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Adam Nasir A Fast Rising SaaS Founder Has Created The Perfect Software Solution After A Google Search Failed To Help

Smarter Contact

Adam Nasir, the founder of Smarter Contact began his professional career as a real estate investor, purchasing and selling hundreds of properties. The year was 2017, and he was looking to close more deals in his business by reaching out to a large number of people in a short amount of time. He found texting was helping him get their attention faster. Wondering if he could send many messages at once, he ‘Googled’ it and didn't find a good solution. That is when the initial idea of "Smarter Contact" came to his mind, and he never looked back. “I was surprised to see no one was taking advantage of SMS marketing. People are glued to their phones 24/7 - young or old, our phones are with us at all times, so it’s a no-brainer for businesses to communicate on this channel. My goal was to build personal relationships from my businesses directly with consumers. Fast forward a few years, this is what we are helping businesses do with Smarter Contact.” Revealed Adam. Smarter Contact is an outbound SMS marketing software with a built-in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. It became really successful due to the user interface being both highly effective at nurturing leads in all stages and simple to use. Sean Terry, CEO of Flip2Freedom and one of their top customers is quoted as saying “ Smarter Contact is hands down the best lead-gen tool. I've tried every SMS software out there, this is the only one that truly delivers ” Smarter Contact provides its customers with an all-in-one solution to convert and close more leads. The software provides many valuable services like a robust CRM, skiptracing, a phone system, and ringless voicemail (RVM) amongst many other valuable tools for businesses to stay in touch. Text messages have been proven to have a 99.8% open rate, which is significantly higher than the current email open rate hovering around 25%. “You’re probably holding your phone right now as you’re reading this. Your customers are no different - they have their phones with them all the time. Mobile marketing is hands down the most effective at getting attention…” Suggested Adam. Using his software personally, Adam 6xed his own real estate business. He realized that this could genuinely benefit other businesses in the country. The initial version of the software took off in its first year of launch and delivered so many results for clients that he realized this was going to be big. Like most startups, Smarter Contact had its share of teething problems. In early 2020 the original software developer who helped bring Adam’s vision to life disappeared, without any documentation to continue. Adam wasn’t going to let go of his dream that easily. On the verge of losing everything, he found a team of software developers in Ukraine that stabilized and further optimized the text messaging software. “We are relentlessly focused on our customers and their experience. We have spent a lot of time making the software as easy to use as possible. So that anyone who uses the software can jump in and figure it out while receiving the highest conversion possible.” explains Adam. Smarter Contact is a fast-growing SaaS company that started with a small team. Due to the company's immense success, a recent business expansion has occurred, and the Smarter Contact team has grown over 50 employees in 3 years. The company has now branched out into many industries, including for real estate agents, ecom, lending, automotive offering tailor-made SMS marketing solutions for companies all over America. Contact Details Smarter Contact Adam Nasir inquiries@smartercontact.com Company Website https://smartercontact.com

November 09, 2022 10:06 AM Eastern Standard Time

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BIO-key’s Integrated Solution Could Help Provide A Cost-Effective Cyber Insurance Solution

BIO-key International, Inc.

Organizations that rely on computers and digital media to accomplish vital business tasks would likely have cybersecurity as one of their primary concerns today. Banks and financial institutions must be especially careful about cyberattacks as they store vast amounts of their customers’ personal and financial data and any breach could result in huge financial losses for them and their customers while also resulting in complicated lawsuits. Customers rely on banks to deploy first-class security measures to safeguard their most valued possessions, financial assets, and information, making trust the most critical component when deciding on who to bank with. When a financial institution falls victim to a data breach or cyber attack, it results in irreparable damage to the foundational trust that underscores the customer-bank relationship. The healthcare industry also stores mountains of sensitive data, including patients’ personal information and medical history, and any data security breach causes untold damage to the reputation of the hospitals and the trust with their patients. The healthcare and financial services industries are required to adhere to strict compliance regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). To meet strict compliance laws, organizations must implement more robust and harder-to-hack security systems. What Is Cyber Insurance? If a company falls victim to cybercrime and a costly breach occurs, it may not have adequate resources to recover from the damage inflicted by the crime or to recuperate losses. In such cases, cybersecurity insurance may be required to minimize losses and ensure the attacks do not completely cripple the business. Cyber insurance is designed to help businesses and individuals hedge against internet-related risks and liabilities, including the potentially devastating effects of cybercrimes such as malware, ransomware, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, or other methods used to compromise a network and sensitive data. It’s typically cheaper to obtain insurance coverage than to pay for recovery efforts and backup services from a company’s own funds if it is attacked and is often required by industry regulators. According to IBM (NYSE: IBM), the average cost of a data breach was $4.24 million in 2021, a 10% increase from 2020. In 2019, a major provider of credit cards and consumer lending Capital One Financial Corp. (NYSE: COF) experienced a large data breach that impacted 100 million people in the United States. According to Reuters, this event resulted in an $80 million penalty apart from customers leaving the Capital One platform. Fortunately for the company, Capital One had $400 million in cyber insurance and was able to avoid severe financial repercussions. Cyber Insurance By Itself Is Not The Answer While many organizations are looking to add cyber insurance to their security arsenals, they may end up paying very high insurance premiums if they do not already have a strong cybersecurity solution in place. BIO-key International Inc. (NASDAQ: BKYI), a provider of secure access-management solutions, believes it may have the right tools to help. The company says that its Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) solutions offer the dual benefits of securing the workplace from cyber attacks, while also ensuring a lower cost on cyber insurance. Insurance premiums increasingly tend to be extremely high when the company does not already have adequate security solutions in place. Multi-factor Authentication is a process that enhances login security by requiring users to verify their identity with more than just a username and password. BIO-key’s authentication solution involves the use of Identity-Bound Biometrics (IBB), a type of authentication that verifies the identity of the individual behind the keyboard through biometric factors like fingerprint and palm scanning and face recognition. Its signature product — PortalGuard® IDaaS (identity-as-a-service) — supports various authentication options to meet the security goals of most modern organizations, according to the company. PortalGuard enables accessibility to a suite of apps from multiple devices without requiring the user to manage numerous difficult-to-remember passwords. Its MFA aspects, including biometric authentication options like IBB, prevent unauthorized access to business applications, which may be especially beneficial in post-COVID times where working remotely has almost become the norm in most organizations. A cyber insurance policy is not a substitute for cybersecurity. Companies still need to have a complete security suite installed to remain protected. Cyber insurance can help soften the blow caused by a security breach, complementing the cybersecurity solution in place and serving as part of an overall cyber risk-management plan for companies. To learn more about BIO-key’s MFA solutions, visit its website. BIO-key is revolutionizing authentication and cybersecurity with biometric-centric, multi-factor identity and access management (IAM) software managing millions of users. Its cloud-based PortalGuard IAM solution provides cost-effective, easy to deploy, convenient and secure access to devices, information, applications, and high-value transactions. BIO-key's patented software and hardware solutions, with industry-leading Identity-Bound Biometric (IBB) capabilities, enable large-scale Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) solutions, as well as customized on premises solutions. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Catalyst IR- William Jones, David Collins +1 212-924-9800 BKYI@catalyst-ir.com Company Website https://www.bio-key.com/

November 09, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Investis Digital Releases New Commerce Report

Investis Digital

Investis Digital, a leading global digital communications company, announced today the publication of a new report that helps businesses navigate the rapidly evolving commerce landscape. ​​ The company’s Global Connected Commerce Insights Report examines the key trends that are shaping the direction of global commerce in 2023 amid economic uncertainty. ​​ The report asserts that eCommerce and commerce more broadly are evolving into a seamless, total brand experience with the customer at the center – or Connected Commerce. ​ “The pandemic-era eCommerce boom is over, and the explosive shift to a digital-first economy is slowing down,” said Steve Guillemette, executive vice president, global head of Commerce, Investis Digital. “The next big opportunity for business growth is to deliver a total, connected experience across all channels within commerce, both physical and digital.” ​​ For example, leading retailers are providing shoppers with apps that help them find deals and personalized recommendations while shopping in store, and their shopping preferences are connected to the retailer’s website. ​ ​ The payoff is strong: Gartner says that by 2024, organizations providing a total experience will outperform competitors by 25% in satisfaction metrics for all stakeholder experience. ​​ Investis Digital’s Global Connected Commerce Insights Report shares trends and data on some of the chief catalysts fueling the emergence of Connected Commerce: data activation, the customer experience, digital content, digital media, and intelligence insights. For instance, the report notes that TikTok has inspired a want for authentic and engaging content. The report suggests that marketers should lean into a video-first, user generated content strategy that is optimized for mobile in order to attract eyeballs to their brand and use static assets to scale content and remain top of mind. The report also urges brands to invest in taxonomy, data, and governance in order to do more with less during times of economic uncertainty. Doing so will ensure that commerce assets can be configured and scaled to match customer needs. “Succeeding with a customer-first Connected Commerce strategy means that a brand’s internal teams must collaborate to create and share content assets that result in more personalized experiences,” Guillemette said. “All this must be done efficiently and cost-effectively. Our report offers these and many more insights.” ​ To read the full report, click here. Read more about Investis Digital’s commerce solutions here. Investis Digital is a global digital communications company. Through a proprietary approach we call Connected Content™, we unite compelling communications, intelligent digital experiences, and performance marketing to help companies build deeper connections with audiences and drive business performance. ​​A unique blend of expertise, technology and “always on” service allow clients to trust that their digital footprint and brand reputation is secure and protected 24/7 by our dedicated team of 600 digital experts across 9 global offices. To learn more, please visit www.InvestisDigital.com. Contact Details Kristen Kalupski +1 646-766-9040 Kristen.kalupski@investisdigital.com Company Website https://www.investisdigital.com

November 08, 2022 08:17 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Assembly Elevates Joel Coppersmith to Global Director of Measurement and Effectiveness

Assembly

Global omnichannel media agency Assembly has named Joel Coppersmith to a new role as Global Director of Measurement & Effectiveness. Throughout his more than 3-year tenure at Assembly, Joel has worked alongside stakeholders across the agency to define and evolve our approach to measurement, and key to this new remit will be standardizing measurement and effectiveness strategy globally while staying agile to the change in the media and measurement landscape. There is more pressure than ever on CMOs and marketing leaders to drive performance, which has in turn increased the accountability of Marketing to deliver change and growth across businesses effectively. But with disparate media platforms, emerging media formats both on and offline, and changing privacy regulations, it’s a complex challenge – one Assembly is well positioned to solve. “We can offer clients answers to questions around the efficacy of their investment and the role their media budget is playing in delivering their brand and business objectives. Our focus is on equipping clients with strong, compelling arguments that they can use internally to explain the role that Marketing is playing and the value it's driving,” said Joel Coppersmith, Global Director of Measurement & Effectiveness. Assembly has dedicated time and investment towards bringing our measurement strategy to life across the agency, with Joel leading a significant effort to upskill and transform talent’s knowledge of the measurement landscape to have more informed, solution-oriented conversations with clients. And given the current economic climate, measurement is of even greater importance for marketers. Joel added, “With the challenging economic reality, paired with the disruptions to the online tracking environment via legislation and consumer pressure, there is a lot of uncertainty for businesses – this makes the need to prove the value of delivery even more crucial, making its way to the top of brands’ priority lists.” “The ‘Effectiveness’ part of the role is the crux of what we’re about. It’s about understanding why and how Performance and Brand media impacts consumer behavior, and how that drives growth for a business,” said Coppersmith. Assembly Managing Director of Europe, Kate O’Mahony, added, “Joel represents the very best of Assembly: embracing change, and driving progressive growth, which is how we think about our measurement and effectiveness strategy for clients. With Joel dedicated to this charge, we can help our clients and teams break through the complexities and ensure their marketing programs are adding the value to their businesses that they should be.” About Assembly: Assembly is the modern global omnichannel media agency, bringing data, talent, and technology together to find the change that fuels growth for the best brands on the planet. Our approach connects big, bold brand stories with integrated, global media capabilities that deliver performance and drive large-scale business growth. Our work is powered by our proprietary, in-house technology solution, STAGE, and led by our global talent base of over 1,600 people around the world. We’re purpose-driven at our core and pioneers in social and environmental impact in the agency world. Assembly is a proud member of Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing. Visit www.assemblyglobal.com for more information. Contact Details Sara Pollack, VP of Marketing +1 917-438-4922 sara.pollack@assemblyglobal.com Company Website https://www.assemblyglobal.com/

November 08, 2022 04:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Clean Room Primer Group Announces Speakers for Third Roadshow Event in San Francisco

Clean Room Primer

The Clean Room Primer Group today announces its selection of headline speakers for its upcoming event in San Francisco, California on Thursday, November 10, 2022. The mission of the group is to demystify data clean rooms and help marketing and advertising professionals adapt and use them in a privacy-safe marketing environment. The San Francisco event marks the third in a series of events for the Clean Room Primer, all geared to expand on use cases and offer real-world examples on usage of data clean rooms. The headline speakers attending the San Francisco event include: Frederick Stanichev, Head of Sales, Habu Christine Grammier, Head of Solutions, LiveRamp Dave Chambers, Director, Partner Solutions, Claravine Chase Engstrom, Director, Strategic Solutions, InfoSum “We are excited to bring our Roadshow to the west coast with our third event in San Francisco. This technology is unique in that it requires deep collaboration from all sides of the industry - including brands, publishers, agencies and platforms. Our events are meant to bring some of this collaborative thinking to the forefront and help the industry better understand data clean rooms,” said Adam Gelles, co-founder of the Clean Room Primer group and CEO, The B2B Marketing Company. “ As we look forward, a more privacy-centric approach to advertising and marketing is critical as new regulations, platform changes and the third-party cookie demise become more prevalent.” The group has co-authored an initial piece of educational material – The Clean Room Primer – a white paper covering clean room taxonomy and definitions; use cases; and a look at the future. The white paper was released during the group’s inaugural event at Advertising Week in New York City in October. Following this event, The Clean Room Primer will wrap up its inaugural roadshow with a final event on December 6th in Los Angeles. Leading practitioners will share real-world insights on why and how to use data clean rooms for marketing and advertising. For more information and to register for the upcoming events, click here. About The Clean Room Primer Group The Clean Room Primer is an ad-hoc consortium of advertising industry executives with a shared mission of providing marketers, agencies, and publishers with a reliable and expert source on data clean rooms, their use and implementation best practices. Helping the industry prepare for a new privacy landscape. Inaugural participating companies include Habu, LiveRamp, InfoSum, Claravine, Kite Hill Public Relations, Marcato Solutions, The B2B Marketing Company, Neustar and Merkle. For more information, visit CleanRoomPrimer.com and follow on LinkedIn and Twitter. About The B2B Marketing Company We are a leading provider of business marketing and revenue generating programs for high growth, mid-market and enterprise companies. Our clients have included Microsoft, GumGum, Integral Ad Science, Spectrum Reach, Adobe and many others across technology, media and entertainment, transportation and financial services companies. We provide clients marketing, evangelism, content and excellence programs using our proven methodologies and processes that have generated over hundreds of millions of dollars for B2B brands. Learn more at www.theb2bmarketing.co. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Michael Kocher cleandata@kitehillpr.com

November 07, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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READY FOR BUSINESS FUND IS DISTRIBUTING MORE THAN $200,000 IN CASH GRANTS TO 76 SMALL BUSINESSES IN WASHINGTON

Comcast Washington

SEATTLE, November 7, 2022 – The Ready for Business Fund – a relief program launched by GSBA, Washington State’s LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce, and Comcast – is distributing $2,500 and $4,000 cash grants to 76 small businesses throughout Washington state. The Ready for Business Fund was founded in the summer of 2020 with an initial $100,000 investment from Comcast and designation of GSBA as the fund manager. To date, the fund has supported more than 200 small businesses in Washington with nearly $1 million in financial support and wraparound services. The Ready for Business Fund was renewed this year with an additional $75,000 in funding from Comcast and GSBA, reprising its role as the program and fund manager. Grants from the Ready for Business Fund will be made possible by more than $150,000 in additional donations from Pepsi, T-Mobile, US Bank, Meta, and Verity Credit Union and a $100,000 grant from King County. These funds will now support small business owners across all industries, including local restaurants, bookstores, bistros, shops and stores, which are an important part of the social fabric in our communities. “GSBA recognizes the importance of investing in the small businesses that are critical to a thriving community and economy,” said Ilona Lohrey, GSBA president and CEO. “We are proud to once again partner with Comcast to grow our Ready for Business Fund to support a diverse group of business owners who need our help now more than ever.” The Ready for Business Fund was created to support small businesses in Washington, especially those owned by LGBTQ people, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and women, who are at greater risk in today’s uncertain economy. Grant recipients also include small businesses located in rural areas of Washington that lack proximity to resources. “We're grateful for our continued partnership with the GSBA to recognize so many resilient small businesses through the Ready for Business Fund,” said Diem Ly, Community Impact director, Comcast Washington. “We at Comcast believe and act on our shared value that ensuring equitable access to resources for BIPOC and LGBTQ-owned businesses means all of our communities and neighborhoods benefit in the long-run.” Feel free to adjust as you see fit! “Between recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over inflation, our small businesses have faced some of the most difficult struggles over the last few years, and it is up to our community to step up and support them. That’s why partnerships like the one between King County, GSBA and Comcast are so imperative right now,” shared King County Councilmember Joe McDermott. GSBA assembled a selection committee consisting of diverse community and business leaders to evaluate the applications received. Notifications to grant applicants about the status of their application have begun and awards will be delivered beginning this week. All grant recipients will also receive wrap-around services, including GSBA membership and consulting. Ready for Business Fund grant recipients include: More information is available at theGSBA.org/ready-for-business. About GSBA Established in 1981, GSBA is Washington State's LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce and is the largest of its kind in North America. The chamber represents over 1,400 small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. GSBA proudly serves as a connector across the region, bringing communities together through business while advocating for civil rights and small business. GSBA also promotes LGBTQ tourism through Travel Out Seattle, advocates for small businesses in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Neighborhood through the Capitol Hill Business Alliance (CHBA) and invests in the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders through the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Andy Colley Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://www.thegsba.org/business-resources/ready-for-business

November 07, 2022 08:56 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Catalis Names Scott Roza as Chief Executive Officer

Catalis

Catalis, a trusted technology partner for thousands of U.S. and Canadian government entities, announced today the appointment of Scott Roza as Chief Executive Officer. Roza succeeds John Kristel, who is moving from his role at Catalis to serve as a Senior Advisor to PSG. Roza joins Catalis with more than 20 years of experience leading and operating software businesses. He most recently served as the President and Global Head of Customer Operations at TIBCO, a leader in enterprise data, where he was responsible for the company’s global sales, alliances, professional services, and customer excellence functions. He brings distinct expertise in SaaS and the fintech sector, having served in senior roles at Clearwater Analytics and Guidewire Software, and as the CEO of Skytap. Roza is a distinguished marine engineering graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and spent five years as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. Roza has been a Senior Advisor to TPG since 2019. “Catalis is enabling more than 7,000 government organizations across the country to meet the expectations of today’s consumer,” said Roza. “I’m excited to join the company at such a pivotal time in its history as we look to expand our solutions and impact as one of the only platforms of scale that delivers and optimizes government operations through one, integrated suite. I look forward to working with the talented Catalis team and our partners at PSG and TPG to implement a strategy of accelerated growth.” “The team at Catalis has successfully built a leading solution and platform that’s enabling the government sector to operate more effectively and efficiently for the benefit of constituents,” said Tullio Purtill, Principal at PSG. “Now, as the company looks to scale its platform, we believe Scott brings the right domain expertise and operating experience to take the company to the next level. We are grateful for John’s vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication over the past four years and know he will continue to be a great resource to the company going forward.” Formerly Government Brands, Catalis rebranded in August of 2022 as a tribute to the company’s mission to serve as a catalyst for creating a modern, digital government. The rebrand follows the company’s 2021 recapitalization by PSG and TPG and represents Catalis’ continued growth and evolution as a premier software and digital payments provider purpose-built for the space. “It’s been a privilege to lead Catalis since its early days and partner with the team on our journey to build the leading provider of advanced software solutions for governments across North America,” said Kristel. “Catalis has the potential to transform the way we engage with the public sector, and I look forward to supporting the company’s next chapter under Scott’s leadership.” About Catalis Catalis is the transformational SaaS and integrated payments partner powering all levels and sizes of government – municipal, county, state, and federal. With deep expertise, a proven track record, and innovative digital solutions, Catalis has empowered public servants across the U.S. and Canada to modernize government and engage citizens. For more information, visit www.catalisgov.com. Contact Details Catalis Eric Johnson, EVP Government & Legal Affairs +1 612-309-7111 eric.johnson@catalisgov.com Company Website https://catalisgov.com/

November 07, 2022 11:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Renovators and OPPO, the Always-on Innovators

OPPO

When people mention “innovation”, they often think of “technology”. While technology is the most dynamic element in innovation, art is also at the forefront of creation. Artists express themselves and reflect on the current trends in their own innovative way. SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach - 7 November 2022 - To support young artists, OPPO has organized the Renovators Emerging Artists Project for four consecutive years, encouraging and supporting original and experimental art and design creations under the theme of “Art & Tech”. A Summer Night, by Shi Ziyuan In this year’s OPPO Renovators Emerging Artists Project, young artist Shi Ziyuan’s installation A Summer Night won the top prize in the Future Renovators category. A Summer Night is a mechanical device that creates and presents various types of sound, creating an imaginary world in listeners’ mind. Drawing on scenes from a well-known Chinese classical prose, Kouji (Oral Stunts), Shi Ziyuan connects a variety of sounds in her artwork, creating virtual scenes and events, such as “insects chirping on a summer night, people sleeping soundly, houses on fire, people fleeing”. At the same time, a page-turning device is placed to the side to give visitors visual hints and help the viewer think of the link between the visual and auditory contrasts. The idea of “breaking down stereotypes and encouraging people to explore more possibilities in what surrounds them” is what Shi Ziyuan wants to convey through A Summer Night. It is also her thoughts of “innovation”—only by thinking out of the box or even acting against experience can we see more possibilities and innovations. A Summer Night, by Shi Ziyuan How can we make breakthroughs and strive for innovation? As a leading global technology brand, OPPO has some unique insights. Does an electronic screen have to be fixed in size? New materials and technologies can help you break the shackles of imagination. After years of research, OPPO launched innovative products like the OPPO X 2021 rollable phone which unfolds like a scroll, and the OPPO Find N, a folding phone with a unique size and stunning appearance. Do XR glasses have to be a replica of normal glasses? With feather-light and sleek design that is truly a sight to behold, OPPO Air Glass proves that smart device can be both functional and beautiful. Does a phone’s rear design only allow for straight lines? Curves are more elegant and natural. Since the Find X3 series, OPPO has used volcano-shaped designs to create a more organic look. As product of the smartphone series that highlights personality and trendiness, OPPO Reno8 Pro 5G features a Streamlined Unibody Design, which is the first time in this series. Using a special high-temperature, high-pressure hot forging process, coupled with nanometer-scale polishing steps, OPPO creates a smooth 75-degree micro-arc transition around the camera on the integrated streamlined glass back cover. The seamless design makes the phone comfortable to hold while also fitting OPPO’s innovative and elegant design aesthetic. Back cover of OPPO Reno8 Pro 5G Technology evolves over time, pushing design and art forward while also constantly renewing itself. The emergence of the “metaverse” has given Luo Langyi, whose major is the digital media art, a sense of freshness that he has never felt before—not only in terms of the novelty of the form but also in the fact that virtual worlds have opened up more possibilities for breaking the shackles of reality. The individual initiative and creativity empowered by technological innovation dissolve the feeling of powerlessness in the face of changes. Under current technological trends, we can either be swept along or embrace innovation. “If we were no longer restricted by physical space, both creation and life would become more attractive.” Luo Langyi believes that the “crisis” of spatial blockage inspired her to create the OPPO—AR Urban Community, which won the Renovators Creativity Award in the 2022 Renovators Emerging Artists Project. Her artwork was a world modeled on real cities, where users can choose the city they actually live in or the city they dream of living in, while those who enter the same city will become residents of one community. There are four avatar roles to choose from in this AR City Community, including the “protector” who runs the infrastructure of the community, the “builder” who carries out city construction and community governance, the “researcher” who questions the known world, and “explorers” who are constantly chasing the unknown and the future. Through this AR artwork, she hopes to allow OPPO users worldwide to break away from the trivialities of everyday life, reimagine themselves in this urban community, explore independently, and create freely. OPPO—AR Urban Community, by Luo Langyi Similarly, to meet young generation’s need of exploration and self-expression, OPPO Reno8 series is equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide better user experience in terms of design and functionality. Designed to be a Portrait Expert in every aspect, Reno8 Pro 5G is equipped with OPPO’s first self-developed, dedicated imaging NPU, MariSilicon X. With the support of MariSilicon X’s powerful image processing capabilities, Reno8 Pro 5G delivers a series of innovative camera features, including 4K video shooting to help users shoot ultra-clear portraits in very challenging scenarios. In addition to optimized functionality, OPPO Reno8 series also places greater emphasis on design innovation and personality. OPPO Reno8 Pro 5G draws inspiration from porcelain glaze techniques to add a further touch of elegance to the back cover. The Glazed Green features a soothing gorgeous green tone to add a natural, organic feel that is visually relaxing. The Shimmer Gold color of OPPO Reno8 5G inherits the unique OPPO Glow process to create a refreshing feeling of rich textures and vivid color variations while also protecting the phone from fingerprints and other unwanted marks. At the same time, it has a gold base color with a gradient to create a sparkly color. It’s impressive with a stellar personality. Shimmer Gold color of OPPO Reno8 5G From its inception, the Renovators Emerging Artists Project has been closely linked to OPPO Reno series. Whether it is a product or an art contest, they carry the genes of the younger generation, aiming to empower young people to better create, express themselves, and enjoy technology and life. As technology and art complement each other, young artists and OPPO Reno series share the same passion for innovation. Together with young creators, OPPO looks forward to bringing the beauty of technology and art to more people around the world. About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world. Contact Details OPPO OPPO International PR Team press@oppo.com

November 07, 2022 05:17 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CSG Systems International Reports Third Quarter 2022 Results

CSG

CSG (NASDAQ: CSGS) today reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. Financial Results: Third quarter 2022 financial results: Total revenue was $273.3 million and total non-GAAP adjusted revenue was $255.1 million. GAAP operating income was $20.0 million, or 7.3% of total revenue, and non-GAAP operating income was $46.7 million, or 18.3% of non-GAAP adjusted revenue. Shareholder Returns: CSG declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.265 per share of common stock, or a total of approximately $8 million, to shareholders. During the third quarter of 2022, CSG repurchased 488,000 shares of its common stock under its stock repurchase program for approximately $28 million. “After hitting some headwinds last quarter, Team CSG delivered strong, healthy revenue growth in Q3 with 4.2% sequential quarter-over-quarter growth. Further, on the back of our timely Operating Margin Improvement Initiative, we reported non-GAAP adjusted operating margin of 18.3%, one of our best results in recent memory. And we returned $91 million to shareholders via buybacks and dividends during the first nine months of the year,” said Brian Shepherd, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSG. “Looking forward, our exciting Q3 results give us confidence that we can finish 2022 strong and build even better growth momentum for 2023.” Financial Overview (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages): For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at csgi.com. Results of Operations GAAP Results: Total revenue for the third quarter of 2022 was $273.3 million, a 3.8% increase when compared to revenue of $263.2 million for the third quarter of 2021. This increase can be mainly attributed to the continued growth of CSG's revenue management solutions, as approximately three-fourths of the increase was attributed to organic growth resulting mainly from increased payments volume and conversions of customer accounts onto CSG solutions. GAAP operating income for the third quarter of 2022 was $20.0 million, or 7.3% of total revenue, compared to $32.8 million, or 12.4% of total revenue, for the third quarter of 2021. The decrease in operating income can be primarily attributed to the $14.0 million increase in restructuring and reorganization charges related mainly to an operating margin improvement initiative that began in the second quarter of 2022. GAAP EPS for the third quarter of 2022 was $0.40, as compared to $0.50 for the third quarter of 2021. The decrease in GAAP EPS can be mainly attributed to the increase in restructuring and reorganization charges, discussed above, offset by a $6.2 million loss recorded in the third quarter of 2021 related to CSG obtaining a controlling interest in MobileCard. Non-GAAP Results: Non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the third quarter of 2022 was $255.1 million, a 3.3% increase when compared to non-GAAP adjusted revenue of $247.0 million for the third quarter of 2021. The increase in non-GAAP adjusted revenue between periods is due to the factors discussed above. Non-GAAP operating income for the third quarter of 2022 was $46.7 million, or 18.3% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue, compared to $41.6 million, or 16.8% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the third quarter of 2021. The increases in operating income and operating income margin can be mainly attributed to the higher revenue along with the margin improvement initiatives, mentioned above. Non-GAAP EPS for the third quarter of 2022 was $1.06 compared to $0.88 for the third quarter of 2021, with the increase due to the factors discussed above. Balance Sheet and Cash Flows Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of September 30, 2022 were $147.3 million compared to $135.0 million as of June 30, 2022 and $233.7 million as of December 31, 2021. CSG had net cash flows from operations for the third quarters ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 of $22.8 million and $46.1 million, respectively, and had non-GAAP free cash flow of $10.9 million and $38.7 million, respectively. These year-over-year decreases in quarterly cash flows from operations and non-GAAP free cash flow are mainly attributed to unfavorable changes in working capital, resulting mainly from the timing of payment of employee wages and the accrual of the annual bonus, and deferred revenue related to a large international implementation project. Summary of Financial Guidance CSG is updating its financial guidance for the full year 2022, as follows: For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at csgi.com. Conference Call CSG will host a conference call on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss CSG’s third quarter 2022 earnings results. The call will be conducted live and archived on the Internet. A link to the conference call is available at http://ir.csgi.com. In addition, to reach the conference by phone, call 1-888-412-4131 and use the passcode 2327393. Additional Information For information about CSG, please visit CSG’s web site at csgi.com. Additional information can be found in the Investor Relations section of the website. About CSG CSG empowers companies to build unforgettable experiences, making it easier for people and businesses to connect with, use and pay for the services they value most. Our customer experience, billing and payments solutions help companies of any size make money and make a difference. With our SaaS solutions, company leaders can take control of their future, and tap into guidance along the way from our more than 5k-strong experienced global CSG services team. Want to learn more about how to be a change maker and industry shaper like our 1,000-plus clients? Visit csgi.com to learn more. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that are based on assumptions about a number of important factors and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what appears in this news release. Some of these key factors include, but are not limited to the following items: CSG derives approximately forty percent of its revenue from its two largest customers; Fluctuations in credit market conditions, general global economic and political conditions, and foreign currency exchange rates; CSG’s ability to maintain a reliable, secure computing environment; Continued market acceptance of CSG’s products and services; CSG’s ability to continuously develop and enhance products in a timely, cost-effective, technically advanced and competitive manner; CSG’s ability to deliver its solutions in a timely fashion within budget, particularly large and complex software implementations; CSG’s dependency on the global telecommunications industry, and in particular, the North American telecommunications industry; CSG’s ability to meet its financial expectations; Increasing competition in CSG’s market from companies of greater size and with broader presence; CSG’s ability to successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses or assets to achieve expected strategic, operating and financial goals; CSG’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; CSG’s ability to conduct business in the international marketplace; CSG’s ability to comply with applicable U.S. and International laws and regulations; and CSG’s business may be disrupted, and its results of operations and cash flows adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This list is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to review the additional risks and important factors described in CSG’s reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other filings made with the SEC. For more information, contact: John Rea, Investor Relations (210) 687-4409 E-mail: john.rea@csgi.com CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS-UNAUDITED (in thousands) CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME-UNAUDITED (in thousands, except per share amounts) CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-UNAUDITED (in thousands) EXHIBIT 1 CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE ANALYSIS Revenue by Significant Customers: 10% or more of Revenue Revenue by Vertical Revenue by Geography EXHIBIT 2 CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. DISCLOSURES FOR NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Limitations To supplement its condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), CSG uses non-GAAP adjusted revenue, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP adjusted operating margin percentage, non-GAAP EPS, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, and non-GAAP free cash flow. CSG believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when reviewed in conjunction with its GAAP financial measures, provide investors with greater transparency to the information used by CSG’s management in its financial and operational decision making. CSG uses these non-GAAP financial measures for the following purposes: • Certain internal financial planning, reporting, and analysis; • Forecasting and budgeting; • Certain management compensation incentives; and • Communications with CSG’s Board of Directors, stockholders, financial analysts, and investors. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided with the intent of providing investors with the following information: • A more complete understanding of CSG’s underlying operational results, trends, and cash generating capabilities; • Consistency and comparability with CSG’s historical financial results; and • Comparability to similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. Non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of performance under GAAP, and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial information. Limitations with the use of non-GAAP financial measures include the following items: • Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles; • The way in which CSG calculates non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the way in which other companies calculate similar non-GAAP financial measures; • Non-GAAP financial measures do not include all items of income and expense that affect CSG’s operations and that are required by GAAP to be included in financial statements; • Certain adjustments to CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures result in the exclusion of items that are recurring and will be reflected in CSG’s financial statements in future periods; and • Certain charges excluded from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures are cash expenses, and therefore do impact CSG’s cash position. CSG compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on its GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures as a supplement only. Additionally, CSG provides specific information regarding the treatment of GAAP amounts considered in preparing the non-GAAP financial measures and reconciles each n on-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Basis of Presentation The table below outlines the exclusions from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures: CSG believes that excluding certain items in calculating its non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information regarding CSG’s performance and these items are excluded for the following reasons: Transaction fees are primarily comprised of interchange and other payment-related fees paid, in conjunction with the delivery of service to customers under CSG’s payment services contracts, to third-party payment processors and financial institutions by CSG. Because CSG controls the integrated service provided under its payment services customer contracts, these transaction fees are presented gross, and not netted against revenue; however, other payments companies who do not provide and/or control an integrated service present their revenue net of transaction fees. The exclusion of these fees in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted revenue provides management and investors an additional means to use to compare CSG’s current revenue with historical and future periods, as well as with other payments companies. Restructuring and reorganization charges are expenses that result from cost reduction initiatives and/or significant changes to CSG’s business, to include such things as involuntary employee terminations, changes in management structure, divestitures of businesses, facility consolidations and abandonments, and fundamental reorganizations impacting operational focus and direction. These charges are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The exclusion of these items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Executive transition costs include expenses incurred related to a departure of a CSG executive officer under the terms of the related separation agreement. These types of costs are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The exclusion of these costs in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. • Acquisition-related expenses include amortization of acquired intangible assets, earn-out compensation, and transaction-related costs. Transaction-related costs, which typically include expenses related to legal, accounting, and other professional services, are direct and incremental expenses related to business acquisitions, and thus, are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The total amount of acquisition-related expenses can vary significantly between periods based on the number and size of acquisition activities, previously acquired intangible assets becoming fully amortized, and ultimate realization of earn-out compensation. In addition, the timing of these expenses may not directly correlate with underlying performance of the CSG’s operations. Therefore, the exclusion of acquisition-related expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. • Stock-based compensation results from CSG’s issuance of equity awards to its employees under incentive compensation programs. The amount of this incentive compensation in any period is not generally linked to the level of performance by employees or CSG. The exclusion of these expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to evaluate the non-cash expense related to compensation included in CSG’s results of operations, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash generating capabilities of CSG’s business. • The convertible notes OID is the result of allocating a portion of the principal balance of the debt at issuance to the equity component of the instrument, as required under current accounting rules. This OID is then amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective convertible debt instrument. The interest expense related to the amortization of the OID is a non-cash expense, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash interest costs of CSG’s convertible notes for cash flow, liquidity, and debt service purposes. Gains and losses related to the extinguishment/conversion of debt can be as a result of the refinancing of CSG’s credit agreement and/or repurchase, conversion, or settlement of CSG’s convertible notes. These activities, to include any derivative activity related to debt conversions, are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. Any resulting gain or loss is generally non-cash income or expense, and therefore, the exclusion of these items allows investors to further evaluate the cash impact of these activities for cash flow and liquidity purposes. In addition, the exclusion of these gains and losses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP EPS allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current operating results with historical and future periods. Gains or losses related to the acquisition or disposition of certain of CSG’s business activities are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. Any resulting gain or loss is generally non-cash income or expense, and therefore, the exclusion of these items allows investors to further evaluate the cash impact of these activities for cash flow and liquidity purposes. In addition, the exclusion of these gains and losses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP EPS allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current operating results with historical and future periods. Unusual items within CSG’s quarterly and/or annual income tax expense can occur from such things as income tax accounting timing matters, income taxes related to unusual events, or as a result of different treatment of certain items for book accounting and income tax purposes. Consideration of such items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. CSG also reports non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flow. Management believes non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to investors in evaluating CSG’s operating performance, debt servicing capabilities, and enterprise valuation. CSG defines non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, foreign currency transaction adjustments, acquisition-related expenses, and unusual items, such as restructuring and reorganization charges, executive transition costs, gains and losses related to the extinguishment of debt, and gains and losses on acquisitions or dispositions, as discussed above. Additionally, management uses non-GAAP free cash flow, among other measures, to assess its financial performance and cash generating capabilities, and believes that it is useful to investors because it shows CSG’s cash available to service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, repurchase its common stock, pay cash dividends, and fund ongoing operations. CSG defines non-GAAP free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less the purchases of software, property and equipment. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue: The reconciliations of GAAP revenue to non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands): Non-GAAP Operating Income: The reconciliations of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except percentages): (1) Restructuring and reorganization charges include stock-based compensation, which is not included in the stock-based compensation line in the tables above and following, and depreciation, which has not been recorded to the depreciation line item on the Income Statement. Non-GAAP EPS: The reconciliations of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): (2) During the third quarter of 2021, CSG acquired a controlling interest in MobileCard, in which it had previously held only an equity interest in. Upon acquisition of the controlling interest, CSG recognized a non-cash loss in other income (expense) related to the fair value remeasurement of the pre-existing equity investment. (3) For the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022 the GAAP effective income tax rates were approximately 33% and 26%, respectively, and the non-GAAP effective income tax rates were 27.5% for both periods. For the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021 the GAAP effective income tax rates were approximately 28% for both periods, and the non-GAAP effective income tax rates were 27% for both periods. (4) The outstanding diluted shares for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2022 were 31.2 million and 31.5 million, respectively, and for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021 were 32.0 million for both periods. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to GAAP net income is provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands, except percentages): (5) Interest expense includes amortization of deferred financing costs as provided in Note 6 below. (6) Amortization on the statement of cash flows is made up of the following items for the indicated periods (in thousands): Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities are provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands): Non-GAAP Financial Measures – 2022 Financial Guidance Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue: The reconciliation of GAAP revenue to non-GAAP adjusted revenue, as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance, is as follows: Non-GAAP Operating Income: The reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income, as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance, is as follows (in thousands, except percentages): Non-GAAP EPS: The reconciliation of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): (7) For 2022, the estimated effective income tax rate for GAAP and non-GAAP purposes is expected to be approximately 29% and 27.5%, respectively. (8) The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 31.4 million. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to GAAP net income is provided below for CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance (in thousands, except percentages): Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities is provided below for the indicated period (in thousands): Contact Details CSG John Rea +1 210-687-4409 tammy.hovey@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

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