Category: Technology

Release – Conduent Completes Sale of Its Casualty Claims Solutions Business to MedRisk

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on CNDT

September 04, 2024

Corporate Workers Compensation

Sale aligns with Conduent’s strategy to streamline its portfolio, focusing on core capabilities and advancing synergistic growth.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT), a global technology-led business solutions and services company, today announced that it has completed the sale of its Casualty Claims Solutions Business to MedRisk , the nation’s largest managed care organization dedicated to the physical rehabilitation of workers’ compensation patients. The transaction was initially announced on May 3, 2024.

“This completed divestiture is the third in our portfolio optimization plan, allowing us to further improve our balance sheet and advance our capital allocation strategy,” said Cliff Skelton, President and Chief Executive Officer at Conduent. “Our priority now is to ensure a seamless transition for our teammates and our clients.”

MedRisk is acquiring Conduent’s workers’ compensation and auto casualty bill review solutions and services, inclusive of the Strataware portfolio of products and technology.

Conduent will continue to provide mailroom services for casualty claim clients and will now serve MedRisk as one of its clients.

Additional details of the transaction are outlined in Conduent’s 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today.

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 .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, any exhibits or attachments to this release, and other public statements we make 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,” “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 or any attachment to this press release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the sale of Conduent’s Casualty Claims Solutions business to MedRisk, such as Conduent’s focus on continuing to provide a seamless transition for team members and clients while advancing its goals for deployable capital and Conduent’s strategy to streamline its portfolio, focus on core capabilities and advance synergistic growth, as well as to streamline its business portfolio, enhance its focus on core capabilities and increase agility. 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 our 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 sale of its Casualty Claims Solutions Business; unexpected cost, liabilities or delays in connection with the transaction; the significant transaction costs associated with the transaction; negative effects of the consummation of the transaction on the market price of our common stock or operating results, including as a result of changes in key customer, supplier, employee or other business relationships; the risk of litigation or regulatory actions; our inability to retain and hire key personnel; the risk that certain contractual restrictions contained in the definitive transaction agreement could adversely affect our ability to pursue business opportunities or strategic transactions; 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 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.

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

Sean Collins

Conduent

Sean.Collins2@conduent.com

+1-310-497-9205

Giles Goodburn

Conduent

ir@conduent.com

+1-203-216-3546

Release – GoHealth Acquiring e-TeleQuote, Strengthening Position as Leading Medicare Insurance Marketplace

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOCO

Sep 04, 2024 at 7:00 AM EDT

Investment further expands industry-leading shopping, enrollment, and engagement platform, delivering a differentiated experience and driving high quality outcomes while ensuring peace of mind in Medicare consumers’ healthcare decisions.

CHICAGO and CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GoHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOCO), a leading health insurance marketplace, today announced that it entered into a purchase and subscription agreement which will ultimately lead to the acquisition of e-TeleQuote Insurance, Inc., a distinguished name in the Medicare insurance marketplace. The transaction is expected to close on September 30, 2024. This strategic move represents a significant milestone in GoHealth’s mission to deliver unparalleled consumer-centric solutions while reinforcing the companies’ shared values of integrity, empathy, and accountability.

The investment in e-TeleQuote aligns seamlessly with GoHealth’s strategic vision and commitment to enhancing consumer experiences through innovation and operational excellence. Both companies bring to the table a deep reservoir of industry expertise and a complementary set of strengths that will drive mutual growth and deliver even greater value to consumers, especially as the upcoming benefit season expects to bring significant disruption and high demand for a high-quality shopping experience for Medicare consumers.

Complementary Attributes for Enhanced Value
GoHealth and e-TeleQuote share a dedication to putting consumers at the center of their operations. “GoHealth’s scale, proprietary technology and operational excellence combined with e-TeleQuote’s established talent and high-quality track record will create a mutually accretive relationship poised to drive better outcomes for and meet the evolving needs of our Medicare consumers,” said Vijay Kotte, CEO of GoHealth.

Consumer-First Orientation
“At the heart of this transaction is a shared commitment to a consumer-first approach. Both GoHealth and e-TeleQuote have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of and responsiveness to consumer needs. We are excited to tap into the power of the proprietary technology at GoHealth, including the PlanFit Checkup, which will better serve our consumers while driving increased efficiency and effectiveness in choosing the Medicare plan that best meets their needs. By combining our resources and expertise, we are poised to collectively elevate our consumer experience and deliver even better tailored solutions that prioritize the well-being of our consumers,” said Craig Uchytil, CEO of e-TeleQuote.

Looking Ahead
“As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we remain committed to a seamless integration process that prioritizes the interests of our customers, team members, and stakeholders. We are confident that this acquisition will not only strengthen our market position but also enhance our ability to deliver exceptional value and service not only in this upcoming Annual Enrollment Period but for years to come,” said Kotte.

Learn more at www.GoHealth.com

About GoHealth, Inc.
GoHealth is a leading health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company. Enrolling in a health insurance plan can be confusing for customers, and the seemingly small differences between plans can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs or lack of access to critical medicines and even providers. GoHealth combines cutting-edge technology, data science and deep industry expertise to build trusted relationships with consumers and match them with the healthcare policy and carrier that is right for them. Since its inception, GoHealth has enrolled millions of people in Medicare plans and individual and family plans. For more information, visit https://www.gohealth.com.

About e-TeleQuote Insurance, Inc.
e-TeleQuote is a Medicare Insurance Marketplace which specializes in helping Medicare Beneficiaries compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans from top carriers and enroll in the plan that’s right for them.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, statements regarding our expected growth, investment plans and business transformation are forward-looking statements.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms, such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including important factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our 2023 Form 10-K, and the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as otherwise required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Media Inquiries
pressinquiries@gohealth.com

Investor Relations
jshave@gohealth.com

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

OpenAI Co-founder Ilya Sutskever’s New AI Venture SSI Raises $1 Billion to Ensure Safe Superintelligence

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– SSI, co-founded by Ilya Sutskever, raises $1 billion, valuing the startup at $5 billion.
– The company focuses on developing safe AI that surpasses human capabilities.
– Top investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital back the project.

Safe Superintelligence (SSI), the latest venture from OpenAI’s former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, has made a significant splash in the AI world by securing $1 billion in funding just three months after its inception. With a valuation of $5 billion, SSI aims to develop artificial intelligence systems that are not only more powerful than current models but are also designed with safety and ethical considerations at the forefront.

SSI’s funding round saw participation from top-tier venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, DST Global, and SV Angel. The company’s focus on AI safety—a hotly debated topic in the industry—has attracted significant interest, especially as concerns grow about the potential for rogue AI systems to cause harm. Sutskever’s new venture promises to prioritize safe AI development, a move that aligns with the increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by AI companies worldwide.

The startup, which currently operates with a small team split between Palo Alto, California, and Tel Aviv, Israel, plans to use the newly acquired funds to build its computing power and recruit top-tier talent. This strategic approach underscores SSI’s commitment to creating a team of highly trusted and skilled researchers and engineers who share the company’s mission of developing safe AI.

Sutskever’s decision to leave OpenAI and start SSI was driven by his vision to tackle a different aspect of AI development—one that diverges from the path he was previously on. His departure from OpenAI earlier this year followed a series of internal conflicts, including the controversial removal and subsequent reinstatement of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This turn of events diminished Sutskever’s role at OpenAI, leading to his departure and the eventual formation of SSI.

Unlike OpenAI’s unconventional corporate structure, which was designed with AI safety in mind but also led to internal turmoil, SSI operates as a traditional for-profit company. This structure allows SSI to focus more on its mission without the complications that arise from a more complex corporate governance system.

SSI’s CEO Daniel Gross, along with Sutskever and Daniel Levy, a former OpenAI researcher, are steering the company toward becoming a leader in AI safety. The team is committed to building AI systems that not only advance the technology but also ensure that these systems remain aligned with human values. This focus on ethics and safety is becoming increasingly important as AI systems continue to evolve and integrate into more aspects of everyday life.

SSI’s approach to AI development includes rigorous vetting of potential hires to ensure they align with the company’s values. Gross emphasized the importance of recruiting individuals with “good character” who are motivated by the work rather than the hype surrounding AI.

As the AI industry continues to grow, SSI’s emphasis on safety could set it apart from other AI startups. The company plans to partner with cloud providers and chip manufacturers to meet its computing needs, but it has yet to announce specific partnerships. Sutskever’s early advocacy for scaling AI models laid the groundwork for many of the advances seen today, and his new approach at SSI suggests a continuation of this innovative mindset—albeit with a different focus.

With $1 billion in funding and the backing of some of the most prominent venture capitalists, SSI is poised to make a significant impact in the AI industry. The company’s focus on safe superintelligence could pave the way for new advancements that are not only powerful but also ethically sound.

Nvidia Leads Chip Stocks Lower as Market Takes a Downturn

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Nvidia’s stock tumbled nearly 8% on Tuesday, leading a broad decline in semiconductor stocks and contributing to a rough start for the market this month. The S&P 500 experienced a drop of over 1% amid a broader market slump, exacerbated by disappointing data from the ISM manufacturing index. This data raised concerns about the strength of the economy and the potential for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, which in turn impacted investor sentiment across various sectors.

The semiconductor sector, which has been a high-flyer over the past year thanks to the AI boom, saw significant losses. Nvidia, a dominant player in AI data center chips, saw its stock fall dramatically. Other major chipmakers also experienced declines, with Intel and Marvell down 8%, Broadcom falling around 6%, and AMD and Qualcomm each dropping 6%. The SMH, an index tracking semiconductor stocks, was down 6%, marking its biggest one-day loss in a month.

The optimism driving chip stocks had been fueled by the belief that the artificial intelligence revolution would lead to increased demand for semiconductors and memory. Nvidia, in particular, has seen its stock rise nearly 129% so far in 2024, bolstered by its leading position in AI data center chips. However, some investors were unsettled by Nvidia’s recent forecast, which suggested a potential slowdown in growth despite reporting impressive quarterly earnings of $30 billion and a 154% year-on-year increase in data center revenue.

Nvidia’s recent performance highlights the volatility in the semiconductor sector. The company’s stock had recently surged nearly 25% in three weeks following a global market sell-off, but Tuesday’s drop brought it to its lowest level since mid-August. The decline was attributed not only to the broader market downturn but also to concerns over Nvidia’s gross margins, which are expected to decrease slightly into the end of the year.

Meanwhile, other chipmakers are striving to capture investor attention with their AI products. Intel unveiled new laptop processors capable of running AI programs on-device, and Broadcom, which collaborates with major companies to develop custom AI chips, is set to report its third-quarter earnings on Thursday. Qualcomm continues to promote its chips as optimal for AI applications on Android phones.

Despite the challenges faced by Nvidia and other chipmakers, Wall Street remains largely optimistic about the sector’s long-term prospects. Analysts from Stifel reiterated their Buy rating on Nvidia, maintaining a $165 price target. They remain confident in Nvidia’s role as a primary beneficiary of the ongoing modernization of data center computing.

As Nvidia prepares to ramp up production of its next-generation Blackwell chip later this year, analysts expect the stock to potentially recover and continue its upward trajectory, provided the new products meet market expectations.

Wall Street’s Reality Check on Tech’s Hottest Trend: AI

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Nvidia’s stellar earnings fail to impress investors as AI excitement wanes
– Big Tech struggles to show concrete returns on massive AI investments
– Nvidia’s diverse applications provide stability amid AI uncertainty

The artificial intelligence gold rush that has captivated Wall Street for the past 18 months is showing signs of cooling, as investors begin to demand more tangible results from the technology sector’s massive AI investments. This shift in sentiment was starkly illustrated by the market’s lukewarm response to Nvidia’s recent earnings report, which, despite showcasing impressive growth, failed to ignite the enthusiasm that has become characteristic of the AI narrative.

Nvidia, the world’s leading AI chip producer, delivered a quarterly report that would be the envy of most businesses. Sales surged 122% in the second quarter, profits doubled, and the outlook for the current quarter remained strong. Yet, Nvidia’s shares slumped 7% following the announcement, a telling indicator of changing investor expectations in the AI space.

The muted reaction to Nvidia’s stellar performance speaks volumes about the evolving psychology of Wall Street. For months, investors have been throwing money at any company with potential AI profits, creating a hype train that has carried Nvidia to a staggering 3,000% stock price increase over the past five years. The company’s quarterly earnings reports had taken on an almost mythical quality, consistently beating expectations and training Wall Street to anticipate the extraordinary.

However, the initial thrill of AI breakthroughs is beginning to fade, and investors are adopting a more discerning approach. The key question now is no longer about the potential of AI, but about its ability to generate concrete revenue for the companies heavily invested in its development. Big Tech firms have poured billions into AI research and development, yet have relatively little to show for it in terms of transformative products or services.

While chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini have impressed, they haven’t quite lived up to the game-changing potential touted by their creators. The current consumer demand for AI seems centered on making mundane tasks less onerous, rather than the grand visions of AI revolutionizing creative processes or complex problem-solving that tech companies have been promoting.

For Nvidia, this reality check presents both challenges and opportunities. Unlike many AI startups built on promises and potential, Nvidia has a solid foundation in producing essential hardware for the tech industry. CEO Jensen Huang emphasized that Nvidia’s chips power not just AI chatbots, but also ad-targeting systems, search engines, robotics, and recommendation algorithms. The company’s data center business continues to drive nearly 90% of its total revenue, providing a stable base even as the AI hype cycle fluctuates.

However, Nvidia isn’t without its vulnerabilities. The company’s current dominance in AI chip production is partly due to the complexity and difficulty of replicating its products. But this advantage may not be permanent. Tech giants like Google and Amazon, currently reliant on Nvidia’s chips, are racing to develop their own AI hardware. The potential emergence of these customers as competitors could pose a significant threat to Nvidia’s market position in the long term.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, investors are likely to become increasingly discriminating, focusing on companies that can demonstrate practical applications and revenue generation from their AI investments. For the tech industry as a whole, this shift may necessitate a recalibration of expectations and a more grounded approach to AI development and marketing.

The cooling of AI fever doesn’t signal the end of the technology’s potential. Rather, it marks a transition from unbridled enthusiasm to a more measured evaluation of AI’s place in the business world. As this reality check unfolds, companies that can bridge the gap between AI’s promise and its practical, revenue-generating applications will likely emerge as the true winners in this next phase of technological evolution.

Shift4’s Acquisition of Givex: A Game-Changer in the Global Payment and Loyalty Solutions Market

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Expansion of global reach with 130,000+ new locations
– Enhanced offering with advanced gift card and loyalty programs
– Strategic alignment for increased customer value and retention

Shift4, the leading integrated payments and commerce technology company, is set to make waves in the global market with its latest acquisition announcement. The company has signed a definitive arrangement agreement to acquire Givex Corp., a renowned provider of gift cards, loyalty programs, and point-of-sale solutions. This strategic move is poised to reshape the landscape of payment processing and customer engagement technologies.

The acquisition, expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, will significantly expand Shift4’s global footprint. With Givex’s impressive network of over 130,000 active locations across more than 100 countries, Shift4 is positioning itself as a major player in the international payments arena. This expansion not only increases Shift4’s customer base but also opens up new markets and opportunities for growth.

One of the most compelling aspects of this acquisition is the enhancement of Shift4’s service offerings. Givex brings to the table a suite of robust gift card and e-gift solutions, along with customizable loyalty programs that have been adopted by industry giants such as Nike, Marriott, and Wendy’s. These additions will allow Shift4 to offer a more comprehensive package to its existing clients, potentially increasing customer retention and attracting new business.

The synergy between the two companies is evident in their complementary technologies. Shift4’s end-to-end payment solution, combined with Givex’s value-added engagement services, creates a powerful toolkit for businesses looking to streamline their operations and enhance customer relationships. This integration is expected to deliver an unparalleled package to both companies’ customer bases, setting a new standard in the industry.

From a financial perspective, this acquisition aligns perfectly with Shift4’s capital deployment strategy. By acquiring a company with an established customer base, Shift4 is effectively lowering its customer acquisition costs while simultaneously expanding its service portfolio. This approach is likely to contribute positively to Shift4’s bottom line and create long-term value for shareholders.

The merger also presents exciting opportunities for innovation. As the payments industry continues to evolve, the combined expertise of Shift4 and Givex could lead to the development of cutting-edge solutions that address emerging market needs. This potential for innovation could be a key differentiator in a highly competitive market.

As businesses increasingly prioritize customer engagement and loyalty, the timing of this acquisition couldn’t be better. The integration of Givex’s loyalty and gift card solutions into Shift4’s existing infrastructure will enable businesses to create more personalized and rewarding experiences for their customers. This focus on customer retention and engagement is crucial in today’s market, where consumer loyalty is harder than ever to maintain.

In conclusion, Shift4’s acquisition of Givex Corp. marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. By expanding its global reach, enhancing its product offerings, and strengthening its market position, Shift4 is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for integrated payment and loyalty solutions. As the transaction moves towards completion, industry observers and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this strategic move unfolds and shapes the future of payment processing and customer engagement technologies.

Release – Comtech Relocates Corporate Headquarters to Chandler, AZ

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on CMTL

Arizona Governor, Chandler Mayor, and Local Leaders to Attend August 16 Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate the Relocation of Comtech’s Headquarters to Arizona

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Aug. 16, 2024– Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) (the “Company”), a global technology leader, today announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Melville, NY to Chandler, AZ. Comtech’s new corporate headquarters in Chandler boasts approximately 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art office, engineering and manufacturing space that is designed to enhance operations, improve collaboration and accelerate the delivery of new technologies, systems and services to a variety of customers across global markets.

The decision to relocate Comtech’s headquarters to Chandler, first disclosed in March 2024, is rooted in the Company’s continued commitment to optimizing its corporate infrastructure and enhancing Comtech’s culture of innovation. The City of Chandler is already home to several of Comtech’s largest customers and provides easy access to a leading technology corridor that is renowned for yielding the talent needed to develop and execute the Company’s vision, which is centered on delivering trusted and resilient communications solutions to commercial and government customers across the globe.

“Chandler has established itself as a leading technology corridor in the United States,” said John Ratigan, Interim CEO of Comtech. “We are thrilled to expand our footprint in Arizona and excited to benefit from the City of Chandler’s continued commitment to innovation. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the Company, and our new headquarters will play a central role in helping Comtech deliver new resilient, network agnostic, software-defined communications capabilities to some of the world’s most demanding customers, including the Department of Defense (“DoD”).”

To mark the milestone, the company will host a formal ribbon cutting ceremony today with Arizona Governor, Katie Hobbs, Chandler Mayor, Kevin Hartke, and other Arizona business and community leaders. While Comtech started welcoming employees to its new Chandler office in 2023, the Company has had a presence in Arizona and served local commercial, defense and government customers for over 25years.

“Today marks a momentous day for Arizona as we welcome Comtech, a leading global technology company, to its new home in Chandler,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “Comtech’s Chandler headquarters will bring enhanced economic growth opportunities and highlights Arizona’s attractive business environment and reputation as a top hub for innovation and technology. We are proud to support Comtech in their new chapter and look forward to supporting Comtech’s success in Arizona.”

The technologies, solutions and services developed at Comtech’s Chandler headquarters currently serve a variety of commercial and government customers, including the U.S. government, the DoD, humanitarian agencies, satellite service providers, some of the nation’s largest cellular carriers, cruise lines, and emergency response agencies, among others. New offerings being developed at Comtech’s Chandler headquarters are designed to expand access to new connectivity services; connect the end users in some of the world’s most challenging geographic regions; and empower customers with new, integrated communications capabilities that can significantly enhance decision making capabilities when seconds matter most.

“I am thrilled that Comtech has chosen Chandler as the site for their new global headquarters,” said U.S. Representative Greg Stanton. “The investment Comtech is making in our community underscores the potential they see in our workforce, our infrastructure, and our economic climate. With over 50 years of technology leadership across global satellite, space, terrestrial, and wireless markets, Comtech is uniquely positioned to lead the way in connecting the unconnected and empowering the world with new technologies and services.”

Comtech is committed to continuing to enhance the Chandler community through local partnerships, strategic sponsorships and workforce development programs. Over the past two years, a variety of Arizona students participated in the Company’s summer internship program. In February, in partnership with the Society of Women Engineers at Arizona State University, Comtech sponsored and participated in the annual Chandler Innovation Fair. Last October, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce recognized Comtech as one of the Top 100 businesses in the city. And in March 2023, Comtech hosted its first-ever EXCHANGE event, an educational series inspiring woman of all ages to pursue STEAM career fields, in Chandler.

“We are excited to join Comtech in celebrating their new global headquarters in Chandler,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “Publicly traded headquarters do not relocate often, but we have found that Chandler’s robust talent pipeline and pro-business operating environment make a compelling case for corporate decision makers. Comtech adds to a growing list of headquarters that have landed in Chandler over the last few years. It has been a real pleasure working with the Comtech team during this process and we look forward to building a strong partnership in the years to come.”

As Comtech’s presence in Arizona continues to grow, the Company is currently hiring for a variety of Chandler-based positions. If you are interested in joining Comtech, please visit the careers page of the Company’s website for more information.

To learn more about the Company’s new Chandler, Arizona headquarters, please visit: https://comtech-ssd.hs-sites.com/az24

About Comtech

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Comtech) 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. 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

631-962-7102

investors@comtech.com

Media Contact

Jamie Clegg

480-532-2523

jamie.clegg@comtech.com

Conduent Inc. (CNDT) – Nearing the Trough, Looking Towards the Future

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, August 16, 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.

Q2 beat. The company delivered solid Q2 with revenue of $828 million, slightly better than our forecast of $812 million, and adj. EBITDA of $35 million, 84% better than our estimate of $19 million. Importantly, we believe the company is nearing the trough of its operating results as its divestiture activity appears to be winding down.

Favorable trends emerging. Importantly, the Commercial segment, the company’s largest by revenue, appears to be trending positively. Management highlighted that new business signings rebounded in Q2. Additionally, the Transportation segment is positioned for sequential revenue growth in the back half of the year, buoyed by a large contract in Australia.


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Release – Bitcoin Depot Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on BTM

August 13, 2024 8:05 AM EDT

Related Documents

Earnings Webcast

Audio

Presentation

PDF

Revenue of $163.1 Million With a Significant Expansion in Net Income to $4.4 Million Compared to Q1 2024

Exceeded Goal of Having Over 8,000 Active Bitcoin ATMs Five Months Ahead of Schedule

ATLANTA, Aug. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot Inc. (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. Bitcoin Depot will host a conference call and webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET today. An earnings presentation and link to the webcast will be made available at ir.bitcoindepot.com.

“We continued to build on our momentum in the second quarter, achieving notable sequential growth in revenue, net income, and Adjusted EBITDA,” said Brandon Mintz, CEO and Founder of Bitcoin Depot. “Our success of having over 8,000 active Bitcoin ATMs five months ahead of schedule underscores our robust execution and positions us well for sustained growth. This achievement not only enhances our market presence but also drives our cash flow dynamics, as evidenced by the $10.1 million in operational cash flow generated during the second quarter. With this strong foundation, we are well-positioned to expand our world-leading kiosk footprint and maximize profits for our shareholders.”

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Revenue in the second quarter of 2024 was $163.1 million, down 17% from $197.5 million in the second quarter of 2023. Revenue in the second quarter of 2024 was up $24.5 million or 18% from the first quarter of 2024.

Total operating expenses were $18.8 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $19.7 million for the second quarter of 2023. 

Net income for the second quarter of 2024 was $4.4 million, compared to a net loss of $4.0 million for the second quarter of 2023. Net income in the second quarter of 2024 was up $8.6 million or 203% from a net loss of $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Adjusted gross profit in the second quarter of 2024 was $26.4 million, down 13% from $30.2 million for the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted gross profit margin (non-GAAP) in the second quarter of 2024 increased approximately 90 basis points to 16.2% compared to 15.3% in the second quarter of 2023. Please see “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, in the second quarter of 2024 decreased 36% to $12.7 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $19.8 million for the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2024 was up $7.8 million or 159% from the first quarter of 2024. Please see “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

Cash and cash equivalents were $43.9 million as of the end of the second quarter of 2024. The Company generated $10.1 million in cash flows from operations in the second quarter and $11.5 million for the first six months of 2024.

Recent Business Highlights

  • Achieved and exceeded its goal of having over 8,000 active Bitcoin ATMs five months ahead of schedule, with 8,180 kiosks. This milestone reinforces Bitcoin Depot’s abiding market dominance and showcases its rapid growth trajectory. 
  • Partnered with New England-Based convenience retailer Nouria Energy, a leading convenience store brand based in the northeastern U.S. with robust operations across 175 company owned c-stores and fuel retailers. 
  • Announced Bitcoin treasury strategy, demonstrating the Company’s confidence in the future of Bitcoin by strategically allocating a portion of cash reserves to Bitcoin. 
  • Announced sale of 200 additional BTM kiosks to Sopris Capital, a 20-year-old multi-strategy investment firm as part of the Company’s profit-sharing program.

Conference Call

Bitcoin Depot will hold a conference call at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time (7:00 a.m. Pacific time), today to discuss its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Call Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 
Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern time (7:00 a.m. Pacific time) 
U.S. dial-in: 646-968-2525
International dial-in: 888-596-4144
Conference ID: 4727212

The conference call will broadcast live and be available for replay here following the call.

Please call the conference telephone number approximately 10 minutes before the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Bitcoin Depot’s investor relations team at 1-949-574-3860.

A replay of the call will be available beginning after 2:00 p.m. Eastern time on August 13, 2024, through August 20, 2024.

U.S. replay number: 609-800-9909
International replay number: 800-770-2030
Conference ID: 4727212

About Bitcoin Depot

Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 8,000 kiosk locations as of July 1, 2024. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com. 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, our ability to strengthen our financial profile, and worldwide growth in the adoption and use of cryptocurrencies,. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,“ ”plan,“ ”potential,“ ”priorities,“ ”project,“ ”pursue,“ ”seek,“ ”should,“ ”target,“ ”when,“ ”will,“ ”would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; risks relating to the uncertainty of our projected financial information; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

View the full release HERE.

Release – SKYX Reports Record Second Quarter Sales of $21.4 Million Compared to $15.0 Million for Second Quarter 2023 as it Continues to Grow its Market Penetration in the U.S and Canada of its Advanced and Smart Platform Products

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

News Research and Market Data on SKYX

August 12, 2024

MIAMI, Aug. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a SKYX Technologies) (the “Company” or “SKYX”), a highly disruptive platform technology company with over 97 pending and issued patents globally and over 60 lighting and home décor websites, with a mission to make homes and buildings become safe and smart as the new standard, today reported its financial and operational results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 and Recent Achievements

  • Generated record second quarter revenues of $21.4 million compared to $15.0 million for the second quarter of 2023, including sales of its advanced and smart platform plug and play products.
  • Reported $15.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, as of June 30, 2024, as compared to $19.8 million as of March 31, 2024. As common with companies such as ours when sales are converted into cash rapidly, often referred to as the “Dell Working Capital Model”, the Company leverages its trades payable to finance its operations, to enhance its cash position and to lower its cost of capital.
  • SKYX’s collaboration with Home Depot, a world leading home improvement retailer, was announced for its advanced and smart plug & play products. SKYX will offer a variety of its Advanced and Smart Plug & Play Products including Retrofit Kits, Smart Light Fixtures, Smart Ceiling Fans, Ceiling Outlet Receptacles, and Recessed Lights among others. A large assortment of these advanced and smart products is expected to be offered on Home Depot’s website in the next coming months, while some advanced and smart plug & play retrofit products are expected to arrive in a variety of stores and online to be offered as a fixture upgrade. Management believes that the collaboration with Home Depot can be significant for SKYX’s growth to both retail and professional markets.
  • The Company continues to grow its market penetration of its advanced and smart plug & play products as its products are in nearly 10,000 U.S. and Canadian homes and are expected to be in tens of thousands of homes in 2025.
  • SKYX continues to utilize its e-commerce platform of over 60 websites for lighting and home décor to educate and enhance its market penetration to both retail and professional segments.
  • SKYX and General Electric / GE Licensing are making progress with initiatives related to the recently signed 5-year licensing partnership agreement for the U.S. and global markets. SKYX and GE’s goal is to make SKYX’s game-changing ceiling outlet/receptacle the standard for homes and buildings by licensing it and its related products including SKYX’s advanced and smart home platform technologies to various industries including tech, smart home, AI, lighting, ceiling fans and electrical.
  • Company started production of its new global patented advanced, smart, plug & play recessed light. The global recessed light market is a multi-billion-unit market. SKYX’s new Plug & Play recessed light global patents include the U.S., China, Canada, Hong-Kong and Mexico. As billions of recessed lights are installed globally with hazardous electrical wires, SKYX’s recessed light solution enables an advanced, simple Plug & Play installation that saves time, cost and lives. SKYX’s Plug & Play recessed lights can be controlled through SKYX’s App, Voice Control and Phone and works with Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung.
  • Collaboration with a world-leading Chinese Lighting supplier and manufacturer Ruee Appliances. The collaboration with Ruee includes SKYX’s advanced and smart products to both professional and retail markets and provides SKYX substantial backing in several areas including financial, mass production manufacturing capabilities, and distribution to global markets, including China and Europe. The collaboration is expected to substantially enhance gross margins on SKYX’s product sales and favorably impact its cash conversion cycle.
  • New Global Smart Home and AI Related Patents. SKYX’s new and existing patents, including the new global patented advanced, smart, plug & play recessed light, enable and enhance performance of smart home and AI sensors in addition to home safety sensors bringing the Company’s intellectual property portfolio to a total of over 97 issued and pending patents, 36 of which are issued patents covering SKYX’s advanced plug and play and smart home platform technologies for the smart home, AI, electrical, and lighting industries in the U.S. and internationally including China, Europe, Mexico and 2 patents in India. This also includes the recent issuance of 6 additional patents in the U.S. and internationally, in China, India, Europe, Canada, and Mexico for its advanced smart Plug & Play Ceiling Fan & Heater. The 6 additional patent issuances cover SKYX’s advanced plug-and-play smart ceiling fan and heater, enabling an all-in-one all-season product providing cool air for summertime and hot air for wintertime.
  • Announced a collaboration with world-leading lighting company Kichler, to include SKYX’s advanced smart and standard products online, for retail, and professional channels.
  • Announced a collaboration with Quoizel, a premier U.S. lighting manufacturer for nearly 100 years, to integrate SKYX’s advanced smart and standard products for online, retail, and professional channels.
  • The Company entered into an agreement to supply approximately 1,000 homes with its advanced smart home platform technologies and is expected to deliver approximately 30,000 units representing a variety of its advanced and smart platform technology products to the developer’s upcoming projects.
  • SKYX won 7 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Awards including most recently two awards for its All-In-One Smart Home Platform.
  • Announced a collaboration with Golden Lighting, a leading provider of elegant lighting solutions in the U.S., which will feature SKYX advanced smart and standard products for online, retail, and professional channels.

Safety Standardization Highlights

The Company filed for a mandatory safety standardization with the National Electrical Code (NEC) for its ceiling outlet receptacle for ceilings in homes and buildings in 2023.

Management believes that after over 12 years of its standardization process, including its product specification approval voting for by ANSI / NEMA (American National Standardization Institute / National Electrical Manufacturing Association), it has met the necessary safety conditions for becoming a ceiling safety standardization requirement for homes and buildings. In the past 12 years, the Company’s product was voted into 10 segments in the NEC Code Book. Voting decisions are at the discretion of the NEC voting members.

The Company’s code team is led by Mark Earley – former head of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and former Chief Electrical Engineer of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – as well as Eric Jacobson, former President and CEO of The American Lighting Association (ALA). Mr. Earley and Mr. Jacobson were instrumental in numerous code and safety changes in both the electrical and lighting industries.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Revenue in the second quarter of 2024 increased to a record $21.4 million, including E-commerce sales as well as smart and standard plug and play products, as compared to $15.0 million in the second quarter of 2023.

Reported $15.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, as of June 30, 2024, as compared to $19.8 million as of March 31, 2024. As common with companies such as ours when their sales are converted into cash rapidly, often referred to as the “Dell Working Capital Model”, we leverage our trades payable to finance our operations to enhance our cash position and lower our cost of capital.

We had a $2.5 million reduction in net cash loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, as adjusted for share-based payments (“adjusted EBITDA”), a non-GAAP measure, to $2.1 million, in the second quarter of 2024, as compared to $4.6 million, in the first quarter of 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA loss, a non-GAAP measure, amounted to $2.1 million, in addition to a non-cash basis loss of $5.4 million, amounted to a net loss of $7.5 million, or $(0.08) per share, in the second quarter of 2024, as compared to a net cash loss of $2.7 million, in addition to a non-cash basis loss of $9.6 million, amounted to a net loss of $12.3 million, or $(0.14) per share, in the second quarter of 2023.

The Company’s financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, will be filed with the SEC and are available on the Company’s investor relations website. https://ir.skyplug.com/sec-filings/.

Management Commentary

The second quarter of 2024 was highlighted by our continued market penetration and positioning that includes our announced collaboration with Home Depot which we believe can be significant for our growth to both retail and professional markets. Additionally, the Ruee Appliances collaboration will assist us with product variety, gross margins, future distribution channels, and sales and marketing programs with key stakeholders in such channels. We believe we have accelerated our cadence of sales, notably managing our cash burn, while our e-commerce platform with over 60 websites is providing additional cash flow to the Company, which, when combined with our existing cash, enhances our cash position to continue executing our business plan. We believe we will be cash flow positive during 2025.

We are encouraged by our path to the builder/commercial segments, large online and brick-and-mortar retail partners as well as our future potential to realize incremental licensing, subscription, and AI/data aggregation revenues.

Furthermore, our e-commerce website platform with 60 websites enhances the acceleration of marketing, distribution channels, collaborations, and sales to both professional and retail segments. Our websites include banners, videos, and educational materials regarding the simplicity, cost savings, timesaving, and lifesaving aspects of the Company’s patented technologies. 

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 97 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://skyplug.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management considers earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted, an important indicator in evaluating the Company’s business on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables management to monitor and evaluate the business on a consistent basis. The Company uses EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. The Company believes that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not part of the Company’s core operations, such as interest expense and amortization expense associated with intangible assets, or items that do not involve a cash outlay, such as share-based payments and non-recurring items, such as transaction costs. EBITDA, as adjusted, should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and cash flows used in operating activities. This non-GAAP financial measure excludes significant expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded in the Company’s financial statements and is subject to inherent limitations. Investors should review the reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the comparable GAAP financial measure. Investors should not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate the Company’s business.

Investor Relations Contact:

Jeff Ramson
PCG Advisory
jramson@pcgadvisory.com

GoHealth, Inc. (GOCO) – Is there a Tailwind in the Forecast?

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Friday, August 09, 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.

Q2 results below estimates. The company reported Q2 revenue and adj. EBITDA of $105.9 million and a loss of $12.3 million, respectively, below our estimates. Our revenue and adj. EBITDA estimates were $144.0 million and a loss of $6.3 million, respectively.

Preparing for AEP. The company has been testing Plan Fit Save, an initiative whereby it is compensated by health plan carriers for improving customer retention when GoHealth recommends consumers to keep their existing plans. We believe the combination Plan Fit Save, as well as the prospect for disruption to health plan benefits in the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period, could set the company up for a strong finish to the year.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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. 

Harte Hanks (HHS) – Investment In Sales Not Yet Kicking In Gear

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Friday, August 09, 2024

Harte Hanks (NASDAQ: HHS) is a leading global customer experience company whose mission is to partner with clients to provide them with CX strategy, data-driven analytics and actionable insights combined with seamless program execution to better understand, attract, and engage their customers. Using its unparalleled resources and award-winning talent in the areas of Customer Care, Fulfillment and Logistics, and Marketing Services, Harte Hanks has a proven track record of driving results for some of the world’s premier brands including Bank of America, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, Pfizer, HBOMax, Volvo, Ford, FedEx, Midea, Sony, and IBM among others. Headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts , Harte Hanks has over 2,500 employees in offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific .

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

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Mixed Q2 results. Revenues of $45.0 million was slightly below our $47.5 million estimate. In spite of the lighter than expected revenues, the company delivered on adj. EBITDA expectations at $3.6 million, reflecting benefits from its cost efficiency strategy developed last year. Figure #1 Q2 Results highlights the quarter versus our estimates. 

A healthy revenue indicator. Management indicated that its pipeline of business is building and ahead of last year, but that there is a long tail to convert to revenue. We believe that the company’s investment into building its sales infrastructure and culture, which began late last year, has yet to be converted into enhanced revenue. The hoped for impact of the investment may be pushed out a quarter or two.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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 – GoHealth Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOCO

Aug 08, 2024 at 6:00 AM EDT

CHICAGO, Aug. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GoHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOCO) (“GoHealth” or the “Company”), a leading health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company, today announced financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter Highlights

  • Second quarter 2024 net revenues of $105.9 million, a $36.9 million decrease compared to $142.8 million in the prior year period.
  • Second quarter 2024 Submissions of 152,394, a 6% decrease compared to 162,837 Submissions in the prior year period, driven by an increase in Submissions generated by GoHealth’s internal captive agents offset by a decrease in Submissions generated by our external GoPartner Solutions agents.
  • Second quarter 2024 net loss of $59.3 million, an improvement of $10.9 million compared to a net loss of $70.2 million in the prior year period.
  • Second quarter 2024 Adjusted EBITDA(1) of negative $12.3 million, a decrease of $13.1 million compared to positive $0.8 million in the prior year period.
  • Second quarter 2024 trailing twelve months (“TTM”) positive cash flow from operations was $53.8 million, a decrease of $32.1 million compared to TTM positive cash flow from operations of $85.9 million in the prior year period.

“We experienced a decline in net revenues to $105.9 million due to a 6% decrease in total Submissions. Submissions generated by our internal captive agents increased year-over-year, offset by a decline in Submissions generated by our external GoPartner Solutions, or GPS, agents,” said Vijay Kotte, CEO of GoHealth. “We are particularly pleased with the performance of our internal captive agents despite unchanged shopping and switching dynamics since last year’s annual enrollment period (“AEP”). We anticipated year-over-year declines from Q1 through Q3, but our team has managed these expected dynamics by driving efficiencies. These results highlight the benefits of our proprietary Encompass workflow and PlanFit CheckUp process. GoHealth plays a critical role in helping Medicare eligible consumers navigate plan options every year. As we gear up for AEP in just 67 days, GoHealth is intensifying targeted marketing efforts to better identify and reach consumers in need of PlanFit CheckUp’s.”

“We also remain committed to leveraging our strengths and strategic initiatives to drive future growth,” continued Kotte. “GoHealth continues to advance our technology to ensure a seamless experience for agents and consumers. We believe that our advancements in artificial intelligence (“AI”) and automation are setting a new industry standard. Our proprietary technology leverages machine and deep learning models atop our sophisticated data platforms, enabling us to deliver more precise, data-driven insights and significantly enhance agent efficiency. We expect these innovations to streamline processes, provide dynamic personalization in our workflows, and improve our overall operational efficiency. By integrating AI and automation into our operations, we intend to not only enhance the consumer experience but also solidify our position as an industry leader in customer acquisition costs, represented by our Direct Cost of Submission.(2) With our consumer orientation and technology enablement, we are looking forward to continuing to support consumers during what we currently believe will be a dynamic AEP,” continued Kotte.

“We expect various factors to influence the second half of the year and we remain confident in our performance expectations for 2024. We anticipate growth in Submission volume, revenue, and Adjusted EBITDA,” said Katie O’Halloran, Interim CFO of GoHealth. “We believe our mix of agency versus non-agency agreements will be a key driver of our cash flow from operations performance. With our continued strategic focus and disciplined execution, we are committed to achieving our goals and delivering long-term value.”

(1)   Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, please see below.

(2)   Direct Cost of Submission is a key operating metric. For a definition of Direct Cost of Submission and a description of how it is calculated, please see below.

Conference Call Details

The Company will host a conference call today, Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss its financial results. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available via GoHealth’s Investor Relations website, https://investors.gohealth.com/. A replay of the call will be available via webcast for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call.

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
JShave@gohealth.com
 
Media Relations:
Pressinquiries@gohealth.com
 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, statements regarding our expected growth, future capital expenditures, debt service obligations and adoption and use of artificial intelligence technologies are forward-looking statements.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “aims,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “likely,” “future” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this press release are only predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including the factors described in the sections titled “Summary Risk Factors,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K”) and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The factors described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this press release, as well as the cautionary statements and other risk factors set forth in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024, the forthcoming Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

You should read this press release and the documents that we reference in this press release completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

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