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5N Plus Inc. Reports 2024 Second Quarter Financial Results

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26% year-over-year increase in revenue to $74.6 million24% year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA1 to $13.5 millionAdjusted gross margin percentage1 of 31.3%Backlog1 reached $245.0 million, representing 300 days of annualized revenue, as at June 30, 2024

MONTREAL, Aug. 5, 2024 /CNW/ – 5N Plus Inc. (TSX: VNP) (“5N+” or “the Company”), a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials, today announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 ended June 30, 2024 (“Q2 2024”). All amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

For the second quarter and first half of 2024, we generated impressive year-over-year revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth as well as solid margins and a near-record backlog, propelled by the strategic sectors we serve, with terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power consistently remaining the standouts. Our strong performance and continued momentum reflect the execution of our strategy aimed at securing additional volume in Specialty Semiconductors, achieving strong pricing and maintaining a favourable overall product mix across our segments.

“I would like to recognize the 5N+ team for successfully delivering on our strategic priorities, thereby further solidifying our position as the trusted supplier of advanced materials globally. The renewal of our longstanding agreement for the supply of specialized semiconductor materials to First Solar, Inc. (“First Solar”) in Q2 2024 for the manufacturing of PV solar modules, with increased volume and favourable terms, illustrates this well. We are also executing our expansion projects on plan, building our capacity in tandem with contracted demand and to capture future opportunities,” said Gervais Jacques, President and CEO of 5N+. 

Q2 2024 Highlights

Revenue in Q2 2024 increased by 26% to $74.6 million, compared to $59.1 million in Q2 2023, primarily driven by strong growth under Specialty Semiconductors.Adjusted EBITDA in Q2 2024 increased by 24% to $13.5 million, compared to $10.8 million in Q2 2023, driven by higher volume from the terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power sectors, and better prices over inflation.Adjusted gross margin increased by 20% to reach $23.4 million in Q2 2024, favourably impacted by the same factors as above. Adjusted gross margin as a percentage of sales was 31.3%, compared to 32.9% in Q2 2023, impacted by a less favourable product mix under Performance Materials.Net earnings in Q2 2024 were $4.8 million, compared to $10.1 million in Q2 2023 which was positively impacted by a non-recurrent litigation and restructuring income.Backlog stood at $245.0 million, representing 300 days of annualized revenue as at June 30, 2024, 12 days higher than the previous quarter and 11 days higher than the same period last year, primarily due to the timing of contract signings and renewals.Net debt1 was $91.1 million as at June 30, 2024, compared to $73.8 million as at December 31, 2023, reflecting an increase in working capital1 and planned capital expenditures in the first half of 2024 under Specialty Semiconductors. The Company’s net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio1 stood at 2.15x as at June 30, 2024.

Other Q2 2024 Developments

During Q2 2024, 5N+ announced the successful renewal and extension of its supply agreement with its longstanding customer First Solar, thereby increasing its supply of specialized semiconductor materials to First Solar for the manufacturing of thin-film photovoltaic solar modules. The renewed agreement, under favourable commercial terms, represents a 50% increase in volume over the next two calendar years compared to the previous agreement. As part of the renewed agreement, 5N+ and First Solar also continue to collaborate on the development and supply of other renewable energy products to support the growth and improvement of thin-film technology.Also in Q2 2024, the Company announced that it was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense for $14.4 million, subject to certain conditions and the achievement of pre-set milestones over a four-year term, in support of the Company’s germanium substrates production facility in St. George, Utah.

Outlook

In Specialty Semiconductors, 5N+ continues to benefit from its unique position as the leading global supplier of ultra-high purity semiconductor compounds outside China, with long-term partnerships with key customers. Growing demand remains the rule, particularly in terrestrial renewable energy and space solar power. 5N+ is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities in these high-growth sectors, as well as other markets, including sensing and medical imaging.

Management expects growth in the Performance Materials segment to be primarily derived from health and pharmaceutical products, which provide high profitability and predictable cashflows. Additional long-term opportunities are expected to stem from product expansion and development initiatives, including through partnerships.

Based on its performance year-to-date, Management expects to achieve the higher end of its previously disclosed Adjusted EBITDA guidance range of between $45 million and $50 million for 2024. Its Adjusted EBITDA guidance range for 2025 of between $50 million and $55 million remains unchanged.

Conference Call

5N+ will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 8:00 am Eastern Time to discuss Q2 2024 financial results. All interested parties are invited to participate in the live broadcast on the Company’s website at www.5nplus.com.

To participate in the conference call:

Toronto area: 289-819-1350Toll‐Free: 1-800-836-8184Enter access code: 10386

A replay of the conference call will be available two hours after the event and until August 13, 2024. To access the recording, please dial 1-888-660-6345 and enter access code 10386.

About 5N+

5N+ is a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials. The Company’s ultra‐pure materials often form the core element of its customers’ products. These customers rely on 5N+’s products to enable performance and sustainability in their own products. 5N+ deploys a range of proprietary and proven technologies to develop and manufacture its products. The Company’s products enable various applications in several key industries, including renewable energy, security, space, pharmaceutical, medical imaging and industrial. Headquartered in Montréal, Quebec, 5N+ operates R&D, manufacturing and commercial centers in strategically located facilities around the world including Europe, North America and Asia.

Forward‐Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be forward‐looking within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward‐looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable when made, including that 5N+ will be able to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners, that 5N+ will continue to operate its business in the normal course, that 5N+ will be able to implement its growth strategy, that 5N+ will be able to successfully and timely complete the realization of its backlog, that 5N+ will not suffer any supply chain challenges or any material disruption in the supply of raw materials on competitive terms, that 5N+ will be able to generate new sales, produce, deliver, and sell its expected product volumes at the expected prices and control its costs, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. However, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward‐looking statements. A description of the risks affecting the Company’s business and activities appears under the heading “Risk and Uncertainties” of the Company’s 2023 MD&A dated February 27, 2024, and note 10 of the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023 available on www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward‐looking statements can generally be identified by the use of terms such as “may”, “should”, “would”, “believe”, “expect”, the negative of these terms, variations of them or any similar terms. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward‐looking statements in this press release will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that 5N+ will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to the future financial performance of 5N+. The forward‐looking statements contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company has no obligation to publicly update such forward‐looking information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The reader is warned against placing undue reliance on these forward‐looking statements.

5N PLUS INC.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS 
For the three and six-month periods ended June 30

(in thousands of United States dollars, except per share information) (unaudited)

Three months

Six months

2024

2023

2024

2023

$

$

$

$

Revenue

74,580

59,075

139,599

114,362

Cost of sales

54,385

42,765

102,405

84,767

Selling, general and administrative expenses

8,717

7,569

16,034

14,462

Other expenses (income), net

2,329

(4,500)

4,579

(2,834)

65,431

45,834

123,018

96,395

Operating earnings

9,149

13,241

16,581

17,967

Financial expense

Interest on long-term debt

2,146

2,141

3,941

4,173

Imputed interest and other interest (income) expense

(272)

(85)

139

143

Foreign exchange and derivative loss (gain)

2

(274)

(385)

(259)

1,876

1,782

3,695

4,057

Earnings before income taxes

7,273

11,459

12,886

13,910

Income tax expense (recovery)

Current

2,177

2,855

4,691

3,769

Deferred

307

(1,539)

899

(1,456)

2,484

1,316

5,590

2,313

Net earnings

4,789

10,143

7,296

11,597

Basic earnings per share

0.05

0.11

0.08

0.13

Diluted earnings per share

0.05

0.11

0.08

0.13

Net earnings are completely attributable to equity holders of 5N+.

5N PLUS INC. 
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in thousands of United States dollars) (unaudited)

June 30, 2024

December 31, 2023

$

$

Assets

Current

Cash and cash equivalents

27,145

34,706

Accounts receivable

40,978

33,437

Inventories

116,015

105,850

Income tax receivable

1,591

1,672

Derivative financial assets

5,232

591

Other current assets

5,003

5,707

Total current assets

195,964

181,963

Property, plant and equipment

89,388

84,600

Right-of-use assets

30,096

29,290

Intangible assets

27,726

29,304

Goodwill

11,825

11,825

Deferred tax assets

8,186

8,261

Other assets

5,837

4,959

Total non-current assets

173,058

168,239

Total assets

369,022

350,202

Liabilities

Current

Trade and accrued liabilities

37,398

37,024

Income tax payable

5,454

4,535

Current portion of deferred revenue

11,685

13,437

Current portion of lease liabilities

1,895

1,811

Current portion of long-term debt

25,000

Total current liabilities

56,432

81,807

Long-term debt

118,205

83,500

Deferred tax liabilities

6,298

5,284

Employee benefit plan obligations

12,388

13,393

Lease liabilities

29,108

28,328

Deferred revenue

7,596

5,629

Other liabilities

3,639

3,669

Total non-current liabilities

177,234

139,803

Total liabilities

233,666

221,610

Equity

135,356

128,592

Total liabilities and equity

369,022

350,202

Non‐IFRS Measures

EBITDA means net earnings (loss) before interest expenses, income tax expense (recovery), depreciation and amortization. 5N+ uses EBITDA because it believes it is a meaningful measure of the operating performance of its ongoing business, without the effects of certain expenses. The definition of this non-IFRS measure used by the Company may differ from that used by other companies.

EBITDA is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Q2 2024

Q2 2023

YTD 2024

YTD 2023

$

$

$

$

Net earnings

4,789

10,143

7,296

11,597

Interest on long-term debt, imputed interest and other interest expense

1,874

2,056

4,080

4,316

Income tax expense

2,484

1,316

5,590

2,313

Depreciation and amortization

4,049

4,015

7,994

8,074

EBITDA

13,196

17,530

24,960

26,300

Adjusted EBITDA means operating earnings (loss) as defined before the effect of impairment of inventories, share-based compensation expense (recovery), litigation and restructuring costs (income), impairment of non-current assets, loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and depreciation and amortization. 5N+ uses Adjusted EBITDA because it believes it is a meaningful measure of the operating performance of its ongoing business without the effects of certain expenses. The definition of this non-IFRS measure used by the Company may differ from that used by other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Q2 2024

Q2 2023

YTD 2024

YTD 2023

$

$

$

$

Revenues

74,580

59,075

139,599

114,362

Operating expenses

(65,431)

(45,834)

(123,018)

(96,395)

Operating earnings

9,149

13,241

16,581

17,967

Share-based compensation (recovery) expense

(15)

701

345

713

Litigation and restructuring (income) costs

(8,772)

(8,772)

Impairment of non-current assets

307

608

307

608

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

1,051

1,051

Depreciation and amortization

4,049

4,015

7,994

8,074

Adjusted EBITDA

13,490

10,844

25,227

19,641

Adjusted gross margin is a measure used to monitor the sales contribution after paying cost of sales, excluding depreciation and inventory impairment charges. 5N+ also expressed this measure in percentage of revenues by dividing the adjusted gross margin value by the total revenue.

Adjusted gross margin is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Q2 2024

Q2 2023

YTD 2024

YTD 2023

$

$

$

$

Total revenue

74,580

59,075

139,599

114,362

Cost of sales

(54,385)

(42,765)

(102,405)

(84,767)

Gross margin

20,195

16,310

37,194

29,595

Depreciation included in cost of sales

3,173

3,152

6,249

6,354

Adjusted gross margin

23,368

19,462

43,443

35,949

Adjusted gross margin percentage

31.3 %

32.9 %

31.1 %

31.4 %

Backlog represents the expected orders the Company has received, but has not yet executed, and that are expected to translate into sales within the next twelve months, expressed in dollars and estimated in number of days not to exceed 365 days. Bookings represent orders received during the period considered, expressed in number of days, and calculated by adding revenues to the increase or decrease in backlog for the period considered, divided by annualized year revenues. 5N+ uses backlog to provide an indication of expected future revenues in days, and bookings to determine its ability to sustain and increase its revenues.

Net debt is calculated as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. Any introduced IFRS 16 reporting measures in reference to lease liabilities are excluded from the calculation. 5N+ uses this measure as an indicator of its overall financial position.

The net debt to EBITDA ratio is defined as net debt divided by the trailing 12 months EBITDA.

Total debt and Net debt are reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

As at June 30, 2024

As at December 31, 2023

$

$

Bank indebtedness

Long-term debt including current portion

118,205

108,500

Lease liabilities including current portion

31,003

30,139

Subtotal Debt

149,208

138,639

Lease liabilities including current portion

(31,003)

(30,139)

Total Debt

118,205

108,500

Cash and cash equivalents

(27,145)

(34,706)

Net Debt

91,060

73,794

Working capital is a measure of liquid assets that is calculated by taking current assets and subtracting current liabilities. Given that the Company is currently indebted, it uses it as an indicator of its financial efficiency and aims to maintain it at the lowest possible level. 

Working capital is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

As at June 30, 2024

As at December 31, 2023

$

$

Inventories

116,015

105,850

Other current assets excluding inventories

79,949

76,113

Current assets

195,964

181,963

Current liabilities

(56,432)

(81,807)

Working capital

139,532

100,156

 

___________________________________

1These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See Non-IFRS Measures for more information.

SOURCE 5N Plus Inc.

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Technology

IMDA and Tencent Debut “Beyond the Screen” to Champion Real-World Connection through Digital Play

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The launch is marked by the signing of an agreement between IMDA and Tencent to advance healthy digital habits and safe, responsible use of digital technologies among youths, parents, and families.

SINGAPORE, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Tencent today jointly launched “Beyond the Screen: Healthy Digital Play”, a new digital wellbeing campaign that encourages healthy digital habits by bringing families into the conversation and strengthening real-world connection through healthy gameplay.

The campaign encourages families to bridge the gap between play and purpose through gaming. It showcases how digital play can foster deeper understanding, facilitate balanced routines, and build stronger connections at home.

“Digital spaces are already a natural part of how young people learn, play, and connect today,” said Mr Murphy Zhao, Country Manager of Tencent Singapore and Head of Tech Group, Tencent Games. “As a company with deep expertise across digital entertainment and communications, we want to play a constructive role by helping families build meaningful digital habits that extend beyond the screen.”

Advancing Family Digital Wellness In Partnership with IMDA

As part of the launch, IMDA and Tencent also signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration on initiatives in digital wellbeing. The agreement was signed by Ms Joanna Lam, Cluster Director for Digital Readiness, IMDA, and Mr Murphy Zhao, Country Manager of Tencent Singapore and Head of Tech Group, Tencent Games. The collaboration builds on Tencent’s ongoing cooperation with IMDA, in support of the national Digital for Life (DfL) movement, focusing on promoting online safety and healthy digital habits among youths, parents, and families.

Tencent will co-develop educational content with IMDA, as well as organise four community outreach activities, reaching out to an estimated 4,000 participants. The company will also commit S$ 25,000, which totals to S$ 50,000 with the government’s dollar-to-dollar matching, to the DfL Fund. The DfL Fund provides support for projects and activities promoting digital inclusion, digital literacy and digital wellness. 

“Ensuring digital wellness is increasingly important, particularly for our children who are digital natives,” said Ms Joanna Lam, Cluster Director for Digital Readiness, IMDA. “Tencent has been a DfL partner since 2022, and I thank them for their continued commitment to the DfL cause. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Tencent to empower parents and youths with practical guidance to build healthy digital habits and navigate the digital world safely together.”

Leading the Conversation on Healthy Digital Play

The inaugural Singapore launch event was officiated by Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and also hosted social service organisations from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. At the event, families participated in gamified quiz experiences and took home educational materials designed to transform gaming into healthier routines at home. 

The programme also featured a parenting talk that shared practical guidance on utilising games as a bridge for conversation at home. The session highlighted how, when guided by constructive routines, gaming can support the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, and persistence.

During the event’s expert insights session, Mr Narasimman S/O Tivasiha Mani, psychotherapist and co-founder of local youth charity Impart, said, “Healthy gaming is not built through one-off rules. It grows through rapport, shared understanding, and everyday conversations. Through a collaborative process between educators, families, and the wider community, it becomes easier to set shared expectations and support balanced habits that carry beyond the screen.”

Building a Scalable Digital Wellbeing Framework for Southeast Asia

While digital habits may look different across the region, the underlying need is the same — helping families build healthier, more confident relationships with the digital world.

“Beyond the Screen” is part of Tencent’s broader commitment to fostering intentional digital play, equipping youths, parents, and educators with practical resources to build balanced routines, encourage respectful interactions, and strengthen open communication at home.

Insights from the Singapore launch will inform the rollout of the campaign across Southeast Asia in 2026, with local adaptations to meet the needs of diverse communities in the region.

About Digital for Life Movement

A Digital Future for All – In our increasingly digital world, everyone can play a part to help create a more inclusive digital future.

The Digital for Life (DfL) national movement, launched on 8 February 2021, aims to galvanise the community across the 3Ps (Private, Public and People) to help Singaporeans embrace digital as a lifelong pursuit and enrich lives through digital technology.

The DfL fund was also set up to support projects and activities promoting digital inclusion, digital literacy and digital wellness. Learn more about the DfL movement at digitalforlife.gov.sg.

About Infocomm Media Development Authority

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (IMDAsg), Facebook (IMDAsg) and Instagram (@imdasg).

About Tencent 

Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company that develops innovative products and services to improve the quality of life of people around the world. Our communication and social services connect more than one billion people around the world, helping them to keep in touch with friends and family, access transportation, pay for daily necessities, and even be entertained. Our financial technology business covers payment, credit, wealth management and insurance sectors, as we support our partners’ business growth and assist their digital upgrade through FinTech and other enterprise services. We also publish some of the world’s most popular video games and other high-quality digital content, enriching interactive entertainment experiences for people around the globe. Tencent was founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1998, and has been listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2004.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/imda-and-tencent-debut-beyond-the-screen-to-champion-real-world-connection-through-digital-play-302760594.html

SOURCE IMDA; Tencent

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Does Your Building Have Fire Sprinklers?

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Fast Guard Service alerts real estate owners and property managers: 2026 fire code updates to NFPA 25 will significantly affect sprinkler system compliance requirements — and insurance implications could not be more serious.

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fast Guard Service, one of the nation’s leading providers of licensed fire watch and security guard services, is urging commercial and residential property owners to take immediate stock of their fire sprinkler systems as sweeping 2026 updates to NFPA 25 — the national standard governing water-based fire protection system inspection, testing, and maintenance — take effect across the country.

The timing could not be more consequential. Private insurers are exiting fire-risk markets at an accelerating pace, dropping policyholders and limiting coverage in states from California to Florida. In this environment, a sprinkler system that fails a compliance check is no longer a routine maintenance issue. It is a potential grounds for claim denial or policy cancellation.

The 2026 edition of NFPA 25 introduces several changes property owners must act on now. Fire pump failures are formally classified as system impairments requiring immediate response. Supervisory valve testing moves to a semiannual schedule. Annual internal inspections are now mandatory for all dry, preaction, and deluge valves. And where corrosion-control technology has been used to justify smaller pipe sizes, ongoing maintenance of that equipment is now a codified legal obligation — not a recommendation.

Critically, any sprinkler system impairment — whether triggered by repair, renovation, freeze damage, or a compliance-driven upgrade — legally requires a certified fire watch for the duration of the outage under NFPA 1, NFPA 101, and local fire authority mandates. This is a condition of occupancy, not an option.

“The 2026 code updates will send a wave of sprinkler systems into inspection and repair cycles,” said a spokesperson for Fast Guard Service. “Every one of those impairment windows requires a fire watch on-site. We are prepared to be there.”

Fast Guard Service deploys certified fire watch personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States — typically within hours of a client’s call. Guards conduct continuous patrols, maintain documentation accepted by insurers and code enforcement authorities, and coordinate directly with fire departments when needed.

Property owners who are unsure whether their sprinkler systems meet 2026 NFPA 25 requirements are encouraged to contact Fast Guard Service for guidance.

Founded in August 2013 and headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, Fast Guard Service is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured private security company operating in all 50 states. The company specializes in armed and unarmed security guards, fire watch services, executive protection, mobile surveillance, event security, and emergency response. Fast Guard Service is trusted by Fortune 500 companies, government entities, healthcare systems, commercial developers, and private clients nationwide.

All operations are tracked through the proprietary Fast Guard App, providing clients with real-time GPS reporting, live guard location updates, and digital incident documentation.

For an instant quote or same-day service, visit www.fastguardservice.com or call (844) 254-8273.

Press Release Service provided by 24-7PressRelease.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/does-your-building-have-fire-sprinklers-302760491.html

SOURCE Fast Guard Service

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First Online Conversations Are Changing in 2026, According to New Secretmeet Research

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New research from Secretmeet reveals that the classic “Hey” opener is dying out — and the way people initiate connections online in 2026 looks nothing like it did just three years ago.

GIBRALTAR, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — People are rethinking the first move. Not just what to say, but when to say it, how long to make it, and what emotional tone to lead with. Across the board, data from Secretmeet’s latest research study shows a clear shift in how online conversations begin in 2026.

The single-word opener? Largely gone. The copy-paste compliment? People spot it instantly. Secretmeet noted that what’s replacing them is more interesting — and more human.

The Death of the One-Word Opener

For years, “Hey,” “Hi,” and “Hello 👋” dominated opening messages on dating platforms. They required no effort and, accordingly, generated little response. According to data published by the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, conversational openers that include a specific reference to the recipient’s profile generate significantly higher response rates than generic greetings.

Secretmeet’s research confirms the trend is accelerating. In 2026, users who open with a question — particularly one tied to something specific in a profile — see measurably stronger engagement in the first exchange. The bar for a “good” first message has risen.

This doesn’t mean people need to write an essay. Short still works. But purposeful short beats lazy short every time.

One of the more striking findings from Secretmeet: wit is winning. Openers with a light, humorous tone — a playful observation, a self-aware joke, a clever hypothetical — are outperforming earnest, serious introductions in early conversation engagement.

The Timing Shift Nobody Expected

When people send that first message matters more than most realize. In a Secretmeet review of activity trends, data points to a notable behavioral change: users in 2026 are increasingly active during morning hours — particularly between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. — a window that was almost entirely quiet just a few years ago.

Evening hours still dominate overall volume. But morning messages show a disproportionately high response rate. The theory? People checking their phones with coffee and no agenda are more present, less distracted, and more open to genuine interaction than those scrolling at midnight.

It’s a small tactical insight with a surprisingly large emotional implication: presence matters more than timing, and mornings are when people show up fully. Secretmeet’s data makes that case clearly.

What This Means for How We Connect

The bigger picture here isn’t about tactics. It’s about expectations. People arriving at online dating platforms in 2026 want something more immediate and more genuine than they did in 2020. The pandemic years accelerated a kind of emotional directness online — and that hasn’t reversed.

People want to feel seen in a first message. They want to laugh. They want a reason to respond. A Secretmeet review of first-message engagement data suggests that users are increasingly capable of signaling — and detecting — authentic intent right from the very first line.

The opening message has always mattered. What’s changed is how clearly people understand that now.

About Secretmeet

Secretmeet is an online dating platform built around one straightforward idea: conversations should feel good. Not stressful, not performative — genuinely enjoyable. The platform is designed for people who want warmth, a little wit, and the kind of back-and-forth that actually goes somewhere. Whether you’re looking for something serious or just a spark of something new, Secretmeet reviews its features continuously to ensure that the first message has a real chance of turning into something worth remembering.

Media Contact

Alice Ross, Secretmeet, 1 14844760121, smm@secretmeet.com, https://secretmeet.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/first-online-conversations-are-changing-in-2026-according-to-new-secretmeet-research-302759958.html

SOURCE Secretmeet

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