(Español) Dirigiendo la atención a desafíos en la esfera médica de nuestra comunidad: iniciando un programa de enfermeros practicantes

February 20, 2018

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The Home Depot Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2017 Results; Increases Quarterly Dividend by 15.7 Percent; Provides Fiscal 2018 Guidance; Reaffirms Fiscal 2020 Sales and Operating Margin Targets; Updates Fiscal 2020 Return on Invested Capital Target

February 20, 2018

The Home Depot logo. (PRNewsFoto/The Home Depot) (PRNewsFoto/)

ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today reported sales of $23.9 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, a 7.5 percent increase from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 were positive 7.5 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 7.2 percent.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 were $1.8 billion, or $1.52 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $1.7 billion, or $1.44 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2016. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, diluted earnings per share increased 5.6 percent from the same period in the prior year.

On January 25, 2018, the Company announced that it expected the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to result in an additional net tax expense of approximately $150 million. The provisional amount recorded in the fourth quarter was $127 million. This charge, coupled with the one-time bonus payment to hourly associates that was also announced on January 25, 2018, negatively impacted fourth quarter and fiscal 2017 diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.17.

Fiscal 2017

Sales for fiscal 2017 were $100.9 billion, an increase of 6.7 percent from fiscal 2016. Total company comparable store sales for fiscal 2017 increased 6.8 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 6.9 percent for the year.

Earnings per diluted share in fiscal 2017 were $7.29, compared to $6.45 per diluted share in fiscal 2016, an increase of 13.0 percent.

“Our ongoing commitment to enhance the interconnected retail experience for our customers, provide localized and innovative product, and deliver best in class productivity resulted in record sales and net earnings for 2017,” said Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president. “I would like to thank our associates for their solid execution and exceptional work in service to our customers.”

Dividend Declaration

The Company today announced that its board of directors declared a 15.7 percent increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.03 per share. “As a testament to our commitment to create value for our shareholders and our positive outlook for the business, the board has increased the dividend for the ninth consecutive year,” said Menear. The dividend is payable on March 22, 2018, to shareholders of record on the close of business on March 8, 2018. This is the 124^th consecutive quarter the Company has paid a cash dividend.

Fiscal 2018 Guidance

The Company will have 53 weeks of operating results in fiscal 2018 and provides the following guidance for fiscal 2018:

Sales growth of approximately 6.5 percent including the 53^rd week
Comparable store sales growth of approximately 5.0 percent for the 52-week period
53^rd week projected to add approximately $1.6 billion to total sales
Three new stores
Gross margin of approximately 34.0 percent
Operating margin of approximately 14.5 percent
Tax rate of approximately 26.0 percent
Share repurchases of approximately $4.0 billion
53-week diluted earnings-per-share growth, after anticipated share repurchases, of approximately 28.0 percent to $9.31

53^rd week expected to contribute approximately $0.19 of diluted earnings per share

Capital spending of approximately $2.5 billion
Depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $2.1 billion
Cash flow from the business of approximately $14.1 billion

The Company plans to adopt ASU No. 2014-09, which pertains to revenue recognition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company will update its fiscal 2018 guidance to reflect the impact of this accounting change during its first quarter earnings call in May. The Company does not expect the accounting change to have a material impact on its fiscal 2018 sales or operating margin guidance.

Long-Term Financial Targets

Today the Company reaffirms and updates its fiscal 2020 financial targets as follows:

Reaffirms:

Total sales ranging from approximately $115 billion to approximately $120 billion
Compounded annual sales growth rate ranging from approximately 4.5 percent to approximately 6.0 percent
Operating margin ranging from approximately 14.4 percent to approximately 15.0 percent
Annual average capital spending of approximately 2.5 percent of sales

Updates:

Return on invested capital target of more than 40 percent. Note that the return on invested capital target has been updated to reflect the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

The Home Depot will conduct a conference call today at 9 a.m. ET to discuss information included in this news release and related matters. The conference call will be available in its entirety through a webcast and replay at ir.homedepot.com/events-and-presentations.

At the end of the fourth quarter, the Company operated a total of 2,284 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The Company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the demand for our products and services; net sales growth; comparable store sales; effects of competition; state of the economy; state of the residential construction, housing and home improvement markets; state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans and consumer credit; demand for credit offerings; inventory and in-stock positions; implementation of store, interconnected retail, supply chain and technology initiatives; management of relationships with our suppliers and vendors; the impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims and litigation, including those related to the 2014 data breach; issues related to the payment methods we accept; continuation of share repurchase programs; net earnings performance; earnings per share; dividend targets; capital allocation and expenditures; liquidity; return on invested capital; expense leverage; stock-based compensation expense; commodity price inflation and deflation; the ability to issue debt on terms and at rates acceptable to us; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017; store openings and closures; guidance for fiscal 2018 and beyond; financial outlook; and the integration of acquired companies into our organization and the ability to recognize the anticipated synergies and benefits of those acquisitions. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control or are currently unknown to us – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 29, 2017 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Fiscal Year Ended
*in millions, except per share data and as noted*	January 28, 2018		January 29, 2017		% Change		January 28, 2018		January 29, 2017		% Change
Net sales	$	23,883	$	22,207	7.5	%	$	100,904	$	94,595	6.7	%
Cost of sales	15,790		14,654		7.8		66,548		62,282		6.8
Gross profit	8,093		7,553		7.1		34,356		32,313		6.3
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	4,440		4,183		6.1		17,864		17,132		4.3
Depreciation and amortization	464		443		4.7		1,811		1,754		3.2
Total operating expenses	4,904		4,626		6.0		19,675		18,886		4.2
Operating income	3,189		2,927		9.0		14,681		13,427		9.3
Interest and other (income) expense:
Interest and investment income	(23)		(11)		N/M		(74)		(36)		N/M
Interest expense	269		246		9.3		1,057		972		8.7
Interest and other, net	246		235		4.7		983		936		5.0
Earnings before provision for income taxes	2,943		2,692		9.3		13,698		12,491		9.7
Provision for income taxes	1,164		948		22.8		5,068		4,534		11.8
Net earnings	$	1,779	$	1,744	2.0	%	$	8,630	$	7,957	8.5	%

Basic weighted average common shares	1,160		1,206		(3.8)	%	1,178		1,229		(4.1)	%
Basic earnings per share	$	1.53	$	1.45	5.5		$	7.33	$	6.47	13.3

Diluted weighted average common shares	1,167		1,211		(3.6)	%	1,184		1,234		(4.1)	%
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.52	$	1.44	5.6		$	7.29	$	6.45	13.0

Selected Sales Data ⁽¹⁾
Customer transactions	366.5		359.2		2.0	%	1,578.6		1,544.0		2.2	%
Average ticket (actual)	$	64.00	$	60.65	5.5		$	63.06	$	60.35	4.5
Sales per square foot (actual)	394.87		366.25		7.8		417.02		390.78		6.7


(1) Selected Sales Data does not include results for Interline Brands, Inc., which was acquired in fiscal 2015.
N/M – Not Meaningful

THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

*in millions*	January 28, 2018		January 29, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,595	$	2,538
Receivables, net	1,952		2,029
Merchandise inventories	12,748		12,549
Other current assets	638		608
Total current assets	18,933		17,724
Net property and equipment	22,075		21,914
Goodwill	2,275		2,093
Other assets	1,246		1,235
Total assets	$	44,529	$	42,966

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term debt	$	1,559	$	710
Accounts payable	7,244		7,000
Accrued salaries and related expenses	1,640		1,484
Current installments of long-term debt	1,202		542
Other current liabilities	4,549		4,397
Total current liabilities	16,194		14,133
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	24,267		22,349
Other liabilities	2,614		2,151
Total liabilities	43,075		38,633
Total stockholders’ equity	1,454		4,333
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	44,529	$	42,966

THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

	Fiscal Year Ended
*in millions*	January 28, 2018		January 29, 2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$	8,630	$	7,957
Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,062		1,973
Stock-based compensation expense	273		267
Changes in working capital and other, net of acquisition effects	1,066		(414)
Net cash provided by operating activities	12,031		9,783

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures, net of non-cash capital expenditures	(1,897)		(1,621)
Payments for business acquired, net	(374)		—
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	47		38
Other investing activities	(4)		—
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,228)		(1,583)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from short-term debt, net	850		360
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discounts	2,991		4,959
Repayments of long-term debt	(543)		(3,045)
Repurchases of common stock	(8,000)		(6,880)
Proceeds from sales of common stock	255		218
Cash dividends	(4,212)		(3,404)
Other financing activities	(211)		(78)
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,870)		(7,870)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	933		330
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	124		(8)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,538		2,216
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	3,595	$	2,538

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/118058/the_home_depot_logo.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® raises $4.3M during national radio event with Univision and the THIS SHIRT SAVES LIVES T-shirt movement

February 19, 2018

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Feb. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® raised $4.3 million dollars during this year’s Promesa y Esperanza^® (Promise and Hope) radio event held in 14 media markets in the U.S. with Univision radio stations on February 1^st and 2^nd. Thanks to events such as this one, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

During the event, thousands of Univision’s radio listeners across the U.S. called in or went online to become Angeles de Esperanza (Angels of Hope) and joined the #ThisShirtSavesLives movement by pledging to make a monthly donation of $20 or more to St. Jude. The on-air push coincided with a social media campaign encouraging Univision listeners, employees, and talent to participate by wearing and sharing photos in their THIS SHIRT on their social media channels.

Several Univision popular on-air personalities participated in St. Jude’s event, including: Omar Velasco and Argelia Atilano of El show de Omar y Argelia, Sylvia del Valle “La Bronca,” Jose Gutierrez “El Tambochi” and Carlos Ivan Paez “El Compa Ivan” of El Free-Guey, Raúl Molinar, Carla Medrano and Andrés Maldonado of El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo, Alejandro Gonzalez and Maikel Rodriguez of Los Pichy Boys, Javier Romero of Desayuno Musical, Alberto Sardiñas of El Show de Alberto Sardiñas, Raúl Brindis of El Show de Raúl Brindis, Maria Esther Mendez and Pancho Mercado of La Chula y La Bestia, Santi y Laurita of AMOR 107.5 as well as TV personalities like Tony Dandrades, Pamela Silva Conde & Borja Voces of Primer Impacto and Maity Interiano & Chef Jesús of Despierta América.

Some of the many participating Latin artists included: Luis Fonsi, Intocable, Banda MS, Prince Royce, Banda El Recodo, Juanes, Gerardo Ortiz, Los Huracanes del Norte, CNCO, Becky G, Jon Secada, Jencarlos Canela, Tommy Torres, Nacho, Leslie Grace, Frankie J., Ana Gabriel, Calibre 50, La Séptima Banda, Horacio Palencia, Jesús Mendoza, Jonathan Sánchez, Ulices Chaidez, Adriel Favela, Kevin Ortiz, Calibre 50, Christian Nodal, Adriel Favela, Regulo Caro, Cornelio Vega y su Dinastía, La Maquinaria Norteña, Banda Los Recoditos, Revancha Norteña, Brandon Solano, Konzentido, Banda La Maravillosa and Victoria Ortiz “La Mala”, among others.

“It is our responsibility as the leading media company serving Hispanic America to give a platform to those organizations dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the community we serve,” said Randy Falco, president and CEO of UCI. “St. Jude’s lifesaving mission has helped thousands of families and we are proud of our long-standing partnership to bring awareness to their cause and to empower our employees and audience to unite on important issues that matter.”

St. Jude began celebrating radiothons with Univision in 1998 and launched the first national radiothon with Univision’s radio stations in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles in 2006. The national radiothon first took place across all Univision’s radio markets in 2009. Since its inception, the St. Jude/Univision national event has raised more than $65 million.

“For 20 years, radiothon events with Univision have connected listeners across the U.S. to the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, enabling them to easily and quickly become Angeles de Esperanza and come together to directly impact pediatric cancer treatment, said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., the president and Chief Executive Officer of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The generosity of Univision employees, listeners and viewers also supports St. Jude research efforts where we freely share the discoveries made here; and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.”

To join the THIS SHIRT SAVES LIVES movement, visit: www.thisshirtsaveslives.org.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org or following St. Jude on facebook.com/stjude and www.twitter.com/stjude.

About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the leading media company serving Hispanic America. The Company, a chief content creator in the U.S., includes Univision Network, one of the top networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the country, available in approximately 90% of U.S. Hispanic television households; UniMás, a leading Spanish-language broadcast television network available in approximately 84% of U.S. Hispanic television households; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión, the most-watched U.S. Spanish-language entertainment cable network, as well as UDN (Univision Deportes Network), the most-watched U.S. Spanish-language sports cable network, Univision tlnovelas, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to telenovelas, ForoTV, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to international news, and an additional suite of cable offerings – De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson and Telehit; as well as an investment in El Rey Network, a general entertainment English-language cable network; Univision Local Media, which owns and/or operates 62 television stations and 58 radio stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Now, a direct-to-consumer, on demand and live streaming subscription service; Univision.com, the most-visited Spanish-language website among U.S. Hispanics; and Uforia, a music application featuring multimedia music content. The Company also includes the Fusion Media Group (FMG), a division that serves young, diverse audiences. FMG includes news and lifestyle English-language cable network FUSION TV, and a collection of leading digital brands that span a range of categories: technology (Gizmodo), sports (Deadspin), music (TrackRecord), lifestyle (Lifehacker), modern women’s interests (Jezebel), news and politics (Splinter), African American news and culture (The Root), gaming (Kotaku), and car culture (Jalopnik). FMG also includes the Company’s interest in comedy and news satire brands The Onion, Clickhole and The A.V. Club. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has content creation facilities and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit corporate.univision.com.

SOURCE St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

March of Dimes Observes 4th Annual World Birth Defects Day

February 16, 2018

WHITE PLAINS, New York, Feb. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes will join nearly 100 organizations worldwide in observing the fourth annual World Birth Defects Day on Saturday, March 3. This annual event was created by March of Dimes and partners to raise awareness of the serious global problem of birth defects and to urge more research, prevention, and care for individuals and families.

An estimated 8 million babies around the world are born with a serious birth defect each year, taking a toll on families, communities and nations. “World Birth Defects Day is such an important event because it brings together people who care about better health for us all,” says Stacey D. Stewart, president of March of Dimes. “We know that when communities work together, even the toughest problems can be solved.”

March of Dimes advocates for policies that prioritize the health of moms and babies, and empowers women and families with the knowledge and tools they need to have healthier pregnancies.

Everyone can join in observing World Birth Defects Day 2018 by signing up for the Thunderclap at http://po.st/WBDD18 and joining the Buzz Day on Twitter on March 3, using hashtag #WorldBDDay. To learn more, including more ways to support World Birth Defects Day, go to worldbirthdefectsday.org.

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/513643/March_of_Dimes_Foundation_Logo.jpg

SOURCE March of Dimes

sonnen Powers Remote School in Puerto Rico Using Solar + Battery Storage Microgrid Technology

February 16, 2018

The sonnen smart energy storage system powering S.U. Matrullas, a K through 9 school that educates over 150 students in the remote town of Orocovis, Puerto Rico

LOS ANGELES and SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – sonnen, the global market leader in intelligent residential energy storage, today announced the commissioning of a solar + battery storage microgrid at S.U. Matrullas, a K through 9 school that educates over 150 students in the remote town of Orocovis, Puerto Rico. The microgrid, established in collaboration with sonnen’s local energy partner Pura Energía, serves as a model for the resiliency created by solar + storage technologies, as it represents a fully off-grid site deep in the mountains of Puerto Rico.

The school has been completely off-grid since Hurricane Maria and is not expected to have power for many months to come. sonnen has donated two smart energy storage systems, an eco 8 (4kW / 8kWh) and eco 14 (8kW / 14kWh), to be paired with a 15kW rooftop solar system provided by Pura Energía. The microgrid will provide enough energy to keep the school open, enabling the facility to use clean and renewable energy to keep classes going instead of relying on a noisy, gas fueled generator. During sonnen’s most recent visit to the site in February, students were using the sonnen system to charge their laptops for an upcoming technology lesson.

Orocovis is known for its breathtaking beauty and is one of the highest peaks in Puerto Rico, with the ocean visible on both the north and south shores of the island. However, the remote area is difficult to reach due to road and bridge wash-outs along the single-lane road that winds throughout the mountains. With the installation of the microgrid, S.U. Matrullas currently does not plan to reconnect with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), even once power is restored to the area. Further, the school will soon be off-water, as Por Los Nuestros – an organization with ties to local TV star Jay Fonseca as well as Manuel Cidre and others in the private sector – has helped facilitate recovery efforts and plans to donate a water collection and filtration system to bring the school to 100% sustainability.

S.U. Matrullas is the site of the ninth and tenth microgrid systems that sonnen and Pura Energía have installed on the island since Hurricane Maria struck in September 2017. Other microgrids have included community and relief centers, washing machines and laundromats, food distribution centers and a school for behaviorally challenged children in Aguadilla. All efforts and technology were donated by sonnen and Pura Energía via the del Sol Foundation for Energy Security, thus far exceeding $350,000.

“We have witnessed first-hand not only a collaborative humanitarian effort that has aided critical recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, but one that has fostered forward-thinking strategies leveraging an integrated renewable energy capable of providing power to a large group of people,” said Adam Gentner, sonnen’s Director of Business Development, Latin American Expansion. “These microgrids effectively form the blueprint for more than just recovery, but for preparation for islands and regions around the world that are susceptible to natural disasters and power outages. As sonnen continues its global expansion, we will maintain our focus on bringing clean and affordable energy to all.”

About sonnen
At sonnen, we believe clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all is one of the greatest challenges of our time. sonnen is a proven global leader in intelligent energy management solutions that provide greater energy control for residential customers through increased solar self-consumption, reduced peak energy usage and reliable backup power during outages – contributing to a cleaner and more reliable energy future. sonnen has won several awards for its energy innovations, including the 2017 Zayed Future Energy Prize, MIT’s Technology Review’s 50 Smartest Companies in 2016, Global Cleantech 100 for 2015-2017, Greentech Media’s 2016 Grid Edge Award for innovation, and Cleantech’s 2015 Company of the Year Award in both Israel and Europe.

The solar array for the sonnen microgrid at S.U. Matrullas, a K through 9 school that educates over 150 students in the remote town of Orocovis, Puerto Rico

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/642422/Orocovis_sonnen_Microgrid.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/642421/Orocovis_sonnen_Solar_Microgird.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/325856/sonnen_Logo.jpg

SOURCE sonnen, Inc.

Goya Foods Announced as the Official Spice and Olive Oil Partner for the South Beach Food & Wine Festival

February 15, 2018

MIAMI, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the seventh consecutive year, Goya Foods, Inc. will participate in the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®). Also for the seventh year in a row, the company will serve as the Official Latin Foods Provider and reprise its role as the title sponsor of the Grand Tasting Village for the third year running. This year, Goya will expand its participation in the festival by becoming The Official Spice and Olive Oil Partner. Festival-goers will now be able to experience Goya Foods in more ways throughout the event.

Goya’s lineup of celebrity chefs will delight attendees with their culinary prowess. Participating chefs include Fernando Desa, Goya’s executive chef; Jose Mendín, executive chef of Food Comma Hospitality Group; Richard Ingraham, personal chef to Dwyane Wade; and Sean Brasel, executive chef and owner of Meat Market.

Throughout the five-day festival – which runs from Wednesday through Sunday, February 21-25, 2018 – Goya Foods invites guests to experience the mouthwatering variety of its Latin American products.

“Goya wants everyone, from the expert chef to the home cook, to enjoy authentic Latin recipes that are both delicious and easy to make,” said Frank Unanue, president of Goya Foods of Florida. “With the wide selection of Goya products available, it’s easy to stretch the imagination and combine new flavors to create dishes that are uniquely yours, and fun to eat.”

Goya will delight guests with the brand’s authentic Hispanic flavors during three signature events throughout the Festival:

Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations (Friday, February 23 – Sunday, February 25):

As a culinary captain, Goya’s Executive Chef Fernando Desa will open Goya Foods’ “Savory Studios” activation at the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village, which runs Friday, February 23 – Sunday, February 25. Chef Desa is responsible for the research and development of new products and recipes for the family-owned company. This year, Chef Desa will serve delectable Goya recipes dreamt up exclusively for the event: Crunchy Pork Belly Taco, Tuna Tataki Tostada and Red Bean Crème Brûlée. On Sunday, Chef Desa will partner with one of Miami’s elite Chefs, Jose Mendin, executive chef and co-founder of Food Comma Hospitality Group, who will showcase a Bao with Lechon.

Fun and Fit as a Family featuring the Goya Foods’ Kidz Kitchen (Saturday, February 24 – Sunday, February 25):

For junior chefs, Fun and Fit as a Family featuring Goya Foods Kidz Kitchen offers family-friendly fun including healthy food tastings, physical fitness activities, and star-studded healthy cooking demonstrations. Chef Ingraham, personal chef to basketball superstar Dwyane Wade, will serve as the emcee and introduce the astounding lineup of chefs presenting cooking demos at the Goya Foods Kidz Kitchen. Chef Ingraham, in collaboration with Chef Desa, will participate in a live interactive food demonstration to kick-off the Goya Foods’ Kidz Kitchen on Saturday. Throughout the event, Chefs Desa and Ingraham will prepare black bean quesadillas that will be served from Goya’s outpost at Fun and Fit.

Goya Foods’ Swine, Wine & Spirits (Sunday, February 25):

Bringing the five-day festival to a close, Goya will once again take over the Biltmore Hotel for the Goya Foods’ Swine, Wine & Spirits presented by The National Pork Board and hosted by Giorgio Rapicavoli. Goya’s Chef Desa will partner with Sean Brasel, executive chef and owner of Meat Market, to prepare different variations of pork dishes. These master chefs promise to once again craft iconic creations such as chili rubbed pork belly and seared pork rib and pork cheek.

For more about Goya Foods, including new recipes and cooking tips, visit Goya.com. Follow the conversation on Facebook at @GoyaFoods, Twitter at @GoyaFoods, Pinterest at @GoyaFoods, and Instagram at @GoyaFoods using #GoyaSOBE.

About Goya Foods
Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages and distributes more than 3,000 high-quality food products from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

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SOURCE Goya Foods, Inc.

Actress Sonequa Martin-Green Joins Stand Up To Cancer In PSA Encouraging Clinical Trial Participation

February 15, 2018

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Calling clinical trials of new cancer treatments “the brightest torch researchers have to light their way,” actress and Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador Sonequa Martin-Green is featured in a new public service announcement (PSA) urging patients to participate in trials that could help make new treatments available and give new hope to the patients themselves.

“Clinical trials are a fundamental path to progress and the brightest torch researchers have to light their way to better treatments,” Martin-Green says in the PSA to be distributed nationwide. “And if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, they may be your brightest ray of hope. That’s because clinical trials allow researchers to test cutting-edge and potentially life-saving treatments while giving participants access to the best options available.”

The “Stand Up For All of Us” PSA, which will run in English and Spanish beginning in February, is designed to increase awareness about the critical importance of participating in cancer clinical trials, which allow researchers to study innovative and potentially life-saving new drugs with the goal of finding cancer treatments that improve upon what’s currently available. The therapies doctors currently prescribe for treatment have been studied and made possible by people participating in clinical trials. However, fewer than five percent of cancer patients enroll in clinical trials nationally.

“I’m proud to join Stand Up To Cancer in this critically important campaign,” said Martin-Green, who stars as Michael Burnham on “Star Trek: Discovery” on CBS All Access. She previously appeared on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” as Sasha Williams. “Participation in clinical trials is so important, and I’m honored to lend a voice to this message so that more patients can be aware of their options,” she added, noting that she has lost several family members to cancer and has others, including her mother, who are cancer survivors.

The broadcast PSA is an infographic directed by Noma Bar, animated by Ale Pixel Studio and produced by Dutch Uncle NYC with a script written by creative agency, Wondros. Noma Bar is one of the world’s most inventive and provocative illustrators, whose innovative, incisive approach to illustration has won him countless accolades and awards. Martin-Green provides the voice-over for both the broadcast and radio PSAs.

The PSA encourages patients and their loved ones to visit StandUpToCancer.org/ClinicalTrials to learn more about clinical trials and begin the conversation with their doctor to find out which clinical trial may be right for them. The campaign and online resources aim to include people from all ethnicities and backgrounds, as it is important that clinical trials include diverse participants so researchers can see how different people respond to a study treatment.

Visitors to StandUpToCancer.org/ClinicalTrials will find easy-to-understand content (in English and Spanish) explaining what clinical trials are and the many terms one may hear when discussing trials; the benefits of participating; and what to expect if you or a loved one participates in a clinical trial. The website also provides a list of questions that can be printed for reference during discussions with a healthcare provider.

Additionally, StandUpToCancer.org/ClinicalTrials provides a free and confidential Clinical Trial Finder service through EmergingMed allowing patients or their caregivers interested in finding an appropriate clinical trial to submit an online form, or call a toll-free number, to begin the process. Links are also provided to several organizations which help with financial, transportation, lodging and other needs for patients participating in clinical trials. With support from the digital agency, D-2 Creative, the website provides short animated videos to help illustrate many aspects of clinical trials.

The print, online and out-of-home PSAs developed by Wondros also feature Martin-Green, together with cancer survivors who have participated in cancer clinical trials, including: Alvin Clary; Connor Coughenour; Jose de Jesus; Lisa Dias; Marshella Griffin; Shelby Nish; Marlo Palacios; Nicole Papadopoulos; Joseph Rick; and Lori Turner.

“We are so grateful to Sonequa Martin-Green for lending her voice to this campaign and to the survivors who appear in it,” said Stand Up To Cancer President and CEO, Sung Poblete, Ph.D., RN. “Stand Up To Cancer’s goal is to make everyone diagnosed with cancer a survivor, and we can only reach it with increased participation of patients in cancer clinical trials. Sonequa has been touched profoundly by this disease, making her a powerful ambassador. She is helping us raise awareness for clinical trials in the hope of providing patients with a resource to discover which clinical trial may be right for them.”

To learn more or to view the PSA, visit StandUpToCancer.org/ClinicalTrials. To join the conversation, like us on Facebook @StandUpToCancer or follow us on Twitter at @SU2C and on Instagram at @SU2C.

About the Stand Up To Cancer Initiative
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C, a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2008 by film and media leaders who utilize the industry’s resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, and to increase awareness about cancer prevention as well as progress being made in the fight against the disease. As SU2C’s scientific partner, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a Scientific Advisory Committee led by Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, PhD, conduct rigorous, competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and provide expert review of research progress.

Current members of the SU2C Council of Founders and Advisors (CFA) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, Ellen Ziffren, and Kathleen Lobb. The late Laura Ziskin and the late Noreen Fraser are also co-founders. Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, has served as SU2C’s president and CEO since 2011.

For more information on Stand Up To Cancer, visit www.standuptocancer.org.

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SOURCE Stand Up To Cancer

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Names Fernand Fernandez Interim CEO

February 15, 2018

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Board of Directors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Fernand “Fern” Fernandez interim CEO and President. Mr. Fernandez, former Vice President Global Marketing for American Airlines, was supported unanimously for this interim position.

“I’m humbled by this opportunity and look forward to working with the talented staff, partners and chambers who tirelessly foster Hispanic development,” said Mr. Fernandez. “The USHCC is moving ahead and intends to be stronger than ever, while building trust among our constituents. As an organization we will be inclusive, transparent, and have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct or financial impropriety. The USHCC board and staff is committed to strengthening our partnership with local chambers and our members, and help unite the communities that we serve.”

The USHCC Board of Directors has also established a Governance Committee that together will work with Mr. Fernandez to conduct a national search for a new, permanent CEO and President. “Our goal is to have a transparent and methodical process to ensure that the new CEO and President is representative of the countless Hispanic owned businesses and local chambers that the USHCC represents,” said Mr. Fernandez.

“The USHCC appreciates the overwhelming support we have received from our members and sponsors during this transition,” said Don Salazar, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We recognize the importance of moving expeditiously to safeguard the credibility and integrity of our organization.”

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce serves more than 4.4 million Hispanic businesses and is the voice of the Hispanic business community.

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SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Racial And Gender Bias At Work Harmful For Women Of Color And Their Health

February 15, 2018

NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Catalyst today released a new report, Day-to-Day Experiences of Emotional Tax Among Women and Men of Color in the Workplace, finding that a majority of women of color—specifically individuals who identify with Asian, Black, Latinx and multiracial backgrounds—experience an “Emotional Tax” in US workplaces affecting their overall health, well-being and ability to thrive. As a result of some workplaces undervaluing their unique contributions, as well as acts of bias or discrimination in society, women of color are in a constant state of being “on guard” because of their gender, race and/or ethnicity.

“Women of color continue to deal with some of the workplace’s most entrenched hurdles, such as pay inequities and near invisibility in top leadership roles, as well as daunting roadblocks that stifle the meaningful dialogue that would help make real progress,” says Dnika J. Travis, PhD, Vice President, Research, Catalyst. “Over time, these daily battles take a heavy toll on women of color, creating a damaging link between their health and the workplace. And because of consequences associated with Emotional Tax, companies must begin to take intentional action to avoid possible harm to their businesses and employees’ health and well-being.”

Key findings include:

Emotional Tax—There is an undue burden levied on women of color because of exclusionary behaviors, affecting their overall health and well-being as well as making them feel constantly on guard. The 58% of Asian, Black and Latinx employees who are on guard report they are also more likely to have sleep problems. This loss of sleep also jeopardizes employees’ productivity and ability to fully contribute at work. In addition, being on guard factors into their career decision-making, with 38% reporting they are more likely to frequently consider leaving their jobs.
On Guard—When feeling on guard, women of color feel they have to outwork and outperform their colleagues. Asian women (51%), Black women (58%), Latinas (56%) and multiracial women (52%) all report being highly on guard. Over 40% of Asian, Black, Latinx and multiracial employees feel on guard because they anticipate racial/ethnic bias. Multiracial women (58%), who identify as two or more of Asian, Black and Latina, are the most likely to be on guard due to their race/ethnicity.
Highly Motivated Top Talent—Despite being on guard, nearly 90% of women of color want to be influential leaders, have challenging and intellectually stimulating work, obtain high-ranking positions and stay at the same company. Asian, Black and Latinx employees who are highly on guard also report higher creativity (81%) and are more likely to speak up (79%)—demonstrating the benefit to companies of attracting and retaining top talent from all backgrounds.

In addition to examining women of color, the report’s data reveal the Emotional Tax experiences of men of color in US workplaces: over one-quarter of Asian, Black, Latinx and multiracial men who are on guard anticipate bias because of their gender, and, in general, far more experience Emotional Tax. Through its Engaging Men efforts and Men Advocating Real Change community, Catalyst believes men of color may also be penalized for demonstrating “masculine behaviors” such as being assertive—even though they are well-positioned to be allies for gender equality—while White men often are rewarded for exhibiting the same mannerisms.

“Women and men of color have unique talents and valuable creativity that adds up to a highly motivated and talented group of employees. Your employees should not only be fully leveraged to help address the country’s limited pool of talent, but they also bring a wealth of benefits and a competitive edge to companies,” says Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst. “In times of talent and skill scarcity, companies must focus inward on employee retention and create inclusive workplaces; otherwise, every business becomes vulnerable to a major talent drain.”

The Day-to-Day Experiences of Emotional Tax Among Women and Men of Color in the Workplace findings are based on a survey of nearly 1,600 professionals working in corporate and non-corporate organizations—including nonprofits, educational institutions or government entities—in the United States at the time of data collection.

The report builds on a previously released Catalyst report, Emotional Tax: How Black Women and Men Pay More at Work and How Leaders Can Take Action (October 2016), focusing only on Black women and men. The term Emotional Tax was coined in the first report by Catalyst researchers Dnika Travis, PhD, Jennifer Thorpe-Moscon, PhD and Courtney McCluney, PhD.

Learn more or download the full report,Day-to-Day Experiences of Emotional Tax Among Women and Men of Color in the Workplace, at catalyst.org.

Join the social conversation following Catalyst on Facebook.com/catalystinc, Instagram.com/catalystinc and Twitter.com/catalystinc. Use the hashtags #EmotionalTax and #WomenOfColorAtWork.

About Catalyst
Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with pioneering research, practical tools, and proven solutions to accelerate and advance women into leadership—because progress for women is progress for everyone.

Contact:

Tia T. Gordon
Catalyst
+1 646 640 1375 or 202-906-0149
[email protected]

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SOURCE Catalyst

Puerto Rico’s Creditors Unite To Call For A Credible, Pro-Growth Fiscal Plan

February 14, 2018

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — A group of creditors (the “Creditors” or “we“), which collectively holds a substantial portion of Puerto Rico’s outstanding debt, released the below statement today in response to the most recent version of the Commonwealth’s Fiscal and Economic Growth Plan (the “Plan” or “FEGP“):

Although Puerto Rico’s creditors have differing perspectives on a number of issues related to the ongoing restructuring, we share a unified view that a pragmatic, transparent and growth-focused policy agenda is critical to the island’s recovery. This view has only strengthened since the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria exacerbated the already difficult economic situation on the island. Unfortunately, we believe the Commonwealth’s recently proposed FEGP represents a major step backward on the road to recovery. The Plan fails to provide a credible basis on which to restructure the island’s debt, while completely lacking a foundation for revitalizing the local economy and restoring access to the capital markets.

Perhaps the most troubling issue with the FEGP is that it was developed in an opaque manner, essentially relying on outputs from underlying analyses that have never been made public. This flies in the face of the Commonwealth’s commitment to transparency and undermines recent guidance from House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop, who stated “[i]t is imperative the Oversight Board and Governor fully integrate those who hold the debt into the development of these [fiscal] plans, thereby guaranteeing accuracy and transparency in the underlying assumptions.”

As long-time lenders to the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities, we are committed to supporting the economic, commercial and social revitalization of Puerto Rico. Now is the time to lay the foundation for how private capital will augment federal aid and local revenues on the road to recovery. We believe an objective and thorough analysis of the Plan reveals a number of fundamental flaws that need to be addressed before moving forward, including:

Detailed, Substantive Growth Agenda is Needed

To date, the Commonwealth’s focus on litigation has distracted stakeholders from the fact that it has no vision for igniting growth. A number of government officials have grown alarmingly comfortable assuming continued population decline and economic stagnation. In addition, policymakers have not yet put forth a detailed plan to encourage citizens and businesses to remain on the island.

The government must create and drive a growth agenda that supports a vibrant economy, stems outmigration and incentivizes recent departees to return to the island as part of its revitalization. Towards this end, the Commonwealth should begin working with providers of private capital and industry experts to develop a broad, comprehensive economic development program.

Commonwealth Must Exhibit Fiscal Discipline

Reductions in government expenses under the Plan are minimal, with government payroll figures growing by 1.2% annually, even as population is projected to decline by 20% during the Fiscal Plan period. This disconnect stands in stark contrast to the reductions in government expenditures achieved in practically every other municipal restructuring. While Puerto Rico’s government expenses – on a per capita basis – are projected to increase by 2%¹ annually throughout the FEGP’s time horizon, the likes of Detroit, Stockton and San Bernardino exhibited annual declines of 5.2%, 3.0% and 3.7%, respectively, in the four-year periods following their restructurings.

Show Real Accountability and Transparency

We ask that the Commonwealth finally make public the underlying analyses shared with the Federal Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) to evaluate the FEGP. Right now, the Plan is unacceptably opaque on a number of levels, including:

Neglecting to distinguish between essential services and expenses the government would simply like to pay;
Failing to fully account for cash held at various accounts that may be available to meet needs outlined in the Plan;
Not sharing 2015 audited financials;
Relying on an outdated migration forecast; and
Using healthcare cost and plan participation assumptions that contradict the government’s own outmigration forecast.

Unfortunately, our concerns have been validated by the federal government’s own refusal to provide taxpayer-backed Community Disaster Loan funding without improved transparency and accountability from the Commonwealth.

Credible Debt Sustainability Analysis is Essential

The Plan’s debt sustainability analysis is built on sparse data and outright mischaracterizations, including a comparison of Puerto Rico to U.S. states. This overlooks the fact that citizens of Puerto Rico do not pay federal income taxes. The Commonwealth has acknowledged this reality when trying to access the capital markets in the past, stating that the “GDB believes that any comparison of the public debt levels of Puerto Rico with the states should include state, local and federal debt.”²

Rather than comparing Puerto Rico’s debt levels to those of a state, we believe the Commonwealth’s municipal finance advisers should construct an overlapping debt analysis that is consistent with accepted public finance practices. Any objective assessment will evaluate the amounts of debt existing at all levels of government stateside relative to Puerto Rico. Only through this type of analysis can Puerto Rico’s burden and, therefore, debt sustainability be effectively measured.

We also suggest benchmarking Puerto Rico’s debt sustainability against sovereign debt metrics. Although the World Bank and International Monetary Fund have found that 18%-22% of revenues is a sustainable level of debt service for low-income countries³, the proposed FEGP projects debt service as a percentage of revenues at only ~8%. The Plan also reflects a debt versus Gross National Product ratio of ~20% and debt vs. Gross Domestic Product ratio of 13%, while the conservative New York Federal Reserve reports on Puerto Rico’s economy* have suggested 60% as a reasonable target level.⁴

A coherent analysis is needed to regain the confidence of creditors, citizens, and current and future enterprises contemplating economically-beneficial investments in Puerto Rico.

Reduce Excessive Title III Expenses

While creditors are told there is extremely limited money for debt service, and pensioners take cuts, the FEGP provides that hundreds of millions in excessive litigation expenses will be paid in full and in cash. Earmarking exorbitant fees for legal and financial advisors, whose interests are not closely aligned with those of Puerto Rico’s stakeholders, is a recipe for protracted litigation in lieu of consensual restructuring agreements. This reality is even more unsettling when taking into account the outsized fees paid to advisors working for the Federal Oversight and Management Board (“FOMB”) and Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (“AAFAF”).

Together, we call on the Commonwealth and FOMB to carefully evaluate and address our valid concerns. Although this week’s revised FEGP was a small step forward, addressing these issues in a comprehensive manner will ensure Puerto Rico is put on a long-term path to growth and prosperity.

About the Signatories

The group of creditors responsible for this release is comprised of Ambac, Assured, the COFINA Seniors Coalition, National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, the Mutual Fund Group, Syncora, the Puerto Rico Funds, and individuals living in Puerto Rico and the mainland. Collectively, the group holds or insures a substantial portion of Puerto Rico’s outstanding debt.

Media Contacts

Greg Diamond (for National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation)
[email protected]
914-765-3190

Greg Marose (for the COFINA Seniors Coalition)
[email protected]
212-446-1874 / 201-936-4126

Sean Silva (for Ambac)
[email protected]
212-279-3115

¹ Excludes the effect of the “Medicaid Cliff”. Including the projected expenses of the Medicaid Cliff results in a per capita expense increase of 5% per year over the projection period.
² “The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Update on Fiscal and Economic Progress, FY 2014 Q1 Investor Webcast – October 15, 2013,” gdb-pur.com/documents/UpdateonFiscalandEconomicProgressWebcast-Final.pdf, Page 57.
³ “Joint World Bank-IMF Debt Sustainability Framework for Low Income Countries” https://www.imf.org/en/About/Factsheets/Sheets/2016/08/01/16/39/Debt-Sustainability-Framework-for-Low-Income-Countries.
⁴ “An Update on the Competitiveness of Puerto Rico’s Economy,” https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/outreach-and-education/puerto-rico/2014/Puerto-Rico-Report-2014.pdf, Page 27.

*Puerto Rico has been classified as a high-income economy that can support a higher level of sustainable debt service by the New York Federal Reserve.

SOURCE Group of Puerto Rico’s Creditors

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