Technology

Elliott Investment Management has invested over $5 billion in Honeywell International and is advocating for the company to split into two independent businesses: Honeywell Aerospace and Honeywell Automation. The activist investor believes this separation could drive a 51%-75% share price increase by improving operational performance and valuation. This move follows a broader trend of industrial conglomerates simplifying their structures. Honeywell has acknowledged Elliott’s input and remains committed to sustainable growth and strategic portfolio optimization. [more]

Mattr (TSX: MATR) has acquired AmerCable Inc. from Nexans S.A. (ENXTPA: NEX) for US$280 million. AmerCable, a U.S.-based producer of engineered wire and cable solutions, complements Mattr’s Shawflex business and expands its U.S. footprint, particularly in medium voltage applications. The acquisition aligns with Mattr’s growth strategy, benefiting from electrification trends and infrastructure expansion. Expected to close by year-end, the deal is projected to deliver immediate earnings accretion, improve revenue stability, and enhance operational capabilities. AmerCable’s facilities in Arkansas and Texas will integrate with Mattr’s Canadian operations, creating one of North America’s leading custom-engineered cable manufacturers. [more]

CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) is acquiring Adaptive Shield, a SaaS security provider, as part of the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. The deal enhances CrowdStrike’s Falcon® platform, addressing identity-based threats across hybrid cloud environments. With cloud exploitation threats up 110% in 2023, this acquisition underscores the industry’s push for comprehensive security solutions. CrowdStrike joins other notable deals in 2024, including CyberArk, Fortinet, and Sophos, in driving industry consolidation. The Adaptive Shield acquisition is expected to close in CrowdStrike’s fiscal Q4, delivering end-to-end SaaS security and expanding its platform’s capabilities to combat rising threats. [more]

We have written a 10-page Update Report on DATA Communications Management (DCM) after it acquired Zavy Limited, a New Zealand-based provider of social media analytics. This acquisition enables DCM to expand its MarTech offerings, enhancing capabilities in social media performance analytics, audience sentiment, and data-driven marketing. Zavy’s platform provides tools like social media benchmarking and AI-driven insights, aligning with DCM’s strategic goals to shift towards digital solutions. The acquisition also allows DCM to extend Zavy’s services to North American markets, meeting the demand for social media analytics among both large enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses. [more]

We have written a 17-page Update Report on DATA Communications Management (DCM) after it released Q2/2024 financials. DCM is a Canadian-based communications and marketing solutions provider. Revenue increased 5.7% to $125.8 million, though below our estimate due to deferred client projects. The company remains focused on completing the integration of Moore Canada Corporation by year-end and achieving annualized cost savings of $30 to $35 million. DCM‘s strategic initiatives target improved gross margins and revenue growth, particularly through technology-enabled solutions, including its new Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution called ASMBL. Focused on the merger integration, DCM reported a 22.2% increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $16.9 million. [more]

Former President Donald Trump has outlined significant cryptocurrency policies aimed at positioning the U.S. as a global leader. Central to his platform is the creation of a “strategic Bitcoin stockpile,” filled with Bitcoin acquired through legal seizures. Trump also proposes a pro-crypto regulatory environment, including the establishment of a presidential advisory council on cryptocurrency and the appointment of a crypto-friendly SEC chairman. These proposals align with Trump’s broader economic agenda and have garnered support from key Silicon Valley figures. However, they also raise concerns about market volatility and the potential risks of reduced oversight. [more]

In this short video, Chris Thompson of eResearch discusses DCM and eResearch’s 16-page Equity Research Report that covers an in-depth analysis of DCM’s Q1/2024 financial results. [more]

We have written a 16-page Update Report on DATA Communications Management (DCM) after it released Q1/2024. DCM is a Canadian-based communications and marketing solutions provider. Revenue increased to $129.3 million in Q1/2024, up 69.9% from $76.1 million in Q1/2023, but lower than our estimate of $139.0 million. Revenue fell short of expectations mainly because several projects from larger clients were postponed to later quarters this year. DCM reported Adjusted EBITDA of $18.7 million in Q1/2024, an increase of 46.2% from $12.8 million in the same quarter last year. The EBITDA growth reflects the positive impact of the MCC acquisition and ongoing efforts to improve margins and reduce expenses. [more]