Technology
Qualys Announces Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Revenue Growth of 8% Year-Over-Year
GAAP EPS: $1.17; Non-GAAP EPS: $1.52
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Qualys, Inc. (NASDAQ: QLYS), a leading provider of disruptive cloud-based IT, security and compliance solutions, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. For the quarter, the Company reported revenues of $148.7 million, net income under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) of $43.8 million, non-GAAP net income of $56.9 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $69.9 million, GAAP net income per diluted share of $1.17, and non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $1.52.
“We delivered a strong quarter of rapid innovation on the Qualys Enterprise TruRisk Platform, reflecting our ongoing commitment to extend our technology leadership and customer success,” said Sumedh Thakar, president and CEO of Qualys. “Our comprehensive multi-sensor architecture and rapid innovation engine underscore our growing thought leadership and the value proposition we deliver to customers seeking to transform, consolidate, and fortify their security posture. We believe Qualys has created strong competitive differentiation and is strategically well positioned as the foundational risk management platform for the future with multiple avenues to drive sustainable long-term growth.”
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
Revenues: Revenues for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 8% to $148.7 million compared to $137.2 million for the same quarter in 2023.
Gross Profit: GAAP gross profit for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 11% to $122.3 million compared to $110.5 million for the same quarter in 2023. GAAP gross margin was 82% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 81% for the same quarter in 2023. Non-GAAP gross profit for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 11% to $124.9 million compared to $113.0 million for the same quarter in 2023. Non-GAAP gross margin was 84% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 82% for the same quarter in 2023.
Operating Income: GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 12% to $48.1 million compared to $42.8 million for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, GAAP operating income was 32% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 31% for the same quarter in 2023. Non-GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 11% to $65.9 million compared to $59.6 million for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, non-GAAP operating income was 44% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 43% for the same quarter in 2023.
Net Income: GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 24% to $43.8 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, compared to $35.4 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, GAAP net income was 29% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 26% for the same quarter in 2023. Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2024 was $56.9 million, or $1.52 per diluted share, compared to $47.5 million, or $1.27 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, non-GAAP net income was 38% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 35% for the same quarter in 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 6% to $69.9 million compared to $65.8 million for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, Adjusted EBITDA was 47% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 48% for the same quarter in 2023.
Operating Cash Flow: Operating cash flow for the second quarter of 2024 decreased by 3% to $49.8 million compared to $51.5 million for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, operating cash flow was 34% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 38% for the same quarter in 2023.
Second Quarter 2024 Business Highlights
Reinforced Qualys’ commitment to the Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) channel by launching a new global MSSP portal to streamline partner operations with a single-user interface that helps accelerate client acquisition and growth.Delivered CyberSecurity Asset Management 3.0 with significant External Attack Surface Management (EASM) enhancements for an accurate, real-time view of asset inventory that reduces false positives.Qualys’ VMDR was named the best vulnerability management solution by the prestigious SC Awards Europe.Expanded our focus on the government sector by accelerating support for federal zero-trust strategies through automated asset visibility and attack surface risk management aligning with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) guidelines. Additionally, Qualys hosted more than 200 attendees at its first Public Sector Cyber Risk Conference in Washington, D.C., with notable speakers from the public sector.Introduced Qualys’ Containerized Scanner Appliance (QCSA) providing agility, flexibility, scalability, isolation, and standardization of Docker containers, an invaluable tool for modern IT environments.Expanded File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) to support network devices, providing customers with comprehensive tracking of file and folder changes, as well as critical file access. This includes real-time File Access Monitoring and Agentless FIM to help organizations achieve Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) 4.0 compliance.
Financial Performance Outlook
Based on information as of today, August 6, 2024, Qualys is issuing the following financial guidance for the third quarter and full year fiscal 2024. The Company emphasizes that the guidance is subject to various important cautionary factors referenced in the sections entitled “Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Third Quarter 2024 Guidance: Management expects revenues for the third quarter of 2024 to be in the range of $149.8 million to $151.8 million, representing 5% to 7% growth over the same quarter in 2023. GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $0.85 to $0.93, which assumes an effective income tax rate of 22%. Non-GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $1.28 to $1.36, which assumes a non-GAAP effective income tax rate of 21%. Third quarter 2024 net income per diluted share estimates are based on approximately 37.4 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the quarter.
Full Year 2024 Guidance: Management now expects revenues for the full year of 2024 to be in the range of $597.5 million to $601.5 million, representing 8% growth over 2023. This compares to the previous guidance range of $601.5 million to $608.5 million. GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $3.85 to $4.01, up from the previous guidance range of $3.26 to $3.50. This assumes an effective income tax rate of 21%. Non-GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $5.46 to $5.62, up from the previous guidance range of $5.06 to $5.30. This assumes a non-GAAP effective income tax rate of 21%. Full year 2024 net income per diluted share estimates are based on approximately 37.5 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding.
Qualys has not reconciled non-GAAP net income per diluted share guidance to GAAP net income per diluted share guidance because Qualys does not provide guidance on the various reconciling cash and non-cash items between GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income (i.e., stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions and non-recurring items). The actual dollar amount of reconciling items in the third quarter and full year 2024 is likely to have a significant impact on the Company’s GAAP net income per diluted share in the third quarter and full year 2024. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP net income per diluted share guidance to the GAAP net income per diluted share guidance is not available without unreasonable effort.
Investor Conference Call
Qualys will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its second quarter financial results at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. To access the conference call by phone, please register here. A live webcast of the earnings conference call, investor presentation and prepared remarks can be accessed at https://investor.qualys.com/events-presentations. A replay of the conference call will be available through the same webcast link following the end of the call.
Investor Contact
Blair King
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development
(650) 538-2088
ir@qualys.com
About Qualys
Qualys, Inc. (NASDAQ: QLYS) is a leading provider of disruptive cloud-based Security, Compliance and IT solutions with more than 10,000 subscription customers worldwide, including a majority of the Forbes Global 100 and Fortune 100. Qualys helps organizations streamline and consolidate their security and compliance solutions onto a single platform for greater agility, better business outcomes, and substantial cost savings.
The Qualys Enterprise TruRisk Platform leverages a single agent to continuously deliver critical security intelligence while enabling enterprises to automate the full spectrum of vulnerability detection, compliance, and protection for IT systems, workloads and web applications across on premises, endpoints, servers, public and private clouds, containers, and mobile devices. Founded in 1999 as one of the first SaaS security companies, Qualys has strategic partnerships and seamlessly integrates its vulnerability management capabilities into security offerings from cloud service providers, including Amazon Web Services, the Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure, along with a number of leading managed service providers and global consulting organizations. For more information, please visit www.qualys.com.
Qualys, Qualys VMDR® and the Qualys logo are proprietary trademarks of Qualys, Inc. All other products or names may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, quotations of management and statements related to: the benefits of our existing, new and upcoming products, features, integrations, acquisitions, collaborations and joint solutions, and their impact upon our long-term growth; our ability to advance our value proposition and competitive differentiation in the market; our ability to address demand trends; our ability to maintain and strengthen our category leadership; our ability to solve modern security challenges at scale; our strategies and ability to achieve and maintain durable profitable growth; our guidance for revenues, GAAP EPS and non-GAAP EPS for the third quarter and full year 2024; and our expectations for the number of weighted average diluted shares outstanding and the GAAP and non-GAAP effective income tax rate for the third quarter and full year 2024. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include our ability to continue to develop platform capabilities and solutions; the ability of our platform and solutions to perform as intended; customer acceptance and purchase of our existing solutions and new solutions; real or perceived defects, errors or vulnerabilities in our products or services; our ability to retain existing customers and generate new customers; the budgeting cycles and seasonal buying patterns of our customers; general market, political, economic and business conditions in the United States as well as globally; our ability to manage costs as we increase our customer base and the number of our platform solutions; the market for cloud solutions for IT security and compliance not increasing at the rate we expect; competition from other products and services; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; unexpected fluctuations in our effective income tax rate on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis; our ability to effectively manage our rapid growth and our ability to anticipate future market needs and opportunities; and any unanticipated accounting charges. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Qualys as of the date hereof, and Qualys disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with GAAP, Qualys provides investors with certain non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA (defined as earnings before interest expense, interest income and other income (expense), net, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation) and non-GAAP free cash flows (defined as cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from disposal).
In computing non-GAAP financial measures, Qualys excludes the effects of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions, non-recurring items and for non-GAAP net income, certain tax effects. Qualys believes that these non-GAAP financial measures help illustrate underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be masked by the effect of the income or expenses that are excluded in non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flows.
Furthermore, Qualys uses some of these non-GAAP financial measures to establish budgets and operational goals for managing its business and evaluating its performance. Qualys believes that non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flows provide additional tools for investors to use in comparing its recurring core business operating results over multiple periods with other companies in its industry.
Although Qualys does not focus on or use quarterly billings in managing or monitoring the performance of its business, Qualys provides calculated current billings (defined as total revenues recognized in a period plus the sequential change in current deferred revenue in the corresponding period) for the convenience of investors and analysts in building their own financial models.
In order to provide a more complete picture of recurring core operating business results, the Company’s non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share include adjustments for non-recurring income tax items and certain tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments to achieve the effective income tax rate on a non-GAAP basis. The Company’s non-GAAP effective tax rate may differ from the GAAP effective income tax rate as a result of these income tax adjustments. The Company believes its estimated non-GAAP effective income tax rate of 21% in 2024 is a reasonable estimate under its current global operating structure and core business operations. The Company may adjust this rate during the year to take into account events or trends that it believes materially impact the estimated annual rate. The non-GAAP effective income tax rate could be subject to change for a number of reasons, including but not limited to, significant changes resulting from tax legislation, material changes in geographic mix of revenues and expenses and other significant events.
The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this press release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included with the financial statements contained in this press release. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP information in evaluating and operating its business internally and as such has determined that it is important to provide this information to investors.
Qualys, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenues
$ 148,708
$ 137,209
$ 294,513
$ 267,892
Cost of revenues (1)
26,415
26,662
53,613
53,616
Gross profit
122,293
110,547
240,900
214,276
Operating expenses:
Research and development (1)
27,119
27,424
54,649
55,219
Sales and marketing (1)
32,146
26,241
61,554
51,869
General and administrative (1)
14,960
14,055
31,868
29,183
Total operating expenses
74,225
67,720
148,071
136,271
Income from operations
48,068
42,827
92,829
78,005
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income
6,703
3,809
12,826
6,206
Other expense, net
(587)
(959)
(1,986)
(1,175)
Total other income, net
6,116
2,850
10,840
5,031
Income before income taxes
54,184
45,677
103,669
83,036
Income tax provision
10,412
10,295
20,166
18,549
Net income
$ 43,772
$ 35,382
$ 83,503
$ 64,487
Net income per share:
Basic
$ 1.19
$ 0.96
$ 2.26
$ 1.75
Diluted
$ 1.17
$ 0.95
$ 2.22
$ 1.72
Weighted average shares used in computing net income per share:
Basic
36,915
36,842
36,935
36,954
Diluted
37,464
37,435
37,594
37,551
(1) Includes stock-based compensation as follows:
Cost of revenues
$ 1,866
$ 1,717
$ 3,886
$ 3,309
Research and development
5,160
5,103
10,463
10,063
Sales and marketing
3,632
2,897
7,371
5,351
General and administrative
6,428
6,288
14,397
13,315
Total stock-based compensation, net of
amounts capitalized
$ 17,086
$ 16,005
$ 36,117
$ 32,038
Qualys, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 281,205
$ 203,665
Restricted cash
—
1,500
Short-term marketable securities
112,004
221,893
Accounts receivable, net
109,584
146,226
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
31,266
26,714
Total current assets
534,059
599,998
Long-term marketable securities
162,058
56,644
Property and equipment, net
27,758
32,599
Operating leases – right of use asset
44,100
22,391
Deferred tax assets, net
70,433
62,761
Intangible assets, net
8,172
9,715
Goodwill
7,447
7,447
Noncurrent restricted cash
1,200
1,200
Other noncurrent assets
21,373
19,863
Total assets
$ 876,600
$ 812,618
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 1,277
$ 988
Accrued liabilities
36,095
43,096
Deferred revenues, current
324,334
333,267
Operating lease liabilities, current
10,123
11,857
Total current liabilities
371,829
389,208
Deferred revenues, noncurrent
28,812
31,671
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent
40,437
16,885
Other noncurrent liabilities
7,727
6,680
Total liabilities
448,805
444,444
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock
37
37
Additional paid-in capital
623,939
597,921
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(534)
(1,704)
Accumulated deficit
(195,647)
(228,080)
Total stockholders’ equity
427,795
368,174
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 876,600
$ 812,618
Qualys, Inc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income
$ 83,503
$ 64,487
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense
10,019
14,446
Provision for credit losses
277
160
Loss on non-marketable securities
—
533
Stock-based compensation, net of amounts capitalized
36,117
32,038
Accretion of discount on marketable securities, net
(3,520)
(1,412)
Deferred income taxes
(8,165)
(9,122)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
36,365
(3,277)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(4,489)
(7,450)
Accounts payable
229
(813)
Accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities
(3,215)
8,736
Deferred revenues
(11,792)
20,002
Net cash provided by operating activities
135,329
118,328
Cash flow from investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities
(191,812)
(159,392)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities
198,250
167,120
Purchases of property and equipment
(3,077)
(5,455)
Net cash provided by investing activities
3,361
2,273
Cash flow from financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock
(53,017)
(108,817)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
5,970
7,148
Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards
(17,711)
(9,494)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock through employee stock purchase plan
3,608
2,988
Payment of acquisition-related holdback
(1,500)
—
Net cash used in financing activities
(62,650)
(108,175)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
76,040
12,426
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
206,365
176,419
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$ 282,405
$ 188,845
Qualys, Inc.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES
ADJUSTED EBITDA
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income
$ 43,772
$ 35,382
$ 83,503
$ 64,487
Net income as a percentage of revenues
29 %
26 %
28 %
24 %
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
4,009
6,230
8,476
12,902
Amortization of intangible assets
771
772
1,543
1,544
Income tax provision
10,412
10,295
20,166
18,549
Stock-based compensation
17,086
16,005
36,117
32,038
Total other income, net
(6,116)
(2,850)
(10,840)
(5,031)
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 69,934
$ 65,834
$ 138,965
$ 124,489
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues
47 %
48 %
47 %
46 %
Qualys, Inc.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
GAAP Cost of revenues
$ 26,415
$ 26,662
$ 53,613
$ 53,616
Less: Stock-based compensation
(1,866)
(1,717)
(3,886)
(3,309)
Less: Amortization of intangible assets
(746)
(747)
(1,493)
(1,494)
Non-GAAP Cost of revenues
$ 23,803
$ 24,198
$ 48,234
$ 48,813
GAAP Gross profit
$ 122,293
$ 110,547
$ 240,900
$ 214,276
Plus: Stock-based compensation
1,866
1,717
3,886
3,309
Plus: Amortization of intangible assets
746
747
1,493
1,494
Non-GAAP Gross Profit
$ 124,905
$ 113,011
$ 246,279
$ 219,079
GAAP Research and development
$ 27,119
$ 27,424
$ 54,649
$ 55,219
Less: Stock-based compensation
(5,160)
(5,103)
(10,463)
(10,063)
Less: Amortization of intangible assets
(25)
(25)
(50)
(50)
Non-GAAP Research and development
$ 21,934
$ 22,296
$ 44,136
$ 45,106
GAAP Sales and marketing
$ 32,146
$ 26,241
$ 61,554
$ 51,869
Less: Stock-based compensation
(3,632)
(2,897)
(7,371)
(5,351)
Non-GAAP Sales and marketing
$ 28,514
$ 23,344
$ 54,183
$ 46,518
GAAP General and administrative
$ 14,960
$ 14,055
$ 31,868
$ 29,183
Less: Stock-based compensation
(6,428)
(6,288)
(14,397)
(13,315)
Non-GAAP General and administrative
$ 8,532
$ 7,767
$ 17,471
$ 15,868
GAAP Operating expenses
$ 74,225
$ 67,720
$ 148,071
$ 136,271
Less: Stock-based compensation
(15,220)
(14,288)
(32,231)
(28,729)
Less: Amortization of intangible assets
(25)
(25)
(50)
(50)
Non-GAAP Operating expenses
$ 58,980
$ 53,407
$ 115,790
$ 107,492
GAAP Income from operations
$ 48,068
$ 42,827
$ 92,829
$ 78,005
Plus: Stock-based compensation
17,086
16,005
36,117
32,038
Plus: Amortization of intangible assets
771
772
1,543
1,544
Non-GAAP Income from operations
$ 65,925
$ 59,604
$ 130,489
$ 111,587
GAAP Net income
$ 43,772
$ 35,382
$ 83,503
$ 64,487
Plus: Stock-based compensation
17,086
16,005
36,117
32,038
Plus: Amortization of intangible assets
771
772
1,543
1,544
Less: Tax adjustment
(4,717)
(4,704)
(9,513)
(9,440)
Non-GAAP Net income
$ 56,912
$ 47,455
$ 111,650
$ 88,629
GAAP Net income per share:
Basic
$ 1.19
$ 0.96
$ 2.26
$ 1.75
Diluted
$ 1.17
$ 0.95
$ 2.22
$ 1.72
Non-GAAP Net income per share:
Basic
$ 1.54
$ 1.29
$ 3.02
$ 2.40
Diluted
$ 1.52
$ 1.27
$ 2.97
$ 2.36
Weighted average shares used in GAAP and non-GAAP net income per share:
Basic
36,915
36,842
36,935
36,954
Diluted
37,464
37,435
37,594
37,551
Qualys, Inc.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES
FREE CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
GAAP Cash flows provided by operating activities
$ 135,329
$ 118,328
Less:
Purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from disposal
(3,077)
(5,455)
Non-GAAP Free cash flows
$ 132,252
$ 112,873
Qualys, Inc.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES
CALCULATED CURRENT BILLINGS
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
GAAP Revenue
$ 148,708
$ 137,209
GAAP Revenue growth compared to same quarter of prior year
8 %
14 %
Plus: Current deferred revenue at June 30
324,334
302,446
Less: Current deferred revenue at March 31
(332,128)
(296,516)
Non-GAAP Calculated current billings
$ 140,914
$ 143,139
Calculated current billings growth compared to same quarter of prior year
(2 %)
11 %
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qualys-announces-second-quarter-2024-financial-results-302214920.html
SOURCE Qualys, Inc.
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Founded in 2012, the certified women-owned San Diego firm has grown from a boutique agency into one of the region’s leading public relations and government affairs firms. Intesa has doubled its team over the past two years, sustained three consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth and expanded its client portfolio by 26% last year. Intesa provides public relations, strategic communications, and government affairs services for a wide range of organizations, including San Diego State University, SeaWorld San Diego, Expedia Group, H.G. Fenton Company, San Diego Foundation, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and SBCS.
“This award belongs to every member of our team and to the clients who trust us with their most valuable asset: their reputation,” said Margie Newman Tsay, founding partner of Intesa Communications Group. “Our clients stay with us for years because we show up prepared, fully invested and ready for the moments that matter most. Being recognized for putting customers first is the highest compliment our business community can pay us.”
Intesa’s client-first approach has produced measurable results across public relations and government affairs efforts throughout the region. For example, in its first month working with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the firm helped reimagine the organization’s summer food drive messaging, generating more than 15 million impressions and helping deliver 489,026 pounds of food and $344,505 in donations — the equivalent of more than one million meals and a 175% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Logan Heights Community Development Corporation credits the firm with an 81:1 return on investment after Intesa parachuted in to help the nonprofit promote the California Mortgage Relief Program.
“Small businesses are the heart of our economy: fueling innovation, creating jobs and defining the character of communities across the San Diego region,” said Chris Cate, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We celebrate the resilience, ingenuity and community impact of our small business leaders. They are the very spirit behind our purpose to champion business and empower leaders.”
The Chamber award is as much a reflection of Intesa’s clients as it is the firm itself. The opportunity to partner with organizations doing meaningful work across the region is what makes recognition like this possible. True to form, the Intesa team plans to mark the win by thanking the clients behind the work.
“We call ourselves dot connectors, and this award is what that looks like in practice,” said Maddy Kilkenny, partner at Intesa Communications Group, who leads the firm’s government affairs practice. “Whether our team of 10 people is helping a client navigate a policy decision at City Hall or a story on the front page of the newspaper, we aim to leave them stronger and more confident than before. Hearing our clients say we deliver on that is the best win of all.”
According to the Chamber’s award requirements, businesses with 100 or fewer employees were eligible for nomination. They were voted on by a panel of chamber members, who reviewed the nominations and selected the winners of all four categories.
The recognition adds to more than 60 awards Intesa has earned for excellence in public relations, strategic communications, and public affairs, including honors from PR News, the Public Relations Society of America, PR Daily, the International Association of Business Communicators, the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ), MARCOM, and the American Marketing Association, among others. It also comes on the heels of two Intesa team members, Emily Alvarenga and Margaret Lutz Chantung, recently receiving SDBJ’s “40 Under 40” and “Indispensable” awards, respectively.
For more information about Intesa Communications Group, visit www.intesacom.com.
About Intesa Communications Group
Intesa Communications Group is a certified women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm that helps leaders communicate and advocate with confidence. Since 2012, Intesa has partnered with the region’s trusted leaders and organizations, providing strategic communications and public affairs counsel on high-stakes issues at the intersection of reputation, policy and public perception. The firm’s work has earned more than 60 industry awards across 53 recognized client campaigns, including the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce “Customers First” 2026 award. Learn more at www.intesacom.com.
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SOURCE Intesa Communications Group
Technology
The Inner Circle acknowledges Shankari Thiagarajan as Pinnacle Professional of The Year
Published
32 minutes agoon
July 21, 2026By
HOUSTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Shankari Thiagarajan is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional of The Year for her contributions to Information Technology and Agile Delivery.
Shankari Thiagarajan has established a distinguished career in information technology project and program management, recognized for her expertise in agile delivery, digital transformation, and cross functional leadership across multiple industries. Currently serving as project manager and scrum master at Astellas Pharma Inc., she oversees agile delivery initiatives supporting global life science programs.
With more than 15 years of experience spanning technology and pharmaceutical sectors, Ms. Thiagarajan has developed a reputation for leading complex implementations and driving operational efficiency. Her expertise includes agile methodologies, project and delivery management, product ownership, healthcare IT, telecom and network optimization, financial services modernization, retail technology upgrades, and GIS and digital mapping solutions.
Ms. Thiagarajan earned a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Campbellsville University, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Virginia Tech, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering Hyderabad.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to major organizations across a wide range of industries. Her accomplishments include leading agile transformations at Cigna, overseeing retail technology upgrades at Walmart, managing large scale telecom transformation initiatives at T Mobile and Verizon, and modernizing financial platforms at Security Finance. She also contributed to the early development of Google Maps during her tenure at Google India, advancing to team lead within a year.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Ms. Thiagarajan is the creator of the YouTube channel My Experiments with Life – #Positivity #Learning, launched in 2023. Through this platform, she shares motivational content and insights focused on personal growth, technology, spirituality, and lifelong learning.
Her professional accomplishments have been recognized through honors including Marquis Who’s Who 2026, a featured podcast interview with Jim Masters on Close Up TV hosted across Apple Radio, Spotify, and iHeart., recognition in The National Law Review & EIN Presswire, and a certificate of appreciation from Virginia Tech for academic excellence and community involvement.
Outside of her professional work, Ms. Thiagarajan enjoys creating motivational YouTube content, exploring technology and spirituality, listening to contemporary music, and pursuing philanthropic and educational interests. She credits her strong work ethic and determination to the example set by her parents.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue advancing her leadership capabilities and pursue executive level opportunities that allow her to make significant contributions within the information technology sector.
Guided by a philosophy rooted in courage, persistence, and continuous learning, Ms. Thiagarajan remains committed to professional growth while inspiring others to pursue excellence and self-improvement.
Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com
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SOURCE The Inner Circle
Technology
University of Phoenix Leaders Present at Building Blackboard Together 2026
Published
32 minutes agoon
July 21, 2026By
Presentations explored learning technology, accessibility and online pedagogy as higher education adapts to an AI-enabled future
PHOENIX, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix leaders shared insights on artificial intelligence, accessibility, online learning and student support at Building Blackboard Together 2026, Blackboard’s flagship user conference, held July 13-15 in Dallas, Texas. The conference brought together educators, institutional leaders and industry experts to explore innovations, technologies and emerging practices shaping the future of teaching and learning.
Representing University of Phoenix were Marc Booker, Ph.D., vice provost of strategy; Kelly Hermann, vice president of Accessibility and Student Affairs; and Erin Amsden, group product manager. Through presentations and panel discussions, the leaders shared perspectives on responsible AI adoption, accessibility leadership, student engagement and the evolving role of learning technologies in supporting institutional goals and student success.
“Building Blackboard Together provides an opportunity to engage with peers across higher education who are navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges around technology, accessibility and learning mobility,” said Dr. Booker. “These conversations help advance practical approaches for supporting learners while thoughtfully integrating innovation into the educational experience.”
During the conference, University of Phoenix was also recognized with the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, which honors institutions advancing responsible, transparent and inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence that promote trust and equitable outcomes for learners and educators. The recognition follows the University’s ongoing efforts to support AI literacy, responsible use and AI-enabled learning experiences.
Exploring the Expanding Role of the Learning Management System
As part of the Strategic Leadership Summit, Booker served as a panelist for “The LMS as Mission-Critical: Connecting Learning, Experience & Evidence.” The session examined how learning management systems are evolving beyond course management to support learning, engagement and institutional insight across the student lifecycle.
Panelists discussed how institutions are leveraging learning technologies alongside student information systems to support teaching and learning, advising, co-curricular engagement and data-informed decision-making while addressing increasing expectations surrounding artificial intelligence, student success and accountability.
Sharing Lessons from AI-Powered Student Support
Booker also presented “Scaling AI-Powered Support Across the Student Experience at University of Phoenix,” a session focused on the University’s process for expanding its AI support assistant across the online classroom environment, moving from proof of concept to full-scale deployment over a six-month period.
In addition, Booker participated in “Online Pedagogy to Drive Institutional Growth: Best Practices and Success Stories,” a panel discussion exploring how institutions are designing engaging online learning experiences and leveraging Blackboard technologies to support quality course delivery and student engagement.
Advancing Accessibility Leadership
Hermann joined the session “Communicating Up: Turning Accessibility Work into Leadership-Ready Stories.” The presentation focused on strategies for translating accessibility initiatives into narratives, evidence and visualizations that resonate with institutional leaders.
The discussion explored ways to connect accessibility efforts to broader institutional priorities, demonstrate impact through data and support informed decision-making that advances accessibility and learner success.
Examining Emerging Challenges in Artificial Intelligence
Amsden served as a panelist for “Agentic AI in Pedagogy: Threats and Opportunities.” The session addressed the growing influence of agentic AI and its implications for academic integrity, assessment design and learner engagement.
Panelists explored how technology, pedagogy and security practices can work together to promote authentic student work while helping institutions balance innovation with responsible AI implementation.
Contributing to the Future of Teaching and Learning
Amsden, Booker and Hermann are key members of University of Phoenix’s dynamic leadership team, frequently invited to share their expertise at prestigious national conferences and events. In 2026, University leaders will participate in the ASU + GSV Summit, 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, SXSW EDU Conference, and PESC Data Summit. These engagements underscore the University’s commitment to innovation and thought leadership in higher education, providing valuable insights and fostering collaborations that drive the future of learning.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
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SOURCE University of Phoenix
Intesa Communications Group Named ‘Customers First’ Winner in San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Business Awards
The Inner Circle acknowledges Shankari Thiagarajan as Pinnacle Professional of The Year
University of Phoenix Leaders Present at Building Blackboard Together 2026
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