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>>> LeMaitre Vascular, Inc. (LMAT) develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices and implants used in the field of vascular surgery worldwide.
It offers human cadaver tissue cryopreservation services; angioscope, a fiberoptic catheter used for viewing the lumen of a blood vessel; embolectomy catheters to remove blood clots from arteries; thrombectomy catheters for removing thrombi in the venous system; occlusion catheters that temporarily occlude the blood flow; and perfusion catheters to perfuse the blood and other fluids into the vasculature.
The company also provides artegraft biologic graft, a bovine carotid artery used for dialysis access; XenoSure biologic patches, used for closure of vessels after surgical intervention; VascuCel and CardioCel biologic patches, used in vessel repair, heart repair and reconstruction, and neonatal repairs; cardiovascular patches; carotid shunts that temporarily shunt the blood to the brain during the removal of plaque in a carotid endarterectomy surgery; biosynthetic vascular graft indicated for lower extremity bypass and dialysis access; and vascular grafts used to bypass or replace diseased arteries.
In addition, it offers radiopaque tape, a medical-grade tape applied to the skin that enables surgeons and interventionalists to cross-refer between the inside and the outside of a patient's body and allows them to locate tributaries or lesions beneath the skin. Further, the company provides valvulotomes, which cut or disrupt valves in the saphenous vein to function as an artery to carry blood past diseased arteries to the lower leg or the foot; and closure systems to attach vessels to one another with titanium clips instead of sutures.
It markets its products through a direct sales force and distributors. The company was formerly known as Vascutech, Inc. and changed its name to LeMaitre Vascular, Inc. in April 2001. LeMaitre Vascular, Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts.
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https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/LMAT/profile/
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>>> PC Connection (CNXN) Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
Business Wire
Jul 31, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/connection-cnxn-reports-second-quarter-200500679.html
Record Quarter for Net Income and Earnings per Share
SECOND QUARTER SUMMARY:
Net sales: $736.5 million, increase of 0.4% y/y
Gross profit: $136.5 million, up 6.9% y/y
Gross margin: 18.5%, up 112 basis points y/y
Net income: $26.2 million, increase of 32.8% y/y
Diluted EPS: $0.99, compared to $0.75
MERRIMACK, N.H., July 31, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Connection (PC Connection, Inc.; NASDAQ: CNXN), a leading information technology solutions provider to business, government, healthcare and education markets, today announced results for the second quarter June 30, 2024. The Company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share of the Company’s common stock. Payment will be made on August 30, 2024, to shareholders of record on August 13, 2024.
"Connection achieved record net income and earnings per share of $0.99 cents for the second quarter of 2024. These results reflect the successful execution of our strategic priorities and our ability to adapt to the needs of our customers in this dynamic and rapidly evolving technology landscape," said Timothy McGrath, President and Chief Executive Officer of Connection.
Second Quarter of 2024 Results:
Net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 increased by 0.4%, year over year. Gross profit increased 6.9% while gross margin expanded 112 basis points to 18.5%, compared to the prior year quarter. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 increased by 32.8% to $26.2 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, compared to net income of $19.7 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share1 increased to $1.00 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $0.80 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.
Performance by Segment:
Net sales for the Business Solutions segment increased by 6.6% to $278.2 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $261.0 million in the prior year quarter. Gross profit increased by 8.1% to $66.3 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $61.4 million in the prior year quarter. Gross margin increased by 34 basis points to 23.8% for the second quarter of 2024.
Net sales for the Public Sector Solutions segment decreased by 14.0% to $159.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $185.4 million in the prior year quarter. Sales to state and local governments and educational institutions decreased by $17.6 million, while sales to the federal government decreased by $8.3 million, compared to the prior year quarter. Gross profit increased by 3.0% to $24.1 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $23.5 million in the prior year quarter. Gross margin increased by 250 basis points to 15.2% for the second quarter of 2024.
Net sales for the Enterprise Solutions segment increased by 4.1% to $298.8 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $287.1 million in the prior year quarter. Gross profit increased by 7.2% to $46.1 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $42.9 million in the prior year quarter. Gross margin increased by 45 basis points to 15.4% for the second quarter of 2024.
Sales by Product Mix:
Notebook/mobility and desktop sales increased by 7% year over year and accounted for 47% of net sales in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 44% of net sales in the second quarter of 2023.
Software sales increased by 7% year over year and accounted for 9% of net sales in the second quarter of 2024 and 2023.
Servers/storage sales increased by 19% year over year and accounted for 9% of net sales in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 7% of net sales in the second quarter of 2023.
Networking sales decreased by 33% year over year and accounted for 7% of net sales in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 11% of net sales in the second quarter of 2023.
Accessories sales decreased by 6% year over year and accounted for 11% of net sales in the second quarter of 2024 and 2023.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased in the second quarter of 2024 to $105.2 million from $101.0 million in the prior year quarter. SG&A as a percentage of net sales increased to 14.3%, compared to 13.8% in the prior year quarter. The increase in SG&A was primarily due to an increase in variable compensation due to higher levels of gross profit in the quarter.
Interest income in the second quarter of 2024 was $4.7 million, compared to $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2023.
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $385.8 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $244.0 million as of June 30, 2023. During the second quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased 56,716 shares of stock at an aggregate purchase price of $3.6 million.
Six Months of 2024 Results:
Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased by 6.3%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. Gross profit increased 1.8% while gross margin expanded 149 basis points to 18.6%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased by 16.0% to $39.3 million, or $1.48 per diluted share, compared to net income of $33.9 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share1 increased to $1.49 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $1.36 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for stock-based compensation expense and restructuring and other charges ("Adjusted EBITDA")1 increased 4% to $125.4 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $120.2 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2023.
_________________
1 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share are non-GAAP measures. See page 9 for definitions and reconciliations of these measures.
Conference Call and Webcast
Connection will host a conference call and live web cast today, July 31, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. EDT to discuss its second quarter financial results. For participants who would like to participate via telephone, please register here to receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN number that is required to access the call. A web-cast of the conference call, which will be broadcast live via the Internet, and a copy of this press release, can be accessed on Connection’s website at ir.connection.com. For those unable to participate in the live call, a replay of the webcast will be available at ir.connection.com approximately 90 minutes after the completion of the call and will be accessible on the site for approximately one year.
Non-GAAP Financial Information
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share are non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are included to provide additional information with respect to the Company’s operating performance and earnings. Non-GAAP measures are not a substitute for GAAP measures and should be considered together with the GAAP financial measures. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Definitions for each Non-GAAP measure and a reconciliation to their most directly comparable GAAP measures are available in the tables at the end of this release.
About Connection
PC Connection, Inc. and its subsidiaries, dba Connection, (www.connection.com; NASDAQ: CNXN) is a Fortune 1000 company headquartered in Merrimack, NH. With offices throughout the United States, Connection delivers custom-configured computer systems overnight from its ISO 9001:2015 certified technical configuration lab at its distribution center in Wilmington, OH. In addition, the Company has over 2,500 technical certifications to ensure that it can solve the most complex issues of its customers. Connection also services international customers through its GlobalServe subsidiary, a global IT procurement and service management company. Investors and media can find more information about Connection at http://ir.connection.com.
Connection–Business Solutions (800.800.5555) is a rapid-response provider of IT products and services serving primarily the small-and medium-sized business sector. It offers more than 460,000 brand-name products through its staff of technically trained sales account managers, publications, and its website at www.connection.com.
Connection–Enterprise Solutions (561.237.3300), www.connection.com/enterprise, provides corporate technology buyers with best-in-class IT solutions, in-depth IT supply-chain expertise, and real-time access to over 460,000 products and 2,500 vendors through MarkITplace®, a proprietary next-generation, cloud-based supply chain solution. The team’s engineers, software licensing specialists, and subject matter experts help reduce the cost and complexity of buying hardware, software, and services throughout the entire IT lifecycle.
Connection–Public Sector Solutions (800.800.0019), is a rapid-response provider of IT products and services to federal, state, and local government agencies and educational institutions through specialized account managers, publications, and online at www.connection.com/publicsector.
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>>> CBIZ, Inc. (CBZ) provides financial, insurance, and advisory services in the United States and Canada. It operates through Financial Services, Benefits and Insurance Services, and National Practices segments.
The Financial Services segment offers accounting and tax, financial advisory, valuation, risk and advisory, and government healthcare consulting services.
The Benefits and Insurance Services segment provides employee benefits consulting, payroll/human capital management, property and casualty insurance, and retirement and investment services.
The National Practices segment offers information technology managed networking and hardware, and health care consulting services.
The company primarily serves small and medium-sized businesses, as well as individuals, governmental entities, and not-for-profit enterprises. CBIZ, Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Independence, Ohio.
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https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/CBZ/profile/
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>>> Cavco Industries, Inc. (CVCO) designs, produces, and retails factory-built homes primarily in the United States. It operates in two segments, Factory-Built Housing and Financial Services.
The company markets its factory-built homes under the Cavco, Fleetwood, Palm Harbor, Nationwide, Fairmont, Friendship, Chariot Eagle, Destiny, Commodore, Colony, Pennwest, R-Anell, Manorwood, MidCountry, and Solitaire brands.
It produces park model RVs; vacation cabins; and factory-built commercial structures, including apartment buildings, condominiums, hotels, workforce housing, schools, and housing for the United States military troops.
In addition, the company produces various modular homes, which include single and multi-section ranch, split-level, and Cape Cod style homes, as well as two- and three-story homes, and multi-family units.
Further, it provides conforming and non-conforming mortgages and home-only loans to purchasers of various brands of factory-built homes sold by company-owned retail stores, as well as various independent distributors, builders, communities, and developers.
Additionally, the company offers property and casualty insurance to owners of manufactured homes. It distributes its products through a network of independent and company-owned retailers, planned community operators, and residential developers. Cavco Industries, Inc. was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/CVCO/profile/
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Celsius Holdings - >>> 4 Reasons to Buy Celsius Stock Like There's No Tomorrow
by Leo Sun
Motley Fool
Aug 27, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/4-reasons-buy-celsius-stock-092000173.html
Celsius' (NASDAQ: CELH) stock is down nearly 60% since it hit its record high this March. The energy drink maker's stock fizzled out as investors fretted over its slowing sales growth, declining domestic market share, and some big inventory reductions at its distribution partner PepsiCo. It also struggled to maintain its high valuations in a high interest rate environment.
Nevertheless, now could be the right time to buy Celsius' stock. There are four simple reasons why.
1. Celsius is still one of the fastest-growing beverage makers
Celsius carved out a niche by selling sugar-free energy drinks made from all-natural ingredients like green tea, ginger, and taurine. That strategy attracted a lot of attention from younger health-conscious consumers, and Celsius' annual revenue more than doubled in each of the past three years.
That's why the bulls were disappointed when Celsius' revenue only rose 29% year over year in the first half of 2024. However, that slowdown wasn't too surprising because fully lapped its new domestic distribution deal with PepsiCo, which started in August 2022 and significantly boosted its sales throughout 2022 and 2023.
Analysts expect its revenue to only rise 19% this year, but they expect it to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% from 2024 to 2026. That would still make it one of the fastest-growing beverage makers in the world. Its larger competitor, Monster Beverage, is only expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2026.
2. Celsius' near-term headwinds aren't that severe
On May 28, Nielsen reported that Celsius' U.S. market share had dipped 30 basis points on a weekly basis to 10.5%. By the week ending on Aug. 10, its share had slipped to 9.6%. That ongoing decline might seem like a red flag since Celsius still generated 95% of its revenue from North America in the first half of 2024.
However, Nielsen's latest data showed that Celsius actually grew faster year over year than all of its domestic competitors in the four weeks leading up to Aug. 10. Celsius' sales rose 8.8% year over year, which outpaced Red Bull's 1.8% growth and Monster's 3.5% decline (excluding its acquisition of Bang energy drinks from Vital Pharmaceuticals last year). On its own, Bang grew 6%. In other words, Celsius is still growing even as the energy drink market gets more crowded.
The expansion of Celsius' fledgling international business could also offset the slower growth of its North American business. It recently signed a new distribution deal with the Japanese beverage giant Suntory to sell its drinks in the U.K., Ireland, and Canada, and its domestic partnership with PepsiCo could eventually evolve into an international one. It's also selling a lot more products on Amazon, which contributed 10% to its second-quarter sales.
PepsiCo's recent inventory reductions also don't necessarily mean the domestic market's demand for Celsius drinks is drying up. It's fairly common for a distribution partner to reduce its inventories of a new drink as a deal matures, and Nielsen's latest data indicates Celsius' U.S. sales are still increasing despite the inventory reductions. It also wouldn't make sense for PepsiCo to intentionally throttle Celsius' growth when it already owns an 8.5% stake in the company.
3. Celsius' margins are still expanding
If Celsius were in trouble, we would have seen its gross and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margins shrivel. But this is what actually happened over the past four and half years:
For 2024, analysts expect Celsius' adjusted EBITDA to rise 11% and lift its adjusted EBITDA margin to 29.5%. From 2024 to 2026, they expect its adjusted EBITDA to grow at a CAGR of 12%. That rosy outlook implies that economies of scale are kicking in.
4. Celsius stock looks reasonably valued
With an enterprise value of $9 billion, Celsius is valued at 6 times this year's sales and 25 times its adjusted EBITDA. Those valuations are reasonable relative to its growth rates and its industry peers. Monster, which is growing at a much slower rate, trades at 6 times this year's sales and 20 times its adjusted EBITDA.
Celsius might not be a hypergrowth stock anymore, but it still has plenty of upside potential. Its stock price could remain volatile, but it should stabilize and rally back toward its all-time high as the company overcomes its near-term challenges.
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>>> PC Connection, Inc. (CNXN), together with its subsidiaries, provides various information technology (IT) solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Business Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, and Public Sector Solutions.
It offers IT solutions, including computer systems, data center solutions, software and peripheral equipment, networking communications, and other products and accessories; and portfolio of managed services and professional services, as well as provides services related to design, configuration, and implementation of IT solutions.
The company markets its products and services through its websites comprising connection.com, connection.com/enterprise, connection.com/publicsector, and macconnection.com. It serves small to medium-sized businesses that include small office/home office customers; federal, state, and local government and educational institutions; enterprise sutomers; medium-to-large sorporations through outbound inside and field sales; digital, web, and print media advertising; and targeted marketing program to specific customer populations. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
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https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/CNXN/profile/
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>>> StoneX Group Inc (SNEX). operates as a global financial services network that connects companies, organizations, traders, and investors to market ecosystem worldwide. The company operates through Commercial, Institutional, Retail, and Global Payments segments.
The Commercial segment provides risk management and hedging, exchange-traded and OTC products execution and clearing, voice brokerage, market intelligence, physical trading, and commodity financing and logistics services.
The Institutional segment offers equity trading services to institutional clients; clearing and execution services in futures exchanges; brokerage foreign exchange services for the financial institutions and professional traders; and OTC products, as well as originates, structures, and places debt instruments in capital markets. This segment also operates as an institutional dealer in fixed income securities to serve asset managers, commercial bank trust and investment departments, broker-dealers, and insurance companies, as well as engages in asset management business.
The Retail segment provides trading services and solutions in the global financial markets, including spot foreign exchange, precious metals trading, and contracts for differences; and wealth management services, as well as offers physical gold and other precious metals in various forms and denominations through Stonexbullion.com.
The Global Payments segment provides customized payment, technology, and treasury services to banks and commercial businesses, charities, and non-governmental and government organizations; and pricing and payments services.
The company was formerly known as INTL FCStone Inc. and changed its name to StoneX Group Inc. in July 2020. StoneX Group Inc. was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
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https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/SNEX/profile/
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>>> MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA) develops, manufactures, and supplies safety products and technology solutions that protect people and facility infrastructures in the fire service, energy, utility, construction, and industrial manufacturing applications, as well as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industries worldwide.
The company's core product offerings include fixed gas and flame detection systems, such as gas detection monitoring systems, and flame detectors and open-path infrared gas detectors; breathing apparatus products, including self-contained breathing apparatus; hand-held portable gas detection instruments to detect the presence or absence of various gases in the air; industrial head protection products; firefighter helmets and protective apparel; and fall protection equipment, such as confined space equipment, harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines, as well as engineered systems. In addition, the company offers air-purifying respirators, eye and face protection products, ballistic helmets, and gas masks.
It serves distributors and end-users through indirect and direct sales channels. The company offers its products under the V-Gard, Cairns, and Gallet brand names. MSA Safety Incorporated was founded in 1914 and is based in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
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https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/MSA/profile/
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>>> Why Transcat Stock Is Up Big Today
by Lou Whiteman
Motley Fool
May 21, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-transcat-stock-big-today-160021347.html
Testing and calibration equipment company Transcat (NASDAQ: TRNS) easily beat quarterly expectations and forecast continued strength into its new fiscal year. Investors are taking notice, sending Transcat shares up as much as 13% at the open and up 8% as of 10:45 a.m. ET.
Strong earnings and margin growth
Transcat provides calibration and testing services primarily to the life sciences industry, as well as to the aerospace, defense, energy, and utilities sector. The company earned $0.66 per share in its fiscal fourth quarter ending March 30 on revenue of $70.9 million, surpassing Wall Street's $0.53 per share on sales of $68 million estimate.
Consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) grew by 29.8% in the quarter, and EBITDA margin expanded by 200 basis points, fueled by a combination of strong organic growth and the benefit of acquisitions.
"Adjusted EBITDA growth of 30% for the fourth quarter reflects our ability to leverage organic service revenue growth and the successful integration of acquired companies," CEO Lee D. Rudow said in a statement. "Fourth-quarter consolidated revenue was up 14%, with gross margin expansion of 300 basis points year over year driven by our widened breadth of service offerings, excellent performance in the higher-margin rental business, and execution of automation and process improvement initiatives."
Is Transcat a buy following its strong earnings report?
Rudow is forecasting further gains in fiscal 2025 thanks to predictable, recurring revenue streams from highly regulated markets including life sciences. The rental business is a good hedge against potential economic headwinds, as it tends to hold up better through the cycle.
This is an under-the-radar stock serving an important role to a number of massive and growing industries. If Transcat can continue to execute as it did in the most recent quarter, the stock can go higher from here.
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>>> Why Sterling Infrastructure Rallied on Tuesday
by Billy Duberstein
Motley Fool
Aug 6, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-sterling-infrastructure-rallied-tuesday-202608080.html
Shares of Sterling Infrastructure (NASDAQ: STRL) rallied as much as 11.1% Tuesday, before settling into a mere 4% gain as of 3:47 p.m. ET.
Sterling reported second-quarter earnings last night that handily surpassed expectations, and raised guidance, quelling some recent fears over the state of the economy generally and the construction industry specifically. But by pivoting to the hottest parts of the market, Sterling was able to fly by profit forecasts.
A beneficiary of the infrastructure bill and AI boom
In the first quarter, Sterling delivered 11.6% revenue growth to $582.8 million, along with 31% earnings-per-share (EPS) growth to $1.67 per share, with both figures handily beating analyst estimates. Management also raised full-year guidance to a range of $2.15 billion to $2.225 billion in revenue and $5.60 to $5.75 in diluted earnings per share. That was up from prior guidance of $2.125 billion to $2.215 billion and $5 to $5.30, respectively, on the first-quarter release.
Some analysts may not have been expecting results like these because a fair amount of the U.S. construction industry and consumer spending is hitting a slowdown. But Sterling was able to lean into the fastest-growing and higher-margin segments of its business, specifically riding the wave of infrastructure and AI spending.
Sterling has three main segments:
E-infrastructure solutions, which serves the data center and next-gen manufacturing sectors, as well as e-commerce warehouses and other commercial buildings
Transportation solutions, which executes projects for highways, roads, bridges, airports, ports, light rail, water systems, and others
Building solutions, which serves residential and commercial construction
Sterling has been able to capitalize on growing in the best parts of its end markets. For instance, e-infrastructure revenue declined 7%, but that segment's operating income grew 20%, as Sterling was able to achieve 100% growth in the higher-margin data center segment, even as other segments lagged. While the building solutions segment declined 2%, operating income in that segment was up 2%. Meanwhile, the transportation segment surged 54% and operating profits grew 57%, likely on the back of very strong public-private infrastructure investments resulting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act of 2021.
A top operator still looks like a good buy
Sterling Infrastructure is showing solid growth even as some parts of its business are challenged, along with impressive profit expansion, showing off management's execution and the ability to target the most attractive markets.
Trading at just 18.8 times this year's recently raised guidance for EPS and sporting a solid net cash position on the balance sheet, Sterling looks like a good buy, assuming the U.S. is able to avoid a recession.
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>>> UFP Technologies Acquires Marble Medical
UFP Technologies, Inc.
Jul 16, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ufp-technologies-acquires-marble-medical-200500449.html
NEWBURYPORT, Mass., July 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UFP Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPT), a designer and custom manufacturer of comprehensive solutions for medical devices, sterile packaging, and other highly engineered custom products, today announced the acquisition of Marble Medical. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Tallahassee, FL, Marble Medical develops and manufactures adhesive based medical components and single-use devices.
“Adding Marble Medical’s adhesives expertise is a great complement to our surgical robot drapes and stick to skin device platforms,” said R. Jeffrey Bailly, chairman and CEO of UFP Technologies. “Marble Medical is a 3M Preferred Converter, and along with their precision die cutting capabilities, gives our clients access to a broader range of innovative solutions incorporating highly specialized adhesive technologies.”
“In addition, Marble Medical is a longstanding partner to our DAS Medical operation, making them an excellent overall fit into our MedTech business,” continued Bailly. “This acquisition aligns with our strategic focus and provides valuable technologies in multiple key markets to bring more value to our client base. This expanded range of materials and capabilities will also allow us to vertically integrate in many existing application areas.
Joe Audie, Marble Medical’s president, stated, “We are excited to join the UFP family and be part of such a fast growing and dynamic company. UFP’s customer base, engineering skills, vast resources, and global manufacturing footprint is expected to help Marble accelerate growth by leveraging our biocompatible adhesives expertise in adjacent areas such as diagnostic patches, wound care, and other stick to skin applications.”
About UFP Technologies, Inc.
UFP Technologies is a designer and custom manufacturer of comprehensive solutions for medical devices, sterile packaging, and other highly engineered custom products. UFP is an important link in the medical device supply chain and a valued outsource partner to most of the top medical device manufacturers in the world. The Company’s single-use and single-patient devices and components are used in a wide range of medical devices and packaging for minimally invasive surgery, infection prevention, wound care, wearables, orthopedic soft goods, and orthopedic implants.
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Winmark - >>> While Amazon is one of the best-known companies in the world, Winmark (NASDAQ: WINA) flies under the radar. Winmark is a franchisor of stores that resell used items. Its brands include Play it Again Sports, Plato's Closet, Once Upon a Child, and others. Winmark has been a winning stock for a long time, but it's still relatively small, with a market capitalization of $1.4 billion.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-magnificent-stocks-im-never-134500518.html
What's attractive about owning Winmark's stock is its business model. As a franchisor, most of the costs associated with owning a retail business fall on the franchisees. This provides Winmark with attractive margins.
For example, in second-quarter 2024, Winmark's gross margin was 95.8%. Looking further down the income statement, this led to a net profit margin of 51.8%. These margins have also ticked up slowly and steadily over time.
While it's clear that the economics of being a franchisor work out well for Winmark and its shareholders, there's evidence that its franchisees are happy as well. In Q2 2024, Winmark had a 100% renewal rate in four out of five of its brands.
Winmark adds new stores throughout the year, but the pace is deliberate. So far in 2024, the company has grown its total store count by 1.2%. The fact that its franchisees renew in such high numbers is a good sign for the future of the business, as it helps supplement the slow but steady store growth.
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>>> Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM), together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retailing of fresh, natural, and organic food products under the Sprouts brand in the United States. It offers perishable product categories, including fresh produce, meat and meat alternatives, seafood, deli, bakery, floral, and dairy and dairy alternatives; and non-perishable product categories, such as grocery, vitamins and supplements, bulk items, frozen foods, beer and wine, and natural health and body care. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. was founded in 1943 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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>>> MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA) develops, manufactures, and supplies safety products and technology solutions that protect people and facility infrastructures in the fire service, energy, utility, construction, and industrial manufacturing applications, as well as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industries worldwide.
The company's core product offerings include fixed gas and flame detection systems, such as gas detection monitoring systems, and flame detectors and open-path infrared gas detectors; breathing apparatus products, including self-contained breathing apparatus; hand-held portable gas detection instruments to detect the presence or absence of various gases in the air; industrial head protection products; firefighter helmets and protective apparel; and fall protection equipment, such as confined space equipment, harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines, as well as engineered systems.
In addition, the company offers air-purifying respirators, eye and face protection products, ballistic helmets, and gas masks. It serves distributors and end-users through indirect and direct sales channels. The company offers its products under the V-Gard, Cairns, and Gallet brand names. MSA Safety Incorporated was founded in 1914 and is based in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
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>>> UFP Technologies Acquires Welch Fluorocarbon
UFP Technologies, Inc.
Jul 16, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ufp-technologies-acquires-welch-fluorocarbon-200000577.html
NEWBURYPORT, Mass., July 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UFP Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPT), a designer and custom manufacturer of comprehensive solutions for medical devices, sterile packaging, and other highly engineered custom products, today announced the acquisition of Welch Fluorocarbon Inc. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Dover, New Hampshire, Welch Fluorocarbon develops and manufactures thermoformed, and heat sealed implantable medical device components utilizing thin, high-performance films.
“Welch Fluorocarbon will bring significant thin film thermoforming capabilities to our expanding MedTech portfolio of technologies and materials,” said R. Jeffrey Bailly, chairman and CEO of UFP Technologies. “Their expertise in developing and manufacturing components for implantable medical devices is an excellent complement to our existing thin film platform.”
“UFP and Welch Fluorocarbon share many clients and together, our expanded product development and manufacturing capabilities will allow us to serve our clients in a more comprehensive way,” continued Bailly. “Additionally, we are gaining a talented leadership team and overall, the Welch Fluorocarbon team is a very strong cultural fit.”
“We are thrilled to have selected UFP as our new home. Having a partner that understands how to support our rapidly expanding business in our niche is critical. UFP has demonstrated that they understand our needs and have the capabilities, experience, and resources to help propel Welch to its fullest potential,” said Kevin Wiley, Owner and CEO.
About UFP Technologies, Inc.
UFP Technologies is a designer and custom manufacturer of comprehensive solutions for medical devices, sterile packaging, and other highly engineered custom products. UFP is an important link in the medical device supply chain and a valued outsource partner to most of the top medical device manufacturers in the world. The Company’s single-use and single-patient devices and components are used in a wide range of medical devices and packaging for minimally invasive surgery, infection prevention, wound care, wearables, orthopedic soft goods, and orthopedic implants.
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>>> Winmark: Powering the circular economy megatrend
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-dividend-stocks-double-now-143800565.html
Home to over 1,300 resale franchises across its Plato's Closet, Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child, Music Go Round, and Style Encore brands, Winmark is a shining example of the effect that circular economies can have on the world. Thanks to its operations, the company estimates that since 2010, it has put over 1.7 billion items back to good use, helping them avoid landfills, storage units, garages, or the top shelves of closets.
While this feel-good purpose alone makes Winmark an exciting stock, the company's long-term partnerships with its franchisees could prove to be the true magic.
Since it's thinking decades ahead (sometimes even multiple generations ahead), Winmark isn't overly concerned with what happens quarter to quarter. What it wants to do is build a lasting legacy alongside its franchisees. Speaking to Jim Gilles with The Motley Fool, Chief Executive Officer Brett Heffes expounded upon this notion:
Because what happens, is our most successful franchisees, they understand that their business is a legacy asset in the community. They manage the business for themselves, the community, but more importantly, the next generation. This legacy mindset leads to continued investment on our part, whether it's technology, whether it's marketing, whether it's operations, and it just allows us to fulfill our mission.
In operating over this generational time frame, Winmark takes a slow and steady approach to its growth, inching sales higher by 4% annually over the last decade. By taking its time to vet new franchisees and scout new potential store locations, the company has generated a ridiculous 188% ROIC and a free cash flow margin of 51%.
Armed with this cash generation, Winmark always looks to reward shareholders, as it typically pays out almost all excess cash to shareholders in the form of special dividends in many years. However, if Heffes deems the company's shares to be trading below intrinsic value, he'll also swoop in to repurchase shares, which led to a 4% annualized decline in share count since 2014.
With Statista projecting the circular economy to nearly double its sales between 2022 and 2026, Winmark is well-positioned to continue rewarding investors for decades -- if not generations -- to come.
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>>> Nextracker Inc (NASDAQ:NXT)
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/12-best-wind-power-solar-162031158.html
Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 33
Nextracker Inc (NASDAQ:NXT) provides integrated solar tracker and software solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted solar projects.
Insider Monkey's database of 933 hedge funds updated for the fourth quarter of 2023 shows that 33 hedge funds had stakes in Nextracker Inc (NASDAQ:NXT).
Last month Nextracker Inc (NASDAQ:NXT) posted solid Q4 results and upped its guidance. Adjusted EPS in the period came in at $0.96, beating estimates by $0.47. Revenue in the quarter jumped 38.4% year over year to $710.43 million, beating estimates by $92.94 million.
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>>> Nextracker Inc. (NXT), an energy solutions company, provides solar tracker and software solutions for utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects worldwide. The company offers tracking solutions, which includes NX Horizon, a solar tracking solution; NX Gemini, a two-in-portrait format tracker, which holds two rows of solar panels along the central support beam; and NX Horizon-XTR, a terrain-following tracker designed to expand the addressable market for trackers on sites with sloped, uneven, and challenging terrain. It also provides monitoring and control software solutions including TrueCapture, a solar boosting power plant, which boost plant performance by correcting for shading and diffuse light conditions; and NX Navigator, a mitigating extreme weather risk navigator which helps to maintain optimum tracker equipment health and availability. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Fremont, California. <<<
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Winmark - >>> 3 Mighty Micro-Cap Stocks to Make a Move On in Q4
Investor Place
by Will Ashworth
Sat, Nov 18, 2023
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-mighty-micro-cap-stocks-192758186.html
Barron’s recently published an article discussing the promise of small-cap funds heading into 2024. The rationale behind the thinking is that it’s possible any recession next year will be a small one. Small and micro-cap stocks do poorly in extended recessions.
It’s hard to know what’s going to happen next week, let alone next year. However, even when buying micro caps, it helps if you look for quality. The stronger the business, the more likely it will survive any recession that comes our way in 2024.
As the Barron’s article points out, micro caps are less likely to get bank financing in a recession, or if they do, the interest rates would be much higher than what large cap could obtain.
So, it makes sense to look for micro-cap businesses that self-finance their operations through cash flow. It doesn’t hurt if they also have business models that won’t be hurt by lower consumer spending. I would say these are businesses with high return on equity.
Who are these businesses? I’ll find my trio of micro-cap stocks to buy from the iShares Micro-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IWC), which tracks the performance of the Russell Microcap Index, a collection of very small U.S. public companies with market capitalizations between $4 million and $4.6 billion.
Winmark (WINA)
If there is any business positioned for a recession, it would be Winmark (NASDAQ:WINA). The Minnesota-based franchisor operates five brands that focus on resale retail: Plato’s Closet (39% of stores), Once Upon A Child (31%), Play It Again Sports (22%), Style Encore (5%) and Music Go Round (3%).
Throughout the next couple of years, its revenues will fall, but not for the reason you think.
In the nine months ended Sept. 30, Winmark generated nearly $4 million in revenue from leasing income earned from its middle market equipment leasing business. In May 2021, it decided to get out of this business.
“Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today that it will no longer solicit new leasing customers and will pursue an orderly run-off for its middle-market leasing portfolio,” Brett D. Heffes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated.
So, for example, while it generated nearly $4 million in revenue in Q3 2023, 32% less than a year ago. It will be lower in the fourth quarter and every quarter after that until it has no revenue.
But consider this, in the first nine months of 2023, its gross profit from the $4 million was approximately $578,200. Its operating profit in these same nine months was $40.8 million, or 65% of its $63.2 million in revenue.
The leasing business simply wasn’t cutting it. Worse, it was a distraction from its resale operations. Not surprisingly, its stock’s appreciated by 121% since that decision 29 months ago. If you are looking for micro-cap stocks, start here.
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>>> Winmark Corporation (WINA), a resale company operates as a franchisor for small business in the United States and Canada. The company's Franchising segment franchises retail stores concepts that buy, sell and trade merchandise. Its Leasing segment operates middle-market equipment leasing business. The company buys and sells used clothing and accessories geared toward the teenage and young adult market under Plato's Closet brand; and operates stores which buys and sells used and new children's clothing, toys, furniture, equipment, and accessories primarily to parents of children ages infant to 12 years under the Once Upon A Child brand. In addition, it buys, sells, trades in, and used and new sporting goods, equipment, and accessories for various athletic activities including team sports, such as baseball/softball, hockey, football, lacrosse, and soccer, as well as fitness, ski/snowboard, golf, and others under the Play It Again Sports brand; and buys and sells used women's apparel, shoes, and accessories under the Style Encore brand. Further, the company buys, sells, trades in, and used and new musical instruments, speakers, amplifiers, music-related electronics, and related accessories under the Music Go Round brand. Winmark Corporation was incorporated in 1988 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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>>> Winmark -- While many consumers might be unaware of small-cap stock Winmark (WINA), they are probably aware of its franchise-based retail companies that specialize in buying and selling secondhand goods: Music Go Round, Once Upon a Child, Plato's Closet, Play It Again Sports, and Style Encore.
https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/09/17/3-top-dividend-stocks-to-buy-now/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article
Winmark's stock has demonstrated remarkable performance, surging 53% year to date, and even more impressively, delivering a total return of 145% over the past five years.
Like Costco, Winmark has a relatively low annual dividend yield and frequently pays a special dividend. Its yield is 0.9%, and it has paid a special dividend each of the last three years at an average of $4.97 per share. With the announcement of its special cash dividend typically in October, it is possible another one could be soon.
As a franchise business, Winmark is incentivized to expand its network because its revenue is primarily derived from franchise fees and royalties. Prospective franchisees must make an initial franchise payment of approximately $25,000 in the United States and contribute 4% to 5% of their weekly gross sales. CEO Brett Heffes believes there are 2,800 open territories for franchises, with only 1,303 locations as of July 1, 2023.
If there is a negative for Winmark, the recent stock run-up has made its valuation expensive, with a current P/E of 32.7. For comparison, Winmark averaged a P/E of 23.2 over the past five years. Nonetheless, with record revenue of $83.2 million and near-record net income of $39.9 million over the trailing 12 months, the market might finally be taking notice of the resale company valued at a market capitalization of $1.3 billion.
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>>> Perion Network Expects 20% YoY Revenue Growth and 40% YoY Increase in Adjusted EBITDA in Second Quarter 2023
Businesswire
July 6, 2023
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/perion-network-expects-20-yoy-070000434.html
Perion Network Expects 20% YoY Revenue Growth And 40% YoY Increase In Adjusted EBITDA In Second Quarter 2023
Company to announce second quarter 2023 financial results and updated annual outlook on August 2, 2023
TEL AVIV & NEW YORK, July 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Perion Network Ltd. (Nasdaq & TASE: PERI), a global advertising technology company whose synergistic solutions are delivered across the three primary channels of digital advertising – search, social media and display/video/CTV advertising, today announced preliminary results for the second quarter of 2023.
$ million
Actual
Q2 2022
Preliminary
Q2 2023
YoY
Revenue
146.7
176.0
20%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
28.5
40.0
40%
Adjusted EBITDA to Revenue(1)
19%
23%
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. See a reconciliation table below
"The strength of our second quarter results reflects continued momentum of the business," said Tal Jacobson, Perion’s incoming CEO. "Both the second quarter and first six months highlight the power of our executional agility, underlying technological innovation and market fit. Our diversified and scalable business model has allowed us to capitalize on recent positive market indications, resulting in improved margins and market share gains. Based on preliminary data suggesting stronger than initially anticipated growth, we will provide an update to our annual outlook when we report our financial results on August 2."
Conference Call Details
Perion will release its financial results for the second quarter of 2023 on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, prior to the opening of the financial markets. Incoming CEO Tal Jaconson and CFO Maoz Sigron will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. ET on the same day.
Registration link:
https://incommconferencing.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xMvsgXNoSAyrwYE3yNKUcA#/registration
Toll Free: 1-877-407-0779
Toll/International: 1-201-389-0914
A replay of the call and a transcript will be available within approximately 24 hours of the live event on the investors section of Perion’s website at www.perion.com/investors.
About Perion Network Ltd.
Perion is a global advertising technology company whose synergistic solutions are delivered across the three primary channels of digital advertising – ad search, social media and display / video / CTV advertising. These channels are brought together by Perion’s intelligent Hub, which integrates the company’s business assets from both sides of the open Web, providing significant benefit to its brands and publisher customers.
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>>> Camtek Ltd. (CAMT), together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells inspection and metrology equipment for the advanced interconnect packaging, memory, complementary metal oxide semiconductor image sensors, micro-electro mechanical systems, radio frequency, and other segments of the semiconductor industry. It provides inspection and metrology systems, including Eagle-i, a system that delivers 2D inspection and metrology capabilities; Eagle-AP, which addresses the advanced packaging market using software and hardware technologies that deliver superior 2D and 3D inspection and metrology capabilities on the same platform; and Golden Eagle, a panel inspection and metrology system to support fanout wafer level packaging applications. The company sells its products in the Asia Pacific, the United States, and Europe. Camtek Ltd. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Migdal HaEmek, Israel.
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>>> Perion is a fast-growing ad tech company trading at a cheap valuation.
https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/01/27/want-1-million-in-retirement-invest-50000-in-these/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article
Perion Network
If you're looking for promising growth stocks, a great place to start your search is in the ad tech industry. For the most part, ad tech stocks are not only growing fast but are also profitable, and Perion Network (PERI 1.17%) offers a great example.
The company operates primarily through its intelligent hub, a digital advertising marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, optimizing ad purchases and placements and adding value for both sides. The company also offers premium experiences through connected TV and other channels, such as a "connected cart" that allows viewers to buy an advertised product with a QR code.
Like other ad tech stocks, Perion delivered strong growth early in the pandemic, but the company also continued to grow over the last year even as growth in the digital advertising industry has slowed, a sign Perion delivers a high return on investment for advertisers.
Revenue in 2023 rose 33% to $636 million, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) jumped 88% to $131 million. At a market cap of just $1.44 billion, that means the stock trades at just 11 times EBITDA, a surprisingly low valuation for a stock that just doubled its EBITDA profits.
With a combination of growth, a low valuation, and a small-cap valuation, Perion has the potential to be a multibagging stock over the coming years.
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>>> Perion Network Ltd. (PERI) provides digital advertising solutions to brands, agencies, and publishers in North America, Europe, and internationally. It provides Wildfire, a content monetization platform; search monetization solutions, including website monetization, search mediation, and app monetization; and cross-channel digital advertising software as a service platform. The company also offers supply management platform; demand management platform for campaign planning and design; analytics platform, which provides information and performance insights on the results of campaign investment and other campaign metrics; creative platform to create advertisements; and an AI platform that uses machine learning to bring intelligence to the various phases of campaigns. In addition, it provides an actionable performance monitoring platform to support the various phases of campaign management; an online video player and integrated ad server to upload, manage, and stream video content; content monetization system, which integrates ads within the content layouts at the page level. Further, the company offers a publisher management system that provides analytics and performance optimization tools, as well as reports; search-demand management systems; monetization products that integrate and onboards demand vendors; and AI Systems. Additionally, it provides Intelligent HUB (iHUB), a platform for pulling in signals across various advertising channels and optimizing traffic at scale, and yielding engagement metrics and KPIs; and strategic optimization of relevant traits (SORT), a provisional patent technology that eliminates the need for cookies. The company was formerly known as IncrediMail Ltd. and changed its name to Perion Network Ltd. in November 2011. Perion Network Ltd. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Holon, Israel.
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>>> InMode Ltd. (INMD) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets minimally invasive aesthetic medical products based on its proprietary radiofrequency assisted lipolysis and deep subdermal fractional radiofrequency technologies in the United States and internationally. The company offers minimally invasive aesthetic medical products for various procedures, such as liposuction with simultaneous skin tightening, body and face contouring, and ablative skin rejuvenation treatments, as well as for use in women's health conditions and procedures. It also designs, develops, manufactures, and markets non-invasive medical aesthetic products that target an array of procedures, including permanent hair reduction, facial skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, cellulite treatment, skin appearance and texture, and superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions, as well as hands-free medical aesthetic products that target a range of procedures, such as skin tightening, fat reduction, and muscle stimulation. The company was formerly known as Invasix Ltd. and changed its name to InMode Ltd. in November 2017. InMode Ltd. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in Yokneam, Israel.
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>>> Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG)
https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=171117892
Market Capitalization as of January 26, 2023: $1.82 billion
Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG) is a farming equipment company. It makes and sells a wide variety of machinery, such as tractor mowers and cutters. On the agrochemical side of things, the company provides products that allow farmers to apply fertilizers to their crops.
By the end of last year's third quarter, 11 out of the 920 hedge funds polled by Insider Monkey had bought Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG)'s shares.
Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG)'s largest shareholder is James A. Star's Longview Asset Management which owns 1.3 million shares that are worth $166 million.
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>>> Alamo Group Inc. (ALG) designs, manufactures, distributes, and services vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses worldwide. Its Vegetation Management Division segment offers hydraulically-powered and tractor-mounted mowers, other cutters and replacement parts for heavy-duty and intensive uses and heavy duty applications, tractor- and truck-mounted mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and replacement parts. This segment also provides rotary and finishing mowers, flail and disc mowers, front-end loaders, backhoes, rotary tillers, posthole diggers, scraper blades and replacement parts, zero turn radius mowers, cutting parts, plain and hard-faced replacement tillage tools, disc blades, and fertilizer application components; aftermarket agricultural parts, heavy-duty mechanical rotary mowers, snow blowers, rock removal equipment, replacement parts, tractor attachments, agricultural implements, hydraulic and boom-mounted hedge and grass cutters, tractor attachments and implements, hedgerow cutters, industrial grass mowers, agricultural seedbed preparation cultivators, self-propelled sprayers and multi-drive load-carrying vehicles, cutting blades, and hydraulic and mechanical boom mowers. The company's Industrial Equipment Division segment offers truck-mounted air vacuum, mechanical broom, and regenerative air sweepers, pothole patchers, leaf collection equipment and replacement brooms, parking lot and street sweepers, excavators, catch basin cleaners, and roadway debris vacuum systems, as well as truck-mounted vacuum machines, combination sewer cleaners, and hydro excavators. This segment also offers ice control products, snowplows and heavy duty snow removal equipment, hitches, attachments, and graders; and public works and runway maintenance products, parts, and services, and high pressure cleaning systems and trenchers. The company was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Seguin, Texas. <<<
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Piedmont Lithium - >>> Former Tesla Australia director pleads guilty to insider trading on lithium deal
MarketWatch
Nov. 15, 2022
By Rhiannon Hoyle
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/former-tesla-australia-director-pleads-guilty-to-insider-trading-on-lithium-deal-271668568963?siteid=yhoof2
Tesla Inc.’s former country director in Australia pleaded guilty in a Sydney court to two counts of insider trading, having bought shares in Belmont, N.C.-based Piedmont Lithium Inc. after finding out that it was agreeing to supply the electric-vehicle maker with the battery material, Australia’s corporate regulator said Wednesday.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission said Kurt Schlosser acquired 86,478 shares in Piedmont PLL, +1.16% in September 2020 after being told of an in-principle agreement that Tesla TSLA, -1.63% had reached with the lithium company for commodity supplies.
Schlosser, who also told a friend about the agreement, sold his shares in Piedmont for a net profit of about 28,884 Australian dollars (US$19,505) after the supply arrangement became public, the regulator said.
He pleaded guilty to one count of trading while in possession of inside information and one count of communicating inside information to an associate and will next appear in the Sydney District Court on Dec. 16, said the regulator.
Tesla and Piedmont didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Schlosser couldn’t be reached for comment.
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>>> J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF) manufactures, markets, and distributes nutritional snack foods and beverages to the food service and retail supermarket industries in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It operates in three segments: Food Service, Retail Supermarkets, and Frozen Beverages. The company offers soft pretzels under the SUPERPRETZEL, PRETZEL FILLERS, PRETZELFILS, GOURMET TWISTS, MR. TWISTER, SOFT PRETZEL BITES, SOFTSTIX, SOFT PRETZEL BUNS, TEXAS TWIST, BAVARIAN BAKERY, SUPERPRETZEL BAVARIAN, NEW YORK PRETZEL, KIM & SCOTT'S GOURMET PRETZELS, SERIOUSLY TWISTED!, BRAUHAUS, AUNTIE ANNE'S, and LABRIOLA, as well as under the private labels. It also provides frozen novelty under the LUIGI'S, WHOLE FRUIT, PHILLY SWIRL, SOUR PATCH, ICEE, and MINUTE MAID brands; churros under the TIO PEPE'S and CALIFORNIA CHURROS brands; and handheld products under the SUPREME STUFFERS and SWEET STUFFERS brands. In addition, the company offers bakery products, including biscuits, fig and fruit bars, cookies, breads, rolls, crumbs, muffins, and donuts under the MRS. GOODCOOKIE, READI-BAKE, COUNTRY HOME, MARY B'S, DADDY RAY'S, and HILL & VALLEY brands, as well as under private labels; and frozen beverages under the ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE, and PARROT ICE brands. Further, it provides funnel cakes under the FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY brand, as well as various other food products; and sells machines and machine parts to other food and beverage companies. The company sells its products through a network of food brokers, independent sales distributors, and direct sales force. It serves snack bars and food stand locations in chain, department and mass merchandising stores, malls and shopping centers, fast food and casual dining restaurants, stadiums and sports arenas, leisure and theme parks, convenience stores, movie theatres, warehouse club stores, schools, colleges and other institutions, and independent retailers. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
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J&J Snack Foods - >>> It's An $222M Ice Cream Treat For ICEE Parent J&J Snack Foods
Benzinga
by Shivani Kumaresan
May 19, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/222m-ice-cream-treat-icee-184119364.html
J&J Snack Foods Corp (NASDAQ: JJSF) has agreed to acquire Dippin' Dots L.L.C, a producer of flash-frozen beaded ice cream treats, for $222 million.
JJSF noted Dippin' Dots brand complements its frozen novelty and frozen beverage businesses. JJSF's brands include ICEE, SuperPretzel, Luigis, and others.
JJSF expects to further leverage its combined strength in entertainment and amusement locations, theaters, convenience, and supermarkets.
Dippin' Dots is headquartered in Paducah, KY, along with a main production facility, warehousing, distribution, and administrative offices. It also leases four additional frozen warehouses strategically located in California, Canada, Australia, and China.
J&J Snack Foods expects this transaction to be $0.30 - $0.40 accretive to its EPS in the first 12 months after closing. The deal is expected to close by the end of June 2022.
JJSF plans to fund the transaction through a combination of cash and senior debt financing. It held $225.5 million in cash and equivalents as of March 26, 2022.
Price Action: JJSF shares are trading higher by 2.93% at $122.34 on the last check Thursday.
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>>> J&J Snack Foods Corp. Announces Closing of Dippin’ Dots Acquisition
Yahoo Finance
J & J Snack Foods Corp.
June 21, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/j-j-snack-foods-corp-131500063.html
PENNSAUKEN, N.J., June 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J&J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ: JJSF), a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, announced today that it has closed the previously announced acquisition of Dippin’ Dots, L.L.C., a leading producer of flash-frozen beaded ice cream treats. The acquisition also includes the Doc Popcorn business operated by Dippin’ Dots.
“This is a significant day for J&J Snack Foods as we close the largest acquisition in our company’s 50+ year history” said Dan Fachner, President & Chief Executive Officer at J&J Snack Foods. “We look forward to leveraging our combined strength in entertainment and amusement locations, theaters, and convenience to continue to expand this iconic business,” Mr. Fachner added.
About J&J Snack Foods Corp.
J&J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ: JJSF) is a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, providing innovative, niche and affordable branded snack foods and beverages to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets. Manufactured and distributed nationwide, our principal products include SUPERPRETZEL, the #1 soft pretzel brand in the world, as well as internationally known ICEE and SLUSH PUPPIE frozen beverages, LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID frozen ices, WHOLE FRUIT sorbet and frozen fruit bars, SOUR PATCH KIDS Flavored Ice Pops, Tio Pepe’s & CALIFORNIA CHURROS, and THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY funnel cakes and several bakery brands within DADDY RAY’S, COUNTRY HOME BAKERS and HILL & VALLEY. With nearly twenty manufacturing facilities, and more than $1 billion in annual revenue, J&J Snack Foods Corp. has continued to see steady growth as a company, reaching record sales for 48 consecutive years. The company consistently seeks out opportunities to expand its unique niche market product offering while bringing smiles to families worldwide.
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>>> Canoo (GOEV) gets the Walmart seal of approval
Motley Fool
7-12-22
https://www.fool.com/investing/2022/07/12/pepsis-earnings-were-strong-but-this-ev-stock-is-t/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article
But posting the biggest gains on Tuesday morning was Canoo (GOEV 66.08%). The electric vehicle specialist got great news from a huge customer that boosted the stock price by more than 75% in premarket trading.
Walmart (WMT 0.31%) announced that it would buy 4,500 of Canoo's electric delivery vehicles. The retailer intends to use the vehicles for last-mile deliveries as it continues to build out its e-commerce business. Walmart will have the option to buy up to 10,000 units.
Canoo and Walmart don't expect the Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) to show up on highways until next year. However, advance deliveries are expected in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that should help Walmart and Canoo finalize the details in their collaboration.
Canoo touted several elements of its LDV, including easy handling, ample cargo space, modular design, and sustainability. For Walmart, the move helps it in its goals to reach zero-emissions status by 2040.
EV companies are competing fiercely for business, so getting a big-name buyer like Walmart is a point in Canoo's favor. Yet even with today's gain, the stock is still down sharply from where it traded during the past couple of years, so investors want to see even more wins before they'll have full confidence in Canoo's future.
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Neogen - >>> 3M Food Safety Unit and Neogen to Combine in $9.3 Billion Deal
A merger will enable 3M's food-safety unit and Neogen to form a dedicated global food-safety group.
Dec 19, 2021
The Street
https://www.thestreet.com/markets/mergers-acquisitions/3m-food-safety-unit-neogen-combining-in-9point3-billion-deal?puc=yahoo&cm_ven=YAHOO
VERONIKA BONDARENKODEC 14, 2021 3:36 PM EST
Food-safety and animal-health company Neogen (NEOG) - said it would combine with the food-safety branch of 3M (MMM) - Get 3M Company Report, creating a global food-safety and security provider.
The deal is designed to be tax-free to 3M holders. At closing, holders of Neogen, Lansing, Mich., will have 49.9% of the new company and 3M holders receive 50.1%.
3M is the St. Paul, Minn., technology and consumer-products giant, parent to everything from masks and respirators to Post-It notes.
The enterprise value of the combined company is estimated at $9.3 billion.
Both boards have approved the deal. Talks of a merger between the two companies have been in the works and reported on since 2019.
At last check, Neogen shares jumped 8.5% to $43.51 while 3M stock was little changed at $174.50.
The new company will take advantage of a "heightened global focus on food security, sustainability and supply chain solutions," said John Adent, Neogen's chief executive, John Adent, said in a statement. Adent will be leading the new company.
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>>> Lightwave Logic Announces $33.0 Million Financing Agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund
Yahoo Finance
October 7, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lightwave-logic-announces-33-0-123100865.html
Lincoln Park Capital Fund Purchased $3 Million of Common Stock at $9.16/share. The Agreement Provides Lightwave Logic the Right, But Not the Obligation, to Sell Stock to Lincoln Park Over A 36-Month Period at the Company's Sole Discretion
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWLG), a technology platform company leveraging its proprietary electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power, has entered into its 5th agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC ("LPC"), a Chicago-based institutional investor. LPC is a long time investor in Lightwave Logic, and first invested in Lightwave Logic in 2011. LPC purchased $3 million of common stock at closing, which was sold at $9.16/share.
Under the purchase agreement, Lightwave Logic will have the right, but not the obligation, to sell up to an additional $30.0 million of its common stock to Lincoln Park over a 36-month period. Lightwave Logic will control the timing and amount of any sales to Lincoln Park with no upper limits to the price Lincoln Park may pay to purchase such common stock. The purchase agreement may be terminated by Lightwave Logic at any time, in its sole discretion, without any additional cost or penalty.
Jim Marcelli, President and Chief Operating Officer of Lightwave Logic, commented, "While we are comfortable with our current cash position of approximately $15 million and burn rate, this financing provides additional flexibility for us as we move forward toward commercialization of our products.
"The Lincoln Park facility allows us to source capital in an opportunistic manner, in addition to our S-3 shelf registration that provides the potential for additional financing alternatives. We believe that maintaining this optionality is critical to financing the company in a way that helps to create value for our shareholders over the long-term," stated Marcelli.
A description of the purchase agreement is set forth in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, which the Company filed with the SEC on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
About Lightwave Logic, Inc.
Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWLG) is developing a platform leveraging its proprietary engineered electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power. The Company's high-activity and high-stability organic polymers allow Lightwave Logic to create next-generation photonic EO devices, which convert data from electrical signals into optical signals, for applications in data communications and telecommunications markets. For more information, please visit the Company's website at lightwavelogic.com.
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>>> Orocobre Limited (OROCF) engages in the exploration, development, and production of lithium and boron in Argentina. The company's flagship project is the Olaroz Lithium Facility located in Jujuy province in northern Argentina. Orocobre Limited was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Brisbane, Australia. <<<
>>> The world’s biggest mining firms, including BHP Group and Glencore Plc, are emphasizing their links to clean energy, while smaller competitors are surging. Lithium producers including Pilbara Minerals Ltd. and Orocobre Ltd. are advancing faster this year than battery giants like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. and are among the top performers in the Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Total Return Index. <<<
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2021-materials-silver-to-lithium-worth-big-money-in-clean-energy/?srnd=premium
>>> Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF) explores for, develops, and operates mineral resources in Australia. The company primarily holds a 100% interest in the Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in West Perth, Australia. <<<
>>> The world’s biggest mining firms, including BHP Group and Glencore Plc, are emphasizing their links to clean energy, while smaller competitors are surging. Lithium producers including Pilbara Minerals Ltd. and Orocobre Ltd. are advancing faster this year than battery giants like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. and are among the top performers in the Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Total Return Index. <<<
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2021-materials-silver-to-lithium-worth-big-money-in-clean-energy/?srnd=premium
>>> Lightwave Logic and Polariton Technologies Achieve World-Record Performance for Ultra-High-Speed Modulators
Yahoo Finance
September 16, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lightwave-logic-polariton-technologies-achieve-123100545.html
Breakthrough Results Presented in Peer Reviewed Paper at Prestigious 2021 European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC)
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and ZURICH, Sept. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWLG), a technology platform company leveraging its proprietary electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power, today announced the achievement of world-record performance for a polymer modulator, as demonstrated in an optical transmission experiment by ETH Zurich, using the Company's proprietary, advanced Perkinamine™ chromophores and Polariton Technologies Ltd.'s newest plasmonic EO modulator, a silicon-photonics-based plasmonic racetrack modulator offering energy-efficient, low-loss, and high-speed modulation in a compact footprint.
The groundbreaking results were presented as a post-deadline paper at the prestigious European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC) industry exhibition and conference in Bordeaux on September 16, 2021. Polariton's plasmonic modulator transmitted 220 Gbit/s OOK and 408 Gbit/s 8PAM. Transmission of an optical signal was conducted over 100 m using a low-voltage electrical drive of 0.6Vp, an on-chip loss of 1 dB, and an optical 3 dB bandwidth of beyond 110 GHz.
"Our mission at Lightwave Logic is to continually push the frontiers of high-speed performance for electro-optic polymers, shaping the 'impossible' into reality and a new normal for the industry," said Dr. Michael Lebby, Chief Executive Officer of Lightwave Logic. "Through our collaboration with Polariton, we have achieved a new world-record for a racetrack plasmonic modulator device structure. The acceptance of a post-deadline peer reviewed paper at ECOC 2021 provides third party validation of this incredible result.
"We now turn our attention to further optimizing this performance with silicon foundries through both materials and optical device design. With performance achievements such as this, we believe that many companies will quickly see the potential impact that high performance optical switching devices using our polymers can have on their business," concluded Lebby.
Dr. Wolfgang Heni, Co-CTO at Polariton, added: "Polariton has always been dedicated to providing best-in-class devices with the highest-performance. Our goal is to make optical communications faster, the technology more scalable and with it, components and infrastructure more energy-efficient. Our recent demonstration of a plasmonic racetrack modulator once again showcased how the unique combination of plasmonics, silicon photonics, and organic electro-optics offers high-speed and energy-efficient components. We are pleased to have worked with Lightwave Logic, providing us with high-performance and reliable Perkinamine™ chromophores to demonstrate this new world record, further highlighting the benefits of our plasmonic modulator technology. Together, we hope to revolutionize the future of the internet through adoption of next-generation electro-optic polymer platforms."
About Lightwave Logic, Inc.
Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWLG) is developing a platform leveraging its proprietary engineered electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power. The Company's high-activity and high-stability organic polymers allow Lightwave Logic to create next-generation photonic EO devices, which convert data from electrical signals into optical signals, for applications in data communications and telecommunications markets. For more information, please visit the Company's website at lightwavelogic.com.
About Polariton Technologies Ltd.
Polariton Technologies is on a mission to revolutionize the future of telecommunications by accelerating information transport and bringing reducing its power consumption. Polariton is providing the world's fastest, most compact, and energy-efficient electro-optic devices with applications in telecommunications, datacenters, wireless communications (5G/6G), space, and sensing. Founded in 2019, Polariton is a spin-off of ETH Zurich, taking pride in teamwork, clear and effective communication, and curiosity. Discover more about us at polariton.ch or follow us at LinkedIn @polariton-technologies
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>>> The Ensign Group Adds Two Skilled Nursing Facilities in Texas
Yahoo Finance
August 2, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ensign-group-adds-two-skilled-100000681.html
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., Aug. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensign Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENSG), the parent company of the Ensign™ group of companies, which invest in and provide skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies and other rehabilitative and healthcare services, announced today that, effective August 1, 2021, it acquired the operations of the following skilled nursing facilities in Texas:
Sedona Trace Health and Wellness Center, a 119-bed skilled nursing facility located in Austin, TX; and
Cedar Pointe Health and Wellness Center, a 122-bed skilled nursing facility located in Cedar Park, TX.
The real estate for each of these operations was acquired by CareTrust REIT, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTRE) in the transaction and each operation will be added to an existing long-term, triple-net master lease, which is currently in place between Ensign affiliates and CareTrust.
“We are excited to be growing in the Greater Austin area, which is a part of Texas we have been looking to grow in for some time. These acquisitions are a perfect fit both from a geographic and cultural perspective,” said Barry Port, Ensign's Chief Executive Officer. “We are again thrilled to be announcing our growing relationship with CareTrust and are excited to announce that, in connection with this transaction, CareTrust extended the applicable lease term by ten years. We continue to look forward to many more years of working together with CareTrust on these and future opportunities,” he added.
Kevin Niccum, President of Keystone Care LLC, Ensign’s Texas-based subsidiary, added “These recently constructed facilities represent fantastic growth opportunities in the short-term and the long term. We look forward to working closely with an outstanding team of professionals that truly care about the residents and their families.” This acquisition brings Ensign's growing portfolio to 242 healthcare operations, 22 of which also include senior living operations, across thirteen states. Ensign owns 95 real estate assets. Mr. Port reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking opportunities to acquire real estate and to lease both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing, senior living and other healthcare related businesses throughout the United States.
About EnsignTM
The Ensign Group, Inc.'s independent operating subsidiaries provide a broad spectrum of skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies and other rehabilitative and healthcare services at 242 healthcare facilities, in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. More information about Ensign is available at http://www.ensigngroup.net.
About CareTrust™
CareTrust REIT, Inc. is a self-administered, publicly-traded real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, acquisition, development and leasing of skilled nursing, seniors housing and other healthcare-related properties. With a nationwide portfolio of long-term net-leased properties, and a growing portfolio of quality operators leasing them, CareTrust REIT is pursuing both external and organic growth opportunities across the United States. More information about CareTrust REIT is available at www.caretrustreit.com.
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>>> Sensient Technologies Acquires Assets of Flavor Solutions, Inc.
Yahoo Finance
July 19, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sensient-technologies-acquires-assets-flavor-105500287.html
MILWAUKEE, July 19, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYSE: SXT) announced that it acquired the assets of Flavor Solutions, Inc. on July 15, 2021. The business provides flavors and flavor technologies to the food, beverage, and nutraceutical markets.
"The acquisition of this business will allow Sensient to expand its flavor portfolio and add key technologies to strengthen its technical solution capabilities," said Paul Manning, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Sensient Technologies Corporation. "I am excited to welcome the Flavor Solutions team to Sensient and to support the strong customer relationships that the team has built."
The acquisition of this business grows Sensient’s flavor portfolio through the expansion of its traditional flavor offering as well as the addition of savory reaction flavors, natural shelf-life extender technologies, and additional sweetness enhancing and salt reduction taste-modulation technology platforms.
ABOUT SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES
Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and other specialty ingredients. Sensient uses advanced technologies and robust global supply chain capabilities to develop specialized solutions for food and beverages, as well as products that serve the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and personal care industries. Sensient’s customers range in size from small entrepreneurial businesses to major international manufacturers representing some of the world’s best-known brands. Sensient is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
www.sensient.com
ABOUT FLAVOR SOLUTIONS, INC.
Flavor Solutions, Inc. is a custom product and flavor development company that combines the art and science of flavor technology with other food science technologies to provide its customers with innovative, applied technology delivery systems for products. Flavor Solutions, Inc. serves some of the world’s most prominent producers of prepared foods and beverages, and leaders in the culinary, food service, beverage and nutraceutical industries.
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>>> Balchem Corporation Reports Record Second Quarter Sales of $202.4 Million, Net Earnings of $22.7 Million, GAAP EPS of $0.70, and Adjusted EPS of $0.93
Balchem Corporation
July 30, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/balchem-corporation-reports-record-second-110000726.html
NEW HAMPTON, N.Y., July 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Balchem Corporation (NASDAQ: BCPC) reported today record second quarter net earnings of $22.7 million for 2021, compared to net earnings of $21.1 million for the second quarter 2020, adjusted net earnings(a) of $30.4 million, compared to $27.6 million in the prior year quarter, and adjusted EBITDA(a) of $50.1 million, compared to $43.9 million in the prior year quarter.
Second Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights:
Net sales were $202.4 million, an increase of $29.0 million, or 16.7%, compared to the prior year quarter, with record sales in all three segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.
Adjusted EBITDA was $50.1 million, an increase of $6.3 million, or 14.3%, from the prior year.
GAAP net earnings were $22.7 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 7.6% from the prior year. These net earnings resulted in GAAP earnings per share of $0.70.
Adjusted net earnings were $30.4 million, an increase of $2.8 million or 10.3% from the prior year. These adjusted net earnings resulted in adjusted earnings per share(a) of $0.93.
The effective tax rate of 24.3% was 561 basis point higher than the prior year tax rate of 18.7%.
Quarterly cash flows from operations were $35.8 million for the second quarter 2021, with quarterly free cash flow(a) of $28.4 million.
Recent Highlights:
In June, Balchem’s Board of Directors elected Ms. Kathy Fish to fill a vacancy on the Board. Ms. Fish recently retired from the position of Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer at The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG). Over a long career at Procter & Gamble, Ms. Fish held various roles within the research and development function of increasing responsibility before leading the function from 2014 to 2020. Ms. Fish brings to the Balchem Board important new product development and direct to consumer expertise, along with her international business acumen and experience in driving a growth culture. Ms. Fish will serve on the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee.
We released our annual Sustainability Report in April in support of our Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance ideals. We also disclosed our 2030 goals around emissions reduction and water conservation focused on reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and water use by 25%. We are committed to operating with excellence as strong stewards of our stakeholders while providing innovative solutions for the health and nutritional needs of the world.
In May, our Verona, Missouri plant experienced a flash flood event as a result of very localized storms in the southwest part of the state. The plant was shut down for several weeks as we repaired affected equipment, cleaned the site, and safely re-started activities. The negative direct financial impact to the quarter was approximately $3.8 million, primarily due to the write off of damaged inventory and the costs associated with external service providers used for the clean-up efforts. Customer requirements were largely satisfied through inventory on hand and by leveraging alternate and redundant manufacturing capabilities across our supply chain. The manufacturing site is now fully operational and we have filed a related insurance claim with the expectation to partially offset these expenses with future insurance recoveries.
Strong cash flows in the second quarter enabled the company to make repayments on its revolving debt of $30.0 million, lowering net debt to $43.7 million, with an overall leverage ratio on a net debt basis of 0.2.
Ted Harris, Chairman, CEO, and President of Balchem said, “The second quarter of 2021 was another strong quarter for Balchem. We delivered exceptional performance in a dynamic market environment and we continued to see strong demand for our products and services with double-digit sales growth in all three of our business segments versus the prior year's quarter, as well as sequential growth in all three segments.”
Mr. Harris added, “While we experienced a challenging and unexpected event this quarter with the flash flood at one of our manufacturing plants, I am extremely proud of how the Balchem team responded to the event, safely returned the plant to operations within the quarter, and worked tirelessly to satisfy customer needs through our broader supply chain capabilities. Our ability to deliver these strong financial results while managing through the flash flood event along with the other macro-economic challenges we have been facing, is once again a testament to the resilience and strength of our business model and the Balchem team.”
Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2021:
The Human Nutrition & Health segment generated all-time record quarterly sales of $111.5 million, an increase of $14.0 million or 14.4% compared to the prior year quarter. The increase was driven both by strong sales growth within food and beverage markets as well as higher sales within the Minerals and Nutrients business. This segment generated quarterly earnings from operations of $19.0 million, an increase of $3.5 million or 22.7%, compared to $15.5 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the aforementioned higher sales and overall manufacturing efficiencies, partially offset by higher raw material and distribution costs and the costs associated with the recovery from the flash flood event that we experienced at our Verona, Missouri manufacturing site. Excluding the effect of non-cash expense associated with amortization of acquired intangible assets of $4.3 million and $4.8 million for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the expense related to the flash flood event of $2.1 million for the second quarter of 2021, adjusted earnings from operations(a) for this segment were $25.3 million, compared to $20.3 million in the prior year quarter.
The Animal Nutrition & Health segment generated all-time record quarterly sales of $54.5 million, an increase of $8.1 million or 17.6% compared to the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily the result of higher sales in both Monogastric and Ruminant animal markets and a favorable impact related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Second quarter earnings from operations for this segment of $3.6 million decreased $2.9 million or 44.6% compared to $6.4 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to increases in raw material and distribution costs and the costs associated with the recovery from the flash flood event. Excluding the effect of non-cash expense associated with amortization of acquired intangible assets of $0.2 million for both the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, and the expense related to the flash flood event of $1.4 million for the second quarter of 2021, adjusted earnings from operations for this segment were $5.2 million compared to $6.6 million in the prior year quarter.
The Specialty Products segment generated all-time record quarterly sales of $34.0 million, an increase of $5.8 million or 20.7% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher sales for products in both the plant nutrition business and the medical device sterilization market. Second quarter earnings from operations for this segment were $9.7 million, versus $8.0 million in the prior year comparable quarter, an increase of $1.7 million or 21.5%, primarily due to the aforementioned higher sales, partially offset by increases in raw material and distribution costs. Excluding the effect of non-cash expense associated with amortization of acquired intangible assets for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020 of $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and the expense related to the flash flood event of $0.2 million for the second quarter of 2021, adjusted earnings from operations for this segment were $11.2 million, compared to $9.6 million in the prior year quarter.
All-time record consolidated gross margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 of $59.4 million increased by $4.1 million or 7.3%, compared to $55.4 million for the prior year comparable period. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 29.4% as compared to 31.9% in the prior year period, a decrease of 257 basis points, primarily due to a significant increase in certain raw material and distribution costs and the costs associated with the recovery from the flash flood event, partially offset by favorable mix and overall manufacturing efficiencies. Operating expenses of $28.9 million for the quarter increased $0.4 million from the prior year comparable quarter, primarily due to an increase in certain higher compensation-related costs, partially offset by the prior year being negatively impacted by a goodwill impairment charge related to business formerly included in the Industrial Products segment, and a decrease in transaction and integration costs. Excluding non-cash operating expenses associated with amortization of intangible assets of $5.9 million, operating expenses were $22.9 million, or 11.3% of sales.
Interest expense was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2021. Our effective tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were 24.3% and 18.7%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate from the prior year was primarily due to a reduction in certain tax credits and lower tax benefits from stock-based compensation.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2021, cash flows provided by operating activities were $35.8 million, and free cash flow was $28.4 million. The $186.5 million of net working capital on June 30, 2021 included a cash balance of $79.9 million, which reflects repayments of the revolving debt of $30.0 million, and capital expenditures and intangible assets acquired of $7.4 million.
Ted Harris said, “The second quarter of 2021 was another solid quarter for Balchem. While we faced macro-economic challenges, particularly from significantly higher raw material costs as well as complexities associated with logistical disruptions, we stepped up to meet these challenges and once again delivered a strong financial performance, while at the same time continuing to progress our strategic growth initiatives.”
Quarterly Conference Call
A quarterly conference call will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) to review second quarter 2021 results. Ted Harris, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President and Martin Bengtsson, CFO will host the call. We invite you to listen to the conference by calling toll-free 1-877-407-8289 (local dial-in 1-201-689-8341), five minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the conference call. The conference call will be available for replay two hours after the conclusion of the call through end of day Friday, August 13, 2021. To access the replay of the conference call, dial 1-877-660-6853 (local dial-in 1-201-612-7415), and use conference ID #13721555.
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ExlService Holdings - >>> EXL, AWS Extend Partnership To Drive Cloud Migration of Enterprise Business Processes
Benzinga
by Anusuya Lahiri
June 30, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/exl-aws-extend-partnership-drive-200254070.html
ExlService Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: EXLS) expanded its Amazon.com Inc’s
Amazon Web Services collaboration to help EXL clients operationalize AI, Analytics, Automation, and Cloud technologies within enterprise business processes.
EXL addresses the challenges of operationalizing data-driven technologies through its robust AI Operating System architecture, known as AI: OS.
AWS capabilities were critical to meet the aggressive transformation timelines and impact expectations of EXL’s clients, EXL Chief Digital Officer Ankor Rai said.
EXL also leveraged AWS infrastructure and AWS Training & Certification services to drive the development and deployment of domain-specific cloud solutions across the client enterprise and their corporate learning and development programs to drive a new cohort of EXL Digital employees.
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J&J Snack Foods - >>> E-Commerce Continues to Boost Grocery Sales: 4 Solid Picks
Yahoo Finace
by Ritujay Ghosh
April 20, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/e-commerce-continues-boost-grocery-101910051.html
E-commerce has played a major role in helping the retail sector recover from a total collapse during the pandemic. While shops remained closed during the peak months of the pandemic, more people shopped online. This in a way changed the shopping habits of many who now prefer shopping online.
This has seen online grocery sales surging during the pandemic. Given that there are no signs of the coronavirus subsiding, e-commerce is likely to play a major role in the coming days.
Online Grocery Sales Grow
According to Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey, online grocery sales surged 43% in March on a year-over-year basis. Online grocery sales in March totaled $9.3 billion compared to $6.5 billion a year ago, as the second round of stimulus checks reached millions.
Moreover, the survey shows more than 69 million households placed 2.8 orders on average in March. Over 69.3 million households placed at least one or more online orders during March 2021 compared with 74.5 million a year ago, when stay-at-home orders were imposed and shops and businesses had to be temporarily shut down.
This is a slight loss in the number of people shopping online from last year’s figures but that was primarily because many households are also making grocery purchases that are shipped to the home through common or contract carriers.
In fact, the curbside pickup segment gained 12%, and the delivery segment gained 23% in March, which proves that people are more comfortable shopping online.
Coronavirus Driving Online Sales
Although online grocery sales somewhat declined in February, it has once again bounced back as people spent more freely after the second round of stimulus checks started reaching them. In fact, that has helped the entire industry, with retail sales surging 9.8% monthover month in March to hit a 10-month high.
Moreover, despite three vaccines being rolled out, the COVID-19 crisis is far from over, with new cases hardly subsiding. Also, many who are hesitant to shop at a physical store but at the same time don’t want to pay for certain online grocery items have been going for curbside pickup, which is driving online sales further. Hence, online shopping will remain the preferred choice for most despite the COVID-19 vaccine being already rolled out.
Our Choices
Fears of the virus continue to exist irrespective of the vaccination drive. Preventive measures to keep the virus at bay are likely to see people ordering for all household necessities, including grocery, online. Given this situation, it would be prudent to watch out for these five stocks thatare likely to rally on a sharp rise in demand for online grocery in the near future.
United Natural Foods, Inc. UNFI is the leading distributor of natural, organic and specialty food and non-food products in the United States and Canada. The company carries more than 1,10,000 high-quality natural, organic and specialty products, consisting of national, regional and private label brands in six product categories.
The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 29%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 8.7% over the past 60 days. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
J & J Snack Foods Corp. JJSF is a manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded niche snack foods and frozen beverages for the food service and retail supermarket industries.
The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 88.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 2% over the past 60 days. J & J Snack Foods holds a Zacks Rank #2.
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. SFM which operates in a highly fragmented grocery store industry, has a unique model that features fresh produce, a foods section, and a vitamin department focused on overall wellness.
The company’s expected earnings growth rate for next year is 10.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 5.1% over the past 60 days. Sprouts Farmers Market has a Zacks Rank #2.
Performance Food Group Company PFGC markets and distributes food and food-related products. Its operating segment consists of Foodservice, Vistar, and PFG Customized.
The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 85.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 1.6% over the past 60 days. Performance Food Group carries a Zacks Rank #2.
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>>> Addus HomeCare - >>> 3 Small-Cap Stocks With Big-Cap Potential
These stocks are just temporarily inconvenienced large caps in the making.
Motley Fool
by Alex Carchidi
Sep 25, 2020
https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/09/25/3-small-cap-stocks-with-big-cap-potential/
With a market capitalization of $1.4 billion, Addus HomeCare (NASDAQ:ADUS) provides nursing and hospice care support for elderly people who would otherwise need to be taken care of in a nursing home or hospital. While its profit margin is narrow at 4.2% and its ROIC is a mere 6.1%, the company is growing its quarterly earnings at a rapid rate of 30.5% year over year, and it seeks to grow its revenues by at least 10% per year. The most important thing to realize about Addus is that its growth is sustainable -- the company has been in business for more than 40 years, and it currently employs more than 33,000 people across the U.S.
As long as people continue to grow old and need care, Addus will be able to expand its business, making it a significantly more reliable stock than many others in the healthcare sector. This means that the company can most likely become a large cap by continuing with its business as usual -- a highly favorable state of affairs for cautious investors. From 2015 to 2019, the company boasted a compound annual growth rate of 18.9%. In 2020, it reached $736 million in trailing revenues. What's more, Addus expects that demographic trends in the U.S. will heavily favor its expansion, with its target customer numbers doubling between now and 2050. While it may not be a competitor in a hot market, Addus is on track to become a monster stock one year at a time.
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>>> Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (MLAB) designs, manufactures, and markets quality control instruments and disposable products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. The company's Sterilization and Disinfection Control segment manufactures and markets biological indicators comprising spore strips, self-contained products, and culture media, as well as process challenge devices; and offers testing services. This segment also provides chemical and cleaning indicators that are used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization and cleaning processes. Its Instruments segment offers data loggers used in critical manufacturing, quality control, and validation applications; medical meters and calibration solutions used to test various parameters of the dialysis fluid, and the calibration and operation of the dialysis machine; gas flow calibration and air sampling equipment that are used for industrial hygiene assessments, calibration of gas metering equipment, and environmental air sampling; and torque testing systems used for measure bottle cap tightness. This segment's products are used in healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device, food and beverage, industrial hygiene, and environmental air sampling industries. The company's Biopharmaceutical Development segment develops, manufactures, and commercializes automated solutions for protein analysis, which include analysis equipment, CDs, kits, and buffers; and peptide synthesizers to automate chemically synthesized peptides that are used in the creation of peptide therapies, biomaterials, cosmetics, and general research. Its Continuous Monitoring segment offers systems, which are used to monitor temperature, humidity, and differential pressure for use in hospitals, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, blood banks, pharmacies, and laboratory environments. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado.
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>>> Innovative Industrial Properties Raises Dividend by 6%
In less than four full years as a publicly traded company, the cannabis industry REIT has grown its dividend more than sevenfold.
Motley Fool
Eric Volkman
Jun 17, 2020
https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/06/17/innovative-industrial-properties-raises-dividend.aspx
Times may be tough for marijuana companies, but Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE:IIPR) isn't letting that trend deter it from hiking its dividend. On Tuesday, the real estate investment trust (REIT) announced that its next quarterly common stock dividend will be $1.06 per share, up from the $1 per share it paid in April.
The new dividend will be distributed on July 15 to investors of record as of June 30. At the most recent closing stock price, it would yield nearly 4.3%.
As a REIT, Innovative, which specializes in owning properties used by cannabis companies, is required to pay out at least 90% of its net profits to shareholders in the form of dividends. Since going public at the end of 2016, it has raised its payout seven times (including this most recent boost) from an initial $0.15 per share to the present level. Lately, the company has also been consistent in booking profits on the bottom line, a rare feat in the cannabis industry.
Innovative benefits from being the only specialty cannabis REIT on the market. Its tenants include some of the best-known and active marijuana companies, with which it frequently enters into sale-leaseback transactions (in which it purchases such a business's property, then turns around and leases it back to seller).
On Tuesday, Innovative shares ended the day almost 3% higher, exceeding the gains of the major stock market indexes.
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Innovative Industrial Properties - >>> Here's How Many Times Marijuana's Dividend King Has Raised Its Payout
In just three short years, this pot stock has delivered amazing returns and dividend income.
Motley Fool
Dan Caplinger
Jul 26, 2020
https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/07/26/heres-how-many-times-marijuanas-dividend-king-has.aspx
Marijuana stocks have been a minefield lately, with many of the giants of the cannabis industry having fallen on tough times. The list of major cannabis producers that have lost ground again in 2020 is long, and it's been hard to find consistent winners among pure plays in the pot space.
Yet when you look beyond companies that are actually growing marijuana themselves, there's one company that stands out for its amazing performance. Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE:IIPR) has become the most famous dividend stock in the cannabis sector, and a recent dividend increase has extended the real estate investment trust's dominant streak of payout boosts in its short four-year history as a publicly traded company.
The latest move from Innovative Industrial
Dividend investors got good news from Innovative Industrial back in June, when the cannabis REIT announced yet another dividend increase. Shareholders who owned stock on June 30 got a July 15 quarterly dividend payment of $1.06 per share. That was up 6% from the previous level of $1 per share.
With the increase, Innovative Industrial boosted its yield as well. Based on current prices, dividend investors are getting around a 4.3% dividend yield from their investment in the marijuana real estate specialist. That's come despite a share price gain of more than 30% so far in 2020.
An amazing streak of dividend success
By itself, there's nothing all that impressive about a 6% dividend increase. Companies across the market make such moves all the time. But when you put the boost into a broader context, it's a lot clearer what Innovative Industrial has managed to put together with its business.
Innovative Industrial paid its first dividend just three years ago, in the second quarter of 2017. The first quarterly payment of $0.15 per share was modest, but it still made the REIT special in the marijuana stock world. Most cannabis companies still pay no dividend, leaving Innovative Industrial as an obvious pick for income investors.
Since then, Innovative Industrial has declared 12 quarterly dividends. Five of those happened to be exactly the same as the previous quarter's payout. However, on seven occasions -- in just three years! -- the cannabis REIT has delivered a dividend increase.
Moreover, most of those increases have been far more significant than its latest increase. Take a look:
Innovative Industrial's December 2017 dividend was up 67% to $0.25 per share.
In September 2018, a 40% increase brought the payout to $0.35 per share.
March 2019 included a 29% rise to $0.45 per share.
The very next quarter, in June 2019, shareholders got a 33% boost to $0.60 per share.
September 2019's payment of $0.78 per share was up another 30% and brought the quarterly streak to two in a row.
Innovative paid an even $1 per share in December 2019, up 28% from the dividend it distributed three months before.
All in all, Innovative is now paying more than seven times what it did in its first-ever dividend.
Where Innovative is finding all this income
As a real estate investment trust, Innovative Industrial is required to pay out 90% of its net income to shareholders, so it's not surprising to see dividends increasing consistently as the company grows. What's impressive, though, is the pace of that growth, especially during economically challenging times.
However, the nature of Innovative Industrial's business model explains some of the growth. The REIT looks for and purchases suitable properties that it can lease out to tenants, which are typically cannabis cultivators or other companies with operations related to the marijuana industry. Given the difficulty in getting financing right now, most cannabis producers can't afford to purchase greenhouses or other buildings outright. A lease with Innovative Industrial solves their cash flow issues while giving the REIT an opportunity for growth.
Moreover, regulations on cannabis businesses can make real estate transactions more complicated. Working with Innovative Industrial means having an expert in the field that already knows what requirements there are, and the REIT is willing to work with prospective tenants. That's been an invaluable service, and one that Innovative Industrial can profit from.
Expect more growth ahead
Innovative Industrial continues to find lucrative new properties for investment, and it's been successful in raising capital whenever it's needed. That points to a strong future for the marijuana REIT. It also suggests that dividends should continue to be on the rise -- building further on one of the biggest success stories among cannabis stocks .
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>>> Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a vertically-integrated solid waste services company in the northeastern United States. The company operates through Eastern Region, Western Region, Recycling, and Other segments. It offers resource management services primarily in the areas of solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling, and organics services to residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial customers. The company provides a range of non-hazardous solid waste services, including collections, transfer stations, material recovery facilities, and disposal facilities. It also markets recyclable metals, aluminum, plastics, and paper and corrugated cardboard that are processed at its facilities, as well as recyclables purchased from third parties. In addition, the company is involved in commodity brokerage operations. As of January 31, 2020, it owned and/or operated 43 solid waste collection operations, 58 transfer stations, 20 recycling facilities, 8 Subtitle D landfills, 4 landfill gas-to-energy facilities, and 1 landfill permitted to accept construction and demolition materials. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont.
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>>> Everbridge, Inc. (EVBG) operates as a software company in the United States and internationally. The company's Critical Event Management, a software as a service based platform with various software applications that address tasks an organization has to perform to manage a critical event, including Mass Notification that enables enterprises and governmental entities to send notifications to individuals or groups to keep them informed before, during, and after natural or man-made disasters, and other emergencies; Safety Connection that enables organizations to send notifications based on last known location of an individual; Incident Management for organizations to automate workflows and make their communications relevant; and IT Alerting that enables IT professionals to alert and communicate with members of their teams during an IT incident or outage. Its software applications also include Visual Command Center that enables customers to monitor and integrate threat data, as well as information on internal incidents; Public Warning that is used to reach international mobile populations; Community Engagement that integrates emergency management and community outreach; Crisis Management that provides mobile access to crisis, recovery, and brand protection plans; Risk Intelligence that aggregates data to assess incidents and provide incident information and analysis; and Secure Messaging for employees to communicate and share nonpublic information. The company provides customer support services. It serves enterprises, small businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies in technology, energy, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, media and entertainment, retail, higher education, and professional services industries. The company was formerly known as 3n Global, Inc. and changed its name to Everbridge, Inc. in April 2009. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts.
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>>> Alarm.com (ALRM) -
https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/small-cap-stocks/601067/10-splendid-small-cap-growth-stocks-to-buy
Market value: $3.3 billion
YTD total return: 59.8%
3-year annualized revenue growth: 24.4%
Alarm.com (ALRM, $68.67) was founded in 2000 to provide residential and commercial customers with cloud-based security solutions that work at all times. That means if the internet is down, the power is out, or the phone line is down, customers still have connectivity.
The firm has experienced significant growth over its 20-year history. In 2009, its growth attracted venture capital firm ABS Capital, which paid $27.7 million for the company. Three years later, it obtained $136 million in funding from Technology Crossover Ventures. In June 2015, Alarm.com went public, selling 7 million shares to investors at $14 a share. Except for 525,000 shares sold by ABS Capital, all of the net proceeds of the offering went to general corporate purposes.
According to the company's IPO prospectus, Alarm.com had revenues of $37.2 million in revenue in 2010 and an operating profit of $6.6 million. In 2019, it recorded sales of $502.4 million with operating income of $50.4 million. If you're counting (and we are), that's compound annual growth of 33.5% and 25.3%, respectively.
ALRM continues to grow the business through a combination of organic sales and strategic acquisitions. In May, it acquired Doorport Inc., which provides rental property owners with a cellular-based intercom system that can be inexpensively retrofitted to an existing setup.
Investors in this small-cap growth stock have done very well. And they should continue to do well given the strong execution of its business plan.
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>>> Celsius Holdings (CELH) -
https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/stocks/small-cap-stocks/601067/10-splendid-small-cap-growth-stocks-to-buy
Market value: $928.4 million
YTD total return: 177.0%
3-year annualized revenue growth: 48.9%
Morningstar classifies Celsius Holdings (CELH, $13.38) as a "speculative growth" stock, which isn't surprising given that it participates in the ultra-competitive world of beverage sales.
Operating under the Celsius brand, the Florida-based company sells healthy carbonated and non-carbonated energy drinks that contain no sugar, aspartame, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, etc. Instead, it focuses on healthy ingredients such as ginger, guarana, green tea and essential vitamins.
When Celsius first launched its products in 2009, it marketed its drinks to the weight-loss crowd and found limited traction. It burned through $15 million in IPO money within a year. Current CEO John Fieldly came on board as CFO in 2012, just as it was headed to bankruptcy.
After its setback, Celsius changed its focus from fat-burning to energy and fitness. Fieldly took over as interim CEO in 2017, then took the role on a permanent basis a year later. CELH has been off to the races since then.
CELH's arguably biggest break came in 2018, when 7-Eleven brought Celsius into all of its U.S. convenience stores. It also doesn't hurt to have large investors such as Kimora Lee Simmons (5.7%), ex-wife of record executive Russell Simmons, and Li Ka Shing, one of Hong Kong's wealthiest persons (13.1%).
Celsius's revenues have more than doubled, to $75.2 million, over the past three years. During the first quarter of 2020, sales rocketed 95% higher to $28.2 million; international revenues were up 186%, while U.S. sales climbed 70%. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $2.8 million more than tripled year-over-year.
If you're going to speculate in small-cap growth stocks, CELH offers the kind of growth you want to be a part of.
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>>> Sunrun Inc. (RUN) engages in the design, development, installation, sale, ownership, and maintenance of residential solar energy systems in the United States. It also sells solar energy systems and products, such as panels and racking, as well as solar leads generated to customers. In addition, the company offers battery storage along with solar energy systems. Its primary customers are residential homeowners. The company markets and sells its products through direct-to-consumer approach across online, retail, mass media, digital media, canvassing, field marketing, and referral channels, as well as its partner network. Sunrun Inc. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
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