Q4 2021 Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Inc Earnings Call

Great.

Speaker 1: Good morning and welcome to the Dunn and Bradstreet's 4th Quarter 2021 Conference Call. As a reminder, today's call is being recorded and your participation implies consent to such a recording. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A brief question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, press star then zero on your telephone keypad.

Good morning, and welcome to the Dun <unk> Bradstreet's fourth quarter 2021 conference call.

A reminder, today's call is being recorded and your participation implies consent to such a recording.

At this time all participants are in a listen only mode. A brief question and answer session will follow the formal presentation.

If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference Press Star then zero on your telephone keypad.

With that I would like to turn the call over to Deb Mccann Treasurer, and senior Vice President of Investor Relations You May proceed.

Speaker 1: With that, I would like to turn the call over to Deb McCann, Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Investor Relations. You may proceed.

Speaker 2: Thank you. Good morning everyone and thank you for joining us for Dun & Bradstreet's Financial Results Conference call for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2021. On the call today we have Dun & Bradstreet's CEO Anthony Jabbour and CFO Brian Hipscher. Before we begin, allow me to provide a disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements.

Thank you good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us for Dun <unk> Bradstreet's financial results conference call for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2021 on the call today, we have Dun <unk> Bradstreet CEO , Anthony Jabbour, and CFO Bryan Hipsher before we begin allow me to provide a disclaimer regarding forward looking statements this call, including the Q&A portion.

Speaker 2: This call, including the Q&A portion of the call, may include forward-looking statements related to the expected future results for our company and are therefore forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from our projections due to a number of risks that I'm seeing in the Q&A portion of the call.

On the call May include forward looking statements related to the expected future results of our company and are therefore forward looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from our projections due to a number of risks and uncertainties the risks and uncertainties. The forward looking statements are subject to.

Speaker 2: The risks and uncertainties that forward-looking statements are subject to are described in our earnings release and other SEC filings. Today's remarks will also include references to non-GAAP financial measures. Additional information, including reconciliation between non-GAAP financial information to the GAAP financial information, is provided in the press release and supplemental slide presentation. This conference call will be available for reply via webcast through Dun & Bradstreet's Investor Relations website at investor.dnb.com. With that, I'll now turn the call over to Ann.

Are described in our earnings release and other SEC filings. Today's remarks will also include references to non-GAAP financial measures additional information, including reconciliation between non-GAAP financial information to the GAAP financial information is provided in the press release and supplemental slide presentation. This conference call will be available for replay via webcast through Dun and Bradstreet investor.

Relations website at Investor <unk>, Dnb Dot com with that I'll now turn the call over to Anthony.

Speaker 3: Thank you, Deb, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us for our fourth quarter and full year 2021 earnings call.

Thank you Dan and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us for our fourth quarter and full year 2021 earnings call.

Speaker 3: Before we get into our review of the quarter in full gear, I want to take a moment to step back and reflect on our progress since the Take Private three years ago.

When we get into a review of the quarter and full year I wanted to take a moment to step back and reflect on our progress since the take private three years ago.

Speaker 3: In February of 2019, we began our journey to maximize the potential of an asset that had been under managed for over a decade.

In February of 2019, we began our journey to maximize the potential of an asset that had been under managed program a decade.

Speaker 3: In that time, we have made significant financial and operational improvements to the business.

That time, we've made significant financial and operational improvements to the business.

From a financial perspective, we have grown adjusted revenues nearly 30% and adjusted EBITDA nearly 50%.

We're approximately $280 million.

Speaker 3: We also expanded adjusted EBITDA margin by nearly 600 basis points, all while improving net leverage by more than four terms.

We also expanded adjusted EBIT margin by nearly 600 basis points and all while improving net leverage by more than four turns.

Speaker 3: These financial outcomes are a direct reflection of the operational execution underway.

These financial outcomes are a direct reflection of the operational execution underway.

Speaker 3: Rather than talk about qualitative improvements in culture, organizational structure, and the like, let me hit on a few quantitative metrics that really show the progress we have made.

Rather than talk about qualitative improvements in culture organizational structure and the like let me hit on a few quantitative metrics that really show the progress we have made.

Speaker 3: Starting off, we've doubled our contribution for multi-year contracts, which now account for

Starting off we've doubled our contribution for multiyear contracts.

Which now account for 50% of sales.

Speaker 3: we increased our new product vitality index from less than 1% to nearly 8%.

We increased our new product vitality index from less than 1% to nearly 8%.

We doubled the size of our international business.

Speaker 3: and we improved our data coverage globally by nearly 50%.

We improved our data coverage globally by nearly 50%.

Speaker 3: Operational execution has been at the core of our transformation and is most recently fueling our increased focus and investment in accelerating organic growth.

Operational execution has been at the core of our transformation and is most recently fueling our increased focus and investment in accelerating organic growth.

Speaker 3: We finished 2021 on a high with our strongest quarter of the year, and I'm excited to update you on our most recent financial and operational achievements.

We finished 2021 on a high with our strongest quarter of the year and I'm excited to update you on our most recent financial and operational achievements.

Speaker 3: Let's jump into the quarterly update, and then I'll hand the call over to Brian for more in-depth financial review of 2021 results and 2022 guidance. After that, we'll finish up the session.

Jump into the quarterly update and then I'll hand, the call over to Brian for a more in depth financial review of 2021 results in 2022 guidance.

After that we will finish up by taking your questions.

Speaker 3: Fourth quarter total company revenues grew 25% and organic constant currency revenue growth came in at 4.8%

Fourth quarter total company revenues grew 25% and organic constant currency revenue growth came in at four 8%.

Speaker 3: Organic revenue growth was fueled by high single digit growth in international and mid-single digit growth in North America.

Organic revenue growth was fueled by high single digit growth in international and mid single digit growth in North America.

Speaker 3: The international team capped off a strong year of growth as new solution introduction in Global 500 Account Expansion led to an 8% increase over the prior year quarter.

The international team capped off a strong year of growth as new solution introduction and global 500 account expansion led to an 8% increase over the prior year quarter.

North America continued its organic growth progression coming in at just over 4% with finance and risk leading the way.

Speaker 3: North America continued its organic growth progression, coming in at just over 4%, with finance and risk leading the way.

Speaker 3: Our risk solutions remain a bright spot as enterprises continue to grapple with an ever-evolving third-party risk landscape, and our solutions provide them the tools necessary to make rapid and informed decisions at an unparalleled level of company specificity.

Our risk solutions remain a bright spot as enterprises continue to grapple with an ever evolving third party risk landscape and our solutions provide them the tools necessary to make rapid and informed decisions.

Unparalleled level of company's specificity.

Speaker 3: We continue to execute against our near-term financial objectives and even more importantly, continue to execute against our strategic growth.

We continue to execute against our near term financial objectives, and even more importantly continue to execute against our strategic roadmap.

While the sales team had one of its best quarters in recent history, our technology and product organizations have been hard at work delivering new and innovative solutions to both our north American and international markets.

Speaker 3: While the sales team had one of its best quarters in recent history, our technology and product organizations have been hard at work delivering new and innovative solutions to both our North American and international markets.

Speaker 3: The finance and risk teams have been focused on integrating and enhancing existing solutions while simultaneously expanding our solution set to include areas such as fraud and ESG for our strategic and national account segments and introducing new lighter version solutions for our S&B clients.

The finance and risk teams have been focused on integrating and enhancing existing solutions, while simultaneously expanding our solution set to include areas such as fraud, and ESG for a strategic and national account segments and introducing new lighter version solutions for our SMB clients.

Speaker 3: On the sales and marketing side, we're enhancing our digital marketing solutions with the additions of IOTA and NetWise, and bringing greater integration through the RevUp Suite and more robust and connected data through our master data management solutions.

On the sales and marketing side, we are enhancing our digital marketing solutions with the additions of iota and that wise and bringing greater integration to the Rev. Upsweep and more robust and connected data through our master data management solutions.

Speaker 3: The teams continue to deliver innovative solutions around the globe, helping us drive increased wallet share, add new logos, and increase utilization and stickiness through deeper and deeper integration into our clients' most critical operational workflows.

The teams continue to deliver innovative solutions around the globe, helping us drive increased wallet share add net new logos and increase utilization and stickiness through deeper and deeper integration into our clients' most critical operational workflows.

Speaker 3: With that, I'll now go into more detail in each of these areas, beginning with an update on some of our most recent innovations.

With that I'll now go into more detail in each of these areas beginning with an update on some of our most recent innovations.

Speaker 3: Beginning with finance and risk, we launched a new set of fraud capabilities that help companies prevent occurrences of business identity theft, synthetic fraud, and other commercial fraud techniques.

Beginning with finance and risk, we launched a new set of fraud capabilities that help companies prevent occurrences of business identity theft synthetic fraud and other commercial fraud techniques.

Speaker 3: Our fraud analytics are utilized within the initial screening of a business that might be looking to access credit or become a new supplier.

Our fraud analytics are utilized within the initial screening of a business that might be looking to access credit will become a new supplier.

Speaker 3: through our proprietary analytic methods and access to hundreds of millions of records throughout the globe, we're in a unique position to help our clients stop a fraudulent transaction before it even gets started.

Through our proprietary analytic methods and access to hundreds of millions of records throughout the globe or in a unique position to help our clients start a fraudulent transaction before it even gets started.

Speaker 3: With 10 companies currently in beta, we plan a full North American rollout by the end of the first quarter and a country-by-country international rollout shortly thereafter.

With 10 companies currently in beta we plan a full north American rollout by the end of the first quarter and a country by country International rollout shortly thereafter.

Speaker 3: This morning, we announced the strategic agreement with Google Cloud for infrastructure modernization and to jointly innovate new industry specific solutions.

This morning, we announced the strategic agreement with Google Cloud for infrastructure modernization and to jointly innovate new industry specific solutions, we will combine the depth and breadth of Dun <unk> bradstreet's business data and insights with Google cloud technology and data and analytics.

Speaker 3: We will combine the depth and breadth of Dun & Bradstreet's business data and insights with Google Cloud's technology and data and analytics.

Speaker 3: to push the boundaries of innovation and unlock opportunities to help our clients and stakeholders win in this fast-paced market.

To push the boundaries of innovation and unlock opportunities to help our clients and stakeholders win in this fast paced market.

Speaker 3: Our first joint initiative is focused on the development of solutions that solve the increasing challenge of managing global supply chain risk.

Our first joint initiative is focused on the development of solutions that solve the increasing challenge of managing global supply chain risk.

Speaker 3: Both Dun & Bradstreet and Google Cloud bring deep domain expertise, brand leadership, and a strong desire and ability to do something truly innovative for our clients.

Both Dun <unk> Bradstreet, and Google cloud bring deep domain expertise brand leadership, and a strong desire and ability to do something truly innovative for our clients.

Speaker 3: Work is already underway across our teams, and we are looking forward to sharing more in the quarters to come.

Work is already underway across our teams and we're looking forward to sharing more in the quarters to come.

Speaker 3: We also continue to support and expand credit inclusivity for our small and medium-sized businesses.

We also continue to support and expand credit inclusivity for our small and medium sized businesses are blended score is already showing great promise as we have been able to increase match rates by 30% to 35% with SMB client portfolios for some of our largest and most strategic clients.

Speaker 3: Our blended score is already showing great promise as we have been able to increase match rates by 30 to 35 percent with F&B client portfolios for some of our largest and most strategic clients.

Speaker 3: With the blended score's ability to take a core business score and supplement certain consumer credit attributes, we are finding a real differentiation in the combined solution.

With a blended scores ability to take our core business score and supplement certain consumer credit attributes, we're finding a real differentiation in the combined solution.

Speaker 3: with rising interest rates, increasing inflation, and government loan paybacks coming due, it's more critical than ever that we assist small businesses in their ability to not just survive, but thrive in these ever-evolving macroeconomic conditions.

With rising interest rates, increasing inflation and government loan paybacks coming due it's more critical than ever that we assist small businesses and their ability to not just survive, but thrive in these ever evolving macroeconomic conditions.

Speaker 3: Another rapidly evolving macroeconomic condition is a continued focus on ESG by both our international and North American clients.

Another rapidly evolving macroeconomic condition is a continued focus on ESG by both our international and North American clients.

Speaker 3: Our ESG Intelligence solution has potential growth vectors across supply chain management, investment decision making, lending and credit evaluation, insurance, and sales and marketing segmentation.

Our ESG intelligence solution has potential growth vectors across supply chain management investment decision, making.

Lending and credit evaluation.

<unk> and sales and marketing segmentation.

Speaker 3: Our initial focus is on the first two I just mentioned. Corporate clients who leverage Z&B to underwrite the overall risk profile of a supplier or third party during the onboarding process. And second, investment managers who are seeking credible ESG data to comprehend the ESG integration across their investment portfolio.

Our initial focus is on the first two I just mentioned corporate clients, who leveraged dnb to underwrite the overall risk profile of a supplier or third party during the Onboarding process and second investment managers, who are seeking credible ESG data the comprehensive ESG integration across the investment portfolio.

Folios.

For both the power of our public and private global data footprint can help to augment existing credit and compliance risk at a time of increased supply chain scrutiny.

Speaker 3: For both, the power of our public and private global data footprint can help to augment existing credit and compliance risk at a time of increased supply chain scrutiny.

We can also provide private equity and venture capital firms private company ESG ratings based on actual data that can be leveraged for many uses including due diligence portfolio assessment and limited partner reporting.

Speaker 3: We can also provide private equity and venture capital firms private company ESG ratings based on actual data that can be leveraged for many uses including due diligence, portfolio assessment and limited partner reporting.

Speaker 3: We are early on in this journey, but it's clear to us that our most strategic clients will begin to mandate ESG solutions in multiple areas of their business. And we believe we are well positioned to capture this expanding demand.

We are early on in this journey, but it is clear to us that are the most strategic clients will begin to mandate ESG solutions in multiple areas of their business and we believe we are well positioned to capture this expanding demand.

Speaker 3: Moving on to sales and marketing, I want to touch on the progress we have made to Iota and NetWise and their inclusion into our audience solutions office.

Moving on to sales and marketing I wanted to touch on the progress we have made to date with Iot and net wise and their inclusion into our audience solutions offering.

Speaker 3: To start, we have commenced with the integration of the DUNS number into the NetWise ID graph, creating a full 360 degree view of our client.

To start we have commenced with the integration of the DUNS number into the net wise I'd graph, creating a full 360 degree view of our clients we.

Speaker 3: We have identified and are approaching a high propensity cross-cell pipeline to bring IOTA and NetWise capabilities to our existing clients, and we are expanding our audience targeting capabilities internationally.

We have identified and are approaching a high propensity cross sell pipeline to bring iota and net wise capabilities to our existing clients and we are expanding our audience targeting capabilities internationally.

Speaker 3: Our audience solutions capabilities are designed to address the evolving international regulatory landscape and we are excited to bring these solutions to our largest clients in the Scandinavian dock regions along with the United Kingdom.

Our audience solutions capabilities are designed to address the evolving international regulatory landscape and we are excited to bring these solutions to our largest clients in the Scandinavian and dock regions, along with the United Kingdom.

Speaker 3: We expect to deploy to Canada and the UK in the first quarter and to the rest of the world throughout the remainder of the year.

We expect to deploy to Canada, and the UK in the first quarter and to the rest of the world throughout the remainder of the year.

I am very pleased with the results that we're seeing after the first few months from these two acquisitions and I'm quite excited about our ability to assist our clients in navigating and optimizing their digital marketing efforts.

Speaker 3: I'm very pleased with the results that we're seeing after the first few months from these two acquisitions and I'm quite excited about our ability to assist our clients in navigating and optimizing through digital marketing.

Speaker 3: And finally, before we move on to the key sales update, I want to share another significant milestone in our solution modernization journey. We've often talked about the importance of API-based solutions in driving stickier and deeper client relationships, which is why we were delighted to see that in the fourth quarter, we hit a milestone where the percentage of revenues from API-based solutions have doubled in the past three years.

And finally before we move on to the key sales update I want to share another significant milestone in our solution modernization journey, we've often talked about the importance of API based solutions and driving stickier and deeper client relationships, which is why we were delighted to see that in the fourth quarter, we hit a milestone where the percentage of.

Revenues from API based solutions have doubled in the past three years.

Speaker 3: With API-based solutions now accounting for 10% of our revenues, our recurring revenues have grown to over 90% and continue to provide us with a very defensible base to grow.

With API based solutions now accounting for 10% of our revenues are recurring revenues have grown to over 90% and continue to provide us with a very defensible base to grow from.

Moving on to key sales wins in the fourth quarter, we won competitive new business with Transunion, a global information and insights company, who chose our risk and compliance solutions to improve their supplier risk assessment process. The multiyear deal includes our new ESG intelligence solution, which which will allow them.

Speaker 3: Moving on to key sales wins in the fourth quarter. We won competitive new business with TransUnion, a global information and insights company, who chose our risk and compliance solutions to improve their supplier risk assessment process.

Speaker 3: The multi-year deal includes our new ESG Intelligence solution, which will allow them to gain better visibility into third-party ESG risks through topic-specific rankings built from verified data.

To gain better visibility into third party ESG risks through topic specific rankings built from verified data points.

Our financial services and digital payments company signed a new multi year third party risk and compliance deal with us as well.

Speaker 3: A financial services and digital payments company signed a new multi-year third-party risk and compliance deal with us as well.

On the finance solution side, we're excited about new multi year business with a rapidly growing Fintech company.

Speaker 3: On the finance solutions side, we're excited about new multi-year business with a rapidly growing fintech company.

Speaker 3: Our solutions will enable them to grow their commercial card business by maximizing approval rates by simultaneously avoiding high risk apps.

Our solutions will enable them to grow their commercial card business by maximizing approval rates by simultaneously avoiding high risk applicants.

Speaker 3: A leading provider of multi-cloud services signed a new multi-year master data management agreement that will improve their operational effectiveness and scalability, resulting in increased opportunities and revenue.

A leading provider of multi cloud services signed a new multiyear master data management agreement that will improve their operational effectiveness and scalability, resulting in increased opportunities and revenue.

ODP expanded their sales and marketing business with us to include more modern API solutions as well as the addition of wrap up.

Speaker 3: ODP expanded their sales and marketing business with us to include more modern API solutions as well as the addition of RevUp.

Speaker 3: And finally, KeyBank renewed its sales and marketing business with a multi-year deal to support their analytics, insights, marketing, and lead generation.

And finally, keybanc renew that sales and marketing business with a multi year deal to support their analytics insights marketing and lead generation, we continue to broaden and deepen our relationships with our strategic clients while at the same time, making incremental progress in our SMB segment.

Speaker 3: We continue to broaden and deepen our relationships with our strategic clients, while at the same time making incremental progress in our SMB segment.

Speaker 3: Improving our SMB segment has been a priority for us since day one.

Improving our SMB segment has been a priority for us since day one.

Speaker 3: There were shortcomings with the solutions and sales practices that brought about not only challenges to growth, but also an open investigation by the FTC beginning in 2018 prior to privatization.

There are shortcomings with the solutions and sales practices that brought about not only challenges to growth, but also an open investigation by the FTC beginning in 2018 prior to privatization.

Speaker 3: Almost immediately when we took over, we began making changes, including a completely new leadership team, significant changes to sales and contracting practices, and a rationalized and expanded solution set that is pointed at helping small businesses grow and thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Almost immediately when we took over we began making changes, including a completely new leadership team significant changes to sales and contracting practices and are rationalized and expanded solution set that is pointed at helping small businesses grow and thrive in an ever evolving business landscape.

Speaker 3: We've updated you on all our progress in each of our quarterly calls. And while many of these changes address the issues brought up by the FTC,

We've updated you on all our progress in each of our quarterly calls and while many of these changes address the issues brought up by the FTC.

Speaker 3: That was but a byproduct of our focus on evolving our SMB solutions in new and innovative ways.

That was about a byproduct of our focus on evolving our SMB solutions and new and innovative ways. We are pleased to settle this matter.

Speaker 3: We are pleased to settle this matter and will continue to focus our time, energy and efforts on helping small and medium-sized businesses enhance credit inclusivity and leverage sophisticated solutions that help small businesses make sophisticated decisions without a team of data scientists.

We'll continue to focus our time energy and efforts on helping small and medium sized businesses enhanced credit inclusivity and leverage sophisticated solutions that help small businesses make sophisticated decisions without a team of data scientists.

Speaker 3: I'm very proud of the efforts made to date and enthusiastic about our opportunities to serve this market through continued innovation and expanded strategic partners.

I'm very proud of the efforts made to date and enthusiastic about our opportunities to serve this market through continued innovation and expanded strategic partnerships.

Speaker 3: On the international front, performance remains strong as we continue to focus on developing innovative solutions, enhancing existing client relationships, and winning new clients in targeted markets.

On the international front performance remained strong as we continue to focus on developing innovative solutions enhancing existing client relationships and winning new clients in targeted markets.

Speaker 3: We launched 10 additional solutions across our international and worldwide network markets, which brings our total to nearly 40 for all of 2021.

We launched 10 additional solutions across our international and worldwide network markets, which brings our total to nearly 40% for all of 2021.

Key launches in the quarter included our localized dnb hoovers across Europe D&B.

Speaker 3: Key launches in the quarter included our localized DNB hovers across Europe , DNB on-boards in the Nordic.

Dnb onboard in the Nordics.

Speaker 3: rev up in the UK, and risk analytics across varying Asian worldwide network partner markets.

Wrap up in the U K and risk analytics across various Asian worldwide network partner markets.

Speaker 3: These new offerings are enabling us to initiate and expand our relationships with large enterprise accounts, facilitated by our improved go-to-market strategies that fosters more cross-border collaboration than ever before with our Global 500 clients.

These new offerings are enabling us to initiate and expand our relationships with large enterprise accounts facilitated by our improved go to market strategies that fosters more cross border collaboration than ever before with our global 500 clients.

We expanded and establish new relationships with organizations such as Deutsche Telekom that add to a growing list of Mega clients looking to do business with us throughout the world.

Speaker 3: We expanded and established new relationships with organizations such as Deutsche Telekom that add to a growing list of mega clients looking to do business with us throughout the world and we are excited about the momentum we have built in a segment that has more than doubled in three short years.

We are excited about the momentum we have built in a segment that has more than doubled in three short years.

Part of the success, we're having in the core international business is the benefits of our successful acquisition and integration of this node into what is now known as D&B Europe .

Speaker 3: Part of the success we're having in the core international business is the benefits of our successful acquisition and integration of BizNote into what is now known as D&B Europe .

Speaker 3: Through a tremendous amount of effort and teamwork, the business turned from a decline in 2020 of approximately 1.5%, to growth of nearly 2% in 2021. And at the same time, we were able to achieve over $20 million in annualized run rate savings.

Through a tremendous amount of effort and teamwork the business turned from a decline in 2020 of approximately one 5% to growth of nearly 2% in 2021 and at the same time, we're able to achieve over $20 million in annualized run rate savings.

With 12, new products launched in 2021, and the migration to more modern dnb products underway I'm very pleased with the progress we have made and look forward to continuing in 2022 and beyond.

Speaker 3: With 12 new products launched in 2021 and the migration to more modern D&D products underway, I'm very pleased with the progress we have made and look forward to continuing in 2022 and beyond.

Speaker 3: Overall, I'm extremely proud of our team's accomplishments this quarter, this year, and the performance over the past three years. We have accomplished an incredible amount in a short period of time and are ready and energized to continue maximizing the assets and opportunity we have in front of us.

Overall I'm extremely proud of our team's accomplishments this quarter this year and the performance over the past three years, we've accomplished an incredible amount in a short period of time and are ready and energized to continue maximizing the assets and opportunity we have in front of us.

Speaker 3: With that, I'd now like to turn the call over to Brian to discuss our financial results for 2021 and outlook for 2022.

With that I'd now like to turn the call over to Brian to discuss our financial results for 2021 and outlook for 2022.

Speaker 3: Thank you, Anthony, and good morning, everyone. Today I will discuss our fourth quarter and full year 2021 results, and then our outlook for 2022.

Thank you Anthony and good morning, everyone today, I will discuss our fourth quarter and full year of 2021 results and then our outlook for 2022.

Speaker 3: Turning to slide one, on a GAAP basis, fourth quarter revenues were $598 million, an increase of 25% compared to the prior year quarter, both after and before the effect of foreign exchange.

Turning to slide one on a GAAP basis fourth quarter revenues were $598 million, an increase of 25% compared to the prior year quarter, both after and before the effect of foreign exchange.

Speaker 3: Net loss for the fourth quarter was $12 million, or a diluted loss per share of 3 cents, compared to net income of $2 million for the prior year quarter.

Net loss for the fourth quarter was $12 million or a diluted loss per share of <unk> <unk> compared.

Compared to net income of $2 million for the prior year quarter.

Speaker 3: This was primarily driven by costs associated with the early debt extinguishment and the collar gain recorded in the prior year, partially offset by higher operating costs.

This was primarily driven by costs associated with the early debt extinguishment and the collared gain recorded in the prior year, partially offset by higher operating income.

Speaker 3: For full year 2021 revenues were $2,166 million, an increase of 25.

For full year 2021 revenues were 2160 $6 million, an increase of 25% or 24% before the effect of foreign exchange.

Speaker 3: or 24% before the effect of foreign exchange.

Speaker 3: On a full year basis, net loss was $72 million or a delirious loss per share of 17 cents compared to a net loss of $181 million for the prior year.

On a full year basis, net loss was $72 million or a dilutive loss per share of <unk> 17, compared to a net loss of $181 million for the prior year.

Speaker 3: Turning to slide two, I'll now discuss our adjusted results for the fourth quarter.

Turning to slide two.

I'll now discuss our adjusted results for the fourth quarter.

Speaker 3: Fourth quarter adjusted revenues for the total company were $598 million, an increase of 25% both after and before the effect of foreign exchange. Revenues on an organic constant currency basis were up 5% or 4.8%, excluding the net impact of lower deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments, which was driven by increased demand in both our North American and international segments.

Fourth quarter adjusted revenues for the total company were $598 million, an increase of 25% both after and before the effect of foreign exchange revenues on an organic constant currency basis were up 5% or four 8%, excluding the net impact of lower deferred revenue parts.

This accounting adjustment, which was driven by increased demand in both our north American and international segments.

Speaker 3: Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA for the total company was $243 million, an increase of $39 million, or 19%. The increase in EBITDA was driven by the impact of the BISNO to acquisition and increased organic revenues partially offset by higher investments in data and data products.

Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA for the total company was $243 million, an increase of $39 million or 19%. The increase in EBITDA was driven by the impact of the <unk> acquisition and increased organic revenues, partially offset by higher investments in data and data processing.

Speaker 3: Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA margin was 40.6%.

Fourth quarter adjusted EBIT margin was 46%.

Speaker 3: Fourth quarter adjusted net income was $142 million or adjusted diluted earnings per share of 33 cents, an increase from $115 million or 27 cents in the fourth quarter of 2020. The growth was driven by increased adjusted EBITDA partially offset by a higher tax provision.

Fourth quarter, adjusted net income was $142 million or adjusted diluted earnings per share of 33.

An increase from $115 million or 27 in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The growth was driven by increased adjusted EBITDA, partially offset by a higher tax provision.

Full year adjusted revenues for the total company for 2000 and $170 million, an increase of 25% both after and before the effect of foreign exchange compared to 2020.

Speaker 3: Full year adjusted revenues for the total company were $2,170 million, an increase of 25% both after and before the effect of foreign exchange compared to 2020. Revenues on an organic constant currency basis were up 4.5% or 3.2%, excluding the then impact of lower deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments, driven by growth in both our North American and international spectrum.

Revenues on an organic constant currency basis were up four 5% or three 2%, excluding the impact of lower deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments driven by growth in both our north American and international segments.

Speaker 3: Full year adjusted EBITDA for the total company was $847 million, an increase of 19%. The growth was driven by the BizNote acquisition, organic revenue growth, and lower net purchase accounting deferred revenue adjustments of $21 million. In addition, we also had lower costs related to facility management and travel-related expenses resulted from ongoing cost management efforts, partially offset by higher data and data processing fees, along with increased public company costs.

Full year adjusted EBITDA for the total company was $847 million, an increase of 19%. The growth was driven by the <unk> acquisition organic revenue growth and lower net purchase accounting deferred revenue adjustment of $21 million. In addition, we also have lower costs related to facility management and travel related.

Expenses resulted from ongoing cost management efforts, partially offset by higher data and data processing fees, along with increased public company costs.

Speaker 3: Full year adjusted EBITDA margin was 39%, a decrease of 190 basis points, primarily due to the acquisitions we made in 2021.

All year adjusted EBIT margin was 39% a decrease of 190 basis points, primarily due to the acquisitions, we made in 2021.

Speaker 3: Full year 2021 adjusted net income was $471 million, or adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.10 compared to 2020 adjusted net income of $347 million.

Full year 2021, adjusted net income was $471 million.

Or adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1 10.

Compared to 2020, adjusted net income of $347 million. The growth was driven by increased adjusted EBITDA, along with lower interest expense, partially offset by a higher tax provision.

Speaker 3: The growth was driven by increased adjusted EBITDA along with lower interest expense partially offset by a higher tax provision.

Speaker 3: Turning now to slide three. I'll now discuss the results of our two segments, North America and International. In North America, revenues for the fourth quarter were $429 million, an increase of approximately 7% from prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions, North America organic revenue increased $17 million, or 4%.

Turning now to slide three.

I will now discuss the results of our two segments North America and international.

In North America revenues for the fourth quarter were $429 million, an increase of approximately 7% from prior year, excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions, North America organic revenue increased $17 million or 4%.

Speaker 3: In finance and risk, revenues were $231 million, an increase of $13 million, or 6%, primarily driven by strong double-digit growth in our risk solutions and solid single-digit growth in our finance solutions from new business and increased wallet share from existing customers.

And finance and risk revenues were $231 million, an increase of $13 million or 6%, primarily driven by strong double digit growth in our risk solutions and solid single digit growth in our finance solutions from new business and increased wallet share from existing customers.

Speaker 3: For sales and marketing, revenues were $198 million, an increase of $15 million, or 8%. Data sales and our marketing solutions had another solid quarter. And with the acquisitions of IOTA and NetWise, the overall increase more than offset the last of the data.com wind down of approximately $1 million.

Our sales and marketing revenues were $198 million, an increase of $15 million or 8% data sales and our marketing solutions had another solid quarter and with the acquisitions of Iota and net wise. The overall increase more than offset the last of the data dotcom wind down of approximately $1 million.

Speaker 3: North America fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was $211 million, an increase of 14 million, or 7%, primarily due to revenue growth partially offset by higher net data and data processes.

North America fourth quarter, adjusted EBITDA was $211 million, an increase of $14 million or 7%, primarily due to revenue growth, partially offset by higher net data and data processing fees adjusted EBIT margin for North America was 49, 3%.

Speaker 3: Adjusted EBITDA margin for North America was 49.3%.

Speaker 3: Turning now to slide 4. I will now discuss the FOIA results for North America.

Turning now to slide four I'll now discuss the full year results for North America.

Speaker 3: In North America, revenues for 2021 were $1,499 million, an increase of $39 million, or 3%. Excluding the positive impact of foreign exchange and the net impact of acquisitions, North America organic revenues increased $31 million, or 2%.

In North America revenues for 2021 were 1490 $9 million in.

An increase of $39 million or 3%, excluding the positive impact of foreign exchange and the net impact of acquisitions, North America organic revenues increased $31 million or 2% nor.

Speaker 3: North America finance and risk full year revenues were $835 million, an increase of $24 million or 3%, driven by strong demand for our third party risk and compliance solutions. With strong double digit growth, we continue to see a heightened demand from both new and existing customers as enterprises look to tackle an ever evolving supply chain risk management plan.

North America finance and risk full year revenues were $835 million, an increase of $24 million or 3% driven by strong demand for our third party risk and compliance solutions with strong double digit growth. We continue to see a heightened demand from both new and existing customers as enterprises look to tackle and ever evolving supply.

Hi chain risk management landscape.

Speaker 3: North America sales and marketing full year revenues increased $16 million or 2% to $665 million. This was driven by continued strength in our marketing offerings, along with overall higher data sales as we continue to expand our data cloud with new intent, alternative and contact data sets, as well as the NetWise and IOTA acquisitions. This was partially offset by lower royalty revenues of approximately $12 million from the wind down of thedata.com partner.

North American sales and marketing full year revenues increased $16 million or 2% to $665 million. This was driven by continued strength in our marketing offerings, along with overall higher data sales as we continue to expand our data cloud with new intent alternative and contact data sets as well as the net wise.

<unk> acquisition. This was partially offset by lower royalty revenues of approximately $12 million from the wind down of the data Dot com partnership.

Speaker 3: Full year adjusted EBITDA for North America increased $19 million, or 3%, to $715 million, primarily due to revenue growth, lower costs resulting from ongoing cost management efforts, first day offset by higher net data and data processing fees from new investments.

Full year adjusted EBITDA for North America increased $19 million or 3% to $715 million, primarily due to revenue growth lower costs, resulting from ongoing cost management efforts, partially offset by higher net data and data processing fees from new investments.

Speaker 3: Full year adjusted EBITDA margin for North America was 47.7% flat compared to the prior year.

Full year adjusted EBIT margin for North America was 47, 7% flat compared to the prior year.

Speaker 3: Turning to slide 5, in our international segment, fourth quarter revenues increased 114% to $170 million, or 119% before the effect of foreign exchange, primarily driven by the net impact from the biznode acquisition.

Turning to slide five.

In our international segment fourth quarter revenues increased 114% to $170 million.

Or 119% before the effect of foreign exchange, primarily driven by the net impact of the <unk> acquisition.

Excluding the net impact of this node international organic revenues increased $7 million or approximately 8%.

Speaker 3: Finance and risk revenues were $110 million, an increase of 73% or 76% before the effect of foreign exchange, primarily due to the biz phone app.

Finance and risk revenues were $110 million, an increase of 73% or 76% before the effect of foreign exchange, primarily due to the <unk> acquisition.

Speaker 3: Organic revenue before the effect of foreign exchange grew $6 million, or 10%, with growth across all markets, including higher revenues from our risk and compliance offerings in our United Kingdom markets.

Organic revenue before the effect of foreign exchange grew $6 million or 10% with growth across all markets, including higher revenues from our risk and compliance offerings and our United Kingdom market.

Speaker 3: Sales and marketing revenues were $59 million, an increase of 277% or 289% before the effect of foreign exchange, primarily attributable to the BizNote acquisition. And, without

Sales and marketing revenues were $59 million, an increase of 277% or 289% before the effect of foreign exchange, primarily attributable to the <unk> acquisition organic revenues grew 2%.

Speaker 3: Fourth quarter international adjusted EBITDA of $46 million increased $27 million, or 143%, versus fourth quarter 2020, primarily due to the net impact of the BizNote Act.

Fourth quarter International adjusted EBITDA of $46 million increased $27 million or 143% versus fourth quarter 2020, primarily due to the net impact of the <unk> acquisition as well as organic revenue growth and lower data costs, partially offset by higher net personnel.

Speaker 3: as well as organic revenue growth and lower data costs, partially offset by higher net personnel.

Expenses adjusted EBIT margin was 27, 1%.

Speaker 3: adjusted to the EBITDA margin was 27.1%.

Speaker 3: Turning to slide six, in our international segment, full year 2021 revenues were $671 million, an increase of 124% or 122% before the effect of foreign exchange. International organic revenues increased $26 million or 9%.

Turning to slide six and our international segment full year 2021 revenues were $671 million, an increase of 124% or 122% before the effect of foreign exchange international organic revenues increased $26 million or 9% inter.

Speaker 3: International finance and risk full year revenue of $430 million increased 76% or 74% before the effect of foreign exchange.

National financial risk full year revenue of $430 million increased 76% or 74% before the effect of foreign exchange organic revenue increased $18 million or 7%. A result of positive growth across all markets, including higher revenues of approximately $5 million from worldwide network.

Speaker 3: Organic revenue increased $18 million, or 7%, a result of positive growth across all markets, including higher revenues of approximately $5 million from worldwide network alliances due to higher cross-border data fees and product loyalty.

Alliances due to higher cross border data fees and product royalties and higher revenues for United Kingdom, and greater China markets or approximately $6 million attributable.

Speaker 3: and higher revenues from our United Kingdom and Greater China markets for approximately $6 million, a shared middle tool to grow from our risk and compliance and finance offer.

Attributable to growth from our risk and compliance and finance offerings.

International sales and marketing and full year revenue of $241 million increased 331% or 330% before the effect of foreign exchange organic revenue increased $9 million or 15% as a result of positive growth across all markets, including approximately $5 million of.

Speaker 3: International sales and marketing full year revenue of $241 million increased 331% or 330% before the effect of foreign exchange.

Speaker 3: Organic revenue increased $9 million, or 15%, as a result of positive growth across all markets.

Speaker 3: including approximately $5 million of growth across our United Kingdom and greater China markets, driven by newer API offerings, as well as increased revenue from worldwide network product royalties of approximately $3 million.

Growth across our United Kingdom, and greater China markets, driven by newer API offerings as well as increased revenue from worldwide network product royalties of approximately $3 million.

Full year 2021 international adjusted EBITDA of $194 million increased $103 million or 113% versus 2020, primarily due to the net impact of the <unk> acquisition organic revenue growth and lower data costs, partially offset by higher net personnel expenses.

Speaker 3: Full year 2021 International Adjusted EBITDA of $194 million increased $103 million or 113% versus 2020, primarily due to the net impact of the BizNote Act.

Speaker 3: organic revenue growth, and lower data costs, partially offset by higher net personal experience.

Speaker 3: Adjusted EBITDA margin was 28.9%.

Adjusted EBIT margin was 28, 9%.

Speaker 3: adjusted EBITDA for the corporate segment was a loss of $62 million, an improvement of $14 million primarily due to the net impact of lower purchase accounting deferred revenue adjustments of $21 million partially offset by higher public companies.

Adjusted EBITDA for the corporate segment was a loss of $62 million, an improvement of $14 million, primarily due to the net impact of lower purchase accounting deferred revenue adjustment of $21 million, partially offset by higher public company costs.

Turning to slide seven.

Speaker 3: Turning to slide seven, I'll now walk through our capital.

Now walk through our capital structure at the end of December 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $177 million.

Speaker 3: At the end of December 31st, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $177 million.

Speaker 3: which when combined with $690 million of capacity on our $850 million revolving line of credit to 2025 represents total liquidity of nearly $900 million.

Which when combined with $690 million of capacity on our $850 million revolving line of credit to 2025 represents total liquidity of nearly $900 million.

Speaker 3: As of December 31, 2021, total debt principal was $3,823 million, and our leverage ratio was 4.3 times on a net basis. In the credit facility, senior secured net leverage ratio was 3.7.

As of December 31, 2021, total debt principal was 3820 $3 million and our leverage ratio was four three times on a net basis and the credit facility senior secured net leverage ratio was three seven times.

Speaker 3: We are pleased with our efforts throughout 2021 and in early 2022 to significantly reduce the cost of our debt.

We are pleased with our efforts throughout 2021 and in early 2022 to significantly reduce the cost of our debt.

Speaker 3: the combination of term loan repricing we did in January of 2021.

The combination of the term loan repricing. We did in January of 2021. The December 2021 refinancing of our $450 million 10, 25% unsecured bond with a $460 million, 5% unsecured bond and the action we took in January 2022.

Speaker 3: the December 2021 refinancing of our $450 million, 10.25% unsecured bond with a $460 million, 5% unsecured bond.

Speaker 3: And the action we took in January 2022 to raise incremental term loan of $460 million to pay down our 6.875% secured bond have generated significant interest savings as we head into an increasing rate environment.

To raise incremental term loan of $460 million to pay down our six 875% secured bonds have generated significant interest savings as we head into an increasing rate environment.

Speaker 3: Turning now to slide 8. I'll now walk through our outlook for 2022.

Turning now to slide eight.

Now I'll walk through our outlook for 2022.

Adjusted revenues after the effect of foreign currency are expected to be in the range of 2000 $270 million to 2000 and $315 million or an increase of approximately four 5% to six 5%.

Speaker 3: Adjusted revenues after the effect of foreign currency are expected to be in the range of $2,270 million to $2,315 million or an increase of approximately 4.5% to 6.5%

Speaker 3: This includes a 0.5% headwind to revenue growth after the effect of foreign currency, due primarily to the strengthening of the US dollar versus the Euro and Swedish Krona.

This includes a 0.5% headwind to revenue growth after the effect of foreign currency due primarily to the strengthening of the U S dollar versus the euro and Swedish krona.

Speaker 3: Revenues on an organic, constant currency basis are expected to be in the range of 3% to 5% for the full year.

Revenue on an organic constant currency basis are expected to be in the range of 3% to 5% for the full year.

Speaker 3: It is important to note that the total and organic growth ranges take into account the conclusion of the existing GSA contract at the end of April 2022. As previously noted, the most recent contract extension runs on at this time, and while we continue to look for constructive ways to support the GSA, we have not executed a further extension at this time.

It is important to note that the total and organic growth range to take into account the conclusion of the existing GSA contract at the end of April 2022, as previously noted the most recent contract extension runs out at this time and while we continue to look for constructive ways to support the GSA.

We have not executed a further extension at this time.

Speaker 3: Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $865 to $905 million.

Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $865 million to $905 million.

The adjusted EBIT range also takes into the account the conclusion of the GSA contract along with elevated travel sales and marketing medical benefits and wage inflation accounting for approximately $10 million and unique increases to 2022.

Speaker 3: The adjusted EBITDA range also takes into account the conclusion of the GSA contract, along with elevated travel, sales and marketing, medical benefits, and wage inflation, accounting for approximately $10 million in unique increases to 2022.

Speaker 3: Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $1.13 to $1.20.

Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $1 13 to $1 20.

Speaker 3: Additional modeling details underlying our outlook are as follows. We expect interest expense to be approximately $180 million. Depreciation amortization expense approximately $80 million, excluding incremental depreciation amortization expense resulting from purchase accounting. Adjusted effective tax rate of approximately $24.5 million.

Additional modeling details underlying our outlook are as follows we expect interest expense to be approximately a $180 million depreciation and amortization expense approximately $80 million, excluding incremental depreciation and amortization expense, resulting from purchase accounting.

Adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 24, 5% weighted.

Speaker 3: weighted average diluted shares outstanding of approximately $430 million.

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding of approximately $430 million.

Speaker 3: And for CapEx, we expect approximately $150 to $180 million.

And for Capex, we expect approximately $150 million to $180 million while.

Speaker 3: While we don't give quarterly guidance, I did want to provide some color on how we expect the year to progress. In terms of organic revenue growth, we expect to be at the low end of our full year range in Q1, and then increase each quarter until it reaches the high end of the range by Q4.

While we don't give quarterly guidance I did want to provide some color on how we expect the year to progress in terms of organic revenue growth, we expect to be at the low end of our full year range in Q1, and then increase each quarter until it reaches the high end of the range by Q4.

Speaker 3: EBITDA is expected to be relatively flat in Q1 and Q2 due to increased levels of investment in data assets, along with the elevated levels of expense I mentioned earlier in my prepared remarks. Q3 and Q4 are then expected to grow at high single digit rates.

EBITDA is expected to be relatively flat in Q1, and Q2 due to increased levels of investment in data assets along with the elevated levels of expense I mentioned earlier in my prepared remarks, Q3, and Q4 are then expected to grow at high single digit rates.

Speaker 3: As a quick recap, we finished the second half of 2021 strong with fourth quarter organic revenue growth of 4.8%.

As a quick recap we finished the second half of 2021 strong with fourth quarter organic revenue growth of four 8%, we are well positioned to capture significant growth opportunities and continuing to accelerate in 2022 with a step up in organic growth based on the midpoint of our guidance range, including the impact of the GSA.

Speaker 3: We are well positioned to capture significant growth opportunities and continuing to accelerate in 2022 with the step up in organic growth based on the midpoint of our guidance range, including the impact of the GSA.

Speaker 3: We have made thoughtful and strategic decisions to invest in the acceleration of future organic growth by investing more in data as well as our go-to-market strategies with sharp focus on rapid growth areas such as third-party risk management in digital marketing.

We have made thoughtful and strategic decisions to invest and the acceleration of future organic growth by investing more in data as well as our go to market strategies with sharp focus on rapid growth areas, such as third party risk management and digital marketing at the same time, we continue to optimize our capital structure and exit.

Speaker 3: At the same time, we continue to optimize our capital structure and execute a disciplined M&A strategy. With that, we're now happy to open the call for questions. operator.

Q a disciplined M&A strategy.

With that we're now happy to open the call for questions. Operator will you. Please open your line for Q&A.

Speaker 1: Thank you. We will now begin the Q&A session. If you'd like to ask a question you can press star 1 on your telephone keypad. If you'd like to withdraw your question you can press star 2. Please ensure you're unmuted locally when asking your question. Please also note we will be limiting questioners to one question and one follow-up question only. Thank you.

Thank you we will now begin the Q&A session, if you'd like to ask a question you compress the star one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question you compress start to police and show you on me two likely when asking your question. Please.

He's also a night, we will be limiting questions to one question and one follow up question I really thank you.

Our first question for today comes from Kevin Mcveigh from Credit Suisse. Kevin Your line is now open.

Speaker 1: Our first question for today comes from Kevin McVey from Credit Suisse. Kevin, your line is now open.

Yes.

Great. Thanks, so much and congratulations on the results.

I don't know if this should be Anthony or Brian but.

Speaker 4: Hey, how are you? I'm at organic growth to three to five. Can you just remind us, Brian , what the headwind is from the GSA contract and maybe what the sequencing on that is?

Hey, how are you.

And that organic growth to three to five can you just remind us what the headwind is from the GSA contract and maybe with the sequencing on that is it possible.

Speaker 3: Yeah, sure, Kevin. And so we've talked about it, you know, and what it's listed publicly is that the little over $20 million, about $24 million on a four-year basis, we expect that the current extension runs down in April of 2022. And so when we look at the remainder of that year, so really starting the second quarter and then fully impacting third and the fourth, that's the expectation that we built into the organic growth.

Yeah sure Kevin and so we've talked about it you know and what its worth the pub going I said, a little over $20 million about $24 million on a full year basis.

We expect that the current extension runs out in April of 2022, and so when we look at the remainder of that year. So really starting the second quarter and then fully impacting third and the fourth that's the expectation that we built into the organic growth range.

That's super helpful. And then Anthony I noticed with Black Knight. It seems like there is it a new CEO that is coming in does that change your role I mean, congratulations there just how do you think about that within the context of Dun <unk> Bradstreet.

Speaker 4: super helpful. Anthony, I noticed with Black Knight, it seems like there's a new CEO that's coming in. Does that change your role? I mean, congratulations there. How do you think about that within the context of Dun & Bradshaw?

Yeah sure so.

Speaker 5: Sure, so I was a dual CEO and as we looked at Black Knight and how the company continues to perform exceptionally well, with great pace of innovation, and the future is very bright there, I thought it was the right time for the three of us, myself, the president at the time, and our CFO .

It was a dual CEO and as we looked at Black Knight and how the company continues to perform exceptionally well with great pace of innovation.

And in the future is very bright there.

Gordon I thought it was the right time for me too.

For the three of Us myself.

President at the time and our CFO .

Speaker 5: had always kind of been running the key leadership of the company and we've transitioned how the 3 of us work together. And this is really just the next step in the transition where I've moved to executive chair our president. Since 2017 moved to the CEO role. And our CFO moved to president and CFO .

I had always kind of been running.

The key leadership of the company and we've transitioned how the three of US work together and this is really just the next step in the transition where I've moved to executive chair, our president since 2017 moved to the CEO role and our CFO moved to President and CFO .

Speaker 5: So it's, and from a dentistry perspective, I've been, like I said, all along very engaged.

So.

It's.

And from a Dun and Bradstreet perspective, I've been like I said, all along very engaged and probably the biggest Ken Fisher, Here's my family, who could see me a little bit more.

Speaker 5: And probably the biggest Ben Fisher here is my family who could see me a little bit more. But, but no, we're excited with how those transitions have taken place at Black Knight. We're excited that a couple of our key shareholders here with Kenai and THL have gone deeper into Dun and Bradstreet through the transaction from Black Knight and they've got a lot of confidence in the future here as do I.

But.

But we're excited with all those transitions have taken place at Black Knight, We're excited that a couple of our key shareholders here with canine THL.

Gone deeper into Dun <unk> Bradstreet now through the transaction from Black Knight and they've got a lot of confidence in the future here at <unk>.

It seems to be based on how they structure the transaction. So congratulations again.

Speaker 4: based on how they structured the transaction. So congratulations again.

Thanks, so much Greg Thanks, Kevin.

And Kevin if I could add just maybe one more.

Speaker 5: And Kevin, if I could add just maybe one more to that on the ESG, or the GSA, sorry, your question to Brian . I just want to be clear. We're working very hard with the GSA, you know, to look for opportunities for us to broaden what we do. But at this stage, just weren't comfortable putting anything into our guidance for the year. Just with the uncertainty that we have, but we're working hard as you'd expect us to. Thank you.

To that on the ESG your question or the GSA sorry, your question to Brian .

I just want to be clear here, we're working very hard with the GSA to look for opportunities for us to broaden what we do.

But at this stage, just where I'm comfortable.

And putting anything into our guidance for the year.

Just with the uncertainty that we have but we're working hard as you would expect this to.

No. It just makes it organic growth looked at much stronger.

That's right.

Speaker 1: Thank you Kevin. Our next question comes from Hamza Mazari of Jefferies. Hamza, your line is now open.

Thank you Kevin.

Next question comes from Hamzah, Missouri of Jefferies Hamzah. Your line is now open.

Speaker 6: Good morning. Thank you. My first question is just I think you mentioned new fraud capabilities in finance and risk.

Good morning, Thank you.

My first question is just I think you mentioned new fraud capabilities in finance and risk.

Speaker 6: Could you talk about how your fraud capability differs from, you know, what some of the credit bureaus are doing? They've done a lot of deals in fraud. I know it's more consumer based. But how are you different? What kind of data do you have? And how big could that be for you guys?

Could you could you talk about.

How your fraud capability differs from you know what some of the credit bureaus are doing they've done a lot of deals and fraud.

I know, it's more consumer based.

Bart.

How are you different what kind of data do you have and then how big could that be for you guys.

Speaker 5: Sure, Hamza. The real difference, I'd say, between what the credit bureau is doing and what we do is we're B2B.

Sure Hamzah.

The real difference I'd say between what the credit Bureau is doing what we do is where BD focused and.

Speaker 5: And we really don't see that we see pretty much a greenfield on the commercial fraud lens.

We don't see and we see it pretty much a greenfield on the commercial fraud landscape and so if we think in terms of fraud at the time of Onboarding, our transactional fraud or monitoring.

Speaker 5: And so if we think in terms of fraud at the time of onboarding or transactional fraud or monitoring you know, just ongoing monitoring of the business as key areas. So if you think of and some of this is behaviors that you know, we've you know seen on the consumer side bring to the business side. So what's the risk of a first payment default? Our analytics, our insights, you know, give us

Just ongoing monitoring of the business as key areas. So if you think of some of this is behaviors.

We see.

<unk> on the consumer side bring to the business side, so what's the risk of our first payment default or analytics or insights.

Give us.

Speaker 5: the ability to have a predictor on that, which we see is valuable. Looking at business identity theft would maybe be a second one I'd call out, and the third would be on business misrepresentation.

The ability to.

Have a predictor on that which we see as valuable.

Looking at business identity theft with maybe.

The second one I would call out in the third would be on business misrepresentation. So if you say you are of a certain size and have 50 employees, but we know we have much fewer than that for example, identifying the misrepresentation. So those.

Speaker 5: So, if you say you're of a certain size and have 50 employees, but we know you have much fewer than that, for example, identifying the misrepresentation. So.

Speaker 5: areas that we're really excited about. We've got the data, we have the use cases, we have the customers who understand the need and we're seeing a lot of like everything that we're doing and we mentioned too.

Are areas that we're really excited about and we've got the data we have the use cases.

We have the customers, who understand the need and and what we're seeing a lot of like everything that we're doing and as I mentioned to you.

Speaker 5: We're getting with our clients, we have a world class roster of clients, working with them, listening to them, launching quickly, piloting with them, doing proof of concepts, getting their reactions and pivoting. And with fraud, we're seeing a lot of quick uptake there, so excited about that launch.

Beginning with our clients, we have a world class roster of clients working with them listening to them launching quickly pilot piloting with them doing proof of concepts getting the reaction and pivoting and with fraud.

A lot of quick uptake there so excited.

About that launch.

Speaker 3: Yeah, and Hamza, if I might add too, what's interesting, as you go on to the business side, I think on the consumer side, it's primarily around lending, right? And of course, there are certainly lending use cases on the business side.

Yeah, Hamzah, if I might add to what's interesting as you go on to the business side I.

I think on the consumer side, it's primarily around lending right and of course, there are certainly lending use cases.

On the business side, but when you think about supply chain anything about trade credit extension and you think about the global nature of our businesses interact from that perspective, we're in a really unique position.

Speaker 3: But when you think about supply chain, you think about trade credit extension, and you think about the global nature of how businesses interact from that perspective, we're in a really unique position where, you know, for instance, there are large scale orders that are placed out. Right. And if those end up going out and capital is extended out from that perspective.

Where for instance, there are large scale orders that are placed out right and if those end up going out and capital has extended out from that perspective.

Speaker 3: you end up with a firm that's worked through synthetic fraud techniques.

I end up with a firm that's.

Worked through synthetic fraud techniques and they're gone right and so it really is an interesting use case from our side and we're seeing it kind of proliferate more and more through the global supply chain. So that's another I would say.

Speaker 3: and they're gone. Right. And so it really is an interesting use case from our side. And we're seeing it, you know, kind of proliferate more and more through the global supply chain. So that's another, I would say, you know, path for us to head down. That's a little different than just the pure B2C concept applying in the B2B scenario.

Path for us to head down that's a little different than just a pure BDC.

Concept applying in the BW scenario.

Speaker 6: Got it. And then, you know, I think you had mentioned this at the beginning. Could you maybe just talk about the optimal blue transaction and what the implications are to DNB a little more? I know you spoke about, you know, your role now as exact chairman at Black Knight and...

Got it.

Got it.

And then you know I think.

You had mentioned this at the beginning.

Could you maybe just talk about the optimal blue transaction.

And what the implications are to two D. M B, a little more I know you spoke about.

Overall now is exact.

Chairman.

Black Knight and salty over here.

Speaker 6: sole CEO here. But maybe just talk about, you know, you've, we've obviously seen some selling pressure on the stock from private equity and some of the owners that took it private over the course of the last, you know,

But maybe just talk about.

We've obviously seen some selling pressure on the stock from private equity and some of the owners.

They took it private over the course of the last year.

Speaker 6: year or so, but maybe just talk about this transaction a little more for those who don't follow Black Knight and just follow down in Bradstreet. Thank you.

Year or so but.

But maybe just talk about this transaction a little more for those who don't follow Black Knight and just follow her dun and bradstreet. Thank you.

Sure Hamzah, so black Knight purchased 60% of optimal Blue and a 40% was purchased by Canadian THL, who will also.

Speaker 5: Sure, Hamza. So Blackmate purchased 60% of Optimal Blue and 40% was purchased by Kani and DHL who also

Speaker 5: key investors in Dun & Bradstreet and their trusted partners on the Black Knight side. And the OptumBlue transaction is working exceptionally well for Black Knight and we approached them to we had a call option in three years and we approached them to accelerate it because of our confidence in the business. And we're fortunate that they agreed to it and like I said, they've been good partners.

And obviously key investors in Dun <unk> Bradstreet and they are trusted partners on the Black Knight side, and the Atkins with transactions working exceptionally well for Black Knight and we approach them too we had a call option in three years, and we approached them to accelerated because of <unk>.

Our confidence in the business and we're fortunate that they agreed to it and like I said they've been good partners.

Speaker 5: The positive for Donna brass and how why I made the connection is that?

The positive for Dun <unk> Bradstreet, how why I made the connection is that.

Speaker 5: Can I holdings is now an even larger investor in done a Bradstreet as as th Lee and?

Can I holdings is now an even larger investor and Dun <unk> Bradstreet is.

Th Lee and.

Speaker 5: And like I said, they've got a high degree of confidence of the future here at Dun & Bradstreet. And they took the majority of the purchase, the remaining optimal blue shares, in the form of D&B shares that Black Knight owned. So removing selling pressure in the open market, which was positive for Dun & Bradstreet, positive for Black Knight, and positive for K&I and KHL who are excited to be bigger shareholders of Dun & Bradstreet.

And like I said, they've got a high degree of confidence of the future here at Dun <unk> Bradstreet and they took the majority of the purchase.

The remaining optimal blue shares in the form of Dnb shares that Black Knight owned so we're moving selling pressure in the open market, which was positive for Dun <unk> Bradstreet positive for Black Knight and positive for County, THL, who are excited to be bigger shareholders of Dun <unk> bradstreet.

Great. Thank you so much.

Thanks, Great. Thanks Albert.

Thank you Hamzah.

Speaker 1: Thank you, Hansa. Our next question comes from Ashish Sabhadra of RBC Capital Markets. Ashish, your line is now open.

Our next question comes from Ashish Ashish <unk> of RBC capital markets Ashish. Your line is now open.

Speaker 7: Thanks for taking my question. My first question was on the BizNote. I believe 50 million of BizNote product revenue was going to be sunset and replaced with DNV products. I was wondering if you could comment on what percentage of those were replaced in 2021 and how should we think about going into 22? And maybe just a follow up on that one would be just as you go through those replacement cycle, do you expect any challenges during the transition? Thanks.

Thanks for taking my question.

My first question was on the I believe $50 million of there's no product revenue was going to be some set them get placed with D&B products. I was wondering if you could comment on what percentage of those were replaced in 2021, and how should we think about going into 'twenty two.

And maybe just a follow up on that one would be just as you go to lou's replacement cycle do you expect any challenges during the transition.

Speaker 3: Yeah, Ashish, thanks for the question. You know, as Anthony said, we were really pleased with the progress we made with Biznode. We ended up transitioning, call it around 10 to 15 million dollars in 2021, and then the remainder we believe will transition through in 2022, maybe a little dribbles into 2023, but that's built into our growth expectations for the international market. And again, it's more of a conversion of, wind down of legacy products and shifting over onto our new products we've rolled out.

Yeah sure. Thanks for the question.

As Anthony said, we're really pleased with the progress we made with bids node, we ended up transitioning call it around.

$10 million to $15 million in 2021, and then the remainder we believe will transition through 2022, maybe a little dribbles into 2023, but that's built into our growth expectations for the international market and again, it's more about a conversion of wind down of legacy products and shifting over on to our new <unk>.

<unk>, we've rolled out Anthony I think it was almost 40 products right and in 2021 and so we've gotten.

Speaker 3: You know, Anthony, I think it was almost 40 products, right, in 2021. And so we've gotten, you know, the product teams and the technology teams to really localize the solution and get them ready for that transfer. So, look, there's always a little bit of risk while you're making those moves, but we're really confident about having our latest and greatest technologies available for our European customers and ready to continue to accelerate.

The product teams and the technology teams really localize the solution and get them ready for that transfer. So look theres always a little bit of risk, while you're making those moves, but we're really confident about having our latest and greatest technologies available for our European customers and ready to continue to accelerate that business.

And that's very helpful color and maybe just a quick follow up would be on the organic growth cadence for 'twenty two the comps are actually easier than the first half compared to the second half.

Speaker 7: That's very helpful color. And maybe just a quick follow up would be on the organic growth cadence for 22. The comps are actually easier in the first half compared to second half. So I was just wondering what's weighing on the revenue growth in the first half. Is that the lapping of the business acquisition and what drives the improvement or acceleration throughout the year? Thank you.

So I was just wondering.

Whats being on the revenue growth in the first half is the lapping of the <unk> acquisition and what drives the improvement our acceleration throughout the year. Thank you.

Sure.

Speaker 3: Sure, and we had a bit of a similar concept this year, right? Where it went from 1.3% to roughly 3 to 3.7 to 4.8. And so going more from the lower end of the range into the higher end of the range.

A bit of a similar concept this year right, where it went from one 3% to roughly three to three seven to four eight.

So going more from the lower end of the range right into the higher end of the range part of it is the lapping of the big node and some of the seasonality that we see in terms of usage volumes and deliveries earlier in the year versus later in the year.

Speaker 3: Part of it is the lapping of the BizNote and some of the seasonality that we see in terms of usage volumes and deliveries earlier in the year versus later in the year. And then the other piece is, Ashish, as you know, we sign subscription-based businesses. And so as that continues to stack on, you can continue to see that raised up.

And then the other pieces Ashish as you know we signed subscription based businesses and so as that continues to stack on you continue to see that raised up the other piece I would say that plays into it and I talked a little bit about specifically in the second quarter as that's when we expect the GSA.

Speaker 3: The other piece I would say that plays into it, and I talked a little bit about specifically in the second quarter is, that's when we expect the GSA to come off. And so as that comes off in April , you see a little bit of that impact in Q2, but then as the new solutions, the price increases, et cetera, stacked on, that's what's overcoming that through the back half of the year.

<unk> come off and so as that comes off in April you see a little bit of that impact in Q2, but then as the new solutions the price increases et cetera stacked on that's what's overcoming that through the back half of the year.

Speaker 7: That's very helpful, Kallur. Thanks and congrats on a solid quarter. Thank you.

That's very helpful color. Thanks.

Congrats on a solid quarter. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you Ashish on next question comes from Andrew Jeffrey of tourists. So curious as Andrew Your line is now open.

Speaker 1: Thank you Ashish. Our next question comes from Andrew Jeffery of tourist securities. Andrew your line is now open.

Speaker 5: Thanks. Good morning, Anthony and Brian . Hope you're doing well. Hey, Brian , just a clarification question. The 10.5 million roughly of acquired revenue from the IOTA net wise and 1Q, was that about two months of revenue in the quarter was a closer to one.

Thanks.

Good morning, Anthony and Brian Hope, you're doing well.

Hey, Brian just.

A clarification question.

$10 5 million roughly of <unk>.

Acquired revenue.

From the Iot net wise in <unk> was that about two months of revenue in the quarter was it closer to one.

Speaker 3: That was about two months, Andrew. And the, again, that's right. So we acquired them, and so we had them fully for November in the summer.

That was about two months' Andrew and the.

Say again.

That's right. So we acquired them and so we had them fully for November and December .

Speaker 5: Okay, wasn't sure when the when the deal is closed. That's helpful because it is meaningful as we think about organic.

Okay I wasn't sure when the when the deals close that is helpful. Because it is meaningful as we think about organic and then just Anthony maybe that question about those businesses specifically.

Speaker 5: And then just Anthony, maybe a question about those businesses specifically.

Speaker 5: Can you elaborate, is there a larger...

Can you elaborate is there a larger sort of be to be marketing opportunity I mean, I assume there is given those acquisitions, but can you talk a little bit about how we might think about that driving growth and exactly what that looks like I know that for example.

Speaker 5: sort of B2B marketing opportunity. I mean, I assume there is given those acquisitions, but can you talk a little bit about how we might think about that driving growth and exactly what that looks like? I know that, for example, TransUnion with its New Star acquisition is focusing again more in sort of consumer online marketing and integrated fraud and ID and so forth. Can you talk about how that might work for B2B solutions?

Trans Union with its new Star acquisition is focusing again more in sort of consumer.

Online marketing and integrated fraud, and I'd and so forth can you talk about how that might work for <unk> solutions.

Okay.

Speaker 8: Yeah, thank you for that, Andrew. We're really excited with the acquisitions. And I think from an M&A perspective, we've been extremely disciplined as we looked at what companies we want to acquire, bring into the family. And, you know, and walked away from a number that turned out to be great moves that we made. And certainly the ones that we've done, we're excited because they're working out as we hope. Fisnoe was a big one, obviously. Iota, Netliser, Oppo, Hossler, Great Star.

Yes, thank you for that Andrew.

Really excited with the acquisitions and I'd say from an M&A perspective, we have been extremely disciplined as we looked at what countries, we want to acquire bring into the family.

<unk>.

And walked away from a number that turned out.

Great.

<unk>.

And certainly the ones that we've done we're excited because they're working out as we hoped occasion that was the big one obviously our yield and net lives are also hospital based staff.

Speaker 8: And really as we look on a broader basis of what we're doing with

And really as we look on a broader basis of what we what we're doing with our entire marketing solution with a Rev up offering it's clearly.

Speaker 8: our entire marketing solution with our RevUp offering. It's clearly a winning strategy that we have in this space. We're seeing others follow us and replicate that in the marketing space.

A winning strategy that we have in this space, we're seeing others follow us and.

And replicate that in the marketing space.

Speaker 8: And we do think with the breadth of data that we have, the relationships with our clients and with agencies, that it's putting us in a great position to help accelerate the growth of IELTA and NATY.

And we just think that the breadth of data that we have the relationships with our clients and with agencies that it's putting us in a great position to.

To help accelerate the growth of Iot and net lives and fundamentally we think of an acquisition. The question I always ask the team is how we make them better or how about acquisition make us better and unless we have some real obvious.

Speaker 8: Fundamentally, when we think of an acquisition, the question I always ask the team is, how will we make them better or how will that acquisition make us better?

Speaker 8: And unless we have some real obvious, and the idea that we've got a big sales engine and we can sell their product and make them better, that's never good enough for me. There's got to be some inherent advantage that we bring. And so for us, we bring a lot of additional data and relations.

And the idea that we've got a big sales engine, we can sell the product and make them better that's never good enough for me Theres got to be some inherent advantage that we bring and so for us we bring a lot of additional data and relationships.

Speaker 8: trusted relationships, clients already using our products to be able to add on to it. So we think it's a growing space just overall and we think with the attributes that we can add to it will help approach in fact.

Good relationships clients already using our products to be able to add onto it. So we think it's a growing space just overall and we think with the attributes that we can add to it will help with those investors.

Speaker 5: All right, look forward to the product roadmap developing there. Thank you.

Alright look forward to that product roadmap developing there. Thank you.

Thank you Andrew.

Speaker 1: Thank you Andrew. Our next question comes from Kyle Peterson of Needham. Kyle, your line is now open.

Thank you Andrew.

Our next question comes from Karl Peterson of Needham.

Your line is now open.

Great. Good morning, guys. Thanks for taking the questions.

Speaker 4: Great. Good morning guys. Thanks for taking the questions. I just wanted to touch on capital allocation priorities for the coming year. Obviously, you guys have done quite a bit of work on refinancing some of the debt and done a little M&A. How should we think about the balance and use of cash between organic growth, paying down debt, and potentially doing more tough gain M&A?

Just wanted to touch on capital allocation priorities for the coming year. Obviously, you guys have done quite a bit of work on refinancing some of the debt and done a lot of M&A.

How should we think about kind of the balance and use of cash between organic growth paying down debt and potentially doing more tuck in M&A.

Well I think the first area, where we're always going to look to invest in is organic growth.

Speaker 8: Well, I think the 1st area where we're always going to look to invest in is organic growth through innovation. That's always the, we think the best return that we can get on our capital. And. And it's our, you know, our 1st, go to every time.

Through innovation.

Always.

We think the best return that we can get on our capital and.

And it's our.

Our first go to every time.

Speaker 8: You know, we're focused on paying down debt and, you know, we really believe that if we see on the M&A side something that is a good fit for us, we'll always stretch for that. And, you know, like I said, it.

We're focused on paying down debt and we really believe that if we see on the M&A side something that is a good fit for us will always stretch for that and.

Like I said if we.

Speaker 8: I walked through our philosophy in terms of M&A just a moment ago.

What's your philosophy in terms of M&A, just a moment ago.

Speaker 8: And if we have conviction in a company, we'll make the move and be bold on it. And that's worked out.

And if we have conviction in our company, we'll make the move and the bolt on it and it's worked out well for us.

Great that's.

Speaker 4: Great. That's helpful. And then maybe just a follow-up. Great to get the update on the contribution for multi-year products now being 50% of sales. Is there some more wood to chop there? What percentage do you think longer term you could get as a percentage of sales for multi-year products?

That's helpful. And then maybe just a follow up great to get the update on the contribution from multi year products now being 50% of sales.

Is there still more wood to chop there like what percentage do you think longer term you could get.

As a percentage of sales for multiyear products.

Yes, so obviously really pleased with the 50% Kyle.

Speaker 3: Yeah, so obviously, you know, really pleased with the 50% Kyle, and the continued new progression there. We'll have opportunities to continue to extend those types of agreements even further into our European markets. The UK is already, I would say, on a similar percentage as North America, but the Biznode regions that we had just acquired, again, had more of, I would say, you know, annual contracts versus multi-year contracts. So there's some room to operate there.

We continued the progression there will have opportunity to continue to extend those types of agreements even further into our European markets. The UK is already what say on a on a similar percentage as North America, but the business regions that we had just acquired again had more of a I would say.

Annual contracts versus multiyear contracts. So there's some room to operate there. The other side that we continue to look at is expanding into some of our newer.

Speaker 3: The other side that we continue to look at is expanding into some of our newer solutions, primarily on the sales and marketing side. And so we never want to hit a point estimate that says we want to be X percent by this date, but we'll continue to press above the 50 percent and certainly look to something, let's say, like 55, 60 percent over the next maybe year or two. All right. That's very...

Solutions.

Primarily on the sales and marketing side and so we never want to hit like a point estimate that says we want to be X percent by.

This day, but we'll continue to price above the 50% and certainly look to something let's say like 55% to 60% over the next maybe.

Maybe a year or two.

Okay.

Alright, that's very helpful. Thanks, guys nice quarter. Thanks. Thank.

Thank you. Thank you.

Speaker 1: Thank you Carl. Our next question comes from Andrew Steineman of... Oh, my apologies. It comes from Patrick O'Shaughnessy of Raymond James. Patrick, your line is now open.

Thank you call. Our next question comes from Andrew Steinman uptake Oh, My apologies it comes from Patrick O'shaughnessy of Raymond James Patrick Your line is now open.

Speaker 9: Hey, good morning. A question about the FTC settlement. Do the stipulated changes to your business practices mandated by that settlement pose any ongoing risk to your revenue or your customer relationship?

Hey, good morning, a question about the FTC settlement did a stipulated changes to your business practices mandated by that settlement pose any ongoing risk to your revenue or your customer relationships.

Speaker 8: No, I, I don't think a, you know, any significant risk, you know, from a go forward perspective. We like that this is something we saw during due diligence in. 2018 when this investigation had began with the FTC, so we're well aware of it and we saw it and and agreed and we made some significant changes immediately. As I laid out my prepared remarks.

No.

I don't think a.

Any significant risk.

From a go forward perspective.

Like I said this is something we saw during due diligence.

In 2018, when this investigation that began with the FTC. So we're well aware of that and we saw it and.

And agreed and we made some significant changes immediately as I laid out in my prepared remarks.

Speaker 8: And, you know, as I think about the SMB space, it's an area that we have excitement around. And, you know, I think I've talked about a problem every earnings call.

<unk>.

As I think about it.

S&P space, it's an area that we have excitement around in.

I think I've talked about it probably on every earnings call.

Speaker 8: Because we really believe that as we continue to.

Because we really believe that as we continue to.

Speaker 8: to create capabilities in a purely digital e-commerce manner. We think we can really grow with this space, and we think we can really help SMBs.

To create capabilities in a purely digital e-commerce manner.

We think we can really grow with the space and we think we can really help smbs in terms of credit inclusivity. So if you think of some of the capabilities. We launched like blended score, it's really catered to the SMB space, how can we take our our data matching with consumer.

Speaker 8: terms of credit inclusivity, so if you think of some of the capabilities we launched like blended score, it's really catered to the SMB space. How can we take our data, match it with consumer bureau data and other data assets that we have or can acquire to really create a blended score and help in that space.

Bureau data and other data assets that we have within acquire to really create a blended school in health in that space.

Speaker 8: We think there's a lot of product capability that we can enable through our digital channels. And it's the law of large numbers as we increase our traffic throughput and have products where our SMBs can try them for free.

We think theres a lot of product capability that we can enable through our digital channels and it's the law of large numbers as we increase our traffic.

Throughput and at products, where our smbs controlling.

And for free and if they like them. They work then made the purchase it's very I'll say.

Speaker 8: And if they like them, they work, then make the purchase. It's very, I'll say, SMB friendly. And from our perspective, we have a high degree of confidence of what we put out there is going to have a good hit rate. And so, we see more upside than downside in this.

SMB friendly and from our perspective, we have a high degree of confidence of what we put out there is going to have a good hit rate and so.

We see more upside than downside in this space.

Okay I appreciate that commentary.

Speaker 9: Okay, I appreciate that commentary. And then a couple days ago, a private company that provides supply chain risk management analytics recently completed a $200 million capital raise. Just curious if you can provide an update on the competitive environment, particularly in the finance and risk space.

And then a couple of days ago, a private company that.

That provides supply chain risk management analytics recently completed $200 million capital raise just curious if you can provide an update on the competitive environment, particularly in the finance and risk space.

Yes.

Speaker 8: Yeah, no, it's interesting. There's a Gartner survey that said last year 73% of businesses were looking for supply chain visibility technology. So there's a huge.

It's interesting.

There is a Gartner survey that said last year, 73%.

Our businesses were looking for supply chain visibility technology, So there's a huge.

Speaker 8: You know, interest in that right now, and I think supply chain tech startups raised about 24Billion in the 1st, 3 quarters of last year, which was almost 60% more than they did in 2020. So, the beauty for us in this space is it's...

Interest in that right now and I think supply chain Tech startups raised about 24 billion in the first three quarters of last year, which was almost 60% more than it did in 2020, so the beauty for us in this space is it's.

Speaker 8: We feel we're very differentiated when it comes to the data and when it comes to all the insights that we can provide in this space. So as new providers come to market, we think it'd be more complementary versus competitive for us.

We feel we're very differentiated when it comes to the data when it comes to all the insights that we can provide in this space. So is.

New.

And providers come to market, we think it would be more complementary versus competitive for us.

Speaker 8: So, you know, we announced our Google partnership this morning, where they also have some capability in terms of, you know, creating a visualization of the physical supply chain in a digital manner.

So we announced our.

Google.

Partnership this morning, where they also have some capability in terms of creating a visualization of the physical supply chain in a digital manner and.

Speaker 8: And when you look at what we can provide to that, we have the maps of the supply chain and the risk.

When you look at what we can provide to that we have the maps of the supply chain and other risks we have the legal linkages and ultimate beneficial owners, meaning minority shareholders are undisclosed.

Speaker 8: We have the legal linkages and ultimate beneficial owners, meaning minority shareholders or undisclosed on owners, which, you know, at risk. We have the secondary tertiary.

And those which at risk.

We have the secondary tertiary suppliers, we have third party.

Speaker 8: We have third party risk and supply health monitoring. We have compliance tied into it. So.

Risks are health monitoring we have compliance tied into it so.

Speaker 8: is the supplier on a watch list or restrictions or adverse media against them, etc. And as we've talked about recently, we're continuing to strengthen our capability in that space.

Is the supplier on a watch list or restrictions or address media against.

Et cetera, and as we've talked about recently, we're continuing to strengthen our capability in that space.

Speaker 8: through ESG and cyber and fraud that we just talked about. So when we look at this space growing, we're much more excited versus nervous about it because we think we have a really unique capability here that can help companies in the marketplace.

S G and cyber and fraud that we just talked about so when we look at this space growing.

I'm much more excited versus nervous about it because we think we have a really unique capability here that can help.

Companies in the marketplace.

Great. Thank you.

Thank you better.

Speaker 1: Thank you Patrick. Our next question comes from Andrew Steineman of JP Morgan. Andrew, your line is now open.

Thank you Patrick our next question comes from Andrew Steinman of J P. Morgan Andrew Your line is now open.

Speaker 10: Hi, it's Andrew. I was intrigued by the Google Cloud Partnership announced today. If you could go over, you know, what percentage of D&B's computing today is currently done in the public cloud and what is the goal in the future? I definitely heard you talking about...

Hi, It's Andrew I was intrigued by the global Google Cloud partnership announced today, if you could go over what percentage of D&B. It's computing today is currently done in the public cloud and what is the goal in the future and I definitely heard you talking about.

Speaker 10: that the Google Cloud partnership is about leveraging their analytics. I'm just wondering if this also shifts Google in terms of what their role for infrastructure, cloud infrastructure is for D&D.

That the Google Cloud partnership it's about leveraging their analytics I'm just wondering if this will also ships Google.

Terms of what their role for infrastructure cloud infrastructure is with Dnb.

Speaker 8: Sure. What we had been building in terms of new capabilities or migrating our current tools was to a more cloud-ready environment. In some of it, we moved to the public cloud where...

Sure.

What we had been building in terms of new capabilities or migrating bird current tools was.

Two a more cloud ready environment and in some of it we would move to the public cloud.

We want to take advantage of it in other cases in our own data centers, but having the.

Speaker 8: you know, we want to take advantage of it in other cases in our own data centers, but having the functionality and the flexibility of cloud.

The functionality and the flexibility of cloud.

Speaker 8: And Google wasn't a previous.

Google wasn't a preview.

Previous cloud provider. So that's a new relationship that were entering into with them. We've got a multi cloud strategy. They are a preferred provider in this space and we've got a lot of work underway in terms from an innovation perspective. So we identified this first one around supply chain, but we're working with them on.

Speaker 8: You know, cloud providers, so that's a new relationship that we're entering into with them. We've got a multi cloud strategy. They're a preferred provider in the space and we've got. A lot of work underway in turn from an innovation perspective, so.

Speaker 8: We identified this first one around supply chain, but we're working with them on the SMB, for example, and other areas of trying to find more unique ways for us to innovate together and create more capability that we could run on the Google Cloud Platform.

SMB for example, and other areas of trying to find more in unique ways for us to innovate together and create more capability that we could run on.

The Google cloud platform.

Okay. Thank you.

Thank you Andrew.

Speaker 1: Thank you Andrew. Our next question is from Manav Patnaik of Barclays. Manav, your line is now open.

Thank you Andrew.

Next question is from Manav Patnaik of Barclays.

Your line is now open.

Speaker 11: Thank you. Maybe I can just follow up on that. You know, the partnership with Google obviously makes sense, you know, they have the analytic capabilities, etc. Just, you know, maybe just a more perspective on why it took to this period today, I guess, to sign that partnership as opposed to kind of start ground up with them perhaps, or maybe I'm just not really appreciating the scope of the part.

Thank you maybe I can just follow up on that it will be the partnership with Google Obviously makes sense.

We look at kit with it et cetera.

Maybe just some more perspective on why.

Today, I guess to define that partnership as opposed to kind of stop ground optical and perhaps maybe I'm just not fully appreciating the scope of the partnership.

Speaker 8: Well, I think we've been working with Google probably, you know, it's a year or a good part of 2021. And on any of these partnerships, it's a long term partnership that we signed with them. And so I think the long term partnerships, the way we do like an acquisition in terms of, you know, it.

Well I think we've been working with Google probably.

It's a year or a good part of 2021 and on any of these partnerships. It's a long term partnership that we signed with them and so.

I think the long term partnerships the way, we do like an acquisition in terms of.

Okay.

Speaker 8: this is a long-term relationship and want to make sure it's got the right fit and make sure we got the right values and the right approach to business and specifically how can we help innovate?

This is a long term relationship and want to make sure. It's got the right fit and make sure. We've got the right values and the right approach to business and specifically how can we help innovate for our client telco.

Speaker 8: for our clients. That's our mantra here. It's how we will grow the business.

Our.

Our mantra here is how we will grow the business and it's what we're focused on every single day here and so.

Speaker 8: and it's what we're focused on every single day here.

Speaker 8: And so from a tech perspective, there's a lot of work for us to do in terms of just cleaning up our environment.

From a tech perspective, there's a lot of work for us to do in terms of just cleaning up our environment.

Speaker 8: in the last few years, improving our applications, etc. So if we signed a deal, say a year or two ago with Google, I don't know if we'd be in a position to run at the pace we're able to run with them right now because we've strengthened some of the capabilities that we've had through the journey.

In the last few years, improving our applications et cetera. So if we signed a deal.

Say, a year or two ago with Google I don't know if we'd be in a position to.

To run at the pace, we're able to run with them right now because we.

Strength in some of the capabilities that we've had through the journey so far.

Speaker 11: Okay, understood. And, Brian , just on the sequential guidance you gave us, just wanted to clarify two things. One, the margin guidance you gave, was that flat and then high centimeters ago? That's the dollar number on a yearly basis? Are we talking about the percentage points? And then just on the revenue, I was hoping if there's any distinction we should make between North America and...

Okay understood.

Ryan just on the.

Sequential guidance you gave us I just wanted to clarify two things one the <unk>.

Margin guidance, you gave was that.

Flatten and then high single digit growth.

The dollar number on a year over year basis are we talking about.

But <unk> point and then just on the <unk>.

Hoping if there's any distinction we should make between North America and internationally.

Speaker 3: Yeah, it's flat on the dollar side. So think about it from a growth perspective for Q1 and Q2, and then Q3 and Q4 accelerating. Part of that is as we brought on some of these acquisitions, they certainly had a lower margin profile, especially with IOTA and NetWise. And we're making some initial investments in them as we look to accelerate the integration with Audience Solutions. And really capturing more and more of that growing marketing sector.

Yes, Manav, it's flat on a on the on the dollar side. So think about it from a growth perspective for Q1, and Q2, and then Q3 and Q4 accelerated part of that is as we brought on some of these acquisitions. They certainly had a lower margin profile, especially with iota not wise and we're making some initial investments in them as well.

To accelerate.

The integration with audience solutions, and really capturing more and more of that growing our marketing segment and so that part of that was a built in there and then what the GSA side of the equation.

Speaker 3: And so that part of that was built in there. And then, you know, with the GSA side of the equation, you know, that was a large existing customer that had strong contributions margins from there too. And so we built and took into account each of those components. On the international side,

That was a.

A large existing.

Customer that had strong contribution margins from there too and so we built and took into account each of those each of those components.

International side.

Speaker 3: You'll see their margins a little bit stronger, I would say, than North America, in that North America generally takes the brunt of the investment. And international has also seen the flow-through of the synergies and cost-savings efforts that continue on through the integration of BizNote with the rest of the European and overall international markets.

Youll see their margins a little bit stronger I would say that North America and that North America generally takes the brunt of the investment.

And international is also seeing the flow through of the.

The synergies and cost savings efforts that continue on.

Through the integration of bears note with the rest of the.

European.

And overall international markets.

Thank you.

Mhm.

Right.

Speaker 1: Thank you Manav. This concludes the Q&A session for today. I will hand back to Anthony Jubbal for any closing remarks.

Thank you Manav. This concludes the Q&A session for today, I'll hand back to Alison Egypt.

Closing remarks.

Speaker 8: Thank you as always. I'd like to thank my done. Bradstreet colleagues for their exceptional efforts to sustainably grow our business for the years to come. And to our great clients for their partnership and guidance. Thank you for your interest in done and Bradstreet and for joining us on the call this morning. Have a wonderful rest of your day.

Thank you as always I'd like to thank my <unk> colleagues for their exceptional efforts to sustainably grow our business for the years to come into our great clients for their partnership and guidance. Thank you for your interest in Dun <unk> Bradstreet and for joining us on the call. This morning have a wonderful rest of your day.

Thank you for joining us face call you may now disconnect.

Speaker 1: Thank you for joining SafeCall, you may now disconnect.

[music].

[music].