Piedmont Names NRC Health as a Strategic Experience Partner to Support Mission-Driven Growth Mar 19, 2026 8:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time Piedmont Names NRC Health as a Strategic Experience Partner to Support Mission-Driven Growth Share Piedmont, a Georgia-based healthcare system with nationally-ranked clinical programs, has named NRC Health, the leader in healthcare experience management, as its new strategic experience partner to support the organization's mission-driven growth and commitment to making a po ...

MONTREAL, March 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV: FLT) (OTCQB: TAKOF) (FSE: ABB.F) (“Volatus” or the “Company”), a Canadian aerospace and defence company delivering integrated uncrewed systems and mission-critical operational services, today announced it has been approved for non-dilutive funding support of up to $320,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). The funding supports development activities related to the Volatus ...

Group 1 - Long Cast Advisers reported a cumulative net return increase of 1% in Q4 2025, with a flat cumulative portfolio return for the year, and a total cumulative return of 271% net of fees since inception in November 2015 [1] - The firm managed 28 SMA accounts with an AUM of $12 million by year-end 2025, focusing on small companies and showing varied returns relative to the broader market over a 10-year performance history [1] - The portfolio's top five holdings are highlighted for insights into key selections for 2025 [1] Group 2 - National Research Corporation (NASDAQ:NRC) is noted for providing analytics and insights to enhance patient and employee experiences in U.S. healthcare organizations, with a market capitalization of $373.847 million [2] - NRC stock closed at $16.50 per share on March 12, 2026, with a one-month return of 36.59% and a 52-week gain of 11.26% [2] - NRC is a new position for Long Cast Advisers, trading at a 13x multiple against $40 million of annualized EBITDA, with a current market price of $19 and an enterprise value of approximately $500 million [3]

Core Insights - The Zacks Equity Research team has highlighted several stocks, including Oracle Corp., T-Mobile US, Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., National Research Corp., and C&F Financial Corp., in their recent Analyst Blog [1][2] Oracle Corp. (ORCL) - Oracle's shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the past year, with a growth of 11.6% compared to the industry's 2.7% [4] - The company reported strong fiscal Q3 2026 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding estimates, driven by an 84% surge in cloud infrastructure revenues due to AI workload and multicloud demand [4] - Free cash flow for the trailing 12 months was negative $13.2 billion as Oracle continues to invest aggressively in data center build-outs [5] - Competition from hyperscalers poses a risk to margins, and the transition from license revenue to subscription models may lead to near-term earnings volatility [6] T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) - T-Mobile's shares have underperformed the Zacks Wireless National industry over the past six months, declining by 10.1% compared to the industry's 1.6% [7] - The company faces challenges due to macroeconomic factors, market saturation, and high debt burden, which could impact its premium valuation [7] - Despite these challenges, T-Mobile has achieved industry-leading postpaid customer growth and a record-low churn rate, bolstered by its acquisition strategy [8] - The company's 2.5 GHz 5G spectrum provides competitive advantages in speed and coverage [9] Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) - Gilead's shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry over the past six months, with a growth of 30.6% compared to 19.5% for the industry [10] - The company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results, driven by its market-leading HIV franchise, particularly Biktarvy and Descovy [10] - Gilead expects HIV sales to grow approximately 6% in 2026, with Biktarvy projected to have a CAGR of around 6% over the next three years [11] - The company is also developing additional HIV treatments and strengthening its oncology and virology franchises through collaborations [12] National Research Corp. (NRC) - National Research's shares have outperformed the Zacks Business - Information Services industry over the past six months, with a growth of 0.5% compared to a decline of 15.2% for the industry [13] - The company's Total Recurring Contract Value (TRCV) has risen for five consecutive quarters, reaching approximately $152 million by March 2026 [13] - New sales increased by approximately 86% in 2025, indicating improved commercial execution [14] - However, the company has faced declining revenues for three consecutive years, which poses execution risks if TRCV does not translate into growth [15] C&F Financial Corp. (CFFI) - C&F Financial's shares have outperformed the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry over the past six months, with a growth of 1.5% compared to a decline of 5.3% for the industry [16] - The company benefits from a diversified three-segment model that supports stable earnings and reduces reliance on any single revenue stream [16] - Core banking expansion is driving recurring income, while mortgage banking performance is improving as originations recover [17] - Key risks include margin pressure from interest-rate shifts and rising operating expenses [18]

Core Viewpoint - NRC Health has announced a stock repurchase program of up to $60 million for its outstanding common stock, which is authorized by its Board of Directors and will be active until March 31, 2028 [1] Group 1 - The stock repurchase program allows NRC Health to buy back shares in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, and other compliant means [1]

Revenue and Income - Revenue for 2025 decreased by $5.7 million to $137.39 million, a decline of 4% compared to 2024[137] - Operating income decreased by 36% to $22.59 million in 2025, attributed to lower revenue and increased compensation expenses[137] - Adjusted Net Income for 2025 was $20.74 million, down from $24.99 million in 2024[148] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $40.18 million, slightly down from $41.59 million in 2024, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.2%[149] Expenses - Direct expenses represented 38% of revenue in 2025, down from 40% in 2024, due to reduced labor costs through operational automation[139] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by $9.9 million, primarily due to $6.6 million in bonuses related to executive leadership transition[140] - The effective tax rate increased to 35% in 2025 from 24% in 2024, influenced by executive compensation exceeding limits and fluctuating state income taxes[143] Cash Flow and Working Capital - Cash provided by operating activities decreased by 24% to $26.45 million in 2025 compared to $34.63 million in 2024[137] - The company reported a working capital deficit of $16.4 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $16.3 million in the previous year[153] Capital Expenditures and Dividends - Cash dividends declared amounted to $11.8 million in 2025, an increase from $11.3 million in 2024, with a quarterly cash dividend increase from $0.12 to $0.16 per share starting January 2026[156] - Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2025, totaled $10.7 million, primarily for building improvements and software development[157] Debt and Compliance - The outstanding balance on the Delayed Draw Term Loan was $79.4 million as of December 31, 2025, with principal amounts due in equal monthly installments[160] - The company has a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio requirement of 1.10x and a cash flow leverage ratio of 3.50x or less under its Credit Agreement, and it was in compliance as of December 31, 2025[163] Stock and Shareholder Actions - The company repurchased 1,307,709 shares of common stock for a total of $20 million under two stock repurchase programs in 2025[167][168] Future Outlook - The company expects revenue, operating margin, and operating cash flow to grow in 2026, supported by increasing TRCV and efficiency measures[135] Interest Rate and Tax Risks - Interest on borrowings under the Delayed Draw Term Loan and Revolving Loan is at a floating rate, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.63% for the year ended December 31, 2025[159][161] - The company is exposed to interest rate risk, with potential changes in earnings and cash flows of approximately $0.8 million annually from a hypothetical 100 basis points change in interest rates[171] - The company had a liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits of $2.4 million related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2025[165] Total Recurring Contract Value - Total Recurring Contract Value (TRCV) increased from $144.14 million in 2025 to $152.0 million by March 4, 2026, marking an all-time high[138]

Core Insights - National Research Corporation (NRC) shares have declined 27.2% since the earnings report for Q4 2025, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 index's 1.1% decline during the same period [1] - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of 16 cents for Q4 2025, down from 29 cents in the prior-year period [1] Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $35.2 million, reflecting a 5% decline compared to the prior-year quarter [2] - GAAP net income for Q4 was $1.8 million, a sharp decrease from $6.6 million a year earlier, while adjusted net income was $3.4 million, down from $6.7 million [2] - For the full year 2025, revenues declined 4% year-over-year to $137.4 million, attributed to elevated client attrition in H2 2024 [3] - Adjusted EPS for the full year fell to 93 cents from $1.05, and adjusted net income decreased 17% to $20.7 million [3] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $8.7 million, representing 25% of revenues [4] Cash Flow and Recurring Revenue - Cash flow from operations for Q4 increased 13% year-over-year to $7.2 million, accounting for 20% of revenue [5] - Full-year operating cash flow reached $26.5 million, down from $34.6 million in 2024, but still representing 19% of total revenue [5] - The company's recurring revenue remained high, with 99% of total revenue classified as recurring, indicating strong visibility into future earnings [5] Key Business Metrics - Total Recurring Contract Value (TRCV) increased 8% year-over-year to $144.1 million, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of sequential growth [6] - Management emphasized the importance of sales team realignment, product enhancements, and customer success initiatives in driving TRCV growth [6] Management Commentary - CEO Trent Green and CFO Shane Harrison acknowledged the challenges posed by elevated TRCV attrition in Q4 2024 but expressed optimism about momentum entering 2026 [7] - Green highlighted an 86% increase in new sales year-over-year and strong retention as positive outcomes of a refined go-to-market strategy [7] - Cost discipline was noted as a factor in preserving margins despite revenue pressure, allowing for continued investment in growth initiatives [7] Strategic Focus - The company emphasized a three-pronged customer value proposition: trust, expertise, and portfolio breadth, with a Net Promoter Score of 68 and 74% penetration among the top 100 U.S. health systems [8] - NRC is exploring strategic, accretive acquisitions and new growth avenues, including technology enhancements and partnerships through "Blue Water" opportunities [12] Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in resuming revenue growth in 2026, supported by the 8% TRCV expansion in Q4 [11] - The evolving go-to-market model was described as a "meaningful tailwind" for the upcoming year [11]

Core Viewpoint - NRC Health is conducting its earnings conference call for the fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting the company's financial performance and future expectations [2][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - The earnings call is moderated by Victoria, with key participants including CEO Trent Green and CFO Shane Harrison [2]. - The earnings press release has been made available on the Investor Relations section of NRC Health's website [2]. Group 2: Financial Reporting - The call will include forward-looking statements regarding the company's expected future results, which may differ from actual results due to various risks and uncertainties [3]. - References to non-GAAP financial measures will be made during the call, with additional information provided in the earnings press release [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $35 million, down 5% year-over-year but up 2% sequentially from Q3 2025 [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $8.7 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 25% [18] - Total Recurring Contract Value (TRCV) reached $144.1 million, up 8% year-over-year and marking the fifth consecutive quarter of sequential TRCV growth [17][18] - Full-year revenue for 2025 was $137.4 million, down 4% from 2024, with an Adjusted EBITDA of $40.2 million, representing a 29% margin [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New sales increased by 86% year-over-year, reflecting a successful sales team reorganization and refined coverage model [5] - The company achieved the highest gross dollar retention rate in over seven years, indicating strong customer engagement and retention efforts [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NRC Health serves 74% of the top 100 health systems in the U.S., showcasing its strong market presence and trust among healthcare leaders [9] - The company has a Net Promoter Score of 68, reflecting positive customer satisfaction and loyalty [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening adoption of enablement solutions and product innovation, with AI playing a significant role in enhancing capabilities [13][15] - NRC Health aims to expand its addressable market through strategic acquisitions and by leveraging its unique operating model to drive efficiencies [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to create lasting value, emphasizing the importance of trust, expertise, and a broad portfolio in navigating the complex healthcare landscape [24] - The company anticipates that revenue growth will follow the TRCV growth observed in 2025, positioning itself well for future profitability [19] Other Important Information - The company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share, reflecting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders [18] - NRC Health has made strategic leadership hires to support its growth initiatives, including the appointment of David Burik to lead strategic insights and governance [6][8] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were provided in the content, indicating that the call concluded without a Q&A segment [25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $35 million, down 5% year-over-year but up 2% sequentially from Q3 2025 [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $8.7 million, with an adjusted net income of $3.4 million and adjusted EPS of 16 cents per share [18] - Full year 2025 revenue was $137.4 million, down 4% from 2024, but TRCV grew by 8% in 2025, indicating potential revenue growth in 2026 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total Recurring Contract Value (TRCV) reached $144 million, up 8% year-over-year, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of sequential TRCV growth [4][17] - New sales increased by 86% year-over-year, reflecting effective sales strategies and customer engagement [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NRC Health serves 74% of the top 100 health systems in the U.S., indicating strong market presence and trust [9] - The company reported a Net Promoter Score of 68, reflecting high customer satisfaction [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its product portfolio and customer engagement strategies to drive growth [5][12] - Investment in AI and product innovation is a strategic priority to deepen differentiation and expand the addressable market [13] - The leadership team has been strengthened to support growth, with a focus on combining healthcare operations expertise with technology [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to create lasting value amidst the complexities of the healthcare landscape [24] - The company anticipates that the restructuring of its go-to-market strategy will provide a meaningful tailwind through 2026 [12] Other Important Information - The company maintained a disciplined approach to capital allocation, balancing investments in growth with returns to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [21][22] - The adjusted EBITDA margin for 2025 was 29%, showcasing strong profitability despite revenue decline [19] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers were provided in the content, indicating a focus on the presentation rather than an interactive Q&A session.