Technology
WELL Health Reports Record Results for Q2-2024 Driven by an Acceleration in Organic Growth and Raises Annual Guidance
Published
2 years agoon
By
WELL achieved record quarterly revenues of $243.1 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 42% as compared to Q2-2023 driven by acquisitions and overall organic growth(3) of 21%.WELL achieved record Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $30.9 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 11% as compared to Q2-2023.WELL achieved a record total of 1.4 million patient visits in Q2-2024 an increase of 38% compared to Q2-2023 and representing 5.6 million patient visits on an annualized run-rate basis.WELL’s US digital revenues attributable to Circle Medical and Wisp grew organically by 40% to $56.3M in Q2 and achieved $3.5 million in Adjusted EBITDA an improvement of $5.3 million realizing investments made in the previous year.WELL is raising its guidance range for 2024 annual revenue to be between $970 million to $990 million and maintaining Adjusted EBITDA guidance to be in the upper range of $125 million to $130 million, despite higher costs due to our projection of significantly lower share issuances and stock-based incentives. WELL also maintains guidance for Free cashflow available to shareholders to be approximately $55 million.
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL, OTCQX: WHTCF) (the “Company” or “WELL”), a digital healthcare company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, is pleased to announce its interim consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
Hamed Shahbazi, Founder and CEO of WELL, commented, “The second quarter of 2024 exceeded expectations, showcasing the strength of our technology-driven care platforms. We are very pleased to report 42% year-over-year revenue growth, driven by accelerated organic growth of 21% which includes contribution from our absorption program where we recruit clinics to our network for nominal cost. This marks our 22nd consecutive record-breaking revenue quarter, highlighting our sustained momentum. We are proud to once again improve our annual revenue guidance to $970 million to $990 million and report that we are on track to achieve one billion in revenues by the end of 2024 if we include acquisitions that are currently in our acquisition pipeline. Additionally, we are maintaining our guidance on Adjusted EBITDA in the upper range of $125 million to $130 million despite facing additional costs as a result of our projection of materially reduced share issuances for stock-based compensation. We remain focused on enhancing profitability and capital efficiency and continue to project a 30% year-over-year increase in free cash flow to shareholders in 2024. Our strong organic growth and healthy cash flows increasingly allow us to fund acquisitions, earn-outs, and employee incentives with cash. We are still on track to deliver record revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Net Income in 2024, while increasing cash flows, reducing debt, improving leverage, lowering share issuances, and decreasing earn-out payments.”
Mr. Shahbazi further added, “As of the end of Q2-2024, WELL proudly supported a network of over 3,900 providers and clinicians delivering care through our physical and virtual clinics. Our Canadian clinic transformation program continues to drive efficiencies in our clinics systemwide while driving enhanced organic growth. The clinics that have recently joined our network under our M&A or absorption programs are improving in terms of their overall operations and profitability. This success is driven by our focus on cost optimization, digital workflow integration, patient engagement technologies, and the implementation of advanced AI tools such as the ambient AI scribe and various co-pilot technologies powered by our partner HEALWELL AI. We remain committed to empowering healthcare professionals with the latest in cutting-edge technology.”
Eva Fong, WELL’s Chief Financial Officer, added, “I am proud to announce that during Q2 2024 we paid down $14 million in debt and reduced our leverage ratio to 2.67x for bank debt and 3.45x for all debt including convertible debentures. I’m also pleased to report that we achieved positive IFRS net income in Q2 2024, and notably, our net income remains positive even if we exclude the unrealized gains from our investments in HEALWELL AI. Much of our progress is due to the comprehensive cost-cutting program that was implemented earlier this year that has significantly strengthened our operational efficiency and generated substantial annualized cost savings. In Q2-2024, we generated a record $35.2 million in cash flow from operating activities. In addition to these substantial savings and strong cash flows, this fiscal year we plan to reduce our yearly share dilution to its lowest level ever since being launched as a company. The Company is in an excellent position to continue funding its organic growth and future acquisition plans through cash flows from operations.”
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:
WELL achieved record quarterly revenue of $243.1 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 42% as compared to revenue of $170.9 million generated in Q2-2023. This growth was mainly driven by organic growth of 21% including clinic absorptions and 16% without absorptions.Adjusted Gross Profit(1) was $107.4 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 18% as compared to Adjusted Gross Profit(1) of $90.8 million in Q2-2023.Adjusted Gross Margin(1) percentage was 44.2% during Q2-2024 compared to Adjusted Gross Margin(1) percentage of 53.1% in Q2-2023. The decline in Adjusted Gross Margin percentage is mainly attributed to the acquisition of businesses in the past year that had lower gross margin percentage.Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $30.9 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 11% as compared to Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $27.8 million in Q2-2023.Adjusted EBITDA to WELL shareholders was $23.0 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 3% as compared to Adjusted EBITDA to WELL shareholders of $22.3 million in Q2-2023.Adjusted Net Income(1) was $12.3 million, or $0.05 per share in Q2-2024, as compared to Adjusted Net Income(1) of $14.4 million, or $0.06 per share in Q2-2023.Net Income was $117.0 million or $0.45 per share in Q2-2024, driven by material unrealized gains of WELL’s investment in HEALWELL AI.Free cashflow attributable to WELL shareholders(1) was $8.7 million during Q2-2024, compared to $9.4 million during Q2-2023.
Second Quarter 2024 Segmented Results
Canadian Patient Services revenue was $76.7 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 42% as compared to $54.2 million in Q2-2023.SaaS and Technology Services revenue was $16.9 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 27% as compared to $13.3 million in Q2-2023.U.S. Patient and Provider Services revenue was $149.5 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 45% as compared to $103.5 million in Q2-2023.Canadian Patient Services Adjusted EBITDA was $9.0 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 2% as compared to $8.9 million in Q2-2023 mainly due to lapping of a number of one-time positive impacts to profitability in Q2-2023.SaaS and Technology Services Adjusted EBITDA was $4.0 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 94% as compared to $2.1 million in Q2-2023.U.S. Patient and Provider Services Adjusted EBITDA was $23.2 million in Q2-2024, an increase of 9% as compared to $21.3 million in Q2-2023.
Second Quarter 2024 Patient Visit Metrics:
WELL achieved a record 1.4 million patient visits in Q2-2024, an increase of 38% compared to Q2-2023 and representing 5.6 million patient visits on an annualized run-rate basis. Patient visits were comprised of 759,000 patient visits in Canada and 640,000 patient visits in the US. Canadian Patient Services visits increased 41% while US Patient Services visits increased 34%, on a year-over-year basis. Growth in patient visits over the past year was primary driven by organic growth, including the clinic absorption program as well as acquisitions.
Total care interactions were 2.1 million in Q2-2024, a year-over-year increase of 48% compared to Q2-2023 and representing 8.4 million total care interactions on an annualized run-rate basis.
Q2-24
Q1-24
Q2-23
Q/Q
Growth
Y/Y
Growth
Y/Y Organic
Growth
Canada Patient Visits
759,000
733,000
537,000
4 %
41 %
21 %
US Patient Visits
640,000
577,000
478,000
11 %
34 %
31 %
Total Visits
1,399,000
1,310,000
1,015,000
7 %
38 %
26 %
Technology Interactions
622,000
599,000
411,000
4 %
51 %
51 %
Billed Provider Hours
83,000
89,000
0
-7 %
N/A
N/A
Total Care Interactions(2)
2,104,000
1,998,000
1,426,000
5 %
48 %
48 %
Second Quarter 2024 Business Highlights:
On April 30, 2024, the Company announced a five-year collaboration with Microsoft to enhance digital healthcare across North America, integrating Microsoft’s cloud and AI with WELL’s platform. This partnership focuses on elevating WELL’s scalability and operational efficiency, aiming to transform healthcare delivery for large enterprises, including the public sector. The collaboration will also modernize WELL’s cloud infrastructure, optimize costs, ensure data security, and integrate Azure OpenAI Service to advance healthcare solutions.
On May 2, 2024, the Company announced the launch of the second generation WELL AI Decision Support (“WAIDS”), featuring advanced chronic disease screening for conditions like diabetes and hypertension. This enhanced WAIDS version facilitates patient risk stratification and expands its disease detection capabilities. Powered by HEALWELL AI, the technology aids clinicians in decision-making, addressing chronic diseases that significantly impact Canadians.
On June 1, 2024, the Company completed the purchase to acquire all primary care medical clinics operated by Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. (“Shoppers”) under “The Health Clinic by Shoppers™” brand. The acquisition included 10 clinics, with over 35 physicians, located in British Columbia and Ontario.
Events Subsequent to June 30, 2024:
On July 10, 2024, the Company announced the approval of a historic $44 million project, Health Compass II, the largest DIGITAL project ever awarded to advance AI-powered tech enablement for care providers. This initiative, led by WELL and its consortium partners, aims to enhance AI and interoperability in Canadian healthcare. As the lead commercialization partner and first customer, WELL will provide expertise and interoperability, enabling the development of new AI tools to support healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.
On July 17, 2024, the Company announced the launch of its AI-powered co-pilot for cardiologists, powered by HEALWELL AI, to improve the detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This co-pilot, an extension of the WELL AI Decision Support (WAIDS) product offering, will be deployed in WELL Diagnostic Centers, Canada’s largest cardiology and medical diagnostic group, across over 40 locations in Ontario. This initiative aims to assist cardiologists in identifying high-risk patients, enhancing early detection and management of CVD.
Outlook:
WELL anticipates maintaining its strong performance through the remainder of 2024, with a strategic focus on enhancing operations for organic growth and profitability. The Company aims to pursue capital-efficient growth opportunities while effectively managing costs to deliver robust growth and sustained cash flow to shareholders. The Company’s strong organic growth and healthy cash flow position it well to continue executing its growth strategies while progressively reducing debt.
Management is pleased to improve its guidance, which includes only announced acquisitions, as follows:
Annual revenue for 2024 is projected to be in the range of $970 million to $990 million.Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 is projected to be in the upper range of $125 million to $130 million, despite increased cash costs due to lower share issuance and share based incentives.Free cashflow attributable to WELL shareholders is expected to be approximately $55 million.
WELL plans to advance its U.S. and Canadian Patient Services businesses through both organic and strategic growth, prioritizing capital efficiency. This approach will enable the Company to use business cash flows for debt reduction and minimizing share issuance. In Canada, WELL aims to strengthen its market leadership as the nation’s premier pan-Canadian clinical network, offering a highly integrated, tech-enabled outpatient healthcare system.
Leveraging its deep technological expertise, WELL is prioritizing investments in AI technologies, with plans to continue to develop and launch innovative products and enhancements across its provider and clinic network.
Conference Call:
WELL will hold a conference call to discuss its 2024 Second Quarter financial results on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm ET (10:00 am PT). Please use the following dial-in numbers: 416-764-8650 (Toronto local), 778-383-7413 (Vancouver local), 1-888-664-6383 (Toll-Free) or +1-416-764-8650 (International).
The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast and can be accessed at the following audience URL: https://well.company/events.
Selected Unaudited Financial Highlights:
Please see SEDAR for complete copies of the Company’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements and interim MD&A for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
Quarter ended
Six months ended
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
June 30,
2024
June 30,
2023
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
Revenue
243,147
231,562
170,922
474,709
340,347
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)
(135,766)
(129,342)
(80,099)
(265,108)
(163,355)
Adjusted Gross Profit(1)
107,381
102,220
90,823
209,601
176,992
Adjusted Gross Margin(1)
44.2 %
44.1 %
53.1 %
44.2 %
52.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
30,880
28,314
27,789
59,194
54,472
Net income (loss)
116,976
19,600
(2,016)
136,576
(12,643)
Adjusted Net Income (1)
12,284
20,239
14,361
32,523
28,486
Earnings (loss) per share, basic (in $)
0.45
0.06
(0.03)
0.52
(0.09)
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted (in $)
0.43
0.06
(0.03)
0.48
(0.09)
Adjusted Net Income per share, basic and diluted (in $) (1)
0.05
0.08
0.06
0.13
0.12
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:
Net income (loss) for the period
116,976
19,600
(2,016)
136,576
(12,643)
Depreciation and amortization
17,307
16,560
14,041
33,867
28,563
Income tax expense (recovery)
(1,959)
(178)
1,889
(2,137)
2,081
Interest income
(279)
(238)
(127)
(517)
(315)
Interest expense
9,689
9,541
7,828
19,230
15,602
Rent expense on finance leases
(4,129)
(4,114)
(2,581)
(8,243)
(5,071)
Stock-based compensation
4,765
5,477
6,134
10,242
12,733
Foreign exchange gain
(72)
(32)
(65)
(104)
(349)
Time-based earnout expense
15
2,112
1,476
2,127
12,330
Change in fair value of investments
(116,327)
(13,957)
–
(130,284)
–
Gain on disposal of assets and investments
–
(11,284)
(1,517)
(11,284)
(1,517)
Share of net (income) loss of associates
(177)
1,064
91
887
188
Other items
753
–
1,798
753
1,798
Transaction, restructuring and integration costs expensed
4,318
3,763
838
8,081
1,072
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
30,880
28,314
27,789
59,194
54,472
Attributable to WELL shareholders
23,019
21,371
22,287
44,390
42,919
Attributable to Non-controlling interests
7,861
6,943
5,502
14,804
11,553
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
WELL Corporate
(5,320)
(4,767)
(4,456)
(10,087)
(8,981)
Canada and others
13,032
14,474
10,942
27,506
22,747
US operations
23,168
18,607
21,303
41,775
40,706
Adjusted EBITDA(1) attributable to WELL shareholders
WELL Corporate
(5,320)
(4,767)
(4,456)
(10,087)
(8,981)
Canada and others
12,645
14,247
10,798
26,892
22,308
US operations
15,694
11,891
15,945
27,585
29,592
Adjusted EBITDA(1) attributable to Non-controlling interests
Canada and others
387
227
144
614
439
US operations
7,474
6,716
5,358
14,190
11,114
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted Net income:
Net income (loss) for the period
116,976
19,600
(2,016)
136,576
(12,643)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
11,361
11,520
10,720
22,881
21,750
Time-based earnout expense
15
2,112
1,476
2,127
12,330
Stock-based compensation
4,765
5,477
6,134
10,242
12,733
Change in fair value of investments
(116,327)
(13,957)
–
(130,284)
–
Other items
753
–
1,798
753
1,798
Non-controlling interest included in net income (loss)
(5,259)
(4,513)
(3,751)
(9,772)
(7,482)
Adjusted Net Income (1)
12,284
20,239
14,361
32,523
28,486
Footnotes:
Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios.
In addition to results reported in accordance with IFRS, the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental indicators of its financial and operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures include Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income Per Share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow. The Company believes these supplementary financial measures reflect the Company’s ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in its business.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per Share The Company defines Adjusted Net Income as net income (loss), after excluding the effects of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, time-based earnout expense, change in fair value of investments, non-controlling interests, and revenue precluded from recognition under IFRS 15 that relates to certain patient services revenue that the Company believes should be recognized as revenue based on its contractual relationships. Adjusted Net Income Per Share is Adjusted Net Income divided by weighted average number of shares outstanding. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to analyze our results, enhance a reader’s understanding of past financial performance and allow for greater understanding with respect to key metrics used by management in decision making. More specifically, the Company believes Adjusted Net Income is a financial metric that tracks the earning power of the business that is available to WELL shareholders.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. EBITDA represents net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA (i) less net rent expense on premise leases considered to be finance leases under IFRS and (ii) before transaction, restructuring, and integration costs, time-based earn-out expense, change in fair value of investments, share of loss of associates, foreign exchange gain/loss, and stock-based compensation expense, (iii) revenue precluded from recognition under IFRS 15 that relates to certain patient services revenue that the Company believes should be recognized as revenue based on its contractual relationships, and (iv) gains/losses that are not reflective of ongoing operating performance. The Company considers Adjusted EBITDA a financial metric that measures cash that the Company can use to fund working capital requirements, service future interest and principal debt repayments and fund future growth initiatives. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss), cash flow from operating activities or other measures of financial performance in accordance with IFRS.
Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross Margin The Company defines Adjusted Gross Profit as revenue less cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted Gross Margin as adjusted gross profit as a percentage of revenue. Adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin should not be construed as an alternative for revenue or net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS. The Company does not present gross profit in its consolidated financial statements as it is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin are meaningful metrics that are often used by readers to measure the Company’s efficiency of selling its products and services.
Adjusted Free Cashflow The Company defines Adjusted Free Cashflow as Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Shareholders, less cash interest, less cash taxes and less capital expenditures. Adjusted Net income, Adjusted Net Income per Share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Gross Margin, and Adjusted Free Cashflow are not recognized measures for financial statement presentation under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings. As such, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should be considered as supplements to, and not as substitutes for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with IFRS. Total Care Interactions are defined as Total Visits plus Technology Interactions plus Billed Provider Hours.Organic growth includes growth attributable to “absorptions” which are characterized by clinics acquired for nominal consideration (ie. Less than 0.02x revenues). The overall organic growth inclusive of absorptions in Q2 was 21% but would have been 16.% without absorptions.
WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
Per: “Hamed Shahbazi”
Hamed Shahbazi
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director
About WELL Health Technologies Corp.
WELL’s mission is to tech-enable healthcare providers. We do this by developing the best technologies, services, and support available, which ensures healthcare providers are empowered to positively impact patient outcomes. WELL’s comprehensive healthcare and digital platform includes extensive front and back-office management software applications that help physicians run and secure their practices. WELL’s solutions enable more than 37,000 healthcare providers between the US and Canada and power the largest owned and operated healthcare ecosystem in Canada with more than 180 clinics supporting primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic services. In the United States WELL’s solutions are focused on specialized markets such as the gastrointestinal market, women’s health, primary care, and mental health. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “WELL” and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol “WHTCF”. To learn more about WELL, please visit: www.well.company.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “Forward-Looking Information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, without limitation: information regarding the Company’s goals, strategies and growth plans; annual revenue and patient-visit run rates; free cash-flow guidance; expectations regarding continued revenue and EBITDA growth; expectations surrounding the reduction in debt, share issuances and earn-out payments; expected annual savings from various cost cutting initiatives; the expected benefits and synergies of completed acquisitions ; and the expected financial performance as well as information in the “Outlook” section herein. Forward-Looking Information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-Looking Information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-Looking Information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information and the Forward-Looking Information are not guarantees of future performance. WELL’s comments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and conditions, many of which are outside of WELL ‘s control, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-Looking Information are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: direct and indirect material adverse effects from adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the primary healthcare sector in general; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; inability to obtain any requisite future financing on suitable terms; the expected profitability of acquisition targets; the expected benefits from different commercial partnerships; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of WELL and other risk factors identified in documents filed by WELL under its profile at www.sedar.com, including its most recent Annual Information Form. Except as required by securities law, WELL does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.
This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about estimated annual run-rate revenue and Adjusted EBIDTA, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set out in the above paragraph. The actual financial results of WELL may vary from the amounts set out herein and such variation may be material. WELL and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, WELL undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about WELL’s anticipated future business operations on an annual basis. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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SOURCE WELL Health Technologies Corp.
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Secretary of State Belanger announces expansion of high-speed Internet access in Saskatchewan
Published
3 minutes agoon
July 24, 2026By
Federal investment of over $141 million will help connect more than 30,000 homes to high–speed Internet
HUMBOLDT, SK, July 24, 2026 /CNW/ — Reliable and affordable high-speed Internet is essential for all Canadians. It enables access to important online resources, connects friends and families, and drives economic growth and innovation. This is why the Government of Canada is helping bring high-speed Internet access to underserved communities–including Indigenous communities–in Saskatchewan.
Today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, announced over $141 million in federal funding for six projects to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 30,000 households in over 500 rural and remote communities across Saskatchewan.
This funding is provided through the Universal Broadband Fund, a program designed to ensure that Canadians in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have access to reliable high-speed Internet.
The Government of Canada has committed to ensuring that every household in Canada has access to high-speed Internet by 2030, and it is on track to meet this connectivity target. These projects will build toward that goal, and the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that creates new opportunities and makes sure communities can benefit from all of Canada’s potential.
Quotes
“High-speed Internet is no longer just a luxury–it’s essential infrastructure, no matter where you live in Canada. It’s how people access health care virtually, start a business or just stay in touch with their loved ones. That’s why we made a historic commitment to provide 100% of Canadian households with access to high-speed Internet by 2030. The projects announced today are a major milestone for connectivity in Saskatchewan, providing reliable and affordable high-speed Internet to more than 30,000 underserved homes in over 500 rural and remote communities across the province.”
– The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development
“In many rural and remote areas, connectivity projects like these face a number of financial and structural barriers. Federal tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank help bridge that gap, ensuring critical infrastructure is built where it otherwise would not be. By supporting initiatives like this, we are advancing economic growth today and helping close the connectivity gap for underserved communities well into the future.”
– The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“Access to dependable high-speed Internet should not be determined by where people live. Thanks to support from the Government of Canada through the Universal Broadband Fund, RFNOW is delivering the infrastructure needed to connect underserved rural and First Nations communities across Saskatchewan. Together, we are building a stronger digital future that will enhance economic development, support essential services and improve quality of life for thousands of Canadians.”
– Chris Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer, RFNOW Inc.
“Every community deserves the opportunity that comes with access to reliable high-speed Internet–and that’s exactly what this investment delivers. In partnership with the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund, Xplore is bringing high-speed Internet connectivity to nearly 20,000 homes and businesses in Saskatchewan. Better connectivity means more than faster downloads–it means students can learn without interruption, families can access health care from home, and local businesses can compete on a level playing field.”
– Brent Johnston, Chief Executive Officer, Xplore Inc.
“Since our establishment in 2007, we have been committed to providing dependable Internet service and strengthening connections in the communities we serve. With support from the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund, we’re excited to expand our network and introduce new 6 GHz fixed wireless technology capable of delivering speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This project will help more residents of rural and remote communities access the reliable high-speed connectivity they need for work, education, health care, business and everyday life.”
– Allen Stafford, President, Stafford Communications Inc.
“Beaver River Broadband has secured federal Universal Broadband Fund support to deliver fibre-to-the-home infrastructure directly to Peepeekisis Cree Nation. This critical investment guarantees gigabit-capable Internet access that will transform local opportunities in digital education, remote health care and community-led economic development. Crucially, the project underscores the importance of partnering with smaller, regional Internet providers that bring deep community roots, agile deployment and a dedicated focus on serving areas that larger national carriers often overlook. As an Indigenous-led regional provider working closely with First Nations, Beaver River Broadband understands the unique needs of the area and delivers tailored, reliable customer support on the ground. Empowering local providers through initiatives like the Universal Broadband Fund ensures that underserved First Nations are not just connected but also supported by partners invested in their long-term digital sovereignty.”
– John DeGraauw, CEO, Beaver River Broadband
“MCSnet’s fibre-to-the-tower expansion in Saskatchewan will deliver fast, highly reliable Internet access to underserved homes in rural Saskatchewan, courtesy of a dedicated, community-invested provider. As a family-owned company based in the Prairies, we have been serving rural communities with our innovative technology and exceptional customer service for over 30 years.”
– Jerome VanBrabant, Chief Projects Officer, MCSnet
Quick facts
Canada’s Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadian households by the end of 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030.Today, 97.4% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014.In Saskatchewan, 89.2% of households currently have access to high-speed internet.Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $242 million in connectivity projects in Saskatchewan.The Canada Infrastructure Bank has committed more than $2 billion toward digital (broadband) infrastructure, closing last-mile connectivity gaps across Canada.Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit individuals and gender diverse people are more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women. Better connectivity means more tools in moments of danger, enabling victims of violence to access critical online resources and get help when they need it most.Building on the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act, the Government of Canada launched the Prairie Partnership Initiative to build a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive economy in the Prairie provinces.
Associated links
Rural economic developmentHigh-Speed Internet Access DashboardUniversal Broadband FundBackgrounder: Universal Broadband Fund and Telesat low Earth orbit capacity agreementCanada Infrastructure Bank: Digital Infrastructure and AIHigh-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity StrategyNational Broadband MapFederal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ PeoplePrairie Partnership Initiative
Stay connected
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. X (Twitter): @ISED_CA | Facebook: Canadian Innovation | Instagram: @cdninnovation | LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app.
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Technology
Fragmented Web Strategies Leave Organizations Exposed as Digital Expectations Rise, Warns Info-Tech Research Group
Published
3 minutes agoon
July 24, 2026By
Organizations are increasingly focused on modernizing their digital presence to meet rising user expectations, yet many still rely on decentralized content models, inconsistent governance, and legacy platforms. New findings from Info-Tech Research Group show that without a structured web experience management (WEM) strategy, web initiatives often fail to align with business goals and user needs. The firm’s blueprint Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy provides a five-phase framework and tools to help IT leaders strengthen governance and align web priorities with organizational objectives.
ARLINGTON, Va., July 24, 2026 /CNW/ — Organizations continue to invest in digital platforms and web modernization efforts, but progress is often limited by unclear priorities, inconsistent ownership, and a lack of shared performance measures. New insights from Info-Tech Research Group indicate that without a clear understanding of web experience maturity and readiness, digital investments fail to translate into consistent and measurable outcomes. The global research and advisory firm’s recently published blueprint, Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy, provides a structured five-phase methodology to assess current-state capabilities, define priority audiences and journeys, and build a practical roadmap for evolving the web ecosystem in alignment with organizational objectives.
“Web experience management has moved beyond basic websites to become a core driver of growth and engagement,” says Hriday Gulrajani, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “CIOs and IT leaders need to align marketing, data, and technology teams under clear governance and a structured roadmap to deliver consistent, scalable digital experiences.”
Info-Tech’s blueprint shows that many organizations treat web modernization as a technology upgrade rather than a coordinated experience strategy. As a result, content operations remain decentralized, integration between core systems such as CMS, CRM, and analytics platforms is inconsistent, and governance responsibilities are not clearly defined. While capabilities such as personalization, automation, and advanced analytics offer opportunities to improve engagement and operational efficiency, organizations often lack a structured framework for prioritizing initiatives and measuring progress across the web ecosystem.
Key Challenges IT Leaders Face in Web Experience Management
Despite ongoing investment in digital platforms and experience initiatives, many organizations encounter structural and operational barriers that limit progress. Info-Tech’s research highlights several persistent challenges:
Content decisions are often made in silos, resulting in inconsistent messaging, fragmented governance, and unclear ownership across teams.Limited integration between CMS, CRM, analytics, and other core systems restricts visibility into user behavior and makes it difficult to measure and improve web experience performance.Legacy platforms and constrained architectures limit personalization, automation, accessibility, and multichannel delivery capabilities.Misalignment between marketing, IT, and data teams slows decision-making and weakens the organization’s ability to evolve its web ecosystem strategically.
Info-Tech’s Practical Framework for Web Experience Management
To address these challenges, Info-Tech recommends a structured five-phase approach that connects organizational strategy, customer experience priorities, and web execution. The Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint outlines the following priorities for CIOs and IT leaders:
Phase 1: Define Vision & Success Criteria – Align WEM objectives to organizational strategy, define strategic outcomes, and establish experience KPIs to measure performance across digital touchpoints.
Phase 2: Assess Current State & Readiness – Use a web experience maturity model to evaluate capabilities across people, process, technology, and performance, and identify integration gaps and readiness risks.
Phase 3: Understand Audiences & Experience Priorities – Define priority personas, map end-to-end journeys, and translate organizational goals into structured web experience use cases prioritized by value and feasibility.
Phase 4: Architect & Govern the Ecosystem – Establish architecture principles, design the target-state WEM ecosystem, and define governance structures and operating models that clarify roles, ownership, and decision rights.
Phase 5: Launch, Communicate, & Measure – Develop a phased roadmap aligned to key value drivers, implement performance measurement frameworks, and enable continuous optimization across the web ecosystem.
Info-Tech’s Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint is supported by a Web Experience Management Business Case Template and a Web Experience Initiatives Prioritization and Roadmap Planning Tool. These resources are designed to help CIOs and IT leaders build a clear case for modernization, prioritize initiatives based on value and feasibility, and develop phased roadmaps aligned to organizational objectives. By applying this framework and its supporting tools, organizations can strengthen governance, improve cross-functional alignment, and evolve their web ecosystem in a measurable and scalable way.
For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Hriday Gulrajani, and access to the complete Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.
About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.
To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.
Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, as well as hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.
For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fragmented-web-strategies-leave-organizations-exposed-as-digital-expectations-rise-warns-info-tech-research-group-302834308.html
SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group
Technology
In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains What to Know Before Choosing an Aluminum Fabrication Partner
Published
3 minutes agoon
July 24, 2026By
The article explains how an integrated fabrication process supports better quality, efficiency, and long-term project success.
ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should someone look for before selecting an aluminum fabrication partner who can guide a project from the first design sketch through final delivery? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that explains how the full aluminum production workflow shapes accuracy, consistency, and long-term reliability. The article shows why a clear understanding of each stage in the process helps people make informed decisions before committing to a fabrication partner.
The article begins by explaining that aluminum fabrication involves far more than cutting or welding. It describes how every project moves through a connected chain of design support, extrusion, machining, finishing, and logistics. Each step affects the next, and the article notes that the best results come from choosing an aluminum fabrication partner who keeps these stages aligned. By showing how coordination prevents errors, the article gives readers a practical way to evaluate a potential shop.
Early design support is a major focus of the article. It states that many projects benefit when design engineering is handled in-house because small adjustments to a profile can influence strength, weight, and final performance. The HelloNation article explains that an aluminum fabrication partner with internal design capabilities can review shapes before tooling begins, reducing the risk of delays caused by unrealistic or difficult-to-extrude features. This design stage sets the direction for everything that follows, making it one of the most valuable parts of the process.
The article also examines extrusion, which it calls one of the most specialized stages in aluminum manufacturing. It notes that some shops do not extrude their own material, which forces them to rely on outside mills. That structure can lead to longer schedules and more points of communication. By contrast, an aluminum fabrication partner with direct access to extrusion equipment can control die design, schedule production runs, and manage metal flow more precisely. The article explains that this control reduces variation between batches, which supports stable timelines and more predictable quality.
Machining receives detailed attention as well. The article states that accuracy depends on how well each machine is calibrated for the specific alloy and geometry involved. It describes how a fabricator who machines their own extrusions becomes familiar with how those profiles respond to different tool paths and cutting forces. This familiarity supports tighter tolerances and more dependable results. The article explains that when machining is outsourced, the receiving shop may not know the conditions under which the material was extruded or aged, which can cause small adjustments that affect uniformity across long runs.
Finishing is another important stage explored in the article. It explains how anodizing, powder coating, polishing, or protective layers interact with thickness and alloy. The article notes that when finishing is spread across multiple vendors, the project moves more often, which increases the chance for delays or inconsistency. An aluminum fabrication partner with integrated finishing services can keep color and coating texture more uniform while maintaining a tighter schedule.
Logistics also plays a key role in the article’s guidance. It highlights that aluminum profiles, especially long or delicate ones, require thoughtful packaging, palletizing, and freight planning. A shop with its own logistics team can reduce damage risks and speed up the time between manufacturing and delivery. The article explains that when logistics is outsourced, communication slows down and the chances of errors increase, making it harder to keep a project on schedule.
Tolerance control is another subject the article describes. It explains that aluminum reacts to heat, pressure, and machining forces in predictable ways only when the team understands how the material was formed at every stage. The article notes that when extrusion, aging, machining, and inspection all occur within one operation, teams can maintain a closed loop of information. This reduces the risk of dimensional issues and strengthens consistency from batch to batch.
As the article moves toward its conclusion, it emphasizes that choosing the right aluminum fabrication partner comes down to understanding how many stages the shop directly manages. When a partner controls design, extrusion, machining, finishing, and logistics, communication becomes clearer, and the workflow becomes more predictable. The article explains that this unified structure allows teams to adjust quickly because they understand every step of the operation.
The article ends by stating that dependable performance in aluminum work depends on how well each stage connects to the next. A strong aluminum fabrication partner is defined not by one capability but by how the entire process fits together. This guidance gives readers a practical way to evaluate potential partners and make decisions that support long-term project success.
What to Know Before Choosing an Aluminum Fabrication Partner features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.
About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-custom-fabrication-expert-mark-coyle-explains-what-to-know-before-choosing-an-aluminum-fabrication-partner-302834344.html
SOURCE HelloNation
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Fragmented Web Strategies Leave Organizations Exposed as Digital Expectations Rise, Warns Info-Tech Research Group
In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains What to Know Before Choosing an Aluminum Fabrication Partner
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