Technology
Converge Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Year-to-date cash generated from operating activities increased by $97 million to $212 million, enabling continued net debt1 reduction and a return of $61.7 million in capital to shareholders1
Announces Completion of Group CEO Transition and Appoints Greg Berard, CEO to the Company’s Board of Directors
TORONTO and GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Converge Technology Solutions Corp. (“Converge” or “the Company”) (TSX: CTS) (FSE: 0ZB) (OTCQX: CTSDF) is pleased to provide its financial results for the three and nine months period ended September 30, 2024. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.
Third Quarter 2024 Highlights (year-over-year, unless otherwise noted):
Gross sales1 of $945.0 million, a decrease of $91.8 million or 8.9%;Gross sales organic growth1 of (8.4%) and gross profit organic growth1 of (7.3%);Revenue of $630.7 million, a decrease of $79.4 million or 11.2%;Gross profit decreased 9.1% to $158.3 million, representing a gross margin of 25.1%;Adjusted EBITDA1 decreased 22.2% to $32.1 million;Cash from operating activities was $48.9 million, a decrease of $47.1 million, compared to $95.9 million for the comparative period in the prior year;Returned $10.0 million of capital to shareholders1 as compared to $3.1 million return of capital to shareholders in Q3 FY23; andReduced net debt1 by $30 million from $157.9 million at Q2 2024; maintaining a leverage ratio1 below 1.0x.
Year-To-Date 2024 Highlights (year-over-year, unless otherwise noted):
Gross sales1 of $3.0 billion, an increase of $55.4 million or 1.9%;Gross sales organic growth1 of 2.0% and gross profit organic growth1 of (1.0%);Revenue of $1.9 billion, a decrease of $142.8 million;Gross profit decreased 1.6% to $512.8 million, representing a gross margin of 26.8%;Adjusted EBITDA1 decreased 3.5% to $119.4 million;Net loss of $171.8 million, an increase in loss of $160.6 million, driven by the non-cash impairment charge on the Germany segment of $176.1 million;Returned $61.7 million of capital to shareholders1 as compared to $19.4 million return of capital to shareholders for the comparative period in prior year;Cash from operating activities was $212.4 million, an increase of $97.3 million, compared to $115.1 million for the comparative period in the prior year; andReduced net debt1 by $81.9 million to $127.8 million, from $209.8 million at Q4 2023.
“While adverse macroeconomic conditions led to delays in hardware spending that impacted our third quarter results, we have already closed about 25% of the deals contributing to our gross profit shortfall and expect to close the remainder in Q4 and 2025. Meanwhile, we continued to see double-digit growth in our strategic investment areas—AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, driving growth in software and managed services revenue in the third quarter of 2024,” said Greg Berard, CEO. “Our robust cash flow generation is a testament to our financial strength, and we are committed to executing a strategic and disciplined capital allocation approach to drive long-term value creation. This will be achieved through targeted, high-impact growth investments, while simultaneously returning a significant amount of capital to shareholders.”
Financial Summary
In $000s except per share amounts
3-month
Q3 2024
3-month
Q3 2023
9-month
Q3 2024
9-month
Q3 2023
Gross Sales1
945,006
1,036,760
3,014,662
2,959,258
Revenue
630,690
710,106
1,911,303
2,054,117
Gross profit (GP)
158,257
174,090
512,813
521,351
Gross profit (GP) %
25.1 %
24.5 %
26.8 %
25.4 %
Adjusted EBITDA1
32,114
41,258
119,430
123,789
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of GP1
20.3 %
23.7 %
23.3 %
23.7 %
Net loss
(3,309)
(3,316)
(171,812)
(11,174)
Adjusted net income1
23,237
20,622
84,703
70,187
Adjusted EPS1
0.12
0.10
0.42
0.34
Subsequent to Quarter-End
On November 11, 2024, the Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.015 per common share to be paid on December 28, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 10, 2024.
Financial Outlook
Converge is providing financial guidance for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 as follows:
(expressed in millions of Canadian dollars)
Q4 2023 Actual
Q4 2024 Expected
FY 2023 Actual
FY 2024 Expected
Revenue
$651.1
$600 – $646
$2,705.2
$2,511 – $2,558
Gross profit
$181.5
$165 – $178
$702.9
$678 – $691
Adjusted EBITDA
$46.5
$36 – $47
$170.3
$155 – $166
Note: Q4 2023 Actual and FY 2023 Actual include results of Portage CyberTech Inc. (“Portage”) which has been deconsolidated on June 27, 2024.
Completion of Group CEO Transition
Converge is announcing today that the previously disclosed Group CEO transition plan has progressed ahead of schedule. As a result, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) has accepted Shaun Maine’s decision to step down as Group CEO and member of the Board, effective immediately. Greg Berard, currently CEO of Converge, has been appointed as a member to the Company’s Board of Directors.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Shaun for his visionary leadership and the profound impact he’s had since co-founding the Company in 2017,” said Thomas Volk, Chair of the Board. “We are pleased to welcome Greg Berard as the newest member of the Board. Greg’s leadership as operational CEO has been a tremendous asset to the Company, and we look forward to the fresh perspectives and wealth of experience that he will bring to the Board.”
Conference Call Details:
Date: Tuesday, November 12th, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Participant Webcast Link:
Webcast Link – https://app.webinar.net/kPR1pwqzK50
Participant Dial-in Details with Operator Assistance:
Conference ID: 71060
Toronto: 1-416-945-7677
North American Toll Free: 1-888-699-1199
International Toll-Free Numbers:
Germany: 498005889782
Ireland: 35315251826
Spain: 34917918582
Switzerland: 41432107274
United Kingdom: 448002797040
You may register and enter your phone number to receive an instant automated call back via https://emportal.ink/3BJcbwy.
Recording Playback:
Webcast Link – https://app.webinar.net/kPR1pwqzK50
Toronto: 1-289-819-1450
North American Toll Free: 1-888-660-6345
Replay Code: 71060 #
Expiry Date: November 19th, 2024
Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure time for any software download that may be required to access the webcast. A live audio webcast accompanied by presentation slides and archive of the conference call and webcast will be available by visiting the Company’s website at https://convergetp.com/investor-relations/.
About Converge
Converge Technology Solutions Corp. is a services-led, software-enabled, IT & Cloud Solutions provider focused on delivering industry-leading solutions. Converge’s global approach delivers advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), application modernization, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and digital workplace offerings to clients across various industries. The Company supports these solutions with advisory, implementation, and managed services expertise across all major IT vendors in the marketplace. This multi-faceted approach enables Converge to address the unique business and technology requirements for all clients in the public and private sectors. For more information, visit convergetp.com.
Summary of Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)
September 30,
2024
$
December 31,
2023
$
Assets
Current
Cash
180,464
170,419
Trade and other receivables
775,026
803,652
Inventories
71,753
73,166
Prepaid expenses and other assets
34,111
26,528
1,061,354
1,073,765
Non-current
Investment in associates
27,909
–
Unbilled receivables and other assets
202,290
64,158
Property, equipment and right-of-use assets, net
66,621
75,488
Intangible assets, net
272,646
375,181
Goodwill
385,022
564,770
Total assets
2,015,842
2,153,362
Liabilities
Current
Trade and other payables
976,301
853,655
Other financial liabilities
43,799
54,095
Deferred revenue
61,872
59,325
Borrowings
25,754
1,664
Income taxes payable
–
9,286
1,107,726
978,025
Non-current
Accrued liabilities and other payables
180,704
60,339
Other financial liabilities
41,955
57,668
Borrowings
282,589
378,007
Deferred tax liabilities
43,396
67,168
Total liabilities
1,656,370
1,541,207
Shareholders’ equity
Common shares
557,292
599,434
Contributed surplus
15,347
10,970
Accumulated other comprehensive income
13,009
3,963
Deficit
(226,176)
(28,167)
Total equity attributable to shareholders of Converge
359,472
586,200
Non-controlling interest (“NCI”)
–
25,955
359,472
612,155
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
2,015,842
2,153,362
Summary of Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue
Product
500,881
559,646
1,503,439
1,607,932
Service
129,809
150,460
407,864
446,185
Total revenue
630,690
710,106
1,911,303
2,054,117
Cost of sales
472,433
536,016
1,398,490
1,532,766
Gross profit
158,257
174,090
512,813
521,351
Selling, general and administrative expenses
129,042
134,935
400,878
403,667
Income before the following
29,215
39,155
111,935
117,684
Depreciation and amortization
19,961
29,456
69,382
82,239
Finance expense, net
7,126
10,867
22,881
30,870
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other
2,236
2,601
10,692
10,969
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
1,016
–
4,289
9,209
Share-based compensation
2,761
774
4,673
2,738
Other expense (income), net
865
(170)
1,120
(4,230)
Loss on loss of control of Portage
–
–
117
–
Loss from investment in associates
1,968
–
1,968
–
Impairment loss – Germany segment
–
–
176,124
–
Loss before income taxes
(6,718)
(4,373)
(179,311)
(14,111)
Income tax recovery
(3,409)
(1,057)
(7,499)
(2,937)
Net loss
(3,309)
(3,316)
(171,812)
(11,174)
Net loss attributable to:
Shareholders of Converge
(3,309)
(1,802)
(168,539)
(7,309)
Non-controlling interest
–
(1,514)
(3,273)
(3,865)
(3,309)
(3,316)
(171,812)
(11,174)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Item that may be reclassified subsequently to income (loss):
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
(2,988)
2,891
9,046
(10,661)
Comprehensive loss
(6,297)
(425)
(162,766)
(21,835)
Comprehensive loss attributable to:
Shareholders of Converge
(6,297)
1,089
(159,493)
(17,970)
Non-controlling interest
–
(1,514)
(3,273)
(3,865)
(6,297)
(425)
(162,766)
(21,835)
Adjusted EBITDA
32,114
41,258
119,430
123,789
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Gross profit
20.3 %
23.7 %
23.3 %
23.7 %
Summary of Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows
(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) (unaudited)
For the three months
ended September 30,
For the nine months
ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
(3,309)
(3,316)
(171,812)
(11,174)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operating activities
Depreciation and amortization
22,860
31,559
76,877
88,344
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)
650
–
880
(2,818)
Share-based compensation
2,761
774
4,673
2,738
Finance expense, net
7,126
10,867
22,881
30,870
(Loss) gain on sale of property and equipment
4
–
73
(598)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
1,016
–
4,289
9,209
Impairment loss – Germany segment
–
–
176,124
–
Loss on loss of control of Portage
–
–
117
–
Loss from investment in associates
1,968
–
1,968
–
Income tax recovery
(3,409)
(1,057)
(7,499)
(2,937)
29,667
38,827
108,571
113,634
Changes in non-cash working capital items
22,289
63,102
131,642
18,858
51,956
101,929
240,213
132,492
Income taxes paid
(3,097)
(5,987)
(27,805)
(17,433)
Cash from operating activities
48,859
95,942
212,408
115,059
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities
Purchase of (proceeds from) property, equipment and intangible assets
2,213
(1,593)
(1,648)
(5,041)
Payment of contingent consideration
–
(10,899)
(19,328)
(20,834)
Payment of deferred consideration
(508)
(14,095)
(12,375)
(43,815)
Payment of NCI liability
–
(973)
–
(30,967)
Cash from (used in) investing activities
1,705
(27,560)
(33,351)
(100,657)
Cash flows (used in) from financing activities
Transfers from restricted cash
–
(519)
–
2,068
Interest paid
(5,801)
(10,544)
(18,130)
(25,786)
Dividends paid
(2,922)
(2,047)
(7,925)
(4,114)
Payment of lease liabilities
(4,677)
(4,975)
(14,793)
(15,199)
Repurchase of common shares
(7,072)
(1,064)
(53,793)
(15,294)
Stock options exercised
–
–
875
–
Repayment of notes payable
–
(39)
(39)
(119)
Net repayment of borrowings
(23,874)
(21,977)
(78,346)
(10,593)
Cash used in financing activities
(44,346)
(41,165)
(172,151)
(69,037)
Net change in cash during the period
6,218
27,217
6,906
(54,635)
Effect of foreign exchange on cash
159
(439)
4,213
(34)
Cash derecongnized on loss of control of Portage
–
–
(1,074)
–
Cash, beginning of the period
174,087
78,443
170,419
159,890
Cash, end of the period
180,464
105,221
180,464
105,221
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This press release refers to certain performance indicators including Adjusted EBITDA, gross sales, gross sales organic growth, net debt, return of capital, leverage ratio, adjusted net income (“Adjusted Net Income”) and adjusted earnings per share (“Adjusted EPS”) that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes that these measures are useful to most shareholders, creditors, and other stakeholders in analyzing the Company’s operating results and can highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. The Company also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of issuers.
Management also uses non-IFRS measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess the ability to meet capital expenditure and working capital requirements. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to the consolidated income (loss) or any other measure of performance under IFRS. Investors are encouraged to review the Company’s financial statements and disclosures in their entirety, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on non-IFRS measures and view them in conjunction with the most comparable IFRS financial measures.
Please see “Non-IFRS Financial & Supplementary Financial Measures” and “Summary of Consolidated Financial Results” in the Company’s most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which is available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, for further details on certain non-IFRS measures, which information is incorporated by reference herein.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA represents net income or loss adjusted to exclude amortization, depreciation, net finance expense, foreign exchange gains and losses, other expenses and income, share-based compensation expense, income tax expense or recovery, change in fair value of contingent consideration, impairment loss, gain or loss on loss of control of subsidiary, income or loss from investment in associates and acquisition, integration, restructuring and other expenses. Acquisition and transaction related costs primarily consists of acquisition-related compensation tied to continued employment of pre-existing shareholders of the acquiree not included in the total purchase consideration and professional fees. Integration costs primarily consist of professional fees incurred related to integration of acquisitions completed. Restructuring costs mainly represent employee exit costs as a result of synergies created from acquisitions and organizational changes.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized, defined, or standardized measure under IFRS. The Company’s definition of Adjusted EBITDA will likely differ from that used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for or in isolation from measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The IFRS measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA presented in the Company’s financial statements is net (loss) income before taxes.
The Company has reconciled Adjusted EBITDA to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as follows:
For the three months
ended September 30,
For the nine months
ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net loss before taxes
(6,718)
(4,373)
(179,311)
(14,111)
Depreciation and amortization
19,961
29,456
69,382
82,239
Depreciation included in cost of sales
2,899
2,103
7,495
6,105
Finance expense, net
7,126
10,867
22,881
30,870
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other
2,236
2,601
10,692
10,969
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
1,016
–
4,289
9,209
Share-based compensation
2,761
774
4,673
2,738
Other expense (income), net
865
(170)
1,120
(4,230)
Loss on loss of control on Portage
–
–
117
–
Loss from investment in associates
1,968
–
1,968
–
Impairment loss – Germany segment
–
–
176,124
–
Adjusted EBITDA
32,114
41,258
119,430
123,789
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Gross Profit
The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA as a % of gross profit is a useful measure of the Company’s operating efficiency and profitability. This is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by gross profit.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS
Adjusted Net Income represents net income or loss adjusted to exclude acquisition, integration, restructuring and other expenses, change in fair value of contingent consideration, impairment loss, gain or loss on loss of control of subsidiary, income or loss from investment in associates, amortization of acquired intangible assets, unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss, and share-based compensation. The Company believes that Adjusted Net Income is a more useful measure than net income as it excludes the impact of one-time, non-cash and/or non-recurring items that are not reflective of Converge’s underlying business performance. Adjusted EPS is calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income by the total weighted average shares outstanding on a basic and diluted basis. The IFRS measure most directly comparable to Adjusted Net Income presented in the Company’s financial statements is net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share.
The Company has provided a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as follows:
For the three months
For the nine months
ended September 30,
ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net loss
(3,309)
(3,316)
(171,812)
(11,174)
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other
2,236
2,601
10,692
10,969
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
1,016
–
4,289
9,209
Amortization on intangibles
17,915
21,056
57,772
62,793
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
650
(493)
880
(4,348)
Share-based compensation
2,761
774
4,673
2,738
Loss on loss of control or Portage
–
–
117
–
Loss from investment in associates
1,968
–
1,968
–
Impairment loss- Germany segment
–
–
176,124
–
Adjusted Net Income
23,237
20,622
84,703
70,187
Adjusted EPS – Basic
0.12
0.10
0.42
0.34
Return of capital
The Company calculates return of capital to shareholders as the total of cash used in dividend payments and share repurchases.
Net Debt
The Company calculates net debt1 as current and non-current borrowings) less cash.
Leverage Ratio
The Company defines leverage ratio as net debt (current and non-current borrowings less cash) divided by trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA.
Gross sales and gross sales organic growth
Gross sales, which is a non-IFRS measure, reflects the gross amount billed to customers, adjusted for amounts deferred or accrued. The Company believes gross sales is a useful alternative financial metric to net revenue, the IFRS measure, as it better reflects volume fluctuations as compared to net revenue. Under the applicable IFRS 15 ‘principal vs agent’ guidance, the principal records revenue on a gross basis and the agent records commission on a net basis. In transactions where Converge is acting as an agent between the customer and the vendor, net revenue is calculated by reducing gross sales by the cost of sale amount.
The Company has provided a reconciliation of gross sales to revenue, which is the most comparable IFRS financial measure, as follows:
For the three months
For the nine months
ended September 30,
ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Product
668,057
721,871
2,086,201
2,027,198
Managed services and professional services
119,128
129,382
353,407
384,826
Maintenance, support and cloud solutions
157,821
185,507
575,054
547,234
Gross sales
945,006
1,036,760
3,014,662
2,959,258
Less: adjustment for sales transacted as agent
314,316
326,654
1,103,359
905,141
Revenue
630,690
710,106
1,911,303
2,054,117
Organic Growth
The Company measures organic growth at the gross sales and gross profit levels, and includes the contributions under Converge ownership in the current and comparative period(s). In calculating organic growth, the Company therefore deducts gross sales and gross profit generated from all corresponding prior comparable pre-acquisition period(s) from the current reporting period(s) included in the consolidated results.
Organic growth calculations for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2024, deduct gross sales and gross profits from Portage for the three months ended September 30, 2023 due to deconsolidation of Portage on June 27, 2024.
Gross sales organic growth is calculated by deducting prior period gross sales, from current period gross sales for the same portfolio of companies. Gross sales organic growth percentage is calculated by dividing organic growth by prior period reported gross sales.
For the three months
For the nine months
ended September 30,
ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Gross sales
945,006
1,036,760
3,014,662
2,959,258
Less: gross sales from companies not owned in comparative period
–
133,891
–
593,758
Gross sales of companies owned in comparative period
945,006
902,869
3,014,662
2,365,500
Less: prior period gross sales(i)
1,031,779
730,571
2,954,277
2,134,178
Organic Growth – $
(86,773)
172,298
60,385
231,322
Organic Growth – %
(8.4 %)
23.6 %
2.0 %
10.8 %
(i)
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, Portage prior period gross sales of $4,981 is excluded
Gross profit organic growth is calculated by deducting prior period gross profit, from current period gross profit for the same portfolio of companies. Gross profit organic growth percentage is calculated by dividing organic growth by prior period reported gross profit.
For the three months
For the nine months
ended September 30,
ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Gross profit
158,257
174,090
512,813
521,351
Less: gross profit from companies not owned in comparative period
–
20,375
–
104,212
Gross profit of companies owned in comparative period
158,257
153,715
512,813
417,139
Less: Prior period gross profit(ii)
170,639
139,654
517,900
381,851
Organic Growth – $
(12,382)
14,061
(5,087)
35,288
Organic Growth – %
(7.3 %)
10.1 %
(1.0 %)
9.2 %
(ii)
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, Portage prior period gross profits of $3,451 is excluded
________________________________
1 This is a Non-IFRS measure (including non-IFRS ratio) and not a recognized, defined or a standardized measure under IFRS. See the “Non- IFRS Financial Measures” section of this press release for definition, uses and a reconciliation of historical non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation regarding Converge and its business. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected” “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”. “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Specifically, statements regarding Converge’s forecast on revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA, expectations of future results, performance, prospects, the markets in which it operates or about any future intention with regard to its business and acquisition strategies are considered forward-looking information. The foregoing demonstrates Converge’s objectives, which are not forecasts or estimates of its financial position, but are based on the implementation of its strategic goals, growth prospects, and growth initiatives. The forward-looking information, including management’s assessments of, and outlook for, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA, are based on management’s opinions, estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) Converge’s results of operations will continue as expected, (ii) the Company will continue to effectively execute against its key strategic growth priorities, (iii) the Company will continue to retain and grow its existing customer base and market share, (iv) the Company will be able to take advantage of future prospects and opportunities, and realize on synergies, including with respect of acquisitions, (v) there will be no changes in legislative or regulatory matters that negatively impact the Company’s business, (vi) current tax laws will remain in effect and will not be materially changed, (vii) economic conditions will remain relatively stable throughout the period, (vii) the industries Converge operates in will continue to grow consistent with past experience, and (ix) those assumptions described under the heading “About Forward-Looking Information” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. While these opinions, estimates and assumptions are considered by the Company to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances as of the date of this press release, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.
The forward looking information, including the achievement of target revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA set out above, are subject to significant risks including, without limitation: that the Company will be unable to effectively execute against its key strategic growth priorities, including in respect of acquisitions; the Company will be unable to continue to retain and grow its existing customer base and market share; risks related to the Company’s business and financial position; that the Company may not be able to accurately predict its rate of growth and profitability; risks related to economic and political uncertainty; income tax related risks; and those risk factors discussed in greater detail under the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent annual information form and under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which are each available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Many of these risks are beyond the Company’s control.
If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.
Although the Company bases these forward-looking statements on assumptions that it believes are reasonable when made, the Company cautions investors that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that its actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which it operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results of developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.
There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the company’s expectations as of the date specified herein, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of those statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless specifically expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.
All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.
For further information contact: Converge Technology Solutions Corp., Email: investors@convergetp.com, Phone: 416-360-1495
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/converge-reports-third-quarter-2024-results-302302399.html
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Technology
Cheche Group Announces Extraordinary General Meeting
Published
15 seconds agoon
November 5, 2026By
BEIJING, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cheche Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CCG) (“Cheche” or the “Company”), China’s leading auto insurance technology platform, today announced that an extraordinary general meeting of the Company (the “Meeting”) will be held at 10 A.M. on November 25, 2026, Beijing time (9 P.M. on November 24, 2026, U.S. Eastern time) at 8/F, Desheng Hopson Fortune Plaza, 13-1 Deshengmenwai Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing 100088, China. The Company has established the close of business on November 5, 2026, Eastern time (the “Record Date”), as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. The purpose of the Meeting includes, among others:
(1) to approve by ordinary resolution the creation of a new class of ordinary shares of the Company designated as class C ordinary shares, each with a par value of US$0.00035 (the “Class C Ordinary Shares”), with the rights and restrictions set forth in the proposed third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company (the “New M&A”), including 300 votes per Class C Ordinary Share;
(2) to approve by ordinary resolution that the authorized share capital of the Company be amended:
(i) FROM: US$50,000 divided into 142,857,143 shares comprising (i) 114,285,714 class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each, and (ii) 28,571,429 class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each,
(ii) TO: US$50,000 divided into 142,857,143 shares comprising (i) 114,285,714 class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each; (ii) 18,571,429 class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each; and (iii) 10,000,000 class C ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00035 each;
(3) to approve by ordinary resolution that 10,000,000 authorized but unissued class B ordinary shares of the Company of a par value of US$0.00035 each be re-classified as 10,000,000 class C ordinary shares of the Company of a par value of US$0.00035 each with the rights attached to it in the New M&A; and
(4) to approve by special resolution the amendment and restatement of the Company’s second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association currently in effect (the “Current M&A”) be replaced in their entirety with the New M&A to provide for, among other things, the creation and rights of the Class C Ordinary Shares.
Copies of the notice of the Meeting and the form of proxy are available on the Company’s corporate investor relations website at https://ir.chechegroup.com/.
Safe Harbor Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding existing and new partnerships and customer relationships, projections, estimation, and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, the Company’s ability to scale and grow its business, the Company’s advantages and expected growth, and its ability to source and retain talent, as applicable. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the Company’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, the Company cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the views of the Company as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements.
About Cheche Group Inc.
Established in 2014 and headquartered in Beijing, China, Cheche is a leading auto insurance technology platform with a nationwide network of around 108 branches licensed to distribute insurance policies across 25 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. Capitalizing on its leading position in auto insurance transaction services, Cheche has evolved into a comprehensive, data-driven technology platform that offers a full suite of services and products for digital insurance transactions and insurance SaaS solutions in China. Learn more at https://www.chechegroup.com/en.
Cheche Group Inc.:
IR@chechegroup.com
Crocker Coulson
crocker.coulson@aumadvisors.com
(646) 652-7185
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cheche-group-announces-extraordinary-general-meeting-302930649.html
SOURCE Cheche Group Inc.
Technology
Hyperliquid Strategies Inc Reports Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2026
Published
19 seconds agoon
November 5, 2026By
NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyperliquid Strategies Inc (NASDAQ: PURR) (“HSI” or the “Company”), the premier digital asset treasury platform focused on the Hyperliquid ecosystem, today reported its financial and operational results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026.
“We deployed $802 million this quarter and filed an application to become a futures commission merchant,” said David Schamis, CEO of Hyperliquid Strategies Inc. “Those two moves are the same bet. Hyperliquid is winning the parts of onchain finance that generate real fees, and nearly all of that value flows back to HYPE holders through programmatic buybacks. Owning HYPE is how we aim to capture economics associated with the Hyperliquid protocol; setting up an FCM is how we intend to help bring markets deployed on Hyperliquid onshore.”
Key Highlights (as of or for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2026):
Raised $911 million in equity capital under our committed equity facility.Deployed $802 million; $785 million to acquire 9.1 million HYPE tokens, increasing the treasury from 29.3 million tokens at June 30, 2026 to 38.5 million tokens at September 30, 2026 and $17 million to repurchase 2.7 million PURR shares.Maintained strong balance sheet, with $254.6 million in cash and cash-like instruments and zero debt.Hyperliquid Strategies x Unit validator is now the largest non-Foundation validator on the network.
Hyperliquid Ecosystem Momentum1
Momentum continues to build around the adoption of the blockchain by the global financial system, with much of that momentum represented within the Hyperliquid ecosystem.
As Hyperliquid pursues its vision of becoming the infrastructure to house all of finance, the Hyperliquid protocol continues to generate an increasingly diversified stream of fees (with about $834 million in value accruing to the Hyperliquid ecosystem for the twelve months ended September 30, 2026), processing billions in daily trading volumes, with much of the value generated by the Hyperliquid ecosystem directly accruing to the HYPE token through programmatic HYPE token buybacks.
Hyperliquid recently announced its intention to add additional deployer functionalities under the name HIP-3*. These optional additional features would allow deployers to build and launch permissioned markets on Hyperliquid’s onchain infrastructure. Independent operators would run their own market in a compliant manner, while the chain underneath would stay a neutral infrastructure layer.
In support of these developments, a subsidiary of HSI has filed an application to become a futures commission merchant (“FCM”). Subject to regulatory approval, the FCM would carry US client accounts for permissioned markets deployed on Hyperliquid under HIP-3*, allowing HSI to play a role in bringing perpetual futures to US customers within a regulated framework. There can be no assurance as to the timing or outcome of the application or regulatory approval of permissioned HIP-3* markets.
HSI Financial Highlights for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2026:
Balance Sheet:Total assets of $3,764.3 million as of September 30, 2026, including $254.6 million in cash and cash-like instruments and $3,505.3 million in HYPE tokens (based on a September 30, 2026 HYPE price of $90.99 per HYPE token, representing approximately 38.52 million tokens held).Strong balance sheet with $3,403.0 million in stockholders’ equity and no debt.Income Statement (quarter ended September 30, 2026):$12.3 million in staking revenue and validator commissions from HYPE holdings.$1.0 million in interest income.$7.6 million in SG&A and R&D expenses.$620.6 million in net income.Net income primarily comprised of:$803.0 million in net unrealized gains on HYPE tokens.$15.3 million in primarily non-cash expense recognized in connection with the committed equity facility.$172.3 million in provision for income taxes.
Update on Treasury Strategy Progress (as of October 28, 2026):
Capital Deployment2:$1,583.2 million deployed to accumulate ~25.9 million HYPE tokens at an average cost of $61.13, bringing total HYPE token holdings (including staking and validator rewards earned) to 38.9 million at a blended cost of $56.35 per token.$27.9 million deployed to repurchase ~5.8 million PURR shares at an average cost of $4.81 per PURR share.Capital Raising:$1,578.4 million raised at an average issue price of $10.36 per PURR share under our committed equity facility.Cash balance:$245.3 million in remaining cash and cash-like instruments.
Webcast:
The Company will host an audio webcast with Q&A on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. ET, featuring CEO David Schamis and CFO Brett Beldner. Register in advance here: https://hyperliquid-strategies-earnings-call-q1-2027.open-exchange.net/registration.
Advance questions may be submitted to investors@hypestrat.xyz.
A replay will be available after the event at www.hypestrat.xyz.
About Hyperliquid Strategies Inc
Hyperliquid Strategies Inc (NASDAQ: PURR) is a digital asset treasury company whose primary focus is to maximize shareholder value through accumulating HYPE, the native token of Hyperliquid, a high-performance blockchain custom-built to house all of finance. HSI aims to provide capital-efficient and productive access to the HYPE token for U.S. and institutional investors, generating compounding shareholder returns that individual holders may not be able to replicate through staking, yield optimization, and active ecosystem engagement. HSI is currently the largest HYPE-focused digital asset treasury vehicle capitalizing on Hyperliquid’s rapid growth and providing exposure to one of the largest and fastest growing revenue pools in digital assets. For more information, please visit www.hypestrat.xyz.
Website Information:
The Hyperliquid Strategies Inc website (www.hypestrat.xyz) includes, among other information, a dedicated section tracking the Company’s “Adjusted Net Asset Value” (the Company’s stockholders’ equity adjusted for, among other things, movements in cash, the value of the HYPE token and the number of HYPE tokens held).
This section is updated regularly, enhancing transparency for the Company’s stockholders and aligning with HSI’s commitment to provide transparent, capital efficient and productive access to the HYPE token.
We use our website as a means of disclosing information that may be considered material, non-public information (including the information regarding our Adjusted Net Asset Value) and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website, in addition to following our press releases, Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts.
We may also use social media channels to communicate with our investors and the public about us and other matters, and those communications could be deemed to be material information. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website or social media channels is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements which are not historical facts, which are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include certain statements made with respect to the Company’s business, strategy and future plans, including plans to become a futures commission merchant, as well as certain statements regarding expected growth and developments with respect to Hyperliquid. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events or conditions that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; risks relating to HSI’s operations and business, including the highly volatile nature of the price of HYPE tokens; the risk that HSI’s stock price will be highly correlated to the price of HYPE tokens and the price of HYPE tokens may decrease; risks related to increased competition in the industries in which HSI operates; risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding HYPE tokens; risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; risks that HSI experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; challenges in implementing HSI’s business plan including HYPE token-related financial and advisory services, due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; and those factors discussed in the annual report on Form 10-K filed by HSI with the SEC on August 27, 2026, and in subsequent filings and reports made by HSI with the SEC from time to time. While HSI may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, HSI specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.
1 Information in this section is based on public information and has not been independently verified by HSI.
2 Capital raising and deployment cover the period from inception (December 2, 2025) until August 28, 2026.
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SOURCE Hyperliquid Strategies Inc
Technology
Rice breaks ground on the Arc in the Ion District, expanding Houston’s innovation ecosystem
Published
22 seconds agoon
November 5, 2026By
Nearly 200,000-square-foot research hub will connect Rice, industry and entrepreneurs to accelerate discovery, collaboration and commercialization
HOUSTON, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rice University broke ground on the Arc in the Ion District, a nearly 200,000-square-foot research, corporate innovation and office building designed to bring researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and top talent together to accelerate innovation and move ideas from discovery to real-world application.
Located in Houston’s Ion District powered by Rice, the Arc will feature seven floors of flexible, future-ready lab and office space for Rice and other organizations seeking proximity to leading research, highly skilled workers and Houston’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. Rice will be a lead tenant, occupying nearly 80,000 square feet, or about 40% of the building.
“The Arc is a significant investment in Rice’s future and in Houston’s continued growth as a center for innovation,” said Robert T. Ladd, chairman of the Rice Board of Trustees. “It will create new opportunities for industry leaders, researchers and students to work together on ideas with the potential for lasting impact.”
The Arc will share a plaza with the Ion building, extending the 12-block Ion District and placing researchers in close proximity to companies, startups, investors and entrepreneurs.
“The Arc will bring Rice’s extraordinary research and talent and Houston’s impactful innovation ecosystem into even closer connection with the industries and innovators working to solve some of the world’s most consequential challenges,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “That constant exchange of ideas and expertise will help move discoveries more rapidly from the laboratory to real-world impact.”
Built for advanced research and collaboration
The facility will offer flexible lab and office environments that can adapt to evolving research and business needs. Floor plates will range from 28,000 to 31,000 square feet, with 15-foot floor-to-floor heights and infrastructure capable of supporting advanced HVAC, high-capacity electrical and emergency power systems and core laboratory requirements.
The building will also include conference and meeting spaces, an amenity lounge, fitness center, outdoor plazas, underground parking, secure bike storage and on-site retail and dining — creating opportunities to build solutions in the lab, develop partnerships across the district and connect informally throughout the day. The project is designed to meet LEED Gold criteria and will incorporate smart-building and energy-saving features.
“We are creating more than a high-performance business and research building,” said Kelly Fox, Rice executive vice president for operations, finance and support. “The Arc is being designed as a destination where companies can access sophisticated infrastructure, connect with one another and build the relationships that lead to new ideas and opportunities.”
Work within the building will span areas including artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, robotics, quantum science and engineering, energy and more.
The groundbreaking event comes on the heels of the university’s recent announcement of a transformational universitywide AI initiative to recruit 75 faculty members working across disciplines and expand AI-related courses and degrees. The initiative is accelerating Rice’s emergence as a global leader in advanced computing and responsible AI.
“The closer researchers are to the people confronting real-world problems, the more opportunities there are to identify important questions, test ideas and improve solutions,” said David Sholl, Rice executive vice president for research. “The Arc gives us an environment built specifically for that kind of sustained collaboration.”
AI Foundry to call the Arc home
Rice’s new AI Foundry will be located inside the Arc, where faculty AI experts will have offices and work with industry partners to tackle complex challenges, rapidly develop practical solutions and help organizations build long-term AI capabilities.
The effort will address a growing challenge: AI is advancing faster than many traditional industry innovation models can adapt. Instead of relying on lengthy, linear development cycles, the Foundry will bring Rice experts and industry partners together to identify high-value opportunities, design and test solutions, deploy them in real-world settings and continually refine them based on results.
The Foundry is envisioned to support organizations through AI readiness assessments, feasibility studies, proofs of concept, deployment-ready solutions, executive education and customized workforce training.
“The AI Foundry is exactly the kind of collaboration the Arc is designed to enable,” said Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “By bringing Rice researchers together with industry partners in a shared environment, we can accelerate the movement of ideas from research into practical applications while helping organizations build the capabilities they need to succeed as AI continues to evolve.”
Responsible AI is a key catalyst in Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact, Rice’s strategic plan, which also calls for strategic faculty growth and specifically identifies cross-disciplinary cluster hiring as a way to build depth and breadth in areas vital to the university’s future. The institution’s four AI cluster areas are foundational AI; two applied areas including AI for health and AI for energy, the environment and resiliency; and responsible AI: society and ethics.
Building on the Ion’s momentum
The Arc will complement the Ion building, the namesake centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor and home to corporate and industry partners including Chevron, Microsoft, Aramco, ExxonMobil, Oxy, Shell, United, Transocean and Woodside Energy.
Co-working space in the Ion managed by Industrious is fully occupied, with more than 250 member companies. Activate, an organization that scientists and engineers become founders and move research toward commercialization, recently launched its third cohort of fellows. Twenty-five startups have participated in the program to date.
Companies based in the Ion, including Persona AI, CES Renewable, Greenflash Infrastructure and Cognite, also have experienced significant growth, reinforcing the building’s role as a home for emerging companies and technology-driven organizations. The Ion’s development also extends beyond offices and laboratories. MADabolic, a strength-training gym, recently opened in the building. Greentown Labs, Community Artists’ Collective and Pickle Lab are also among the organizations that call the district home.
Together, the Ion and the Arc are intended to create a more connected environment where researchers, entrepreneurs, established companies and the broader Houston community can work, meet and exchange ideas.
“Houston has an extraordinary concentration of industry expertise, capital, talent and entrepreneurial energy,” said Bobby Tudor, Rice alumnus and chairman of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative. “The Arc will help turn that concentration into action by creating more opportunities for breakthrough research to become technologies and companies.”
The project is being developed by Rice Real Estate Co. Construction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028. Preleasing opportunities are now open for companies and organizations interested in locating alongside Rice researchers and joining the broader Ion District ecosystem.
For more information, visit https://www.thearciondistrict.com/.
About Rice University
Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering and computing, humanities and arts, music, natural sciences and social sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy and Kinder Institute for Urban Research. Internationally, the university maintains the Rice Global Paris Center, a hub for innovative collaboration, research and inspired teaching located in the heart of Paris, and Rice Global India in Bengaluru, India. With 4,793 undergraduates and 4,185 graduate students, Rice’s undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked in the top 10 for best quality of life by the Princeton Review.
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SOURCE Rice University
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