TAAL Distributed Information Technologies (TAALF) – Making its Way Through the Crypto Malaise

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

TAAL Distributed Information Technologies (TAALF)
Making its Way Through the Crypto Malaise

TAAL Distributed Information Technologies Inc. delivers value-added blockchain services, providing professional-grade, highly scalable blockchain infrastructure and transactional platforms to support businesses building solutions and applications upon the BitcoinSV platform, and developing, operating, and managing distributed computing systems for enterprise users.

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.

2Q22 Results. TAAL reported second quarter 2022 revenue of $7.3 million (all figures in CAD$), up from $6.7 million in the year ago quarter but down from 1Q22 of $8.7 million. The sequential drop reflects the difficult operating conditions in the crypto market, including both declining values and reduced trade volumes. We had projected revenue of $8.1 million. Driven by gains on the sale of assets, TAAL reported net income of $16.3 million, or $0.33 per share, compared to a net loss of $10.1 million, or $0.29 per share, in the year ago period. We had estimated a net loss of $2.1 million, or $0.05 per share.

Site Diversification. TAAL is moving forward with diversifying its computing power, with the recent New Mexico agreement, the ongoing development of the New Brunswick facility, and rental computing power. With additional units on the way, we expect TAAL to be able to replace its current Russian operations by year-end 2022….

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. 

Tokens.com Corp. (SMURF) – Challenging Market Can’t Stop Growth

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Tokens.com Corp. (SMURF)
Challenging Market Can’t Stop Growth

Tokens.com Corp is a publicly traded company that invests in Web3 assets and businesses focused on the Metaverse, NFTs, DeFi, and gaming based digital assets. Tokens.com is the majority owner of Metaverse Group, one of the world’s first virtual real estate companies. Hulk Labs, a wholly-owned Tokens.com subsidiary, focuses on investing in play-to-earn revenue generating gaming tokens and NFTs. Additionally, Tokens.com owns and stakes crypto assets to earn additional tokens. Through its growing digital assets and NFTs, Tokens.com provides public market investors with a simple and secure way to gain exposure to Web3.

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.

Second Quarter Results. Tokens.com’s management announced total revenue of $250,714, an increase of $46,724 over the prior year’s $203,990. We had estimated revenue at $450,000. Operating loss was at $502,066 versus last year’s $2.0 million due to a listing expense in the previous year and a decrease in share-based payments. Net loss for the Company was $11.9 million, or $(0.12) per share from a net loss of $8.5 million, or $(0.13) per share, last year.

Challenging Environment but Silver Lining. The Company’s portfolio has seen a large decrease from the crypto market price reductions from the end of the year to the end of the second quarter, as the value of the portfolio has dropped to $6.95 million from $25.17 million. However, management is seeing improved crypto asset pricing since the end of the second quarter. With the Company’s healthy balance sheet and initiatives in the Metaverse and Hulk Labs businesses, we believe the Company is well positioned to ride out the storm….

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 – Comtech to Present at the 12th Annual Midwest IDEAS Investor Conference on August 24th and 25th in Chicago, IL



Comtech to Present at the 12th Annual Midwest IDEAS Investor Conference on August 24th and 25th in Chicago, IL

Research, News, and Market Data on Comtech Telecommunications

MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 16, 2022– 
August 16, 2022
— Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL), a leading global provider of next-generation 911 emergency systems and secure wireless communications technologies, today announced that it will participate in the 
Midwest IDEAS Investor Conference on 
Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at The 
Gwen in 
Chicago, IL.
 The Company’s presentation is scheduled to begin at 
12:45PM CT
. The presentation will be webcast and may be accessed through the conference host’s main website: https://www.threepartadvisors.com/midwest and in the investor relations section of the Company’s website: http://www.comtech.com.

Comtech management will provide an overview of the Company and its business opportunities. The Company will also conduct one-on-one meetings with investors throughout the day.

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.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

Contacts
Investor
 Relations Robert Samuels 631-962-7102
robert.samuels@comtech.com

Source: 
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

 


MicroStrategy Doubles Down as Bitcoin Cheerleader



Image Credit: Bloomberg TV (August 4, 2022)


MicroStrategy’s Huge Bitcoin Portfolio is Now Expected to Expand

There is possibly no greater bitcoin (BTC.X) supporter than Michael Saylor. So when he stepped down last week from his position as CEO of MicroStrategy (MSTR), the firm he founded, there was concern among bitcoin investors, speculators, and enthusiasts, that they were losing an advocate and a loud, supportive voice. It turns out their fears may have been premature. Saylor, who now fills a role as the Executive Chairman of the company he ran for over three decades, has more time to extol the benefits of adopting bitcoin in business and individually. It is beginning to look like he will become an even greater voice cheerleading for bitcoin. The new position will actually allow him to double his focus on cryptocurrency at Microstrategy.

MicroStrategy had put more than $4 billion into bitcoin since its first purchase during the second half of 2020. To do this, the data analytics firm stepped outside of its normal business and raised capital by issuing stock, convertible bonds, and corporate debt. It then borrowed against the bitcoin position and increased its exposure.

As bitcoin’s price rose, the company stock price rose in tandem; when bitcoin fell, the stock fell. As a result, when investors were looking for an equity investment with exposure to bitcoin, some bought MSTR. Similarly, when crypto was selling off, they shorted the company. This year has been a rollercoaster ride for stocks and cryptocurrency. This is why there was speculation Microstrategy was preparing to lessen its aggressive posture toward bitcoin. Saylor’s transition out of the CEO role caused speculation that the company would be less positive toward bitcoin.

It has been eight days since Saylor stepped down, and bitcoin supporters, particularly those that would like to see broader adoption by businesses as an accepted currency, have been surprised on the positive side.


Image: Saylor tweet to demonstrate stock outperformance since adopting bitcoin policy.

One of the more obvious signs of Mr. Saylor’s continued support is his Twitter account, with its endless stream of pro-bitcoin messages. Last Wednesday, the former CEO tweeted, “In my next job, I intend to focus more on #Bitcoin.”

The move is now considered more bullish for bitcoin and perhaps helps to further acceptance of all digital assets. Although Saylor himself may not agree with the word “all,” the only asset that he believes will stand the test of time is bitcoin.

MicroStrategy issued word that the company has not sold any bitcoin holdings and doesn’t have any plans to do so. It is making it clear that this change in leadership roles does not indicate a change in the company’s strategy to acquire and hold bitcoin long-term.

According to MicroStrategy’s Q2 earnings report, it held approximately 129,699 bitcoins, for which it paid a total of $3.977 billion. The market value n June 30 was about $2.451 billion.  $2.4 billion is also the total of loans and debt that MicroStrategy has taken on to acquire bitcoin.

Bitcoin was trading for $23,500.30 per coin on Wednesday; the cryptocurrency fell to $17,593 in June, its lowest point since December 2020. Bitcoin reached an all-time high of more than $68,000 per coin in November 2021. Amid discussion of a margin call on a bitcoin-backed loan from Silvergate, Saylor said in June that the company had enough collateral to cover the loan.

MicroStrategy share prices were up 11.82% Wednesday, trading at $311.15. The company’s shares traded as high as $860 in November 2021, when its bitcoin holdings were worth as much as $7 billion.

To be sure, the MicroStrategy bitcoin story is not ending. The reward has been great for those that held MSTR since mid-2020, but the volatility during that time was also substantial.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

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Sources

https://theartofthebubble.com/2022/08/michael-saylor-microstrategys-ceo-the-largest-bitcoin-holder-steps-down-after-918-1-m-loss-saylor-will-take-a-new-post-as-executive-chairman/

https://www.microstrategy.com/en/investor-relations

https://twitter.com/saylor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://fortune.com/2022/08/03/michael-saylor-microstrategy-stock-bitcoin-bet-debt-outlook/

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/michael-saylor-drops-microstrategy-ceo-role-heres-what-it-means-for-bitcoin-11659556705?mod=search_headline

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Blackboxstocks (BLBX) – Reports Second Quarter Results

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Blackboxstocks (BLBX)
Reports Second Quarter Results

Blackboxstocks, Inc. is a financial technology and social media hybrid platform offering real-time proprietary analytics and news for stock and options traders of all levels. Our web-based software employs “predictive technology” enhanced by artificial intelligence to find volatility and unusual market activity that may result in the rapid change in the price of a stock or option. Blackbox continuously scans the NASDAQ, New York Stock Exchange, CBOE, and all other options markets, analyzing over 10,000 stocks and up to 1,500,000 options contracts multiple times per second. We provide our users with a fully interactive social media platform that is integrated into our dashboard, enabling our users to exchange information and ideas quickly and efficiently through a common network. We recently introduced a live audio/video feature that allows our members to broadcast on their own channels to share trade strategies and market insight within the Blackbox community. Blackbox is a SaaS company with a growing base of users that spans 42 countries; current subscription fees are $99.97 per month or $959.00 annually. For more information, go to: www.blackboxstocks.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.

2Q22 Results. Revenue was $1.4 million, down from $1.46 million a year ago, but up from $1.272 million in the first quarter. Our estimate was $1.5 million. The Company reported a loss of $1.3 million, or $0.10 per share, in the quarter, compared to a net loss of $243,336, or $0.03 per share, last year. Our estimate called for a loss of $996,000, or $0.08 per share.

Economic Headwinds. Challenging financial markets and an overall difficult economic environment weighed on results. Expenses increased as the Company continues to invest in both product development and marketing initiatives. Average member count for the quarter was 6,181, up from 5,709 at the end of the March quarter. We anticipate additional marketing spend in 2H22.

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. 

One Stop Systems (OSS) – Another Record Revenue Quarter

Friday, August 12, 2022

One Stop Systems (OSS)
Another Record Revenue Quarter

One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS) designs and manufactures innovative AI Transportable edge computing modules and systems, including ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, expansion systems, flash storage arrays, and Ion Accelerator™ SAN, NAS, and data recording software for AI workflows. These products are used for AI data set capture, training, and large-scale inference in the defense, oil and gas, mining, autonomous vehicles, and rugged entertainment applications. OSS utilizes the power of PCI Express, the latest GPU accelerators and NVMe storage to build award-winning systems, including many industry firsts, for industrial OEMs and government customers. The company enables AI on the Fly® by bringing AI datacenter performance to ‘the edge,’ especially on mobile platforms, and by addressing the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training, and inference. OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.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.

2Q22 Results. One Stop Systems reported another record revenue quarter for 2Q22. Revenue of $18.3 million was up 23% y-o-y and above management’s $17.3 million guide. We had forecast $17.3 million. GAAP EPS of $0.02 per share versus $0.09 last year. Adjusted EPS of $0.04 per share versus $0.04 per share in 2Q21. We had forecast $0.03 and $0.05 respectively.

Disguise, Bressner Driving Results. Once again, OSS’s media and entertainment client, Disguise had a record revenue quarter for OSS, up 135% to $6.4 million, with strong virtual and large gathering revenues. Bressner revenue increased 31% y-o-y to $7.6 million, a record, driven by increased market share….

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. 

Inflationary and Deflationary Cryptocurrency Tokens


Image Credit: SUN ZU Lab


What is Tokenomics and Why Does it Matter?

Tokenomics historical perspective. Let’s start this article with the famous experience of Philip II, King of Spain in the 16th century, with the Eldorado discovery and the massive rise in inflation that followed throughout the entirety of Europe!  

In the 16th century, Spain conquered Latin America and discovered an immeasurable wealth within gold and silver mines. The kingdom hit the jackpot, and its financial deficits appeared long behind it. This wasn’t the case, nevertheless, the problem came from the fact that the Crown of Spain was over-indebted to many European creditors, leading the massive silver and gold discoveries to only make a quick passage through Spain before enriching the coffers of its French and Dutch neighbors. The European market ended up being flooded with coins so that the immense Spanish wealth was diminished relative to other European kingdoms.

In the end, the excessive amount of silver and gold imported, and above all distributed, in Europe caused an important devaluation of what Philip II could think of as his Eldorado. A better financial management could have allowed him to preserve his reserves of invaluable minerals and thus be able to develop on a more important scale of time his fabulous treasure.

This story shows the importance of the quantity put into circulation on the valuation of an asset. This analysis works perfectly for the cryptocurrency market as well; any analysis of an asset’s ecosystem requires careful attention to the notions of quantity in circulation, total quantity, and inflation management.

 

Inflation and the Importance of Tokenomics

While the media usually describes inflation as a rise in the price of everyday consumer goods, it is in reality, the value of money that tends to fall rather than prices getting higher. This notion of inflation is at the heart of tokenomics, a merger of “token” and “economics” used to refer to all the elements that make a particular cryptocurrency valuable and interesting to investors. In this regard, there exist two predominant models: deflationary and inflationary tokens.


The Limited Quantity Deflationary Model

This is the model used by Bitcoin, i.e. a fixed total supply and less and less money issued over time. Many cryptocurrencies are governed under this model, like Solana, Litecoin, Tron, and many others, alongside the king of cryptos.

In the case of Bitcoin, for example, a block is mined about every 10 minutes, rewarding the miner 6.25 BTC (when Bitcoin started it was 50 BTC per block, then 25, 12.5, 6.25, etc). The reward is halved every 210K blocks, leading to a halving every 4 years with the 10 minutes mining-time per block assumption. Without changes to the protocol, the final Bitcoin will be mined around the year 2140.


The Balanced Inflation Model

Many blockchains have been coded without incorporating a limited amount of token issuance. This choice can be made for a variety of reasons, usually involving the use to be made of the blockchain in question. The Ethereum protocol for example, operates under this model. However, some mechanisms are put in place to limit inflation or even to create a deflationary system.

This is the objective of the implementation of future updates of the Ethereum network: while the annual rate of ETH tokens issuance is currently equal to nearly 4.5%, the switch from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake should allow developers to reduce this rate to less than 1%. The network introduced as well a burn mechanism, meaning that part of the fees paid by Ethereum users in the future will not be returned to validators but will be removed altogether. This could not only achieve a balance with the issuance rate but potentially lead to a decrease in the number of tokens in circulation in case of high network usage.

Both models have their strengths and weaknesses, with good justifications behind their use. For example, the Ethereum white paper indicates that a stable issuance rate would prevent the excessive concentration of wealth in the hands of a few actors/validators. Whereas Bitcoin’s deflationary system, as previously stated, allowed for the growing development of its ecosystem by paying miners large amounts of Bitcoin when it was not worth the tens of thousands of dollars it is worth today.

More generally, it is always a good idea to look into a project’s tokenomics before getting involved. This can help answer questions like:

  • What is the current token supply as well as total supply?
  • Does the token have an inflationary or deflationary model?
  • What is the real-world use case?
  • Who owns the majority of coins? Is it well spread out or concentrated?

 

Main Differences Between Deflationary and Inflationary
Tokens

Solana Case Study

Let’s take a deep dive into one of the most prominent blockchains’ tokenomics. Solana has a native token called SOL that has two primary use cases within the network:

Staking: users can stake their SOL either directly on the network or delegate their holding to an active validator to help secure the network. In return, stakers will receive inflation rewards.

Transaction Fees: users can use SOL to pay fees related to transaction processing or running smart contracts.

The Solana team distributed tokens in five different funding rounds, four of which were private sales. These private sales began in Q1 2019 and culminated in a $20 million Series A led by Multicoin Capital, announced in July 2019. Additional participants included Distributed Global, BlockTower Capital, Foundation Capital, Blockchange VC, Slow Ventures, NEO Global Capital, Passport Capital, and Rockaway Ventures. The firms received SOL tokens in exchange for their investments, although the number of tokens allocated to investors was not disclosed.

The initial distribution of SOL tokens was as follows:

According to Messari data, vesting schedules were as follows: Solana’s three pre-launch private sales all came with a nine-month lockup after the network launched. The project’s public auction sale (held in March 2020) did not come with a lockup schedule, and the SOL tokens distributed in that sale were fully liquid once the network launched. The founder’s allocation (13% of the initial supply) was also subject to a nine-month lockup post-network launch. After the lockup period ends, these tokens will vest monthly for another two years (expected to fully vest by January 2023). This last clause is good protection for investors as team members’ tokens are locked up for a longer period. The Grant Pool and Community Reserve (both overseen by the Solana Foundation) contain ~39% of the initial SOL supply combined. These allocations began to vest in small amounts since Solana’s main net launch.

Inflation stands at an initial annual inflation rate of 8%. However, this inflation rate will decrease at an annual rate of 15% (“dis-inflation rate”). The inflation decrease is thus non-linear and much more important in the first years. Solana’s inflation rate will continue to decrease until it reaches an annual rate of 1.5%, which the network should reach in about ten years or 2031. 1.5% will remain the long-term inflation rate for Solana unless the network’s governance system votes to change it.


Source: docs.solana

Major identified issues with current projects’ tokenomics:

Is it Really that Decentralised?

Using the Solana example, we can see that more than 50% of the tokens in circulation are concentrated, during a long period after the project’s launch, in the hands of the core team, VCs and early investors. This is hardly an exception to Solana as similar distributions are very common within the blockchain ecosystem projects. Can we talk seriously about the benefits of blockchain decentralization with such capital and governance concentration without forgetting technical knowledge concentration as well?

 

What Happens After the End of the Lock-Up Period?

Blockchain projects often come with varying lock-up periods that can last from less than a year to five years for early investors and the founding team, who usually cash out their investments after this period. What we identify as a significant issue after the end of the lock-up period is the huge and asymmetric risk-return transfer between this first group, which realized a pretty good return on their initial investments and are completely de-risked at this stage, and retail investors joining the project at a stage where core decision-makers are no longer incentivized to ensure the well-functioning of the project.

 

What Rights for Token Investors?

Cryptocurrency projects often use ICOs (Initial Coin Offering), among other fundraising techniques, to raise funds through the issue of crypto-assets in exchange for either fiat currency or an established cryptocurrency like bitcoin or ether. The issuing entity usually accounts for digital assets collected as an intangible asset, or as a financial instrument in the case of stablecoins for example, as they are redeemable for cash. The accounting for tokens distributed on the other hand, depends on the promise given to investors under the terms of the ICO, which could include: free or discounted access to the entity’s goods or services for a specified or indefinite period of time; a share of the profits of the entity or access to an exchange through which it can transact with other users of the exchange in buying goods or services. Digital asset projects may also offer equity tokens, which are a type of security tokens that work more like a traditional stock asset, giving their holders some form of ownership in their investments. The use of these equity instruments remains restricted, nevertheless raising the question of the rights and guarantees given to retail investors in particular in exchange for the funds given to the cryptocurrency project.  

 

VC Double-Dipping Practices

What we refer to as double-dipping practices, in this case, relates to VCs investing in cryptocurrency projects and realizing important capital gains on their equity shares as well as digital token holdings. This privilege is almost unique to the cryptocurrency ecosystem, raising some questions again about asymmetric information advantages against retail investors: compared to traditional VC funding, crypto VC investors enjoy a double economic as well as governance advantage, having control over token and equity.

 

Conclusion

Tokenomics is an important aspect of cryptocurrency, which covers almost anything to do with the token. Professional as well as retail investors should spend a lot of time studying a project’s tokenomics before investing to be well aware of the financial and governance rights attributed to them via the token purchase. There is an absolute need in our view for regulation on this particular topic to evolve in order to provide better transparency and, eventually, protection levels for investors.

This article was republished with permission from the SUN ZU Lab website. It was authored by Chadi El Adnani, Crypto
Research Analyst at SUN ZU Lab.


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Comtech Telecommunications (CMTL) – A Mutual Agreement – Change in Management

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Comtech Telecommunications (CMTL)
A Mutual Agreement – Change in Management

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. engages in the design, development, production, and marketing of products, systems, and services for advanced communications solutions in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Telecommunications Transmission, Mobile Data Communications, and RF Microwave Amplifiers. The Telecommunications Transmission segment provides satellite earth station equipment and systems, over-the-horizon microwave systems, and forward error correction technology, which are used in various commercial and government applications, including backhaul of wireless and cellular traffic, broadcasting (including HDTV), IP-based communications traffic, long distance telephony, and secure defense applications. The Mobile Data Communications segment provides mobile satellite transceivers, and computers and satellite earth station network gateways and associated installation, training, and maintenance services; supplies and operates satellite packet data networks, including arranging and providing satellite capacity; and offers microsatellites and related components. The RF Microwave Amplifiers segment designs, develops, manufactures, and markets satellite earth station traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTA) and broadband amplifiers. Its amplifiers are used in broadcast and broadband satellite communication; defense applications, such as telecommunications systems and electronic warfare systems; and commercial applications comprising oncology treatment systems, as well as to amplify signals carrying voice, video, or data for air-to-satellite-to-ground communications. The company serves satellite systems integrators, wireless and other communication service providers, broadcasters, defense contractors, military, governments, and oil companies. Comtech markets its products through independent representatives and value-added resellers. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Melville, New York.

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.

Saying Goodbyes. Comtech’s management reported that the Company and CEO and President Michael Porcelain have mutually agreed to separate, effective immediately. Prior to the resignation, Mr. Porcelain was CEO of Comtech since January of 2022, COO in 2018, and CFO from 2005-2018. We believe the reasoning for the sudden change in management is the Board of Director’s desire for accelerated change at the Company and a desire for a fresh, outside CEO who can take a more dispassionate view.

The New Replacement. The person in charge of replacing Mr. Porcelain will be Ken Peterman, who previously joined the Board of Directors in May of 2022. Mr. Peterman has over 40 years in the defense industry, including tenures as CEO/President as well as VP/GM at entities such as Viasat, ITT/Exelis, Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, and SpyGlass Group. Accolades in his career include developing a $1B/year Tactical Defense Electronics Systems Division at Raytheon. Mr. Peterman has led major restructuring actions across twelve states plus the U.K. (with sales of ~$1.3B/yr) at ITT/Exelis. We believe Mr. Peterman to be a suitable replacement for Mr. Porcelain, given his history and accomplishments….

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 – Comtech Appoints Ken Peterman President and Chief Executive Officer



Comtech Appoints Ken Peterman President and Chief Executive Officer

Research, News, and Market Data on Comtech Telecommunications

Company reiterates its financial guidance for the fiscal fourth
quarter and full year 2022

MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 10, 2022– August 10, 2022 — Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Chairman Ken Peterman President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Michael Porcelain effective immediately. Mr. Porcelain has also resigned from Comtech’s Board of Directors. Mr. Porcelain will be available to assist in the transition as needed.

Mr. Peterman joined the Comtech Board in May 2022 after the Board initiated a national search process in January 2022 with the goal of deepening the Board’s industry experience and strengthening its executive leadership expertise. Mr. Peterman’s career spans over 40 years leading major organizations in the creation of innovative, technology-enabled solutions addressing some of the world’s most challenging customer problems. A recognized thought leader in defense and aerospace, Mr. Peterman earned distinguished credentials across multiple technology sectors in both commercial and government markets at companies including Viasat, ITT/Exelis, Collins Aerospace, Raytheon and SpyGlass Group. Most recently, Mr. Peterman served as President of the Government Systems Segment of Viasat.

“Based on the Board’s extensive interactions with Ken since the beginning of 2022, we are confident Ken is the right leader to accelerate Comtech’s ongoing transformation,” said Lead Independent Director Lawrence Waldman. “The refreshed Board is excited to support Ken as he executes on his strategic vision for the Company.”

“I am genuinely excited about Comtech’s enormous potential. Thanks to our dedicated employees, our mission-critical technology portfolio, and our customer-centric culture, I believe Comtech is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the significant investment, steepening growth trajectories and continual renewal cycles taking place in assured communications, space and satellite networks and next-generation 911 failsafe communications infrastructures,” said Chairman and CEO Ken Peterman. “I’d like to thank Mike for his hard work and long-standing dedication to Comtech as well as for the recent groundwork he established to set the stage for the Company’s exciting next chapter. I look forward to engaging more deeply with our employees, customers, partners, and shareholders around the world over the coming weeks.”

“We’re grateful to Mike for his many contributions to the Company over the past 20 years in a variety of key positions,” added Judy Chambers, Head of the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Comtech Board. “We thank him for his longtime commitment to the Company, its customers, and its employees.”

“It has been an honor to lead Comtech,” said Mr. Porcelain. “After serving more than 20 years as a senior executive and positioning the Company for its next chapter, it is the right time for me to take a breather and spend time with my family before moving on to my next endeavor. I appreciated the opportunity to work with the Board to set the Company on a new path, and I know our platform, technologies and teams are in good hands. I intend to remain a shareholder of the Company and will be rooting for Comtech every step of the way.”

The Company reiterates its financial guidance for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2022, as provided in a press release issued on June 9, 2022.

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.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/20220809006117/en/

Investor
Relations

Robert Samuels
631-962-7102

robert.samuels@comtech.com

Source: Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

 


Information Services Group (III) – Another Solid Quarter

Tuesday, August 09, 2022

Information Services Group (III)
Another Solid 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.

More Records. ISG announced revenue of $70.7 million for the second quarter, flat with the $70.6 million in the year ago period. On a constant currency basis, revenue rose 5%. The quarter had record net income of $5.0 million, or $0.10 fully diluted EPS, versus $4.1 million and $0.08 the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA also was a record at $10.7 million, a 10% increase year-over-year.

Quarterly Drivers. Revenue was negatively impacted by a higher forex headwind than anticipated. In addition, the completion of a large Automation contract and relatively soft environment in the vertical negatively impacted overall revenue. Nonetheless, ISG continues to see growing demand for specialized services like cybersecurity, data analytics, application development, and technology modernization as well as an increased focus from clients on cost optimization….

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 – V2X (Formerly Vectrus) Reports Strong Second Quarter 2022 Results



V2X (Formerly Vectrus) Reports Strong Second Quarter 2022 Results

Research, News, and Market Data on V2X

Company Release – 
8/9/2022

Important Note: On July 5, 2022, Vectrus, Inc. closed on the
merger with The Vertex Company (“the Transaction”) and in connection
with the closing was renamed V2X, Inc. “Reported results” reflect the
contributions of Vectrus, Inc. based on results prior to the close of the
Transaction, unless otherwise noted.

Vectrus Second Quarter Highlights:

  • Second quarter revenues of $498 million, up +6% Y/Y
  • Operating income (inclusive of V2X transaction expenses) of $15.0 million with a margin of 3.0%
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $24.7 million with a margin of 5.0%
  • Second quarter fully diluted EPS of $0.88; Adjusted diluted EPS1 of $1.41
  • Strong second quarter operating cash flow of $46 million

Guidance:

  • The V2X merger closed on July 5, 2022, creating a more diversified company generating approximately $3.6 billion in combined pro forma annual revenue
  • Establishing second-half 2022 guidance for V2X that reflects the contributions of both Vectrus and Vertex with a total revenue range of $1.90 to $1.94 billion, an Adjusted EBITDA1 range of $140 to $150 million, and an operating cash flow range of $130 to $150 million

MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE:VVX) announced second quarter 2022 financial results. The second quarter 2022 results are based on Vectrus’ stand-alone financial metrics for the period ended July 1, 2022, and do not include contribution from The Vertex Company.

V2X (PRNewsfoto/V2X, Inc.)

Transaction
Update

“We’re excited to announce the successful combination of Vectrus and The Vertex Company, creating a larger, higher margin and more diversified, V2X,” said Chuck Prow, Chief Executive Officer of V2X.  “With 14,000 employees, $3.6 billion in pro forma annual revenue, and $290 million of Adjusted EBITDA, V2X is a leader in the operational segment of the federal services market providing converged solutions throughout the mission lifecycle of our clients most critical and enduring global missions.”

Prow continued, “V2X has a strong financial profile with significant free cash flow and long-term revenue visibility through several notable contract wins that are in the early stages of their lifecycle. These wins are reflected in the company’s trailing twelve-month awards of approximately $6 billion, which include two recent significant awards at Vertex, the Naval Test Wing Atlantic, a seven-year program valued at $850 million, and the Air Force Global Strike Command five-year contract valued at $130 million. This also includes $600 million of awards booked at Vectrus during the quarter that were driven by expansion and increased scope on existing programs as well as follow-on contracts. The strong velocity of awards has resulted in a significant backlog of approximately $12 billion that provides solid visibility over the next several years.”

“In summary, the financial and strategic attributes of V2X are compelling,” added Prow. “Our integration activities are well underway and the commitment to our clients, the missions we are privileged to support, and delivering results remains our focus.”

Vectrus
Second Quarter Results

“Second quarter results for stand-alone Vectrus were strong, propelled by top-line performance and favorable operating cash flow,” said Prow.  “During the quarter, revenue grew 6% year-over-year and 9% sequentially to $498 million. Revenue growth was driven by building on the momentum of programs in INDOPACOM and Europe, along with successful phase-in of new contracts, including the Logistics Readiness Center at Fort Benning,” said Prow.  “Each day, our global team of dedicated employees execute on our core programs while also bringing innovation and technology-oriented solutions to complex challenges throughout the mission lifecycle.”  

“With a high-level readiness to meet the needs of our clients, the team continued its support of several important missions during the quarter, including providing the DoD with urgent and compelling services for the European Deterrence Initiative,” said Prow. “We leveraged our rapid response capability and over 40-year history of operating in Europe to provide the DoD with unique services in support of this complex and ongoing mission. Additionally, achieving full operational capability on LOGCAP V Kwajalein, approximately a month and a half ahead of schedule, has helped to expand our footprint in the INDOPACOM region. Activity in the region remains robust and our position continues to expand. For example, we recently expanded our scope of responsibilities at Subic Bay in the Philippines.  This program is expected to run over the next eight years and provides strategic logistics services to the DoD.  Work content in the INDOPACOM region now represents 9% of total revenue, up 3% from last year, and positions us well to support the DoD in a full range of operations over the next ten years.”

“Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was strong at $24.7 million or 5.0% margin.  Adjusted EBITDA increased sequentially $6.5 million and was driven by higher revenue volume and success on operational excellence initiatives.  We remain focused on margin improvement, and this quarter’s results reflect our ability to expand earnings even as we execute on several programs in the early phases of period of performance. As we have noted in the past, LOGCAP V is generating higher revenue volume with a greater amount of material and pass-through content that has a different margin complexion. However, our teams are focused on driving program efficiencies and improving margin rates through contract add-on work while working with clients to convert certain components of work to more advantageous contract structures.”

Prow concluded, “Our second quarter results demonstrate the Company’s success in achieving top-line growth through increased work scope on existing programs, expansion of capabilities, broadening our geographic footprint, and adding new clients.  As we embark on the Company’s new chapter as V2X, I am excited about the greater scale, market leadership, and enhanced portfolio of offerings with the Vectrus/Vertex combination.”

Second quarter 2022 revenue of $498.1 million was up $27.2 million year on year.  “Revenue grew 6% year-over-year, driven by our transition to full operational capability on LOGCAP V programs in Iraq and Kuwait late last year, and INDOPACOM this year. In addition, revenue benefitted from transitioning Fort Benning and volume associated with rapid response and contingency efforts,” said Susan Lynch, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “This revenue growth demonstrates achievement of our enterprise goal of growing the business through contract expansion and portfolio diversity despite the headwinds associated with the withdrawal of the US military from Afghanistan,” added Lynch. 

Operating income was $15.0 million or 3.0% margin.  This includes M&A and integration related expenses of $5.9 million and amortization of acquired intangible assets of $2.1 million which were incurred in the quarter.  Adjusted operating income1 was $23.0 million or 4.6% margin, increasing sequentially by $6.4 million and 100 basis points.  Adjusted EBITDA1 was $24.7 million or 5.0% margin, increasing sequentially by $6.5 million and 100 basis points.  Adjusted EBITDA margin compares to $26.6 million or 5.6% in the prior year period. “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.  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 second quarter of 2022 was $0.88 as compared to $1.35 in the prior year.  Fully diluted EPS in the quarter included the aforementioned M&A and integration related costs.  Adjusted diluted EPS1 was $1.41 in the quarter as compared to $1.52 in the prior year. The year-on-year change in Adjusted diluted EPS1 was primarily due to the above-mentioned change in Adjusted EBITDA1.

Cash generated from operating activities for the quarter was $46.0 million.  Through July 1, 2022, net cash from operating activities was $19.6 million, compared to net cash from operating activities of $14.0 million through the second quarter of 2021. Cash from operating activities through the first half of 2022 was negatively impacted by an approximately $8.0 million repayment of CARES Act tax deferrals and $5.8 million of merger-related payments.

Net debt on July 1, 2022, was $58.4 million, compared to $105.2 million on July 2, 2021.  Total debt on July 1, 2022, was $90.2 million, down $84.8 million from $175.0 million on July 2, 2021. Cash at quarter-end was $35.1 million.  Total consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA1 (total leverage ratio) was 1.09x compared to 1.76x at the same time last year.

Total backlog as of July 1, 2022, was $4.6 billion.  Funded backlog was $1.3 billion. 

V2X
Guidance

Lynch continued, “We are establishing second half 2022 guidance ranges for V2X, which includes the contribution from both Vectrus and The Vertex Company.”

V2X guidance for the second half (2H) 2022 is as follows:

$
millions, except for EBITDA margins and per share amounts

V2X 2H 2022 Guidance

Revenue

$1,900

to

$1,940

Adjusted EBITDA1

$140

to

$150

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share 1

$1.94

to

$2.19

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$130

to

$150

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. 

Second Quarter 2022 Conference Call

Management will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors at 4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. U.S.-based participants may dial in to the conference call at 877-242-2259, while international participants may dial 416-981-9017. 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/P4Qe37VDnop.

A replay of the conference call will be posted on the V2X website shortly after completion of the call and will be available for one year. A telephonic replay will also be available through August 23, 2022, at 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international) with passcode 22020062.    

Footnotes:

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

About V2X

V2X is a leading provider of critical mission solutions and support to defense clients globally, formed by the 2022 merger of Vectrus and The Vertex Company to build on more than 120 combined years of successful mission support. The Company delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. Our global team of approximately 14,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation, to operations, to sustainment, as it tackles the most complex challenges with agility, grit, and dedication.

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.

Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “potential,” “continue” or similar terminology. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company 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.  In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s historical experience and our present expectations or projections. 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.

V2X, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

July 1,

July 2,

July 1,

July 2,

(In
thousands, except per share data)

2022

2021

2022

2021

Revenue

$      498,066

$             470,845

$         954,537

$         904,849

Cost of revenue

453,305

422,660

872,581

816,308

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

29,740

25,605

61,699

49,427

Operating income

15,021

22,580

20,257

39,114

Interest expense, net

(1,963)

(2,253)

(3,643)

(4,186)

Income from operations before income taxes

13,058

20,327

16,614

34,928

Income tax expense

2,586

4,393

3,287

6,946

Net income

$         10,472

$               15,934

$           13,327

$           27,982

Earnings per share

Basic

$           0.89

$                   1.36

$               1.13

$               2.40

Diluted

$           0.88

$                   1.35

$               1.12

$               2.37

Weighted average common shares
outstanding – basic

11,826

11,715

11,793

11,681

Weighted average common shares
outstanding – diluted

11,954

11,828

11,917

11,823

 

V2X, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

July 1,

December 31,

(In
thousands, except per share information)

2022

2021

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$                   31,760

$                   38,513

Restricted cash

3,311

__—_

Receivables

374,980

348,605

Prepaid expenses

26,262

21,160

Other current assets

10,646

15,062

Total current assets

446,959

423,340

Property, plant, and equipment, net

23,530

23,758

Goodwill

321,734

321,734

Intangible assets, net

62,159

66,582

Right-of-use assets

39,705

43,651

Other non-current assets

11,760

10,394

Total non-current assets

458,888

466,119

Total Assets

$                 905,847

$                 889,459

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

$                 244,080

$                 212,533

Compensation and other employee benefits

82,534

80,284

Short-term debt

10,400

10,400

Other accrued liabilities

48,322

55,031

Total current liabilities

385,336

358,248

Long-term debt, net

78,884

94,246

Deferred tax liability

32,489

32,214

Operating lease liability

30,719

34,536

Other non-current liabilities

14,941

20,128

Total non-current liabilities

157,033

181,124

Total liabilities

542,369

539,372

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

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; 11,846 and 11,738 shares issued and
outstanding as of July 1, 2022, and December 31,
2021, respectively                                      

118

117

Additional paid in capital

91,464

88,116

Retained earnings

281,081

267,754

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(9,185)

(5,900)

Total shareholders’ equity

363,478

350,087

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

$                 905,847

$                 889,459

 

V2X, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Six Months Ended

July 1,

July 2,

(In
thousands)

2022

2021

Operating activities

Net income

$              13,327

$              27,982

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

Depreciation expense

3,238

3,097

Amortization of intangible assets

4,423

4,891

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

(15)

60

Stock-based compensation

4,725

4,923

Amortization of debt issuance costs

388

463

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Receivables

(29,302)

(38,882)

Prepaid expenses

(5,321)

(4,660)

Other assets

5,185

597

Accounts payable

32,470

18,784

Deferred taxes

370

Compensation and other employee benefits

2,507

11,285

Other liabilities

(11,989)

(14,884)

Net cash provided by operating activities

19,636

14,026

Investing activities

Purchases of capital assets

(3,492)

(4,833)

Proceeds from the disposition of assets

18

16

Business acquisition purchase price adjustment

262

Contribution to joint venture

(2,113)

(1,846)

Net cash used in investing activities

(5,587)

(6,401)

Financing activities

Repayments of long-term debt

(5,200)

(4,000)

Proceeds from revolver

392,000

215,000

Repayments of revolver

(402,000)

(215,000)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

370

113

Payment of debt issuance costs

(458)

(17)

Payments of employee withholding taxes on share-based
compensation

(1,696)

(2,272)

Net cash used in financing activities

(16,984)

(6,176)

Exchange rate effect on cash

(507)

(373)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(3,442)

1,076

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – beginning of year

38,513

68,727

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – end of period

$              35,071

$              69,803

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Interest paid

$                3,409

$                3,111

Income taxes paid

$                6,112

$                5,747

Purchase of capital assets on account

$                    13

$                   618

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.

 

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

($K,
except per share data)

Three Months
Ended July
01, 2022 As
Reported

M&A,
Integration

and Related
Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-

Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible

Assets

Three
Months

Ended July
01, 2022 –
Adjusted

Revenue

$       498,066

$                      —

$                     —

$                     —

$       498,066

Growth

5.8 %

5.8 %

Operating income

$         15,021

$                5,879

$                     —

$          2,122

$         23,022

Operating margin

3.0 %

4.6 %

Interest expense, net

$          (1,963)

$                      —

$                     —

$                     —

$          (1,963)

Income from operations before income taxes

$            13,058

$                5,879

$                     —

$               2,122

$         21,059

Income tax expense

$               2,586

$                1,164

$                     —

$                  420

$           4,170

Income tax rate

19.8 %

19.8 %

Net income

$            10,472

$                4,715

$                     —

$               1,702

$         16,889

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

11,954

11,954

Diluted earnings per share

$              0.88

$                  0.39

$                     —

$                 0.14

$             1.41

EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures)

($K)

Three Months
Ended July
01, 2022 As
Reported

M&A,
Integration

and Related
Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-

Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible

Assets

Three
Months

Ended July
01, 2022 –
Adjusted

Operating Income

$         15,021

$                5,879

$                     —

$               2,122

$         23,022

Add:

Depreciation and amortization

$        3,769

$                      —

$                     —

$               (2,122)

$           1,647

EBITDA

$         18,790

$                5,879

$                     —

$                     —

$         24,669

EBITDA Margin

3.8 %

5.0 %

 

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

($K,
except per share data)

Three Months
Ended July
02, 2021 As
Reported

M&A,
Integration

and Related
Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-

Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible Assets

Three Months
Ended July
02, 2021 –
Adjusted

Revenue

$       470,845

$                     —

$                     —

$                     —

$       470,845

Operating income

$      22,580

$                     —

$                   21

$               2,436

$         25,037

Operating margin

4.8 %

5.3 %

Interest expense, net

$          (2,253)

$                     —

$                     —

$                     —

$          (2,253)

Income from operations before income taxes

$         20,327

$                     —

$                   21

$               2,436

$         22,784

Income tax expense

$            4,393

$                     —

$                     4

$                   463

$           4,860

Income tax rate

21.6 %

21.3 %

Net income

$         15,934

$                     —

$                   17

$               1,973

$         17,924

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

11,828

11,828

Diluted earnings per share

$              1.35

$                     —

$                 0.00

$                 0.17

$              1.52

EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures)

($K)

Three Months
Ended July
02, 2021 As
Reported

M&A,
Integration

and

Related Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-

Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible Assets

Three Months
Ended July
02, 2021 –
Adjusted

Operating Income

$         22,580

$                     —

$                   21

$               2,436

$         25,037

Add:

Depreciation and amortization

$            3,991

$                     —

$                     —

$            (2,436)

$           1,555

EBITDA

$         26,571

$                     —

$                   21

$                     —

$         26,592

EBITDA Margin

5.6 %

5.6 %

 

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

($K,
except per share data)

Six Months
Ended July
01, 2022 As
Reported

M&A,
Integration and
Related Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-

Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible Assets

Six Months
Ended July
01, 2022 –
Adjusted

Revenue

$       954,537

$                     —

$                     —

$                     —

$      954,537

Growth

5.5 %

5.5 %

Operating income

$         20,257

$             14,947

$                   —

$               4,423

$        39,627

Operating margin

2.1 %

4.2 %

Interest expense, net

$          (3,643)

$                     —

$                     —

$                     —

$         (3,643)

Income from operations before income taxes

$         16,614

$             14,947

$                   —

$               4,423

$        35,984

Income tax expense

$            3,287

$               2,957

$                     —

$                    875

$          7,119

Income tax rate

19.8 %

19.8 %

Net income

$              13,327

$             11,990

$                   —

$               3,548

$        28,865

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

11,917

11,917

Diluted earnings per share

$              1.12

$                 1.01

$                 —

$                 0.30

$             2.42

EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures)

($K)

Six Months
Ended July
01, 2022 As
Reported

M&A,
Integration and
Related Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-

Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible Assets

Six Months
Ended July
01, 2022 –
Adjusted

Operating Income

$         20,257

$             14,947

$                   —

$               4,423

$        39,627

Add:

Depreciation and amortization

$            7,661

$                     —

$                     —

$                (4,423)

$            3,238

EBITDA

$         27,918

$             14,947

$                   —

$                     —

$        42,865

EBITDA Margin

2.9 %

4.5 %

 

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

($K,
except per share data)

Six Months
Ended July
02, 2021 As
Reported

M&A,
Integration and
Related Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-

Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible Assets

Six Months
Ended July
02, 2021 –
Adjusted

Revenue

$      904,849

$                    —

$                    —

$                    —

$      904,849

Operating income

$        39,114

$                     —

$                 178

$              4,891

$        44,183

Operating margin

4.3 %

4.9 %

Interest expense, net

$         (4,186)

$                    —

$                    —

$                    —

$         (4,186)

Income from operations before income taxes

$        34,928

$                     —

$                 178

$              4,891

$        39,997

Income tax expense

$          6,946

$                     —

$                   34

$                 929

$          7,909

Income tax rate

19.9 %

19.9 %

Net income

$        27,982

$                     —

$                 144

$              3,962

$        32,088

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

11,823

11,823

Diluted earnings per share

$             2.37

$                     —

$                0.01

$                0.33

$             2.71

EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures)

($K)

Six Months
Ended July
02, 2021 As
Reported

M&A,
Integration and
Related Costs

LOGCAP V
Pre-

Operational

Legal Costs

Amortization
of Acquired
Intangible Assets

Six Months
Ended July
02, 2021 –
Adjusted

Operating Income

$        39,114

$                     —

$                 178

$              4,891

$        44,183

Add:

Depreciation and amortization

$          7,988

$                    —

$                    —

$           (4,891)

$          3,097

EBITDA

$        47,102

$                     —

$                 178

$                    —

$        47,280

EBITDA Margin

5.2 %

5.2 %

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

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

Revenue
by Client

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

July 1,

July 2,

July 1,

July 2,

(In
thousands)

2022

%

2021

%

2022

%

2021

%

Army

$    326,756

65 %

$    310,638

66 %

$     606,869

63 %

$      567,987

63 %

Air Force

68,457

14 %

63,206

13 %

129,930

14 %

141,375

16 %

Navy

64,885

13 %

56,399

12 %

140,102

15 %

112,827

12 %

Other

37,968

8 %

40,602

9 %

77,636

8 %

82,660

9 %

Total revenue

$    498,066

$    470,845

$     954,537

$      904,849

Revenue
by Contract Type

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

July 1,

July 2,

July 1,

July 2,

(In
thousands)

2022

%

2021

%

2022

%

2021

%

Cost-plus and cost-reimbursable

$    355,559

71 %

$    344,189

73 %

$     666,653

70 %

$      634,420

70 %

Firm-fixed-price

128,348

26 %

111,416

24 %

256,352

27 %

240,173

27 %

Time and material

14,159

3 %

15,240

3 %

31,532

3 %

30,256

3 %

Total revenue

$    498,066

$    470,845

$     954,537

$      904,849

Revenue
by Contract Relationship

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

July 1,

July 2,

July 1,

July 2,

(In
thousands)

2022

%

2021

%

2022

%

2021

%

Prime contractor

$    468,453

94 %

$    440,040

93 %

$     895,546

94 %

$      843,303

93 %

Subcontractor

29,613

6 %

30,805

7 %

58,991

6 %

61,546

7 %

Total revenue

$    498,066

$    470,845

$     954,537

$      904,849

Revenue
by Geographic Region

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

July 1,

July 2,

July 1,

July 2,

(In
thousands)

2022

%

2021

%

2022

%

2021

%

Middle East

$    250,222

50 %

$    258,488

55 %

$     485,313

51 %

$      498,500

55 %

United States

158,719

32 %

146,549

31 %

325,454

34 %

296,362

33 %

Europe

42,739

9 %

36,084

8 %

81,178

8 %

76,706

8 %

Asia

46,386

9 %

29,724

6 %

62,592

7 %

33,281

4 %

Total revenue

$    498,066

$    470,845

$     954,537

$      904,849

CONTACT: 
V2X, Inc. 
Mike Smith, CFA
719-637-5773

 


Match Group CEO Not Ready for Full Metaverse Commitment



Image Credit: Russ Seidel (Flickr)


Is a Metaverse Presence or Product Becoming Less of a Priority for Businesses?

Match Group CEO told Tinder metaverse unit he wants to stay in touch; he has a lot going on right now; that funds are tight, and until we meta again. While he sees a future with the metaverse, there are other units the company has a greater interest in, so it’s not ready for a full commitment.

A number of tech companies had the exact right product for consumers to better adapt to lockdowns during the pandemic. Many of these companies may have gotten ahead of themselves, planning for the lockdown lifestyle to continue strong. Examples include Meta (Meta), which announced last week that it may change its strategy and lay off staff, Peloton (PLTN), which announced in July it will exit all in-house manufacturing and instead outsource more to Taiwan, online retailer Amazon (AMZN), which shrank workers by 100,000 last quarter, and Robinhood (HOOD) which also announced cutting back on staff and growth plans.

Match Group (MTCH) owns dating apps Match.com, Tinder, and Hinge. The CEO, Bernard Kim, cited economic uncertainty as a reason for its pulling its planned investment in Hyperconnect, the company’s metaverse initiative. Bernard Kim discussed these plans in a letter to shareholders dated August 2.

Mr. Kim wrote that he scaled back on Hyperconnect as the company would be reducing its metaverse ambitions. Tinder acquired Hyperconnect last year. The division focuses on video, AI, and augmented reality technology. Its avatar-based “Single Town” experience was planned to be a meeting place in the metaverse for Tinder customers. 


Source: Match
Group Letter to Shareholders (August 2, 2022)

Kim has only been the CEO for 62 days (as of the date on the shareholder letter). He shared that as he settles into the role and shapes the culture of the various divisions, taking advantage of the easier growth potential from lower hanging fruit should come before other priorities. Referring to a slowdown in domestic growth, Kim explained, “Although the overall market opportunity remains substantial, the current environment is presenting some unique trends related to consumer behavior. While people have generally moved past lockdowns and entered a more normal way of life, their willingness to try online dating products for the first time hasn’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.”  We are still seeing higher engagement from pre-existing users compared to before the pandemic.” He said he’d challenge staff to make increase the rate of first-time users. 

The company sees the largest untapped market opportunity in the Asia Pacific region as well as parts of Europe. One current headwind is the rise in the dollar vs. other currencies.

Take Away

Match Group expects the metaverse dating experience is important to capture the next generation of Users. The Hyperconnect division (purchased by Tinder last year) has been innovating in the virtual world. However, given “uncertainty about the ultimate contours of the metaverse and what will or won’t work, as well as the more challenging operating environment,” the company is not ready for a full commitment. Kim said, “We’ll continue to evaluate this space carefully, and we will consider moving forward at the appropriate time when we have more clarity on the overall opportunity and feel we have a service that is well-positioned to succeed.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

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Sources

https://s22.q4cdn.com/279430125/files/doc_financials/2022/q2/Earnings-Letter-Q2-2022-vF.pdf

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/12/peloton-to-outsource-all-manufacturing-as-part-of-its-turnaround-efforts.html

https://news.crunchbase.com/startups/tech-layoffs-2022/

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Should Remote EV Recalls be Called “Recalls”?


Image Credit: Ford.com


What are Automotive ‘Over-the-Air’ Updates?

Whenever automakers discover that a vehicle has a defect or does not comply with U.S. laws, they must notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and mail a notice to each customer who owns or leases the affected vehicles. Automakers must also recall those cars, trucks or SUVs – which means they have to fix the defect across the entire fleet.

People with recalled vehicles usually have to schedule a visit to an authorized dealership, where a mechanic repairs the car.

But vehicles are increasingly high-tech contraptions. Although most recalls still require the replacement or repair of auto parts, such as air bags or brakes, a growing number of issues are resolved without any help from a mechanic.

All they require is an “over-the-air update.” That’s the technical term for what happens when you update any software program used by a device, whether it’s a smartphone or a sedan.

Over-the-air updates are especially common for vehicles that run fully or partially on electricity instead of gasoline or another fuel. These digital recalls require little or no effort. For example, Tesla regularly fixes its cars by updating its software. Its drivers often don’t have to do a thing. In other cases, a Tesla owner simply has to tap a few buttons on the car’s touchscreen.

According to the law, it doesn’t matter if safety-related fixes demand a software upgrade or a trip to the dealership. Either way, notifying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and all affected drivers is mandatory.

 

Why Over-the-Air Updates Matter

Electric vehicle sales nearly doubled from about 300,000 in 2020 to more than 600,000 in 2021. EV sales rose another 76% in first quarter of 2022 even as sales of all new vehicles dropped by 15.7%.

U.S. EV sales could be on the verge of far more growth, which would make over-the-air updates increasingly common. But drivers and investors are raising an array of safety concerns that could put the brakes on the EV market’s expansion.

Serious problems have included electric vehicles failing to start, losing power and catching fire because of battery defects.


Musk Objects to the Word ‘Recall’

Tesla has pushed harder than its competitors to rely primarily on over-the-air updates to fix problems with its electric vehicles. Its CEO, Elon Musk, has for years publicly questioned the wisdom of calling over-the-air updates “recalls.”

In some cases, Tesla has conducted over-the-air updates to resolve safety defects without notifying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or Tesla owners that a recall was underway. Because that’s against the law, the agency has ordered Tesla to provide those details.

Tesla has used over-the-air updates to resolve, for example, issues with its windshield wipers and seat belt chimes. It has also used over-the-air updates to address problems with its partially automated driving systems. Those features are the subject of a government investigation because of a spate of crashes with parked emergency vehicles in which first responders were using warning signs, such as flashing lights or flares.

This article was republished with
permission from The Conversation, a news site dedicated to sharing ideas from
academic experts. It was written by and represents the research-based opinions
of Vivek Astvansh, Professor of Marketing and Data Science, Indiana
University


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