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Qualys Announces Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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Revenue Growth of 8% Year-Over-Year
GAAP EPS: $1.17; Non-GAAP EPS: $1.52

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Qualys, Inc. (NASDAQ: QLYS), a leading provider of disruptive cloud-based IT, security and compliance solutions, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. For the quarter, the Company reported revenues of $148.7 million, net income under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) of $43.8 million, non-GAAP net income of $56.9 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $69.9 million, GAAP net income per diluted share of $1.17, and non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $1.52.

“We delivered a strong quarter of rapid innovation on the Qualys Enterprise TruRisk Platform, reflecting our ongoing commitment to extend our technology leadership and customer success,” said Sumedh Thakar, president and CEO of Qualys. “Our comprehensive multi-sensor architecture and rapid innovation engine underscore our growing thought leadership and the value proposition we deliver to customers seeking to transform, consolidate, and fortify their security posture. We believe Qualys has created strong competitive differentiation and is strategically well positioned as the foundational risk management platform for the future with multiple avenues to drive sustainable long-term growth.”

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Revenues: Revenues for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 8% to $148.7 million compared to $137.2 million for the same quarter in 2023.

Gross Profit: GAAP gross profit for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 11% to $122.3 million compared to $110.5 million for the same quarter in 2023. GAAP gross margin was 82% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 81% for the same quarter in 2023. Non-GAAP gross profit for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 11% to $124.9 million compared to $113.0 million for the same quarter in 2023. Non-GAAP gross margin was 84% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 82% for the same quarter in 2023.

Operating Income: GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 12% to $48.1 million compared to $42.8 million for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, GAAP operating income was 32% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 31% for the same quarter in 2023. Non-GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 11% to $65.9 million compared to $59.6 million for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, non-GAAP operating income was 44% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 43% for the same quarter in 2023.

Net Income: GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 24% to $43.8 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, compared to $35.4 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, GAAP net income was 29% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 26% for the same quarter in 2023. Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2024 was $56.9 million, or $1.52 per diluted share, compared to $47.5 million, or $1.27 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, non-GAAP net income was 38% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 35% for the same quarter in 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 6% to $69.9 million compared to $65.8 million for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, Adjusted EBITDA was 47% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 48% for the same quarter in 2023.

Operating Cash Flow: Operating cash flow for the second quarter of 2024 decreased by 3% to $49.8 million compared to $51.5 million for the same quarter in 2023. As a percentage of revenues, operating cash flow was 34% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 38% for the same quarter in 2023.

Second Quarter 2024 Business Highlights

Reinforced Qualys’ commitment to the Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) channel by launching a new global MSSP portal to streamline partner operations with a single-user interface that helps accelerate client acquisition and growth.Delivered CyberSecurity Asset Management 3.0 with significant External Attack Surface Management (EASM) enhancements for an accurate, real-time view of asset inventory that reduces false positives.Qualys’ VMDR was named the best vulnerability management solution by the prestigious SC Awards Europe.Expanded our focus on the government sector by accelerating support for federal zero-trust strategies through automated asset visibility and attack surface risk management aligning with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) guidelines. Additionally, Qualys hosted more than 200 attendees at its first Public Sector Cyber Risk Conference in Washington, D.C., with notable speakers from the public sector.Introduced Qualys’ Containerized Scanner Appliance (QCSA) providing agility, flexibility, scalability, isolation, and standardization of Docker containers, an invaluable tool for modern IT environments.Expanded File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) to support network devices, providing customers with comprehensive tracking of file and folder changes, as well as critical file access. This includes real-time File Access Monitoring and Agentless FIM to help organizations achieve Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) 4.0 compliance.

Financial Performance Outlook

Based on information as of today, August 6, 2024, Qualys is issuing the following financial guidance for the third quarter and full year fiscal 2024. The Company emphasizes that the guidance is subject to various important cautionary factors referenced in the sections entitled “Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

Third Quarter 2024 Guidance: Management expects revenues for the third quarter of 2024 to be in the range of $149.8 million to $151.8 million, representing 5% to 7% growth over the same quarter in 2023. GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $0.85 to $0.93, which assumes an effective income tax rate of 22%. Non-GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $1.28 to $1.36, which assumes a non-GAAP effective income tax rate of 21%. Third quarter 2024 net income per diluted share estimates are based on approximately 37.4 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the quarter.

Full Year 2024 Guidance: Management now expects revenues for the full year of 2024 to be in the range of $597.5 million to $601.5 million, representing 8% growth over 2023. This compares to the previous guidance range of $601.5 million to $608.5 million. GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $3.85 to $4.01, up from the previous guidance range of $3.26 to $3.50. This assumes an effective income tax rate of 21%. Non-GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $5.46 to $5.62, up from the previous guidance range of $5.06 to $5.30. This assumes a non-GAAP effective income tax rate of 21%. Full year 2024 net income per diluted share estimates are based on approximately 37.5 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

Qualys has not reconciled non-GAAP net income per diluted share guidance to GAAP net income per diluted share guidance because Qualys does not provide guidance on the various reconciling cash and non-cash items between GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income (i.e., stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions and non-recurring items). The actual dollar amount of reconciling items in the third quarter and full year 2024 is likely to have a significant impact on the Company’s GAAP net income per diluted share in the third quarter and full year 2024. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP net income per diluted share guidance to the GAAP net income per diluted share guidance is not available without unreasonable effort.

Investor Conference Call

Qualys will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its second quarter financial results at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. To access the conference call by phone, please register here. A live webcast of the earnings conference call, investor presentation and prepared remarks can be accessed at https://investor.qualys.com/events-presentations. A replay of the conference call will be available through the same webcast link following the end of the call.

Investor Contact

Blair King
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development
(650) 538-2088
ir@qualys.com 

About Qualys

Qualys, Inc. (NASDAQ: QLYS) is a leading provider of disruptive cloud-based Security, Compliance and IT solutions with more than 10,000 subscription customers worldwide, including a majority of the Forbes Global 100 and Fortune 100. Qualys helps organizations streamline and consolidate their security and compliance solutions onto a single platform for greater agility, better business outcomes, and substantial cost savings.

The Qualys Enterprise TruRisk Platform leverages a single agent to continuously deliver critical security intelligence while enabling enterprises to automate the full spectrum of vulnerability detection, compliance, and protection for IT systems, workloads and web applications across on premises, endpoints, servers, public and private clouds, containers, and mobile devices. Founded in 1999 as one of the first SaaS security companies, Qualys has strategic partnerships and seamlessly integrates its vulnerability management capabilities into security offerings from cloud service providers, including Amazon Web Services, the Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure, along with a number of leading managed service providers and global consulting organizations. For more information, please visit www.qualys.com.

Qualys, Qualys VMDR® and the Qualys logo are proprietary trademarks of Qualys, Inc. All other products or names may be trademarks of their respective companies.

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, quotations of management and statements related to: the benefits of our existing, new and upcoming products, features, integrations, acquisitions, collaborations and joint solutions, and their impact upon our long-term growth; our ability to advance our value proposition and competitive differentiation in the market; our ability to address demand trends; our ability to maintain and strengthen our category leadership; our ability to solve modern security challenges at scale; our strategies and ability to achieve and maintain durable profitable growth; our guidance for revenues, GAAP EPS and non-GAAP EPS for the third quarter and full year 2024; and our expectations for the number of weighted average diluted shares outstanding and the GAAP and non-GAAP effective income tax rate for the third quarter and full year 2024. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include our ability to continue to develop platform capabilities and solutions; the ability of our platform and solutions to perform as intended; customer acceptance and purchase of our existing solutions and new solutions; real or perceived defects, errors or vulnerabilities in our products or services; our ability to retain existing customers and generate new customers; the budgeting cycles and seasonal buying patterns of our customers; general market, political, economic and business conditions in the United States as well as globally; our ability to manage costs as we increase our customer base and the number of our platform solutions; the market for cloud solutions for IT security and compliance not increasing at the rate we expect; competition from other products and services; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; unexpected fluctuations in our effective income tax rate on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis; our ability to effectively manage our rapid growth and our ability to anticipate future market needs and opportunities; and any unanticipated accounting charges. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Qualys as of the date hereof, and Qualys disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with GAAP, Qualys provides investors with certain non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA (defined as earnings before interest expense, interest income and other income (expense), net, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation) and non-GAAP free cash flows (defined as cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from disposal).

In computing non-GAAP financial measures, Qualys excludes the effects of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions, non-recurring items and for non-GAAP net income, certain tax effects. Qualys believes that these non-GAAP financial measures help illustrate underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be masked by the effect of the income or expenses that are excluded in non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flows.

Furthermore, Qualys uses some of these non-GAAP financial measures to establish budgets and operational goals for managing its business and evaluating its performance. Qualys believes that non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flows provide additional tools for investors to use in comparing its recurring core business operating results over multiple periods with other companies in its industry.

Although Qualys does not focus on or use quarterly billings in managing or monitoring the performance of its business, Qualys provides calculated current billings (defined as total revenues recognized in a period plus the sequential change in current deferred revenue in the corresponding period) for the convenience of investors and analysts in building their own financial models.

In order to provide a more complete picture of recurring core operating business results, the Company’s non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share include adjustments for non-recurring income tax items and certain tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments to achieve the effective income tax rate on a non-GAAP basis. The Company’s non-GAAP effective tax rate may differ from the GAAP effective income tax rate as a result of these income tax adjustments. The Company believes its estimated non-GAAP effective income tax rate of 21% in 2024 is a reasonable estimate under its current global operating structure and core business operations. The Company may adjust this rate during the year to take into account events or trends that it believes materially impact the estimated annual rate. The non-GAAP effective income tax rate could be subject to change for a number of reasons, including but not limited to, significant changes resulting from tax legislation, material changes in geographic mix of revenues and expenses and other significant events.

The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this press release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included with the financial statements contained in this press release. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP information in evaluating and operating its business internally and as such has determined that it is important to provide this information to investors.

Qualys, Inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenues

$         148,708

$         137,209

$         294,513

$         267,892

Cost of revenues (1)

26,415

26,662

53,613

53,616

Gross profit

122,293

110,547

240,900

214,276

Operating expenses:

Research and development (1)

27,119

27,424

54,649

55,219

Sales and marketing (1)

32,146

26,241

61,554

51,869

General and administrative (1)

14,960

14,055

31,868

29,183

Total operating expenses

74,225

67,720

148,071

136,271

Income from operations

48,068

42,827

92,829

78,005

Other income (expense), net:

Interest income

6,703

3,809

12,826

6,206

Other expense, net

(587)

(959)

(1,986)

(1,175)

Total other income, net

6,116

2,850

10,840

5,031

Income before income taxes

54,184

45,677

103,669

83,036

Income tax provision

10,412

10,295

20,166

18,549

Net income

$           43,772

$           35,382

$           83,503

$           64,487

Net income per share:

Basic

$                1.19

$                0.96

$                2.26

$                1.75

Diluted

$                1.17

$                0.95

$                2.22

$                1.72

Weighted average shares used in computing net income per share:

Basic

36,915

36,842

36,935

36,954

Diluted

37,464

37,435

37,594

37,551

(1) Includes stock-based compensation as follows:

Cost of revenues

$              1,866

$              1,717

$              3,886

$              3,309

Research and development

5,160

5,103

10,463

10,063

Sales and marketing

3,632

2,897

7,371

5,351

General and administrative

6,428

6,288

14,397

13,315

Total stock-based compensation, net of
amounts capitalized

$           17,086

$           16,005

$           36,117

$           32,038

 

Qualys, Inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

June 30,
2024

December 31,
2023

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$         281,205

$         203,665

Restricted cash

—

1,500

Short-term marketable securities

112,004

221,893

Accounts receivable, net

109,584

146,226

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

31,266

26,714

Total current assets

534,059

599,998

Long-term marketable securities

162,058

56,644

Property and equipment, net

27,758

32,599

Operating leases – right of use asset

44,100

22,391

Deferred tax assets, net

70,433

62,761

Intangible assets, net

8,172

9,715

Goodwill

7,447

7,447

Noncurrent restricted cash

1,200

1,200

Other noncurrent assets

21,373

19,863

Total assets

$         876,600

$         812,618

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$              1,277

$                 988

Accrued liabilities

36,095

43,096

Deferred revenues, current

324,334

333,267

Operating lease liabilities, current

10,123

11,857

Total current liabilities

371,829

389,208

Deferred revenues, noncurrent

28,812

31,671

Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent

40,437

16,885

Other noncurrent liabilities

7,727

6,680

Total liabilities

448,805

444,444

Stockholders’ equity:

Common stock

37

37

Additional paid-in capital

623,939

597,921

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(534)

(1,704)

Accumulated deficit

(195,647)

(228,080)

Total stockholders’ equity

427,795

368,174

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$         876,600

$         812,618

 

Qualys, Inc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

Cash flow from operating activities:

Net income

$           83,503

$           64,487

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

Depreciation and amortization expense

10,019

14,446

Provision for credit losses

277

160

Loss on non-marketable securities

—

533

Stock-based compensation, net of amounts capitalized

36,117

32,038

Accretion of discount on marketable securities, net

(3,520)

(1,412)

Deferred income taxes

(8,165)

(9,122)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

36,365

(3,277)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

(4,489)

(7,450)

Accounts payable

229

(813)

Accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities

(3,215)

8,736

Deferred revenues

(11,792)

20,002

Net cash provided by operating activities

135,329

118,328

Cash flow from investing activities:

Purchases of marketable securities

(191,812)

(159,392)

Sales and maturities of marketable securities

198,250

167,120

Purchases of property and equipment

(3,077)

(5,455)

Net cash provided by investing activities

3,361

2,273

Cash flow from financing activities:

Repurchase of common stock

(53,017)

(108,817)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

5,970

7,148

Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards

(17,711)

(9,494)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock through employee stock purchase plan

3,608

2,988

Payment of acquisition-related holdback

(1,500)

—

Net cash used in financing activities

(62,650)

(108,175)

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

76,040

12,426

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

206,365

176,419

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$         282,405

$         188,845

 

Qualys, Inc.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES

ADJUSTED EBITDA

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except percentages)

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income

$        43,772

$        35,382

$        83,503

$        64,487

Net income as a percentage of revenues

29 %

26 %

28 %

24 %

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

4,009

6,230

8,476

12,902

Amortization of intangible assets

771

772

1,543

1,544

Income tax provision

10,412

10,295

20,166

18,549

Stock-based compensation

17,086

16,005

36,117

32,038

Total other income, net

(6,116)

(2,850)

(10,840)

(5,031)

Adjusted EBITDA

$        69,934

$        65,834

$      138,965

$      124,489

Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues

47 %

48 %

47 %

46 %

 

Qualys, Inc.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

GAAP Cost of revenues

$           26,415

$           26,662

$           53,613

$           53,616

Less: Stock-based compensation

(1,866)

(1,717)

(3,886)

(3,309)

Less: Amortization of intangible assets

(746)

(747)

(1,493)

(1,494)

Non-GAAP Cost of revenues

$           23,803

$           24,198

$           48,234

$           48,813

GAAP Gross profit

$         122,293

$         110,547

$         240,900

$         214,276

Plus: Stock-based compensation

1,866

1,717

3,886

3,309

Plus: Amortization of intangible assets

746

747

1,493

1,494

Non-GAAP Gross Profit

$         124,905

$         113,011

$         246,279

$         219,079

GAAP Research and development

$           27,119

$           27,424

$           54,649

$           55,219

Less: Stock-based compensation

(5,160)

(5,103)

(10,463)

(10,063)

Less: Amortization of intangible assets

(25)

(25)

(50)

(50)

Non-GAAP Research and development

$           21,934

$           22,296

$           44,136

$           45,106

GAAP Sales and marketing

$           32,146

$           26,241

$           61,554

$           51,869

Less: Stock-based compensation

(3,632)

(2,897)

(7,371)

(5,351)

Non-GAAP Sales and marketing

$           28,514

$           23,344

$           54,183

$           46,518

GAAP General and administrative

$           14,960

$           14,055

$           31,868

$           29,183

Less: Stock-based compensation

(6,428)

(6,288)

(14,397)

(13,315)

Non-GAAP General and administrative

$             8,532

$             7,767

$           17,471

$           15,868

GAAP Operating expenses

$           74,225

$           67,720

$         148,071

$         136,271

Less: Stock-based compensation

(15,220)

(14,288)

(32,231)

(28,729)

Less: Amortization of intangible assets

(25)

(25)

(50)

(50)

Non-GAAP Operating expenses

$           58,980

$           53,407

$         115,790

$         107,492

GAAP Income from operations

$           48,068

$           42,827

$           92,829

$           78,005

Plus: Stock-based compensation

17,086

16,005

36,117

32,038

Plus: Amortization of intangible assets

771

772

1,543

1,544

Non-GAAP Income from operations

$           65,925

$           59,604

$         130,489

$         111,587

GAAP Net income

$           43,772

$           35,382

$           83,503

$           64,487

Plus: Stock-based compensation

17,086

16,005

36,117

32,038

Plus: Amortization of intangible assets

771

772

1,543

1,544

Less: Tax adjustment

(4,717)

(4,704)

(9,513)

(9,440)

Non-GAAP Net income

$           56,912

$           47,455

$          111,650

$           88,629

GAAP Net income per share:

Basic

$                1.19

$                0.96

$                2.26

$                1.75

Diluted

$                1.17

$                0.95

$                2.22

$                1.72

Non-GAAP Net income per share:

Basic

$                1.54

$                1.29

$                3.02

$                2.40

Diluted

$                1.52

$                1.27

$                2.97

$                2.36

Weighted average shares used in GAAP and non-GAAP net income per share:

Basic

36,915

36,842

36,935

36,954

Diluted

37,464

37,435

37,594

37,551

 

Qualys, Inc.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES

FREE CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

GAAP Cash flows provided by operating activities

$         135,329

$         118,328

Less:

Purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from disposal

(3,077)

(5,455)

Non-GAAP Free cash flows

$         132,252

$         112,873

 

Qualys, Inc.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DISCLOSURES

CALCULATED CURRENT BILLINGS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except percentages)

Three Months Ended
June 30,

2024

2023

GAAP Revenue

$      148,708

$      137,209

GAAP Revenue growth compared to same quarter of prior year

8 %

14 %

Plus: Current deferred revenue at June 30

324,334

302,446

Less: Current deferred revenue at March 31

(332,128)

(296,516)

Non-GAAP Calculated current billings

$      140,914

$      143,139

Calculated current billings growth compared to same quarter of prior year

(2 %)

11 %

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qualys-announces-second-quarter-2024-financial-results-302214920.html

SOURCE Qualys, Inc.

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HONGQI EHS4 Set for Global Debut in Venice: Eastern Elegance Arrives in Europe

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VENICE, Italy, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HONGQI, one of China’s leading automotive marques, will introduce its all-new all-electric SUV, HONGQI EHS4, to the European market. Making its global debut in Venice, Italy, on 16 November 2026, the EHS4 marks another milestone in the brand’s international expansion.

68 Years of Heritage: A Distinctive Expression of Modern Luxury
Founded in 1958, HONGQI has spent 68 years building its automotive heritage through independent innovation, engineering excellence, and craftsmanship. Guided by a longstanding commitment to quality and safety, the brand continues to bring its distinctive heritage to a global audience.

With its Munich Advanced Design Centre, HONGQI combines global design perspectives with its rich Eastern heritage. Guided by a European Neoclassical Design Philosophy, the EHS4 brings together Eastern design influences and global aesthetics. Developed around European consumer needs, it represents HONGQI’s first model tailored specifically for Europe.

HONGQI EHS4: A New Choice for All-Electric Mobility
Bringing together Eastern and Western design aesthetics, HONGQI EHS4 balances distinctive styling, driving comfort and everyday practicality. Its Celadon Paint draws inspiration from the refined beauty of traditional Longquan celadon, while the Eyes of Infinite Allure lighting design creates a distinctive visual identity. Inside, the Crystal Control Knob adds an elegant touch to the cabin.

With a driving range of up to 470 kilometres and fast-charging capability of approximately 20 minutes, the EHS4 is designed for convenient everyday electric mobility. Its 87.4% space utilization makes intelligent use of interior space, enhancing passenger comfort and practicality.

Safety and quality remain central to its development. Equipped with seven airbags and intelligent driver-assistance technologies, the EHS4 draws on FAW’s more than 70 years of automotive manufacturing expertise to deliver advanced technology, refined driving quality, and dependable vehicle performance.

Venice: A New Chapter in Europe
On 16 November 2026, HONGQI EHS4 will make its global debut at the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Misericordia in Venice. The event will bring together European dealers, media representatives, and industry guests to witness an important milestone in HONGQI’s European journey.

A distinctive expression of Eastern elegance, now coming to Europe.

SOURCE HONGQI

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EFICYENT to Join Banks and Fintech Companies at Singapore FinTech Festival 2026

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DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 14, 2026 /CNW/ — EFICYENT, a cross-border payment platform, is going to attend the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2026, which is going to be one of the world’s largest gatherings of the global financial and technology ecosystem.  It will take place between November 18 – 20, 2026, at Singapore. This event will converge policymakers, financial institutions, fintech companies, and investors to discuss the developments that are going to shape the future of fintech.

As financial institutions are desperately discovering new technologies, evolving payment infrastructure, and better ways to move money across borders, SFF 2026 is going to be an ideal platform for industry collaboration and knowledge exchange. The event will explore key forces transforming the financial system, including technology, geoeconomics, capital, talent, and policy, developing opportunities for businesses to engage with global industry leaders and explore emerging possibilities.

By participating in this event, EFICYENT is looking forward to connecting with other fintech companies, banks, financial institutions, and peer industry stakeholders to share their ideas, discover potential collaborations, and hold a conversation on the growing demand for efficient global payment infrastructure. Also, the company’s presence will provide an opportunity to demonstrate how its capabilities can assist businesses navigating increasingly interconnected financial markets.

Ahead of the participation, Aravinth Ramesh, CTO at EFICYENT, said:

“As financial services entered a chapter where businesses expect something beyond the ability to transfer money. They need payment platforms that offer speed, transparency, flexibility, and access to global markets. So I think events like SFF create a better opportunity to know in which direction the industry is moving, to share our perspectives with industry leaders, and explore partnerships that drive meaningful progress.”

Balasubramanyam K, CEO at EFICYENT, added:

“The future of fintech will be shaped by how effectively technology, financial institutions and payment networks work together. And this SFF event is going to remain an excellent opportunity to connect with industry leaders, better understand emerging requirements, and discover new approaches to making cross-border payments more accessible and efficient.”

About EFICYENT

EFICYENT is a global cross-border payments and financial infrastructure platform that concentrates on enabling seamless international money transfers.

They focus on simplifying international transactions and advancing digital finance. EFICYENT is committed to supporting a seamless and interconnected global payments ecosystem.

Media Contact: 
EFICYENT
Dubai, UAE
Website: https://eficyent.com/ 
Email: support@eficyent.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eficyent/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eficyent-to-join-banks-and-fintech-companies-at-singapore-fintech-festival-2026-302939546.html

SOURCE EFICYENT

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SmallRig Joins Art World Figures to Discuss Creativity and Authenticity in the AI Era–and How Art and Technology Can Drive Innovation

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SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As generative AI changes how images are made, one question grows more urgent: what still belongs to the human behind the lens? On November 11, Shenzhen International Art Museum and SmallRig, the imaging-gear brand built for creators, took up that question together by hosting an international exchange on how art and technology ecosystems are being reshaped in the AI era.

The conversation brought together leaders of Chinese art museums, Anett Holzheid, senior curator at Germany’s ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, artists and SmallRig co-founder Gao Haiyan.

Zhang Zikang, director of Shenzhen International Art Museum and professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, said art and technology are a key direction for the museum, rooted in Shenzhen’s tech environment. Wang Shaoqiang, director of the Guangdong Museum of Art, described using AI to produce short films about classic works, which cut cost and production time, yet stressed that art must return to personal growth, understanding of the world and the expression of Eastern aesthetics. Holzheid views exhibitions as shared ground for artists, audiences and curators, and sees AI widening perception and enabling collaboration across disciplines.

Zadok Ben-David used AI to explore bird forms for an installation, repeatedly refined the images and selected some for the work, determined that it retain an artist’s character, emotion and humanity. A photographer set an AI-generated lightning strike against a desert he had photographed himself, gaining new ideas but noting that generated imagery tends toward sameness, while real presence at a scene cannot be substituted. Spatial artist Feng Yu championed honesty of material, where imperfection and unplanned outcomes can carry sincerity.

Speaking for SmallRig, Gao noted that technology has opened imaging to everyone, but “AI cannot replace real-life experiences or the act of capturing them.” AI can be an efficient, enabling creative tool, he said, but it cannot meet the human need for real images.

In SmallRig’s view, technology helps more people express what is real, while art and creator’s real needs give innovation its direction. The company will therefore move closer to creative scenes and the creators themselves, developing solutions faster for people who make real images.

After the forum, guests visited SmallRig’s headquarters to unveil Ode to the Orchid, an installation co-created with Feng Yu and the first of his works placed in a corporate workplace. Instead of sponsoring an exhibition or releasing a co-branded product, SmallRig placed art in everyday spaces, so people meet it in passing rather than behind museum walls.

Gao said companies often move from manufacturing to technology, while SmallRig also wants to merge with art and creativity. The space is only the surface. The real aim is an open, diverse, inclusive and creative culture, and a lasting bond with creators built on shared taste. SmallRig will keep working with artists, exploring art IP and cultural products, and linking products, content and services into one ecosystem. More activities to support creators are also on the way, bringing the meeting of technology and art into everyday creative practice. Real images remain where SmallRig starts, and where it hopes to innovate alongside creators.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smallrig-joins-art-world-figures-to-discuss-creativity-and-authenticity-in-the-ai-eraand-how-art-and-technology-can-drive-innovation-302938911.html

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