News Hub | News Direct

Communications

Advertising Communications Graphic Design Internet Marketing Media Publishing SEO
Article thumbnail News Release

SURGING DAILY FANTASY SPORTS PLATFORM STATHERO’S NEWEST INNOVATIVE GAME PLAYS DRIVES PLAYER GROWTH WITH EASY AND LUCRATIVE NEW CONTESTS.

StatHero

StatHero, the next gen Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform with unprecedented winning percentages and an emphasis on skill over luck, is announcing the easiest, fastest way to get in on sports betting action with their ‘ PICK’EM’ games. StatHero is also offering players odds multipliers in select ‘ HEAD TO HEAD ’ house lineups. StatHero’s platform continues to breathe fresh new life into the DFS space with an 884% growth in annual revenue while still having their players clocking over a 50% winning percentage. The startup who has seemingly cracked the code between high player winning percentage and company profitability is launching another innovative new gameplay with the intent of solving the biggest issue for the daily fantasy player, their lack of time. StatHero’s PICK’EM game play is the fastest way to play the most familiar fantasy format against the house. Each contest simply pits two pre-selected and pre-posted fantasy teams against each other and players simply select which side they think will score more points. It’s been an immediate hit, especially in states where sports gaming has yet to be legalized. StatHero remains the ONLY independent fantasy sports company playable in 34 states (with more on the horizon) and with their PICK’EM gameplay players in those states no longer need to sift through hundreds of players to create a lineup. One click to pick a winner. It’s fantasy gameplay that fans love without the hours of analysis or tough decisions on who to start. Jason Jaramillo, CEO of StatHero: “We take a lot of pride in keeping things simple, fun and easy. And while the convergence of fantasy sports and sports gambling can be difficult, we think this new offering truly removes the intimidation and stigma surrounding daily fantasy sports and sports gaming altogether.” The breakthrough DFS platform has also upped the ante with their flagship ‘HEAD TO HEAD’ (H2H) contests, by offering up to 10x odds on select H2H contests to test players’ skills with bigger payouts. StatHero has launched a new challenge that gives players higher payouts on their plays if they can beat posted lineups with a lineup of a lesser salary. Putting players in control has been a hallmark of StatHero’s innovation and this new option is no different, giving players the ability to select the odds they want to play for. StatHero now offers 4 unique ways to play DFS against the house that appeal to players of all skill levels and risk profiles: PICK’EM, HEAD TO HEAD, PARLAYS and SURVIVOR POOLS. All games allow DFS players to go up against house lineups instead of long odds contests against unknown users or bogus prop plays. StatHero recently passed their $4 million Series A round of funding and is focusing on their Series B round of funding that is on the horizon for this year. For media/press inquiries on, please contact: Dianne Quirante, dianne@emcbowery.com About STATHERO Combining the best of fantasy sports and sports gaming, StatHero is a first of its kind daily fantasy sports platform. The company has exploded in growth since founded in 2019 in large part due it’s simple gameplay, low commitment and instant gratification. Stathero uses the familiar fantasy sports based format to allow players to compete against posted lineups across a variety of professional sports and game types including Survivor Pools, Head-to-Head and Fantasy Parlays. Their patent pending gameplay gives players an advantage unlike any other in fantasy sports. It’s truly daily fantasy the way it was meant to be played - one-on-one. For more information, visit: www.stathero.com and follow us on Twitter @StatHeroHq. Contact Details Dianne Quirante +1 323-654-0001 dianne@emcbowery.com Company Website https://stathero.com/

February 02, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

DistroTV Makes History as the First FAST to Debut an Original Feature Film with the Global Premiere of Its New Hispanic Film, "Escandalo Secreto"

DistroTV

DistroTV, the largest, independent, free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform, is set to make history as the first FAST to debut an original feature film with the global premiere of its new Hispanic film, “Escándalo Secreto: En Plena Cuarentena.” The comedy feature film, directed and written by Jorge Cano, will hit the DistroTV screen for its global premiere on February 25th. This marks the latest installment in DistroTV’s new, free-to-stream DistroTV Español channel bundle and comes on the heels of DistroTV’s recent expansion of its global distribution footprint, which now includes Latin American audiences. Translated to “Secret Scandal: In Quarantine,” “Escandalo Secreto” will debut exclusively on DistroTV Español and be available to all DistroTV audiences globally, including 17 countries in Latin America and in the U.S. where more than 53 million people speak Spanish. The Jorge Cano-helmed comedy features an international, all-star global cast including Alejandro Gutierrez, Danny Trejo, Ninel Conde, Lina Castrillon, Platanito, Nanis Ochoa, Armando Hernandez, Lorena Herrera, Reykon, Margarita Reyes, Alexander Ospina, Valentina Lizcano, Nitzia Chama, Ricardo Hill, Isabella Santiago, and Pancho Moler. The DistroTV original, based on COVID times and set in Bogota, Colombia, will have viewers laughing from beginning to end. “We were thrilled to work with such a diverse and talented group of artists on the making of this film, and to have DistroTV exclusively stream the worldwide premiere just makes sense,” says the film’s director, Jorge Cano. “DistroTV prides itself on streaming diversified content, content that will suit audiences of all backgrounds and interests. This movie premiere is special, because, to us, it represents the start of a movement -- one in which all streaming services take a better hand in helping to profile more creative talent, and to appeal to more viewers in the process.” “Right on the heels of our huge expansion into Latin America, we could not be more excited to break ground in the FAST industry and announce our debut of the first-ever direct-to-CTV original feature film,” said Navdeep Saini, co-founder and CEO of DistroScale, parent company of DistroTV. “Staying true to our commitment to continue to grow our content library to meet the needs of our growing and diverse global audience, we are so proud to premiere this original film on our platform. By also bringing exclusive Spanish-language content into our existing territories, we can ensure that this film will be seen all over the world in a time when we all could use a good laugh!” DistroTV continues to grow and diversify its 200+ channel content library. The platform’s strong programming lineup includes a mix of popular film and television shows, such Bloomberg, EuroNews, People TV, Magellan TV and TD Ameritrade network, as well as independent channels like Black Enterprise, as well as Kweli TV, which spotlights the rich history and global diversity of the Black community; and DistroTV Desi, its free-to-stream South Asian channel bundle. Audiences can enjoy these channels for free anywhere across a wide array of CTV and mobile devices, as well as on the web by visiting Distro.tv -- No registration. No credit cards. Stream for FREE. To become a viewer and / or understand which channels are available for live and / or Video-on-Demand (VoD) access in the various countries, visit https://www.distro.tv or install DistroTV for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, LG TV, Samsung TV, Sony TV, iOS, or Android. View the official film trailer here. To access DistroTV Español, visit https://www.distro.tv/espanol/. About DistroTV DistroTV is the largest, independent, free, ad-supported streaming television service on the market. Launched in 2019 by parent company DistroScale, the platform caters to a multicultural, rapidly expanding, globally-minded audience of passionate viewers in the US, Canada, and UK. Satisfying the growing demand for premium video content in multiple languages, DistroTV delivers premium video content from producers globally across North America, the UK, Bollywood, Latin America, China, Southeast Asia, and growing. With more than 150 channels plus thousands of Video on Demand (VOD) shows, DistroTV cultivates content that covers a broad spectrum of topics to connect with people’s passion points around Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sports, News, Documentaries and International Content in live, linear and video-on-demand formats. DistroTV is available on the web, as well as through Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV, LG TV, Samsung TV, Sony TV, and iOS and Android devices. About DistroScale DistroTV is the first direct-to-consumer offering from DistroScale, a technology company founded in 2013 and known for providing a global clientele of thousands of media properties with the industry's most comprehensive video platform for web, apps, and streaming. DistroScale is an all-in-one solution providing infrastructure, content delivery, curation, analytics and a full suite of monetization options. Video enabled by DistroScale reaches more than 250 million visitors per month. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. To become a DistroTV viewer, visit www.distro.tv. More information on DistroScale & DistroTV is available at www.distroscale.com. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Mackenzie Gavel +1 631-739-5716 distrotv@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.distro.tv

February 02, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Eco-friendly Brands That Put the Planet First

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/5r2Klr0EZi4 There’s never been a more important time to collectively become more aware of how we—as individuals, corporations, and businesses—are affecting the planet. What we buy, where we shop, how those items are made. After years of working and traveling internationally, International sustainable brand consultant and fashion stylist, Cassandra Dittmer has witnessed the increase of negative impacts that the fashion industry has on both the environment and its labor force that make everything possible. Cassandra immersed herself in eco-conscious living practices, products, brands that challenge the way sustainability is currently defined. One brand that Cassandra has identified as meeting the eco-friendly challenge is Citizen. Invented over 45 years ago, Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive is the light-powered, eco-mindful technology that eliminates the need for watch battery replacement and at the heart of almost all of Citizen’s timepieces In 1970, in response to an environmental crisis, Citizen pioneered the world’s first light-powered watch: Eco-Drive. Eco-Drive enables Citizen watches to be powered by any light source, continuously and sustainably, eliminating the need to replace watch batteries. A standard in renewable energy for timepieces, Eco-Drive simultaneously respects and preserves the environment by preventing millions of watch batteries from entering landfills each year. Citizen has pledged to donate 1% of its website sales in the US to support a host of nonprofit organizations focused on the environment. Citizen partners with 1% of the Planet – who represents an alliance of businesses and individuals who are committed to enacting change to protect and restore the Earth. For more information, visit citizenwatch.com Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

February 02, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

FIDUCIA INVESTORS ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN PREDICTIVE VC; APPOINTS GEORGE A. KING VICE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

North Sixth Group

Fiducia Investors LLC today announced a strategic investment in Predictive VC, a leading venture capital firm for high-growth technology companies. Fiducia Investors joins other leading investment partners as an inaugural investor in Predictive’s flagship fund, which is earmarked for companies across metaverse, machine learning, artificial technology, and other high-growth technology sectors. Additionally, Fiducia Investors has appointed George A. King as Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer. Mr. King’s capital markets experience includes 325+ capital closings of $20+ billion; advisory closings of $8+ billion; and executing two highly successful IPO's. He was a founding board member and then co-founder of two publicly traded telecom companies in 1997 and 2002. His corporate and university board positions include Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Member; as well as Audit Committee Chair and member in four countries in North America and Europe. Mr. King is a graduate of Colgate University (cum laude) and Fordham University School of Law. He is an internationally experienced lawyer and executive, as well as author of two books and a law journal article on securities law, Federal tax law in United States capital markets and healthcare funding and tax analysis. Fiducia Investors is the capital markets strategy, execution and investment arm of North Sixth Group, a family office operating company with wholly owned and minority interests across media, marketing, technology, business services and sports and entertainment. Additionally, North Sixth Group dedicates financial, networking and human capital resources to community-based initiatives geared toward Passion, Purpose and Progress. “I am honored to lead the Fiducia Investors team as we make an important investment in Predictive VC’s flagship fund, which we believe is well-positioned at the forefront of transformation in technology,” said George A. King, Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Fiducia Investors. “We believe our capital markets expertise combined with our relationships, access and resources via the North Sixth Group network positions us uniquely to provide clients with a world-class and high-performance alternative investment solution suite.” Fiducia Investors offers a range of financial strategy, execution and investing services, including alternative investments through Fiducia Investors’ global deal flow and relationship networks; capital markets strategy, planning and execution; Transatlantic investment pipeline access; and diversified equity portfolio investment solutions across high-yield asset classes. For more information, visit www.FiduciaInvestors.com ABOUT FIDUCIA INVESTORS Fiducia Investors is the capital markets strategy, execution, and investment arm of North Sixth Group. Fiducia Investors offers a range of financial strategy, execution, and investing services, including alternative investments through Fiducia Investors’ global deal flow and relationship networks; capital markets strategy, planning, and execution; Transatlantic investment pipeline access; and diversified equity portfolio investment solutions across high-yield asset classes. Fiducia Investors is headed by George A. King, whose capital markets experience includes 325+ capital closings of $20+ billion; advisory closings of $8+ billion; and executing two highly successful IPO's. Contact Details N6A (For Fiducia Investors) +1 212-334-9753 FiduciaInvestors@n6a.com Company Website http://www.FiduciaInvestors.com

February 02, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

CSG Systems International Reports Fourth Quarter 2021 Results

CSG

CSG Grows Revenue 6% and Surpasses $1Billion in Annual Revenue in 2021 Issued Growth-Oriented 2022 Financial Guidance Targets Boosted Dividend by 6% in ’22 Representing our 9 th Straight Year of Increased Payout CSG (NASDAQ: CSGS) today reported results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021. Financial Results: Fourth quarter 2021 financial results: Total revenue was $275.0 million and total non-GAAP adjusted revenue was $257.6 million. GAAP operating income was $27.9 million, or 10.1% of total revenue, and non-GAAP operating income was $40.2 million, or 15.6% of non-GAAP adjusted revenue. GAAP earnings per diluted share (EPS) was $0.54 and non-GAAP EPS was $0.83. Cash flows from operations were $51.9 million, with a non-GAAP free cash flow of $47.9 million. Full year 2021 financial results: Total revenue was $1,046.5 million and non-GAAP adjusted revenue was $979.8 million. GAAP operating income was $124.2 million, or 11.9% of total revenue, and non-GAAP operating income was $161.7 million, or 16.5% of non-GAAP adjusted revenue. GAAP EPS was $2.26 and non-GAAP EPS was $3.35. Cash flows from operations were $140.2 million, with non-GAAP free cash flow of $113.7 million. Shareholder Returns: In November 2021, CSG declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock, or a total of approximately $8 million, to shareholders, bringing total 2021 dividends to approximately $33 million. In January 2022, CSG’s Board of Directors approved a 6 % increase in CSG’s cash dividend, with quarterly payments of $0.265 per share of common stock to be paid in March 2022. During the quarter and full year 2021, CSG repurchased under its stock repurchase program, approximately 295,000 shares of its common stock for approximately $16 million and approximately 732,000 shares of its common stock for approximately $36 million, respectively. Business Activities: In November, CSG extended its contract with Charter, its largest client, through December 31, 2027. In October, CSG extended its contract with DISH through June 30, 2026. During the year we closed three meaningful acquisitions (Kitewheel, Tango Telecom, and DGIT Systems). “Over the past year, I have highlighted how CSG will win big in the market and consistently outperform by investing in our culture, talent, and future-ready SaaS platforms,” said Brian Shepherd, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSG. “Our 2021 results prove that we are delivering on this commitment as we built accelerated momentum across our global business. We reported our best organic revenue growth in over a decade and crossed the $1 billion annual revenue milestone for the first time in our history. Another highlight of the year was the renewal of our relationship with two long-term CSG customers: DISH and Charter Communications. Specifically, the expansion with Charter represents the largest deal ever signed by CSG as we become the revenue management provider of choice for all 32 million Charter subscribers across their residential and small-and-medium-sized business footprints.” “With these wins and our continued strong sales success, we are positioned for solid top and bottom-line growth in 2022 and beyond. Looking ahead, CSG is laser focused on creating meaningful value for our customers, our employees and our shareholders, accelerating our organic revenue growth, closing good new strategic acquisitions, and diversifying into larger and faster growth industry verticals,” Shepherd added. Financial Overview (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages): For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at csgi.com. Results of Operations GAAP Results: Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $275.0 million, a 5.6% increase when compared to revenue of $260.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Total revenue for the full year 2021 was $1,046.5 million, a 5.6% increase when compared to revenue of $990.5 million for the full year 2020. The increases in revenue can be primarily attributed to the continued growth of CSG’s revenue management solutions, as the majority of the increase was attributed to organic growth. GAAP operating income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $27.9 million, or 10.1% of total revenue, compared to $23.7 million, or 9.1% of total revenue, for the fourth quarter of 2020. GAAP operating income for the full year 2021 was $124.2 million, or 11.9% of total revenue, compared to $105.6 million, or 10.7% of total revenue, for the full year 2020. GAAP EPS for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $0.54, as compared to $0.41 for the fourth quarter of 2020. GAAP EPS for the full year 2021 was $2.26, compared to $1.82 for the full year 2020. Non-GAAP Results: Non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $257.6 million, a 5.9% increase when compared to non-GAAP adjusted revenue of $243.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Total non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the full year 2021 was $979.8 million, a 6.2% increase when compared to $922.9 million for the full year 2020. The increases in non-GAAP adjusted revenue between periods are primarily due to the factors discussed above. Non-GAAP operating income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $40.2 million, or 15.6% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue, compared to $43.0 million, or 17.7% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP operating income for the full year 2021 was $161.7 million, or 16.5% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue, compared to $154.9 million, or 16.8% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the full year 2020. Non-GAAP EPS for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $0.83 compared to $0.90 for the fourth quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP EPS for the full year 2021 was $3.35 compared to $3.12 for the full year 2020. Balance Sheet and Cash Flows Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2021 were $233.7 million compared to $224.5 million as of September 30, 2021 and $240.3 million as of December 31, 2020. CSG had net cash flows from operations for the fourth quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 of $51.9 million and $56.9 million, respectively, and had non-GAAP free cash flow of $47.9 million and $51.7 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, CSG generated net cash flows from operations of $140.2 million and $173.0 million, respectively, and had non-GAAP free cash flow of $113.7 million and $143.6 million, respectively. Summary of Financial Guidance CSG’s financial guidance for the full year 2022 is as follows: For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at csgi.com. Conference Call CSG will host a conference call on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET, to discuss CSG’s fourth quarter and full year results for 2021. The call will be carried live and archived on the Internet. A link to the conference call is available at http://ir.csgi.com. In addition, to reach the conference by phone, call 1-888-412-4131 and use the passcode 2327393. Additional Information For information about CSG, please visit CSG’s web site at csgi.com. Additional information can be found in the Investor Relations section of the website. About CSG CSG is a leader in innovative customer engagement, revenue management and payments solutions that make ordinary customer experiences extraordinary. Our cloud-first architecture and customer-obsessed mindset help companies around the world launch new digital services, expand into new markets, and create dynamic experiences that capture new customers and build brand loyalty. For nearly 40 years, CSG’s technologies and people have helped some of the world’s most recognizable brands solve their toughest business challenges and evolve to meet the demands of today’s digital economy with future-ready solutions that drive exceptional customer experiences. With 5,000 employees in over 20 countries, CSG is the trusted technology provider for leading global brands in telecommunications, retail, financial services and healthcare. Our solutions deliver real world outcomes to more than 900 customers in over 120 countries. To learn more, visit us at csgi.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that are based on assumptions about a number of important factors and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what appears in this news release. Some of these key factors include, but are not limited to the following items: CSG’s business may be disrupted, and its results of operations and cash flows adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; CSG derives over forty percent of its revenue from its two largest customers; Continued market acceptance of CSG’s products and services; CSG’s ability to continuously develop and enhance products in a timely, cost-effective, technically advanced and competitive manner; CSG’s ability to deliver its solutions in a timely fashion within budget, particularly large and complex software implementations; CSG’s dependency on the global telecommunications industry, and in particular, the North American telecommunications industry; CSG’s ability to meet its financial expectations; Increasing competition in CSG’s market from companies of greater size and with broader presence; CSG’s ability to successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses or assets to achieve expected strategic, operating and financial goals; CSG’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; CSG’s ability to maintain a reliable, secure computing environment; CSG’s ability to conduct business in the international marketplace; CSG’s ability to comply with applicable U.S. and International laws and regulations; and Fluctuations in credit market conditions, general global economic and political conditions, and foreign currency exchange rates. This list is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to review the additional risks and important factors described in CSG’s reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other filings made with the SEC. For more information, contact: John Rea, Investor Relations (210) 687-4409 E-mail: john.rea@csgi.com CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS-UNAUDITED (in thousands) CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME-UNAUDITED (in thousands, except per share amounts) CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-UNAUDITED (in thousands) Beginning with the second quarter of 2021, CSG reclassified certain cash flows related to settlement and merchant reserve assets and liabilities from cash flows from operating activities to cash flows from financing activities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. EXHIBIT 1 CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE ANALYSIS Revenue by Significant Customers: 10% or more of Revenue Revenue by Vertical Revenue by Geography EXHIBIT 2 CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. DISCLOSURES FOR NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Limitations To supplement its condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), CSG uses non-GAAP adjusted revenue, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP adjusted operating margin percentage, non-GAAP EPS, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, and non-GAAP free cash flow. CSG believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when reviewed in conjunction with its GAAP financial measures, provide investors with greater transparency to the information used by CSG’s management in its financial and operational decision making. CSG uses these non-GAAP financial measures for the following purposes: Certain internal financial planning, reporting, and analysis; Forecasting and budgeting; Certain management compensation incentives; and Communications with CSG’s Board of Directors, stockholders, financial analysts, and investors. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided with the intent of providing investors with the following information: A more complete understanding of CSG’s underlying operational results, trends, and cash generating capabilities; Consistency and comparability with CSG’s historical financial results; and Comparability to similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. Non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of performance under GAAP, and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial information. Limitations with the use of non-GAAP financial measures include the following items: Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles; The way in which CSG calculates non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the way in which other companies calculate similar non-GAAP financial measures; Non-GAAP financial measures do not include all items of income and expense that affect CSG’s operations and that are required by GAAP to be included in financial statements; Certain adjustments to CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures result in the exclusion of items that are recurring and will be reflected in CSG’s financial statements in future periods; and Certain charges excluded from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures are cash expenses, and therefore do impact CSG’s cash position. CSG compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on its GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures as a supplement only. Additionally, CSG provides specific information regarding the treatment of GAAP amounts considered in preparing the non-GAAP financial measures and reconciles each n on-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Basis of Presentation The table below outlines the exclusions from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures: CSG believes that excluding certain items in calculating its non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information regarding CSG’s performance and these items are excluded for the following reasons: Transaction fees are primarily comprised of interchange and other payment-related fees paid, in conjunction with the delivery of service to customers under CSG’s payment services contracts, to third-party payment processors and financial institutions by CSG. Because CSG controls the integrated service provided under its payment services customer contracts, these transaction fees are presented gross, and not netted against revenue; however, other payments companies who do not provide and/or control an integrated service present their revenue net of transaction fees. The exclusion of these fees in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted revenue provides management and investors an additional means to use to compare CSG’s current revenue with historical and future periods, as well as with other payments companies. Restructuring and reorganization charges are expenses that result from cost reduction initiatives and/or significant changes to CSG’s business, to include such things as involuntary employee terminations, changes in management structure, divestitures of businesses, facility consolidations and abandonments, and fundamental reorganizations impacting operational focus and direction. These charges are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The exclusion of these items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Executive transition costs include expenses incurred related to a departure of a CSG executive officer under the terms of the related separation agreement. These types of costs are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The exclusion of these costs in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Acquisition-related expenses include amortization of acquired intangible assets, earn-out compensation, and transaction-related costs. Transaction-related costs, which typically include expenses related to legal, accounting, and other professional services, are direct and incremental expenses related to business acquisitions, and thus, are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The total amount of acquisition-related expenses can vary significantly between periods based on the number and size of acquisition activities, previously acquired intangible assets becoming fully amortized, and ultimate realization of earn-out compensation. In addition, the timing of these expenses may not directly correlate with underlying performance of the CSG’s operations. Therefore, the exclusion of acquisition-related expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Stock-based compensation results from CSG’s issuance of equity awards to its employees under incentive compensation programs. The amount of this incentive compensation in any period is not generally linked to the level of performance by employees or CSG. The exclusion of these expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to evaluate the non-cash expense related to compensation included in CSG’s results of operations, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash generating capabilities of CSG’s business. The convertible notes OID is the result of allocating a portion of the principal balance of the debt at issuance to the equity component of the instrument, as required under current accounting rules. This OID is then amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective convertible debt instrument. The interest expense related to the amortization of the OID is a non-cash expense, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash interest costs of CSG’s convertible notes for cash flow, liquidity, and debt service purposes. Gains and losses related to the extinguishment of debt are a result of the refinancing of CSG’s credit agreement and/or repurchase of CSG’s convertible notes. These activities are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. Any resulting gain or loss is generally non-cash income or expense, and therefore, the exclusion of these items allows investors to further evaluate the cash impact of these activities for cash flow and liquidity purposes. In addition, the exclusion of these gains and losses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP EPS allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current operating results with historical and future periods. Gains or losses related to the acquisition or disposition of certain of CSG’s business activities are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. Any resulting gain or loss is generally non-cash income or expense, and therefore, the exclusion of these items allows investors to further evaluate the cash impact of these activities for cash flow and liquidity purposes. In addition, the exclusion of these gains and losses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP EPS allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current operating results with historical and future periods. Unusual items within CSG’s quarterly and/or annual income tax expense can occur from such things as income tax accounting timing matters, income taxes related to unusual events, or as a result of different treatment of certain items for book accounting and income tax purposes. Consideration of such items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. CSG also reports non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flow. Management believes non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to investors in evaluating CSG’s operating performance, debt servicing capabilities, and enterprise valuation. CSG defines non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, foreign currency transaction adjustments, acquisition-related expenses, and unusual items, such as restructuring and reorganization charges, executive transition costs, gains and losses related to the extinguishment of debt, and gains and losses on acquisitions or dispositions, as discussed above. Additionally, management uses non-GAAP free cash flow, among other measures, to assess its financial performance and cash generating capabilities, and believes that it is useful to investors because it shows CSG’s cash available to service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, repurchase its common stock, pay cash dividends, and fund ongoing operations. CSG defines non-GAAP free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less the purchases of software, property and equipment. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue: The reconciliations of GAAP revenue to non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands): Non-GAAP Operating Income: The reconciliations of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except percentages): (1) Stock-based compensation included in the tables above and following excludes amounts that have been recorded in restructuring and reorganization charges and executive transition costs. Non-GAAP EPS: The reconciliations of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): (2) During the third quarter of 2021, CSG acquired a controlling interest in a mobile money fintech payment company that it previously held only an equity interest in. Upon acquisition of the controlling interest, CSG recognized a non-cash loss in other income (expense) related to the fair value remeasurement of the pre-existing equity investment. (3) For the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 the GAAP effective income tax rate was approximately 28% for both periods, and the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was approximately 29% and 27%, respectively. For the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 the GAAP effective income tax rates were approximately 33% and 31%, respectively, and the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was approximately 27% for both periods. (4) The outstanding diluted shares for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 were 31.9 million and 32.0 million, respectively, and for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 were 32.2 million and 32.3 million, respectively. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to GAAP net income is provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands, except percentages): (5) Interest expense includes amortization of deferred financing costs as provided in Note 6 below. (6) Amortization on the statement of cash flows is made up of the following items for the indicated periods (in thousands): (7) Included in interest and investment income and other, net for the year ended December 31, 2021, is the $6.2 million loss on acquisition of controlling interest, discussed above. Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities are provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands): Non-GAAP Financial Measures – 2022 Financial Guidance Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue: The reconciliation of GAAP revenue to non-GAAP adjusted revenue, as included in CSG’s 2022 full year preliminary financial outlook, is as follows: Non-GAAP Operating Income: The reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income, as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance, is as follows (in thousands, except percentages): Non-GAAP EPS: The reconciliation of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): (8) For 2022, the estimated effective income tax rate for GAAP and non-GAAP purposes is expected to be 27.5% and 27.4%, respectively. (9) The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 32 million. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to GAAP net income is provided below for CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance (in thousands, except percentages): Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities is provided below for the indicated period (in thousands): Contact Details CSG John Rea, Investor Relations +1 210-687-4409 john.rea@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

February 01, 2022 02:05 PM Mountain Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES A 6% INCREASE IN ITS DIVIDEND; APPROVES Q1 2022 DIVIDEND

CSG

CSG® (NASDAQ: CSGS) today announced that its Board of Directors approved a 6% increase in the Company’s quarterly cash dividend payment. The new quarterly payment amount has been increased to $0.2650 per share of common stock to be paid on March 30, 2022 for shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 18, 2022. About CSG CSG is a leader in innovative customer engagement, revenue management and payments solutions that make ordinary customer experiences extraordinary. Our cloud-first architecture and customer-obsessed mindset help companies around the world launch new digital services, expand into new markets, and create dynamic experiences that capture new customers and build brand loyalty. For nearly 40 years, CSG’s technologies and people have helped some of the world’s most recognizable brands solve their toughest business challenges and evolve to meet the demands of today’s digital economy with future-ready solutions that drive exceptional customer experiences. With 5,000 employees in over 20 countries, CSG is the trusted technology provider for leading global brands in telecommunications, retail, financial services and healthcare. Our solutions deliver real world outcomes to more than 900 customers in over 120 countries. To learn more, visit us at csgi.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Copyright © 2022 CSG Systems International, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“CSG”). All rights reserved. CSG® is a registered trademark of CSG Systems International, Inc. All third-party trademarks, service marks, and/or product names which are referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners, and all rights therein are reserved. Contacts: John Rea Investor Relations CSG +1 (210) 687 4409 john.rea@csgi.com Contact Details Tammy Hovey +1 917-520-2751 tammy.hovey@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

February 01, 2022 02:01 PM Mountain Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Kramer acquires UC Workspace in strategic move to expand the boundaries of collaboration

Kramer Electronics

Kramer Electronics Ltd. announced today the acquisition of UC Workspace (UCW), a pioneer and leader in unifying collaborative experiences. Uniting UCW’s and Kramer’s technology and product portfolios under one roof creates new and unique opportunities to bring a new level of simplicity, automation and collaboration to Enterprise and Education customers. UCW products facilitate engagement across multiple platforms, providing intuitive ways to communicate, control and collaborate. Its award-winning Quicklaunch software solution enables people and organizations to seamlessly engage across multiple UCC platforms. It is the fastest and most secure and intuitive way to launch and control any meeting regardless of conferencing provider. With its upcoming WEAV content and interaction platform and UCCentral software, which provides unparalleled insight and control of workspaces, devices and apps, UCW innovation is helping organizations boost productivity across multiple dimensions. “This acquisition is the latest step in our journey to reinvent the collaboration experience,” said Gilad Yron, Kramer’s CEO. “It is a power-up in our commitment to creating new ways for people to engage and collaborate more intuitively, simply and inclusively, and with that, to bring more layers of productivity to our customers.” He continued: “Bringing UCW into the Kramer family accelerates our drive to build a market-leading product and R&D organization. It’s a perfect fit with our existing technologies and our innovation plans for the new physical-digital world.” Angela Hlavka, CEO of UC Workspace, said: “Having created the market for unified collaborative experiences, we are thrilled to take UCW technology and partner network to a new scale. This will benefit all our customers, through a broader range of solutions, new technologies and market-leading customer support. We are delighted to join the Kramer family on this exciting journey toward better and more productive collaboration for all.” About Kramer We’re dedicated to delivering better, smarter solutions that enhance physical-digital engagement and collaboration. Kramer solutions are based on our cutting-edge products and technologies for traditional AV, AV over IP, unified communication and collaboration (UCC) and wireless collaboration, and advanced management and control. www.kramerav.com About UCW UC Workspace is a leading global provider of unified collaboration solutions, helping companies move beyond traditional meeting rooms to inspiring workspaces that improve collaboration, sharing, communication and technology integrations. UC Workplace works with multiple meeting providers and are agnostic to applications and hardware. Platinum Partners have optimized customized versions of our flagship Quicklaunch application. www.ucworkspace.com Contact Details Ornit Sade Benkin +972 52-332-7700 osade@kramerav.com Company Website https://www.kramerav.com/

February 01, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

EBY - the Authority in Seamless Underwear - Welcomes Rosario Dawson As Latest Investor

EBY

Women’s empowerment & tech apparel company EBY welcomes actress & entrepreneur Rosario Dawson as the brand’s latest investor. In September, EBY announced that they raised $6M in Series A funding, led by Dallas based investment firm Colt Ventures. The brand is pleased to complete their Series A financing with Dawson, joining past investors like venture capitalist firm Azure Capital (which boasts a portfolio that comprises of Native Deodorants, Bouqs and Sleep 8), Robert DiRomualdo (Chairman of Ulta Beauty), Ken Goldman (former CFO of Yahoo), Duncan Neiderauer (former CEO of the New York Stock Exchange) and Venus Williams. An entrepreneur herself, Rosario Dawson’s commitment to EBY is not her first venture into the lifestyle space - she is also the Co-Founder of female-artisan-produced, CFDA + Lexus Fashion* Initiative-winning fashion brand Studio189. EBY Co-Founder Renata M. Black and Dawson have been friends for years, establishing a resilient bond over their life-long unwavering dedication to the empowerment of women, and being fellow co-owners of Latinx founded businesses. EBY and Studio 189 have also partnered in the past in a product capacity - collaborating on a limited-edition release of special Studio 189 prints on EBY’s signature seamless undies. "I’ve long admired Renata’s strength as an innovative leader and very much believe in her mission of empowering women through microfinance. I’m excited to now be a part of this brand’s incredible growth and help Renata’s vision come to life.”- Rosario Dawson. EBY is utilizing the funding to introduce innovative products and adding real value at every touch point of the customer journey - continuing to honor the brand’s foundational mission of the empowerment of women through microfinance, small loans that enable an underprivileged woman to start or grow her own business. In turn, the woman becomes self-sufficient, breaking the cycle of poverty for herself and her children. By the end of 2022, EBY will have empowered 40,000 women and children out of poverty and into impact with close to 2 million dollars in microfinance funding. EBY repositions underwear as a tool for empowerment rather than one of seduction - as represented in their latest marketing campaign, ‘Feels Like This.’ The ‘Feels Like This’ Campaign is a post-pandemic social movement to ‘stop the scroll’ with a breath of emotion. ‘Feels Like This’ presents the sentiment people are scrolling for - encouraging them to embrace their ‘naked’emotions, enabling themselves to be ‘intimate’ again. The campaign features EBY’s innovative new Invisible Cotton 2.0 Collection - the first ever truly seamless cotton underwear that’s unlike any underwear on the market. The collection features cotton panties & bralettes that utilize EBY’s uniquely applied, no-slip-grip flocking technology. An upgraded fabric category for the brand, EBY spent the last year finding, testing and developing the best cotton blend fabric that they could apply their signature flocking to, in order to re-launch truly Invisible Cotton - an almost impossible feat for the fabric. EBY cotton seamless undies have a clean finish edge with no elastic, allowing for a seamless finish with no digging and no panty lines. The unique cotton-blend stretches with the wearer and never loses its shape. In addition to the Seamless Cotton Collection, EBY is launching additional premium collections, a period underwear, and a mesh collection throughout the rest of next year. “Throughout the years, Rosario and I have been in lock-step with our relentless and unapologetic pursuit of leaving this world better because we were here. What is so special about now, is that our paths have crossed - making us that much stronger and that much more unstoppable. I have had the fortune of calling her a friend, and have witnessed first-hand that she is a ride or die kind of lady. From the roles she plays, to the epic mother and entrepreneur she has become, everything she does has a transformative impact. With EBY it is no different. I am beyond thrilled to have her on side.” - Renata M. Black, Co-Founder Prices for the Seamless Cotton Collection range from $15-$45 For more information on EBY, please visit https://shop.join-eby.com. Co-founded by entrepreneur Renata M. Black in 2018, EBY is the ‘authority in seamless underwear’ - utilizing uniquely applied, no-slip-grip flocking technology to their seamless panties and bralettes. Body-inclusive EBY offers seamless underwear in sizes XS-4XL, servicing over 100 million plus-size customers who cannot shop at some of the largest retail stores in the U.S. EBY’s membership program also offers consumers an underwear subscription box with exclusive product and members-only pricing. The direct-to-consumer company’s core mission is female empowerment - not only through their offerings to their loyal subscribers and shoppers, but also by supporting women in poverty through the power of microfinance. 10% of proceeds from EBY underwear sales go to the Seven Bar Foundation to empower women through microfinance: small business loans to women in poverty that lead to incredible outcomes. By the end 2021, EBY will have impacted over 15,000 women and children out of poverty into business. Contact Details OGAKI Amber Cardullo acardullo@ogakidigital.com Company Website https://shop.join-eby.com

February 01, 2022 10:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Peninsula Fiber Network Adds Jaime Seling to Next Generation 911 Team

Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC

Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC (PFN), a leading provider of fiber optic-based telecommunications and Next Generation 911 services throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota today announced the addition of Jaime Seling to its team. Seling is a 20-year veteran with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department where she was a Dispatch Specialist, Shift Leader, and Quality Assurance Supervisor. In 2016 she was appointed to the State of Michigan 911 Emerging Technology Subcommittee. A graduate of Rochester University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, she is intimately familiar with NG911 call center operations. Scott Randall, General Manager of Peninsula Fiber Network, stated, “PFN is growing rapidly, and we are fortunate to hire Jaime. Her experience at Oakland County is invaluable as it is one of the busiest counties in Michigan for 911 calls. She will work with our Next Generation 911 team where her previous work experience and skills will be utilized in her new role.” #### Jaime Seling Seling has a long work history with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department—one of the busiest counties in the State of Michigan for 911 calls. She advanced from Dispatch Specialist to Shift Leader to Quality Assurance Supervisor over her 20-year career. In 2016 she was appointed to the State of Michigan 911 Emerging Technology Subcommittee where she still serves today. She holds an Associate Degree in Technological Sciences from Oakland Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Rochester University. Contact Details Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC (PFN) Scott Randall, General Manager +1 906-232-1012 srandall@pfnllc.net

February 01, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
1 ... 242243244245246 ... 342