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    Avram Fisher

    Research Analyst at Long Cast Advisers

    Avram Fisher is the Founder, Principal, Portfolio Manager, and Chief Curiosity Officer at Long Cast Advisers, specializing in concentrated investments in small-cap equities across industrial, financial, and technology sectors. His coverage includes companies such as Matrix Service Company (MTRX) and CoreCard Corporation (CCRD), delivering a seven-year track record through Q1 2023 of 166% total returns, or 14% annualized. Fisher launched Long Cast Advisers after serving as a sell-side equity analyst at BMO (Business & Industrial Services) and CSFB (Industrial Products), following earlier experience as a writer, reporter, and private investigator. He is a Registered Investment Adviser principal, and his credentials include direct RIA registration, with ongoing industry engagement through investor commentary and corporate events.

    Avram Fisher's questions to CoreCard (CCRD) leadership

    Avram Fisher's questions to CoreCard (CCRD) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Avram Fisher asked for clarification on the Intuit acquisition of CoreCard's customer Deserve, the drivers behind the strong Q1 revenue from Goldman Sachs, and the specifics of a new employee retention plan tied to a potential company acquisition.

    Answer

    CEO Leland Strange explained that the business with Deserve is expected to roll off over time with no anticipated relationship with Intuit. Executive Matthew White added that the strong Goldman Sachs revenue reflects higher managed services rates and is the expected run rate for 2025. Regarding the retention plan, Mr. Strange clarified it was designed to retain key employees who might be poached by larger competitors, making the incentive unnecessary if CoreCard were acquired by a large firm.

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    Avram Fisher's questions to CoreCard (CCRD) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Avram Fisher from Long Cast Advisers sought clarification on several points: the implications of Intuit's acquisition of customer Deserve, the drivers behind the strong Goldman Sachs revenue, and the specifics of a new employee retention pay plan.

    Answer

    Chairman and CEO Leland Strange stated that business with Deserve is expected to roll off over time with no new relationship anticipated with Intuit. Executive Matthew White confirmed this potential headwind is already incorporated into guidance. Regarding Goldman Sachs, White explained the revenue strength is due to higher managed services rates and that the current level is the expected run rate for 2025. Strange clarified the retention plan's clause about a large acquirer was to reassure and retain key employees.

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    Avram Fisher's questions to CoreCard (CCRD) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Avram Fisher asked for details on the Intuit acquisition of customer Deserve, the drivers behind the strong revenue from Goldman Sachs, and the specifics of a new employee retention plan mentioned in company filings.

    Answer

    CEO Leland Strange explained that the business from Deserve is expected to roll off over time and that the company does not anticipate a future relationship with Intuit. Executive Matthew White clarified that the strength in Goldman Sachs' revenue is due to higher managed services rates from a new contract and that the current level is the expected run rate for 2025. Strange added that the employee retention plan's acquisition clause is designed to retain staff concerned about being poached by larger firms.

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    Avram Fisher's questions to Research Solutions (RSSS) leadership

    Avram Fisher's questions to Research Solutions (RSSS) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Asked for a detailed comparison of academic versus corporate customers, the nature of the University of California win, the competitive landscape for corporate clients, reasons for lower competitive churn, a breakdown of the customer base, and the strategy for acquiring large 'whale' customers.

    Answer

    Management detailed that academic customers have a lower average sale price but similar gross margins and generate significantly higher transaction revenue relative to their platform fee. The University of California win was attributed to their unique product offering. They stated that churn to competitors is down, with most churn being uncontrollable (e.g., M&A, business closures). They are actively pursuing large 'whale' customers, particularly in the top pharma segment, which represent longer but high-priority sales cycles.

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    Avram Fisher's questions to Research Solutions (RSSS) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Asked about the sustainability of the 12% EBITDA margin, the reasons for the expanding sales cycle, and for clarification on product integration simplifying the sales process.

    Answer

    The double-digit EBITDA margin is considered sustainable on an annual basis, despite quarterly seasonality. The longer sales cycle is attributed to more deliberate customer procurement processes rather than a change in target market or sales effectiveness. Product integration will improve workflow, but they will continue to be sold as distinct, modular products.

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