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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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Could This Regulatory Data Company Attract More Interest As The Midterm Elections Approach?

Benzinga

What is the role of information in changing the world? For companies like FiscalNote Holdings Inc. (NYSE: NOTE), this consideration is the cornerstone of its business. As an agency specialized in collecting data on the regulatory processes in the U.S. and abroad, FiscalNote’s existence is a testament to the power of quality information. FiscalNote belongs to a growing library of companies specializing in the timely acquisition and creative distillation of information. These companies have molded information to offer a variety of services ranging from automating finances such as Workiva Inc. (NYSE: WK) to consumer behavioral analysis like Splunk Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLK). For FiscalNote, regulatory data is the foundation of the work. Policies can have a radical impact on how businesses operate. Take the Roe versus Wade case, which in 1973 created a whole new industry for abortion-seeking individuals. FiscalNote is dedicated to collecting valuable regulatory information and detailing how it would affect its customers’ businesses and operations. As the U.S. midterm elections creep closer, FiscalNote’s work may be more valuable than ever. Fortunately, the company has reportedly prepared for this moment. In an episode on SPACInsider, FiscalNote CEO Tim Hwang outlines the company’s recent acquisitions, its cash-rich position and the favorability of market valuations as driving forces in the company’s quest for market share. Leveraging Market Conditions The past two years have seen shifts in the requirement for large-scale data. Brewing market uncertainty and the COVID-19 pandemic provide some of the strongest catalysts for this growing demand for data. As discussed in the podcast episode, Hwang believes the pandemic increased the number of touchpoints governments at every level have on business operations. Additionally, poor market conditions and whipsawing currency valuations are posing significant risks for businesses worldwide. FiscalNote provides services that help businesses tackle and understand their issues through data. The company says it has undergone significant growth to improve its service, including prioritizing key conditions in getting the right SPAC deal for it, and that it is already taking advantage of being a publicly-listed company. Specifically, Hwang highlighted the following developments: The acquisition of DT-Global Business Consulting, an Austria-based market intelligence company, that expands FiscalNote's existing Geopolitical & Market Intelligence solutions business, shortly after its initial public offering (IPO). The expansion into alternative data — financial information covering the economic activity that isn’t covered by equities and traditional markets. Labor, wage and credit card expenditure data are some examples. The acquisition of Aicel, a South Korea-based alternative data solutions and software company that enhances FiscalNote’s Data-as-a-Service offerings on a global scale. Commenting on the business’s merger and acquisition (M&A) strategy, Hwang said, “We are expanding the scope of our products and services to be able to drive continued organic growth well into the future.” Hwang sees the M&A process as simple product development — finding companies that would enrich FiscalNote’s data collection and analysis and acquiring them is a clear-cut way to improve the business’s database and reach. Hwang says that current market conditions, which have sent business valuations well below book and cash values, represent an incredible opportunity for FiscalNote, one that the company is taking advantage of via its acquisitions. Armed with $90 million in cash and a flexible credit facility driven by the company’s annual recurring revenue, Hwang believes the company has both the right management team and the right financials to take FiscalNote to the next level. As midterm elections creep around the corner, the importance of regulatory data and information may reach new heights. Hear more about how FiscalNote is tackling the situation here. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 04, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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PA Media and Agility partnership brings PRs closer to journalists driving news agenda

PA Media

PR and communications professionals can now monitor the news agenda and seamlessly reach the most relevant journalists for their stories through a new partnership between PA Media and Agility. PA Media’s Mediapoint enables customers to both understand and make the news by following breaking stories and then distributing their press releases on the newswire used by journalists. Agility, Innodata Inc.’s (NASDAQ:INOD) AI-enabled public relations platform, has an industry-leading media database with unparalleled data accuracy. The technology partnership will allow PR and comms professionals to seamlessly go from reading a story on Mediapoint to using the new Media Outreach tools to target relevant journalists with their insights, quotes or complementary story through Agility’s media database. PR and comms professionals will then be able to understand the success of their campaign in granular detail by reviewing the number of journalists reached through the wire, email open rates and clickthrough numbers from their release. The partnership will allow them to target journalists from specific industries or locations while knowing they are working with an accurate database. “Our partnership with Agility will allow PRs to respond to the news agenda and get their press releases in front of the right journalists faster and easier than ever before,” said Alan Marshall, Managing Director of Business Information Services at PA Media. “We’re working with Agility because a high-quality media database is essential for our customers to earn press coverage. The Media Outreach launch forms part of a series of enhancements we’re making to Mediapoint over the coming months.” “We believe combining PA Media’s illustrious history in the media and publishing space with Agility’s innovative technology will result in successful, outcome-driven experiences for PR and comms professionals,” said Martin Lyster, CEO of Agility. “We see these types of technology partnerships as key enablers of innovation both now and in the future, contributing to the dynamic and exciting nature of our industry.” The Agility database provides a top-rated user experience and impeccable data confidence due to its in-house media research team that makes up to 2 million manual updates to journalist and outlet contact information every year. “We are delighted to be working with PA Media, renowned for its multimedia and content delivery,” said Allison Murphy, UK Managing Director at Agility. “PA Media Group’s dedication to providing excellent service to their customers aligns perfectly with our values at Agility. We’re honoured to have been chosen as the technology provider to power targeted news distribution on behalf of PA Media.” Notes to editors Learn more about the powerful business ally that is PA Mediapoint. About PA Media Group PA Media Group comprises a diverse portfolio of specialist media companies, spanning news & information, technology and communications services. Its flagship brand, PA Media, is the UK and Ireland’s leading news agency. Alongside PA Media, the Group is also the parent company of content library Alamy, broadcast tech firm Globelynx, strategic marketing consultancy Sticky Content, video streaming business StreamAMG, PA Betting Services, PA Training and PA TV Metadata. PA Media Group has 20 shareholders, made up mainly of UK news and media businesses. The largest shareholders include DMGT plc, Informa plc, News UK plc and Reach plc. http://www.pamediagroup.com About Agility Agility PR Solutions, INNODATA INC.’s (NASDAQ: INOD) AI-enabled industry platform for public relations and media analysis, streamlines media monitoring, outreach, and media intelligence in one intuitive platform for public relations professionals. Global organizations rely on Agility to help them achieve ambitious business goals using an outcome-based approach. Software backed by deep expertise offers high-performance results and PR insights for brands with advanced requirements in a shifting media landscape. Providing innovative technology, outstanding data quality, and high-caliber support, Agility enables success for today’s communicators. https://www.agilitypr.com/ Contact Details PA Media Oyinda Bishi oyinda.bishi@pamediagroup.com Agility PR Solutions Jeffrey Mack jeffrey.mack@agilitypr.com

November 03, 2022 12:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Venture Capital and Private Equity Continue to Have a Taste for HR and HCM Tech Opportunities

Benzinga

The Surprise: While recession risks have led VCs to press pause on many pandemic favorites, the Human Capital Management (HCM) niche has proven to be the exception. It is a crowded space - over 400 HCM companies set up shop at the 2022 HR Technology Conference in Las Vegas. There's a reason for all the competition. The need for a scientific approach to managing a company's workforce gained steam during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading HR Tech to receive a record amount of VC attention in 2021. Despite all the hype over the past two years, this trend shows signs of staying power. The global HR Tech space is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2029 to $46.85B, which dwarfs the current size of $25.53B. Let’s provide some perspective on Human Capital Management’s dramatic rise in relevancy. HR Tech companies received a 250% increase in VC funding in Q4 2021 compared to Q4 2020. In that final quarter of 2021, VCs poured $11.2B into 212 unique HR Tech startups, which equates to an average deal size of $58.3M. In H1 2022, HR Tech was the beneficiary of $14.2B in funding across 387 deals, which equates to an average deal size of $41M. While the 2022 numbers thus far aren't nearly as eye-popping, context is everything. Recession fears in the U.S. and around the world kicked in during Q4 2021. Officials admitted inflation wasn't transitory. The public accepted the inevitability of higher borrowing costs. The stock market, being a forward-looking indicator, peaked in October of 2021. It's no surprise then that funding slowed from its peak. In fact, as of September 2022, overall VC investment has hit a two-year low. But not all industries feel the effects equally - flows into HR tech are holding up much better than the overall market. The Problem: Stubborn inflation and a fractured employer/employee relationship has put many small to midsize businesses at a crossroads. An American Express survey revealed that while the average small to midsize business enjoyed an 87% increase in revenue from July 2021 to July 2022, that same average also saw profits decrease by 4%. That’s the equivalent of running faster while falling even more behind. It’s easy to settle for top-line growth during a bull market, but downturns are when metrics like profitability and free cash flow become king. While expenses creep up, the expectations gap between employers and employees is also growing wider. As the gap expands, employee productivity, morale, & retention fall. The disconnect between both parties has become so widespread that it led to the coining of the term ‘quiet quitting’, which is an employee consciously doing just enough not to get fired. So while simply cutting costs through a reduced headcount would put a dent in the first problem, it would only exacerbate the second. A more comprehensive approach is needed to ensure a workforce is both happy and efficient. The Solution: Asure allows a small to midsize business to adopt a scientific attitude towards the management of its workforce. Asure Software’s (NASDAQ: ASUR) platform helps small and midsize businesses attract, manage, & retain the right people by automating the boring essentials - payroll, HR, & taxes. By removing administrative tasks from the equation, you free up the team’s day to do what they were hired to do. This streamlined approach saves employers money by reducing unnecessary headcount, and it ensures team members have the time to work on the business rather than just in the business. Let’s share a few examples of how the software is relevant in this climate. The tax laws in this country are more complex than ever. Under the CARES act, the Employee Retention Credit provision incentivized small and midsize businesses to keep employees on the payroll. For every employee spared, the business could receive a tax refund of up to $26,000. While the savings are significant, owners that looked to leverage this provision manually wasted hours navigating the application process. Do I fill out Form 941-X or Form 5884-A? How do I know if my business even qualifies? Am I compliant? Asure's clients didn't have to ask these questions because the company’s in-house experts and streamlining technology help to make the entire filing process smooth and without any time burden or confusion for the business owner. Asure recently integrated Equifax’s (NYSE: EFX) The Work Number technology with its platform to allow for instant verification of employment & income. Before this partnership, employees would have to fill out a verification request ahead of big applications like a mortgage or a car loan. Employers would then manually respond to each one. This Equifax integration eliminates all that back & forth at no extra cost to Asure’s clients. It's easy to miss the latest integrations or to only use a fraction of a software's capabilities. While Asure emphasizes efficiency for its clients, it's a company that believes in a personal touch. Upon subscribing, each client is assigned a dedicated team of Asure specialists in the local area. The implementation and maximization of the platform become significantly easier when help isn't outsourced to a call center. Asure offers its B2B cloud-based software via a subscription model. The company has a laundry list of individual solutions - Performance Tracking, Electronic Onboarding, Workers’ Compensation, you name it. But for small and midsize businesses that want to move beyond the a la carte approach, Asure offers comprehensive payroll & HR plans that bundle a host of services together. Asure has been around since 1985. Over those decades, Asure has earned the trust of 80,000 clients - 95% of which are SMBs. So despite being a company with vast resources, Asure markets itself to the business with say 100 employees. And as that business grows its market share, the software can scale and grow right along with it to serve 1000+ employees without expensive upgrades. As it is publicly traded, Asure is not a target for VC funding. However, VC and PE firms have certainly been active in acquiring HR tech and HCM companies during the recent market downturn. Thoma Bravo is one private equity software firm that has been on an acquisition spree recently. In October 2022 alone, the PE firm acquired ForgeRock (NYSE: FORG), Ping Identity, UserTesting (NYSE: USER) and completed a strategic investment into SMA Technologies. In addition, the strong activity in the industry by institutional investors highlights the underscoring demand is represents an overall “bullish” signal for the industry. Retail investors who believe in the secular shift to Human Capital Management would be wise to do further due diligence into the ticker symbol ASUR. Disclaimer: Spotlight Growth is compensated, either directly or via a third party, to provide investor relations services for its clients. Spotlight Growth creates exposure for companies through a customized marketing strategy, including design of promotional material, the drafting and editing of press releases and media placement. All information on featured companies is provided by the companies profiled, or is available from public sources. Spotlight Growth and its employees are not a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker Dealer or a member of any association for other research providers in any jurisdiction whatsoever and we are not qualified to give financial advice. The information contained herein is based on external sources that Spotlight Growth believes to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Spotlight Growth may create reports and content that has been compensated by a company or third-parties, or for purposes of self-marketing. Spotlight Growth was compensated five thousand dollars cash for the creation and dissemination of this content by the company. This material does not represent a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s plans and objectives, projections, expectations and intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. The above communication, the attachments and external Internet links provided are intended for informational purposes only and are not to be interpreted by the recipient as a solicitation to participate in securities offerings. Investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors and may not be permissible in certain jurisdictions. Spotlight Growth and its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees may have bought or sold or may buy or sell shares in the companies discussed herein, which may be acquired prior, during or after the publication of these marketing materials. Spotlight Growth, its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees may sell the stock of said companies at any time and may profit in the event those shares rise in value. For more information on our disclosures, please visit: https://spotlightgrowth.com/disclosures/ The article “ Venture Capital and Private Equity Continue to Have a Taste for HR and HCM Tech Opportunities ” first appeared on Spotlight Growth. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 03, 2022 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Goodway Group Appoints Media Executive, John Davis, as SVP of Brand Direct

Goodway Group

Goodway Group, a leading data-driven and technology enabled digital media and marketing services firm, has appointed industry veteran John Davis as Senior Vice President of Brand Direct. Davis manages Goodway Group’s Brand Direct and Retail Media Network verticals, broadening the media agency’s line of business and advising on optimal client solutions. He will report to Michael Hayes, Chief Growth Officer. In his new role, Davis will collaborate closely with other key functional area leads, including business development, strategy, media solutions, analytics and technology to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients that drive real business outcomes. "Goodway Group is experiencing an exciting trajectory of growth right now," said Davis. “With our expansion into retail media and full commerce capabilities, it’s the perfect time to come on board as my background and expertise can help drive continued advancements. I am excited to be working alongside such a knowledgeable team of brand marketing experts and data practitioners to drive innovative solutions and profitability for our valued clients." Davis joins Goodway Group with more than two decades of experience leading internal operational processes and system improvements. A battle-tested media strategist with proven results, he brings with him a track record of advancing business growth and increasing revenue and profitability for agencies and clients. This expertise is complimented by his time at Omnicom’s media arm OMG, where Davis helped unlock agency-wide efficiencies and drive incremental revenue across multiple business units, built cross-region scalable processes for media, data, and measurement, and stewarded a unified data solution to elevate the organization’s intellectual product. "John has extensive expertise in media, data, and measurement,” said Michael Hayes, Chief Growth Officer Goodway Group. “As we continue expanding our brand strategy, he will be a valuable asset in positioning Goodway Group as a premier, strategic partner and trusted advisor for brands looking to understand the true value of their media investments. We are thrilled to have such an experienced and media-savvy executive join the leadership team and help drive growth for Goodway Group and our clients." Previously, Davis managed a roster of blue-chip clients, including Lowe’s Home Improvement, General Electric, Hershey’s and State Farm. Prior to leading OMG’s investment operations practice, he managed OMD’s U.S. Digital Investment practice, where he oversaw 250+ digital media practitioners. Prior to this, he was an Account Director at Initiative, where he played a critical role in building the company’s North American digital practice. About Goodway Group Goodway Group is a leading data-driven and technology enabled digital media and marketing services firm with teams in the U.S. and the UK. Our diverse team of digital strategists, media practitioners, technologists, and data scientists have won the most prestigious awards for innovative marketing technology, impactful work, and inclusive remote-first places to work including being honored as a multi-year Ad Age Best Places to Work, AdExchanger’s Best Use of Technology by an Agency Award, and two MarTech Breakthrough Awards. The firm deploys deep expertise across both consumer and B2B marketing, including brand-performance advertising, retail media and commerce, and advanced analytics using proprietary digital programmatic technologies, data, analytics methodologies, and consultation. Goodway Group is an independent and remote-first media and marketing services firm with a 90+ year history. Find Goodway Group online at goodwaygroup.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Goodway Group. Honestly Smart Digital. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for Goodway Group Patrice Gamble goodway@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.goodwaygroup.com/

November 03, 2022 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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My Code Appoints Seasoned Creative Director Victoria Jordan as General Manager of Branded Content and Creative

My Code

My Code, the largest multicultural digital media platform in the United States that enables brands, agencies, publishers and storytellers to connect with multifaceted and diverse audiences, today announced the appointment of Victoria Jordan as General Manager of Branded Content and Creative. Jordan brings over two decades of experience in overseeing and growing creative teams, leading branded activations and conceptualizing and developing successful campaigns. In her new role at My Code, Jordan will be responsible for leading the company’s branded content initiatives and driving further expansion of My Code Studio offerings to continue providing brands with creative solutions for reaching multicultural consumers. Jordan, who received a Master of Arts degree from New York University, most recently held the title of creative director at Complex Networks, a global youth entertainment network that creates original and branded content for their owned-and-operated stations as well as for premium distributors like Netflix and Hulu. As a leader of the branded team, which was responsible for $26M of business in 2021, she spearheaded and implemented new creative development processes. “Victoria is joining the team at an important time when brands are looking for strategic recommendations around creative direction, franchises with our owned and operated content, unique formats, and year-long branded content initiatives more than ever,” said Jennifer White, COO of My Code. “The way that brands can express themselves across channels and reach multicultural consumers has expanded and she’ll be able to guide our team and clients well, as she has proven to do throughout her impressive career.” Jordan is a seasoned leader with extensive knowledge in every aspect of creative program development, specifically in the multicultural marketing space. Prior to Complex Networks, Jordan worked at One X Studios, an award-winning content studio helping brands create and distribute captivating content to Black audiences. Here, Jordan oversaw internal creative teams and led branded activations and campaigns. “My Code is reshaping the future of media and creating more space for multicultural audiences to connect with authentic and accurate stories,” said Jordan. “I can’t wait to work alongside this team of passionate marketers and storytellers, and look forward to contributing to this important work with engaging and inclusive content.” My Code has been expanding its executive team over the last several months, with the appointment of Veronica Gilton as Chief Technology Officer in October and Ginny Yang as Vice President of Marketing in May, with Jordan being the latest addition. The company has also made several strategic deals this year, including the acquisition of Impremedia, the leading Hispanic news and information company, and Veranda Entertainment, a leading technology and entertainment company. Additionally, My Code Studio, which will be the main focus in Jordan’s new role, has been building award-winning branded creative and content solutions for leading brands targeted to multicultural and diverse audiences. To learn more about My Code, please visit www.mycodemedia.com. About My Code My Code is a digital media company that enables brands, agencies, publishers, and storytellers to decode and connect with multifaceted and diverse audiences. My Code was formed following the expansion of H Code, a 2x Inc. 5000-ranked company founded in 2015, into additional demographics beyond Hispanic consumers. With a diverse team of marketers, sellers, researchers, and storytellers specializing in an ever-growing selection of Cultural and Affinity Codes, My Code helps companies of all sizes reach millions of Hispanic, Black, and AAPI consumers with unmatched authenticity. My Code combines proprietary insights from its Intelligence Center, first-party targetable datasets, and custom creative to deliver unparalleled multimedia content that effectively reaches diverse audiences across the digital landscape. Having evolved from its Hispanic-centric origins, My Code is now a robust, minority-dominant organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of the diverse communities and audiences it represents. Its purpose-driven media marketplace allows advertisers to easily invest in minority-owned and led publishers, creators, and producers. Today, My Code’s employee base is 85% multicultural, 70% Hispanic/Latinx, and 50% female across its offices in the U.S. and Latin America. Contact Details North 6th Agency for My Code +1 203-518-2348 mycode@n6a.com Company Website https://mycodemedia.com/

November 03, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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THE INDO-AMERICAN ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES ANNUAL WEEKLONG LITERARY FESTIVAL

IAAC

- In Its 8th Year, the IAAC Literary Festival offers an intimate interaction with the leading minds and works of authors and poets writing about the Indian experience - The Indo-American Arts Council ( IAAC ), the organization dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the arts in North America, announced today the lineup for its eighth annual Literary Festival on November 7-13, 2022, in New York. Notable speakers, making in-person appearances at the Caelum Gallery (526 W 26th St.) in NY’s renowned Chelsea neighborhood, include Padma Shri, Barkha Dutt, Priya Kumari and Raza Mir. In continuation of its honored tradition, IAAC will also host a live Poetry Panel headlining Arundhathi Subramaniam and moderated by poetry curator, Dr. Ravi Shankar. Prior to the in-person weekend events, there will be a series of virtual events hosted on Facebook and YouTube each evening starting November 7-11 at 6:30 p.m. ET, which will feature ten writers including Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi; London-based restaurateur and Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” star, Asma Khan with Michelin Chef Vikas Khanna - author of the world’s first “phygital” (physical and digital) cookbook; plus, actress, dancer and choreographer, Rukmini Vijayakumar. This series also includes a dedicated Children’s Literary Panel on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 which will showcase readings of “When Blackbirds Fly” by Hannah Lalhlanpuii and “Jamlo Walks” by Samina Mishra. "IAAC's Literary Festival showcases writers who bring stories of the Indian experience and ethos to the world. Even as they set new standards of literary excellence, they excite our imagination and shape humanity's future through their thought leadership. The festival attendees will become part of extraordinary conversations. Supporting the festival will be a stellar group of moderators who themselves are literary luminaries. As always there will be a focus on first time regional translations, children's literature and poetry," said Rakesh Kaul, Vice Chairman, IAAC. IAAC’s literary festival will be an intense two-day immersive experience featuring thought-provoking conversations, readings and discussions of stories told by courageous authors. Each authors' skill and expertise cover a wide range of civilizational and cultural topics including archeology, design, dance, history, compassion, wonder and the culinary arts. A panel of four poets will showcase powerful word-play that will make imaginations soar and speak directly to hearts, young and old. Refreshments, breakfast and lunch will be served, wine and cheese will accompany the poetry session. The festival wraps on a high note with the Annual Gala on November 13th. “At IAAC, we pride ourselves on our ability to seek out and find foundational storytellers who are not only noteworthy for their skill with language but whose seminal works also weave remarkable narratives that shape the world around them. This year is no exception; I have had the privilege to work with a dedicated team of literature lovers whose hard work and energy made this festival possible,” said Preethi Urs, Literary Festival Director, IAAC. A full list of writers and featured works below. For the full schedule with dates, times and moderators, please visit IAAC.us. Virtual Events (November 7-11): Kailash Satyarthi's greater body of work Ammu: Indian Home Cooking to Nourish your Soul (Interlink Books, May 2022) by Asma Khan Sacred Foods of India in NFT format (Akshaya, June 2022) by Vikas Khanna His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 100 Anecdotes (India Penguin, December 2022) by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy The Dalai Lama: Leadership and the Power of Compassion (Interlink Books, November 2022) by Ginger Chih which includes a forward by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama Finding Shiva: An Inner Journey of the Performative Experience (INDIC, 2021) by Rukmini Vijayakumar Virtual Children’s Panel: When Blackbirds Fly (Duckbill, February 2022) by Hannah Lalhlanpuii Jamlo Walks (India Puffin, September 2021) by Samina Mishra Somnath Hore: Wounds (Art1st, August 2021) conceptualized by Ritu Khoda, written by Likla Lall and featuring illustrator, Kripa (additionally, featuring in-person on November 13) In-Person Events (November 12-13): The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self (TarcherPerigee, September 2022) by Ananta Ripa Ajmera Tata's Leadership Experiment: The Story of the Tata Administrative Service (HarperBusiness, August 2022) by Bharat Wakhlu, Mukund Rajan, Sonu Bhasin TO HELL AND BACK: Humans of COVID (Juggernaut, February 2022) by Barkha Dutt The Greatest Telugu Stories Ever Told (Rupa, March 2022) translated by Tamraparni Dasu and Dasu Krishnamoorty A Country Called Childhood: A Memoir (Aleph Book Company, July 2022) by Deepti Naval [Block] Chain Reaction - The Future of How We Live and Work (Soul Excellence Publishing, January 2022) by Elizebeth Varghese Tomb of Sand: A Novel by Geetanjali Shree (Tilted Axis Press, August 2021), translated by Daisy Rockwell Shehnai Virtuoso and Other Stories by Dhumketu (Deep Vellum Publishing, July 2022) translated by Jenny Bhatt Rajaraja Chola: King of Kings (Aleph Book Company, November 2022) by Kamini Dandapani Dava Shastri's Last Day (Grand Central Publishing, November 2021) by Kirthana Ramisetti A Matter of Trust (HarperCollins India, July 2021) by Meenakshi Ahamed The View from the Very Best House in Town (Walker Books US, February 2022) by Meera Trehan The Soul Catcher (Bodes Well Publishing, September 2021) by Monica Bhide Mirror Made of Rain (The Unnamed Press, May 2022) by Naheed Phiroze Patel The Candid Life of Meena Dave (Lake Union Publishing, June 2022) by Namrata Patel People of the Indus (India Penguin, November 2022) by Nikhil Gulati Leaf Talks Peace - Buddha's Message of Harmony (Eternal Tree Books, May 2022) by Priya Kumari Talent: The Market Cap Multiplier (Ideapress Publishing, January 2022) by Ram Charan and Anish Batlaw Murder at the Mushaira: A Novel (Rupa Publications India, January 2021) by Raza Mir Smashing the Patriarchy: A Guide for the 21st-Century Indian Woman (Rupa, November, 2021) by Sindhu Rajasekaran KALA - Essays on Contemporary Design Aesthetics (Times Group Books, 2020) edited by Padma Shri Sunita Kohli Somnath Hore: Wounds (Art1st, August 2021) conceptualized by Ritu Khoda, written by Likla Lall and featuring illustrator, Kripa Notable International Poets: Love Without a Story (Westland, April 2019) by Arundhathi Subramaniam My Body Lives Like a Threat (Flowersong Press, January 2022) by Megha Sood Time Regime (Gaudy Boy, March 2022) by Jhani Randhawa Singing in the Dark (Vintage Books, October 2020) edited by Nishi Chawla and K Satchidanandan Attendance Details: For a complete calendar of events between on November 7-13, 2022, visit https://iaac.us/iaac-literary-festival-2022/ RSVP for both in-person and online events at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iaac-literary-festival-2022-tickets-446199724387 Social Media for IAAC: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iaac.us YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7XldGWApKYy-IvQPapxFJg Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAArtsCouncil Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iaacny Hashtag: #IAACLitFest For a full press kit including photos and posters: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DtbCXBSbA25yTQmf7vfMEWcdWFOGszA-?usp=sharing For IAAC Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director, Indo-American Arts Council suman.gn@iaac.us About Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC): The IAAC supports all the artistic disciplines in classical, fusion, folk and innovative forms influenced by the arts of India. We work cooperatively with colleagues around the U.S. to broaden our collective audiences and to create a network for shared information, resources and funding. Our focus is to help artists and art organizations in North America as well as to facilitate artists from India to exhibit, perform and produce their work here. The IAAC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. For information, please visit www.iaac.us. For a full press kit including photos and posters: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DtbCXBSbA25yTQmf7vfMEWcdWFOGszA-?usp=sharing Contact Details Indo-American Arts Council Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director suman.gn@iaac.us

November 02, 2022 04:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Article thumbnail News Release

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

November 02, 2022 02:01 PM Mountain Daylight Time

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How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Benzinga

Buying an engagement ring signifies a lifelong emotional investment in your future with your partner. An engagement ring purchase is also a significant financial investment. According to a 2021 BriteCo™ survey, 38% of respondents said that buying their engagement ring was the biggest purchase outside of buying a home or vehicle. Making such a significant financial decision requires considering how much to spend on an engagement ring. Find out how much you should spend on this sentimental piece of jewelry by exploring the average engagement ring cost and how to budget for a ring you and your partner love. What’s the Average Cost of an Engagement Ring in 2022? Engagement ring shopping can be stressful and confusing, so to help you determine how much an engagement ring should cost, it’s helpful to know the average price of an engagement ring to use as a baseline. The average engagement ring price in 2021 was approximately $7,011, an increase of 6.1% over 2020. Respondents of the BriteCo™ survey reported a slightly lower median price of $3,250, with 61% spending between $2,500 and $10,000 or more. BriteCo research showed the average spend on earth-mined diamonds increasing 11.9%, from $7,197 to $8,053 in 2021. The average spend for engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds, by comparison, was $4,383, up 8.6% over 2020 prices. BriteCo data also showed that lab-grown diamonds increased their market penetration in the past year from 18.7% of engagement ring sales in 2020 to 28.4% of sales in 2021. The average cost of an engagement ring also varies based on the buyer’s location. In the Mid-Atlantic region, including New York, rings cost an average of $9,343. States in the Pacific region, including California, saw an average spend of $8,626, and people in the central parts of the U.S. spend about $5,530 on average. Deciding on Your Engagement Ring Budget Deciding how much you should spend on an engagement ring involves understanding your budget for the purchase. Your income level, ring preferences and ring-related expenses like jewelry insurance all factor into how much you can and want to spend on your partner’s engagement ring. You can also use an engagement ring calculator tool to find out how much it will really cost to buy a stunning ring for your partner. What Can You Afford? The No. 1 consideration for buying an engagement ring is how much you can afford. In the past, many people determined how much to spend on an engagement ring based on salary. A 1930s De Beers Group marketing campaign suggested that a man had to spend at least three months’ salary on a diamond engagement ring or wedding ring to prove his devotion. While this rule may have worked in past decades, many modern ring buyers choose to spend much more conservatively. Most buyers forgo the salary-based budgeting method altogether. But if you are wondering, “How much should an engagement ring cost according to salary?” CNBC recommends only 5% of your income go toward the purchase. If you make close to the median household income of $70,784, that would mean a reasonable ring budget of about $3,539. What Materials Do You Prefer? Ring materials such as metals and diamonds affect the amount you’ll spend on your engagement ring. When deciding how much to spend, you’ll need to consider what ring materials you and your partner prefer, how much they cost and how to choose an option that matches your aesthetic desires with a price you can afford. Metals In general, platinum and palladium rings are the most expensive metals, with gold, including yellow, rose and white, coming in second. Cobalt and tantalum are less costly metals, and stainless steel and titanium rings are the most affordable, which can help cut engagement ring costs and save money. Diamond The most crucial consideration in most engagement rings is the diamond — the most expensive element. Diamonds are typically priced according to the 4Cs: cut, clarity, color and carat. Cut refers to the way a jeweler cuts a diamond to reflect light. More intricate cuts, rated 10 on the American Gem Society (AGS) scale, will be more expensive than lower-rated cuts. Diamonds with better clarity ratings or unique colorings may cost more than those with lower ratings. For example, a vivid yellow diamond ring may cost upward of $16,000 per carat, while a regular white diamond might sell for $1,000 per carat. Generally, the more a diamond weighs in carats, the more it will cost. Diamond prices typically move between weight groupings. For example, a diamond weighing between 0.01 to 0.90 carats will cost the same, but the price jumps for diamonds weighing between 0.98 to 1.5 carats. Where Will You Buy Your Engagement Ring? Where you buy your engagement will factor into how much you plan to spend. A ring from a high-end jeweler like Harry Winston Inc. or Tiffany & Co. may cost tens of thousands more than one from a brand-name retail store or local jeweler. Additionally, buying in-store versus online may offer different pricing options for engagement rings. The BriteCo™ survey showed that 81% of ring buyers prefer in-person sales, with 9% opting for online-only retailers and 11% purchasing from a known jeweler’s website. Because of distribution costs, an engagement ring online may be 30% to 40% cheaper, but buying from a trusted brand or local jeweler offers more security. Should You Insure Your Engagement Ring Purchase? Your insurance premiums should also factor into your budget for an engagement ring. High-value pieces require higher monthly premiums. But compared to other types of insurance, getting specialty jewelry coverage is very affordable, ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% of your ring’s appraised value. Many people believe that their homeowners or renters insurance will fully cover their engagement ring if something happens to it. But the average coverage provided by homeowners or renters insurance for fine jewelry is approximately $1,500. This falls significantly short of the average cost of an engagement ring, leaving you with substantial out-of-pocket costs if your ring is damaged, lost or stolen. Dedicated or specialty jewelry insurance ensures that you are covered for the full replacement cost of the piece. Look for a policy with no deductible that also covers preventative maintenance and repairs. It’s easy to get affordable engagement ring insurance online. Before applying for jewelry insurance, you must have your engagement ring appraised. You can get an appraisal online, at the jewelry store where you purchased the ring or through a professional certified appraiser. You will pay a small fee for the appraisal, typically between $50 and $150. Buy a Ring Your Partner Will Love Your engagement ring represents your commitment and connection to your partner. So, while there are archaic ideas about how much you should spend on an engagement ring, the ideal ring price ultimately depends on your budget and your partner’s style preferences. Regardless of how much you spend on a ring, ensure that you get comprehensive jewelry insurance to protect your investment. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 02, 2022 01:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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