&A expenses of Evotec ID Lyon, first half year contribution of Just – Evotec Biologics, higher personnel expenses due to growth and temporary staff costs due to a strengthening of the support functions, higher consultancy fees as well as M&A and financing related expenses.

In 2019, Evotec recorded impairments of intangible assets of € 11.9 m (2018: € 4.2 m) for the full impairment of SGM-1019 and related goodwill. This one-off impairment was mainly due to the termination of the SGM-1019 agreement by Evotec's partner Second Genome.

Adjusted Group EBITDA for 2019 increased by 29% to € 123.1 m (2018: € 95.5 m), yielding an adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.6% (2018: 25.4%), mainly due to very strong performance in the base business, milestones and licence contributions, a positive EBITDA contribution by Just – Evotec Biologics and effects from the first-time application of the new accounting standard IFRS 16.

Evotec's operating result amounted to € 62.6 m in 2019 (2018: € 77.5 m). A year-on-year comparison is not meaningful, as the 2018 result was significantly positively affected by a one-off impact from the bargain purchase ID Lyon (€ 15.4 m). The higher gross profit in 2019 was off-set by the significantly increased investments in R&D and the impairment of the intangible asset SGM-1019 and the related goodwill. The Company's net result for the year 2019 amounted to € 37.2 m (2018: € 84.1 m) and also cannot be compared like for like as it was affected by the one-off effect of the bargain purchase in 2018 and deferred tax income.

Evotec ended the year 2019 with a liquidity of € 320.0 m (2018: € 149.4 m), which was composed of cash and cash equivalents (€ 277.0 m) and investments (€ 42.3 m). Cash and cash equivalents as well as current investments can be accessed within a period of less than three months. The increase in liquidity in 2019 resulted mainly from the issuance of the promissory note ("Schuldscheindarlehen") in the amount of € 249.1 m net and a positive operating cash flow of € 42.2 m (2018: € 156.2 m).

MID-TERM STRATEGY ON TRACK TO ACHIEVE SERVICE INCOME, MILESTONES, AND ROYALTIES

The EVT Execute segment continued to demonstrate strong progress in 2019 with new and extended alliances (e.g. Sanofi, Takeda). In 2019, Evotec was involved in 769 alliances and recorded a repeat business of 92%. Following the acquisition of Just Biotherapeutics, now Just – Evotec Biologics, in July 2019, Evotec was able to sign agreements with Teva, Biocon and, after period-end, with MSD and OncoResponse. The step into biologics is already showing significant scientific synergies and cross selling potential across the Evotec alliances.

In EVT Innovate, 2019 was characterised by important progress and strong milestone income in its strategic partnerships (iPSC neurodegeneration alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb/Celgene; iPSC diabetes alliance with Sanofi; kidney disease and endometriosis/chronic cough alliances with Bayer) as well as the signing of new partnerships, amongst others with Galapagos in fibrosis, with the Mark Foundation in immuno-oncology, with Indivumed in oncology as well as with Bayer and Celmatix in women's health. In July 2019, Evotec was able to report significant clinical progress within its multi-target alliance with Bayer by achieving phase II POC in chronic cough with the P2X3 antagonist BAY1817080. Evotec expects further clinical evaluation of this promising programme by Bayer in 2020. Other partnered clinical projects are progressing according to plan.

Evotec and Vifor Pharma launched NephThera, a joint venture focused on the discovery and development of novel nephrology therapeutics. Both companies will hold a 50% share (transaction closed early 2020). Furthermore, Evotec and a venture capital consortium formed the Company's second spin-off, Breakpoint Therapeutics. The Company made further new investments in promising Biotech companies as Aeovian Pharmaceuticals, Celmatix and Immunitas Therapeutics and continued to financially support already existing holdings. Additionally, Evotec made significant progress with its leading iPSC platform as well as the industrialisation and integration of "omics", AI and machine learning, and as data analytics platforms.

In the field of anti-infectives, Evotec closed additional collaborations, e.g. kicking off "GNA Now", a new initiative for the development of novel antibacterial agents. The increasing recognition of antibiotic resistance as a growing threat to public healthcare systems enabled Evotec to receive grants for projects to further accelerate drug discovery efforts in this area of high medical need. Evotec initiated multiple partnerships with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (especially in Tuberculosis).

In 2019, Evotec's academic BRIDGE model continued to attract significant interest from academia and industry partners, leading to the building of LAB10x and LAB555.

FINANCIAL GUIDANCE 2020 – CONTINUED STRONG GROWTH

Given current global insecurities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and possible future disruption of business within Evotec and our partners, guidance for 2020 has been critically assessed. However, due to the drastic and very dynamic developments in the overall economic environment since the end of February 2020 and the unforeseeable special situation triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated unknown time lines, it is not possible to precisely predict or quantify the potential impact on revenue and financial performance at this early stage. This uncertainty also explains the broader than usual ranges. Evotec will continue to very closely monitor the further development of this exceptional situation and update on guidance in case the situation changes materially.

Revenues, research and development expenses, and adjusted EBITDA remain the financial key performance indicators of the Evotec Group.

For the financial year 2020, the Management Board expects Evotec's total Group revenues in a range of € 440 – 480 m. This anticipated revenue growth is based on visibility of the current order book, expected new contracts, contract extensions and milestone opportunities. Projections are based on constant 2019 exchange rates.

Evotec's adjusted Group EBITDA is expected to be in the range of € 100 – 120 m despite increased R&D investments, expected loss of the Sanofi subsidy for the Toulouse site after Q1 2020 and significantly ramping up the Just – Evotec Biologics business by investing in and building highly innovative J.POD(R) capacities in the USA.

Evotec will continue to significantly invest in its own "unpartnered" research and development (R&D) to create a long-term pipeline of first-in class assets and platforms. Evotec expects these expenses to be at approx. € 40 m. These expenses are independent of the "partnered" R&D spending in infectious diseases, which is fully covered under the Sanofi partnership.

 
Guidance 2020
Actual 2019

Group revenues from contracts with customers
€ 440 – 480 m2)
€ 446.4 m

Unpartnered R&D expenses
Approx. € 40 m
€ 37.5 m

Adjusted Group EBITDA1)
€ 100 – 120 m2)
€ 123.1 m

1) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation of intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA excludes contingent considerations, income from bargain purchase and impairments on goodwill, other intangible and tangible assets as well as the total non-operating result

2) Despite the loss of € 20 m subsidy payments from Sanofi and significantly ramping up J.POD(R) capacities

Webcast/Conference Call
The Company is going to hold a conference call to discuss the results as well as to provide an update on its performance. Furthermore, the Management Board will present an outlook for fiscal year 2020. The conference call will be held in English.

Conference call details
Date: Thursday, 26 March 2020
Time: 02.00 pm CET (09.00 am EDT, 01.00 pm GMT)

From Germany: +49 69 201 744 220
From France: +33 170 709 502
From Italy: +39 02 3600 6663
From the UK: +44 20 3009 2470
From the USA: +1 877 423 0830
Access Code: 97681453#

A simultaneous slide presentation for participants dialling in via phone is available at https://webcasts.eqs.com/evotec20200326/no-audio.

Webcast details
To join the audio webcast and to access the presentation slides you will find a link on our home page www.evotec.com shortly before the event.

A replay of the conference call will be available for 24 hours and can be accessed in Europe by dialling +49 69 201744221 (Germany) or +44 20 3364 5150 (UK) and in the USA by dialling +1 (844) 307-9362. The access code is 315578854#. The on-demand version of the webcast will be available on our website: www.evotec.com/financial-reports

NOTE
The 2018 and 2019 results are not fully comparable. The difference stems from the acquisitions of Just – Evotec Biologics (effective 02 July 2019) and Evotec ID (Lyon) SAS (effective 01 July 2018).The results from Just – Evotec Biologics are only included from 02 July 2019 onwards while the results from Evotec ID (Lyon) SAS are only included from 01 July 2018 onwards.
From 01 January 2018 onwards, Evotec applies IFRS 15 and IFRS 9. From 01 January 2019 on, Evotec applies also IFRS 16.

EVOTEC SE
Evotec is a drug discovery alliance and development partnership company focused on rapidly progressing innovative product approaches with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academics, patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists. We operate worldwide and our more than 3,000 employees provide the highest quality stand-alone and integrated drug discovery and development solutions. We cover all activities from target-to-clinic to meet the industry's need for innovation and efficiency in drug discovery and development (EVT Execute). The Company has established a unique position by assembling top-class scientific experts and integrating state-of-the-art technologies as well as substantial experience and expertise in key therapeutic areas including neuronal diseases, diabetes and complications of diabetes, pain and inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, fibrosis, rare diseases and women's health. On this basis, Evotec has built a broad and deep pipeline of approx. 100 co-owned product opportunities at clinical, pre-clinical and discovery stages (EVT Innovate). Evotec has established multiple long-term alliances with partners including Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, CHDI, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB and others. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com and follow us on Twitter @Evotec.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of Evotec as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Fiscal year 2019 results

Key figures of consolidated income statement
Evotec SE and subsidiaries

In T€ except share data and per share data

 
31 December 2019
31 December 2018
Change

 
 
 
in %

 
 
 
 

Revenues from contracts with customers
446,437
375,405
18.9

Gross margin in %
29.8
29.8
(0.1)PP

 
 
 
 

Research and development expenses
(58,432)
(35,619)
64.0

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(66,546)
(57,012)
16.7

Impairment of intangible assets
(11,919)
(4,364)
>100

Income from bargain purchase

15,400

Other operating income (expenses), net
66,600
47,042
41.6

 
 
 
 

Operating result
62,594
77,463
(19.2)

Adjusted EBITDA1)
123,143
95,457
29.0

 
 
 
 

Net income
37,228
84,056
(55.7)

 
 
 
 

Weighted average shares outstanding
149,725,607
147,482,051
1.52

Net income (loss) per share (basic)
0.25
0.57
(56.1)

Net income (loss) per share (diluted)
0.25
0.56
(55.4)

1) Before contingent considerations, income from bargain purchase and excluding impairments on goodwill, other intangible and tangible assets as well as the total non-operating result

Segment information

2019
In T€

 
EVT
Execute
EVT Innovate
Intersegment eliminations
Not
allocated

Transition
Evotec
Group

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

External revenues1)
337,605
94,329

14,503

446,437

Intersegment revenues
82,698

(82,698)


Gross margin in %
26.0
34.6


 
29.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

R&D expenses
(2,144)
(65,498)
9,210


(58,432)

SG&A expenses
(52,524)
(14,022)



(66,546)

Impairment result, net

(11,919)



(11,919)

Other operating income (expenses), net
22,027
44,573



66,600

Operating result
76,807
(14,213)



62,594

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Adjusted EBITDA2)
122,507
636



123,143

1) Revenues in the segments consist of revenues from contracts with customers without revenues from recharges, as those are not of importance for the management to assess the economic situation of the segments.

2) Adjusted for changes in contingent considerations and impairments on goodwill, other intangible and tangible assets as well as the total non-operating result

2018
In T€

 
EVT
Execute
EVT Innovate
Intersegment eliminations
Not
allocated

Transition
Evotec
Group

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

External revenues
295,087
68,893


11.425
375,405

Intersegment revenues
52,090

(52,090)


Gross margin in %
25.0
44.3
 
 
 
29.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

R&D expenses
(862)
(40,148)
5,391


(35,619)

SG&A expenses
(47,578)
(9,434)



(57,012)

Impairment result, net

(4,364)



(4,364)

Other operating income (expenses), net
18,772
28,270



47,042

Operating result
57,219
4,844

15,400

77,463

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Adjusted EBITDA1)
87,186
8,271
 
 
 
95,457

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1) Before contingent considerations, income from bargain purchase and excluding impairments on goodwill, other intangible and tangible assets as well as the total non-operating result

Key figures of consolidated statement of financial position
Evotec SE and subsidiaries

In T€

 
31 Dec
31 Dec
Change

 
2019
2018
in %

 
 
 
 

Cash, cash equivalents and investments
320,022
149,449
>100

Working capital
(8,716)
(39,036)
(77.7)

Current and non-current loan liabilities and finance lease obligations
463,099
114,465
>100

Total stockholders' equity
477,029
424,880
12.3

 
 
 
 

Total assets
1,180,912
771,883
53.0

Contact Evotec SE:

Gabriele Hansen, SVP Corporate Communications, Marketing & Investor Relations,
T.: +49.(0)40.56081-255, gabriele.hansen@evotec.com

SOURCE: Evotec AG via EQS Newswire

ReleaseID: 582660

China Southern Selected Growth Balanced Fund Wins Morningstar Balanced Fund Award

The Morningstar International Fund Awards are set to recognize the China 2020 winners on March 26.

Beijing, China – March 26, 2020

The Morningstar International Fund Awards are set to recognize the China 2020 winners on March 26. The China Southern Selected Growth Balanced Fund (202023) from China Southern Asset Management Co., Ltd. won the annual Balanced Fund Award, as the only fund in the Chinese market to win this award.

According to Morningstar’s evaluation criteria, China Southern Selected Growth Balanced Fund has a five-star rating for the past three and five years of hybrid growth. In accordance with the data of Galaxy Securities Fund Research Center, by the end of 2019, the cumulative net growth rate of the fund since its establishment had reached 205.7%, its net growth rates for the past three and five years were 57.17% and 126.95% respectively; a similar ranking is 9.16% and 3.45% respectively. With a long-term balanced and steady performance, this China Southern Selected Growth Balanced Fund, managed by Luo Shuai, stood out from the 290 selected funds of the same category and won the Morningstar Annual Balanced Fund Award.

China Southern Selected Growth Balanced Fund has also won many honorary awards: in 2018, it was awarded the five-year Open Hybrid Sustainable Winning Golden Bull Fund. In 2018 and 2019, it won the Balanced Star Fund with Five-year Sustainable Return Balance. (Source of Awards: China Securities Journal, Securities Times, March 2018, March 2019) (The past performance of the fund does not predict its future performance, and the performance of other funds managed by the fund manager does not guarantee the performance of the fund.)

Company Overview

On March 6th, 1998, China Southern Asset Management Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Southern Asset Management”) was officially established as one of the first domestic asset management companies approved and regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (hereinafter referred to as “CSRC”), which symbolizes the start of our nation’s “New Golden Era for Funds”.

On January 4th, 2018, Southern Asset Management restructured for the Limited. On July 24th, 2019, following approval of the CSRC, Southern Asset Management realized its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Through employee shareholding and shareholder capital increase, the registered capital was increased to CNY 361.72 million. Currently, with its headquarters in Shenzhen, Southern Asset Management has 6 branches and 2 subsidiaries.

Southern Asset Management has stood the tests of time throughout periodic shifts between bull and bear market in Chinese capital market. By showing stable and sustainable performances and providing improved and professional services, Southern Asset Management managed to continuously build the trust and recognition of a wide range of investors, including mutual fund investors, the National Council for Social Security Fund, corporate annuity clients and high-net-worth clients.

Southern Asset Management has grown into one of the industry leaders that boasts diverse range of products, comprehensive type of business activities, exceptional investment performance and a large scale of assets under management. As of December 31th, 2019, Southern Asset Management and its subsidiaries have a scale of combined assets under management (AUM) that totaled USD 153.9 billion.

Contact Info:
Name: Si Chen
Email: Send Email
Organization: Southern Asset Management
Website: https://southernfund.com

Release ID: 88951043