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111, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

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Maintained Operational Profitability for the Second Consecutive QuarterOperating Expenses as a Percentage of Revenues Decreased 120 Basis Points YoYHeld Positive Operating Cash Flow for Two Consecutive Quarters

SHANGHAI, Aug. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 111, Inc. (“111” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: YI), a leading tech-enabled healthcare platform company committed to reshaping the value chain of healthcare industry by digitally empowering the upstream and downstream in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights

Net revenues were RMB3.4 billion (US$471.2 million) and gross segment profit (1) was RMB 207.6 million (US$ 28.6 million), remaining relatively flat compared to the same quarter last year.Total operating expenses were RMB204.3 million (US$28.1 million), an improvement of 18.1% compared to RMB249.3 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, total operating expenses decreased by 120 basis points to 6.0% from 7.2% in the same quarter of last year, demonstrating continuous improvement in the Company’s operation efficiency.Income from operations was RMB3.3 million (US$0.5 million), compared to loss from operations of RMB41.4 million in the same quarter of last year. 111 maintained operational profitability for the second consecutive quarter.Non-GAAP income from operations (2) was RMB8.5 million (US$1.2 million), compared to Non-GAAP loss from operations of RMB17.2 million in the same quarter of last year.Net cash from operating activities was RMB93.3 million (US$12.8 million), compared to negative RMB164.1 million in the same quarter of last year. The company realized positive operating cash flow for two consecutive quarters.

(1)                Gross segment profit represents net revenues less cost of goods sold.

(2)                Non-GAAP income from operations represents income from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses.

Mr. Junling Liu, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of 111, commented, “Despite a challenging macroeconomic landscape, we successfully achieved operational profitability for the second consecutive quarter, underscoring the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives as a top digital healthcare platform for empowering the whole industry chain. Our continued focus on operational efficiency has driven a significant turnaround, with income from operations hitting RMB3.3 million during quarter—an impressive recovery from an operational loss of RMB41.4 million a year earlier.

Mr. Liu added, “We’ve significantly improved operational efficiency through prudent expense control, strategic investments in infrastructure, and optimal staffing efforts. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased by 120 basis points to 6%, while non-GAAP operating expenses fell by 70 basis points to 5.8%. Our goal is to set the standard for efficiency in pharmaceutical e-commerce and strengthen our competitive edge through superior operational effectiveness. As we expand and refine our operations, we expect further cost reductions and enhanced efficiency. These savings will be reinvested into strategic areas such as innovation, market expansion, and customer engagement, all of which are crucial for driving revenue and profitability growth.”

“Our commitment to advancing digital capabilities and leveraging cutting-edge technologies has significantly improved our operational performance across various facets, making our business more adaptable, efficient, and customer-focused. This positions us for higher future returns in the evolving healthcare e-commerce sector and reinforces our leading role to drive the pharmaceutical digital transformation. Our achievements in technology are highlighted by the acquisition of four new patents. Additionally, we’ve strengthened supply chain with our effective transshipment model, the expansion of fulfillment centers, and the deepening of our partnership.”

“The drug sales and prescription shift towards retail pharmacies is  a robust growth avenue, along with continued digital reform of the healthcare value chain. In order to grasp these enormous opportunities, we will focus on offering seamless, convenient shopping experiences for customers with the most comprehensive and cost-effective product portfolio. Strengthening partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, lifting operational efficiency, driving digitalization and AI applications, and accelerating new growth engines such as private label business and JBP platform are also key to our continued growth and success. We believe these concerted efforts will enable us to garner a larger market share and achieve higher revenue and profit levels while generating long-term value for our shareholders, customers, and stakeholders.”

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net revenues were RMB3.4 billion (US$471.2 million), representing a decrease of 1.5% from RMB3.5 billion in the same quarter of last year.

(In thousands RMB)

For the three months ended June 30,

2023

2024

YoY

B2B Net Revenue

Product

3,367,732

3,328,249

-1.2 %

Service

20,974

25,270

20.5 %

Sub-Total

3,388,706

3,353,519

-1.0 %

Cost of Products Sold(3)

3,200,156

3,162,928

-1.2 %

Segment Profit

188,550

190,591

1.1 %

Segment Profit %

5.6 %

5.7 %

(In thousands RMB)

For the three months ended June 30,

2023

2024

YoY

B2C Net Revenue

Product

83,251

65,480

-21.3 %

Service

5,540

5,371

-3.1 %

Sub-Total

88,791

70,851

-20.2 %

Cost of Products Sold

69,454

53,844

-22.5 %

Segment Profit

19,337

17,007

-12.0 %

Segment Profit %

21.8 %

24.0 %

 

(3) For segment reporting purposes, purchase rebates are allocated to the B2B segment and B2C segments primarily based on the amount of cost of products sold for each segment. Cost of products sold does not include other direct costs related to cost of product sales such as shipping and handling expense, payroll and benefits of logistic staff, logistic centers rental expenses and depreciation expenses, which are recorded in the fulfillment expenses. Cost of service revenue is recorded in the operating expense.

Operating costs and expenses were RMB3.4 billion (US$470.7 million), representing a decrease of 2.8% from RMB3.5 billion in the same quarter of last year.

Cost of products sold was RMB3.2 billion (US$442.6 million), representing a decrease of 1.6% from RMB3.3 billion in the same quarter of last year.

Fulfillment expenses were RMB88.1 million (US$12.1 million), representing a decrease of 7.3% from RMB95.0 million in the same quarter of last year. Fulfillment expenses accounted for 2.6% of net revenues this quarter as compared to 2.7% in the same quarter of last year. 

Selling and marketing expenses were RMB80.4 million (US$11.1 million), representing a decrease of 10.8% from RMB90.1 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB1.7 million for the quarter and RMB4.4 million for the same quarter last year, respectively, selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues, accounted for 2.3% in the quarter as compared to 2.5% in the same quarter of last year.

General and administrative expenses were RMB17.3 million (US$2.4 million), representing a decrease of 55.7% from RMB39.1 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB2.5 million for the quarter and RMB15.7 million for the same quarter last year, respectively, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues, accounted for 0.4% in the quarter as compared to 0.7% in the same quarter of last year.

Technology expenses were RMB18.4 million (US$2.5 million), representing a decrease of 25.2% from RMB24.5 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB1.0 million for the quarter and RMB4.2 million for the same quarter last year, respectively, Technology expenses as a percentage of net revenues, accounted for 0.5% in the quarter as compared to 0.6% in the same quarter of last year.

Income from operations was RMB3.3 million (US$0.5 million), compared to loss from operations of RMB41.4 million in the same quarter of last year.

Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB8.5 million (US$1.2 million), compared to Non-GAAP loss from operations of RMB17.2 million in the same quarter of last year.

Net loss was RMB2.1 million (US$0.3 million), representing an improvement of 95% from RMB45.4 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, net loss decreased to 0.1% in the quarter from 1.3% in same quarter of last year.

Non-GAAP net income (4) was RMB3.1 million (US$0.4 million), compared to Non-GAAP net loss of RMB21.2 million in the same quarter of last year.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB14.0 million (US$1.9 million), representing an improvement of 76% from RMB57.2 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders decreased to 0.4% in the quarter from 1.6% in same quarter of last year.

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (5) was RMB8.8 million (US$1.2 million), representing an improvement of 73% from RMB33.0 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders decreased to 0.3% in the quarter from 0.9% in same quarter of last year.

(4) Non-GAAP net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax. Considering the impact of accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest for the second quarter 2024, non-GAAP net income is used as a more meaningful measurement of the operation performance of the Company.

(5) Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders represents net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax.

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB615.5 million (US$84.7 million), compared to RMB673.7 million as of December 31, 2023. To this date, the Company has a total outstanding amount of RMB1.1 billion, which has been included in the balances of redeemable non-controlling interests and accrued expenses and other current liabilities, owed to a group of investors of 1 Pharmacy Technology pursuant to their equity investments made in 2020 as previously disclosed. 111 has received redemption requests from certain of such investors for a total redemption amount of RMB0.2 billion in accordance with the terms of their initial investments in 1 Pharmacy Technology. Furthermore, the Company has entered into written agreements and/or commitment letters with investors representing the majority of the total carrying amounts. For more information about the terms of 111’s arrangements with these investors, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Company’s annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Conference Call

111’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 7:30 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 29, 2024 (7:30 PM Beijing Time on the same day).

Details for the conference call are as follows:

Event Title: 111, Inc. Second Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

Registration Link: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10040837-g09iyj.html 

All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Upon registering, each participant will receive a set of participant dial-in numbers, the Direct Event passcode, and a unique Registration ID, which can be used to join the conference call.

Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the Direct Event passcode and unique Registration ID you have received upon registering to join the call.

A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call until September 5, 2024 on:

China: 4001 209 216
United States: +1 855 883 1031
International: +61 7 3107 6325
Conference ID: 10040837

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the website at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/a2w3gscg

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP loss per ADS, as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The Company defines non-GAAP income (loss) from operations as income (loss) from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses. The Company defines non-GAAP net income (loss) as net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax. The Company defines non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders as net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax. The Company defines non-GAAP loss per ADS as net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per ADS excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax per ADS. 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.

The Company believes that non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP loss per ADS help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that it includes in income (loss) from operations and net loss. Share-based compensation expenses is a non-cash expense that varies from period to period. As a result, management excludes the items from its internal operating forecasts and models. Management believes that the adjustments for share-based compensation expenses provide investors with a reasonable basis to measure the company’s core operating performance, in a more meaningful comparison with the performance of other companies. The Company believes that non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP loss per ADS provide useful information about its operating results, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the management in their financial and operational decision-making.

The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, or non-GAAP loss per ADS is that it does not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company’s operations. Further, the non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures is included at the end of this press release.

Exchange Rate Information Statement

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB7.2672 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of June 30, 2024.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “target,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as 111’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. 111 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties as to the Company’s ability comply with extensive and evolving regulatory requirements, its ability to compete effectively in the evolving PRC general health and wellness market, its ability to manage the growth of its business and expansion plans, its ability to achieve or maintain profitability in the future, its ability to control the risks associated with its pharmaceutical retail and wholesale businesses, and the Company’s ability to meet the standards necessary to maintain listing of its ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Market, including its ability to cure any non-compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing criteria. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 111 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

About 111, Inc.

111, Inc. (NASDAQ: YI) (“111” or the “Company”) is a leading tech-enabled healthcare platform company committed to reshaping the value chain of healthcare industry by digitally empowering the upstream and downstream in China. The Company provides consumers with better access to pharmaceutical products and healthcare services directly through its online retail pharmacy, 1 Pharmacy, and indirectly through its offline virtual pharmacy network. The Company also offers online healthcare services through its internet hospital, 1 Clinic, which provides consumers with cost-effective and convenient online consultation, electronic prescription service, and patient management service. In addition, the Company’s online platform, 1 Medicine, serves as a one-stop shop for pharmacies to source a vast selection of pharmaceutical products. With the largest virtual pharmacy network in China, 111 enables offline pharmacies to better serve their customers with cloud-based services. 111 also provides an omni-channel drug commercialization platform to its strategic partners, which includes services such as digital marketing, patient education, data analytics, and pricing monitoring.

For more information on 111, please visit: http://ir.111.com.cn/.

 

111, Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

As of

As of

December 31, 2023

June 30, 2024

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

603,523

495,454

68,177

Restricted cash

20,025

20,070

2,762

Short-term investments

50,143

100,000

13,760

Accounts receivable, net 

536,823

411,303

56,597

Notes Receivable

77,598

72,875

10,028

Inventories

1,419,396

1,367,173

188,129

Prepayments and other current assets

225,823

189,204

26,036

Total current assets

2,933,331

2,656,079

365,489

Property and equipment, net

34,340

27,511

3,786

Intangible assets, net

2,256

1,847

254

Long-term investments

2,000

2,000

275

Other non-current assets

13,310

13,424

1,847

Operating lease right-of-use asset

103,799

88,369

12,160

Total Assets

3,089,036

2,789,230

383,811

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Current Liabilities:

Short-term borrowings

338,075

189,366

26,058

Accounts payable

1,588,693

1,597,892

219,877

Accrued expense and other current liabilities 

818,295

691,445

95,146

Total Current liabilities

2,745,063

2,478,703

341,081

Long-term operating lease liabilities

62,624

56,171

7,729

Other non-current liabilities

5,245

7,623

1,049

Total Liabilities

2,812,932

2,542,497

349,859

MEZZANINE EQUITY

Redeemable non-controlling interests

870,825

869,845

119,695

SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Ordinary shares Class A 

32

33

5

Ordinary shares Class B 

25

25

3

Treasury shares 

(5,887)

(5,887)

(810)

Additional paid-in capital

3,169,114

3,163,032

435,248

Accumulated deficit

(3,819,249)

(3,847,044)

(529,371)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

72,514

73,786

10,153

Total shareholders’ deficit

(583,451)

(616,055)

(84,772)

Non-controlling interest

(11,270)

(7,057)

(971)

Total Deficit

(594,721)

(623,112)

(85,743)

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and deficit

3,089,036

2,789,230

383,811

 

 

 

111, Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

For the three months ended June 30,

For the six months ended June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Net Revenues

3,477,497

3,424,370

471,209

7,174,258

6,952,799

956,737

Operating Costs and expenses:

 Cost of products sold

(3,269,610)

(3,216,772)

(442,643)

(6,730,158)

(6,536,668)

(899,475)

 Fulfillment expenses

(94,950)

(88,059)

(12,117)

(197,600)

(176,582)

(24,298)

 Selling and marketing expenses

(90,117)

(80,410)

(11,065)

(179,357)

(160,770)

(22,123)

 General and administrative expenses

(39,079)

(17,306)

(2,381)

(80,396)

(36,380)

(5,006)

 Technology expenses

(24,541)

(18,367)

(2,527)

(49,857)

(36,676)

(5,047)

 Other operating income, net

(605)

(118)

(16)

(27)

1,339

184

Total Operating costs and expenses

(3,518,902)

(3,421,032)

(470,749)

(7,237,395)

(6,945,737)

(955,765)

(Loss) Income from operations

(41,405)

3,338

460

(63,137)

7,062

972

 Interest income

2,206

2,075

286

4,155

4,041

556

 Interest expense

(4,820)

(7,275)

(1,001)

(9,092)

(15,257)

(2,099)

 Foreign exchange loss

(2,808)

(383)

(53)

(1,174)

(602)

(83)

 Other Income, net

1,450

200

28

4,514

77

11

Loss before income taxes

(45,377)

(2,045)

(280)

(64,734)

(4,679)

(643)

 Income tax expense

(37)

(5)

(88)

(12)

Net Loss

(45,377)

(2,082)

(285)

(64,734)

(4,767)

(655)

Net Loss attributable to non-controlling interest

2,122

(1,106)

(152)

3,522

(1,279)

(176)

Net Loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest

3,728

441

61

5,276

730

100

Adjustment attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest

(17,712)

(11,273)

(1,551)

(33,090)

(22,479)

(3,093)

Net Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

(57,239)

(14,020)

(1,927)

(89,026)

(27,795)

(3,824)

Other comprehensive loss

 Unrealized gains of available-for-sale securities,

788

(312)

(43)

2,923

(346)

(48)

 Realized gains of available-for-sale debt securities

(815)

312

43

(2,717)

489

67

 Foreign currency translation adjustments

9,037

509

70

5,924

1,129

155

Comprehensive loss

(48,229)

(13,511)

(1,857)

(82,896)

(26,523)

(3,650)

Loss per ADS:

 Basic and diluted

(0.68)

(0.16)

(0.02)

(1.06)

(0.32)

(0.04)

Weighted average number of shares used in computation of loss per share

 Basic and diluted

168,102,392

171,414,144

171,414,144

167,718,135

171,317,558

171,317,558

 

 

 

111, Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

For the three months ended June 30,

For the six months ended June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities 

(164,111)

93,260

12,834

(285,439)

201,698

27,755

Net cash provided by (used in)  investing activities 

139,938

(79,728)

(10,971)

86,750

(49,986)

(6,878)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

15,281

(104,472)

(14,376)

93,778

(259,943)

(35,769)

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

2,385

(865)

(119)

894

207

28

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash

(6,507)

(91,805)

(12,632)

(104,017)

(108,024)

(14,864)

Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period

619,281

607,329

83,571

716,791

623,548

85,803

Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period

612,774

515,524

70,939

612,774

515,524

70,939

 

 

 

111, Inc.

Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

For the three months ended June 30,

For the six months ended June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

(Loss) Income from operations

(41,405)

3,338

460

(63,137)

7,062

972

Add: Share-based compensation expenses

24,208

5,195

715

48,416

10,366

1,426

Non-GAAP (loss) income from operations

(17,197)

8,533

1,175

(14,721)

17,428

2,398

Net Loss

(45,377)

(2,082)

(285)

(64,734)

(4,767)

(655)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses, net of tax

24,208

5,195

715

48,416

10,366

1,426

Non-GAAP net (Loss) Income

(21,169)

3,113

430

(16,318)

5,599

771

Net Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

(57,239)

(14,020)

(1,927)

(89,026)

(27,795)

(3,824)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses, net of tax

24,208

5,195

715

48,416

10,366

1,426

Non-GAAP net Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

(33,031)

(8,825)

(1,212)

(40,610)

(17,429)

(2,398)

Loss per ADS(6): Basic and diluted

(0.68)

(0.16)

(0.02)

(1.06)

(0.32)

(0.04)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses per ADS(6), net of tax

0.30

0.06

0.00

0.58

0.12

0.02

Non-GAAP Loss per ADS(6)

(0.38)

(0.10)

(0.02)

(0.48)

(0.20)

(0.02)

(6) Every one ADSs represent two Class A ordinary shares.

 

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Participates in Korea-Vietnam Economic Delegation

Accelerates development of an industrial park in Phu Tho Province near Hanoi, while attracting advanced manufacturing companies and building a supply chain ecosystemPlans parallel development of an Inland Container Depot (ICD) to strengthen logistics competitivenessExpands discussions with Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) on financial support measures and new business opportunities

HANOI, Vietnam and SEOUL, South Korea, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iMarketKorea, a leading industrial materials distribution company led by CEO Kim Hak-jae, announced that it has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee and Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam during the MOU signing session at the Korea-Vietnam Business Forum, hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The company participated in the official Korea-Vietnam economic delegation.

As Vietnam’s investment environment continues to advance, cooperation in production infrastructure such as industrial parks has become increasingly important. Based on prior discussions with Phu Tho Province, iMarketKorea formalized this partnership through the latest agreements.

Located near Noi Bai International Airport, Phu Tho Province is emerging as a strategic logistics hub and an attractive production base for global companies. The province recorded 10.52% gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth in 2025, ranking fourth among Vietnam’s provinces.

Through the agreement, iMarketKorea plans to develop a national industrial park in Phu Tho Province and actively attract global manufacturing companies. The company also aims to build a supply chain-driven industrial ecosystem by strengthening collaboration among related businesses centered around the industrial complex.

To enhance logistics competitiveness, iMarketKorea will also pursue the development of an Inland Container Depot (ICD) with bonded warehousing functions. An ICD is an inland logistics hub enabling customs clearance and cargo handling. When integrated with the industrial park, it is expected to improve import-export efficiency and strengthen the region’s attractiveness to manufacturers.

Kim Hak-jae, CEO of iMarketKorea, said, “This agreement establishes the foundation for integrated production and logistics infrastructure. Through cooperation with the Phu Tho provincial government and BIDV, we plan to establish a one-stop support system covering administration, finance, legal matters, and taxation. We will also create an environment where high-tech parts and materials companies can effectively utilize local incentives and gradually expand future cooperation.”

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SOURCE iMarketKorea

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Global Customers Are Taking a Closer Look at Focused Photonics Inc.

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HANGZHOU, China, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For scientific instrument companies competing globally, differentiation increasingly depends on more than product specifications alone. Customers are looking beyond performance claims to assess whether a company can consistently translate technology into manufacturable products, proven applications, reliable delivery and long-term service support.

That shift was evident during Focused Photonics Inc.’s (FPI) Global Customer Experience Day 2026 in Hangzhou, where customers and partners from dozens of countries visited the company’s Qingshanhu Innovation Base, headquarters and live application sites. For many attendees, the event offered a closer look at how a China-headquartered scientific instrument company is building capabilities across R&D, manufacturing, systems integration and lifecycle support.

At Qingshanhu Innovation Base, visitors saw key stages of FPI’s operations firsthand, including engineering, precision manufacturing, system integration, testing and service readiness. For many international customers, these visits are less about viewing a production line and more about assessing execution: whether a supplier has the engineering discipline, manufacturing depth and support infrastructure required to deliver consistently in real operating environments.

This is becoming increasingly important across the industry. As customer expectations evolve, competition is moving beyond stand-alone instrument performance toward integrated solutions, automation, data integrity, compliance and lifecycle value. In industrial and environmental applications in particular, uptime, stability and workflow fit often matter as much as analytical capability.

At its global customer conference, FPI outlined how it is responding to that transition, highlighting continued investment across environmental monitoring, industrial process analysis, laboratory analysis and life science applications. The company is also expanding the role of digitalization, automation and AI to improve application readiness and solution delivery.

Application-focused exchanges during the event reinforced the same point. In discussions on environmental, industrial and laboratory scenarios, customers focused not only on performance metrics, but also on regulatory fit, workflow integration, long-term operation under complex conditions, and the ability of solutions to function reliably once deployed. These are increasingly central criteria in global purchasing decisions.

The clearest proof came from real-world settings. At the Hangzhou Ecological Environment Monitoring Center, visitors saw FPI’s automated water quality laboratory in operation, where sample handling, workflow continuity and data generation are integrated into day-to-day use. For customers, this offered a more concrete view of how a solution performs not just in demonstration, but in routine operation.

Taken together, the event underscored a broader industry reality: global competition in scientific instruments is increasingly defined not only by what a product can do, but by whether a company can manufacture it at scale, deploy it effectively, support it locally and sustain performance over time. That broader operational capability is becoming a decisive part of how international customers evaluate suppliers.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-customers-are-taking-a-closer-look-at-focused-photonics-inc-302753822.html

SOURCE Focused Photonics Inc.

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Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd Granted Overseas Intermediary Futures Broker Status by Shanghai Futures Exchange and Guangzhou Futures Exchange

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SINGAPORE, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd (“SFSPL”), a member of Straits Financial Group, is pleased to announce that it has been granted overseas intermediary (OI) futures broker status by the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) and the Guangzhou Futures Exchange (GFEX).

This recognition marks an important milestone in expanding international access to China’s futures markets and further strengthens SFSPL’s ability to connect global investors with onshore opportunities.

As an overseas intermediary futures broker, SFSPL will be able to facilitate client access to selected products listed on SHFE and GFEX. The overseas intermediary model significantly lowers barriers to entry for international participants by removing the need for complex onshore structures and enabling more efficient cross-border access, while operating within China’s regulated market environment.

“As China’s futures market continues to open up, this recognition represents a meaningful milestone for both SFSPL and our clients,” said Roger Quek, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd. “We are pleased to support international investors with more seamless access to China’s onshore derivatives market, while maintaining a strong focus on risk management, compliance, and execution efficiency.”

As China’s derivatives market continue to evolve, SFSPL is strongly positioned to support clients looking to deepen their involvement in this high-potential market.

SFSPL remains committed to delivering robust trading capabilities, seamless market access, and trusted expertise to help clients navigate global investment opportunities.

About Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd

At Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd, we distinguish ourselves by promoting key and innovative contracts to support the financial and commodity derivative markets as well as providing products and services to fulfill the needs of every trader.

With a strong presence in Asia and a deep understanding of the global markets, we provide value to our clients by enabling global access with a local perspective. Established in 2010, Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd is part of Straits Financial Group which is headquartered in Singapore.

Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd provides a fully-integrated service for our clients to access the financial and commodity derivative markets and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.straitsfinancial.com.

This document is issued for information purposes only. This document is not intended and should not under any circumstances to be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell, nor financial advice or recommendation in relation to any capital market product. All the information contained herein is based on publicly available information and has been obtained from sources that Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd believes to be reliable and correct at the time of publishing this document.

Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd will not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind (whether direct, indirect or consequential losses or other economic loss of any kind) suffered due to any omission, error, inaccuracy, incompleteness, or otherwise, any reliance on such information. Past performance or historical record of futures contracts, derivatives contracts, and commodities is not indicative of the future performance. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

If after reading the foregoing content you have any doubts in relation thereto, please consult your own independent legal, financial and/or professional adviser.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/straits-financial-services-pte-ltd-granted-overseas-intermediary-futures-broker-status-by-shanghai-futures-exchange-and-guangzhou-futures-exchange-302752994.html

SOURCE Straits Financial

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