STAMFORD, Conn. - Information Services Group (ISG) (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:III), a global technology research and advisory firm, has divested its automation unit to UST, a company specializing in digital transformation solutions, for $27 million. The transaction, which took place in an all-cash deal, aims to sharpen ISG's focus and strengthen its balance sheet, according to ISG Chairman and CEO Michael P. Connors.
The automation unit, which provides robotic process automation (RPA) software implementation and licensing services, was initially established in 2017. Connors expressed that the divestiture is mutually beneficial, allowing ISG to concentrate on its core services powered by its AI-driven ISG Tango™ platform, while the automation unit can thrive under UST's larger technology services organization.
ISG received $20 million in cash at closing, with the remaining $7 million to be held in escrow. The escrow funds are set to be released upon meeting certain post-closing conditions, including $4 million over the next 90 days and the remaining $3 million after the first quarter of 2025, subject to achieving specific revenue targets.
The sale is expected to immediately enhance shareholder value, with the proceeds providing an opportunity for ISG to reduce debt and return capital to shareholders. In light of the divestiture, ISG is updating its third-quarter guidance, targeting revenues between $60 million to $61 million and adjusted EBITDA between $6.5 million to $7.0 million.
UST views the acquisition as a strategic investment to solidify its market position in the intelligent automation sector, as stated by Sajesh Gopinath, UST SmartOps' general manager and go-to-market leader. He anticipates that the integration of experienced intelligent automation consultants and capabilities will bolster UST's competitive edge and expand its partner ecosystem.
ISG has indicated that the decision to exit the business stemmed from the automation unit's activities no longer aligning with ISG's strategy as an independent advisory firm. Sett & Lucas acted as the financial advisor for ISG, with Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP serving as the legal advisor.
A conference call discussing the transaction was held today, with the details to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Form 8-K.
This news article is based on a press release statement.
In other recent news, Information Services Group (ISG) has made significant strides in its technological advancements and financial performance. The global technology research and advisory firm has secured a U.S. patent for its AI-powered contracting technology, a part of the ISG GovernX® platform. The patented system, which streamlines contract generation, negotiation, and management, is a testament to ISG's commitment to innovation in digital transformation services.
In terms of financial performance, ISG reported robust Q2 results, including a significant increase in adjusted EBITDA and utilization. Despite a steady quarter-over-quarter revenue of $64.3 million, the company experienced a 14% decline compared to the same period last year. However, the adjusted EBITDA climbed by over 60% to $7.1 million, with an 11% margin.
The company's new digital sourcing platform, ISG Tango, achieved a total contract value of $4 billion within its first 100 days, indicating promising growth prospects. ISG provided Q3 revenue guidance of $64 million to $66 million and adjusted EBITDA of $7 million to $8 million. The firm aims to reach $150 million in recurring revenue by the end of 2025, with the Americas market expected to lead with strong performance.
These are recent developments and important for investors to note. However, it's worth mentioning that the company's year-over-year revenue declined by 14% and the debt balance stood at $74.2 million. Despite these challenges, ISG's strong pipeline and strategic focus on creating long-term shareholder value suggest a strong demand resurgence later in the year.
InvestingPro Insights
The recent divestiture of ISG's automation unit for $27 million aligns with the company's financial position and strategic direction. According to InvestingPro data, ISG's market capitalization stands at $159.88 million, putting the sale value at approximately 17% of the company's total market value. This significant transaction could have a notable impact on ISG's financial metrics moving forward.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that ISG "pays a significant dividend to shareholders," with a current dividend yield of 5.5%. This high yield, coupled with the company's plan to use the sale proceeds to reduce debt and return capital to shareholders, suggests a continued focus on shareholder value.
The company's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q2 2023 was $266.49 million, with a revenue growth of -10.0% over the same period. This decline aligns with another InvestingPro Tip indicating that "analysts anticipate sales decline in the current year." The divestiture of the automation unit and the updated guidance for Q3 revenues between $60-61 million reflect this challenging revenue environment.
Despite these challenges, InvestingPro Tips also note that ISG's "liquid assets exceed short term obligations," which could be further bolstered by the cash influx from the sale. This improved liquidity position may provide ISG with more flexibility to navigate the current market conditions and focus on its core services.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips and insights that could be valuable in assessing ISG's future prospects following this strategic move.
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