Technology
Squarespace Announces Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Squarespace, Inc. (NYSE: SQSP), the design-driven platform helping entrepreneurs build brands and businesses online, today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
Total revenue grew 20% year over year to $296.8 million in the second quarter, compared with $247.5 million in the second quarter of 2023, and 20% in constant currency.Presence revenue grew 25% year over year to $215.4 million and 26% in constant currency.Commerce revenue grew 8% year over year to $81.4 million and 8% in constant currency.Net income totaled $6.1 million, compared with a net income of $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2023.Basic and diluted earnings per share was $0.04 and $0.03 for the second quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Basic earnings per share was based upon 137,760,693 and 135,302,409 weighted average shares outstanding in the second quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Diluted earnings per share was based upon 142,143,018 and 138,771,613 fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding in the second quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively.Cash flow from operating activities increased 15% to $60.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared with $52.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023.Cash and cash equivalents of $270.4 million; investments in marketable securities of $52.0 million; total debt of $545.0 million, of which $57.1 million is current, debt net of cash and investments totaled $222.6 million.Total bookings grew 25% year over year to $319.8 million in the second quarter, compared to $256.1 million in the second quarter of 2023.Unlevered free cash flow increased 19% to $65.4 million representing 22% of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared with $54.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023.Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $72.1 million in the second quarter, compared with $73.4 million in the second quarter of 2023.Total unique subscriptions increased 21% year over year to over 5.2 million in 2024, compared to 4.3 million in 2023.Average revenue per unique subscription (“ARPUS”) increased 3% year over year to $225.45 in 2024, compared to $219.42 in 2023.Annual run rate revenue (“ARRR”) grew 20% year over year to $1,179.5 million in 2024, compared to $983.3 million in 2023.
A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures has been provided in the tables included in this press release. An explanation of these measures is also included below under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Transaction with Permira
As announced on May 13, 2024, Squarespace entered into a definitive agreement to go private by Permira. In light of this transaction, Squarespace will not be hosting an earnings conference call or live webcast to discuss its second quarter 2024 financial results and Squarespace will not be providing guidance for the third quarter and is suspending its financial guidance for the full fiscal year 2024.
Transaction with American Express
As announced on June 21, 2024, Squarespace entered into an agreement to sell Tock, the reservation, table, and event management technology provider, to American Express (NYSE: AXP) for $400.0 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Squarespace classified the assets and liabilities of the Tock business as held for sale, including certain cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of June 30, 2024.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Revenue growth in constant currency is being provided to increase transparency and align our disclosures with companies in our industry that receive material revenues from international sources. Revenue constant currency has been adjusted to exclude the effect of year-over-year changes in foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We believe providing this information better enables investors to understand our operating performance irrespective of currency fluctuations.
We calculate constant currency information by translating current period results from entities with foreign functional currencies using the comparable foreign currency exchange rates from the prior fiscal year. To calculate the effect of foreign currency translation, we apply the same weighted monthly average exchange rate as the comparative period. Our definition of constant currency may differ from other companies reporting similarly named measures, and these constant currency performance measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as a substitute for, our operating performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental performance measure that our management uses to assess our operating performance. We calculate adjusted EBITDA as net income/(loss) excluding interest expense, other income/(loss), net (provision for)/benefit from income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and other items that we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance.
Unlevered free cash flow is a supplemental liquidity measure that Squarespace’s management uses to evaluate its core operating business and its ability to meet its current and future financing and investing needs. Unlevered free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operating activities, including one-time expenses related to Squarespace’s direct listing, less cash paid for capital expenditures increased by cash paid for interest expense net of the associated tax benefit.
Adjusted EBITDA, unlevered free cash flow and revenue constant currency are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and have important limitations as an analytical tool. Non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental, should only be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for such GAAP results.
Further information on these non-GAAP items and reconciliation to their closest GAAP measure is provided below under, “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Definitions of Key Operating Metrics
On September 7, 2023, we closed an asset purchase agreement between us and Google LLC (“Google”) to acquire, among other things, Google’s domain assets (the “Google Domains Asset Acquisition”). Unique subscriptions and average revenue per unique subscription do not account for single domain subscriptions originally sold by Google as a part of the Google Domains Asset Acquisition (the “Acquired Domain Assets”).
Annual run rate revenue (“ARRR”). We calculate ARRR as the quarterly revenue from subscription fees and revenue generated in conjunction with associated fees (fees taken or assessed in conjunction with commerce transactions) in the last quarter of the period multiplied by 4. We believe that ARRR is a key indicator of our future revenue potential. However, ARRR should be viewed independently of revenue, and does not represent our GAAP revenue on an annualized basis, as it is an operating metric that can be impacted by subscription start and end dates and renewal rates. ARRR is not intended to be a replacement or forecast of revenue. ARRR for the three months ended June 30, 2023 has been recast to conform to the current period definition. Previously, ARRR was calculated using monthly revenue from subscription fees and revenue generated in conjunction with associated fees in the last month of the period multiplied by 12. We have since revised our calculation to use quarterly revenue from subscription fees and revenue generated in conjunction with associated fees in the last quarter of the period multiplied by 4 to normalize results for the run rate each quarter.
Unique subscriptions represent the number of unique sites, standalone scheduling subscriptions, Unfold (social) and hospitality subscriptions, as of the end of a period. A unique site represents a single subscription and/or group of related subscriptions, including a website subscription and/or a domain subscription, and other subscriptions related to a single website or domain. Every unique site contains at least one domain subscription or one website subscription. For instance, an active website subscription, a custom domain subscription and a Google Workspace subscription that represent services for a single website would count as one unique site, as all of these subscriptions work together and are in service of a single entity’s online presence. Unique subscriptions do not account for one-time purchases in Unfold or for hospitality services nor do they account for our Acquired Domain Assets. The total number of unique subscriptions is a key indicator of the scale of our business and is a critical factor in our ability to increase our revenue base.
Average revenue per unique subscription (“ARPUS”). We calculate ARPUS as the total revenue during the preceding 12-month period divided by the average of the number of total unique subscriptions at the beginning and end of the period. ARPUS does not account for Acquired Domain Assets or the revenue from Acquired Domain Assets. We believe ARPUS is a useful metric in evaluating our ability to sell higher-value plans and add-on subscriptions.
Total bookings represents cash receipts for all subscriptions purchased, as well as payments due under the terms of contractual agreements for obligations to be fulfilled. In the case of multi-year contracts, total bookings only includes one year of committed revenue.
Gross payment volume (“GPV”) represents the value of physical goods and services, including content, time sold, hospitality and events, net of refunds, on our platform over a given period of time. “Gross payment volume” or “GPV” was previously presented as “Gross merchandise value” or “GMV” in prior period disclosures. There were no revisions to the calculation of GPV as a result of this nomenclature change.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations, assumptions, and projections based on information available at the time the statements were made. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including risks and uncertainties related to: Squarespace’s ability to consummate the take private transaction; Squarespace’s ability to attract and retain customers and expand their use of its platform; Squarespace’s ability to anticipate market needs and develop new solutions to meet those needs; Squarespace’s ability to improve and enhance the functionality, performance, reliability, design, security and scalability of its existing solutions; Squarespace’s ability to compete successfully in its industry against current and future competitors; Squarespace’s ability to manage growth and maintain demand for its solutions; Squarespace’s ability to protect and promote its brand; Squarespace’s ability to generate new customers through its marketing and selling activities; Squarespace’s ability to successfully identify, manage and integrate any existing and potential acquisitions or achieve the expected benefits of such acquisitions; Squarespace’s ability to hire, integrate and retain highly skilled personnel; Squarespace’s ability to adapt to and comply with existing and emerging regulatory developments, technological changes and cybersecurity needs; Squarespace’s compliance with privacy and data protection laws and regulations as well as contractual privacy and data protection obligations; Squarespace’s ability to establish and maintain intellectual property rights; Squarespace’s ability to manage expansion into international markets; and the expected timing, amount, and effect of Squarespace’s share repurchases. It is not possible for Squarespace’s management to predict all risks, nor can it assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements Squarespace may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, Squarespace’s actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Further information on risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from forecasted results are included in Squarespace’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Squarespace assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons if actual results differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
About Squarespace
Squarespace (NYSE: SQSP) is a design-driven platform helping entrepreneurs build brands and businesses online. We empower millions in more than 200 countries and territories with all the tools they need to create an online presence, build an audience, monetize, and scale their business. Our suite of products range from websites, domains, ecommerce, and marketing tools, as well as tools for scheduling with Acuity, creating and managing social media presence with Bio Sites and Unfold, and hospitality business management via Tock. For more information, visit www.squarespace.com.
Contacts
Investors
investors@squarespace.com
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue
$ 296,769
$ 247,529
$ 577,917
$ 484,557
Cost of revenue (1)
82,939
43,167
163,713
86,117
Gross profit
213,830
204,362
414,204
398,440
Operating expenses:
Research and product development (1)
69,805
61,412
136,651
119,982
Marketing and sales (1)
88,282
75,373
205,815
177,045
General and administrative (1)
38,873
30,909
69,696
63,249
Total operating expenses
196,960
167,694
412,162
360,276
Operating income
16,870
36,668
2,042
38,164
Interest expense
(10,157)
(8,635)
(20,538)
(16,729)
Other income, net
4,454
2,038
9,031
1,198
Income/(loss) before (provision for)/benefit from income taxes
11,167
30,071
(9,465)
22,633
(Provision for)/benefit from income taxes
(5,034)
(26,411)
15,742
(18,471)
Net income
$ 6,133
$ 3,660
$ 6,277
$ 4,162
Net income per share, basic
$ 0.04
$ 0.03
$ 0.05
$ 0.03
Net income per share, diluted
$ 0.04
$ 0.03
$ 0.04
$ 0.03
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income per share,
basic
137,760,693
135,302,409
137,348,777
135,111,072
Weighted-average shares used in computing net income per share,
diluted
142,143,018
138,771,613
141,419,521
138,013,454
(1) Includes stock-based compensation as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cost of revenue
$ 2,026
$ 1,549
$ 3,795
$ 2,601
Research and product development
19,025
15,650
34,675
26,337
Marketing and sales
3,590
3,045
6,801
4,916
General and administrative
8,157
9,235
15,694
17,751
Total stock-based compensation
$ 32,798
$ 29,479
$ 60,965
$ 51,605
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 270,363
$ 257,702
Restricted cash
—
36,583
Investment in marketable securities
52,041
—
Accounts receivable
41,384
24,894
Due from vendors
—
6,089
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
83,016
48,947
Total current assets
446,804
374,215
Property and equipment, net
49,609
58,211
Operating lease right-of-use assets
61,016
77,764
Goodwill
196,522
210,438
Intangible assets, net
140,839
190,103
Other assets
11,560
11,028
Assets of business held for sale
94,529
—
Total assets
$ 1,000,879
$ 921,759
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 21,933
$ 12,863
Accrued liabilities
98,933
99,435
Deferred revenue
397,923
333,191
Funds payable to customers
—
42,672
Debt, current portion
57,140
48,977
Operating lease liabilities, current portion
11,281
12,640
Total current liabilities
587,210
549,778
Deferred income taxes, non-current portion
1,164
1,039
Debt, non-current portion
487,846
519,816
Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion
71,843
97,714
Other liabilities
18,940
13,764
Liabilities of business held for sale
76,745
—
Total liabilities
1,243,748
1,182,111
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ deficit:
Class A common stock, par value of $0.0001; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024
and December 31, 2023, respectively; 90,630,649 and 88,545,012 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30,
2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
9
9
Class B common stock, par value of $0.0001; 100,000,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024 and
December 31, 2023, respectively; 47,844,755 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and
December 31, 2023, respectively
5
5
Class C common stock (authorized May 10, 2021), par value of $0.0001; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized
as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; zero shares issued and outstanding as of June 30,
2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
—
—
Additional paid in capital
936,277
924,634
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,280)
(843)
Accumulated deficit
(1,177,880)
(1,184,157)
Total stockholders’ deficit
(242,869)
(260,352)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
$ 1,000,879
$ 921,759
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
$ 6,277
$ 4,162
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
36,885
14,477
Stock-based compensation
60,965
51,605
Deferred income taxes
125
124
Non-cash lease income
(1,757)
(989)
Other
625
310
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and due from vendors
(15,697)
2,364
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(35,545)
(1,480)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
29,784
9,822
Deferred revenue
69,012
38,030
Funds payable to customers
(4,943)
(2,131)
Other operating assets and liabilities
117
408
Net cash provided by operating activities
145,848
116,702
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the sale and maturities of marketable securities
1,000
39,664
Purchases of marketable securities
(52,856)
(7,824)
Purchase of property and equipment
(6,074)
(7,167)
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
(57,930)
24,673
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on debt
(24,488)
(20,379)
Payments for repurchase and retirement of Class A common stock
(16,311)
(25,321)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
(37,640)
(20,318)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
2,585
134
Net cash used in financing activities
(75,854)
(65,884)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(513)
165
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, including cash classified as assets of business held for
sale
11,551
75,656
Less: Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash classified as assets of business held for sale
(35,473)
—
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(23,922)
75,656
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period
294,285
232,620
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period
$ 270,363
$ 308,276
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 270,363
$ 274,004
Restricted cash
—
34,272
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period
$ 270,363
$ 308,276
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
Cash paid during the year for interest
$ 19,883
$ 16,360
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds
$ 31,231
$ 22,902
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities
$ 8,124
$ 7,861
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCE ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$ 295
$ 196
Capitalized stock-based compensation
$ 1,404
$ 1,638
RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
The following tables reconcile each non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income
$ 6,133
$ 3,660
$ 6,277
$ 4,162
Interest expense
10,157
8,635
20,538
16,729
Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes
5,034
26,411
(15,742)
18,471
Depreciation and amortization
18,213
7,236
36,885
14,477
Stock-based compensation expense
32,798
29,479
60,965
51,605
Other income, net
(4,454)
(2,038)
(9,031)
(1,198)
Proposed merger costs
4,198
—
4,198
—
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 72,079
$ 73,383
$ 104,090
$ 104,246
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities
$ 60,629
$ 52,547
$ 145,848
$ 116,702
Cash paid for capital expenditures
(2,689)
(4,092)
(6,074)
(7,167)
Free cash flow
$ 57,940
$ 48,455
$ 139,774
$ 109,535
Cash paid for interest, net of the associated tax
benefit
7,480
6,310
14,968
12,326
Unlevered free cash flow
$ 65,420
$ 54,765
$ 154,742
$ 121,861
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Total debt outstanding
$ 544,986
$ 568,793
Less: total cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities
322,404
257,702
Total net debt
$ 222,582
$ 311,091
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue, as reported
$ 296,769
$ 247,529
$ 577,917
$ 484,557
Revenue year-over-year growth rate, as reported
19.9 %
16.4 %
19.3 %
15.2 %
Effect of foreign currency translation ($)(1)
$ (686)
$ 685
$ (218)
$ (2,118)
Effect of foreign currency translation (%)(1)
(0.3) %
0.3 %
— %
(0.5) %
Revenue constant currency growth rate
20.2 %
16.1 %
19.3 %
15.7 %
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Commerce revenue, as reported
$ 81,396
$ 75,455
$ 161,660
$ 148,092
Revenue year-over-year growth rate, as reported
7.9 %
14.0 %
9.2 %
13.9 %
Effect of foreign currency translation ($)(1)
$ (107)
$ 119
$ (29)
$ (369)
Effect of foreign currency translation (%)(1)
(0.1) %
0.2 %
— %
(0.3) %
Commerce revenue constant currency growth rate
8.0 %
13.8 %
9.2 %
14.2 %
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Presence revenue, as reported
$ 215,373
$ 172,074
$ 416,257
$ 336,465
Revenue year-over-year growth rate, as reported
25.2 %
17.4 %
23.7 %
15.8 %
Effect of foreign currency translation ($)(1)
$ (579)
$ 565
$ (188)
$ (1,749)
Effect of foreign currency translation (%)(1)
(0.3) %
0.4 %
(0.1) %
(0.6) %
Presence revenue constant currency growth rate
25.5 %
17.0 %
23.8 %
16.4 %
(1) To calculate the effect of foreign currency translation, we apply the same weighted monthly average exchange rate as the comparative period.
Amounts may not sum due to rounding.
SUMMARY OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
Shares outstanding:
Class A common stock
90,630,649
87,723,667
Class B common stock
47,844,755
47,844,755
Class C common stock
0
0
Total shares outstanding
138,475,404
135,568,422
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Unique subscriptions (in thousands) (1)
5,195
4,305
5,195
4,305
Total bookings (in thousands)
$ 319,774
$ 256,137
$ 645,720
$ 521,926
ARRR (in thousands) (2)
$ 1,179,456
$ 983,265
$ 1,179,456
$ 983,265
ARPUS (1)
$ 225.45
$ 219.42
$ 225.45
$ 219.42
Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands)
$ 72,079
$ 73,383
$ 104,090
$ 104,246
Unlevered free cash flow (in thousands)
$ 65,420
$ 54,765
$ 154,742
$ 121,861
GPV (in thousands) (3)
$ 1,589,076
$ 1,525,476
$ 3,238,533
$ 3,059,534
______________
(1)
Unique subscriptions and average revenue per unique subscription (“ARPUS”) do not account for single domain subscriptions originally sold by Google as a part of the Google Domains Asset Acquisition.
(2)
Annual run rate revenue (“ARRR”) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 has been recast to conform to the current period definition. Previously, ARRR was calculated using monthly revenue from subscription fees and revenue generated in conjunction with associated fees in the last month of the period multiplied by 12. We have since revised our calculation to use quarterly revenue from subscription fees and revenue generated in conjunction with associated fees in the last quarter of the period multiplied by 4 to normalize results for the run rate each quarter.
(3)
“Gross payment volume” or “GPV” was previously presented as “Gross merchandise value” or “GMV” in prior period disclosures. There were no revisions to the calculation of GPV as a result of this nomenclature change.
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SOURCE Squarespace, Inc.
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From $29 domestic flights to half-price hotel deals, Trip.com’s November Mega Sale brings a month of travel bargains across 11.11 and Black Friday
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Note: Flight offers are for eligible departures from Australian cities, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
More flight savings will be released later in the day:
2pm: 5% off flights promo codes (capped at $25)6pm: Tiered flight promo codes offering up to $100 off, depending on booking value
11 November: Hotels, Attractions and More Join the Sale
On 11 November, the spotlight shifts to accommodation and experiences, with savings on hotels in Australia and overseas, alongside attractions, transport and travel essentials.
Deals dropping at 12pm AEDT:
Deals
Offer
Hotel promo codes
Up to 50% off (capped at $100) and up to 15% off
(capped at $50) on all hotels
Australia and New Zealand hotels
Up to 25% off (capped at $50)
Japan hotels
Up to 20% off (capped at $50)
International hotel flash sales
5-star hotels in Bangkok from $49/night4-star hotels in Bali from $19/night4-star hotels in China from $79/night4-star hotels in Japan from $59/night4-star hotels in Melbourne from $89/night
Note: Hotel promo codes require a minimum two-night stay, while hotel flash sale prices are limited to a maximum of two nights per hotel per user, subject to availability.
More deals will drop at 2pm, including:
$1 eSIMs in a limited-time flash saleUniversal Studios Japan: Buy one, get one on selected 1-Day Pass offersShanghai Disneyland: Up to 50% off selected flash sale offersChina train tickets: Up to 90% off promo codesCar hire: Up to 50% off promo codesInternational and domestic hotels: 5% off promo code, capped at $15
At 6pm, tiered hotel promo codes offering up to $100 off eligible bookings will also be available.
27 November: Black Friday Brings Another Wave of Travel Deals
The November savings don’t end with 11.11. On 27 November, Trip.com will bring back popular deals, including domestic flights from $29, international flights to Bali from $109, Ho Chi Minh City from $149, alongside hotel promo codes of up to 50% off (capped at $100).
Travellers can also look forward to up to 50% off flight promo codes (capped at $100), up to $200 off airline coupons with participating carriers, $1 eSIMs, and discounts of up to 50% on car hire and up to 20% on airport transfers.
Family Fun with Exclusive Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Deals
Trip.com has partnered with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – one of Gold Coast’s iconic attractions – to offer an exclusive $20 off Koala Connection Experiences, with admission and encounter tickets from $69 for children and $89 for adults. Visitors can explore a purpose-built koala habitat, learn about its koalas from a keeper and take home a memorable photo. Named among Trip.com’s 2026 Global 100 Family-Friendly Attractions, the sanctuary will also offer 50% off Astra Lumina tickets (including general admission) during the 11.11 and Black Friday sales, for visits up to 19 December 2026.
Terms and Conditions apply. All promotional offers are available on a first-come, first-served basis within the specified period and while stocks last. Please note that all deals are in AEDT time.
For more information, please visit https://au.trip.com/.
About Trip.com
Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 27 languages across 48 countries and regions in 44 local currencies. Offering an extensive hotel and flight network of more than 1.7 million hotels and flights from over 680 airlines, along with over 350,000 in-destination activities, Trip.com covers 3,500 airports in 220 countries and regions. Trip.com‘s world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service helps to ‘create the best travel experience’ for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit Trip.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tripcom-turns-up-the-savings-this-november-with-mega-deals-on-flights-hotels-and-more-in-australia-302931936.html
SOURCE Trip.com
Technology
LG ELECTRONICS EARNS FIRST ASIL D PRODUCT CERTIFICATION FOR AUTOMOTIVE CENTRAL GATEWAY SYSTEM
Published
56 minutes agoon
November 9, 2026By
TÜV Rheinland’s First ASIL D Product Certification in the Central Gateway System Category Validates LG’s Functional Safety Capabilities
News Summary
LG Electronics has earned its first ISO 26262 ASIL D product certification for its automotive central gateway system. It is also the first ASIL D product certification TÜV Rheinland has issued in this category.The certification builds on LG’s ISO 26262 process certification in 2017 and ASIL B product certification in 2021, demonstrating the company’s ability to meet the highest functional safety requirements at the product level.The independent validation is expected to strengthen automakers’ confidence in LG and enhance its competitiveness in future vehicle platform programs, as the company extends its expertise to next-generation communication control systems, gateways and domain controllers.
SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) has earned its first ISO 26262 Automotive Safety Integrity Level D (ASIL D) product certification for its automotive central gateway system, developed as the central communication unit (CCU) 2.0 for the Genesis GV90. The certification, awarded by global testing and certification body TÜV Rheinland, is also the first ASIL D product certification the organization has issued in the automotive central gateway system category.*
Under ISO 26262, ASILs range from A to D based on the severity of potential harm, exposure to hazardous situations and controllability of the resulting risks. ASIL D, the highest level, requires the most stringent measures to prevent and mitigate safety-related failures. As part of the certification process, TÜV Rheinland comprehensively assessed LG’s development processes, design documentation and verification results, confirming the system’s compliance with applicable ASIL D requirements.
From Certified Processes to ASIL D-Certified Products
The certification is the latest step in LG’s efforts to advance its functional safety capabilities. The company obtained ISO 26262 process certification for its automotive development framework in 2017, followed by ASIL B product certification for its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) front camera module in 2021. Achieving ASIL D at the product level demonstrates LG’s ability to apply the highest functional safety requirements across the design, implementation and verification of an automotive product.
For global automakers, this independent, product-level validation offers further assurance of LG’s ability to deliver safety-critical automotive systems. It is also expected to enhance the company’s competitiveness in future vehicle platform programs.
Functional Safety Embedded in System Operations
LG’s central gateway system serves as the hub for vehicle communications, connecting electronic control units (ECUs) and managing data exchange across in-vehicle and external networks. When routing data over controller area network (CAN) and Ethernet interfaces, the system is designed to accurately transmit safety-related messages, detect routing malfunctions and relay relevant fault information to other ECUs.
The system also incorporates functional safety measures for over-the-air (OTA) software updates. These measures help prevent unintended updates and maintain safe control of vehicle start-up during updates and rollbacks. In addition, the system supports connected car services, features on demand and system diagnostics, along with cybersecurity functions such as intrusion monitoring and certificate-based authentication.
Strengthening Competitiveness for Future AIDV Platforms
As the automotive industry transitions toward AI-defined vehicles (AIDVs), central gateway systems are taking on a larger role. They manage communications across vehicle networks, enable OTA updates and support connected services, which makes functional safety increasingly critical.
The expertise LG gained through this project is applicable to other safety-critical automotive systems. That expertise spans functional safety development processes, design and verification methodologies, and certification. These capabilities lay the groundwork for LG to develop a broader range of automotive components, including next-generation communication control systems, gateways and domain controllers.
“Earning our first ASIL D product certification is a significant milestone for LG,” said Lee Sang-yong, head of the VS R&D Laboratory at the LG Vehicle Solution Company. “It reflects our progress from establishing certified functional safety processes to implementing and verifying the highest-level safety requirements in an automotive product. We will build on this accomplishment to strengthen automakers’ confidence in LG and advance next-generation solutions for the AIDV era.”
* Based on TÜV Rheinland’s certification records as of November 2026
# # #
About LG Electronics Vehicle Solution Company
The LG Vehicle Solution Company (VS) is bringing LG’s unique mobility innovations to the automotive industry. As a trusted and innovative partner, the company provides intelligent solutions including head units, displays, connectivity, ADAS vision systems, and software solutions integrating human-centered AI and automotive engineering into the modern AI/software-defined vehicle. Committed to “Driving better future mobility,” the company has diversified its portfolio to further strengthen its capabilities, including automotive lighting systems, e-powertrain and cybersecurity. For more information, visit www.LG.com/global/mobility. To stay updated with the latest news, subscribe to the LG mobility newsletter, LG Loop at www.LG.com/global/mobility/newsletter and follow the LG VS Company LinkedIn channel at www.linkedin.com/company/lgvehiclesolution.
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Technology
Global Validation First: How CrossHub Is Building Trust to Scale Overseas
Published
56 minutes agoon
November 9, 2026By
SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For startups entering foreign markets, proving their technology and turning it into real business is an uphill battle. They must navigate local regulations, understand market demand and win the trust of companies wary of adopting new technology. CrossHub, a developer of identity verification and payment solutions, is tackling these hurdles by running proofs of concept (PoCs) with overseas partners, building a track record, and converting those references into field deployments and partnerships with financial institutions.
A voice authentication pilot in Singapore’s healthcare sector shows how CrossHub is testing the real-world potential of its technology abroad. This year, the company signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Singapore’s National Healthcare Group Diagnostics (NHGD) and is currently running a PoC. Last month, it completed an on-site demonstration ahead of the service launch.
In Singapore, patients must state their name and address by voice before seeing a doctor. Until now, staff have manually checked whether the information matched the patient. CrossHub is addressing this with V-Pay, a voice authentication solution that analyzes a speaker’s voice to confirm their identity.
“If this moves to a full contract, we’ll have the opportunity to use voice data from northern Singapore,” said Kim Dong-ju, team lead at CrossHub. “We believe the technology can be applied not only to healthcare but to other industries as well.”
CrossHub is investing heavily in overseas pilots because earning the trust of adopting companies matters as much as technical performance. Businesses considering identity verification technology need proven cases that demonstrate not only accuracy and convenience but also security and data protection. In tightly regulated industries such as finance, a startup’s pitch alone rarely leads to adoption.
“Startups offer innovative technology, but traditional industries are reluctant to adopt it,” Kim explained. “They demand safety and references, so we decided to solve that problem overseas first.”
CrossHub has validated its technology through a range of PoCs with partners including French security firm Thales. Building on that, it has begun collaborating with Korean financial institutions such as Woori Bank, Samsung Card, Woori Card and Hana Bank—leveraging its overseas track record as a foundation for partnerships at home.
The company was born out of the frustrations foreign tourists face with Korea’s digital services. Many major Korean apps require mobile phone-based identity verification, making it difficult for short-term visitors without a Korean phone number to use services such as Kakao T or Baemin. CrossHub set out to solve this by developing passport-based identity verification.
Its core technologies are self-sovereign identity (SSI) and zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP). SSI lets users manage their own identity rather than having personal data stored by individual services, while ZKP allows users to prove a necessary fact without disclosing the underlying personal information. CrossHub combines the two to verify identity while minimizing the storage and exposure of personal data.
The company is now expanding from identity verification into payments and remittances. Travel Pass, an integrated payment and travel platform for foreign visitors to Korea, is being developed with Woori Bank. It aims to help tourists pay for goods and access transportation and tourism services in Korea. In September, CrossHub broadened the service’s reach by signing an integration and sales agreement for transportation and tourism products with Japanese travel platform Linktivity.
CrossHub is also exploring opportunities in cross-border remittance. Under a project commissioned by the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), it is developing a stable-token remittance solution based on cross-border API connections, with plans to link Korean and Vietnamese banks.
Kim expects blockchain to become less of a standalone industry and more of a foundational technology that enhances fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology and AI agents. Beyond technical maturity, he stressed, what matters is securing services and markets that users find easy to adopt.
CrossHub tailors its approach to each overseas market. Japan’s regulatory environment resembles Korea’s, but market entry and building trust take time. Singapore, with its advanced financial services and relatively active collaboration between startups and corporates, is being positioned as a hub for pilots and commercialization. The company plans to expand technology validated in Singapore into Europe and North America, with North America as its long-term target market.
Product development continues on an annual cycle. CrossHub launched its identity verification solution IDBlock in 2024, followed by the payment solution B-Pay in 2025. This year it introduced V-Pay, featuring voice authentication, and it is developing another product slated for release in 2027. The company accumulates technology from identity verification to payments and voice authentication, then turns it into real business.
CrossHub has also broadened its investor base. In 2025, it raised funding from four accelerators, and all four returned as follow-on investors in its recently closed round. Two banks and a government institution also participated.
Support from SVC has aided its global expansion. CrossHub uses SVC as a base for Travel Pass, one of its flagship services. Located near Hongdae, the space allows the team to engage directly with tourists and better understand the needs of foreign visitors to Seoul. Networking through support programs, along with meeting rooms, conference spaces and other facilities, has also helped drive the business forward.
“Since moving into SVC, our global networking has grown, expanding our reach from about 20 countries last year to about 40 this year,” Kim said. “The diverse networks and support programs have helped us scale the business.”
CrossHub plans to convert the partnerships and validation cases it has secured abroad into actual contracts and service operations, and then extend them to other countries and industries. “Our strength is that we build up and expand our technology every year and commercialize it,” Kim said. “We aim to grow into a technology-driven fintech company.”
The company is also a resident of SVC Seoul, a global startup hub in Seoul’s Hongdae area. The hub was established to connect startups with strong overseas growth potential to companies, universities, and investors in Korea and abroad.
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SOURCE CROSSHUB
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