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ATRenew Inc. Reports Unaudited Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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SHANGHAI, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ATRenew Inc. (“ATRenew” or the “Company”) (NYSE: RERE), a leading technology-driven pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and services platform in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024. 

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

Total net revenues grew by 24.4% to RMB4,051.2 million (US$577.3 million) from RMB3,256.8 million in the third quarter of 2023.Income from operations was RMB24.9 million (US$3.5 million), compared to a loss from operations of RMB28.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted income from operations (non-GAAP)[1] was RMB104.0 million (US$14.8 million), compared to RMB73.8 million in the third quarter of 2023.Number of consumer products transacted[2] was 9.1 million compared to 8.2 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Mr. Kerry Xuefeng Chen, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of ATRenew, commented, “We are delighted to report that our total net revenues reached RMB4.05 billion in the third quarter of 2024, representing a robust year-over-year growth of 24.4%. We are particularly encouraged by the widespread adoption of our consumer electronics trade-in services, which provide consumers with a seamless experience and competitive pricing. Our AHS stores maintain their industry-leading position, serving as the preferred destination for users to recycle reusable consumer products and purchase quality-assured, value-for-money pre-owned electronic devices.”

Mr. Rex Chen, Chief Financial Officer of ATRenew, added, “The third quarter marked another milestone in our path to enhanced profitability, as we achieved positive GAAP income from operations and our non-GAAP income from operations exceeded RMB100 million for the first time. These results reflect our successful initiatives to optimize operating expenses and the diminishing impact of amortization expenses from historical acquisitions. We also demonstrated our commitment to shareholder returns by repurchasing over US$12 million of our shares during the quarter. Looking ahead, we remain focused on driving operational efficiency and delivering sustainable value to our users and shareholders.”

[1]. See “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” for more information.

[2]. “Number of consumer products transacted” represents the number of consumer products distributed to merchants and consumers through transactions on the Company’s PJT Marketplace, Paipai Marketplace and other channels the Company operates in a given period, prior to returns and cancellations, excluding the number of consumer products collected through AHS Recycle; a single consumer product may be counted more than once according to the number of times it is transacted on PJT Marketplace, Paipai Marketplace and other channels the Company operates through the distribution process to end consumer.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

REVENUE

Total net revenues increased by 24.4% to RMB4,051.2 million (US$577.3 million) from RMB3,256.8 million in the same period of 2023.

Net product revenues increased by 25.6% to RMB3,672.2 million (US$523.3 million) from RMB2,924.0 million in the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the sales of pre-owned consumer electronics both through the Company’s online and offline channels.Net service revenues increased by 13.9% to RMB379.0 million (US$54.0 million), compared to RMB332.8 million in the same period of 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the service revenue generated from PJT Marketplace and multi-category recycling business.

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

Operating costs and expenses were RMB4,028.1 million (US$574.0 million), compared to RMB3,307.5 million in the same period of 2023, representing an increase of 21.8%.

Merchandise costs were RMB3,242.8 million (US$462.1 million), compared to RMB2,611.0 million in the same period of 2023, representing an increase of 24.2%. This was primarily due to the growth in product sales.Fulfillment expenses were RMB347.3 million (US$49.5 million), compared to RMB287.7 million in the same period of 2023, representing an increase of 20.7%. The increase was primarily due to (i) an increase in personnel costs and logistics expenses as the Company conducted more recycling and transaction activities compared with the same period of 2023, and (ii) an increase in operation center related expenses as the Company expanded its store networks in the third quarter of 2024.Selling and marketing expenses were RMB315.3 million (US$44.9 million), compared to RMB299.5 million in the same period of 2023, representing an increase of 5.3%. The increase was primarily due to  (i) an increase in advertising expenses and promotional campaign related expenses, and (ii) an increase in share-based compensation expenses. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions as the maturity of some intangible assets and deferred cost in the third quarter of 2023.General and administrative expenses were RMB69.3 million (US$9.9 million), compared to RMB69.8 million in the same period of 2023, representing a decrease of 0.7%, primarily due to a decrease in share-based compensation expenses. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in other personnel cost.Technology and content expenses were RMB53.4 million (US$7.6 million), compared to RMB39.4 million in the same period of 2023, representing an increase of 35.5%. The increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs in connection with the ongoing maintenance of the Company’s operation centers and system.

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

Income from operations was RMB24.9 million (US$3.5 million), compared to a loss from operations of RMB28.1 million in the same period of 2023.

Adjusted income from operations (non-GAAP) was RMB104.0 million (US$14.8 million), compared to RMB73.8 million in the same period of 2023.

NET INCOME (LOSS)

Net income was RMB17.9 million (US$2.6 million), compared to a net loss of RMB44.2 million in the same period of 2023.

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was RMB90.1 million (US$12.8 million), compared to RMB47.6 million in the same period of 2023.

BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER ORDINARY SHARE

Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share were RMB0.11 (US$0.02), compared to basic and diluted net loss of RMB0.27 in the same period of 2023.

Adjusted basic and diluted net income per ordinary share (non-GAAP) were RMB0.56 (US$0.08) and RMB0.55 (US$0.08), compared to RMB0.30 and RMB0.29 in the same period of 2023.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, RESTRICTED CASH, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND FUNDS RECEIVABLE FROM THIRD PARTY PAYMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and funds receivable from third party payment service providers were RMB2,350.5 million (US$334.9 million) as of September 30, 2024, as compared to RMB2,854.4 million as of December 31, 2023.

Business Outlook

For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company currently expects its total revenues to be between RMB4,740.0 million and RMB4,840.0 million, representing an increase of 22.4% to 24.9% year-over-year. This forecast only reflects the Company’s current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.

Recent Development

On August 29, 2024, ATRenew announced an improvement in its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) score as assessed by S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment in 2024, placing it in the 93rd percentile among its global RTS retailing industry peers. This is primarily attributable to ATRenew’s commitment to ESG, particularly greater transparency in its climate strategy, human capital management, and business ethics.

During the third quarter of 2024, ATRenew repurchased a total of approximately 4.9 million ADSs for approximately US$12.1 million under its current share repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to US$50 million worth of its shares (including ADSs) through June 27, 2025. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 8.2 million ADSs for approximately US$20.1 million under this share repurchase program.

Conference Call Information

The Company’s management will hold a conference call on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 07:00 A.M. Eastern Time (or 08:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

International:

1-412-317-6061

United States Toll Free:

1-888-317-6003

Mainland China Toll Free:

4001-206115

Hong Kong Toll Free:

800-963976

Access Code:

3668505

The replay will be accessible through November 27, 2024 by dialing the following numbers:

International:

1-412-317-0088

United States Toll Free:

1-877-344-7529

Access Code:                    

3972162

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at ir.atrenew.com.

About ATRenew Inc.

Headquartered in Shanghai, ATRenew Inc. operates a leading technology-driven pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and services platform in China under the brand ATRenew. Since its inception in 2011, ATRenew has been on a mission to give a second life to all idle goods, addressing the environmental impact of pre-owned consumer electronics by facilitating recycling and trade-in services, and distributing the devices to prolong their lifecycle. ATRenew’s open platform integrates C2B, B2B, and B2C capabilities to empower its online and offline services. Through its end-to-end coverage of the entire value chain and its proprietary inspection, grading, and pricing technologies, ATRenew sets the standard for China’s pre-owned consumer electronics industry. ATRenew is a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business.

Exchange Rate Information

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 RMB7.0176 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 September 30, 2024.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company also uses certain non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating its business. For example, the Company uses adjusted income from operations, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per ordinary share as supplemental measures to review and assess its financial and operating performance. 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. Adjusted income from operations is loss from operations excluding the share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions. Adjusted net income is net loss excluding the share-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions and tax effects of amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions. Adjusted net income per ordinary share is adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share.

The Company presents non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the Company’s management to evaluate the Company’s financial and operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that adjusted income from operations and adjusted net income help identify underlying trends in the Company’s business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that are included in loss from operations and net loss. The Company also believes that the use of non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors’ assessment of the Company’s operating performance. The Company believes that adjusted income from operations and adjusted net income provide useful information about the Company’s operating results, enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company’s management in its 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 financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company’s operations. The share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions and tax effects of amortization of intangible assets and deferred cost resulting from assets and business acquisitions have been and may continue to be incurred in the Company’s business and is not reflected in the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures. Further, the non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP measures used by other companies, including peer companies, potentially limiting the comparability of their financial results to the Company’s. In light of the foregoing limitations, the non-GAAP financial measures for the period should not be considered in isolation from or as an alternative to income from operations, net income, and net income attributable to ordinary shareholders per share, or other financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. For reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled, “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results.”

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Among other things, quotations in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. ATRenew may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about ATRenew’s beliefs, plans 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: ATRenew’s strategies; ATRenew’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; ATRenew’s ability to maintain its relationship with major strategic investors; its ability to facilitate pre-owned consumer electronics transactions and provide relevant services; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ATRenew’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and ATRenew does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

In China:
ATRenew Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@atrenew.com 

In the United States:
ICR LLC.
Email: atrenew@icrinc.com
Tel: +1-212-537-0461

 

 

ATRENEW INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share and otherwise noted)

As of December 31,

As of September 30,

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

1,978,696

1,347,338

191,994

Restricted cash

210,000

132,000

18,810

Short-term investments

410,547

630,123

89,792

Amount due from related parties, net

89,592

218,771

31,175

Inventories

1,017,155

678,026

96,618

Funds receivable from third party payment service
providers

253,107

241,047

34,349

Prepayments and other receivables, net

567,622

754,617

107,532

Total current assets

4,526,719

4,001,922

570,270

Non-current assets:

Long-term investments

467,095

558,221

79,546

Property and equipment, net

148,223

159,236

22,691

Intangible assets, net

270,631

100,496

14,321

Other non-current assets

80,411

149,115

21,249

Total non-current assets

966,360

967,068

137,807

TOTAL ASSETS

5,493,079

4,968,990

708,077

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings

349,931

307,291

43,789

Accounts payable

532,293

105,314

15,007

Contract liabilities

119,715

81,571

11,624

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

465,123

478,145

68,135

Accrued payroll and welfare

146,371

148,945

21,224

Amount due to related parties

78,032

116,255

16,566

Total current liabilities

1,691,465

1,237,521

176,345

Non-current liabilities:

Operating lease liabilities, non-current

22,495

80,366

11,452

Deferred tax liabilities

67,658

42,099

5,999

Total non-current liabilities

90,153

122,465

17,451

TOTAL LIABILITIES

1,781,618

1,359,986

193,796

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

3,711,461

3,609,004

514,281

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY

5,493,079

4,968,990

708,077

 

ATRENEW INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share and otherwise noted)

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Net revenues

Net product revenues

2,923,970

3,672,239

523,290

8,135,824

10,383,813

1,479,682

Net service revenues

332,787

378,999

54,007

956,386

1,095,264

156,074

Operating (expenses) income (1)(2)

Merchandise costs

(2,611,018)

(3,242,843)

(462,101)

(7,188,902)

(9,181,300)

(1,308,325)

Fulfillment expenses

(287,704)

(347,270)

(49,486)

(822,913)

(985,325)

(140,408)

Selling and marketing expenses

(299,491)

(315,293)

(44,929)

(933,835)

(990,607)

(141,160)

General and administrative expenses

(69,826)

(69,302)

(9,875)

(203,794)

(215,671)

(30,733)

Technology and content expenses

(39,430)

(53,396)

(7,609)

(131,905)

(153,391)

(21,858)

Other operating income, net

22,640

1,751

250

32,512

23,082

3,289

Income (loss) from operations

(28,072)

24,885

3,547

(156,627)

(24,135)

(3,439)

Interest expense

(2,186)

(3,615)

(515)

(5,498)

(12,332)

(1,757)

Interest income

11,083

8,686

1,238

24,658

20,611

2,937

Other (loss) income, net

(4,428)

47

7

(6,719)

(41,305)

(5,886)

Income (loss) before income taxes and share
of loss in equity method investments

(23,603)

30,003

4,277

(144,186)

(57,161)

(8,145)

Income tax benefits

10,047

5,949

848

33,607

24,536

3,496

Share of loss in equity method investments

(30,632)

(18,069)

(2,575)

(48,449)

(53,028)

(7,556)

Net income (loss)

(44,188)

17,883

2,550

(159,028)

(85,653)

(12,205)

Net income (loss) per ordinary share:

Basic

(0.27)

0.11

0.02

(0.99)

(0.53)

(0.08)

Diluted

(0.27)

0.11

0.02

(0.99)

(0.53)

(0.08)

Weighted average number of shares used in
calculating net income (loss) per ordinary
share

Basic

161,338,983

161,405,774

161,405,774

161,393,190

162,011,110

162,011,110

Diluted

161,338,983

164,258,720

164,258,720

161,393,190

162,011,110

162,011,110

Net income (loss)

(44,188)

17,883

2,550

(159,028)

(85,653)

(12,205)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(5,676)

(7,093)

(1,011)

15,897

(7,183)

(1,024)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

(49,864)

10,790

1,539

(143,131)

(92,836)

(13,229)

 

ATRENEW INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share and otherwise noted)

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

(1) Includes share-based compensation
expenses as follows:

Fulfillment expenses

(5,362)

(3,021)

(430)

(17,910)

(15,992)

(2,279)

Selling and marketing expenses

(5,165)

(12,220)

(1,741)

(13,266)

(56,792)

(8,093)

General and administrative expenses

(19,239)

(13,854)

(1,974)

(56,182)

(45,924)

(6,544)

Technology and content expenses

(5,218)

(3,657)

(521)

(15,649)

(13,611)

(1,940)

(2) Includes amortization of intangible assets
and deferred cost resulting from assets and
business acquisitions as follows:

Selling and marketing expenses

(66,412)

(46,263)

(6,592)

(222,337)

(169,154)

(24,104)

Technology and content expenses

(482)

(130)

(19)

(1,446)

(981)

(140)

 

Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share and otherwise noted)

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Income (loss) from operations

(28,072)

24,885

3,547

(156,627)

(24,135)

(3,439)

Add:

Share-based compensation
expenses

34,984

32,752

4,666

103,007

132,319

18,856

Amortization of intangible assets
and deferred cost resulting from
assets and business acquisitions

66,894

46,393

6,611

223,783

170,135

24,244

Adjusted income from operations
(non-GAAP)

73,806

104,030

14,824

170,163

278,319

39,661

Net income (loss)

(44,188)

17,883

2,550

(159,028)

(85,653)

(12,205)

Add:

Share-based compensation
expenses

34,984

32,752

4,666

103,007

132,319

18,856

Amortization of intangible assets
and deferred cost resulting from
assets and business acquisitions

66,894

46,393

6,611

223,783

170,135

24,244

Less:

Tax effects of amortization of
intangible assets and deferred cost
resulting from assets and business
acquisitions

(10,047)

(6,972)

(994)

(33,607)

(25,559)

(3,642)

Adjusted net income (non-
GAAP)

47,643

90,056

12,833

134,155

191,242

27,253

Adjusted net income per
ordinary share (non-GAAP):

Basic

0.30

0.56

0.08

0.83

1.18

0.17

Diluted

0.29

0.55

0.08

0.80

1.16

0.17

Weighted average number of
shares used in calculating net
income per ordinary share

Basic

161,338,983

161,405,774

161,405,774

161,393,190

162,011,110

162,011,110

Diluted

166,112,358

164,258,720

164,258,720

167,609,332

165,040,389

165,040,389

 

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SOURCE ATRenew Inc.

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Technology

MARIANA MINERALS RESTARTS UTAH COPPER MINE AS THE WORLD’S ONLY AUTONOMOUS-FIRST MINE AND REFINERY

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Software-first minerals company integrates autonomous haulage, drilling, and robotic sensing across mining and refining under a single AI operating platform

SAN JUAN COUNTY, Utah, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mariana Minerals, the world’s only software-first, vertically integrated minerals company, today announced the restart of mining operations at Copper One in southeastern Utah. The restart marks a milestone in mining history: Copper One becomes the world’s first mine to deploy autonomous tools across all three operational domains (mining, refining, and capital project execution) unified under a single operating system.

Mariana acquired Lisbon Valley Mining Company in Q4 2025, gaining control of a roughly 10,000-acre permitted land package that has produced high-purity copper cathode since 2009. While refinery operations continued uninterrupted, mining was paused in late 2024. Mining operations resume this month with autonomous systems and autonomous orchestration active from day one.

“Copper One will be the first mine where delivering end-to-end autonomy is the priority, where it’s being rapidly deployed across mining and refining operations and coordinated by our internal software stack. That’s what MarianaOS makes possible. We chose to prove it here because the stakes are real: the U.S. has a structural copper deficit, and the window to close it is narrowing. We’re producing now and ramping output aggressively, with the primary goal of achieving fully-autonomous mining operations,” said Turner Caldwell, Co-Founder & CEO, Mariana Minerals.

MarianaOS: An Autonomy-First Mining Operating System
What makes Copper One unprecedented is not any single piece of autonomous equipment, but the intelligence layer coordinating them. MarianaOS integrates three core subsystems, MineOS, PlantOS, and CapitalProjectOS, into a unified platform spanning project execution through copper production.

On the mining side, Copper One will begin with integrating three best-in-class autonomous equipment platforms. Pronto’s turnkey Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) uses camera-based machine learning and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to enable fully driverless haul truck operation, with OEM-agnostic retrofit capability across mixed fleets. Sandvik’s AutoMine® platform enables autonomous production drilling, allowing operators to simultaneously monitor multiple surface machine operations from a remote-operations control center. And Boston Dynamics’ Spot quadruped robots autonomously patrol the open pit, heap leach pad, and solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) refinery infrastructure. All of these data feed directly into MineOS, enabling fleet-wide optimization and continuous improvement.

PlantOS extends autonomous operations into refining by integrating real-time sensor data across the entire refining process (solution chemistry, flow rates, temperature, and electrowinning cell performance) into a unified control system. Machine learning models predict process drift, automatically adjust reagent dosing, and flags maintenance needs before they impact output. The result is a continuously optimized refinery that operates with minimal human intervention.

CapitalProjectOS redefines how capital-intensive infrastructure projects are planned and executed. Traditional projects often take a decade or more and frequently suffer from chronic cost overruns. CapitalProjectOS integrates process development, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning data into a single platform that enables real-time progress tracking, predictive risk modeling, and automated schedule optimization. At Copper One, CapitalProjectOS is managing the expansion roadmap to scale output to 50,000 metric tons per year, coordinating heap leach pad expansions, refinery upgrades, and autonomous equipment deployment in parallel.

Built to Move Fast
While Mariana is actively constructing and developing greenfield projects – with the goal of compressing engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning timelines leveraging CapitalProjectOS – Copper One is uniquely positioned to accelerate deployment of MarianaOS at scale. With an existing open pit mine, heap leach pad, and SX-EW refining infrastructure already in place, Mariana will rapidly ramp production that would take years to replicate elsewhere.

Mariana’s longer-term plan is to scale Copper One output to 50,000 metric tons per year of high-purity copper cathode by 2030, leveraging additional proven deposits on the property and integrating copper scrap recycling.

A Critical Supply Gap
The U.S. currently imports approximately 50% of its refined copper. With domestic demand projected to nearly double by 2035 — driven by AI data centers, defense systems, EVs, and grid modernization — the supply gap is a national security issue. The Trump Administration’s Section 232 investigation cited copper imports as a direct concern, and the Pentagon has identified critical minerals vulnerability as a threat to the defense industrial base.

Domestic operations like Copper One, and the step-change in productivity that autonomous operations deliver, have become strategically essential.

About Mariana Minerals
Mariana engineers, builds, and operates mines and refineries, using proprietary AI and machine learning tools to accelerate project execution and optimize production across critically needed metals. Copper One is Mariana’s second active project, alongside Lithium One, the world’s first GWh-scale lithium extraction facility from oil and gas produced water, currently under construction in East Texas. Mariana has raised $120 million in total capital, including a Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and strategic investors.

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SOURCE Mariana Minerals

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State CISOs Report Lower Confidence Across the Public Sector Cyber Ecosystem, 2026 NASCIO-Deloitte Survey Finds

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The 2026 National Association of Chief Information Officers – Deloitte biennial cybersecurity study finds state officials face increasingly sophisticated threats, including new artificial intelligence-enabled tactics, and highlights steps CISOs are taking to better protect public data and critical digital services

NEW YORK, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 

Key takeaways

The survey of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from all 50 states and two territories found that just 26% of state CISOs are “extremely” or “very” confident that their state’s information assets are protected from cyber threats, down from 48% in 2022.Implementing effectiveness metrics is now CISOs’ top priority: 49% named it a top cybersecurity initiative in 2026, up from 15% in 2022.Nearly all state CISOs (94%) said they are involved in developing Generative AI security policies and 84% are involved in Generative AI strategy development.Budget pressure is rising with 16% of CISOs reporting their budgets have been cut, up from none in 2024.The percentage of CISOs who described themselves as “not very confident” in the ability of local government and public higher education to secure public data rose significantly, from 35% in 2022 to 63% in 2026.

Why this decline in confidence matters
States share data and systems with counties, cities, and public colleges and universities, so a vulnerability in one network can cascade, exposing personal information, disrupting essential services and driving costly incident response. As attackers adopt AI-enabled tactics, the urgency is growing for faster coordination, clearer policy and stronger baseline defenses across the public sector. This may explain why roughly one-fifth of CISOs indicated that their states were moving toward a “whole-of-state” approach to cybersecurity.

Metrics reporting becomes CISOs’ top priority
Top priorities for CISOs have shifted since the 2024 survey. When asked to identify their states’ top cybersecurity initiatives for 2026, half of CISOs named implementing effectiveness metrics (49%, up from 25% in 2024 and 15% in 2022). Capturing the effectiveness of cyber spending can be difficult, but without metrics, it is challenging to show the benefits of investments. Tracking operational, compliance and risk-based key performance indicators, such as incident response time and phishing click rate, can help demonstrate the return on cyber investment.

AI both accelerates threats and becomes a frontline defense
AI is accelerating the scale and sophistication of attacks targeting public sector systems, making it easier and cheaper for adversaries to generate and automate cyberattacks. CISOs also point to an emerging threat toolkit, including deepfakes that can fool people and evade detection, AI agents that probe for weaknesses and adapt, and AI-driven ransomware-as-a-service operations.

At the same time, CISOs describe AI as a practical way to keep pace, using it to triage security alerts, summarize events, and explore faster report creation, threat identification and training. Several states are already utilizing Generative AI in core security operations, including security information and event management (SIEM) and security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR). The report also underscores how central CISOs have become to state AI efforts.

Key quotes
“We’re seeing more states move toward a ‘whole-of-state’ cybersecurity approach where the state helps extend protection beyond state agencies to local governments, public education and other critical entities that can become an entry point for attackers. At its core, it’s about scaling capabilities through shared services and better collaboration so a weakness in one part of the ecosystem doesn’t become a statewide incident. Many states are looking to scale capabilities through security operations centers and regional support, so counties, cities and schools can benefit from the same cyber-defense muscle as the enterprise.”

Mike Wyatt, Stale local and higher education cyber risk leader, Deloitte

“It’s an encouraging development that state CISOs are being placed at the center of Generative AI security. They are helping shape the strategy, establishing security policies and reviewing proposed use cases. By being involved from the beginning, CISOs are helping governments move faster without sacrificing safeguards because security and governance complement each other. We’re also seeing CISOs explore practical uses of AI to strengthen day-to-day defense, while putting clearer guardrails around responsible uses.”

Meredith Ward, deputy executive director, NASCIO

Additional data
To read the 2026 NASCIO-Deloitte report in its entirety, click here.

About NASCIO
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers is the premier network and resource for state CIOs and a leading advocate for technology policy at all levels of government. NASCIO represents state chief information officers and information technology executives from the states, territories, and the District of Columbia. For more information about NASCIO visit www.nascio.org.

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte & Touche LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of our legal structure. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

 

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SOURCE Deloitte

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Duck Creek Kicks Off Formation ’26 as Strong Fiscal Momentum Signals Accelerating Demand for its Intelligent Core Insurance Platform

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Company highlights double-digit SaaS growth, global expansion, and launch of its new agentic AI platform as industry leaders gather in Orlando

BOSTON, April 27, 2026 /CNW/ — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent core of insurance, today kicks off Formation ’26: Agents of Innovation, its flagship user conference, as the company builds strong momentum in the first half of fiscal 2026, marked by double-digit year-over-year SaaS ARR growth fueled by new logos and expansion across its global customer base.

Duck Creek’s strong start to fiscal 2026 reflects this demand, with double-digit new customer wins and existing customer expansions across its core, specialty, and AI-powered solutions. Adoption of Duck Creek’s intelligent cloud continues to scale globally. Insurers are selecting Duck Creek for its enterprise depth including policy, billing, claims, rating, loss control, reinsurance, distribution management, and payments solutions to operate faster, more accurately, and maintain regulatory compliance.

“We are expanding our leadership in insurance technology with more than 370 customers globally. Including 33 of the top 50 North American insurers,” said Hardeep Gulati, Chief Executive Officer of Duck Creek. “Insurers modernizing their core systems are looking for more from their technology. They need a trusted partner like Duck Creek with proven enterprise scale and speed-to-value to help them drive profitable impact and growth. At Formation, we are excited to announce our new agentic platform that will help further improve the combined ratios for insurers with more than $150B in premium flowing through Duck Creek annually.”

Formation ’26 will bring together more than 800 insurance professionals, ecosystem partners, and industry leaders to explore how technology is transforming the insurance lifecycle. The event underscores growing market demand for intelligent, cloud-native platforms that enable insurers to accelerate cloud migration, product development, and automate core insurance workflows to accelerate decision-making and improve operational agility. A highlight of the event will be Duck Creek unveiling its agentic AI platform and showcasing live demonstrations of agentic applications and agents.

Formation ’26 will feature a distinguished lineup of guest speakers joining Gulati during his keynote, including Stephen Lord, Global CIO of AXIS Capital, and Monti Saroya, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of the Flagship Fund at Vista Equity Partners. Together, they will share perspectives on large-scale transformation, AI adoption, and the future of agentic insurance.

The conference will also include a customer panel moderated by Chief Operating Officer Chris McCloskey, featuring leaders from Core Specialty, Europ Assistance, and Arbella Insurance, who will discuss their transformation journeys and business outcomes achieved through modern core systems. An analyst panel moderated by SVP of Sales William Magowan will bring together experts from AM Best, Celent, and Datos Insights to provide an external view on market trends and innovation benchmarks.

Customer Momentum

Millers Mutual Insurance advanced its modernization strategy with Duck Creek OnDemand, implementing Policy, Billing, and Reinsurance Clarity to modernize its core systems and support continued growth in the multifamily housing insurance market.Anchor Group Management Inc. partnered with Duck Creek to modernize its insurance payments infrastructure, enabling more streamlined billing processes and improved digital payment experiences for policyholders.Frankenmuth Insurance adopted Duck Creek OnDemand Distribution Management to transform how it manages agencies and producers, increasing visibility, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening collaboration across its distribution network.Indigo Insurance turned to Duck Creek OnDemand to accelerate its modernization strategy and support rapid growth, gaining a scalable cloud-based core platform designed to bring new products to market faster.Encova Insurance went live on an upgraded Duck Creek OnDemand Distribution Management system, unifying agency operations across lines of business, streamlining onboarding, and improving the overall agent experience.New Zealand’s Medical Assurance Society (MAS) selected Duck Creek’s full suite of core solutions delivered via OnDemand to modernize its general insurance business, enhance member experiences, and support a broader digital and data-driven transformation.Country-Wide Insurance selected Duck Creek Clarity to strengthen its data and analytics capabilities, enabling real-time insights and preparing for its upcoming OnDemand go-live with Active Delivery.Fortegra selected Duck Creek Reinsurance and Duck Creek Clarity to modernize financial operations, improve portfolio transparency, and support continued growth across products, geographies, and distribution models.Duck Creek secured more than a dozen additional new customer engagements across commercial specialty and personal lines.

Industry Recognition

Named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SaaS P&C Insurance Core Platforms North America, marking the seventh consecutive year the company has been recognized as a Leader.Named a Leader in the Everest Group 2025 Underwriting Orchestration Products PEAK Matrix Assessment, recognizing Duck Creek’s strength in delivering AI-driven underwriting, integrated core workflows, and measurable value across global P&C carriers.Featured in Everest Group’s 2026 Voice of the Customer Report for Insurance CXOPs, outperforming both core system peers and the market average, with customers citing strengths in seamless implementation, deep core system integration, and enterprise scalability and more.Received the 2025 IDC FinTech Real Results Award for Insurance Transformation for measurable customer outcomes.

About Duck Creek

Duck Creek is the intelligent core that leading insurers choose to build on. Purpose-built for property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, Duck Creek unifies the full insurance lifecycle on a single platform with one data foundation. As an agentic platform, it connects intelligence across underwriting, policy, billing, claims, and payments workflows where decisions are made and compliance is non-negotiable. Duck Creek enables carriers to launch products faster, adapt quickly to change, and grow with precision and confidence. Solutions are available individually or as a full suite via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com and follow Duck Creek on LinkedIn and X.

Media Contacts:  
Marianne Dempsey / Tara Stred  
duckcreek@threeringsinc.com

 

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SOURCE Duck Creek Technologies, Inc.

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