Ardent Mills Announces Intent To Acquire Hinrichs Trading Company Operations

DENVER, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, today announced its intention to purchase substantially all of the business operations of Hinrichs Trading Company, the North American leader in chickpea sourcing, cleaning, and packing. The move comes as part of Ardent Mills’ strategic…

DENVER, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, today announced its intention to purchase substantially all of the business operations of Hinrichs Trading Company, the North American leader in chickpea sourcing, cleaning, and packing. The move comes as part of Ardent Mills’ strategic growth plan to further invest in specialty ingredient capabilities and diversify its portfolio of solutions, building upon its existing wheat flour business. The parties are continuing with due diligence and expect the deal to close in April 2021.   

Headquartered in Pullman, Washington, Hinrichs Trading Company currently operates across five locations in Washington and Montana. Family-owned, Hinrichs Trading Company has over 30 years of chickpea experience, having been involved in the production of the ingredient since it was first introduced into the U.S.

«Ardent Mills and Hinrichs Trading Company share a strong commitment to our growers, customers, team members, communities, and to growth and innovation,» said Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills. «There is a strong cultural alignment and shared values across both organizations. We look forward to welcoming the talented Hinrichs Trading Company team to the Ardent Mills family.»

The parties expect the deal will help customers bring innovative products to market to meet growing consumer demand for plant-based and specialty ingredients.

«We were looking for a partner that had the expertise to take the chickpea market to the next level and provide new opportunities for our team members and our growers,» said Phil Hinrichs, CEO of Hinrichs Trading Company. «Ardent Mills is that partner. They bring operational and technical expertise, access to new markets, and the ability to scale quickly and sustainably. Hinrichs Trading Company complements that with our extensive chickpea sourcing knowledge and extremely close grower connections. We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with Ardent Mills as we share a similar values-based culture and a solid vision for growth.»

Upon closing, this will be another step in Ardent Mills’ commitment to the future of specialty ingredients and plant genetics, which supports growth for its customers through The Annex by Ardent Mills. Highlights include:

  • Acquisition of Andean Naturals’ quinoa operations in February 2020.
  • Acquisition of an organic grain elevator in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
  • Added capabilities in its Denver RiNo community mill to clean and pack specialty grains.

«The plant-based food and beverage market shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, we continue to see significant growth as consumers look to foods that align with their individual values – both personal and planetary,» said Shrene White, general manager of The Annex by Ardent Mills. «Ardent Mills has made proactive investments to meet this demand. This potential venture will enable us to offer diverse chickpea solutions to our customers from day one.»

To learn more about how Ardent Mills is nourishing what’s next, please visit www.ardentmills.com.

About Ardent Mills 
Ardent Mills is the premier flour-milling and ingredient company whose vision is to be the trusted partner in nurturing its customers, consumers, and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions. Ardent Mills’ operations and services are supported by more than 35 flour mills, a specialty bakery, two mix facilities, a gluten-free facility, and The Annex by Ardent Mills (The Annex), a dedicated team committed to cultivating the future of specialty grains and plant-based ingredients. The Annex has a broad portfolio that includes quinoa, ancient and heirloom grains, gluten-free, organic grains and flours, chickpeas, as well as innovations such as Sustagrain® High-Fiber Barley, White Sonora, and heirloom wheat. Deeply rooted in communities throughout North America, Ardent Mills’ operations are located in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and the company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Ardent Mills employs more than 100 certified millers, supporting thousands of local jobs and contributing billions of dollars to local economies. To learn more about Ardent Mills, visit ardentmills.com.

About Hinrichs Trading Company
Hinrichs Trading Company (HTC) is a full-service pulse origination and processing company specializing in the production and processing of high-quality garbanzo bean (chickpea) products. HTC contracts production of garbanzo beans with trusted, long-term growers, across the US production areas. Learn more about Hinrichs Trading Company, visit https://hinrichstrading.com/.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1444469/Ardent_Mills_Logo.jpg   

SOURCE Ardent Mills

Keurig Dr Pepper Reports Strong Finish to 2020

BURLINGTON, Mass and PLANO, Texas, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ: KDP) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020 and provided guidance for 2021.   

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BURLINGTON, Mass and PLANO, Texas, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ: KDP) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020 and provided guidance for 2021.   

Reported GAAP Basis

Adjusted Basis1

Q4

FY 2020

Q4

FY 2020

Net Sales

   % vs Prior Year

  % vs Prior Year – Constant Currency

$3.12 bn

6.4%

6.6%

$11.62 bn

4.5%

5.0%

$3.12 bn

6.4%

6.6%

$11.62 bn

4.5%

5.0%

Diluted EPS

   % vs Prior Year

$0.30

3.4%

$0.93

5.7%

$0.39

11.4%

$1.40

14.8%

Earlier today the Company announced a 25% increase in its annualized dividend rate to $0.75 per share, from the current $0.60 per share, effective with the Company’s regular quarterly dividend to be announced in the second quarter of 2021, subject to official declaration by the Board of Directors.  This 25% increase will result in growth of 12.5% in dividends paid in 2021 and another 11.1% increase in 2022, given the calendar timing of both the increase and dividend payments.

Commenting on the announcements, Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort stated, «KDP again delivered on its annual financial commitments in 2020, capped by a strong fourth quarter with exceptional growth in net sales that was driven by market share gains across our portfolio and accelerated household adoption of the Keurig system. During the year, we implemented robust protocols to keep our employees safe, enhanced our portfolio with innovative new products and strategic partnerships, invested in our supply chain for growth, delivered our corporate responsibility goals and supported our communities. While we expect 2021 to be another challenging and unpredictable year, we’re confident in our ability to deliver the final year of the merger commitments communicated in 2018.  We are also confident in our ongoing strong free cash flow generation, which will enable us to return incremental value to our shareholders, while continuing to delever to our targeted level by year-end.»

Full-year 2020 highlights:

  • Successfully responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping employees safe, delivering for customers and providing for the communities that KDP serves.
  • Delivered strong net sales growth and double-digit Adjusted diluted EPS growth.
  • Grew market share2 in more than 90% of the Company’s cold beverage retail base.
  • Added approximately three million new U.S. households using the Keurig coffee system.
  • Strengthened and expanded KDP’s direct-store-delivery network through multiple transactions, including a long-term agreement with Polar Beverages.
  • Reduced financial obligations by more than $1.1 billion, with $240 million of unrestricted cash on hand, and improved KDP’s management leverage ratio by 0.9x to 3.6x at year-end 2020.
  • Meaningfully advanced KDP’s sustainability agenda, achieving key 2020 goals.
  • Transferred KDP’s stock exchange listing to Nasdaq and entered the Nasdaq-100 Index, supporting KDP’s evolution into a Modern Beverage Company.

2020 Full Year Consolidated Results
Net sales for the full year of 2020 increased 4.5% to $11.62 billion, compared to $11.12 billion in the year-ago period.  On a constant currency basis, net sales increased 5.0%, driven by higher volume/mix of 5.6%, partially offset by lower net price realization of 0.6%. 

KDP in-market performance remained strong for the year, with dollar market share advancing in more than 90% of KDP’s cold beverage retail base, including CSDs3, premium unflavored still water, teas and fruit drinks, vegetable juice, apple juice and apple sauce. This performance reflected the strength of Dr Pepper, Canada Dry and A&W CSDs, CORE hydration and evian premium water, Snapple tea and juice drinks, Clamato vegetable juice and Motts apple juice and apple sauce.  In coffee, retail consumption of single-serve pods manufactured by KDP grew nearly 10% in IRi tracked channels, with accelerated growth in e-commerce, partially offset by significant declines in away from home office and hospitality businesses.  In U.S. tracked channels, dollar market share of KDP manufactured pods remained strong at 83%.

GAAP operating income increased 4.3% to $2.48 billion, compared to $2.38 billion in the year-ago period, driven by the strong net sales growth, continued productivity and merger synergies and lower discretionary expenses, primarily marketing.  Partially offsetting these factors were the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, which included $128 million of COVID-19 related costs and a $67 million non-cash impairment charge on the Bai brand.  Also unfavorably impacting the comparison were increased operating expenses associated with higher consumer demand, inflation in logistics and certain other COVID-19 related costs. Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income increased 10.4% to $3.19 billion, compared to $2.89 billion in the year-ago period, and Adjusted operating margin increased 150 basis points to 27.5%.  On a constant currency basis, Adjusted operating income grew 10.8%.

Total COVID-19 related operating costs were $150 million in 2020, including the aforementioned $128 million in costs recognized as items affecting comparability.  These costs primarily reflected temporary compensation increases and incentives for front-line employees, as well as incremental health and safety measures across our employee base and enhanced sanitation expenses for our facilities. The remainder of the costs, totaling $22 million, were included in Adjusted results and represented inventory write-downs and bad debt expense in the first half of the year.

GAAP net income for the full year advanced 5.7% to $1.33 billion, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared to $1.25 billion, or $0.88 per diluted share in the year-ago period. This performance was driven by the growth in operating income, lower interest expense, reflecting continued deleveraging that was partially offset by comparison to prior year gains on interest rate swap contracts, and a lower effective tax rate, stemming from favorable valuation adjustments and discrete tax items. These drivers were partially offset by the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, including the COVID-19 related costs, the non-cash impairment charge on the Bai brand and other non-cash impairment charges on equity investments incurred in 2020. Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted net income for the year increased 15% to $1.99 billion, compared to $1.73 billion in the year-ago period, and Adjusted diluted EPS for 2020 increased 15% to $1.40, compared to $1.22 in the year-ago period.

KDP generated exceptionally strong free cash flow of $2.20 billion in 2020, reflecting growth in operating income and ongoing effective working capital management. The free cash flow performance enabled KDP to reduce total financial obligations by $1.12 billion and the Company ended the year with $240 million of unrestricted cash on hand.  The Company’s management leverage ratio declined to 3.6x at the end of 2020, compared to 4.5x at the end of 2019, primarily reflecting the reduction in bank debt and strong earnings growth.  Since the close of the merger in July 2018, KDP’s management leverage ratio has declined by 2.4x.

________________________________________

1 Adjusted financial metrics used in this release are non-GAAP. See reconciliations of GAAP results to Adjusted results in the accompanying tables.   

2 Market share and retail consumption data based on Keurig Dr Pepper’s custom IRi category definitions for the 13- and 52-week periods ending 12/27/2020.

3 CSDs refer to «Carbonated Soft Drinks».

2020 Full Year Segment Results

Coffee Systems
Net sales in 2020 increased 4.7% to $4.43 billion, compared to $4.23 billion in the year-ago period, reflecting higher volume/mix of 7.2%, partially offset by lower net price realization of 2.4%.  Also impacting the net sales performance was unfavorable foreign currency translation of 0.1%.  On a constant currency basis, net sales advanced 4.8%.

The volume/mix growth of 7.2% reflected strong pod volume growth of 6.3% and exceptionally strong brewer volume growth of 21%. Pod growth was driven by double-digit at-home consumption, partially offset by a significant decline in the away-from-home business, as work-from-home trends were elevated for most of the year.  The strong brewer growth was driven by continued innovation, marketing investments to grow household penetration and a very successful holiday season.  For the full year, U.S. households regularly using a Keurig brewer increased approximately 10% to 33 million households.

Operating income increased 4.0% to $1.27 billion in 2020, compared to $1.22 billion in the year-ago period.  This performance reflected the growth in net sales, continued productivity and merger synergies and lower discretionary spending, partially offset by unfavorable margin mix related to the exceptionally strong brewer growth and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, including $25 million in costs related to COVID-19.  Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income increased 7.9% to $1.51 billion, compared to $1.40 billion in the year-ago period, and Adjusted operating margin increased 110 basis points to 34.2%. On a constant currency basis, Adjusted operating income grew 8.0%.

Packaged Beverages
Net sales in 2020 increased 8.5% to $5.36 billion, compared to $4.95 billion in the year-ago period, reflecting favorable volume/mix of 8.2% and higher net price realization of 0.3%. This strong performance reflected market share growth across the portfolio, with particular strength in CSDs, premium unflavored water, juice, apple sauce and mixers, partially offset by softness in enhanced flavored water due to a slowdown in the convenience and gas channels for most of the year.

Brands driving the strong net sales performance were Dr Pepper, A&W, Canada Dry, 7UP, Squirt and Sunkist CSDs, Core Hydration and evian premium water, Motts juices, Snapple teas and juice drinks, A Shoc energy, Clamato, Real Lemon and mixers, partially offset by a decline in Bai.

Operating income increased 8.6% to $0.82 billion in 2020, compared to $0.76 billion in the year-ago period, reflecting the strong growth in net sales, lower discretionary expenses, and continued productivity and merger synergies.  These growth drivers were partially offset by higher operating costs to meet strong consumer demand, inflation in logistics and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, including $101 million in costs related to COVID-19 and a $67 million non-cash impairment charge on the Bai brand.  Excluding these and other items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income increased 30% to $1.02 billion, compared to $0.78 billion in the prior year, and Adjusted operating margin increased 320 basis points to 19.0%. On a constant currency basis, Adjusted operating income grew 31%.

Beverage Concentrates
Net sales in 2020 decreased 6.3% to $1.33 billion, compared to $1.41 billion in the year-ago period, reflecting unfavorable volume/mix of 5.8%, lower net price realization of 0.4% and unfavorable foreign currency translation of 0.1%. This performance primarily reflected the negative impact of COVID-19 on the fountain foodservice business, which primarily serves the restaurant and hospitality channels, due to significantly reduced consumer mobility.  On a constant currency basis, net sales decreased 6.2%.

Total shipment volume declined 5.1% versus year-ago due to the aforementioned COVID-19 impact on the fountain foodservice business.  Declines in Dr Pepper and Crush were partially offset by increased shipment volume in Squirt.  Bottler cases sales volume in 2020 decreased 2.4% versus the prior year.

Operating income in 2020 decreased 2.4% to $932 million, compared to $955 million in the year-ago period, reflecting the lower net sales and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, partially offset by lower discretionary expenses.  Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income decreased 2.0% to $938 million, compared to $957 million in the year-ago period and Adjusted operating margin increased 310 basis points to 70.8%. 

Latin America Beverages
Net sales in 2020 decreased 5.9% to $497 million, compared to $528 million in the year-ago period, primarily reflecting the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation.  On a constant currency basis, net sales increased 3.8%, reflecting higher net price realization of 5.8%, partially offset by lower volume/mix of 2.0% due primarily to the impact of COVID-19 in Mexico.

Operating income in 2020 increased 24% to $105 million, compared to $85 million in the year-ago period, reflecting the growth in constant currency net sales, continued productivity and lower discretionary spending, partially offset by the unfavorable impacts of foreign currency transaction expense, inflation in logistics and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability.  Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income increased 32% to $108 million, compared to $82 million in the prior year, and Adjusted operating margin increased 620 basis points to 21.7%. On a constant currency basis, Adjusted operating income grew 42.7% versus 2019.

Fourth Quarter Consolidated Results
Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 grew at an accelerated rate of 6.4% to $3.12 billion, compared to $2.93 billion in the year-ago period.  On a constant currency basis, net sales advanced 6.6%, reflecting higher volume/mix of 6.3% and favorable net price realization of 0.3%.

KDP in-market performance remained strong in the quarter, with dollar market share continuing to advance in more than 90% of KDP’s cold beverage retail base.  This performance reflected particular strength in CSDs, premium unflavored water, teas and fruit drinks, vegetable juice, apple juice and apple sauce.  In coffee, retail consumption of single-serve pods manufactured by KDP grew more than 7% in IRi tracked channels, with accelerated growth in e-commerce, partially offset by significant declines in away from home office and hospitality businesses. In the U.S. tracked channels, dollar market share of KDP manufactured pods remained strong at 83%.

GAAP operating income decreased 1.8% to $700 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $713 million in the year-ago period, reflecting the benefits of the strong growth in net sales, lower discretionary expenses, primarily marketing, continued productivity and merger synergies.  More than offsetting these factors were the unfavorable comparison to a $30 million gain in the prior year on the sale-leaseback of three manufacturing facilities, higher operating expenses associated with increased consumer demand, inflation in logistics and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, including COVID-19 related costs and a $67 million non-cash impairment charge on the Bai brand.  Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income in the quarter increased 5.5% to $858 million, compared to Adjusted operating income of $813 million in the year-ago period, and Adjusted operating margin declined 20 basis points to 27.5%.  On a constant currency basis, Adjusted operating income grew 5.7%.

The COVID-19 related operating costs incurred in the fourth quarter totaled $11 million, all of which were recognized as items affecting comparability, and consisted of temporary compensation increases and incentives for frontline employees, as well as incremental safety and sanitation expenses.

GAAP net income in the fourth quarter of 2020 increased 5.4% to $428 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income of $406 million, or $0.29 per diluted share in the year-ago period.  This performance reflected the strong growth in net sales, higher operating income driven by lower discretionary expenses, productivity and merger synergies, as well as lower interest expense and a lower effective tax rate resulting from favorable valuation adjustments and discrete tax items. These drivers were partially offset by the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, including the aforementioned $67 million non-cash impairment charge on the Bai brand and $11 million of COVID-19 related operating costs.  Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted net income advanced nearly 13% to $554 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $491 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted diluted EPS increased 11.4% to $0.39, compared to $0.35 in the year-ago period.

Free cash flow generation remained strong at $685 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, enabling the Company to reduce bank debt by $410 million.

Fourth Quarter Segment Results

Coffee Systems
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased 9.1% to $1.32 billion, compared to $1.21 billion in the year-ago period, reflecting higher volume/mix of 10.2%, partially offset by lower net price realization of 1.3%.  Also impacting the net sales performance was favorable foreign currency translation of 0.2%.  On a constant currency basis, net sales increased 8.9%.

The volume/mix increase of 10.2% in the quarter reflected strong pod volume growth of 7.4% and exceptionally strong brewer growth of nearly 28%. Pod growth was driven by strong at-home consumption, partially offset by continued softness in the away-from-home business, as return to offices and hospitality remain depressed although improved since the second quarter. The strong brewer volume was driven by innovation and increased shipments to retailers during a very successful holiday season.   

Operating income increased 17% to $386 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $329 million in the year-ago period, reflecting the strong growth in net sales, continued productivity and merger synergies and lower discretionary expenses. Partially offsetting these positive drivers were unfavorable margin mix related to the exceptionally strong brewer growth, inflation in logistics and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, including $4 million in costs related to COVID-19.  Excluding these and other items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income increased 17% to $431 million, compared to $370 million in the year-ago period, and Adjusted operating margin increased 210 basis points to 32.7%.

Packaged Beverages
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased 7.9% to $1.31 billion, compared to $1.21 billion in the year-ago period, reflecting favorable volume/mix of 6.1% due to continued, strong market share expansion across the portfolio and higher net price realization of 1.8%. 

Leading the net sales performance were Dr Pepper, A&W, Canada Dry, 7UP, Sunkist and Squirt CSDs, Snapple and Motts juices, CORE hydration and evian premium water and Clamato, partially offset by a decline in Bai.

Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased 27% to $165 million, compared to $226 million in the year-ago period, reflecting the unfavorable comparison to a $30 million year-ago gain on the sale-leaseback of three manufacturing facilities, higher operating costs to meet the continued strong consumer demand, inflation in logistics costs, and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of items affecting comparability, which included the $67 million non-cash impairment charge on the Bai brand and $6 million in costs related to COVID-19. Partially offsetting these drivers were the strong growth in net sales, continued productivity and merger synergies and lower discretionary expenses.  Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income increased 5.6% to $245 million, compared to $232 million in the year-ago period, and Adjusted operating margin declined 50 basis points to 18.7%.

Beverage Concentrates
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased 5.8% to $358 million, compared to $380 million in the year-ago period, reflecting unfavorable volume/mix of 4.5% and lower net price realization of 1.3%.  This performance continued to be pressured by COVID-19 as consumer mobility in the restaurant and hospitality channels remained depressed. 

Total shipment volume versus year-ago declined 3.4% in the quarter, due to the aforementioned COVID-19 impact on the fountain foodservice business.  Declines in Dr Pepper and Crush were partially offset by increased shipment volume in Squirt.  Bottler case sales volume decreased 2.1% in the quarter compared to the year-ago period.

Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased 4.5% to $253 million, compared to $265 million in the year-ago period, reflecting the impact of the lower net sales, partially offset by lower discretionary expenses and a slight year-over-year benefit from items affecting comparability.  Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income decreased 4.5% to $254 million, compared to $266 million in the year-ago period, and Adjusted operating margin increased 90 basis points to 70.9%. 

Latin America Beverages
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased 2.3% to $136 million, compared to net sales of $133 million in the year-ago period, driven by volume/mix growth of 2.3% and higher net price realization of 6.0%, significantly offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation of 6.0%. On a constant currency basis, net sales increased a strong 8.3%.

Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2020 increased 39% to $32 million, compared to $23 million in the year-ago period, reflecting the strong growth in constant currency net sales, continued productivity and lower discretionary expenses, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency transaction expense and inflation in logistics.  Excluding items affecting comparability, Adjusted operating income increased 32% to $33 million, compared to $25 million in the year-ago period, and Adjusted operating margin increased 550 basis points to 24.3%.  On a constant currency basis, Adjusted operating income grew 36% versus the prior year.

KDP Adjusted Guidance for 2021
KDP expects to deliver another year of strong net sales growth in 2021, positioning the Company to exceed its three-year merger target of 2-3% average annual growth.  Adjusted diluted EPS is again expected to grow by double-digits, enabling KDP to meet its three-year merger target of 15-17% average annual growth.

Specifically, constant currency net sales growth is expected in the range of 3-4% in 2021, driven by investments in innovation and marketing, the benefits of recent partnerships and ongoing strong in-market execution.  Adjusted diluted EPS growth is expected in the range of 13% to 15%, reflecting the benefits of the strong top-line performance and continued merger synergies and productivity, as well as reduced interest expense and improvement in the Company’s effective tax rate. 

Supporting this guidance are the following detailed expectations:

  • Merger synergies of approximately $200 million, for a three-year total of approximately $600 million, in line with the Company’s merger target.
  • Adjusted interest expense in the range of $505 million to $515 million.
  • Adjusted effective tax rate in the range of 23.5% to 24.0%.
  • Diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 1,430 million.
  • Management leverage ratio at or below 3.0x at year end 2021.

Investor Contacts:
Tyson Seely
Keurig Dr Pepper
T: 781-418-3352 / tyson.seely@kdrp.com

Steve Alexander
Keurig Dr Pepper
T: 972-673-6769 / steve.alexander@kdrp.com

Media Contact:
Katie Gilroy
Keurig Dr Pepper
T: 781-418-3345 / katie.gilroy@kdrp.com

About Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with annual revenue in excess of $11 billion and nearly 27,000 employees. KDP holds leadership positions in soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, water, juice and juice drinks and mixers, and markets the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands is designed to satisfy virtually any consumer need, any time, and includes Keurig®, Dr Pepper®, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters®, Canada Dry®, Snapple®, Bai®, Mott’s®, CORE® and The Original Donut Shop®. Through its powerful sales and distribution network, KDP can deliver its portfolio of hot and cold beverages to nearly every point of purchase for consumers.  The Company is committed to sourcing, producing and distributing its beverages responsibly through its Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility platform, including efforts around circular packaging, efficient natural resource use and supply chain sustainability.  For more information, visit, www.keurigdrpepper.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained herein are «forward-looking statements» within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as «outlook,» «guidance,» «anticipate,» «expect,» «believe,» «could,» «estimate,» «feel,» «forecast,» «intend,» «may,» «plan,» «potential,» «project,» «should,» «target,» «will,» «would,» and similar words, phrases or expressions and variations or negatives of these words, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements regarding the estimated or anticipated future results of the combined company following the combination of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. («KGM») and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. («DPS» and such combination, the «transaction»), the anticipated benefits of the transaction, including estimated synergies and cost savings, the long-term merger targets, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on the current expectations of our management and are not predictions of actual performance.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding the company’s business and the transaction and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) the impact the significant additional debt incurred in connection with the transaction may have on our ability to operate our business, (ii) risks relating to the integration of the KGM and DPS operations, products and employees into the combined company and assumption of certain potential liabilities of KGM and the possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits of the transaction, including cost savings, will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected timeframe, (iii) the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and (iv) risks relating to the businesses and the industries in which our combined company operates. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties, are more fully discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings. While the lists of risk factors presented here and in our public filings are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement made herein speaks only as of the date of this document. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures including Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income, Adjusted diluted EPS and Free Cash Flow, which differ from results using U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as supplements to the GAAP reported measures, should not be considered replacements for, or superior to, the GAAP measures and may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures typically exclude certain charges, including one-time costs related to the transaction and integration activities, which are not expected to occur routinely in future periods. The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures internally to focus management on performance excluding these special charges to gauge our business operating performance. Management believes this information is helpful to investors because it increases transparency and assists investors in understanding the underlying performance of the Company and in the analysis of ongoing operating trends. Additionally, management believes that non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by analysts and investors in their evaluation of companies, and continued inclusion provides consistency in financial reporting and enables analysts and investors to perform meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to non-GAAP financial measures are set forth in the appendix to this release and included in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

To the extent that the Company provides guidance, it does so only on a non-GAAP basis and does not provide reconciliations of such forward-looking non-GAAP measures to GAAP due to the inability to predict the amount and timing of impacts outside of the Company’s control on certain items, such as non-cash gains or losses resulting from mark-to-market adjustments of derivative instruments, among others.

 

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Three Months and Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)

For the Three Months Ended
December 31,

For the Year Ended
December 31,

(in millions, except per share data)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Net sales

$

3,121

$

2,934

$

11,618

$

11,120

Cost of sales

1,353

1,241

5,132

4,778

Gross profit

1,768

1,693

6,486

6,342

Selling, general and administrative expenses

1,000

1,011

3,978

3,962

Impairment of intangible assets

67

67

Other operating (income) expense, net

1

(31)

(39)

2

Income from operations

700

713

2,480

2,378

Interest expense

146

157

604

654

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

2

4

11

Impairment of investments and note receivable

102

Other expense, net

(4)

4

17

19

Income before provision for income taxes

558

550

1,753

1,694

Provision for income taxes

130

144

428

440

Net income

$

428

$

406

$

1,325

$

1,254

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

Net income attributable to KDP

$

428

$

406

$

1,325

$

1,254

Earnings per common share:

Basic

$

0.30

$

0.29

$

0.94

$

0.89

Diluted

0.30

0.29

0.93

0.88

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic

1,407.3

1,406.9

1,407.2

1,406.7

Diluted

1,423.8

1,419.9

1,422.1

1,419.1

 

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019

(Unaudited, in millions, except shares and per share data)

December 31,

(in millions, except share and per share data)

2020

2019

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

240

$

75

Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

15

26

Trade accounts receivable, net

1,048

1,115

Inventories

762

654

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

323

403

Total current assets

2,388

2,273

Property, plant and equipment, net

2,212

2,028

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

88

151

Goodwill

20,184

20,172

Other intangible assets, net

23,968

24,117

Other non-current assets

894

748

Deferred tax assets

45

29

Total assets

$

49,779

$

49,518

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

3,740

$

3,176

Accrued expenses

1,040

939

Structured payables

153

321

Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term obligations

2,345

1,593

Other current liabilities

416

445

Total current liabilities

7,694

6,474

Long-term obligations

11,143

12,827

Deferred tax liabilities

5,993

6,030

Other non-current liabilities

1,119

930

Total liabilities

25,949

26,261

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000,000 shares authorized, 1,407,260,676 and
1,406,852,305 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019,
respectively

14

14

Additional paid-in capital

21,677

21,557

Retained earnings

2,061

1,582

Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss

77

104

 Total stockholders’ equity

23,829

23,257

 Non-controlling interest

1

Total equity

23,830

23,257

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

49,779

$

49,518

 

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For The Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 

(Unaudited, in millions)

For the Year Ended December 31,

(in millions)

2020

2019

Operating activities:

Net income

$

1,325

$

1,254

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

Depreciation expense

362

358

Amortization of intangibles

133

126

Other amortization expense

158

174

Provision for sales returns

54

43

Deferred income taxes

(51)

(23)

Employee stock-based compensation expense

85

64

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

4

11

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(36)

(14)

Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency

(1)

(24)

Unrealized loss on derivatives

8

36

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates

20

51

Impairment of intangible assets

67

Impairment on investments and note receivable of unconsolidated affiliates

102

Other, net

60

52

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Trade accounts receivable

(5)

(7)

Inventories

(107)

(24)

Income taxes receivable and payables, net

(91)

36

Other current and non current assets

(435)

(324)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

624

583

Other current and non current liabilities

180

102

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

166

366

Net cash provided by operating activities

2,456

2,474

Investing activities:

Acquisitions of businesses

(8)

Issuance of related party note receivable

(6)

(32)

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

(5)

(16)

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(461)

(330)

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

203

247

Purchases of intangibles

(56)

(35)

Other, net

9

24

Net cash used in investing activities

(316)

(150)

Financing activities:

Proceeds from controlling shareholder stock transactions

29

Proceeds from unsecured credit facility

1,850

Proceeds from senior unsecured notes

1,500

Proceeds from term loan

2,000

Net (repayment) issuance of commercial paper notes

(1,246)

167

Proceeds from structured payables

171

330

Payments on structured payables

(341)

(531)

Payments on senior unsecured notes

(250)

(250)

Payment on unsecured credit facility

(1,850)

Payments on term loan

(955)

(3,203)

Payments on finance leases

(52)

(38)

Cash dividends paid

(846)

(844)

Other, net

5

Net cash used in financing activities

(1,990)

(2,364)

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents — net change from:

Operating, investing and financing activities

150

(40)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

(6)

12

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

111

139

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

$

255

$

111

 

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended
December 31,

For the Year Ended
December 31,

(in millions)

2020

2019

2020

2019

Net Sales

Coffee Systems

$

1,320

$

1,210

$

4,433

$

4,233

Packaged Beverages

1,307

1,211

5,363

4,945

Beverage Concentrates

358

380

1,325

1,414

Latin America Beverages

136

133

497

528

Total net sales

$

3,121

$

2,934

$

11,618

$

11,120

Income from Operations

Coffee Systems

$

386

$

329

$

1,268

$

1,219

Packaged Beverages

165

226

822

757

Beverage Concentrates

253

265

932

955

Latin America Beverages

32

23

105

85

Unallocated corporate costs

(136)

(130)

(647)

(638)

Total income from operations

$

700

$

713

$

2,480

$

2,378

 

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.
RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP INFORMATION
(Unaudited)

The company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures that reflect the way management evaluates the business may provide investors with additional information regarding the company’s results, trends and ongoing performance on a comparable basis.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we define our Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures as certain financial statement captions and metrics adjusted for certain items affecting comparability. The items affecting comparability are defined below.

Specifically, investors should consider the following with respect to our financial results:

Adjusted: Defined as certain financial statement captions and metrics adjusted for certain items affecting comparability.

Items affecting comparability: Defined as certain items that are excluded for comparison to prior year periods, adjusted for the tax impact as applicable. Tax impact is determined based upon an approximate rate for each item. For each period, management adjusts for (i) the unrealized mark-to-market impact of derivative instruments not designated as hedges in accordance with U.S. GAAP and do not have an offsetting risk reflected within the financial results; (ii) the amortization associated with definite-lived intangible assets; (iii) the amortization of the deferred financing costs associated with the DPS Merger and Keurig Acquisition; (iv) the amortization of the fair value adjustment of the senior unsecured notes obtained as a result of the DPS Merger; (v) stock compensation expense attributable to the matching awards made to employees who made an initial investment in the Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Executive Ownership Plan, the Keurig Dr Pepper Omnibus Incentive Plan of 2009 or the Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan of 2019; and (vi) other certain items that are excluded for comparison purposes to prior year periods.

For year ended December 31, 2020, the other certain items excluded for comparison purposes include (i) restructuring and integration expenses related to significant business combinations; (ii) productivity expenses; (iii) costs related to significant nonroutine legal matters; (iv) the loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of debt; (v) incremental temporary costs to our operations related to risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; (vi) impairment recognized on equity method investments with Bedford Systems, LLC and LifeFuels Inc; and (vii) impairment recognized on the Bai brand.

Incremental costs to our operations related to risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic include incremental expenses incurred to either maintain the health and safety of our front-line employees or temporarily increase compensation to such employees to ensure essential operations continue during the pandemic. We believe removing these costs reflects how management views our business results on a consistent basis.

For year ended December 31, 2019, the other certain items excluded for comparison purposes include (i) restructuring and integration expenses related to significant business combinations; (ii) productivity expenses; (iii) transaction costs for significant business combinations (completed or abandoned) excluding the DPS Merger; (iv) costs related to significant nonroutine legal matters; (v) the impact of the step-up of acquired inventory not associated with the DPS Merger (vi) the loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of debt and (vii) the loss related to the February 2019 organized malware attack on our business operation networks in the Coffee Systems segment.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the supplemental financial data set forth below includes reconciliations of Adjusted income from operations, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted EPS to the applicable financial measure presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statement for the same period.

Reconciliations for these items are provided in the tables below.

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN REPORTED ITEMS TO CERTAIN NON-GAAP ADJUSTED ITEMS

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross margin

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Impairment of intangible assets

Income from operations

Operating margin

Reported

$

1,353

$

1,768

56.6

%

$

1,000

$

67

$

700

22.4

%

Items Affecting Comparability:

Mark to market

31

(31)

23

(54)

Amortization of intangibles

(33)

33

Stock compensation

(6)

6

Restructuring and integration costs

(56)

56

Productivity

(1)

1

(24)

25

Impairment of intangible assets

(67)

67

Nonroutine legal matters

(14)

14

COVID-19

(6)

6

(5)

11

Adjusted GAAP

$

1,377

$

1,744

55.9

%

$

885

$

$

858

27.5

%

 

Interest expense

Income before provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Effective tax rate

Net income attributable to KDP

Weighted Average Diluted shares

Diluted earnings per share

Reported

$

146

$

558

$

130

23.3

%

$

428

1,423.8

$

0.30

Items Affecting Comparability:

Mark to market

1

(55)

(14)

(41)

(0.03)

Amortization of intangibles

33

8

25

0.02

Amortization of deferred financing costs

(3)

3

1

2

Amortization of fair value debt adjustment

(6)

6

2

4

Stock compensation

6

1

5

Restructuring and integration costs

56

15

41

0.03

Productivity

25

6

19

0.01

Impairment of intangible assets

67

15

52

0.04

Nonroutine legal matters

14

4

10

0.01

COVID-19

11

2

9

0.01

Adjusted GAAP

$

138

$

724

$

170

23.5

%

$

554

1,423.8

$

0.39

Diluted earnings per common share may not foot due to rounding.

 

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN REPORTED ITEMS TO CERTAIN NON-GAAP ADJUSTED ITEMS

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019 

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross margin

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Other operating expense (income), net

Income from operations

Operating margin

Reported

$

1,241

$

1,693

57.7

%

$

1,011

$

(31)

$

713

24.3

%

Items Affecting Comparability:

Mark to market

41

(41)

5

(46)

Amortization of intangibles

(32)

32

Stock compensation

(6)

6

Restructuring and integration costs

(65)

(1)

66

Productivity

(1)

1

(19)

20

Transaction costs

(1)

1

Nonroutine legal matters

(21)

21

Adjusted GAAP

$

1,281

$

1,653

56.3

%

$

872

$

(32)

$

813

27.7

%

 

Interest expense

Income before provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Effective tax rate

Net income attributable to KDP

Weighted Average Diluted shares

Diluted earnings per share

Reported

$

157

$

550

$

144

26.2

%

$

406

1,419.9

$

0.29

Items Affecting Comparability:

Mark to market

(3)

(43)

(12)

(31)

(0.02)

Amortization of intangibles

32

8

24

0.02

Amortization of deferred financing costs

(3)

3

1

2

Amortization of fair value debt adjustment

(6)

6

1

5

Stock compensation

6

2

4

Restructuring and integration costs

1

65

16

49

0.04

Productivity

20

7

13

0.01

Transaction costs

1

1

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

2

2

Nonroutine legal matters

21

4

17

Adjusted GAAP

$

146

$

663

$

172

25.9

%

$

491

1,419.9

$

0.35

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

 


KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN REPORTED ITEMS TO CERTAIN NON-GAAP ADJUSTED ITEMS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross margin

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Impairment of intangible assets

Income from operations

Operating margin

Reported

$

5,132

$

6,486

55.8

%

$

3,978

$

67

$

2,480

21.3

%

Items Affecting Comparability:

Mark to market

33

(33)

(5)

(28)

Amortization of intangibles

(133)

133

Stock compensation

(27)

27

Restructuring and integration costs

(199)

199

Productivity

(29)

29

(99)

128

Impairment of intangibles assets

(67)

67

Nonroutine legal matters

(57)

57

COVID-19

(44)

44

(84)

128

Adjusted GAAP

$

5,092

$

6,526

56.2

%

$

3,374

$

$

3,191

27.5

%

 

Interest expense

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

Impairment on investments and note receivable

Income before provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Effective tax rate

Net income attributable to KDP

Weighted Average Diluted shares

Diluted earnings per share

Reported

$

604

$

4

$

102

$

1,753

$

428

24.4

%

$

1,325

1,422.1

$

0.93

Items Affecting Comparability:

Mark to market

(27)

(1)

(1)

Amortization of intangibles

133

35

98

0.07

Amortization of deferred financing costs

(11)

11

3

8

0.01

Amortization of fair value debt adjustment

(24)

24

6

18

0.01

Stock compensation

27

5

22

0.02

Restructuring and integration costs

199

49

150

0.11

Productivity

128

33

95

0.07

Impairment of intangibles assets

67

15

52

0.04

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

(4)

4

1

3

Impairment on investment

(102)

102

25

77

0.05

Nonroutine legal matters

57

14

43

0.03

COVID-19

128

31

97

0.07

Adjusted GAAP

$

542

$

$

$

2,632

$

644

24.5

%

$

1,988

1,422.1

$

1.40

Diluted earnings per common share may not foot due to rounding.

 

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN REPORTED ITEMS TO CERTAIN NON-GAAP ADJUSTED ITEMS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share data)

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Gross margin

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Other operating expense (income), net

Income from operations

Operating margin

Reported

$

4,778

$

6,342

57.0

%

$

3,962

$

2

$

2,378

21.4

%

Items Affecting Comparability:

Mark to market

35

(35)

10

(45)

Amortization of intangibles

(126)

126

Stock compensation

(24)

24

Restructuring and integration costs

(1)

1

(216)

(25)

242

Productivity

(15)

15

(60)

(22)

97

Transaction costs

(9)

9

Nonroutine legal matters

(48)

48

Inventory step-up

(3)

3

3

Malware incident

(2)

2

(6)

8

Adjusted GAAP

$

4,792

$

6,328

56.9

%

$

3,483

$

(45)

$

2,890

26.0

%

 

Interest expense

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

Income before provision for income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Effective tax rate

Net income attributable to KDP

Weighted Average Diluted shares

Diluted earnings per share

Reported

$

654

$

11

$

1,694

$

440

26.0

%

$

1,254

1,419.1

$

0.88

Items Affecting Comparability:

Mark to market

(47)

2

(1)

3

Amortization of intangibles

126

34

92

0.06

Amortization of deferred financing costs

(13)

13

4

9

0.01

Amortization of fair value debt adjustment

(26)

26

6

20

0.01

Stock compensation

24

6

18

0.01

Restructuring and integration costs

1

241

55

186

0.13

Productivity

97

24

73

0.05

Transaction costs

(16)

25

7

18

0.01

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

(11)

11

2

9

0.01

Nonroutine legal matters

48

11

37

0.02

Inventory step-up

3

1

2

Malware incident

8

2

6

Adjusted GAAP

$

553

$

$

2,318

$

591

25.5

%

$

1,727

1,419.1

$

1.22

Diluted earnings per common share may not foot due to rounding.

 


KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT ITEMS TO CERTAIN NON-GAAP ADJUSTED SEGMENT ITEMS

(Unaudited)

(in millions)

Reported

Items Affecting
Comparability

Adjusted
GAAP

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

Income from Operations

Coffee Systems

$

386

$

45

$

431

Packaged Beverages

165

80

245

Beverage Concentrates

253

1

254

Latin America Beverages

32

1

33

Unallocated corporate costs

(136)

31

(105)

Total income from operations

$

700

$

158

$

858

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

Income from Operations

Coffee Systems

$

329

$

41

$

370

Packaged Beverages

226

6

232

Beverage Concentrates

265

1

266

Latin America Beverages

23

2

25

Unallocated corporate costs

(130)

50

(80)

Total income from operations

$

713

$

100

$

813

Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

 


KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT ITEMS TO CERTAIN NON-GAAP ADJUSTED SEGMENT ITEMS

(Unaudited)

(in millions)

Reported

Items Affecting
Comparability

Adjusted
GAAP

For the year ended December 31, 2020

Income from Operations

Coffee Systems

$

1,268

$

246

$

1,514

Packaged Beverages

822

199

1,021

Beverage Concentrates

932

6

938

Latin America Beverages

105

3

108

Unallocated corporate costs

(647)

257

(390)

Total income from operations

$

2,480

$

711

$

3,191

For the year ended December 31, 2019

Income from Operations

Coffee Systems

$

1,219

$

184

$

1,403

Packaged Beverages

757

26

783

Beverage Concentrates

955

2

957

Latin America Beverages

85

(3)

82

Unallocated corporate costs

(638)

303

(335)

Total income from operations

$

2,378

$

512

$

2,890

 


KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA AND MANAGEMENT LEVERAGE RATIO

(Unaudited)

(in millions, except for ratio)

ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION – LAST TWELVE MONTHS

Net income

$

1,325

Interest expense

604

Provision for income taxes

428

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

4

Impairment of investments and note receivable

102

Impairment of intangible assets

67

Other (income) expense, net

17

Depreciation expense

362

Other amortization

158

Amortization of intangibles

133

EBITDA

$

3,200

Items affecting comparability:

Restructuring and integration expenses

$

199

Productivity

108

Nonroutine legal matters

57

Stock compensation

27

Mark to market

(28)

COVID-19

128

Adjusted EBITDA

$

3,691

December 31,

2020

Principal amounts of:

Commercial paper notes

$

Term loan

425

KDP Revolver

Senior unsecured notes

13,225

Total principal amounts

13,650

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

240

Total principal amounts less cash and cash equivalents

$

13,410

December 31, 2020 Management Leverage Ratio

3.6

 

KEURIG DR PEPPER INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW

(Unaudited)

Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities adjusted for purchases of property, plant and equipment, proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment, and certain items excluded for comparison to prior year periods. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no certain items excluded for comparison to prior year periods.

For the Year Ended December 31,

(in millions)

2020

2019

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

2,456

$

2,474

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(461)

(330)

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

203

247

Free Cash Flow

$

2,198

$

2,391

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN CURRENCY NEUTRAL ADJUSTED FINANCIAL RESULTS

(Unaudited)

Net sales, adjusted income from operations and adjusted earnings per share, as adjusted to currency neutral: These adjusted financial results are calculated on a currency neutral basis by converting our current-period local currency financial results using the prior-period foreign currency exchange rates.

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

Coffee

Packaged

Beverage

Latin
America

Percent change

Systems

Beverages

Concentrates

Beverages

Total

Net sales

9.1

%

7.9

%

(5.8)

%

2.3

%

6.4

%

Impact of foreign currency

(0.2)

%

%

%

6.0

%

0.2

%

Net sales, as adjusted to currency neutral

8.9

%

7.9

%

(5.8)

%

8.3

%

6.6

%

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

Coffee

Packaged

Beverage

Latin
America

Percent change

Systems

Beverages

Concentrates

Beverages

Total

Adjusted income from operations

16.5

%

5.6

%

(4.5)

%

32.0

%

5.5

%

Impact of foreign currency

%

%

%

4.0

%

0.2

%

Adjusted income from operations, as adjusted to
currency neutral

16.5

%

5.6

%

(4.5)

%

36.0

%

5.7

%

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Coffee

Packaged

Beverage

Latin
America

Percent change

Systems

Beverages

Concentrates

Beverages

Total

Net sales

4.7

%

8.5

%

(6.3)

%

(5.9)

%

4.5

%

Impact of foreign currency

0.1

%

%

0.1

%

9.7

%

0.5

%

Net sales, as adjusted to currency neutral

4.8

%

8.5

%

(6.2)

%

3.8

%

5.0

%

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Coffee

Packaged

Beverage

Latin
America

Percent change

Systems

Beverages

Concentrates

Beverages

Total

Adjusted income from operations

7.9

%

30.4

%

(2.0)

%

31.7

%

10.4

%

Impact of foreign currency

0.1

%

0.1

%

%

11.0

%

0.4

%

Adjusted income from operations, as adjusted to
currency neutral

8.0

%

30.5

%

(2.0)

%

42.7

%

10.8

%

For the Three Months
Ended December 31, 2020

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2020

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

0.39

$

1.40

Impact of foreign currency

Adjusted diluted earnings per share, as adjusted to currency neutral

$

0.39

$

1.40

 

The following table sets forth our reconciliation of significant COVID-19-related expenses. However, employee compensation expense and employee protection costs, which impact our SG&A expenses and cost of sales, are included as the COVID-19 item affecting comparability and is excluded in our Adjusted financial measures. In addition, reported amounts under U.S. GAAP also include additional costs, not included as the COVID-19 item affecting comparability, as presented in tables below.

Items Affecting Comparability(1)

(in millions)

Employee
Compensation
Expense(2)

Employee
Protection
Costs(3)

Allowances for
Expected Credit
Losses(4)

Inventory Write-
Downs(5)

Total

For the Three Months Ended
December 31, 2020

Coffee Systems

$

1

$

3

$

$

$

4

Packaged Beverages

3

3

6

Beverage Concentrates

Latin America Beverages

1

1

Unallocated corporate costs

Total

$

4

$

7

$

$

$

11

For the year ended December 31,
2020

Coffee Systems

$

15

$

10

$

2

$

8

$

35

Packaged Beverages

76

25

8

109

Beverage Concentrates

4

4

Latin America Beverages

2

2

Unallocated corporate costs

Total

$

91

$

37

$

14

$

8

$

150

(1)

Employee compensation expense and employee protection costs are both included as the COVID-19 items affecting comparability in the reconciliation of our Adjusted Non-GAAP financial measures.

(2)

Primarily reflects temporary incremental frontline incentive pay and the associated taxes in order to maintain essential operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Impacts both cost of sales and SG&A expenses. In mid-September 2020, we discontinued the incremental frontline incentive pay program.

(3)

Includes costs associated with personal protective equipment, temperature scans, cleaning and other sanitization services. Impacts both cost of sales and SG&A expenses.

(4)

Allowances reflect the expected impact of the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19, leveraging estimates of credit worthiness, default and recovery rates for certain of our customers. Impacts SG&A expenses.

(5)

Inventory write-downs represent obsolescence charges, which impact cost of sales.

 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/724482/Keurig_Dr_Pepper_logo.jpg  

SOURCE Keurig Dr Pepper

Toyota Pledges $1 Million To Support Texans Impacted By Historic Winter Storm

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With Winter Storm Uri leaving millions of Texans without power or water last week, North Texas-based Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has pledged $1 million in relief for storm victims.  The aid will serve both customers and a variety of Texas-based non-profit organizations.

<div id="prni_dvprnejpg17f4left" style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN:…

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With Winter Storm Uri leaving millions of Texans without power or water last week, North Texas-based Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has pledged $1 million in relief for storm victims.  The aid will serve both customers and a variety of Texas-based non-profit organizations.

TOYOTA PLEDGES $1 MILLION TO SUPPORT TEXANS IMPACTED BY HISTORIC WINTER STORM

«We take our role as community leaders seriously, so when winter storms affected millions right in our backyard, our top priority became helping Texas get back on its feet after this ordeal,» said Sean Suggs, group vice president of Social Innovation, TMNA. «Texans have supported our company in myriad ways, and we want to help our neighbors emerge from this storm stronger than ever.»

The $1 million relief effort includes:

North Texas/DFW Metroplex

  • United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, in support of North Texas Cares and West Dallas nonprofits to quickly distribute funds to grassroots organizations: $450,000
  • North Texas Food Bank: $100,000
  • The Family Place and Genesis Women’s Shelter to fund hotel rooms, food, and transportation for their clients: $30,000
  • Toyota employees will be able to support the needs of four North Texas community partners significantly impacted by the storms by purchasing items from their Amazon Wish Lists.

San Antonio

  • SAWS Community Pipe Repair Fund, through the San Antonio Area Foundation to assist individuals and families stay in their homes safely with funds for plumbing repairs: $100,000
  • Let’s Help SA Fund to provide food, water and shelter: $200,000

Houston

  • United Way of Greater Houston to support the Greater Houston 2021 Winter Storm Relief Fund that supports local home repairs: $50,000
  • Houston Food Bank: $50,000
  • CrowdSource Rescue to provide food, water and fuel: $20,000

Toyota offers support to all U.S.-based employees with their personal recovery efforts from unexpected catastrophic events.  Additionally, Toyota will match up to $10,000 in individual employee contributions to nonprofit organizations recovering from the storm.

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to customers affected by the storms. This broad outreach includes any TFS or Lexus Financial Services customer in the designated disaster areas.  Impacted lease and finance customers residing in affected areas may be eligible to take advantage of several payment relief options, some of which include:

  • extensions and lease deferred payments
  • redirecting billing statements
  • arranging phone or online payments

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Contact:  
Victor Vanov
Victor.vanov@toyota.com; 469.292.1318

 

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

March Of Dimes Announces 2021 March For Babies: A Mother Of A Movement™

ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit organization fighting for the health of all moms and babies, is pleased to announce <a target="_blank"…

ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit organization fighting for the health of all moms and babies, is pleased to announce March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement, a virtual awareness and fundraising campaign kicking off now to address the ongoing maternal and health crisis by engaging the public to raise critical funds in support of life-saving research, programs and educational initiatives.  As the country enters the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, March for Babies is now much more than a walk to primarily end preventable preterm birth, but a rally cry to inspire and unite communities everywhere to achieve health equity for moms and babies alike.

«We’ve long said that in order to provide the best possible start for babies, we must take care of moms, too.  A woman dies every 12 hours from pregnancy-related causes, and 1 in 10 babies is born too soon, which is why we’re also fighting to end preventable maternal health risks and deaths which are particularly devastating to underserved families of color,» said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes.  «The health of moms and babies are intertwined and we welcome everyone to join this movement for change that will help us achieve real, measurable improvements. We embrace anyone who wants to do more for moms and babies—and not just today, but every day.»

The March of Dimes 2020 Report Card found that for the fifth year in a row, the U.S. preterm birth rate increased to 10.2 percent of births, earning the nation a «C-» grade. The statistics are worse for moms and babies of color—with the Report Card showing significant racial disparities that cut across maternal and infant health. Women of color are up to 50 percent more likely to give birth preterm and their children face up to a 130 percent higher infant death rate. Additionally, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native women are up to three times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications compared to White women.

March for Babies will bring communities together virtually for a variety of team building activities and fundraising challenges. Together, participants will unite to honor motherhood, babies and families in addition to supporting the March of Dimes mission. Throughout the country, participants can donate individually or work as a team with their colleagues, family or friends to raise much-needed funds to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy for generations to come.

«After more than 50 years as the largest fundraiser for March of Dimes and the nation’s oldest charitable walk, we’re excited to see March for Babies elevate mothers – who are at the center of our mission – and grow into an even bigger movement that unites and connects us to fight for families who need us the most,» added Stewart.

Take the following steps today to support all moms and babies though March for Babies:

  1. Sign up to be part of the movement
    Sign up as a team captain, team member or individual.
  2. Take action to connect, fundraise and spread the word
    Rally with millions of Americans in the collective effort to transform the health of all moms and babies.
  3. Continue to check back for updates at marchforbabies.org

Check out our latest PSA, «Seen», which shares moments of the collective experience of motherhood and urges viewers to take action on behalf of moms and babies. Our social media press kit  also provides information on March for Babies to help rally public support. For more information on March for Babies, including how to sign up and start a team, download the March for Babies app or visit marchforbabies.org.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every mom and baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we’re there for every family—those who had first-hand hardships, those celebrating their health and those just trying to start their families. For more information go to marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org, and visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1444049/MoD_MarchforBabies_Logo.jpg

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Al Aire Con El Terrible Syndicated Morning Show With Alberto «El Terri» Cortez Expands To New Key Hispanic Markets

MIAMI, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AIRE Radio Networks, the largest minority certified Spanish Language radio network in the country and the official radio network of Spanish Broadcasting System, announced today that its highly rated syndicated morning show, Al Aire Con El Terrible, expands its coverage and can now be heard across 15 top Hispanic markets.

Al Aire con El Terrible was launched through AIRE Radio Networks/Spanish Broadcasting System back in <span…

MIAMI, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AIRE Radio Networks, the largest minority certified Spanish Language radio network in the country and the official radio network of Spanish Broadcasting System, announced today that its highly rated syndicated morning show, Al Aire Con El Terrible, expands its coverage and can now be heard across 15 top Hispanic markets.

Al Aire con El Terrible was launched through AIRE Radio Networks/Spanish Broadcasting System back in August 2018 and is hosted by one of the most influential Latin radio personalities, Alberto «El Terri» Cortez. A listener favorite, Al Aire Con El Terrible, is becoming widely recognized for uplifting and empowering the Hispanic community through music and laughter.

The program includes a variety of engaging segments that connect with Hispanic consumers such as community highlights, stories and words of empowerment, interviews with Latin artists and celebrities, international news, celebrity gossip, jokes, as well as tentpole segments like Mini Terry, El Pesado de Sinaloa, Citripio Perez, Segmento Deportivo, El Anónimo, El Detective, El Doctor J, Sexologa Eugenia Flores.  Each break of the show includes a mix of the biggest Regional Mexican music hits.

«El Terri is a unique influencer who has consistently driven ratings on our owned-and-operated audio stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. His success comes through his hard work in developing engaging, cultural and empowering content that speaks to the Hispanic community,» said Elisa Torres, EVP, AIRE Radio Networks and Spanish Broadcasting System National Sales. «The response to his show since we launched has been exceptional and the demand to carry and advertise within the program continues to surge. We’re very excited to witness the growth of Al Aire con El Terrible

«The partnership with AIRE Radio Networks and Spanish Broadcasting System has been remarkable. I’m so grateful to have a robust platform where I can empower Hispanic listeners across the nation every day,» said Alberto Cortez, the host of Al Aire con El Terrible. «We’re living through challenging times and the biggest reward is knowing that I have played a role helping our people start their day with laughter and positivity.»

Al AIRE con El Terrible also has a variety of digital and social extensions such as his self-titled podcast on the LaMusica App, the #1 Hispanic Streaming App and El Terrible’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.  

For all syndication inquiries and details, contact Blanca Navas, Vice President, Affiliate Sales at bnavas@aireradionetworks.com.

About Spanish Broadcasting System and AIRE Radio Networks
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. is a leading Hispanic media company that owns and operates 17 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Spanish Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 300+ affiliated stations reaching 95% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns multiple bilingual websites, including www.LaMusica.com, an online destination and mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

About Terry «El Terrible» Cortez
Alberto «El Terrible» Cortez has been in the entertainment business for years inspiring the U.S. Hispanic community to grow personally and professionally. Well known for speaking about topics that matter the most, even when nobody wants to talk about them, El Terrible thrives on bringing out the best of in his listeners. Cortez is innovating, funny and is also known for his originality. When El Terrible is not busy being hosting Al Aire con El Terrible, he enjoys spending time with his family, soccer and local wrestling.

Contact: Vladimir Gomez, 786-805-2545, vgomez@spanishbroadcasting.com

 

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

The Presser Foundation Announces Nearly $1.2 Million in General Operating Support Grants to Music Organizations

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In a continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on the greater Philadelphia area’s rich ecosystem of music performance, education, and community engagement, The Presser Foundation announces another round of general operating support grants to 86 music organizations. These grants, totaling $1,166,500 provide both single year and multi-year support to music…

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In a continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on the greater Philadelphia area’s rich ecosystem of music performance, education, and community engagement, The Presser Foundation announces another round of general operating support grants to 86 music organizations. These grants, totaling $1,166,500 provide both single year and multi-year support to music organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Area. The grants will be paid immediately to help these organizations to continue to weather the current COVID-19 crisis, which has forced so many music organizations to reimagine operations, performances and other activities.

William B. McLaughlin, III, Chair of the Advancement of Music Committee, commented «While the ongoing pandemic has created stress on our beloved musical institutions, The Presser Foundation is inspired by so many who have invested in providing online music programming, shown great flexibility and innovation, and explored collaborations and other strategic relationships to supplement resources and expertise and expand audiences. Eighty-six organizations of a great variety of scale and purpose will receive funding and we are honored to help sustain and nurture these organizations that are essential to the communities and audiences they serve.»

Advancement of Music Grants: (in alphabetical order)

Academy of Vocal Arts 

Allentown Symphony Association

American Composers Forum

Anna Crusis Women’s Choir

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Ars Nova Workshop

Art Sphere, Inc.

Artistas y Musicos Latino Americanos (AMLA)

ArtSmart

Astral Artists

Bay Atlantic Symphony, Inc.

Bowerbird

Chamber Music Society of Bethlehem

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia

Chester Children’s Chorus

Choir School of Delaware

Choral Arts Philadelphia

Commonwealth Youthchoirs

Community Conservatory

Community Music School Lehigh Valley

Community Music School of Collegeville

Community Youth Orchestra of Bucks County

Darlington Arts Center

Delaware County Youth Orchestra

Delaware Symphony Orchestra

Dolce Suono Ensemble

Encore Series Inc./The Philly POPS

Esperanza

Friends of the Wanamaker Organ

Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra

Harrisburg Symphony Association

Intercultural Journeys

Kimmel Center

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra

LiveConnections DBA World Cafe Live

Lyra Society

Lyric Fest

Marian Anderson Historical Society & Museum

Market Square Concerts

Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia

Music at Bunker Hill, a Nj nonprofit corporation

Music at Gretna, Inc.

Music for Everyone

Musicopia

Network for New Music

Ocean County College Foundation – The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts

Opera Philadelphia

OperaDelaware

Orchestra 2001

Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts

Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus

Philadelphia Sinfonia Association

Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute

Piffaro, The Renaissance Band

Play On, Philly! (POP)

Princeton Symphony Orchestra

PRISM Quartet, Inc.

Project 440

Reading Symphony Orchestra

Riverside Symphonia

Rock to the Future

Settlement Music School

Singing City

Singing Hearts Choir Inc.

State Theatre Regional Arts Center At New Brunswick Inc

Symphony in C

Tempesta di Mare, Inc.

Temple University Music Preparatory Division

The Allentown Band

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem

The Crossing

The Friends of Chamber Music of Reading, Inc.

The Georgia E. Gregory Interdenominational School of Music

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts

The Music School of Delaware

The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Princeton Festival

Trenton Children’s Chorus, Inc.

Trenton Music Makers

Tri-County Concerts Association, Inc.

Wilmington Children’s Chorus

Wilmington Concert Opera

Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey

Zoellner Arts Center


 

About The Presser Foundation

The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the Deeds of Trust and Will of the late music publisher Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy. The Presser Foundation supports a broad range of classical symphonic, chamber, choral and vocal music performance and education through general operating and program grants to music organizations; capital grants for music building projects; undergraduate and graduate student awards; and assistance to retired music teachers. Much of the grant making focus of the Foundation is on organizations and institutions in the 75-mile radius surrounding Center City Philadelphia. For more information: www.presserfoundation.org.

Contact: 
Teresa Araco Rodgers
Executive Director
267.519.5350                                                                                     
trodgers@presserfoundation.org

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-presser-foundation-announces-nearly-1-2-million-in-general-operating-support-grants-to-music-organizations-301234821.html

SOURCE The Presser Foundation

Every 2021MY Mazda Vehicle Tested Earns 2021 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today announced the winners of its highest award in safety, the 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+. All tested Mazda vehicles made the list for the second year in a row. These vehicles include the Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Hatchback, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-30 (built after September 2020), CX-5 and CX-9.

<div id="prni_dvprnejpgd07cleft" style="WIDTH: 100%; TEXT-ALIGN: left"…

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today announced the winners of its highest award in safety, the 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+. All tested Mazda vehicles made the list for the second year in a row. These vehicles include the Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Hatchback, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-30 (built after September 2020), CX-5 and CX-9.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. (PRNewsFoto/Mazda North American Operations)

To qualify for the 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, Mazda vehicles earned good ratings in each of the Institute’s six crashworthiness evaluations: moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. Mazda vehicles also earned advanced or superior ratings for front crash prevention in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations and good or acceptable headlight ratings. 

«With safety a top priority for Mazda, we are proud to have every Mazda vehicle tested earn the coveted 2021 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This accomplishment stems from our committment to our owners,» said Mazda North American Operations President Jeff Guyton. «Our customers have come to expect Mazda’s dedication to providing advanced safety technologies paired with dynamic styling, which give them a confident and more enjoyable driving experience.»

Mazda’s i-Activsense is an umbrella term covering a series of advanced safety technologies which make use of detection devices such as milliwave radars and cameras. They include active safety technologies that support safer driving by helping the driver to recognize potential hazards, and pre-crash safety technologies which help to avert collisions or reduce their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided. Mazda’s i-Activsense advanced safety technologies include Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

To learn more about Mazda’s i-Activsense advanced safety technology, please visit the MazdaUSA.com website – https://www.mazdausa.com/why-mazda/safety.

The IIHS is an independent, non-governmental safety-testing organization, funded by the insurance industry. For more information, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/53154/mazda_north_american_operations_logo.jpg

 

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Florida Housing Coalition Announces Major New Initiative: Center for Racial Equity

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Florida Housing Coalition, the state’s leading nonprofit provider of training and technical assistance dedicated to affordable housing from ending homelessness to first-time homeownership, today announced the creation of new Center for Racial Equity:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Florida Housing Coalition, the state’s leading nonprofit provider of training and technical assistance dedicated to affordable housing from ending homelessness to first-time homeownership, today announced the creation of new Center for Racial Equity: www.centerforracialequity.org

The Florida Housing Coalition Center for Racial Equity will serve as a composite platform for the Coalition’s efforts focused on race and equity in public and private investments, regulations, and legal and policy frameworks that shape Florida’s neighborhoods, cities, and regions.

«We know two things: Florida—like every other state in the nation—has a housing problem intricately linked with race; and Florida’s cities often look to the Coalition to help them solve housing problems,» Coalition’s President and CEO Jaimie Ross said. «What is the right approach for local communities to take? There are no obvious benchmarks and little to no statewide policy guidance to indicate a single working approach. This is how the Coalition can help,» she added.

The idea for the Center came from discussions among Coalition staff in response to the protests for Black Lives Matter that occurred nationally throughout 2020. «Each of us felt a need to respond to the urgency of the moment in a way that was thoughtful and deliberate and that would move the dial long term,» Coalition Chief Programs Officer Ashon Nesbitt said.

Closing the Racial Disparity Gap in Homeownership
Central to its early efforts is the seminal program Closing the Gap – a matching grant program for municipalities. With funding in place from major underwriters Bank of America and Wells Fargo, the program provides a 3:1 match in technical assistance and resources to close the gap in the homeownership rate between Black and white households.

«Bank of America is helping advance racial equality and economic opportunity, with a particular focus on helping create opportunity for people and communities of color,» said Gene Schaefer, Miami market president for Bank of America. «We are committed to helping multicultural families and communities begin to build personal wealth and family legacy through the power of homeownership.»

The Florida Housing Coalition Center for Racial Equity is being launched with funding by the Wells Fargo Foundation, which is focused on advancing racial equity and creating pathways to safe, affordable homes.

«Having a safe and affordable place to call home is essential to help lay the foundation for wellness, dignity, and economic opportunity,» said Eileen Fitzgerald, head of housing affordability philanthropy with Wells Fargo. «With our support for the Coalition’s Center for Racial Equity, we hope to inspire meaningful change to a long history of systemic inequality, injustice, loss of wealth, and housing instability experienced by people of color, particularly during times of economic distress.  We aim to build a more inclusive, sustainable future where everyone can have a quality and affordable place to call home.»

Other Programs the Center is launching with include:

Leading with Equity Online Course
Funders Collaborative & Allies
Glossary of Shared Language
HBCU Internship Program

SOURCE Florida Housing Coalition

Saavedra Law Firm, PLC Attorney Named To Super Lawyers For 3rd Consecutive Year

PHOENIX, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Freddy Saavedra, founding attorney at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, a personal injury and civil litigation law firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, was selected as a 2021 Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of Personal Injury by Thomson…

PHOENIX, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Freddy Saavedra, founding attorney at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, a personal injury and civil litigation law firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, was selected as a 2021 Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of Personal Injury by Thomson Reuters. This is his third consecutive recognition.

Civil Litigation and Personal Injury Attorney Freddy Saavedra founder of Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. Legal.Better.

Though Super Lawyer recognition in each state is limited to only five percent of lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent may be named to the Rising Star list. The selection for both, Rising Star and Super Lawyers is the same with one exception: the lawyers eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.

Saavedra Law Firm, PLC is a civil litigation law firm representing businesses and consumers in business disputes, breach of contract claims, and personal injury claims. While their office is located in Phoenix, Arizona, Saavedra Law Firm provides services to clients throughout Arizona. The firm provides legal representation to clients in both English and Spanish.

Freddy Saavedra practices in the areas of civil litigation, personal injury, and social security disability. He is a graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Mr. Saavedra is also a U.S. Army Veteran, having served 11 years in the Army with deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq. Mr. Saavedra is a Martindale-Hubbell AV rated attorney as well as a fellow of the American Bar Foundation. He is a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. Legal.Better.®

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SOURCE Saavedra Law Firm, PLC

Doggett Freightliner, One Of The Largest 18-Wheeler Dealership Groups In The U.S., Further Expands To Serve Brownsville Customers

HOUSTON, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Doggett Freightliner continues to grow, expanding into the Brownsville area to provide expedited parts and unmatched service support for local customers. With the new Brownsville facility, Doggett Freightliner will have nine locations throughout Texas and Arkansas, including San…

HOUSTON, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Doggett Freightliner continues to grow, expanding into the Brownsville area to provide expedited parts and unmatched service support for local customers. With the new Brownsville facility, Doggett Freightliner will have nine locations throughout Texas and Arkansas, including San Antonio, El Paso, Laredo, and Pharr, Texas, along with North Little Rock, Springdale, and Van Buren, Arkansas. The Brownsville facility complements Doggett’s existing Freightliner and Western Star dealerships that now sell and service flatbeds, dry freight, refrigerated vans, and other over-the-road truck offerings. This new location will help local customers maximize uptime with expedited parts and dependable mobile support.

«Doggett has a long and successful history of living up to the rigid demands of our customers. Our success has been built by performing up to our customer’s exceedingly high expectations 24/7, thanks to an excellent team of dedicated support staff and factory-trained technicians that are pros at keeping their promises,» says Paul Burk, Senior VP of the Doggett Truck Group.

Burk concludes, «At Doggett Freightliner, we are proud to be a superior dealership with our Elite Support Certification providing the industry’s best truck maintenance and repairs with an unmatched-level of customer service. Our loyal customers’ trust helped us grow into one of the largest dealership groups in the country. We are excited to continue to deliver unmatched service and support to our customers for years to come in the Brownsville area.» 

About the Doggett Equipment Services Group
Doggett Equipment Services Group (Doggett) is a diversified heavy equipment factory authorized dealer for seven industry-leading manufacturers that are either number one or two in their respective industries. Doggett, founded in 1993 with 17 employees, was ranked by the Houston Chronicle in 2020 as Houston’s 9th largest private company approaching $2 billion in annual sales and also rated by the Houston Business Journal in 2020 as Houston’s largest (#1) family-owned business. Serving Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, its team of 1400+ full-time employees, including 500+ factory-trained and certified technicians, are dedicated to providing a world-class customer experience. Doggett is a family-owned business without outside investment headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Doggett is a proud dealer-partner with the following industry-leading manufacturers: John Deere Construction and Forestry equipment (16 dealerships including exclusivity for the state of Louisiana, east and south Texas), Toyota Material Handling – Forklifts (7 dealerships covering the southern half of Texas including El Paso), Freightliner and Western Star (Daimler-Benz Companies) on-highway and vocational trucks (9 dealerships including exclusivity for the state of Arkansas, South and West Texas), Link-Belt Cranes (2 dealerships including exclusivity for the state of Louisiana), Great Dane Trailers (3 dealerships), and a Ford auto and truck dealership. To learn more, visit Doggett.com and DoggettFreightliner.com.

Media Contact
Hue Du
Phone: (281) 249-4638
Email: Hue.Du@Doggett.com 

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SOURCE Doggett Equipment Services Group