Artificial Intelligence
Securitas AB Interim Report Q1 2024 January-March
STOCKHOLM, May 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —
January–March 2024
Total sales MSEK 39 260 (37 751)Organic sales growth 7 percent (12)Real sales growth within technology and solutions 7 percent (77)Operating income before amortization MSEK 2 357 (2 180)Operating margin 6.0 percent (5.8)Earnings per share SEK 1.84 (1.66)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 2.12 (2.03)Net debt/EBITDA ratio 2.9 (3.3*)Cash flow from operating activities –15 percent (9)*The comparative is adjusted and includes STANLEY Security’s 12 months adjusted estimated EBITDA.
Comments from the President and CEO
“Continued operating margin improvement in line with strategy”
The operating margin improvement continued in the first quarter to 6.0 percent (5.8), driven by a strong performance in our North American operations. Ibero-America also developed well, while Europe was weak primarily due to challenges within the airport security business. The Group’s operating margin improved both in security services and in technology and solutions.
Organic sales growth was 7 percent. Real sales growth in our technology and solutions business was also 7 percent in the first quarter, negatively impacted by the divestment of Securitas Argentina in July 2023.
The integration of STANLEY Security continued to progress, realizing further cost synergies although these were partly offset by operational cost increases from the ongoing system and support transitions that are progressing according to plan. Our combined offering is gaining increased interest and appreciation from both existing and new clients, which presents good opportunities for deeper client partnerships and commercial synergies in our business.
The first quarter is our weakest cash flow quarter due to seasonality. As expected, the operating cash flow was lower than last year due to the strong net working capital position at year-end 2023, and as the quarter ended with the Easter holiday impacting collections. We remain with strong cash flow focus across the organization to ensure a strong 2024 outcome.
SHAPING SECURITAS FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE SHAREHOLDER VALUE
The overall message at our recent Investor Day in March was how we shape Securitas for long-term sustainable shareholder value. The core to that execution is operational value creation through growth in technology and solutions, security services portfolio profitability, cost efficiency and digital innovation.
We have invested substantially in our technology capabilities and in the transformation programs in the past few years to support the value creation, and we will continue to invest in a balanced way to ensure that our business has the capability to execute on the strategy. Another part of our strategy execution is to continuously assess our business mix and presence to further sharpen our performance and competitive position.
I have met with a number of local and global clients in the US, Asia and Europe during the last few months and have received very positive feedback on the new Securitas we are creating. The clients are looking for a security partner with strong presence, technology and data capabilities. In addition to recent contract wins, the pipeline of commercial opportunities is very promising. We are piloting a new integrated Technology and Guarding services concept for broader roll-out together with one global client.
The strategic transformation of Securitas is on the right path and we are committed to achieve our target of 8 percent operating margin by the end of 2025. With our strong offering we will solidify our position as the leading security solutions company.
Magnus AhlqvistPresident and CEO
PRESENTATION OF THE INTERIM REPORT
Analysts and media are invited to participate in a telephone conference on May 8, 2024, at 9.30 a.m. (CEST) where President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist and CFO Andreas Lindback will present the report and answer questions. The telephone conference will also be audio cast live via Securitas’ website www.securitas.com.
To follow the audio cast of the telephone conference via the web, please follow the link www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/
A recorded version of the audio cast will be available at www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/ after the telephone conference.
For further information, please contact:Micaela Sjökvist, Vice President, Investor Relations +46 76 116 7443
ABOUT SECURITAS
Securitas is a world-leading safety and security solutions partner that helps make your world a safer place. Almost nine decades of deep experience means we see what others miss. By leveraging technology in partnership with our clients, combined with an innovative, holistic approach, we’re transforming the security industry. With approximately 341 000 employees in 44 markets, we see a different world and create sustainable value for our clients by protecting what matters most – their people and assets.
Group financial targets
Securitas has four financial targets:
8–10 percent technology and solutions annual average real sales growth8 percent Group operating margin by year-end 2025, with a >10 percent long-term operating margin ambitionA net debt to EBITDA ratio below 3.0xAn operating cash flow of 70–80 percent of operating income before amortizationSecuritas AB (publ.)P.O. Box 12307, SE-102 28 Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting address:Lindhagensplan 70Telephone: +46 10 470 30 00 Corporate registration number: 556302–7241www.securitas.com
This is information that Securitas AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 8.00 a.m. (CEST) on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
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Artificial Intelligence
Global Health Exhibition Announces Opportunity for Healthcare Startups to secure over 100,000 SAR in Vision NextGen Competition Designed to Fast-Track Health Innovations
Healthcare innovators developing novel medical advancements via their own business invited to compete for a prize fund exceeding 100,000 Saudi Riyal (SAR) to further product development, to be awarded at Global Health Exhibition 2024 in Malham, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s most highly-attended healthcare eventsShortlisted startup businesses will present live to an expert judging panel including Dr Mohammed Alhamali, Chief Innovation Officer at Seha Virtual Hospital, Saudi Arabia Ministry of HealthEmerging businesses competing at the event will also meet and interact with the world’s leading minds in healthcare transformation including healthcare AI innovatorsThere is still time to apply – startups may complete a short online application by Monday 16 September 2024MALHAM, Saudi Arabia and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The organizers of the October 2024 Global Health Exhibition taking place in Malham, Riyadh, today announced a 100,000 Saudi Riyal prize for the winner of the October 2024 event’s Vision NextGen competition.
The competition, which seeks to support the development of novel medical products, systems and treatments across multiple healthcare sectors, is supported by leading young business publication Startups Magazine. It is open to emergent healthcare companies which have been in operation for less than five years and have fewer than 25 employees. The winning business’ prize can be utilised to further advance product development in the interests of patients.
Closely aligned with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare objectives including crisis response and health security, technological and digital transformation, public health and disease prevention and health innovation, Vision NextGen judges anticipate high demand to join a shortlist of 30 companies from an anticipated longlist of over 150 businesses. Six finalists drawn from the shortlist will present to the competition’s expert judging panel live at the Exhibition on 23 October 2024. The judges include:
Reenita Das, Partner and SVP, Frost & SullivanAhmed Abdulwahab, Founder, CEO and Chief Innovation Officer, Next ArabiaPilar Fernandez Hermida, Founder and MD, i-ExpandKristina Podnar, Digital Policy Consultant, Native Trust ConsultingDr Mohammad Alhamali, Chairman of the National Innovation and Regulatory Sandbox, Chief Innovation Officer at Seha Virtual Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia”Healthcare transformation often starts with small, innovative ideas and the Vision NextGen competition is here to nurture those with the potential to significantly impact patient care,” said Reenita Das, Partner and SVP at Frost & Sullivan and Vision NextGen judge.
“We are looking for trailblazers who are tackling global healthcare challenges through novel therapeutics, digital health, virtual care delivery, or the automation of health services. Participants will not only have the chance to present their innovations to some of the world’s leading health experts but also benefit from the extensive networking and learning opportunities at the Global Health Exhibition.”
To apply, startups which meet the competition’s criteria have a final opportunity before 16 September 2024 to complete a short initial application online at: Vision NextGen – The Start-up Competition (globalhealthsaudi.com). Shortlisted companies will be notified ahead of the Exhibition and will be invited to compete for a finalist place on 21 October.
“Innovation in healthcare goes beyond just technology; it’s about understanding and addressing the deeper, often unspoken, needs of people. At Labayh, we’re committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent access to mental health care, ensuring that every individual feels supported and heard,” said Basim Albeladi, CEO of workplace mental health specialist Labayh. “Through initiatives like the Vision NextGen competition, we seek to empower those who are driving meaningful change in the healthcare landscape.”
Registration information alongside the newly-published event program for Global Health Exhibition 2024 can be found at the following link: Global Health Exhibition (globalhealthsaudi.com)
“Global Health Exhibition offers healthcare innovators and startups incredible opportunities to meet with major international and local investors and leaders in the healthcare sector,” said Rachel Sturgess, Group Director, Tahaluf, the event’s organizer.
“The Vision NextGen competition is seeking true change-makers who are actively addressing the most pressing challenges in global healthcare and bring a passion for transforming the lives of patients across a wide range of medical specialities.”
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Artificial Intelligence
Softeon Named Leader in SPARK MatrixTM for Warehouse Management System Market, Q3, 2024 by Quadrant Knowledge Solutions
Softeon, with its comprehensive technology for its Warehouse Management System, has received strong ratings across the parameters of technology excellence and customer impact.
RESTON, Va., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Quadrant Knowledge Solutions announced today that it has named Softeon, the only tier-1 Warehouse Management System (WMS) provider focused on optimizing warehouse and fulfillment performance to increase operational efficiency and throughput, as a Q3, 2024 leader in the SPARK MatrixTM analysis of the global Warehouse Management System (WMS) market and its vendors.
The Quadrant Knowledge Solutions SPARK MatrixTM: Warehouse Management System (WMS) Q3, 2024, includes a detailed analysis of global market dynamics, major trends, vendor landscape, and competitive positioning. The study provides competitive analysis and ranking of the leading Warehouse Management System (WMS) vendors in the form of its SPARK MatrixTM. It provides users with strategic information to evaluate vendor capabilities, competitive differentiation, and market position.
“Softeon has solidified its position as a leading provider of cloud-based Warehouse Management System (WMS) solutions, Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), and Distributed Order Management (DOM) by catering effectively to both B2B and B2C clients,” says Pruthvi Raj, Senior Analyst at Quadrant Knowledge Solutions. “With advanced functionalities such as real-time inventory visibility, resource management, advanced automation capabilities, and seamless integration with other supply chain systems, Softeon empowers large enterprises to achieve operational efficiency and optimize resources.”
Pruthvi Raj adds, “Softeon’s year-on-year revenue growth, strong enterprise segmentation, a compelling vision & roadmap, and industry-specific capabilities, particularly in 3PL, healthcare, and life sciences, positions the company as a leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Warehouse Management System (WMS), Q3, 2024.”
“Unlike our competitors, Softeon is uniquely focused on a comprehensive fulfillment solution suite, designed to drive the most value and quickest ROI to our customers, many of them highly demanding 3PLs,” says Jim Hoefflin, CEO, Softeon. “Our philosophy is rooted in customer centricity and manifests in products, tools, and processes that create the most ideal workflows for warehouse operations. Simply put, we relentlessly micro-tune the application to capture the most operational efficiency.”
Quadrant Knowledge Solutions defines a Warehouse Management System (WMS) as “a software suite that helps businesses to visualize, optimize, and manage end-to-end warehouse operations such as slotting, receiving, put-away, inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping. WMS also offers resource (labor, machine, material, and devices) management capabilities for effective order allocation and task optimization. Additionally, it leverages emerging technologies, such as AI/ML, analytics, digital twin, IoT, voice recognition, robotic process automation, and edge computing, to develop strategies for transforming and automating warehouse and distribution/fulfilment center activities.”
As shown by their position as a leader in the SPARK MatrixTM for the Warehouse Management System market, Q3, 2024, Softeon’s technology empowers businesses to solve the complexities and challenges of today’s warehouses.
To unlock the full potential of your supply chain with Softeon’s innovative solutions, contact them today.
Additional Resources:
Complimentary download – SPARK Matrix: Warehouse Management System (WMS), Q3 2024
For more available research, visit: https://quadrant-solutions.com/market-research/
About Softeon
Softeon is a WMS provider focused exclusively on optimizing warehouse and fullfilment operations. For over two decades now, we have been helping our customers succeed. Investing in R&D enables us to develop software to solve the most complex warehouse challenges. Softeon is laser-focused on customer results, with a 100% track record of deployment success. We believe warehouse leaders shouldn’t have to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach to technology. For more information, please visit www.Softeon.com.
Media Contacts:
Mike CatalinoDirector of Public Relations and Analyst [email protected]
About Quadrant Knowledge Solutions
Quadrant Knowledge Solutions is a global advisory and consulting firm focused on helping clients achieve business transformation goals with Strategic Business and Growth advisory services. At Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, our vision is to become an integral part of our client’s business as a strategic knowledge partner. Our research and consulting deliverables are designed to provide comprehensive information and strategic insights for helping clients formulate growth strategies to survive and thrive in ever-changing business environments.
Media Contacts:Shraddha Roy PR & Media Relations Quadrant Knowledge Solutions Regus Business Center 35 Village Road, Suite 100, Middleton Massachusetts 01949 United States Email: [email protected] Source: https://qksgroup.com/resources/newsroom/softeon-named-leader-in-spark-matrix-for-warehouse-management-system-market-q3-2024-by-quadrant-knowledge-solutions?id=765 Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/qksgroup/
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/746706/1470558/Quadrant_Knowledge_Solutions_Logo.jpg
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Artificial Intelligence
Vantiva Unveils ONYX, its latest Smart Media Device with Advanced AI Capabilities at IBC 2024
This high-end Wi-Fi 6 enabled set-top box opens door for range of AI uses cases including event detection within video and image enhancement
PARIS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vantiva (Euronext Paris: VANTI), a global technology leader enabling NSPs to connect consumers worldwide, today introduced the ONYX 4K Ultra HD Android TV set-top box, the latest AI-enabled platform to be launched by Vantiva. Equipped with an extremely powerful 40K quad-core processor and featuring a 4 TOPS NPU, the ONYX STB is one of the first to incorporate innovative AI capabilities that open the door to numerous next-generation use cases including identifying and locating specific events in video (event detection within video) and image enhancement features such as sharpening (super resolution) or decreasing grain (advanced denoising). The ONYX will be demonstrated at IBC 2024 in Hall 1, Level 2, Balcony Suite 1.BS21, Rai, Amsterdam, Sept. 13 – 16.
“The expansion of AI technology into video delivery is driving further innovations and is set to completely transform the home entertainment sector,” said Leopold Diouf, Senior Vice President of the Product Division at Vantiva. “As the central hub of the home entertainment ecosystem, intelligent set-top boxes, like ONYX, play a crucial role in this AI revolution, enabling the integration of new added value services, such as predictive maintenance and enhanced security for NSPs and more personalized content for consumers. Furthermore, as ONYX supports HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby® Vision formats, end-users will be able to enjoy a more immersive video experience.”
With the latest, most efficient and highest-performing dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology, the ONYX allows for video streaming over Wi-Fi with support for IPTV and Over-the-Top (OTT) services such as Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus. This allows more flexibility and mobility in the placement of the STB. The ONYX is running on Android TV 14 software and is ready for RDK as the bootloader can support both standards. The device is equipped with a quad-core processor, a powerful NPU, Bluetooth 5.2 LE technology and supports the latest Video Codecs H.266/VVC. This makes it a future-proof platform for enhanced services and data analytics features.
The ONYX will have the option for Far Field Voice (FFV) control with up to four microphones. This enables the end-user to have a true ‘lie-back’ experience where they will only need their voice to search or control the volume without having to find and press a button on the remote control. FFV will effectively incorporate smart assistant features into the STB and complement AI functionality as Large Language Models continue to evolve. Vantiva has designed this platform with flexibility in mind so it can be configured to suit the requirements of operators.
The ONYX casing is designed with recycled plastics and uses a USB-C power connector to maximize the re-use of power supply units. Additionally, the Bluetooth 5.2 LE technology enhances audio quality and manages power consumption more effectively, resulting in longer battery life for Bluetooth devices.
PDF: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502902/Vantiva_EN.pdfLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2388773/Vantiva_Logo.jpg
Contacts:
Vantiva Press [email protected]
Thatcher+Co. for Vantiva [email protected]
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vantiva-unveils-onyx-its-latest-smart-media-device-with-advanced-ai-capabilities-at-ibc-2024-302245147.html
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