Category: Technology

Release – North Central Texas Awards Comtech Public Safety Contract Valued at Approximately $30.0 Million

Posted on by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on CMTL

CHANDLER, Ariz. – June 26, 2024– Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) (the “Company”), a global technology leader, today announced the North Central Texas Emergency Communications District (“NCT9-1-1”) awarded the Company a contract to deliver Next Generation 9-1-1 (“NG9-1-1”) services that will further modernize NCT9-1-1’s infrastructure. The NCT9-1-1 contract includes a five-year base award, as well as three additional two-year option periods, with a not to exceed value of approximately $30.0 million.

Comtech has partnered with NCT9-1-1 for over 10 years and the Company currently provides a wide range of call routing and call handling technologies serving over two million people in Texas. NCT9-1-1 is responsible for 40-plus Emergency Communications Centers in 13 counties and five municipalities surrounding the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Through this new contract, Comtech’s comprehensive suite of public safety solutions will enable NCT9-1-1 to fully migrate to a new NG9-1-1 system. Comtech will also continue to enhance the region’s call routing capabilities by providing major NG9-1-1 sub-components, including Next Generation Core Services, Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network and Call Aggregation, among other services.

“As a longstanding partner, Comtech is working with NCT9-1-1 to bring forward new emergency response capabilities that ensure residents and visitors get the help they need when lives are on the line and seconds matter most,” said John Whitehead, General Manager of Comtech’s Safety and Security Technologies (“SST”) Division. “This contract further demonstrates the trust of our public safety partners in the United States, and we are honored to continue working with the NCT9-1-1 to deliver a purpose-built public safety architecture that meets the needs of communities and individuals in crisis.”

“Comtech is continuing to support the NCT9-1-1 by delivering critical NG9-1-1 capabilities that enhance emergency response services and protect our public,” said Christy Williams, Director of 9-1-1 at NCT9-1-1. “NCT9-1-1’s 10-plus year partnership with Comtech in the early adoption of NG9-1-1 services has taught us a lot. We are looking forward to continuous improvement with Comtech as we forge the future of emergency communications together.”

As one of the most trusted providers of public safety technologies, Comtech is continuing to expand its NG9-1-1 call routing and call handling solutions for governments and emergency response providers across the globe. The Company’s NG9-1-1 offerings are designed to adapt and continuously evolve over time to meet the needs of emerging use cases as well as future applications.

About Comtech

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications 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 and performance 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

Investor Relations

Maria Ceriello

631-962-7115

[email protected]

Media Contact

Jamie Clegg

480-532-2523

[email protected]

Release – Conduent Recognized as a Leader in 2024 NelsonHall CX Services Transformation Report

Posted on by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on CNDT

JUNE 20, 2024

Conduent named a leader in Cost Optimization Capability in 2024 NEAT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT), a global technology-led business solutions and services company, today announced that NelsonHall, a global analyst firm, has named the company a market leader in its 2024 NelsonHall Evaluation and Assessment Tool (NEAT) for CX Services Transformation. This year’s report evaluated 17 companies on their customer experience (CX) services across a range of criteria.

This year’s NEAT report identified Conduent as a leader for:

  • Expertise in knowledge management transformation with implementations across multiple verticals
  • Strong employee training and learning practice with technology interventions
  • CX transformation offerings, such as knowledge management, training, work from home and quality assurance
  • Strong portfolio of sector-specific CX services in the high-growth healthcare, travel and transportation verticals

Ivan Kotzev, Lead CX Services Analyst at NelsonHall, said, “Brands increasingly understand the need to change entire journeys and customer experiences spanning different internal functions and external ecosystems. Conduent’s CX consulting and advisory approach aims to tackle this fundamental change in the CX industry, and it is productizing its CX consulting services as part of the larger market shift to ‘as-a-service’ transformation.”

“Strategic organizations have recognized the many benefits of outsourcing their CX services including improved customer satisfaction, cost reduction, increased sales, expanded access to leading technology, scalability and geographical diversification,” said Randall King, Executive Vice President and President of Commercial Solutions at Conduent. “We value NelsonHall’s thoughtful evaluation of the CX marketplace and their analysis that Conduent, as a leader, can be the answer for organizations looking for reduced upfront capital investments, flexibility in the face of external instability and accelerated technology access and scale.”

In one example for a leading global logistics company, Conduent was able to help its client cost effectively and quickly scale both English and Spanish customer service. Conduent was able to achieve 40% cost savings, while delivering lower handle times and consistent high quality for multiple lines of business including customer service and retail store calls in English and Spanish. The Conduent CX team was able to achieve these outcomes using a unique combination of technology and data analytics to deliver targeted coaching, focus on efficiencies and develop innovative onboarding processes.

NelsonHall defines leaders for their ability to meet future client requirements as well as delivering immediate benefits to its CX services clients.

To read a custom version of the NEAT for CX Services Transformation focused on Conduent’s Customer Experience Management Solutions, visit https://insights.conduent.com/reports/cx-services-transformation.

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

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

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

Media Contacts

LISA PATTERSON

Conduent

[email protected]

+1-816-305-4421

GILES GOODBURN

Conduent

[email protected]

+1-203-216-3546

Comtech Telecommunications (CMTL) – Finally, the Refi is Done. And 3QFY24 Results

Posted on by [email protected]


Thursday, June 20, 2024

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, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

A Refinancing. Comtech announced a new $222 million credit facility, replacing the previous facility which was due this October. The refi removes a significant uncertainty, in our view, and will enable a return to a normal operating environment over time. The interest rate is a blended 14%, up from the 10% under the previous facility.

3Q Results. Supplier and customer worry about Comtech’s financial status resulted in a push to the right for sales, negatively impacting 3Q24 results. Revenue was $128.1 million, down from $136.3 million last year and below our $139 million projection. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $11.9 million, or a 9.3% margin, compared to $12.5 million and a 9.2% margin in 3Q23. Comtech reported a net loss of $1.0 million, or a loss of $0.04/sh, compared to a loss of $9.2 million, or $0.33/sh last year.


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*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. 

Nvidia Dethrones Microsoft as Most Valuable Company Amid AI Boom

Posted on by [email protected]

In a monumental shift in the tech landscape, Nvidia (NVDA) has overtaken Microsoft (MSFT) to become the world’s most valuable publicly traded company. This remarkable feat, fueled by Nvidia’s dominance in the artificial intelligence (AI) chip market, has sent shockwaves through the industry and underscores the transformative power of generative AI technology.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Nvidia’s stock price surged nearly 4%, propelling its market capitalization to an astounding $3.35 trillion, surpassing Microsoft’s market cap of $3.32 trillion. This milestone solidifies Nvidia’s position as the tech industry’s undisputed leader in AI chips and integrated software, a pivotal role that has driven its meteoric rise in recent years.

Nvidia’s Explosive Growth and the AI Revolution

Nvidia’s stock has skyrocketed over the past year, gaining a staggering 215%, and a remarkable 3,400% over the last five years. This unprecedented growth can be directly attributed to the generative AI explosion that began with the debut of OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform in late 2022.

As the go-to supplier for AI chips and software, Nvidia’s products have become indispensable for tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla, powering everything from cloud-based AI offerings to their own AI models and services. This strategic advantage has propelled Nvidia to the forefront of the AI revolution, outpacing rivals AMD and Intel, who are now racing to catch up.

Nvidia’s Dominance in the AI Chip Market

Nvidia’s Data Center segment, which encompasses its AI chip business, saw a staggering 427% year-over-year revenue increase in the first quarter of 2024, accounting for a remarkable 86% of the company’s total revenue. This meteoric growth highlights the insatiable demand for Nvidia’s AI chips and software, cementing its position as the cornerstone of the AI revolution.

With the recent announcement of its upcoming Blackwell Ultra and Rubin AI chip platforms, Nvidia is doubling down on its AI supremacy, aiming to maintain its lead over competitors like AMD and Intel, who are aggressively developing their own AI chips.

Challenges and Competition Ahead

Despite its current dominance, Nvidia faces mounting competition from its own customers, as tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft seek to reduce their reliance on Nvidia’s chips and cut costs. These companies are investing billions in developing their own AI chips, aiming to gain greater control over their AI capabilities and reduce their dependence on Nvidia.

Additionally, rivals like AMD and Intel are making significant strides in the AI chip market, with AMD’s MI325X and MI350 chips slated for release in 2024 and 2025, and Intel’s Gaudi 2 and Gaudi 3 accelerators promising to undercut Nvidia on price.

Riding the AI Wave

Nvidia’s ascent to become the world’s most valuable company is a testament to its visionary leadership and its ability to capitalize on the AI revolution. As the demand for AI chips and software continues to soar, Nvidia’s position at the forefront of this transformative technology has propelled its growth to unprecedented heights.

However, with intense competition on the horizon, Nvidia faces the challenge of maintaining its innovative edge and fending off rivals eager to chip away at its dominance. As the AI arms race intensifies, Nvidia’s ability to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape will be critical to sustaining its newfound status as the world’s most valuable company.

Release – GoHealth to Present at the Noble Capital Markets Consumer, Communications, Media, and Technology Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference

Posted on by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on GOCO

Jun 18, 2024 at 8:00 AM EDT

CHICAGO, June 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GoHealth, Inc. (GoHealth) (NASDAQ: GOCO), a leading health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company, announced the company will present at the Noble Capital Markets Consumer, Communications, Media, and Technology Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

A live webcast of the presentation may be accessed through a link that will be posted on GoHealth’s Investor Relations website, https://investors.gohealth.com/. A replay will be available through the same link following the conference.

About GoHealth, Inc.

GoHealth is a leading health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company whose purpose is to compassionately ensure consumers’ peace of mind when making healthcare decisions so they can focus on living life. For many of these consumers, enrolling in a health insurance plan is confusing and difficult, and seemingly small differences between health plans may lead to significant out-of-pocket costs or lack of access to critical providers and medicines. GoHealth’s proprietary technology platform leverages modern machine-learning algorithms, powered by over two decades of insurance purchasing behavior, to reimagine the process of matching a health plan to a consumer’s specific needs. Its unbiased, technology-driven marketplace coupled with highly skilled licensed agents has facilitated the enrollment of millions of consumers in Medicare plans since GoHealth’s inception. For more information, visit https://www.gohealth.com.

Investor Relations
John Shave
[email protected]

Media Relations
[email protected]

Release – Comtech Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results and Entered into New $222.0 Million Credit Facility

Posted on by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on CMTL

CHANDLER, Ariz. – June 18, 2024 — Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) (“the Company”) today announced its third quarter fiscal 2024 financial results in a letter to shareholders which is now posted to the Investor Relations section of Comtech’s website. Investors are invited to access the third quarter fiscal 2024 shareholder letter at comtech.com/investors/. A copy of the letter will also be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Form 8-K.

Comtech also announced that on June 17, 2024, the Company entered into a $222.0 million credit facility with a new syndicate of lenders which is expected to be funded on or around June 18, 2024. The New Credit Facility matures on July 31, 2028, consists of a committed $162.0 million term loan facility and $60.0 million revolver loan facility and is expected to have outstanding borrowings at close of approximately $187.0 million, reflecting $25.0 million drawn on the revolver. A copy of the credit agreement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Form 8-K.

Comtech also intends to host an earnings conference call at 8:30AM ET today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Individuals can access the conference call by dialing (800) 267-6316 (domestic) or (203) 518-9783 (international) and using the conference I.D. of “Comtech.” A replay of the conference call will be available for two weeks by dialing (888) 566-0152 or (402) 220-9186. A live webcast of the call is also available at comtech.com/investors/.

About Comtech

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications 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

Investor Relations

Maria Ceriello

631-962-7102

[email protected]

Apple Reclaims World’s Most Valuable Company Crown with Transformative AI Strategy

Posted on by [email protected]

In the relentless battle for tech supremacy, Apple has reclaimed its throne, dethroning Microsoft as the world’s most valuable public company after unveiling an ambitious artificial intelligence roadmap. The iPhone maker’s market capitalization surged past $3.3 trillion on Wednesday, surpassing Microsoft’s $3.2 trillion valuation, as investors rallied behind Apple’s audacious AI vision.

For years, Apple had remained relatively muted about its artificial intelligence pursuits, even as rivals like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI raced ahead with generative AI models and conversational assistants. However, the company’s silence was shattered at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday, where it unveiled “Apple Intelligence” – a sweeping initiative to infuse AI capabilities across its product ecosystem.

At the core of Apple’s AI strategy is a suite of generative AI features that will be deeply integrated into its software and hardware. From writing assistance in core apps like Mail and Notes to AI-powered image and emoji generation, Apple aims to make artificial intelligence a seamless part of its user experience. Crucially, many of these cutting-edge AI capabilities will be exclusive to the latest iPhone models, potentially driving a surge in device upgrades and sales – a phenomenon analysts are calling an “iPhone super cycle.”

But Apple’s ambitions extend far beyond consumer-facing features. The company also announced plans to integrate large language models developed by OpenAI, a company in which Microsoft is a major investor, into its products and services. This strategic partnership underscores the complex web of alliances and rivalries that are emerging in the AI race.

While Apple’s AI plans have garnered widespread enthusiasm, skeptics question whether the company’s walled garden approach can truly compete with the open ecosystems fostered by rivals like Microsoft and Google. Apple’s insistence on maintaining tight control over its platforms and data has long been a source of contention, and some analysts worry that this could hamper the company’s ability to develop cutting-edge AI models at scale.

Nevertheless, Apple’s AI announcement has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, reigniting the battle for market dominance and technological leadership. As the company leverages its vast resources, cutting-edge hardware, and loyal user base to integrate AI into its products, it is poised to reshape the tech landscape and solidify its position as a formidable force in the AI revolution.

The resurgence of Apple as the world’s most valuable company is a testament to the immense potential – and potential pitfalls – of artificial intelligence. While AI promises to revolutionize industries and reshape the way we live and work, it also raises complex ethical and societal questions that must be grappled with by tech giants and policymakers alike.

As the AI race intensifies, companies like Apple and Microsoft will not only be vying for market supremacy but also shouldering the responsibility of shaping the future of this transformative technology. From addressing issues of bias and privacy to navigating the ethical implications of AI, these tech titans will play a pivotal role in determining how this powerful technology is developed and deployed.

With its latest AI offensive, Apple has reasserted its position as a tech leader, but the battle for AI dominance is far from over. As the industry continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, the companies that can strike the right balance between innovation, ethics, and user trust will emerge as the true winners in this high-stakes race.

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Quantum Leap: The Next Big Investment Opportunity in Healthcare?

Posted on by [email protected]

Imagine a world where diseases are detected at the earliest stages, new life-saving drugs are developed in a fraction of the time, and medical resources are optimized to deliver the best possible care. This future may not be as far-fetched as it sounds, thanks to a revolutionary technology called quantum computing.

What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a mind-bending technology that harnesses the strange behavior of particles at the subatomic level. Unlike traditional computers that process information as binary bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This superposition phenomenon allows quantum computers to perform millions of calculations at once, making them exponentially more powerful than classical computers.

The Healthcare Revolution
While quantum computing may seem like something straight out of a science fiction movie, its potential applications in healthcare are very real and could transform the industry as we know it.

  1. Accelerating Drug Discovery
    One of the most promising applications of quantum computing is in the field of drug discovery. Finding new medicines is a painstakingly slow and expensive process, often taking decades and billions of dollars. Quantum computers can simulate complex molecular interactions at an unprecedented scale, allowing researchers to quickly identify promising drug candidates. This could dramatically shorten the drug development timeline, saving lives and billions of dollars.

Consider this: It takes an average of 10 years and $2.6 billion to develop a new drug from initial discovery to market approval. With quantum computing, pharmaceutical companies could potentially cut development times by years, significantly reducing costs and getting life-saving treatments to patients faster.

  1. Personalized Medicine
    We all have unique genetic makeups that influence our response to different treatments. Personalized medicine aims to tailor therapies to an individual’s genetic profile, but analyzing vast amounts of genomic data is a daunting task for classical computers. Quantum computers can process and identify patterns in complex genetic data, enabling truly personalized treatment plans that maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.

Imagine a future where your doctor can analyze your entire genome and prescribe a medication tailored specifically to your genetic makeup, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions or ineffective treatments. This level of precision could revolutionize healthcare, improving outcomes and reducing waste.

  1. Enhanced Medical Imaging
    Medical imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans generate massive amounts of data. Quantum computing can enhance image processing, improving clarity and resolution, enabling earlier detection of diseases like cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment and could save countless lives.

With quantum-enhanced imaging, doctors could potentially identify tumors and other abnormalities at much earlier stages, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival.

  1. Optimized Healthcare Logistics
    Healthcare systems involve intricate logistics, from managing hospital resources to optimizing patient care. Quantum computing’s ability to solve complex optimization problems can help hospitals better manage staff, equipment, and patient flow, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs.

By optimizing resource allocation and patient flow, quantum computing could help hospitals reduce wait times, improve patient experiences, and ultimately deliver better care at lower costs.

The Investment Opportunity
While quantum computing is still in its early stages, the potential payoffs in healthcare are staggering. Tech giants like IBM, Google, and startups like Rigetti Computing are investing heavily in quantum research. As the technology matures, we can expect to see a surge of investment opportunities in quantum computing companies and healthcare firms that leverage this technology.

Analysts estimate that quantum computing could create a $450 billion to $850 billion annual market by 2045, with healthcare being one of the prime beneficiaries. Early investors in this space could see massive returns as the technology takes off.

Of course, there are challenges to overcome, such as building stable, large-scale quantum computers and developing algorithms tailored for healthcare applications. However, the potential rewards are vast, both in terms of human lives saved and financial returns for savvy investors who recognize the transformative power of quantum computing in healthcare.

Quantum computing holds the promise to revolutionize healthcare by accelerating drug discovery, enabling personalized medicine, enhancing medical imaging, and optimizing resource management. While the technology is still in its early stages, the potential benefits for medicine are enormous. As we continue to explore and develop quantum computing, the future of healthcare looks brighter than ever, offering new hope for patients and medical professionals alike.

Release – QuantaSing Group Limited Announces up to US$20.0 Million Share Repurchase Program

Posted on by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on QSG

June 11, 2024

PDF Version

BEIJING, June 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuantaSing Group Limited (NASDAQ: QSG) (“QuantaSing” or the “Company”), a leading online learning service provider in China, today announced that its board of directors (the “Board”) has authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$20.0 million of its Class A ordinary shares in the form of American depositary shares (“ADSs”) during a twelve-month period commencing on June 11, 2024 (the “Share Repurchase Program”).

“The Share Repurchase Program is well-aligned with our commitment to maximizing value for our shareholders and reflects the Board’s confidence in the Company’s continued growth and long-term prospects,” said Mr. Peng Li, QuantaSing’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Repurchases under the program may be made from time to time through open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, in block trades and/or through other legally permissible means. The repurchases will be subject to all applicable rules and regulations, including Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as the Company’s insider trading policy. The number of ADSs repurchased and the timing of repurchases will also depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, price, trading volume and general market conditions, along with the Company’s working capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors. The Board will review the Share Repurchase Program periodically, and may authorize adjustment of its terms and size or suspend or discontinue the program. The Company plans to fund the repurchases from its existing cash balance. 

Safe Harbor Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding QuantaSing’s financial outlook, beliefs and expectations. These statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets,” “guidance” and similar statements. Among other things, the Financial Outlook in this announcement contains forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases, and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to attract and retain new users and learners and to increase the spending and revenues generated from users and learners; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its services and products; trends and competition in China’s adult learning market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; the expected growth of China’s adult learning market; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the Company’s business and industry, general economic and political conditions in China and globally, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the final prospectus related to the IPO filed with the SEC dated January 24, 2023. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

About QuantaSing Group Limited

QuantaSing is a leading online service provider in China dedicated to improving people’s quality of life and well-being by providing lifelong personal learning and development opportunities. The Company is the largest service provider in China’s online adult learning market and China’s adult personal interest learning market in terms of revenue, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan based on data from 2022. By leveraging its proprietary tools and technology, QuantaSing offers easy-to-understand, affordable, and accessible online courses to adult learners, empowering users to pursue personal development. Leveraging its extensive experience in individual online learning services and its robust technology infrastructure, the Company has expanded its services to corporate clients, and diversified its operations into its e-commerce business and its AI and technology business.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.quantasing.com.

Contact
Investor Relations
Leah Guo
QuantaSing Group Limited
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +86 (10) 6493-7857

Robin Yang, Partner
ICR, LLC
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (212) 537-0429

Conduent Inc. (CNDT) – Well-Priced Share Repurchase Takes Out Activist

Posted on by [email protected]


Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Carl Icahn exits. Yesterday the company announced that it repurchased roughly 38 million shares controlled by Carl Icahn for $3.47/share ($132 million). The purchase price was based on the close on June 7th. With the transaction, Carl Icahn no longer has a beneficial interest in the company’s common equity. In addition, the 3 Icahn sponsored board members resigned. We expect the company to seek replacements for the retired board members with members that could support its growth initiatives. 

Backstory. Carl Icahn played an activist role in spinning out Conduent from Xerox in 2017 and had been a CNDT shareholder ever since. We believe that Icahn was supportive of the company’s asset sales and its current transition plan, but likely chose to focus on his larger positions. Notably, Icahn exited his Xerox stake last year.


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Release – Conduent Repurchases Shares From Carl Icahn and Affiliates

Posted on by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on CNDT

JUNE 10, 2024

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT) (the “Company” or “Conduent”), a global technology-led business solutions and services company, today announced that it entered into and consummated a share purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to repurchase all of the shares of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by Carl C. Icahn through certain of his affiliates (the “Icahn Parties”) at a purchase price of $3.47 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common shares on June 7, 2024, the last full trading day prior to the execution of the Purchase Agreement. The aggregate purchase price for the repurchase is approximately $132 million, which was funded from Conduent’s cash on hand and existing credit facility.

Following the purchase, the Icahn Parties no longer hold any Conduent common shares. In connection with the transaction, Hunter Gary, Jesse Lynn and Steven Miller, who are employed by the Icahn Parties, have resigned from the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”).

“Our decision to repurchase shares reflects the confidence we have in our business, our strategy and our long-term growth prospects,” said Cliff Skelton, Conduent President and Chief Executive Officer. “Following this transaction, we will continue to focus our capital allocation in the near-term on additional pay down of debt to further reduce our debt leverage ratios. I would also like to thank Carl for his support and his team for their contributions to our Company over the years.”

Carl Icahn said, “We believe we have left the Company in good hands with Cliff and the rest of the Conduent management team. We wish them the best.”

The transaction was unanimously recommended to Conduent’s Board by a Special Transaction Committee of the Board, comprised solely of independent directors. The Special Transaction Committee was advised by independent legal and financial advisors. The entire Board, except for members employed by Icahn Parties, who recused themselves from the vote, voted in favor of the transaction.

Jefferies LLC acted as financial advisor to the Special Transaction Committee and Willkie Farr & Gallaher LLP served as independent legal counsel to the Special Transaction Committee. Holland & Knight LLP served as legal counsel to Conduent.

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

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

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “will,” “aim,” “should,” “could,” “forecast,” “target,” “may,” “continue to,” “endeavor,” “if,” “growing,” “projected,” “potential,” “likely,” “see,” “ahead,” “further,” “going forward,” “on the horizon,” “enable,” “strategy,” and similar expressions (including the negative and plural forms of such words and phrases), as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the share repurchase transaction and our plan to continue to allocate capital to reduce our debt levels. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release, any exhibits to this press release and other public statements we make. Important factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to Conduent’s ability to realize the benefits anticipated from the share repurchase transaction and other factors that are set forth in the “Risk Factors” and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements made by us in this press release speak only as of the date on which they are made. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Media Contacts

SEAN COLLINS

Conduent

[email protected]

+1-310-497-9205

GILES GOODBURN

Conduent

[email protected]

+1-203-216-3546

Nvidia’s Mega Stock Split Signals Opportunity for Emerging Growth Plays

Posted on by [email protected]

The opening trading bell on Monday ushered in a new era for semiconductor giant Nvidia (NVDA). The company’s white-hot stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis after undergoing a massive 10-for-1 stock split. This slashed Nvidia’s share price from over $1,200 to around $120, while multiplying the total shares outstanding tenfold.

For Nvidia, the split was a pragmatic move to make its stock more accessible to a wider range of investors after seeing its valuation soar past $3 trillion amid skyrocketing demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) chips. But the split also serves as an opportune reminder of the massive growth runway ahead for emerging players across the tech, AI, and semiconductor spaces.

As the appetite for advanced AI capabilities grows, companies able to provide the critical hardware, software, and cloud infrastructure are in the stratosphere in terms of market opportunity. Nvidia’s leadership position and shrewd strategic moves like this split should prompt investors to closely watch the rising cohort of potential AI/tech upstarts.

Why Stock Splits Matter
While stock splits have no impact on a company’s market capitalization or fundamentals, they do foster greater liquidity and affordability in trading the stock. This can open the floodgates for more participation from retail investors and ownership by funds previously restricted from buying such pricey shares.

There is also a psychological element. Stock splits are often viewed as a bullish signal of a company having exceeded its prior growth expectations. The increased affordability and accessibility of shares can also fuel incremental investor demand alone. Research shows stocks that split their shares tend to outperform the broader market in the year after announcing their split.

Nvidia’s split checks all of these boxes. Its relentless 90%+ rally in 2024 has been fueled by insatiable demand for its AI hardware from juggernauts like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and a rapidly expanding set of sectors. Even after the split, analysts have an average price target north of $300 per share, implying over 140% upside potential from current levels. More affordable shares set the stage for further momentum.

Following the Leader
As the disruptive force of AI grows, more companies are racing to build their own chips, cloud services, and software tools to tap into this generational shift. Many of these upstarts could be prime candidates to pursue stock splits of their own as their solutions gain traction and valuations expand.

Keep an eye on AI semiconductor developers like Cerebras, SambaNova, and Groq that are designing specialized chips for AI workloads. There are also startups building their own AI cloud platforms and services like Anthropic, Cohere, and Adept that could become attractive public investment vehicles down the road.

Software players creating AI tools and applications tailored for specific industries like healthcare (Hugging Face), cybersecurity (Abnormal Security), or autonomous driving (Wayve) may also emerge as compelling split candidates as their categories take shape.

A rising tide of private capital being deployed into AI companies is fueling the rapid growth and maturation of many startups, pushing them closer to the public markets. Like Nvidia, those able to reach scale and capture significant market share should have ample justification to make their shares more affordable to incoming investors through splits.

Within the larger chip landscape, graphics processors tailored for AI and gaming workloads could become an M&A focus for incumbents like AMD, Intel, or Qualcomm looking to challenge Nvidia. Rising M&A premiums and valuations may incentivize others to split their shares as more investors jockey for exposure.

Bottom Line
Nvidia’s eye-popping stock split demonstrates the immense opportunity created by disruptive innovations like AI and generative technology. While still in its nascency, this revolution is rapidly ushering in a new wave of emerging tech leaders able to capitalize on this sea change.

Smart investors should monitor the publicly traded AI/chip space closely, keeping an eye out for the next stock split candidate as the next Nvidia may be just around the corner. As adoption further accelerates, these prospective splits could signal prime entry points for getting ahead of massive growth runways in these future-shaping fields.

Register Now for Noble Capital Markets’ Virtual Consumer, Communication, Media & Technology Emerging Growth Equity Conference.

Quantum Computing: The Next Frontier After AI?

Posted on by [email protected]

With all the excitement around artificial intelligence (AI) and its rapidly advancing capabilities, you may be wondering what revolutionary technology could possibly follow in its footsteps. Well, the answer may lie in the strange and fascinating world of quantum computing.

At its core, quantum computing harnesses the mind-bending principles of quantum mechanics to process information in entirely new ways. While classical computers encode data into binary digits (bits) representing 0s and 1s, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can exist as 0s, 1s, or both at the same time. This quantum superposition unlocks exponentially higher computing power.

Still scratching your head? Let’s break it down further:

Quantum Parallelism
Classical computers are like meticulous accountants – they crunch through tasks and calculations in a linear, step-by-step fashion. Quantum computers are more like a team of intuitive savants able to consider multiple potential pathways and solutions simultaneously through quantum parallelism.

This ability to explore a multitude of possibilities at once makes quantum systems ideally suited to solve certain types of massively complex problems that classical computers would take an impractically long time to calculate. Examples include cryptography, complex simulations, optimization problems, and more.

Quantum Supremacy
While still in early stages, quantum computing has already demonstrated game-changing potential. In 2019, Google achieved what’s called “quantum supremacy” – using its Sycamore quantum processor to perform a specific computation in 200 seconds that would have taken the world’s most powerful classical supercomputer 10,000 years.

As quantum hardware and software mature, we could see breakthroughs in areas like materials science, logistics, finance, and pharmaceuticals that are currently bottlenecked by the limitations of classical computing power. Curing diseases, optimizing supply chains, advancing climate science – quantum computers may help bend what once seemed impossible.

The Next Investor Frontier?
The revolutionary implications of quantum computing extend to the investment world as well. A new wave of quantum computing startups and public companies are racing to build the foundations of this potentially world-changing technology.

Quantumscape (QS), IonQ (IONQ), Rigetti Computing, and others are pioneering quantum hardware, software, encryption methods, and algorithms that could power the future quantum revolution. As this cutting-edge industry takes shape, it may present an attractive new sector for investors to explore and get in on the ground floor.

Much like the early days of classical computing or more recently the AI boom, the quantum computing space could deliver monumental returns for those who identify the key players and opportunities. And no doubt there will be new up-and-coming companies like Quantum Computing Inc (QUBT), introducing novel quantum technologies and approaches that could emerge as leaders. But separating reality from hype and making well-informed quantum investment decisions will be crucial given the highly complex and speculative nature of the field.

Quantum Security
Encryption is a prime use case for quantum computing’s unique capabilities. By distributing keys using the counterintuitive principles of quantum mechanics like quantum entanglement, incredibly secure and tamper-proof encryption methods could be developed to protect data privacy and cybersecurity.

Conversely, quantum computers also pose a looming threat to current encryption standards by being able to rapidly decipher codes that are essentially unbreakable for classical systems. This “crypto apocalypse” is driving efforts to build quantum-proof encryption.

While the full implications aren’t yet clear, it’s evident that quantum computing introduces game-changing cybersecurity dynamics. Both the benefits of ultra-secure quantum encryption and the risks of current encryption being compromised by adversarial quantum processors must be grappled with.

Technical Challenges Remain
Of course, realizing the revolutionary potential of quantum computing will require overcoming major scientific and technical hurdles. Quantum bits are incredibly fragile, and constructing stable, large-scale quantum systems is an immense challenge that companies like IBM, Google, and IonQ are feverishly working towards.

Error correction, connectivity, and noise mitigation are also significant obstacles to developing fault-tolerant quantum computers that can reliably outperform classical systems on practical applications. Estimates vary, but it may still take a decade or more to achieve this “quantum advantage.”

But when that tipping point is reached, the real quantum disruption may begin. And we could be witnessing the birth of a new technological era as transformative as the original computing revolution – turbocharging progress across science, technology, society, and the markets.

While AI has dominated the emerging tech buzz, don’t lose sight of quantum computing lurking as the potentially bigger, more earth-shattering breakthrough looming over the horizon. The laws of quantum physics are strange and counter-intuitive. But the computing capabilities they enable could be truly paradigm-shifting – for investors and the world.