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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Customer Experience Equally Important as Price for Today’s Modern Consumer

imimobile

Good customer service is a key driver of repeat business, according to 75% of respondents 61% are willing to pay more for a better experience and 55% would change brands to receive better customer service Different generations have varying levels of comfort for different service needs, such as 19% of both Gen Z and young millennials would use social media to ask questions about a product/service compared to 4% of Baby Boomers, and 71% of Gen Z respondents would use a digital channel to manage orders, reservations and appointments compared to only 32% of Baby Boomers 47% of respondents say they believe good customer service is more important now than it was 12 months ago, pointing to integrated paths of communication in the physical and digital worlds being critical.To learn more about the findings, download the full report here. Customer experience (CX) has become as pivotal as price when it comes to purchasing decisions, demonstrating its importance to business success and a conversation that must break into the boardroom, according to research published today by global cloud communications software and solutions provider, imi mobile, part of Webex. The findings indicated a growing challenge for brands to balance and deliver three customer experience elements across all customer touchpoints – resolution, customer rapport and relevance, which imi mobile has designated the “CX Trilemma” and points to CX as a major business imperative. The inaugural “ 2022 CX Trilemma Report,” surveyed 2,000-plus U.S. and U.K consumers about qualities for good customer experience and presents findings that uncover shifting consumer preferences. Specifically, the report reveals preferences for how and when respondents want to engage and communicate with their favorite brands and businesses. Some key highlights: “Customers expect brands to meet them through their preferred channel, at their desired time with the information they require, and businesses who aren’t scaling to deliver against this increasing customer expectation will fade away,” said Jay Patel, VP & GM, Webex CPaaS. “The good news is that world-class CX can now be delivered by cloud-based technology. There are easy-to-use, multi-channel cloud communication platforms that enable businesses to orchestrate and automate their customer interactions on one, central platform, enabling the ability to resolve issues quickly, build rapport with customers and drive relevant experiences. Improving customer experience is the key business priority for 2022 that can directly impact the bottom line.” The CX Trilemma Report reveals that organizations truly committed to solving the CX challenge must support multiple channels and navigate new technology and innovation to not only meet but exceed customer expectations, especially for the Gen Z and millennials who are increasingly using more digital channels. For organizations serving multiple demographics or offering a diverse set of services, one channel simply can’t give every customer a satisfying journey. Resolution: Resolving customer problems, queries, and complaints, while being proactive with updates on products and services remain a cornerstone of a great customer experience. Respondents identified simplicity (79%), consistency (78%), speed (76%) and convenience (73%) as fundamental to resolution. Furthermore, 75% of respondents said quick resolutions influence repeat transactions. Rapport: Those surveyed called out brands for displaying a lack of empathy, transparency, and honesty as well as an inability to understand frustrations as reasons for a poor customer experience and dissuades them from using a brand or business altogether. Of this, 64% cited repeating information to different teams and having to proactively chase agents as leading factors for poor customer experience, which can also lead to negative word-of-mouth, reviews, and a tarnished reputation. Relevance: In a post-pandemic era, relevance is becoming an increasingly important part of the customer experience mix – communicating with customers on the channels they want to use, meeting them where they are and at the most convenient time (67%) while also delivering relevant, personalized communications are key for successful customer engagement (60%). What’s more, the findings unveil that every generation, industry, and region have varying preferences in regard to channels, when to be contacted and personalization of communications. “Finding the right communications mix for your customers requires a deep, nuanced understanding of them and your processes, and they are very different to those of just two years ago. To reach them in the right way, businesses need communications that work best for everyone, and this requires technical capabilities and expertise to orchestrate end-to-end customer journeys across multiple channels.” stated Patel. While you can support multiple communications channels manually, technologies such as Enterprise CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service) make it easier to manage multiple channels, comply with regulations, and deliver a consistent, connected customer experience. About imimobile imimobile, part of Webex, provides cloud communications software and services that manage business-critical customer interactions at scale. We believe that customer experience is the key competitive advantage for consumer businesses. So, we’re creating a world where enterprises can stay constantly connected to their customers. A world where every touchpoint, on every channel, is an opportunity to deliver rich, engaging, intuitive experiences. Our API and low-code Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) offering enables large enterprises to automate, orchestrate and monitor their customer interactions all on one platform. This helps businesses to lower costs, reduce complexity and accelerate IT roadmaps. Our innovative platform and applications are being used at scale today by blue-chip global enterprises and leading public-sector organizations to deliver smarter customer interactions, such as AA, Best Buy, BT, Capitec Bank, Centrica, EE, IHG, Mercedes, Orange, O2, Vodafone and Walgreens. The business was acquired by Cisco Systems in February 2021 and has global offices across the UK, USA, Canada, India, and South Africa. www.imimobile.com. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Michael Kocher +1 704-960-2295 michael@kitehillpr.com

February 01, 2022 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Minuteman Press Franchise in Winter Park, FL Celebrates 25 Years and Shares Secrets to Longevity and Growth

Minuteman Press International Inc

In 1996, Linda Sang decided to leave the corporate world and join the Minuteman Press franchise family, and she is now celebrating 25 years in business. Linda’s daughter Darcy has been along for the ride, saying in a recent newsletter, “It was a world that none of us knew anything about, but would quickly learn as every available hand was recruited to answer phones, hand collate and staple jobs and market the business for our intrepid leader. And we have been doing it ever since.” Being in business for over 25 years, Linda shares her biggest keys to longevity and growth. She says, “We keep pushing to get new customers in various methods. The pandemic initially cut down on the door-to-door marketing that has always been successful in the past for us. We currently do more social media, thanks to my daughter, Darcy, and some direct mail campaigns targeting local businesses and new businesses.” Linda continues, “We are also very attentive to our customers, keeping them informed and helping them find solutions/options for their needs. We respond to emails almost instantly and turn quotes around as quickly as possible, generally the same day if there isn’t a lot of research involved. When we make deliveries, each customer gets a ‘goody bag’ with notepads and other branded items. Many customers get excited about our deliveries, sometimes even more so for our giveaways rather than their finished jobs.” Over the past two years, Linda and her team have utilized various digital and print marketing tools available to them. She says, “We have gotten more into social media than in the past and have worked on getting high Google ratings, as customers do look at reviews. We do find that we are getting a lot of requests from Google and the Minuteman Press Internet Marketing program. We also test out the suggested methods from Minuteman Press corporate (such as the lumpy mailer and direct mail campaigns) and see what works best for us and our customer base. Otherwise, we are simply doing what we have always done through the years… provide solid customer relations.” What’s next for Minuteman Press in Winter Park? Linda says, “We hope to grow this year by reaching out to new prospective customers and generate more referrals.” Lastly, Linda reflects on the family business and says, “In our case, Darcy and I work together well and have the same goals and work ethic. My husband, Kelly, is semi-retired and helps out when we need him. When you have this situation, you don’t have to worry about someone showing up to work or leaving for other opportunities. There is always loyalty. We also find it key to treat our employees as if they are family as well. Not only does it create a pleasant working environment, but loyalty builds as well. We work lean and mean, which makes for some long days, but when you trust your employees and family, it is truly a joy.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Winter Park, FL, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/fl/winter-park. For Minuteman Press products and services, visit https://minuteman.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

January 31, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Agora Data names Josh Pezzuto as Senior Vice President, Head of Sales

Agora

Agora Data, inventor of the first-ever crowdsourced securitization, reducing interest rate line of credit and technology platform supplying book value of loans for the subprime auto industry, today announced Josh Pezzuto has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Head of Sales. He will lead Agora’s sales team as the company continues its quest to make game-changing funding solutions and portfolio analytics available nationwide to Buy Here Pay Here dealers and finance companies. Pezzuto’s diverse sales and operations background spans multiple industries across his career. He has a proven track record of leading, growing and training teams to achieve measurable results. Pezzuto has worked for both startups and well-established, global corporations. The ability to thrive in any environment has contributed to his consistent success over the past two decades. In addition, Pezzuto’s fierce creativity and innovative thinking have been crucial to solving the toughest challenges along the way. Steve Burke, CEO of Agora Data, said, “Josh is a perfect fit for Agora’s trailblazing, entrepreneurial culture. We are breaking down more barriers for the Buy Here Pay Here industry every day. I believe Josh’s impeccable sales expertise, technology background and superior leadership skills are exactly what Agora and the industry needs to help even more dealers fuel their businesses and surpass their growth goals.” Pezzuto commented, “When I learned about Agora’s disruptive vision, I knew this was the place for me. I’m inspired by the company’s commitment to leveling the playing field for a notoriously underserved market, subprime auto dealers. Most of all, I’m excited to expand Agora’s impact by connecting more dealers and finance companies with the kind of funding and data analytics previously only available to mega-size operations.” About Agora Data, Inc: Agora Data’s platform delivers a suite of tools to empower Buy Here Pay Here dealers and finance companies to finance their subprime customers. Agora’s family of auto finance products provides a wide range of critical funding paths so originators can obtain the cash they need to fuel growth, compete, and build wealth. Powered by patent pending technology, originators now have access to robust data analytics and planning resources to help optimize the performance of their portfolios. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever Crowdsourced Subprime Auto Securitization in 2020 and followed that up with its second transaction in early 2021. For more information, visit agoradata.com or contact us at 877-592-4672. Contact Details Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

January 31, 2022 09:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Personalization and Customization Are an Increasing Part of Customer Experience Strategies in Data-Rich Industries, According to Dash Research

Dash Network

Given the wide range of options for the digital and physical ordering, fulfillment, and after-service care available to both consumers and businesses, a one-size-fits-all approach to customer experience (CX) is not only outdated, but a recipe for driving customers away. According to a new report from Dash Research, that is why providing a personalized and optimized CX remains a widespread goal of both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) companies seeking to create deeper, more customer centric interactions that are the hallmark of driving customer loyalty and a higher amount of repeat business. Providing such a personalized and optimized experience requires a multifaceted approach, which involves understanding each customer’s specific preferences and desires, assessing their typical customer journey from initial contact through post-sales interactions, and ensuring that the organization has unfettered access to the data and software tools to create and nurture these one-to-one experiences. Dash Research’s analysis concludes that the systems and processes required to support this level of tailored experience will drive revenue growth in the global market for CX personalization and optimization software and services from $7.0 billion in 2020 to $11.6 billion by 2026, representing a 65% increase in market size during that forecast period. According to principal analyst Keith Kirkpatrick, “many companies are faced with challenges delivering on their personalization and optimization efforts, often due to the presence of data silos, which prevent applications and agents from easily accessing the information that can limit their ability to identify the preferences, triggers, and processes that are most preferred by customers. Further, an overuse of personalization can negatively impact the CX if customers are questioning how certain personal information was captured, and whether its use feels overly intrusive or even creepy.” Kirkpatrick adds that the growing use of personalization and optimization to improve CX is driven by several internal and external factors, including: A shift to digital sales and marketing efforts has increased the amount of data available for use in personalization Customers increasingly expect personalized and optimized experiences across all channels Personalized offers are driving revenue growth Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) allow more efficient optimization and personalization More organizations are shifting from a traditional sales model to a customer-centric loop approach But despite the demand for increasingly personalized and optimized CX, Dash Research finds that organizations often run into challenges that impact their ability to provide more individual and friction-free experiences, including: Balancing personalization and optimization against feelings of intrusion Data quality issues Data governance, privacy, and security concerns Challenges with shifting sales and marketing approaches from a sales loop to a customer engagement (CE) model Dash Research’s report, “CX Personalization and Optimization”, focuses on the market drivers and barriers to the adoption and use of platforms, applications, and services that enable greater personalization and optimization across all facets of CX. The report also details several B2C and B2B case studies and includes best practices for deploying personalization and optimization within an organization. Market forecasts covering the 2019 to 2026 period for software and services that provide personalization and optimization functionality are provided, covering 20 industries and 5 geographic regions. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website. Dash Research, the market intelligence arm of Dash Network, provides in-depth research and insights on the worldwide CX market including a comprehensive assessment of technology solutions, business issues, market drivers, and end-user dynamics across industry sectors. Dash Research’s global market coverage combines qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to provide a complete view of emerging business opportunities surrounding contact center technologies, customer data & analytics, customer data platforms, customer insights & feedback, customer relationship management, personalization & optimization, and employee experience. For more information, visit www.dashresearch.com or call +1.720.603.1700. Contact Details Dash Research Clint Wheelock +1 720-603-1700 press@dashnetwork.com Company Website http://www.dashnetwork.com

January 31, 2022 07:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

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