Technology
111, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Maintained Operational Profitability for the Second Consecutive QuarterOperating Expenses as a Percentage of Revenues Decreased 120 Basis Points YoYHeld Positive Operating Cash Flow for Two Consecutive Quarters
SHANGHAI, Aug. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 111, Inc. (“111” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: YI), a leading tech-enabled healthcare platform company committed to reshaping the value chain of healthcare industry by digitally empowering the upstream and downstream in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.
Second Quarter 2024 Highlights
Net revenues were RMB3.4 billion (US$471.2 million) and gross segment profit (1) was RMB 207.6 million (US$ 28.6 million), remaining relatively flat compared to the same quarter last year.Total operating expenses were RMB204.3 million (US$28.1 million), an improvement of 18.1% compared to RMB249.3 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, total operating expenses decreased by 120 basis points to 6.0% from 7.2% in the same quarter of last year, demonstrating continuous improvement in the Company’s operation efficiency.Income from operations was RMB3.3 million (US$0.5 million), compared to loss from operations of RMB41.4 million in the same quarter of last year. 111 maintained operational profitability for the second consecutive quarter.Non-GAAP income from operations (2) was RMB8.5 million (US$1.2 million), compared to Non-GAAP loss from operations of RMB17.2 million in the same quarter of last year.Net cash from operating activities was RMB93.3 million (US$12.8 million), compared to negative RMB164.1 million in the same quarter of last year. The company realized positive operating cash flow for two consecutive quarters.
(1) Gross segment profit represents net revenues less cost of goods sold.
(2) Non-GAAP income from operations represents income from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses.
Mr. Junling Liu, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of 111, commented, “Despite a challenging macroeconomic landscape, we successfully achieved operational profitability for the second consecutive quarter, underscoring the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives as a top digital healthcare platform for empowering the whole industry chain. Our continued focus on operational efficiency has driven a significant turnaround, with income from operations hitting RMB3.3 million during quarter—an impressive recovery from an operational loss of RMB41.4 million a year earlier.
Mr. Liu added, “We’ve significantly improved operational efficiency through prudent expense control, strategic investments in infrastructure, and optimal staffing efforts. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased by 120 basis points to 6%, while non-GAAP operating expenses fell by 70 basis points to 5.8%. Our goal is to set the standard for efficiency in pharmaceutical e-commerce and strengthen our competitive edge through superior operational effectiveness. As we expand and refine our operations, we expect further cost reductions and enhanced efficiency. These savings will be reinvested into strategic areas such as innovation, market expansion, and customer engagement, all of which are crucial for driving revenue and profitability growth.”
“Our commitment to advancing digital capabilities and leveraging cutting-edge technologies has significantly improved our operational performance across various facets, making our business more adaptable, efficient, and customer-focused. This positions us for higher future returns in the evolving healthcare e-commerce sector and reinforces our leading role to drive the pharmaceutical digital transformation. Our achievements in technology are highlighted by the acquisition of four new patents. Additionally, we’ve strengthened supply chain with our effective transshipment model, the expansion of fulfillment centers, and the deepening of our partnership.”
“The drug sales and prescription shift towards retail pharmacies is a robust growth avenue, along with continued digital reform of the healthcare value chain. In order to grasp these enormous opportunities, we will focus on offering seamless, convenient shopping experiences for customers with the most comprehensive and cost-effective product portfolio. Strengthening partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, lifting operational efficiency, driving digitalization and AI applications, and accelerating new growth engines such as private label business and JBP platform are also key to our continued growth and success. We believe these concerted efforts will enable us to garner a larger market share and achieve higher revenue and profit levels while generating long-term value for our shareholders, customers, and stakeholders.”
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Net revenues were RMB3.4 billion (US$471.2 million), representing a decrease of 1.5% from RMB3.5 billion in the same quarter of last year.
(In thousands RMB)
For the three months ended June 30,
2023
2024
YoY
B2B Net Revenue
Product
3,367,732
3,328,249
-1.2 %
Service
20,974
25,270
20.5 %
Sub-Total
3,388,706
3,353,519
-1.0 %
Cost of Products Sold(3)
3,200,156
3,162,928
-1.2 %
Segment Profit
188,550
190,591
1.1 %
Segment Profit %
5.6 %
5.7 %
(In thousands RMB)
For the three months ended June 30,
2023
2024
YoY
B2C Net Revenue
Product
83,251
65,480
-21.3 %
Service
5,540
5,371
-3.1 %
Sub-Total
88,791
70,851
-20.2 %
Cost of Products Sold
69,454
53,844
-22.5 %
Segment Profit
19,337
17,007
-12.0 %
Segment Profit %
21.8 %
24.0 %
(3) For segment reporting purposes, purchase rebates are allocated to the B2B segment and B2C segments primarily based on the amount of cost of products sold for each segment. Cost of products sold does not include other direct costs related to cost of product sales such as shipping and handling expense, payroll and benefits of logistic staff, logistic centers rental expenses and depreciation expenses, which are recorded in the fulfillment expenses. Cost of service revenue is recorded in the operating expense.
Operating costs and expenses were RMB3.4 billion (US$470.7 million), representing a decrease of 2.8% from RMB3.5 billion in the same quarter of last year.
Cost of products sold was RMB3.2 billion (US$442.6 million), representing a decrease of 1.6% from RMB3.3 billion in the same quarter of last year.
Fulfillment expenses were RMB88.1 million (US$12.1 million), representing a decrease of 7.3% from RMB95.0 million in the same quarter of last year. Fulfillment expenses accounted for 2.6% of net revenues this quarter as compared to 2.7% in the same quarter of last year.
Selling and marketing expenses were RMB80.4 million (US$11.1 million), representing a decrease of 10.8% from RMB90.1 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB1.7 million for the quarter and RMB4.4 million for the same quarter last year, respectively, selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues, accounted for 2.3% in the quarter as compared to 2.5% in the same quarter of last year.
General and administrative expenses were RMB17.3 million (US$2.4 million), representing a decrease of 55.7% from RMB39.1 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB2.5 million for the quarter and RMB15.7 million for the same quarter last year, respectively, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues, accounted for 0.4% in the quarter as compared to 0.7% in the same quarter of last year.
Technology expenses were RMB18.4 million (US$2.5 million), representing a decrease of 25.2% from RMB24.5 million in the same quarter of last year. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses of RMB1.0 million for the quarter and RMB4.2 million for the same quarter last year, respectively, Technology expenses as a percentage of net revenues, accounted for 0.5% in the quarter as compared to 0.6% in the same quarter of last year.
Income from operations was RMB3.3 million (US$0.5 million), compared to loss from operations of RMB41.4 million in the same quarter of last year.
Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB8.5 million (US$1.2 million), compared to Non-GAAP loss from operations of RMB17.2 million in the same quarter of last year.
Net loss was RMB2.1 million (US$0.3 million), representing an improvement of 95% from RMB45.4 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, net loss decreased to 0.1% in the quarter from 1.3% in same quarter of last year.
Non-GAAP net income (4) was RMB3.1 million (US$0.4 million), compared to Non-GAAP net loss of RMB21.2 million in the same quarter of last year.
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB14.0 million (US$1.9 million), representing an improvement of 76% from RMB57.2 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders decreased to 0.4% in the quarter from 1.6% in same quarter of last year.
Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (5) was RMB8.8 million (US$1.2 million), representing an improvement of 73% from RMB33.0 million in the same quarter of last year. As a percentage of net revenues, non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders decreased to 0.3% in the quarter from 0.9% in same quarter of last year.
(4) Non-GAAP net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax. Considering the impact of accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest for the second quarter 2024, non-GAAP net income is used as a more meaningful measurement of the operation performance of the Company.
(5) Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders represents net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax.
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB615.5 million (US$84.7 million), compared to RMB673.7 million as of December 31, 2023. To this date, the Company has a total outstanding amount of RMB1.1 billion, which has been included in the balances of redeemable non-controlling interests and accrued expenses and other current liabilities, owed to a group of investors of 1 Pharmacy Technology pursuant to their equity investments made in 2020 as previously disclosed. 111 has received redemption requests from certain of such investors for a total redemption amount of RMB0.2 billion in accordance with the terms of their initial investments in 1 Pharmacy Technology. Furthermore, the Company has entered into written agreements and/or commitment letters with investors representing the majority of the total carrying amounts. For more information about the terms of 111’s arrangements with these investors, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Company’s annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Conference Call
111’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 7:30 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 29, 2024 (7:30 PM Beijing Time on the same day).
Details for the conference call are as follows:
Event Title: 111, Inc. Second Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results
Registration Link: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10040837-g09iyj.html
All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Upon registering, each participant will receive a set of participant dial-in numbers, the Direct Event passcode, and a unique Registration ID, which can be used to join the conference call.
Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the Direct Event passcode and unique Registration ID you have received upon registering to join the call.
A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call until September 5, 2024 on:
China: 4001 209 216
United States: +1 855 883 1031
International: +61 7 3107 6325
Conference ID: 10040837
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the website at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/a2w3gscg.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP loss per ADS, as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The Company defines non-GAAP income (loss) from operations as income (loss) from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses. The Company defines non-GAAP net income (loss) as net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax. The Company defines non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders as net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax. The Company defines non-GAAP loss per ADS as net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per ADS excluding share-based compensation expenses, net of tax per ADS. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The Company believes that non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP loss per ADS help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that it includes in income (loss) from operations and net loss. Share-based compensation expenses is a non-cash expense that varies from period to period. As a result, management excludes the items from its internal operating forecasts and models. Management believes that the adjustments for share-based compensation expenses provide investors with a reasonable basis to measure the company’s core operating performance, in a more meaningful comparison with the performance of other companies. The Company believes that non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP loss per ADS provide useful information about its operating results, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the management in their financial and operational decision-making.
The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders, or non-GAAP loss per ADS is that it does not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company’s operations. Further, the non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.
The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures is included at the end of this press release.
Exchange Rate Information Statement
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB7.2672 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of June 30, 2024.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “target,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as 111’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. 111 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties as to the Company’s ability comply with extensive and evolving regulatory requirements, its ability to compete effectively in the evolving PRC general health and wellness market, its ability to manage the growth of its business and expansion plans, its ability to achieve or maintain profitability in the future, its ability to control the risks associated with its pharmaceutical retail and wholesale businesses, and the Company’s ability to meet the standards necessary to maintain listing of its ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Market, including its ability to cure any non-compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing criteria. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 111 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.
About 111, Inc.
111, Inc. (NASDAQ: YI) (“111” or the “Company”) is a leading tech-enabled healthcare platform company committed to reshaping the value chain of healthcare industry by digitally empowering the upstream and downstream in China. The Company provides consumers with better access to pharmaceutical products and healthcare services directly through its online retail pharmacy, 1 Pharmacy, and indirectly through its offline virtual pharmacy network. The Company also offers online healthcare services through its internet hospital, 1 Clinic, which provides consumers with cost-effective and convenient online consultation, electronic prescription service, and patient management service. In addition, the Company’s online platform, 1 Medicine, serves as a one-stop shop for pharmacies to source a vast selection of pharmaceutical products. With the largest virtual pharmacy network in China, 111 enables offline pharmacies to better serve their customers with cloud-based services. 111 also provides an omni-channel drug commercialization platform to its strategic partners, which includes services such as digital marketing, patient education, data analytics, and pricing monitoring.
For more information on 111, please visit: http://ir.111.com.cn/.
111, Inc.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
As of
As of
December 31, 2023
June 30, 2024
RMB
RMB
US$
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
603,523
495,454
68,177
Restricted cash
20,025
20,070
2,762
Short-term investments
50,143
100,000
13,760
Accounts receivable, net
536,823
411,303
56,597
Notes Receivable
77,598
72,875
10,028
Inventories
1,419,396
1,367,173
188,129
Prepayments and other current assets
225,823
189,204
26,036
Total current assets
2,933,331
2,656,079
365,489
Property and equipment, net
34,340
27,511
3,786
Intangible assets, net
2,256
1,847
254
Long-term investments
2,000
2,000
275
Other non-current assets
13,310
13,424
1,847
Operating lease right-of-use asset
103,799
88,369
12,160
Total Assets
3,089,036
2,789,230
383,811
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings
338,075
189,366
26,058
Accounts payable
1,588,693
1,597,892
219,877
Accrued expense and other current liabilities
818,295
691,445
95,146
Total Current liabilities
2,745,063
2,478,703
341,081
Long-term operating lease liabilities
62,624
56,171
7,729
Other non-current liabilities
5,245
7,623
1,049
Total Liabilities
2,812,932
2,542,497
349,859
MEZZANINE EQUITY
Redeemable non-controlling interests
870,825
869,845
119,695
SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Ordinary shares Class A
32
33
5
Ordinary shares Class B
25
25
3
Treasury shares
(5,887)
(5,887)
(810)
Additional paid-in capital
3,169,114
3,163,032
435,248
Accumulated deficit
(3,819,249)
(3,847,044)
(529,371)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
72,514
73,786
10,153
Total shareholders’ deficit
(583,451)
(616,055)
(84,772)
Non-controlling interest
(11,270)
(7,057)
(971)
Total Deficit
(594,721)
(623,112)
(85,743)
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and deficit
3,089,036
2,789,230
383,811
111, Inc.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
For the three months ended June 30,
For the six months ended June 30,
2023
2024
2023
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Net Revenues
3,477,497
3,424,370
471,209
7,174,258
6,952,799
956,737
Operating Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold
(3,269,610)
(3,216,772)
(442,643)
(6,730,158)
(6,536,668)
(899,475)
Fulfillment expenses
(94,950)
(88,059)
(12,117)
(197,600)
(176,582)
(24,298)
Selling and marketing expenses
(90,117)
(80,410)
(11,065)
(179,357)
(160,770)
(22,123)
General and administrative expenses
(39,079)
(17,306)
(2,381)
(80,396)
(36,380)
(5,006)
Technology expenses
(24,541)
(18,367)
(2,527)
(49,857)
(36,676)
(5,047)
Other operating income, net
(605)
(118)
(16)
(27)
1,339
184
Total Operating costs and expenses
(3,518,902)
(3,421,032)
(470,749)
(7,237,395)
(6,945,737)
(955,765)
(Loss) Income from operations
(41,405)
3,338
460
(63,137)
7,062
972
Interest income
2,206
2,075
286
4,155
4,041
556
Interest expense
(4,820)
(7,275)
(1,001)
(9,092)
(15,257)
(2,099)
Foreign exchange loss
(2,808)
(383)
(53)
(1,174)
(602)
(83)
Other Income, net
1,450
200
28
4,514
77
11
Loss before income taxes
(45,377)
(2,045)
(280)
(64,734)
(4,679)
(643)
Income tax expense
–
(37)
(5)
–
(88)
(12)
Net Loss
(45,377)
(2,082)
(285)
(64,734)
(4,767)
(655)
Net Loss attributable to non-controlling interest
2,122
(1,106)
(152)
3,522
(1,279)
(176)
Net Loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest
3,728
441
61
5,276
730
100
Adjustment attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest
(17,712)
(11,273)
(1,551)
(33,090)
(22,479)
(3,093)
Net Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders
(57,239)
(14,020)
(1,927)
(89,026)
(27,795)
(3,824)
Other comprehensive loss
Unrealized gains of available-for-sale securities,
788
(312)
(43)
2,923
(346)
(48)
Realized gains of available-for-sale debt securities
(815)
312
43
(2,717)
489
67
Foreign currency translation adjustments
9,037
509
70
5,924
1,129
155
Comprehensive loss
(48,229)
(13,511)
(1,857)
(82,896)
(26,523)
(3,650)
Loss per ADS:
Basic and diluted
(0.68)
(0.16)
(0.02)
(1.06)
(0.32)
(0.04)
Weighted average number of shares used in computation of loss per share
Basic and diluted
168,102,392
171,414,144
171,414,144
167,718,135
171,317,558
171,317,558
111, Inc.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
For the three months ended June 30,
For the six months ended June 30,
2023
2024
2023
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(164,111)
93,260
12,834
(285,439)
201,698
27,755
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
139,938
(79,728)
(10,971)
86,750
(49,986)
(6,878)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
15,281
(104,472)
(14,376)
93,778
(259,943)
(35,769)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash
2,385
(865)
(119)
894
207
28
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(6,507)
(91,805)
(12,632)
(104,017)
(108,024)
(14,864)
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the beginning of the period
619,281
607,329
83,571
716,791
623,548
85,803
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period
612,774
515,524
70,939
612,774
515,524
70,939
111, Inc.
Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
For the three months ended June 30,
For the six months ended June 30,
2023
2024
2023
2024
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(Loss) Income from operations
(41,405)
3,338
460
(63,137)
7,062
972
Add: Share-based compensation expenses
24,208
5,195
715
48,416
10,366
1,426
Non-GAAP (loss) income from operations
(17,197)
8,533
1,175
(14,721)
17,428
2,398
Net Loss
(45,377)
(2,082)
(285)
(64,734)
(4,767)
(655)
Add: Share-based compensation expenses, net of tax
24,208
5,195
715
48,416
10,366
1,426
Non-GAAP net (Loss) Income
(21,169)
3,113
430
(16,318)
5,599
771
Net Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders
(57,239)
(14,020)
(1,927)
(89,026)
(27,795)
(3,824)
Add: Share-based compensation expenses, net of tax
24,208
5,195
715
48,416
10,366
1,426
Non-GAAP net Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders
(33,031)
(8,825)
(1,212)
(40,610)
(17,429)
(2,398)
Loss per ADS(6): Basic and diluted
(0.68)
(0.16)
(0.02)
(1.06)
(0.32)
(0.04)
Add: Share-based compensation expenses per ADS(6), net of tax
0.30
0.06
0.00
0.58
0.12
0.02
Non-GAAP Loss per ADS(6)
(0.38)
(0.10)
(0.02)
(0.48)
(0.20)
(0.02)
(6) Every one ADSs represent two Class A ordinary shares.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/111-inc-announces-second-quarter-2024-unaudited-financial-results-302233780.html
SOURCE 111, Inc
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SAN FRANCISCO, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chef Robotics, a leader in physical AI for the food industry, today announced that Chef robots can now automate tray assembly for baked goods packing. The application places baked products, such as burger buns, chocolate chip cookies, biscotti, butter cookies, biscuits, fortune cookies, granola bars, rusks, and shortbreads into trays and packaging containers before sealing.
Baked goods packing has historically been difficult to automate for high-mix production. Each item behaves differently on the production line—a granola bar compresses under the wrong grip, while a biscotti or rusk can crack if placed at the wrong angle. Surface textures range from glazed and smooth to crumbly and irregular, and strict presentation requirements leave little room for error. This variability has made it challenging for automation systems to reliably handle baked goods at production speeds, leaving food manufacturers dependent on manual labor and traditional bakery equipment.
To address this, Chef built its baked goods packing application on its existing piece-picking capability, which uses Chef’s AI-powered computer vision and physical AI models trained across diverse real-world production environments. This allows Chef robots to assess each item’s position, shape, and orientation in real time and determine how to pick the items from the pan and place them quickly and precisely without damaging them.
The baked goods packing application supports four distinct placement capabilities.
First, Chef’s vision system detects the angle at which each item sits in the pan and reorients it after picking, placing it on the tray at the exact angle required, regardless of its original position, enabling retail-ready presentation for SKUs that require precise angular placement.
Second, Chef robots can place multiple baked goods into the same packaging container in a single automated pass, completing full tray assembly without manual intervention.
Third, for packaging containers with multiple small compartments, Chef robots can precisely place items into each designated section, including multiple items in the same compartment, using Chef’s AI vision model to detect compartment positions and orientations in real time.
Fourth, Chef’s vision system identifies the exact center of each tray and places every item at a predefined offset from that center, ensuring a uniform, consistent arrangement across every pack regardless of how trays arrive on the conveyor.
For food manufacturers evaluating bakery systems and baked goods packaging automation, the application offers higher throughput, reduced labor dependency, and consistent presentation across shifts. The capability runs on Chef’s existing robotic hardware and software, allowing manufacturers to deploy it without requiring any changes to their production lines.
Chef’s baked goods packing application is available in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and the UK and is included as part of Chef’s robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) pricing model.
About Chef Robotics
Chef is the first company to have commercialized a scalable AI-driven food robotics solution. With over 104 million servings made in production, Chef leverages ChefOS, an AI platform for food manipulation, to offer a Robotics-as-a-Service solution that helps industry-leading food companies increase production volume and meet demand. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Chef aims to empower humans to do what humans do best by accelerating the advent of intelligent machines. Visit https://chefrobotics.ai to learn more.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chef-robotics-physical-ai-models-can-now-automate-baked-goods-packing-302756923.html
SOURCE Chef Robotics
Technology
Chef Robotics Physical AI Models Can Now Automate Baked Goods Packing
Published
3 hours agoon
April 29, 2026By
SAN FRANCISCO, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chef Robotics, a leader in physical AI for the food industry, today announced that Chef robots can now automate tray assembly for baked goods packing. The application places baked products, such as burger buns, chocolate chip cookies, biscotti, butter cookies, biscuits, fortune cookies, granola bars, rusks, and shortbreads into trays and packaging containers before sealing.
Baked goods packing has historically been difficult to automate for high-mix production. Each item behaves differently on the production line—a granola bar compresses under the wrong grip, while a biscotti or rusk can crack if placed at the wrong angle. Surface textures range from glazed and smooth to crumbly and irregular, and strict presentation requirements leave little room for error. This variability has made it challenging for automation systems to reliably handle baked goods at production speeds, leaving food manufacturers dependent on manual labor and traditional bakery equipment.
To address this, Chef built its baked goods packing application on its existing piece-picking capability, which uses Chef’s AI-powered computer vision and physical AI models trained across diverse real-world production environments. This allows Chef robots to assess each item’s position, shape, and orientation in real time and determine how to pick the items from the pan and place them quickly and precisely without damaging them.
The baked goods packing application supports four distinct placement capabilities.
First, Chef’s vision system detects the angle at which each item sits in the pan and reorients it after picking, placing it on the tray at the exact angle required, regardless of its original position, enabling retail-ready presentation for SKUs that require precise angular placement.
Second, Chef robots can place multiple baked goods into the same packaging container in a single automated pass, completing full tray assembly without manual intervention.
Third, for packaging containers with multiple small compartments, Chef robots can precisely place items into each designated section, including multiple items in the same compartment, using Chef’s AI vision model to detect compartment positions and orientations in real time.
Fourth, Chef’s vision system identifies the exact center of each tray and places every item at a predefined offset from that center, ensuring a uniform, consistent arrangement across every pack regardless of how trays arrive on the conveyor.
For food manufacturers evaluating bakery systems and baked goods packaging automation, the application offers higher throughput, reduced labor dependency, and consistent presentation across shifts. The capability runs on Chef’s existing robotic hardware and software, allowing manufacturers to deploy it without requiring any changes to their production lines.
Chef’s baked goods packing application is available in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and the UK and is included as part of Chef’s robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) pricing model.
About Chef Robotics
Chef is the first company to have commercialized a scalable AI-driven food robotics solution. With over 104 million servings made in production, Chef leverages ChefOS, an AI platform for food manipulation, to offer a Robotics-as-a-Service solution that helps industry-leading food companies increase production volume and meet demand. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Chef aims to empower humans to do what humans do best by accelerating the advent of intelligent machines. Visit https://chefrobotics.ai to learn more.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chef-robotics-physical-ai-models-can-now-automate-baked-goods-packing-302756923.html
SOURCE Chef Robotics
Technology
Air Products to Expand Industrial Gas Supply for Samsung Electronics’ Next-Generation Semiconductor Fab in South Korea
Published
3 hours agoon
April 29, 2026By
New investment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Korea and its leading role in the global semiconductor industry
LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Air Products (NYSE:APD), a world-leading industrial gases company and serving Samsung globally, today announced it has been selected by Samsung to supply industrial gases for its new advanced semiconductor fab in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
Under the agreement, Air Products will build, own and operate multiple state-of-the-art production facilities and a bulk specialty gas supply system to supply nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and hydrogen for Samsung’s new semiconductor fab. The new facilities are expected to come onstream in multiple phases from 2028 through 2030.
Air Products has a long track record of executing multiple phase expansions in Pyeongtaek to support Samsung’s growing manufacturing needs. This latest project represents Air Products’ largest investment to date in the semiconductor industry and will establish Pyeongtaek as the company’s single largest operations site globally supporting the electronics industry.
“Air Products is honored to be selected once again by Samsung and to have their continued confidence as a trusted partner supporting their strategic growth plans,” said SR Kim, President, Air Products Korea. “This significant investment reinforces Air Products’ role as a leading global supplier to the semiconductor industry and underscores our long-standing commitment to supporting our strategic customers with safety, reliability, efficiency and excellent service.”
Air Products has served the global electronics industry for more than 40 years, supplying industrial gases safely and reliably to many of the world’s leading technology companies. The company has operated in Korea for more than 50 years and has established a strong position in electronics and manufacturing sectors.
About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE: APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 85 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets and generating a cleaner future. The Company supplies essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, medical and food. As the leading global supplier of hydrogen, Air Products also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world’s largest clean hydrogen projects, supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the industrial and heavy-duty transportation sectors. Through its sale of equipment businesses, the Company also provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers globally.
Air Products had fiscal 2025 sales of $12 billion from operations in approximately 50 countries. For more information, visit airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.
This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release and are not guarantees of future performance. While forward-looking statements are made in good faith and based on assumptions, expectations and projections that management believes are reasonable based on currently available information, actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors, including the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 and other factors disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the assumptions, beliefs or expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any such forward-looking statements are based.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-products-to-expand-industrial-gas-supply-for-samsung-electronics-next-generation-semiconductor-fab-in-south-korea-302757497.html
SOURCE Air Products
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