Technology
Avantor® Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Net sales of $1.70 billion, decrease of 2.4%; organic decline of 2.0%Net income of $93 million; Adjusted EBITDA of $306 millionDiluted GAAP EPS of $0.14; adjusted EPS of $0.25Operating cash flow of $281 million; free cash flow of $235 million
RADNOR, Pa., July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Avantor, Inc. (NYSE: AVTR), a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries, today reported financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024.
“Our teams delivered another solid quarter with sequential improvements to all key financial metrics. Improved mix from increased bioprocessing revenue together with the accelerated impact of our cost transformation initiative drove more than 100 basis points of sequential Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion, while disciplined working capital management led to free cash flow conversion above 100%,” said Michael Stubblefield, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We are reaffirming our fiscal year 2024 guidance and remain focused on executing our long-term growth strategy and delivering value to our customers and shareholders,” Stubblefield concluded.
Second Quarter 2024
For the three months ended June 30, 2024, net sales were $1,702.8 million, a decrease of 2.4% compared to the second quarter of 2023. Foreign currency translation had a negative impact of 0.4%, resulting in a sales decline of 2.0% on an organic basis.
Net income increased to $92.9 million from ($7.3) million in the second quarter of 2023, and adjusted net income was $168.0 million as compared to $186.4 million in the comparable prior period. Net Income margin was 5.5%. Adjusted EBITDA was $305.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 17.9%. Adjusted Operating Income was $277.2 million and Adjusted Operating Income margin was 16.3%.
Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis was $0.14, while adjusted EPS was $0.25.
Operating cash flow was $281.1 million, while free cash flow was $235.3 million. Adjusted net leverage was 3.9x as of June 30, 2024.
Second Quarter 2024 – Segment Results
Laboratory Solutions
Net sales were $1,155.7 million, a reported decrease of 3.2%, as compared to $1,193.8 million in the second quarter of 2023. Sales declined 2.7% on an organic basis.Adjusted Operating Income was $150.9 million as compared to $179.7 million in the comparable prior period. Adjusted Operating Income margin was 13.1%.
Bioscience Production
Net sales were $547.1 million, a reported decrease of 0.5%, as compared to $550.1 million in the second quarter of 2023. Sales declined 0.3% on an organic basis.Adjusted Operating Income was $144.0 million, as compared to $154.2 million in the comparable prior period. Adjusted Operating Income margin was 26.3%.
Adjusted Operating Income is Avantor’s segment reporting profitability measure under generally accepted accounting principles and is used by management to measure and evaluate the performance of our Company’s business segments.
Conference Call
We will host a conference call to discuss our results today, July 26, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live webcast and presentation, as well as a replay, will be available on the investor section of Avantor’s website.
About Avantor
Avantor® is a leading life science tools company and global provider of mission-critical products and services to the life sciences and advanced technology industries. We work side-by-side with customers at every step of the scientific journey to enable breakthroughs in medicine, healthcare, and technology. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities at more than 300,000 customer locations in 180 countries. For more information, visit avantorsciences.com and find us on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and Facebook.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To evaluate our performance, we monitor a number of key indicators. As appropriate, we supplement our results of operations determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) with certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are useful to investors, creditors and others in assessing our performance. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for reported GAAP results because they may include or exclude certain items as compared to similar GAAP-based measures, and such measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Rather, these measures should be considered as an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that provide a more complete understanding of our business. We strongly encourage investors to review our consolidated financial statements included in reports filed with the SEC in their entirety and not rely solely on any one single financial measure or communication.
The non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are sales growth (decline) on an organic basis, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, adjusted EPS, adjusted net leverage, free cash flow, and free cash flow conversion.
Sales growth (decline) on an organic basis eliminates from our reported net sales growth (decline) the impacts of revenues from any acquired businesses that have been owned for less than one year and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe that this measure is useful to investors as a way to measure and evaluate our underlying commercial operating performance consistently across our segments and the periods presented. This measure is used by our management for the same reason.Adjusted Operating Income is our net income or loss adjusted for the following items: (i) interest expense, (ii) income tax expense, (iii) amortization of acquired intangible assets, (iv) losses on extinguishment of debt, (v) charges associated with the impairment of certain assets, (vi) and certain other adjustments. Adjusted Operating Income margin is Adjusted Operating Income divided by net sales as determined under GAAP. We believe that these measures are useful to investors as ways to analyze the underlying trends in our business consistently across the periods presented. These measures are used by our management for the same reason. Additionally, Adjusted Operating Income is our segment reporting profitability measure under GAAP.Adjusted EBITDA is our net income or loss adjusted for the following items: (i) interest expense, (ii) income tax expense, (iii) amortization of acquired intangible assets, (iv) depreciation expense, (v) losses on extinguishment of debt, (vi) charges associated with the impairment of certain assets, (vii) and certain other adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales as determined under GAAP. We believe that these measures are useful to investors as ways to analyze the underlying trends in our business consistently across the periods presented. These measures are used by our management for the same reason.Adjusted net income is our net income or loss first adjusted for the following items: (i) amortization of acquired intangible assets, (ii) losses on extinguishment of debt, (iii) charges associated with the impairment of certain assets, (iv) and certain other adjustments. From this amount, we then add or subtract an assumed incremental income tax impact on the above-noted pre-tax adjustments, using estimated tax rates, to arrive at Adjusted Net Income. We believe that this measure is useful to investors as a way to analyze the business consistently across the periods presented. This measure is used by our management for the same reason.Adjusted EPS is our adjusted net income divided by our diluted GAAP weighted average share count adjusted for anti-dilutive instruments. We believe that this measure is useful to investors as an additional way to analyze the underlying trends in our business consistently across the periods presented. This measure is used by our management for the same reason.Adjusted net leverage is equal to our gross debt, reduced by our cash and cash equivalents, divided by our trailing 12-month Adjusted EBITDA (excluding stock-based compensation expense and including the expected run-rate effect of cost synergies and the incremental results of completed acquisitions as if those acquisitions had occurred on the first day of the trailing 12-month period). We believe that this measure is useful to investors as a way to evaluate and measure the Company’s capital allocation strategies and the underlying trends in the business. This measure is used by our management for the same reason.Free cash flow is equal to our cash flow from operating activities, plus acquisition-related costs paid in the period, less capital expenditures. Free cash flow conversion is free cash flow divided by adjusted net income. We believe that these measures are useful to investors as they provide a view on the Company’s ability to generate cash for use in financing or investment activities. These measures are used by our management for the same reason.
Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the tables accompanying this release.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements discuss our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, including our cost transformation initiative, objectives, future performance and business. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “assumption,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “long-term,” “near-term,” “objective,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “projection,” “prospects,” “seek,” “target,” “trend,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “will,” the negatives thereof and other words and terms of similar meaning.
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions; they are not guarantees of performance. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Although we believe that our assumptions made in connection with the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that the assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Factors that could contribute to these risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the factors described in “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC.
All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. In addition, all forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligations to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise other than as required under the federal securities laws.
Investor Relations Contact
Christina Jones
Vice President, Investor Relations
Avantor
+1 805-617-5297
Christina.Jones@avantorsciences.com
Media Contact
Emily Collins
Vice President, External Communications
Avantor
+1 332-239-3910
Emily.Collins@avantorsciences.com
Avantor, Inc. and subsidiaries
Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations
(in millions, except per share data)
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net sales
$ 1,702.8
$ 1,743.9
$ 3,382.6
$ 3,524.2
Cost of sales
1,121.3
1,153.9
2,230.6
2,309.4
Gross profit
581.5
590.0
1,152.0
1,214.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses
405.7
357.5
829.9
751.1
Impairment charges
—
160.8
—
160.8
Operating income
175.8
71.7
322.1
302.9
Interest expense, net
(60.9)
(73.4)
(125.2)
(147.1)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(1.9)
(1.6)
(4.4)
(3.9)
Other income, net
1.6
2.0
2.7
2.6
Income (loss) before income taxes
114.6
(1.3)
195.2
154.5
Income tax expense
(21.7)
(6.0)
(41.9)
(40.3)
Net income (loss)
$ 92.9
$ (7.3)
153.3
114.2
Earnings (Loss) per share:
Basic
$ 0.14
$ (0.01)
$ 0.23
$ 0.17
Diluted
$ 0.14
$ (0.01)
$ 0.22
$ 0.17
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
679.4
675.3
678.7
675.0
Diluted
682.6
675.3
681.9
677.9
Avantor, Inc. and subsidiaries
Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets
(in millions)
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 272.6
$ 262.9
Accounts receivable, net
1,129.0
1,150.2
Inventory
795.6
828.1
Other current assets
132.0
143.7
Total current assets
2,329.2
2,384.9
Property, plant and equipment, net
753.8
737.5
Other intangible assets, net
3,582.8
3,775.3
Goodwill, net
5,659.6
5,716.7
Other assets
368.1
358.3
Total assets
$ 12,693.5
$ 12,972.7
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt
$ 258.4
$ 259.9
Accounts payable
657.4
625.9
Employee-related liabilities
146.1
133.1
Accrued interest
49.9
50.2
Other current liabilities
352.8
411.2
Total current liabilities
1,464.6
1,480.3
Debt, net of current portion
4,856.6
5,276.7
Deferred income tax liabilities
575.4
612.8
Other liabilities
361.9
350.3
Total liabilities
7,258.5
7,720.1
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock including paid-in capital
3,897.5
3,830.1
Accumulated earnings
1,644.8
1,491.5
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(107.3)
(69.0)
Total stockholders’ equity
5,435.0
5,252.6
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 12,693.5
$ 12,972.7
Avantor, Inc. and subsidiaries
Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows
(in millions)
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
$ 92.9
$ (7.3)
$ 153.3
$ 114.2
Reconciling adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization
102.6
102.6
202.2
203.7
Impairment charges
—
160.8
—
160.8
Stock-based compensation expense
11.1
9.2
23.8
21.9
Provision for accounts receivable and inventory
15.5
30.6
39.5
43.1
Deferred income tax benefit
(34.8)
(38.3)
(52.7)
(64.7)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
2.8
3.3
5.8
6.7
Loss on extinguishment of debt
1.9
1.6
4.4
3.9
Foreign currency remeasurement (gain) loss
(2.2)
(1.9)
3.1
(0.1)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
(2.7)
60.1
—
7.9
Inventory
(3.2)
(8.8)
(14.2)
(1.7)
Accounts payable
89.5
(75.0)
45.9
(74.4)
Accrued interest
9.2
9.9
(0.3)
(0.6)
Other assets and liabilities
(2.9)
(78.4)
6.4
(34.3)
Other
1.4
(0.2)
5.5
1.3
Net cash provided by operating activities
281.1
168.2
422.7
387.7
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(45.8)
(30.1)
(80.5)
(58.1)
Other
0.9
0.7
1.4
1.4
Net cash used in investing activities
(44.9)
(29.4)
(79.1)
(56.7)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings
(28.9)
—
12.3
—
Debt repayments
(172.7)
(190.8)
(383.0)
(460.3)
Payments of debt refinancing fees and premiums
—
(2.3)
—
(2.3)
Proceeds received from exercise of stock options
5.3
2.1
50.8
4.7
Shares repurchased to satisfy employee tax
obligations for vested stock-based awards
(0.8)
(5.2)
(7.4)
(13.3)
Net cash used in financing activities
(197.1)
(196.2)
(327.3)
(471.2)
Effect of currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1.6)
(0.7)
(7.3)
4.1
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
37.5
(58.1)
9.0
(136.1)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
259.2
318.9
287.7
396.9
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
$ 296.7
$ 260.8
$ 296.7
$ 260.8
Avantor, Inc. and subsidiaries
Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
(dollars in millions)
Three months ended June 30,
Six months ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
$
%
$
%
$
%
$
%
Net income (loss)
$ 92.9
5.5 %
$ (7.3)
(0.4) %
$ 153.3
4.5 %
$ 114.2
3.2 %
Amortization
74.9
4.4 %
78.9
4.5 %
150.2
4.4 %
157.3
4.5 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt
1.9
— %
1.6
0.1 %
4.4
0.1 %
3.9
0.1 %
Integration-related expenses1
—
— %
(0.6)
— %
—
— %
8.1
0.2 %
Restructuring and severance charges2
9.7
0.6 %
7.2
0.4 %
32.9
1.0 %
11.9
0.3 %
Transformation expenses3
16.2
1.0 %
—
— %
29.5
0.9 %
—
— %
Other4
(0.3)
— %
(0.7)
— %
(0.8)
— %
(0.8)
— %
Impairment charges5
—
— %
160.8
9.2 %
—
— %
160.8
4.6 %
Income tax benefit applicable to
pretax adjustments
(27.3)
(1.6) %
(53.5)
(3.1) %
(50.9)
(1.5) %
(73.6)
(2.1) %
Adjusted net income
168.0
9.9 %
186.4
10.7 %
318.6
9.4 %
381.8
10.8 %
Interest expense, net
60.9
3.6 %
73.4
4.2 %
125.2
3.7 %
147.1
4.2 %
Depreciation
27.7
1.5 %
23.7
1.4 %
52.0
1.6 %
46.4
1.4 %
Income tax provision applicable
to Adjusted Net income
49.0
2.9 %
59.5
3.4 %
92.8
2.7 %
113.9
3.2 %
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 305.6
17.9 %
$ 343.0
19.7 %
$ 588.6
17.4 %
$ 689.2
19.6 %
━━━━━━━━━
1.
Represents direct costs incurred with third parties and the accrual of a long-term retention incentive to integrate acquired companies. These expenses represent incremental costs and are unrelated to normal operations of our business. Integration expenses are incurred over a pre-defined integration period specific to each acquisition.
2.
Reflects the incremental expenses incurred in the period related to restructuring initiatives to increase profitability and productivity. Costs included in this caption are specific to employee severance, site-related exit costs, and contract termination costs. The expenses recognized in 2024 represent costs incurred to achieve the Company’s publicly-announced cost transformation initiative.
3.
Represents incremental expenses directly associated with the Company’s publicly-announced cost transformation initiative, primarily related to the cost of external advisors.
4.
Represents net foreign currency (gain) loss from financing activities, other stock-based compensation expense (benefit) and charges and legal costs in connection with certain litigation and other contingencies that are unrelated to our core operations and not reflective of on-going business and operating results.
5.
Related to impairment of the Ritter asset group.
Avantor, Inc. and subsidiaries
Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures (continued)
Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Income Margin
(dollars in millions)
Three months ended June 30,
Six months ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
$
%
$
%
$
%
$
%
Net income (loss)
$ 92.9
5.5 %
$ (7.3)
(0.4) %
$ 153.3
4.5 %
$ 114.2
3.2 %
Interest expense, net
60.9
3.6 %
73.4
4.2 %
125.2
3.7 %
147.1
4.2 %
Income tax expense
21.7
1.3 %
6.0
0.3 %
41.9
1.2 %
40.3
1.1 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt
1.9
— %
1.6
0.1 %
4.4
0.1 %
3.9
0.1 %
Other income, net
(1.6)
(0.1) %
(2.0)
(0.1) %
(2.7)
— %
(2.6)
— %
Operating income
175.8
10.3 %
71.7
4.1 %
322.1
9.5 %
302.9
8.6 %
Amortization
74.9
4.4 %
78.9
4.5 %
150.2
4.4 %
157.3
4.5 %
Integration-related expenses1
—
— %
(0.6)
— %
—
— %
8.1
0.2 %
Restructuring and severance charges2
9.7
0.6 %
7.2
0.4 %
32.9
1.0 %
11.9
0.3 %
Transformation expenses3
16.2
1.0 %
—
— %
29.5
0.9 %
—
— %
Other4
0.6
— %
0.9
0.1 %
0.9
— %
1.0
— %
Impairment charges5
—
— %
160.8
9.2 %
—
— %
160.8
4.6 %
Adjusted Operating Income
$ 277.2
16.3 %
$ 318.9
18.3 %
$ 535.6
15.8 %
$ 642.0
18.2 %
━━━━━━━━━
1.
Represents direct costs incurred with third parties and the accrual of a long-term retention incentive to integrate acquired companies. These expenses represent incremental costs and are unrelated to normal operations of our business. Integration expenses are incurred over a pre-defined integration period specific to each acquisition.
2.
Reflects the incremental expenses incurred in the period related to restructuring initiatives to increase profitability and productivity. Costs included in this caption are specific to employee severance, site-related exit costs, and contract termination costs. The expenses recognized in 2024 represent costs incurred to achieve the Company’s publicly-announced cost transformation initiative.
3.
Represents incremental expenses directly associated with the Company’s publicly-announced cost transformation initiative, primarily related to the cost of external advisors.
4.
Represents other stock-based compensation expense (benefit) and charges and legal costs in connection with certain litigation and other contingencies that are unrelated to our core operations and not reflective of on-going business and operating results.
5.
Related to impairment of the Ritter asset group.
Avantor, Inc. and subsidiaries
Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures (continued)
Earnings per share
(shares in millions)
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (GAAP)
$ 0.14
$ (0.01)
$ 0.22
$ 0.17
Dilutive impact of convertible instruments
—
—
—
—
Fully diluted earnings (loss) per share (non-GAAP)
0.14
(0.01)
0.22
0.17
Amortization
0.11
0.12
0.22
0.23
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—
—
0.01
0.01
Integration-related expenses
—
—
—
0.01
Restructuring and severance charges
0.02
0.01
0.05
0.02
Transformation expenses
0.02
—
0.04
—
Other
—
—
—
—
Impairment charges
—
0.24
—
0.24
Income tax benefit applicable to pretax adjustments
(0.04)
(0.08)
(0.07)
(0.12)
Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP)
$ 0.25
$ 0.28
$ 0.47
$ 0.56
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted (GAAP)
682.6
675.3
681.9
677.9
Incremental shares excluded for GAAP
—
2.4
—
—
Share count for Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP)
682.6
677.7
681.9
677.9
Free cash flow
(in millions)
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$ 281.1
$ 168.2
$ 422.7
$ 387.7
Capital expenditures
(45.8)
(30.1)
(80.5)
(58.1)
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)
$ 235.3
$ 138.1
$ 342.2
$ 329.6
Adjusted net leverage
(dollars in millions)
June 30, 2024
Total debt, gross
$ 5,148.3
Less cash and cash equivalents
(272.6)
$ 4,875.7
Trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA
$ 1,208.5
Trailing twelve months ongoing stock-based compensation expense
42.3
$ 1,250.8
Adjusted net leverage (non-GAAP)
3.9 x
Avantor, Inc. and subsidiaries
Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures (continued)
Net sales by segment
(in millions)
June 30,
Reconciliation of net sales growth
(decline) to organic net sales growth
(decline)
Net sales
growth
(decline)
Foreign
currency
impact
Organic
net sales
growth
(decline)
2024
2023
Three months ended:
Laboratory Solutions
$ 1,155.7
$ 1,193.8
$ (38.1)
$ (5.4)
$ (32.7)
Bioscience Production
547.1
550.1
(3.0)
(1.3)
(1.7)
Total
$ 1,702.8
$ 1,743.9
$ (41.1)
$ (6.7)
$ (34.4)
Six months ended:
Laboratory Solutions
$ 2,312.8
$ 2,396.8
$ (84.0)
$ 3.6
$ (87.6)
Bioscience Production
1,069.8
1,127.4
(57.6)
1.7
(59.3)
Total
$ 3,382.6
$ 3,524.2
$ (141.6)
$ 5.3
$ (146.9)
Adjusted Operating Income by segment
(in millions)
Three months ended
June 30,
Six months ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Laboratory Solutions
$ 150.9
$ 179.7
$ 299.1
$ 351.9
Bioscience Production
144.0
154.2
270.9
321.7
Corporate
(17.7)
(15.0)
(34.4)
(31.6)
Total
$ 277.2
$ 318.9
$ 535.6
$ 642.0
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SOURCE Avantor and Financial News
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Intesa Communications Group Named ‘Customers First’ Winner in San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Business Awards
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9 minutes agoon
July 21, 2026By
The award-winning, women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm was recognized for exceptional client service that has fueled 14 years of growth
SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Intesa Communications Group, a leading San Diego public relations and government affairs firm, has been named the “Customers First” winner in the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Small Business Awards. Announced July 9 at the Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards event, the recognition honors the small business whose commitment to customer service most clearly sets it apart from the competition.
Founded in 2012, the certified women-owned San Diego firm has grown from a boutique agency into one of the region’s leading public relations and government affairs firms. Intesa has doubled its team over the past two years, sustained three consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth and expanded its client portfolio by 26% last year. Intesa provides public relations, strategic communications, and government affairs services for a wide range of organizations, including San Diego State University, SeaWorld San Diego, Expedia Group, H.G. Fenton Company, San Diego Foundation, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and SBCS.
“This award belongs to every member of our team and to the clients who trust us with their most valuable asset: their reputation,” said Margie Newman Tsay, founding partner of Intesa Communications Group. “Our clients stay with us for years because we show up prepared, fully invested and ready for the moments that matter most. Being recognized for putting customers first is the highest compliment our business community can pay us.”
Intesa’s client-first approach has produced measurable results across public relations and government affairs efforts throughout the region. For example, in its first month working with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the firm helped reimagine the organization’s summer food drive messaging, generating more than 15 million impressions and helping deliver 489,026 pounds of food and $344,505 in donations — the equivalent of more than one million meals and a 175% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Logan Heights Community Development Corporation credits the firm with an 81:1 return on investment after Intesa parachuted in to help the nonprofit promote the California Mortgage Relief Program.
“Small businesses are the heart of our economy: fueling innovation, creating jobs and defining the character of communities across the San Diego region,” said Chris Cate, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We celebrate the resilience, ingenuity and community impact of our small business leaders. They are the very spirit behind our purpose to champion business and empower leaders.”
The Chamber award is as much a reflection of Intesa’s clients as it is the firm itself. The opportunity to partner with organizations doing meaningful work across the region is what makes recognition like this possible. True to form, the Intesa team plans to mark the win by thanking the clients behind the work.
“We call ourselves dot connectors, and this award is what that looks like in practice,” said Maddy Kilkenny, partner at Intesa Communications Group, who leads the firm’s government affairs practice. “Whether our team of 10 people is helping a client navigate a policy decision at City Hall or a story on the front page of the newspaper, we aim to leave them stronger and more confident than before. Hearing our clients say we deliver on that is the best win of all.”
According to the Chamber’s award requirements, businesses with 100 or fewer employees were eligible for nomination. They were voted on by a panel of chamber members, who reviewed the nominations and selected the winners of all four categories.
The recognition adds to more than 60 awards Intesa has earned for excellence in public relations, strategic communications, and public affairs, including honors from PR News, the Public Relations Society of America, PR Daily, the International Association of Business Communicators, the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ), MARCOM, and the American Marketing Association, among others. It also comes on the heels of two Intesa team members, Emily Alvarenga and Margaret Lutz Chantung, recently receiving SDBJ’s “40 Under 40” and “Indispensable” awards, respectively.
For more information about Intesa Communications Group, visit www.intesacom.com.
About Intesa Communications Group
Intesa Communications Group is a certified women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm that helps leaders communicate and advocate with confidence. Since 2012, Intesa has partnered with the region’s trusted leaders and organizations, providing strategic communications and public affairs counsel on high-stakes issues at the intersection of reputation, policy and public perception. The firm’s work has earned more than 60 industry awards across 53 recognized client campaigns, including the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce “Customers First” 2026 award. Learn more at www.intesacom.com.
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SOURCE Intesa Communications Group
Technology
The Inner Circle acknowledges Shankari Thiagarajan as Pinnacle Professional of The Year
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9 minutes agoon
July 21, 2026By
HOUSTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Shankari Thiagarajan is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional of The Year for her contributions to Information Technology and Agile Delivery.
Shankari Thiagarajan has established a distinguished career in information technology project and program management, recognized for her expertise in agile delivery, digital transformation, and cross functional leadership across multiple industries. Currently serving as project manager and scrum master at Astellas Pharma Inc., she oversees agile delivery initiatives supporting global life science programs.
With more than 15 years of experience spanning technology and pharmaceutical sectors, Ms. Thiagarajan has developed a reputation for leading complex implementations and driving operational efficiency. Her expertise includes agile methodologies, project and delivery management, product ownership, healthcare IT, telecom and network optimization, financial services modernization, retail technology upgrades, and GIS and digital mapping solutions.
Ms. Thiagarajan earned a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Campbellsville University, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Virginia Tech, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering Hyderabad.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to major organizations across a wide range of industries. Her accomplishments include leading agile transformations at Cigna, overseeing retail technology upgrades at Walmart, managing large scale telecom transformation initiatives at T Mobile and Verizon, and modernizing financial platforms at Security Finance. She also contributed to the early development of Google Maps during her tenure at Google India, advancing to team lead within a year.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Ms. Thiagarajan is the creator of the YouTube channel My Experiments with Life – #Positivity #Learning, launched in 2023. Through this platform, she shares motivational content and insights focused on personal growth, technology, spirituality, and lifelong learning.
Her professional accomplishments have been recognized through honors including Marquis Who’s Who 2026, a featured podcast interview with Jim Masters on Close Up TV hosted across Apple Radio, Spotify, and iHeart., recognition in The National Law Review & EIN Presswire, and a certificate of appreciation from Virginia Tech for academic excellence and community involvement.
Outside of her professional work, Ms. Thiagarajan enjoys creating motivational YouTube content, exploring technology and spirituality, listening to contemporary music, and pursuing philanthropic and educational interests. She credits her strong work ethic and determination to the example set by her parents.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue advancing her leadership capabilities and pursue executive level opportunities that allow her to make significant contributions within the information technology sector.
Guided by a philosophy rooted in courage, persistence, and continuous learning, Ms. Thiagarajan remains committed to professional growth while inspiring others to pursue excellence and self-improvement.
Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com
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SOURCE The Inner Circle
Technology
University of Phoenix Leaders Present at Building Blackboard Together 2026
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9 minutes agoon
July 21, 2026By
Presentations explored learning technology, accessibility and online pedagogy as higher education adapts to an AI-enabled future
PHOENIX, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix leaders shared insights on artificial intelligence, accessibility, online learning and student support at Building Blackboard Together 2026, Blackboard’s flagship user conference, held July 13-15 in Dallas, Texas. The conference brought together educators, institutional leaders and industry experts to explore innovations, technologies and emerging practices shaping the future of teaching and learning.
Representing University of Phoenix were Marc Booker, Ph.D., vice provost of strategy; Kelly Hermann, vice president of Accessibility and Student Affairs; and Erin Amsden, group product manager. Through presentations and panel discussions, the leaders shared perspectives on responsible AI adoption, accessibility leadership, student engagement and the evolving role of learning technologies in supporting institutional goals and student success.
“Building Blackboard Together provides an opportunity to engage with peers across higher education who are navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges around technology, accessibility and learning mobility,” said Dr. Booker. “These conversations help advance practical approaches for supporting learners while thoughtfully integrating innovation into the educational experience.”
During the conference, University of Phoenix was also recognized with the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, which honors institutions advancing responsible, transparent and inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence that promote trust and equitable outcomes for learners and educators. The recognition follows the University’s ongoing efforts to support AI literacy, responsible use and AI-enabled learning experiences.
Exploring the Expanding Role of the Learning Management System
As part of the Strategic Leadership Summit, Booker served as a panelist for “The LMS as Mission-Critical: Connecting Learning, Experience & Evidence.” The session examined how learning management systems are evolving beyond course management to support learning, engagement and institutional insight across the student lifecycle.
Panelists discussed how institutions are leveraging learning technologies alongside student information systems to support teaching and learning, advising, co-curricular engagement and data-informed decision-making while addressing increasing expectations surrounding artificial intelligence, student success and accountability.
Sharing Lessons from AI-Powered Student Support
Booker also presented “Scaling AI-Powered Support Across the Student Experience at University of Phoenix,” a session focused on the University’s process for expanding its AI support assistant across the online classroom environment, moving from proof of concept to full-scale deployment over a six-month period.
In addition, Booker participated in “Online Pedagogy to Drive Institutional Growth: Best Practices and Success Stories,” a panel discussion exploring how institutions are designing engaging online learning experiences and leveraging Blackboard technologies to support quality course delivery and student engagement.
Advancing Accessibility Leadership
Hermann joined the session “Communicating Up: Turning Accessibility Work into Leadership-Ready Stories.” The presentation focused on strategies for translating accessibility initiatives into narratives, evidence and visualizations that resonate with institutional leaders.
The discussion explored ways to connect accessibility efforts to broader institutional priorities, demonstrate impact through data and support informed decision-making that advances accessibility and learner success.
Examining Emerging Challenges in Artificial Intelligence
Amsden served as a panelist for “Agentic AI in Pedagogy: Threats and Opportunities.” The session addressed the growing influence of agentic AI and its implications for academic integrity, assessment design and learner engagement.
Panelists explored how technology, pedagogy and security practices can work together to promote authentic student work while helping institutions balance innovation with responsible AI implementation.
Contributing to the Future of Teaching and Learning
Amsden, Booker and Hermann are key members of University of Phoenix’s dynamic leadership team, frequently invited to share their expertise at prestigious national conferences and events. In 2026, University leaders will participate in the ASU + GSV Summit, 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, SXSW EDU Conference, and PESC Data Summit. These engagements underscore the University’s commitment to innovation and thought leadership in higher education, providing valuable insights and fostering collaborations that drive the future of learning.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
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SOURCE University of Phoenix
Intesa Communications Group Named ‘Customers First’ Winner in San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Business Awards
The Inner Circle acknowledges Shankari Thiagarajan as Pinnacle Professional of The Year
University of Phoenix Leaders Present at Building Blackboard Together 2026
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