Core Specialty Leads the Way in Innovation with Duck Creek’s Cloud-based SaaS Solutions via Microsoft Azure Marketplace

Through their relationship with Microsoft, Duck Creek is redefining the customer experience and simplifying transactions for technology-focused insurers like Core Specialty

BOSTON, March 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, highlights Core Specialty as its inaugural customer transacting its Duck Creek OnDemand subscription on Microsoft’s commercial marketplace to use its existing Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC).

Duck Creek and Microsoft are enhancing customer experience and streamlining transactions for technology-centric insurers such as Core Specialty. As a forward-facing leader in the insurance industry, Core Specialty recognizes the strategic value of acquiring software-as-a-service (SaaS) products through the Azure Marketplace. This approach allows Core Specialty to apply its Duck Creek SaaS fee payments as a credit to its MACC and simplifies the billing process through a consolidated invoice.

As a technology-focused insurer immersed in continuous product innovation and business expansion, Core Specialty benefits from Duck Creek’s presence in the commercial marketplace. This relationship between Duck Creek and Microsoft drives impactful results for insurers with regard to scalability, security, and sustainability, as well as getting to market quickly with innovative and emerging technologies.

“We take pride in championing Core Specialty on their path to growth, innovation, and service excellence for both their customers and distribution partners through our world-class solutions and industry expertise,” said Mike Jackowski, Chief Executive Officer, Duck Creek Technologies. “The decision to make Duck Creek solutions available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace is a strategic move and adds substantial value for insurers by aligning their Duck Creek and Microsoft relationship and investments with impactful results.”

“Duck Creek’s win with Core Specialty Insurance demonstrates the immense partner opportunity of building on Microsoft Azure and selling solutions via the Azure Marketplace, resulting in streamlining Core Specialty’s cloud transformation strategy across SaaS and transactable solutions. This underscores the power of collaboration, where forward-thinking technology providers and insurers come together to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and transform the insurance landscape. As we continue to empower the financial services industry, relationships like these exemplify the true potential of the cloud and the Microsoft partner ecosystem,” said Karen Del Vescovo, CVP Financial Services, Microsoft.

“At Core Specialty, our dedication to meeting the needs of our customers and brokers is unwavering,” said Jeff Consolino, Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Core Specialty. “Through our relationship with Duck Creek and Microsoft, we have heightened our emphasis on using technology to elevate the customer experience. This relationship empowers us to uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions.”

Learn more about the Azure Marketplace and how insurers with Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) credits can use their spend towards Duck Creek’s OnDemand solutions, including policy, rating, billing, claims, producer, insights, distribution management, and industry content.

About Core Specialty

Core Specialty offers a diversified range of specialty insurance products for small to mid-sized companies. From its underwriting offices spanning the U.S., the company focuses on niche markets, local distribution, and superior underwriting knowledge; offering traditional as well as innovative insurance solutions to meet the needs of its customers and brokers. Core Specialty is an insurance holding company operating through StarStone Specialty Insurance Company, a U.S. excess & surplus lines insurer, and StarStone National Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company, and Lancer Insurance Company of New Jersey, each of which is a U.S. admitted markets insurer and Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company, a life, accident, and health insurer. All Core Specialty Insurance entities are AM Best rated A- (Excellent). For further information about Core Specialty, please visit www.corespecialty.com.

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

Media Contacts:
Dennis Dougherty
dennis.dougherty@duckcreek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9079456

Biafo Industries Limited Reports Insider Share Sales by Independent Director

Islamabad, Biafo Industries Limited has disclosed transactions by an Independent Director, Himayat Ullah, involving the sale of company shares, according to a notification sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE). The transactions were carried out on March 25 and March 26, 2024, with a total of 10,000 shares sold.

On March 25, Himayat Ullah sold 5,000 shares of Biafo Industries Limited at a rate of PKR 101.75 per share. The following day, March 26, he sold an additional 5,000 shares at a rate of PKR 104.00 per share. Both transactions were conducted through the CDC (Central Depository Company) in the ready market.

The company has confirmed that these transactions will be discussed in the upcoming board meeting, with particular attention to any non-compliance issues as per clause No. 5.6.1.(d) of PSX Regulations. Furthermore, Biafo Industries Limited has ensured compliance with Section 105 of the Securities Act, 2015, stating that in cases where the holding period for such transactions is less than six months, the profit is to be deposited with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) with proper intimation to the PSE.

Automobile Assembler Sector Sees Slight Decline in Index

Karachi, The Pakistan Stock Exchange reported a slight decrease in the Automobile Assembler sector's index, moving from 53,534.430 to 53,334.870, marking a change of -199.560. Despite this dip, the sector showed a robust market capitalization of Rs. 430,100,014,912 and a traded value of Rs. 643,581,934.110. The sector accounted for 4.602% of the market capitalization and 2.272% of the total capitalization, indicating its significant role in the country's economy.

AGP Limited Reports Growth with Consistent Dividend

Karachi, AGP Limited, a key entity in the pharmaceutical industry, announced a 25% dividend for 2024, following a 20% distribution in 2023. The company recorded an earnings per share (EPS) of Rs. 5.1 for the early months of 2024, reflecting its steady financial performance. With a daily weighted average rate of Rs. 71.91 and a high of Rs. 81, AGP Limited has solidified its market presence since its 2018 listing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The company maintains a market lot size of 1 unit, emphasizing its growth trajectory and investor focus.

Cable and Electrical Goods Sector Index Sees Marginal Increase

Karachi, The Cable and Electrical Goods sector of the Pakistan Stock Exchange marked a slight increase in its index, up 12.590 points to 16,118.650. The sector's market capitalization stands at Rs. 36,088,760,592, with a traded value of Rs. 166,721,348.750. This sector contributes 0.386% to the market capitalization and 2.164% to the total capitalization, reflecting its steady position in the market.

Citi Pharma Ltd. Continues Expansion with First Dividend

Karachi, Citi Pharma Ltd. (CPHL), since its 2021 entry into the stock market, announced a 25% dividend for 2024, marking its first distribution since listing. The company posted an earnings per share (EPS) of Rs. 2.88 for January-February 2024, showcasing its upward trajectory in the pharmaceutical sector. With a daily weighted average rate of Rs. 23.31 and a peak of Rs. 25.69, Citi Pharma is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player. The firm, committed to innovation and quality in healthcare, offers a market lot size of 1 unit to its investors.

Chemical Sector Reports Index Gain Amidst High Trade Volume

Karachi, The Chemical sector reported an index increase of 178.490 points to 25,295.550, showcasing growth in this vital industry. With a market capitalization of Rs. 553,439,340,343 and a high traded value of Rs. 1,204,133,368.120, the sector significantly impacts the stock market, contributing 5.921% to the market capitalization and 16.045% to the total capitalization.

Ferozsons Laboratories Announces Dividend Amid Solid Earnings

Lahore, Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd. (FEROZ), a longstanding pharmaceutical company, declared a 50% dividend and a 20% bonus for 2024, despite not distributing dividends in 2023. The company's earnings per share (EPS) of Rs. 4.35 for the initial months of 2024 signal its robust financial status. Trading at a daily average rate of Rs. 223.03 with a high of Rs. 256.49, Ferozsons Laboratories continues to lead with its commitment to healthcare and shareholder value. Listed since 1961, the company maintains a market lot size of 100 units, reflecting its stability and growth in the pharmaceutical industry.

Leasing Companies Sector Sees Index Increase

Karachi, The leasing companies sector experienced a slight index increase, as reported in the latest all shares index. With a market capitalization of Rs. 677,979,001, the sector's index moved from 85.480 to 87.390, marking a 1.910 increase. Despite a relatively low turnover of 12,000 and traded value of Rs. 89,320.00, the sector showed a marginal growth in market capitalization percentage, contributing 0.003% to the total market.

GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan Faces Challenges with No Dividend

Karachi, GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan (GLAXO), one of the country's leading pharmaceutical companies, reported no dividend declarations for the recent fiscal years, amid an earnings per share (EPS) of Rs. 7.73* for January-February 2024. With a daily weighted average rate of Rs. 83.94 and a high of Rs. 94.98, the company remains focused on overcoming operational hurdles and enhancing its market standing. Since its 1953 listing, GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan has been dedicated to improving the quality of human life, with a market lot size of 500 units.

Miscellaneous Sector Reports Growth in Index

Karachi, In the miscellaneous sector, an increase in the index was observed, moving from 20,864.360 to 20,932.300, an uplift of 67.940 points. With a market capitalization of Rs. 89,905,939,579 and substantial trading activity involving 1,411,288 turnover and Rs. 44,040,130.38 traded value, the sector showed significant dynamism and a notable impact on the market, comprising 0.398% of the total market capitalization.

Haleon Pakistan Limited Reports No Dividend Amid Positive Earnings

Karachi, Haleon Pakistan Limited (HALEON), continuing its journey in the pharmaceutical sector since its 2017 listing, reported no dividends for the recent years, despite an earnings per share (EPS) of Rs. 2.78* for the early months of 2024. The company's trading rate was Rs. 183.40, with a high of Rs. 225, indicating its commitment to growth and operational excellence. Haleon Pakistan, with a market lot size of 100 units, remains focused on delivering healthcare solutions and enhancing shareholder value.