Group 1 - Blackbaud will host its annual tech conference, bbcon 2025, from October 6-8 in Philadelphia, featuring keynote speaker Adam Grant [1][2] - The conference aims to bring together thousands of Blackbaud users and those interested in leveraging Blackbaud's software for social impact, offering over 100 sessions led by industry experts [3] - Blackbaud is recognized as a leading software provider dedicated to social impact, serving various sectors including nonprofits and education, with over $100 billion raised or managed annually through its platforms [5] Group 2 - Adam Grant is a prominent organizational psychologist and bestselling author, known for his insights on leadership and motivation, and has a significant following on social media [2] - The conference will provide opportunities for attendees to enhance their skills, network within the Blackbaud community, and learn about upcoming innovations from Blackbaud leaders [3] - Blackbaud operates as a remote-first company with a global presence, supporting users in over 100 countries [5]

Core Insights - Blackbaud released its 13th annual YourCause CSR Industry Review, analyzing corporate social responsibility (CSR) program data and employee philanthropic behavior from over 300 companies with more than 7 million global employees [1][2] Employee Engagement and Philanthropy Trends - In 2024, employee engagement in volunteering and giving programs remained stable, with average annual employee donations at $744 and average total company matches at $730 [6] - The average annual volunteer hours per volunteer was 13 hours, with companies having less than 1,000 employees showing a 63.8% volunteer engagement rate [6] - Payroll giving had the highest engagement rate, despite offline giving contributing more dollars [6] Corporate Grant Trends - There was a notable increase in corporate grants in 2024, with the average amount per grant rising by approximately 13% and the median sum of grants per client increasing by around 38% compared to the previous year [6] Combined Programs Impact - Companies offering both giving and volunteer programs experienced higher engagement rates than those offering only one type of program, highlighting the effectiveness of combined initiatives [6]

Core Insights - Blackbaud has launched its annual virtual conference, bbdevdays, focusing on AI strategies and innovations for social impact organizations [1][2] - The conference aims to enhance the skills of developers and promote community engagement within the social impact tech sector [2][4] AI Strategy and Innovations - Blackbaud introduced its Intelligence for Good® AI strategy, highlighting predictive AI that identifies billions of dollars in untapped giving potential and generative AI for improved communication with supporters [2][3] - Upcoming innovations include Blackbaud Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that allows users to interact with data using natural language [2][3] Developer Engagement and Ecosystem - The conference emphasizes the flexibility of Blackbaud's ecosystem, enabling developers to utilize robust APIs and partner integrations, making it accessible even for non-developers [4] - bbdevdays has evolved from a niche gathering to a major virtual event, reflecting the growing interest and participation in the developer community [4] Conference Highlights - Keynote speakers include industry leaders and experts, providing insights on innovation and entrepreneurship [5][6] - The event features mainstage presentations, track sessions, and interactive networking opportunities through Braindates, fostering collaboration among attendees [6][7] Company Overview - Blackbaud is a leading software provider dedicated to social impact, serving various sectors including nonprofits and education, with over $100 billion raised or managed annually [9] - The company has been recognized for its commitment to social responsibility and remote work culture, operating in over 100 countries [9]

Core Viewpoint - Blackbaud's shares have increased by approximately 0.7% since the last earnings report, underperforming the S&P 500, raising questions about the sustainability of this trend leading up to the next earnings release [1]. Estimates Movement - Estimates for Blackbaud have remained flat over the past month, indicating no significant changes in analyst expectations [2]. VGM Scores - Blackbaud currently holds a strong Growth Score of A, but has a low Momentum Score of D and a Value Score of D, placing it in the bottom 40% for the value investment strategy. The overall aggregate VGM Score for the stock is B, which is relevant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3]. Outlook - Blackbaud has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting an expectation of above-average returns from the stock in the upcoming months [4].

Core Insights - Blackbaud released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting advancements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities over the past year [1][2] People & Culture - The company emphasizes employee engagement, development, well-being, and inclusion, with over 70% of employees volunteering in 2024 compared to a global median of 23% [6] - Blackbaud provided 18,000 courses through LinkedIn Learning to enhance talent development [6] - 87% of employees feel their work is important [6] Social Impact - Blackbaud's software supports individuals and organizations in driving social change, processing over 20 million donations through its JustGiving® platform in 2024 [3][6] - The company raised, granted, or managed over $100 billion annually through its platforms [6] Environmental Sustainability - Blackbaud achieved 100% carbon neutrality for 2024 emissions and a 92% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions since 2019 [6] - The company reduced energy consumption by 25% and water usage by 21% at its global headquarters since 2019 [6] - Blackbaud's headquarters received the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR® certification for superior energy performance [6] Governance & Data Responsibility - Customer trust is a top priority, with the establishment of councils focused on employee inclusion, sustainability, generative AI, and deepfake oversight [5][6] - Blackbaud's Chief Data & AI Officer was recognized as one of DataIQ's 100 Most Influential People in Data in 2024 [6] Innovation & Technology - The company unveiled six waves of innovation in 2024 aimed at empowering nonprofits, schools, and corporate social impact teams [6] - Blackbaud is migrating its technology to public cloud environments and enhancing security measures against cyber threats [10]

Core Insights - The report by the Blackbaud Institute highlights how technology-savvy organizations are gaining a competitive edge in fundraising through effective integration of AI and technology [1][2][3] Group 1: Technology Integration and Revenue Growth - Organizations with higher levels of technology integration are more likely to report revenue growth and less likely to report revenue decline compared to those with limited tech use [7] - 72% of nonprofit respondents met or exceeded their fundraising targets over the past year, indicating a positive trend in fundraising performance [2] Group 2: AI Adoption in Nonprofits - 82% of nonprofits are utilizing AI tools, primarily free generative platforms for content creation, with some also leveraging AI for prospecting and A/B testing [7] - There is a belief among the majority of organizations that AI will become pervasive in the sector, enhancing efficiency [7] Group 3: Need for AI Policies and Training - Only 14% of nonprofits currently have an AI policy in place, indicating a significant gap in sector-wide AI guidance [7] - 60% of fundraisers believe that better training would enhance technology use, while 56% call for improved system integration [7] Group 4: Resource Allocation and Revenue Growth - Among organizations that experienced revenue growth, 44% attributed this success to adequate resourcing, while 51% of those with revenue declines cited insufficient resources as the primary reason [7]

Industry Overview - Big Data is transforming the finance world, enabling quicker and more informed decision-making through AI and advanced machine learning algorithms [1] - The global Big Data market is projected to reach $401.2 billion by 2028, indicating significant growth potential across various industries including healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing [3] Technological Advancements - Banks and financial institutions are leveraging Big Data and AI for targeted marketing strategies and real-time fraud detection [2] - NVIDIA is at the forefront of AI development with its Blackwell technology, enhancing the efficiency of AI model training and simulations [5] - Moody's Corporation has shifted from traditional ratings to risk analytics, expanding its services through acquisitions and new capabilities [6] Company Innovations - Blackbaud has integrated AI and predictive analytics into its solutions to assist clients in understanding donor behavior and optimizing fundraising strategies [8] - Confluent Inc. has developed a platform utilizing technologies like Apache Kafka to enable real-time data streaming, enhancing customer satisfaction and sales [12][13] - CME Group Inc. has effectively managed high trading volumes and market risks using Big Data and AI, processing over 13 billion messages in a volatile week [15][16] Market Positioning - Blackbaud is emerging as a leader in social impact by utilizing AI to enhance business operations and client services, holding a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [11] - Confluent holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), offering flexible services that cater to various business needs regarding data management [13][14] - CME Group's investments in technology have positioned it as a leader in the financial exchange sector, demonstrating resilience during market volatility [17]

Core Insights - The article highlights the significance of Big Data in enhancing business decision-making, risk management, and operational efficiency through advanced analytics and AI technologies [3][4]. Company Summaries Confluent Inc. (CFLT) - Confluent operates a data streaming platform, providing managed cloud-native SaaS and self-managed software solutions [7]. - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates are 19% and 32.4%, respectively, for the current year, with a 20.5% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 30 days [8]. - The short-term average price target indicates a potential increase of 28.9% from the last closing price of $21.05, with a maximum upside of 71% [9]. Blackbaud Inc. (BLKB) - Blackbaud offers cloud software and services, achieving solid execution of strategic goals with organic revenue growth and stock buybacks [10][11]. - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates are -3.1% and 17.9%, respectively, with an 8.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 30 days [12]. - The short-term average price target suggests a 10.7% increase from the last closing price of $62.12, indicating a maximum upside of 36.8% [12]. Sprout Social Inc. (SPT) - Sprout Social provides a web-based social media management platform, offering AI-powered solutions for various social media functions [13][14]. - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates are 11.3% and 20.6%, respectively, with a 10.3% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 30 days [14]. - The short-term average price target indicates a potential increase of 30.7% from the last closing price of $21.55, with a maximum upside of 94.9% [15]. HubSpot Inc. (HUBS) - HubSpot delivers a cloud-based customer relationship management platform, experiencing steady adoption and integration of AI features [16][17]. - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates are 15.4% and over 100%, respectively, with a 49% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 30 days [18]. - The short-term average price target suggests a 19% increase from the last closing price of $621.25, indicating a maximum upside of 49.7% [18]. Teradata Corp. (TDC) - Teradata provides a hybrid cloud analytics platform, benefiting from strong cloud ARR growth and strategic partnerships with major tech companies [19][20]. - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates are -6.5% and -2.1%, respectively, with unchanged earnings estimates over the past 30 days [20]. - The short-term average price target indicates an 18.7% increase from the last closing price of $21.82, with a maximum upside of 60.4% [21].

Core Insights - Blackbaud has been recognized as one of the World's Greenest Companies 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and social impact [1][2] - The recognition is based on a comprehensive analysis of sustainability data from over 8,000 companies, with only 750 making the final list, emphasizing Blackbaud's strong environmental performance [2][3] Company Commitment to Sustainability - Blackbaud has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting customers in their sustainability efforts [2][3] - The company has achieved a 90% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, showcasing its dedication to decarbonization [6] Recognition and Awards - In addition to being named one of the World's Greenest Companies, Blackbaud has also been included in Newsweek's America's Most Responsible Companies 2025 and USA Today's America's Climate Leaders 2024 lists [3] - The company's software solutions have facilitated over $100 billion raised, granted, or managed annually, demonstrating its significant impact in the nonprofit and education sectors [4] Operational Scope - Blackbaud operates as a remote-first company with a presence in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, and the United Kingdom, supporting users in over 100 countries [4]

Company Overview - Blackbaud Inc. is a leading cloud software company focused on social causes, providing a range of cloud-based and on-premise software solutions for organizations of all sizes, including fundraising, marketing, and financial management [11] - The company’s SKY platform powers innovation and offers tools for clients and partners to extend the Blackbaud ecosystem [11] Investment Highlights - Blackbaud has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a VGM Score of B, indicating strong potential for investment [12] - The stock has a Momentum Style Score of B, with shares increasing by 3.7% over the past four weeks [12] - Earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised higher by two analysts in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.03 to $4.23 per share [12] - The company has an average earnings surprise of 1.2%, suggesting a positive outlook [12] Conclusion - With a solid Zacks Rank and strong Momentum and VGM Style Scores, Blackbaud is positioned as a favorable investment opportunity [13]