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111, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

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Maintained Operational Profitability for the Third Consecutive QuarterOperating Expenses as a Percentage of Revenues Decreased 160 Basis Points YoYHeld Positive Operating Cash Flow for Three Consecutive Quarters

SHANGHAI, Nov. 27, 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 third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

Net revenues were RMB3.6 billion (US$513.1 million), remaining relatively flat compared to the same quarter last year.Gross segment profit (1) was RMB 210.6 million (US$ 30.0 million) increased by 10.5% year-over-year.Total operating expenses were RMB208.2 million (US$29.7 million), an improvement of 23.2% compared to RMB271.0 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, total operating expenses decreased by 160 basis points to 5.8% from 7.4% in the same quarter of last year, demonstrating continuous improvement in the Company’s operational efficiency.Income from operations was RMB2.4 million (US$0.3 million), compared to loss from operations of RMB80.4 million in the same quarter of last year. 111 maintained operational profitability for the third consecutive quarter.Non-GAAP income from operations (2) was RMB7.1 million (US$1.0 million), compared to Non-GAAP loss from operations of RMB54.0 million in the same quarter of last year.Net cash from operating activities was RMB109.9 million (US$15.7 million). The Company has achieved positive operating cash flow for three 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, “While the macroeconomic environment in China continues to present challenges, we are proud of our ability to maintain operational profitability for the third consecutive quarter. This achievement is a testament to the strength of our business model as a one-stop shopping platform that offers the most comprehensive selection of pharmaceutical products at competitive prices. It also highlights our commitment to operational efficiency across the organization. As a result, income from operations in Q3 reached RMB2.4 million, a significant improvement from an operational loss of RMB80.4 million in the prior year.”

Mr. Liu added, “We gained greater operational efficiency through diligent cost management, ongoing infrastructure investments, and effective staffing arrangements, all of which has enabled us to navigate an unfavorable consumer spending environment while delivering solid performance results. Operating expenses were 5.8% of revenues, a reduction of 160 basis points compared to the previous year, while non-GAAP operating expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased by 100 basis points to 5.7%. We aim to lead the pharmaceutical e-commerce sector in efficiency and sharpen our competitive advantages. As we scale and optimize operations, we expect further cost savings, which will be reinvested into growth initiatives, including technological advancements, market expansion, and client base growth, driving future profitability.”

“We are strengthening our core competitiveness in digitalization through advancements across multiple areas, laying a strong foundation for an agile, highly efficient, and customer-centric business that can swiftly adapt to evolving industry needs. Additionally, we’ve bolstered our supply chain with an expanded transshipment network and new fulfillment centers, further enhancing our service capabilities.”

“Despite challenges, we are still confident in the long-term opportunities ahead. Our investments in AI and digital technologies are not only providing industry-leading efficiency and reshaping the healthcare value chain, but also positioning us to capture significant shifts in the pharmaceutical industry—particularly the unstoppable trend of digital transformation, the growing demand for out-of-hospital drug distribution, and the expansion of the silver economy. By deepening our partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, expanding our fulfillment network, refining our digital platforms, and prioritizing new growth engines, we are well-positioned to engage more industry stakeholders, meet the needs of a broad customer base, and generate sustained growth.”

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net revenues were RMB3.6 billion (US$513.1 million), representing a decrease of 1.8% from RMB3.7 billion in the same quarter of last year.

(In thousands RMB)

For the three months ended September 30,

2023

2024

YoY

B2B Net Revenue

Product

3,556,749

3,514,298

-1.2 %

Service

20,671

21,731

5.1 %

Sub-Total

3,577,420

3,536,029

-1.2 %

Cost of Products Sold(3)

3,406,320

3,340,998

-1.9 %

Segment Profit

171,100

195,031

14.0 %

Segment Profit %

4.8 %

5.5 %

 

(In thousands RMB)

For the three months ended September 30,

2023

2024

YoY

B2C Net Revenue

Product

82,538

61,031

-26.1 %

Service

5,287

3,615

-31.6 %

Sub-Total

87,825

64,646

-26.4 %

Cost of Products Sold    

68,301

49,061

-28.2 %

Segment Profit

19,524

15,585

-20.2 %

Segment Profit %

22.2 %

24.1 %

 

(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 RMB3.6 billion (US$512.8 million), representing a decrease of 3.9% from RMB3.7 billion in the same quarter of last year.

Cost of products sold was RMB3.4 billion (US$483.1 million), representing a decrease of 2.4% from RMB3.5 billion in the same quarter of last year.Fulfillment expenses were RMB100.0 million (US$14.2 million), representing a decrease of 1.6% from RMB101.6 million in the same quarter of last year. Fulfillment expenses accounted for 2.8% of net revenues this quarter, maintaining the same as last year.Selling and marketing expenses were RMB77.0 million (US$11.0 million), representing a decrease of 19.4% from RMB95.5 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB1.6 million for the quarter and RMB5.1 million for the same quarter last year, respectively, selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues accounted for 2.1% in the quarter as compared to 2.5% in the same quarter of last year.General and administrative expenses were RMB14.4 million (US$2.0 million), representing a decrease of 68.7% from RMB45.8 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB2.3 million for the quarter and RMB16.8 million for the same quarter last year, respectively, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues accounted for 0.3% in the quarter as compared to 0.8% in the same quarter of last year.Technology expenses were RMB17.5 million (US$2.5 million), representing a decrease of 30.9% from RMB25.4 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB0.9 million for the quarter and RMB4.5 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 RMB2.4 million (US$0.3 million), compared to loss from operations of RMB80.4 million in the same quarter of last year.

Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB7.1 million (US$1.0 million), compared to non-GAAP loss from operations of RMB54.0 million in the same quarter of last year.

Net loss was RMB3.5 million (US$0.5 million), representing an improvement of 96% from RMB83.5 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, net loss amounted to 0.1% in the quarter, down from 2.3% in the same quarter of last year.

Non-GAAP net income (4) was RMB1.3 million (US$0.2 million), compared to non-GAAP net loss of RMB57.1 million in the same quarter of last year.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB17.1 million (US$2.4 million), representing an improvement of 82% from RMB93.3 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders accounted for 0.5% in the quarter, down from 2.5% in the same quarter of last year.

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (5) was RMB12.4 million (US$1.8 million), representing an improvement of 82% from RMB66.9 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, accounted for 0.3% in the quarter, down from 1.8% in the 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 third quarter 2024, non-GAAP net income is used as a 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 September 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB614.4 million (US$87.6 million), compared to RMB673.7 million as of December 31, 2023. To 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 received redemption requests from certain of such investors in accordance with the terms of their initial investments in 1 Pharmacy Technology. Following communication and negotiation, the Company has reached agreements and/or commitment letters with investors representing approximately 90% of the total amount to reschedule the repayments, allowing for phased repayments at extended periods, if the holders exercise their redemption right. The Company has paid a portion of the repurchase funds upon signing of the agreements. Additionally, the Company is in ongoing discussions with investors holding the remaining approximately 10% of the total amount. 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 Wednesday, November 27, 2024 (8:30 PM Beijing Time on the same day).

Details for the conference call are as follows:

Event Title: 111, Inc. Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results
Registration Link: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10042738-te7sgd.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 December 4, 2024 via:

China: 4001 209 216
United States: +1 855 883 1031
International: +61 7 3107 6325
Conference ID: 10042738

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the website at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/3nkscjv6.

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 RMB7.0176 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.

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/.

For more information, please contact:

111, Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@111.com.cn 

111, Inc.
Media Relations
Email: press@111.com.cn
Phone: +86-021-2053 6666 (China)

 

111, Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

As of

As of

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2024

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

603,523

531,981

75,807

Restricted cash

20,025

32,430

4,621

Short-term investments

50,143

50,000

7,125

Accounts receivable, net 

536,823

425,159

60,585

Notes receivable

77,598

80,853

11,521

Inventories

1,419,396

1,532,170

218,332

Prepayments and other current assets

225,823

234,295

33,388

Total current assets

2,933,331

2,886,888

411,379

Property and equipment, net

34,340

25,558

3,642

Intangible assets, net

2,256

1,643

234

Long-term investments

2,000

1,000

142

Other non-current assets

13,310

15,684

2,235

Operating lease right-of-use asset

103,799

98,909

14,094

Total assets

3,089,036

3,029,682

431,726

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings

338,075

168,517

24,013

Accounts payable

1,588,693

1,912,109

272,474

Accrued expense and other current liabilities 

818,295

569,246

81,116

Total current liabilities

2,745,063

2,649,872

377,603

Long-term operating lease liabilities

62,624

63,969

9,116

Other non-current liabilities

5,245

8,331

1,187

Total liabilities

2,812,932

2,722,172

387,906

MEZZANINE EQUITY

Redeemable non-controlling interests

870,825

943,774

134,487

SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Ordinary shares Class A 

32

33

5

Ordinary shares Class B 

25

25

3

Treasury shares 

(5,887)

(5,887)

(839)

Additional paid-in capital

3,169,114

3,167,794

451,407

Accumulated deficit

(3,819,249)

(3,864,151)

(550,637)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

72,514

72,602

10,346

Total shareholders’ deficit

(583,451)

(629,584)

(89,715)

Non-controlling interest

(11,270)

(6,680)

(952)

Total deficit

(594,721)

(636,264)

(90,667)

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and deficit

3,089,036

3,029,682

431,726

 

 

111, Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

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

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Net revenues

3,665,245

3,600,675

513,092

10,839,503

10,553,474

1,503,858

Operating costs and expenses:

 Cost of products sold

(3,474,621)

(3,390,059)

(483,080)

(10,204,779)

(9,926,727)

(1,414,547)

 Fulfillment expenses

(101,602)

(99,977)

(14,247)

(299,202)

(276,559)

(39,409)

 Selling and marketing expenses

(95,523)

(76,954)

(10,966)

(274,880)

(237,724)

(33,875)

 General and administrative expenses

(45,839)

(14,367)

(2,047)

(126,235)

(50,747)

(7,231)

 Technology expenses

(25,386)

(17,549)

(2,501)

(75,243)

(54,225)

(7,727)

 Other operating (expenses) income, net

(2,696)

602

86

(2,723)

1,941

277

Total operating costs and expenses

(3,745,667)

(3,598,304)

(512,755)

(10,983,062)

(10,544,041)

(1,502,512)

(Loss) Income from operations

(80,422)

2,371

337

(143,559)

9,433

1,346

 Interest income

2,362

1,533

218

6,517

5,574

794

 Interest expense

(5,433)

(7,810)

(1,113)

(14,525)

(23,067)

(3,287)

 Foreign exchange gain (loss)

79

642

91

(1,095)

40

6

 Other income (loss), net

38

(193)

(28)

4,552

(116)

(17)

Loss before income taxes

(83,376)

(3,457)

(495)

(148,110)

(8,136)

(1,158)

 Income tax expense

(102)

(5)

(1)

(102)

(93)

(13)

Net loss

(83,478)

(3,462)

(496)

(148,212)

(8,229)

(1,171)

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest

4,315

848

121

7,837

(431)

(61)

Net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest

7,253

438

62

12,529

1,168

166

Adjustment attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest

(21,391)

(14,931)

(2,128)

(54,481)

(37,410)

(5,331)

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

(93,301)

(17,107)

(2,441)

(182,327)

(44,902)

(6,397)

Other comprehensive loss

 Unrealized gains of available-for-sale securities,

1,013

(407)

(58)

3,936

(753)

(107)

 Realized gains of available-for-sale debt securities

(841)

407

58

(3,558)

896

128

 Foreign currency translation adjustments

(1,690)

(1,184)

(169)

4,234

(55)

(8)

Comprehensive loss

(94,819)

(18,291)

(2,610)

(177,715)

(44,814)

(6,384)

Loss per ADS:

 Basic and diluted

(1.10)

(0.20)

(0.02)

(2.16)

(0.52)

(0.08)

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

 Basic and diluted

169,088,015

171,938,537

171,938,537

168,179,779

171,526,062

171,526,062

 

 

 

111, Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 (In thousands)

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

35,208

109,865

15,656

(250,230)

311,563

44,397

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

5,163

49,845

7,103

91,913

(141)

(20)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

110,452

(110,510)

(15,748)

204,230

(370,453)

(52,789)

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

2,621

(313)

(45)

3,514

(106)

(15)

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

153,444

48,887

6,966

49,427

(59,137)

(8,427)

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

612,774

515,524

73,462

716,791

623,548

88,855

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

766,218

564,411

80,428

766,218

564,411

80,428

 

 

 

 111, Inc.

Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

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

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

(Loss) Income from operations

(80,422)

2,371

337

(143,559)

9,433

1,346

Add: Share-based compensation expenses

26,402

4,756

678

74,818

15,122

2,155

Non-GAAP (loss) income from operations

(54,020)

7,127

1,015

(68,741)

24,555

3,501

Net loss

(83,478)

(3,462)

(496)

(148,212)

(8,229)

(1,171)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses, net of tax

26,402

4,756

678

74,818

15,122

2,155

Non-GAAP net (loss) income

(57,076)

1,294

182

(73,394)

6,893

984

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

(93,301)

(17,107)

(2,441)

(182,327)

(44,902)

(6,397)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses, net of tax

26,402

4,756

678

74,818

15,122

2,155

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

(66,899)

(12,351)

(1,763)

(107,509)

(29,780)

(4,242)

Loss per ADS(6): Basic and diluted

(1.10)

(0.20)

(0.02)

(2.16)

(0.52)

(0.08)

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

0.32

0.06

0.00

0.88

0.18

0.02

Non-GAAP loss per ADS(6)

(0.78)

(0.14)

(0.02)

(1.28)

(0.34)

(0.06)

(6) Every one ADS represents two Class A ordinary shares.

 

 

 

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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Axon Announces Body 5: Next-Generation Camera Built for the AI Era

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Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power of earlier-generation cameras, with upgraded connectivity, audio and battery life to support real-time situational awareness in the field

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technology, today announced Axon Body 5, its newest body-worn camera designed to bring more powerful intelligence, connectivity and real-time support directly to officers in the field.

For years, Axon body cameras have helped agencies capture critical evidence and create greater transparency. Body 5 is built to help officers during the call, with information, assistance and backup on the spot.

“Officers shouldn’t have to choose between getting information and watching the scene. With Axon Body 5, they don’t,” said Rick Smith, Axon Founder and CEO. “They capture a license or document with the camera, keep their hands free and eyes up, and get information faster than writing it down and calling it in by radio. An officer fully engaged with the person in front of them, not down at a notepad, is a safer officer and a better-served community.”

Axon Body 5: Built for the AI Era

Built from the ground up for the AI era, Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power than earlier generation Axon body cameras, alongside advancements in connectivity, audio, video and battery life. Together, these upgrades give the camera the physical power to run smarter AI features — both today and as new AI tools are developed in the future — while also making it more dependable for officers to use every day. 

For the first time, Axon is also introducing two versions of its latest flagship camera: Axon Body 5 and Axon Body 5 Pro.

Both models feature several key advancements, including:

25x more processing power for AI: A powerful new computing architecture creates the capacity to support current and future AI features directly on the body camera.Enhanced video: Improved video captures clearer evidence across challenging environments, including better low-light performance.Improved connectivity: Seamless connectivity in urban and remote environments – and more precise location capability – helps officers, cameras and remote support teams stay connected when timely information matters most.Longer battery life: 20% more battery life than the previous generation helps keep the camera ready and connected throughout an officer’s shift.

The Axon Body 5 Pro will continue to gain new AI capabilities as they become available, growing along with the AI Era Plan. Additionally, new hardware features include:

A near-focus camera: An additional dedicated camera lens lets officers scan driver’s licenses to check status and search for wants or warrants in seconds, without returning to the patrol vehicle, with relevant information sent to Axon Fusus to support real-time operations.Front-facing speakers: Four additional speakers project even more powerful audio toward the person an officer is speaking with, helping real-time translations from Axon Assistant carry more clearly over heavy traffic or crowd noise. Additional memory: Extra space lets the camera run several AI tools at once, helping officers stay better informed and work faster.

Bringing More of Axon’s AI Era Into the Field

Axon Body 5 helps officers get more out of the Axon AI Era Plan by bringing smart tools right to the scene. Axon’s portfolio already supports public safety professionals across a growing range of tasks. For example, Draft One helps officers turn body-camera audio into high-quality report drafts and Axon Assistant provides voice-based information access and real-time translation.

Increasingly, Axon is also bringing AI into real-time operations.

Axon Guardian is a new category of AI features within the AI Era Plan that was specifically created to work with an officer’s field-based devices – starting with body cameras and in-car cameras – to improve safety. Guardian is designed to flag potential risks as situations unfold and create alerts when additional attention may be needed. Two of the first features include:

Escalation Detection: When an Axon Body 4 or Axon Body 5 camera is activated and recording, Guardian has the ability to detect potential conflicts in real time and create an alert in Axon Fusus. A human reviews the livestream and decides if additional support or action is needed.Approach Alert: When active on Axon Fleet 3, Guardian can detect if the door of a stopped vehicle opens and alert the officer through the in-car display and their body-worn camera.

Combined, Axon Body 5 and the expanding AI Era portfolio demonstrate the importance of AI as a critical resource to assist public safety professionals before, during and after an incident — reducing administrative burden, improving situational awareness and helping protect more lives.

Innovating Responsibly

Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework guides the development of all of its products. Designed with this in mind, Axon Body 5 and Guardian prioritize human oversight and maintain agency control over data. As a key part of the responsible innovation process, Axon’s independent Ethics and Equity Advisory Council was created to help responsibly develop and deploy new technologies with transparency, while aligning with community expectations.

General availability dates for Axon Body 5 and Axon Guardian will be announced soon. Product features and capabilities vary by configuration. For more information on Axon’s current products and services: Axon Product Catalog – Axon.com.

About Axon
Axon (Nasdaq: AXON) is the global leader in public safety technology supporting state, local, federal and international public safety agencies with technology designed to Protect Life. Complementing its mission, Axon’s growing Enterprise market focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and frontline workers across multiple industries including corporate security, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Founder-led since 1993, Axon builds products with transparency and responsibility. From TASER energy devices to today’s connected network of hardware – including cameras, drones, and robotics – cloud software, sensors, and AI-tools, the Axon ecosystem helps seamlessly protect people and places when it matters most. To ensure these technologies align with community expectations, Axon’s independent Ethics & Equity Advisory Council guides the ethical, inclusive, and accountable design of its products and services. Learn more about the EEAC and Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework at Axon Responsibility. 

Non-Axon trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Axon, TASER and the Delta Logo are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

Please visit https://investor.axon.com and https://www.axon.com/newsroom for more information.

Media Contact:
Kate MacKinnon
Vice President, Communications
press@axon.com

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains a Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design

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The article explains why smart geometry, not thicker walls, creates stronger, more efficient aluminum components.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What early design choice causes many custom aluminum projects to become heavier, costlier, or harder to manufacture? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that outlines how misunderstanding aluminum behavior leads designers to rely on thick walls instead of stronger geometry.

The article begins by explaining that many people assume thicker walls automatically make aluminum parts stronger. It notes that aluminum does not respond to wall thickness the way steel does. Instead, its performance is shaped by how the metal flows through the extrusion die. The article states that custom aluminum design is more effective when profiles use ribs, chambers, and flanges to create stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. This guidance helps readers understand why adding material often increases cost without improving strength.

The article also highlights that thicker walls change how aluminum moves during extrusion. When heavy areas fill more slowly, the metal cools unevenly and can develop stress that only appears later. The HelloNation piece explains that well-balanced geometry keeps extrusion smooth and predictable. This consistency makes it easier to maintain dimensional accuracy across long production runs. By focusing on geometry, custom aluminum design avoids the problems that come with slow extrusion speeds and uneven cooling.

Another insight in the article centers on how ribs and internal supports influence stability. It describes how a thin wall supported by a properly placed rib often performs better than a thick wall with no reinforcement. This happens because the rib helps distribute load, improve stiffness, and guide the aluminum as it cools. The article explains that this structural approach makes custom aluminum design more efficient and gives designers more control over how the final part behaves under pressure.

The article also shows why early collaboration between designer and fabricator prevents costly changes. It states that a fabricator familiar with extrusion can catch potential issues before a die is built. Small adjustments to corners or transitions can remove weak points or improve metal flow. The article notes that this teamwork keeps the design aligned with real-world production. By working together early, both sides reduce the risk of redesigning the die after the first test run.

Machining is another area where the article explains how wall thickness affects performance. Features such as deep pockets or sharp internal angles may require slow feed rates or special tooling. When walls are thicker than needed, those areas can become difficult to machine cleanly. The article states that thoughtful custom aluminum design makes machining more predictable. Small changes, such as adding radiused edges or sizing features to match standard tools, help shorten cycle times and prevent tool wear.

Thermal behavior receives detailed attention as well. The article explains that aluminum retains heat differently depending on the mass of each section. Thicker walls hold heat longer, which increases the chance of distortion during extrusion, machining, or finishing. When a design uses geometry to create strength, the material cools more evenly. This reduces warping and helps long profiles stay aligned. The article notes that stable cooling is important for components that require a precise fit and consistent shape throughout an entire production run.

Cost is also a key topic in the article. It states that heavier profiles increase material use, extrusion time, and tooling needs. A custom aluminum design that relies on geometry instead of mass lowers material consumption and keeps the fabrication process efficient. The article explains that lighter parts are easier to handle, ship, and assemble. This saves money across multiple stages of production and supports long-term manufacturing efficiency.

The article also notes that smart custom aluminum design creates profiles that behave predictably during extrusion and machining. Smooth transitions, balanced wall dimensions, and structural features help reduce the chance of distortion or dimensional drift. These elements also lower scrap rates and support reliable performance. By using geometry instead of excess material, designers build parts that maintain strength without compromising manufacturability.

As the article concludes, it emphasizes that avoiding thick walls is one of the best ways to improve performance and lower cost. It states that the most dependable custom aluminum components come from designs that use structural features to strengthen the profile. When designers understand how aluminum behaves at each stage of extrusion and machining, they create parts that are strong, efficient, and consistent from batch to batch. This approach turns custom aluminum design into a predictable process rather than a series of uncertain adjustments.

A Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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