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VNET Reports Unaudited Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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BEIJING, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VNET Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: VNET) (“VNET” or the “Company”), a leading carrier- and cloud-neutral internet data center services provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

“We delivered another solid quarter through continued strong execution of our effective dual-core development strategy,” said Josh Sheng Chen, Founder, Executive Chairperson and interim Chief Executive Officer of VNET. “The wholesale IDC business remained our key growth driver, highlighted by three new orders totaling 235MW for our Ulanqab IDC Campus in the Greater Beijing Area. Climbing utilization rates and a high pre-commitment rate for capacity under construction demonstrate our reliable, high-quality IDC services’ enduring customer appeal in the competitive market. Furthermore, we advanced our AI data center development with steady progress on our green, high-tech Ulanqab IDC Campus, enabling us to seamlessly meet the increasing AI-driven demand. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen our innovative service offerings, vast high-power density resources and diverse AI-related capabilities to drive our healthy development and create value for all of our stakeholders.” 

Qiyu Wang, Chief Financial Officer of VNET, commented, “In the second quarter, we remained focused on high-quality revenue businesses while enhancing efficiency and profitability, tactics that continued to yield positive outcomes. Our total net revenues increased by 9.4% year over year to RMB1.99 billion, mainly driven by wholesale revenue growth of 81% year over year, while operating expenses decreased by 7.7% year over year and 36.8% quarter over quarter. Our adjusted EBITDA also grew by 7.3% year over year to RMB573.8 million. In addition, we recorded a net income of RMB71.8 million in the second quarter, a significant improvement from the net loss of RMB159.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, representing a quarter over quarter increase of RMB230.9 million, thanks to our consistent operational improvements. Supported by our robust business fundamentals and healthy cash position, we will continue to invest in our core capabilities and AI-driven opportunities, propelling high-quality, sustainable growth.”

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total net revenues increased by 9.4% to RMB1.99 billion (US$274.4 million) from RMB1.82 billion in the same period of 2023.Net revenues from the IDC business[1] increased by 12.1% to RMB1.37 billion (US$188.1 million) from RMB1.22 billion in the same period of 2023.Net revenues from the wholesale IDC business (“wholesale revenues”) increased by 81.0% to RMB402.0 million (US$55.3 million) from RMB222.1 million in the same period of 2023.Net revenues from the retail IDC business (“retail revenues”) decreased by 3.2% to RMB964.8 million (US$132.8 million) from RMB996.6 million in the same period of 2023.Net revenues from the non-IDC business[2] increased by 4.0% to RMB627.0 million (US$86.3 million) from RMB603.1 million in the same period of 2023.Adjusted cash gross profit (non-GAAP) increased by 6.0% to RMB787.3 million (US$108.3 million) from RMB742.9 million in the same period of 2023. Adjusted cash gross margin (non-GAAP) was 39.5%, compared with 40.8% in the same period of 2023.Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) increased by 7.3% to RMB573.8 million (US$79.0 million) from RMB535.0 million in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 28.8%, compared with 29.4% in the same period of 2023.Net income increased by RMB309.4 million and RMB230.9 million to RMB71.8 million (US$9.9 million) in the second quarter, compared with a net loss of RMB237.6 million in the same period of 2023 and a net loss of RMB159.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, respectively.

Second Quarter 2024 Operational Highlights

Wholesale IDC Business[3]

Capacity in service was 332MW as of June 30, 2024, compared with 332MW as of March 31, 2024, and 224MW as of June 30, 2023. Capacity under construction was 279MW as of June 30, 2024.Capacity utilized by customers reached 252MW as of June 30, 2024, compared with 236MW as of March 31, 2024, and 142MW as of June 30, 2023. The sequential increase during the second quarter of 2024 was 16MW, which was mainly contributed by E-JS Campus 02 C data center.Utilization rate[4] of wholesale capacity was 75.9% as of June 30, 2024, compared with 71.0% as of March 31, 2024, and 63.4% as of June 30, 2023.Utilization rate of mature wholesale capacity[5] was 94.9% as of June 30, 2024, compared with 94.6% as of March 31, 2024, and 94.2% as of June 30, 2023.Utilization rate of ramp-up wholesale capacity[6] was 45.7% as of June 30, 2024, compared with 33.6% as of March 31, 2024, and 39.9% as of June 30, 2023.Total capacity committed[7] was 326MW as of June 30, 2024, compared with 326MW as of March 31, 2024, and 194MW as of June 30, 2023.Commitment rate[8] for capacity in service was 98.1% as of June 30, 2024, compared with 98.1% as of March 31, 2024 and 86.7% as of June 30, 2023.Total capacity pre-committed[9] was 238MW and pre-commitment rate[10] for capacity under construction was 85.5% as of June 30, 2024.

Retail IDC Business[11]

Capacity in service was 52,177 cabinets as of June 30, 2024, compared with 52,068 cabinets as of March 31, 2024, and 53,702 cabinets as of June 30, 2023.Capacity utilized by customers reached 33,253 cabinets as of June 30, 2024, compared with 33,312 cabinets as of March 31, 2024, and 33,320 cabinets as of June 30, 2023.Utilization rate of retail capacity was 63.7% as of June 30, 2024, compared with 64.0% as of March 31, 2024, and 62.0% as of June 30, 2023.Utilization rate of mature retail capacity[12] was 72.5% as of June 30, 2024, compared with 72.8% as of March 31, 2024, and 73.5% as of June 30, 2023.Utilization rate of ramp-up retail capacity[13] was 12.7% as of June 30, 2024, compared with 13.0% as of March 31, 2024, and 16.3% as of June 30, 2023.Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) per retail cabinet was RMB8,753 in the second quarter of 2024, compared with RMB8,742 in the first quarter of 2024 and RMB8,931 in the second quarter of 2023.

[1] IDC business refers to managed hosting services, consisting of the wholesale IDC business and the retail IDC business. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, our IDC business was subdivided into wholesale IDC business and retail IDC business according to the nature and scale of our data center projects. Prior to 2024, the subdivision was based on customer contract types.

[2] Non-IDC business consists of cloud services and VPN services.

[3] For wholesale IDC business, certain projects hosted in our E-JS02 data center with an aggregate of 27MW capacity were excluded and are expected to be continuously excluded from in-service wholesale due to pending commercial discussion with the client. Such projects were included as in-service wholesale from the first quarter of 2021 to the fourth quarter of 2023, given that such projects had been delivered to the client based on the terms of the MOU.

[4] Utilization rate is calculated by dividing capacity utilized by customers by the capacity in service.

[5] Mature wholesale capacity refers to wholesale data centers in which utilization rate is at or above 80%.

[6] Ramp-up wholesale capacity refers to wholesale data centers in which utilization rate is below 80%.

[7] Total capacity committed is the capacity committed to customers pursuant to customer agreements remaining in effect.

[8] Commitment rate is calculated by total capacity committed divided by total capacity in service.

[9] Total capacity pre-committed is the capacity under construction which is pre-committed to customers pursuant to customer agreements remaining in effect.

[10] Pre-commitment rate is calculated by total capacity pre-committed divided by total capacity under construction.

[11] For retail IDC business, since the first quarter of 2024, we have excluded a certain number of reserved cabinets from the capacity in service. Reserved cabinets refer to those that have not been utilized on a large scale, those that are planned to be closed, or those that are planned to be further upgraded. As of June 30, 2023, March 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, 4,426, 4,426, and 4,150 reserved cabinets, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of utilization rate of retail IDC business capacity.

[12] Mature retail capacity refers to retail data centers that came into service prior to the past 24 months.

[13] Ramp-up retail capacity refers to retail data centers that came into service within the past 24 months, or mature retail data centers that have undergone improvements within the past 24 months.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

TOTAL NET REVENUES: Total net revenues in the second quarter of 2024 were RMB1.99 billion (US$274.4 million), representing an increase of 9.4% from RMB1.82 billion in the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by the continued growth of our wholesale IDC business.

Net revenues from IDC business increased by 12.1% to RMB1.37 billion (US$188.1 million) from RMB1.22 billion in the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by an increase in wholesale revenues and partially offset by a decrease in retail revenues.

Wholesale revenues increased by 81.0% to RMB402.0 million (US$55.3 million) from RMB222.1 million in the same period of 2023.Retail revenues decreased to RMB964.8 million (US$132.8 million) from RMB996.6 million in the same period of 2023.

Net revenues from non-IDC business increased by 4.0% to RMB627.0 million (US$86.3 million) from RMB603.1 million in the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase was driven by cloud and VPN businesses.

GROSS PROFIT: Gross profit in the second quarter of 2024 was RMB424.9 million (US$58.5 million), representing an increase of 24.0% from RMB342.7 million in the same period of 2023. Gross margin in the second quarter of 2024 was 21.3%, compared with 18.8% in the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to a reduction in depreciation expense due to the change in the estimated useful lives of property and equipment starting from January 1, 2024.

ADJUSTED CASH GROSS PROFIT (non-GAAP), which excludes depreciation, amortization, and share-based compensation expenses, was RMB787.3 million (US$108.3 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared with RMB742.9 million in the same period of 2023. Adjusted cash gross margin (non-GAAP) in the second quarter of 2024 was 39.5%, compared with 40.8% in the same period of 2023.

OPERATING EXPENSES: Total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were RMB230.3 million (US$31.7 million), compared with RMB249.5 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to a decrease in professional service fees and personnel costs.

Sales and marketing expenses were RMB58.2 million (US$8.0 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared with RMB63.1 million in the same period of 2023.

Research and development expenses were RMB62.0 million (US$8.5 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared with RMB81.1 million in the same period of 2023.

General and administrative expenses were RMB107.3 million (US$14.8 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared with RMB128.0 million in the same period of 2023.

ADJUSTED OPERATING EXPENSES (non-GAAP), which exclude share-based compensation expenses, were RMB243.2 million (US$33.5 million) in the second quarter of 2024, compared with RMB241.5 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total net revenues, adjusted operating expenses (non-GAAP) in the second quarter of 2024 were 12.2%, compared with 13.3% in the same period of 2023.

ADJUSTED EBITDA (non-GAAP): Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2024 was RMB573.8 million (US$79.0 million), representing an increase of 7.3% from RMB535.0 million in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) in the second quarter of 2024 was 28.8%, compared with 29.4% in the same period of 2023.

NET INCOME/LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO VNET GROUP, INC.: Net income attributable to VNET Group, Inc. in the second quarter of 2024 was RMB63.7 million (US$8.8 million), compared with a net loss attributable to VNET Group, Inc. of RMB232.9 million in the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to our consistent operational improvement and decreases in sales and marketing expenses, research and development expenses, general and administrative expenses and foreign exchange loss.

EARNINGS PER SHARE: Basic and diluted earnings per share in the second quarter of 2024 were both RMB0.04 (US$0.01), equivalent to both RMB0.24 (US$0.06) per American depositary share (“ADS”). Each ADS represents six Class A ordinary shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding.

LIQUIDITY: As of June 30, 2024, the aggregate amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments was RMB2.22 billion (US$306.0 million).

Total short-term debt consisting of short-term bank borrowings and the current portion of long-term borrowings was RMB1.67 billion (US$230.1 million). Total long-term debt was RMB8.45 billion (US$1.16 billion), comprised of long-term borrowings of RMB6.67 billion (US$917.7 million) and convertible promissory notes of RMB1.78 billion (US$245.1 million).

Net cash generated from operating activities in the second quarter of 2024 was RMB405.2 million (US$55.8 million), compared with RMB423.5 million in the same period of 2023. During the second quarter of 2024, the Company obtained new debt financing, refinancing facilities and other financings of RMB1.45 billion (US$199.3 million).

Business Outlook

The Company expects total net revenues for 2024 to be between RMB7,800 million to RMB8,000 million, representing year-over-year growth of 5.2% to 7.9%, and adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) to be in the range of RMB2,220 million to RMB2,280 million, representing year-over-year growth of 8.9% to 11.8%. The above outlook remains unchanged from the previously provided estimates.

The forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary views on the market and its operational conditions and is subject to change.

Conference Call

The Company’s management will host an earnings conference call at 9:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, or 9:00 AM Beijing Time on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

For participants who wish to join the call, please access the links provided below to complete the online registration process.

English line:
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10041484-y4obcl.html

Chinese line (listen-only mode):
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10041485-qdkvjp.html

Participants can choose between the English and Chinese options for pre-registration above. Please note that the Chinese option will be in listen-only mode. Upon registration, each participant will receive an email containing details for the conference call, including dial-in numbers, a conference call passcode and a unique access PIN, which will be used to join the conference call.

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.vnet.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible through September 4, 2024, by dialing the following numbers:

US/Canada:

1 855 883 1031

Mainland China:

400 1209 216

Hong Kong, China: 

800 930 639

International:

+61 7 3107 6325

Replay PIN (English line):

10041484

Replay PIN (Chinese line): 

10041485

Non-GAAP Disclosure

In evaluating its business, VNET considers and uses the following non-GAAP measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a supplemental measure to review and assess its operating performance: adjusted cash gross profit, adjusted cash gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin. 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 GAAP and non-GAAP results” set forth at the end of this press release.

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.

Exchange Rate

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“USD”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB7.2672 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on June 28, 2024, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this earnings release.

Statement Regarding Unaudited Condensed Financial Information

The unaudited financial information set forth above is preliminary and subject to potential adjustments. Adjustments to the consolidated financial statements may be identified when audit work has been performed for the Company’s year-end audit, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited condensed financial information.

About VNET

VNET Group, Inc. is a leading carrier- and cloud-neutral internet data center services provider in China. VNET provides hosting and related services, including IDC services, cloud services, and business VPN services to improve the reliability, security, and speed of its customers’ internet infrastructure. Customers may locate their servers and equipment in VNET’s data centers and connect to China’s internet backbone. VNET operates in more than 30 cities throughout China, servicing a diversified and loyal base of over 7,500 hosting and related enterprise customers that span numerous industries ranging from internet companies to government entities and blue-chip enterprises to small- to mid-sized enterprises.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “target,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement as well as VNET’s strategic and operational plans contain forward-looking statements. VNET may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports 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 VNET’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: VNET’s goals and strategies; VNET’s liquidity conditions; VNET’s expansion plans; the expected growth of the data center services market; expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, VNET’s services; VNET’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers; VNET’s plans to invest in research and development to enhance its solution and service offerings; and general economic and business conditions in the regions where VNET provides solutions and services. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in VNET’s reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and VNET undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Xinyuan Liu
Tel: +86 10 8456 2121
Email: ir@vnet.com

 VNET GROUP, INC. 

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

 (Amount in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”)) 

 As of 

 As of  

December 31, 2023

June 30, 2024

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 Assets 

 Current assets: 

 Cash and cash equivalents 

2,243,537

1,796,105

247,152

 Restricted cash 

2,854,568

338,846

46,627

 Accounts and notes receivable, net 

1,715,975

1,802,572

248,042

 Short-term investments 

356,820

87,871

12,091

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

2,375,341

2,673,585

367,898

 Amounts due from related parties 

277,237

345,408

47,530

 Total current assets 

9,823,478

7,044,387

969,340

 Non-current assets: 

 Property and equipment, net 

13,024,393

14,281,580

1,965,211

 Intangible assets, net 

1,383,406

1,340,625

184,476

 Land use rights, net 

602,503

593,309

81,642

 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 

4,012,329

4,384,000

603,258

 Restricted cash 

882

882

121

 Deferred tax assets, net 

247,644

285,199

39,245

 Long-term investments, net 

757,949

816,423

112,344

 Other non-current assets 

533,319

372,144

51,209

 Total non-current assets 

20,562,425

22,074,162

3,037,506

 Total assets 

30,385,903

29,118,549

4,006,846

 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 

 Current liabilities: 

 Short-term bank borrowings 

30,000

562,270

77,371

 Accounts and notes payable 

696,177

726,827

100,015

 Accrued expenses and other payables 

2,783,102

2,717,898

373,995

 Advances from customers 

1,605,247

1,530,852

210,652

 Deferred revenue 

95,477

87,103

11,986

 Income taxes payable 

35,197

61,930

8,522

 Amounts due to related parties 

356,080

379,070

52,162

 Current portion of long-term borrowings 

723,325

1,110,202

152,769

 Current portion of finance lease liabilities  

115,806

95,687

13,167

 Current portion of deferred government grants 

8,062

10,311

1,419

 Current portion of operating lease liabilities  

780,164

860,446

118,401

 Convertible promissory notes 

4,208,495

 Total current liabilities 

11,437,132

8,142,596

1,120,459

 Non-current liabilities: 

 Long-term borrowings 

5,113,521

6,668,842

917,663

 Convertible promissory notes 

1,769,946

1,781,082

245,085

 Non-current portion of finance lease liabilities  

1,159,525

1,142,194

157,171

 Unrecognized tax benefits 

98,457

98,457

13,548

 Deferred tax liabilities 

688,362

698,162

96,070

 Deferred government grants 

145,112

260,876

35,898

 Non-current portion of operating lease liabilities 

3,270,759

3,596,438

494,886

 Derivative liability 

188,706

185,297

25,498

 Total non-current liabilities 

12,434,388

14,431,348

1,985,819

 Shareholders’ equity 

 Ordinary shares  

107

109

15

 Additional paid-in capital 

17,291,312

17,260,924

2,375,182

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 

(14,343)

(20,084)

(2,764)

 Statutory reserves 

80,615

80,615

11,093

 Accumulated deficit 

(11,016,323)

(11,139,653)

(1,532,867)

 Treasury stock 

(326,953)

(173,427)

(23,864)

 Total VNET Group, Inc. shareholders’ equity 

6,014,415

6,008,484

826,795

 Noncontrolling interest 

499,968

536,121

73,773

 Total shareholders’ equity 

6,514,383

6,544,605

900,568

 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

30,385,903

29,118,549

4,006,846

 

 

 

 VNET GROUP, INC. 

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

 (Amount in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”) except for number of shares and per share data) 

 Three months ended  

 Six months ended  

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2024

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2024

 RMB 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 Net revenues 

1,821,744

1,898,126

1,993,760

274,351

3,627,526

3,891,886

535,541

 Cost of revenues 

(1,478,995)

(1,487,405)

(1,568,865)

(215,883)

(2,932,397)

(3,056,270)

(420,557)

 Gross profit 

342,749

410,721

424,895

58,468

695,129

835,616

114,984

 Operating income (expenses) 

 Operating income 

13,895

3,949

47,274

3,949

543

 Sales and marketing expenses 

(63,068)

(71,743)

(58,225)

(8,012)

(128,844)

(129,968)

(17,884)

 Research and development expenses 

(81,126)

(75,389)

(61,998)

(8,531)

(160,876)

(137,387)

(18,905)

 General and administrative expenses 

(128,017)

(226,297)

(107,297)

(14,765)

(255,464)

(333,594)

(45,904)

 Reversal of (allowance for) doubtful debt 

8,833

5,175

(2,753)

(379)

11,282

2,422

333

 Total operating expenses 

(249,483)

(364,305)

(230,273)

(31,687)

(486,628)

(594,578)

(81,817)

 Operating profit 

93,266

46,416

194,622

26,781

208,501

241,038

33,167

 Interest income 

10,038

12,129

5,449

750

15,719

17,578

2,419

 Interest expense 

(71,709)

(137,682)

(92,172)

(12,683)

(141,495)

(229,854)

(31,629)

 Other income 

14,192

4,814

30,475

4,193

15,356

35,289

4,856

 Other expenses 

(320)

(1,422)

(6,900)

(949)

(3,912)

(8,322)

(1,145)

 Changes in the fair value of financial liabilities 

154

3,858

712

98

21,452

4,570

629

 Foreign exchange loss 

(271,630)

(28,361)

(4,387)

(604)

(192,997)

(32,748)

(4,506)

 (Loss) income before income taxes
 and gain from equity method investments 

(226,009)

(100,248)

127,799

17,586

(77,376)

27,551

3,791

 Income tax expenses 

(12,545)

(61,384)

(59,149)

(8,139)

(57,431)

(120,533)

(16,586)

 Gain from equity method investments 

983

2,606

3,199

440

809

5,805

799

 Net (loss) income 

(237,571)

(159,026)

71,849

9,887

(133,998)

(87,177)

(11,996)

 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest 

4,692

(27,979)

(8,174)

(1,125)

(16,588)

(36,153)

(4,975)

 Net (loss) income attributable to the VNET Group, Inc. 

(232,879)

(187,005)

63,675

8,762

(150,586)

(123,330)

(16,971)

 (Loss) earnings per share 

 Basic 

(0.26)

(0.12)

0.04

0.01

(0.17)

(0.08)

(0.01)

 Diluted 

(0.26)

(0.12)

0.04

0.01

(0.19)

(0.08)

(0.01)

 Shares used in (loss) earnings per share
computation 

 Basic* 

888,705,981

1,568,300,360

1,594,662,099

1,594,662,099

888,555,145

1,581,481,229

1,581,481,229

 Diluted* 

888,705,981

1,568,300,360

1,595,517,338

1,595,517,338

905,386,636

1,581,481,229

1,581,481,229

(Loss) earnings per ADS (6 ordinary shares equal to 1 ADS)

Basic

(1.56)

(0.72)

0.24

0.06

(1.02)

(0.48)

(0.06)

Diluted

(1.56)

(0.72)

0.24

0.06

(1.14)

(0.48)

(0.06)

 * Shares used in (loss) earnings per share/ADS computation were computed under weighted average method. 

 

 

 

 VNET GROUP, INC. 

 RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS  

 (Amount in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”)) 

 Three months ended  

 Six months ended 

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2024

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2024

 RMB 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 Gross profit 

342,749

410,721

424,895

58,468

695,129

835,616

114,985

 Plus: depreciation and amortization 

400,173

352,604

364,616

50,173

802,050

717,220

98,693

 Plus: share-based compensation expenses 

2,190

(2,190)

(301)

 Adjusted cash gross profit 

742,922

765,515

787,321

108,340

1,497,179

1,552,836

213,678

 Adjusted cash gross margin 

40.8 %

40.3 %

39.5 %

39.5 %

41.3 %

39.9 %

39.9 %

 Operating expenses 

(249,483)

(364,305)

(230,273)

(31,687)

(486,628)

(594,578)

(81,817)

 Plus: share-based compensation expenses 

8,006

111,681

(12,962)

(1,784)

16,342

98,719

13,584

 Adjusted operating expenses 

(241,477)

(252,624)

(243,235)

(33,471)

(470,286)

(495,859)

(68,233)

 Operating profit 

93,266

46,416

194,622

26,781

208,501

241,038

33,168

 Plus: depreciation and amortization 

433,735

379,551

394,334

54,262

866,364

773,885

106,490

 Plus: share-based compensation expenses 

8,006

113,871

(15,152)

(2,085)

16,342

98,719

13,584

 Adjusted EBITDA 

535,007

539,838

573,804

78,958

1,091,207

1,113,642

153,242

 Adjusted EBITDA margin 

29.4 %

28.4 %

28.8 %

28.8 %

30.1 %

28.6 %

28.6 %

 

 

 

 VNET GROUP, INC. 

 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

 (Amount in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”)) 

 Three months ended  

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2024

June 30, 2024

 RMB 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

 Net (loss) income 

(237,571)

(159,026)

71,849

9,887

 Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash generated from operating activities: 

     Depreciation and amortization 

433,015

377,086

388,711

53,488

     Share-based compensation expenses 

8,006

113,871

(15,152)

(2,085)

     Others 

357,787

137,297

101,890

14,021

 Changes in operating assets and liabilities 

     Accounts and notes receivable 

8,388

(226,973)

142,469

19,604

     Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

70,627

(44,104)

(79,893)

(10,993)

     Accounts and notes payable 

33,434

77,668

(47,018)

(6,470)

     Accrued expenses and other payables 

(5,950)

56,105

(61,463)

(8,458)

     Deferred revenue 

(35,743)

5,626

(14,000)

(1,926)

     Advances from customers 

(114,977)

(11,090)

(63,305)

(8,711)

     Others 

(93,540)

(58,873)

(18,884)

(2,599)

 Net cash generated from operating activities 

423,476

267,587

405,204

55,758

 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 

 Purchases of property and equipment 

(394,812)

(1,005,368)

(998,489)

(137,397)

 Purchases of intangible assets 

(10,178)

(5,965)

(7,594)

(1,045)

 (Payments for) proceeds from investments 

(655,815)

359,239

(138,224)

(19,020)

 Proceeds from other investing activities 

9,295

1,154

117,209

16,128

 Net cash used in investing activities 

(1,051,510)

(650,940)

(1,027,098)

(141,334)

 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 

 Proceeds from bank borrowings 

169,204

1,156,279

690,848

95,064

 Repayments of bank borrowings 

(55,865)

(51,441)

(533,324)

(73,388)

 Repurchase of 2025 Convertible Notes 

(380,333)

 Repurchase of 2026 Convertible Notes 

(4,262,340)

 Payments for finance leases  

(67,172)

(39,602)

(9,586)

(1,319)

 Proceeds from other financing activities  

285,013

591,446

516,493

71,072

 Net cash (used in) generated from financing activities 

(49,153)

(2,605,658)

664,431

91,429

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

51,314

(20,050)

3,370

464

 Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and
 restricted cash 

(625,873)

(3,009,061)

45,907

6,317

 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at

 beginning of period 

3,242,842

5,098,987

2,089,926

287,583

 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 

2,616,969

2,089,926

2,135,833

293,900

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vnet-reports-unaudited-second-quarter-2024-financial-results-302231598.html

SOURCE VNET Group, Inc.

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Technology

Purina Films Docuseries A Different Breed Earns Three Daytime Emmy® Award Nominations

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Emmy®-nominated series celebrates the extraordinary bond between people and pets through the world of canine competition

ST. LOUIS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When pet lovers see the human-pet bond in action, it creates connection and deepens the appreciation they have for the animals in their own lives. That connection recently led Purina to dive deeper into the world of canine competition through a docuseries that is now receiving critical acclaim. Today, Purina is celebrating three Daytime Emmy® Award nominations for A Different Breed, its original nine-episode documentary series produced through Purina Films in partnership with InkBlot Narratives and WPP Media, including recognition for Outstanding Lifestyle Program, Outstanding Editing and Outstanding Directing.

The Daytime Emmy® Awards recognize excellence in daytime television and streaming programming across lifestyle, documentary, instructional, travel, culinary and children’s content. A Different Breed is nominated alongside productions from some of the entertainment industry’s leading studios, networks and streaming platforms.

Streaming on Prime Video, A Different Breed follows 18 teams on the road to the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals, putting the spotlight on the competitors, their dogs and the extraordinary relationships that drive them. The series marks an intentional shift from traditional brand-led content toward storytelling that entertains, inspires and fosters meaningful connections – all in new channels and formats that resonate with the viewing habits of today’s consumer.

“The way people discover and engage with content continues to evolve, and we’re evolving with them,” said Andrea Faccio, President and Chief Growth Officer at Purina. “At Purina, we’ve always believed the bond between people and pets is full of inspiring stories. A Different Breed gave us the opportunity to share those stories in a way people actively choose to experience, and we’re incredibly proud to see them recognized alongside some of the industry’s most celebrated programs.”

Through Purina Films, Purina is evolving how it connects with pet lovers taking a more entertainment-led approach to storytelling, creating premium content that highlights the meaningful role pets play in people’s lives. By inviting viewers behind the scenes of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge and into competitors’ lives and homes, A Different Breed tells the kinds of emotionally rich stories today’s audiences actively seek out.

The backdrop of the series is the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge, a premier canine performance sports competition that has showcased extraordinary canine athletes and their handlers for nearly 30 years. The competition features a variety of events, including high-flying disc routines, agility courses, weave pole racing and diving dog competitions.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will announce the winners of the Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30, 2026.

All nine episodes of A Different Breed are available to stream exclusively on Prime Video in the U.S. at no additional cost with a Prime membership. The second season of the Emmy®-nominated series is in production, continuing Purina’s commitment to bring audiences authentic stories that celebrate the incredible bond between people and pets.

About Nestlé Purina PetCare 
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations.

Purina manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products, including Dog Chow, Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. Nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.

Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.

Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/purina-films-docuseries-a-different-breed-earns-three-daytime-emmy-award-nominations-302831018.html

SOURCE Purina

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Toy Foundation Partners with Build-A-Bear & Chuck E. Cheese to Raise $100,000 for Children in Need

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The International Day of Play-themed cause marketing campaigns engaged consumers through promotions, exclusive product, & pin pad donations.

NEW YORK, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Toy Foundation™, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association™, celebrated the United Nation’s International Day of Play (June 11) with two cause marketing campaigns with Build-A-Bear Foundation and Chuck E. Cheese. Together, the campaigns raised over $100,000, as families across the country and around the world supported The Toy Foundation’s mission to deliver the power of play to children in need.

The Toy Foundation’s partnership with Chuck E. Cheese included a three-part fundraising campaign throughout the month of June. At nearly 500 Chuck E. Cheese locations, families who donated $5 at checkout received 500 tickets to use toward prizes, turning a charitable gift into extra fun. Families also had the option to make a $1 or $3 donation directly at the pin pad, powered by FreedomPay’s Gateway to Giving™ — a charitable program that enables seamless giving at the point of sale, creating another opportunity to support a child in need. At select fun centers, families could also purchase a Chuck E. Cheese x Crazy Aaron’s Limited-Edition Thinking Putty, with one hundred percent of the purchase price benefitting The Toy Foundation.

“Partnering with The Toy Foundation this International Day of Play allowed us to make a real difference through the power of play,” said Scott Drake, CEO of CEC Entertainment. “Play is at the heart of everything we do, and we are deeply grateful to the families that joined us in supporting this great cause. Together, we are giving back in a meaningful way that inspires pride across our entire community.”

Build-A-Bear brought its signature warmth to workshops across the U.S. and the UK with a weeklong fundraising campaign held June 8 to 12. Shoppers made donations in amounts of their choosing at checkout, both in stores and online, with every dollar supporting The Toy Foundation’s work to deliver play to children in need.

“Build-A-Bear Foundation is proud to partner with The Toy Foundation in advancing the shared belief that play has the power to positively impact children’s lives,” said David Henderson, president of Build-A-Bear Foundation. “From toy donations and sponsorship support to this International Day of Play fundraising campaign, we are committed to helping create more moments of joy for children and families in need. We are so grateful to our guests and partners whose generosity continues to make that impact possible.”

These fundraising campaigns complimented The Toy Foundation’s International Day of Play toy collection initiative, which resulted in nearly 20 companies donating $5.7 million in toys. The toy donations are being distributed to more than 450,000 children in under-resourced communities, schools, and hospitals around the world.

“We are grateful to Build-A-Bear Foundation and Chuck E. Cheese for their support, collaboration, and partnership in hosting two successful cause marketing campaigns, and to the companies that generously donated toys in honor of International Day of Play,” said Pam Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “Together, we are making a lasting impact, transforming children’s lives with the power of play.”

The Toy Foundation partners with companies and retailers to create tailored cause marketing campaigns that engage consumers and support children through play.

Campaign opportunities include:

Retail campaigns that donate a portion of proceeds from select productsPoint-of-sale donation campaignsCo-branded products featuring cause-related messagingCustomized campaigns tailored to a company’s goals

To learn more and get involved in advancing the toy industry’s collective impact, visit toyfoundation.org or contact The Toy Foundation team.

About The Toy Foundation™ www.toyfoundation.org
The Toy Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) children’s charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry, The Toy Foundation is dedicated to creating a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary benefits of play. The Toy Foundation works toward this vision through two program areas, Toy Chest, a toy distribution initiative, and Play Fund, a grant distribution initiative. By working together, The Toy Foundation has delivered the power of play to 38 million children in need worldwide. To learn more about The Toy Foundation, visit toyfoundation.org.

About Build‑A‑Bear Workshop, Inc.
Founded in 1997, Build‑A‑Bear is a leading global retailtainment brand on a mission to add a little more heart to life. At Build-A-Bear, guests are invited to create personalized furry friends through a unique stuffing, dressing, accessorizing and naming process, accentuated by a memorable “heart ceremony” that creates moments of connection for people of all ages.

Over the years, Build‑A‑Bear has grown into a multi‑generational phenomenon, positioned at the intersection of pop‑culture trends. Beyond its signature retail experience, the brand also offers pre‑stuffed plush, gifting, partnerships with best‑in‑class licensed and collectible characters, and original storytelling through Build‑A‑Bear Entertainment, LLC. Build‑A‑Bear’s current brand platform and message, “The Stuff You Love,” crosses ages and cultures while celebrating nearly 30 years of helping people mark life’s meaningful moments.

Today, Build‑A‑Bear operates more than 650 company-owned, partner-operated and franchise experience locations across more than 30 countries, complemented by buildabear.com. Build‑A‑Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) reported $529.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2025, representing the company’s 5th consecutive year of record results. Learn more at the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.

About Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese is where over 550,000 happy birthdays are celebrated every year. For nearly 50 years, Chuck E. Cheese has been the place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid®, making birthday kids the star of the show through its interactive experiences, arcade games and the beloved Chuck E. Cheese character. The brand operates more than 500 locations globally and remains committed to providing a fun, safe and inclusive environment through industry-leading programs such as Kid Check® and its partnership with Autism Speaks. As a strong advocate for local communities, Chuck E. Cheese has donated more than $24 million to schools and nonprofits through its fundraising programs. For more information, visit www.chuckecheese.com.

Contact: Erin Wright
The Toy Foundation
646.520.4851
ewright@toyfoundation.org

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toy-foundation-partners-with-build-a-bear–chuck-e-cheese-to-raise-100-000-for-children-in-need-302831086.html

SOURCE The Toy Foundation

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Technology

Play a Video Game Against a Dish of Living Neurons: Intactis Bio Launches “Biostack”

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Served from a rack mountable Biohybrid Processing Unit (BPU) to lower AI energy usage. 

SALT LAKE CITY, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Intactis Bio launched the Biostack Alpha, a video game in which allows anyone to compete against living human neurons grown in the lab. A player sits on one side of the web-browser. On the other is Biohybrid Intelligence: a small population of neurons in a dish that receives the game board as patterns of electrical stimulation. These neurons then answer, move by move, where to drop the next piece.

 

Play a video game against living neurons in rack mountable Biohybrid Processing Unit (BPU) to lower AI energy usage.

Biocomputation is a field focused on curbing the AI energy crises by replacing inefficient silicon chips with low energy biological processors. Biostack is the most tactile and publicly accessible demonstration yet to emerge from the field of biocomputation. Play today at play.intactis.bio. 

A biocomputer you can rack

Biostack runs on the Intactis BPU (Biohybrid Processing Unit), a biocomputer built into the same form factor as the GPUs widely distributed in data centers today. Living neurons at its core are wrapped in the cooling, life support, and signal hardware needed to keep the neurons healthy while they compute. The unit pairs the living substrate with silicon and rack mountable networking, which allows the systems to scale out using existing data center infrastructure.

The map that makes neurons playable

What makes the tissue controllable is a computational neuroscience model. Intactis ran a comprehensive screen to map how electrical stimulus drives neural outputs, cataloguing more than 150 statistically significant relationships and accounting for up to 96% of the tissue’s response. “Biocomputation is not a black box. We have the actual equation,” said Daniel Rodriguez-Granrose, PhD, Founder and CEO of Intactis Bio. This design space lets the company map neural responses onto specific game controls, so the biocomputer can directly learn the Biostack board state and ideal responses in a closed loop.

How a dish of neurons plays

Each turn, Biostack compresses the board (the current piece, the height of every column, and any gaps) into a compact code and delivers it to the tissue as a timed sequence of electrical pulses. The neurons respond, and the system reads their answer as a six-bit placement: four bits choose one of ten columns, two bits choose one of four rotations. Together this represents over 1000 unique electrical inputs to encode the board space and up to 40 possible destinations for every piece. Intactis has successfully transmitted this information to the neurons, and mapped their response back to the live game. In this demo, game performance held and even improved across overnight gaps between sessions. The living network is genuinely shaped by use.

Why a game matters

The stakes reach well beyond the screen. AI’s appetite for electricity is on track to outrun global electricity production. A supercomputer can draw on the order of 20 megawatts; a human brain runs on about 20 watts. The company projects energy-cost reductions around 95%, total-cost reductions around 90%, and data center footprint reductions around 88% versus exaflop-scale silicon.

From demo to business

Intactis sells the capability as Cloud Biocompute as a Service, targeting gaming, robotics, AI and LLM developers already spending $20,000 or more per month on GPUs. The company has secured more than $1 million in early capital and non-dilutive support and is raising a $5 million seed round to bring the BPU to data center partners. Intactis is built by a team with more than $900 million in prior exits.

About Intactis Bio

Intactis Bio builds biohybrid computers that run living human neurons alongside silicon to deliver compute with dramatically lower energy, cost, and footprint. Its rack-mountable Biohybrid Processing Unit (BPU) targets the widening gap between AI compute demand and available power. Learn more at intactis.bio.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/play-a-video-game-against-a-dish-of-living-neurons-intactis-bio-launches-biostack-302831095.html

SOURCE Intactis Bio Corp

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