Technology
Stoneridge Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
Published
1 year agoon
By
Strong Quarter-to-Quarter Margin Progression
MirrorEye® and SMART 2 Tachograph Set Quarterly Sales Records
Maintaining Previously Provided Full-Year 2025 Guidance
2025 First Quarter Results
Sales of $217.9 millionGross profit of $46.3 million (21.2% of sales)Adjusted gross profit of $47.7 million (21.9% of sales)Operating loss of $(3.2) million ((1.5)% of sales)Adjusted operating loss of $(0.4) million ((0.2)% of sales)Net loss of $(7.2) million ((3.3)% of sales)Adjusted net loss of $(5.1) million ((2.4)% of sales)Adjusted EBITDA of $7.6 million (3.5% of sales)
2025 Full-Year Guidance
Maintaining previously provided full-year 2025 guidance ranges
NOVI, Mich., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
The Company announced first quarter sales of $217.9 million, gross profit of $46.3 million (21.2% of sales) and adjusted gross profit of $47.7 million (21.9% of sales). Operating loss was $(3.2) million ((1.5)% of sales) while adjusted operating loss was $(0.4) million ((0.2)% of sales). Net loss was $(7.2) million and adjusted net loss was $(5.1) million. Loss per share (EPS) was $(0.26) and adjusted EPS was $(0.19). Adjusted EBITDA was $7.6 million (3.5% of sales).
The exhibits attached hereto provide reconciliation detail on normalizing adjustments of non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release.
Jim Zizelman, president and chief executive officer, commented, “During the first quarter, we drove significant margin expansion by continuing to focus on material cost improvement and reduced quality-related costs, resulting in quarter-to-quarter operating margin performance improvement in all of our segments. Overall adjusted gross margin improved by 210 basis points driven by material cost improvement and a $2.5 million reduction in quality-related costs relative to the fourth quarter of last year. First quarter adjusted EBITDA was $7.6 million, an improvement of $1.6 million over the fourth quarter. Finally, our focus on cash and inventory management drove positive free cash flow of approximately $4.9 million, an increase of approximately $1.5 million versus the first quarter of last year. Sales remained flat relative to the fourth quarter of last year, as expected, highlighted by record quarterly sales for both MirrorEye and SMART 2, including a 24% increase in MirrorEye sales as previously launched OEM programs continued to ramp-up, along with strong sales in the global bus market.”
Zizelman concluded, “We continue to monitor potential direct and indirect impacts related to tariffs. Although we saw very little direct impact of tariffs in the first quarter, we continued to implement mitigation strategies to further offset potential tariffs that have been discussed or are scheduled to be implemented. Our primary tariff exposure is related to products manufactured in our Juarez, Mexico facility and sold to U.S. customers receiving the product for U.S. consumption. Approximately 91% of these product sales are USMCA certified and are currently not subject to tariffs. Additionally, we have successfully addressed most of the complexities in component purchases through the strength of our current supply chain structure. We have and will continue to implement mitigation activities for existing and proposed tariffs through strategic supply chain sourcing and customer pricing strategies to mitigate any cost increases that may occur. For example, we have already secured, or are well down the path of securing, price increases with certain customers that have products that are impacted by tariffs. That said, we recognize that there is increased uncertainty in consumer demand and production volumes caused by the implementation of the tariffs. We will continue to monitor shifts in macroeconomic policies and the impacts on our business to ensure that we act quickly to offset any incremental costs, as we have done historically.”
First Quarter in Review
Electronics first quarter sales of $140.5 million decreased by 6.0% relative to the fourth quarter of 2024. This was primarily driven by lower production volumes in the commercial vehicle end market and lower off-highway sales, offset by the continued growth of MirrorEye and continued strong demand for the Company’s next generation tachograph, the SMART 2. First quarter adjusted operating margin of 4.9% increased by 130 basis points relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, due in part to lower quality-related costs.
Control Devices first quarter sales of $69.9 million increased by 10.6% relative to the fourth quarter of 2024 driven by higher production volumes for the Company’s North American passenger vehicle customers. First quarter adjusted operating margin of 2.2% increased by 470 basis points relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to contribution on higher sales as well as lower D&D and reduced quality-related costs.
Stoneridge Brazil first quarter sales of $14.4 million increased by $2.0 million, or 15.9%, relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by higher OEM sales. First quarter operating income of $0.6 million increased by approximately $0.5 million relative to the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to contribution on higher sales.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Electronics first quarter sales decreased by 10.0%. This decrease was primarily driven by lower production volumes in the North American and European commercial vehicle end markets, partially mitigated by higher MirrorEye revenue, including the ramp-up of recently launched OEM programs and higher sales for the SMART 2 tachograph. First quarter adjusted operating margin of 4.9% increased by 40 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024, driven by improved gross margin offset by higher D&D expense as customer reimbursements declined more than spending, as well as lower contribution from lower sales.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Control Devices first quarter sales decreased by 10.4%. This decrease was primarily due to lower customer production volumes in the North American passenger vehicle end market, as well as the expected wind-down of end-of-life programs. First quarter adjusted operating margin of 2.2% decreased by 60 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to reduced contribution on lower sales, partially offset by lower D&D and reduced quality-related costs.
Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Stoneridge Brazil first quarter sales increased by $2.2 million, or 18.0%. This increase was primarily driven by higher OEM product sales. First quarter operating income of $0.6 million increased by approximately $0.4 million relative to the first quarter of 2024.
Cash and Debt Balances
As of March 31, 2025, Stoneridge had cash and cash equivalents totaling $79.1 million and total debt of $203.2 million. During the first quarter of 2025, the Company generated $10.9 million in net cash provided by operating activities and $4.9 million in free cash flow, an increase of $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, over the first quarter of 2024.
For Credit Facility compliance purposes, adjusted net debt was $148.9 million while adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months was $37.5 million, resulting in an adjusted net debt to trailing twelve-month EBITDA compliance leverage ratio of 3.97x relative to a required leverage ratio of not greater than 6.00x as per the amended Credit Facility agreement.
The Company continues to expect to remain compliant with all amended compliance ratios and is maintaining the previously communicated targeted compliance net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio of 2.0x to 2.5x by the end of the year, relative to a 3.50x leverage ratio requirement by the end of the year.
2025 and Future Outlook
The Company is maintaining its guidance ranges for its full-year 2025 performance including sales guidance of $860 million to $890 million, adjusted gross margin guidance of 22.0% to 22.5%, adjusted operating margin guidance of 0.75% to 1.25%, and adjusted EBITDA guidance of $38 million to $42 million, or approximately 4.4% to 4.7% of sales. The Company is also maintaining its full-year 2025 guidance for free cash flow of $25 million to $30 million.
Matt Horvath, chief financial officer, commented, “We delivered a strong first quarter that exceeded our previously outlined expectations across each of our key metrics. Operating margins improved compared to the previous quarter in each of our segments driven by lower quality-related costs, material cost reductions, structural cost control and our long-standing focus on operational excellence. Sales for our key growth products achieved record sales and cash performance exceeded our expectations as we remain focused on working capital improvement through inventory management and strict management of capital expenditures.”
Horvath continued, “We are taking a deliberate and thoughtful approach for the remainder of the year as we expect some volatility in our end markets and supply chains as a result of volatile macroeconomic and political factors, including tariff uncertainties. That said, we are maintaining our full-year guidance ranges based on our first quarter outperformance and run-rate margin improvement, as well as our original, relatively conservative assumptions related to vehicle production volumes. Even considering the most recent external production forecasts, we expect to perform within our previously provided EBITDA guidance range. Consistent with the outperformance we saw in the first quarter, we expect continued progress on our material cost improvement initiatives and quality-related costs for the remainder of the year. We will continue to manage structural costs and make adjustments as necessary to align our operating structure with current market conditions.”
Horvath concluded, “We remain focused on building a strong foundation for continued earnings expansion as we capitalize on our impressive portfolio of advanced technologies. Stoneridge remains well positioned to continue to outperform our underlying markets and drive margin expansion resulting in long-term shareholder value creation.”
Conference Call on the Web
A live Internet broadcast of Stoneridge’s conference call regarding 2025 first quarter results can be accessed at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at www.stoneridge.com, which will also offer a webcast replay.
About Stoneridge, Inc.
Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global supplier of safe and efficient electronic systems and technologies. Our systems and products power vehicle intelligence, while enabling safety and security for on- and off-highway transportation sectors around the world. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at www.stoneridge.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and may include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business, and (v) operational expectations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:
the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis, including the impact of potential tariffs and trade considerations on their operations and output;fluctuations in the cost and availability of key materials and components (including semiconductors, printed circuit boards, resin, aluminum, steel and copper) and our ability to offset cost increases through negotiated price increases with our customers or other cost reduction actions, as necessary;global economic trends, competition and geopolitical risks, including impacts from ongoing or potential global conflicts and any related sanctions and other measures, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and other countries;tariffs specifically in countries where we have significant direct or indirect manufacturing or supply chain exposure and our ability to either mitigate the impact of tariffs or pass any incremental costs to our customers;our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;the reduced purchases, loss, financial distress or bankruptcy of a major customer or supplier;the costs and timing of business realignment, facility closures or similar actions;a significant change in commercial, automotive, off-highway or agricultural vehicle production;competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;foreign currency fluctuations and our ability to manage those impacts;customer acceptance of new products;our ability to successfully launch/produce products for awarded business;adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions affecting our products, our suppliers, or our customers’ products;our ability to protect our intellectual property and successfully defend against assertions made against us;liabilities arising from warranty claims, product recall or field actions, product liability and legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party, or the impact of product recall or field actions on our customers;labor disruptions at our facilities, or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;business disruptions due to natural disasters or other disasters outside of our control;the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our revolving Credit Facility;capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates;the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business;risks related to a failure of our information technology systems and networks, and risks associated with current and emerging technology threats and damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions; andthe items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s 2024 Form 10-K.
The forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release contains information about the Company’s financial results that is not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Such non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their closest GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release. The provision of these non-GAAP financial measures for 2025 and 2024 is not intended to indicate that Stoneridge is explicitly or implicitly providing projections on those non-GAAP financial measures, and actual results for such measures are likely to vary from those presented. The reconciliations include all information reasonably available to the Company at the date of this press release and the adjustments that management can reasonably predict.
In evaluating its business, the Company considers and uses free cash flow and net debt as supplemental measures of its liquidity and the other non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental measures of its operating performance. Management believes the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In particular, management believes that adjusted gross profit and margin, adjusted operating income (loss) and margin, adjusted income (loss) before tax, adjusted income tax expense (benefit), adjusted net income (loss), adjusted EPS, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted debt, adjusted net debt, adjusted cash and free cash flow are useful measures in assessing the Company’s financial performance by excluding certain items that are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance or that may obscure trends useful in evaluating the Company’s continuing operating activities. Management also believes that these measures are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s results of operations and provide improved comparability between fiscal periods.
Adjusted gross profit and margin, adjusted operating income (loss) and margin, adjusted income (loss) before tax, adjusted income tax expense (benefit), adjusted net income (loss), adjusted EPS, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted debt, adjusted net debt, adjusted cash and free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for gross profit, operating income (loss), income (loss) before tax, income tax expense (benefit), net income (loss), EPS, debt, cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
March 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 79,109
$ 71,832
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $699 and $1,060, respectively
156,683
137,766
Inventories, net
151,794
151,337
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
30,435
26,579
Total current assets
418,021
387,514
Long-term assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net
99,289
97,667
Intangible assets, net
41,260
39,677
Goodwill
34,610
33,085
Operating lease right-of-use asset
9,607
10,050
Investments and other long-term assets, net
54,572
53,563
Total long-term assets
239,338
234,042
Total assets
$ 657,359
$ 621,556
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 97,037
$ 83,478
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
78,127
66,494
Total current liabilities
175,164
149,972
Long-term liabilities:
Revolving credit facility
203,186
201,577
Deferred income taxes
5,344
5,321
Operating lease long-term liability
6,186
6,484
Other long-term liabilities
14,383
12,942
Total long-term liabilities
229,099
226,324
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred Shares, without par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued
—
—
Common Shares, without par value, 60,000 shares authorized, 28,966 and 28,966
shares issued and 27,846 and 27,695 shares outstanding at March 31,2025 and
December 31, 2024, respectively, with no stated value
—
—
Additional paid-in capital
221,130
225,712
Common Shares held in treasury, 1,120 and 1,271 shares at March 31,2025 and
December 31, 2024, respectively, at cost
(32,936)
(38,424)
Retained earnings
172,789
179,985
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(107,887)
(122,013)
Total shareholders’ equity
253,096
245,260
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$ 657,359
$ 621,556
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2025
2024
Net sales
$ 217,890
$ 239,157
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold
171,593
190,800
Selling, general and administrative
31,696
30,423
Design and development
17,826
17,603
Operating (loss) income
(3,225)
331
Interest expense, net
3,167
3,634
Equity in (earnings) loss of investee
(294)
277
Other (income) expense, net
(466)
2,036
Loss before income taxes
(5,632)
(5,616)
Provision for income taxes
1,564
510
Net loss
$ (7,196)
$ (6,126)
Loss per share:
Basic
$ (0.26)
$ (0.22)
Diluted
$ (0.26)
$ (0.22)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
27,680
27,529
Diluted
27,680
27,529
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)
2025
2024
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$ (7,196)
$ (6,126)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation
5,428
6,601
Amortization, including accretion of deferred financing costs
2,054
2,164
Deferred income taxes
(402)
(2,279)
(Earnings) loss of equity method investee
(294)
277
Loss on sale of fixed assets
4
266
Share-based compensation expense
1,136
1,092
Excess tax deficiency related to share-based compensation expense
440
230
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
(14,610)
(6,676)
Inventories, net
5,263
3,699
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(1,379)
1,377
Accounts payable
10,792
(709)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
9,661
9,193
Net cash provided by operating activities
10,897
9,109
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures, including intangibles
(6,070)
(5,795)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
82
81
Net cash used for investing activities
(5,988)
(5,714)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Revolving credit facility borrowings
—
30,500
Revolving credit facility payments
—
(24,500)
Proceeds from issuance of debt
6,699
7,798
Repayments of debt
(7,260)
(7,790)
Repurchase of Common Shares to satisfy employee tax withholding
(226)
(620)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
(787)
5,388
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
3,155
(1,184)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
7,277
7,599
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
71,832
40,841
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 79,109
$ 48,440
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net
$ 3,309
$ 4,194
Cash paid for income taxes, net
$ 1,852
$ 2,653
Regulation G Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations
Exhibit 1 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Profit
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q1 2025
Gross Profit
$ 48.4
$ 46.3
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
1.4
Adjusted Gross Profit
$ 48.4
$ 47.7
Exhibit 2 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q1 2025
Operating Income (Loss)
$ 0.3
$ (3.2)
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
2.8
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
$ 0.3
$ (0.4)
Exhibit 3 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Tax Rate
(USD in millions)
Q1 2025
Tax Rate
Loss Before Tax
$ (5.6)
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
2.8
Adjusted Loss Before Tax
$ (2.8)
Income Tax Expense
$ 1.6
(27.8) %
Add: Tax Impact from Pre-Tax Adjustments
0.8
Adjusted Income Tax Expense on Adjusted Loss Before Tax
$ 2.3
(82.6) %
Exhibit 4 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Loss and EPS
(USD in millions, except EPS)
Q1 2025
Q1 2025 EPS
Net Loss
$ (7.2)
$ (0.26)
Add: After-Tax Business Realignment Costs
2.1
0.07
Adjusted Net Loss
$ (5.1)
$ (0.19)
Exhibit 5 – Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Income (Loss) Before Tax
$ (5.6)
$ 1.9
$ (3.7)
$ (6.2)
$ (5.6)
Interest expense, net
3.6
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
Depreciation and amortization
8.6
8.5
8.8
8.3
7.3
EBITDA
$ 6.6
$ 14.2
$ 8.8
$ 5.5
$ 4.8
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
1.9
0.3
0.4
2.8
Add: Pre-Tax Environmental Remediation Costs
—
—
0.2
—
—
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 6.6
$ 16.1
$ 9.2
$ 6.0
$ 7.6
Exhibit 6 – Segment Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
Reconciliation of Control Devices Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Control Devices Operating Income (Loss)
$ 2.2
$ (1.8)
$ 1.2
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
0.2
0.4
Control Devices Adjusted Operating Income (Loss)
$ 2.2
$ (1.6)
$ 1.5
Reconciliation of Electronics Adjusted Operating Income
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Electronics Operating Income
$ 7.1
$ 5.1
$ 5.5
Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs
—
0.2
1.4
Electronics Adjusted Operating Income
$ 7.1
$ 5.3
$ 6.9
Exhibit 7 – Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
(USD in millions)
Q1 2024
Q1 2025
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
$ 9.1
$ 10.9
Capital Expenditures, including Intangibles
(5.8)
(6.1)
Proceeds from Sale of Fixed Assets
0.1
0.1
Free Cash Flow
$ 3.4
$ 4.9
Exhibit 8 – Reconciliation of Compliance Leverage Ratio
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Income (Loss) Before Tax
$ 1.9
$ (3.7)
$ (6.2)
$ (5.6)
Interest Expense, net
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
Depreciation and Amortization
8.5
8.8
8.3
7.3
EBITDA
$ 14.2
$ 8.8
$ 5.5
$ 4.8
Compliance adjustments:
Add: Non-Cash Impairment Charges and Write-offs or Write
Downs
—
—
0.4
—
Add: Adjustments from Foreign Currency Impact
(2.4)
(0.6)
(1.1)
(2.1)
Add: Extraordinary, Non-recurring or Unusual Items
—
—
—
—
Add: Cash Restructuring Charges
0.5
0.7
0.3
1.6
Add: Charges for Transactions, Amendments, and Refinances
—
—
—
—
Add: Adjustment to Autotech Fund II Investment
0.1
0.8
0.2
(0.3)
Add: Accrual-based Expenses
7.1
1.3
6.4
7.3
Less: Cash Payments for Accrual-based Expenses
(3.7)
(3.3)
(2.8)
(6.1)
Adjusted EBITDA (Compliance)
$ 15.8
$ 7.6
$ 8.9
$ 5.3
Adjusted TTM EBITDA (Compliance)
$ 37.5
Reconciliation of Adjusted Cash for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q1 2025
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents
$ 79.1
Less: 35% of Cash in Foreign Locations
(23.3)
Total Adjusted Cash (Compliance)
$ 55.8
Reconciliation of Adjusted Debt for Compliance Calculation
(USD in millions)
Q1 2025
Total Debt
$ 203.2
Outstanding Letters of Credit
1.5
Total Adjusted Debt (Compliance)
$ 204.7
Adjusted Net Debt (Compliance)
$ 148.9
Compliance Leverage Ratio (Net Debt / TTM EBITDA)
3.97x
Compliance Leverage Ratio Maximum Requirement
6.00x
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SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc.
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Global Times: Head-of-state diplomacy shines at WAIC, fostering ties and advancing global governance consensus
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3 hours agoon
July 18, 2026By
BEIJING, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, sitting down successively with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The bustling diplomatic activity transformed the WAIC from a premier showcase of AI technologies and industrial breakthroughs into a vibrant platform for head-of-state diplomacy and global governance coordination.
Analysts said hosting intensive head-of-state diplomatic events in Shanghai, a core hub of reform, opening-up and technological innovation, carries profound meaning. In addition, Friday’s high-level meetings embody the innovative model of “technology builds the stage while diplomacy takes the leading role.” It not only deepens China’s bilateral relations with ASEAN members, but also helps advance inclusive global AI governance centered on the UN mechanism.
Strategic guidance
According to the two separate official releases by Xinhua, during his meetings with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, President Xi spoke of the long-standing friendship China shares with both nations. He called on China and Thailand, as well as China and Cambodia, to join hands to advance the development of their respective communities with a shared future.
Furthermore, the Chinese leader stressed the need for China to expand pragmatic cooperation with Thailand and Cambodia respectively across traditional and emerging sectors, and work with each country to jointly crack down on cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud, according to Xinhua.
He called for the proper handling of border frictions between Thailand and Cambodia and called on the two sides to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, with China standing ready to continue playing a constructive role in this regard, per Xinhua.
During their respective meetings with the Chinese leader, the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia both expressed willingness to deepen multi-field cooperation with China and spoke highly of China’s positive efforts to facilitate the peaceful settlement of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflicts.
Xu Liping, Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that head-of-state diplomacy has charted the fundamental course for the advancement of China’s ties with both Cambodia and Thailand.
WAIC exemplifies the innovative model of “technology builds the platform, while diplomacy takes the leading role,” said Xu, “In addition, AI cooperation is also expected to serve as a vital entry point to further deepen and substantiate China’s ties with Thailand and Cambodia going forward.”
Furthermore, addressing the sensitive and thorny Thailand-Cambodia border dispute amid the relatively relaxed atmosphere of a tech summit enables all relevant parties to handle differences in a rational and pragmatic manner, which embodies Eastern wisdom and an Asian approach to resolving issues, said Xu.
The year 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, witnessing the official rollout of the new Plan of Action on the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030). It also kicks off the implementation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
The critical juncture offers a perfect window to align China’s development plans closely with the national development strategies of Global South countries and ASEAN members, said Xu. “Thailand and Cambodia’s willingness to ramp up cooperation with China mirrors the aspiration of the majority of ASEAN members to leverage China’s development dividends and pursue win-win outcomes and common prosperity in the region.”
Firm support for UN
In his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday, Xi reiterated China’s firm support for the UN.
Noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China at the UN, the Chinese leader said China has since been committed to building world peace, contributing to global development, defending international order, and firmly supporting the UN, Xinhua reported.
Xi added that he proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives with one important consideration in mind – to uphold the status and authority of the UN.
Currently, the international landscape is marked by more pronounced changes and turbulence, making it all the more necessary to practice true multilateralism and reinvigorate the status and role of the UN, he said.
Guterres commended China for its steadfast support for multilateralism, the cause of the UN, and international cooperation, saying that China has set an example for the world.
Guterres said the UN will continue to strengthen cooperation with China, oppose unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonic bullying, safeguard the UN Charter and international law, as well as advance the process toward a multipolar world.
At this pivotal juncture where talks on AI development and UN multilateral governance converge, China, leveraging head-of-state diplomacy as a top-tier platform, has elaborated in a systematic manner its vision for global governance in the AI era, Wang Yiwei, a professor at the School of International Studies, Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.
He added that China’s emphasis on the UN-centered global governance architecture will further strengthen the UN’s authority and operational capacity.
Before the official opening of the WAIC, on Thursday, representatives from 29 countries, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed an agreement on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai. UN chief Guterres was among representatives from countries and international organizations present at the signing ceremony.
According to the agreement, WAICO will be an independent intergovernmental international organization, which aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI, ensuring that AI is beneficial, safe and fair, thereby promoting its healthy and orderly development to benefit all humanity.
President Xi on Friday also announced that in the next five years, China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs. China will also develop international AI application cooperation centers with the ASEAN, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS.
However, some international media, including Reuters and Nikkei, used the term “AI diplomacy” describing the grand gathering in Shanghai, claiming that Beijing seeks a new global AI order, challenging US dominance.
In rebuttal, Wang pointed out that China advocates open, inclusive technology that lets AI benefit all humanity under the vision of “AI for All”. In contrast, the US adheres to a mindset of “All for AI”, weaponizing AI for geopolitical rivalry and aiming to outpace China in technological competition. Driven by the “America First” doctrine and capital-centric priorities, Washington’s approach forms a sharp contrast with China’s.
Meanwhile, China’s resolute commitment to upholding the UN system underscores that for China and a wide array of Global South countries, the sensible path lies in reforming and improving the existing global governance architecture rather than discarding it to build parallel institutions from scratch, the expert added.
This article first appeared on Global Times
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SOURCE Global Times
Technology
Global Times: China sends fresh signal on global AI cooperation at WAIC
Published
3 hours agoon
July 18, 2026By
BEIJING, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — “AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, stressing that China is ready to be more open, take more practical actions, and assume a more visionary perspective.
We are ready to work with all parties to seize the opportunities of AI development and meet the challenges, and join hands to create a brighter future for humanity, he added.
Xi’s remarks received positive responses from domestic and foreign enterprises and experts, as they spoke highly of China’s scientific and technological achievements in recent years while noting that China’s commitment to openness and cooperation can help ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all humanity and Chinese solutions in AI governance enable other countries to better tackle the common challenges brought about by AI development.
Openness and win-win cooperation
Xi presented four observations on AI development and governance in the speech. The Chinese leader called for adhering to the principle of openness and win-win cooperation while boosting innovation-driven development. He highlighted the importance of encouraging open-source, openness, collaboration and sharing to facilitate technological innovation, industrial development and scenario-based application of AI.
He also called for strengthening risk-awareness and ensuring that AI is secure and controllable. Stressing the need to ensure that AI is always under human control, Xi urged all sides to jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country’s security over that of others.
Third, he called for encouraging inclusiveness and promoting mutual learning among civilizations.
Fourth, he called for advocating solidarity and improving global governance. The important role of the United Nations should be recognized, Xi said, calling for further alignment and coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules and technical standards.
“We must carry out extensive international cooperation and help Global South countries with capacity building to bridge the AI and digital divides, promote sustainable development and prevent creating new historical injustice in AI,” he said.
In the next five years, China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs, Xi said. He said China will develop international AI application cooperation centers with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS. China will enable 30 countries to use the AI-powered meteorological warning system, or MAZU, to safeguard homes around the world.
“President Xi’s remarks underscore China’s commitment to advancing global AI governance and technological innovation through opening-up and win-win cooperation, bringing new opportunities for sharing AI dividends and achieving shared prosperity to countries worldwide, especially developing countries,” Song Yang, professor of School of Economics and research fellow at the National Academy of Development and Strategy at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Friday.
China is sending a clear and important message: AI should become a bridge between countries, not a new dividing line, Luigi Gambardella, president of the Brussels-based international digital association ChinaEU, told the Global Times on Friday on the sidelines of the forum.
“No country, however technologically advanced, can develop and govern AI alone. China’s commitment to openness and cooperation can help ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all humanity. It can help prevent the fragmentation of technologies, standards and markets, while ensuring that the opportunities created by AI are shared more widely,” Gambardella said.
“President Xi proposed ‘adhering to the principle of openness and win-win cooperation’ and ‘advocating solidarity’, and announced a series of pragmatic measures to support global AI development. These remarks have deeply inspired me and further strengthened my confidence in promoting the inclusive development of AI through opening-up and cooperation,” Xu Li, chairman and CEO of Shanghai-based AI software company SenseTime, told the Global Times on Friday.
Looking ahead, SenseTime aims to bring more field-tested technologies, products, and talent cultivation expertise to more countries and regions, and boost “China innovation” to deliver sustained value across a wider spectrum of industrial scenarios, thereby enabling AI to better benefit all of humanity, Xu said.
China actively supports strengthening global cooperation on AI governance, advocates multilateralism, and promotes the establishment of a global governance framework, which has received positive responses from many Global South countries.
Twenty-nine countries on Thursday signed an agreement in Shanghai on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). As an independent intergovernmental international organization headquartered in Shanghai, WAICO will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, be committed to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit and adhere to a people-centered approach, according to the agreement, per Xinhua.
Global spotlight on WAIC
Since its inception in 2018, the WAIC has successfully convened for eight consecutive editions, becoming an important window for showcasing cutting-edge AI technologies from China and around the world while deepening international opening-up and cooperation.
Themed “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future”, the exhibition area exceeds 100,000 square meters for the first time this year, attracting the participation of over 1,100 enterprises. The exhibitors are showcasing more than 3,000 products and technologies, with over 300 products making their global debuts.
Among the exhibition highlights are Huawei’s latest AI computing super node system Atlas 950, MiniMax M3 multimodal foundation model, and the world’s first agentic AI phone, alongside a range of humanoid robots and AI-powered dexterous hands.
A German BMW representative, who attended WAIC for the first time, expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting the humanoid robotics showcased in the exhibition area – technologies he said he has never encountered before.
The representative told the Global Times that his company has adopted Chinese AI-powered large language models such as Qwen and DeepSeek. “The new updated versions of these models emerge weekly, which is very impressive,” the representative said, speaking highly of the cost efficiency of Chinese models.
However, some Western media outlets keep smearing China’s AI advancements and international cooperation. The Economist even claims that China’s open-source AI is a “trap” and that embracing China is “risky.”
Debunking this groundless smearing, Song said that China’s AI development has consistently adhered to the philosophy of a people-centered approach and AI for good, accumulating a wealth of vivid, replicable, and scalable experiences.
At the opening ceremony of the WAIC, the China Meteorological Administration unveiled the MAZU-FengYun Satellite AI Box. The launch marks a new stage in MAZU’s intelligent early-warning initiative, which was unveiled last year, shifting from providing shared meteorological products to delivering AI-enabled forecasting capabilities, according to the administration.
“Over the past year, meteorological and disaster reduction agencies from more than 40 countries have accessed the MAZU early warning technologies and products via cloud platforms. Customized versions of the tool have been deployed in Nigeria, Djibouti, Pakistan, and other nations, earning widespread recognition from users,” You Yang, a staff member with the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, told the Global Times on Friday.
“From base models to industry-specific applications, China is opening up its low-cost, replicable technological pathways to the world, thereby lowering the threshold for underdeveloped nations to enter the AI era. Meanwhile, China actively helps developing countries address gaps in technology, talent, and governance capabilities to bridge the digital divide in the age of intelligence,” Song said.
According to a March report from Hugging Face, one of the world’s largest AI open-source communities, China has surpassed the US in monthly downloads and overall downloads. In the past year, Chinese models quickly accounted for the plurality or 41 percent of downloads.
“China possesses three unique institutional advantages in promoting AI for good and inclusive development: First, the new system for nationwide mobilization of resources coordinates development and security, achieving synergistic progress in key technological breakthroughs and rule-making. Second, a people-centered approach ensures that technological advancement benefits the people. Third, a multi-stakeholder agile and collaborative governance model links governments, universities, research institutions, enterprises, and social organizations to explore the synergy between rules and technology, providing China’s experience to the world,” Zeng Yi, a member of the UN Advisory Body on AI, told the Global Times on Friday.
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SOURCE Global Times
BOGOTA, Colombia, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) (the “Company”) announced that it has identified an unauthorized access to certain digital resources owned by the Company and its subsidiaries by an external actor who has not been identified, as well as an attempted ransomware attack that was blocked by the cybersecurity controls implemented across the Company and its subsidiaries. The unauthorized access affected cloud-based file storage environments of approximately 15 subsidiaries (including the Company), resulting in the unauthorized download of data associated with approximately 3,300 user accounts. The external actor communicated extortion demands, threatening to publicly disclose the information that had been unlawfully extracted.
In response to this incident, the Company initiated an investigation and activated its incident response and management protocols. In addition, the Company deployed the following measures aimed at preventing the public disclosure of the unlawfully extracted information, addressing supervisory actions and/or potential financial costs associated with investigation, remediation, and regulatory compliance, as follows:
a. Immediate revocation of unauthorized access to the compromised digital assets.
b. Blocking of mechanisms associated with the mass download of information.
c. Identification, analysis, and containment of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by the malicious actor.
d. Filing of a criminal complaint before the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia and deployment of cooperation activities with specialized national authorities.
e. Identification of external infrastructures used for the storage or download of information to pursue restriction or blocking actions.
f. Activation of support mechanisms with insurers and specialized capital markets teams to ensure the proper management of the event.
g. Detailed assessment of the downloaded information and determination of its criticality.
h. Enhanced monitoring of the technology infrastructure under critical alert protocols and continuous validation of preventive and detective controls.
As of the date of this report, the Company has not identified any material disruption to its critical operations, production capacity, or essential services; any direct financial impact that would prevent it from continuing to conduct its business activities; or any disclosure of the information subject to the unauthorized access. However, the Company continues to assess the potential exposure of corporate information, which could include confidential, restricted, proprietary, or personal data, as it cannot guarantee that this incident will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, reputation, operating results, or financial condition.
Ecopetrol S.A. will continue to monitor developments related to this matter and, should any material facts or information requiring disclosure to the market be identified, will promptly disclose such information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA’s shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla – Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector.
This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company’s prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company’s business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company’s competitiveness and the performance of Colombia’s economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
For more information, please contact:
Investor Relations Office
Email: investors@ecopetrol.com.co
Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia)
Marcela Ulloa
Email: marcela.ulloa@ecopetrol.com.co
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SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
Global Times: Head-of-state diplomacy shines at WAIC, fostering ties and advancing global governance consensus
Global Times: China sends fresh signal on global AI cooperation at WAIC
Ecopetrol Reports Cybersecurity Incident
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