Blackboxstocks, Inc. is a financial technology and social media hybrid platform offering real-time proprietary analytics and news for stock and options traders of all levels. Our web-based software employs “predictive technology” enhanced by artificial intelligence to find volatility and unusual market activity that may result in the rapid change in the price of a stock or option. Blackbox continuously scans the NASDAQ, New York Stock Exchange, CBOE, and all other options markets, analyzing over 10,000 stocks and up to 1,500,000 options contracts multiple times per second. We provide our users with a fully interactive social media platform that is integrated into our dashboard, enabling our users to exchange information and ideas quickly and efficiently through a common network. We recently introduced a live audio/video feature that allows our members to broadcast on their own channels to share trade strategies and market insight within the Blackbox community. Blackbox is a SaaS company with a growing base of users that spans 42 countries; current subscription fees are $99.97 per month or $959.00 annually. For more information, go to: www.blackboxstocks.com .
Joe Gomes, 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.
Evtec Aluminum. Blackbox announced that the Company has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Evtec Aluminum Limited. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions including but not limited to regulatory, lender, and stockholder approval.
What is Evtec Aluminum? Evtec Aluminum is a supplier of proprietary mission critical parts for the Electric Vehicle, Hybrid, Performance, and Luxury OEM automotive markets. They supply parts to brands such as JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover), Aston Martin, Ford, Bentley, and auto suppliers including Dana, American Axle, Cox Powertrain, among others.
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.
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com
Joe Gomes, 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.
NobleCon19. Information Services Group CEO Michael Connors and CFO Michael Sherrick presented at NobleCon19. Management highlighted how ISG’s service can enable clients to be more efficient and effective in the deployment of their technology, a focus on recurring revenue and growth, and returning value to shareholders. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/information-services-group-noblecon19-replay.
Recurring Revenue. Recurring revenue for the Company has been about $125 million over the trailing twelve months, and has accounted for 42% of firm-wide total revenue year-to-date. ISG has set a new Company goal of $150 million in annual recurring revenues by 2025 and we believe that the Company can achieve this goal.
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.
As artificial intelligence continues its seemingly unstoppable rise, tech giants are racing to power the next generation of AI applications. This week, Amazon Web Services unveiled its latest salvo directed squarely at sector leader Nvidia – the new Trainium2 AI training chip. Promising up to quadruple the performance of its predecessor, Trainium2 represents Amazon’s most aggressive move yet to challenge Nvidia’s dominance in the white-hot AI chip space.
Nvidia’s GPUs Fuel Explosive Growth of AI
Over the past decade, Nvidia has capitalized on the AI boom more than any other company. Its graphics processing units, or GPUs, first designed for video gaming proved remarkably adept at accelerating machine learning. Aggressive investments in its Tensor Core GPU architecture tailored specifically for AI workloads cemented Nvidia’s status as the chipmaker of choice for everything from natural language AI like ChatGPT to computer vision, robotics and self-driving vehicles.
Demand for Nvidia chips now far outstrips supply, as businesses of all stripes rush to infuse AI capabilities into their operations. The company’s data center revenue expanded sharply in its most recent quarter, overtaking its gaming segment for the first time, demonstrating the commercial appetite for its AI offerings. Nvidia also boasts partnerships expanding its reach, including an alliance with Microsoft to power Azure’s AI cloud infrastructure.
Can Trainium2 Take on Nvidia’s AI Dominance?
This is the competitive landscape now facing Trainium2 as Amazon seeks to grow its 7% share of the nearly $61 billion AI chip market. Boasting 58 billion transistors, far greater than Nvidia’s offerings, and advanced compression technology minimizing data movement, the second-generation Trainium aims to match or beat Nvidia’s training performance at lower cost.
Crucially for Amazon Web Services customers, Trainium2 optimizes TensorFlow, PyTorch and MXNet, among the most popular open-source AI frameworks. It can also handle multi-framework workloads simultaneously. Amazon is counting on these features combined with integrated tools for scaling model training to convince AI developers and businesses to give Trainium2 a look over Nvidia’s ubiquitous GPUs.
Still, Nvidia isn’t standing still. Its latest H100 GPU packs 80 billion transistors enabling an order of magnitude performance leap over previous generations. Plus, Nvidia’s CUDA programming framework and expansive software ecosystem powering over 2.3 million AI developers globally cannot be easily dismissed.
The AI Chip Wars Have Only Just Begun While Trainium2 faces stiff competition, its arrival underscores how vital the AI chip space has become. Amazon is also expanding collaboration with Nvidia, incorporating H200 GPUs into AWS infrastructure so customers can access Nvidia’s most advanced AI hardware. With AI poised to unleash a new industrial revolution, expect the battle for chip supremacy powering everything from intelligent search to autonomous robotaxis to keep heating up.
Chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA) is slated to report fiscal third quarter financial results after Tuesday’s closing bell, with major implications for tech stocks as investors parse the numbers for clues about the artificial intelligence boom.
Heading into the print, Nvidia shares closed at an all-time record high of $504.09 on Monday, capping a momentous run over the last year. Bolstered by explosive growth in data center revenue tied to AI applications, the stock has doubled since November 2022.
Now, Wall Street awaits Nvidia’s latest earnings and guidance with bated breath, eager to gauge the pace of expansion in the company’s most promising segments serving AI needs.
Consensus estimates call for dramatic sales and profit surges versus last year’s third quarter results. But in 2022, Nvidia has made beating expectations look easy.
This time, another strong showing could validate nosebleed valuations across tech stocks and reinforce the bid under mega-cap names like Microsoft and Alphabet that have ridden AI fervor to their own historic highs this month.
By contrast, any signs of weakness threatening Nvidia’s narrative as an AI juggernaut could prompt the momentum-driven sector to stumble. An upside surprise remains the base case for most analysts. But with tech trading at elevated multiples, the stakes are undoubtedly high heading into Tuesday’s report.
AI Arms Race Boosting Data Center Sales
Nvidia’s data center segment, which produces graphics chips for AI computing and data analytics, has turbocharged overall company growth in recent quarters. Third quarter data center revenue is expected to eclipse $12.8 billion, up 235% year-over-year.
Strength is being driven by demand from hyperscale customers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Alphabet Cloud racing to build out AI-optimized infrastructure. The intense competition has fueled a powerful upgrade cycle benefiting Nvidia.
Now, hopes are high that Nvidia’s next-generation H100 processor, unveiled in late 2021 and ramping production through 2024, will drive another leg higher for data center sales.
Management’s commentary around H100 adoption and trajectory will help investors gauge expectations moving forward. An increase to the long-term target for overall company revenue, last quantified between $50 billion and $60 billion, could also catalyze more upside.
What’s Next for Gaming and Auto?
Beyond data center, Nvidia’s gaming segment remains closely monitored after a pandemic-era boom went bust in 2022 amid fading consumer demand. The crypto mining crash also slammed graphics card orders.
Gaming revenue is expected to grow 73% annually in the quarter to $2.7 billion, signaling a possible bottom but well below 2021’s peak near $3.5 billion. Investors will watch for reassurance that the inventory correction is complete and gaming sales have stabilized.
Meanwhile, Nvidia’s exposure to AI extends across emerging autonomous driving initiatives in the auto sector. Design wins and partnerships with electric vehicle makers could open another massive opportunity. Updates on traction here have the potential to pique further interest.
Evercore ISI analyst Julian Emanuel summed up the situation: “It’s still NVDA’s world when it comes to [fourth quarter] reports – we’ll all just be living in it.”
In other words, Nvidia remains the pace-setter steering tech sector sentiment to kick off 2024. And while AI adoption appears inevitable in the long run, the market remains keenly sensitive to indications that roadmap is progressing as quickly as hoped.
Annual awards honor technology and business service providers that deliver the highest level of customer service to enterprise clients
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, last night presented the 2023 ISG Star of Excellence Awards™ to Accenture, HCLTech and TCS, recognizing the three service providers for consistently demonstrating the highest standards of customer service excellence in the past year, based on direct feedback from enterprise customers.
In a ceremony at the ISG Sourcing Industry Awards Gala Dinner, held at the conclusion of the ISG Sourcing Industry Conference at the Park Plaza Victoria London, the providers were awarded the sixth annual overall ISG Star of Excellence Awards for earning the highest cumulative customer experience scores across all regions, industries and technology areas.
The ISG Star of Excellence Awards, part of the ISG Provider Lens™ research program, is the premiere industry recognition for the technology and business services industry. Providers are ranked on the quality of their services based on direct feedback from enterprise customers in the areas of Business Continuity and Flexibility; Collaboration and Transparency; Execution and Delivery; Governance and Compliance; Innovation and Thought Leadership, and People and Cultural Fit.
The winners are chosen from among a group of more than 2,000 service providers and vendors ISG analyzes and evaluates each year. This year, ISG received feedback from enterprise clients with roles in IT, operations, lines of business, procurement and vendor management and other areas, and operating in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific.
In addition to the overall ISG Star of Excellence Award winners, last night’s ceremony recognized:
The top provider for each emerging technology area, with Hexaware named the universal winner for emerging technology;
The top provider for the Americas (Microland), EMEA (Stefanini) and Asia Pacific (TCS), with Genpact receiving the Global Award;
The top provider for each industry, with Persistent Systems named the universal industry winner;
The top ITO provider for each technology area, with HCLTech named ITO universal technology winner;
The top BPO provider by service area, with HCLTech named the universal BPO winner.
HCLTech was presented with a total of six awards across all categories, TCS a total of four awards and Persistent Systems a total of four awards. A complete list of winners can be found here.
Paul Gottsegen, president of ISG Research and Client Experience, noted the importance of customer feedback to the continued advancement of the entire industry.
“In 2023, more enterprises than ever shared their provider experiences through the ISG Star of Excellence program. This valuable feedback helps providers see themselves through the eyes of their customers and deepens ISG’s understanding of providers to support our research and sourcing advisory services,” said Gottsegen. “We are pleased to see the CX scores of providers are rising, even as clients’ expectations are increasing, especially around innovation and thought leadership.”
The ISG Star of Excellence™ CX research program scores and ranks providers based on customer survey responses. Ongoing surveys ask enterprises to rate their experiences with hundreds of IT and business services providers across industries, regions and technologies. The research goes beyond general satisfaction to explore, in depth, customer experiences with specific services and solutions offered by providers—research that is tied directly to ISG Provider Lens™ quadrant evaluations.
For more information on the ISG Star of Excellence™ continuous CX research program, visit this webpage. Service providers can nominate their customers to be a part of the program at any time throughout the year.
About ISG Provider Lens™ Research
The ISG Provider Lens™ Quadrant research series is the only service provider evaluation of its kind to combine empirical, data-driven research and market analysis with the real-world experience and observations of ISG’s global advisory team. Enterprises will find a wealth of detailed data and market analysis to help guide their selection of appropriate sourcing partners, while ISG advisors use the reports to validate their own market knowledge and make recommendations to ISG’s enterprise clients. The research currently covers providers offering their services globally, across Europe, as well as in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the U.K., France, Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, the Nordics, Australia and Singapore/Malaysia, with additional markets to be added in the future. For more information about ISG Provider Lens research, please visit this webpage.
A companion research series, the ISG Provider Lens Archetype reports, offer a first-of-its-kind evaluation of providers from the perspective of specific buyer types.
About ISG
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,600 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.
One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS) designs and manufactures innovative AI Transportable edge computing modules and systems, including ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, expansion systems, flash storage arrays, and Ion Accelerator™ SAN, NAS, and data recording software for AI workflows. These products are used for AI data set capture, training, and large-scale inference in the defense, oil and gas, mining, autonomous vehicles, and rugged entertainment applications. OSS utilizes the power of PCI Express, the latest GPU accelerators and NVMe storage to build award-winning systems, including many industry firsts, for industrial OEMs and government customers. The company enables AI on the Fly® by bringing AI datacenter performance to ‘the edge,’ especially on mobile platforms, and by addressing the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training, and inference. OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com.
Joe Gomes, 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.
New Win. One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS), has won a multi-million-dollar program with Leidos’ Dynetics, a provider of mission-critical solutions for the U.S. government. The new award with a new client illustrates management’s focus on broadening end markets and client relationships, in our view.
Contract Details. Valued at approximately $2.5 million to $3.5 million over the next three years, with an initial award of $500,000, the award is the first multi-year win OSS has secured with this prime contractor. OSS will provide its proprietary transportable compute and storage technology designed to power an emerging specialized mobile AI signal collection application.
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.
Blackboxstocks, Inc. is a financial technology and social media hybrid platform offering real-time proprietary analytics and news for stock and options traders of all levels. Our web-based software employs “predictive technology” enhanced by artificial intelligence to find volatility and unusual market activity that may result in the rapid change in the price of a stock or option. Blackbox continuously scans the NASDAQ, New York Stock Exchange, CBOE, and all other options markets, analyzing over 10,000 stocks and up to 1,500,000 options contracts multiple times per second. We provide our users with a fully interactive social media platform that is integrated into our dashboard, enabling our users to exchange information and ideas quickly and efficiently through a common network. We recently introduced a live audio/video feature that allows our members to broadcast on their own channels to share trade strategies and market insight within the Blackbox community. Blackbox is a SaaS company with a growing base of users that spans 42 countries; current subscription fees are $99.97 per month or $959.00 annually. For more information, go to: www.blackboxstocks.com .
Joe Gomes, 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.
3Q2023 Results. Revenue for the Company was $728,468 compared to $1.2 million last year. Average monthly revenue per user was $76.37 for the quarter compared to $78.19 in the prior year period. Operating expenses totaled $1.3 million compared to $1.9 million last year. Blackboxstocks reported a net loss of $671,745 or EPS loss of $0.21, compared to a net loss of $1.3 million or $0.40 EPS loss last year. Adjusted EBITDA was a negative $513,026 versus a negative $1.1 million in the prior year.
Member Count. Blackboxstocks had an average member count of 3,174 at the end of the quarter, down from 3,937 at the end of the second quarter and 5,197 last year. This continues a trend of decreasing users experienced by the company on its products for the year. The Company is exploring strategic marketing partnerships to increase the growth of its products.
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.
One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS) designs and manufactures innovative AI Transportable edge computing modules and systems, including ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, expansion systems, flash storage arrays, and Ion Accelerator™ SAN, NAS, and data recording software for AI workflows. These products are used for AI data set capture, training, and large-scale inference in the defense, oil and gas, mining, autonomous vehicles, and rugged entertainment applications. OSS utilizes the power of PCI Express, the latest GPU accelerators and NVMe storage to build award-winning systems, including many industry firsts, for industrial OEMs and government customers. The company enables AI on the Fly® by bringing AI datacenter performance to ‘the edge,’ especially on mobile platforms, and by addressing the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training, and inference. OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com.
Joe Gomes, 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.
3Q23 Results. Revenue came in at $13.7 million, slightly above our $13.5 million estimate, but down 27% y-o-y, reflecting the continued runoff of the Disguise business, which contributed $4.3 million of revenue in the year ago quarter. Higher operating expenses, including some one-time items, drove a net loss of $3.6 million, or a loss of $0.18/sh in the quarter, compared to net income of $132,533, or EPS of $0.01 last year. Adjusted loss was $0.03/sh compared to EPS of $0.03 last year. We had forecasted a loss of $0.10/sh.
Unique Position. We continue to believe OSS has carved out a unique position in the robust growth markets driven by artificial intelligence and sensor fusion, particularly in rugged high-performance compute demand at the Edge. Management remains committed to expanding efforts to secure new prime contractors, vehicle platforms, and multiyear contracts, both domestically and internationally.
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.
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, 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.
New Order. Comtech announced a $20.0 million order from the Company’s UK-based partner, Spectra Group. The order will allow Spectra Group, the appointed regional distributor of Comtech’s Compact Over-the-Horizon Transportable Terminal (COMET), to service multiple orders already received, and several expected follow-on orders from undisclosed customers in the NATO and European regions. In September 2023, Spectra Group announced the receipt of a $8.0 million order from UK MoD to equip 3 (UK) Division with Comtech’s COMET systems.
COMET. The COMET system is designed to be easily integrated with other Department of Defense (DoD) and coalition tactical, mobile, and fixed communications systems to provide resilient, secure beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capabilities in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
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.
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com
Joe Gomes, 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 Miss but Record Quarter. Although revenue was below management’s guidance, it was still a record third quarter on a revenue basis. Business is not being lost, but clients are taking an extended approach to starting projects. We expect this situation to be short-term in nature.
Ventana. We are excited by the opportunities Ventana brings to ISG. In addition to adding to ISG’s recurring revenue stream, Ventana adds some 40 new clients in a new vertical for ISG. We believe there are significant synergistic and cross selling opportunities.
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.
Acquisition expands ISG Research coverage of the $800 billion software sector
STAMFORD, Conn. — Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, today announced it has acquired Ventana Research, a leading technology research firm specializing in coverage of the $800 billion software industry.
The move expands the capabilities of ISG Research, an important and fast-growing recurring-revenue-stream business for ISG, at a time when enterprises increasingly are leveraging software and services in combination to improve operating performance, deliver better customer and employee experiences, and drive growth.
“With the addition of Ventana Research, ISG becomes a stronger global powerhouse in technology research,” said Michael P. Connors, chairman and CEO of ISG. “We are famously known for our industry-leading coverage of the managed services sector, and now we are expanding and deepening our coverage of the all-important software industry. No other firm can compete with us when it comes to our comprehensive sourcing data, market coverage, analyst insights and market-making advisor perspectives – a combination that delivers unmatched value to both buyers and sellers of technology services and software.”
Ventana Research, founded in 2002 and based in Bend, Ore., tracks more than 2,000 software vendors – including covering more than 250 in-depth – to provide the industry’s most comprehensive analyst and research coverage of the global software sector. Its team of experienced professionals provides insights and expert guidance on mainstream and disruptive technologies through a unique set of research-based products, including an online community for business and IT professionals.
“Enterprises are relying more and more on independent market research and analyst insights to guide their technology buying decisions and manage their technology ecosystems, while providers seek the same advice to improve their products and hone their go-to-market strategies,” said Mark Smith, founder and CEO of Ventana Research. “We are delighted to be joining ISG and adding our industry-leading capabilities, people, credibility, client relationships and software industry coverage to the ISG Research portfolio.”
Smith will continue to lead Ventana Research in his new role as ISG partner, Software Research.
“Ventana Research will maintain its well-known and trusted portfolio of research products and services, which are a perfect complement to the existing ISG Research portfolio,” said Paul Gottsegen, president of ISG Research and Client Experience. “As we move past the initial integration period, there will be many opportunities to create synergy as we naturally and smoothly integrate Ventana offerings fully into ISG Research and create new offerings that will deliver even more value to our clients.”
Ventana Research becomes one of five service lines of ISG Research. The others are ISG Provider Lens™ (service provider evaluation research), ISG Provider Services (go-to-market research and support for service providers), ISG ProBenchmark® (SaaS-based pricing intelligence platform) and ISG Events (producer of industry conferences and webinars).
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,600 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.
Reports GAAP revenues of $72 million, a third-quarter record
Reports net income of $3.2 million, GAAP EPS of $0.06 and adjusted EPS of $0.11
Reports third-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $11 million
Declares fourth-quarter dividend of $0.045 per share, payable December 20 to record holders as of December 5
Acquires Ventana Research; expands ISG Research coverage into $800 billion software sector
Sets fourth-quarter guidance: revenues between $68 million and $71 million and adjusted EBITDA between $9.0 million and $10.5 million
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, today announced financial results, including record third-quarter revenues, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
“ISG delivered strong results in the third quarter, with record revenues of $72 million, our best topline performance ever in a third quarter,” said Michael P. Connors, chairman and CEO. “Our recurring revenues were up 19 percent, revenues in Europe were up 14 percent and firm-wide adjusted EBITDA margin improved 120 basis points from last quarter despite a more difficult macro environment. These results were powered by a relentless focus on execution and our proactive management of the current demand environment.”
Commenting on the macro environment, Connors said: “Our enterprise clients continue to leverage our capabilities with a dual focus on all things digital and cost optimization, a traditional sweet spot for ISG. Overall, clients are slower in their decision-making and spending is being stretched over longer periods of time, amid concerns about continued economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions. With that said, our pipeline remains strong, and the pace of execution will be driven by clients’ need for speed as they position themselves for 2024 when conditions are expected to improve.”
Ventana Research Acquisition
ISG said today it has acquired the business of Ventana Research, a leading technology research firm specializing in coverage of the $800 billion software industry.
The move expands the capabilities of ISG Research, an important and fast-growing recurring-revenue-stream business for ISG, at a time when enterprises increasingly are leveraging software and services in combination to improve operating performance, deliver better customer and employee experiences, and drive growth.
“With the addition of Ventana Research, ISG becomes a stronger global powerhouse in technology research,” said Connors. “We are famously known for our industry-leading coverage of the managed services sector, and now we are expanding and deepening our coverage of the all-important software industry. In addition to increasing our market research coverage, we see synergies to accelerate the growth of our Software Advisory business with enterprises.”
Citing ISG Index™ research, Connors noted that software-based XaaS solutions – both infrastructure-as-a service and software-as-a-service – account for more than 60 percent of global spending on IT and business services, up from 48 percent five years ago. “We expect spending on cloud-based, software-driven services to continue expanding in the coming years,” he said, “and with it, client demand for in-depth research and advice to guide software investment decisions.”
Ventana Research, founded in 2002 and based in Bend, Ore., tracks more than 2,000 software vendors and covers more than 250 of them in-depth to provide the industry’s most comprehensive analyst and research coverage of the global software sector. Its team of experienced professionals provides insights and expert guidance on mainstream and disruptive technologies through a unique set of research-based products, including an online community for business and IT professionals.
Third-Quarter 2023 Results
Reported revenues for the third quarter were a record $71.8 million, up 4.3 percent from $68.8 million in the prior year. Currency translation positively impacted reported revenues by $1.4 million versus the prior year. Reported revenues were $42.5 million in the Americas, up 1 percent; $22.1 million in Europe, up 14 percent; and $7.2 million in Asia Pacific, down 2 percent versus the prior year.
ISG reported third-quarter operating income of $6.2 million, down 16 percent from $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2022. Reported third-quarter net income was $3.2 million, down 42 percent from net income of $5.6 million in the prior year. Fully diluted earnings per share was $0.06, compared with $0.11 per fully diluted share in the prior year.
Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure defined below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) for the third quarter was $5.7 million, or $0.11 per share on a fully diluted basis, compared with adjusted net income of $7.2 million, or $0.14 per share on a fully diluted basis, in the prior year’s third quarter.
Third-quarter adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure defined below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) was $10.6 million, essentially flat with the prior year.
Other Financial and Operating Highlights
ISG generated $3.2 million of cash from operations in the third quarter, compared with $0.3 million used from operations in the third quarter last year. The firm’s cash balance totaled $18.7 million at September 30, 2023, down from $19.6 million at June 30, 2023.
During the third quarter, ISG paid dividends of $2.3 million and repurchased $0.9 million of shares. As of September 30, 2023, ISG had $79.2 million in debt outstanding, unchanged from December 31, 2022. The firm’s gross-debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio (a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing outstanding debt by adjusted EBITDA) was 1.8 times.
2023 Fourth-Quarter Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Guidance
“For the fourth quarter, ISG is targeting revenues of between $68 million and $71 million and adjusted EBITDA of between $9.0 million and $10.5 million,” Connors said. “We will continue to monitor the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, and other factors, and adjust our business plans accordingly.”
Quarterly Dividend
The ISG Board of Directors declared a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.045 per share payable on December 20, 2023, to shareholders of record on December 5, 2023.
Conference Call
ISG has scheduled a call for 9 a.m., U.S. Eastern Time, Friday, November 3, 2023, to discuss the company’s third-quarter results. The call can be accessed by dialing +1 (888) 330-2057; or, for international callers, by dialing +1 (646) 960-0203. The access code is 1482106. A recording of the conference call will be accessible on ISG’s website (www.isg-one.com) for approximately four weeks following the call.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” which represent the current expectations and beliefs of management of ISG concerning future events and their potential effects. Statements contained herein including words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “continue,” “should,” “may,” and other similar expressions, are “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Those risks relate to inherent business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies relating to the businesses of ISG and its subsidiaries including without limitation: (1) failure to secure new engagements or loss of important clients; (2) ability to hire and retain enough qualified employees to support operations; (3) ability to maintain or increase billing and utilization rates; (4) management of growth; (5) success of expansion internationally; (6) competition; (7) ability to move the product mix into higher margin businesses; (8) general political and social conditions such as war, political unrest and terrorism; (9) healthcare and benefit cost management; (10) ability to protect ISG and its subsidiaries’ intellectual property or data and the intellectual property or data of others; (11) currency fluctuations and exchange rate adjustments; (12) ability to successfully consummate or integrate strategic acquisitions; (13) outbreaks of diseases, including coronavirus, or similar public health threats or fear of such an event; and (14) engagements may be terminated, delayed or reduced in scope by clients. Certain of these and other applicable risks, cautionary statements and factors that could cause actual results to differ from ISG’s forward-looking statements are included in ISG’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ISG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
ISG reports all financial information required in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In this release, ISG has presented both GAAP financial results as well as non-GAAP information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022. ISG believes that evaluating its ongoing operating results will be enhanced if it discloses certain non-GAAP information. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude non-cash and certain other special charges that many investors believe may obscure the user’s overall understanding of ISG’s current financial performance and the Company’s prospects for the future. ISG believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors because they improve the comparability of the financial results between periods and provide for greater transparency of key measures used to evaluate the Company’s performance.
ISG provides adjusted EBITDA (defined as net income plus interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, foreign currency transaction gains/losses, non-cash stock compensation, interest accretion associated with contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, and severance, integration and other expense), adjusted net income (defined as net income plus amortization of intangible assets, non-cash stock compensation, foreign currency transaction gains/losses, interest accretion associated with contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, write-off of deferred financing costs, and severance, integration and other expense, on a tax-adjusted basis), adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted EBITDA margin, gross-debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio and selected financial data on a constant currency basis which are non-GAAP measures that the Company believes provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses and financial implications of foreign currency translations, which management believes are not indicative of ISG’s core operations. These non-GAAP measures are used by ISG to evaluate the Company’s business strategies and management’s performance.
We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, excludes the impact of year-over-year fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of our business performance and is consistent with how management evaluates the Company’s performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current and prior-periods local currency financial results using the same point in time exchange rates and then compare the adjusted current and prior period results. This calculation may differ from similarly titled measures used by others and, accordingly, the constant currency presentation is not meant to be a substitution for recorded amounts presented in conformity with GAAP, nor should such amounts be considered in isolation.
Management believes this information facilitates comparison of underlying results over time. Non-GAAP financial measures, when presented, are reconciled to the most closely applicable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP measures are provided as additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP estimates contained herein to the corresponding GAAP measures is not being provided, due to the unreasonable efforts required to prepare it.
About ISG
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs 1,600 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.
Information Services Group, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Revenues
$
71,773
$
68,836
$
224,868
$
212,100
Operating expenses
Direct costs and expenses for advisors
43,032
39,786
138,048
125,111
Selling, general and administrative
20,992
20,334
63,992
60,806
Depreciation and amortization
1,526
1,286
4,692
3,872
Operating income
6,223
7,430
18,136
22,311
Interest income
104
37
285
126
Interest expense
(1,533
)
(824
)
(4,676
)
(1,997
)
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain
(2
)
131
(40
)
248
Income before taxes
4,792
6,774
13,705
20,688
Income tax provision
1,591
1,218
4,680
5,245
Net income
$
3,201
$
5,556
$
9,025
$
15,443
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
48,711
47,888
48,542
48,191
Diluted
50,257
49,844
50,287
50,637
Earnings per share:
Basic
$
0.07
$
0.12
$
0.19
$
0.32
Diluted
$
0.06
$
0.11
$
0.18
$
0.30
Information Services Group, Inc.
Reconciliation from GAAP to Non-GAAP
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net income
$
3,201
$
5,556
$
9,025
$
15,443
Plus:
Interest expense (net of interest income)
1,429
787
4,391
1,871
Income taxes
1,591
1,218
4,680
5,245
Depreciation and amortization
1,526
1,286
4,692
3,872
Interest accretion associated with contingent consideration
26
–
77
8
Acquisition-related costs (1)
99
25
99
41
Severance, integration and other expense
674
8
2,016
458
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)
2
(131
)
40
(248
)
Non-cash stock compensation
2,098
1,987
6,752
5,432
Adjusted EBITDA
$
10,646
$
10,736
$
31,772
$
32,122
Net income
$
3,201
$
5,556
$
9,025
$
15,443
Plus:
Non-cash stock compensation
2,098
1,987
6,752
5,432
Intangible amortization
769
525
2,352
1,580
Interest accretion associated with contingent consideration
26
–
77
8
Acquisition-related costs (1)
99
25
99
41
Severance, integration and other expense
674
8
2,016
458
Write-off of deferred financing costs
–
–
379
–
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)
2
(131
)
40
(248
)
Tax effect (2)
(1,174
)
(772
)
(3,749
)
(2,327
)
Adjusted net income
$
5,695
$
7,198
$
16,991
$
20,387
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
48,711
47,888
48,542
48,191
Diluted
50,257
49,844
50,287
50,637
Adjusted earnings per share:
Basic
$
0.12
$
0.15
$
0.35
$
0.42
Diluted
$
0.11
$
0.14
$
0.34
$
0.40
(1)
Consists of expenses from acquisition-related costs and non-cash fair value adjustments on pre-acquisition contract liabilities.
(2)
Marginal tax rate of 32%, reflecting U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% plus 11% attributable to U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions.
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com
Joe Gomes, 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.
3Q Results. ISG reported third quarter revenue of $71.8 million, a record for the quarter, although lower than management’s $73-75 million guidance and our estimate of $75 million. Revenue was up 4.3% from last year’s $68.8 with currency translation positively impacting reported revenues by $1.4 million versus the prior year. Revenues from Americas were up 1% to $42.5 million from the prior year, Europe up 14% to $22.1 million, and Asia Pacific down 2% to $7.2 million. Recurring revenue was up 19% in the quarter.
Bottom Line. Net income for the quarter was $3.2 million, or diluted EPS of $0.06, down 42% from $5.6 million last year, or $0.11. We estimated net income of $3.8 million, or EPS of $0.08. Non-GAAP net income was $5.7 million, or diluted EPS of $0.11, compared to $7.2 million, or $0.14, last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $10.6 million, flat with last year, near the low-end of management’s $10.5-$11.5 million guidance.
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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.
