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Tencent Music Entertainment Group Announces Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

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SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME,” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698), the leading online music and audio entertainment platform in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenues were RMB7.02 billion (US$1.0 billion), representing a 6.8% year-over-year increase, primarily due to strong year-over-year growth in revenues from online music services, and partially offset by a decline in revenues from social entertainment services and others.Revenues from music subscriptions were RMB3.84 billion (US$547 million), representing 20.3% year-over-year growth. The number of paying users increased by 15.5% year-over-year to 119.0 million, up by 2.0 million from the second quarter of 2024. ARPPU grew 4.9% year-over-year to RMB10.8.Net profit was RMB1.71 billion (US$244 million), representing 35.3% year-over-year growth. Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was RMB1.58 billion (US$226 million), representing 35.5% year-over-year growth. Non-IFRS net profit[1] was RMB1.94 billion (US$276 million), representing 29.1% year-over-year growth. Non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company[1] was RMB1.81 billion (US$258 million), representing 28.8% year-over-year growth.Diluted earnings per ADS was RMB1.01 (US$0.14), up from RMB0.74 in the same period of 2023.Total cash, cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments as of September 30, 2024 were RMB36.04 billion (US$5.14 billion).  As of September 30, 2024, the Company had repurchased 42.1 million ADSs in the open market with cash for a total consideration of US$335.5 million, of which approximately US$100 million were repurchased in the third quarter.

Mr. Cussion Pang, Executive Chairman of TME, commented, “Our commitment to high-quality growth is reflected in another solid quarterly performance. The steady expansion of our music subscribers and diversified music services continue to drive overall growth and profitability. We are encouraged by the growing synergies between our platform and well-established content ecosystem, which have become a vital force in empowering us to seize new opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth.”

Mr. Ross Liang, CEO of TME, continued, “This quarter’s robust music subscription performance, with better-than-expected net subscriber additions and an expanding ARPPU, highlights the effectiveness of our balanced approach to achieve growth, which is important to drive paying user base expansion in the coming years. By offering enriched and differentiated user privileges, our value proposition for more premium memberships has been well accepted, cultivating greater loyalty on our platform.”

Third Quarter 2024 Operational Highlights 

Key Operating Metrics

3Q24

3Q23

YoY %

MAUs – online music (million)

576

594

(3.0 %)

Mobile MAUs – social entertainment (million)

90

129

(30.2 %)

Paying users – online music (million)

119.0

103.0

15.5 %

Paying users – social entertainment (million)

7.9

7.8

1.3 %

Monthly ARPPU – online music (RMB)

10.8

10.3

4.9 %

Monthly ARPPU – social entertainment (RMB)

64.8

86.2

(24.8 %)

Dynamic and robust content ecosystem enabled us to diversify our offerings and capitalize on emerging trends swiftly.

Expanded and deepened partnerships with leading record labels: 1) Renewed contracts with YH Entertainment Group and Image Music Group to include early access for new song releases. 2) Strategic alliance with Galaxy Corporation further strengthened our advantage in K-pop content offerings, including digital albums, merchandise, and multi-year hosting rights for G-Dragon’s concerts in Asia and other regions.Elevated our industry impact through hosting influential and tailored concert events: 1) Successfully staged TME’s Zebra Music Festival in September, a two-day live music event attracting nearly 65,000 music fans, featuring performances from leading artists such as Chen Chusheng, Joker Xue, and Zhang Yuan[2], alongside Tencent musicians and other popular artists Leon Liu, Zhao Lei, and Suede[2]. 2) Organized pop singer and songwriter Yu Jiayun’s live concert, marking his first-ever ticketed show with over 10,000 attendees. Produced and promoted chart-topping theme songs for popular Tencent games such as League of Legends: Wild Rift and Peacekeeper Elite, and elevated engagement by offering in-game benefits to listeners.Collaborated with artists and labels to offer Super VIP (SVIP) members additional privileges, enhancing conversion and loyalty. This includes: 1) Complimentary access to an extensive digital album collection. 2) Proprietary concerts and fan engagement activities, such as pre-sales for ticket concerts by G.E.M., Mariah Carey, and TIA RAY[2] during the quarter.  

Effective operations and expansive privileges led to subscriber base expansion and SVIP adoption, paving a strong foundation for sustained future growth.

Enhanced recommendation algorithms increased overall subscriber conversion, with recommendation-driven streams reaching a record high.Introduced more personalized product features including dynamic player skins, audio players, and ringtones; collaborated with popular IPs such as Black Myth: Wu Kong, Crayon Shin-chan, and Disney to drive engagement. Leveraged expanding LLM capabilities to improve contents production and discovery effectiveness.Over 10 million SVIP subscribers as of the end of September 2024, with blended ARPPU and user engagement higher than non-SVIP subscribers.For SVIP adoption, premium audio quality and enriched long-form audio offerings were some of the key growth drivers. Features such as QQ Music’s Premium Sound, DTS sound quality, and Kugou Music’s Viper Ultra Sound helped enhance SVIP member experiences. We also expanded the Viper series privileges to in-vehicle use through strengthened partnerships with Xiaomi, Li Auto, and NIO.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Review

Total revenues increased by 446 million, or 6.8%, to RMB7.02 billion (US$1.0 billion) from RMB6.57 billion in the same period of 2023.

Revenues from online music services delivered a strong year-over-year increase of 20.4% to RMB5.48 billion (US$781 million) from RMB4.55 billion in the same period of 2023. The increase was driven by solid growth in music subscription revenues, supplemented by growth in revenues from advertising services. Revenues from music subscriptions were RMB3.84 billion (US$547 million), representing 20.3% year-over-year growth compared with RMB3.19 billion in the same period of 2023. This rapid growth was driven by continuous expansion in the online music paying user base and improved ARPPU. The number of online music paying users increased by 15.5% year-over-year to 119.0 million, with a monthly ARPPU of RMB10.8 in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in the number of paying users and monthly ARPPU was primarily due to high quality contents, attractive membership privileges, optimized user operations and effective promotions, as well as the expansion of SVIP membership program. The year-over-year increase in revenues from advertising was primarily due to our more diversified product portfolio and innovative ad formats, such as ad-supported mode. Additionally, increased revenues from offline performances also contributed to the growth in revenues from online music services.Revenues from social entertainment services and others decreased by 23.9% to RMB1.54 billion (US$219 million) from RMB2.02 billion in the same period of 2023. The continued decrease was mainly the result of adjustments to certain live-streaming interactive functions and more stringent compliance procedures implemented. Meanwhile, we continue to focus on the healthy growth in advertising and VIP memberships within social entertainment.   

Cost of revenues decreased by 4.8% year-over-year to RMB4.02 billion (US$573 million), mainly due to decreased revenues from social entertainment services that led to less revenue sharing fees, partially offset by increased costs related to offline concerts and music festivals, content costs of royalties and payment channel fees.

Gross margin increased to 42.6% from 35.7% in the same period of 2023, primarily due to strong revenue growth from music subscriptions and advertising services, and the ramp-up of our own content.

Total operating expenses decreased by 3.9% year-over-year to RMB1.22 billion (US$174 million). Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 17.4% from 19.3% in the same period of 2023.

Selling and marketing expenses were RMB220 million (US$31 million), which were relatively stable compared with same period of last year. We continue to maintain ROI focused approach for promotion expenses.General and administrative expenses were RMB1.00 billion (US$142 million), representing a 4.9% year-over-year decrease. This decrease was primarily due to reduced employee-related expenses.

Total operating profit was RMB2.14 billion (US$306 million) in the third quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 50.5% year-over-year.

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was 17.7% compared with 12.2% in the same period of 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate was mainly driven by the accrual of withholding income tax of RMB113 million (US$16 million) in the third quarter of 2024.

For the third quarter of 2024, net profit was RMB1.71 billion (US$244 million) and net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was RMB1.58 billion (US$226 million). Non-IFRS net profit was RMB1.94 billion (US$276 million) and non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was RMB1.81 billion (US$258 million). Please refer to the section in this press release titled “Non-IFRS Financial Measure” for details.

Basic and diluted earnings per American Depositary Shares (“ADS”) for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB1.02 (US$0.15) and RMB1.01 (US$0.14), respectively; non-IFRS basic and diluted earnings per ADS were RMB1.17 (US$0.17) and RMB1.16 (US$0.16), respectively. The Company had weighted averages of 1.55 billion basic and 1.57 billion diluted ADSs outstanding, respectively. Each ADS represents two of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares.

As of September 30, 2024, the combined balance of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments amounted to RMB36.04 billion (US$5.14 billion), compared with RMB35.03 billion as of June 30, 2024.

Share Repurchase Program

Under the US$500 million Share Repurchase Program announced on March 21, 2023, as of September 30, 2024, we had repurchased 42.1 million ADSs in the open market with cash for a total consideration of US$335.5 million.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”)

In the third quarter, we published our inaugural ESG report, detailing our practices and achievements across environmental, social, and governance areas. This report underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.

Additionally, the Tencent Musician Platform was recognized as one of China’s first model cases for its national copyright powerhouse strategy recently, honoring our contributions to music copyright protection and the advancement of the music industry.  

Exchange Rate

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“USD”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 30, 2024, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this earnings release.

Non-IFRS Financial Measure

The Company uses non-IFRS net profit for the period, which is a non-IFRS financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. TME believes that non-IFRS net profit helps identify underlying trends in the Company’s business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that the Company includes in its profit for the period. TME believes that non-IFRS net profit for the period provides useful information about its results of operations, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in its financial and operational decision-making.

Non-IFRS net profit for the period should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating profit, net profit for the period or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review non-IFRS net profit for the period and the reconciliation to its most directly comparable IFRS measure. Non-IFRS net profit for the period presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to the Company’s data. TME encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Non-IFRS net profit for the period represents profit for the period excluding amortization of intangible and other assets arising from business acquisitions or combinations, share-based compensation expenses, net losses/gains from investments and related income tax effects.

Please see the “Unaudited Non-IFRS Financial Measure” included in this press release for a full reconciliation of non-IFRS net profit for the period to its net profit for the period.

[1] Non-IFRS net profit and non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company were arrived at after excluding the combined effect of amortization of intangible assets and other assets arising from business acquisitions or combinations, share-based compensation expenses, net losses/gains from investments, and related income tax effects.

[2] Names of artists and bands contained in this press release are sorted according to the following rules: (i) grouped by artists and bands: and (ii)in alphabetical order by full names.

About Tencent Music Entertainment

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698) is the leading online music and audio entertainment platform in China, operating the country’s highly popular and innovative music apps: QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music and WeSing. TME’s mission is to create endless possibilities with music and technology. TME’s platform comprises online music, online audio, online karaoke, music-centric live streaming and online concert services, enabling music fans to discover, listen, sing, watch, perform and socialize around music. For more information, please visit ir.tencentmusic.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

Tencent Music Entertainment Group
ir@tencentmusic.com
+86 (755) 8601-3388 ext. 818415

 

 

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended September 30

Nine Months Ended September 30

2023

2024

2023

2024

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 Unaudited 

 Unaudited 

 Unaudited 

 Unaudited 

 Unaudited 

 Unaudited 

(in millions, except per share data)

(in millions, except per share data)

Revenues

Online music services

4,553

5,480

781

12,303

15,911

2,267

Social entertainment services and others

2,016

1,535

219

8,556

5,032

717

6,569

7,015

1,000

20,859

20,943

2,984

Cost of revenues

(4,227)

(4,024)

(573)

(13,705)

(12,171)

(1,734)

Gross profit

2,342

2,991

426

7,154

8,772

1,250

Selling and marketing expenses

(219)

(220)

(31)

(642)

(617)

(88)

General and administrative expenses

(1,049)

(998)

(142)

(3,110)

(2,885)

(411)

Total operating expenses

(1,268)

(1,218)

(174)

(3,752)

(3,502)

(499)

Interest income 

273

299

43

775

881

126

Other gains, net

78

72

10

168

150

21

Operating profit

1,425

2,144

306

4,345

6,301

898

Share of net profit of investments accounted
for using equity method

49

29

4

107

65

9

Finance cost

(35)

(97)

(14)

(111)

(153)

(22)

Profit before income tax

1,439

2,076

296

4,341

6,213

885

Income tax expense

(176)

(367)

(52)

(530)

(1,180)

(168)

Profit for the period

1,263

1,709

244

3,811

5,033

717

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

1,168

1,583

226

3,614

4,687

668

Non-controlling interests

95

126

18

197

346

49

Earnings per share for Class A and Class B
ordinary shares

Basic

0.37

0.51

0.07

1.16

1.52

0.22

Diluted

0.37

0.50

0.07

1.14

1.50

0.21

Earnings per ADS (2 Class A shares equal to 1 ADS)

Basic

0.75

1.02

0.15

2.31

3.04

0.43

Diluted

0.74

1.01

0.14

2.28

2.99

0.43

Shares used in earnings per Class A and Class B
ordinary share computation:

Basic

3,134,975,498

3,092,300,590

3,092,300,590

3,127,809,736

3,087,337,746

3,087,337,746

Diluted

3,173,371,472

3,134,713,201

3,134,713,201

3,172,090,075

3,132,654,290

3,132,654,290

ADS used in earnings per ADS computation

Basic

1,567,487,749

1,546,150,295

1,546,150,295

1,563,904,868

1,543,668,873

1,543,668,873

Diluted

1,586,685,736

1,567,356,601

1,567,356,601

1,586,045,038

1,566,327,145

1,566,327,145

 

 

 

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

UNAUDITED NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURE

Three Months Ended September 30

Nine Months Ended September 30

2023

2024

2023

2024

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 Unaudited  

 Unaudited  

 Unaudited  

 Unaudited  

 Unaudited  

 Unaudited  

(in millions, except per share data)

(in millions, except per share data)

Profit for the period

1,263

1,709

244

3,811

5,033

717

Adjustments:

Amortization of intangible and other assets arising from
business acquisitions or combinations*

101

109

16

334

330

47

Share-based compensation

185

168

24

553

525

75

(Gains)/losses from investments**

(3)

(30)

16

2

Income tax effects***

(43)

(46)

(7)

(123)

(167)

(24)

Non-IFRS Net Profit

1,503

1,940

276

4,545

5,737

818

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

1,408

1,814

258

4,348

5,391

768

Non-controlling interests

95

126

18

197

346

49

Earnings per share for Class A and Class B
ordinary shares

Basic

0.45

0.59

0.08

1.39

1.75

0.25

Diluted

0.44

0.58

0.08

1.37

1.72

0.25

Earnings per ADS (2 Class A shares equal to 1 ADS)

Basic

0.90

1.17

0.17

2.78

3.49

0.50

Diluted

0.89

1.16

0.16

2.74

3.44

0.49

Shares used in earnings per Class A and Class B
ordinary share computation:

Basic

3,134,975,498

3,092,300,590

3,092,300,590

3,127,809,736

3,087,337,746

3,087,337,746

Diluted

3,173,371,472

3,134,713,201

3,134,713,201

3,172,090,075

3,132,654,290

3,132,654,290

ADS used in earnings per ADS computation

Basic

1,567,487,749

1,546,150,295

1,546,150,295

1,563,904,868

1,543,668,873

1,543,668,873

Diluted

1,586,685,736

1,567,356,601

1,567,356,601

1,586,045,038

1,566,327,145

1,566,327,145

* Represents the amortization of identifiable assets, including intangible assets such as domain name, trademark, copyrights, supplier resources, corporate customer relationships and non-compete
 agreement etc., and fair value adjustment on music content (i.e., signed contracts obtained for the rights to access to the music contents for which the amount was amortized over the contract period),
resulting from business acquisitions or combination.

** Including the net gains/losses on deemed disposals/disposals of investments, fair value changes arising from investments, impairment provision of investments and other expenses in relation to
equity transactions of investments.

*** Represents the income tax effects of Non-IFRS adjustments.

 

 

 

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As at December 31, 2023

As at September 30, 2024

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 Audited 

 Unaudited 

 Unaudited 

(in millions)

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

490

704

100

Land use rights

2,437

2,382

339

Right-of-use assets

367

312

44

Intangible assets

2,032

1,996

284

Goodwill

19,542

19,647

2,800

Investments accounted for using equity method 

4,274

4,571

651

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

6,540

11,777

1,678

Other investments

307

327

47

Prepayments, deposits and other assets

540

454

65

Deferred tax assets

352

388

55

Term deposits

8,719

7,529

1,073

45,600

50,087

7,137

Current assets

Inventories

8

18

3

Accounts receivable

2,918

2,935

418

Prepayments, deposits and other assets

3,438

3,000

427

Other investments

37

48

7

Term deposits

9,937

18,306

2,609

Restricted Cash 

31

10

1

Cash and cash equivalents

13,567

10,209

1,455

29,936

34,526

4,920

Total assets

75,536

84,613

12,057

EQUITY

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Share capital

2

2

0

Additional paid-in capital

36,576

36,702

5,230

Shares held for share award schemes

(302)

(514)

(73)

Treasury shares 

(6,996)

(7,538)

(1,074)

Other reserves

9,658

16,727

2,384

Retained earnings

16,969

18,106

2,580

55,907

63,485

9,047

Non-controlling interests

1,295

1,744

249

Total equity

57,202

65,229

9,295

LIABILITIES

Non-current liabilities

Notes payables

5,636

3,481

496

Deferred tax liabilities

239

234

33

Lease liabilities

297

235

33

Deferred revenue 

148

163

23

6,320

4,113

586

Current liabilities

Accounts payable 

5,006

6,523

930

Other payables and other liabilities

3,472

2,786

397

Notes payables

2,099

299

Current tax liabilities

567

823

117

Lease liabilities

115

109

16

Deferred revenue

2,854

2,931

418

12,014

15,271

2,176

Total liabilities

18,334

19,384

2,762

Total equity and liabilities

75,536

84,613

12,057

 

 

 

TENCENT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended September 30

Nine Months Ended September 30

2023

2024

2023

2024

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 RMB 

 RMB 

 US$ 

 Unaudited  

 Unaudited  

 Unaudited  

 Unaudited 

 Unaudited 

 Unaudited 

(in millions)

(in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities 

1,441

2,165

309

5,360

7,795

1,111

Net cash used in investing activities 

(1,142)

(3,337)

(476)

(1,670)

(8,142)

(1,160)

Net cash used in financing activities

(849)

(882)

(126)

(962)

(3,015)

(430)

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

(550)

(2,054)

(293)

2,728

(3,362)

(479)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

12,950

12,251

1,746

9,555

13,567

1,933

Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents

(19)

12

2

98

4

1

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

12,381

10,209

1,455

12,381

10,209

1,455

 

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SOURCE Tencent Music Entertainment Group

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Technology

Care Career Announces Acquisition of MAS Medical Staffing, Completing Its First Acquisition Phase and Expanding Annual Revenue Beyond $150 Million, with a Path to Exceed a Quarter Billion by the End of 2026 Through Additional Acquisitions and Organic Growth

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WOODBRIDGE, N.J., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Care Career, a rapidly growing healthcare workforce technology organization, today announced the acquisition of MAS Medical Staffing, one of the Northeast’s leading healthcare workforce organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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Care Career is building a technology-enabled workforce ecosystem powered by its AI-powered workforce platform, where every acquisition contributes not only additional market presence, but also expanded data, enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities, digital innovation, and operational scale that continuously improve the experience for clients and clinicians alike. As the platform grows, every clinician engagement, client interaction, credential, placement, and workforce trend strengthens the intelligence of Career’s technology, creating a continuously improving ecosystem designed to deliver faster, smarter, and more effective workforce solutions.

The acquisition also brings MAS Medical Staffing’s MAESTRA® engagement technology, along with its client relationships and clinician network, directly onto Career’s AI-powered workforce platform. MAESTRA’s scheduling, credentialing, and communication capabilities will be integrated into Care Career’s existing technology stack, further enhancing clinician engagement across onboarding, scheduling, and career management while providing healthcare organizations with greater workforce visibility and operational efficiency.

“Our vision is to build the AI-powered infrastructure that modernizes healthcare workforce management,” said Siva Konatham, Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Care Career. “Under my leadership, Care Career is focused on transforming a fragmented, labor-intensive industry into a data-driven, technology-enabled ecosystem that improves speed, efficiency, and workforce visibility for healthcare providers. Each acquisition strengthens our platform intelligence, expands our scale, and enhances our margin potential. By integrating advanced analytics, AI automation, and digital engagement tools, we are not just growing revenue—we are building a smarter, more scalable model positioned to lead the next era of healthcare workforce solutions.”

The combined organization will leverage expanded recruiting resources, centralized credentialing, advanced workforce analytics, AI-enabled automation, and digital engagement technologies—all powered by Care Career’s AI-powered workforce platform—to deliver broader recruiting capabilities, faster response times, enhanced workforce insights, and expanded national coverage. Clinicians will benefit from a seamless digital experience that simplifies every stage of their careers—from job discovery and credentialing to onboarding, scheduling, communication, and long-term career development.

With seven strategic acquisitions completed in less than two years, representing the first round of acquisitions now totaling more than $150 million in annual revenue, Care Career has rapidly expanded its national presence while executing a disciplined growth strategy focused on technology integration, operational excellence, and workforce innovation. The company has also signed additional Letters of Intent with other entities with expected close dates in the third quarter of 2026. Upon completion of these transactions, coupled with organic growth, Care Career expects consolidated annual revenue to exceed a quarter of a billion dollars by the end of 2026.

The addition of MAS Medical Staffing further strengthens the organization’s ability to serve healthcare systems, hospitals, long-term care providers, outpatient facilities, and other healthcare organizations across an increasingly diverse geographic footprint.

“The healthcare workforce industry is entering a new era where technology, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making will define the market leaders,” Konatham added. “Every acquisition we complete expands the intelligence of our AI-powered workforce platform, enhances the value we deliver to our clients, and creates more opportunities for clinicians. We believe the combination of exceptional people, innovative technology, and strategic scale positions Care Career to lead the next generation of healthcare workforce solutions.”

About Care Career

Care Career is a technology-enabled healthcare workforce solutions company dedicated to transforming how healthcare organizations recruit, engage, credential, deploy, and retain clinical talent. Powered by its proprietary AI-powered workforce platform and supported by advanced artificial intelligence, enterprise technology, and workforce analytics, Care Career is building an intelligent healthcare workforce ecosystem that connects providers and clinicians more efficiently while improving workforce performance, operational effectiveness, and patient care. Following seven strategic acquisitions over the past 24 months the first round of acquisitions totaling more than $150 million in annual revenue and with additional signed LOIs under contract expected to complete shortly, positioning the company to surpass a quarter of a billion dollars in consolidated annual revenue by the end of 2026, Care Career has become one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing healthcare workforce organizations, serving healthcare providers and clinicians across the United States.

About MAS Medical Staffing

MAS Medical Staffing is a premier healthcare workforce organization recognized for exceptional service, strong client partnerships, and a commitment to connecting healthcare professionals with rewarding career opportunities. With an established presence throughout the Northeastern United States, MAS Medical Staffing has earned a reputation for quality, responsiveness, and delivering workforce solutions that help healthcare providers meet their evolving workforce needs while supporting clinicians throughout every stage of their careers.

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SOURCE Care Career

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PointsKash Demonstrates How Businesses Can Build on Bitcoin Without Burdening the Blockchain

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As industry debate surrounding Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP-110) intensifies, PointsKash unveils an architecture designed to work regardless of the proposal’s outcome.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the global Bitcoin community debates Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 110 (BIP-110) and the future of data stored on the Bitcoin blockchain, PointsKash, Inc. today announced that its next-generation kiosk infrastructure was intentionally designed to operate efficiently under any outcome of the proposal.

Rather than storing operational data directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, PointsKash utilizes a layered architecture that combines Bitcoin‘s unmatched security with modern decentralized communications technology. Every transaction, machine event, system update, and operational record generated across the PointsKash network is cryptographically verified, securely maintained off-chain, and anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain through a single immutable cryptographic proof.

This approach allows thousands of operational events to be permanently verified while utilizing only a minimal amount of blockchain data.

As discussion surrounding BIP-110 has intensified across the digital asset industry, PointsKash believes the debate does not require choosing between innovation and responsible blockchain stewardship.

“The industry has been debating whether businesses can build meaningful applications on Bitcoin without unnecessarily consuming blockchain space,” said Michael Herron, Chief Executive Officer of PointsKash. “We believe we’ve demonstrated that the answer is yes. Bitcoin provides the world’s most trusted immutable timestamp and security layer, while higher-volume operational data belongs on technologies specifically designed to manage it. By combining both, we’ve built an architecture that is scalable, transparent, and future-ready regardless of how the BIP-110 discussion ultimately evolves.”

The company’s infrastructure assigns every kiosk its own unique cryptographic identity, allowing each machine to securely authenticate every transaction and operational event. Those records are then independently verifiable through cryptographic proofs while remaining resistant to alteration or manipulation—even by PointsKash itself.

According to the company, this architecture delivers several significant advantages:

Mathematically verifiable transaction records for regulators, banking partners, auditors, and enterprise customers.Improved network reliability, allowing kiosks to continue operating during temporary connectivity interruptions without losing transaction history.Enhanced cybersecurity, with every machine maintaining its own authenticated identity and secure communications.A scalable blockchain architecture that minimizes on-chain data while preserving complete auditability.

Bitcoin was created to provide trust, security, and permanence—not to become a storage system for every piece of application data,” Herron added. “Our philosophy has always been simple: use Bitcoin for what it does better than anyone else—creating immutable proof that records have never been altered—and leverage modern decentralized technologies for everything else. We believe that’s the future of enterprise blockchain infrastructure.”

PointsKash believes this architecture positions the company among a new generation of fintech innovators utilizing Bitcoin as a secure trust layer while developing scalable financial applications for enterprise deployment.

The technology also establishes the foundation for future blockchain-based financial products currently under development, including enhanced digital audit capabilities, verifiable financial records, enterprise licensing opportunities, and next-generation digital asset infrastructure.

As the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to mature, PointsKash believes its technology demonstrates that responsible innovation and blockchain scalability can successfully coexist—providing enterprise organizations with the confidence to build on Bitcoin without contributing unnecessary data to the network.

About PointsKash, Inc.

PointsKash, Inc. is a financial technology company developing an integrated ecosystem of AI-enabled self-service financial centers, digital banking, digital payment solutions, cryptocurrency services, loyalty rewards, enterprise merchant technologies, and mobile financial applications. Through proprietary software, Artificial Intelligence, and strategic partnerships, PointsKash is building innovative financial solutions designed to empower consumers, merchants, and enterprise organizations throughout North America.

For more information, visit www.pointskash.com.

Media Contact

PointsKash, Inc.
Investor Relations
info@pointskash.com
www.pointskash.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding anticipated technology integrations, Artificial Intelligence initiatives, product development, future commercialization plans, expected operational efficiencies, business strategy, and future growth. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could affect actual results include, but are not limited to, technology development timelines, integration efforts, financing, regulatory developments, market conditions, and other risks facing the Company. PointsKash undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

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SOURCE PointsKash Inc.

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As ADA Anniversary Approaches, University of Phoenix Survey Highlights AI’s Potential to Advance Accessibility in Work and Learning

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Survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix finds among those already using AI in the workplace, 60% say AI has improved their knowledge of and ability to use accessibility standards and guidelines.

PHOENIX, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As artificial intelligence becomes part of how people work, learn and solve problems, a new University of Phoenix survey conducted by The Harris Poll finds that recent working learners see meaningful opportunities for AI to support accessibility. The survey was designed to understand the impact of AI in the workplace and learning environments on accessibility, defined as ensuring digital content, tools and resources, including AI tools and output, are usable by people with different abilities through inclusive design, use of assistive technology or conformance with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The findings are being released ahead of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26.

The survey, conducted among 1,019 U.S. employed adults who completed a professionally presented training or school course in the past 12 months (“recent working learners”), found that, among workers already using AI in the workplace, 3 in 5 (60%) say AI has improved their knowledge of and ability to use accessibility standards and guidelines, including nearly 1 in 5 (19%) who report significant improvement. 

While the findings point to optimism about AI’s accessibility potential, they also reveal an opportunity for clearer organizational guidance: 45% of respondents say accessibility is absent from, unclear in, or they are uncertain whether it is covered by their workplace AI policies.

“The reality is that accessibility benefits everyone,” shares Kelly Hermann, Vice President of Accessibility and Student Affairs at University of Phoenix. “If accessibility is built in from the beginning, organizations are more likely to create AI-enabled environments that are universally usable. Clearer content, better summaries, accurate captions, and multiple formats can help workers and learners with disabilities, but they also help busy adults, multilingual learners, mobile users, and anyone trying to absorb information quickly.”

Key findings from the survey include:

Workers see AI’s accessibility potential: 89% of recent working learners identify workflows that could benefit from AI and accessibility tools, especially creating accessible documents, presentations, websites or learning materials (38%), presenting information in different formats such as plain language, audio, summaries or translations (33%), and training employees or learners on accessibility practices (30%).AI may help build accessibility awareness: Among those already using AI in the workplace, 60% say AI has improved their knowledge of and ability to use accessibility standards and guidelines.Accessibility is not always clear in workplace AI policies: 45% of recent working learners say accessibility is absent from, unclear in, or they are uncertain whether it is covered by their workplace AI policies.AI tools may not yet fully support different access needs: Among those who use workplace AI tools, only about a quarter of survey respondents (27%) say AI tools available through their workplace or professional learning environment support people with disabilities very well.Human oversight remains important: 36% of recent working learners say human review for important decisions or high-impact work should be part of responsible AI use at work or school.Workers also recognize how AI and accessibility can have an impact on their own career journey: 90% of recent working learners identify AI and accessibility skills that would be valuable in their current or desired career field, including 45% who see value in understanding when AI-generated content needs human review.

Why accessibility is essential to responsible AI adoption

As AI tools are used to draft documents, summarize information, generate captions and transcripts, create image descriptions, support learning and assist with workplace tasks, accessibility becomes central to responsible use. Poorly implemented AI can also create or amplify barriers, including inaccessible content, inaccurate summaries, biased outputs and tools that do not work effectively with assistive technologies.

“Responsible AI is not only about productivity,” Hermann said. “It is about whether the technology works for the people who need to use it. AI can help create more accessible materials and more flexible ways to engage with information, but it still requires clear policies, practical training and human judgment to make sure the outputs are accurate, applicable and usable.”

What the findings mean for employers and educators

The survey suggests that organizations have an opportunity to align AI adoption with supportive design, accessibility practices and workforce training. Employers and educators can take immediate steps by:

Naming accessibility directly in AI policies and guidance.Choosing AI tools with accessibility and assistive technology compatibility in mind.Training workers and learners to create, check and improve accessible AI-generated content.Making support pathways clear for people who experience barriers using AI tools.Keeping human review in place for important decisions, high-impact work and accessibility-sensitive outputs.

The survey also found workers want practical AI training. The most helpful resources identified by recent working learners include real-world examples from their field or industry (36%), hands-on practice using realistic workplace scenarios (34%) and step-by-step demonstrations of common tasks (33%).

Accessibility insights from University of Phoenix

Hermann shared the survey findings ahead of the ADA anniversary in recent media interviews. Hermann oversees the University’s accessibility initiative, including evaluation and remediation of curricular resources, the Center for Access, Resources, Engagement and Support Services (CARES), and the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement. Her work focuses on fostering accessible and welcoming educational environments for students, faculty and staff.

Hermann’s office at University of Phoenix also convenes accessibility conversations through initiatives such as Access Amplified™, a free, annual virtual event focused on advancing digital accessibility in web development. The event brings together engineers, developers, designers, content authors and digital strategists for practical strategies and human-centered conversations that address the gap between coding practices and how users with assistive technology experience the web.

About the survey

The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix from June 22–29, 2026, among 1,019 employed adults ages 18 and older who have taken a professionally presented training or a school course in the past 12 months, referred to as “recent working learners.” Data were weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, employment, marital status, household size, household income and smoking status to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 3.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

Review the complete survey at phoenix.edu/aiaccessibility.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. 

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SOURCE University of Phoenix

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