ACI Worldwide, Inc. - ACIW STOCK NEWS

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) announces IRS approval for cash transactions via a new digital barcode feature through ACI Payments, Inc. Taxpayers, once validated, can acquire a barcode to pay taxes at over 60,000 retail locations, enhancing payment accessibility for unbanked populations. This initiative addresses financial challenges from the pandemic and facilitates simpler tax payments for consumers. ACI has securely processed over $25 billion in IRS payments over 20 years, reaffirming its long-standing partnership with the IRS.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) announces a partnership with InComm Payments to digitize cash payments using barcode payment tokens, enhancing bill payment options for unbanked and underbanked consumers. This innovative solution allows users to pay bills at over 60,000 participating retail agents, like Dollar General and Family Dollar. ACI Speedpay, the integrated suite of bill presentment and payment services, aims to improve user experience while reducing costs. The collaboration emphasizes financial inclusion and provides consumers with safer, convenient payment methods.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) reported financial results for Q4 and the full year ending December 31, 2020. Total bookings reached $1.495 billion, a 21% increase from 2019, while new bookings surged 36% to $737 million. Full-year revenues grew 3% to $1.29 billion, with total recurring revenue at $981 million, up 10%. Net income rose 8% to $73 million. ACI anticipates mid-single-digit growth in H2 2021 and expects adjusted EBITDA between $375 million and $385 million for the year.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) has announced an agreement with Starboard Value LP, which owns approximately 7.7% of ACI's common stock, to appoint two new independent directors to its Board. This addition will temporarily increase the Board's size to 12 members, with 11 being independent. ACI leadership emphasized that these appointments align with their commitment to Board refreshment and advancing profitability. The CEO of Starboard expressed confidence in ACI's potential for enhanced shareholder value through these changes.

Mastercard and ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) announced a partnership with Cámara de Compensación Electrónica (CCE) to enhance financial institutions' access to real-time payments in Peru. The collaboration aims to modernize the country's digital payment infrastructure, leveraging ACI's Enterprise Payments Platform and Mastercard's Instant Payment Service. Following a significant increase in transfer volumes—from 580,000 in January 2020 to over 2.8 million in January 2021—this initiative is set to support ongoing demand for real-time payments, with industry testing starting later this year.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) has partnered with Auriga, a leader in omni-channel banking, to launch an advanced ATM and self-service banking platform. This collaboration aims to enhance the global banking experience by integrating ACI's Enterprise Payments Platform with Auriga's WinWebServer. The new solution seeks to improve customer service through the seamless connection of physical and digital banking channels. Both companies recognize the growing need for innovative banking solutions accelerated by the pandemic, with a focus on delivering 24/7 access to various banking services.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), a leader in real-time electronic payment software, is set to report its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2020 on February 25, 2021. Management will conduct a conference call at 8:30 am EST to discuss the results and future guidance. Interested participants can access the call via a real-time audio broadcast or through designated dial-in numbers. A replay of the call will be available for two weeks.

ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) and Gilbarco Veeder-Root have announced a collaboration to jointly certify ACI's point-to-point encryption (P2PE) data security solution, aimed at enhancing protection for consumers using debit and credit cards at fuel pumps. This partnership seeks to exceed existing EMV security requirements and mitigate losses from data breaches and fraud, providing a comprehensive security solution for fuel retailers globally. ACI's P2PE capabilities will help in desensitizing payments infrastructure, reducing risks associated with sensitive cardholder data.

A recent study by ACI Worldwide reveals that 85% of merchants using a multi-acquiring strategy have improved conversion rates. The report highlights that 57% of merchants and 70% of payment service providers (PSPs) are currently adopting this approach.

Key benefits include enhanced resilience, reduced operational costs, and better access to alternative payment methods. 40% of single acquirer users plan to switch to multiple acquirers within a year, seeking flexibility and cost reduction. The findings underscore the growing trend of multi-acquiring in global payment strategies.