ACI Worldwide, Inc. - ACIW STOCK NEWS

ACI Worldwide has launched an industry-first Fraud Scoring Services platform using its patented Incremental Learning Technology. This platform allows financial institutions to reduce fraud losses by up to 75%. Initially available in North America and Europe, it will expand globally. The service offers enhanced machine learning capabilities, improving operational efficiency and fraud detection while reducing costs. ACI's technology adapts continuously to changing fraud patterns, providing real-time solutions for financial institutions.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) has announced it is the first vendor to offer Venmo as a payment option for federal taxpayers, in addition to PayPal payments. This expansion aims to enhance taxpayer convenience, security, and increase satisfaction by facilitating digital tax payments. ACI reports that 90% of IRS electronic payments via ACI are made online or through mobile, with mobile payments growing by 85% from 2021 to 2022. ACI has securely processed over $25 billion in IRS tax payments for more than 20 years.

ACI Worldwide reported a strong financial performance for 2021, with total revenue of $1.371 billion, up 6% from 2020, and net income rising 76% to $128 million. The adjusted EBITDA increased to $384 million, a 7% growth year-over-year. In Q4 2021 alone, revenue reached $467 million, marking a 21% increase. ACI's net adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 38%. The company repurchased 3 million shares and increased its repurchase authorization, ending the year with $122 million in cash. For 2022, ACI projects mid-single-digit revenue growth, expecting between $1.415 billion to $1.435 billion in revenue.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) has partnered with Nedbank, a leading South African bank, to modernize its payment systems using the ACI Enterprise Payments Platform. This collaboration aims to implement real-time mobile payments through ACI’s Low-Value Real-Time Payments. The initiative will support Nedbank's digital transformation, restructure legacy systems, and enhance financial services with advanced solutions to combat fraud and improve customer service. The partnership is a strategic move towards better payment infrastructure in response to the growing demand for digital banking.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) has been recognized by Aite-Novarica Group as a top vendor in the 2021 Aite Matrix for Biller Direct EBPP Solutions. The company achieved the highest ratings for client strength, indicating its diverse client base and strong retention. ACI Speedpay is acknowledged for its robust features and compliance support, which enhances client relationships and drives revenue. The company is well-positioned for further growth in the evolving U.S. biller market.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) launched ACI PayAfter, enabling merchants to offer over 70 Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options via a single integration. This user-friendly solution improves acceptance rates and assists merchants in reaching a broader, often overlooked customer base, including the unbanked. ACI PayAfter simplifies financing for consumers by reducing multiple credit checks and application forms, encouraging purchases. With millennials and Gen Z making up significant market segments, ACI aims to enhance the consumer experience and boost sales for merchants.

Kiwibank has partnered with ACI Worldwide to implement a full capability Payment Hub, a SaaS solution on Microsoft Azure. This strategic alliance aims to enhance Kiwibank's ability to offer real-time payment services, catering to evolving consumer demands for instant transactions. The flexibility of ACI's technology will lower operational costs and improve service delivery across New Zealand's banking sector, preparing Kiwibank for future industry shifts requiring year-round payment operations.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) has partnered with COMO Global S.A., enhancing COMO's payments gateway, COMO World, with ACI Secure eCommerce. This collaboration aims to support COMO's expansion into new markets by providing access to a wide range of local and cross-border acquirers and diverse payment methods. The enhanced platform will enable merchants to accept multiple payment types securely while benefiting from advanced fraud prevention and business intelligence tools.

ACI Worldwide, a leader in real-time digital payment solutions, will release its financial results for Q4 and full-year 2021 on February 24, 2022. A conference call is scheduled for 8:30 am ET to discuss these results and 2022 financial guidance. Interested participants can join via a webcast or by phone. This earnings report is pivotal for investors as it will provide insights into the company's performance and future financial expectations.