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Waystar announces term loan repricing and credit rating upgrades from Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P Global

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Reduces Waystar’s cost of capital and enhances its ability to allocate free cash flow towards growth initiatives

LEHI, Utah and LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Waystar Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: WAY), a provider of leading healthcare payment software, today announced that it has entered into an amendment to its first lien credit agreement (the “amended credit agreement”) with its lenders to reprice term loans. Under the terms of the amended credit agreement, the term loan borrowings will now carry a reduced interest rate of adjusted SOFR +2.75%, compared to the previous interest rate of adjusted SOFR +4.00%. The amended credit agreement is expected to reduce Waystar’s cost of borrowing and allow for interest expense savings.

This action follows Waystar’s initial public offering on June 7, 2024, with the net proceeds used to reduce debt. Following the offering, Fitch Ratings upgraded Waystar’s long-term issuer default rating to ‘BB’ from ‘B’ with a positive outlook. Moody’s Ratings upgraded Waystar’s senior secured rating to ‘B1’ from ‘B3’ with a stable outlook, and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Waystar’s issuer credit rating to ‘B+’ from ‘B-‘ with a stable outlook. In announcing these upgrades, the rating agencies cited significant deleveraging, strong operating performance, continued growth momentum, and consistent free cash flow generation.

“We are pleased to be repricing at a more favorable rate, reflecting continued momentum following our initial public offering,” said Matt Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer of Waystar. “We believe that the rating upgrades from Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P underscore our ongoing commitment to strengthening our balance sheet and our strong growth outlook. Looking ahead, we expect our durable recurring revenue model, attractive margin profile, and robust free cash flow generation will enable us to prioritize continued deleveraging while investing in our platform for growth.”

Additional information about the terms of the amended credit agreement is set forth in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Waystar with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2024, which is available on the investor relations page of Waystar’s website at investors.waystar.com.

About Waystar
Waystar’s mission-critical software is purpose-built to simplify healthcare payments so providers can prioritize patient care and optimize their financial performance. Waystar serves approximately 30,000 clients, representing over 1 million distinct providers, including 18 of 22 institutions on the U.S. News Best Hospitals list. Waystar’s enterprise-grade platform annually processes over 5 billion healthcare payment transactions, including over $1.2 trillion in annual gross claims and spanning approximately 50% of U.S. patients. Waystar strives to transform healthcare payments so providers can focus on what matters most: their patients and communities. Discover the way forward at waystar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect management’s current views with respect to, among other things, Waystar’s business strategy, goals, and expectations concerning Waystar’s future operations and performance, borrowing costs, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital allocation, leverage, and capital resources and other financial and operating information. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “future,” “will,” “seek,” “foreseeable,” “outlook,” the negative version of these words or similar terms and phrases to identify forward-looking statements in this press release.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, assumptions, or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. Waystar’s expectations, beliefs, and projections are expressed in good faith, and Waystar believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs, and projections will result or be achieved.

The following factors are among those that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements: Waystar’s operation in a highly competitive industry; Waystar’s ability to retain its existing clients and attract new clients; Waystar’s ability to successfully execute on its business strategies in order to grow; Waystar’s ability to accurately assess the risks related to acquisitions and successfully integrate acquired businesses; Waystar’s ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships; the growth and success of Waystar’s clients and overall healthcare transaction volumes; consolidation in the healthcare industry; Waystar’s selling cycle of variable length to secure new client agreements; Waystar’s implementation cycle that is dependent on its clients’ timing and resources; Waystar’s dependence on its senior management team and certain key employees, and Waystar’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled employees; the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions Waystar uses to determine the size of its total addressable market; Waystar’s ability to develop and market new solutions, or enhance its existing solutions to respond to technological changes, or evolving industry standards; the interoperability, connectivity, and integration of Waystar’s solutions with its clients’ and their vendors’ networks and infrastructures; the performance and reliability of internet, mobile, and other infrastructure; the consequences if Waystar cannot obtain, process, use, disclose, or distribute the highly regulated data Waystar requires to provide its solutions; Waystar’s reliance on certain third-party vendors and providers; any errors or malfunctions in its products and solutions; failure by Waystar’s clients to obtain proper permissions or provide us with accurate and appropriate information; the potential for embezzlement, identity theft, or other similar illegal behavior by Waystar’s employees or vendors, and a failure of Waystar’s employees or vendors to observe quality standards or adhere to environmental, social, and governance standards; Waystar’s compliance with the applicable rules of the National Automated Clearing House Association and the applicable requirements of card networks; increases in card network fees and other changes to fee arrangements; the effect of payer and provider conduct which Waystar cannot control; privacy concerns and security breaches or incidents relating to Waystar’s platform; the complex and evolving laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity; Waystar’s ability to adequately protect and enforce its intellectual property rights; Waystar’s ability to use or license data and integrate third-party technologies; Waystar’s use of “open source” software; legal proceedings initiated by third parties alleging that Waystar is infringing or otherwise violating their intellectual property rights; claims that Waystar’s employees, consultants, or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties; the heavily regulated industry in which Waystar conducts business; the uncertain and evolving healthcare regulatory and political framework; health care laws and data privacy and security laws and regulations governing Waystar’s processing of personal information; reduced revenues in response to changes to the healthcare regulatory landscape; legal, regulatory, and other proceedings that could result in adverse outcomes; consumer protection laws and regulations; contractual obligations requiring compliance with certain provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws and regulations; existing laws that regulate Waystar’s ability to engage in certain marketing activities; Waystar’s full compliance with website accessibility standards; any changes in Waystar’s tax rates, the adoption of new tax legislation, or exposure to additional tax liabilities; limitations on Waystar’s ability to use its net operating losses to offset future taxable income; losses due to asset impairment charges; restrictive covenants in the agreements governing Waystar’s credit facilities; interest rate fluctuations; unavailability of additional capital on acceptable terms or at all; the impact of general macroeconomic conditions; actions of certain of Waystar’s significant investors, who may have different interests than the interests of other holders of Waystar’s securities; and each of the other factors discussed under the heading of “Risk Factors” in Waystar’s prospectus filed with the SEC on June 7, 2024 and in other reports filed with the SEC, all of which are available on the investor relations page of Waystar’s website at investors.waystar.com.

Any forward-looking statements made by Waystar in this press release speaks only as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this press release. Factors or events that could cause Waystar’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Waystar to predict all of them. You should not place undue reliance on Waystar’s forward-looking statements. Waystar undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.

Media Contact
Daniel Yunger / Nick Capuano / Kerry Kelly
Kekst CNC
kekst-waystar@kekstcnc.com

Investor Contact
Sandy Draper
investors@waystar.com
502-238-9511

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/waystar-announces-term-loan-repricing-and-credit-rating-upgrades-from-fitch-moodys-and-sp-global-302185144.html

SOURCE Waystar

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Nearly 50% of Young People Resolve to Quit Nicotine in 2025

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EX Program by Truth Initiative Offers a Proven Path to Success

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Almost half (48%) of young people aged 18-24 are making quitting nicotine a priority for their 2025 New Year’s resolutions, according to new data from Truth Initiative® – the nation’s largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all.

 

This survey data* highlights a growing desire to break free from nicotine addiction and the urgent need for effective resources for 18- to 24-year-olds, among whom e-cigarette use is prevalent and dual use of cigarettes is a growing concern. For many, the journey to quit can feel daunting, especially for the scores of young people who think quitting means going “cold turkey” without a network of support. To meet this need, Truth Initiative is offering resources to help their resolutions stick and has launched Outsmart Nicotine, a new campaign designed to introduce young people to EX® Program, a comprehensive quitting resource developed in partnership with Mayo Clinic in 2008.

Empowering Young People with Tools and Encouragement Through EX Program

EX Program is a free cessation resource tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by young people. It offers proven, evidence-based tools designed to support quitting through personalized quit plans, interactive text messages, and 24/7 access to the nation’s most established online quit community. A randomized clinical trial among young adults published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that EX Program text message support can increase the odds of quitting by up to 40%, making EX Program one of the most effective resources for tackling nicotine addiction. These tools have helped millions quit nicotine over nearly two decades, solidifying EX Program as one of the most effective cessation resources available.

Redefining Quitter’s Day: Introducing “You Got This Day” as Part of the Outsmart Nicotine Campaign

Through the Outsmart Nicotine campaign, Truth Initiative is driving awareness of these tools with a series of ads that celebrate the small, everyday victories that lead to quitting nicotine for good. The campaign’s launch ad, “You Got This,” creates an uplifting tone with the iconic track “Can I Kick It?” by A Tribe Called Quest to inspire young people to take that first step toward a nicotine-free life.

“Quitting nicotine is hard, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely or impossible journey,” said Kathy Crosby, CEO and President of Truth Initiative. “With Outsmart Nicotine and the proven-effective EX Program, we’re showing young people that freedom from addiction is possible and within reach– and giving them the tools to quit smarter, not harder.”

Traditionally known as Quitter’s Day, the second Friday in January – January 10th in 2025 – marks the time of year when many people abandon their new year’s resolutions. Giving it a fresh perspective, Truth Initiative is renaming it “You Got This Day” to motivate young people to push through challenges and keep working toward their quit goals. The campaign reframes this day as a moment of empowerment, reminding young adults that quitting is difficult, but with the right support, it’s possible.

Take the First Step Toward Quitting

Truth Initiative invites young people to take the first step toward quitting by texting EXPROGRAM to 88709 or visiting exprogram.com. Organizations interested in EX Program’s enterprise solution can learn more at exprogram.com/enterprise.

*According to Truth Initiative Continuous Tracking Online (CTO) survey data collected October 17, 2024December 17, 2024, from 662 respondents.

About Truth Initiative
Truth Initiative® is a national nonprofit public health organization committed to a future free from lifelong addiction, fostering healthier lives and a more resilient nation. Our mission is to prevent youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empower quitting for all. Through our evidence-based, market-leading cessation EX® Program and national public education and prevention campaigns, we are leading the fight against youth and young adult tobacco use, which threatens to put a new generation at risk of lifetime nicotine addiction. Our rigorous scientific research and policy studies, community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco, and innovation in tobacco dependence treatment continue to contribute to ending one of the most critical public health battles of our time. Based in Washington, D.C., our organization was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories, and the tobacco industry. To learn more, visit truthinitiative.org.

About EX Program
EX® Program is a proven-effective tobacco cessation program, developed by Truth Initiative® with Mayo Clinic, that brings together the best evidence-based quitting approaches, interactive digital quitting programs, and the most established online quit community. EX Program has helped millions of youth and adults develop the skills and confidence to successfully quit. Truth Initiative research has shown that EX Program text messages can increase a user’s odds of quitting by up to 40%. To learn more, visit exprogram.com.

About EX Program Enterprise
Developed by Truth Initiative® with Mayo Clinic, EX® Program Enterprise is the best strategic partner for employers, health plans, and public health organizations to end smoking, vaping, and nicotine use. Sponsored users receive multimodal quitting support, available in both English and Spanish. Clients get real-time dashboards to track performance, year-round promotions, and expert client success guidance. To learn more about available options visit exprogram.com/enterprise.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nearly-50-of-young-people-resolve-to-quit-nicotine-in-2025-302337746.html

SOURCE Truth Initiative

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Foxconn Announces Strategic Partnership With Zettabyte to Transform AI Data Centers

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TAIPEI, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Zettabyte, a global leader in AI data center software and infrastructure solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer. This collaboration, underpinned by capital funding, aims to drive innovation and expand the adoption of energy-efficient AI solutions worldwide.

At the forefront of Zettabyte’s offerings is Zware, its advanced AI data center management software. Zware optimizes GPU performance, dramatically lowering energy usage while maximizing computing output. This cutting-edge solution empowers businesses to achieve unparalleled efficiency and sustainability in AI computing.

“We are thrilled to partner with Foxconn, a company renowned for its excellence in manufacturing and innovation,” said Kenneth Tai, Chairman of Zettabyte. “This partnership will accelerate the deployment of our technology, meeting the surging demand for high-performance, energy-efficient AI computing globally.”

Partnering with Zettabyte aligns with Foxconn’s commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. According to Foxconn, Zware’s ability to enhance AI data center operations while significantly reducing energy consumption opens opportunities to set new benchmarks for the future of AI data centers.

This collaboration underscores Zettabyte’s leadership in revolutionizing AI infrastructure and its dedication to providing transformative technologies to enterprises worldwide.

About Zettabyte

ZETTABYTE is a global innovator in AI data center technology, delivering solutions that redefine efficiency and sustainability in AI data centers. Its flagship software, Zware, is setting a new standard for sustainable and efficient AI computing.

About Foxconn

Established in 1974 in Taiwan, Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”) (TWSE: 2317) is the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and leading technological solutions provider, ranking 32nd among the Fortune Global 500. In 2023, revenue totaled TWD6.162 trillion (approx. US$198 billion or EUR183 billion)

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/foxconn-announces-strategic-partnership-with-zettabyte-to-transform-ai-data-centers-302338255.html

SOURCE Zettabyte

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Karma Automotive Collaborates with the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA), UC Riverside and ROADMEDIC.AI to Develop and Pilot Software and Standards for Next-Generation 9-1-1 Emergency Response Vehicle Communications

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At CES2025, a new vision is shared for standardizing the method that enables Software Defined Vehicles to more rapidly and robustly dispatch 9-1-1 Emergency Response Services to vehicle collisions 

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Karma Automotive, America’s only full-line ultra-luxury vehicle manufacturer, is passionate about enabling the proliferation of open standards in Software Defined Vehicle Architecture (SDVA) to increase industry collaboration, and to speed development as the expanded role of software redefines the driving experience aboard modern vehicles. With vehicle occupant safety as a preeminent focus in all vehicle development, Karma Automotive is collaborating with the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA), the University of California Riverside and ROADMEDIC.AI to develop standards-based software applications which leverage vehicle connectivity to provide robust and real-time insights to 9-1-1 first responders and the related eco-system.   

Developing technology that gets emergency responders to the scene faster to save lives

According to a paper published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), for every 1-minute increase in EMS response time, fatality odds increase by 2.6%. The goal of the effort is to drastically reduce emergency response times, and materially increase preparedness of responders when arriving at the site of a critical incident. Then, to validate software applications and communication protocols that have been validated in real-world applications that can be shared and easily deployed by the broader automotive industry.

To announce this project, Karma Automotive will join the COVESA Networking Reception and Demonstration at CES2025 on January 7 at 5pm at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV and showcase the ultra-exclusive, high-performance 2025 Karma Invictus. Karma Invictus is underpinned by the Karma Cloud Services platform that serves as the backbone for the development of the proposed safety system.

Enabling the detailed transmission of vital vehicle and occupant data in real-time could help responders increase preparedness to triage an incident, as contemporary automobiles carry tremendous amounts of data. Leveraging connectivity systems, a vehicle can directly identify number and location of occupants, severity of impact, location of the incident, vehicle extrication instructions and even driver biometrics. Software can be used to organize, parse, and transmit this data in real-time to parties based on their specific role in the 9-1-1 response eco-system.  When combined with vehicle-embedded and cloud-based AI, this data can be sorted and delivered independently, yet simultaneously to the diverse network of service providers that engage in incident response activities. Collectively, this effort is referred to as the ‘9-1-1 Dispatcher Visibility Demonstration Project’.

“Much of what we deliver to our customers in software should not be looked at as differentiating, but rather essential,” says Marques McCammon, President, Karma Automotive. “Safety for example is important to all industry players, and if we could standardize our approach to innovation in the space, we can not only improve the well-being of drivers universally, but also reduce development cost, and time getting new tech technologies to market. This philosophy is central to the Karma Automotive brand promise and our positioning as America’s only ultra-luxury automotive brand.”  

“Together with our partners, we look to democratize development and share the learnings to the benefit of the broader industry and the community at large,” continues McCammon, “and with upcoming Karma vehicles, this technology will be seamlessly integrated within our Karma Connect Vehicle Data Management and connectivity services platform.”

“This collaboration is the realization of a 25-year journey,” said Lawrence E. Williams, CEO and Founder of ROADMEDIC.AI. “Many times, it seemed like a pipe dream, but today, thanks to Karma Automotive’s shared vision, we are turning that dream into reality. Together, we are poised to revolutionize 9-1-1 emergency response systems and save countless lives.”

Next Generation 9-1-1 Technology: A Game Changer
Karma Automotive is the first OEM automotive partner to COVESA’s ‘9-1-1 Dispatcher Visibility Demonstration Project’. Working in collaboration with the University of California Riverside, the automaker will utilize 3rd Generation Karma Revero sport sedans to pilot the technology application and its related use cases. The results of this effort will then be shared with the greater COVESA community, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), and other community members and stakeholders.

Existing 9-1-1 emergency response systems rely heavily on caller-based information, often supplemented by telematics systems transmitting data to manufacturer call centers. These systems, while useful, introduce delays and inconsistencies that can hinder timely emergency responses. By contrast, the Next Generation 9-1-1 Technology spearheaded by Karma Automotive and its partners will enable vehicles to instantly transmit vital, multi-layered crash data directly to 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Centers, bypassing intermediaries and saving precious seconds in emergency scenarios.

About Karma Automotive

Karma Automotive is America’s only full-line ultra-luxury vehicle manufacturer, and a pioneer of EREV (Extended Range Electric) vehicles which it manufactures at its Karma Innovation and Customization Center (KICC) in Moreno Valley, CA. Its Executive, Product Development, and Design headquarters are located in nearby Irvine, CA. The Karma portfolio embodies California’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial boldness, reflected by the signature Comet Line which is the central hallmark of Karma’s new design language. Sales of the 3rd Generation Karma Revero sport sedan, the world’s first luxury EREV plug-in hybrid, are now underway in the USA and EU, offering luxury balanced with conscientiousness delivered without compromise. Sales of Revero’s ultra-exclusive, performance-tuned stablemate, Karma Invictus, will begin in Q1 2025, followed by the Gyesera four-seater in Q4 2025.  The Karma Kaveya super-coupe, with up to 1,000HP and butterfly-doors, will arrive in Q4 2026, incorporating SDVA (Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture) developed in collaboration with Intel Automotive. Further, Karma Automotive will provide Tier 1’s and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with business-to-business SDVA solutions, as it does today with Karma Connect, its proprietary Vehicle Data Management and Over-the-Air services platform, which presently provides services to the world’s second largest OEM. Karma Automotive’s dealer network spans North America, Europe, South America and the Middle East. (www.karmaautomotive.com) 

About ROADMEDIC.AI

ROADMEDIC.AI is an authorized automotive OEM Tier 1 supplier dedicated to improving 9-1-1 emergency response through instantaneous IP-based data transmission from motor vehicles to 9-1-1 centers. Their innovative solutions save lives and reduce harm in crash events. For more information, visit www.roadmedic.com.

About COVESA

The Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA) is an open, member-driven global technology alliance accelerating the full potential of connected vehicles. By developing common approaches and technologies, COVESA provides a collaborative platform that empowers automotive software stakeholders and world-class developers to address challenges and opportunities in connected mobility and navigate the digital transformation of the automotive industry. Learn more about COVESA or join our community at www.covesa.global.

Media Contact:                                                                                                                                                           

Joe Richardson, (917) 716-6617                                                                              
Joe@BeautifulNoisePR.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/karma-automotive-collaborates-with-the-connected-vehicle-systems-alliance-covesa-uc-riverside-and-roadmedicai-to-develop-and-pilot-software-and-standards-for-next-generation-9-1-1-emergency-response-vehicle-communications-302338073.html

SOURCE Karma Automotive

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