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ICF Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

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— Favorable Business Mix and Higher Utilization Drove Strong EPS Performance —

— Record Business Development Pipeline of $10.5 Billion at Quarter-End —

— Increasing Full Year EPS and EBITDA Guidance Primarily to Reflect Mix Shift —

Second Quarter Highlights: 

Revenue Increased 2% to $512 Million; Up 6% Excluding DivestituresNet Income Was $25.6 Million and GAAP EPS Was $1.36, Up 27% Non-GAAP EPS1 Was $1.69, Up 8%EBITDA1 Was $55.6 Million, Up 17%; Adjusted EBITDA1 Was $56.0 Million, Up 10%Contract Awards Were a Record $810 Million, Up 83% Year-on-Year for a TTM Book-to-Bill Ratio of 1.40

RESTON, Va., Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ICF (NASDAQ: ICFI), a global consulting and technology services provider, reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Commenting on the results, John Wasson, chair and chief executive officer, said, “We delivered strong performance across all key financial metrics in the second quarter, demonstrating the benefits of our diversified portfolio and reflecting continued favorable business mix. Revenues increased 2% year-on-year and increased 6% from last year’s levels adjusting for the divestiture of our commercial marketing business lines in 2023.

“Similar to the first quarter, our second quarter results were led by robust growth in higher-margin revenues from commercial energy clients. We experienced especially strong demand from our utility clients for ICF’s core energy efficiency programs as well as our expanded offerings in priority areas including grid resilience, electrification, decarbonization and flexible load management, all of which are particularly relevant given the growth in data center demand. Revenues from our Energy, Environment, Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery client market increased 14% to account for 45% of ICF’s second quarter revenues, compared to its 41% contribution to last year’s second quarter revenues.

“Margin expansion was a key driver of our strong second quarter earnings. In addition to favorable business mix and higher utilization, margin performance reflected lower facility costs, together with the benefits of our increased scale. Also, lower depreciation and amortization expense and lower interest expense enhanced our net income and earnings per share results for the period.

“This was a record second quarter of contract awards for ICF, which reached $810 million, representing a quarterly book-to-bill ratio of 1.58 and a trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio of 1.40. New business wins accounted for approximately 55% of our first half awards, demonstrating how well ICF’s capabilities are aligned with client spending priorities. Additionally, an increasing percentage of the value of our year-to-date awards represented contracts that include an AI component, a good indicator of our recognized expertise in this high-demand area.”

Second Quarter 2024 Results

Second quarter 2024 total revenue was $512.0 million, a 2.4% increase from the $500.1 million reported in the second quarter of 2023, and up 6.2% from last year’s second quarter revenues adjusted for the divestiture of our commercial marketing business lines. Subcontractor and other direct costs were 25.9% of total revenues compared to 27.5% in last year’s second quarter. Operating income was $42.4 million, up 32.3% from $32.0 million last year, and operating margin on total revenue expanded to 8.3% from 6.4%. Net income totaled $25.6 million, and GAAP EPS was $1.36 per share. This compares to net income and GAAP EPS of $20.3 million, and $1.07, respectively, reported in the second quarter of 2023, which included $3.5 million, or $0.13 per share of tax-effected special charges. In the 2024 second quarter, the company’s tax rate was 26.3% compared to 4.4% in the 2023 second quarter.

Non-GAAP EPS increased 7.6% to $1.69 per share, from $1.57 per share reported in the comparable period in 2023. EBITDA was $55.6 million, 17.2% above the $47.5 million reported in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA increased 9.9% to $56.0 million from $51.0 million for the comparable period in 2023.

Backlog and New Business

Total backlog was $3.8 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2024. Funded backlog was $1.7 billion, or 45% of the total backlog. The total value of contracts awarded in the 2024 second quarter was $810 million, up 83% year-on-year for a book-to-bill ratio of 1.58, and trailing twelve-month contract awards totaled $2.8 billion, up 12% year-on-year for a book-to-bill ratio of 1.40.

Government Revenue Second Quarter 2024 Highlights

Revenue from government clients was $387.0 million, up 1.8% year-over-year. 

U.S. federal government revenue was $273.5 million, an increase of 0.2% compared to the $273.1 million reported in the second quarter of 2023 and was unfavorably impacted by a year-over-year decrease in revenues from subcontractor and other direct costs of $9.1 million in the quarter. Federal government revenue accounted for 53.4% of total revenue, compared to 54.6% of total revenue in the second quarter of 2023.U.S. state and local government revenue increased 4.7% to $84.8 million, from $81.1 million in the year-ago quarter. State and local government clients represented 16.6% of total revenue, up from 16.2% from the second quarter of 2023.International government revenue was $28.7 million, up 9.5% from the $26.2 million reported in the year-ago quarter. International government revenue represented 5.6% of total revenue, compared to 5.2% in the second quarter of 2023.

Key Government Contracts Awarded in the Second Quarter 2024

Notable government contract awards won in the second quarter of 2024 included:

Health and Social Programs

A recompete contract with a value of $236.8 million with the U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau for Global Health to continue to deliver the Demographic and Health Surveys Program.Two recompete framework contracts with a combined value of $6.5 million with a directorate general of the European Commission to provide evaluation services.

IT Modernization

A new subcontract with a value of $87.7 million to continue modernizing and executing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Payment Program.A contract extension with a value of $29.8 million with a U.S. federal agency to continue to provide digital modernization services.A new contract with a value of $16.8 million with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to build a cloud-based data exchange platform to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of FEMA’s disaster response and recovery efforts.A contract extension with a value of $15.2 million with a U.S. federal agency to continue to provide digital modernization and maintenance services.

Disaster Management and Mitigation

A recompete contract with a value of $84.1 million with the Government of Puerto Rico’s Public-Private Partnership Authority to continue supporting long-term disaster recovery and mitigation efforts across the territory.

Climate, Energy and Environment

A recompete contract with a ceiling of $17.1 million with The Los Angeles County Southern California Regional Energy Network to design and deliver their full portfolio of residential energy efficiency programs.A recompete master services agreement with a ceiling of $11.7 million with a Western U.S. state transportation department to provide on-call environmental services.A contract modification with a value of $7.6 million with a Northwest U.S. public utility to support its public electric vehicle charging program.

Commercial Revenue Second Quarter 2024 Highlights

Commercial revenue was $125.0 million, compared to $119.8 million reported in the second quarter of 2023, up 22.6% compared to revenues of $101.9 million excluding divestitures in 2023.

Energy markets revenue, which includes energy efficiency programs, increased 24.8% and represented 86.6% of commercial revenue.Commercial revenue accounted for 24.4% of total revenue compared to 23.9% of total revenue in the 2023 second quarter.

Key Commercial Contracts Awarded in the Second Quarter of 2024

Notable commercial awards won in the second quarter of 2024 included:

Energy Markets

A large multimillion-dollar recompete contract with a Northeastern U.S. utility to provide program implementation services for its residential energy efficiency portfolio.A new contract with a Northeastern U.S. utility to provide program implementation services for its residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) energy efficiency programs.A contract modification with a Northeastern U.S. utility to continue to serve as the utility’s agency of record for its energy efficiency programs.A new contract with a Northwestern U.S. utility to support its portfolio of energy efficiency products programs.A subcontract modification to administer a Midwestern U.S. utility’s pilots program.A new contract with an Eastern U.S. utility to provide program implementation services for its residential and C&I energy efficiency programs.

Dividend Declaration

On August 1, 2024, ICF declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share, payable on October 11, 2024, to shareholders of record on September 6, 2024.

Summary and Outlook

“Following our strong year-to-date performance and based on our current visibility for continued favorable business mix and utilization metrics, we are pleased to increase our earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA guidance for full year 2024. Our revised guidance is for GAAP EPS in the range of $5.60 to $5.90 and Non-GAAP EPS of $6.95 to $7.25, up $0.35 from prior guidance and representing year-on-year growth of 32.2% and 9.2%, respectively, at the midpoints. Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to range between $225 million and $235 million, up from our prior guidance of $220 million to $230 million. The midpoint of this range will result in ICF achieving the three-year EBITDA objective we provided at our 2022 Investor Day adjusted for the 2023 divestitures, and we expect to accomplish this with substantially fewer acquisitions than originally contemplated.

“Our first half results have put us on track to achieve our full year revenue guidance for 2024. Based on our current visibility, we expect our Energy, Environment, Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery client market to show robust growth in the second half of this year, continuing to more than offset results in our Health and Social Programs client market, where gross revenue comparisons have been impacted by lower pass-through revenues. Operating cash flow guidance remains at approximately $155 million.

“A growing backlog and our record business development pipeline of $10.5 billion at the end of the second quarter support our expectations for continued strong growth in 2024 and give us confidence in ICF’s ability to continue to grow at a high single-digit rate in the coming years. We are experiencing high demand from commercial clients for our energy and environmental expertise and implementation skills. We have excellent credentials to assist state and local government clients in meeting their planning, resilience and mitigation objectives, as well as supporting their disaster recovery efforts. We also have significantly expanded our capabilities in areas in the federal government that have bipartisan support, particularly IT modernization, which remains an area of priority spending.

“We appreciate the tremendous contributions of our staff in driving the success of ICF by supporting our clients with multi-disciplinary advisory work and cross-cutting implementation skills. Their passion for their work and for the impact it has on society is ICF’s ‘secret sauce’,” Mr. Wasson concluded.

1 Non-GAAP EPS, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measurements. A reconciliation of all non-GAAP measurements to the most applicable GAAP number is set forth below. GAAP EPS refers to U.S. GAAP Diluted EPS. Non-GAAP EPS refers to Non-GAAP Diluted EPS. Special charges are items that were included within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income but are not indicative of ongoing performance and have been presented net of applicable U.S. GAAP taxes. The presentation of non-GAAP measurements may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

About ICF
ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-looking Statements
Statements that are not historical facts and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may concern our current expectations about our future results, plans, operations and prospects and involve certain risks, including those related to the government contracting industry generally; our particular business, including our dependence on contracts with U.S. federal government agencies; and our ability to acquire and successfully integrate businesses. These and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those indicated in forward-looking statements that are included in the “Risk Factors” section of our securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date hereof, and we specifically disclaim any obligation to update these statements in the future.

Note on Forward-Looking Non-GAAP Measures
The company does not reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, due to the variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections and because not all of the information necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures (such as the effect of share-based compensation or the impact of future extraordinary or non-recurring events like acquisitions) is available to the company without unreasonable effort. For the same reasons, the company is unable to estimate the probable significance of the unavailable information. The company provides forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures that it believes will be achievable, but it cannot accurately predict all of the components of the adjusted calculations, and the U.S. GAAP financial measures may be materially different than the non-GAAP financial measures.

Investor Contacts:

Lynn Morgen, ADVISIRY PARTNERS, lynn.morgen@advisiry.com +1.212.750.5800
David Gold, ADVISIRY PARTNERS, david.gold@advisiry.com +1.212.750.5800

Company Information Contact:
Lauren Dyke, ICF, lauren.dyke@ICF.com +1.571.373.5577

ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenue

$                    512,029

$                 500,085

$              1,006,465

$                  983,367

Direct costs

329,331

325,404

639,864

637,969

Operating costs and expenses:

Indirect and selling expenses

127,091

126,522

256,185

250,255

Depreciation and amortization

4,909

6,826

10,483

13,135

Amortization of intangible assets

8,291

9,286

16,582

18,510

Total operating costs and expenses

140,291

142,634

283,250

281,900

Operating income

42,407

32,047

83,351

63,498

Interest, net

(7,703)

(10,132)

(15,941)

(19,589)

Other income (expense)

36

(677)

1,666

(1,235)

Income before income taxes

34,740

21,238

69,076

42,674

Provision for income taxes

9,129

926

16,148

5,964

Net income

$                     25,611

$                   20,312

$                  52,928

$                    36,710

Earnings per Share:

Basic

$                         1.37

$                       1.08

$                      2.82

$                        1.95

Diluted

$                         1.36

$                       1.07

$                      2.80

$                        1.94

Weighted-average Shares:

Basic

18,738

18,791

18,748

18,785

Diluted

18,861

18,919

18,912

18,942

Cash dividends declared per common share

$                         0.14

$                       0.14

$                      0.28

$                        0.28

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

(343)

3,151

341

1,817

Comprehensive income, net of tax

$                     25,268

$                   23,463

$                  53,269

$                    38,527

 

ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures (2)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Reconciliation of Revenue, Adjusted for Impact of Exited Business

Revenue

$                512,029

$                500,085

$           1,006,465

$              983,367

Less: Revenue from exited business (3)

(17,831)

(46,148)

Total Revenue, Adjusted for Impact of Exited Business

$                512,029

$                482,254

$           1,006,465

$              937,219

Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (4)

Net income

$                  25,611

$                  20,312

$                52,928

$                36,710

Interest, net

7,703

10,132

15,941

19,589

Provision for income taxes

9,129

926

16,148

5,964

Depreciation and amortization

13,200

16,112

27,065

31,645

EBITDA

55,643

47,482

112,082

93,908

Impairment of long-lived assets (5)

894

Acquisition and divestiture-related expenses (6)

2,103

66

2,906

Severance and other costs related to staff realignment (7)

370

1,365

735

3,860

Charges for facility consolidations and office closures (8)

359

Pre-tax gain from divestiture of a business (9)

(1,715)

Total Adjustments

370

3,468

(914)

8,019

Adjusted EBITDA

$                  56,013

$                  50,950

$              111,168

$              101,927

Net Income Margin Percent on Revenue (10)

5.0 %

4.1 %

5.3 %

3.7 %

EBITDA Margin Percent on Revenue (11)

10.9 %

9.5 %

11.1 %

9.5 %

Adjusted EBITDA Margin Percent on Revenue (11)

10.9 %

10.2 %

11.0 %

10.4 %

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Diluted EPS (4)

U.S. GAAP Diluted EPS

$                      1.36

$                      1.07

$                    2.80

$                    1.94

Impairment of long-lived assets

0.05

Acquisition and divestiture-related expenses

0.11

0.15

Severance and other costs related to staff realignment

0.02

0.07

0.04

0.20

Expenses related to facility consolidations and office closures (12)

0.04

0.02

Pre-tax gain from divestiture of a business

(0.09)

Amortization of intangibles

0.44

0.49

0.88

0.98

Income tax effects of the adjustments (13)

(0.13)

(0.17)

(0.21)

(0.34)

Non-GAAP Diluted EPS

$                      1.69

$                      1.57

$                    3.46

$                    3.00

(2) These tables provide reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most applicable GAAP numbers. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in evaluating our financial information, they should be considered supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may define similarly titled non-GAAP measures differently and, accordingly, care should be exercised in understanding how we define these measures.

(3) Revenue from the exited U.K. commercial marketing business (June 30, 2023), U.S. commercial marketing business (September 11, 2023), and Canadian mobile text aggregation business (November 1, 2023).

(4) Reconciliations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Non-GAAP Diluted EPS were calculated using numbers as reported in U.S. GAAP.

(5) Represents impairment of an intangible asset associated with the exit of our commercial marketing business in the United Kingdom in 2023.

(6) These are primarily third-party costs related to acquisitions and potential acquisitions, integration of acquisitions, and separation of discontinued businesses or divestitures.

(7) These costs are mainly due to involuntary employee termination benefits for our officers, and employees who have been notified that they will be terminated as part of a business reorganization or exit.

(8) These are exit costs associated with terminated leases or full office closures that we either (i) will continue to pay until the contractual obligations are satisfied but with no economic benefit to us, or (ii) paid upon termination and ceasing to use the leased facilities.

(9) Pre-tax gain resulting from the release of an escrow related to the 2023 divestiture of our U.S. commercial marketing business.

(10) Net Income Margin Percent on Revenue was calculated by dividing net income by revenue.

(11) EBITDA Margin Percent and Adjusted EBITDA Margin Percent on Revenue were calculated by dividing the non-GAAP measure by the corresponding revenue.

(12) These are exit costs related to actual office closures (previously included in Adjusted EBITDA) and accelerated depreciation related to fixed assets for planned office closures.

(13) Income tax effects were calculated using the effective tax rate, adjusted for certain discrete items, if any, of 26.3% and 25.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 23.4% and 24.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

June 30, 2024

December 31, 2023

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$                       4,056

$                      6,361

Restricted cash

712

3,088

Contract receivables, net

209,351

205,484

Contract assets

222,767

201,832

Prepaid expenses and other assets

23,116

28,055

Income tax receivable

4,589

2,337

Total Current Assets

464,591

447,157

Property and Equipment, net

72,357

75,948

Other Assets:

Goodwill

1,219,083

1,219,476

Other intangible assets, net

78,321

94,904

Operating lease – right-of-use assets

124,637

132,807

Other assets

46,788

41,480

Total Assets

$                 2,005,777

$               2,011,772

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current portion of long-term debt

$                     12,375

$                    26,000

Accounts payable

110,704

134,503

Contract liabilities

20,102

21,997

Operating lease liabilities

21,176

20,409

Finance lease liabilities

2,567

2,522

Accrued salaries and benefits

93,834

88,021

Accrued subcontractors and other direct costs

52,661

45,645

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

78,624

79,129

Total Current Liabilities

392,043

418,226

Long-term Liabilities:

Long-term debt

421,560

404,407

Operating lease liabilities – non-current

166,178

175,460

Finance lease liabilities – non-current

12,577

13,874

Deferred income taxes

16,421

26,175

Other long-term liabilities

53,673

56,045

Total Liabilities

1,062,452

1,094,187

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders’ Equity:

Preferred stock, par value $.001 per share; 5,000,000 shares
authorized; none issued

Common stock, par value $.001; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 24,130,664 and 23,982,132 shares
issued at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 18,757,022 and 18,845,521 shares
outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively

24

24

Additional paid-in capital

432,402

421,502

Retained earnings

822,784

775,099

Treasury stock, 5,373,642 and 5,136,611 shares at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively

(300,341)

(267,155)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(11,544)

(11,885)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

943,325

917,585

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$                 2,005,777

$               2,011,772

 

ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended

June 30,

(in thousands)

2024

2023

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net income

$                         52,928

$                         36,710

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Provision for credit losses

1,552

837

Deferred income taxes and unrecognized income tax benefits

(10,233)

(4,823)

Non-cash equity compensation

8,225

6,688

Depreciation and amortization

27,066

31,646

Gain on divestiture of a business

(1,715)

Other operating adjustments, net

470

128

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:

Net contract assets and liabilities

(23,561)

(38,332)

Contract receivables

(5,828)

8,856

Prepaid expenses and other assets

3,787

13,864

Operating lease assets and liabilities, net

(399)

2,894

Accounts payable

(23,569)

(22,742)

Accrued salaries and benefits

5,905

405

Accrued subcontractors and other direct costs

7,335

(2,173)

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

13,075

(18,311)

Income tax receivable and payable

(3,633)

3,999

Other liabilities

(770)

233

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

50,635

19,879

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Payments for purchase of property and equipment and capitalized software

(10,392)

(13,139)

Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(32,664)

Proceeds from divestiture of a business

1,715

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(8,677)

(45,803)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Advances from working capital facilities

660,396

669,437

Payments on working capital facilities

(657,420)

(624,553)

Proceeds from other short-term borrowings

36,783

7,632

Repayments of other short-term borrowings

(46,933)

(2,483)

Receipt of restricted contract funds

1,269

4,940

Payment of restricted contract funds

(3,583)

(3,962)

Dividends paid

(5,257)

(5,271)

Net payments for stockholder issuances and share repurchases

(30,618)

(20,588)

Other financing, net

(1,145)

(905)

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

(46,508)

24,247

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

(131)

179

Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

(4,681)

(1,498)

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, Beginning of Period

9,449

12,968

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, End of Period

$                           4,768

$                         11,470

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest

$                         15,270

$                         19,129

Income taxes

$                         31,107

$                           8,450

 

ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Supplemental Schedule (14)

Revenue by client markets

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Energy, environment, infrastructure, and disaster recovery

45 %

41 %

45 %

40 %

Health and social programs

38 %

41 %

39 %

41 %

Security and other civilian & commercial

17 %

18 %

16 %

19 %

Total

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

Revenue by client type

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

U.S. federal government

53 %

55 %

54 %

55 %

U.S. state and local government

17 %

16 %

16 %

16 %

International government

6 %

5 %

6 %

5 %

Total Government

76 %

76 %

76 %

76 %

Commercial

24 %

24 %

24 %

24 %

Total

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

Revenue by contract mix

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Time-and-materials

42 %

42 %

42 %

42 %

Fixed-price

46 %

45 %

46 %

45 %

Cost-based

12 %

13 %

12 %

13 %

Total

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

 

(14) As is shown in the supplemental schedule, we track revenue by key metrics that provide useful information about the nature of our operations. Client markets provide insight into the breadth of our expertise.  Client type is an indicator of the diversity of our client base.  Revenue by contract mix provides insight in terms of the degree of performance risk that we have assumed.

 

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Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts

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NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Software Experts has recognized CapCut as a top choice among AI design tools for 2026, citing its AI Design Studio as a standout resource for creating images and marketing assets. The recognition points to the platform’s combination of automated layout generation, image editing, and campaign focused features built for marketers, e-commerce sellers, and content creators.

Best AI Design Tools

CapCut AI Design Studio – a web based design workspace that uses AI to help users create ads, product visuals, and branded content without prior design experience.

Core Capabilities of the AI Design Studio

The AI Design Studio is built around a conversational, infinite canvas that allows users to work with an AI design agent in real time. Instead of starting from a blank template, users type a prompt, upload reference images, and receive layout options generated automatically.

The latest version, Design 2.0, brings references, drafts, assets, and edits into a single workspace. Features include pencil prompting for visual editing, smart layer split for separating subjects and backgrounds, and a One More function that generates new creative directions from an existing design. Users can circle, brush, or mark up an image directly to guide how the AI adjusts a design, rather than relying only on written prompts.

An inspiration hub with built in assets and license free images is also part of the workspace, helping users start projects without sourcing outside materials. Layers for text, subjects, and backgrounds remain editable throughout the process, which allows for adjustments without regenerating an entire design from scratch.

Applications for E-Commerce and Marketing Teams

The AI Design Studio supports several common business use cases, including product content creation, trend based design remixing, and clothing visualization for fashion brands. These features are designed to reduce the time spent on repetitive production tasks, particularly for teams that need to update visuals frequently.

For e-commerce sellers, the tool can generate product main images, banners, and packaging designs from a single uploaded photo, and supports batch replacement across shared backgrounds. A seller managing multiple product lines can apply the same background and layout across different items with one click, rather than recreating each asset individually.

Fashion brands can use the AI clothing try-on feature to visualize how garments appear on different models, helping with catalog updates during seasonal campaigns such as Black Friday. Marketing and social teams can generate assets in multiple styles and resize them automatically for different platforms, which helps maintain consistency across channels without manual reformatting. The trend remixing feature also allows brands to reference the structure of a popular design while keeping the content original to their own products.

Design Automation Powered by Seedream 5.0

For marketing posters and layout heavy assets, the AI Design Studio incorporates the Seedream 5.0 model, which is ranked first on Artificial Analysis’ Text-to-Image Leaderboard. The model is used to arrange visual elements, generate multiple layout variations, and handle typesetting automatically based on uploaded product images.

This approach is intended to reduce the manual work involved in formatting marketing materials. Uploading one or more product photos allows the system to generate several layout options, positioning text, imagery, and other elements without requiring manual placement. Once a layout is generated, users can continue refining it with stickers, filters, or additional effects within the same workspace.

The process is designed to move from prompt to a finished, ready to use asset without requiring separate design software. For teams producing large volumes of seasonal or promotional content, this can reduce the number of tools involved in a single campaign.

Why AI Design Tools Matter for Small Teams

AI design tools are becoming useful because many teams need more visual content than traditional workflows can comfortably support. The Software Experts review notes that marketers, creators, and small businesses often need product images, social graphics, banners, email headers, event posters, and campaign visuals on tight timelines.

For small teams, the main advantage is not simply automation. It is the ability to get to a workable draft faster. Starting from a blank canvas can slow down campaign production, especially when a team is managing several platforms or product lines. AI-assisted design tools can generate starting points, resize assets, suggest layouts, and help keep visuals consistent across channels.

Access and Getting Started

The AI Design Studio is accessible through CapCut desktop by selecting Design Agent from the main dashboard. Users enter a text prompt describing the desired output, optionally upload reference images, and review the generated results.

A typical workflow might involve uploading a reference photo and entering a detailed prompt describing a desired style, color palette, or setting. The AI then generates initial design options based on that input. The built in editor allows for further adjustments, including color changes, auto cutout, element removal, and text overlays, before the final image is downloaded in high resolution.

Software Experts noted that the AI Design Studio is suited to a range of users, from e-commerce sellers managing large catalogs to individual creators producing social media content, as well as marketing teams handling multiple campaigns at once. The tool is offered as part of CapCut’s existing platform, with pricing details available directly through CapCut.

Readers can find the full review at Software Experts.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Software Experts: Software Experts delivers in-depth news on the digital tools shaping today’s consumer experience. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-design-tools-2026-capcut-named-a-top-choice-for-creating-images-and-marketing-assets-by-software-experts-302828625.html

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Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts

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NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Software Experts has recognized CapCut as a top choice among AI design tools for 2026, citing its AI Design Studio as a standout resource for creating images and marketing assets. The recognition points to the platform’s combination of automated layout generation, image editing, and campaign focused features built for marketers, e-commerce sellers, and content creators.

Best AI Design Tools

CapCut AI Design Studio – a web based design workspace that uses AI to help users create ads, product visuals, and branded content without prior design experience.

Core Capabilities of the AI Design Studio

The AI Design Studio is built around a conversational, infinite canvas that allows users to work with an AI design agent in real time. Instead of starting from a blank template, users type a prompt, upload reference images, and receive layout options generated automatically.

The latest version, Design 2.0, brings references, drafts, assets, and edits into a single workspace. Features include pencil prompting for visual editing, smart layer split for separating subjects and backgrounds, and a One More function that generates new creative directions from an existing design. Users can circle, brush, or mark up an image directly to guide how the AI adjusts a design, rather than relying only on written prompts.

An inspiration hub with built in assets and license free images is also part of the workspace, helping users start projects without sourcing outside materials. Layers for text, subjects, and backgrounds remain editable throughout the process, which allows for adjustments without regenerating an entire design from scratch.

Applications for E-Commerce and Marketing Teams

The AI Design Studio supports several common business use cases, including product content creation, trend based design remixing, and clothing visualization for fashion brands. These features are designed to reduce the time spent on repetitive production tasks, particularly for teams that need to update visuals frequently.

For e-commerce sellers, the tool can generate product main images, banners, and packaging designs from a single uploaded photo, and supports batch replacement across shared backgrounds. A seller managing multiple product lines can apply the same background and layout across different items with one click, rather than recreating each asset individually.

Fashion brands can use the AI clothing try-on feature to visualize how garments appear on different models, helping with catalog updates during seasonal campaigns such as Black Friday. Marketing and social teams can generate assets in multiple styles and resize them automatically for different platforms, which helps maintain consistency across channels without manual reformatting. The trend remixing feature also allows brands to reference the structure of a popular design while keeping the content original to their own products.

Design Automation Powered by Seedream 5.0

For marketing posters and layout heavy assets, the AI Design Studio incorporates the Seedream 5.0 model, which is ranked first on Artificial Analysis’ Text-to-Image Leaderboard. The model is used to arrange visual elements, generate multiple layout variations, and handle typesetting automatically based on uploaded product images.

This approach is intended to reduce the manual work involved in formatting marketing materials. Uploading one or more product photos allows the system to generate several layout options, positioning text, imagery, and other elements without requiring manual placement. Once a layout is generated, users can continue refining it with stickers, filters, or additional effects within the same workspace.

The process is designed to move from prompt to a finished, ready to use asset without requiring separate design software. For teams producing large volumes of seasonal or promotional content, this can reduce the number of tools involved in a single campaign.

Why AI Design Tools Matter for Small Teams

AI design tools are becoming useful because many teams need more visual content than traditional workflows can comfortably support. The Software Experts review notes that marketers, creators, and small businesses often need product images, social graphics, banners, email headers, event posters, and campaign visuals on tight timelines.

For small teams, the main advantage is not simply automation. It is the ability to get to a workable draft faster. Starting from a blank canvas can slow down campaign production, especially when a team is managing several platforms or product lines. AI-assisted design tools can generate starting points, resize assets, suggest layouts, and help keep visuals consistent across channels.

Access and Getting Started

The AI Design Studio is accessible through CapCut desktop by selecting Design Agent from the main dashboard. Users enter a text prompt describing the desired output, optionally upload reference images, and review the generated results.

A typical workflow might involve uploading a reference photo and entering a detailed prompt describing a desired style, color palette, or setting. The AI then generates initial design options based on that input. The built in editor allows for further adjustments, including color changes, auto cutout, element removal, and text overlays, before the final image is downloaded in high resolution.

Software Experts noted that the AI Design Studio is suited to a range of users, from e-commerce sellers managing large catalogs to individual creators producing social media content, as well as marketing teams handling multiple campaigns at once. The tool is offered as part of CapCut’s existing platform, with pricing details available directly through CapCut.

Readers can find the full review at Software Experts.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Software Experts: Software Experts delivers in-depth news on the digital tools shaping today’s consumer experience. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-design-tools-2026-capcut-named-a-top-choice-for-creating-images-and-marketing-assets-by-software-experts-302828625.html

SOURCE SoftwareExperts.org

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Samsung Selects Chandigarh University Student as ‘Punjab AI State Topper’

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CU Student Devesh Panwar Wins Rs 1 Lakh Award for Developing AI-Based Document Search System

CHANDIGARH, India, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) student of Chandigarh University, Devesh Panwar, has been named the “Punjab State Topper” in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) AI Program organised by Samsung in collaboration with Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) and training partner Focal Skill Development (Focalyt) to equip Indian youth with industry-relevant in-demand skills in AI, loT, Big Data, and Coding & Programming, preparing them for future careers.

A final-year student of Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at University Institute of Computing (UIC) of Chandigarh University, Devesh Panwar also won a cash award of Rs 1 lakh along with a laptop, and exclusive Samsung rewards for achieving this remarkable milestone under the Samsung Innovation Campus AI Program.

 “Being named ‘AI State Topper’ was a moment of profound pride and validation for me. Hard work, intense technical training and a passion for AI culminated in the immense honor of the Punjab State Topper title. Besides getting access to state-of-the-art tools to fuel my future research and development endeavor, I gained world-class knowledge during the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) AI Program. It helped me in gaining hands-on experience and applied AI to solve real-world challenges, especially in aeronautical and technical domains,”

During Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) AI Program, Devesh and his team worked on innovative AI capstone project which was presented before the jury panel as part of the final assessment.

“Our team developed the advanced AI-powered system AI Research Agent, a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) platform designed for intelligent querying of private document collections. Organizations, researchers, legal professionals, and HR teams often work with large collections of documents. Traditional search methods rely heavily on keyword matching and require significant manual effort to locate relevant information. The project was developed to address the limitations of traditional document search systems, which often struggle with contextual understanding, retrieval accuracy, learning adaptability, and response speed,” said Devesh.

 “The developed system demonstrated significant improvements over traditional document retrieval approaches with faster response generation with integration of modern AI techniques, full-stack development, database systems, and intelligent automation into a single practical solution.  By combining modern RAG architecture with innovative retrieval and reasoning mechanisms, this system provides a fast, intelligent, and user-friendly solution for knowledge discovery and resume evaluation. This project not only enhanced our technical expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Full-Stack Development but also strengthened our problem-solving, teamwork, and professional communication skills. It stands as a significant achievement of our Samsung Innovation Campus 2025 journey and reflects our commitment to building impactful AI solutions for real-world challenges,” he added.

Congratulating Devesh Panwar for being named “Punjab State Topper” AI under the Samsung Innovation Campus Samsung Innovation Program, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University, said, “Devesh’s achievement reflects Chandigarh University’s focus on experiential learning and industry-academia collaboration.  Through the Samsung Innovation Campus AI Program, CU students gain practical exposure to AI and building solutions for real-world challenges. This accomplishment reflects not only Devesh’s commitment to excellence but also the growing culture of innovation and industry-oriented learning at Chandigarh University,”.

“Since its inception, Chandigarh University has set benchmarks for world-class education with its dynamic hands-on experiential learning model, industry-aligned programs, dynamic fraternity, state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities and impeccable placements. Samsung Innovation Program is also part of our initiatives to develop a future-ready talent pool equipped with advanced capabilities in AI, loT, Big Data, and Coding and Programming. By bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, this collaboration helps in providing CU’s computer science and computing students exposure to cutting-edge and emerging technologies.  CU’s this partnership with Samsung is focused on building future-ready talent equipped with industry-relevant skills in AI and emerging technologies,” Sandhu said.

He said Chandigarh University’s Institute of Computing (UIC) prepares students for a successful career in computing, to create and disseminate computing knowledge and technology. “Chandigarh University carries a vision of crafting next-gen IT professionals who can take up industry challenges effectively and our Institute of Computing (UIC) prepares students for a successful career in computing, to create and disseminate computing knowledge and technology.  UIC’s hands-on approach paves the way for a smooth transition to the workforce after graduation. Our students are equipped with the best knowledge, skills and passion to succeed in any number of computing careers.   CU’s Institute of Computing renders cutting-edge education ranging from the expertise in traditional software development -to- modern computing technologies. Fully-equipped industry-sponsored labs, industry-aligned curriculum, and accreditations and validations by top companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Google Android, Red Hat etc. give our students an exclusive edge over others,” the Chandigarh University CMD said.

Sandhu said the latest edition of QS World University Rankings has yet again reaffirmed Chandigarh University global standing as a top educational institution. “Continuing its remarkable rise among the world’s leading higher education institutions, Chandigarh University (CU) has made impressive strides in the latest edition of prestigious QS World University Rankings 2027 by securing an overall world rank of 526, an increase of 49 ranks as compared to 575th rank in QS’ 2026 Rankings. This is for the fifth consecutive year that Chandigarh University’s global rankings have witnessed an impressive surge with CU’s world rank going up by an impressive 274 ranks — from the 800th rank in 2023 to 526th in 2027’s Rankings,”.

“As per the latest QS World University Rankings, with All India Rank of 13 among all universities in the country as compared to 16th rank in 2026’s rankings, Chandigarh University now ranks among the top 1% of universities in India and the top 2% of universities in the World, underscoring its growing reputation as a leading institution of higher learning, both in India and globally,” he added.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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