The Home Depot Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2018 Results; Increases Quarterly Dividend by 32.0 Percent; Announces $15.0 Billion Share Repurchase Authorization; Provides Fiscal 2019 Guidance

February 26, 2019

ATLANTA, Feb. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today reported sales of $26.5 billion for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, a 10.9 percent increase from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. Comparable sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 were positive 3.2 percent, and comp sales in the U.S. were positive 3.7 percent.

The fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 consisted of 14 weeks compared with 13 weeks for the prior year. The 14^th week added approximately $1.7 billion in sales for the quarter and the year. The additional week is not included in comparable sales results for the quarter or the year.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 were $2.3 billion, or $2.09 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $1.8 billion, or $1.52 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2017. The 14^th week added approximately $0.21 per diluted share for the quarter and year.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter and the year were negatively impacted by a nonrecurring, pre-tax charge of approximately $247 million, or $184 million after tax equaling $0.16 per diluted share, due to an impairment loss related to certain trade names at Interline Brands.

Fiscal 2018

Sales for fiscal 2018 were $108.2 billion, an increase of 7.2 percent from fiscal 2017. Total company comparable sales for fiscal 2018 increased 5.2 percent, and comp sales in the U.S. were positive 5.4 percent for the year.

Earnings per diluted share in fiscal 2018 were $9.73, compared to $7.29 per diluted share in fiscal 2017, an increase of 33.5 percent.

“We achieved record sales and net earnings in fiscal 2018, while making great progress on the strategic investments we laid out in December of 2017. We focused on enhancing the interconnected retail experience for our customers, providing localized and innovative product, and delivering best in class productivity,” said Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president. “Our view on the health of the economy and the consumer, as well as the momentum of our strategic investments, supports our belief that we can deliver comparable sales growth of 5.0 percent in fiscal 2019. I would like to thank our associates for their solid execution and exceptional work in service to our customers.”

Dividend Declaration and Share Repurchase Authorization

The Company today announced that its board of directors declared a 32.0 percent increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.36 per share.

“As a testament to our commitment to create value for our shareholders and a demonstration of confidence in the business going forward, the board has increased the dividend for the tenth consecutive year,” said Menear. The dividend is payable on March 28, 2019, to shareholders of record on the close of business on March 14, 2019. This is the 128^th consecutive quarter the Company has paid a cash dividend.

The board of directors also authorized a new $15 billion share repurchase program, replacing its previous authorization.

Fiscal 2019 Guidance

The Company provided the following guidance for fiscal 2019, a 52-week year compared to fiscal 2018, a 53-week year:

Comparable sales growth of approximately 5.0 percent for the comparable 52-week period
Sales growth of approximately 3.3 percent
Five net new stores
Gross margin of approximately 34.0 percent
Operating margin of approximately 14.4 percent
Net interest expense of approximately $1.2 billion
Tax rate of approximately 25.5 percent
Share repurchases of approximately $5.0 billion
Diluted earnings-per-share growth of approximately 3.1 percent to $10.03
Capital spending of approximately $2.7 billion
Depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $2.3 billion
Cash flow from the business of approximately $14.1 billion

Long-Term Financial Targets

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

Total sales ranging from approximately $115 billion to approximately $120 billion
Operating margin ranging from approximately 14.4 percent to approximately 15.0 percent
Return on invested capital of more than 40 percent

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 2,287 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 sales; effects of competition; implementation of store, interconnected retail, supply chain and technology initiatives; inventory and in-stock positions; 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; issues related to the payment methods we accept; demand for credit offerings; management of relationships with our associates, suppliers and vendors; 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 impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims and litigation; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and other regulatory changes; store openings and closures; guidance for fiscal 2019 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, dependent on the actions of third parties, 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 28, 2018 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 ⁽¹⁾						Fiscal Year Ended ⁽²⁾
*in millions, except per share data*	February 3, 2019		January 28, 2018		% Change		February 3, 2019		January 28, 2018		% Change
Net sales	$	26,491	$	23,883	10.9	%	$	108,203	$	100,904	7.2	%
Cost of sales	17,464		15,790		10.6		71,043		66,548		6.8
Gross profit	9,027		8,093		11.5		37,160		34,356		8.2
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	4,922		4,440		10.9		19,513		17,864		9.2
Depreciation and amortization	480		464		3.4		1,870		1,811		3.3
Impairment loss	247		—				247		—
Total operating expenses	5,649		4,904		15.2		21,630		19,675		9.9
Operating income	3,378		3,189		5.9		15,530		14,681		5.8
Interest and other (income) expense:
Interest and investment income	(20)		(23)		(13.0)		(93)		(74)		25.7
Interest expense	269		269		—		1,051		1,057		(0.6)
Other	16		—				16		—
Interest and other, net	265		246		7.7		974		983		(0.9)
Earnings before provision for income taxes	3,113		2,943		5.8		14,556		13,698		6.3
Provision for income taxes	769		1,164		(33.9)		3,435		5,068		(32.2)
Net earnings	$	2,344	$	1,779	31.8	%	$	11,121	$	8,630	28.9	%

Basic weighted average common shares	1,116		1,160		(3.8)	%	1,137		1,178		(3.5)	%
Basic earnings per share	$	2.10	$	1.53	37.3		$	9.78	$	7.33	33.4

Diluted weighted average common shares	1,121		1,167		(3.9)	%	1,143		1,184		(3.5)	%
Diluted earnings per share	$	2.09	$	1.52	37.5		$	9.73	$	7.29	33.5

	Three Months Ended ⁽¹⁾						Fiscal Year Ended ⁽²⁾
Selected Sales Data ⁽³⁾	February 3, 2019		January 28, 2018		% Change		February 3, 2019		January 28, 2018		% Change
Customer transactions (in millions)	394.8		366.5		7.7	%	1,620.8		1,578.6		2.7	%
Average ticket	$	65.59	$	64.00	2.5		$	65.74	$	63.06	4.2
Sales per square foot	$	414.17	$	394.87	4.9		$	446.86	$	417.02	7.2
—————

(1)	Three months ended February 3, 2019 include 14 weeks. Three months ended January 28, 2018 include 13 weeks.
(2)	Fiscal year ended February 3, 2019 includes 53 weeks. Fiscal year ended January 28, 2018 includes 52 weeks.
(3)	Selected Sales Data does not include results for Interline Brands, Inc., which was acquired in fiscal 2015.

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

*in millions*	February 3, 2019		January 28, 2018
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,778	$	3,595
Receivables, net	1,936		1,952
Merchandise inventories	13,925		12,748
Other current assets	890		638
Total current assets	18,529		18,933
Net property and equipment	22,375		22,075
Goodwill	2,252		2,275
Other assets	847		1,246
Total assets	$	44,003	$	44,529

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Short-term debt	$	1,339	$	1,559
Accounts payable	7,755		7,244
Accrued salaries and related expenses	1,506		1,640
Current installments of long-term debt	1,056		1,202
Other current liabilities	5,060		4,549
Total current liabilities	16,716		16,194
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	26,807		24,267
Other liabilities	2,358		2,614
Total liabilities	45,881		43,075
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity	(1,878)		1,454
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity	$	44,003	$	44,529

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

	Fiscal Year Ended ⁽¹⁾
*in millions*	February 3, 2019		January 28, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$	11,121	$	8,630
Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,152		2,062
Stock-based compensation expense	282		273
Impairment loss	247		—
Changes in working capital, net of acquisition effects	(687)		554
Changes in deferred income taxes	26		92
Other operating activities	(103)		420
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,038		12,031

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures, net of non-cash capital expenditures	(2,442)		(1,897)
Payments for business acquired, net	(21)		(374)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	33		47
Other investing activities	14		(4)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,416)		(2,228)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
(Repayments of) proceeds from short-term debt, net	(220)		850
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discounts	3,466		2,991
Repayments of long-term debt	(1,209)		(543)
Repurchases of common stock	(9,963)		(8,000)
Proceeds from sales of common stock	236		255
Cash dividends	(4,704)		(4,212)
Other financing activities	(26)		(211)
Net cash used in financing activities	(12,420)		(8,870)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,798)		933
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(19)		124
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,595		2,538
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1,778	$	3,595

—————
(1)	Fiscal year ended February 3, 2019 includes 53 weeks. Fiscal year ended January 28, 2018 includes 52 weeks.

THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
ASU NO. 2014-09 IMPACT OF ADOPTION
(Unaudited)

The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, which pertains to revenue recognition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The following table shows the impact of adopting ASU No. 2014-09 on the consolidated statements of earnings for the three and twelve month periods ended February 3, 2019. The implementation of this accounting standard resulted in an increase in net sales, gross profit, selling, general and administrative, and total operating expenses and a decrease in cost of sales. There was no impact on operating income, net earnings, or earnings per share.

	Three Months Ended February 03, 2019 ⁽¹⁾
*in millions*	As Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		ASU No. 2014- 09 Impact		Excluding ASU No. 2014- 09 Impact		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net sales	$	26,491	100.0	%	$	86	$	26,405	100.0	%
Cost of sales	17,464		65.9		(82)		17,546		66.4
Gross profit	9,027		34.1		168		8,859		33.6
Selling, general and administrative	4,922		18.6		168		4,754		18.0
Total operating expenses	5,649		21.3		168		5,481		20.8
	Fiscal Year Ended February 03, 2019 ⁽²⁾
*in millions*	As Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		ASU No. 2014- 09 Impact		Excluding ASU No. 2014- 09 Impact		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net sales	$	108,203	100.0	%	$	216	$	107,987	100.0	%
Cost of sales	71,043		65.7		(382)		71,425		66.1
Gross profit	37,160		34.3		598		36,562		33.9
Selling, general and administrative	19,513		18.0		598		18,915		17.5
Total operating expenses	21,630		20.0		598		21,032		19.5
—————
(1) Three months ended February 3, 2019 include 14 weeks.
(2) Fiscal year ended February 3, 2019 includes 53 weeks.

THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
ASU NO. 2014-09 IMPACT OF ADOPTION
(Unaudited)

The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, which pertains to revenue recognition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The following table shows the impact of adopting ASU No. 2014-09 on the consolidated balance sheet as of February 3, 2019.

	February 3, 2019
*in millions*	As Reported		ASU No. 2014- 09 Impact		Excluding ASU No. 2014- 09 Impact
Assets
Receivables, net	$	1,936	$	(40)	$	1,976
Other current assets	890		256		634
Total current assets	18,529		216		18,313
Total assets	44,003		216		43,787

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Other current liabilities	$	5,060	$	117	$	4,943
Total current liabilities	16,716		117		16,599
Other liabilities	2,358		24		2,334
Total liabilities	45,881		141		45,740
Total stockholders’ deficit	(1,878)		75		(1,953)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	44,003		216		43,787

THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
PRO FORMA EFFECT OF ASU NO. 2014-09
(Unaudited)

The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, which pertains to revenue recognition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 using the modified retrospective method. In accordance therewith, financial information prior to fiscal 2018 will not be recast as the modified retrospective method does not permit recasting pre-adoption financial information. The following tables present selected as-reported financial results and the pro forma effect of ASU No. 2014-09 as if the recognition and presentation guidance in the accounting standard had been applied in fiscal 2017. There was no impact on operating income, net earnings, or earnings per share. The fiscal 2017 pro forma financial information included in the tables below is presented for informational purposes only.

	Three Months Ended April 30, 2017
*in millions*	As Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		Including ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net sales	$	23,887	100.0	%	$	48	$	23,935	100.0	%
Cost of sales	15,733		65.9		(90)		15,643		65.4
Gross profit	8,154		34.1		138		8,292		34.6
Selling, general and administrative	4,361		18.3		138		4,499		18.8
Total operating expenses	4,805		20.1		138		4,943		20.7

	Three Months Ended July 30, 2017
*in millions*	As Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		Including ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net sales	$	28,108	100.0	%	$	33	$	28,141	100.0	%
Cost of sales	18,647		66.3		(114)		18,533		65.9
Gross profit	9,461		33.7		147		9,608		34.1
Selling, general and administrative	4,549		16.2		147		4,696		16.7
Total operating expenses	4,998		17.8		147		5,145		18.3

	Three Months Ended October 29, 2017
*in millions*	As Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		Including ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net sales	$	25,026	100.0	%	$	44	$	25,070	100.0	%
Cost of sales	16,378		65.4		(85)		16,293		65.0
Gross profit	8,648		34.6		129		8,777		35.0
Selling, general and administrative	4,514		18.0		129		4,643		18.5
Total operating expenses	4,968		19.9		129		5,097		20.3

	Three Months Ended January 28, 2018
*in millions*	As Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		Including ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net sales	$	23,883	100.0	%	$	41	$	23,924	100.0	%
Cost of sales	15,790		66.1		(85)		15,705		65.6
Gross profit	8,093		33.9		126		8,219		34.4
Selling, general and administrative	4,440		18.6		126		4,566		19.1
Total operating expenses	4,904		20.5		126		5,030		21.0

	Fiscal Year Ended January 28, 2018
*in millions*	As Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		Including ASU No. 2014- 09 Effect		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net sales	$	100,904	100.0	%	$	166	$	101,070	100.0	%
Cost of sales	66,548		66.0		(374)		66,174		65.5
Gross profit	34,356		34.0		540		34,896		34.5
Selling, general and administrative	17,864		17.7		540		18,404		18.2
Total operating expenses	19,675		19.5		540		20,215		20.0

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SOURCE The Home Depot

EmblemHealth Family of Companies Announces Affiliation with BronxDocs Primary and Specialty Care

February 25, 2019

0

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest non-profit health insurers, announced today an affiliation with BronxDocs. BronxDocs opened two new offices delivering primary and specialty care to the more than 1.4 million residents of the borough. A third location will open in the Fall.

The affiliation with BronxDocs extends to members of EmblemHealth as well as other community members’ access to convenient, best-in-class primary and specialty care services in the Bronx.

“We are pleased to return to the Bronx and affiliate our medical group AdvantageCare Physicians with top-tier BronxDocs physicians and nurses who have such deep roots in the community,” said Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of EmblemHealth. “The affiliation with BronxDocs ensures that the Bronx community has access to clinicians they know and trust, and that those clinicians are empowered with modern tools, technology and an electronic medical record that follows the patient.”

EmblemHealth and BronxDocs share the belief that community-based care is an important factor in achieving good health.

“BronxDocs takes a patient-centered approach to patient care that delivers on a promise to treat the patient with compassionate, quality and culturally sensitive care,” said Neal Polan, Executive Director of BronxDocs. “Our clinical support team and our doctors are excited to expand our reach through this new partnership, bringing scale to our full-service primary and specialty practice.”

The affiliation brings together trusted community partners to deliver a full scope of primary care and specialty services and solutions right in the neighborhoods where people need it most. Services include: Cardiology, Cardiovascular, Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Laboratory, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Pulmonology, Urology, and more.

With the opening of the third location on Westchester Ave in the Fall, the BronxDocs locations will include:

326 E. 149^th Street, Bronx, NY 10451
932 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10459
2044 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 (Opening Fall 2019)

For more information, visit www.EmblemHealth.com.

About EmblemHealth

EmblemHealth is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health insurers, with 3.1 million members and an 80-year legacy of serving New York’s communities. The company offers a full range of commercial and government-sponsored health plans to employers, individuals and families, as well as convenient community resources. As a market leader in value-based care, EmblemHealth partners with top doctors and hospitals to deliver quality, affordable care. For more information, visit emblemhealth.com.

Contact
Kimberly Kann
EmblemHealth
[email protected]

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SOURCE EmblemHealth

If you purchased New Balance “Made in USA” labeled shoes, a proposed class action settlement may affect your rights. Read this notice carefully because it explains decisions and actions you must take now

February 25, 2019

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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ –The following statement is being issued by Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky Wotkyns LLP and The Wand Law Firm, P.C. regarding the New Balance “Made in USA” Class Action Settlement.

Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Case No. 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB. SUMMARY CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT NOTICE. A federal court authorized this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.

ARE YOU AFFECTED?
You may be a class member if you purchased at least one pair of eligible New Balance shoe models labeled as “Made in USA” from December 27, 2012 through January 24, 2019 in California. A list of eligible shoe models can be found at www.shoesettlement.com.

WHAT IS THIS CASE ABOUT?
This lawsuit claims that New Balance violated certain consumer protection laws in the marketing, labeling, and sale of its “Made in USA” Shoes. New Balance denies it did anything wrong. The court did not decide which side was right. Instead, the parties decided to settle.

WHAT DOES THIS SETTLEMENT PROVIDE?
Monetary Compensation
The settlement will provide a fund of $750,000 that, subject to court approval, will be used to pay (i) valid and approved claims submitted by class members; (ii) the costs and expenses associated with this Notice and claims administration; and (iii) enhancement payments to named plaintiffs for their assistance in this lawsuit on behalf of the class. If these payments are approved by the court, it is estimated that $515,000 will be available to satisfy the claims of class members. The maximum payment to each class member is $10 for each pair of qualifying shoes, with a maximum of $50 per person and $100 per household. The amount may decrease pro rata, if the total number of valid claims exceeds $515,000.

Changes to Business Practices
Under the settlement, New Balance must change the way it labels its shoes as “Made in USA.”

HOW DO YOU ASK FOR A PAYMENT?
To get a payment under the settlement, you must submit a claim form that includes information about your purchase of qualifying shoes. Claim forms can be found at www.shoesettlement.com.

Claim Forms must be submitted no later than June 6, 2019 online at www.shoesettlement.com or by mail to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
If you purchased a qualifying pair of shoes, you may (1) do nothing; (2) send in your claim; (3) exclude yourself; and/or (4) object to the settlement.

If you do nothing, you will not receive any payment from the settlement, however, you will be bound by the settlement’s release and waiver of claims summarized below in the paragraph titled “What Do You Give up If You Stay in the Class?”

If you want to receive a payment from the settlement, you must send in your claim as instructed above. You will be bound by the settlement’s release and waiver of claims summarized below in the paragraph titled “What Do You Give up If You Stay in the Class?”

If you don’t want to be bound by the settlement, you must submit a form that states you want to be excluded from this class action lawsuit. If you exclude yourself, you will not get a payment from the settlement, but you will preserve all rights to sue New Balance on your own.

Exclusion forms can be found at www.shoesettlement.com. They must be submitted no later than June 6, 2019 online at www.shoesettlement.com or by mail to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220.

If you do not exclude yourself, you may object to the settlement or any part of it. Even if you object, you can still receive payment from the settlement, if you timely submit your claim. If you wish to object, you should file your objection with the court no later than June 14, 2019. For instructions about how to object, refer to the section below titled “How Can You Get More Information?”

WHAT DO YOU GIVE UP IF YOU STAY IN THE CLASS?
If you do not exclude yourself, by doing nothing, submitting a claim form, or objecting to the settlement, you will give up your right to sue New Balance on your own for any claims based on the qualifying shoe purchases.

The complete Release and Waiver of Claims provision is included in the Amended Settlement Agreement. For instructions to access it, refer to the section below, titled “How Can You Get More Information?”

LEGAL REPRESENTATION
The court has appointed Jason H. Kim of Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky Wotkyns LLP and Aubry Wand of The Wand Law Firm, P.C. to represent the class for purposes of the settlement. You have the right to retain your own attorney to represent you in this lawsuit at your own expense, or represent yourself without an attorney. Any class member who does not enter an appearance through an attorney or on his or her own behalf will automatically be represented by class counsel.

THE COURT WILL HOLD A HEARING on July 15, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, before the Honorable M. James Lorenz in Courtroom 5B, Edward J. Schwartz U.S. Courthouse, located at 221 West Broadway, San Diego, California 92101. The court will consider certification of this lawsuit as a class action for settlement purposes, whether to approve the proposed settlement as fair, reasonable, and adequate, and whether to grant the motion for attorneys’ fees and costs of up to $650,000 to class counsel, and enhancement payments of up to $5,000 to each of the three named plaintiffs for their assistance in this lawsuit on behalf of the class. The motion for attorneys’ fees and costs and enhancement payments will be available for review before you decide whether to exclude yourself or object. For instructions on how to access it, refer to the section below, titled “How Can You Get More Information?” You may appear at the hearing, but you don’t have to. If you do not appear, you will be represented by class counsel.

The court may change the date and/or time of the hearing and/or the matter may be submitted on the briefs without further notice. If you are planning to attend, you should confirm the date and time in advance.

HOW CAN YOU GET MORE INFORMATION?
For more information, and to obtain copies of the full-length notice of the class action settlement, the Amended Settlement Agreement and other documents filed in this lawsuit, you can visit the settlement website www.shoesettlement.com, call toll free (844) 271-4789, write to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220, or contact the class counsel at the information listed on the settlement website.

SOURCE Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky Wotkyns LLP; The Wand Law Firm, P.C.

Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands Offered Exclusive Hotline to Solix, Inc. E-rate Consulting Services

February 25, 2019

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PARSIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands based schools, libraries and consortia seeking broadband and telecommunications funding from the federal ‘E-rate’ program now have access to expertise from the most experienced program team in the nation: Solix E-Rate Consulting, through an exclusive hotline and dedicated resources.

Solix, Inc., which served as the E-rate business process solution provider for 20 years, has established a dedicated hotline 844-656-4405 for communities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Clients in these territories can utilize this dedicated hotline to access Solix E-rate specialists, and communications can be conducted in English, Spanish and French Creole.

Offering its unsurpassed program expertise, Solix’ services include preparation and filing of applications to maximize eligible funding, analytics tools, updates, invoicing, appeals and audit support. Solix is also offering a complimentary E-rate Rapid Fund Assessment. With some basic applicant information, Solix’ E-rate experts will provide:

Estimates of the amount of funding for which an applicant may qualify
Overview of what to expect if an applicant has never applied for E-rate funding
Insights into maximizing eligible funding while remaining compliant

Additional services for schools and school districts are available through Solix’ Sivic Solutions Group, with expertise in maximizing funding from Medicaid, TANF and other federal programs. Solix Rural Health Care Consulting assists rural health care providers in obtaining funding for technology necessary for the delivery of tele-health services.

Solix is a best-in-class business process outsourcing firm providing program management, technology solutions, consulting and customer care for clients throughout the United States.

The Federal Communications Commission oversees both the E-rate Program, which helps schools and libraries obtain affordable broadband and telecom services, and the Rural Health Care Program, which provides funding to rural health care providers for technology services.

Media Contact: Gene King
Corporate Communications
Solix, Inc.
973-581-5320
[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/692751/SolixPrecisionLogo2018_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Solix, Inc.

Hilco Global Establishes a College Scholarship Program for Students Living in Chicago’s Little Village Community

February 22, 2019

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CHICAGO, Feb. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hilco Global today announced the launch of the Hilco Global Scholarship Program called “Hilco Scholars”, to be awarded to qualified candidates living in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. The goal of the new scholarship program is to help prepare students in the Little Village community for a professional career in Skilled Trades including manufacturing and engineering; construction management; transportation, distribution, and logistics; and information technology.

The scholarship program will award a full scholarship for the period of two years, to two students who are pursuing a degree in a Skilled Trade program at one of the seven Chicago City Colleges. The scholarship award can be used for education-related expenses including tuition, fees, books, and equipment.

In early 2018, Hilco’s real estate redevelopment group, Hilco Redevelopment Partners, purchased the shuttered Crawford Power Generation site in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood and began working on plans to redevelop the property into a state of art facility for last mile logistics and retail warehousing. The new complex, now called Exchange 55, is expected to boost the local economy and bring new skilled jobs to the neighborhood.

Jeffrey Hecktman, CEO and Chairman of Hilco Global explained, “As a company beginning a substantial real estate project within the Little Village community we wanted to go beyond investing in the cleanup and redevelopment of this industrial site by making an investment in the most important asset of all – the young residents in the Little Village neighborhood”.

Hecktman continued, “For many years Hilco Global has supported programs that promote and encourage educational opportunities for Chicago’s kids. Last Summer, in a series of local community meetings with residents and leaders in the neighborhood, we promised to demonstrate our commitment to becoming a stand out corporate citizen. The new Hilco Scholars program is just one of many ways we plan to give back to our new neighbors.”

The new Hilco Scholars program has been in development since the fall of last year and has been planned and structured in close collaboration with the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation who will manage the process of seeking candidates throughout the Little Village neighborhood. HILCO leaders will play an active role in the final selection of the first 2 recipients.

Roberto Perez, CEO of Hilco Redevelopment Partners said, “Our plan is to not only provide a full scholarship for two students, but to also create opportunities for the students to gain hands-on experience and apply what they learn through a paid internship program at Hilco, and possible future employment.” Perez has been a vocal champion of the quality of the local workforce in Little Village since identifying the redevelopment project almost two years ago. Perez said, “The caliber of the workforce located within Little Village is one of the most attractive features of this project to prospective tenants. This project has already attracted interest from marquee companies who want to locate here because of the labor force.”

“Our students are truly inspiring – when given the opportunity, they make the most of it,” said City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado. “This scholarship will open the door for more students to pursue meaningful careers in high-demand fields.”

About Hilco Scholars Program: The Hilco Scholars program will be available to students for the Fall 2019 semester.

Candidates must reside in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood (60608 or 60623 zip codes)
Candidates must be a resident of the City of Chicago and eligible for in-district tuition rates.
Candidates interested in pursuing an associate’s degree in Skilled Trades area of their choice at any of the seven colleges including manufacturing and engineering; construction management; transportation, distribution, and logistics; and information technology.
Candidates must be a high school or GED graduate.

Scholarships will be awarded for two semesters per academic year and are renewable for up to two years, provided that the student continues to remain in good academic standing and meet eligibility criteria. In addition to offering the scholarship, Hilco Global also is providing an opportunity for the students to receive an internship with the organization.

More details will be available this Spring. In the meantime, for questions, contact [email protected].

About Hilco Global: Hilco Global (www.hilcoglobal.com) is a privately held diversified financial services company and the world’s preeminent authority on maximizing the value of assets for both healthy and distressed companies. Hilco Global operates as a holding company comprised of over twenty specialized business units that work to help companies understand the value of their assets and then monetize that value. Hilco Global has a 30-year track record of acting as an advisor, agent, investor and/or principal in any transaction. Hilco Global works to deliver the best possible result by aligning interests with clients and providing them strategic insight, advice, and, in many instances, the capital required to complete the deal. Hilco Global is based in Northbrook, Illinois and has 600 professionals operating on five continents.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/460195/Hilco_Global_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Hilco Global

Trinidad & Tobago’s First Citizens Group Becomes Visa Loyalty Solutions Premium Partner

February 22, 2019

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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Feb. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Trinidad-based First Citizens Group has received the Premium Partner designation from fintech and insurtech company novae and leading payment technology company Visa for being one of the first banks in the Caribbean to adopt Visa Loyalty Solutions (VLS), the white-label digital loyalty platform the two companies recently co-created.

Over the years First Citizens has introduced a number of innovations locally, including Internet banking and mobile banking. It has also been recognized on several occasions for excellence in innovation, communications technology and e-commerce by the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago.

VLS is a user-centric, universal, cross-border, all-digital, mobile-first, white-label loyalty platform for banks that enables consumers and merchants to redeem points anytime, anywhere, from any device (mobile, desktop or wearable) and using multiple payment methods (credit, debit, points or split payment), while offering banks superior customer care, same-day activation and easy administration.

Thanks to VLS’s single, smart payment solution on an invisible and securely encrypted payment platform, First Citizens clients will be able to register rewards as digital currency that can be used alone or split with other payment methods, such as credit or debit cards registered on the platform, to make payments online and contactless in-store around the world.

Finally, by integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning, VLS’s technologies will help First Citizens better analyze the interactions and purchase behaviors of its clients to present increasingly relevant offers, while retaining contact information, payment and travel preferences.

novae not only created the technology behind the digital platform, but also the program’s impressive network of international travel rewards, to which First Citizens customers will now have access. A powerful metasearch engine and partnerships with major worldwide travel aggregators enable users to get preferential pricing and exclusive deals at more than 400,000 hotels in 25,000 cities; 70,000 flights to 1,700 destinations on 130 airlines; 500 car rental companies at 30,000 locations in 170 countries; 2 million vacation rental properties in 190 countries; and 10,000 tours and other entertainment options in 90 countries.

First Citizens Group’s VLS Premier Partner designation is the latest of several awards and recognitions the bank has received. The bank was awarded the Best Bank in Trinidad and Tobago by Euromoney Award for Banking Excellence 2016 and also received an affirmed rating of BBB+/A-2 from Standard & Poor’s. Other awards bestowed on the bank over the years include Safest Bank in the English-speaking Caribbean in 2015, 2011 and 2010 (Global Finance Magazine); Best Bank In Trinidad & Tobago in 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010 and 2009 (World Finance); Bank Of The Year 2015 and 2009 (The Banker Magazine) and Bank of The Year in 2009 (Latin Finance).

“First Citizens Group is proud to have received the Visa Loyalty Solutions Premium Partner designation, which recognizes our bank’s positioning as a first adopter of cutting-edge digital and mobile solutions,” said Avril Edwards, General Manager of Electronic Banking for First Citizens Group.

“Visa Loyalty Solutions offers First Citizens a seamless and flexible digital experience that adds value and provides an unmatched customer experience,” said Ricardo Tafur, Vice President of Consumer Products for Visa in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“VLS gives First Citizens an important differentiator in this competitive retail banking market,” said Jorge Lemus, SVP and Group Country Head, Caribbean and Central America for Visa.

“As a pioneer in mobile and Internet banking, First Citizens has always offered customers cutting-edge solutions to meet their banking needs. With Visa Loyalty Solutions, they have added a powerful tool in their arsenal to maximize loyalty, boost spend and increase operational efficiency,” said Facundo Mendez, Managing Director of Enterprise, Growth and Loyalty for novae.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/825444/novae_Visa.jpg

SOURCE novae

If you purchased dental supplies or equipment directly from Henry Schein, Patterson, Benco, or Burkhart, an $80 million class action settlement may affect you

February 22, 2019

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PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued by Berger Montague regarding the Dental Supplies Antitrust Litigation.

An $80 million cash Settlement has been reached in a lawsuit known as In re Dental Supplies Antitrust Litigation, No 16-cv-00696 (E.D.N.Y.), against Henry Schein, Inc. (“Schein”), Patterson Companies, Inc. (“Patterson”), and Benco Dental Supply Company (“Benco”) (collectively, “Defendants”). The lawsuit alleges that the Defendants agreed not to compete on prices for Dental Products. The Defendants deny these claims, insist they did nothing wrong, and a judge has not decided who is right.

Who’s Included?
The Settlement is for a “Class” that includes anyone in the U.S. who purchased Dental Products directly from Defendants or Burkhart during the Class Period: August 31, 2008 to March 31, 2016.

What does the Settlement provide?
The Defendants will pay $80 million into a “Settlement Fund.” The settlement proceeds, net of all court-approved fees and costs, will be allocated pro rata, based on relative purchase amounts. For more information on payouts, please consult paragraphs 25-30 of the November 12, 2018, Declaration of Eric L. Cramer and/or the Plan of Allocation (when it is available) on the settlement website. Class Counsel will be asking the Court to approve a fee of up to 1/3 of the Settlement amount, plus reimbursement of costs, and service awards for the named plaintiffs. That Fee Application will be available on the settlement website on March 24, 2019.

How can I receive benefits?
If the Settlement is approved, you will receive a Claim form in the mail (it will also be available on the Settlement website). You must file a claim by September 19, 2019 in order to receive a payment.

How can I exclude myself or object?
If you want to sue the Defendants yourself, you must exclude yourself from the Settlement by April 18, 2019, in which case you will not receive a payment from the Settlement. If you do not exclude yourself, you may file an objection to the Settlement or any aspect of it by April 18, 2019.

More complete information, including the Settlement Agreement and release of claims, instructions on filing a claim (when a claim form becomes available), Excluding, and Objecting is available on the settlement website, www.DentalSuppliesAntitrustClassAction.com or you may call toll free 1-844-367-8807.

When will the Court decide?
A Fairness Hearing will be held on May 22, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the U.S.D.C. for the Eastern District of NY, 225 Cadman Plaza E, Brooklyn, NY 11201 in Courtroom 8D S to consider whether to approve the Settlement and Fee Application. You may, at your own expense appear at the Hearing, but you don’t have to.

SOURCE Berger Montague

Latin Rock Icons Maná Confirm U.S. Dates For ‘Rayando El Sol Tour’

February 22, 2019

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Latin Rock Icons Maná Confirm U.S. Dates For 'Rayando El Sol Tour'

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Last night the biggest rock band in Spanish, Maná, surprised fans by announcing their return to the road on Premio Lo Nuestro. Today “the most widely sold and heard Latin band in the world” (Billboard) confirmed details of their headlining ‘Rayando El Sol Tour’ across the United States. The tour is named after their critically acclaimed single, “Rayando El Sol,” which was one of the band’s first great successes and the kick off to a remarkable career including 4 Grammy Awards, 8 Latin Grammy Awards, 19 Billboard Latin Music Awards and dozens more around the world.

Produced by Live Nation, the tour will make over 20 stops across the U.S., kicking off September 4^th in Corpus Christi, TX with visits to Houston, San Diego, Brooklyn and more, before wrapping November 27^th in Sacramento, CA. The U.S. outing will also include an astonishing 4 nights at The Forum in Los Angeles, CA between September and November, making history as the largest run of dates at The Forum for any Latin act in history. See full itinerary below.

Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, March 1^st at 11am local time at LiveNation.com. Maná will also offer VIP packages for each show with options that include; premium seating, an invitation to Maná’s VIP pre-show lounge, the opportunity to sit at Alex’s drum kit for a memorable photo, and much more! Fans can visit www.VIPNation.com for more info.

The band will also be making a very special appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 27^th with a can’t miss performance in celebration of the tour announcement. Additionally, they will be performing an exclusive live set for fans in anticipation of the tour on February 26^th which will be live streamed on Maná’s Facebook page and Twitter account beginning at 5:15pm PT/8:15pm ET. The live stream will give fans just a taste of what they can expect from the highly anticipated upcoming tour.

It has been three years since the multi-platinum selling and Grammy Award®-winning rock band last toured. As Latin Rock’s most engaging arena-level live band, longtime cultural ambassadors and powerful social advocates, their previous ‘LATINO POWER TOUR’ sold out venues across the U.S. with a message of unity and empowerment for U.S. Latinos. It featured 80 tons of state of the art concert production gear which traveled across the United States with the goal of uniting and inspiring Latino communities to make their voices heard.

Having formed in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1986, the quartet of Fher Olvera, Alex González, Sergio Vallín and Juan Calleros have gone on to be global envoys for the Latin Rock genre, while selling over 40 million albums. Here in the United States, Maná holds an impressive nine #1 albums and ten #1 singles -more than any other band in the history of Billboard’s “Hot Latin Songs” chart. Maná is also unquestionably the top-drawing all-Spanish language concert band in the U.S. with notable attendance records to their name, and the New York Times declaring the group has: “Redefined ‘Crossover’ in Latin Pop… with its mix of love songs and more pointed political material about immigration and the environment, …Maná has a mass appeal nearly unrivaled in the Latin pop world.”

MANÁ: RAYANDO EL SOL TOUR 2019 DATES:

Wed Sep 04	Corpus Christi, TX	American Bank Center
Fri Sep 06	Houston, TX	Toyota Center
Sat Sep 07	Dallas, TX	American Airlines Center
Wed Sep 11	El Paso, TX	UTEP Don Haskins Center
Fri Sep 13	Phoenix, AZ	Talking Stick Resort Arena
Sat Sep 14	Las Vegas, NV	MGM Grand Garden Arena
Fri Sep 20	Los Angeles, CA	The Forum
Sat Sep 21	Los Angeles, CA	The Forum
Fri Sep 27	San Jose, CA	SAP Center
Sun Sep 29	San Diego, CA	North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wed Oct 09	Denver, CO	Pepsi Center
Fri Oct 11	Chicago, IL	Allstate Arena
Thu Oct 17	Toronto, ON	Scotiabank Arena
Sat Oct 19	Brooklyn, NY	Barclays Center
Sun Oct 20	Greensboro, NC	Greensboro Coliseum
Fri Oct 25	Miami, FL	AmericanAirlines Arena
Sun Oct 27	Atlanta, GA	Infinite Energy Arena
Fri Nov 15	San Antonio, TX	AT&T Center
Fri Nov 22	Los Angeles, CA	The Forum
Sat Nov 23	Los Angeles, CA	The Forum
Wed Nov 27	Sacramento, CA	Golden 1 Center

Download hi-res tour art HERE

Download hi-res press image HERE

About Live Nation Entertainment:
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/825489/MANA_JKscreen_1920x1080_6.jpg

SOURCE Live Nation Entertainment

(Español) Premio Lo Nuestro de Univision Hace Historia Musical con Sensacionales Estrenos en Vivo, Electrizantes Remezclas y Momentos Emocionantes

February 21, 2019

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

National Action Network (NAN) Florida is calling on Florida voters to reject placing an initiative to deregulate electricity on the 2020 ballot.

February 21, 2019

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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Florida Chapters of National Action Network (NAN) is calling on Florida voters to reject placing a misleading initiative that alters electricity services in Florida on the 2020 ballot. This initiative would raise costs, decrease reliability and take advantage of low-income and minority communities through fraud and aggressive sales tactics by marketers.

“This is really just an effort to alter our electricity markets to benefit few companies that stand to profit hidden behind the notion of choice. African American households experience disproportionate levels of poverty, have lower household income and spend a higher percentage of their income on electricity than other consumers,” stated Rev. DeVes Toon of the National Action Network.

“The only thing this so-called “energy choice” initiative will provide for minority communities is higher electric rates and higher costs. The proposal actually prohibits a majority of Floridians from being able to choose their current electricity provider. It’s chaos masked as choice. We feel that our people should not only reject this ballot initiative, but they should not sign any misleading petitions to get this initiative placed on the 2020 ballot.”

The Florida chapters of the National Action Network, including Reverend Don Tolliver Vice president of the Tallahassee Chapter, will aggressively fight any effort to deregulate Florida’s electricity market. NAN will expose those that support the effort for the harm they will cause to our communities electric deregulation has in other states.

Attorneys General in Massachusetts and Illinois have called for an end to electricity deregulation in their states. A recent report prepared for the Massachusetts Attorney General shows that residents in minority communities paid higher rates to competitive suppliers. In just two years, Massachusetts customers that chose unregulated electricity marketing companies paid $176 million more than what they would have paid for electricity from their local utility.

The Illinois Attorney General has stated that 90 percent of the time, customers who chose alternative electricity marketers are paying higher prices for electricity than customers pay with traditional utilities. In Connecticut, the state’s Consumer Counsel has said the state should provide consumers with protection from the confusing, abusive and illegal marketing tactics of electric marketers.

“For more than 20 years, other states have tried and failed at deregulating their electricity markets,” said Rev. Toon. “Those that want to deregulate the electricity in Florida are not concerned with the harm it will cause our communities, but rather are focused only on their own profits. The group Citizens for Energy Choices has reported spending more than $1.3 million but they do not disclose where that money came from and who they are truly representing.”

National Action Network chapters throughout Florida have information available for community members wanting to help inform their neighbors, church members and others about the true story of how harmful deregulating electricity has been and why Florida voters must keep this dangerous proposal off the ballot.

Contact:
NAN Florida
Reverend DeVes toon
(850) 400-5517

SOURCE National Action Network (NAN) Florida