Technology

Yatsen Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Published

1 year ago

November 20, 2024

Conference Call to Be Held at 7:30 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on November 20, 2024

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Yatsen Holding Limited (“Yatsen” or the “Company”) (NYSE: YSG), a leading China-based beauty group, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

Total net revenues for the third quarter of 2024 decreased by 5.7% to RMB677.0 million (US$96.5 million) from RMB718.1 million for the prior year period.Total net revenues from Skincare Brands[1] for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 3.6% to RMB267.9 million (US$38.2 million) from RMB258.5 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, total net revenues from Skincare Brands for the third quarter of 2024 were 39.6%, as compared with 36.0% for the prior year period.Gross margin for the third quarter of 2024 increased to 75.9% from 71.4% for the prior year period.Net loss for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB121.1 million (US$17.3 million), as compared with RMB197.9 million for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss[2] for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB76.6 million (US$10.9 million), as compared with RMB130.2 million for the prior year period.

Mr. Jinfeng Huang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yatsen, stated, “China’s beauty industry encountered significant challenges in the third quarter, with beauty sales declining year over year for four consecutive months from June to September. Against this backdrop, our three major clinical and premium skincare brands, including Galénic, DR.WU and Eve Lom, delivered another solid performance, bolstering our skincare segment overall. Going forward, we will continue to execute our development strategy, enhancing brand equity and product mix while further optimizing our cost structure to drive growth and profitability.”

Mr. Donghao Yang, Director and Chief Financial Officer of Yatsen, commented, “Our third quarter total net revenues declined by 5.7% year over year in line with our previous guidance. However, our three major skincare brands together continued to grow steadily, with combined net revenues increasing by 10.5% year over year. Furthermore, we improved our gross margin to 75.9% from 71.4% in the prior year period, while narrowing our net loss margin and non-GAAP net loss margin to 17.9% and 11.3%, respectively. We remain confident in our strategy and execution capabilities, and committed to propelling the Company’s sustainable development.”

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net Revenues

Total net revenues for the third quarter of 2024 decreased by 5.7% to RMB677.0 million (US$96.5 million) from RMB718.1 million for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to a 10.0% year-over-year decrease in net revenues from Color Cosmetics Brands,[3] partially offset by a 3.6% year-over-year increase in net revenues from Skincare Brands.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 0.2% to RMB513.8 million (US$73.2 million) from RMB512.8 million for the prior year period. Gross margin for the third quarter of 2024 increased to 75.9% from 71.4% for the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in sales of higher-gross-margin products.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2024 decreased by 12.0% to RMB655.2 million (US$93.4 million) from RMB744.3 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were 96.8%, as compared with 103.6% for the prior year period.

Fulfillment Expenses. Fulfillment expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB50.4 million (US$7.2 million), as compared with RMB56.0 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, fulfillment expenses for the third quarter of 2024 decreased to 7.4% from 7.8% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in the overall average selling price of the Company’s products, as well as further improvements in logistics efficiency.

Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB494.4 million (US$70.4 million), as compared with RMB511.7 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, selling and marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2024 increased to 73.0% from 71.3% for the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to increased investments in the Douyin platform, in line with the growing revenue contribution from Douyin, partially offset by lower marketing expenses as a result of the Company’s more strategic marketing spending.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB85.0 million (US$12.1 million), as compared with RMB151.8 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2024 decreased to 12.6% from 21.1% for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower payroll expenses resulting from a reduction in general and administrative headcount and lower share-based compensation expenses.

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB25.3 million (US$3.6 million), as compared with RMB24.7 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of total net revenues, research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2024 increased to 3.7% from 3.4% for the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to the deleveraging effect of lower total net revenues in the third quarter of 2024.

Loss from Operations

Loss from operations for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB141.3 million (US$20.1 million), as compared with RMB231.5 million for the prior year period. Operating loss margin was 20.9%, as compared with 32.2% for the prior year period.

Non-GAAP loss from operations[4] for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB98.5 million (US$14.0 million), as compared with RMB164.6 million for the prior year period. Non-GAAP operating loss margin was 14.5%, as compared with 22.9% for the prior year period.

Net Loss

Net loss for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB121.1 million (US$17.3 million), as compared with RMB197.9 million for the prior year period. Net loss margin was 17.9%, as compared with 27.6% for the prior year period. Net loss attributable to Yatsen’s ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS[5] for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB1.22 (US$0.17), as compared with RMB1.81 for the prior year period.

Non-GAAP net loss for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB76.6 million (US$10.9 million), as compared with RMB130.2 million for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss margin was 11.3%, as compared with 18.1% for the prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Yatsen’s ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS[6] for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB0.77 (US$0.11), as compared with RMB1.19 for the prior year period.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had cash, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB1.31 billion (US$186.5 million), as compared with RMB2.08 billion as of December 31, 2023.

Net cash used in operating activities for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB175.9 million (US$25.1 million), as compared with RMB163.4 million for the prior year period.

Business Outlook

For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company expects its total net revenues to be between RMB1.07 billion and RMB1.18 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 0% to 10%. These forecasts reflect the Company’s current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.

Exchange Rate

This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi (“RMB”) amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at a rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of September 30, 2024, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company makes no representation that any RMB or US$ amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.

[1] Include net revenues from Galénic, DR.WU (its mainland China business), Eve Lom and other skincare brands of the Company.

[2] Non-GAAP net loss is a non-GAAP financial measure. Effective from the fourth quarter of 2023, non-GAAP net loss is defined as net loss excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, (iii) revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments, (iv) impairment of goodwill and (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. Non-GAAP net loss for the prior year period presented in this document is also calculated in the same manner.

[3] Include Perfect Diary, Little Ondine, Pink Bear and other color cosmetics brands of the Company.

[4] Non-GAAP loss from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. Effective from the fourth quarter of 2023, non-GAAP loss from operations is defined as loss from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions and (iii) impairment of goodwill. Non-GAAP loss from operations for the prior year period presented in this document is also calculated in the same manner.

[5] ADS refers to American depositary shares, each of which represents twenty Class A ordinary shares, effective from March 18, 2024. Prior to that date, each ADS represented four Class A ordinary shares. Unless otherwise stated, the current ADS ratio has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented in this document.

[6] Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS is defined as non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of diluted ADS outstanding for computing diluted earnings per ADS. Effective from the fourth quarter of 2023, non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders is defined as net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, (iii) revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments, (iv) impairment of goodwill, (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments and (vi) accretion to redeemable non-controlling interests. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS for the prior year period presented in this document is also calculated in the same manner.

Conference Call Information

The Company’s management will hold a conference call on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 7:30 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time or 8:30 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the third quarter 2024.

United States (toll free):

+1-888-346-8982

International:

+1-412-902-4272

Mainland China (toll free):

400-120-1203

Hong Kong, SAR (toll free):

800-905-945

Hong Kong, SAR:

+852-3018-4992

Conference ID:

6604822

The replay will be accessible through Wednesday, November 27, by dialing the following numbers:

United States:

+1-877-344-7529

International:

+1-412-317-0088

Replay Access Code:

6604822

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.yatsenglobal.com.

About Yatsen Holding Limited

Yatsen Holding Limited (NYSE: YSG) is a leading China-based beauty group with the mission of creating an exciting new journey of beauty discovery for consumers around the world. Founded in 2016, the Company has launched and acquired numerous color cosmetics and skincare brands including Perfect Diary, Little Ondine, Pink Bear, Galénic, DR.WU (its mainland China business), Eve Lom and EANTiM. The Company’s flagship brand, Perfect Diary, is one of the leading color cosmetics brands in China in terms of retail sales value. The Company primarily reaches and engages with customers directly both online and offline, with expansive presence across all major e-commerce, social and content platforms in China.

For more information, please visit http://ir.yatsenglobal.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in reviewing and assessing its operating performance. 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 presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business, provide further information about its results of operations, and enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects. The Company defines non-GAAP income (loss) from operations as income (loss) from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions and (iii) impairment of goodwill. The Company defines non-GAAP net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, (iii) revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments, (iv) impairment of goodwill and (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders as net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, (iii) revaluation of investments on the share of equity method investments, (iv) impairment of goodwill, (v) tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments and (vi) accretion to redeemable non-controlling interests. Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders per diluted ADS is computed using non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of diluted ADS outstanding for computing diluted earnings per ADS.

However, the non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools as the non-GAAP financial measures are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and 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 nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating performance. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Reconciliations of Yatsen’s non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included at the end of this press release.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements which are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 the Company’s beliefs, plans, outlook 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: the Company’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to continue to roll out popular products and maintain popularity of existing products; its ability to anticipate and respond to changes in industry trends and consumer preferences and behavior in a timely manner; its ability to attract and retain new customers and to increase revenues generated from repeat customers; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; its ability to integrate newly-acquired businesses and brands; trends and competition in and relevant government policies and regulations relating to China’s beauty market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; and general economic conditions globally and in China. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company 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:

Yatsen Holding Limited
Investor Relations
E-mail: ir@yatsenglobal.com

Piacente Financial Communications
Hui Fan
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: yatsen@thepiacentegroup.com

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: yatsen@thepiacentegroup.com

YATSEN HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data or otherwise noted)

December 31,

September 30,

2023

2024

RMB’000

USD’000

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

836,888

503,075

71,688

Restricted Cash

21,248

–

Short-term investments

1,218,481

805,851

114,833

Accounts receivable, net

198,851

208,285

29,680

Inventories, net

352,090

438,419

62,474

Prepayments and other current assets

303,841

431,583

61,500

Amounts due from related parties

20,200

7,181

1,023

Total current assets

2,951,599

2,394,394

341,198

Non-current assets

Investments

618,752

628,355

89,540

Property and equipment, net

64,878

72,315

10,305

Goodwill, net

556,567

571,129

81,385

Intangible assets, net

671,396

638,079

90,926

Deferred tax assets

1,375

1,426

203

Right-of-use assets, net

114,348

129,303

18,426

Other non-current assets

27,100

25,728

3,666

Total non-current assets

2,054,416

2,066,335

294,451

Total assets

5,006,015

4,460,729

635,649

Liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and
shareholders’ equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

105,691

70,781

10,086

Advances from customers

41,579

31,604

4,504

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

391,217

392,448

55,923

Amounts due to related parties

9,431

14,832

2,114

Income tax payables

17,946

19,112

2,723

Lease liabilities due within one year

45,464

47,484

6,766

Total current liabilities

611,328

576,261

82,116

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

111,591

111,972

15,956

Deferred income-non current

30,556

18,401

2,622

Lease liabilities

67,767

83,042

11,833

Total non-current liabilities

209,914

213,415

30,411

Total liabilities

821,242

789,676

112,527

Redeemable non-controlling interests

51,466

49,737

7,087

Shareholders’ equity

Ordinary Shares (US$0.00001 par value; 10,000,000,000 ordinary
shares authorized, comprising of 6,000,000,000 Class A ordinary
shares, 960,852,606 Class B ordinary shares and 3,039,147,394
shares each of such classes to be designated as of December 31,
2023 and September 30, 2024; 2,030,600,883 Class A shares and
666,572,880 Class B ordinary shares issued as of December 31,
2023, 2,096,600,883 Class A shares and 600,572,880 Class B
ordinary shares issued as of September 30, 2024; 1,487,546,132
Class A ordinary shares and 666,572,880 Class B ordinary shares
outstanding as of December 31, 2023, 1,370,591,808 Class A
ordinary shares and 600,572,880 Class B ordinary shares
outstanding as of September 30, 2024)

173

Treasury shares

(864,568)

(1,066,199)

(151,932)

Additional paid-in capital

12,260,208

12,263,026

1,747,467

Statutory reserve

24,177

3,445

Accumulated deficit

(7,345,153)

(7,669,093)

(1,092,837)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

60,200

76,710

10,933

Total Yatsen Holding Limited shareholders’ equity

4,135,037

3,628,794

517,101

Non-controlling interests

(1,730)

(7,478)

(1,066)

Total shareholders’ equity

4,133,307

3,621,316

516,035

Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and
shareholders’ equity

5,006,015

4,460,729

635,649

YATSEN HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data or otherwise noted)

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

2023

2024

RMB’000

USD’000

Total net revenues

718,125

677,016

96,474

Total cost of revenues

(205,325)

(163,191)

(23,255)

Gross profit

512,800

513,825

73,219

Operating expenses:

Fulfilment expenses

(56,025)

(50,412)

(7,184)

Selling and marketing expenses

(511,706)

(494,357)

(70,445)

General and administrative expenses

(151,830)

(85,046)

(12,119)

Research and development expenses

(24,739)

(25,338)

(3,611)

Total operating expenses

(744,300)

(655,153)

(93,359)

Loss from operations

(231,500)

(141,328)

(20,140)

Financial income

30,319

7,722

1,100

Foreign currency exchange gain

1,800

12,825

1,828

Loss from equity method investments, net

(6,655)

(6,510)

(928)

Other income, net

8,780

6,239

889

Loss before income tax expenses

(197,256)

(121,052)

(17,251)

Income tax expenses

(654)

(4)

(1)

Net loss

(197,910)

(121,056)

(17,252)

Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests and
redeemable non-controlling interests

1,371

(11)

(2)

Net loss attributable to Yatsen’s shareholders

(196,539)

(121,067)

(17,254)

Shares used in calculating loss per share (1):

Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares:

Basic

2,173,360,208

1,986,538,509

Diluted

2,173,360,208

1,986,538,509

Net loss per Class A and Class B ordinary share

Basic

(0.09)

(0.06)

(0.01)

Diluted

(0.09)

(0.06)

(0.01)

Net loss per ADS (20 ordinary shares equal to 1 ADS) (2)

Basic

(1.81)

(1.22)

(0.17)

Diluted

(1.81)

(1.22)

(0.17)

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

2023

2024

Share-based compensation expenses are included in the
operating expenses as follows:

RMB’000

USD’000

Fulfilment expenses

767

252

Selling and marketing expenses

9,485

2,289

326

General and administrative expenses

42,635

23,743

3,383

Research and development expenses

763

109

Total

52,911

27,047

3,854

(1) Authorized share capital is re-classified and re-designated into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, with each
Class A ordinary share being entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share being entitled to twenty votes on all matters
that are subject to shareholder vote.

(2) Effective from March 18, 2024, the Company changed its ADS to Class A Ordinary Share ratio from one ADS representing
four ordinary shares to one ADS representing twenty ordinary shares. The historical and present income (loss) per ADS have
been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect this change.

YATSEN HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data or otherwise noted)

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

2023

2024

RMB’000

USD’000

Loss from operations

(231,500)

(141,328)

(20,140)

Share-based compensation expenses

52,911

27,047

3,854

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and
business acquisitions

13,956

15,779

2,248

Non-GAAP loss from operations

(164,633)

(98,502)

(14,038)

Net loss

(197,910)

(121,056)

(17,252)

Share-based compensation expenses

52,911

27,047

3,854

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and
business acquisitions

13,956

15,779

2,248

Revaluation of investments on the share of equity method
investments

3,227

3,266

465

Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments

(2,430)

(1,586)

(226)

Non-GAAP net loss

(130,246)

(76,550)

(10,911)

Net loss attributable to Yatsen’s shareholders

(196,539)

(121,067)

(17,254)

Share-based compensation expenses

52,911

27,047

3,854

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and
business acquisitions

13,701

15,385

2,192

Revaluation of investments on the share of equity method
investments

3,227

3,266

465

Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments

(2,430)

(1,559)

(222)

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Yatsen’s shareholders

(129,130)

(76,928)

(10,965)

Shares used in calculating loss per share:

Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares:

Basic

2,173,360,208

1,986,538,509

Diluted

2,173,360,208

1,986,538,509

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per
Class A and Class B ordinary share

Basic

(0.06)

(0.04)

(0.01)

Diluted

(0.06)

(0.04)

(0.01)

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders per
ADS (20 ordinary shares equal to 1 ADS) (1)

Basic

(1.19)

(0.77)

(0.11)

Diluted

(1.19)

(0.77)

(0.11)

(1) Effective from March 18, 2024, the Company changed its ADS to Class A Ordinary Share ratio from one ADS representing
four ordinary shares to one ADS representing twenty ordinary shares. The historical and present income (loss) per ADS have
been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect this change.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yatsen-announces-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-302311003.html

SOURCE Yatsen Holding Limited

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Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

34 minutes ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/socomec-daitron-team-up-to-meet-japans-growing-power-demands-302755570.html

SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

34 minutes ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.