Technology
Dye & Durham Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End Fiscal 2024 Financial Results
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2 years agoon
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Revenue up 15% to $120 million in Q4 FY2024 and up 14% to $452 million for FY2024, taking into consideration the TM Group divestiture Leveraged free cash flow1 of $32 million in Q4 FY2024Adjusted EBITDA1 up 5% to $69 million in Q4 FY2024 and up 6% to $258 million in FY2024
TORONTO, Sept. 4, 2024 /CNW/ – Dye & Durham Limited (“Dye & Durham” or the “Company”) (TSX: DND), one of the world’s largest providers of cloud-based legal practice management software, today announced its financial results for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2024.
“We continue to see strong business momentum, with notable ARR growth and solid free cash flow,” said Dye & Durham CEO Matthew Proud. “Our focus on enhancing platform functionality for our customers is reinforcing our market leadership position, and we’re pleased with the robust organic growth we’re achieving, while reducing our leverage ratio.”
“The Company is well-positioned to grow across its tens of thousands of customers who are looking for streamlined workflows delivered through centralized dashboards with single-sign-on and software interoperability,” said Frank Di Liso Dye & Durham’s CFO. “Over the last two fiscal years we have made significant investments in organic product enhancements focused on delivering on the above mentioned strategy. The results of this quarter and fiscal year 2024 validate that our investment is now paying off.”
For the three months ended June 30, 2024 the Company’s leveraged free cash flow was the strongest quarter on record. Furthermore, the Company has achieved its strongest quarterly revenue performance to date and its second strongest adjusted EBITDA performance to date, taking into consideration the TM Group divestiture.
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Highlights
(Comparison periods in each case are the three months ended June 30, 2023)
Revenue was up 15% to $120.1 million taking into consideration the TM Group divestitureOrganic revenue growth rate1,4 of 8%Annual Recurring Revenue2 was up 74% to $136.7 million, representing 29% of total revenue3Net loss was $105.2 million, down $16 millionAdjusted EBITDA3 was up 5% to $69.0 millionLeveraged Free Cash Flow of $31.7 million
Fiscal 2024 Highlights
(Comparison periods in each case are the twelve months ended June 30, 2023)
Revenue was up 14% to $451.7 million taking into consideration the TM Group divestitureOrganic revenue growth rate1,4 of 3%Net loss was $174.3 million, down $3.7 millionAdjusted EBITDA3 was up $13.7 to $257.5 million
The Company continues to work towards reducing its net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio to below 4x.
Quarterly Dividend
On September 4, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a dividend for the three months ending June 30, 2024, in the amount of $0.01875 per common share, to be paid on or about September 19, 2024, to holders of common shares of record as of the close of business on September 12, 2024.
Conference Call Notification
The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its business later today, Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. ET hosted by senior management. A question-and-answer session will follow the corporate update.
DATE: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
TIME: 5:30 p.m. ET
RAPIDCONNECT: To instantly join the conference call by phone, please use the following URL to easily register and be connected into the conference call automatically: https://emportal.ink/3Av2n8Z
TRADITIONAL DIAL-IN NUMBER: (437) 900-0527 or (888) 510-2154
TAPED REPLAY: (289) 819-1450 or (888) 660-6345
REPLAY CODE: 70070#
This call is being webcast and can be accessed by going to: https://app.webinar.net/263Zz9nNaWq
1) Represents a non-IFRS measure. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For the relevant definition, see the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section of this press release. Management believes non-IFRS measures, including EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Leveraged free cash flow and organic revenue growth rate, provide supplementary information to IFRS measures used in assessing the performance of the business by providing further understanding of the Company’s results of operations from management’s perspective. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-IFRS Measures”, and “Select Information and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures in the Company’s most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which is available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, for further details on certain non-IFRS measures, including the relevant reconciliations of each of Adjusted EBITDA and Leveraged free cash flow to its most directly comparable IFRS measure, which information is incorporated by reference herein. Please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section of this press release for a reconciliation of Organic Revenue to Revenue.
2) As of June 30, 2024.
3) Excluding TM Group financial results.
4) Organic Revenue Growth Rate is calculated by the total revenue in the current quarter period (excluding the pre-acquisition quarterly revenue of those acquisitions executed in the last twelve months period from June 30, 2024 and discontinued businesses) divided by the total revenue in the prior quarter period (excluding discontinued businesses). Below is a reconciliation of Organic Revenue to Revenue.
Q4 FY2024
Q4 FY2023
FY2024
FY2023
Revenue
120.1
120.2
457.7
451.1
TM Group Pre-Divestiture
0.0
15.4
6.0
56.1
Pre-Acquisition Reporting Results
8.3
1.0
48.4
1.0
Discontinued Businesses
–
0.6
–
3.4
Organic Revenue
111.8
103.2
403.3
390.6
Organic Revenue Growth Rate
8 %
–
3 %
–
About Dye & Durham
Dye & Durham Limited provides premier practice management solutions empowering legal professionals every day, delivers vital data insights to support critical corporate and property transactions and enables the essential payments infrastructure trusted by government and financial institutions. The company has operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and South Africa.
Additional information can be found at www.dyedurham.com.
Non-IFRS Measures
This press release makes reference to certain non-IFRS measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company’s results of operations from management’s perspective and to discuss Dye & Durham’s financial outlook. The Company’s definitions of non-IFRS measures may not be the same as the definitions for such measures used by other companies in their reporting. Non-IFRS measures have limitations as analytical tools. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of Dye & Durham’s financial information reported under IFRS. The Company uses non-IFRS measures, including “EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Leveraged Free Cash Flow” and “Organic Revenue Growth Rate” (each as defined below), to provide investors with supplemental measures of its operating performance and to eliminate items that have less bearing on operating performance or operating conditions and thus highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. The Company’s management also uses non-IFRS financial measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. The Company believes that securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS financial measures in the evaluation of issues.
Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Non-IFRS Measures” and “Select Information and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures” in the Company’s most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which is available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, for further details on certain non-IFRS measures, including relevant reconciliations of each non-IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure, which information is incorporated by reference herein.
EBITDA
EBITDA means net income (loss) before amortization and depreciation expenses, finance and interest costs including change in fair value of the Company’s convertible debentures, loss on settlement of loans and borrowings, realized loss on derivatives, gains or losses from re-financing transactions and provision for income taxes.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA adjusts EBITDA for stock-based compensation expense, loss on disposal of assets held for sale, specific transaction-related expenses related to acquisitions, listing and reorganization related expenses, integration and operational restructuring costs. Operational restructuring costs are incurred as a direct or indirect result of acquisition activities. Operational restructuring costs include the full period impact of cost synergies related to the reduction of employees for acquisitions.
Leveraged Free Cash Flow
Leveraged Free Cash Flow means net cash provided by operating activities less additions to intangible assets and property (including capitalized software) less net interest paid and payments under lease arrangements.
Organic Revenue Growth
Organic Revenue Growth means total revenue in the current quarter or year-to-date period (excluding the pre-acquisition quarterly or year-to-date revenue of those acquisitions executed in the last twelve months period and discontinued businesses) “Organic Revenue” divided by the total revenue in the prior quarter or year-to-date period (excluding TM Group, pre-acquisition quarterly or year-to-date revenue and discontinued businesses).
Forward-looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which reflects the Company’s current expectations regarding future events, including with respect to the timing and completion of the Offer, the intentions of the Company’s directors and officers and debenture holders with respect to tendering to the Offer, and the Company’s financial outlook and business strategy, including its debt reduction strategy and products and services. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, nor guarantees or assurances of future performance but instead represent management’s current beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events and operating performance.
Specifically, statements regarding Dye & Durham’s expectations of future results, performance, prospects, the markets in which we operate, or about any future intention with regard to its business, acquisition strategies and debt reduction strategy are forward-looking information. The foregoing demonstrates Dye & Durham’s objectives, which are not forecasts or estimates of its financial position, but are based on the implementation of its strategic goals, growth prospectus, and growth initiatives. The forward-looking information is based on management’s opinions, estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) Dye & Durham’s results of operations continuing as expected, (ii) the Company continuing to effectively execute against its key strategic growth priorities, (iii) the Company continuing to retain and grow its existing customer base and market share, (iv) the Company being able to take advantage of future prospects and opportunities, and realize on synergies, including with respect of acquisitions, (v) there being no changes in legislative or regulatory matters that negatively impact the Company’s business, (vi) current tax laws remaining in effect and not being materially changed, (vii) economic conditions remaining relatively stable throughout the period, (vii) the industries Dye & Durham operates in continuing to grow consistent with past experience, (ix) the seasonal trends in real estate transaction volume continuing as expected, * the Company’s expectations regarding its debt reduction strategy being met and * those assumptions described under the heading “Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the period ended June 30, 2024. While these opinions, estimates and assumptions are considered by Dye & Durham to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances as of the date of this press release, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.
The forward looking information is subject to significant risks including, without limitation: that the Company will be unable to effectively execute against its key strategic growth priorities, including in respect of acquisitions; the Company will be unable to continue to retain and grow its existing customer base and market share; risks related to the Company’s business and financial position; that Dye & Durham may not be able to accurately predict its rate of growth and profitability; risks related to economic and political uncertainty; income tax related risks; and those risk factors discussed in greater detail under the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent annual information form and under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which are available under Dye & Durham’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Many of these risks are beyond the Company’s control.
If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.
Although the Company bases these forward-looking statements on assumptions that it believes are reasonable when made, the Company cautions investors that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that its actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which it operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results of developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.
There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents Dye & Durham’s expectations as of the date specified herein, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of those statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless specifically expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.
All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.
SOURCE Dye & Durham Limited
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Korean Buyers Invited to Connect with Chinese Suppliers at C-TOUCH & DISPLAY and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026
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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Featuring Korea Day business matchmaking, next-generation display technologies and advanced functional materials, the October exhibitions offer Korean industry professionals new opportunities to explore suppliers and strengthen cross-border partnerships.
As demand grows for advanced displays, semiconductor technologies and high-performance materials, C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will welcome Korean buyers and industry professionals to Shenzhen, China, from October 27–29. The exhibitions will provide opportunities to discover new technologies, meet Chinese manufacturers and explore business partnerships across the electronics, display, automotive and advanced materials supply chains.
C-TOUCH: Exploring Next-Generation Display and Semiconductor Technologies
C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 will showcase technologies spanning OLED, Micro LED, flexible displays, touch panels, e-paper, commercial displays, automotive displays and AI+AR smart glasses. As display technologies converge with AI computing, optical communications and semiconductor packaging, the exhibition will connect Korean visitors with suppliers developing materials, components, manufacturing equipment and integrated solutions.
A key highlight is the TGV Glass Substrate Advanced Packaging Zone, where visitors can explore eight major process stages, including laser induction, etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), electroplating, chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), coating and photolithography.
FILM & TAPE EXPO: Functional Materials for Electronics and Advanced Manufacturing
FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will bring together suppliers of functional films, optical films, protective and release films, polyimide (PI) films, adhesive tapes, optical clear adhesives (OCA), thermal-management materials and precision converting equipment.
The exhibition will also cover coating, laminating, slitting, rewinding, inspection and die-cutting technologies. These solutions support applications across consumer electronics, semiconductors, automotive electronics, batteries and energy storage, PCB/FPC and industrial manufacturing.
Korea Day: Connecting Korean Buyers with Chinese Suppliers
A major opportunity for Korean visitors will be Korea Day, a dedicated buyer–supplier matchmaking initiative designed to facilitate business connections between Korean industry professionals and Chinese suppliers.
The program will provide a focused setting for buyers to communicate their sourcing needs, explore relevant products and technologies, and discuss potential cooperation directly with suppliers. For companies seeking new sourcing options, manufacturing partners or materials for product development, Korea Day can help make exhibition visits more targeted and productive.
Easier Travel: China’s 30-Day Visa-Free Policy for South Korean Citizens
Travel planning has also become more convenient for eligible Korean visitors. Under China’s current unilateral visa-free policy, South Korean citizens holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange visits and transit.
The policy has been extended through December 31, 2026. Visitors should consult the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea for the latest official guidance.
Register to Visit Shenzhen This October
C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will take place October 27–29 at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an, Shenzhen, China.
C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026: Pre-register here
FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026: Pre-register here
About RX Kuozhan
RX Kuozhan is a joint venture between Reed Exhibitions and Kuozhan Exhibition Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., established in 2015. The company organizes a portfolio of industry-leading exhibitions serving the display, touch technology, functional films, adhesive materials, commercial display and advanced materials sectors. Through its exhibitions and industry engagement initiatives, RX Kuozhan connects manufacturers, technology providers, buyers and industry professionals, facilitating business partnerships, technology exchange and cross-industry collaboration in China and international markets.
For more information, please visit C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN and FILM & TAPE EXPO.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/korean-buyers-invited-to-connect-with-chinese-suppliers-at-c-touch–display-and-film–tape-expo-2026-302912105.html
SOURCE RX Kuozhan
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What’s Next for Webull Corporation Shareholders After 19.09% Stock Drop? Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP Explains Securities Fraud Class Action Lead Plaintiff Deadline
Published
3 minutes agoon
October 20, 2026By
Complaint alleges Webull Corporation misled investors between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026; investors may seek lead plaintiff role by December 7, 2026
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP (“Glancy”) announced today that the class action lawsuit covers investors who bought Webull Corporation (“Webull” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BULL) securities between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026. The Webull Corporation case, Ward v. Webull Corporation et al., was filed on October 8, 2026 in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida (Tampa) (Case No. 8:26-cv-03052).
Investors who suffered losses on Webull Corporation investments can submit their Webull Corporation loss information here before the December 7, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
Key dates in the Webull Corporation case
Class period: April 26, 2025 to October 6, 2026Complaint filed: October 8, 2026Lead plaintiff deadline: December 7, 2026
What happened?
On October 7, 2026, the bipartisan House Select Committee on China issued a report which found “a profound gap” between Webull’s public marketing as “an American company” and actual control of the alleged St. Petersburg, Florida-based firm. The committee reportedly found “Webull’s ownership architecture, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, corporate financing, and compliance frameworks are tied in structural ways to the People’s Republic of China.” The Select Committee also reportedly found that Webull initially told the Select Committee that it had no offices or employees in China, while Webull’s mainland China subsidiary in fact employed approximately 863 employees, or 62% of Webull’s global workforce.
Webull Corporation stock fell $1.39 or 19.09%, to close at $5.89 on October 7, 2026, thereby injuring investors.
What is the Webull Corporation lawsuit about?
The Webull Corporation securities lawsuit alleges that, between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about Webull Corporation’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the complaint alleges defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Webull’s mainland China operations were not limited to research and development and technical support functions, but rather Webull’s software development, data pipelines, and core engineering depended on PRC-based personnel and on infrastructure subject to Chinese law; (2) Webull’s ownership structure, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, financing, and compliance structure were structurally tied to China; (3) as a result, Webull’s representations that its principal business operations were based in the U.S. and that its U.S. customer data was insulated from non-U.S. access materially overstated Webull’s independence from the PRC; and (4) as a result, defendants’ positive statements about Webull Corporation’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
“The complaint filed against Webull Corporation alleges that, among other things, the Company failed to disclose that Webull’s mainland China operations were not limited to research and development and technical support functions, but rather Webull’s software development, data pipelines, and core engineering depended on PRC-based personnel and on infrastructure subject to Chinese law. For investors who bought during the class period, the December 7, 2026 deadline is the first major step in this case,” said Charles H. Linehan, Partner at Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP.
What’s the next step?
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is a leading national shareholder rights law firm, ready to assist Webull Corporation investors in potentially pursuing claims to recover their losses.
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff in the Webull Corporation class action, you must move the Court no later than December 7, 2026. To learn more about your rights, visit the Webull Corporation case page, email shareholders@glancylaw.com, or call 310-201-9150 (toll-free: 888-773-9224).
You may retain counsel of your choice. If you bought Webull Corporation securities during the class period, you may take no action and remain an absent class member. No class has been certified yet in the Webull Corporation case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible? Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Webull Corporation securities between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026 and suffered losses may be members of the proposed class in the Webull Corporation shareholder lawsuit. Any class member may ask the court to appoint them lead plaintiff by December 7, 2026.
What is a lead plaintiff? In the Webull Corporation class action, the lead plaintiff is the investor, or group of investors, that the court appoints to represent all class members and oversee the case. Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, courts generally presume the movant with the largest financial interest is the most adequate lead plaintiff.
Do I have to be lead plaintiff to recover? No. A Webull Corporation investor’s ability to share in any future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff. Webull Corporation investors may take no action and remain absent class members.
What is the deadline? Motions to serve as lead plaintiff in the Webull Corporation class action must be filed by December 7, 2026.
Does it cost anything to contact Glancy or participate in this action? Glancy represents Webull Corporation investors on a contingency fee basis, which means investors pay no attorneys’ fees unless there is a recovery. Any fees are subject to court approval and are paid from the recovery.
Can I choose my own lawyer? Yes. Webull Corporation investors may retain counsel of their choice.
Why work with Glancy on the Webull Corporation lawsuit? Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is a premier law firm with decades of experience representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. Contact Glancy about the Webull Corporation lawsuit. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
About Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
Glancy was named one of Law360’s Securities Groups of the Year and ranked second in total investor recoveries by ISS Securities Class Action Services in 2025.
Glancy’s successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press, Barron’s, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes, and Money.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Related links
Webull Corporation case page, Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLPComplaint: Ward v. Webull Corporation et al., U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida (Tampa)Webull Corporation SEC filings index, EDGARGlancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
CONTACT:
Charles H. Linehan
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Email: shareholders@glancylaw.com
Telephone: 310-201-9150 | Toll-free: 888-773-9224
www.glancylaw.com
Follow Glancy on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
Technology
NetDragon Partners with Jiuzhou Culture to Establish Joint Venture
Published
4 minutes agoon
October 20, 2026By
Takes Controlling Stake in AI Harness Business to Advance a Third Growth Engine
HONG KONG, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or the “Company”; Hong Kong Stock Code: 0777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a legally binding memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with Jiuzhou Culture (“Jiuzhou”), a leading AIGC short drama production and distribution company in China, to establish a joint venture (“JV”) in which NetDragon will hold a 51% controlling interest. The partnership will focus on artificial intelligence technologies, AIGC-powered content creation and digital technology services, further expanding NetDragon’s AI application scenarios and commercialisation opportunities while accelerating the development of a new growth engine.
Deepening the Integration of AIGC and Content to Build a Diversified Digital Business Platform
Rapid advances in AIGC are continuing to reshape content creation, digital entertainment and software services. With the ongoing maturation of generative AI, large-scale AI models and AI agents, AI is evolving from a supporting tool into a productivity platform that can enhance the entire value chain, from content creation and production to operations and commercialisation. Through the JV Company, NetDragon and Jiuzhou will combine their complementary strengths in technology, IP, content and industry resources to accelerate the deployment of AIGC across real-world commercial applications.
Under the MOU, Jiuzhou will inject into the JV Company all intellectual property, technologies and assets relating to the AI Harness system business, laying a solid foundation for product development and commercialisation. NetDragon will contribute Hong Kong dollars cash equivalent to RMB 50 million to the JV Company, acquire a 51% shareholding interest and consolidate the JV Company’s financial results. The JV Company will focus on expanding foundational artificial intelligence software, large-scale AI models and the AI Harness system business. It is expected to serve as the first commercial validation platform in China for NetDragon’s “AI ecosystem co-creation” strategy, marking the launch of the Company’s third growth engine and laying the groundwork for the business model to be replicated and scaled across various sectors.
To accelerate the scalable commercialisation of the AI Harness business, the transaction also incorporates a multi-tiered, progressive performance-based incentive warrant scheme. NetDragon will issue 25 million unlisted warrants to Jiuzhou at an issue price of HK$0.10 per warrant share, to be granted in three tranches with initial exercise prices of HK$10, HK$12 and HK$15, respectively. The warrants will only become exercisable upon achievement of specified key performance indicators by the JV Company. Assuming full exercise of all warrants at the initial exercise prices, NetDragon will receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately HK$314 million, which will supplement the Company’s development capital while achieving deep alignment of interests and shared equity upside with its strategic partner.
Strengthening AI Ecosystem Synergies to Drive a Third Growth Engine
As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into content production, digital services and global operations, NetDragon and Jiuzhou will take this collaboration as a new starting point to fully leverage their complementary strengths and accelerate the commercialisation of AI capabilities, translating technological innovation into tangible business value. In recent years, NetDragon has continued to advance its AI strategy across AI+gaming, AI+education and enterprise intelligence, while actively exploring emerging AI businesses with the potential to establish independent commercial models. Jiuzhou, meanwhile, has built deep expertise in micro-dramas and digital content, with an integrated value chain spanning copyright operations, content creation, co-production, paid distribution and official distribution. It has also continued to expand the use of AIGC across content production, creation and operations. The two parties will further explore the deep integration of AI technology with the content industry, accelerating the implementation of AI capabilities in scenarios such as content generation, AI model applications, translation and localisation, platform operations, and enterprise technology services, to build scalable and sustainable business models.
Following the launch of the MOYU AI platform in August 2026, NetDragon’s investment and controlling stake in the AI Harness business marks another important step in increasing resource allocation to its AI business and broadening its long-term growth pathways. The performance-linked equity incentive collaboration with Jiuzhou is expected to establish a new model of strategic collaboration for NetDragon, enabling the Company and its partners to grow the business together and share in the value created. Looking ahead, NetDragon will remain focused on its core AI business, deepen technological innovation and resource integration, and leverage its established strengths in gaming and education alongside the emerging growth engine of AI ecosystem co-creation. Under this three-pronged strategy, the Company aims to continuously strengthen its core competitiveness, enhance long-term investment value, and deliver sustainable returns to shareholders.
About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited
NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 777) is a global leader in building internet communities, with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users. Over the desktop and mobile internet eras, NetDragon previously established China’s first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China’s most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.
Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known digital entertainment IP developers and operators in China with a history of successful flagship game titles deeply welcomed by users both at home and abroad. For more than a decade, NetDragon has also achieved success with its EdTech business both domestically and globally. Fully embracing the new AI era, NetDragon is driving its vision of “Infinite Growth” through AI-enabled digital entertainment and online learning, whilst building a systematic AI product methodology to create value growth.
NetDragon’s overseas edtech business entity, currently a U.S.-listed subsidiary named Mynd.ai, is a global leader in interactive technology and its award-winning interactive displays and software can be found in more than 2 million learning and training spaces across 126 countries.
About Jiuzhou Culture
Founded in 2021, Jiuzhou is a leading player in the online micro-drama industry, with an integrated business model spanning copyright operations, content creation, co-production, paid distribution and official distribution. The company has established a comprehensive, end-to-end content ecosystem designed to enhance operational efficiency and unlock synergies across the value chain. Embracing technological innovation, Jiuzhou actively integrates cutting-edge technologies such as AIGC to enhance content quality and creative capabilities. Its self-developed Moss tool has accelerated AI adoption across the entire value chain, leveraging technology to advance the development of the global short drama ecosystem.
In terms of content creation, Jiuzhou has accumulated the rights to more than 4,000 short dramas and has successfully distributed over 1,000 productions. Its portfolio spans more than 20 popular genres, including contemporary drama, romance, campus life, fantasy, suspense and historical fiction, catering to the diverse entertainment preferences of audiences in China and worldwide. By combining paid content, free-to-view short dramas and international expansion, Jiuzhou has developed a distinctive business ecosystem that strengthens its competitive position and drives continued innovation in the micro-drama industry.
Internationally, the company leverages its strengths in content production, audience reach and distribution networks to bring Chinese micro-dramas to global audiences while tailoring its offerings to local tastes and cultural preferences. Its flagship international platform, ShortMax, focuses primarily on North American and European markets, offering a wide selection of localized Chinese dramas and original productions. ShortMax is now available in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, having achieved peak monthly active users (MAU) of over 30 million, more than 90 million cumulative registered users and 200 million downloads.
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