Technology
BEST Inc. Announces Unaudited First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
HANGZHOU, China, June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) (“BEST” or the “Company”), a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia (“SEA”), today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (1)
For the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2024:(2)
Revenue was RMB1,942.0 million (US$269.0 million), compared to RMB1,715.3 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased revenue of BEST Freight and BEST Global.Gross Profit was RMB55.2 million (US$7.6 million), compared to gross loss of RMB8.5 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased volume and further improvements of operating efficiency for both BEST Freight and BEST Global. Gross Profit Margin was 2.8% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to Gross Loss Margin of 0.5% in the same period of 2023.Net Loss from continuing operations was RMB172.1 million (US$23.8 million), compared to RMB257.6 million in the first quarter of 2023; which represented approximately 33% improvement year over year. Non-GAAP Net Loss from continuing operations(3)(4) was RMB164.9 million (US$22.8 million), compared to RMB245.5 million in the first quarter of 2023.Diluted loss per ADS(5) from continuing operations was RMB8.69 (US$1.20), compared to RMB12.38 in the first quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS(3)(4) from continuing operations was RMB8.30 (US$1.15), compared to RMB11.77 in the first quarter of 2023.EBITDA(6) from continuing operations was negative RMB133.5 million (US$18.5 million), compared to negative RMB218.9 million in the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA(6) from continuing operations was negative RMB126.3 million (US$17.5 million), compared to negative RMB206.8 million in the first quarter of 2023.
BEST Freight – BEST Freight recorded a revenue growth of 16.3% in the first quarter of 2024, year over year. Freight’s gross margin was 3.4%, representing a 3.6 percentage points improvement from the same period of 2023 as we continued to reduce operating expenses and improve efficiency.
BEST Supply Chain Management – BEST Supply Chain Management’s revenue decreased by 6.6% in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the same period of last year as we discontinued certain not-profitable key account customers.
BEST Global – In the first quarter of 2024, BEST Global continued its robust e-commerce growth. BEST Global’s first quarter’s revenue increased by 42.6% while its parcel volumes increased by 39.4% compared with the same quarter of 2023. In additional, for the first quarter of 2024, parcel volumes in Vietnam and Malaysia increased by 120.0% and 23.8%, respectively and total volume of the cross-border business increased by 256.4%; year over year.
Key Operational Metrics
Three Months Ended
% Change YOY
March 31,
2022
March 31,
2023
March 31,
2024
2023 vs
2022
2024 vs
2023
Freight Volume (Tonne in ‘000)
1,683
1,769
1,987
5.1 %
12.4 %
Supply Chain Management
Volume (Tonne in ‘000)
330
390
360
97.0 %
(7.7 %)
Global Parcel Volume in SEA
(in ‘000)
38,390
27,053
37,715
(29.5 %)
39.4 %
FINANCIAL RESULTS (7)
For the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2024:
Revenue
The following table sets forth a breakdown of revenue by business segment for the periods indicated.
Table 1 – Breakdown of Revenue by Business Segment
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2023
March 31, 2024
(In ‘000, except for %)
RMB
% of
Revenue
RMB
US$
% of
Revenue
% Change
YOY
Freight
1,051,873
61.3 %
1,223,486
169,451
63.0 %
16.3 %
Supply Chain Management
440,254
25.7 %
411,009
56,924
21.2 %
(6.6 %)
Global
197,028
11.5 %
280,874
38,901
14.4 %
42.6 %
Others(8)
26,107
1.5 %
26,666
3,693
1.4 %
2.1 %
Total Revenue
1,715,262
100.0 %
1,942,035
268,969
100.0 %
13.2 %
Freight Service Revenue was RMB1,223.5 million (US$169.5 million) for the first quarter of 2024, compared to RMB1,051.9 million in the same period of last year. Freight service revenue increased by 16.3% year over year, primarily due to increase in both volume and average selling price per tonne.Supply Chain Management Service Revenue decreased by 6.6% year over year to RMB411.0 million (US$56.9 million) for the first quarter of 2024 from RMB440.3 million in the same period of last year as we discontinued certain not-profitable key account customers.Global Service Revenue increased by 42.6% year over year to RMB280.9 million (US$38.9 million) for the first quarter of 2024 from RMB197.0 million in the same period of last year, primarily due to volume growth in Vietnam, Malaysia and cross-border business.
Cost of Revenue
The following table sets forth a breakdown of cost of revenue by business segment for the periods indicated.
Table 2 – Breakdown of Cost of Revenue by Business Segment
Three Months Ended
% of Revenue
Change
YOY
March 31, 2023
March 31, 2024
(In ‘000, except for %)
RMB
% of
Revenue
RMB
US$
% of
Revenue
Freight
(1,054,635)
100.3 %
(1,182,417)
(163,763)
96.6 %
(3.6 %)
Supply Chain Management
(404,350)
91.8 %
(383,345)
(53,093)
93.3 %
1.4 %
Global
(249,204)
126.5 %
(313,793)
(43,460)
111.7 %
(14.8 %)
Others
(15,538)
59.5 %
(7,256)
(1,004)
27.2 %
(32.3 %)
Total Cost of Revenue
(1,723,727)
100.5 %
(1,886,811)
(261,320)
97.2 %
(3.3 %)
Cost of Revenue for Freight was RMB1,182.4 million (US$163.8 million), or 96.6% of revenue in the first quarter of 2024. The 3.6 percentage points year-over-year decrease in cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue was mainly due to higher volume and improved efficiency.Cost of Revenue for Supply Chain Management was RMB383.3 million (US$53.1 million), or 93.3% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2024, compared to cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue of 91.8% in the first quarter of 2023. The increase of cost of revenue was mainly due to new business development with lower growth margin.Cost of Revenue for Global was RMB313.8 million (US$43.5 million), or 111.7% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2024. The 14.8 percentage points year-over-year decrease in cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue due to increased parcel volume and operating efficiency.
Gross Profit was RMB55.2 million (US$7.6 million) in the first quarter of 2024, compared to gross loss of RMB8.5 million in the first quarter of 2023; Gross Margin was 2.8%, compared to negative 0.5% in the first quarter of 2023.
Operating Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses were RMB220.4 million (US$30.5 million), or 11.3% of revenue in the first quarter of 2024, compared to RMB247.7 million, or 14.4% of revenue in the same quarter of 2023, as we continued to optimize our organizational structure.
Research and Development Expenses were RMB29.3 million (US$4.1 million), or 1.5% of revenue in the first quarter of 2024, compared to RMB28.7 million, or 1.7% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023.
Share-based Compensation (“SBC”) Expenses included in the cost and expense items above were RMB7.2 million (US$1.0 million) in the first quarter of 2024, compared to RMB12.1 million in the same period of 2023. Of the total SBC expenses, RMB0.04 million (US$0.01 million) was allocated to cost of revenue, RMB0.3 million (US$0.03 million) was allocated to selling expenses, RMB6.3 million (US$0.9 million) was allocated to general and administrative expenses, and RMB0.7 million (US$0.09 million) was allocated to research and development expenses.
Net Loss and Non-GAAP Net Loss from continuing operations
Net Loss from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2024 was RMB172.1 million (US$23.8 million), compared to RMB257.6 million in the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP Net Loss from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2024 was RMB164.9 million (US$22.8 million), compared to RMB245.5 million in the first quarter of 2023.
Diluted loss per ADS and Non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS from continuing operations
Diluted loss per ADS from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2024 was RMB8.69 (US$1.20), compared to a loss of RMB12.38 in the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2024 was RMB8.30 (US$1.15), compared to a loss of RMB11.77 in the first quarter of 2023. A reconciliation of non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS to diluted loss per ADS is included at the end of this results announcement.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2024 was negative RMB126.3 million (US$17.5 million), compared to negative RMB206.8 million in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2024 was negative 6.5%, compared to negative 12.1% in the same period of 2023.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments
As of March 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were RMB2,095.8 million (US$290.3 million), compared to RMB3,171.8 million as of March 31, 2023. In July 2023, the Company repurchased approximately US$75 million (RMB542 million) aggregate principal amount of its existing Convertible Senior Notes due 2024.
Net Cash Used In Continuing Operating Activities
Net cash used in continuing operating activities in the first quarter of 2024 was RMB138.5 million (US$19.2 million), compared to RMB163.2 million of net cash used in continuing operating activities in the same period of 2023.
SHARES OUTSTANDING
As of May 17, 2024, the Company had approximately 401.9 million ordinary shares outstanding(9). Each American Depositary Share represents twenty (20) Class A ordinary shares.
As previously announced, effective from April 4, 2023, the Company changed the ratio of its American Depositary Shares to its Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share, from the original ADS ratio of one (1) ADS to five (5) Class A ordinary share, to a new ADS ratio of one (1) ADS to twenty (20) Class A ordinary shares.
Effective as of September 25, 2023, the Company’s board of directors terminated its previously announced share repurchase program, under which the Company could repurchase up to US$20 million worth of its outstanding American Depositary Shares over a 12-month period. Prior to the program’s termination, the Company repurchased a total of 1,265,685 ADSs for a total amount paid of approximately US$3.3 million (excluding commissions) under the program.
ABOUT BEST INC.
BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) is a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and SEA. Through its proprietary technology platform and extensive networks, BEST offers a comprehensive set of logistics and value-added services, including freight delivery, supply chain management, cross-border and global logistics services. BEST’s mission is to empower business and enrich life by leveraging technology and business model innovation to create a smarter, more efficient integrated supply chain management eco-system. For more information, please visit: http://www.best-inc.com/en/.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as BEST’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. BEST may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about BEST’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: BEST’s goals and strategies; BEST’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; BEST’s ability to maintain and enhance its ecosystem; BEST’s ability to compete effectively; BEST’s ability to continue to innovate, meet evolving market trends, adapt to changing customer demands and maintain its culture of innovation; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and other countries in which BEST operates, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in BEST’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and BEST does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
In evaluating its business, BEST considers and uses non-GAAP measures, such as non-GAAP net loss/income, non-GAAP net loss/income margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, EBITDA, and non-GAAP Diluted earnings/loss per ADS, as supplemental measures in the evaluation of the Company’s operating results and in the Company’s financial and operational decision-making. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures that help identify underlying trends in the Company’s business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of the expenses and gains that the Company includes in loss from operations and net loss. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about its operating results, enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company’s management in its financial and operational decision-making. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures” in the results announcement.
The non-GAAP financial measures are provided as additional information to help investors compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance and prospects for the future. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, U.S. GAAP results. In addition, the Company’s calculation of the non-GAAP financial measures may be different from the calculation used by other companies, and therefore comparability may be limited.
Summary of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
Revenue
Freight
1,051,873
1,223,486
169,451
Supply Chain Management
440,254
411,009
56,924
Global
197,028
280,874
38,901
Others
26,107
26,666
3,693
Total Revenue
1,715,262
1,942,035
268,969
Cost of Revenue
Freight
(1,054,635)
(1,182,417)
(163,763)
Supply Chain Management
(404,350)
(383,345)
(53,093)
Global
(249,204)
(313,793)
(43,460)
Others
(15,538)
(7,256)
(1,004)
Total Cost of Revenue
(1,723,727)
(1,886,811)
(261,320)
Gross (Loss)/Profit
(8,465)
55,224
7,649
Selling Expenses
(53,817)
(68,145)
(9,438)
General and Administrative Expenses
(193,890)
(152,225)
(21,083)
Research and Development Expenses
(28,697)
(29,284)
(4,056)
Other operating expense, net
(1,366)
(3,272)
(453)
Loss from Operations
(286,235)
(197,702)
(27,381)
Interest Income
21,678
15,688
2,173
Interest Expense
(17,621)
(12,445)
(1,724)
Foreign Exchange Gain/(loss)
14,724
(314)
(43)
Other Income
5,224
2,285
316
Other Expense
(651)
(1,875)
(260)
Gain on changes in the fair value of derivative assets/liabilities
5,392
22,365
3,098
Loss before Income Tax and Share of Net Loss of
Equity Investees
(257,489)
(171,998)
(23,821)
Income Tax Expense
(138)
(103)
(15)
Net Loss from continuing operations
(257,627)
(172,101)
(23,836)
Net (loss)/gain from discontinued operations
–
–
–
Net Loss
(257,627)
(172,101)
(23,836)
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to
non-controlling interests
(13,428)
(11,169)
(1,547)
Net Loss attributable to BEST Inc.
(244,199)
(160,932)
(22,289)
Summary of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands)
As of December 31,2023
As of March 31, 2024
RMB
RMB
US$
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents
425,976
232,923
32,259
Restricted Cash
1,008,318
1,349,705
186,932
Accounts and Notes Receivables
829,802
750,916
104,001
Inventories
7,794
8,116
1,124
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
674,100
757,848
104,961
Short‑term Investments
35,888
61,749
8,552
Amounts Due from Related Parties
60,394
48,916
6,775
Lease Rental Receivables
47,925
25,234
3,495
Total Current Assets
3,090,197
3,235,407
448,099
Non‑current Assets
Property and Equipment, Net
624,205
594,836
82,384
Intangible Assets, Net
93,173
91,196
12,631
Long‑term Investments
156,859
156,859
21,725
Goodwill
54,135
54,135
7,498
Non‑current Deposits
81,869
52,971
7,336
Other Non‑current Assets
46,913
43,931
6,084
Restricted Cash
812,371
451,431
62,522
Lease Rental Receivables
314
–
–
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets
1,293,526
1,216,540
168,488
Total non‑current Assets
3,163,365
2,661,899
368,668
Total Assets
6,253,562
5,897,306
816,767
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Long-term borrowings-current
721
55
8
Long-term Bank Loans-current
794,679
956,858
132,523
Convertible Senior Notes held by related parties
531,202
106,425
14,740
Convertible Senior Notes held by third parties
78
78
11
Short‑term Bank Loans
401,755
459,400
63,626
Accounts and Notes Payable
1,640,864
1,483,687
205,488
Income Tax Payable
2,777
2,604
361
Customer Advances and Deposits and
Deferred Revenue
288,184
286,732
39,711
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
1,091,573
1,057,814
146,506
Financing Lease Liabilities
418
474
66
Operating Lease Liabilities
509,450
551,756
76,417
Amounts Due to Related Parties
1,119
1,196
166
Total Current Liabilities
5,262,820
4,907,079
679,623
Summary of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Cont’d)
(In Thousands)
As of December 31, 2023
As of March 31, 2024
RMB
RMB
US$
Non-current Liabilities
Convertible senior notes held by related parties
–
425,700
58,959
Operating Lease Liabilities
876,854
776,519
107,547
Financing Lease Liabilities
1,231
1,202
166
Other Non‑current Liabilities
22,837
18,009
2,494
Long-term Bank Loans
159,729
133
18
Total Non‑current Liabilities
1,060,651
1,221,563
169,184
Total Liabilities
6,323,471
6,128,642
848,807
Mezzanine Equity:
Convertible Non-controlling Interests
191,865
191,865
26,573
Total mezzanine equity
191,865
191,865
26,573
Shareholders’ Deficit
Ordinary Shares
25,988
25,988
3,599
Treasury Shares
(23,853)
(23,853)
(3,304)
Additional Paid‑In Capital
19,529,806
19,537,054
2,705,851
Accumulated Deficit
(19,749,262)
(19,910,194)
(2,757,530)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
119,169
122,595
16,979
BEST Inc. Shareholders’ Deficit
(98,152)
(248,410)
(34,405)
Non-controlling Interests
(163,622)
(174,791)
(24,208)
Total Shareholders’ Deficit
(261,774)
(423,201)
(58,613)
Total Liabilities, Mezzanine Equity and
Shareholders’ Deficit
6,253,562
5,897,306
816,767
Summary of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
Net cash used in continuing operating activities
(163,187)
(138,518)
(19,185)
Net cash used in operating activities
(163,187)
(138,518)
(19,185)
Net cash generated from/(used in) continuing investing
activities
683,000
(132,734)
(18,383)
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities
683,000
(132,734)
(18,383)
Net cash generated from continuing financing activities
117,619
52,007
7,203
Net cash generated from financing activities
117,619
52,007
7,203
Exchange Rate Effect on Cash and Cash Equivalents, and
Restricted Cash
(13,222)
6,639
919
Net increase/(decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents,
and Restricted Cash
624,210
(212,606)
(29,446)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at
Beginning of Period
2,478,423
2,246,665
311,160
Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at
End of Period
3,102,633
2,034,059
281,714
RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THE NEAREST COMPARABLE GAAP MEASURES
For the Company’s continuing operations, the table below sets forth a reconciliation of the Company’s net loss to EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin for the periods indicated:
Table 3 – Reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
(In RMB’000)
Freight
Supply Chain
Global
Others
Unallocated(10)
Total
Net Loss
(42,439)
(13,438)
(100,337)
(6,040)
(9,847)
(172,101)
Add
Depreciation & Amortization
18,243
8,602
10,921
54
3,902
41,722
Interest Expense
–
–
–
–
12,445
12,445
Income Tax Expense
–
–
–
103
–
103
Subtract
Interest Income
–
–
–
–
(15,688)
(15,688)
EBITDA
(24,196)
(4,836)
(89,416)
(5,883)
(9,188)
(133,519)
Add
Share-based
Compensation Expenses
1,271
696
265
6
5,010
7,248
Adjusted EBITDA
(22,925)
(4,140)
(89,151)
(5,877)
(4,178)
(126,271)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
(1.87 %)
(1.01 %)
(31.74 %)
(22.04 %)
–
(6.50 %)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
(In RMB’000)
Freight
Supply Chain
Global
Others
Unallocated
Total
Net Loss
(80,238)
376
(111,867)
(20,362)
(45,536)
(257,627)
Add
Depreciation & Amortization
19,316
8,648
9,232
509
4,952
42,657
Interest Expense
–
–
–
–
17,621
17,621
Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)
–
–
(11)
149
–
138
Subtract
Interest Income
–
–
–
–
(21,678)
(21,678)
EBITDA
(60,922)
9,024
(102,646)
(19,704)
(44,641)
(218,889)
Add
Share-based
Compensation Expenses
1,852
788
650
20
8,783
12,093
Adjusted EBITDA
(59,070)
9,812
(101,996)
(19,684)
(35,858)
(206,796)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
(5.62 %)
2.23 %
(51.77 %)
(75.40 %)
–
(12.06 %)
For the Company’s continuing operations, the table below sets forth a reconciliation of the Company’s net loss to non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss margin for the periods indicated:
Table 4 – Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Loss and Non-GAAP Net Loss Margin
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
(In RMB’000)
Freight
Supply Chain
Global
Others
Unallocated(11)
Total
Net Loss
(42,439)
(13,438)
(100,337)
(6,040)
(9,847)
(172,101)
Add
Share-based
Compensation Expenses
1,271
696
265
6
5,010
7,248
Non-GAAP Net Loss
(41,168)
(12,742)
(100,072)
(6,034)
(4,837)
(164,853)
Non-GAAP Net Loss Margin
(3.36 %)
(3.10 %)
(35.63 %)
(22.63 %)
–
(8.49 %)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
(In RMB’000)
Freight
Supply Chain
Global
Others
Unallocated(12)
Total
Net Loss
(80,238)
376
(111,867)
(20,362)
(45,536)
(257,627)
Add
Share-based
Compensation Expenses
1,852
788
650
20
8,783
12,093
Non-GAAP Net Loss
(78,386)
1,164
(111,217)
(20,342)
(36,753)
(245,534)
Non-GAAP Net Loss Margin
(7.45 %)
0.26 %
(56.45 %)
(77.92 %)
–
(14.31 %)
For the Company’s continuing operations, the table below sets forth a reconciliation of the Company’s diluted loss per ADS to Non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS for the periods indicated:
Table 5 – Reconciliation of diluted loss per ADS and Non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS
Three Months Ended March 31,
2024
(In ‘000)
RMB
US$
Net Loss Attributable to Ordinary Shareholders
(160,932)
(22,289)
Add
Share-based Compensation Expenses
7,248
1,004
Non-GAAP Net Loss Attributable to Ordinary Shareholders
(153,684)
(21,285)
Weighted Average Diluted Ordinary Shares Outstanding During
the Quarter
Diluted
370,219,148
370,219,148
Diluted (Non-GAAP)
370,219,148
370,219,148
Diluted loss per ordinary share
(0.43)
(0.06)
Add
Non-GAAP adjustment to net loss per ordinary share
0.01
0.00
Non-GAAP diluted loss per ordinary share
(0.42)
(0.06)
Diluted loss per ADS
(8.69)
(1.20)
Add
Non-GAAP adjustment to net loss per ADS
0.39
0.05
Non-GAAP diluted loss per ADS
(8.30)
(1.15)
(1) All numbers presented have been rounded to the nearest integer, tenth, or hundredth, and year over year comparisons are based on figures before rounding.
(2) In December 2021, BEST sold its China express business, the principal terms of which were previously announced. As a result, China express business has been deconsolidated from the Company and its historical financial results are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations accordingly. The financial information and non-GAAP financial information disclosed in this press release is presented on a continuing operations basis, unless otherwise specifically stated.
(3) Non-GAAP net income/loss represents net income/loss excluding share-based compensation expenses.
(4) See the sections entitled “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures” for more information about the non-GAAP measures referred to within this results announcement.
(5) Diluted earnings/loss per ADS, is calculated by dividing net income/loss attributable to ordinary shareholders as adjusted for the effect of dilutive ordinary equivalent shares, if any, by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalent shares expressed in ADS outstanding during the period.
(6) EBITDA represents net income/loss excluding depreciation, amortization, interest expense and income tax expense and minus interest income. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding share-based compensation expenses.
(7) All numbers represented the financial results from continuing operations, unless otherwise stated.
(8) “Others” Segment primarily represents Capital business units.
(9) The total number of shares outstanding excludes shares reserved for future issuances upon exercise or vesting of awards granted under the Company’s share incentive plans.
(10) Unallocated expenses are primarily related to corporate administrative expenses and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments.
(11) Unallocated expenses are primarily related to corporate administrative expenses and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments.
(12) Unallocated expenses are primarily related to corporate administrative expenses and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-inc-announces-unaudited-first-quarter-2024-financial-results-302165920.html
SOURCE BEST Inc.
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Technology
RSPO Launches New Guidance to Leverage Sustainable Palm Oil Certification for IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards
Published
24 minutes agoon
July 23, 2026By
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has released a guidance document, “Leveraging RSPO Principles and Criteria for IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards”. This new resource supports certified sustainable palm oil producers to align their sustainability practices with the IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 disclosure standards that serve as the global framework for reporting sustainability-related financial information.
As more than 30 jurisdictions, representing around 60% of global GDP, move towards adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS SDS), companies are increasingly required to disclose how sustainability-related risks and opportunities affect their financial position and prospects.1
This resource provides a practical pathway for palm oil producers to respond to these requirements by leveraging their existing compliance with the RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C), without duplicating efforts or creating parallel systems.
Informing investor-relevant disclosures: A four-step approach
Certification and the IFRS SDS serve different purposes. This guidance, developed with support from PwC Malaysia, provides a practical bridge between operational sustainability practices and financial disclosure expectations by helping members translate certification-related topics, metrics, and evidence to inform investor-relevant disclosures.
It sets out a four-step approach to IFRS SDS-aligned reporting, guiding RSPO Members on applicability, reporting boundaries, identification of sustainability-related risks and opportunities, and links to financial performance. It also includes seven practical examples, illustrating how the RSPO P&C requirements and implementation evidence can inform disclosures across key sustainability topics, from ethical conduct and legal compliance to environmental protection and worker health and safety.
Beyond growers, the guidance document also supports financial institutions by helping banks, insurers, and investors understand how palm oil sustainability issues, such as labour disputes and traceability gaps, can translate into financial risks, impacts, and opportunities, enabling clearer risk profiling and more informed financing decisions.
Joseph D’ Cruz, RSPO Chief Executive Officer, said: “As sustainability reporting becomes an integral pillar of financial performance, this guidance bridges certification and disclosure, providing RSPO members with a practical framework to demonstrate sustainability performance in ways that resonate with global capital markets. In line with the growing importance of sustainability disclosures in financing and investment decision-making processes, this guidance illustrates how RSPO Principles and Criteria practices can complement an organisation’s strategy and risk assessment processes.”
Andrew Chan, Partner, Sustainability Leader at PwC Malaysia, said: “This guidance responds to the broader shift towards measuring sustainability through a financial lens, with the adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2). For RSPO growers, this creates an opportunity to demonstrate how sustainability practices contribute to business resilience as well as value creation — building investor confidence for the long term.”
Importantly, the guidance also reflects RSPO’s longer term interest in progressively strengthening linkages with sustainability disclosure frameworks. As disclosure expectations continue to evolve, RSPO intends to further explore how certification-related data metrics and assurance processes can support broader and more integrated sustainability disclosures in the future.
The Guidance Document can be downloaded here.
For more information, visit www.rspo.org
About RSPO:
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Formed in 2004, the RSPO is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that unites members from across the palm oil value chain, including oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and social or developmental NGOs.
As a partnership for progress and positive impact, the RSPO facilitates global change to make the production and consumption of palm oil sustainable. To inspire change, we communicate the environmental and social benefits. To make progress, we catalyse collaboration. To provide assurance, we set the standards of certification.
The RSPO is registered as an international association in Zurich, Switzerland, with main offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and offices in China, Colombia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
About PwC:
At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We’re a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 364,000 people in 136 countries and 137 territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com
1
IFRS Foundation, ISSB Podcast February 2025
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SOURCE Roundtable On Sustainable Palm Oil
Technology
Nordic Capital announces agreement to sell ArisGlobal to Dassault Systèmes, following its transformation into a scaled and AI-enabled life sciences platform
Published
24 minutes agoon
July 23, 2026By
WALTHAM, Mass., 23 July 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nordic Capital today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell ArisGlobal, a leading provider of software to the life sciences industry, to Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8) (Paris: DSY.PA). The transaction represents a full exit for Nordic Capital and marks the successful culmination of a partnership that has transformed ArisGlobal into a scaled, cloud-native and AI-enabled platform serving more than 200 life sciences companies, CROs and government health authorities worldwide.
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, ArisGlobal develops and delivers regulatory, safety, and quality software to a global client base that includes many of the world’s largest pharmaceutical and biotech organisations, as well as regulatory authorities. Its flagship LifeSphere® platform is a fully integrated, cloud-native suite that enables life sciences organisations to manage complex regulatory submissions, pharmacovigilance workflows and clinical data on a single platform, improving compliance, speed and operational efficiency. The platform also embeds advanced AI-enabled automation across core pharmacovigilance workflows, reducing manual processing and accelerating safety case management.
“Nordic Capital invested in ArisGlobal because the business had strong fundamentals, a loyal blue-chip client base and significant potential to modernise its technology and scale its commercial reach. Working closely with Aman and his team, Nordic Capital has supported the company’s transformation into a leading cloud-native platform for the life sciences industry with differentiated AI-enabled capabilities and a strengthened market position. Nordic Capital is proud of what has been achieved together with management and looks forward to seeing the company continue to grow under Dassault Systèmes ownership,” said Daniel Berglund, Partner and Head of Healthcare, Nordic Capital Advisors.
Nordic Capital first invested in ArisGlobal in 2019, partnering with the founding family and management team to pursue an ambitious development strategy. In 2021, Nordic Capital made a further investment in the company, reflecting its conviction in ArisGlobal’s growth potential and the progress achieved since the original partnership began. Throughout the ownership period, Nordic Capital worked closely with management to accelerate the SaaS transition, professionalise the go-to-market organisation, broaden the product offering and strengthen the leadership team.
The migration to a modern, cloud-native architecture created the foundation for ArisGlobal to become an early leader in the application of AI to drug safety. A key milestone was the development and launch of NavaX, ArisGlobal’s generative AI solution for safety case processing, which automates and accelerates core pharmacovigilance workflows and has been adopted by a number of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. NavaX has further differentiated ArisGlobal’s offering and marked an important step in the Company’s evolution into a broader, AI-enabled safety and regulatory software platform.
“The life sciences industry is at an inflection point as regulatory complexity is increasing, data volumes are growing and our clients need software that can keep pace. The partnership with Nordic Capital gave us the resources and the runway to build exactly that. NavaX and our expanded platform are the result of that ambition, and I am confident we are well placed for what comes next,” said Aman Wasan, CEO, ArisGlobal.
Alongside its technology transformation, ArisGlobal strengthened its management team and commercial organisation, while two strategic acquisitions broadened the Company’s platform capabilities. Today, ArisGlobal serves more than 200 enterprise customers, including half of the world’s top 50 biopharma companies, processes more than 12 million safety cases annually and is expected to generate approximately USD 175 million in revenue in 2026. As rising regulatory complexity and increasing volumes of adverse event reporting continue to drive demand for advanced life sciences software, ArisGlobal is well positioned for future growth through solutions that automate compliance workflows, reduce manual processing and enable organisations to manage regulatory risk more effectively.
The transaction brings together ArisGlobal’s leadership in AI-enabled safety and regulatory software with Dassault Systèmes’ capabilities across research, clinical development and manufacturing. Nordic Capital believes the combination represents a highly compelling strategic fit, pairing complementary capabilities to create a broader, end-to-end offering across the life sciences value chain. ArisGlobal will also benefit from Dassault Systèmes’ global scale, customer reach and investment capacity, providing a strong platform for its next phase of innovation and growth.
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Evercore and Jefferies LLC acted as financial advisors to ArisGlobal and Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal advisor to ArisGlobal.
Media contacts:
Nordic Capital
Katarina Janerud
Communications Manager, Nordic Capital Advisors
+46 8 440 50 50
katarina.janerud@nordiccapital.com
ArisGlobal
Morgan Scott
Vice President, Marketing & Communications and Chief of Staff
mscott@arisglobal.com
About ArisGlobal
ArisGlobal is a leading provider of software to the life sciences industry. Its LifeSphere® platform delivers integrated regulatory, safety, and quality solutions to more than 200 life sciences companies, CROs and government health authorities worldwide. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, ArisGlobal combines deep domain expertise with advanced technology to help clients improve compliance, accelerate development cycles and manage regulatory complexity at global scale. For more information, visit www.arisglobal.com.
About Nordic Capital
Nordic Capital is a leading international private equity investor and subsector specialist dedicated to building stronger, more resilient businesses through transformative, long-term growth in partnership with management teams. With over 35 years of experience, Nordic Capital currently manages approximately EUR 39 billion in assets, investing in middle-market companies across Northern Europe and North America. Rooted in its Nordic heritage and values, it combines global reach with local presence through dedicated sector investment advisory teams, bringing deep expertise across its core sectors: Healthcare, Technology & Payments, Financial Services, and Services & Industrial Tech. Through active ownership, strong operational capabilities, a global network of experts and technology-enabled transformation, Nordic Capital helps companies scale, innovate and become sustainable leaders. For more information, visit www.nordiccapital.com or connect on LinkedIn.
“Nordic Capital” refers to, depending on the context, any, or all, Nordic Capital branded entities, vehicles, structures, and associated entities. The general partners and/or delegated portfolio managers of Nordic Capital’s entities and vehicles are advised by several non-discretionary sub-advisory entities, any or all of which are referred to as “Nordic Capital Advisors”.
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Technology
Cognizant and Gulf Edge Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Enterprise AI Adoption in Southeast Asia
Published
24 minutes agoon
July 23, 2026By
Partnership combines Cognizant’s global AI engineering capabilities with Gulf Edge’s sovereign digital infrastructure to capture the region’s growing demand for secure, scalable AI solutions.
BANGKOK, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH), a leading AI builder and global technology services provider, and Gulf Edge Company Limited, the digital infrastructure arm of Thai energy and infrastructure conglomerate Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF) or Gulf Group, today announced a landmark strategic partnership. The alliance is designed to accelerate enterprise AI adoption and establish a resilient, AI-native digital economy in Thailand and the broader region.
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes industries, economies, and societies worldwide, the partnership aims to establish the foundational ecosystem needed to enable Thailand’s next phase of digital transformation. By combining trusted sovereign digital infrastructure with world-class AI engineering and enterprise transformation capabilities, Gulf Edge and Cognizant will help organizations deploy AI securely, responsibly, and at scale.
The collaboration brings together Gulf Edge’s leadership in digital infrastructure, energy, cloud, and strategic relationships across Thailand’s most important industries with Cognizant’s global expertise in AI, digital engineering, cloud modernization, data, and intelligent operations. Together, the two companies will deliver end-to-end AI capabilities spanning infrastructure, AI platforms, enterprise solutions, systems integration, and managed services.
The partnership will initially focus on accelerating AI adoption across key sectors including banking and financial services, energy and utilities, healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, and the public sector. Through industry-specific AI solutions, organizations will be able to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, strengthen decision-making, automate complex business processes, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Beyond enterprise transformation, Gulf Edge and Cognizant share a broader ambition of strengthening Thailand’s position as a regional AI hub. The partnership is expected to attract global technology expertise, stimulate investment in advanced digital capabilities, and create high-value employment opportunities across AI engineering, data science, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. The two companies also plan to collaborate with universities, research institutions, technology partners, and public-sector organizations to develop AI talent, promote responsible AI adoption, and foster a sustainable innovation ecosystem for the country.
Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Development Public Company Limited, said, “Our partnership with Cognizant marks an important milestone in our vision of helping Thailand become an AI-native economy. By combining Gulf Edge’s strengths in digital infrastructure, energy, cloud, and deep understanding of the Thai market with Cognizant’s global expertise in enterprise AI, digital engineering, and transformation services, we are creating a comprehensive platform that enables organizations to adopt AI with confidence and generate measurable business outcomes. Together, we will develop secure, resilient, and future-ready sovereign digital infrastructure while delivering industry-specific AI solutions tailored to the needs of Thai enterprises and public institutions. We believe AI has the potential to transform every sector, creating new opportunities for productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.”
Mr. Ganesh Ayyar, President of Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ), Cognizant, said, “As Thailand works toward its ambition of becoming an AI-native economy, we see this partnership as a meaningful way to help contribute to that vision, not just through the projects we deliver, but by building lasting AI and technology capability inside the country. With Gulf Edge’s market reach and Cognizant’s AI Builder strategy and global delivery capability, we are positioned to deliver transformative outcomes for Thai enterprises across every major sector.”
About Gulf Edge
Gulf Edge Company Limited is the digital infrastructure arm of Gulf Development Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate. Gulf Edge is building a robust digital ecosystem, spanning data centers, cloud services, satellite technology, and AI infrastructure, to accelerate Thailand’s digital transformation and position the country as a regional hub for the AI economy.
About Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for clients. Its deep industry, process, and engineering expertise enables it to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns, and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
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SOURCE Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF)
RSPO Launches New Guidance to Leverage Sustainable Palm Oil Certification for IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards
Nordic Capital announces agreement to sell ArisGlobal to Dassault Systèmes, following its transformation into a scaled and AI-enabled life sciences platform
Cognizant and Gulf Edge Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Enterprise AI Adoption in Southeast Asia
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