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Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. Reports Financial Results for the Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2024

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NEWPORT, R.I., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. (“Pangaea” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PANL), a global provider of comprehensive maritime logistics solutions, announced today its results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024.

FOURTH QUARTER 2024 RESULTS

Net income attributable to Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. of $8.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted shareAdjusted net income attributable to Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. of $7.6 million, or $0.16 per diluted shareOperating cash flow of $19.3 millionAdjusted EBITDA of $23.2 millionTime Charter Equivalent (“TCE”) rates earned by Pangaea of $15,942 per dayPangaea’s TCE rates exceeded the average Baltic Panamax and Supramax indices by 48%Completed previously announced acquisition of fifteen handy-size dry bulk vessels from Strategic Shipping Inc. (“SSI”)

FULL YEAR 2024 RESULTS

Net income attributable to Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. of $28.9 million, or $0.63 per diluted shareAdjusted Net Income attributable to Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. of $29.9 million, or $0.65 per diluted shareOperating cash flow of $65.7 millionAdjusted EBITDA of $83.0 millionTime Charter Equivalent (“TCE”) rates earned by Pangaea of $16,485 per dayPangaea’s TCE rates exceeded the average Baltic Panamax and Supramax indices by 24%

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, Pangaea reported non-GAAP adjusted net income of $7.6 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, on total revenue of $147.2 million. Fourth quarter TCE rates decreased 10% on a year-over-year basis, while total shipping days, which include both voyage and time charter days, increased 17% to 4,800 days, when compared to the year-ago period.

The TCE earned was $15,942 per day for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to an average of $17,685 per day for the same period in 2023. During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company’s average TCE rate exceeded the benchmark average Baltic Panamax and Supramax indices by 48%, supported by Pangaea’s long-term contracts of affreightment (“COAs”), specialized fleet, and cargo-focused strategy.

Total Adjusted EBITDA grew by 18% year-over-year to $23.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 16.4%, up from 14.9% in the same period of the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by a 17% rise in shipping days, partially offset by the impact of lower market rates when compared to the prior year period.

For the full year ended December 31, 2024, Pangaea reported non-GAAP adjusted net income of $29.9 million or $0.65 per diluted share, on total revenues of $536.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $83.0 million for the full year 2024, reflecting an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.6%, compared to 16.0% for the full year 2023. Full year TCE rates increased 4.0% on a year-over-year basis in 2024, while total shipping days increased 4.2% to 17,407 when compared to 2023. The Company’s average TCE rate during 2024 exceeded the benchmark average Baltic Panamax and Supramax indices by approximately 24%, supported by Pangaea’s specialized fleet of ice-class vessels, long-term COAs, and cargo-focused strategies.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $86.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. Total debt, including financing obligations and finance lease liabilities, was $401.8 million, reflecting the acquisition of fifteen handy-size dry bulk vessels from SSI on December 30, 2024. Under the terms of the transaction, the Company issued approximately 18.06 million shares of its common stock to SSI and assumed $100 million of vessel related financing agreements. During the fourth quarter, the Company also purchased the remaining 50% equity ownership of its consolidated subsidiary, Nordic Bulk Partners LLC, for $19.0 million in cash.

The Company paid $18.7 million in total cash dividends during the full-year 2024, including $4.8 million in the fourth quarter, consistent with its strategic focus on a consistent and sustainable return of capital program.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY 

“Our fourth quarter performance was a strong finish to a transformational year for Pangaea, one in which our strong base of long-term contracts and premium-rate model supported a greater than 18% year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA, despite pronounced softness in the broader dry bulk market,” stated Mark Filanowski, Chief Executive Officer of Pangaea Logistics Solutions. “Our differentiated cargo-focused strategy and leading market share across global ice-class trades has enabled us to drive continued TCE rate out performance versus the broader market, culminating in significant growth in fourth quarter profitability.”

“During the fourth quarter, we successfully completed our previously announced merger with Strategic Shipping’s (SSI) fleet of fifteen handy-sized dry bulk vessels,” continued Filanowski. “This complementary transaction will allow us to expand our business into the handy-sized segment of the market, while also leveraging these smaller vessels to grow our stevedoring and terminal services offerings. With an owned fleet of 41 vessels, supplemented by our short term chartered-in fleet, we’re in a strong position to materially expand our logistics and terminal services across a broader footprint of high-traffic ports, consistent with our strategic focus.  To that end, in 2024, we opened new terminal servicing operations in both Texas and Louisiana, while expanding our scope of services in Tampa, Florida.”

“Entering 2025, slowing global demand growth and recent policy actions have contributed to uncertainty within the dry-bulk market,” continued Filanowski. “While this uncertainty may have an inflationary impact on TCE rates, it also has the potential to lead to disruptions in the global flow of goods, leading us to remain agile across our trade networks.  First quarter 2025 to-date, we’ve performed 4,982 shipping days, while generating a TCE rate of $11,412 per day.”

“With the added scale afforded by the SSI transaction, Pangaea is uniquely positioned to drive a combination of expanded commercial growth, improved economies of scale and above-market TCE rate realization in the year ahead, while continuing to prioritize selective investments in our fleet, expanded logistics operations in strategic ports, and our stable cash dividend,” concluded Filanowski.

STRATEGIC UPDATE

Pangaea remains committed to developing a leading dry bulk logistics and transportation services company of scale, providing its customers with specialized shipping and supply chain and logistics offerings in commodity and niche markets that drive premium returns measured in time charter equivalent per day.

Leverage integrated shipping and logistics model. In addition to operating the largest high ice class dry bulk fleet of Panamax and post-Panamax vessels globally, Pangaea also performs stevedoring services, together with port and terminal operations capabilities. Following the completion of the SSI acquisition, the Company is focused on leveraging its handy sized vessels to complement and expand its terminal services and stevedoring operations. The Company continues to make progress in expanding its terminal operations in the Port of Tampa, which is on track to be complete in the second half of 2025.

Continue to drive strong fleet utilization.  In the fourth quarter, Pangaea’s 26 owned vessels were fully utilized and supplemented with an average of 26 chartered-in vessels to support cargo and COA commitments. With the completion of the SSI fleet merger at the end of the fourth quarter, the Company’s owned fleet grew to 41 vessels. Pangaea’s expanded operating fleet of 62 vessels enables the Company to dynamically meet the evolving needs of its customers while maximizing its owned fleet utilization.

Continue to upgrade fleet, while divesting older, non-core assets. The Company’s recent fleet merger with SSI maintains  the average age of the fleet to 10 years and further improves the Company’s ability to maximize TCE rates through optimal asset utilization. Going forward, the Company will continue to selectively invest in its fleet with the purpose of maximizing TCE rates, meeting evolving regulatory requirements and supporting client cargo needs on an on-demand basis.

FOURTH QUARTER 2024 CONFERENCE CALL

The Company’s management team will host a conference call to review the Company’s financial results, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer session on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET). Accompanying presentation materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://www.pangaeals.com/investors/.

To participate in the live teleconference:

Domestic Live:           1-800-579-2543
International Live:      1-785-424-1789
Conference ID:            PANLQ424

To listen to a replay of the teleconference, which will be available through March 21, 2024:

Domestic Replay:        1-800-723-0532
International Replay:   1-402-220-2655

 

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three months ended December 31,

Twelve months ended December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Revenues:

Voyage revenue

$     137,600,720

$     122,280,728

$      494,106,763

$      468,580,914

Charter revenue

6,588,091

7,078,975

30,326,291

23,715,895

Terminal & stevedore revenue

2,985,966

2,517,214

12,103,192

6,971,025

Total revenue

147,174,777

131,876,917

536,536,246

499,267,834

Expenses:

Voyage expense

67,673,501

57,085,198

237,478,669

227,434,670

Charter hire expense

34,424,625

33,850,149

130,763,801

111,033,537

Vessel operating expenses

14,253,734

14,713,363

55,543,547

55,783,562

Terminal & stevedore expenses

1,974,466

1,916,707

9,299,425

5,809,025

General and administrative

6,276,913

5,665,924

24,626,469

22,780,937

Depreciation and amortization

7,766,490

7,524,045

30,375,721

30,070,395

   Loss on sale of vessels

566,315

1,738,511

Total expenses

132,369,729

121,321,701

488,087,632

454,650,637

Income from operations

14,805,048

10,555,216

48,448,614

44,617,197

Other (expense) income:

Interest expense

(4,707,570)

(4,300,627)

(17,073,184)

(17,025,547)

Interest income

588,268

704,220

3,022,593

3,572,134

Loss (income) attributable to Non-controlling
interest recorded as long-term liability interest
expense

(2,682,192)

565,648

(3,103,018)

(462,150)

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments

851,346

(5,685,406)

(953,042)

(2,925,347)

Other income

198,337

338,849

1,427,530

761,485

Total other expense, net

(5,751,811)

(8,377,316)

(16,679,121)

(16,079,425)

Net income

9,053,237

2,177,900

31,769,493

28,537,772

Income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(617,845)

(1,041,698)

(2,866,110)

(2,214,472)

Net income  attributable to Pangaea Logistics
Solutions Ltd.

$         8,435,392

$         1,136,202

$        28,903,383

$        26,323,300

Earnings per common share:

Basic

$                   0.18

$                   0.03

$                    0.64

$                    0.59

Diluted

$                   0.18

$                   0.03

$                    0.63

$                    0.58

Weighted average shares used to compute
earnings per common share

Basic

45,792,112

44,815,282

45,391,855

44,773,899

Diluted

46,527,775

45,392,225

46,046,044

45,475,453

 

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2024

December 31, 2023

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$       86,805,470

$       99,037,866

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $5,492,901 and $5,657,837 at December 31,
2024 and 2023, respectively)

42,370,830

47,891,501

Inventories

32,848,241

16,556,266

Advance hire, prepaid expenses and other current assets

29,969,352

28,340,246

Total current assets

191,993,893

191,825,879

Fixed assets, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $151,951,990 and
$127,015,253, at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively

707,826,328

474,265,171

Finance lease right of use assets, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of
$10,697,881 and $10,539,384 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively

28,771,531

30,393,823

Goodwill

3,104,800

3,104,800

Other Non-current Assets

4,760,529

5,590,295

Total assets

$     936,457,081

$     705,179,968

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

$       46,581,567

$       34,346,202

Related party payable

1,181,015

1,490,060

Deferred revenue

15,447,488

15,629,886

Current portion of long-term debt

16,576,195

30,751,726

Current portion of financing obligations

25,267,105

18,980,512

Current portion of finance lease liabilities

2,843,750

2,989,612

Dividends payable

1,210,991

1,146,321

Total current liabilities

109,108,111

105,334,319

Secured long-term debt, net

112,720,545

68,446,309

Financing Obligations, net

229,529,792

130,037,711

Finance lease liabilities, net

10,434,298

13,229,156

Long-term liabilities – other

17,936,540

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or
outstanding

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 64,961,433 and
46,466,622 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively

6,498

4,648

Additional paid-in capital

258,659,972

164,854,546

Retained Earnings

169,155,149

159,026,799

Total Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. equity

427,821,619

323,885,993

Non-controlling interests

46,842,716

46,309,940

Total stockholders’ equity

474,664,335

370,195,933

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$     936,457,081

$     705,179,968

 

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31,

2024

2024

Operating activities

Net income

$          31,769,493

$          28,537,772

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:

Depreciation and amortization expense

30,375,721

30,070,395

Amortization of deferred financing costs

1,033,735

946,593

Amortization of prepaid rent

121,865

121,532

Unrealized loss on derivative instruments

953,042

2,925,347

Income from equity method investee

(1,709,593)

(684,470)

Earnings attributable to non-controlling interest recorded as interest expense

3,103,018

462,150

Provision for doubtful accounts

1,835,064

2,938,879

Loss on sales of vessels

1,738,511

Drydocking costs

(6,202,093)

(4,154,283)

Share-based compensation

2,788,190

2,087,807

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

3,685,607

(14,075,231)

Inventories

(11,030,458)

12,548,170

Advance hire, prepaid expenses and other current assets

(2,688,870)

(342,776)

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, other current liabilities and related party payable

11,839,070

(4,079,047)

Deferred revenue

(182,398)

(5,254,072)

Net cash provided by operating activities

65,691,393

53,787,277

Investing activities

Purchase of vessels and vessel improvements

(69,264,985)

(27,264,044)

Proceeds from sale of vessels

17,271,489

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(7,200,000)

Purchase of equipment and internal use software

(167,481)

Contributions to non-consolidated subsidiaries

(171,699)

(427,270)

Dividends received from equity method investments

1,910,000

1,637,500

Net cash used in  investing activities

(67,694,165)

(15,982,325)

Financing activities

Proceeds from long-term debt

64,150,000

Payments of financing and issuance costs

(2,043,785)

Payments of long-term debt

(33,082,460)

(15,782,528)

Proceeds from financing obligations

25,000,000

Payments on financing obligations

(19,180,510)

(11,295,522)

Payments of finance leases

(2,989,613)

(8,942,609)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(2,333,334)

(10,400,000)

Common stock accrued dividends paid

(18,710,364)

(18,103,750)

Cash paid for incentive compensation shares relinquished

(127,283)

Payments to non-controlling interest recorded as long-term liability

(21,039,558)

(2,500,000)

Net cash used in financing activities

(10,229,624)

(67,151,692)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(12,232,396)

(29,346,740)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

99,037,866

128,384,606

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$          86,805,470

$          99,037,866

Supplemental cash flow items:

Cash paid for interest

$          17,983,252

$          18,850,078

Acquisition of Strategic Shipping Inc. through issuance of 18,059,342 shares of common stock,
with a value of $91,019,086, as non-cash consideration.

$          91,019,086

$                        —

Fair value of loans and lease liabilities (ASC 842) assumed

$        100,049,292

$                        —

 

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
(unaudited)

For the three months ended

For the twelve months ended

December 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

Net Transportation and Service Revenue

Gross Profit

$   21,156,847

$   16,877,815

$    73,184,997

$   69,246,559

Add:

Transportation and service depreciation and amortization

7,691,604

7,433,685

30,265,807

29,960,481

Net transportation and service revenue

$   28,848,451

$   24,311,500

$ 103,450,804

$   99,207,040

Adjusted EBITDA

Net Income

$     9,053,237

$     2,177,900

$    31,769,493

$   28,537,772

Interest expense, net

4,119,302

3,596,407

14,050,591

13,453,413

Income (loss) attributable to Non-controlling interest
recorded as long-term liability interest expense

2,682,192

(565,648)

3,103,018

462,150

Depreciation and amortization

7,766,490

7,524,045

30,375,721

30,070,395

EBITDA

23,621,221

12,732,704

79,298,823

72,523,730

Non-GAAP Adjustments:

Loss on sale of vessels

566,315

1,738,511

Share-based compensation

475,005

694,293

2,788,190

2,087,807

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net

(851,346)

5,685,406

953,042

2,925,347

Other non-recurring items

3,195

448,373

Adjusted EBITDA

$   23,244,880

$   19,681,913

$    83,040,055

$   79,723,768

Earnings Per Common Share

Net income attributable to Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.

$     8,435,392

$     1,136,202

$    28,903,383

$   26,323,300

Weighted average number of common shares – basic

45,792,112

44,815,282

45,391,855

44,773,899

Weighted average number of common shares – diluted

46,527,775

45,392,225

46,046,044

45,475,453

Earnings per common share – basic

$               0.18

$               0.03

$                0.64

$               0.59

Earnings per common share – diluted

$               0.18

$               0.03

$                0.63

$               0.58

Adjusted EPS

Net income  attributable to Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.

$     8,435,392

$     1,136,202

$    28,903,383

$   26,323,300

Non-GAAP

Add:

Loss on sale of vessels

566,315

1,738,511

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net

(851,346)

5,685,406

953,042

2,925,347

Other non-recurring items

3,195

448,373

Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Pangaea
Logistics Solutions Ltd.

$     7,584,046

$     7,391,118

$    29,856,425

$   31,435,531

Weighted average number of common shares – basic

45,792,112

44,815,282

45,391,855

44,773,899

Weighted average number of common shares – diluted

46,527,775

45,392,225

46,046,044

45,475,453

Adjusted EPS – basic

$               0.17

$               0.16

$                0.66

$               0.70

Adjusted EPS – diluted

$               0.16

$               0.16

$                0.65

$               0.69

INFORMATION ABOUT NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES. As used herein, “GAAP” refers to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  To supplement our consolidated financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, this earnings release discusses non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP  net revenue, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP Adjusted EPS. These are considered non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Rule 101 of Regulation G promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

We use non-GAAP financial measures for internal financial and operational decision making purposes and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons of the performance and results of operations of our core business.  Our management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the performance of our core business by excluding charges that are not incurred in the normal course of business. Non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal planning and comparisons to our historical performance and liquidity.  We believe certain non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors as they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making and are used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the performance and operational results of our core business.

Gross Profit. Gross profit represents total revenue less net transportation and service revenue and less vessel depreciation and amortization.

Net transportation and service revenue. Net transportation and service revenue represents total revenue less the total direct costs of transportation and services, which includes charter hire, voyage and vessel operating expenses. Net transportation and service revenue is included because it is used by management and certain investors to measure performance by comparison to other logistic service providers. Net transportation and service revenue is not an item recognized by the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, or any other indicator of a company’s operating performance required by U.S. GAAP. Pangaea’s definition of net transportation and service revenue used here may not be comparable to an operating measure used by other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (or loss), determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, excluding interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, loss on sale and leaseback of vessels, share-based compensation and other non-operating income and/or expense, if any. Earnings per share represents net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Adjusted earnings per share represents net income attributable to Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. plus, when applicable, loss on sale of vessel, loss on sale and leaseback of vessel, loss on impairment of vessel, unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments, and certain non-recurring charges, divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock.

There are limitations related to the use of net revenue versus income from operations, adjusted EBITDA versus income from operations, and adjusted EPS versus EPS calculated in accordance with GAAP.  In particular, Pangaea’s definition of adjusted EBITDA used here are not comparable to EBITDA.

The table set forth above provides a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures presented to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

About Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. (NASDAQ: PANL) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Pangaea” or the “Company”) provides seaborne drybulk logistics and transportation services as well as terminal and stevedoring services. Pangaea utilizes its logistics expertise to service a broad base of industrial customers who require the transportation of a wide variety of drybulk cargoes, including grains, coal, iron ore, pig iron, hot briquetted iron, bauxite, alumina, cement clinker, dolomite and limestone. The Company addresses the logistics needs of its customers by undertaking a comprehensive set of services and activities, including cargo loading, cargo discharge, port and terminal operations, vessel chartering, voyage planning, and vessel technical management. Learn more at www.pangaeals.com.

Investor Relations Contacts

Gianni Del Signore

Noel Ryan or Stefan Neely

Chief Financial Officer          

401-846-7790

Investors@pangaeals.com

PANL@val-adv.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.  Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, charter counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors, as well as other risks that have been included in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov

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SOURCE Pangaea Logistics Solutions LTD

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Technology

NAVER Partners with Brookfield and NVIDIA to Expand Korea’s National AI Factory Infrastructure Buildout

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SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NAVER, Brookfield and NVIDIA announced an expansion of Korea’s sovereign AI factory infrastructure. New investments will increase the initial NVIDIA DSX™ AI factory deployment from 55 megawatts to 200 megawatts.

Announced during Korea President Jae Myung Lee’s AI Summit visit to San Francisco, the planned 200-megawatt expansion will be built with the NVIDIA DSX platform at NAVER’s GAK Sejong hyperscale data center in Sejong, South Korea. The expanded infrastructure will provide Korea- and U.S.- based AI innovators with access to production-scale AI compute for building next-generation models, agents and AI-powered services.

Under the terms of the agreements, Brookfield will fund up to $9 billion as the exclusive capital partner, NVIDIA will invest $1 billion and NAVER will fund the remaining amount to finance the $10 billion project.

This builds on NAVER’s June announcement to extend its GAK Sejong data center with NVIDIA DSX, with a long-term path to gigawatt-scale sovereign AI infrastructure serving Korea’s enterprises, industries, government organizations and global AI cloud customers. Combining Brookfield’s capital with NVIDIA’s computing platform, the investment supports NAVER’s AI factory deployment.

“NVIDIA’s strategic investment and our infrastructure supply agreement with Brookfield have propelled NAVER’s vision for the AI Factory business into a robust execution phase,” said Haejin Lee, Founder and Chairman of NAVER. “Leveraging the solid partnerships with our global partners, we will drive technological innovation, foster a sovereign AI ecosystem, and spearhead efforts to strengthen South Korea’s AI competitiveness.” 

AI Factory Expansion and Open Model Collaboration to Fuel AI Innovators

NAVER, as an NVIDIA Cloud Partner, provides deep expertise in operating hyperscale infrastructure powered by the full-stack NVIDIA AI platform. The 200-megawatt AI factory, featuring NVIDIA Vera Rubin and Blackwell platforms, will establish a dedicated resource pool for emerging AI companies, providing the compute, software and support needed to develop and deploy competitive AI models and applications at scale.

This expanded infrastructure also builds on NAVER and NVIDIA’s collaboration on open model development for agentic and physical AI. NAVER is advancing its HyperCLOVA X models to be based on NVIDIA Nemotron™ 3 Ultra open models with its proprietary data and training expertise. NAVER is also the first Korean company to join the NVIDIA Nemotron Coalition, contributing to open model development across pretraining, post-training and reinforcement learning.

NAVER plans to launch an AI agent platform in Korea in the second half of the year, powered by NVIDIA Agent Toolkit software including NVIDIA NemoClaw™ blueprints. NAVER is also developing a Seoul World Model using proprietary urban street-view and spatial modeling data, built on NVIDIA Cosmos™ world foundation models.

About NAVER

Founded in 1999, NAVER is Korea’s largest Internet company and one of the world’s top tech companies. Leading cutting-edge technologies, NAVER operates the No.1 search engine in Korea and holds various business portfolios encompassing commerce, fintech, cloud, AI and robotics.

NAVER recorded sales of KRW 12.04 trillion (USD 8.18 billion) in 2025. TEAM NAVER continues to enhance its business portfolio and expand its global presence across Japan, North America, and Europe, while pursuing innovation through continuous research and development in future technologies.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/naver-partners-with-brookfield-and-nvidia-to-expand-koreas-national-ai-factory-infrastructure-buildout-302834577.html

SOURCE NAVER

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Beijing Review: Walking Through Time: China and U.S. Youths Explore Dali’s Past and Future

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BEIJING, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On July 17, a China-U.S. youth delegation came to Dali of Yunnan Province. By examining how Dali’s rich history intersects with modern development, the delegates explored new pathways for rural development.

They visited Dali Old Town, tried their hand at making the Bai people’s Three-Course Tea and also explored the ancient town of Xizhou, where they learned how modern tourism and indigenous life coexist.

In Yunnanyi Village, they explored its history as a stop along the Tea Horse Road and learned about the role it played during the Second World War (WWII).

Tyler James Smith

“I think it’s a very underappreciated part of World War II history. Hearing these stories of different countries working together despite cultural differences is incredibly inspiring.

I also think there are many stories like these that haven’t been widely told, simply because World War II is such a complex period in history. That’s why I think it’s so meaningful to visit museums like this and experience these stories firsthand.”

At Xiangyun Economic and Technological Development Zone, they visited a local new energy company to see how green, low-carbon development is driving regional growth.

Valerie Marie

“I recently started studying energy transitions. I know China has been really big in the renewable energy sector. So actually getting to hear more about [China’s] 2060 [pledge], learning more about carbon neutrality [goals], as well as other zero-carbon goals, was cool.”

During their stay in Dali, they also strolled along the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor.

Bai Yiwen

“I’d describe this journey as “to be continued,” because my own connection with Yunnan is far from over. For the U.S. delegates, this was only their first visit, so they’ve only had a glimpse of what Yunnan has to offer. I hope they will have more opportunities to come back to China, explore other cities in Yunnan, and discover even more of its people, culture and traditions.”

After Dali, the delegates will visit Beijing for more tours and exchanges. The event was co-hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) Center for the Americas and the U.S.-based International Student Conferences.

https://x.com/beijingreview/status/2080104404552663067?s=46&t=yfVMVdMyE2zKAFrYaLoV-g

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EtGCCKzy4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.tiktok.com/@cachinachic/video/7665536913532587294?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7227134149436605995

https://youtu.be/jGONWTqwduc?is=KfL-Zn3HyVYE-KEm

Contact: Jiaweibellapeng@163.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beijing-review-walking-through-time-china-and-us-youths-explore-dalis-past-and-future-302834587.html

SOURCE Beijing Review

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Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Announces Physical AI Vision at San Francisco AI Summit

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Hyundai Motor Group shares roadmap for realizing its Physical AI vision and collaboration strategy with global tech leaders at the San Francisco AI SummitExecutive Chair Euisun Chung presented, “Hyundai Motor Group is evolving beyond the traditional boundaries of automotive manufacturing to become a Physical AI solution company,” adding, “The ultimate Physical AI vision we pursue is the realization of integrated intelligence at the city level”The Group to leverage manufacturing competitiveness and leading robotics capabilities centered on Boston Dynamics, while establishing a data flywheel system connecting real-world operational data with continuous AI model advancementThe Group to leverage strategic partnerships with global technology leaders, including NVIDIA and Waymo, as well as Boston Dynamics’ strategic partnership with Google DeepMindThe Group to collaborate with NVIDIA to develop a Robot Reference Platform that combines Hyundai Motor Group’s and NVIDIA’s Physical AI capabilities

… The initiative to support Korea’s Physical AI industry through an open ecosystem

The Group to cultivate strategic domestic hubs through investments in Saemangeum AI Valley and future advanced industries in Korea’s Yeongnam region

SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) Executive Chair Euisun Chung today outlined the Group’s vision and strategy for Physical AI at the San Francisco AI Summit held in San Francisco, California.

The event brought together approximately 150 attendees, including Executive Chair Chung, business leaders from major Korean companies, executives from leading U.S. technology firms, startup representatives and students.

At the summit, Executive Chair Chung presented the Group’s roadmap for advancing Physical AI and outlined strategic collaboration plans with global technology leaders.

“Hyundai Motor Group is evolving beyond the traditional boundaries of automotive manufacturing by expanding into autonomous driving, robotics and AI Defined Factories, accelerating our transformation into a Physical AI solution company.” — Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung

Accelerating the Transition to a Physical AI Solution Company

Hyundai Motor Group’s Physical AI vision extends beyond intelligent devices such as vehicles and robots to intelligent spaces, including AI factories where AI seamlessly connects and optimizes entire operations. Ultimately, the Group envisions integrated intelligence at the city level, where urban infrastructure is organically connected and operated through AI.

A key differentiator for the Group is its ability to create a data flywheel that continuously connects real-world operations with AI advancement. Drawing on extensive experience in large-scale manufacturing, mobility, robotics and service operations, the Group is positioned to deploy, refine and scale Physical AI technologies in real industrial environments.

Executive Chair Chung also outlined strategic partnerships with leading technology companies, including NVIDIA and Waymo, as well as Boston Dynamics’ strategic partnership with Google DeepMind, to further advance Physical AI capabilities.

By combining Hyundai Motor Group’s manufacturing competitiveness, mobility and robotics technologies and extensive operational data with the AI infrastructure and algorithm capabilities of global technology leaders, the Group aims to help foster a new innovation ecosystem for the Physical AI era.

Executive Chair Chung also introduced initiatives designed to support the growth of Korea’s robotics and AI ecosystem, including the development of a Robot Reference Platform with NVIDIA that combines Hyundai Motor Group’s and NVIDIA’s Physical AI capabilities, as well as investments in initiatives such as the Saemangeum AI Valley.

Physical AI Vision: From Intelligent Devices to Integrated Intelligence at the City Level

During the summit, Executive Chair Chung presented Hyundai Motor Group’s Physical AI vision.

“The ultimate Physical AI vision Hyundai Motor Group pursues begins with intelligent devices such as vehicles and robots, expands to intelligent spaces such as AI factories, and ultimately realizes integrated intelligence at the city level, where urban infrastructure is seamlessly connected and operated.” — Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung

The Group’s vision begins with intelligent devices, where AI capabilities enhance vehicles and robots. It then expands to intelligent spaces, including AI factories where AI autonomously integrates logistics, production and quality management across entire operations.

Ultimately, Hyundai Motor Group envisions city-level intelligence, where critical infrastructure and assets — including energy, mobility and robotics systems — are connected and optimized in real time.

Executive Chair Chung also highlighted the Group’s key strengths in realizing its Physical AI vision:

World-class manufacturing competitiveness: Hyundai Motor Group has built extensive expertise through decades of operating global manufacturing facilities, managing quality systems and optimizing supply chains. This foundation enables the Group to apply AI technologies to products, processes and services while rapidly validating and scaling innovations in real-world environments.Leading robotics capabilities: Hyundai Motor Group has established robotics as a key pillar of its future business portfolio. Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robot Spot®, logistics robot Stretch®, and Hyundai Motor Group Robotics LAB’s next-generation mobile robot platform MobED are recognized for combining technological competitiveness with real-world applicability.

In particular, the humanoid robot Atlas® is emerging as a representative example of Physical AI, supporting and collaborating with people across manufacturing, logistics and mobility environments.

Establishing a data flywheel system: Hyundai Motor Group is establishing a data flywheel system that leverages data generated across manufacturing operations, vehicles, logistics systems and robotics demonstrations to continuously advance AI models. Enhanced algorithms are then reapplied to real-world operations, creating a virtuous cycle that improves performance and strengthens Physical AI capabilities.

Accelerating the Future of Physical AI Through Partnerships with Global Tech Leaders

Executive Chair Chung also outlined concrete initiatives to position Hyundai Motor Group as a leader in human-centered Physical AI through strategic collaborations with NVIDIA and Waymo, as well as Boston Dynamics’ strategic partnership with Google DeepMind.

“By combining Hyundai Motor Group’s strengths in manufacturing, robotics and data with the capabilities of global technology leaders, we can help create a new innovation ecosystem for the Physical AI era.” — Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung

NVIDIA – Advancing Physical AI infrastructure and talent development

Hyundai Motor Group is expanding collaboration with NVIDIA to strengthen Physical AI infrastructure and cultivate AI talent. Building on a supply agreement for 50,000 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs and a memorandum of understanding signed last year to advance Korea’s Physical AI capabilities, the Group is pursuing a range of initiatives, including the establishment of Hyundai Motor Group Robot Application Center, as well as various collaborations aimed at strengthening Korea’s Physical AI infrastructure and AI talent ecosystem, including the NVIDIA’s AI Technology Center.

In manufacturing, the Group is leveraging NVIDIA’s platform to create more sophisticated digital twins of production facilities, enhancing process design, operational optimization and validation efficiency. The collaboration also includes the integration of NVIDIA’s autonomous driving solutions, including automotive semiconductors, sensors and architecture, with Hyundai Motor Group vehicle platforms.

Waymo – Strengthening autonomous driving collaboration

Hyundai Motor Group continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with Waymo in the autonomous driving sector to support the development of a safe and innovative autonomous driving ecosystem. Autonomous driving vehicles require a wide range of specialized capabilities, including redundant systems for steering, braking, power and communications, dedicated features such as power-operated doors, as well as enhanced functional safety and cybersecurity technologies.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to produce IONIQ 5 vehicles with specific autonomous-ready modifications at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia.

Google DeepMind – Accelerating next-generation humanoid robotics

Boston Dynamics has established a strategic partnership with Google DeepMind to accelerate the development of next-generation humanoid robots. Advanced AI models and training systems are essential for robots to perform complex tasks in real-world environments and collaborate effectively with people. Through this partnership, Boston Dynamics robots are expected to achieve greater autonomy and adapt more effectively to complex operating environments.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to establish a robot production facility in the U.S. with an annual capacity of up to 30,000 units by 2028. The Atlas humanoid robot will first be deployed at production facilities including HMGMA before broader deployment is expanded through phased validation.

Building an Open Ecosystem Through the Robot Reference Platform and Continued Investment in Korea’s Physical AI Future

Executive Chair Chung also outlined initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of Korea’s Physical AI ecosystem through open collaboration and continued investment.

“The outcomes of collaboration with global technology leaders should contribute to the growth of Korea’s Physical AI industry. To that end, Hyundai Motor Group plans to foster an open ecosystem that supports innovation in robotics and AI technologies.” — Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung

Key initiatives to build an open ecosystem for robotics and AI innovation include:

Robot Reference Platform: Hyundai Motor Group and NVIDIA are collaborating to develop a Robot Reference Platform that combines Hyundai Motor Group’s and NVIDIA’s Physical AI capabilities.

The platform will provide research robot models to universities, research institutes and startups, helping foster an open ecosystem that supports technological innovation and the development of Physical AI talent while contributing to the broader growth of Korea’s robotics and AI industries. 

Supporting universities, research institutes and startups: The Robot Reference Platform is expected to provide universities, research institutes and startups with a standardized hardware and software environment, enabling them to more easily develop and validate Physical AI technologies. The initiative aims to help address challenges faced by organizations with innovative ideas but limited access to commercialization opportunities and validation infrastructure.

Hyundai Motor Group is also continuing large-scale investments aimed at driving the next leap forward in Korea’s industrial and technology ecosystem. Continued investments in Korea’s industrial and technology ecosystem include:

Saemangeum AI Valley: In the Saemangeum region of Jeonbuk State, the Group is developing Saemangeum AI Valley, which includes an approximate KRW 9 trillion investment in AI data centers, robotics manufacturing clusters, electrolyzer plants and AI hydrogen city infrastructure. 

In particular, the robotics manufacturing cluster will serve not only as a production base for the Group’s own robotics products, but also as a robotics foundry that provides manufacturing services for small and medium-sized enterprises that lack manufacturing expertise.

Advanced industrial hubs in the Yeongnam region: Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest a total of KRW 42 trillion over the next decade to foster advanced industrial hubs focused on AI-driven manufacturing, future aerospace industries and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Through these initiatives, Hyundai Motor Group aims to strengthen key foundations for the Physical AI era, including data and energy infrastructure, robotics production capabilities and real-world validation capabilities. The Group also expects these investments to contribute to enhanced industrial competitiveness, balanced regional development, job creation and broader economic vitality in Korea.

About Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication, and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.

More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Newsroom, Genesis Newsroom

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor Company

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