Sigma Additive Solutions Completes Quality Assurance Software Asset Sale to Divergent Technologies
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The sale of intellectual property assets by Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. to Divergent Technologies for $1.6 million is a strategic move that significantly alters the company's financial structure. The transaction's completion, coupled with the acquisition of NextTrip Holdings, Inc., is aimed at maximizing shareholder value by eliminating legacy debt and contingent liabilities. This positions Sigma with a clean balance sheet, which is often viewed favorably by investors as it can indicate a stronger financial position and reduced risk profile. The shift towards a debt-free status, except for zero-interest loans from company leadership, offers Sigma increased financial flexibility. This could potentially lead to operational improvements and strategic investments in growth initiatives.
Furthermore, the company’s pivot towards focusing on NextTrip travel operations aligns with the anticipated recovery and growth in the travel industry. The timing of this strategic move could be advantageous, as it coincides with a projected increase in global travel, which is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels. This sector's growth trajectory could provide revenue expansion opportunities for Sigma. However, investors should consider the risks associated with entering a highly competitive market, where brand recognition and customer loyalty play critical roles.
The introduction of Sigma's travel agent participation program, along with its Groups Booking Technology and white label widget, targets underserved segments within the travel agency industry. This suggests Sigma is aiming to carve out a niche in a market that is wide-open for innovation. The company's strategic growth plans, which include leveraging a 6+ million customer database, indicate an aggressive marketing approach that could rapidly increase market penetration.
However, the success of these initiatives will depend on the effectiveness of their implementation and the company's ability to differentiate itself. The travel industry is known for its dynamic pricing models and customer service expectations and Sigma's technology offerings will need to address these areas effectively to gain a competitive edge. The ability to scale up operations and maintain a robust technological infrastructure will be crucial in meeting the demands of the projected 4.7 billion travelers in 2024. Stakeholders should monitor the company's operational execution and customer adoption rates as key indicators of long-term viability and potential market share capture.
The global economic outlook plays a significant role in the travel industry's performance. Sigma's strategic decision to enter the travel market aligns with the International Air Transport Association's forecast for a historic high in travel numbers. This positive trend is indicative of a broader economic recovery post-pandemic, which could stimulate discretionary spending, particularly in the travel sector.
However, while the macroeconomic environment appears conducive to growth in travel, it is important to consider factors such as geopolitical stability, currency fluctuations and potential regulatory changes that could impact the industry. The resilience and adaptability of Sigma's business model to such externalities will be key in sustaining growth. Investors should also be aware of the cyclical nature of the travel industry and the potential for economic downturns to adversely affect consumer spending on travel. Thus, while the short-term outlook may seem promising, a diversified and risk-adjusted approach would be prudent for long-term investment considerations.
Company Focus Transitions to NextTrip and Travel Operations with Clean Balance Sheet
SANTA FE, NM / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2024 / Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:SASI) ("Sigma", "we," "our," or the "Company") today announced it has closed the sale of intellectual property assets related to its additive quality assurance product to Divergent Technologies, Inc. in conjunction with its recent acquisition of NextTrip Holdings, Inc. ("NextTrip").
On October 6, 2023, Sigma entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Divergent Technologies to sell certain Sigma assets, consisting primarily of patents, software code and other intellectual property, to Divergent Technologies for a purchase price of
Bill Kerby, Chief Executive Officer of Sigma, commented, "With the close of the acquisition completed, the sale of Sigma legacy assets streamlines the Company to allow us to focus
"We are now executing our strategic growth plans and expanding our reach into new markets as a public company. After the soft launch of our travel booking engine in November, we anticipate full re-activation of the platform and going live in the next 30 days with ramp up of marketing to our 6+ million customer database. We are also working to introduce a Groups Booking Technology and a white label widget for the travel agency industry, both of which are wide-open and underserved areas.
"Looking ahead into 2024 we are highly optimistic that the NextTrip ecosystem is launching in an exciting year for the travel industry. According to the International Air Transport Association, over 4.7 billion people are expected to travel in 2024, a historic high that exceeds the pre-pandemic level of 4.5 billion recorded in 2019. The ITIJ reports that in 2023 international arrivals were higher than 2022 in all regions across the world and expects this trend will continue in 2024 with many regions surpassing 2019 levels by the end of the year. Taken together, we believe the launch and ramp of our booking platform comes at an opportune time to capture the resurgence in travel as we look to build long-term value for our shareholders," concluded Kerby.
About NextTrip
NextTrip is a technology-driven platform delivering innovative solutions for business and leisure travel. NextTrip Leisure provides individual and group travelers with vacations to the most popular and sought-after destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and across the world. NextTrip Business is an online corporate travel and expense management solution with a large inventory of travel options and discounted rates. NextTrip Solutions offers travel technologies that make the jobs of alternative lodging property managers, wholesalers, distributors and other travel industry players easier and more efficient. For more information and to book a trip, visit https://investors.nexttrip.com/.
About Sigma Additive Solutions
Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. has historically been a provider of in-process quality assurance (IPQA™) solutions to the additive manufacturing industry. Sigma has specialized in the development and commercialization of real-time monitoring and analytics known as PrintRite3D® for 3D metal and polymer advanced manufacturing technologies. PrintRite3D detects and classifies defects and anomalies real-time during the manufacturing process, enabling significant cost-savings and production efficiencies by reducing waste, increasing yield, and shortening cycle times.
As previously disclosed in Sigma's filings with the SEC, Sigma completed its acquisition of NextTrip in December 2023. With the sale of assets related to its additive quality assurance now complete, Sigma's business has transitioned to that of NextTrip.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which Sections were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "prospects," "outlook," and similar words or expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may," and "could" are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including approval of the corporate name change and authorized share increase by Sigma shareholders, continuing risks relating to the recent acquisition of NextTrip and post-closing matters related to the asset sale to Divergent. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are risks relating to, among other things, Sigma's ability to obtain shareholder approval of the name change and authorized share increase, post-closing matters related to the asset sale, amongst other things. Sigma disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, a future event, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. For additional information regarding risks and uncertainties that could impact Sigma's forward-looking statements, please see disclosures contained in the Definitive Proxy Statement filed by Sigma with the SEC on December 1, 2023 and Sigma's other filings with the SEC, including the "Risk Factors" in Sigma's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and which may be viewed at www.sec.gov.
Contacts
Chris Tyson
Executive Vice President
MZ Group - MZ North America
949-491-8235
SASI@mzgroup.us
www.mzgroup.us
SOURCE: Sigma Additive Solutions
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