Technology
Qudian Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
XIAMEN, China, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Qudian Inc. (“Qudian” or “the Company” or “We”) (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:
Total revenues were RMB53.3 million (US$7.3 million), compared to RMB11.1 million for the same period of last yearNet income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB99.8 million (US$13.7 million), compared to net loss of RMB76.9 million for the same period of last year; net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.53 (US$0.07) for the second quarter of 2024Non-GAAP net income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB99.8 million (US$13.7 million), compared to Non-GAAP net loss of RMB76.9 million for the same period of last year. We exclude share-based compensation expenses from our non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.53 (US$0.07) for the second quarter of 2024
The Company’s last-mile delivery business has made steady progress in 2024, which generated approximately RMB46.2 million in revenue in second quarter of 2024, compared to RMB4.3 million for the second quarter of 2023. Moving forward, the Company expects to remain steadfast in its commitment to executing its business transition and simultaneously maintaining prudent cash management to safeguard its balance sheet.
Second Quarter Financial Results
Sales income and others increased to RMB53.3 million (US$7.3 million), which was mostly attributable to sales income generated by last-mile delivery business, compared with RMB11.1 million for the second quarter of 2023, which was mainly attributable to sales income generated by QD Food business. We have completely wound down the QD Food business in 2023.
Total operating costs and expenses increased to RMB110.8 million (US$15.2 million) from RMB106.7 million for the second quarter of 2023.
Cost of revenues increased to RMB46.2 million (US$6.4 million) from RMB12.7 million for the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to the increase in service cost related to last-mile delivery business.
General and administrative expenses decreased by 27.9% to RMB47.2 million (US$6.5 million) from RMB65.4 million for the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to the reduce in professional services fees after the Company completed research and consultation for last-mile delivery business in its early stage.
Research and development expenses increased by 53.4% to RMB15.2 million (US$2.1 million) from RMB9.9 million for the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to the increase in staff head count as the Company continues to explore new business opportunities, which led to a corresponding increase in staff salaries.
Loss from operations was RMB57.4 million (US$7.9 million), compared to RMB94.1 million for the second quarter of 2023.
Interest and investment income, net increased to RMB89.5 million (US$12.3 million) from RMB6.8 million for the second quarter of 2023, primarily attributable to the increase of income from investments in the second quarter of 2024.
Gain on derivative instrument increased to RMB58.4 million (US$8.0 million) from RMB10.4 million for the second quarter of 2023, mainly attributable to the increase in quoted price of the underlying equity securities relating to the derivative instruments we held.
Net income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB99.8 million (US$13.7 million), compared to net loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders of RMB76.9 million in the second quarter of 2023. Net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.53 (US$0.07).
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB99.8 million (US$13.7 million), compared to Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders of RMB75.5 in the second quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income per diluted ADS was RMB0.53 (US$0.07).
Cash Flow
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB4,849.0 million (US$667.2 million) and restricted cash of RMB52.0 million (US$7.2 million).
For the second quarter of 2024, net cash used in operating activities was RMB1,184.3 million (US$163.0 million), mainly due to payments for labor-related costs and expenses and purchase of time and structured deposit. Net cash used in investing activities was RMB898.1 million (US$123.6 million), mainly due to purchase of short-term investments and purchase of property and equipment for the construction of the Company’s innovation park. Net cash used in financing activities was RMB114.4 million (US$15.7 million), mainly due to the repurchase of ordinary shares.
Last-mile Delivery Business
In response to the surging demand for cross-border e-commerce transactions, the Company has proactively sought innovative logistic services and solutions to meet global consumers’ expectations for swift and top-tier delivery services. In December 2022, the Company launched its last-mile delivery services under the brand name of “Fast Horse.” The business was initially launched on a trial basis and has gradually achieved meaningful scale in Australia during the second quarter of 2023. As of the date of this release, the Company’s last-mile delivery service is available in Australia and New Zealand.
Update on Share Repurchase
As previously disclosed, the Company established a share repurchase program in June 2022, under which the Company may purchase up to US$200 million worth of its Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs over a 24-month period. From the launch of the share repurchase program on June 13, 2022 to June 12, 2024, the Company has in aggregate purchased 64.3 million ADSs in the open market for a total amount of approximately US$113.0 million (an average price of $1.8 per ADS) pursuant to the share repurchase program.
Our Board approved a share repurchase program in March 2024 to purchase up to US$300 million worth of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs in the next 36 months starting from June 13, 2024. From the launch of the share repurchase program on June 13, 2024 to September 3, 2024, the Company has in aggregate purchased 4.3 million ADSs in the open market for a total amount of approximately US$8.0 million (an average price of $1.9 per ADS) pursuant to the share repurchase program.
As of September 3, 2024, the Company has in aggregate purchased 158.6 million ADSs for a total amount of approximately US$702.3 million (an average price of $4.4 per ADS).
About Qudian Inc.
Qudian Inc. (“Qudian”) is a consumer-oriented technology company. The Company historically focused on providing credit solutions to consumers. Qudian is exploring innovative logistics services to satisfy consumers’ demand for e-commerce transactions by leveraging its technology capabilities.
For more information, please visit http://ir.qudian.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders, a Non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. We believe that Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders helps identify underlying trends in our business by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges. We believe that Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders provides useful information about our operating results, enhances the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.
Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This Non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and when assessing our operating performance, cash flows or our liquidity, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for net loss /income, cash flows provided by operating activities or other consolidated statements of operation and cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
We mitigate these limitations by reconciling the Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance.
For more information on this Non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.
Exchange Rate Information
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2672 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on June 28, 2024, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.
Statement Regarding Preliminary Unaudited Financial Information
The unaudited financial information set out in this earnings release is preliminary and subject to potential adjustments. Adjustments to the consolidated financial statements may be identified when audit work has been performed for the Company’s year-end audit, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited financial information.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States 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” and similar statements. Among other things, the expectation of its collection efficiency and delinquency, contain forward-looking statements. Qudian may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Qudian’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Qudian’s goal and strategies; Qudian’s expansion plans; Qudian’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Qudian’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products; Qudian’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers, business partners and other parties it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Qudian’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Qudian does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Qudian Inc.
Tel: +86-592-596-8208
E-mail: ir@qudian.com
QUDIAN INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three months ended June 30,
(In thousands except for number
2023
2024
of shares and per-share data)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
RMB
RMB
US$
Revenues:
Sales income and others
11,088
53,328
7,338
Total revenues
11,088
53,328
7,338
Operating cost and expenses:
Cost of revenues
(12,667)
(46,248)
(6,364)
Sales and marketing
–
(1,054)
(145)
General and administrative
(65,419)
(47,165)
(6,490)
Research and development
(9,918)
(15,219)
(2,094)
Expected credit reversal for receivables and other assets
(17,313)
(751)
(103)
Impairment loss from other assets
(1,343)
(387)
(53)
Total operating cost and expenses
(106,660)
(110,824)
(15,249)
Other operating income
1,470
119
16
Loss from operations
(94,102)
(57,377)
(7,895)
Interest and investment income, net
6,798
89,485
12,314
Gain from equity method investments
2,661
820
113
Gain on derivative instruments
10,434
58,376
8,033
Foreign exchange loss, net
(42)
(1,186)
(163)
Other income
16,622
714
98
Other expenses
(308)
(342)
(47)
Net (loss)/income before income taxes
(57,937)
90,490
12,453
Income tax (expenses)/benefit
(18,928)
9,297
1,279
Net (loss)/income
(76,865)
99,787
13,732
Net (loss)/income attributable to Qudian
Inc.’s shareholders
(76,865)
99,787
13,732
(Loss)/Earnings per share for Class A and Class
B ordinary shares:
Basic
(0.34)
0.54
0.07
Diluted
(0.34)
0.53
0.07
(Loss)/Earnings per ADS (1 Class A ordinary
share equals 1 ADSs):
Basic
(0.34)
0.54
0.07
Diluted
(0.34)
0.53
0.07
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B
ordinary shares outstanding:
Basic
223,467,498
184,571,121
184,571,121
Diluted
226,379,819
189,684,527
189,684,527
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
65,401
14,489
1,994
Total comprehensive (loss)/income
(11,464)
114,276
15,726
Total comprehensive (loss)/income
attributable to Qudian Inc.’s shareholders
(11,464)
114,276
15,726
QUDIAN INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31,
As of June 30,
(In thousands except for number
2024
2024
of shares and per-share data)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
RMB
RMB
US$
ASSETS:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
7,039,968
4,849,019
667,247
Restricted cash
53,644
51,984
7,153
Time and structured deposit
1,624,612
2,948,606
405,742
Short-term investments
316,526
1,091,177
150,151
Accounts receivables
36,149
39,418
5,424
Other current assets
733,375
615,275
84,664
Total current assets
9,804,274
9,595,479
1,320,381
Non-current assets:
Right-of-use assets
162,276
163,246
22,463
Investment in equity method investee
149,750
150,691
20,736
Long-term investments
210,436
210,448
28,959
Property and equipment, net
1,340,884
1,410,125
194,040
Intangible assets
2,929
2,764
380
Other non-current assets
622,008
469,476
64,602
Total non-current assets
2,488,283
2,406,750
331,180
TOTAL ASSETS
12,292,557
12,002,229
1,651,561
QUDIAN INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)
As of March 31,
As of June 30,
(In thousands except for number
2024
2024
of shares and per-share data)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
RMB
RMB
US$
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term lease liabilities
19,884
19,789
2,723
Derivative instruments-liability
343,743
248,228
34,157
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
327,459
202,856
27,914
Income tax payable
97,647
25,947
3,571
Total current liabilities
788,733
496,820
68,365
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term lease liabilities
49,688
51,432
7,077
Total non-current liabilities
49,688
51,432
7,077
Total liabilities
838,421
548,252
75,442
Shareholders’ equity:
Class A Ordinary shares
132
132
18
Class B Ordinary shares
44
44
6
Treasury shares
(1,082,373)
(1,196,636)
(164,663)
Additional paid-in capital
4,031,610
4,031,438
554,744
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(55)
14,434
1,986
Retained earnings
8,504,778
8,604,565
1,184,028
Total shareholders’ equity
11,454,136
11,453,977
1,576,119
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY
12,292,557
12,002,229
1,651,561
QUDIAN INC.
Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP And Non-GAAP Results
Three months ended June 30,
2023
2024
(In thousands except for number
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
of shares and per-share data)
RMB
RMB
US$
Total net (loss)/income attributable to Qudian Inc.’s shareholders
(76,865)
99,787
13,732
Add: Share-based compensation expenses
1,335
1
0
Non-GAAP net (loss)/income attributable to Qudian Inc.’s shareholders
(75,530)
99,788
13,732
Non-GAAP net (loss)/income per share—basic
(0.34)
0.54
0.07
Non-GAAP net (loss)/income per share—diluted
(0.34)
0.53
0.07
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic
223,467,498
184,571,121
184,571,121
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted
226,379,819
189,684,527
189,684,527
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qudian-inc-reports-second-quarter-2024-unaudited-financial-results-302240431.html
SOURCE Qudian Inc.
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IMDA and Tencent Debut “Beyond the Screen” to Champion Real-World Connection through Digital Play
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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.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/imda-and-tencent-debut-beyond-the-screen-to-champion-real-world-connection-through-digital-play-302760594.html
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.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/does-your-building-have-fire-sprinklers-302760491.html
SOURCE Fast Guard Service
Technology
First Online Conversations Are Changing in 2026, According to New Secretmeet Research
Published
5 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
IMDA and Tencent Debut “Beyond the Screen” to Champion Real-World Connection through Digital Play
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