Technology
VOXX International Corporation Reports its Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Net sales declined by 18.1%, gross margins improved by 310 basis points, operating expenses declined by 16.6%; Adjusted EBITDA Loss of $2.9 million improved by $2.1 million year-over-year amidst restructuring program to streamline sales, lower costs and working capital needs and return the Company to profitability
ORLANDO, Fla., July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive and consumer technologies for the global markets, today announced its financial results for its Fiscal 2025 first quarter ended May 31, 2024.
Commenting on the Company’s first quarter results, Pat Lavelle, Chief Executive Officer stated, “During the first quarter, we took aggressive steps to improve gross margins and lower both our operating expenses and working capital needs. While our sales were down for the comparable periods, gross margins improved in our Automotive and Consumer segments, and we reduced year-over-year expenses by over 16%. The retail environment remains challenging, interest rates are high, and inflation is still a major concern. With market pressures expected to continue, we have instituted various restructuring programs to right size our business. We are equally focused on reducing our debt and freeing up capital to re-invest in VOXX. With the changes made and upcoming, we expect to return to profitability this year.”
Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 First Quarter Comparisons
On March 1, 2024, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary, EyeLock LLC, contributed assets, including inventory and intangible assets, to a newly formed joint venture, BioCenturion LLC, that will operate the Biometrics business moving forward. For the three months ended May 31, 2024, the Company accounted for its investment in BioCenturion as an equity method investment within our Biometrics segment (see Note 12 in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission).
Net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter ended May 31, 2024, were $91.7 million as compared to $111.9 million in the Fiscal 2024 first quarter ended May 31, 2023, a decrease of $20.3 million or 18.1%.
Automotive Electronics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $27.7 million as compared to $38.4 million in the comparable year-ago period, a decrease of $10.7 million or 27.9%. For the same comparable periods, OEM product sales were $12.8 million as compared to $20.3 million, primarily due to a decline in sales of OEM rear seat entertainment (“RSE”) products, partially offset by an increase in sales of OEM remote start products. RSE sales were lower for the comparable periods primarily due to temporary halts in customer programs and volume reductions, as well as the termination of a customer program that was in place in the prior year. Aftermarket product sales were $14.8 million as compared to $18.1 million due primarily to lower aftermarket security, rear seat entertainment, and satellite radio products, among others.Consumer Electronics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $63.9 million as compared to $73.3 million in the comparable year-ago period, a decrease of $9.4 million or 12.8%. For the same comparable periods, premium audio product sales were $48.4 million as compared to $47.6 million, driven by higher sales domestically and driven by the successful launch of new products during the current Fiscal year period. This growth was partially offset by lower sales of premium audio products in Europe and Asia. Other consumer electronics (“CE”) product sales were $15.5 million as compared to $25.7 million, primarily related to lower sales of domestic wireless accessory speakers as a large customer program did not repeat, as well as lower sales of the Company’s balcony solar power products.
The gross margin in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was 27.7% as compared to 24.6% in the Fiscal 2024 first quarter, an improvement of 310 basis points as margins improved across all business segments. When comparing the Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 first quarters, the Company reported:
Automotive Electronics segment gross margin of 23.2% as compared to 21.0%, an increase of 220 basis points with the year-over-year improvement primarily driven by the Company’s OEM manufacturing transition from Florida to Mexico, as well as improvements related to product mix.Consumer Electronics segment gross margin of 29.6% as compared to 25.5%, an increase of 410 basis points. The year-over-year improvement was primarily driven by the launch of new products both domestically and internationally and fewer close-out promotion sales, with other offsetting factors.
Total operating expenses in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $32.5 million as compared to $39.0 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period, a decline of $6.5 million or 16.6%. The year-over-year improvement was driven primarily by restructuring programs and other initiatives designed to lower costs and working capital needs. When comparing the Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 first quarters, the Company reported:
Selling expenses of $9.6 million as compared to $11.2 million. The year-over-year improvement of $1.6 million or 14.1% was primarily driven by lower website and trade show expenses, as well as lower headcount related expenses.General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses of $16.5 million as compared to $19.4 million. The year-over-year improvement of $3.0 million or 15.3% was primarily driven by lower headcount related expenses, and a decline in legal, professional and third-party service fees, among other factors.Engineering and technical support expenses of $6.2 million as compared to $8.3 million. The year-over-year improvement of $2.1 million or 25.1% was primarily due to a decline in labor expense due to lower headcount, as well as lower research and development expenses.The Company incurred approximately $0.2 million of restructuring costs as compared to $0.1 million, with costs in both periods related to the relocation of certain OEM production operations to Mexico.
The Company reported an operating loss of $7.1 million in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter as compared to an operating loss of $11.4 million in the comparable year-ago period.
Total other expense, net, in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter increased by $2.0 million over the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. Interest and bank charges increased by $0.6 million principally due to higher borrowings on the Company’s Domestic Credit Facility, as well as an increase in interest rates, and equity in income of equity investees declined by $1.3 million, principally due to lower net income at ASA as well as due to losses incurred by BioCenturion, which was not present in the prior year period. Additionally, the Company incurred a loss of $0.4 million related to the contribution of assets to the BioCenturion joint venture, representing the difference between the book value of the assets contributed and their fair values on March 1, 2024. Lastly, other net increased by $0.8 million, primarily as a result of losses in foreign currency.
Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was $9.3 million as compared to a net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $10.7 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. The Company reported a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $0.40 in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter as compared to a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $0.45, in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period.
The Company reported an Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) loss in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter of $5.2 million as compared to an EBITDA loss in the comparable Fiscal 2024 first quarter of $7.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was a loss of $2.9 million as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.9 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period.
Balance Sheet Update
As of May 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.2 million as compared to $11.0 million as of February 29, 2024. Total debt as of May 31, 2024 was $68.6 million as compared to $73.3 million as of February 29, 2024. The decline in total debt is primarily related to a $4.4 million reduction in outstanding debt on the Company’s Domestic Credit Facility as well as lower debt associated with the Company’s Florida mortgage and shareholder loan payable to Sharp Corporation. Total long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs as of May 31, 2024 was $63.7 million as compared to $71.9 million as of February 29, 2024, an improvement of $8.2 million.
Conference Call Information
The Company will be hosting its conference call and webcast on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
To attend the webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/kzsk98zvTo access by phone: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI7eae05a5e3b74b5b8b78a3235500c167
Participants are requested to register a day in advance or at a minimum 15 minutes before the start of the call. Those wishing to ask questions following management’s remarks should use the dial-in numbers provided.
A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call and archived under “Events and Presentations” in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investors.voxxintl.com/events-and-presentations
Non-GAAP Measures
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not financial measures recognized by GAAP. EBITDA represents net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries, computed in accordance with GAAP, before interest expense and bank charges, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, gains on the sale of certain assets, loss on contribution of assets to a joint venture, foreign currency losses, restructuring expenses, certain non-routine legal fees, and awards. Depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, loss on contribution of assets to a joint venture, and foreign currency losses are non-cash items.
We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in this release because we consider them to be useful and appropriate supplemental measures of our performance. Adjusted EBITDA helps us to evaluate our performance without the effects of certain GAAP calculations that may not have a direct cash impact on our current operating performance. In addition, the exclusion of certain costs or gains relating to certain events allows for a more meaningful comparison of our results from period-to-period. These non-GAAP measures, as we define them, are not necessarily comparable to similarly entitled measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be assessed in isolation from, are not intended to represent, and should not be considered to be more meaningful measures than, or alternatives to, measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with GAAP.
About VOXX International Corporation
VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) has grown into a worldwide leader in the Automotive Electronics and Consumer Electronics industries. Over the past several decades, with a portfolio of approximately 35 trusted brands, VOXX has built market-leading positions in in-vehicle entertainment, automotive security, reception products, a number of premium audio market segments, and more. VOXX is a global company, with an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists and many of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. For additional information, please visit our website at www.voxxintl.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical information contained herein, statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements and thus may involve certain risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on currently available information and the Company assumes no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from the results suggested in the forward-looking statements. The factors include, but are not limited to the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, and other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC, as such descriptions may be updated or amended in any future reports we file with the SEC. The factors described in such SEC filings include, without limitation: impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply shortages and logistics costs and delays; global economic trends; cybersecurity risks; risks that may result from changes in the Company’s business operations; operational execution by our businesses; changes in law, regulation or policy that may affect our businesses; our ability to increase margins through implementation of operational improvements, restructuring and other cost reduction methods; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; significant competition in the automotive electronics, consumer electronics and biometrics businesses; our relationships with key suppliers and customers; quality and consumer acceptance of newly introduced products; market volatility; non-availability of product; excess inventory; price and product competition; new product introductions; foreign currency fluctuations; and restrictive debt covenants. Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by the War in the Ukraine and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result.
Investor Relations Contact:
Glenn Wiener, GW Communications (for VOXX)
Email: gwiener@GWCco.com
VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
May 31,
2024
February 29,
2024
(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,160
$
10,986
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,758 and $3,041 at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively
64,787
71,066
Inventory
116,230
128,471
Receivables from vendors
1,190
1,192
Due from GalvanEyes LLC, current
–
1,238
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
16,759
20,820
Income tax receivable
4,273
2,095
Total current assets
207,399
235,868
Investment securities
761
828
Equity investments
23,762
21,380
Property, plant and equipment, net
44,420
45,070
Operating lease, right of use assets
3,053
2,577
Goodwill
63,283
63,931
Intangible assets, net
65,265
68,766
Due from GalvanEyes LLC, less current portion
–
1,340
Deferred income tax assets
1,461
1,452
Other assets
2,798
2,794
Total assets
$
412,202
$
444,006
Liabilities, Redeemable Equity, Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest, and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
25,895
$
35,076
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
36,601
38,238
Income taxes payable
834
1,123
Accrued sales incentives
15,160
18,236
Contract liabilities, current
3,574
3,810
Current portion of long-term debt
4,162
500
Total current liabilities
86,226
96,983
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs
63,684
71,881
Finance lease liabilities, less current portion
559
644
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion
2,127
1,884
Deferred compensation
761
828
Deferred income tax liabilities
2,604
2,690
Other tax liabilities
706
809
Prepaid ownership interest in EyeLock LLC due to GalvanEyes LLC
–
9,817
Other long-term liabilities
2,147
2,170
Total liabilities
158,814
187,706
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable equity: Class A, $.01 par value; 577,581 shares at both May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024 (Note 8)
4,110
4,110
Redeemable non-controlling interest
(3,158)
(3,203)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock:
No shares issued or outstanding
–
–
Common stock:
Class A, $.01 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 23,990,603 and 23,985,603 shares issued and 19,639,420 and 19,698,562 shares outstanding at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively
240
240
Class B Convertible, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 2,260,954 shares issued and outstanding at both May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024
22
22
Paid-in capital
296,044
293,272
Retained earnings
49,003
58,272
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(16,784)
(17,366)
Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 4,351,183 and 4,287,041 shares of Class A Common Stock at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively
(39,821)
(39,573)
Total VOXX International Corporation stockholders’ equity
288,704
294,867
Non-controlling interest
(36,268)
(39,474)
Total stockholders’ equity
252,436
255,393
Total liabilities, redeemable equity, redeemable non-controlling interest, and stockholders’ equity
$
412,202
$
444,006
VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Three months ended
May 31,
2024
2023
Net sales
$
91,661
$
111,926
Cost of sales
66,252
84,346
Gross profit
25,409
27,580
Operating expenses:
Selling
9,590
11,166
General and administrative
16,457
19,427
Engineering and technical support
6,244
8,337
Restructuring expenses
231
59
Total operating expenses
32,522
38,989
Operating loss
(7,113)
(11,409)
Other (expense) income:
Interest and bank charges
(2,138)
(1,546)
Equity in income of equity investees
351
1,616
Final arbitration award
–
(986)
Other, net
(1,871)
(701)
Total other expense, net
(3,658)
(1,617)
Loss before income taxes
(10,771)
(13,026)
Income tax benefit
(594)
(1,321)
Net loss
(10,177)
(11,705)
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
(908)
(967)
Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(9,269)
$
(10,738)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
595
238
Derivatives designated for hedging
(13)
(60)
Pension plan adjustments
–
(1)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
582
177
Comprehensive loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(8,687)
$
(10,561)
Loss per share – basic: Attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(0.40)
$
(0.45)
Loss per share – diluted: Attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(0.40)
$
(0.45)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic)
23,139,876
23,795,718
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (diluted)
23,139,876
23,795,718
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss Attributable to
VOXX International Corporation to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Three months ended
May 31,
2024
2023
Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(9,269)
$
(10,738)
Adjustments:
Interest expense and bank charges (1)
1,923
1,346
Depreciation and amortization (1)
2,728
3,101
Income tax benefit
(594)
(1,321)
EBITDA
(5,212)
(7,612)
Stock-based compensation
146
258
Gain on sale of tradename
–
(450)
Loss on contribution of assets to joint venture (1)
252
–
Foreign currency losses (1)
1,849
962
Restructuring expenses
231
59
Non-routine legal fees
(123)
853
Final arbitration award
–
986
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(2,857)
$
(4,944)
(1)
For purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA for the Company, interest expense and bank charges, depreciation and amortization, losses on the contribution of assets to a joint venture, as well as foreign currency losses have been adjusted in order to exclude the non-controlling interest portion of these expenses attributable to EyeLock LLC and Onkyo Technology KK, as appropriate.
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SOURCE VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX)
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IMDA and Tencent Debut “Beyond the Screen” to Champion Real-World Connection through Digital Play
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2 hours agoon
May 2, 2026By
The launch is marked by the signing of an agreement between IMDA and Tencent to advance healthy digital habits and safe, responsible use of digital technologies among youths, parents, and families.
SINGAPORE, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Tencent today jointly launched “Beyond the Screen: Healthy Digital Play”, a new digital wellbeing campaign that encourages healthy digital habits by bringing families into the conversation and strengthening real-world connection through healthy gameplay.
The campaign encourages families to bridge the gap between play and purpose through gaming. It showcases how digital play can foster deeper understanding, facilitate balanced routines, and build stronger connections at home.
“Digital spaces are already a natural part of how young people learn, play, and connect today,” said Mr Murphy Zhao, Country Manager of Tencent Singapore and Head of Tech Group, Tencent Games. “As a company with deep expertise across digital entertainment and communications, we want to play a constructive role by helping families build meaningful digital habits that extend beyond the screen.”
Advancing Family Digital Wellness In Partnership with IMDA
As part of the launch, IMDA and Tencent also signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration on initiatives in digital wellbeing. The agreement was signed by Ms Joanna Lam, Cluster Director for Digital Readiness, IMDA, and Mr Murphy Zhao, Country Manager of Tencent Singapore and Head of Tech Group, Tencent Games. The collaboration builds on Tencent’s ongoing cooperation with IMDA, in support of the national Digital for Life (DfL) movement, focusing on promoting online safety and healthy digital habits among youths, parents, and families.
Tencent will co-develop educational content with IMDA, as well as organise four community outreach activities, reaching out to an estimated 4,000 participants. The company will also commit S$ 25,000, which totals to S$ 50,000 with the government’s dollar-to-dollar matching, to the DfL Fund. The DfL Fund provides support for projects and activities promoting digital inclusion, digital literacy and digital wellness.
“Ensuring digital wellness is increasingly important, particularly for our children who are digital natives,” said Ms Joanna Lam, Cluster Director for Digital Readiness, IMDA. “Tencent has been a DfL partner since 2022, and I thank them for their continued commitment to the DfL cause. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Tencent to empower parents and youths with practical guidance to build healthy digital habits and navigate the digital world safely together.”
Leading the Conversation on Healthy Digital Play
The inaugural Singapore launch event was officiated by Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and also hosted social service organisations from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. At the event, families participated in gamified quiz experiences and took home educational materials designed to transform gaming into healthier routines at home.
The programme also featured a parenting talk that shared practical guidance on utilising games as a bridge for conversation at home. The session highlighted how, when guided by constructive routines, gaming can support the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, and persistence.
During the event’s expert insights session, Mr Narasimman S/O Tivasiha Mani, psychotherapist and co-founder of local youth charity Impart, said, “Healthy gaming is not built through one-off rules. It grows through rapport, shared understanding, and everyday conversations. Through a collaborative process between educators, families, and the wider community, it becomes easier to set shared expectations and support balanced habits that carry beyond the screen.”
Building a Scalable Digital Wellbeing Framework for Southeast Asia
While digital habits may look different across the region, the underlying need is the same — helping families build healthier, more confident relationships with the digital world.
“Beyond the Screen” is part of Tencent’s broader commitment to fostering intentional digital play, equipping youths, parents, and educators with practical resources to build balanced routines, encourage respectful interactions, and strengthen open communication at home.
Insights from the Singapore launch will inform the rollout of the campaign across Southeast Asia in 2026, with local adaptations to meet the needs of diverse communities in the region.
About Digital for Life Movement
A Digital Future for All – In our increasingly digital world, everyone can play a part to help create a more inclusive digital future.
The Digital for Life (DfL) national movement, launched on 8 February 2021, aims to galvanise the community across the 3Ps (Private, Public and People) to help Singaporeans embrace digital as a lifelong pursuit and enrich lives through digital technology.
The DfL fund was also set up to support projects and activities promoting digital inclusion, digital literacy and digital wellness. Learn more about the DfL movement at digitalforlife.gov.sg.
About Infocomm Media Development Authority
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.
For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (IMDAsg), Facebook (IMDAsg) and Instagram (@imdasg).
About Tencent
Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company that develops innovative products and services to improve the quality of life of people around the world. Our communication and social services connect more than one billion people around the world, helping them to keep in touch with friends and family, access transportation, pay for daily necessities, and even be entertained. Our financial technology business covers payment, credit, wealth management and insurance sectors, as we support our partners’ business growth and assist their digital upgrade through FinTech and other enterprise services. We also publish some of the world’s most popular video games and other high-quality digital content, enriching interactive entertainment experiences for people around the globe. Tencent was founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1998, and has been listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2004.
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SOURCE IMDA; Tencent
Fast Guard Service alerts real estate owners and property managers: 2026 fire code updates to NFPA 25 will significantly affect sprinkler system compliance requirements — and insurance implications could not be more serious.
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fast Guard Service, one of the nation’s leading providers of licensed fire watch and security guard services, is urging commercial and residential property owners to take immediate stock of their fire sprinkler systems as sweeping 2026 updates to NFPA 25 — the national standard governing water-based fire protection system inspection, testing, and maintenance — take effect across the country.
The timing could not be more consequential. Private insurers are exiting fire-risk markets at an accelerating pace, dropping policyholders and limiting coverage in states from California to Florida. In this environment, a sprinkler system that fails a compliance check is no longer a routine maintenance issue. It is a potential grounds for claim denial or policy cancellation.
The 2026 edition of NFPA 25 introduces several changes property owners must act on now. Fire pump failures are formally classified as system impairments requiring immediate response. Supervisory valve testing moves to a semiannual schedule. Annual internal inspections are now mandatory for all dry, preaction, and deluge valves. And where corrosion-control technology has been used to justify smaller pipe sizes, ongoing maintenance of that equipment is now a codified legal obligation — not a recommendation.
Critically, any sprinkler system impairment — whether triggered by repair, renovation, freeze damage, or a compliance-driven upgrade — legally requires a certified fire watch for the duration of the outage under NFPA 1, NFPA 101, and local fire authority mandates. This is a condition of occupancy, not an option.
“The 2026 code updates will send a wave of sprinkler systems into inspection and repair cycles,” said a spokesperson for Fast Guard Service. “Every one of those impairment windows requires a fire watch on-site. We are prepared to be there.”
Fast Guard Service deploys certified fire watch personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States — typically within hours of a client’s call. Guards conduct continuous patrols, maintain documentation accepted by insurers and code enforcement authorities, and coordinate directly with fire departments when needed.
Property owners who are unsure whether their sprinkler systems meet 2026 NFPA 25 requirements are encouraged to contact Fast Guard Service for guidance.
Founded in August 2013 and headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, Fast Guard Service is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured private security company operating in all 50 states. The company specializes in armed and unarmed security guards, fire watch services, executive protection, mobile surveillance, event security, and emergency response. Fast Guard Service is trusted by Fortune 500 companies, government entities, healthcare systems, commercial developers, and private clients nationwide.
All operations are tracked through the proprietary Fast Guard App, providing clients with real-time GPS reporting, live guard location updates, and digital incident documentation.
For an instant quote or same-day service, visit www.fastguardservice.com or call (844) 254-8273.
Press Release Service provided by 24-7PressRelease.com.
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SOURCE Fast Guard Service
Technology
First Online Conversations Are Changing in 2026, According to New Secretmeet Research
Published
3 hours agoon
May 2, 2026By
New research from Secretmeet reveals that the classic “Hey” opener is dying out — and the way people initiate connections online in 2026 looks nothing like it did just three years ago.
GIBRALTAR, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — People are rethinking the first move. Not just what to say, but when to say it, how long to make it, and what emotional tone to lead with. Across the board, data from Secretmeet’s latest research study shows a clear shift in how online conversations begin in 2026.
The single-word opener? Largely gone. The copy-paste compliment? People spot it instantly. Secretmeet noted that what’s replacing them is more interesting — and more human.
The Death of the One-Word Opener
For years, “Hey,” “Hi,” and “Hello 👋” dominated opening messages on dating platforms. They required no effort and, accordingly, generated little response. According to data published by the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, conversational openers that include a specific reference to the recipient’s profile generate significantly higher response rates than generic greetings.
Secretmeet’s research confirms the trend is accelerating. In 2026, users who open with a question — particularly one tied to something specific in a profile — see measurably stronger engagement in the first exchange. The bar for a “good” first message has risen.
This doesn’t mean people need to write an essay. Short still works. But purposeful short beats lazy short every time.
One of the more striking findings from Secretmeet: wit is winning. Openers with a light, humorous tone — a playful observation, a self-aware joke, a clever hypothetical — are outperforming earnest, serious introductions in early conversation engagement.
The Timing Shift Nobody Expected
When people send that first message matters more than most realize. In a Secretmeet review of activity trends, data points to a notable behavioral change: users in 2026 are increasingly active during morning hours — particularly between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. — a window that was almost entirely quiet just a few years ago.
Evening hours still dominate overall volume. But morning messages show a disproportionately high response rate. The theory? People checking their phones with coffee and no agenda are more present, less distracted, and more open to genuine interaction than those scrolling at midnight.
It’s a small tactical insight with a surprisingly large emotional implication: presence matters more than timing, and mornings are when people show up fully. Secretmeet’s data makes that case clearly.
What This Means for How We Connect
The bigger picture here isn’t about tactics. It’s about expectations. People arriving at online dating platforms in 2026 want something more immediate and more genuine than they did in 2020. The pandemic years accelerated a kind of emotional directness online — and that hasn’t reversed.
People want to feel seen in a first message. They want to laugh. They want a reason to respond. A Secretmeet review of first-message engagement data suggests that users are increasingly capable of signaling — and detecting — authentic intent right from the very first line.
The opening message has always mattered. What’s changed is how clearly people understand that now.
About Secretmeet
Secretmeet is an online dating platform built around one straightforward idea: conversations should feel good. Not stressful, not performative — genuinely enjoyable. The platform is designed for people who want warmth, a little wit, and the kind of back-and-forth that actually goes somewhere. Whether you’re looking for something serious or just a spark of something new, Secretmeet reviews its features continuously to ensure that the first message has a real chance of turning into something worth remembering.
Media Contact
Alice Ross, Secretmeet, 1 14844760121, smm@secretmeet.com, https://secretmeet.com/
View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/first-online-conversations-are-changing-in-2026-according-to-new-secretmeet-research-302759958.html
SOURCE Secretmeet
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