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IAS Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Published

3 years ago

on

Fourth quarter revenue increased 14% to $134.3 million

Fourth quarter net income of $10.2 million at an 8% margin; fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA increased 19% to $47.5 million at a 35% margin

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Integral Ad Science Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: IAS), a leading global media measurement and optimization platform, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

“We ended 2023 with strong fourth quarter performance across optimization and measurement with revenue growth of 16% and 18%, respectively,” said Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS. “Social media revenue increased 37% in the fourth quarter as marketers trusted IAS to maximize their advertising spend globally, particularly in short-form video. In 2024, we will continue to invest in data science and innovate with AI to empower marketers with actionable data to drive superior results. We expect to deliver double-digit revenue growth for the full year.”  

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

Total revenue was $134.3 million, a 14% increase compared to $117.4 million in the prior-year period.Optimization revenue was $63.6 million, a 16% increase compared to $55.1 million in the prior-year period.Measurement revenue was $52.6 million, an 18% increase compared to $44.7 million in the prior-year period.Publisher revenue was $18.1 million, a 2% increase compared to $17.6 million in the prior-year period.International revenue, excluding the Americas, was $43.3 million, a 16% increase compared to $37.3 million in the prior-year period, or 32% of total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023.Gross profit was $106.0 million, an 11% increase compared to $95.5 million in the prior-year period. Gross profit margin was 79% for the fourth quarter of 2023.Net income was $10.2 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share, compared to $11.5 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share, in the prior-year-period. Net income margin was 8% for the fourth quarter of 2023.Adjusted EBITDA* was $47.5 million, a 19% increase compared to $40.0 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA* margin was 35% for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Full Year 2023 Financial Highlights

Total revenue was $474.4 million, a 16% increase compared to $408.3 million in the prior year.Optimization revenue was $224.5 million, an 18% increase compared to $190.6 million in the prior year.Measurement revenue was $186.0 million, a 20% increase compared to $154.9 million in the prior year.Publisher revenue was $63.8 million, a 2% increase compared to $62.8 million in the prior year.International revenue, excluding the Americas, was $146.8 million, a 14% increase compared to $129.1 million in the prior year, or 31% of total revenue for the full year 2023.Gross profit was $375.0 million, a 13% increase compared to $332.6 million in the prior year. Gross profit margin was 79% for the full year 2023.Net income was $7.2 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to $15.4 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, in the prior year. Net income margin was 2% for the full year 2023.Adjusted EBITDA* was $159.5 million, a 26% increase compared to $126.6 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA* margin was 34% for the full year 2023.Cash and cash equivalents were $124.8 million at December 31, 2023.

Recent Business Highlights

Meta Expansion – In February, IAS announced the availability of its AI-driven Total Media Quality (TMQ) brand safety and suitability measurement product across Facebook and Instagram Feed and Reels. IAS’s new post-bid brand safety and suitability expansion with Meta gives advertisers increased transparency into whether their campaigns are appearing next to safe and suitable content.IAS MRC Continuing Accreditation for Measurement of Meta Platforms – In January, IAS received continuing accreditation from the MRC for viewability measurement of Meta, including impressions and two-second video viewability, on Facebook Feed and Instagram Feed and Stories.YouTube TMQ Expansion – During the fourth quarter, IAS expanded its partnership to YouTube Shorts to offer its brand safety and suitability measurement product to advertisers for YouTube Shorts inventory, as part of its existing Total Media Quality for YouTube product suite.X Expansion – In February, IAS expanded its partnership with X to all U.S. advertisers. IAS classifies all vertical video ad adjacencies for brand safety and suitability aligned to the GARM framework, giving advertisers maximum control over where their ads appear on the X vertical video feed.Quality Attention Expansion – In January, IAS announced the general availability of its Quality Attention measurement product. Quality Attention uses advanced machine learning technology, actionable data from Lumen Research’s eye-tracking technology, and a variety of signals obtained as part of IAS’s core technology.

Financial Outlook

“We reported profitable growth in the fourth quarter with a 14% revenue increase at a 35% adjusted EBITDA* margin,” said Tania Secor, CFO of IAS. “As we move through 2024, we expect to ramp both revenue growth and profitability from forecasted first quarter levels as we expand availability and customer adoption of new products. We also plan to maintain our strong financial profile and healthy balance sheet.”

IAS is introducing the following financial outlook for the first quarter and full year 2024:

First Quarter Ending March 31, 2024:

Total revenue of $111 million to $113 millionAdjusted EBITDA* of $28 million to $30 million

Year Ending December 31, 2024:

Total revenue of $530 million to $540 millionAdjusted EBITDA* of $171 million to $179 million

* See “Supplemental Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information” section herein for an explanation of Non-GAAP measures. IAS is unable to provide a reconciliation for forward-looking guidance of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most closely comparable GAAP measure, because certain material reconciling items, such as depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), restructuring and severance costs, and acquisition and integration costs, cannot be estimated due to factors outside of IAS’s control and could have a material impact on the reported results. However, IAS estimates stock-based compensation expense for the first quarter of 2024 in the range of $14 million to $16 million and for the full year 2024 in the range of $72 million to $76 million. A reconciliation is not available without unreasonable effort.

 

INTEGRAL AD SCIENCE HOLDING CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$      124,759

$        86,877

Restricted cash

54

45

Accounts receivable, net

74,609

67,884

Unbilled receivables

46,548

41,550

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

18,959

24,761

Due from related party

—

29

Total current assets

264,929

221,146

Property and equipment, net

3,769

2,412

Internal use software, net

40,301

23,642

Intangible assets, net

178,908

217,558

Goodwill

675,282

674,094

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

21,668

22,787

Deferred tax asset, net

2,465

2,020

Other long-term assets

4,402

5,024

Total assets

$   1,191,724

$   1,168,683

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$        72,232

$        60,799

Operating lease liabilities, current

9,435

6,749

Due to related party

121

122

Deferred revenue

682

99

Total current liabilities

82,470

67,769

Deferred tax liability, net

20,367

45,495

Long-term debt

153,725

223,262

Operating lease liabilities, non-current

19,523

22,875

Other long-term liabilities

6,183

1,066

Total liabilities

282,268

360,467

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023; 0
     shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022

—

—

Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023,
     158,757,620 and 153,990,128 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and
     2022, respectively

159

154

Additional paid-in-capital

901,259

810,186

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(916)

(2,899)

Accumulated earnings

8,954

775

Total stockholders’ equity

909,456

808,216

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$   1,191,724

$   1,168,683

 

INTEGRAL AD SCIENCE HOLDING CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Revenue

$       134,295

$       117,435

$      474,369

$      408,348

Operating expenses:

Cost of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)

28,252

21,891

99,352

75,755

Sales and marketing

30,423

28,325

117,989

106,286

Technology and development

19,056

22,280

72,906

76,351

General and administrative

25,961

23,572

111,634

79,654

Depreciation and amortization

14,593

12,811

54,966

50,396

Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net

(501)

1,246

430

4,749

Total operating expenses

117,784

110,125

457,277

393,191

Operating income

16,511

7,310

17,092

15,157

Interest expense, net

(2,489)

(3,194)

(12,236)

(9,053)

Employee retention tax credit

—

—

—

6,981

Net income before income taxes

14,022

4,116

4,856

13,085

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

(3,858)

7,371

2,382

2,288

Net income

$         10,164

$         11,487

$          7,238

$        15,373

Net income per share:

Basic

$             0.06

$             0.07

$           0.05

$           0.10

Diluted

$             0.06

$             0.07

$           0.04

$           0.10

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

158,243,619

153,792,438

156,272,335

154,699,694

Diluted

163,060,805

155,288,725

161,723,131

157,258,083

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

2,772

8,634

1,983

(2,584)

Total comprehensive income

$         12,936

$         20,121

$          9,221

$        12,789

 

INTEGRAL AD SCIENCE HOLDING CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’/MEMBERS’ EQUITY

Members’ Interest

Common Stock

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT UNITS
AND SHARES DATA)

Units

Amount

Shares

Amount

Additional

paid-in

capital

Accumulated

other

comprehensive

income (loss)

Accumulated
earnings

(deficit)

Total members’/
stockholders’ 
equity

Balances at January 1, 2021

134,039,494

$            553,717

—

$                     —

$                     —

$               4,523

$          (126,761)

$            431,479

Repurchase of units

(99,946)

(413)

—

—

—

—

(791)

(1,204)

Units vested

17,486

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Option exercises

246,369

1,075

—

—

3,360

—

—

4,435

Foreign currency translation
adjustment

—

—

—

—

—

(4,838)

—

(4,838)

Net loss prior to corporate conversion

—

—

—

—

—

—

(37,832)

(37,832)

Conversion to Delaware corporation

(134,203,403)

(554,379)

134,203,403

134

388,860

—

165,385

—

Rounding units/shares as a result of
corporate conversion

—

—

(17)

—

—

—

—

—

Stock-based compensation

—

—

—

—

55,222

—

—

55,222

RSUs vested

—

—

26,931

—

150

—

—

150

Issuance of common stock in
connection with initial public offering

—

—

16,821,330

17

274,340

—

—

274,357

Issuance of common stock for Publica
acquisition

—

—

2,888,889

3

49,628

—

—

49,631

Issuance of common stock for Context
acquisition

—

—

457,959

—

10,391

—

—

10,391

Net loss

—

—

—

—

—

—

(14,600)

(14,600)

Balances at December 31, 2021

—

$                     —

154,398,495

$                  154

$            781,951

$                 (315)

$            (14,600)

$            767,190

RSUs vested

—

—

1,084,966

1

—

—

—

1

Option exercises

—

—

1,586,728

2

7,153

—

—

7,155

Stock-based compensation

—

—

—

—

44,733

—

—

44,733

Foreign currency translation
adjustment

—

—

—

—

—

(2,584)

—

(2,584)

Repurchase of common stock

—

—

(3,080,061)

(3)

(23,652)

—

—

(23,655)

Net income

—

—

—

—

—

—

15,373

15,373

Balances at December 31, 2022

—

$                     —

153,990,128

$                  154

$            810,186

$              (2,899)

$                  775

$            808,216

RSUs and MSUs vested

—

—

3,492,130

4

—

—

—

4

Option exercises

—

—

1,001,793

1

7,988

—

—

7,989

ESPP purchase

—

—

273,569

—

2,306

—

—

2,306

Stock-based compensation

—

—

—

—

80,779

—

—

80,779

Foreign currency translation adjustment

—

—

—

—

—

1,983

—

1,983

Adoption of ASC 326, net of tax

—

—

—

—

—

—

941

941

Net income

—

—

—

—

—

—

7,238

7,238

Balances at December 31, 2023

—

$                     —

158,757,620

$                  159

$            901,259

$                 (916)

$               8,954

$            909,456

 

INTEGRAL AD SCIENCE HOLDING CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year ended December 31,

(IN THOUSANDS)

2023

2022

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$          7,238

$        15,373

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

54,966

50,396

Stock-based compensation

81,103

44,752

Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net

(484)

5,233

Deferred tax benefit

(21,531)

(8,880)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

463

464

Allowance for credit losses

3,816

1,837

Employee retention tax credit

—

(6,981)

Impairment of assets

33

974

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Increase in accounts receivable

(8,148)

(18,581)

Increase in unbilled receivables

(4,685)

(5,830)

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets

6,418

(10,641)

Increase in operating leases, net

(29)

(852)

Decrease (increase) in other long-term assets

375

(1,057)

Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities

11,478

6,286

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue

582

(88)

Increase in due to/from related party

28

62

Net cash provided by operating activities

131,623

72,467

Cash flows from investing activities:

Payment for acquisitions, net of acquired cash

(966)

(1,603)

Purchase of property and equipment

(1,975)

(2,016)

Acquisition and development of internal use software and other

(31,777)

(14,673)

Net cash used in investing activities

(34,718)

(18,292)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Repayment of long-term debt

(145,000)

(35,000)

Repayment of short-term debt

—

(1,816)

Proceeds from the Revolver

75,000

15,000

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

7,989

7,155

Payments for repurchase of common stock

—

(23,655)

Cash received from Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

3,160

845

Net cash used in financing activities

(58,851)

(37,471)

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

38,054

16,704

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash

(435)

(3,111)

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, at beginning of year

89,671

76,078

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, at end of year

$      127,290

$        89,671

Supplemental Disclosures:

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest

$        11,229

$          8,511

Taxes

$        10,985

$        16,396

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Property and equipment acquired included in accounts payable

$             431

$               97

Internal use software acquired included in accounts payable

$          1,444

$          1,517

Lease liabilities arising from right of use assets

$          6,282

$        29,624

Supplemental Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information

We use supplemental measures of our performance, which are derived from our consolidated financial information, but which are not presented in our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is the primary financial performance measure used by management to evaluate our business and monitor ongoing results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income/loss before depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, interest expense, income taxes, restructuring and severance costs, acquisition and integration costs, foreign exchange gains and losses, and other one-time, non-recurring costs. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents the adjusted EBITDA for the applicable period divided by the revenue for that period presented in accordance with GAAP.

We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement financial information presented on a GAAP basis. We believe that excluding certain items from our GAAP results allows management to better understand our consolidated financial performance from period to period and better project our future consolidated financial performance as forecasts are developed at a level of detail different from that used to prepare GAAP-based financial measures. Moreover, we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide our shareholders with useful information to help them evaluate our operating results by facilitating an enhanced understanding of our operating performance and enabling them to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Although we believe these measures are useful to investors and analysts for the same reasons they are useful to management, these measures are not a substitute for, or superior to, U.S. GAAP financial measures or disclosures. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

Reconciliation of historical Adjusted EBITDA and corresponding margin to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, net income/loss and corresponding margin are presented below. We encourage you to review the reconciliations in conjunction with the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures for each of the periods presented. In future fiscal periods, we may exclude such items and may incur income and expenses similar to these excluded items.

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands, except percentages)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Net income

$       10,164

$       11,487

$         7,238

$      15,373

Depreciation and amortization

14,593

12,811

54,966

50,396

Stock-based compensation

15,462

11,645

81,103

44,752

Interest expense, net

2,489

3,194

12,236

9,053

Provision (benefit) from income taxes

3,858

(7,371)

(2,382)

(2,288)

Restructuring and severance costs

1,054

5,904

4,028

10,321

Acquisition and integration costs

—

118

—

97

Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net

(501)

1,246

430

4,798

Employee retention tax credit

—

—

—

(6,981)

Offering costs, impairments and other costs

396

1,003

1,913

1,058

Adjusted EBITDA

$       47,515

$       40,037

$     159,532

$    126,579

Revenue

$     134,295

$     117,435

$     474,369

$    408,348

Net income margin

8 %

10 %

2 %

4 %

Adjusted EBITDA margin

35 %

34 %

34 %

31 %

 

Stock-Based Compensation 

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

(in thousands)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Cost of revenue

$             124

$             249

$             452

$             507

Sales and marketing

5,512

2,871

23,371

13,520

Technology and development

4,104

2,958

17,538

9,937

General and administrative

5,722

5,567

39,742

20,788

Total stock-based compensation

$         15,462

$         11,645

$         81,103

$         44,752

Conference Call and Webcast Information
IAS will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results today at 5:00 p.m. ET. To access the live webcast and conference call dial-in, please register under the “News & Events” section of IAS’s investor relations website. A replay will be available on IAS’s investor relations website following the live call: https://investors.integralads.com.

About Integral Ad Science
Integral Ad Science (IAS) is a leading global media measurement and optimization platform that delivers the industry’s most actionable data to drive superior results for the world’s largest advertisers, publishers, and media platforms. IAS’s software provides comprehensive and enriched data that ensures ads are seen by real people in safe and suitable environments, while improving return on ad spend for advertisers and yield for publishers. Our mission is to be the global benchmark for trust, safety, and transparency in digital media quality. For more information, visit integralads.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This earnings press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” “likely,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results or our plans and objectives for future operations, growth initiatives or strategies are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including: (i) the adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and prospects from various macroeconomic factors, including instability in geopolitical or market conditions; (ii) our failure to innovate or make the right investment decisions; (iii) our ability to provide digital or cross-platform analytics; (iv) our failure to maintain or achieve industry accreditation standards; (v) our dependence on integrations with advertising platforms, demand side providers (“DSPs”) and proprietary platforms that we do not control; (vi) our ability to compete successfully with our current or future competitors in an intensely competitive market; (vii) our inability to use software licensed from third parties; (viii) our international expansion; (ix) our ability to expand into new channels; (x) our ability to sustain our profitability and revenue growth rate; (xi) risks that our customers do not pay or choose to dispute their invoices; (xii) risks of material changes to revenue share agreements with certain DSPs; (xiii) our dependence on the overall demand for advertising; (xiv) our ability to effectively manage our growth; (xv) the impact that any acquisitions we have completed in the past and may consummate in the future, strategic investments, or alliances may have on our business, financial condition, and results of operations; (xvi) our ability to successfully execute our international plans; (xvii) the risks associated with the seasonality of our market; (xviii) our ability to maintain high impression volumes; (xix) the difficulty in evaluating our future prospects given our short operating history; (xx) uncertainty in how the market for buying digital advertising verification solutions will evolve; (xxi) interruption by man-made problems such as terrorism, computer viruses, or social disruptions; (xxii) the risk of failures in the systems and infrastructure supporting our solutions and operations; (xxiii) our ability to avoid operational, technical, and performance issues with our platform; (xxiv) risks associated with any unauthorized access to user, customer, or inventory and third-party provider data; (xxv) our ability to provide the non-proprietary technology, software, products, and services that we use; (xxvi) the risk that we are sued by third parties for alleged infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of their proprietary rights; (xxvii) our ability to obtain, maintain, protect, or enforce intellectual property and proprietary rights that are important to our business; (xxviii) our involvement in lawsuits to protect or enforce our intellectual property; (xxix) risks that our employees, consultants, or advisors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their current or former employers; (xxx) risks that our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected; (xxxi) the impact of unforeseen changes to privacy and data protection laws and regulation on digital advertising; (xxxii) our ability to maintain our corporate culture; (xxxiii) public health outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, or other public health crises; (xxxiv) risks posed by earthquakes, fires, floods, and other natural catastrophic events; (xxxv) the risk that a perceived failure to comply with laws and industry self-regulation may damage our reputation; and (xxxvi) other factors disclosed in our filings with the SEC. Given these factors, as well as other variables that may affect our operating results, you should not rely on forward-looking statements, assume that past financial performance will be a reliable indicator of future performance, or use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based on many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Investor Contact:
Jonathan Schaffer / Lauren Hartman
ir@integralads.com

Media Contact:
press@integralads.com

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SOURCE Integral Ad Science, Inc.

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– Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Da Nang, and Nha Trang topped overseas destinations, while Jeju, Busan, Seoul, Sokcho, and Gyeongju led domestic hotspots  

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the Chuseok holiday around the corner, South Korean travelers are already making plans to make the most of the four-day break. According to digital travel platform Agoda, accommodation searches for international and domestic destinations have increased by 38% and 160%, respectively, compared to two weeks before the holiday period.

Based on accommodation searches made by South Korean travelers between May to mid-August 2026, Agoda found that Japanese destinations dominated the list of the most-searched overseas destinations for the Chuseok holiday. Fukuoka ranked first, followed by Tokyo and Osaka. Beyond Japan, Vietnamese destinations also proved popular, with Da Nang and Nha Trang rounding out the top five. The findings highlight South Korean travelers’ continued preference for short- and mid-haul destinations, where they can enjoy a combination of cultural experiences and seaside leisure.

Due to its proximity to South Korea with an average flight time of just 1.5 hours from Seoul, Fukuoka is one of the most accessible Japanese destinations for South Korean travelers. The destination is expected to become even more accessible with Eastar Jet’s expanded services on the Incheon–Fukuoka route through October 24, and the Busan–Fukuoka route from August 29 to October 24, covering the Chuseok holiday period.

For those making travel plans closer to home, Jeju ranked as the most-searched domestic destination, with a 131% increase in travel interest, followed by Busan (147%), Seoul (64%), Sokcho (324%), and Gyeongju (222%). Sokcho, which recorded the strongest growth in search interest among the top 5 domestic destinations, saw tourism expenditure by South Korean travelers increase by 8.2% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. The high growth in interest in Sokcho’, driven by its diverse mix of mountains, beaches, lakes, culinary experiences and cultural attractions, suggests that the destination could see continued visitor demand through the second half of the year, including during the Chuseok holiday period.

Gyeongju, which ranked fifth, continues to attract South Korean travelers with its historic sites and rich cultural heritage. The city’s appeal could be further boosted by expanded KTX and KTX-Eum services scheduled to begin in September, offering travelers improved rail connectivity during the autumn travel season.

Alex Park, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda shared, “As the Chuseok holiday approaches, South Korean travelers are showing strong interest in nearby destinations, with domestic travel seeing particularly strong demand. As a global travel platform, Agoda is committed to supporting travelers with diverse preferences by offering great deals on flights, accommodation, and activities, whether they are looking to explore destinations overseas or closer to home.”

As South Korean travelers finalize their Chuseok holiday plans, Agoda continues to offer a seamless booking experience across more than six million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities worldwide. To find the best deals for autumn travel to Asia and beyond, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app. As part of Agoda’s August Mega Sale, travelers can enjoy up to 60% off on hotel bookings during the main sale through 31 August.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-unveils-south-korean-travelers-top-domestic-and-international-destinations-for-chuseok-holiday-302867025.html

SOURCE Agoda

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Technology

TECNO Wins Two IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards for Modular Phone and Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS

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September 5, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TECNO, a global AI-driven innovative technology brand, achieved two IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards at IFA 2026:

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS took the Miniaturized Gaming PC Technology Innovation Gold Award, standing out with its Italian aesthetics and exceptional performance in the compact body. The TECNO Modular Phone was honored with the Ultra-Slim Magnetic Modular Technology Innovation Gold Award, praised for its ultra-slim craftsmanship and unique modular magnetic technology.

These awards once again demonstrate TECNO’s sustained breakthroughs in product innovation and industry-leading craftsmanship in design excellence. The Global Product Technology Innovation Awards were established in 2014 by IDG, IFA, and DIHK to celebrate excellence across the global consumer electronics industry. The awards honor products that set new industry benchmarks and drive innovation through intelligent technology and user-centric design.

TECNO Modular Phone: The World’s Thinnest Modular Smartphone

At just 4.9mm, the TECNO Modular Phone is powered by proprietary Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology. It combines a precision magnetic array with pogo-pin connectors, offering a flexible ecosystem for different needs. The host retains a 3000–4000mAh battery, while modules draw power directly for a snap-and-go experience. It also resolves the inherent conflict between rising AI computing demands and limited device space.

The technology has earned over 20 accolades from leading media, with CNET and Yanko Design naming it the Best of MWC 2026, and The Verge recognizing it as the Best Mobile Tech at MWC 2026.

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS: One of the World’s Smallest Water-Cooling Gaming Mini-PCs

At around 6.36 liters, the panoramic transparent chassis of the Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS fuses iconic Italian design with raw engineering. Powered by the Intel® Core™ i9-13900HK and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 (614 AI TOPS, 145W TGP, DLSS 4), it achieves the pinnacle of performance, providing a high-fidelity gaming experience and high-efficiency AI workstation. The water-cooling system sustains peak frequencies, while 15 ports and WiFi 6E deliver connectivity. It was recognized with Yanko Design’s Best of MWC award.

In addition, TECNO made waves at IFA with the Next-Gen Bezelless Concept Phone featuring a revolutionary 0mm screen bezel, and the convertible laptop MEGABOOK T15 360 Pro. Relentlessly pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and AI innovation, TECNO is pioneering limitless possibilities for futuristic technology.

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Technology

Morpho UV Printer Unveiled at IFA with Hands-On Live Creation

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September 5, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Morpho, a company specializing in UV printing technology, is showcasing its first desktop UV printer at IFA 2026, Hall 17-196. Visitors are observing Morpho’s colorful, textured prints, and some have the opportunity to print on a range of blank materials provided.

Morpho’s desktop UV printer can print on a wide range of materials, including wood, glass, leather, metal, and more, delivering vivid colors and tactile textures for customized results. At IFA 2026, the booth attracted interest from creators, educators, and technology professionals, who gathered to watch live demonstrations.

Among those who have tried Morpho’s printer, three aspects are most frequently highlighted: print quality, the moving gantry design, and overall ease of use.

Visitors are first drawn to the prints, which feature precise color reproduction and finely detailed textile textures. With G7 Master ColorSpace certification, Morpho ensures consistent tones across different pieces. The same level of precision is evident in the raised textures created by the industrial-grade printhead, which builds fine layers of ink for detailed, tactile surfaces. The printhead maintains fast carriage motion speeds of up to 600mm/s while preserving precise detail.

Attendees have also noted the printer’s compact desktop footprint. With its moving gantry architecture—where the entire gantry moves along both axes—the printer offers a large, fully enclosed print chamber that accommodates various objects while remaining desktop-friendly.

First-time users have given positive feedback on Morpho’s usability. The integrated Stereo Vision Smart Alignment™ System quickly captures an object’s height and contours, while Morpho Studio’s guided workflows help users move from idea to print with minimal setup.

Morpho’s team shared that the program has been in development for several years, with the goal of making UV printers a practical tool for everyday creative use. Founder Mingyu “Brett” Wang, formerly Global VP of R&D at DJI, commented, “We communicate directly with our community, listen to feedback, and make fast improvements.”

Ahead of IFA, Morpho’s Kickstarter campaign surpassed $10 million in support from over 2,800 backers worldwide. The company is committed to further developing its proprietary core technology and delivering reliable engineering for creators, makers, and small businesses.

Visit Morpho’s website to learn more.

About Morpho: Morpho develops desktop UV printers that bring industrial-grade printing and coloring to everyday materials, enabling creators to turn almost any physical surface into a canvas for their ideas.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/morpho-uv-printer-unveiled-at-ifa-with-hands-on-live-creation-302870741.html

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