Company Introduction: Supportsave Solutions, Inc
Company Introduction: Supportsave Solutions, Inc
Company Introduction: Supportsave Solutions, Inc
Initial Report
November 20th, 2008
11/17/08
SSVE daily
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
SupportSave Solutions, Inc.
1451 Danville Boulevard 0.30
Suite 201 volume © BigCharts.com
Alamo, CA 94501 40
Thousands
United States 30
20
Phone: 925-304-4400 10
Source: Yahoo Finance, Analyst Estimates SSVE provides full-time dedicated representatives at $897 per head
per month, or $5.18 per hour. The Company’s innovative “Flat-Rate-
Per-Month” service model makes outsourcing affordable for small
businesses. The Company eliminates default risk by requiring its
clients to pre-pay for monthly service. SSVE facilities operate 24/7,
providing the flexibility to support a wide variety of client busi-
nesses.
ther expand its client base and be accretive to earnings. Strong underlying growth in the BPO market, SSVE’s
competitive positioning as a low-cost leader, its range of services, and double-digit quarter-over-quarter revenue
growth make SSVE an attractive investment.
Investment Highlights
Since its inception, SSVE has recorded consistent, impressive quarter-over-quarter growth. The Company’s rev-
enues increased 286.9.6% year-over-year in the first quarter of FY 2008 and operating income improved 343.9%.
SSVE believes the global business slowdown actually presents growth opportunities since small and medium-
sized businesses will be looking for ways to reduce costs through business process outsourcing.
SSVE offers a diverse range of BPO services including customer service, technical support, administrative sup-
port, legal, accounting, AutoCAD, engineering, virtual assistant, telemarketing, programming, call center agent,
CCTV monitoring, market research, surveys, writers and medical billing. The Company attracts clients from a
wide range of industries, including travel & hospitality, telecommunications, technology, financial services, retail
and consumer products. The diversity of its service offerings mitigates SSVE’s exposure to downturns in any one
market. The Company minimizes marketing costs and expands its reach by marketing through value-added
resellers. Labor cost advantages are achieved by locating call centers outside the saturated Manila market, where
90% of competitor call centers are based. Because of low labor costs, SSVE is able to price its services at a 65%-75%
discount to competitors.
SSVE is in discussions to acquire a competing Philippines BPO company with a call center. This competitor is
branded as a high-end offshore call center facility, providing very defined products at a rate nearly double that of
SSVE. Upon closing the proposed acquisition, SSVE anticipates combined sales of $5.6 million, operating income
of $2.2 million, and net earnings of $1.6 million. The acquisition will increase SSVE’s client base and improve
economies of scale. In addition, the two businesses are quite different; if combined, they will provide a unique mix
of services for incrementally higher value contracts.
COO and director Aina Dumlao and CEO Christopher Johns worked together to create an innovative business
model which makes outsourcing affordable for smaller businesses. Mr. Johns has worked in many countries and
founded numerous business ventures in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. Ms. Dumlao, one of the Com-
pany’s founders, has a background in marketing and advertising. She directly oversees employee performance
and communications between the Company and its clients. She is also involved in developing the Company’s
marketing strategies.
Philippines BPO market forecast to reach $13 billion - $16 billion in 2010
The Philippines BPO market has been growing 40%-60% annually in recent years. Revenues generated from
Philippine BPO services rose to approximately $5 billion in 2007 from less than $150 million six years earlier.
According to the Business Process Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), the country’s BPO market
is expected to comprise 10% of the global BPO market by 2010, up from 5% market share currently. Philippine
BPO industry revenues are projected to nearly triple, reaching between $13 billion and $16 billion by 2010. The
number of BPO staffers in the Philippines is forecast to rise from 200,000 today to 500,000 by 2010. According
to BPAP, the market’s robust growth is attributable to competitive pricing. Philippine BPO vendors can provide
30%-40% estimated savings for their foreign clients.
The Philippine BPO market ranks third in revenues behind India and China. With literacy rates at about 93%, the
Philippines has an educated labor pool competitive with that of many developed countries.
With 29 million skilled workers, the Philippines ranks fourth in the world in terms of the number of available
knowledge workers. The Philippines also has the world’s third largest English-speaking population, making
communication barriers with American customers virtually non-existent. Another advantage is the country’s
well-developed telecommunication network and utility infrastructure, which is capable of supporting a fast-
growing network of call centers.
Source- BPAP
Technical support services are the most promising growth area for Philippines BPO providers since these services
often result in higher billings and margins compared to customer management services. Going forward, the Phil-
ippine BPO market is likely to consolidate, creating acquisition opportunities for low-cost leaders such as SSVE.
Competition for workers in established BPO markets such as India has resulted in wage inflation and rising costs
and pricing. The talent hunt for BPO workers has contributed to annual wage inflation averaging around 10%
globally. The Philippines has experienced comparatively modest wage inflation at only about 5% and has entry-
level labor costs much lower than other BPO markets. Although wage hikes for managerial positions have seen
higher growth at 15%, manager costs account for a relatively small portion of BPO providers’ overall labor costs.
Approximately 90% of Philippine BPO call centers are located in the metro Manila area. Manila has 15 million of
the Philippines’ 90 million residents. Metro Manila is nearing a saturation point in terms of available affordable
facilities and labor, and many BPO providers are exploring new locations such as Luzon, Cebu and Mindanao as a
way to reduce costs and traveling time for their employees. With established call centers away from Manila, SSVE
was at the leading edge of this migration trend.
The average Philippine call center has a seating capacity for 1,000 to 3,000 agents. However, this is changing; a
new trend favors smaller facilities with no more than 1,000 seats as a way to reduce business risks associated with
under utilization.
Business Process
Outsourcing
SSVE has created a business model that makes outsourcing affordable for both small and large businesses. The
Company designed a “Flat-Rate-Per-Month” service plan that provides full-time dedicated workers at costs of
only $897 per head per month, including telephone costs, hardware, software and taxes. Service rates are mod-
erately higher for medical workers, legal professionals, engineers and other specialty professionals.
The Company provides services on a pre-paid basis, meaning payment is due immediately on the start date of
the hired worker. In cases where services are terminated during the month, SSVE refunds a pro-rated amount
to the client. Payment up-front reduces the Company’s business risk, creates a predictable cash flow stream and
allows SSVE to earn interest on client payments.
SSVE’s workers are supervised by American managers, who work on-site at the Company’s facilities in the Phil-
ippines. The combination of American managers and Philippine workers ensures service quality comparable to
Western country standards at a much more affordable price.
SSVE provides an online time clock system at www.OnTheClock.com, which allows clients to verify whether
their dedicated representatives have punched in on a particular day. Clients can also access the PCs of their
offshore workers by visiting www.LogMeIn.com. Access to the Company’s eight camera full-color CCTV system
for online viewing is available through www.supportsave.com/live.php.
Commerce Recruiting/HR
• Process orders • Search Job seekers Websites
• Handle Customer Service • Send information packages
• Phone, Email, Live Chat. • Schedule interviews
• Technical Support • Conduct Preliminary interviews
• Post ads and Blog • Make Follow-up Calls
• Perform Data Entry/Mining • Send emails and post ads
Growth Strategy
The Company plans to grow its business through acquisitions and organic growth strategies.
In early 2008, SSVE moved its operations to a larger facility able to support more workers and services. This new
9,000-square-foot primary facility accommodates 326 workstations and, depending upon utilization needs, can ac-
commodate 400-600 employees. The new facility has three times the capacity of the Company’s previous facility.
During 2008, SSVE secured another 4,000 square feet of leased space in its new facility. This space is being pre-
pared for occupancy and SSVE expects to begin using the additional space in the third quarter of FY 2008. More
workers will be hired as needed until optimum capacity is reached, at which point the Company plans to acquire
additional space for further expansion.
In early 2008, the Company hired two full-time sales executives to increase its visibility in the U.S. and other major
BPO markets. Expansion opportunities in the U.S. abound; of the 25+ million businesses in the U.S., approxi-
mately 24 million have fewer than 500 employees and represent a multi-billion dollar underserved BPO market.
Most BPO providers tend to focus on the top 1,000 businesses with more than 1,000 employees. SSVE is carving
out a profitable niche serving smaller and mid-sized U.S. businesses.
In addition to hiring two dedicated sales professionals, SSVE is increasing its emphasis on indirect channels con-
sisting of resellers, partners and affiliates. Indirect channels enable SSVE to expand its presence and client base
while keeping sales and marketing expenses low. Under the current marketing model, resellers and partners mark
up the price of the Company’s services and pocket the difference. As a result, business gained through reseller
SSVE is improving its in-house telecommunications network through upgrades to the phone system expected to
roll out this year. In May 2008, the Company placed an order for equipment with 8x8 Inc., a provider of Packet8
broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), videophone and mobile VoIP communication services. SSVE
plans to increase its phone lines from 150 currently to more than 300 extensions over the next three months. The
Company anticipates having 500 to 1,000 networked lines in service over the next 12 months.
The Company has reduced currency risk and exposure to weakness in the U.S. dollar by entering into non-
deliverable forward contracts and plans to re-evaluate this strategy as needed.
BPO acquisition
Competition
BPO providers compete mainly on cost and quality of services. These companies compete for a finite labor pool
consisting of skilled workers with strong customer interaction and IT skills and fluency in English.
SSVE competes with BPO providers located in India, the Philippines, South America, China, Latin America,
the Caribbean, Africa and Eastern Europe. In customer management services, the Company competes with
IBM Global Services, PeopleSupport Inc., Sykes Enterprises, Convergys Corporation, West Corp., WNS Global
Services, Accenture, ExlService Holdings Inc. and TeleTech Holdings. Most of these competitors focus on large
clients with more than 500 employees. SSVE is carving out a niche providing affordable BPO services to small
and mid-sized clients. The Company also competes with private companies such as ClientLogic, Qualfone, In-
nodata, and with Indian BPO companies such as Genpact, Infosys, FirstSource, HTMT and Transworks. These
Indian companies are establishing call centers in the Philippines.
Recent months have seen significant M&A activity, specifically in the Philippine BPO space. Indian firms are ac-
tively scouting targets in this small pool of companies. Two of the firms listed below have been acquired recently
at significant premiums to market price (65-75%)
PeopleSupport provides customer management, transcription and captioning, accounts receivable management,
back-office management and consulting services. It has call centers in the Philippines, Costa Rica and the U.S, and
offers outsourced services in the travel and consumer, financial services, technology, telecommunications, health-
care, insurance and media industries. The company has more than 8,550 employees and generated revenues of
$140.6 million last year. It operates through eight outsourcing facilities. Aegis BPO, part of the Indian conglom-
erate Essar Group, recently acquired the company at a 70% premium and will pay PeopleSupport stockholders
$12.25 per share in cash.
Sykes Enterprises provides outsourced customer contact management solutions and services. Its clients include
Fortune 1000 companies, medium-sized businesses, and public institutions. It serves clients in the communica-
tions, technology/consumer, financial services, healthcare, transportation and leisure industries. The company
operates across 18 countries with 42 call centers and more than 29,560 employees. Sales were $710.1 million last
year, with outsourced customer contact management services accounting for about 96% of sales.
WNS Global Services serves BPO clients in Europe and North America through delivery centers located in India,
Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Romania and the UK. In April 2008, it acquired Chang Limited, an auto insurance
claims processing services provider in the UK. In June 2008, it acquired Business Applications Associates (Bi-
zAps), a provider of SAP solutions for finance and accounting processes. In July 2008, it purchased all the shares
of Aviva Global Services (AGS). The company has about 18,104 employees and produced revenues of $459.9 mil-
lion last year.
ExlService Holdings Inc. offers integrated front-, middle- and back-office process outsourcing services to clients
in the U.S. and the UK. It caters to clients in the insurance, banking, financial services, utilities, healthcare, tele-
communications and transportation sectors. The company has about 10,000 employees and generated revenues
of $179.9 million last year.
eTelecare Global Solutions Inc. (eTelecare), is a global BPO services provider focusing on voice and non-voice
based customer care services. It has 15 contact centers located across the U.S., the Philippines and Latin America,
and has 13,100 employees. Clients include American Express Company, AOL, AT&T, Dell, Intuit, Sprint, U.S. Cel-
lular and Vonage.
On September 28, 2007, eTelecare acquired all the outstanding stock of AOL Member Services-Philippines Inc.
(AOL Philippines), a wholly owned Philippines subsidiary of AOL. AOL Philippines operates a non-voice cus-
tomer care and technical support delivery center near Manila. Revenues rose to $259.9 million last year.
eTelecare Global Solutions Inc was recently acquired by Ayala Corporation and Providence Equity Partners at a
76% premium.
Financial Analysis
Robust revenue growth
Since its incorporation in May 2007, SSVE has demonstrated robust quarter-over-quarter revenue growth, with
growth averaging around 10%-20% per quarter. In the first quarter ended August 31, 2008, SSVE reported 287%
year-over-year growth in revenues to $437,898 from $113,914 one year earlier.
First quarter FY 2008 revenues of $454,460 were also 36% higher than prior quarter revenues of $333,002.
Q1 FY 2008 Q1 FY 2007
FY 2007
Revenue $454,460 $333,002
Returns and allowances ($16,562) ($1,360) $129,046
Total revenue $437,898 $331,642 ($6,132)
Total operating expenses $308,740 $917,301* $113,914
Net interest income/(expense) $1,826 0 $84,820
Net income/(loss) $77,085 ($507,291) 0
$21,819
Source: Company 10-Q: * All of the fourth quarter net loss is attributable to non-recurring operating expenses relating to issuing shares to employees, vendors and
investors. The Company intends to curtail this practice in FY 2008 as it focuses on profitability and meeting NASDAQ listing requirements.
Operating expenses grew more slowly than revenues and contributed to improvement in operating margins. Op-
erating expenses mainly reflect payroll expenses and facility costs.
During the first quarter, the Company’s operating income climbed 343.9% year-over-year to $129,158, reflecting
increased efficiencies among its major cost centers. Operating margins improved to 29.5% from 25.5% one year
earlier. Net income rose 253.3% year-over-year to $77,085 from $21,819. Net margins were down slightly in the FY
2008 first quarter because of higher interest costs.
2008 2007
REVENUE
Sales $1,005,863 -0-
Less: returns and allowances (16,093) -0-
Source: 10-K. *Note that FY 2008 operating and net loss is attributable to non-recurring expenses
relating to issuing shares to employees, vendors and investors.
The Company generated revenues of $989,770 in FY 2008 versus no revenues in the prior fiscal year. Operat-
ing and net losses were recorded in FY 2008 mainly due to non-recurring operating expenses relating to issuing
stock to employees, vendors and investors. Excluding these expenses, SSVE would have been profitable in FY
2008. The Company plans to curtail this practice of issuing shares to employees and vendors in FY 2008 to focus
on profitability and meeting NASDAQ listing requirements.
The Company’s primary source of liquidity is cash flows provided by operations. During the first quarter of FY
2008, SSVE generated cash of $109,006 from operating activities, nearly triple the amount generated one year
ago. That SSVE is already cash flow positive at this early stage of its development is an impressive accomplish-
ment.
Cash and cash equivalents increased 20% in the first quarter of FY 2008 from FY 2007 year-end levels. Rising
cash balances combined with an absence of long-term debt and modest current liabiltiies demonstrates the
strength of the Company’s payment upfront business model and puts SSVE in the enviable position of being
largely self-funding.
Revenue Outlook
SSVE continues to impress us with its strong sequential quarterly revenue growth. We anticipate that the Com-
pany will produce 10%-20% quarter-over-quarter sales growth and triple-digit year-over-year growth for at least
the next several quarters. Facilities expansion, accretive acquistions, and an expanded sales and marketing effort
support our outlook for four-fold growth in revenues in FY 2008 to a $4.2 million range and revenues more than
doubling the following year to a $9.0 million range. These estimates don’t include the impact of acquisitions
which could push FY 2008 revenues well above $5.0 million. We also expect the Company to turn profitable in
FY 2008, reporting earnings approaching $1.1 million this year and $2.3 million in FY 2009.
Valuation Analysis
SSVE’s peers in the BPO space were recently trading at 0.8 time forward Price/Sales multiples and 14.6 times for-
ward Price/Earnings multiples. We think SSVE warrants a valuation in line with industry peers. Although some
of these peer companies are considerably larger and better established, SSVE differentiates itself as a low cost
provider. We think this competitive advantage will support above average, long-term growth rates.
Price
per Market P/E P/S
Ticker share cap.
Company name symbol ($) $ Billion 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009
PeopleSupport Inc. PSPT 12.01 .230 8.77 NA 27.93 1.64 1.52 1.36
Sykes Enterprises SYKE 19.45 798 14.69 10.21 9.54 0.84 0.72 0.66
WNS Global Services WNS 10.048 426 34.70 NA NA 0.74 NA NA
ExlService Holdings Inc EXLS 7.23 209 6.81 10.44 8.51 1.04 0.93 0.86
eTelecare Global Solutions Inc. ETEL 7.90 234 8.98 23.84 12.31 0.87 0.73 0.64
Average for the Peer group 14.79 14.83 14.57 1.02 0.97 0.88
SupportSave Solutions Inc. SSVE 0.43 5.4
Source: Reuters
We multiple a 14.6 times forward Price/Earnings multiple by our $2.3 million earnings estimate to obtain a $33.5
million market capitalization target, then divide that amount by 16 million shares outstanding to obtain a $2.09
price target for SSVE shares. A modest increase in shares outstanding is assumed from future equity sales.
We are initiating coverage of SupportSave Solutions with a Speculative Buy rating and a $2.09 price target.
While we believe the Company is well positioned for exceptional revenue and earning growth, we advise inves-
tors to consider the risk factors discussed below before investing in these shares.
Risk Factors
Limited operating history
The Company was formed in May 2007, and has a limited operating history. Limited financial data makes it dif-
ficult to assess the success of its business plan. Although SSVE expects to generate substantial revenue growth
from its BPO operations, there is no guarantee that such expectations will be realized or that the Company’s
operations will be profitable.
SSVE is subject to risks faced by many new businesses, which include limited capital resources and possible cost
overruns. In addition, the Company’s revenues may fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter and from
year-to-year. The lack of an established track record makes revenue forecasting challenging. This may lead to
situations where the Company’s actual revenues are below forecast levels, which may adversely impact market
value.
The Company doesn’t have exclusive arrangements or minimum revenue commitments from its clients. Clients
can terminate the Company’s services on very short notice. This could affect the Company’s revenue expecta-
tions in the short run.
SSVE’s business is highly dependent on computer and telecommunications equipment and software systems.
In its day-to-day business operations, the Company records and processes huge amount of data for its clients.
Interruptions in the telecommunications network or technology failures could result in the loss of clients and
revenues.
The BPO sector is labor-intensive and SSVE must continue to attract, hire and retain qualified employees. Gener-
ally, the BPO sector has a high attrition rate. If the Company can’t retain skilled workers, service quality could
suffer and service problems could disrupt the client’s business. This may result in the loss of clients or damages
claims against the Company.
The Company’s revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, while a substantial portion of its costs are incurred in
Philippine pesos. This exposes the Company to currency risks associated with a rising Philippine peso.
Management
Christopher Johns Christopher Johns has been the president and CEO of the Company since May 2007. Prior to assuming the
CEO role, he worked in sales and management positions. From January 2003 to November 2004, Mr. Johns
Director, President and managed the operations of CallOnThe.Net, a subsidiary of World Access International Inc., which pro-
CEO vided calling solutions to the global community and CheapTalk Phone cards from Malaysia and Thailand.
This business provided telecommunications services in developing markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle
East. From early 2001 to January 2003, Mr. Johns managed an E-Commerce Website in Venezuela, which
focused on sales of “As Seen on TV” fitness products to the worldwide market.
Michael Palasick Michael Palasick has been CFO of the Company since May 2008. He has extensive experience in banking
and capital markets and is the Principal of U.S. Refund Consulting LLC, a mortgage consulting firm based
CFO, Chief Accounting in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Palasick holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Tampa.
Officer, Treasurer
Aina Mae Dumlao-Johns has been the COO, corporate secretary and a member of the board of directors
Aina Mae Dumlao-Johns since May 2007. Ms. Dumlao-Johns has owned Support Save Management Solutions, a Philippines-based
COO, Secretary and BPO service provider, since November 2004. She has a background in marketing and advertising. From
Director June 2001 to May 2005, Ms. Dumlao-Johns was a student at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
Richard Halprin joined SupportSave Solutions in September 2001. He is the Company’s general counsel
Richard M. Halprin and a member of the board of directors overseeing all non-securities related corporate legal matters. He
General Counsel, Director has been in private practice in Troy, Michigan, for approximately 17 years and is a magistrate of the 45B
District Court (Oak Park, Michigan). Mr. Halprin obtained an undergraduate degree from Michigan State
University and graduated Cum Laude from the University Of Detroit School Of Law in 1989.
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