Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI) – First quarter results reflect shift in business line

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI)
First quarter results reflect shift in business line

Kandi Technologies Group, Inc. (KNDI), headquartered in Jinhua Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang Province, is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of various vehicular products. Kandi conducts its primary business operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhejiang Kandi Technologies Group Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Kandi Technologies”), formerly, Zhejiang Kandi Vehicles Co., Ltd.) and its subsidiaries including Zhejiang Kandi Smart Battery Swap Technology Co., Ltd, and SC Autosports, LLC (d/b/a Kandi America), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Kandi in the United States, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kandi America Investment, LLC. Zhejiang Kandi Technologies has established itself as one of China’s leading manufacturers of pure electric vehicle parts and off-road vehicles.

Michael Heim, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Off-road vehicle sales rose 90% year over year. Off-road electric vehicles sales, primarily golf carts, were $10.7 million surpassing our expectations for sales of $8 million. The segment has been hot every since the beginning of COVID and continues to grow in importance to the company. The company formed a new company to produce electric golf carts. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding to sell $29 million (5,000 units), virtually doubling the division’s sales. We expect strong growth from the division.

Battery sales have been strong and now represent the second largest operating division. Battery sales were $8.0 million up from a negligible amount last year. The company acquired Jiangxi Huiyi New Energy Co. in October 2021. The division has synergistic benefits with Kandi’s other operating divisions and appears to be a profitable business on its own….

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Flotek Announces Shareholder Approval of $2 Billion+ Long Term Contract



Flotek Announces Shareholder Approval of $2 Billion+ Long Term Contract

Research, News, and Market Data on Flotek Industries

HOUSTON, May 10, 2022 – Flotek Industries, Inc. (“Flotek” or the “Company”) (NYSE: FTK), a leader in technology-driven specialty green chemistry solutions, today announced that Flotek’s shareholders overwhelmingly approved the previously-announced agreement with ProFrac Holdings, LLC (“ProFrac”) to expand the existing long-term supply agreement with one of ProFrac’s affiliates.
 

The results from yesterday’s meeting indicate that approximately 98.5% of the votes cast by Flotek common stock voted in favor of the proposal to approve the transactions contemplated by the agreement with ProFrac.  The full results of the vote are available in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with Securities & Exchange Commission on May 9, 2022.
 

The transactions are expected to close expeditiously, subject to usual and customary closing conditions.
 

About Flotek
Industries, Inc.

Flotek Industries, Inc. creates solutions to reduce the environmental impact of energy on air, water, land and people.  A technology-driven, specialty green chemistry and data company, Flotek helps customers across industrial, commercial, and consumer markets improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance performance. Flotek’s Chemistry Technologies segment develops, manufactures, packages, distributes, delivers, and markets high-quality cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing products for commercial, governmental and personal consumer use.  Additionally, Flotek empowers the energy industry to maximize the value of their hydrocarbon streams and improve return on invested capital through its real-time data platforms and green chemistry technologies.  Flotek serves downstream, midstream, and upstream customers, both domestic and international.  Flotek is a publicly traded company headquartered in Houston, Texas, and its common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “FTK.”  For additional information, please visit www.flotekind.com.

Forward-Looking
Statements

Certain statements set forth in this press release constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) regarding Flotek Industries, Inc.’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.  Words such as will, continue, expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements in this press release.  Although forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the good faith judgment of management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to management.  Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Further information about the risks and uncertainties that may impact the company are set forth in the Company’s most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K (including, without limitation, in the “Risk Factors” section thereof), and in the Company’s other SEC filings and publicly available documents.  Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.  The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect, any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this press release.

 

Contact:
Investor Relations
E: ir@flotekind.com
P: (713) 726-5322

Coinbase’s Armstrong and ARK Invest’s Wood Talk Crypto


Image: Brian Armstrong, Cathie Wood (Milken Institute)


ARK’s Cathie Wood and Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong Talk About Crypto’s Outlook

ARK Invest’s founder and CEO took part in a panel discussion titled, Conversations with Crypto Pioneers. The discussion was held at the Milken Institute’s 2022 Global Conference and included Brian Armstrong who is the CEO and co-founder of Coinbase (COIN). When it comes to Bitcoin and other cryptos, both CEOs are strong advocates. What Ms. Wood and Mr. Armstrong had to share ought to be of great interest to investors whose wallets have shrunk with the recent weakness in this asset class.

According to Armstrong one billion people around the world will use cryptocurrency technology in one way or another by the end of the 2020s. Crypto has started to enter the mainstream over the past few years. Armstrong said, about 200 million people worldwide have used crypto. Institutional investors are increasingly embracing digital currencies in their portfolios, and some retirement savers may soon see Bitcoin as an option in their 401(k) plans.

Wood believes the rate of crypto adoption in the U.S. is slow because of regulatory uncertainty; she said, “I would’ve expected more clarity,” and added. “Basically we’ve come at this from a negative point of view, and I’ve seen other countries come at it from a positive point of view. If we’re not lucky, regulatory arbitrage is going to take the market away from us.”

“This is a new asset class, and you have to have a point of view,” Wood said.

Armstrong seems at odds with the official point of view of regulators and others in Washington. He’s not overly optimistic, noting a recent executive order from President Biden that calls for protections from the crypto industry’s potential innovations. And last month, the White House outlined a national policy to address the risks and benefits of digital assets and their underlying technology.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler has been cautious when it comes to regulating cryptos. He has said that many tokens traded on crypto exchanges are likely securities. As securities, they would require more disclosures from both the tokens as well as the platforms that are not now registered security exchanges. Coinbase is a cryptocurrency exchange.

“I think this is a very bipartisan issue,” said Armstrong, “The majority of people I met with in Congress, 50% or more, are now pro-crypto, they believe that this is a net good for society.” About one in five Americans have now used crypto or tried it in some way, Armstrong said, and the number is growing quickly. “That’s a massive voting group. It’s quickly becoming very politically unpopular to be anti-crypto,” according to Armstrong.

Both CEOs noted the application of blockchain technology in everyday life goes well beyond digital coins.

The Coinbase CEO sees use cases for the technology in social media. He was asked about his view on Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, to which he said the company has a huge opportunity to become a leader in decentralized social media, where users’ online identity and content aren’t owned by one particular platform, but by users themselves through a decentralized ledger. It would mean anyone could use all the information on Twitter and display it in various ways. “Essentially, it democratized access to [social-media content], and I think that’s one of the directions Twitter could go,” Armstrong said. “I imagine that there are a number of startups and other companies that will be building competing decentralized social media products if [Twitter doesn’t.]”

Both Armstrong and Wood agree crypto and blockchain technology could spur growth around the world over the next decade. The world will see a substantial portion of GDP coming from the crypto economy in 10 to 20 years, similar to e-commerce, the two agreed. “People think they might have missed the opportunity when they see Bitcoin at $70,000, but we are in fairly early days,” Wood advised.

With recent moves in financial assets, particularly crypto, those that held since last year are hurting. Bitcoin prices are down 20% year to date and 40% below their peak reached in November 2021. ARK Invest’s CEO who’s funds own crypto and crypto-related assets, was an early investor in digital assets and blockchain technology. Coinbase is the fifth-largest holding of the ARK Innovation exchange-traded fund (ARKK), the company’s flagship product.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

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Sources

https://milkeninstitute.org/video/crypto-pioneers-conversations

https://milkeninstitute.org/events/global-conference-2022/overview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSo5r4y8Gpo

https://www.barrons.com/articles/bitcoin-crypto-adoption-global-gdp-coinbase-ark-51651619611?mod=grayscale

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Release – Comtech Appoints Ken Peterman to Board of Directors



Comtech Appoints Ken Peterman to Board of Directors

Research, News, and Market Data on Comtech Telecommunications

Defense Industry Veteran Peterman Adds Deep Satellite and US
Government Experience

MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 10, 2022– May 10, 2022–Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL), a leading global provider of next-generation 911 emergency systems and secure wireless communications technologies, announced today that it had appointed seasoned satellite executive Ken Peterman to Comtech’s Board of Directors. Ken will join the Board’s Science and Technology Committee.

“This is a significant and pivotal time for Comtech, as we strive to be the global leader in Failsafe Communications. Ken’s expertise in satellite technology and decades of experience with U.S. government contracting speaks for itself, providing an impeccable foundation from a strategic, executive leadership and governance perspective. He is a remarkable individual with a unique skillset, and I am delighted to welcome him to our Board,” said Michael Porcelain, President and CEO of Comtech.

An award-winning global executive leader, Peterman’s accomplished career spans over forty years in the defense segment, accumulating credentials across a wide array of markets and both commercial and government satellite systems. He has augmented a strategic landscape in tactical and satellite communications, cybersecurity, and C4 defense technology sectors through tenures at the President/CEO and VP/GM level of top defense companies including Viasat, ITT/Exelis, Collins Aerospace, Raytheon and SpyGlass Group. Most recently, as President at Viasat Government Systems, Peterman led a world-class satellite communications, mobile networking and cybersecurity portfolio. At Raytheon, he developed a $1B/year Tactical Defense Electronics Systems Division with market-leading performance. While at ITT/Exelis, he led major restructuring actions across twelve states plus the U.K. (with sales of ~$1.3B/yr), improving resource utilization and reducing infrastructure to align with emerging market and budget realities while creating double-digit growth.

“This is a key time for Comtech, and I am deeply focused on helping the Company grow and compete in the global marketplace. I am thrilled to join the Board and help steer Comtech into a new era of commercial success and shareholder value,” commented Ken Peterman.

About Comtech
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global provider of next-generation 911 emergency systems and secure wireless communications technologies to commercial and government customers around the world. Headquartered in Melville, New York and with a passion for customer success, Comtech designs, produces and markets advanced and secure wireless solutions. For more information, please visit www.comtechtel.com (and preview its new website at www.comtech.com).

Forward-Looking
Statements

Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

PCMTL

View source version on businesswire.comhttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220509006118/en/

Comtech
Investor Relations
Robert Samuels
robert.samuels@comtech.com
(631) 962-7102

Source: Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

Information Services Group (III) – An Exceeding First Quarter

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Information Services Group (III)
An Exceeding First Quarter

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Going Past Expectations. ISG announced record revenue of $72.6 million, continuing the trend of record revenue, an increase of 12% in constant currency and exceeding our estimate of $70 million. The quarter had record net income of $4.9 million, or $0.10 fully diluted EPS, versus $3.4 million and $0.07 the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA also was a record at $10.6 million, a 23% increase year-over-year. We forecasted net income of $4.65 million, $0.09 fully diluted EPS, and adjusted EBITDA of $9 million.

Still Having Momentum. The Company is continuing to see a favorable environment with companies investing in technology to power through market headwinds. ISG experienced double digit growth in recurring revenues, especially on its subscription research and platform businesses, and management sees market momentum continuing in 2022. This momentum is continued with the expansion of the Company’s ISG GovernX platform with the Agreemint acquisition, which we believe will be additive to the segment top-line growth….

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Vectrus Announces Solid First Quarter Results



Vectrus Announces Solid First Quarter Results

Research, News, and Market Data on Vectrus

Company Release – 5/10/2022

  • Q1 revenue +5.2% Y/Y to $456.5 million
  • Operating income of $5.2 million; Adjusted EBITDA margin1 of 4.0%
  • Q1 fully diluted EPS of $0.24; Adjusted diluted EPS1 of $1.01
  • Several key wins expand and solidify work with Army, Navy, and National Security clients
  • Reiterating revenue and adjusted diluted EPS1 guidance

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Vectrus, Inc. (NYSE:VEC) announced first quarter 2022 financial results.

“Vectrus reported solid first quarter results driven by the continued expansion into LOGCAP V and our focus on diversification to new clients and markets,” said Chuck Prow, Chief Executive Officer of Vectrus.

“During the quarter, revenue grew 5% year-over-year and 9% sequentially to $456 million. Revenue growth was driven by the continued phase-in of LOGCAP V, high op-tempo in the regions we operate in support of ongoing world affairs, as well as the progress made in executing growth in our core programs,” said Prow.  “With a continued focus on the needs of our clients, the Vectrus team supported several important missions during the quarter, including assisting the DoD with the establishment of a water supply system and water remediation efforts in Hawaii.  In addition, we demonstrated our ability to transition quickly and recently became fully operational on LOGCAP V Kwajalein, approximately a month and a half ahead of schedule. We also leveraged our process-oriented phase in system and in a short period of time, achieved full operations at Ft. Benning following our December 2021 $250 million award.  We are proud of this achievement and look forward to providing world class maintenance, transportation, and supply services for the US Army’s Maneuver Training Center over the next five years.”

“Notably, late in the first quarter Vectrus was awarded a strategically important task order to provide support for the U.S. Air Force in Europe as part of the European Deterrence Initiative,” said Prow. “While currently small in value, this contingency task is providing mission critical services to our Air Force client in Europe. This effort exemplifies our global positioning and rapid response capabilities supporting our clients’ most challenging and important missions.”

Prow continued, “Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $18.2 million or 4.0% margin as we work through program efficiencies in the early phases of LOGCAP V implementation. Additionally, LOGCAP V is generating higher revenue volume with a greater amount of material and pass-through content that has a different margin complexion.”

“We are continuing our positive momentum working with the Navy and during the first quarter were selected to complete the final phases of application development for the 5G Naval Base Coronado Smart Warehouse, which is demonstrative of our ability to provide converged solutions and operational technologies to clients,” said Prow. “We were also recently awarded the follow-on contract for Spectrum Management with the Navy valued at $60 million. This award continues more than 30 years of support to the Navy in solving afloat electromagnetic interference and compatibility challenges for the fleet.  Furthermore, Vectrus won a position on a $250 million five-year IDIQ vehicle that provides rapid development, prototyping, and systems integration to the Navy, Joint, and coalition forces worldwide utilizing numerous platforms and integrated capabilities. Vectrus will focus on embarkable systems that include cyber hardening, new technology insertion and retrofit of existing systems. In addition, we won an effort as subcontractor performing electromagnetic test and evaluation engineering. These are key wins that demonstrate our capabilities in engineering and operational technology, and our commitment to delivering a more integrated and comprehensive suite of solutions in support of the converged environment,” Prow elaborated.

Prow continued, “Vectrus has worked diligently over the past several years to expand its presence with national security clients and, during the first quarter our teams were successful in securing several wins that enhance our footprint in the intelligence community.”  

Prow concluded, “Our first quarter results demonstrate Vectrus’ realization and execution of our strategy to strengthen and grow the business through outstanding program execution, capability expansion, and diversification of our geographic and client footprint.”

First Quarter 2022 Results

First quarter 2022 revenue of $456.5 million was up $22.5 million year-on-year.  “Revenue grew 5.2% year over year boosted by our transition to full operational capability on LOGCAP V programs in Iraq and Kuwait late last year, and Kwajalein this year. In addition, revenue benefitted from transitioning Ft Benning and volume associated with rapid response and contingency efforts,” said Susan Lynch, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “This revenue growth was impressive given the headwinds associated with the withdrawal of the US military from Afghanistan,” added Lynch.  Operating income was $5.2 million or 1.1% margin.  This includes M&A and integration related expenses of $9.1 million and amortization of acquired intangible assets of $2.3 million which were incurred in the quarter.

Adjusted operating income1 was $16.6 million or 3.6% margin.  Adjusted EBITDA1 was $18.2 million or 4.0% margin as compared to $20.7 million or 4.8% in the prior year.  “The year-on-year margin change was influenced by the significant amount of revenue and contracts that are in the early stages of their lifecycle.  We believe margin on these contracts will improve over time as we apply our process improvement and Enterprise Vectrus initiatives. In addition, as we continue to support our LOGCAP V clients’ supply chain needs, we are experiencing an increase in material and pass-through content which carries a lower margin. In aggregate, on average and over time we expect to see improvement in the margin profile as we drive operational efficiencies and diversify into higher margin scopes of work,” said Lynch.

Fully diluted EPS for the first quarter of 2022 was $0.24 as compared to $1.02 in the prior year.  Fully diluted EPS in the quarter included the aforementioned M&A and integration related costs.  Adjusted diluted EPS1 was $1.01 in the quarter as compared to $1.20 in the prior year. The change in adjusted diluted EPS
1 was primarily due to the above-mentioned change in Adjusted EBITDA1.

Cash used in operating activities through April 1, 2022, was $26.4 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $21.7 million through the first quarter of 2021. Cash used in operating activities was negatively impacted in the current quarter by an approximately $8.0 million repayment of CARES Act tax deferrals and $2 million of merger related payments.

Net debt on April 1, 2022, was $96.8 million, down $41.9 million from April 2, 2021.  Total debt on April 1, 2022, was $119.8 million, down $57.2 million from $177.0 million on April 2, 2021. Cash at quarter-end was $23.0 million.  Total consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA1 (total leverage ratio) was 1.4x compared to 2.0x at the same time last year.

Total backlog as of April 1, 2022, was $4.5 billion representing almost 2.5x the company’s estimated 2022 revenue mid-point.  Funded backlog was $0.8 billion.  The trailing twelve-month book-to-bill was 1.0x as of April 1, 2022.

2022 Guidance

Lynch continued, “In light of our solid first quarter performance, we are reiterating our full-year 2022 guidance ranges for revenue and adjusted EBITDA, adjusted diluted EPS, and net cash provided by operating activities, excluding M&A related activities.”

Due to the merger activities with Vertex, the company is not providing GAAP guidance or a reconciliation of forward-looking measures including adjusted diluted EPS to GAAP diluted EPS or adjusted EBITDA margin to GAAP net income due to the difficulty in forecasting the transaction timing and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation.  Reconciliations to the closest corresponding U.S. GAAP measures are not available without unreasonable efforts on a forward-looking basis due to the high variability, complexity and low visibility with respect to the charges excluded from these non-GAAP measures. The variability of such charges could potentially have a significant impact on our future U.S. GAAP financial results.

 

$ millions, except for EBITDA margins
and per share amounts

2021
Actual

2022 Guidance

2022 Mid-Point

2022 Mid-Point vs
2021

Revenue

$1,784

$1,820

to

$1,860

$1,840

3.1 %

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

4.7 %

4.5 %

to

4.7%

4.6 %

(10) bps

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

$4.77

$4.57

to

$4.93

$4.74

(0.6) %

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$61.3

$50.00

to

$53.50

$51.75

(15.6) %

 

Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested here, including those factors set forth in the Safe Harbor Statement below. 

First Quarter 2022 Conference Call

Management will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors at 4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. U.S.-based participants may dial in to the conference call at 844-825-9789, while international participants may dial 412-317-5180. A live webcast of the conference call as well as an accompanying slide presentation will be available on the Vectrus Investor Relations website at https://app.webinar.net/b4KdmrqJ7En.

A replay of the conference call will be posted on the Vectrus website shortly after completion of the call and will be available for one year. A telephonic replay will also be available through May 24, 2022, at 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international) with passcode 10166668.    

Footnotes:

1 See “Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconciliation.

About Vectrus

For more than 70 years, Vectrus has provided critical mission support for our customers’ toughest operational challenges. As a high-performing organization with exceptional talent, deep domain knowledge, a history of long-term customer relationships, and groundbreaking technical expertise, we deliver innovative, mission-matched solutions for our military and government customers worldwide. Whether it’s base operations support, supply chain and logistics, IT mission support, engineering and digital integration, security, or maintenance, repair and overhaul, our customers count on us for on-target solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve readiness, and strengthen national security. Vectrus is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., and includes about 8,100 employees spanning 205 locations in 28 countries. In 2021, Vectrus generated sales of $1.8 billion. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.vectrus.com or connect with Vectrus on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Safe Harbor Statement

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”): Certain material presented herein includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Act. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all the statements and items listed in the table in “2022 Guidance” above and other assumptions contained therein for purposes of such guidance, other statements about our 2021 performance outlook, five-year growth plan, revenue, DSO, contract opportunities, the potential impact of COVID-19, and any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

Whenever used, words such as “may,” “are considering,” “will,” “likely,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “target,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “goal” or similar terminology are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management based on information currently available to management.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors, many of which are outside our management’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the risks and other factors detailed from time to time our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

VECTRUS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended

April 1,

April 2,

(In thousands, except per share data)

2022

2021

Revenue

$      456,471

$      434,004

Cost of revenue

419,275

393,648

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

31,959

23,823

Operating income

5,237

16,533

Interest expense, net

(1,681)

(1,932)

Income from operations before income taxes

3,556

14,601

Income tax expense

701

2,553

Net income

$          2,855

$        12,048

Earnings per share

     Basic

$            0.24

$            1.03

     Diluted

$            0.24

$            1.02

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

11,759

11,648

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

11,902

11,827

 

 

VECTRUS, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

April 1,

December 31,

(In thousands, except per share information)

2022

2021

Assets

  Current assets

     Cash and cash equivalents

$                   22,999

$                   38,513

     Receivables

377,571

348,605

     Prepaid expenses

25,923

21,160

     Other current assets

11,083

15,062

  Total current assets

437,576

423,340

     Property, plant, and equipment, net

24,049

23,758

     Goodwill

321,734

321,734

     Intangible assets, net

64,281

66,582

     Right-of-use assets

42,074

43,651

     Other non-current assets

9,876

10,394

  Total non-current assets

462,014

466,119

Total Assets

$                 899,590

$                 889,459

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

  Current liabilities

     Accounts payable

$                 234,713

$                 212,533

     Compensation and other employee benefits

59,059

80,284

     Short-term debt

10,400

10,400

     Other accrued liabilities

55,421

55,031

  Total current liabilities

359,593

358,248

     Long-term debt, net

108,392

94,246

       Deferred tax liability

32,620

32,214

       Operating lease liability

33,167

34,536

       Other non-current liabilities

11,643

20,128

Total non-current liabilities

185,822

181,124

Total liabilities

545,415

539,372

     Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

     Shareholders’ Equity

     Preferred stock; $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; No shares issued and outstanding

     Common stock; $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 11,805 and 11,738 shares issued and outstanding
     as of April 1, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively                                      

118

117

     Additional paid in capital

89,590

88,116

     Retained earnings

270,609

267,754

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(6,142)

(5,900)

Total shareholders’ equity

354,175

350,087

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

$                 899,590

$                 889,459

 

 

VECTRUS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended

April 1,

April 2,

(In thousands)

2022

2021

Operating activities

     Net income

$                2,855

$              12,048

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

     Depreciation expense

1,591

1,548

     Amortization of intangible assets

2,301

2,450

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

(16)

43

     Stock-based compensation

2,558

2,622

     Amortization of debt issuance costs

204

232

Changes in assets and liabilities:

     Receivables

(29,898)

(46,544)

     Prepaid expenses

(4,849)

(3,137)

     Other assets

4,520

(648)

     Accounts payable

22,693

42,054

     Deferred taxes

2,716

     Compensation and other employee benefits

(21,138)

(22,818)

     Other liabilities

(7,202)

(12,295)

     Net cash used in operating activities

(26,381)

(21,729)

  Investing activities

  Purchases of capital assets and intangibles

(2,195)

(2,611)

  Proceeds from the disposition of assets

17

  Net cash used in investing activities

(2,178)

(2,611)

  Financing activities

  Repayments of long-term debt

(2,600)

(2,000)

  Proceeds from revolver

217,000

110,000

  Repayments of revolver

(200,000)

(110,000)

  Proceeds from exercise of stock options

113

  Payment of debt issuance costs

(458)

Payments of employee withholding taxes on share-based compensation

(1,626)

(2,184)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

12,316

(4,071)

Exchange rate effect on cash

729

(191)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(15,514)

(28,602)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash-beginning of year

38,513

68,727

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash-end of period

$              22,999

$              40,125

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Interest paid

$                1,513

$                1,371

Income taxes paid

$                     66

$                    (97)

Purchase of capital assets on account

$                       5

$                  (132)

 

Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Measures

The primary financial performance measures we use to manage our business and monitor results of operations are revenue trends and operating income trends. Management believes that these financial performance measures are the primary drivers for our earnings and net cash from operating activities. Management evaluates its contracts and business performance by focusing on revenue, operating income, and operating margin. Operating income represents revenue less both cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses. Cost of revenue consists of labor, subcontracting costs, materials, and an allocation of indirect costs, which includes service center transaction costs. SG&A expenses consist of indirect labor costs (including wages and salaries for executives and administrative personnel), bid and proposal expenses and other general and administrative expenses not allocated to cost of revenue. We define operating margin as operating income divided by revenue.

We manage the nature and amount of costs at the program level, which forms the basis for estimating our total costs and profitability. This is consistent with our approach for managing our business, which begins with management’s assessing the bidding opportunity for each contract and then managing contract profitability throughout the performance period.

In addition to the key performance measures discussed above, we consider adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA margin, and organic revenue to be useful to management and investors in evaluating our operating performance, and to provide a tool for evaluating our ongoing operations. This information can assist investors in assessing our financial performance and measures our ability to generate capital for deployment among competing strategic alternatives and initiatives. We provide this information to our investors in our earnings releases, presentations, and other disclosures.

Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA margin, and organic revenue, however, are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for operating income, operating margin, net income, and diluted earnings per share as determined in accordance with GAAP.  Definitions and reconciliations of these items are provided below.

  • Adjusted operating income is defined as operating income, adjusted to exclude items that may include, but are not limited to significant charges or credits, and unusual and infrequent non-operating items, such as M&A, integration and related costs, LOGCAP V pre-operational legal costs, and amortization of acquired intangible assets that impact current results but are not related to our ongoing operations.
  • Adjusted operating margin is defined as adjusted operating income divided by revenue.
  • Adjusted net income is defined as net income, adjusted to exclude items that may include, but are not limited to, significant charges or credits, and unusual and infrequent non-operating items, such as M&A, integration and related costs, LOGCAP V pre-operational legal costs, and amortization of acquired intangible assets that impact current results but are not related to our ongoing operations.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share is defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.
  • EBITDA is defined as operating income, adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortization.
  • Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA, adjusted to exclude items that may include, but are not limited to, significant charges or credits and unusual and infrequent non-operating items, such as M&A, integration and related costs, LOGCAP V pre-operational legal costs that impact current results but are not related to our ongoing operations.
  • EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by revenue.
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.
  • Organic revenue is defined as revenue, adjusted to exclude revenue from acquired companies.

 

Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per
Share (Non-GAAP Measures)

($K, except per share data)

Three Months
Ended April 1,
2022, As
Reported

M&A,
Integration

and Related
Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible

Assets

Three Months
Ended April 1,
2022 –
Adjusted

Revenue

$         456,471

$                       —

$                     —

$                     —

$        456,471

Growth

5.2 %

5.2    %

Operating income

$             5,237

$                  9,068

$                     —

$               2,301

$          16,606

Operating margin

1.1 %

3.6 %

Interest expense, net

$            (1,681)

$                       —

$                     —

$                     —

$           (1,681)

Income from operations before income taxes

$             3,556

$                  9,068

$                     —

$               2,301

$          14,925

Income tax expense

$                701

$                  1,787

$                     —

$                  453

$            2,941

Income tax rate

19.7 %

19.7 %

Net income

$             2,855

$                  7,281

$                     —

$               1,848

$          11,984

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

11,902

11,902

Diluted earnings per share

$               0.24

$                    0.61

$                     —

$                 0.16

$              1.01

EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures)

($K)

Three Months
Ended April 1,
2022, As
Reported

M&A,
Integration

and Related
Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible

Assets

Three Months
Ended April 1,
2022 –
Adjusted

Operating Income

$            5,237

$                  9,068

$                     —

$               2,301

$         16,606

Add:

Depreciation and amortization

$            3,892

$                       —

$                     —

$              (2,301)

$           1,591

EBITDA

$            9,129

$                  9,068

$                     —

$                     —

$         18,197

EBITDA Margin

2.0 %

4.0 %

 

 

Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per
Share (Non-GAAP Measures)

($K, except per share data)

Three Months
Ended April 2,
2021

As Reported

M&A,
Integration and
Related

Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible

Assets

Three Months
Ended April 2,
2021 –
Adjusted

Revenue

$        434,004

$                     —

$                     —

$                     —

$       434,004

Operating income

$          16,533

$                     —

$                   157

$                2,450

$         19,140

Operating margin

3.8 %

4.4 %

Interest expense, net

$           (1,932)

$                     —

$                     —

$                      —

$          (1,932)

Income from operations before income taxes

$          14,601

$                     —

$                   157

$                2,450

$         17,208

Income tax expense

$            2,553

$                     —

$                     27

$                   428

$           3,008

Income tax rate

17.5 %

17.5 %

Net income

$          12,048

$                     —

$                   130

$                2,022

$         14,200

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

11,827

11,827

Diluted earnings per share

$              1.02

$                     —

$                 0.01

$                  0.17

$             1.20

EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures)

($K)

Three Months
Ended April 2,
2021

As Reported

M&A,
Integration and
Related

Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible

Assets

Three Months
Ended April 2, 2021 –
Adjusted

Operating Income

$          16,533

$                     —

$                   157

$                2,450

$         19,140

Add:

Depreciation and amortization

$            3,998

$                     —

$                      —

$               (2,450)

$           1,548

EBITDA

$          20,531

$                     —

$                   157

$                      —

$         20,688

EBITDA Margin

4.7 %

4.8 %

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Revenue by client branch, contract type, contract relationship, and geographic region for the periods presented below was as follows: 

Three Months Ended

April 1,

April 2,

(In thousands)

2022

%

2021

%

Army

$    280,113

61 %

$    257,349

59 %

Air Force

61,474

13 %

78,170

18 %

Navy

75,217

17 %

56,427

13 % %

Other

39,667

9 %

42,058

10 %

Total revenue

$    456,471

$    434,004

Revenue by Contract Type

Three Months Ended

April 1,

April 2,

(In thousands)

2022

%

2021

%

Cost-plus and cost-reimbursable

$    311,094

68 %

$    290,230

67 %

Firm-fixed-price

128,004

28 %

128,757

30 %

Time and material

17,373

4 %

15,017

3 %

Total revenue

$    456,471

$    434,004

Revenue by Contract Relationship

Three Months Ended

April 1,

April 2,

(In thousands)

2022

%

2021

%

Prime contractor

$    427,093

94 %

$    403,262

93 %

Subcontractor

29,378

6 %

30,742

7 %

Total revenue

$    456,471

$    434,004

Revenue by Geographic Region

Three Months Ended

April 1,

April 2,

(In thousands)

2022

%

2021

%

Middle East

$    235,754

52 %

$    240,013

55 %

United States

167,980

37 %

149,811

35 %

Europe

36,531

7 %

40,623

9 %

Asia

16,206

4 %

3,557

1 %

Total revenue

$    456,471

$    434,004

 

CONTACT:

Vectrus
Mike Smith, CFA
719-637-5773

michael.smith@vectrus.com

 

 

 

CisionView original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vectrus-announces-solid-first-quarter-results-301544306.html

SOURCE Vectrus, Inc.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP) – 1Q22 Reported With Clinical Milestones Review

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP)
1Q22 Reported With Clinical Milestones Review

Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics and diagnostics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of immunology, rare disease, infectious disease, and central nervous system (CNS) product candidates. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-15001 which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the second half of 2022. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-29002 for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan-Drug Designation by the FDA. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox called TNX-8013, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and an antiviral to treat COVID-19. Tonix’s lead vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are TNX-1840 and TNX-18504, which are live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform. TNX-35005 (sangivamycin, i.v. solution) is a small molecule antiviral drug to treat acute COVID-19 and is in the pre-IND stage of development. TNX-102 SL6, (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets), is a small molecule drug being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Tonix expects to initiate a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the second quarter of 2022. The Company’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL, is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022. Finally, TNX-13007 is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that is expected to start a Phase 2 trial in the second quarter of 2022. TNX-1300 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA.

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Tonix Reported 1Q22.  Tonix reported a loss of $26.4 million or $(0.05) per share for 1Q22 and gave several development updates.  The Phase 2 trial testing TNX-102 SL in Long COVID is expected to begin in 2Q22, and the Phase 3 RESILIENT study in fibromyalgia has begun enrollment.  The company also reiterated plans to start three new Phase 2 trials from its CNS platform by YE2022. The cash balance at the end of the quarter was $140.4 million.

The Product Pipeline Continues To Make Progress.  Tonix has begun patient enrollment in the Phase 3 RESILIENT study testing TNX-102 SL in fibromyalgia.  This study has a target enrollment of 470 patients with an interim analysis expected in 1Q23.  If successful, the study would provide data for an application for FDA approval.  Separately, the IND to begin a Phase 2 study testing TNX-102 SL in Long COVID became effective, with enrollment expected to begin during 2Q22.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Gevo (GEVO) – First quarter results meet expectations, but real story is plant progression

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Gevo (GEVO)
First quarter results meet expectations, but real story is plant progression

Gevo’s mission is to transform renewable energy and carbon into energy-dense liquid hydrocarbons. These liquid hydrocarbons can be used for drop-in transportation fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel, that when burned have potential to yield net-zero greenhouse gas emissions when measured across the full lifecycle of the products. Gevo uses low-carbon renewable resource-based carbohydrates as raw materials, and is in an advanced state of developing renewable electricity and renewable natural gas for use in production processes, resulting in low-carbon fuels with substantially reduced carbon intensity (the level of greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard petroleum fossil-based fuels across their lifecycle). Gevo’s products perform as well or better than traditional fossil-based fuels in infrastructure and engines, but with substantially reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to addressing the problems of fuels, Gevo’s technology also enables certain plastics, such as polyester, to be made with more sustainable ingredients. Gevo’s ability to penetrate the growing low-carbon fuels market depends on the price of oil and the value of abating carbon emissions that would otherwise increase greenhouse gas emissions. Gevo believes that its proven, patented, technology enabling the use of a variety of low-carbon sustainable feedstocks to produce price-competitive low carbon products such as gasoline components, jet fuel, and diesel fuel yields the potential to generate project and corporate returns that justify the build-out of a multi-billion-dollar business.

Michael Heim, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Gevo reported revenues of $0.2m versus $0.1m, operating income of ($16.0m) versus ($9.9m) and net income of ($15.7m) versus ($10.1m). Results were in line with our expectations. The company’s cash position is solid at $413 million, and the company is already planning out its financing for plant development. Plans call for the combined use of nonrecourse project financing, corporate debt and shareholder investments.

Projects are moving forward. In January, Gevo announced it had begun the process of bringing its dairy manure-based project online in order to apply for credits. The credits could contribute $16-$20 million annually, and management is prepared for timing issues between production and receipt of credits. In March, it signed several “take-or-pay” agreements with airlines to provide jet fuel made from ethanol at its Net Zero One plant. In total, Gevo has contracts for 200m gallons of fuel annually and has stated a goal of delivering 1 billion gallons of fuel by 2030. Plant operations are on track, although management indicated it has used up some of the slack assumed in its timeline. …

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – QuoteMedia Q1 2022 Financial Results and Investors’ Conference Call May 13, 2022



QuoteMedia Q1 2022 Financial Results and Investors’ Conference Call May 13, 2022

Research, News, and Market Data on QuoteMedia

PHOENIX, May 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuoteMedia, Inc. (OTCQB: QMCI), a leading provider of market data and financial applications, today announced that its earnings for its quarter ended March 31, 2022 will be released the morning of May 13, 2022. That same day, the company will host a conference call at 2:00 PM Eastern time to discuss the financial results and provide a business update.

Conference Call Details:

Date: May 13, 2022

Time: 2:00 PM Eastern

Dial-in numbers: 866-342-8591

Conference ID: QUOTEMEDIA

An audio rebroadcast of the call will be available later at: www.quotemedia.com

About QuoteMedia

QuoteMedia is a leading software developer and cloud-based syndicator of financial market information and streaming financial data solutions to media, corporations, online brokerages, and financial services companies. The Company licenses interactive stock research tools such as streaming real-time quotes, market research, news, charting, option chains, filings, corporate financials, insider reports, market indices, portfolio management systems, and data feeds. QuoteMedia provides industry leading market data solutions and financial services for companies such as the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, TMX Group (TSX Stock Exchange), Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), London Stock Exchange Group, FIS, U.S. Bank, Broadridge Financial Systems, JPMorgan Chase, CI Financial, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Hilltop Securities, HD Vest, Stockhouse, Zacks Investment Research, General Electric, Boeing, Bombardier, Telus International, Business Wire, PR Newswire, FolioFN, Regal Securities, ChoiceTrade, Cetera Financial Group, Dynamic Trend, Inc., Qtrade Financial, CNW Group, IA Private Wealth, Ally Invest, Inc., Suncor, Virtual Brokers, Leede Jones Gable, Firstrade Securities, Charles Schwab, First Financial, Cirano, Equisolve, Stock-Trak, Mergent, Cision, Day Trade Dash, LLC and others. Quotestream®, QModTM and Quotestream ConnectTM are trademarks of QuoteMedia. For more information, please visit www.quotemedia.com.

QuoteMedia Investor
Relations

Brendan Hopkins
Email: 
investors@quotemedia.com
Call: (407) 645-5295

Asset Classes that Perform Best and Worst with Negative Real Interest Rates


Image Credit: Kim Alaniz (Flickr)


With Negative Real Rates, What Sectors Have Historically Outperformed?

The “real interest rate,” is defined as the net amount earned less inflation on an interest bearing security. Real rates are now at a low the country hasn’t experienced since just after World War II. In fact, with the recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) spike to 8.5% from a year earlier, inflation is 6% to 7% higher than one year US treasury levels. This means the real return is a negative 6% to 7%.

When the more conservative investor using interest-bearing securities begins to see inflation outpacing their investments, as they are now (in most cases), they recognize their assets are losing buying power. Their investments are not paying enough to keep up with price rises and certainly not growing so they can be able to buy more later with their savings. These simpler investors, by holding on to treasury securities, CDs, or corporate bonds, are losing ground, this loss of usable wealth begins to cause investors to move down the risk curve.

Putting on Risk

Dr. Horstmeyer is a professor of finance at George Mason University’s Business School in Fairfax, Va. He and his team decided to collect hard data on this phenomenon and see how different asset classes perform when real interest rates turn negative and stay negative for a while.

What they found with their look back is that when real interest rates turn negative, the asset classes considered riskiest (emerging-markets stocks, small-caps, etc.) had done extremely well in the first half of the inflation/interest rate cycle. During this period, they outperform what’s considered safer assets by over 1.5 percentage points a month. Stretched out over several months with compounding, the investors have done well.

The performance benefit reverses to a degree for those invested in these assets into the second half of the cycle. On average, the riskier assets have underperformed by over a percentage point (monthly) in the second half of a negative-real-rate cycle. This does not suggest the investors fared worse by adding risk to their portfolio; it may indicate that many investors were prudent and did not let greed keep them in the riskier securities. The later investors exiting lost ground from earlier gains.

The Research

To investigate what happened in the past, Professor Horstmeyer and his research assistants Jaehee Lee and Natalia Palacios gathered interest-rate data (based on T-bills), inflation data, and mutual-fund-return statistics for various asset classes over the past 50 years. They examined periods since 1971 when real interest rates turned negative and stayed negative for more than a month.

The group identified seven periods like this – the average period length is 2.5 years. For each period, they labeled the first half and the second half. The researchers then compared performance; first half compared to second.


What Investors Should Note

They reported two findings that investors should be aware of. First, during the first half of a negative-rate cycle, the riskiest mutual funds performed best. Emerging-markets funds, US small-cap funds and international-stock funds averaged 1.96%, 1.13%, and 1.03% returns a month, respectively. This average monthly return is far superior to all other equities and far better than the average bond fund, which had average returns of 0.35% a month during this period.

Half-Way Point

The additional performance reversed as the cycles matured. In the second halves, the riskiest funds underperformed. For example, emerging-markets funds lost an average of 1.13% a month. So while investors were seeking risk in the first half, it appears they eventually faded away from it the longer as the US remained with a negative real interest-rate environment.

Where are We Now

According to their findings which is based on historical averages, the current negative-rate cycle began in the second quarter of 2020. This could mean, if the 50 year pattern holds true, many investors have shifted over to riskier assets already. Since we are still sitting with negative real rates in the cycle, approaching the third year, it’s impossible to know yet where the first half ends and the second begins. Thus, even if we haven’t fully hit the point where investors move out of riskier positions, judging by historical length and data, we’re likely close.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

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Sources

https://www.bls.gov/cpi/#:~:text=CPI%20for%20all%20items%20rises,12%20months%2C%20not%20seasonally%20adjusted

https://www.wsj.com/articles/investment-negative-interest-rates-11651781476?mod=hp_jr_pos1

 

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Release – Information Services Group Announces First-Quarter 2022 Results and Increases Dividend by 33%



Information Services Group Announces First-Quarter 2022 Results and Increases Dividend by 33%

Research, News, and Market Data on Information Services Group

  • Reports
    GAAP revenues of $73 million, an all-time quarterly high, exceeding
    guidance
  • Reports
    net income of $5 million, GAAP EPS of $0.10 and adjusted EPS of $0.12, all
    first-quarter records
  • Reports
    record adjusted EBITDA of $11 million, exceeding guidance
  • Increases
    quarterly dividend by 33%, to $0.04 per share, effective with dividend
    payable June 17 to record holders as of June 3
  • Sets
    second-quarter 2022 guidance: revenues between $73 million and $75 million
    and adjusted EBITDA of between $10 million and $11 million

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, today announced record financial results, including its highest quarterly revenues ever, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.

“ISG has begun 2022 in record fashion,” said Michael P. Connors, chairman and CEO. “We delivered our highest quarterly revenues ever, at $73 million, up 12 percent in constant currency, along with record profitability. Our growth to start the year continues our outstanding financial performance since the launch of our ISG NEXT operating model in 2020, underscoring our business momentum and supporting our decision to raise our quarterly dividend by 33 percent.”

Connors noted ISG also generated double-digit growth in recurring revenues, especially from its subscription research and platform businesses.

“Our strong performance reflects demand for our data, insights and advice, as clients continue to invest in technology to enable greater efficiency and faster growth. Our solution-centric approach and ISG iFlex delivery model allows us to serve specific client needs with greater delivery flexibility,” Connors said.

Connors said ISG sees market momentum continuing in 2022. “Demand continues to be strong, despite rising enterprise costs related to global inflation, continuing supply chain disruptions, geopolitical concerns, higher energy costs and high demand for tech talent,” he said.

During the first quarter, ISG continued to expand its ISG GovernX® platform business with the acquisition of automated contracting solution Agreemint. The AI-powered contracting platform brings important new capabilities to the market-leading GovernX vendor compliance and risk management solution and will be used by ISG to add value to future platform solutions now in development.

First-Quarter 2022 Results

Reported revenues for the first quarter were a record $72.6 million, up 9 percent versus last year and up 12 percent in constant currency. Currency translation negatively impacted reported revenues by $1.9 million versus the prior year. Reported revenues were $41.4 million in the Americas, up 9 percent versus the prior year; $23.5 million in Europe, up 3 percent versus the prior year on a reported basis and up 10 percent in constant currency, and $7.7 million in Asia Pacific, up 34 percent versus the prior year on a reported basis and up 40 percent in constant currency.

ISG reported first-quarter operating income of $7.7 million, up 54 percent from $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2021. The firm also reported record first-quarter net income and fully diluted income per share of $4.9 million and $0.10, respectively, versus net income of $3.4 million and earnings per share of $0.07 in the prior year. Net income margin (calculated by dividing net income by reported revenues) increased to 6.8 percent, from 5.1 percent in the first quarter of 2021.

Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure defined below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) for the first quarter was $6.4 million, or $0.12 per share on a fully diluted basis, compared with adjusted net income of $5.5 million, or $0.10 per share on a fully diluted basis, in the prior year’s first quarter.

First-quarter adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure defined below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) reached a record $10.6 million, up 23 percent from the first quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA margin (a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by reported revenues) was 15 percent, up more than 165 basis points from the prior year.

Other Financial and Operating Highlights

ISG generated $4.1 million of cash from operations in the first quarter, versus $12.1 million in the prior year. The firm’s cash balance totaled $43.7 million at March 31, 2022, down from $47.5 million at the end of the prior year. During the first quarter, ISG repurchased $5.5 million of shares and paid down $1.1 million of debt. As of March 31, 2022, ISG had $73.4 million in debt outstanding, compared with $77.7 million at the end of the first quarter last year. At 1.8 times, the firm’s gross-debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio (a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing outstanding debt by adjusted EBITDA) was at a record low at March 31, 2022.

2022 Second-Quarter Revenue and Adjusted
EBITDA Guidance

“For the second quarter, ISG is targeting revenues of between $73 million and $75 million and adjusted EBITDA of between $10 million and $11 million,” said Connors. “We will continue to monitor the macroeconomic environment, including the impact of inflation and other factors, and adjust our business plans accordingly.”

Quarterly Dividend

The ISG Board of Directors approved a 33 percent increase in the quarterly dividend, from $0.03 per share to $0.04 per share, effective with the next quarterly dividend, payable on June 17, 2022, to shareholders of record on June 3, 2022.

Conference Call

ISG has scheduled a call for 9 a.m., U.S. Eastern Time, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, to discuss the company’s first-quarter results. The call can be accessed by dialing 1-800-304-0389; or, for international callers, by dialing +1 313-209-5140. The access code is 6633167. A recording of the conference call will be accessible on ISG’s website (www.isg-one.com) for approximately four weeks following the call.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” which represent the current expectations and beliefs of management of ISG concerning future events and their potential effects. Statements contained herein including words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “continue,” “should,” “may,” and other similar expressions, are “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Those risks relate to inherent business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies relating to the businesses of ISG and its subsidiaries including without limitation: (1) failure to secure new engagements or loss of important clients; (2) ability to hire and retain enough qualified employees to support operations; (3) ability to maintain or increase billing and utilization rates; (4) management of growth; (5) success of expansion internationally; (6) competition; (7) ability to move the product mix into higher margin businesses; (8) general political and social conditions such as war, political unrest and terrorism; (9) healthcare and benefit cost management; (10) ability to protect ISG and its subsidiaries’ intellectual property or data and the intellectual property or data of others; (11) currency fluctuations and exchange rate adjustments; (12) ability to successfully consummate or integrate strategic acquisitions; (13) outbreaks of diseases, including coronavirus, or similar public health threats or fear of such an event; and (14) engagements may be terminated, delayed or reduced in scope by clients. Certain of these and other applicable risks, cautionary statements and factors that could cause actual results to differ from ISG’s forward-looking statements are included in ISG’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ISG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

ISG reports all financial information required in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In this release, ISG has presented both GAAP financial results as well as non-GAAP information for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and March 31, 2021. ISG believes that evaluating its ongoing operating results will be enhanced if it discloses certain non-GAAP information. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude non-cash and certain other special charges that many investors believe may obscure the user’s overall understanding of ISG’s current financial performance and the Company’s prospects for the future. ISG believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors because they improve the comparability of the financial results between periods and provide for greater transparency of key measures used to evaluate the Company’s performance.

ISG provides adjusted EBITDA (defined as net income plus interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, foreign currency transaction gains/losses, non-cash stock compensation, interest accretion associated with contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, and severance, integration and other expense), adjusted net income (defined as net income plus amortization of intangible assets, non-cash stock compensation, foreign currency transaction gains/losses, interest accretion associated with contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, and severance, integration and other expense, on a tax-adjusted basis), adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted EBITDA margin, and selected financial data on a constant currency basis which are non-GAAP measures that the Company believes provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses and financial implications of foreign currency translations, which management believes are not indicative of ISG’s core operations. These non-GAAP measures are used by ISG to evaluate the Company’s business strategies and management’s performance.

We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, excludes the impact of year-over-year fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of our business performance and is consistent with how management evaluates the Company’s performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current and prior-periods local currency financial results using the same point in time exchange rates and then compare the adjusted current and prior period results. This calculation may differ from similarly titled measures used by others and, accordingly, the constant currency presentation is not meant to be a substitution for recorded amounts presented in conformity with GAAP, nor should such amounts be considered in isolation.

Management believes this information facilitates comparison of underlying results over time. Non-GAAP financial measures, when presented, are reconciled to the most closely applicable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP measures are provided as additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP estimates contained herein to the corresponding GAAP measures is not being provided, due to the unreasonable efforts required to prepare it.

About ISG

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: 
III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 800 clients, including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.

Information Services Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income and
Comprehensive Income

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2022

 

 

 

2021

 

 

Revenues

$

72,563

 

$

66,571

 

Operating expenses

Direct costs and expenses for advisors

 

 

43,955

 

 

 

41,156

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

19,587

 

 

19,040

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,289

 

 

1,360

 

Operating income

 

7,732

 

 

5,015

 

Interest income

 

45

 

 

71

 

Interest expense

 

(563

)

 

(643

)

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

 

24

 

 

(11

)

 

Income before taxes

 

7,238

 

 

4,432

 

Income tax provision

 

2,308

 

 

1,008

 

Net income

$

4,930

 

$

3,424

 

 

Weighted average shares
outstanding:

Basic

 

48,526

 

 

48,504

 

Diluted

 

51,326

 

 

52,313

 

 

Earnings per share:

Basic

$

0.10

 

$

0.07

 

Diluted

$

0.10

 

$

0.07

 

 

Information Services Group, Inc.

Reconciliation from GAAP to Non-GAAP

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2022

 

 

 

2021

 

 

Net income

$

4,930

 

$

3,424

 

Plus:

Interest expense (net of interest income)

 

518

 

 

572

 

Income taxes

 

2,308

 

 

1,008

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,289

 

 

1,360

 

Interest accretion associated with contingent consideration

 

 

 

32

 

Acquisition-related costs (1)

 

10

 

 

(45

)

Severance, integration and other expense

 

110

 

 

135

 

Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss

 

(24

)

 

11

 

Non-cash stock compensation

 

1,503

 

 

2,148

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

10,644

 

$

8,645

 

 

Net income

$

4,930

 

$

3,424

 

Plus:

Non-cash stock compensation

 

1,503

 

 

2,148

 

Intangible amortization

 

528

 

 

714

 

Interest accretion associated with contingent consideration

 

 

 

32

 

Acquisition-related costs (1)

 

10

 

 

(45

)

Severance, integration and other expense

 

110

 

 

135

 

Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss

 

(24

)

 

11

 

Tax effect (2)

 

(681

)

 

(958

)

Adjusted net income

$

6,376

 

$

5,461

 

 

Weighted average shares
outstanding:

Basic

 

48,526

 

 

48,504

 

Diluted

 

51,326

 

 

52,313

 

 

Adjusted earnings per share:

Basic

$

0.13

 

$

0.11

 

Diluted

$

0.12

 

$

0.10

 

 

 

(1)

Consists of expenses from acquisition-related costs and non-cash fair value adjustments on pre-acquisition contract liabilities.

(2)

Marginal tax rate of 32%, reflecting U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% plus 11% attributable to U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions.

 

Information Services Group, Inc.

Selected Financial Data

Constant Currency Comparison

 

Three Months

Three Months

Three Months

Constant

Ended

Three Months

Constant

Ended

Ended

currency

March 31, 2022

Ended

currency

March 31, 2021

March 31, 2022

impact

Adjusted

March 31, 2021

impact

Adjusted

Revenue

$

72,563

$

1,237

$

73,800

$

66,571

$

(722)

$

65,849

Operating income

$

7,732

$

234

$

7,966

$

5,015

$

(272)

$

4,743

Adjusted EBITDA

$

10,644

$

242

$

10,886

$

8,645

$

(279)

$

8,366

 

Source: Information Services Group, Inc.

Diamond Supply Pressures Could Benefit Public Mining Companies


Image Credit: Kim Alaniz (Flickr)


Will Reduced Diamond Production in Europe Bode Well for Producers Elsewhere?

They say that if the economy is faltering that you should invest in hard assets, or companies that produce them. Hard asset investing can include commodities like gold, silver, and platinum with value extending to equities of producers of these durable metals. It may also include collectibles like fine art and diamonds and other gemstones. In the case of diamonds, the axiom extends to producers (mining companies) as well.

Diamond Supply Side Down

Demand for diamonds did not dip during the pandemic, sales just moved from brick and mortar to online purchases. So the pace remained consistent, which is usuall at about the same pace they are consumed. Diamonds are scarce, so by definition, supply is typically tight. But, the recent Russia/Ukraine issues have had an impact since 30-35% of the worlds diamonds that once were sold out of Russia are off now limits. 


Diamond Price Index (DPI) provided by diamondse.info, June 2009 – May 2022

Taking up the Slack

With demand remaining consistent at 130 million carats per year and supply being significantly pinched, those able to supply diamonds stand to fare much better than other years since the unmet need for diamonds from non-conflict areas is likely to be much stronger as a result.

When people in North America think of diamond mining, they usually think of South Africa, not Europe. The impact of what is going on in Europe is not interrupting operations in South Africa’s ability to add new diamonds to market.

One junior diamond mining company which has a well-established prior operational and production history in South Africa, extensive prior experience supplying rough diamonds to the world market, and a long-established alliance with Tiffany & Co., DeBeers, and others is Diamcor Mining Inc. (DMIFF,
DMI:CA
).

Diamcor’s focus is on idetification, acquisition, and operation of diamond projects with near term production potential. This allows this company to avoid the high risks and costs associated with traditional exploration.

In a video from the recent NobleCon18, Dean Taylor, CEO of Diamcor Mining discussed that his company is production-focused, bringing supply of raw diamonds to sellers. In addition to having a strategic alliance with Tiffany’s the retailer is also a shareholder of the company.

To gain deeper understanding of the supply factors impacting world diamond production and partnerships, as well as Diamcor’s business specifically and value, watch the video here

Take-Away

As we have seen with other industries that impact our everyday life at the grocery store, gas stations, and elsewhere, geopolitical events have an effect on prices and company earnings. Diamonds and gemstones are not what is being discussed when we chat over the fence with our neighbors, but this may mean that the opportunities have not yet been recognized by the investing masses.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

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Diamcor Mining (DMIFF) NobleCon18 Presentation Replay

Sources

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/5/9/angolas-endiama-says-sanctions-against-russia-could-hurt-its-diamond-operations

http://www.diamcormining.com/investors/diamond-information/

https://www.diamondse.info/diamonds-price-index.asp

 

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Release – Schwazze to Host First Quarter Conference Call and Webcast May 16, 2022



Schwazze to Host First Quarter Conference Call and Webcast May 16, 2022

Research, News, and Market Data on Schwazze

DENVER, May 9, 2022 /CNW/ – Schwazze, (OTCQX: SHWZ) (NEO:SHWZ) (“Schwazze” or the “Company”), announces that it will host a first quarter 2022 conference call and webcast on May 16, 2022 at 4:30 pm EDT.

 

Investors and stakeholders may participate in the conference call by dialing 416 764 8650 or by dialing North American toll free 888-664-6383 or listen to the webcast from the Company’s website at https://ir.schwazze.com. The webcast will be available on the Company’s website and on replay until May 23, 2022, and may be accessed by dialing 888-390-0541 / 117902#.

Following their prepared remarks, Chief Executive Officer, Justin Dye and Chief Financial Officer, Nancy Huber will answer investor questions. Investors may submit questions in advance or during the conference call itself through the weblink: https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1548621&tp_key=88d9ed2417  This weblink has been posted to the Company’s website and will be archived on the website. All Company SEC filings can also be accessed on the Company website at https://ir.schwazze.com/sec-filings  and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com  

About Schwazze

Schwazze (OTCQX: SHWZ; NEO: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position. Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale. The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant to improve the human condition. Schwazze is anchored by a high- performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes. The Company’s leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector. Schwazze is passionate about making a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and doing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices. Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze’s former operating trade name. The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Such statements may be preceded by the words “may,” “estimates”, “predicts,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) our inability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (ii) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (iii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iv) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; (v) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to market our products and product candidates; (vi) our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy in Colorado and outside the state, (vii) our ability to identify and consummate future acquisitions that meet our criteria, (viii) our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize synergies therefrom, (ix) the actual revenues derived from the Company’s Star Buds assets, * the Company’s actual revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2021, (xi) the Company’s ability to generate positive cash flow for the rest of 2021 (xii) the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, (xiii) the timing and extent of governmental stimulus programs, and (xiv) the uncertainty in the application of federal, state and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/schwazze-to-host-first-quarter-conference-call–webcast-may-16-2022-301542234.html

SOURCE Medicine Man Technologies, Inc.