Release – YS Biopharma Receives Additional 180 Day Extension by Nasdaq to Regain Compliance with Minimum Bid Price Rule

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GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — YS Biopharma Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: YS) (“YS Biopharma” or the “Company”), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and delivering new generations of vaccines and therapeutic biologics for infectious diseases and cancer, today announced that it received an extension of 180 calendar days (the “Extension Notice”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) to regain compliance with the Nasdaq’s minimum $1.00 bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Bid Price Requirement”), following the expiration of the initial 180 calendar days period to regain compliance on April 22, 2024.

   

As previously announced, the Company received a written notification from Nasdaq dated October 24, 2023, indicating that because the closing bid price of the Company’s ordinary shares for the last 31 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, the Company was not in compliance with the Bid Price Requirement, and Nasdaq granted the Company a period of 180 calendar days, or until April 22, 2024, to regain compliance with the Bid Price Requirement.

 As of the date hereof, the Company has not regained compliance with the Bid Price Requirement. That being said, pursuant to the Extension Notice, the Company is eligible for an additional 180 calendar day period, or until October 21, 2024, to regain compliance with the Bid Price Requirement. To regain compliance, the Company’s ordinary shares must have a closing bid price of at least US$1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, at which point the matter will be closed. In the event that the compliance cannot be demonstrated by October 25, 2024, the staff of Nasdaq will provide written notification that the Company’s securities will be delisted.

The Company intends to monitor the closing bid price of its ordinary shares between now and October 21, 2024 and is considering its options in order to regain compliance with the Bid Price Requirement. The Extension Notice does not affect the Company’s business operations, its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements, or its contractual obligations.

About YS Group

YS Group is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and delivering new generations of vaccines and therapeutic biologics for infectious diseases and cancer. It has developed a proprietary PIKA® immunomodulating technology platform and a new generation of preventive and therapeutic biologics targeting Rabies, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Shingles, and other virus infections. YS Biopharma operates in China, the United States, Singapore, and the Philippines, and is led by a management team that combines rich local expertise and global experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. For more information, please visit investor.ysbiopharma.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the expected growth of YS Biopharma, the development progress of all product candidates, the progress and results of all clinical trials, YS Biopharma’s ability to source and retain talent, and the cash position of YS Biopharma. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of YS Biopharma’s management and are not predictions of actual performance.

YS Biopharma cannot assure you the forward-looking statements in this press release will be accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those included under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Post-effective Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC on January 23, 2024, and other filings with the SEC. There may be additional risks that YS Biopharma does not presently know or that YS Biopharma currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the views of YS Biopharma as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. However, while YS Biopharma may update these forward-looking statements in the future, there is no current intention to do so, except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the views of YS Biopharma as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, YS Biopharma does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact

Alyssa Li
Director of Investor Relations
Email: ir@yishengbio.com

Robin Yang
Partner, ICR, LLC
Tel: +1 (212) 537-4035
Email: YSBiopharma.IR@icrinc.com

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Release – ZyVersa Therapeutics Announces Publication Reinforcing the Rationale for Inhibiting ASC with IC 100 to Potentially Attenuate Cardiac Comorbidities in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Research News and Market Data on ZVSA

Apr 29, 2024

  • This publication, authored by leading experts in inflammasome-mediated inflammation and neurology at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, demonstrates that multiple inflammasome triggers (NLRP1 and pyrin) govern the inflammatory response in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and that release of inflammasome laden extracellular vesicles (EV) into the blood induce significant inflammation in cardiovascular cells.
  • ZyVersa is developing Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100 to inhibit multiple types of inflammasomes, including NLRP1 and pyrin, and their associated ASC specks that trigger damaging inflammation and its spread to surrounding tissues.
  • AD, a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting 6.7 million people in the US, is associated with many comorbidities, especially heart disease and stroke, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.

WESTON, Fla., April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZVSA, or “ZyVersa”), a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for treatment of inflammatory and renal diseases, announces that acclaimed inflammasome researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and inventors of Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, have published a scientific paper in the peer-reviewed journal, Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, highlighting how inflammasome-mediated inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease can trigger inflammation in the heart.

The paper titled, “Extracellular vesicles mediate inflammasome signaling in the brain and heart of Alzheimer’s disease mice,” summarizes research evaluating serum and tissue cultures from an AD mouse model, and experiments of adoptive transfer of EV from AD patients into cardiovascular cells. Following is a summary of key findings:

  • NLRP1, pyrin, caspase-1, and ASC were significantly elevated in the cortex of AD mice.
  • In AD mice, there was a heightened level of inflammatory proteins circulating in the body via EVs containing an inflammasome protein cargo.
  • Inflammasome activation was demonstrated in the heart of AD mice, associated with an increase in ASC oligomerization into specks.
  • In adoptive transfer experiments, EVs released from AD patients induced significant inflammation in cardiovascular cells when compared to EVs from healthy individuals.

“Our data provide evidence that there is a neural-cardiac axis mediated by EVs in AD. Therefore, inflammasomes may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiac comorbidities in AD and beyond,” said Juan Pablo de Rivero Vaccari, Associated Professor of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami.

“This research reinforces the importance of attenuating activation of multiple types of inflammasomes that govern the inflammatory response in AD and mediating systemic inflammatory signals in EVs to control the spread of damaging inflammation to cardiovascular and other cells,” commented Stephen C. Glover, ZyVersa’s Co-founder, Chairman, CEO, and President. “ZyVersa’s Inflammasome ASC inhibitor IC 100 is designed to inhibit formation of multiple types of inflammasomes to attenuate initiation of the inflammatory cascade and to inhibit their associated ASC specks to reduce spread and perpetuation of damaging inflammation.”

To review a white paper summarizing the mechanism of action and preclinical data for IC 100, Click Here.

About Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100

IC 100 is a novel humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC. IC 100 was designed to attenuate both initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory response. It does so by binding to a specific region of the ASC component of multiple types of inflammasomes, including NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and Pyrin. Intracellularly, IC 100 binds to ASC monomers, inhibiting inflammasome formation, thereby blocking activation of IL-1β early in the inflammatory cascade. IC 100 also binds to ASC in ASC Specks, both intracellularly and extracellularly, further blocking activation of IL-1β and the perpetuation of the inflammatory response that is pathogenic in inflammatory diseases. Because active cytokines amplify adaptive immunity through various mechanisms, IC 100, by attenuating cytokine activation, also attenuates the adaptive immune response.

About ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.

ZyVersa (Nasdaq: ZVSA) is a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies to develop first-in-class drugs for patients with renal and inflammatory diseases who have significant unmet medical needs. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple programs built around its two proprietary technologies – Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 for treatment of kidney diseases, and Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, targeting damaging inflammation associated with numerous CNS and other inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit www.zyversa.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc (“ZyVersa”) uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements are based on ZyVersa’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including ZyVersa’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the timing of initiation of ZyVersa’s planned preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from ZyVersa’s preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; ZyVersa’s plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of ZyVersa’s product candidates; ZyVersa’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; ZyVersa’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; and ZyVersa’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.

New factors emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for ZyVersa to predict all such factors, nor can ZyVersa assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to ZyVersa as of the date of this press release. ZyVersa disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

Corporate, Media, and IR Contact:
Karen Cashmere
Chief Commercial Officer
kcashmere@zyversa.com
786-251-9641     

Release – Century Lithium Announces Positive Feasibility Study for the Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Nevada

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FEASIBILITY STUDY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Large-Scale Nevada-based Lithium Project: three-phase production plan will generate a life-of-mine average of 34,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-quality lithium carbonate (Li2CO3)
  • Innovative Approach in Processing: patent-pending chloride leaching process combined with Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), the Feasibility Study is supported by 2+ years of testing at the Company’s Pilot Plant
  • Mineral Resource Estimate: Measured and Indicated resources totaling 1,207.33 million tonnes (Mt) at an average grade of 957 parts per million (ppm) lithium (Li) containing 1.155 Mt of Li or 6.148 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE)
  • Long 40-Year Mine Life: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate totaling 287.65 Mt at an average grade of 1,149 ppm Li containing 0.330 Mt of lithium or 1.759 Mt of LCE
  • Initial Project: Phase 1 Capital Cost $1.537 billion for production capacity of 13,000 tpa LCE
  • Designed for Expansion: Phase 2 $0.651 billion for 28,000 tpa LCE, and Phase 3 $1.336 billion for 41,000 tpa LCE; Project expansions are capitalized with Project cash flow
  • Low Operating Cost: average operating cost $8,223/t of Li2CO3 produced, or $2,766/t after sales of surplus sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
  • After-tax IRR of 17.1% at $24,000/t Li2CO3$3.01 billion after-tax net present value (NPV) at 8% discount rate and a 17.1% after-tax internal rate of return (IRR), using price assumptions of $24,000/t for Li2COand $600/dry metric tonne (dmt) for NaOH

April 29, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium or the Company) is pleased to announce the results of a National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) feasibility study (Feasibility Study, FS or Study) completed on its 100% owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project (Project) in Nevada, USA. The Feasibility Study was prepared by Wood Group USA, Inc. (Wood) and Global Resource Engineering, Ltd. (GRE). All currency amounts in this news release are presented in U.S. dollars.

“Century Lithium is proud to present our Feasibility Study. The Study indicates our Project has robust economics, made possible with our unique chlor-alkali and DLE processes” commented Bill Willoughby, President, and CEO. “Completion of the Study marks a major milestone for the Company and is the result of the dedicated work and efforts of our team of employees and consultants.”

“Our process technology was developed by way of many trials and successes at our Pilot Plant in Amargosa Valley. As one of the few lithium-focused Pilot Plants in North America, we continue to operate safely and recently passed two years of testing. The data generated to date supports the Feasibility Study, and we continue to test various conditions and ideas to improve our process flow sheet,” said Bill Willoughby.

With the Feasibility Study completed, the Company will now direct its focus on engineering and permitting. The Company is concurrently advancing discussions with government agencies, strategic partners, and other interested parties to provide funding to advance the Project and maximize the value to the Company’s shareholders that is reflected in the FS.

FEASIBILITY STUDY SUMMARY

The information in the following tables highlight the Project’s production and economic summaries.

Production Summary
PhaseYearsMine tonnes per day (tpd)Li2CO3 (tpa)Capital Cost (B$)
11-5  7,50013,000$1.537
26-1015,00028,000$0.651
311+22,50041,000$1.336
Economic SummaryUnitsAmount
Operating Costs (average)$/t8,223
Operating Costs (average w/NaOH credit)$/t2,766
After-tax NPV @ 8% Discount Rate$ billion3.01
After-tax IRR%17.1

RESOURCE AND RESERVES

The Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimates for the Project were updated for the Feasibility Study and built using geologic data and 1,318 lithium assays from 45 core holes drilled between 2017 and 2022. The constrained Measured and Indicated Resource Estimate is 1,207.33 Mt with an average grade of 957 ppm lithium and contains 1.155 Mt of Li or 6.148 Mt of LCE. The Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate was derived from the constrained Mineral Resources and contains 287.65 Mt with an average grade of 1,149 ppm lithium and contains 0.330 Mt of Li or 1.759 Mt of LCE and reflects an increase of 74.6 Mt and 0.48 Mt LCE compared to the 2021 Mineral Reserve Estimate. The Mineral Resources were generated with a pit shell that encompasses all mineralized material within the Property excluding all areas that will be used for Project infrastructure and placement of tailings, waste, and low-grade material.

Mineral Resource Estimate
DomainTonnes Above Cut-off (millions)Li Grade (ppm)Li Contained
(million t)
LCE (million t)
Measured   858.389900.8494.524
Indicated   348.958750.3051.625
Measured & Indicated1,207.339571.1556.148
Inferred   119.038270.0980.524
The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is December 15, 2022. The QP for the estimate is Ms. Terre Lane, MMSA, an employee of GRE and independent of Century. The Mineral Resources are constrained by a pit shell with a 200 ppm Li cut-off and density of 1.505 g/cm3. The cut-off grade considers an operating cost of $16.90/t mill feed, process recovery of 83% and a long-term lithium carbonate price of $20,000/t. The Mineral Resource estimate was prepared in accordance with CIM Definition Standards (CIM, 2014) and the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (CIM, 2019). Mineral Resource figures were rounded. One tonne of lithium = 5.323 tonnes lithium carbonate. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
Mineral Reserve Estimate
DomainTonnes Above Cut-off (millions)Li Grade (ppm)Li Contained
(million t)
LCE (million t)
Proven266.391,1470.3061.626
Probable  21.261,1740.0250.133
Proven & Probable287.651,1490.3301.759
The effective date of the Mineral Reserve Estimate is December 15, 2022. The QP for the estimate is Ms. Terre Lane, MMSA, an employee of GRE and independent of Century. The Mineral Reserve estimate was prepared in accordance with CIM) Definition Standards (CIM, 2014) and the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (CIM, 2019). Mineral Reserves are reported within the final pit design at a mining cut-off of 900 ppm. The cut-off grade considers a mine operating cost of $1.98/t, a process operating cost of $14.27/t milled, a G&A cost of $0.65/t milled, process recovery of 83% and a long-term lithium carbonate price of $20,000/t. The cut-off of 900 ppm is an elevated cut-off selected for the mine production schedule as the elevated cutoff is 4.5 times higher than the break-even cut-off grade. Mineral Reserve figures have been rounded. One tonne of lithium = 5.323 tonnes lithium carbonate. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.

PROCESS METALLURGY & CHLOR-ALKALI PLANT

Metallurgical testing through 2020 focused on using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to extract lithium from the clay. In late 2020, testing shifted to hydrochloric acid (HCl) for its improved compatibility with the deposit’s chemistry. These benefits included higher lithium extractions, lower reagent consumptions, significantly better filtration of solids, and the ability to utilize certain DLE technologies in the recovery and concentration of lithium from the leach solutions.

A key component of the Project with chloride-based leaching is a chlor-alkali plant. The chlor-alkali plant provides the ability to produce the key reagents HCl and NaOH on-site from the electrolysis of a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. A chlor-alkali plant represents a greater capital investment relative to that of a sulfuric acid plant but has important environmental and economic benefits for the sustainability of the Project. These benefits include replacing the purchase and transportation of sulfur with regionally sourced salt, and a reduction in emissions and the physical footprint of the operation with dryer, non-sulfate tailings.

Additionally, the chlor-alkali plant will generate significant quantities of NaOH surplus to the Project’s operational needs and therefore available for sale. The chlor-alkali plant will utilize modern electrochemical cell technology thereby producing membrane grade sodium hydroxide without the energy consumption and environmental problems of older technologies. The surplus amounts of NaOH are inherent to the operation of the plant and the sales represent a significant offset to the Project’s operating costs.

PILOT PLANT

In 2021, Century Lithium constructed a Pilot Plant in Nevada to leach one tonne per day of lithium clay and produce a high-grade lithium chloride solution which is processed off-site at Saltworks Technologies, Inc. (Saltworks), at their Richmond, British Columbia processing plant to make battery-quality Li2CO3. To maximize lithium recovery, the Company purchased the license rights and pilot-stage equipment to DLE an ion-exchange-based process and incorporated it into the Pilot Plant. The DLE license is held in perpetuity and royalty free by the Project.

Throughout its Pilot Plant program, the Company has sought improvement in its process methods. The Company obtained a provisional patent in 2023 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce. The provisional patent is titled System and Method for Extracting Lithium from Clay and Other Materials in a Chloride Solution Using Individualized Pretreatments. The patent pending process encompasses the Company’s flowsheet and protects its methods of leaching lithium-bearing solids and handling solutions, precipitates, and residues.

LITHIUM EXTRACTION, RECOVERY & Li2COPRODUCTION

A lithium recovery of 78% is used in the Feasibility Study, based on the data collected in over two years of operations at the Pilot Pant.

  • Feed material grades averaged 1,100 ppm
  • Leach solution samples varied from 200 to 320 ppm Li
  • Lithium extractions averaged 88% and varied from 80 to 95%
  • DLE lithium recoveries were typically above 90%
  • 10% of the lithium in solution is retained in the moisture remaining in the tailings

Extraction rates do not account for losses downstream and are only indicative of the potential overall recovery. Work at the Pilot Plant continues to focus on reducing losses of lithium to tailings. A small loss of lithium from processing the DLE product solutions into Li2CO3, and the recycling of process solutions to the DLE and leach areas is anticipated.

During 2022 and 2023, Saltworks processed the DLE product solutions from the Pilot Plant and made battery-quality Li2COat greater than 99.5% purity. Modifications at the Pilot Plant in mid-2023 increased lithium solution grades to over 14 grams per liter which simplified the flowsheet and eliminated the evaporation stage for production of Li2CO3.

PRODUCTION PLAN

The Project’s production plan comprises three equal phases of production rate increases, Phase 1 and Phase 2 production rates are maintained over five years each and Phase 3 is maintained for 30 years. This approach was selected to reduce capital exposure and risk by dividing the Project’s production schedule into realistic phases of construction and equipment installation. The plan fully utilizes the Project’s Mineral Reserve.

Phase 1 includes all work required to implement the Initial Project Plan including all necessary mining and processing infrastructure. The Phase 2 cost estimate focuses on an expansion within the footprint of Phase 1. Phase 3 development includes an additional processing plant and facilities not built in the previous phases and allows for a fourth phase of expansion.

LITHIUM CARBONATE AND SODIUM HYDROXIDE SALES PRICES

A price of $24,000/t of Li2CO3 is used in the Feasibility Study as the Project base case. This price is selected as a conservative mid-point between current market prices which are under $20,000/t Li2COand forecast prices obtained from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence which are in the range of $23,000 to $39,000/t Li2CO3 during Phase 1 and $29,000 to $31,000/t Li2COthereafter (Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Lithium Forecast Q1 2024). The sales price is free on board (FOB) the Project site for battery quality Li2CO3.

NaOH is a product of the chlor-alkali process and a sales price of $600/dmt FOB the Project is used in the Feasibility Study as the Project base case. Based on the material mass balance, it is expected that surplus NaOH will be available for sale at rates of 120,000 to 360,000 dmt per annum, depending on Project Phase. This price is based on a February 2023 market study by Global Exchange and Trading, Inc. where it was determined the Project’s surplus NaOH can be readily sold in the western U.S. which currently relies heavily on imports arriving at west coast ports.

CAPITAL COST ESTIMATE

The basis for the capital cost estimate follows AACE Class 3 for feasibility studies. Contributors to the estimates are GRE (mining), Wood (process plant and infrastructure), ThyssenKrupp Nucera (chlor-alkali plant) and Century Lithium (property information and owners’ costs). The capital cost estimates by phase are summarized as follows.

Installed Capital CostsInitial
Phase 1 ($M)
Expansion
Phase 2 ($M)
Expansion
Phase 3 ($M)
Mining & Site Preparation     $64    $7   $27
Process Facilities   $517$205 $477
Chlor-Alkali Plant   $496$336 $496
Buildings, Services & Infrastructure   $130     $5    $42
Indirect & Owners Costs   $234   $72  $190
Contingency     $96   $27   $105
Total Capital Cost$1,537 $651$1,336
Notes: Totals may not sum due to rounding, Contingency and site Indirects for chlor-alkali plant is included in the Chlor-Alkali Plant line item, contingency for mining is included in the Contingency line item, indirect costs for mining are not included in the Indirects and Owner’s Costs line item

The Phase 2 capital costs represent the expansion of the process facilities and infrastructure established in Phase 1. The Phase 3 capital costs support an additional processing plant and facilities not built in the previous phases. In the Project schedule, a 2-year period is allocated for the time to construct and commission each phase.

Sustaining capital over the life of the Project is estimated at $315 million for tailings facility expansion and equipment replacements. These costs are in addition to the expansion capital costs shown above.

OPERATING COST ESTIMATES

The following information highlights the operating cost estimates for each phase in dollars per tonne of Li2CO3, before and after deducting sales of surplus NaOH.

Initial Phase 1
(7,500 tpd mill feed)
$ (000s)/y$/t mill feed$/t LCE
Mining$13,754$5.43$1,205
Processing and G&A  $57,515$21.01  $4,428
Chlor-Alkali Plant  $61,787$22.57  $4,757
Total Operating Cost$133,056$49.01$10,390
Less NaOH Sales (FOB mine)  $78,272$28.95  $6,026
Net Operating Cost  $54,784$20.06  $4,364
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
Expansion Phase 2
(15,000 tpd mill feed)
$ (000s)/y$/t mill feed$/t LCE
Mining  $24,901  $4.26   $766
Processing and G&A  $82,018$14.98$3,157
Chlor-Alkali Plant$105,138$19.20$4,047
Total Operating Cost$212,057$38.44$7,970
Less NaOH Sales (FOB mine)$142,350$26.00$5,479
Net Operating Cost  $69,707$12.44$2,491
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
Expansion Phase 3
(22,500 tpd mill feed)
$ (000s)/y$/t mill feed$/t LCE
Mining  $22,064  $2.70   $561
Processing and G&A$119,945$14.60$3,078
Chlor-Alkali Plant$151,325$18.43$3,884
Total Operating Cost$293,334$35.73$7,523
Less NaOH Sales (FOB mine)$213,525$25.99$5,479
Net Operating Cost  $79,809  $9.74$2,044
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding

ECONOMIC MODEL AND SENSITIVITY

The cash flow model is developed using base prices of $24,000/t for Li2COand $600/dmt for NaOH.

Average Annual ValuesUnitsInitial
Phase 1
Expansion
Phase 2
Expansion
Phase 3
Li2CO3 Salest11,88526,75339,098
NaOH Salesdmt130,488237,250355,875
Gross Sales$ million$282.4$635.7$929.0
Before-tax Cash Flow$ million$231.3$553.3$825.3

Lithium carbonate sales are the average over each Phase including ramp up to the stated production rate.  Gross sales are revenues from Li2CO3 and NaOH sales are before operating costs and after royalty. Before-tax Cash Flow is gross sales minus operating costs. Taxes are applied at federal, state and county rates after allowances for amortization, depletion, and depreciation only. Possible tax credits under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act or other programs are not included.

The Project base case generates a 17.1% after-tax IRR and NPV-8% of $3.01 billion. These results are sensitive to changes in operating assumptions including the sales price of Li2CO3.

  • At 75% of the base case, or $18,000/t LCE, the after-tax NPV@ 8% is $1.52 billion, and the after-tax IRR is 12.9%.
  • At 125% of the base case, or $30,000/t LCE, the after-tax NPV@ 8% is $4.47 billion, and the after-tax IRR is 20.9%.
  • For every $1,000/t change in the price of lithium carbonate, the after-tax NPV@8% changes by about $250 million.
Project SensitivityUnits75%Base Case125%
Lithium Price$/t LCE$18,000$24,000$30,000
NPV-8%$ billion$1.52$3.01$4.47
IRR%12.917.120.9

PROJECT ADVANCEMENT

The Company has completed multiple environmental studies in advance of permitting and is examining ways to optimize power requirements and incorporate alternative energy solutions.

The recommendations of the FS include continuing the permitting process, engaging with governmental agencies and other parties, and proceeding with detailed engineering to further advance the Project.

Among these steps, the Company has contacted the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) and plans to initiate the pre-application process under the Title Seven Clean Energy Financing program when the Feasibility Study report is complete.

CONFERENCE CALL

Century Lithium will host a live webcast and conference call for analysts and investors on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11:00 am ET (8:00 am PT), followed by a question-and-answer session.

To register for the webcast, link here: https://events.6ix.com/preview/century-lithium-announces-positive-feasibility-study 

A replay of the webcast will be available on our website shortly following the conclusion of the conference call.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

The data in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards by the following Qualified Persons (QP).

  • Terre Lane, Principal Mining Engineer, GRE, is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the Mineral Resource Estimate, Mineral Reserve Estimate, mine plan, mine capital and operating cost estimation, economic analysis, and marketing.
  • Hamid Samari, Principal Geologist, GRE, is an independent QP as defined by NI43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description of the deposit, geological setting, and mineralization, deposit type, exploration, drilling, sample preparation, analyses and security, and data verification.
  • Todd Fayram, Senior Vice President Metallurgy, Century Lithium, is a non-independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description of metallurgical testing, lithium recovery, and design operation and results of the Pilot Plant.
  • Alan Drake, Manager – Process Engineering, Wood, is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description and estimates related to recovery methods.
  • Haiming (Peter) Yuan, PE, PhD, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc., is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description related to infrastructure, environment and permitting.
  • Paul Baluch, Technical Director, Civil, Wood, is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description and estimates of infrastructure.
  • Farzad Kossari, Cost Estimating Manager, Wood, is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description and summary of capital and operating cost estimates.

Further information about the Project, including a description of the key assumptions, parameters, description of sampling methods, data verification and quality assurance (QA) / quality control (QC) programs, methods relating to Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and factors that may affect those estimates will be contained in a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feasibility Study of the Clayton Valley Lithium Project. Following Section 3.4 of NI 43-101 the report will be available on SEDAR+ and on the Company’s website within 45 days of the date of this news release.

ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.

Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium recently completed a Feasibility Study on its Clayton Valley Lithium Project and is currently in the permitting stage, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.

ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.
WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE
President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:
Spiros Cacos | Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: +1 604 764 1851
Toll Free: 1 800 567 8181
scacos@centurylithium.com
centurylithium.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company’s future development plans.

These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein. These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Release – Ocugen Announces OCU400—Modifier Gene Therapy—Phase 1/2 Data Presentation At Retinal Cell And Gene Therapy Innovation Summit 2024

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

April 29, 2024

MALVERN, Pa., April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines, today announced that Benjamin Bakall, MD, PhD, Director of Clinical Research at Associated Retina Consultants and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine—Phoenix will present data from the OCU400 Phase 1/2 clinical trial at the Retinal Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Summit being held May 3, 2024 in Seattle, WA.

“I look forward to sharing more about my clinical experience with this novel modifier gene therapy with my peers and industry leadership during the summit,” said Dr. Bakall. “There remains a significant unmet need for patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and I believe that this approach can offer a new therapeutic option to address the disease itself.”

The Retinal Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Summit 2024 is jointly organized by the Foundation Fighting Blindness and the Oregon Health and Science University Casey Eye Institute. The Summit brings together representatives from the biotech and pharma industries, along with members of the medical and research communities, to discuss rapidly emerging ocular gene and cell therapies and strategize how to move the most advanced retinal disease therapies toward clinical utility.

Details on Dr. Bakall’s presentation are as follows:

Presentation Title: “Nuclear Hormone Receptor-Based Gene Modifier Therapy: Safety and Efficacy from Phase 1/2 Clinical Trials for Retinitis Pigmentosa”
Date: Friday, May 3, 2024
Time: 10:50 – 11:05 a.m. (PT)
Location: Hyatt Regency Seattle

The OCU400 Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial is currently underway and on track to meet the Company’s 2026 BLA and MAA approval targets. Between the U.S. and EU, nearly 300,000 people are affected by RP.

About OCU400
OCU400 is the Company’s gene-agnostic modifier gene therapy product based on NHR gene, NR2E3NR2E3 regulates diverse physiological functions within the retina—such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation and cell survival networks. Through its drive functionality, OCU400 resets altered/affected cellular gene networks and establishes homeostasis—a state of balance, which has the potential to improve retinal health and function in patients with RP.

About RP
RP is a group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina, leading to vision loss and blindness. Currently, RP is associated with mutations in more than 100 genes. There are no approved treatment options that slow or stop the progression of multiple forms of RP. Proposed treatments for RP include gene replacement therapy, retinal implant devices, retinal transplantation, stem cells, vitamin therapy, and other pharmacological treatments. Current gene replacement therapies are promising but are limited to treating just a single mutation. In addition, while gene therapies may provide a new functional gene, they do not necessarily eliminate the underlying genetic defect, which may still cause stress and toxic effects leading to retina degeneration. Therefore, the development of gene-specific replacement therapy is highly challenging, especially when multiple and unknown genes are involved. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches targeting broader RP disease in a gene-agnostic manner offer greater hope for patients.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Release – Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. Reports Solid First Quarter Financial and Operating Results; Declares Quarterly Cash Distribution of $0.70 Per Unit and Reiterates 2024 Guidance

Research News and Market Data on ARLP

April 29, 2024

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Highlights

  • Increased coal sales volumes to 8.7 million tons, up 2.4% year-over-year
  • Record oil & gas royalty volumes of 898 MBOE, up 18.3% year-over-year and 11.0% sequentially
  • First quarter 2024 total revenue of $651.7 million, net income of $158.1 million, and EBITDA of $235.0 million
  • Enhanced liquidity position to $551.3 million, which included $134.0 million in cash and $417.3 million of borrowings available under credit facilities
  • In April 2024, declared quarterly cash distribution of $0.70 per unit, or $2.80 per unit annualized

TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) (“ARLP” or the “Partnership”) today reported financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the “2024 Quarter”). This release includes comparisons of results to the quarter ended March 31, 2023 (the “2023 Quarter”) and to the quarter ended December 31, 2023 (the “Sequential Quarter”). All references in the text of this release to “net income” refer to “net income attributable to ARLP.” For a definition of EBITDA and related reconciliation to its comparable GAAP financial measure, please see the end of this release.

Total revenues in the 2024 Quarter decreased slightly to $651.7 million compared to $662.9 million for the 2023 Quarter primarily as a result of lower average coal sales prices, partially offset by higher oil & gas royalties and other revenues. Net income for the 2024 Quarter was $158.1 million, or $1.21 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $191.2 million, or $1.45 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2023 Quarter as a result of lower revenues and increased total operating expenses. EBITDA for the 2024 Quarter was $235.0 million compared to $270.9 million in the 2023 Quarter.

Compared to the Sequential Quarter, total revenues in the 2024 Quarter increased 4.2% primarily as a result of higher average coal sales prices, which increased 6.9% to $64.78 per ton sold compared to $60.60 per ton sold in the Sequential Quarter. Net income and EBITDA in the 2024 Quarter increased 36.9% and 28.6%, respectively, compared to the Sequential Quarter.

CEO Commentary

“We had a solid start to the year operationally, with all our mines running as expected and strong volumes coming from our Oil & Gas Royalties segment,” commented Joseph W. Craft III, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our contracted coal position also contributed to our performance for the 2024 Quarter mitigating the impact of mild winter weather and low natural gas prices. On the strength of our heavily contracted coal order book and continued growth in our Oil & Gas Royalties business, we are pleased to reiterate full-year guidance.”

Segment Results and Analysis

              
        % Change     
  2024 First 2023 First Quarter / 2023 Fourth % Change
(in millions, except per ton and per BOE data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Sequential
              
Coal Operations (1)             
              
Illinois Basin Coal Operations             
Tons sold  6.437  6.190 4.0%  6.419 0.3%
Coal sales price per ton sold $57.58 $54.43 5.8% $55.06 4.6%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton $36.21 $33.45 8.3% $35.26 2.7%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA $140.3 $132.0 6.3% $130.1 7.8%
              
Appalachia Coal Operations             
Tons sold  2.237  2.279 (1.8)%  2.194 2.0%
Coal sales price per ton sold $85.49 $106.13 (19.4)% $76.82 11.3%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton $52.53 $55.20 (4.8)% $63.52 (17.3)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA $74.2 $116.6 (36.3)% $29.8 149.4%
              
Total Coal Operations             
Tons sold  8.674  8.469 2.4%  8.613 0.7%
Coal sales price per ton sold $64.78 $68.34 (5.2)% $60.60 6.9%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton $40.85 $39.66 3.0% $42.91 (4.8)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA $210.9 $245.7 (14.2)% $156.2 35.0%
              
Royalties (1)             
             
Oil & Gas Royalties             
BOE sold (2)  0.898  0.759 18.3%  0.809 11.0%
Oil percentage of BOE  44.2% 47.3%(6.6)%  46.3%(4.5)%
Average sales price per BOE (3) $41.22 $45.42 (9.2)% $44.60 (7.6)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense $4.9 $4.4 11.7% $4.7 5.7%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA $31.4 $30.0 4.5% $31.0 1.1%
              
Coal Royalties             
Royalty tons sold  5.512  5.057 9.0%  5.018 9.8%
Revenue per royalty ton sold $3.39 $3.07 10.4% $3.33 1.8%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense $6.3 $5.4 16.3% $6.6 (5.3)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA $12.4 $10.1 22.9% $10.2 22.5%
              
Total Royalties             
Total royalty revenues $56.1 $51.1 9.8% $53.0 5.7%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense $11.2 $9.8 14.2% $11.3 (0.7)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA $43.8 $40.2 9.2% $41.2 6.4%
              
Consolidated Total             
Total revenues $651.7 $662.9 (1.7)% $625.4 4.2%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense $358.3 $339.3 5.6% $376.6 (4.9)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA $260.6 $291.9 (10.7)% $203.2 28.2%
_______________________
(1)For definitions of Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense and Segment Adjusted EBITDA and related reconciliations to comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the end of this release. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton is defined as Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense – Coal Operations (as reflected in the reconciliation table at the end of this release) divided by total tons sold.
(2)Barrels of oil equivalent (“BOE”) for natural gas volumes is calculated on a 6:1 basis (6,000 cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel).
(3)Average sales price per BOE is defined as oil & gas royalty revenues excluding lease bonus revenue divided by total BOE sold.

Coal Operations

In the Illinois Basin, coal sales prices increased by 5.8% and 4.6% compared to the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively, as a result of improved domestic price realizations. In Appalachia, coal sales price per ton decreased by 19.4% compared to the 2023 Quarter due primarily to reduced domestic pricing from our Tunnel Ridge mine, which benefited from significantly elevated pricing during the 2023 Quarter. Compared to the Sequential Quarter, Appalachian coal sales prices were higher by 11.3% as a result of improved domestic price realizations across the region. Tons sold increased by 4.0% in the Illinois Basin compared to the 2023 Quarter due primarily to increased sales volumes from our Hamilton and Warrior mines. Appalachian coal sales volumes decreased by 1.8% compared to the 2023 Quarter primarily due to fewer operating units at our MC Mining operation. Compared to the Sequential Quarter, tons sold in Appalachia increased by 2.0% as a result of increased volumes from our Mettiki operation, which experienced challenging geologic conditions in the Sequential Quarter. ARLP ended the 2024 Quarter with total coal inventory of 1.9 million tons, representing an increase of 0.6 million tons and 0.5 million tons compared to the end of the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively.

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton for the 2024 Quarter increased by 8.3% in the Illinois Basin compared to the 2023 Quarter, due primarily to reduced production and recoveries at our River View mine. Compared to the Sequential Quarter, Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton in the Illinois Basin increased by 2.7% due to higher inventory charges at several mines. In Appalachia, Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton decreased by 4.8% and 17.3% compared to the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively, due to increased production and recoveries at our Mettiki mine during the 2024 Quarter.

Royalties

Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Oil & Gas Royalties segment increased to $31.4 million in the 2024 Quarter compared to $30.0 million and $31.0 million in the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively. Improved Segment Adjusted EBITDA in the 2024 Quarter was due to record oil & gas volumes, which rose to 898 MBOE sold in the 2024 Quarter, representing increases of 18.3% and 11.0% compared to the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively, as a result of increased drilling and completion activities on our interests and acquisitions of additional oil & gas mineral interests.

Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Coal Royalties segment increased to $12.4 million for the 2024 Quarter compared to $10.1 million and $10.2 million for the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter, respectively. Higher average royalty rates per ton and increased royalty tons sold contributed to improved results for the 2024 Quarter.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of March 31, 2024, total debt and finance leases outstanding were $441.0 million, including $284.6 million in ARLP’s 2025 senior notes. The Partnership’s total and net leverage ratios were 0.49 times and 0.34 times debt to trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA, respectively, as of March 31, 2024. ARLP ended the 2024 Quarter with total liquidity of $551.3 million, which included $134.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $417.3 million of borrowings available under its revolving credit and accounts receivable securitization facilities.

During the 2024 Quarter, the Partnership increased its accounts receivable securitization facility by 50% to $90.0 million and entered into a new $54.6 million, four-year amortizing term loan maturing February 2028 to replace a prior equipment financing that matured in November 2023.

Distributions

On April 26, 2024, we announced that the Board of Directors of ARLP’s general partner (the “Board”) approved a cash distribution to unitholders for the 2024 Quarter of $0.70 per unit (an annualized rate of $2.80 per unit), payable on May 15, 2024, to all unitholders of record as of the close of trading on May 8, 2024. The announced distribution is consistent with the cash distributions for the 2023 Quarter and Sequential Quarter.

Outlook

“With our operations running as expected year-to-date and a well-contracted order book, we are reiterating our full-year guidance,” commented Mr. Craft. “We continue to maintain a small, uncontracted tonnage position that we can flex to either domestic or export markets as demand dictates, while our Oil & Gas Royalties business is off to a strong start that should set the tone for another robust year.”

“Our focus in 2024 will continue to be the safe operations of our assets, delivering the same level of reliability that our customers value so greatly, while also executing major infrastructure projects at our Tunnel Ridge, Hamilton, Warrior and River View complexes,” Mr. Craft continued. “Over the past year, grid planners nearly doubled the five-year electricity demand growth forecast (from 2.6% to 4.7%) on a nationwide basis per FERC filings. We expect this rapid growth in electricity demand will lead to delays and extensions in the premature closure of critical coal power plants in the markets we serve. We are making investments today that will position us to be the low-cost, reliable provider in a market seeking to respond to accelerated demand associated with the electrification of new industry, and rapid load growth associated with data centers and artificial intelligence. These trends represent fundamental changes to consumption patterns, reinforcing our belief that coal, and our operations in particular, will remain critical to a reliable, affordable grid for many years to come.”

ARLP is reiterating the following guidance for the full year ended December 31, 2024 (the “2024 Full Year”):

2024 Full Year Guidance
      
Coal Operations     
Volumes (Million Short Tons)     
Illinois Basin Sales Tons    24.5 — 25.8
Appalachia Sales Tons    9.5 — 10.0
Total Sales Tons    34.0 — 35.8
      
Committed & Priced Sales Tons     
2024 — Domestic / Export / Total    28.1 / 4.5 / 32.6
2025 — Domestic / Export / Total    15.2 / 1.1 / 16.3
      
Coal Sales Price Per Ton Sold (1)     
Illinois Basin    $54.50 — $56.00
Appalachia    $80.50 — $83.50
Total    $61.75 — $63.75
      
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense Per Ton Sold (2)     
Illinois Basin    $35.25 — $37.25
Appalachia    $54.25 — $57.25
Total    $41.00 — $43.00
      
Royalties     
Oil & Gas Royalties     
Oil (000 Barrels)    1,400 — 1,500
Natural gas (000 MCF)    5,600 — 6,000
Liquids (000 Barrels)    675 — 725
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense (% of Oil & Gas Royalties Revenue)    ~ 12.0%
      
Coal Royalties     
Royalty tons sold (Million Short Tons)    20.4 — 22.2
Revenue per royalty ton sold    $3.15 — $3.35
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per royalty ton sold    $1.15 — $1.25
      
Consolidated (Millions)     
Depreciation, depletion and amortization    $280 — $300
General and administrative    $80 — $85
Net interest expense    $20 — $25
Income tax expense    $17 — $19
Total capital expenditures    $450 — $500
Growth capital expenditures    $25 — $30
Maintenance capital expenditures    $425 — $470
_______________________
(1)Sales price per ton is defined as total coal sales revenue divided by total tons sold.
(2)Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is defined as operating expenses, coal purchases and other expenses.

Conference Call

A conference call regarding ARLP’s 2024 Quarter financial results is scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13745713.

About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.

News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.

The statements and projections used throughout this release are based on current expectations. These statements and projections are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. These projections do not include the potential impact of any mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations that may occur after the date of this release. We have included more information below regarding business risks that could affect our results.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: With the exception of historical matters, any matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Those forward-looking statements include expectations with respect to our future financial performance, coal and oil & gas consumption and expected future prices, our ability to increase unitholder distributions in future quarters, business plans and potential growth with respect to our energy and infrastructure transition investments, optimizing cash flows, reducing operating and capital expenditures, infrastructure projects at our existing properties, growth in domestic electricity demand, preserving liquidity and maintaining financial flexibility, and our future repurchases of units and senior notes, among others. These risks to our ability to achieve these outcomes include, but are not limited to, the following: decline in the coal industry’s share of electricity generation, including as a result of environmental concerns related to coal mining and combustion, the cost and perceived benefits of other sources of electricity and fuels, such as oil & gas, nuclear energy, and renewable fuels and the planned retirement of coal-fired power plants in the U.S.; our ability to provide fuel for growth in domestic electricity demand, should it materialize; changes in macroeconomic and market conditions and market volatility, and the impact of such changes and volatility on our financial position; changes in global economic and geo-political conditions or changes in industries in which our customers operate; changes in commodity prices, demand and availability which could affect our operating results and cash flows; the outcome or escalation of current hostilities in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict; the severity, magnitude and duration of any future pandemics and impacts of such pandemics and of businesses’ and governments’ responses to such pandemics on our operations and personnel, and on demand for coal, oil, and natural gas, the financial condition of our customers and suppliers and operators, available liquidity and capital sources and broader economic disruptions; actions of the major oil-producing countries with respect to oil production volumes and prices could have direct and indirect impacts over the near and long term on oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in competition in domestic and international coal markets and our ability to respond to such changes; potential shut-ins of production by the operators of the properties in which we hold oil & gas mineral interests due to low commodity prices or the lack of downstream demand or storage capacity; risks associated with the expansion and investments into the infrastructure of our operations and properties; our ability to identify and complete acquisitions and to successfully integrate such acquisitions into our business and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; our ability to identify and invest in new energy and infrastructure transition ventures; the success of our development plans for our wholly owned subsidiary, Matrix Design Group, LLC, and our investments in emerging infrastructure and technology companies; dependence on significant customer contracts, including renewing existing contracts upon expiration; adjustments made in price, volume, or terms to existing coal supply agreements; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, central bank policy actions including interest rates, bank failures and associated liquidity risks; the effects of and changes in taxes or tariffs and other trade measures adopted by the United States and foreign governments; legislation, regulations, and court decisions and interpretations thereof, both domestic and foreign, including those relating to the environment and the release of greenhouse gases, mining, miner health and safety, hydraulic fracturing, and health care; deregulation of the electric utility industry or the effects of any adverse change in the coal industry, electric utility industry, or general economic conditions; investors’ and other stakeholders’ increasing attention to environmental, social, and governance matters; liquidity constraints, including those resulting from any future unavailability of financing; customer bankruptcies, cancellations or breaches to existing contracts, or other failures to perform; customer delays, failure to take coal under contracts or defaults in making payments; our productivity levels and margins earned on our coal sales; disruptions to oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in equipment, raw material, service or labor costs or availability, including due to inflationary pressures; changes in our ability to recruit, hire and maintain labor; our ability to maintain satisfactory relations with our employees; increases in labor costs including costs of health insurance and taxes resulting from the Affordable Care Act, adverse changes in work rules, or cash payments or projections associated with workers’ compensation claims; increases in transportation costs and risk of transportation delays or interruptions; operational interruptions due to geologic, permitting, labor, weather, supply chain shortage of equipment or mine supplies, or other factors; risks associated with major mine-related accidents, mine fires, mine floods or other interruptions; results of litigation, including claims not yet asserted; foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad; difficulty maintaining our surety bonds for mine reclamation as well as workers’ compensation and black lung benefits; difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding post-mine reclamation as well as pension, black lung benefits, and other post-retirement benefit liabilities; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our coal mineral reserves and resources; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our oil & gas reserves; uncertainties in the amount of oil & gas production due to the level of drilling and completion activity by the operators of our oil & gas properties; uncertainties in the future of the electric vehicle industry and the market for EV charging stations; the impact of current and potential changes to federal or state tax rules and regulations, including a loss or reduction of benefits from certain tax deductions and credits; difficulty obtaining commercial property insurance, and risks associated with our participation in the commercial insurance property program; evolving cybersecurity risks, such as those involving unauthorized access, denial-of-service attacks, malicious software, data privacy breaches by employees, insiders or others with authorized access, cyber or phishing-attacks, ransomware, malware, social engineering, physical breaches, or other actions; and difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding future revenues and costs associated with equity investments in companies we do not control.

Additional information concerning these, and other factors can be found in ARLP’s public periodic filings with the SEC, including ARLP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 23, 2024. Except as required by applicable securities laws, ARLP does not intend to update its forward-looking statements.

View fill release HERE.

Cary P. Marshall

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

918-295-7673

investorrelations@arlp.com

Source: Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Release – ACCO Brands Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

Research News and Market Data on ACCO

04/26/2024

LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 12, 2024, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 17, 2024.

“This is the Company’s 26th quarterly cash dividend since it began paying dividends in 2018. The Company’s dividend has become an important part of our capital allocation strategy, and we remain committed to supporting our quarterly dividend with our robust free cash flow. At the current stock price, on an annualized basis, our shareholders are receiving a 6% yield on their investment,” said Tom Tedford, President, and Chief Executive Officer of ACCO Brands.

About ACCO Brands Corporation

ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, designs, manufactures and markets consumer and end-user products that help people work, learn and play. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Five Star®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Swingline®, Tilibra® and many others. More information about ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Chris McGinnis

Investor Relations

(847) 796-4320

Kori Reed

Media Relations

(224) 501-0406

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation

Release – Ocugen To Present On Modifier Gene Therapy Platform At Association For Research In Vision And Ophthalmology 2024 Annual Meeting

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

April 26, 2024

MALVERN, Pa., April 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, and vaccines, today announced that the Company will present on its innovative modifier gene therapy platform, including OCU400 for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (Phase 3 LiMeliGhT clinical trial), OCU410 for the treatment of geographic atrophy (Phase 1/2 ArMaDa clinical trial), and OCU410ST for the treatment of Stargardt disease (Phase 1/2 GARDian clinical trial) at The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2024 Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA from May 5-9, 2024.

“With three gene therapies to treat blindness diseases currently in the clinic, now is an exciting time for Ocugen and the patients who can potentially benefit from our first-in-class modifier gene therapy platform,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Ocugen. “We look forward to sharing more about the scientific foundation of our programs and providing clinical updates with industry leaders during ARVO.”

Ocugen’s presence at ARVO 2024 includes:

Paper Session (oral presentation)

Title: OCU400 Nuclear Hormone Receptor-Based Gene Modifier Therapy: Safety and Efficacy from Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial for Retinitis Pigmentosa Associated with NR2E3 and RHO Mutations

Authors: Byron L. Lam, Arun K. Upadhyay, Shankar Musunuri, Murthy Chavali, Sahar Matloob, Nalin Mehta, David G. Birch, Paul Yang, Benjamin Bakall, Nieraj Jain, Jose S. Pulido, Borooah Shyamanga

Presenter: Byron Lam, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Dr. Mark J. Daily Endowed Chair, University of Miami
Presentation Number: 406
Location: Seattle Convention Center, Arch Building, Room 612
Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024
Time: 1:45-2 p.m. (PT)

Exhibitor Presentations

Title: OCU400—A Gene Agnostic Modifier Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa (Phase 1/2 Clinical Study Results and Phase 3 liMeliGhT Study Design) 
Presenter: Arun Upadhyay, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Head of Research & Development, Ocugen
Location: Show Floor, Educational Lounge, Booth #4921
Date: Monday, May 6, 2024
Time: 1 p.m. (PT)

Title: OCU410 Gene Therapy—Multifactorial Therapeutic Intervention for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration 
Presenter: Huma Qamar, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, Ocugen
Location: Show Floor, Educational Lounge, Booth #4921
Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Time: 2 p.m. (PT)

Title: Nuclear Hormone Receptor RORA as a Novel Modifier Approach for Treatment of Stargardt Disease 
Presenter: Murthy Chavali, PhD, Director, Clinical Development, Ocugen
Location: Show Floor, Educational Lounge, Booth #4921
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Time: 2 p.m. (PT)

Ocugen is committed to bringing game-changing therapies to treat inherited retinal diseases as well as blindness diseases affecting millions to market and working even harder to provide access to patients globally.

About AAV-hNR2E3 (OCU400)
OCU400 is the Company’s gene-agnostic modifier gene therapy product based on NHR gene, NR2E3NR2E3 regulates diverse physiological functions within the retina—such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation and cell survival networks. Through its drive functionality, OCU400 resets altered/affected cellular gene networks and establishes homeostasis—a state of balance, which has the potential to improve retinal health and function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Between the U.S. and EU, nearly 300,000 people are affected by retinitis pigmentosa. The OCU400 Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial is currently underway and on track to meet the Company’s 2026 BLA and MAA filing targets.

About AAV-hRORA (OCU410/OCU410ST)
AAV-hRORA utilizes an AAV delivery platform for the retinal delivery of the RORA (ROR Related Orphan Receptor A) gene. The RORA protein plays an important role in lipid metabolism, reducing lipofuscin deposits and oxidative stress, and demonstrates an anti-inflammatory role as well as inhibiting the complement system in in-vitro and in-vivo (animal model) studies. These results demonstrate the ability to target multiple pathways linked with dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt pathophysiology. Ocugen is developing OCU410 as a one-time gene therapy for the treatment of GA (affecting one million people in the U.S.) and OCU410ST as a one-time gene therapy for the treatment of Stargardt disease (affecting 41,000 people in the U.S.).

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Release – Entravision Schedules First Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

Research News and Market Data on EVC

April 25, 2024

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SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Entravision (NYSE: EVC), a leading global advertising solutions, media and technology company, announced that it will release its first quarter 2024 financial results after market close on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The Company will host a conference call that day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the first quarter 2024 results.

To access the conference call, please dial (844) 836-8739 (U.S.) or (412) 317-5440 (International) ten minutes prior to the start time. The call will also be available via live webcast on the investor relations portion of the Company’s website located at www.entravision.com.

If you cannot listen to the conference call at its scheduled time, there will be a replay available through Thursday, May 16, 2024, which can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 (U.S.) or (412) 317-6671 (International) and entering the passcode 10188233. The webcast will also be archived on the Company’s website.

About Entravision

Entravision (NYSE: EVC) is a global advertising solutions, media and technology company. Over the past three decades, we have strategically evolved into a digital powerhouse, expertly connecting brands to consumers in the U.S., Latin America, Europe and Asia. Our digital segment offers a full suite of end-to-end advertising services across the world. We have commercial partnerships with X Corp. (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, and Spotify, and marketers can use our Smadex and other platforms to deliver targeted advertising to audiences around the globe. In the U.S., we maintain a diversified portfolio of television and radio stations that target Hispanic audiences and complement our global digital services. Entravision remains the largest affiliate group of the Univision and UniMás television networks. Shares of Entravision Class A Common Stock trade on the NYSE under ticker: EVC. Learn more about our offerings at entravision.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Christopher T. Young

Chief Financial Officer

Entravision

310-447-3870

ir@entravision.com

Source: Entravision

Release – Conduent Implements I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes Tolling System for the Virginia Department of Transportation

Research News and Market Data on CNDT

APRIL 25, 2024

Conduent to maintain flexible, dynamic pricing and conduct license plate image reviews, helping to improve the flow of traffic and relieve congestion for VDOT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Conduent Transportation, a global provider of smart mobility technology solutions and business unit of Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT), today announced the implementation of an Express Lanes tolling system in Virginia. The system, which went live March 17 on a segment of the I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes, was designed by Conduent as part of a 2021 contract from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Conduent will operate and maintain an innovative and completely overhead vehicle classification system, a traffic-responsive dynamic pricing system and an automated license plate recognition system, as well as conduct license plate image reviews for VDOT. These technologies and services are designed to help improve traffic flow and relieve congestion for motorists and passengers.

To enable dynamic pricing, VDOT will use data analytics to determine toll rates based on the volume of traffic during different times of the day, helping reduce overall travel times and enhance predictability and mobility choices for motorists. The lanes remain free for vehicles with two or more occupants using a required E-ZPass Flex transponder.

“It’s exciting to offer our clients the latest innovations in tolling technology that greatly enhance the roadway experience for motorists, from an overhead vehicle classification system to the ease of booth-less electronic payment – all enabling reduced congestion and faster journeys,” said Adam Appleby, President, Transportation Solutions at Conduent. “Our tolling solutions also improve operational efficiency, accuracy and customer service for transportation and tolling authorities. As a leader in road usage charging, Conduent continues to identify new solutions to transform mobility.”

This segment on I-64, located in Chesapeake and Norfolk, is the first of four segments that will be implemented with the new system. The segments will ultimately become a part of a continuous 45-mile Express Lanes network on the corridor. VDOT also has the option under the contract to implement a vehicle occupancy detection system in the future, which would use camera systems and video analytics to identify the number of occupants in a vehicle.

Conduent Transportation is a leading provider of streamlined, high-volume mobility services and solutions, spanning road usage charging and advanced transit systems, that enhance the services provided by transportation agencies to benefit the citizens who use them. For over 50 years, the company has helped clients advance transportation solutions in more than 20 countries.

About Conduent
Conduent delivers digital business solutions and services spanning the commercial, government and transportation spectrum – creating valuable outcomes for its clients and the millions of people who count on them. The Company leverages cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation and advanced analytics to deliver mission-critical solutions. Through a dedicated global team of approximately 59,000 associates, process expertise and advanced technologies, Conduent’s solutions and services digitally transform its clients’ operations to enhance customer experiences, improve performance, increase efficiencies and reduce costs. Conduent adds momentum to its clients’ missions in many ways including disbursing approximately $100 billion in government payments annually, enabling 2.3 billion customer service interactions annually, empowering millions of employees through HR services every year and processing nearly 13 million tolling transactions every day. Learn more at www.conduent.com.

Note: To receive RSS news feeds, visit www.news.conduent.com . For open commentary, industry perspectives and views, visit http://twitter.com/Conduenthttp://www.linkedin.com/company/conduent or http://www.facebook.com/Conduent.

Trademarks
Conduent is a trademark of Conduent Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts

NEIL FRANZ

Conduent

neil.franz@conduent.com

+1-240-687-0127

GILES GOODBURN

Conduent

ir@conduent.com

+1-203-216-3546

Release – Bitcoin Depot Announces Strategic Investment from Sopris Capital

Research News and Market Data on BTM

April 25, 2024 8:05 AM EDTDownload as PDF

ATLANTA, April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today announced a strategic investment from Sopris Capital (“Sopris”), a 20-year-old multi-strategy investment firm. As part of the investment, Sopris Capital has purchased 2,906,976 Class A common shares and is now one of the Company`s largest independent shareholders.

“We are thrilled to own part of a growing, market-leading business at such a compelling valuation. We look forward to collaborating with Bitcoin Depot as they pursue their numerous growth initiatives,” said Andy Paul, Founder and CEO of Sopris Capital.

“We’re excited to welcome Sopris Capital as a strategic investor to help accelerate our growth,” said Bitcoin Depot CEO Brandon Mintz. “With their extensive network of valuable relationships and experience in the cryptocurrency space, Sopris Capital is a fantastic fit for us. Most importantly, they understand our mission and our value proposition.”

In March of this year Sopris Capital purchased 50 kiosks to become a partner in Bitcoin Depot`s Franchise Program, which allowed Sopris to leverage Bitcoin Depot`s operating expertise and receive a passive income stream from its Bitcoin ATMs.

“The investment reinforces the confidence we have in Bitcoin Depot’s strategy and growth potential, which we believe is not reflected in the current public market valuation given their underlying unit economics and ability to redeploy capital at a high return,” said Sopris Capital Vice President Dan Wedman.

Bitcoin Depot’s products and services provide an intuitive, quick, and convenient process for converting cash into Bitcoin, giving users the ability to access the broader digital financial system, including using their Bitcoin for purposes of making payments, transfers, remittances, online purchases, and investments.

This news marks the latest show of momentum for Bitcoin Depot, which holds the largest market BTM share in North America, with over 7,400 Bitcoin ATM locations. The announcement follows several recent milestones and expansions for the company, including its first partnership with a major grocery chain as well as the advancement of its newly launched profit share program in April 2024. The company also recently surpassed its goal of signing 8,000 BTM locations ahead of schedule to achieve the largest installed fleet of locations in its history and announced expansions into new markets, including Puerto Rico and Australia.

About Bitcoin Depot 
Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 7,400 kiosk locations as of April 1, 2024. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, the anticipated effects of the Amendment, and the closing of the Preferred Sale. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “priorities,” “project,” “pursue,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “when,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contacts: 

Investors  
Cody Slach, Alex Kovtun  
Gateway Group, Inc.  
949-574-3860  
BTM@gateway-grp.com 

Media  
Christina Lockwood, Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney  
Gateway Group, Inc. 
949-574-3860  
BTM@gateway-grp.com 

Primary Logo

Source: Bitcoin Depot Inc.

Released April 25, 2024

Release – Harte Hanks to Report First Quarter 2024 Financial Results on May 9, 2024

Research News and Market Data on HHS

CHELMSFORD, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 25, 2024 / Harte Hanks, Inc. (NASDAQ:HHS), a leading global customer experience company focused on bringing companies closer to customers for over 100 years, announced today that the company will release financial results for the first quarter of 2024, the period ended March 31, 2024, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, after the close of the market.

The Company will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss these results at 4:30 p.m. EDT on the same day. Interested parties may access the webcast at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2810/50446 or access the conference call by dialing 888-506-0062 in the United States or 973-528-0011 from outside the U.S. and using access code 689651.

A replay of the call can also be accessed via phone through May 23, 2024, by dialing (877) 481-4010 from the U.S., or (919) 882-2331 from outside the U.S. The conference call replay passcode is 50446.

About Harte Hanks:

Harte Hanks (NASDAQ:HHS) is a leading global customer experience company whose mission is to partner with clients to provide them with CX strategy, data-driven analytics and actionable insights combined with seamless program execution to better understand, attract and engage their customers.

Using its unparalleled resources and award-winning talent in the areas of Customer Care, Fulfillment and Logistics, and Marketing Services, Harte Hanks has a proven track record of driving results for some of the world’s premier brands, including Bank of America, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, Pfizer, HBOMax, Volvo, Ford, FedEx, Midea, Sony and IBM among others. Headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Harte Hanks has over 2,500 employees in offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

For more information, visit hartehanks.com

As used herein, “Harte Hanks” or “the Company” refers to Harte Hanks, Inc. and/or its applicable operating subsidiaries, as the context may require. Harte Hanks’ logo and name are trademarks of Harte Hanks.

Investor Relations Contact:

Rob Fink or Tom Baumann
646.809.4048 / 646.349.6641
FNK IR
HHS@fnkir.com

SOURCE: Harte Hanks, Inc.



View the original press release on accesswire.com

Release – The ODP Corporation to Announce First Quarter 2024 Results Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Research News and Market Data on ODP

PDF Version

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr. 24, 2024– The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) (“ODP,” or the “Company”), a leading provider of business services, products and digital workplace technology solutions to businesses and consumers, will announce first quarter 2024 financial results before the market open on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024. The ODP Corporation will webcast a call with financial analysts and investors that day at 9:00 am Eastern Time which will be accessible to the media and the general public.

To listen to the conference call via webcast, please visit The ODP Corporation’s Investor Relations website at investor.theodpcorp.com. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours following the event. A copy of the earnings press release, supplemental financial disclosures and presentation will also be available on the website.

About The ODP Corporation

The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of products and services through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, a B2B digital procurement solution, online presence and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC; ODP Business Solutions, LLC; Veyer, LLC; and Varis, Inc., The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day. For more information, visit theodpcorp.com.

ODP and ODP Business Solutions are trademarks of ODP Business Solutions, LLC. Office Depot is a trademark of The Office Club, LLC. OfficeMax is a trademark of OMX, Inc. Veyer is a trademark of Veyer, LLC. Varis is a trademark of Varis, Inc. Grand&Toy is a trademark of Grand & Toy, LLC in Canada. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.comhttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424694019/en/

Tim Perrott
Investor Relations
561-438-4629
Tim.Perrott@theodpcorp.com

Source: The ODP Corporation

Release – Great Lakes Announces New $150,000,000 Second-Lien Financing Agreement

Research News and Market Data on GLDD

Apr 24, 2024

PDF Version

HOUSTON, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (“Great Lakes” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GLDD), the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, announced that it has entered into a $150,000,000 5-year, senior secured second-lien credit agreement (“Second Lien Credit Agreement”) with Guggenheim Credit Funding, LLC, on behalf of one or more clients. The Company borrowed $100,000,000 under the Second Lien Credit Agreement on the Closing Date and has the option to draw an additional $50,000,000 for a period of 12 months following the closing date of the initial loan. The loans under the Second Lien Credit Agreement funded on the Closing Date were used to repay amounts outstanding under the ABL Credit Agreement and to pay fees associated with the transactions and will be used to fund upcoming newbuild payments. The delayed draw portion of the term loans, if funded, will be used to fund future newbuild payments, ongoing working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The Second Lien Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants as well as customary events of default. The obligations under the Second Lien Credit Agreement are secured on a second-priority basis by substantially all of the Company’s assets. Further details on the terms of the Second Lien Credit Agreement can be found in the Company’s Form 8-K for the Second Lien Credit Agreement which will be filed within the next four business days.

Scott Kornblau, Great Lakes’ Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer commented, “The second-lien financing shores up our balance sheet and provides additional liquidity to complete our new build program. The delayed draw feature allows Great Lakes to lock in a commitment for additional long-term capital while giving us the flexibility to pursue financing alternatives, including Title XI. We are confident in our long-term strategy and remain committed to delivering value to our shareholders and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”

Lazard Frères & Co. LLC acted as placement agent and sole financial advisor to the Company in connection with the Second Lien Credit Agreement.

The Company
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 134-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”) or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), all as may be amended from time to time. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Great Lakes and its subsidiaries, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the Exchange Act and the PSLRA with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the “safe harbor” provisions of such laws. Great Lakes cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by Great Lakes are not guarantees or indicative of future events.

Although Great Lakes believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in this press release are reasonable, actual events could differ materially. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof and Great Lakes does not have or undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.

For further information contact:
Tina Baginskis
Director, Investor Relations
630-574-3024