American Wave Machines, Inc. anuncia PerfectSwell® Shizunami

El Proyecto se acerca a completarse en preparación para entrenamiento olímpico

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., 22 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — American Wave Machines,…

El Proyecto se acerca a completarse en preparación para entrenamiento olímpico

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., 22 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — American Wave Machines, Inc. (AWM) anuncia que PerfectSwell® Shizunami (静波サーフスタジアムPerfectSwell®) ha sido construido en un tiempo récord en la ciudad de surf Shizunami, Makinohara, Japón.  Muchas tiendas de surf locales, incluyendo Jack Ocean Sports, ya sirven a una gran población de surfistas locales y viajeros. 

La construcción de la instalación PerfectSwell® Surf Technology se logró en el año que ha visto condiciones de negocios altamente disruptivas que afectan a los viajes por el mundo y los desafíos a la productividad. En cooperación, los licenciatarios Surf Stadium Japan (SSJ) y AWM superaron los desafíos de la cadena de suministro y la logística para entregar miles de componentes. Las obras civiles se completaron en un tiempo récord de 389 días.

Durante la puesta en marcha de AWM, las innovaciones nunca antes vistas se pondrán a prueba. ‘Temporal Distortion’, una función de diseño de olas recién inventada permite nuevas dimensiones de control hidrodinámico. «Temporal Distortion conducirá a una selección completamente nueva de olas para aplicaciones de alto rendimiento y aprendizaje», dijo William McFarland, programador de surf de AWM. «Añadirá elementos cambiantes al surf creando una ola más dinámica en general.» Otras características nuevas incluyen actualizaciones de la respuesta de energía del sistema. «Los resultados de las pruebas de puesta en marcha confirman que se ha logrado una respuesta de rendimiento mejorada» dijo el ingeniero jefe, Miquel Lazaro.

PerfectSwell® Shizunami demuestra cómo se puede lograr el surf de alto rendimiento en lugares urbanos, centrados en el surf y con huellas relativamente más pequeñas, conocidos como «estadios de surf». Esta escalabilidad demuestra cómo PerfectSwell® Surf Technology se puede implementar globalmente en aplicaciones variadas.  «El surf está en los Juegos Olímpicos por primera vez sólo una vez.  Este es un momento decisivo para el deporte», dijo Bruce McFarland, fundador de AWM. «PerfectSwell® Shizunami proporciona una plataforma consistente para entrenamiento de atletas, exposiciones y eventos previos a los Juegos Olímpicos.» 

Se anunciará una fecha de apertura una vez que se levante la prohibición de viajar a Japón y AWM pueda encargar PerfectSwell® Shizunami.

Acerca de American Wave Machines

La tecnología de surf de American Wave Machines, Inc. está protegida por 39 patentes en 11 jurisdicciones. Las instalaciones SurfStream® tienen una capacidad de 100s, mientras que las piscinas de surf PerfectSwell® son de 1 acre más con capacidad en los 1.000. Desde 2007 se han disfrutado de más de 4.000.000 de sesiones en las ubicaciones de American Wave Machines en todo el mundo.

Acerca de Surf Stadium Japan 

Surf Stadium Japan es una Corporación fundada por los directores de la comunidad. Surf Stadium Japan promoverá el fuerte espíritu de surf que ya está prosperando en Shizunami.

info@americanwavemachines.com 

Aerial view of PerfectSwell® Shizunami under final construction. Photo: Surf Stadium Japan.

Vídeo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjBFcBpZH94 
Foto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1441478/PerfectSwell_Shizunami_aerial_view.jpg

 

Code Chain New Continent Limited Announces the Closing of $25 Million Registered Direct Offering

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Code Chain New Continent Limited (the «Company» or «Code Chain») (NASDAQ: CCNC), a leading eco-technology company, today announced that it closed a previously announced registered direct offering with certain institutional investors, raising approximately $25 million in gross proceeds, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated offering expenses. The offering consists of the sale of 4,166,666 shares of the Company’s…

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Code Chain New Continent Limited (the «Company» or «Code Chain») (NASDAQ: CCNC), a leading eco-technology company, today announced that it closed a previously announced registered direct offering with certain institutional investors, raising approximately $25 million in gross proceeds, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated offering expenses. The offering consists of the sale of 4,166,666 shares of the Company’s common stock, registered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,639,362 shares of commons stock, and unregistered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,527,304 shares of common stock, at combined per share purchase price of $6.00.

The net proceeds from this offering will be used for working capital and general business purposes.

Univest Securities, LLC acted as sole placement agent for this offering. Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP served as counsel to the Company, and Sullivan & Worcester LLP served as counsel to the placement agent in connection with the offering.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sales of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-232316) previously filed and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 8th, 2019.  The offering of the Shares and the Registered Warrants will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement describing the terms of the proposed offering, will be filed with the SEC and can be obtained on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov when available.

For further details of this transaction please see the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2021 which may be viewed at www.sec.gov

About Code Chain New Continent Limited

Founded in 2009, Code Chain New Continent Limited engages in the research, development, and sale of solid waste recycling systems for the mining and industrial sectors, the wholesale and sale of fuel materials, harbor cargo handling services and production and sales of coating materials in the PRC. It provides end-users in these markets with a clean alternative to traditional waste disposal by significantly reducing solid waste discharge into the environment and enabling such users to extract value from valuable metals and other industrial waste materials. Upon completion of Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. («Wuge»), the Company has also diversified its business. Wuge was established in 2019 and is still in this early developing stage. Wuge produced electronic tokens that combine the five-W elements (when, where, who, why, what), geographic location via the Beidou satellite system and identity information using Code Chain technology. The electronic tokens are unique, tradable, and inheritable digital assets and cannot be tampered. The electronic tokens are based on and stored in the Code Chain system and can be used to monitor and document all kinds of consumer behaviors that involve code-scanning.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains «forward-looking statements» within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including certain plans, expectations, goals, and projections, which are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements containing words such as «may,» «could,» «would,» «plan,» «anticipate,» «believe,» «estimate,» «predict,» «potential,» «expects,» «intends», «future» and «guidance» or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to change at any time. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading «Risk Factors» in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s annual report on 10-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

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SOURCE Code Chain New Continent Limited

Demand for Carded Nonwovens to Grow 2.7% Annually Through 2024 Driven by Pandemic and Push for Sustainability

CLEVELAND, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Two of the biggest market drivers today—the global health crisis and an accelerated push for greater sustainability of materials—are driving demand for carded nonwoven materials. A new analysis by The Freedonia Group projects that US demand for

CLEVELAND, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Two of the biggest market drivers today—the global health crisis and an accelerated push for greater sustainability of materials—are driving demand for carded nonwoven materials. A new analysis by The Freedonia Group projects that US demand for these materials—used in medical wipes and masks—will grow 2.7% per year through 2024 to $2.7 billion. Advances are being driven by both the medical use case, as well as filtration markets and geotextiles in the construction market.  

In the near term, the COVID-19 pandemic will limit gains in industrial segments, as the pandemic forced many «nonessential» manufacturers to temporarily halt operations.  

Nonwovens producers continue to improve their product offerings through such means as the creation of new composites, the use of new fiber blends, and the adoption of advanced machinery to create nonwovens with higher value characteristics.

Consumers increasingly look for products that are produced sustainably and that are made of natural fibers, particularly when nonwovens are employed in the production of consumer products used in close contact with skin. Carded nonwovens in particular stand to benefit from this trend because the web bonding processes used to produce these products allows use of natural fibers.

Looking for More?

Carded Nonwovens is part of the Freedonia Group’s new series on the US nonwovens market. Historical data for 2009, 2014, and 2019 and forecasts to 2024 and 2029 are provided for nonwovens production (total) and demand (by market) in current dollars (which are not adjusted to account for inflation). Total demand is also shown in square meters and metric tons.

About The Freedonia Group – The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com, is a leading international industrial research company publishing more than 100 studies annually. Since 1985 we have provided research to customers ranging in size from global conglomerates to one-person consulting firms. More than 90% of the industrial companies in the Fortune 500 use Freedonia Group research to help with their strategic planning. Each study includes product and market analyses and forecasts, in-depth discussions of important industry trends, and market share information. Studies can be purchased at www.freedoniagroup.com and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.

Press Contact:
Corinne Gangloff
+1 440.842.2400
cgangloff@freedoniagroup.com

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SOURCE The Freedonia Group

Fragrance Creators Association President & CEO Farah K. Ahmed’s Statement in Support of H.R. 5, the Equality Act

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Fragrance Creators Association issued a statement today from President & CEO Farah K. Ahmed signaling the association’s support for the reintroduction of H.R. 5, The Equality Act, intended to empower all people—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—to pursue their dreams. Passed by the House of Representatives in 2019 with bipartisan support, the bill would amend several provisions of the Civil Rights Act…

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Fragrance Creators Association issued a statement today from President & CEO Farah K. Ahmed signaling the association’s support for the reintroduction of H.R. 5, The Equality Act, intended to empower all people—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—to pursue their dreams. Passed by the House of Representatives in 2019 with bipartisan support, the bill would amend several provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide affirmative, statutory non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans with regard to employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.

«Fragrance Creators stands with the LGBTQ community as we continue our direct leadership and decisive action at the industry level in support of The Equality Act. We are leveraging our unique advocacy infrastructure to build awareness and solidify support among the association community and other stakeholders. We support the Biden Administration’s commitment to its passage during its first 100 days and call on Congress to pass the bill swiftly.

«Across the country, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans still lack basic legal protections, leaving them vulnerable to harassment and discrimination. This is plainly unacceptable. The American democracy is built upon the dream of equality of opportunity, a dream that makes our nation exceptional. All people have a right to pursue a life of dignity, including employment, without fear of intolerance.

«The beauty of the fragrance industry lives in the creative artistry of our people—every scent creation is a celebration of authentic human expression that connects us with our emotions and memories and brings us closer to one another. It is the essence of what drives Fragrance Creators’ unwavering support of The Equality Act.»

Fragrance Creators Association is the principal fragrance trade association. The organization represents the majority of fragrance manufacturing in North America. The association also represents interests along the fragrance value chain. Fragrance Creators’ membership is diverse, including companies that create, manufacture, and use fragrances and scents for home care, personal care, home design, fine fragrance, and industrial and institutional products as well as those that supply fragrance ingredients, including natural extracts and other raw materials that are used in perfumery and fragrance mixtures. Fragrance Creators produces The Fragrance Conservatorythe comprehensive digital resource for high-quality information about fragrance. Learn more about Fragrance Creators at fragrancecreators.org—for people, perfume, and the planet.

Contact:
Lia Dangelico
ldangelico@fragrancecreators.org
+1 571 317 1504

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SOURCE Fragrance Creators Association

Republic Services, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results; Provides 2021 Full-Year Guidance

PHOENIX, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) today reported net income of $235.5 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2020, versus $289.3 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, for the comparable 2019 period. Excluding certain benefits and expenses, on an adjusted basis, net income for…

PHOENIX, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) today reported net income of $235.5 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2020, versus $289.3 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, for the comparable 2019 period. Excluding certain benefits and expenses, on an adjusted basis, net income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $320.4 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, versus $282.7 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, for the comparable 2019 period.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, net income was $967.2 million, or $3.02 per diluted share, versus $1,073.3 million, or $3.33 per diluted share, for 2019. On an adjusted basis, net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $1,137.8 million, or $3.56 per diluted share, versus $1,062.9 million, or $3.30 per diluted share, for 2019.

«Last year proved the resiliency of our business model and power of our portfolio. In the face of adversity, the Republic Services team remained focused on our priorities — putting our people first, keeping our facilities running smoothly and taking care of our customers,» said Donald W. Slager, chief executive officer. «Republic again proved its strength, resolve and ability to persevere through a challenging environment. As a result, we outperformed our adjusted earnings and free cash flow targets and created sustainable value for our shareholders.»

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Highlights:

  • Fourth quarter EPS was $0.74 per share, and adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP measure, was $1.00 per share, an increase of 14 percent over the prior year.
  • Full-year EPS was $3.02 per share, and adjusted EPS was $3.56 per share, an increase of 8 percent over the prior year. Adjusted EPS exceeded the Company’s full-year guidance.
  • Full-year cash provided by operating activities was $2.47 billion and adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, was $1.24 billion. Adjusted free cash flow exceeded the Company’s full-year guidance.
  • Republic invested $613 million in acquisitions, or $580 million net of divestitures.
  • Full-year cash returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases was $621 million and total shareholder return was 10 percent.
  • Full-year core price increased revenue by 4.8 percent. Core price consisted of 5.6 percent in the open market and 3.4 percent in the restricted portion of the business.
  • Full-year revenue growth from average yield was 2.6 percent.
  • Full-year adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, was $2.99 billion and adjusted EBITDA margin was 29.4 percent, an increase of 130 basis points over the prior year.
  • The Company’s average recycled commodity price per ton sold during the fourth quarter was $110. This represents an increase of $44 per ton versus the prior year.
  • Republic continued to convert CPI-based contracts to more favorable pricing mechanisms for the annual price adjustment. The Company now has approximately $874 million in annual revenue, or 35 percent of its legacy $2.5 billion CPI-based book of business, tied to the water-sewer-trash index or a fixed-rate increase of 3 percent or greater.

2021 Financial Guidance

Republic’s financial guidance is based on current economic conditions and does not assume any significant changes in the overall economy in 2021. Please refer to the Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements section of this document.

Full-year 2021 financial guidance is as follows:

  • Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share: The Company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $3.65 to $3.73. Detail relating to the computation of adjusted diluted earnings per share is contained in the Reconciliation of 2021 Financial Guidance section of this document.
  • Adjusted Free Cash Flow: Republic expects adjusted free cash flow to be in the range of $1,300 million to $1,375 million. Detail relating to the computation of adjusted free cash flow is contained in the Reconciliation of 2021 Financial Guidance section of this document.
  • Revenue: Republic expects an increase in average yield of approximately 2.5% and volume growth to be in the range of 1.5% to 2.0%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA Margin: Republic expects adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 29.5%.
  • Acquisitions & Investments: Republic expects to invest approximately $600 million in acquisitions and $125 million in solar energy investments that qualify for tax credits.

«We expect to achieve the highest levels of adjusted earnings and free cash flow in the Company’s history in 2021,» added Mr. Slager. «We feel confident about our ability to deliver these strong results because of the firm foundation in place, the broad capabilities that have been developed and the positive momentum in the business heading into the new year.»

Company Declares Quarterly Dividend

Republic previously announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.425 per share for stockholders of record on April 1, 2021. The dividend will be paid on April 15, 2021.

Presentation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted free cash flow are described in the Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures section of this document. The adjusted diluted earnings per share and adjusted free cash flow related to the 2021 financial guidance are described in the Reconciliation of 2021 Financial Guidance section of this press release.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the U.S. environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides superior customer experience while fostering a sustainable Blue Planet® for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier world. For more information, visit RepublicServices.com, or follow us at Facebook.com/RepublicServices, @RepublicService on Twitter and @republic_services on Instagram.

SUPPLEMENTAL UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

AND OPERATING DATA

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 (in millions, except per share amounts)

December 31,

December 31,

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

38.2

$

47.1

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts and other of $34.7 and $34.0, respectively

1,091.3

1,125.9

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

392.3

433.0

Total current assets

1,521.8

1,606.0

Restricted cash and marketable securities

149.1

179.4

Property and equipment, net

8,726.2

8,383.5

Goodwill

12,046.4

11,633.4

Other intangible assets, net

173.1

133.9

Other assets

817.4

747.6

Total assets

$

23,434.0

$

22,683.8

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

779.0

$

777.9

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

168.1

929.9

Deferred revenue

345.6

336.0

Accrued landfill and environmental costs, current portion

114.5

132.6

Accrued interest

54.6

74.0

Other accrued liabilities

820.2

814.2

Total current liabilities

2,282.0

3,064.6

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

8,766.1

7,758.6

Accrued landfill and environmental costs, net of current portion

1,694.7

1,703.2

Deferred income taxes and other long-term tax liabilities, net

1,238.8

1,180.6

Insurance reserves, net of current portion

281.8

276.5

Other long-term liabilities

681.8

579.4

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 50 shares authorized; none issued

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 750 shares authorized; 318.8 and 353.3 issued including shares held in treasury, respectively

3.2

3.5

Additional paid-in capital

2,741.4

4,994.8

Retained earnings

5,751.8

5,317.3

Treasury stock, at cost; — and 34.5 shares, respectively

(0.1)

(2,199.6)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

(12.4)

2.2

Total Republic Services, Inc. stockholders’ equity

8,483.9

8,118.2

Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary

4.9

2.7

Total stockholders’ equity

8,488.8

8,120.9

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

23,434.0

$

22,683.8

 

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 (in millions, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Years Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Revenue

$

2,573.3

$

2,576.7

$

10,153.6

$

10,299.4

Expenses:

Cost of operations

1,547.2

1,544.0

6,100.5

6,298.4

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

267.5

257.4

1,075.9

1,040.5

Accretion

20.5

20.4

82.9

81.9

Selling, general and administrative

257.7

285.7

1,053.0

1,091.9

Withdrawal costs – multiemployer pension funds

(1.4)

34.5

Loss (gain) on business divestitures and impairments, net

44.9

8.8

77.7

(14.7)

Restructuring charges

4.2

1.2

20.0

14.2

Operating income

432.7

459.2

1,709.1

1,787.2

Interest expense

(78.1)

(95.1)

(355.6)

(392.0)

Loss from unconsolidated equity method investments

(87.4)

(85.0)

(118.2)

(112.2)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

(67.4)

(101.9)

Interest income

1.1

1.0

5.2

6.4

Other income, net

0.4

4.9

4.1

6.4

Income before income taxes

201.3

285.0

1,142.7

1,295.8

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

(35.0)

(5.0)

173.1

222.0

Net income

236.3

290.0

969.6

1,073.8

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary

(0.8)

(0.7)

(2.4)

(0.5)

Net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc.

$

235.5

$

289.3

$

967.2

$

1,073.3

Basic earnings per share attributable to Republic Services, Inc. stockholders:

Basic earnings per share

$

0.74

$

0.91

$

3.03

$

3.34

Weighted average common shares outstanding

319.3

319.6

319.3

321.1

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Republic Services, Inc. stockholders:

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.74

$

0.90

$

3.02

$

3.33

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

319.9

320.5

319.8

322.0

Cash dividends per common share

$

0.425

$

0.405

$

1.660

$

1.560

 

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 (in millions)

Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

Cash provided by operating activities:

Net income

$

969.6

$

1,073.8

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion

1,158.8

1,122.4

Non-cash interest expense

61.7

48.8

Stock-based compensation

37.3

39.5

Deferred tax provision

60.8

166.1

Provision for doubtful accounts, net of adjustments

27.8

34.0

Loss on extinguishment of debt

101.9

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets and asset impairments, net

75.5

(13.8)

Environmental adjustments

5.1

(11.9)

Loss from unconsolidated equity method investments

118.2

112.2

Other non-cash items

(3.8)

(5.6)

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions and divestitures:

Accounts receivable

13.8

(38.3)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

6.5

(109.7)

Accounts payable

(46.7)

6.4

Capping, closure and post-closure expenditures

(58.6)

(78.2)

Remediation expenditures

(63.5)

(49.1)

Other liabilities

18.6

55.5

Payments for retirement of certain hedging relationships

(11.4)

Cash provided by operating activities

2,471.6

2,352.1

Cash used in investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment

(1,194.6)

(1,207.1)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

30.1

21.7

Cash used in acquisitions and investments, net of cash and restricted cash acquired

(769.5)

(575.1)

Cash received from business divestitures

32.9

42.8

Purchases of restricted marketable securities

(32.9)

(14.7)

Sales of restricted marketable securities

11.2

13.5

Other

(0.1)

Cash used in investing activities

(1,922.8)

(1,719.0)

Cash used in financing activities:

Proceeds from notes payable and long-term debt, net of fees

2,625.5

4,746.5

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of discount and fees

2,716.1

891.1

Payments of notes payable and long-term debt

(5,221.4)

(5,327.9)

Premiums paid on extinguishment of debt

(99.1)

Issuances of common stock

3.9

9.3

Purchases of common stock for treasury

(98.8)

(399.4)

Cash dividends paid

(522.5)

(491.2)

Distributions paid to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiary

(0.2)

(0.2)

Contingent consideration payments

(15.5)

(17.2)

Cash used in financing activities

(612.0)

(589.0)

(Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

(63.2)

44.1

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period

177.4

133.3

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period

$

114.2

$

177.4

You should read the following information in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 (when filed). All amounts below are in millions and as a percentage of our revenue, except per share data.

REVENUE

The following table reflects our total revenue by line of business for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Years Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Collection:

Residential

$

585.7

22.8

%

$

570.1

22.1

%

$

2,309.0

22.7

%

$

2,271.9

22.1

%

Small-container

785.0

30.5

800.9

31.1

3,106.8

30.6

3,170.0

30.8

Large-container

542.2

21.1

561.5

21.8

2,148.9

21.2

2,249.6

21.8

Other

13.5

0.5

11.9

0.5

51.5

0.5

46.1

0.4

Total collection

1,926.4

74.9

1,944.4

75.5

7,616.2

75.0

7,737.6

75.1

Transfer

344.7

331.1

1,349.4

1,318.7

Less: intercompany

(189.0)

(189.5)

(745.9)

(748.1)

Transfer, net

155.7

6.1

141.6

5.5

603.5

5.9

570.6

5.5

Landfill

578.5

577.2

2,298.1

2,324.2

Less: intercompany

(254.6)

(251.2)

(1,018.5)

(1,024.1)

Landfill, net

323.9

12.6

326.0

12.6

1,279.6

12.6

1,300.1

12.6

Environmental solutions

26.7

1.0

48.2

1.9

127.7

1.3

191.7

1.9

Other:

Recycling processing and commodity sales

80.8

3.1

60.0

2.3

297.1

2.9

273.3

2.7

Other non-core

59.8

2.3

56.5

2.2

229.5

2.3

226.1

2.2

Total other

140.6

5.4

116.5

4.5

526.6

5.2

499.4

4.9

Total revenue

$

2,573.3

100.0

%

$

2,576.7

100.0

%

$

10,153.6

100.0

%

$

10,299.4

100.0

%

The following table reflects changes in components of our revenue, as a percentage of total revenue, for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Years Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Average yield

2.5

%

2.6

%

2.6

%

2.8

%

Fuel recovery fees

(0.8)

(0.4)

(0.7)

Total price

1.7

2.2

1.9

2.8

Volume

(1.8)

(0.2)

(3.1)

(0.4)

Recycling processing and commodity sales

0.8

(0.7)

0.3

(0.3)

Environmental solutions

(0.9)

(0.5)

(0.9)

(0.3)

Total internal growth

(0.2)

0.8

(1.8)

1.8

Acquisitions / divestitures, net

0.1

1.0

0.4

0.8

Total

(0.1)

%

1.8

%

(1.4)

%

2.6

%

Core price

4.6

%

4.8

%

4.8

%

4.7

%

Average yield is defined as revenue growth from the change in average price per unit of service, expressed as a percentage. Core price is defined as price increases to our customers and fees, excluding fuel recovery, net of price decreases to retain customers. We also measure changes in average yield and core price as a percentage of related-business revenue, defined as total revenue excluding recycled commodities and fuel recovery fees, to determine the effectiveness of our pricing strategies. Average yield as a percentage of related-business revenue was 2.6% and 2.8% for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, and 2.8% and 2.9% for the same periods in 2019. Core price as a percentage of related-business revenue was 4.8% and 5.0% for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, and 5.0% for the same periods in 2019.

The following table reflects changes in average yield and volume, as a percentage of total revenue by line of business, for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Three Months Ended December 31,

Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Yield

Volume

Yield

Volume

Yield

Volume

Yield

Volume

Collection:

Residential

3.3

%

(0.7)

%

2.5

%

(2.2)

%

2.8

%

(1.3)

%

2.6

%

(1.9)

%

Small-container

3.2

%

(3.5)

%

4.1

%

(0.1)

%

3.7

%

(4.3)

%

3.9

%

(0.6)

%

Large-container

1.3

%

(3.4)

%

1.9

%

0.8

%

2.0

%

(5.5)

%

2.8

%

0.2

%

Landfill:

Municipal solid waste

3.2

%

1.7

%

3.4

%

0.4

%

2.9

%

0.2

%

3.3

%

3.2

%

Construction and demolition waste

6.4

%

1.0

%

2.7

%

15.5

%

5.8

%

3.7

%

2.3

%

10.4

%

Special waste

%

(9.8)

%

%

(0.2)

%

%

(10.7)

%

%

(3.9)

%

COST OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes the major components of our cost of operations for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Years Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Labor and related benefits

$

536.3

20.8

%

$

554.7

21.5

%

$

2,153.4

21.2

%

$

2,202.4

21.4

%

Transfer and disposal costs

202.2

7.9

206.9

8.0

796.9

7.9

841.7

8.2

Maintenance and repairs

243.6

9.5

248.5

9.7

969.6

9.6

1,006.2

9.8

Transportation and subcontract costs

173.0

6.7

170.2

6.6

674.1

6.6

674.9

6.5

Fuel

67.3

2.6

64.8

2.5

271.7

2.7

347.9

3.4

Disposal fees and taxes

79.5

3.1

82.8

3.2

313.5

3.1

325.7

3.2

Landfill operating costs

68.1

2.6

60.2

2.3

258.2

2.5

244.7

2.4

Risk management

51.7

2.0

60.2

2.3

213.9

2.1

230.7

2.2

Other

125.5

4.9

112.1

4.4

460.0

4.5

440.6

4.2

Subtotal

1,547.2

60.1

1,560.4

60.5

6,111.3

60.2

6,314.8

61.3

Fire-damage related costs (1)

7.6

0.3

7.6

0.1

Bridgeton insurance recovery

(24.0)

(0.9)

(10.8)

(0.1)

(24.0)

(0.2)

Total cost of operations

$

1,547.2

60.1

%

$

1,544.0

59.9

%

$

6,100.5

60.1

%

$

6,298.4

61.2

%

(1) During the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, we incurred an additional $0.1 million of fire-damage related costs, which are reflected in other selling, general, and administrative expense.

These cost categories may change from time to time and may not be comparable to similarly titled categories used by other companies. As such, you should take care when comparing our cost of operations by cost component to that of other companies and of ours for prior periods.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

The following table provides the components of our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Years Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Salaries

$

184.7

7.2

%

$

199.3

7.8

%

$

740.5

7.3

%

$

751.9

7.3

%

Provision for doubtful accounts

5.8

0.2

10.6

0.4

27.8

0.3

34.0

0.3

Other

67.2

2.6

75.8

2.9

284.7

2.8

306.0

3.0

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

$

257.7

10.0

%

$

285.7

11.1

%

$

1,053.0

10.4

%

$

1,091.9

10.6

%

These cost categories may change from time to time and may not be comparable to similarly titled categories used by other companies. As such, you should take care when comparing our selling, general and administrative expenses by cost component to those of other companies and of ours for prior periods.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

EBITDA

The following table calculates EBITDA, which is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Years Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc.

$

235.5

$

289.3

$

967.2

$

1,073.3

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

0.8

0.7

2.4

0.5

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

(35.0)

(5.0)

173.1

222.0

Other income, net

(0.4)

(4.9)

(4.1)

(6.4)

Interest income

(1.1)

(1.0)

(5.2)

(6.4)

Interest expense

78.1

95.1

355.6

392.0

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

267.5

257.4

1,075.9

1,040.5

Accretion

20.5

20.4

82.9

81.9

EBITDA

$

565.9

$

652.0

$

2,647.8

$

2,797.4

We believe that presenting EBITDA is useful to investors because it provides important information concerning our operating performance exclusive of certain non-cash and other costs. EBITDA demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy, which includes reinvesting in existing capital assets to ensure a high level of customer service, investing in capital assets to facilitate growth in our customer base and services provided, maintaining our investment grade credit ratings and minimizing debt, paying cash dividends, repurchasing our common stock, and maintaining and improving our market position through business optimization. This measure has limitations. Although depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion are considered operating costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP, they represent the allocation of non-cash costs generally associated with long-lived assets acquired or constructed in prior years. Our definition of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Earnings

Reported diluted earnings per share was $0.74 and $3.02 for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, as compared to $0.90 and $3.33 for the same periods in 2019. During the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded a number of charges and other expenses and gains that impacted our EBITDA, pre-tax income, net income attributable to Republic Services, Inc. (net income – Republic) and diluted earnings per share. For comparative purposes, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. The tables below set forth such measures on an adjusted basis to exclude such charges, other expenses and gains:

Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

Net

Diluted

Net

Diluted

Pre-tax

Income –

Earnings

Pre-tax

Income –

Earnings

EBITDA

Income

Republic

per Share

EBITDA

Income

Republic

per Share

As reported

$

565.9

$

201.3

$

235.5

$

0.74

$

652.0

$

285.0

$

289.3

$

0.90

Loss from unconsolidated equity method investments

87.4

85.0

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs

67.4

64.4

47.5

0.15

Restructuring charges (1)

4.2

4.2

3.1

0.01

1.2

1.2

0.9

Loss on business divestitures and impairments, net

44.9

44.9

35.4

0.11

8.8

8.8

5.1

0.02

Withdrawal costs – multiemployer pension funds

(1.4)

(1.4)

(1.1)

(0.01)

Fire-damage related costs

7.7

7.7

5.7

0.02

Bridgeton insurance recovery

(24.0)

(24.0)

(18.3)

(0.06)

Total adjustments

202.5

112.1

84.9

0.26

78.7

(6.3)

(6.6)

(0.02)

As adjusted

$

768.4

$

313.4

$

320.4

$

1.00

$

730.7

$

278.7

$

282.7

$

0.88

(1) The aggregate impact to adjusted diluted earnings per share totals to less than $0.01 for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

Year Ended December 31, 2020

Year Ended December 31, 2019

Net

Diluted

Net

Diluted

Pre-tax

Income –

Earnings

Pre-tax

Income –

Earnings

EBITDA

Income

Republic

per Share

EBITDA

Income

Republic

per Share

As reported

$

2,647.8

$

1,142.7

$

967.2

$

3.02

$

2,797.4

$

1,295.8

$

1,073.3

$

3.33

Loss from unconsolidated equity method investments

118.2

112.2

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs

101.9

99.1

73.0

0.23

Restructuring charges

20.0

20.0

14.8

0.05

14.2

14.2

10.4

0.04

Loss (gain) on business divestitures and impairments, net

77.7

77.7

65.5

0.21

(14.7)

(14.7)

(8.7)

(0.03)

Withdrawal costs – multiemployer pension funds

34.5

34.5

25.5

0.08

Incremental contract startup costs – large municipal contract(1)

0.7

0.7

0.5

Fire-damage related costs

7.7

7.7

5.7

0.02

Bridgeton insurance recovery

(10.8)

(10.8)

(8.2)

(0.03)

(24.0)

(24.0)

(18.3)

(0.06)

Total adjustments

341.5

220.5

170.6

0.54

96.1

(16.1)

(10.4)

(0.03)

As adjusted

$

2,989.3

$

1,363.2

$

1,137.8

$

3.56

$

2,893.5

$

1,279.7

$

1,062.9

$

3.30

(1) The aggregate impact to adjusted diluted earnings per share totals to less than $0.01 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

We believe that presenting adjusted EBITDA, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted net income – Republic, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are not measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, provide an understanding of operational activities before the financial impact of certain items. We use these measures, and believe investors will find them helpful, in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that have a disproportionate impact on our results for a particular period. We have incurred comparable charges, costs and recoveries in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Our definition of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted net income – Republic, and adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Further information on each of these adjustments is included below.

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs. During 2020, we paid cash premiums related to the early extinguishment of certain senior notes and incurred corresponding non-cash charges related to debt issuance costs, discounts and hedging strategies.

Restructuring charges.  In 2019, we incurred costs related to the redesign of certain back-office software systems, which continued into 2020. In addition, in July 2020, we eliminated certain back-office support positions in response to a decline in the underlying demand for services resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loss (gain) on business divestitures and impairments, net. During 2020, we recorded a net loss on business divestitures and impairments of $77.7 million, which was due to business divestitures and asset impairments in certain markets, including $42.6 million resulting from management’s decision to exit certain product offerings and geographic basins in our upstream environmental solutions business. During 2019, we recorded a net gain on business divestitures and impairments of $(14.7) million.

Withdrawal costs – multiemployer pension funds.  During 2020, we recorded charges to earnings for withdrawal events at multiemployer pension funds to which we contribute. As we obtain updated information regarding multiemployer pension funds, the factors used in deriving our estimated withdrawal liabilities will be subject to change, which may adversely impact our reserves for withdrawal costs.

Incremental contract startup costs – large municipal contract.  Although our business regularly incurs startup costs under municipal contracts, we specifically identify in the tables above the startup costs incurred in 2019 with respect to an individual municipal contract (and do not adjust for other startup costs under other contracts). We do this because of the magnitude of the costs involved with this particular municipal contract and the unusual nature for the time periods in which they were incurred.

Fire-damage related costs. In 2019, certain of our owned and operated facilities were impacted by separate fire-related events. Although our business may incur fire-related damage to our leased or owned property, plant and equipment from time to time, we specifically identify in the table above certain of these costs incurred in 2019 due to their magnitude. 

Bridgeton insurance recovery.  During 2020 and 2019, we recognized an insurance recovery related to our closed Bridgeton Landfill in Missouri as a reduction of remediation expenses in our cost of operations.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

The following table calculates our adjusted free cash flow, which is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Years Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

Cash provided by operating activities

$

2,471.6

$

2,352.1

Property and equipment received

(1,240.6)

(1,215.8)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

30.1

21.7

Cash paid related to withdrawal costs – multiemployer pension funds, net of tax

25.4

Restructuring payments, net of tax

11.5

7.8

Divestiture related tax (benefits) payments

(9.7)

7.8

Bridgeton insurance recovery, net of tax

(26.4)

Cash tax benefit for debt extinguishment and other related costs

(26.0)

Adjusted free cash flow

$

1,235.9

$

1,173.6

We believe that presenting adjusted free cash flow provides useful information regarding our recurring cash provided by operating activities after certain expenditures or recoveries. It also demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy and is a key metric we use to determine compensation. The presentation of adjusted free cash flow has material limitations. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent our cash flow available for discretionary payments because it excludes certain payments that are required or to which we have committed, such as debt service requirements and dividend payments. Our definition of adjusted free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Purchases of property and equipment as reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows represent amounts paid during the period for such expenditures. A reconciliation of property and equipment expenditures reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows to property and equipment received during the period follows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Years Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

Purchases of property and equipment per the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows

$

1,194.6

$

1,207.1

Adjustments for property and equipment received during the prior period but paid for in the following period, net

46.0

8.7

Property and equipment received during the period

$

1,240.6

$

1,215.8

The adjustments noted above do not affect our net change in cash and cash equivalents as reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, accounts receivable were $1,091.3 million and $1,125.9 million, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $34.7 million and $34.0 million, respectively, resulting in days sales outstanding of 38.6, or 26.4 days net of deferred revenue, compared to 39.8, or 27.9 days net of deferred revenue, respectively.

CASH DIVIDENDS

In October 2020, we paid a cash dividend of $135.4 million to shareholders of record as of October 1, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we recorded a quarterly dividend payable of $135.5 million to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 4, 2021, which was paid on January 15, 2021.

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

During the three months ended December 31, 2020, there were no shares repurchased. In October 2020, our Board of Directors approved a $2.0 billion share repurchase authorization effective starting January 1, 2021 and extending through December 31, 2023.

RECONCILIATION OF 2021 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE 

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

The following is a summary of anticipated adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year ending December 31, 2021 compared to the actual adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2020. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is not a measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

(Anticipated)

Year Ending

December 31, 2021

(Actual)

Year Ended

December 31, 2020

Diluted earnings per share

$           3.61 to 3.68

$

3.02

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other related costs

0.23

Restructuring charges

0.04 to 0.05

0.05

Loss (gain) on business divestitures and impairments, net

0.21

Withdrawal costs – multiemployer pension funds

0.08

Bridgeton insurance recovery

(0.03)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$           3.65 to 3.73

$

3.56

We believe that presenting adjusted diluted earnings per share provides an understanding of operational activities before the financial impact of certain items. We use this measure, and believe investors will find it helpful, in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that have a disproportionate impact on our results for a particular period. We have incurred comparable charges, costs and recoveries in prior periods, and similar types of adjustments can reasonably be expected to be recorded in future periods. Our definition of adjusted diluted earnings per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Our anticipated adjusted free cash flow for the year ending December 31, 2021, and our actual adjusted free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2020, which are not measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are calculated as follows:

(Anticipated)

Year Ending

December 31, 2021

(Actual)

Year Ended

December 31, 2020

Cash provided by operating activities

$       2,450 to 2,570

$

2,471.6

Property and equipment received

(1,175 to 1,225)

(1,240.6)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

15

30.1

Cash paid related to withdrawal costs – multiemployer pension funds, net of tax

25.4

Restructuring payments, net of tax

10 to 15

11.5

Divestiture related tax (benefits) payments

(9.7)

Bridgeton insurance recovery, net of tax

(26.4)

Cash tax benefit for debt extinguishment and other related costs

(26.0)

Adjusted free cash flow

$      1,300 to 1,375

$

1,235.9

We believe that presenting adjusted free cash flow provides useful information regarding our recurring cash provided by operating activities after certain expenditures or recoveries. It also demonstrates our ability to execute our financial strategy and is a key metric we use to determine compensation. The presentation of adjusted free cash flow has material limitations. Adjusted free cash flow does not represent our cash flow available for discretionary payments because it excludes certain payments that are required or to which we have committed, such as debt service requirements and dividend payments. Our definition of adjusted free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking information about us that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor for «forward-looking statements» provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words such as «guidance,» «expect,» «will,» «may,» «anticipate,» «plan,» «estimate,» «project,» «intend,» «should,» «can,» «likely,» «could,» «outlook» and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include information about our plans, strategies and prospects. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that the expectations will prove to be correct. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements are the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken in response thereto, acts of war, riots or terrorism, and the impact of these acts on economic, financial and social conditions in the United States as well as our dependence on large, long-term collection, transfer and disposal contracts. More information on factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated is included from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (when filed), particularly under Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors. Additionally, new risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, or to assess the impact such risk factors might have on our business. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Republic Services logo (PRNewsfoto/Republic Services)

 

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SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.

AB Global High Income Fund Releases Monthly Portfolio Update

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AB Global High Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: AWF) (the «Fund») today released its monthly portfolio update as of January 31, 2021.

<td…

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AB Global High Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: AWF) (the «Fund») today released its monthly portfolio update as of January 31, 2021.

AB Global High Income Fund, Inc.

AB Global High Income Fund, Inc.

Top 10 Fixed-Income Holdings

Portfolio %

1) Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Series F 10.00%, 1/01/23 

2.64%

2) U.S. Treasury Notes  2.25%, 2/15/27 

1.86%

3) U.S. Treasury Notes  2.875%, 8/15/28 

1.32%

4) Argentine Republic Government International Bond  0.125%, 7/09/30 – 7/09/41 

0.82%

5) Dominican Republic International Bond  8.625%, 4/20/27 

0.64%

6) Colombian TES Series B 10.00%, 7/24/24 

0.56%

7) Nigeria Government International Bond  7.625%, 11/21/25 – 11/28/47 

0.53%

8) Ukraine Government International Bond  7.75%, 9/01/22 – 9/01/24 

0.49%

9) Oman Government International Bond  4.125%, 1/17/23 

0.39%

10) First Quantum Minerals Ltd.  7.25%, 4/01/23 

0.39%

Investment Type

Portfolio %

Corporates – Non-Investment Grade

Industrial

Energy

6.36%

Consumer Non-Cyclical

3.52%

Communications – Media

3.50%

Basic

2.79%

Consumer Cyclical – Automotive

2.60%

Capital Goods

2.48%

Consumer Cyclical – Other

2.45%

Services

2.21%

Technology

2.05%

Consumer Cyclical – Retailers

1.86%

Consumer Cyclical – Entertainment

1.76%

Communications – Telecommunications

1.71%

Transportation – Services

0.47%

Other Industrial

0.35%

Consumer Cyclical – Restaurants

0.17%

Transportation – Airlines

0.14%

SUBTOTAL

34.42%

Credit Default Swaps

26.36%

SUBTOTAL

26.36%

Financial Institutions

Banking

2.29%

Finance

1.02%

REITS

0.97%

Insurance

0.91%

Other Finance

0.44%

Brokerage

0.33%

SUBTOTAL

5.96%

Utility

Electric

0.54%

SUBTOTAL

0.54%

SUBTOTAL

67.28%

Emerging Markets – Sovereigns

Emerging Markets – Sovereigns

10.90%

Credit Default Swaps

0.46%

SUBTOTAL

11.36%

Corporates – Investment Grade

Financial Institutions

Banking

4.34%

Insurance

1.49%

Finance

0.46%

REITS

0.24%

Other Finance

0.02%

SUBTOTAL

6.55%

Industrial

Basic

0.84%

Consumer Cyclical – Other

0.61%

Transportation – Airlines

0.57%

Energy

0.48%

Technology

0.26%

Capital Goods

0.20%

Other Industrial

0.19%

Consumer Non-Cyclical

0.14%

Consumer Cyclical – Automotive

0.13%

Communications – Media

0.07%

Consumer Cyclical – Retailers

0.05%

Services

0.04%

SUBTOTAL

3.58%

SUBTOTAL

10.13%

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

Risk Share Floating Rate

7.74%

Non-Agency Fixed Rate

0.59%

Non-Agency Floating Rate

0.48%

Agency Fixed Rate

0.44%

SUBTOTAL

9.25%

Interest Rate Futures

8.81%

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

Credit Default Swaps

4.90%

Non-Agency Fixed Rate CMBS

1.24%

Non-Agency Floating Rate CMBS

0.09%

SUBTOTAL

6.23%

Global Governments

5.61%

Bank Loans

Industrial

Consumer Non-Cyclical

1.15%

Technology

0.91%

Services

0.58%

Consumer Cyclical – Other

0.48%

Capital Goods

0.46%

Communications – Media

0.31%

Communications – Telecommunications

0.29%

Other Industrial

0.26%

Consumer Cyclical – Retailers

0.16%

Consumer Cyclical – Restaurants

0.11%

Consumer Cyclical – Entertainment

0.08%

Consumer Cyclical – Automotive

0.08%

Basic

0.05%

Energy

0.05%

Transportation – Airlines

0.02%

SUBTOTAL

4.99%

Utility

Electric

0.17%

SUBTOTAL

0.17%

Financial Institutions

Insurance

0.12%

SUBTOTAL

0.12%

SUBTOTAL

5.28%

Emerging Markets – Corporate Bonds

Industrial

Basic

1.68%

Energy

0.79%

Consumer Cyclical – Other

0.59%

Consumer Non-Cyclical

0.43%

Communications – Telecommunications

0.26%

Capital Goods

0.24%

Communications – Media

0.08%

Transportation – Services

0.04%

SUBTOTAL

4.11%

Utility

Electric

0.38%

SUBTOTAL

0.38%

Financial Institutions

Insurance

0.07%

Banking

0.05%

Finance

0.02%

SUBTOTAL

0.14%

SUBTOTAL

4.63%

Emerging Markets – Treasuries

2.64%

Quasi-Sovereigns

Quasi-Sovereign Bonds

1.49%

SUBTOTAL

1.49%

Common Stocks

1.47%

Collateralized Loan Obligations

CLO – Floating Rate

1.26%

SUBTOTAL

1.26%

Total Return Swaps

0.98%

Asset-Backed Securities

Other ABS – Fixed Rate

0.44%

Autos – Fixed Rate

0.27%

Home Equity Loans – Fixed Rate

0.25%

Home Equity Loans – Floating Rate

0.01%

SUBTOTAL

0.97%

Investment Companies

Funds and Investment Trusts

0.50%

SUBTOTAL

0.50%

Local Governments – US Municipal Bonds

0.34%

Preferred Stocks

Financial Institutions

0.23%

Industrial

0.10%

SUBTOTAL

0.33%

Inflation-Linked Securities

0.25%

Currency Instruments

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

0.12%

SUBTOTAL

0.12%

Warrants

0.05%

Equity Futures

Equity Index Futures

-0.12%

SUBTOTAL

-0.12%

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

-0.33%

Net Cash Equivalents

Investment Companies

3.14%

Governments – Treasuries

0.34%

Foreign Currency

-0.02%

Cash

-0.18%

SUBTOTAL

3.28%

Derivative Offsets

Futures Offsets

-8.89%

Swaps Offsets

-32.92%

SUBTOTAL

-41.81%

Total

100.00%

Country Breakdown

Portfolio %

United States

65.06%

Brazil

5.23%

United Kingdom

2.68%

Mexico

1.88%

Canada

1.79%

Egypt

1.38%

Colombia

1.10%

Luxembourg

1.06%

Dominican Republic

1.01%

Cayman Islands

0.99%

Argentina

0.86%

Switzerland

0.85%

Nigeria

0.81%

Ukraine

0.80%

Italy

0.77%

Bahrain

0.73%

France

0.73%

Russia

0.65%

Ivory Coast

0.63%

Spain

0.59%

Oman

0.59%

Zambia

0.52%

Netherlands

0.52%

Kenya

0.49%

Sweden

0.47%

Gabon

0.43%

Angola

0.42%

South Africa

0.41%

Senegal

0.40%

Finland

0.39%

Ghana

0.38%

Macau

0.36%

Germany

0.34%

El Salvador

0.31%

Costa Rica

0.29%

Jersey (Channel Islands)

0.27%

Denmark

0.26%

Ireland

0.26%

Peru

0.25%

Honduras

0.25%

Indonesia

0.25%

Hong Kong

0.23%

Ecuador

0.23%

Israel

0.22%

India

0.20%

Turkey

0.18%

Chile

0.18%

Jamaica

0.17%

Mongolia

0.16%

Bermuda

0.13%

Australia

0.13%

Japan

0.11%

Kazakhstan

0.07%

Venezuela

0.07%

Jordan

0.06%

Guatemala

0.06%

United Arab Emirates

0.06%

Iraq

0.05%

Morocco

0.05%

Kuwait

0.04%

China

0.03%

Lebanon

0.03%

Sri Lanka

0.03%

Pakistan

0.02%

Belgium

0.02%

Norway

0.01%

Total Investments

100.00%

Net Currency Exposure Breakdown

Portfolio %

United States Dollar

98.23%

Brazilian Real

0.50%

South African Rand

0.48%

Russian Rubles

0.47%

Egypt Pound

0.42%

Indonesian Rupiah

0.25%

Mexican Peso

0.24%

Great British Pound

0.05%

Canadian Dollar

0.03%

Nigerian Naira

0.02%

Argentine Peso

0.01%

Malaysian Ringgit

0.01%

Norwegian Krone

0.01%

Swedish Krona

0.01%

Taiwan New Dollar

0.01%

Swiss Franc

-0.01%

Polish Zloty

-0.01%

Colombian Peso

-0.10%

Euro

-0.62%

Total Net Assets

100.00%

Credit Rating

Portfolio %

AAA

5.15%

AA

0.86%

A

0.82%

BBB

16.61%

BB

29.78%

B

25.58%

CCC

9.83%

CC

0.27%

C

0.10%

D

0.68%

Not Rated

5.68%

Short Term Investments

3.47%

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

-0.33%

N/A

1.50%

Total

100.00%

Bonds By Maturity

Portfolio %

Less than 1 year

5.93%

1 to 5 years

61.11%

5 to 10 years

21.45%

10 to 20 years

5.81%

20 to 30 years

3.61%

More Than 30 years

0.57%

Other

1.52%

Total Net Assets

100.00%

Portfolio Statistics:

Average Coupon:

7.57%

Average Bond Price:

104.39

Percentage of Leverage(based on gross assets):

Bank Borrowing:

0.00%

Investment Operations:

41.83%

Preferred stock:

0.00%

Tender Option Bonds:

0.00%

VMTP Shares:

0.00%

Total Fund Leverage:

41.83%

Average Maturity:

5.41  Years

Effective Duration:

4.40  Years

Total Net Assets:

$1,115.03 Million

Net Asset Value:

$12.93

Number of Holdings:

1623

Portfolio Turnover:

32%

* Investment Operations may include the use of certain portfolio management techniques such as credit default swaps, dollar rolls, negative cash, reverse repurchase agreements and when-issued securities.

The foregoing portfolio characteristics are as of the date indicated and can be expected to change. The Fund is a closed-end U.S.-registered management investment company advised by AllianceBernstein L. P.

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ab-global-high-income-fund-releases-monthly-portfolio-update-301232759.html

SOURCE AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc.

ReneSola Power to Participate in Upcoming Virtual Investor Conferences

STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ReneSola Ltd («ReneSola Power» or the «Company») (www.renesolapower.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading fully integrated solar project developer, announced today its participation in the following virtual investor conferences:

<a…

STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ReneSola Ltd («ReneSola Power» or the «Company») (www.renesolapower.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading fully integrated solar project developer, announced today its participation in the following virtual investor conferences:

  • Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 (presentation scheduled for 3:00 pm ET)
  • Credit Suisse 26th Annual Energy Summit on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 (fireside chat scheduled for 8:10 am ET)

You may access webcasts of the Raymond James and Credit Suisse presentations either live or by replay, for at least one week following the presentation, at the Investors section of ReneSola Power’s website at https://ir.renesolapower.com.

Management will be available for one-on-one meetings with institutional investors at each of these events.  Portfolio managers and analysts who wish to request a meeting should contact their institutional sales representative at each sponsoring bank.

Copies of any presentation materials will be made available on the Investors section of ReneSola Power’s website at https://ir.renesolapower.com.

About ReneSola Power

ReneSola Power (NYSE: SOL) is a leading global solar project developer and operator. The Company focuses on solar power project development, construction management and project financing services. With local professional teams in more than 10 countries around the world, the business is spread across a number of regions where the solar power project markets are growing rapidly, and can sustain that growth due to improved clarity around government policies. The Company’s strategy is to pursue high-margin project development opportunities in these profitable and growing markets; specifically, in the U.S. and Europe, where the Company has a market-leading position in several geographies, including Poland, Hungary, Minnesota and New York.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renesola-power-to-participate-in-upcoming-virtual-investor-conferences-301232305.html

SOURCE ReneSola Ltd.

SMECO digitizes planning, tracking crew moves with ARCOS Crew Manager

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ARCOS® LLC, the market leader for utility and critical infrastructure resource-management solutions, has implemented <a target="_blank"…

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ARCOS® LLC, the market leader for utility and critical infrastructure resource-management solutions, has implemented ARCOS Crew Manager® at Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), so utility managers can not only see where, what and how long the co-op’s 40 service and construction crews are working but also create a digital snapshot of which crews and equipment are available minutes, hours or even weeks ahead.

«Crew Manager is an evolution from the ARCOS Callout and Scheduling Suite we installed in 2006,» said Ronnie Wise, Distribution Operations manager for SMECO. «ARCOS callouts use algorithms to call crews in the order our business processes dictate; with ARCOS, we’ve assembled 14-person crews in 24 minutes. Before that we made callouts by hand, one call at a time – it could take an hour to build a crew.»

During normal business hours, SMECO’s distribution system operators (DSOs) use Crew Manager alongside the work and outage management system to keep tabs on crews’ field work and customer appointments. Crew foremen, which SMECO calls operations supervisors, begin their shift and enter the status of crew members into Crew Manager. The software then tracks and computes hours worked, breaks and availability – on a dashboard for the DSOs.

To manage resources for a forecasted storm, SMECO’s managers access a visual display of the status, skill sets and location of crews and equipment in Crew Manager via color-coded icons. Managers drag and drop icons across the utility’s territory to create different restoration scenarios. If a scenario shows a gap because, say, a crew will have worked too many hours or there aren’t enough resources to cover a set of circuits, SMECO can reorder its plans in Crew Manager and quickly see an alternative or know precisely how many contractors to call on.

SMECO has also relied on Crew Manager during the COVID-19 pandemic to split its crews into blue and gold teams to better manage, or mitigate, a potential outbreak. The system allows DSOs to quickly see if a field assignment might cause crews from different teams to inadvertently converge at a work site, which helps to prevent crossover.

DSOs also rely on the crew management software to set up attributes (or badges) for resources. For instance, next to a truck’s serial number in Crew Manager, a DSO can link a color-coded badge reading «digger-derrick» or «single-bucket truck.» Before Crew Manager, SMECO relied on an ever-evolving number scheme to track trucks and other equipment.

Wise added, «Cooperatives that don’t have these systems will ask, ‘Why do I need to buy a software system to make calls and track crews when I have dispatchers?’

«We gave our DSOs these tools, so they can put more time into researching what crews need, or formulating a game plan for restoration,» said Wise. «In the midst of chaos, it’s made life less chaotic.»

About ARCOS LLC
ARCOS is a leader in delivering SaaS solutions for managing resources, ensuring accurate, compliant shift scheduling and automatically planning for all types of events. The ARCOS solution reports on the up-to-the-minute location and status of equipment and crews via mobile technology for utilities and other critical infrastructure like airlines, manufacturers and industrial facilities. The ARCOS resource management platform helps organizations save time and money, while improving customer satisfaction and the efficiency, safety and accuracy of operations. Learn about ARCOS resource management software at http://www.arcos-inc.com.

Media Contact

Dean Heid, ARCOS LLC, 6149757538, dheid@arcos-inc.com

 

SOURCE ARCOS LLC

Bally’s Corporation Submits Proposal To Develop $650 Million World Class Casino And Resort In Richmond, Virginia

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Bally’s Corporation (NYSE: BALY), a leading U.S. omnichannel provider of land-based gaming and interactive entertainment, today submitted a proposal to the City of Richmond to develop and operate the «Bally’s Richmond Casino Resort,» a world class, destination resort, hotel and casino. The project, which will span more than 1.6 million total square feet, will include a casino, sportsbook,…

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Bally’s Corporation (NYSE: BALY), a leading U.S. omnichannel provider of land-based gaming and interactive entertainment, today submitted a proposal to the City of Richmond to develop and operate the «Bally’s Richmond Casino Resort,» a world class, destination resort, hotel and casino. The project, which will span more than 1.6 million total square feet, will include a casino, sportsbook, hotel, resort-style pool, dining and retail outlets, and a flexible space for live entertainment and conferences.

To ensure that the project fosters significant opportunities for Richmond’s local organizations and minority-owned businesses, Bally’s has entered into strategic partnerships with multiple leaders of the greater Richmond community, including Willie Lanier, Sr. and the Lanier Family, Darrell Green, Founder of the Darrell Green Youth Foundation, and Warren Thompson, Founder, President and Chairman of the Board of Thompson Hospitality Corporation. Bally’s has also started discussions and begun forming partnerships with several small business enterprises including the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council and the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce, each of which has committed their support to the proposed project.

Bally’s has proposed construction of the Bally’s Richmond on a 61-acre parcel located North of Powhite Parkway / East of Chippenham Parkway, on the western border of Richmond, Virginia. This central location will make the Bally’s Richmond an attractive destination, providing convenient highway and transit access, as well as connectivity to downtown Richmond, which is only six miles away, and neighboring suburbs. Bally’s carefully selected this wooded site located at the city’s edge because it will provide the greatest economic benefit to Richmond without causing any disruption to nearby communities.

As detailed in the proposal, construction of the Bally’s Richmond is projected to take approximately 18 months, with an anticipated opening in 2024. Bally’s estimates that construction, which will supply Richmond with several years of contractor and sub-contractor work, will cost approximately $650 million, including a one-time, $100 million upfront payment to the City of Richmond after selection. Upon completion, Bally’s estimates that the property will attract approximately 3.7 million visitors annually, generating approximately 1,700 full-time equivalent (FTE) employment opportunities and approximately 2,000 total employees with FTE payroll. The project is also estimated to generate approximately $415 million in total gross revenue annually.

Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation’s Board of Directors, said, «As a former director and the largest shareholder of Richmond-headquartered Media General, I have a strong interest in the growth, development and success of this great city. I am grateful for the opportunity to present this project to the City of Richmond, which will not only generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, but, more importantly, thousands of high paying jobs. The project also demonstrates Bally’s deep commitments to supporting local communities, partnering with local businesses and promoting diversity.»

«We are honored about the prospect of partnering with the City of Richmond as it embarks upon this exciting and unique adventure,» said George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bally’s Corporation. «Our proposal represents an unprecedented project for the Richmond community that will embrace and showcase the city’s existing culture and traditions in an environment positioned towards entertainment and leisure. The Bally’s Richmond would provide the city with a vibrant new attraction that is sure to turn Richmond into a dynamic tourist destination.»

A World-Class Destination Resort

Among other amenities and offerings, the Bally’s Richmond would include:

  • a casino, curated to celebrate Richmond’s diversity, consisting of 2,500 slot machines, 90 table games, 30 poker tables, a High Limit Gaming area and VIP lounge;
  • a 4-star, 250-room hotel that will provide the Richmond market, including the Richmond Convention Center, with an advantage in attracting meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) activities and revenue;
  • a 3,000 square foot indoor/outdoor pool area that will include a stage, access to the B3 Bar (an outdoor food and beverage venue), and adjacency to local food trucks as well as local beer, wine and other distilled options from around Richmond;
  • a 16,000 square foot multi-dimensional spa, salon and health club offering a variety of curated wellness treatments, customizable therapies and massages, advanced skincare options, and wet and dry facilities;
  • a 45,000 square foot multi-use event space with 3,000 high-quality stadium seats, a permanent stage and a state-of-the-art sound system that will be available for headline entertainment, art exhibitions, large catered, community, MICE and sports events, and other performances;
  • 13 premier food and beverage venues, including a branded steakhouse, The Bally Sports Bar & Grill, and a rooftop bar overlooking the James River and downtown Richmond, as well as a commitment to incorporate local, VA-based food and beverage vendors to the property; and
  • a visitor center providing a full-range of services for guests seeking to access sites, museums, and other attractions throughout the city.

Papanier continued, «Bally’s brings a wealth of experience to this project. We have deep roots in land-based, regional casinos, demonstrated by our national, multi-property portfolio. We are a premier omnichannel gaming company with complete online sports betting and online gaming capabilities. With a database comprised of 15 million players that offers unparalleled cross-marketing opportunities, we are uniquely-situated to successfully develop and operate the Bally’s Richmond, and ensure future economic opportunity for the City of Richmond, its local businesses and its residents.»

Local Partnerships

As part of this project, Bally’s is partnering with the Lanier Family, who will take a minority ownership interest. The partnership with the Lanier Family reinforces Bally’s commitment to involve and connect with the local Richmond community. The Lanier Family will assist Bally’s in its community outreach programs as well as provide project construction and development services through Lanier United — a real estate development and construction company owned by Willie Lanier, Jr., son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Virginia-native Willie Lanier, Sr.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green has also agreed to acquire a minority stake in the Bally’s Richmond. Green is a resident of Northern Virginia and regarded as one of the top 100 NFL players of all time. In 1988, Green founded the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation, a faith-based charitable organization developed to «meet the needs of children, their families and the communities in which they live.» The foundation is responsible for building four centers in the Richmond area aimed at serving underprivileged youth, as well as hosting an annual golf tournament that raises funds to invest in the education of children living in at-risk communities.

In addition, Bally’s is partnering with Warren Thompson and his company Thompson Hospitality Corporation, which will maintain a minority ownership interest in the project. Thompson is the Founder, President and Chairman of the Board of Thompson Hospitality, which is the nation’s largest minority-owned food and facilities management company, as well as the largest minority employer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The partnership will enable Bally’s to further support the Richmond community by incorporating certain of Thompson’s local restaurant concepts and minority employees into the project, and entering into supplier agreements led by his company.

Warren Thompson said, «I am thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Bally’s, the Lanier Family and Darrell Green on this historic and transformative project. Bally’s has a proven track record of supporting local organizations and minority-owned businesses, and is committed to vendor diversity when sourcing products and services. I look forward to teaming up with Bally’s and contributing to outreach opportunities that are sure to make a lasting, positive impact on the Richmond community.»

Supporting the Richmond Community

Bally’s aims to play a significant role in the local communities in which it operates, seeking to ensure that it gives back to the businesses and residents who are vital to its success. To that end, a hallmark of the Bally’s Richmond will be «Richmond Rewards» – a unique, interactive program that will incentivize players and guests to redeem the rewards they earn while playing at the Bally’s Richmond at local retailers. Bally’s has successfully implemented similar rewards programs in a number of cities across the U.S.

Working with the Lanier Family, Darrell Green and Warren Thompson, Bally’s Richmond will solicit small businesses within the Richmond area to join this innovative program and will work with participating organizations to offer the best array of rewards. Players and guests will be able to view participating businesses and their products through a virtual store easily accessible from mobile devices. The «Richmond Rewards» program represents an innovative opportunity for the casino, its players and local, participating businesses.

Papanier continued, «We are thrilled to be partnering with the Lanier Family, Darrell Green and Warren Thompson, each of whom has deep and significant ties to the greater Richmond community. Through these partnerships, we will support, utilize and develop lasting relationships with local and minority-owned businesses. We also look forward to working with historically Black colleges and universities to provide education and training opportunities, internship programs and prospects for long-term employment.»

The City of Richmond is expected to issue its decision on Bally’s proposal in June 2021.

Advisor

Innovation Capital is acting as financial advisor to Bally’s on the proposed project.

About Bally’s Corporation

Bally’s Corporation currently owns and manages 11 casinos across seven states, a horse racetrack and 13 authorized OTB licenses in Colorado. With more than 5,900 employees, the Company’s operations include 13,260 slot machines, 459 game tables and 2,941 hotel rooms. Following the completion of pending acquisitions, which include Tropicana Evansville (Evansville, IN), Jumer’s Casino & Hotel (Rock Island, IL), and MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa (Lake Tahoe, NV), as well as the construction of a land-based casino near the Nittany Mall in State College, PA, Bally’s will own and manage 15 casinos across 11 states. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol «BALY.»

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements as to matters that are not historical facts, and include statements about Bally’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based on Bally’s current expectations and assumptions. Although Bally’s believes that its expectations and assumptions are reasonable at this time, they should not be regarded as representations that Bally’s expectations will be achieved. Actual results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the time of this document and Bally’s does not undertake to update or revise them as more information becomes available, except as required by law.

Important factors beyond those that apply to most businesses, some of which are beyond Bally’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and assumptions include, without limitation:

  • uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, including limitations on Bally’s operations, increased costs, changes in customer attitudes, impact on Bally’s employees and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on general economic conditions;
  • unexpected costs, difficulties integrating and other events impacting Bally’s recently completed and proposed acquisitions and Bally’s ability to realize anticipated benefits;
  • risks associated with Bally’s rapid growth, including those affecting customer and employee retention, integration and controls;
  • risks associated with the impact of the digitalization of gaming on Bally’s casino operations, Bally’s expansion into iGaming and sports betting and the highly competitive and rapidly changing aspects of Bally’s new interactive businesses generally;
  • the very substantial regulatory restrictions applicable to Bally’s, including costs of compliance;
  • restrictions and limitations in agreements governing Bally’s debt could significantly affect Bally’s ability to operate our business and our liquidity; and
  • other risks identified in Part I. Item 1A. «Risk Factors» of Bally’s Annual Report on Form 10–K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with SEC on March 13, 2020 and other filings with the SEC.

The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive and does not include matters like changes in general economic conditions that affect substantially all gaming businesses.

You should not to place undue reliance on Bally’s forward-looking statements.

Bally’s Contacts

Investor Contact
Steve Capp
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
401-475-8564
InvestorRelations@twinriver.com

Media Contact
Richard Goldman / David Gill
Kekst CNC
646-847-6102 / 917-842-5384
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CGTN:alivio de la pobreza, una promesa solemne cumplida por los líderes chinos

BEIJING, 22 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con su propósito fundamental de servir al corazón y al alma del pueblo, el Partido Comunista de China (CPC) se ha dedicado a conducir a la nación hacia la construcción de una sociedad moderadamente próspera en todos los aspectos, y ha ayudado a lograr resultados milagrosos en la reducción de la pobreza.

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BEIJING, 22 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con su propósito fundamental de servir al corazón y al alma del pueblo, el Partido Comunista de China (CPC) se ha dedicado a conducir a la nación hacia la construcción de una sociedad moderadamente próspera en todos los aspectos, y ha ayudado a lograr resultados milagrosos en la reducción de la pobreza.

«Ver que la gente pobre y las zonas empobrecidas entrarán en la sociedad moderadamente próspera junto con el resto del país es una promesa solemne hecha por nuestro Partido», dijo el presidente chino Xi Jinping.

CMG lanzó recientemente una serie de televisión «Poverty Alleviation», que relata cómo China ha sacado a millones de personas de la pobreza. El primer episodio presenta una visión general de cómo los líderes chinos cumplieron su solemne promesa de sacar de la pobreza a todos los residentes rurales que viven por debajo del actual umbral de pobreza para 2020.

‘Pobreza fuera’

China puso en marcha programas de alivio de la pobreza a gran escala en 1982. Xi Jinping fue enviado a trabajar en el condado de Zhengding, provincia de Hebei en ese momento. De marzo de 1982 a mayo de 1985, Xi trabajó como subsecretario y luego secretario del Comité del Condado de Zhengding del CPC. Algunos de sus discursos y artículos de este período fueron publicados en su libro «Up and Out of Poverty».

Como Xi escribió: «Trabajé duro durante los dos años en la prefectura de Ningde, junto con la gente y los miembros del Partido allí. Siempre sentí una sensación de inquietud. El alivio de la pobreza es una empresa inmensa que requiere los esfuerzos de varias generaciones».

Luego llevó su sueño de reducción de la pobreza al centro de la vida política de China.

Mitigación de la pobreza dirigida, una nueva estrategia

El número de personas pobres reconocidas por el gobierno chino era de 99,89 millones a finales de 2012, una población mayor que la de todos los países, salvo unos pocos.

En noviembre de 2013, durante una visita de inspección a Hunan, el presidente Xi planteó por primera vez el concepto de «alivio específico de la pobreza».

Este concepto de adaptar las políticas de socorro a diferentes condiciones locales se convirtió en un principio rector en la lucha de China contra la pobreza.

En noviembre de 2015, en la Conferencia Central sobre mitigación y desarrollo de la pobreza, Xi señaló además que el alivio de la pobreza debería centrarse en cuatro cuestiones: quién necesita exactamente ayuda, quién debe implementar iniciativas de mitigación de la pobreza, cómo debe llevarse a cabo el alivio de la pobreza y qué normas y procedimientos deben adoptarse para salir de la pobreza.

Para abordar estas cuestiones mientras se llevaba a cabo el alivio específico de la pobreza, unos 800.000 funcionarios fueron enviados a misiones de socorro contra la pobreza de primera línea, trabajando a nivel local.

‘Nadie se quedará atrás’

A finales de 2016, había más de 43 millones de personas, o alrededor del 3% de la población china, viviendo en la pobreza. Sin embargo, mejorar a la población pobre restante, muchos de los cuales vivían en zonas sin carreteras, agua potable limpia o energía, sería los más difícil.

«Erradicar la pobreza siempre ha sido una batalla dura, mientras que erradicar la pobreza en zonas extremadamente pobres es la lucha más dura de todas», dijo Xi.

El país delimitó en 2017 tres regiones y tres prefecturas, incluida la región autónoma del Tíbet y la prefectura autónoma de Nujiang Lisu, en la provincia de Yunnan, como las zonas más pobres del país. Se asignaron más recursos a estas áreas.

«En la marcha hacia la prosperidad común, nadie se quedará atrás», ha prometido Xi.

‘Dos necesidades y tres garantías’

A finales de 2018, la población empobrecida del país se redujo a 16,6 millones, llevando el viaje de alivio de la pobreza a la «última milla». Pero el trabajo de alivio de la pobreza en China todavía enfrentaba muchos desafíos.

Algunas autoridades y departamentos locales agitaron o exageraron sus estadísticas de alivio de la pobreza para obtener puntos políticos. 

Hablando en un simposio sobre la lucha contra la pobreza en abril de 2019, el presidente chino pidió que se realizaran esfuerzos para resolver problemas prominentes para asegurar que se satisfacen las necesidades alimentarias y de vestimenta de la población pobre rural y garantizar que tengan acceso a la educación obligatoria, los servicios médicos básicos y la vivienda segura, referido como «dos necesidades y tres garantías».

A continuación, los ministerios lanzaron una extensa campaña para resolver los problemas pendientes y a finales de 2019 se resolvieron 5,2 millones de asuntos de «dos necesidades y tres garantías».

 Alcanzadas las metas contra la pobreza a pesar de la COVID-19

El año 2020 no fue un año normal para China y el mundo. La pandemia de COVID-19, junto con las inundaciones en el sur de China, planteaba desafíos desalentadores para la lucha nacional contra la penuria.

Según el Banco Mundial, se estima que la pandemia de COVID-19 ha empujado a otros 88-115 millones de personas a la pobreza extrema en 2020, lo que significa que se espera que la pobreza extrema mundial aumente por primera vez en más de 20 años.

El Presidente Xi subrayó en un simposio sobre la obtención de una victoria decisiva en el alivio de la pobreza en marzo de 2020 que mejorar a todos los residentes rurales que viven por debajo del actual umbral de pobreza para 2020 es una promesa solemne hecha por el Comité Central del CPC, y debe cumplirse a tiempo.

El país adoptó medidas más fuertes y eficaces para garantizar la erradicación completa de la pobreza a tiempo. Se hicieron más esfuerzos para minimizar las pérdidas causadas por desastres naturales y acelerar el restablecimiento de la producción y los pedidos vivos en las zonas pobres afectadas por desastres.

Los Ministros también intensificaron la vigilancia y prestaron asistencia oportuna para evitar que las personas volvieran a caer en la pobreza.

En diciembre de 2020, el presidente Xi anunció que después de ocho años de esfuerzos incesantes, toda la población rural pobre ha sido sacada de la pobreza y casi 100 millones de pobres se han deshecho de la pobreza.

Artículo original:aquí.

Vídeo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saxD4PtyH9M