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NAPCO Reports Record Revenues, Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA* for Fiscal 2024

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-Net Sales for the Quarter Increase 13% to a Quarterly Record $50.3 Million

-Net Income for the Quarter Increases 28% to a Quarterly Record $13.5 Million

-Adjusted EBITDA* for the Quarter Increases 18% to $15.4 Million

-4th Quarter Recurring Service Revenues Increase 27% to $20.3 Million With a Gross Margin of 90%-

-Net Sales for the Year Increase 11% to $188.8 Million

-Net Income for the Year Increases 84% to $49.8 Million

-Adjusted EBITDA for the Year Increases 72% to $58.9 Million

-Board Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.125 per share-

AMITYVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSSC), one of the leading manufacturers and designers of high-tech electronic security equipment, wireless communication devices for intrusion and fire alarm systems and the related recurring service revenues as well as a provider of school safety solutions, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

Financial Highlights:

Net sales for the quarter increased 13% to $50.3 million (the highest quarterly sales in the Company’s history) as compared to $44.6 million for the same period last year, and net sales for the year increased 11% to a record $188.8 million as compared to $170.0 million for the same period last year.Recurring service revenue (“RSR”) for the quarter increased 27% to $20.3 million as compared to $16.1 million for the same period last year, and for the year increased 26% to $75.7 million as compared to $59.9 million last year. RSR had a prospective annual run rate of approximately $84 million based on July 2024 recurring service revenues.Gross margin for RSR increased to 90.4% and 90.5% for the quarter and the year ended June 30, 2024 as compared to 89% and 89%, respectively, for the same periods last year.Gross margin for equipment revenue was 31.4% and 29.4% for the quarter and year ended June 30, 2024 as compared to 30.5% and 18.0%, respectively for the same periods last year.Net income for the quarter increased 28% to a quarterly record $13.5 million as compared to $10.6 million for the same period a year ago. Net income for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 84% to a twelve month record $49.8 million as compared to $27.1 million for the same period last year.Earnings per share (diluted) for the quarter increased 28% to $0.36 as compared to $0.28 for the same period a year ago. Earnings per share (diluted) for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 84% to $1.34 as compared to $0.73 for the same period last year.Adjusted EBITDA* for the quarter increased 18% to $15.4 million as compared to $13.0 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA* for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 72% to a record $58.9 million as compared to $34.3 million for the same period last year.Adjusted EBITDA per share (diluted)* for the quarter increased 18% to $0.41 as compared to $0.35 for the same period a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA per share (diluted)* for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 71% to $1.59 per diluted share as compared to $0.93 for the same period last year.Cash and cash equivalents, other investments and marketable securities were $97.7 million at June 30, 2024 as compared to $66.7 million at June 30, 2023, a 46% increase. The Company had no debt as of June 30, 2024.Cash Provided by Operating Activities for the year ended June 30, 2024 was $45.4 million as compared to $24.7 million for the same period last year.Robust net income, Adjusted EBITDA, and growing cash reserves demonstrating strong financial health of our business, is allowing us to increase our quarterly dividend to $0.125 per share, representing a 25% sequential increase.  This next dividend will be paid on October 3, 2024 to shareholders of record on September 12, 2024.

Richard Soloway, Chairman and CEO, commented, “Fiscal 2024 concluded with record revenue and net income for both the 4th quarter and the full fiscal 2024 year ending June 30, 2024. The 4th quarter sales of $50.3 million was the fifteenth consecutive quarter of record sales for a quarterly reporting period. Our record quarterly net income of $13.5 million represents 27% of sales. Adjusted EBITDA was $15.4 million for Q4 and $58.9 million for the full fiscal year and equate to a 31% EBITDA margin. Equipment revenue grew at 5% for the quarter, with gross margins on such sales sequentially increasing to 31% as compared to 29% in each of the last two quarters. Recurring service revenues, which increased 27% in Q4, was a major contributor to the year-over-year overall sales and earnings growth and represents 40% of total revenue. Gross margin for recurring service revenues remained strong at 90% and when combined with gross margin on equipment revenues of 31%, the total gross margins for Q4 amounted to 55%, which compared to 52% for last year’s Q4.

We were also pleased with the increase in the recurring service revenues annual run rate, which increased to $84 million based on July 2024 recurring service revenues, compared to an annual run rate of $81 million based on April 2024 recurring service revenues.

Our balance sheet continues to get stronger, with cash and cash equivalents, other investments and marketable securities increasing 46% to $97.7 million as compared to $66.7 million at June 30, 2023, We have no debt and the net cash provided by operating activities for the twelve months ended June 30, 2024 was also strong, amounting to $45.4 million, an 84% increase over last year’s level of 24.7 million.

Our Alarm Lock and Marks locking hardware lines continue to see growth in school and classroom security, healthcare, and retail loss-prevention, as well as in multi-dwelling commercial and residential applications. Locking sales in Q4 grew approximately 21% compared to last year and approximately 8% compared to Q3 and represents 71% of hardware sales. We continue to remain focused on further penetrating each of these markets.

Our recent introduction of Prima by NAPCO, a new All-in-One Panel for security, fire, video and connected home with a 5-minute installation, remains a very important focus to the Company.  Our goal is for Prima to address an important mass segment of the security market, including residential and small business systems. With built-in Wi-Fi/cellular radio communications, customer alert notifications, and video and smart home subscription options for each installed system, the security dealer, as well as the Company, can add more recurring service revenue generating accounts.

NAPCO’s record results for Q4 and fiscal year 2024, was primarily the result of the continued growth and profitability from recurring service revenues as well as the strong sales from our Alarm Lock and Marks locking product lines. Radio sales were down 5% sequentially and 10% as compared to Q4 last year due to the continued effect of the sunsetting of 3G technology and existing radio inventory levels at some of our distributors.  Radios represent 59% of Intrusion and Access Alarm Products sales and we expect inventory levels at distributors to continue to reduce and radio sales to continue to be a key contributor to our hardware sales and lead to the continued growth of our highly profitable recurring service revenues.”

Mr. Soloway concluded, “Fiscal 2024 was an amazing record-breaking year where we generated net income of $49.8 million, Adjusted EBITDA* of $58.9 million and an Adjusted EBITDA* margin of 31%. But as I have said before, there is more work to be done.  While we continue to be encouraged with the gross margin for hardware sales of 31.4%, we believe this should improve further in fiscal 2025 and beyond. Our strong net income Adjusted EBITDA* and growing cash, indicate the financial strength of our business. As such, we are pleased to continue our dividend program and we will be increasing the quarterly dividend to $0.125 per share payable on September 24, 2024. As always, we will strive to accomplish our goal of continued financial strength, product innovation, technical superiority, and strong profitability, for fiscal 2025 and beyond”.

Financial Results

Net sales for the quarter increased 13% to $50.3 million (the highest quarterly sales in the Company’s history), as compared to $44.6 million for the same period one year ago. Net sales for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 11% to a twelve month record $188.8 million, as compared to $170 million for the same period one year ago. Research and development costs for the quarter increased 28% to $3.0 million, or 6% of net sales, as compared to $2.4 million or 5% of net sales for the same period a year ago. Research and development costs for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 15% to $10.8 million, or 6% of net sales, as compared to $9.3 million or 5% of net sales for the same period a year ago. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter increased 22% to $10.9 million or 22% of net sales, as compared to $8.9 million, or 20% of net sales for the same period last year. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 11% to $37.1 million or 20% of net sales, as compared to $33.6 million, or 20% of net sales for the same period last year.

Operating income for the quarter increased 18% to $14.0 million as compared to $11.8 million for the same period last year. Operating income for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 77% to $53.8 million as compared to $30.3 million for the same period last year. Net income for the quarter increased 28% to a quarterly record $13.5 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, as compared to $10.6 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the same period last year and represents 27% of net sales. Net income for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased 84% to a twelve month record of $49.8 million or $1.34 per diluted share as compared to $27.1 million or $0.73 per diluted share for the same period last year and represents 26% of net sales.

Adjusted EBITDA* for the quarter increased 18% to $15.4 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, as compared to $13.0 million, or $0.35 per diluted share for the same period last year and equates to an Adjusted EBITDA* margin of 31%. Adjusted EBITDA* for the twelve months ended June 30, 2024 increased 72% to a record $58.9 million, or $1.59 per diluted share, as compared to $34.3 million, or $0.93 per diluted share for the same period last year and equates to an Adjusted EBITDA* margin of 31%.

Balance Sheet Summary

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $97.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, other investments and marketable securities as compared to $66.7 million as of June 30, 2023. Working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) was $146.5 million at June 30, 2024 as compared with working capital of $111.7 million at June 30, 2023. Current ratio (defined as current assets divided by current liabilities) was 7.6:1 at June 30, 2024, and 6.7:1 at June 30, 2023.

Conference Call Information

Management will conduct a conference call at 11 a.m. ET today, August 26, 2024, in order to participate please go to the Investor Relations section of Company’s website at https://investor.napcosecurity.com or the webcast URL use https://app.webinar.net/ZjmeNQvqWAQ.  Alternatively, interested parties may participate in the call by dialing, in the (US) 1-800-836-8184 or for international callers, 1-646-357-8785. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.

About NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc.

NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., is one of the leading manufacturers and designers of high-tech electronic security devices, wireless recurring communication services for intrusion and fire alarm systems as well as a provider of school safety solutions, The Company consists of four Divisions: NAPCO, plus three wholly owned subsidiaries: Alarm Lock, Continental Instruments, and Marks USA. Headquartered in Amityville, New York, its products are installed by tens of thousands of security professionals worldwide in commercial, industrial, institutional, residential and government applications. NAPCO products have earned a reputation for innovation, technical excellence and reliability, positioning the Company for growth in the multi-billion dollar and rapidly expanding electronic security market. For additional information on NAPCO, please visit the Company’s web site at http://www.napcosecurity.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections of future performance based on management’s judgment, beliefs, current trends, and anticipated product performance. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic; supply chain challenges and developments; the growth of recurring service revenues and annual run rate; the strength of our balance sheet; our expectations regarding future results; the introduction of new access control and locking products; the opportunities for school security products; business trends , including the replacement of 3G radios, and our ability to execute our business strategies. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those risk factors set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Other unknown or unpredictable factors or underlying assumptions subsequently proving to be incorrect could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today’s date, unless otherwise stated, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

*Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain non-GAAP measures are included in this press release, including non-GAAP operating income, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per share (diluted). We define Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income plus income tax expense, net interest expense, non-cash stock-based expense, non-recurring legal expense, other non-recurring income and depreciation and amortization expense. Non-GAAP operating income does not include amortization of intangibles or stock-based compensation expense. These non-GAAP measures are provided to enhance the user’s overall understanding of our financial performance. By excluding these charges our non-GAAP results provide information to management and investors that is useful in assessing NAPCO’s core operating performance and in comparing our results of operations on a consistent basis from period to period. Our use of non-GAAP financial measures has certain limitations in that such non-GAAP financial measures may not be directly comparable to those reported by other companies. For example, the terms used in this press release, such as Adjusted EBITDA, do not have a standardized meaning. Other companies may use the same or similarly named measures, but exclude different items, which may not provide investors with a comparable view of our performance in relation to other companies. The presentation of this information is not meant to be a substitute for the corresponding financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures set forth above.

NAPCO SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

(in thousands, except share data)

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

65,341

$

35,955

Investments – other

26,980

25,660

Marketable securities

5,398

5,136

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $32 and $131 as of June 30, 2024
and June 30, 2023, respectively

31,898

26,069

Inventories

34,804

35,062

Income tax receivable

73

75

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

4,269

3,402

Total Current Assets

168,763

131,359

Inventories – non-current

15,109

13,287

Property, plant and equipment, net

9,077

9,308

Intangible assets, net

3,602

3,939

Deferred income taxes

5,428

2,652

Operating lease – Right-of-use asset

5,487

5,797

Other assets

286

312

TOTAL ASSETS

$

207,752

$

166,654

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable

$

7,977

$

8,061

Accrued expenses

10,345

8,079

Accrued salaries and wages

3,907

3,546

Total Current Liabilities

22,229

19,686

Accrued income taxes

1,122

1,110

Operating lease liability

5,512

5,689

TOTAL LIABILITIES

28,863

26,485

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized as of June 30,
2024 and June 30, 2023; 39,768,186 and 39,663,812 shares issued; and 36,874,471 and
36,770,097 shares outstanding, respectively.

398

397

Additional paid-in capital

23,712

21,553

Retained earnings

174,300

137,740

Less: Treasury Stock, at cost (2,893,715 shares)

(19,521)

(19,521)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

178,889

140,169

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

207,752

$

166,654

 

NAPCO SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three Months Ended June 30, 

2024

2023

2022

(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

Net sales:

Equipment revenues

$

29,938

$

28,551

$

30,532

Service revenues

20,392

16,107

12,697

50,330

44,658

43,229

Cost of sales:

Equipment-related expenses

20,530

19,856

22,394

Service-related expenses

1,955

1,768

1,611

22,485

21,624

24,005

Gross Profit

27,845

23,034

19,224

Operating expenses:

Research and development

3,027

2,364

2,106

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

10,854

8,861

8,924

Total Operating Expenses

13,881

11,225

11,030

Operating Income

13,964

11,809

8,194

Other income:

Interest and other income (expense), net

762

382

(181)

Income before Provision for Income Taxes

14,726

12,191

8,013

Provision for Income Taxes

1,192

1,626

476

Net Income

$

13,534

$

10,565

$

7,537

Income per share:

Basic

$

0.37

$

0.29

$

0.21

Diluted

$

0.36

$

0.28

$

0.20

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

Basic

36,939,000

36,827,000

36,760,000

Diluted

37,232,000

37,137,000

36,879,000

 

NAPCO SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Year Ended June 30, 

2024

2023

2022

(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

Net sales:

Equipment revenues

$

113,071

$

110,062

$

97,612

Service revenues

75,749

59,935

45,981

188,820

169,997

143,593

Cost of sales:

Equipment-related expenses

79,862

90,197

78,471

Service-related expenses

7,204

6,567

5,966

87,066

96,764

84,437

Gross Profit

101,754

73,233

59,156

Operating expenses:

Research and development

10,763

9,328

8,024

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

37,173

33,580

32,907

Total Operating Expenses

47,936

42,908

40,931

Operating Income

53,818

30,325

18,225

Other income:

Interest and other income (expense), net

2,568

903

(283)

Gain on extinguishment of debt

3,904

Income before Provision for Income Taxes

56,386

31,228

21,846

Provision for Income Taxes

6,568

4,101

2,247

Net Income

$

49,818

$

27,127

$

19,599

Income per share:

Basic

$

1.35

$

0.74

$

0.53

Diluted

$

1.34

$

0.73

$

0.53

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

Basic

36,812,000

36,741,000

36,725,000

Diluted

37,066,000

37,005,000

36,867,000

 

NAPCO SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Fiscal Year ended June 30, 

2024

2023

2022

(in thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

$

49,818

$

27,127

$

19,599

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

Depreciation and amortization

2,163

1,930

1,771

Gain on disposal of fixed asset

(15)

Interest expense (income) on other investments

31

(470)

Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities

(56)

80

426

(Recovery of) Provision for credit losses

(99)

(112)

17

Change to inventory reserve

1,691

(445)

1,187

Deferred income taxes

(2,776)

(2,818)

(214)

Stock based compensation expense

1,733

1,464

1,649

Gain on extinguishment of debt

(3,904)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(5,730)

3,261

(1,154)

Inventories

(3,255)

1,883

(19,274)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(867)

(564)

(430)

Income tax receivable

2

(75)

Other assets

25

35

(103)

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued salaries and wages, accrued income
taxes

2,688

(6,581)

8,762

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

45,368

24,700

8,332

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

(1,594)

(2,962)

(1,482)

Proceeds from disposal of fixed asset

38

Purchases of marketable securities

(206)

(148)

(81)

Purchases of other investments

(1,351)

(35,281)

Redemption of other investments

10,091

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(3,151)

(28,262)

(1,563)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from stock option exercises

427

85

155

Cash paid for dividend

(13,258)

(2,298)

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities    

(12,831)

(2,213)

155

Net increase (decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

29,386

(5,775)

6,924

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – Beginning

35,955

41,730

34,806

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – Ending

$

65,341

$

35,955

$

41,730

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Interest paid

$

14

$

16

$

16

Income taxes paid

$

9,330

$

8,811

$

2,168

 

NAPCO SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

NON-GAAP MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE* (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

3 months ended June 30,

12 months ended June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income (GAAP)

$        13,534

$          10,565

$         49,818

$         27,127

Add back provision for income taxes

1,192

1,626

6,568

4,101

Interest and other (income), net

(762)

(382)

(2,568)

(903)

Operating Income (GAAP)

13,964

11,809

53,818

30,325

Adjustments for non-GAAP measures of performance:

   Add back amortization of acquisition-related intangibles

84

90

337

361

   Add back stock-based compensation expense

857

330

1,733

1,464

   Add back non-recurring legal expenses

58

373

1,220

576

Adjusted non-GAAP operating income

14,963

12,602

57,108

32,726

Add back depreciation and other amortization

452

442

1,826

1,569

Adjusted EBITDA* (earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization)

$         15,415

$         13,044

$         58,934

$         34,295

Adjusted EBITDA* per Diluted Share

$             0.41

$             0.35

$             1.59

$             0.93

Weighted average number of Diluted Shares outstanding

37,232,000

37,137,000

37,066,000

37,005,000

 

Contacts:
Francis J. Okoniewski
Vice President of Investor Relations
NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc.
Office 800-645-9445 x 374
Mobile 516-404-3597
fokoniewski@napcosecurity.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/napco-reports-record-revenues-net-income-and-adjusted-ebitda-for-fiscal-2024-302229970.html

SOURCE NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc.

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This solution breaks down the traditional barriers of data structuring. Built on a robust backend of Python, LangChain, and leading LLM models, alongside a frontend framework using Next.js 15 and Cytoscape.js for graph visualization, the solution is highly adaptable. Furthermore, future optimization enhancements will include provisions for uploading user-defined classes or semi-ready ontologies.

About Zifo

Zifo is the leading global enabler of AI and data-driven enterprise informatics for science-driven organizations. With expertise spanning research, development, manufacturing, and clinical domains, Zifo serves a diverse range of industries including Pharma, Biotech, Chemicals, Food and Beverage, and more. Trusted by over 190 organizations worldwide, Zifo is the partner of choice for advancing digital scientific innovation.

For more information, visit www.zifornd.comhttps://zifornd.com/practical-ai-blueprints/

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zifo-transforms-ontology-engineering-with-ai-powered-intelligent-automation-302758975.html

SOURCE Zifo Technologies

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UNC-Chapel Hill establishes ‘Carolina in the Capital’ with new Washington, D.C. office

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has opened a new office in Washington, D.C., establishing an expanded presence for the University in the nation’s capital and creating exciting opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Located at 101 Constitution Avenue NW, the 10,861-square-foot space – coined “Carolina in the Capital” – will support a variety of functions, including educational programming for undergraduate and graduate students, alumni relations and engagement with government partners.

As a leading R1 university, UNC-Chapel Hill annually attracts more than $1.6 billion to the state’s economy to fund research that creates a better quality of life for all its citizens. More than 60% of UNC-Chapel Hill’s total research funding comes from federal sponsors with the majority of that federal funding coming from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is based in the Washington area.

“Carolina in the Capital is a state-of-the-art facility that reflects our commitment to creating experiential learning opportunities for our students and faculty,” said Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “The space is designed as an immersive learning environment where students can translate classroom knowledge into hands-on experience, which has never been more important. The facility also strengthens our ability to support engagement between our staff, alumni, policymakers and partners.”

Supporting students participating in Carolina’s Washington-based academic programs is a priority. For years, students and faculty have relied on temporary or borrowed spaces across the city. The new office provides a permanent home where students can gather, learn and build community while living and studying in Washington. A robust schedule of classes and events will fill the space throughout the year.

The Washington, D.C. region is home to the largest concentration of out-of-state Carolina alumni anywhere in the country. The new office creates a dedicated space to strengthen those connections and support networking, mentorship, professional development and community-building among D.C.-based Tar Heels.

The space will also serve as a platform to bring Carolina’s research and academic expertise into closer conversation with policymakers, industry leaders and member organizations. Carolina is the nation’s 11th largest university in the country based on research volume with primary federal funding coming from NIH and the National Science Foundation (NSF), both based in the D.C. area. Carolina is a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities (APLU), which are both based in Washington.

The office is funded entirely through the UNC-Chapel Hill Foundation and does not use any state appropriations.

You can view additional photos of the space here.

Media Contact: UNC Media Relations, 919-445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu

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SOURCE University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Office of Communications

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Investing.com Acquires Stonki to Accelerate Its Entry into the Agentic AI Era

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The acquisition strengthens Investing.com’s AI capabilities, advancing a next-generation research assistant that can analyze markets, generate insights, and guide investors in real time

NEW YORK, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Investing.com, one of the world’s largest financial platforms used by more than 60 million investors each month, today announced the acquisition of Stonki, an AI-powered investing assistant designed to help traders turn ideas into structured, actionable trading plans.

The move marks a major step in the company’s evolution toward agentic AI, strengthening its ability to deliver faster, deeper, and more actionable market insights to a growing base of more than 300,000 paying subscribers across its InvestingPro suite, the company’s premium subscription offering for advanced market data, tools, and AI-driven insights.

Over the past 12 months, nearly 3 million users have used WarrenAI, Investing.com’s AI-powered financial research assistant launched last year, to perform market analysis, making AI a central entry point into the platform’s ecosystem. With the addition of Stonki, the company is moving beyond traditional AI tools toward agentic systems that can proactively guide users through the investment process.

“We’re entering the age of agentic AI, where the technology moves beyond just answering questions to actively helping investors think, analyze, and act,” said Omer Shvili, CEO of Investing.com. “Bringing Stonki.ai into the fold accelerates our goal of building an agentic platform that will serve as a 24/7 analyst for our users. We are developing this to be more than just a tool; it will be a partner that identifies opportunities, tracks unfolding situations, and surfaces trade ideas even when the user isn’t active—giving our users the kind of edge that was previously only available to professional investors.”

Founded in 2025, Stonki is developing a new category of ‘agentic’ AI for investing, enabling users to turn investment ideas into fully defined strategies with entry and exit conditions, risk management rules, and continuous monitoring.

“We started Stonki because, as investors and traders ourselves, we knew how much time and focus it takes to stay on top of the market and properly manage a day trade, a swing trade, an investment idea, or a portfolio,” said Ulas Bilgenoglu and Itay Verkh, co-founders of Stonki. “We set out to build AI that could carry part of that load by continuously monitoring the market, turning ideas into structured strategies, and helping users make better decisions with clear entry and exit conditions, disciplined risk management, and ongoing tracking. Joining Investing.com gives us the scale, data, reach, and strong AI foundation to accelerate that vision. Together, we can create an experience where AI helps users stay ahead of the market, manage risk, and act with greater confidence.”

The acquisition expands Investing.com’s AI capabilities across both technical and fundamental investing workflows. Stonki’s technology is built around persistent, real-time intelligence, continuously monitoring markets, tracking user-defined strategies, and alerting investors when conditions align, rather than relying on one-off prompts or static analysis.

For active traders, the platform is evolving into a real-time analysis engine designed to support high-frequency decision-making with precision and speed. For long-term investors, it is becoming a central hub for research, enabling users to evaluate opportunities, set personalized alerts, and monitor portfolios based on their individual investment strategies.

Users will be able to define specific conditions, such as a stock crossing a long-term moving average, and have the AI continuously monitor the market, analyze relevant signals, and surface actionable insights in real time. The system will also review portfolios on an ongoing basis, helping investors avoid potential losses and uncover new opportunities aligned with their strategy.

This latest step builds on Investing.com’s broader strategy of expanding its AI-powered suite, including WarrenAI, ProPicks AI, and its recently launched AI Chart Analysis, all aimed at delivering faster, more accurate and more actionable insights to investors.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/investingcom-acquires-stonki-to-accelerate-its-entry-into-the-agentic-ai-era-302756588.html

SOURCE Investing.com

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