Connect with us

Technology

Bairong Inc. Announces 2024 Annual Financial Results

Published

on

Solid Revenue Growth Coupled with High Gross Profit Margin (73%) and Non-IFRS Profit (RMB 376 Million)

BEIJING, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bairong Inc. (the “Company”, “we” , “us” or “our” ; HKEX: 6608), a leading cloud-based AI turnkey service provider, today announced the consolidated results of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Mr. Zhang Shaofeng, our founder, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board, commented:
“As a leading cloud-based AI turnkey service provider, Bairong achieved revenue growth and sustained profitability in 2024 when the industry as a whole was weak. We also generated an operating cash flow of RMB 303 million in 2024, which fully demonstrates the resilience of our business. In terms of technology and products, our VoiceGPT continues to iterate rapidly, and at the same time, new products such as the digital human All – in – One Machine AvatarGPT and Cybotstar Agent Platform have been further implemented. In 2025, we will increase our investment in new businesses and new scenarios, especially in the two fields of Pan-financial AI and Pan-industry AI, so as to achieve a vertical and horizontal business layout supported by AGI.”

Financial Summary

Year ended December 31,

2024

2023

Change

(RMB in thousands, except percentages)

Revenue

2,929,267

2,680,915

9 %

 Model as a service (“MaaS”)

932,473

891,248

5 %

 Business as a service (“BaaS”)

1,996,794

1,789,667

12 %

  BaaS – Financial Scenario

1,410,695

1,184,728

19 %

  BaaS – Insurance Scenario

586,099

604,939

(3 %)

Gross profit

2,141,712

1,954,532

10 %

Operating profit

285,234

346,886

(18 %)

Profit for the period

266,029

335,259

(21 %)

Non-IFRS measures

Non-IFRS profit for the period

376,051

375,064

—

Non-IFRS EBITDA

486,176

463,782

5 %

Revenue 

Our total revenue increased by 9% from RMB2,680.92 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB2,929.27 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily attributable to our enhanced capabilities of providing products and services despite a challenging macroeconomic and consumption environment.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, our MaaS business reported revenue of RMB932.47 million, representing an increase of 5% year-over-year. During the Reporting Period, the number of Key Clients reached 211, while average revenue per Key Client was RMB3.37 million. Our Key Client retention rate was 97%.

Key metrics of MaaS

Year ended December 31,

2024

2023

Change (%)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

(RMB in thousands, except percentages)

Revenue from MaaS

932,473

891,248

5

 Revenue from Key Clients(Note)

711,328

744,489

(4)

  Number of Key Clients

211

213

(1)

  Average revenue per Key Client

3,371

3,495

(4)

Retention rate of Key Clients

97 %

99 %

(2) pct

Note:”Key Clients” are defined as paying clients that each contributes more than RMB300,000 total
revenue to the Company year-to-date.

In 2024, our BaaS – Financial Scenario business reported revenue of RMB1,410.70 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 19% from RMB1,184.73 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. During the Reporting Period, we maintained growth against the industry’s downturn, with our brand gaining increasing recognition from more and more partners. A significant number of institutions prioritize choosing us as their partner of choice, indicating that the brand effect has been established.

In 2024, our BaaS – Insurance Scenario reported revenue decrease by 3% year-over-year to RMB586.10 million. Total premiums increased by 63% year-over-year to RMB5,442.43 million, with first year premiums increasing by 86% year-over-year to RMB3,641.10 million and renewal premiums increasing by 31% year-over-year to RMB1,801.34 million. The persistency rate of life insurance premiums continued to exceed 90%, ranking among the top in the industry.

Key metrics of BaaS – Insurance Scenario

Year ended December 31,

2024

2023

Change (%)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

(RMB in thousands, except percentages)

Revenue from BaaS – Insurance Scenario

586,099

604,939

(3)

 Revenue from first year premiums

486,964

508,207

(4)

  First year premiums

3,641,095

1,952,887

86

 Revenue from renewal premiums

99,136

96,732

2

  Renewal premiums

1,801,335

1,377,605

31

Cost of sales 

Our cost of sales increased by 8% from RMB726.38 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB787.56 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, in line with the growth of our business scale.

Gross profit and gross margin

As a result of the foregoing, the Group’s gross profit increased by 10% from RMB1,954.53 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB2,141.71 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Group’s gross margin were approximately 73% for both the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Research and development expenses

The Group’s research and development expenses increased by 34% from RMB378.79 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB509.29 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily attributable to the increase in the staff costs of our research and development personnel to support product offerings and technology development about various AI application technology, algorithm-driven machine learning platform and underlying database performance. Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenue increased by 3pct to 17%.

General and administrative expenses

The Group’s general and administrative expenses increased by 26% from RMB259.28 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB327.72 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily attributable to the increase in share-based compensation expenses from the grant of share options and restricted share units by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2024. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased slightly by 1pct to 11%.

Sales and marketing expenses

Our sales and marketing expenses increased by 4% from RMB1,072.99 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB1,118.94 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to an increase of RMB74.62 million of promotion, advertising, information technology services and other related expenses, which was mainly due to the increased branding and business promotion to enhance our brand recognition and our continuous efforts to obtain high-quality traffic to improve conversion efficiency. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased by 2pct to 38%.

Other income

Our other income decreased by 28% from RMB183.01 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB130.90 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. This is primarily due to a decrease of RMB37.00 million of government grants.

Profit for the year

As a result of the foregoing, the Group’s profit for the year decreased by 21% from RMB335.26 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to RMB266.03 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Cash, cash equivalents and time deposits

The Group had cash and cash equivalents and time deposits of RMB3,176.39 million and RMB3,301.84 million as at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Purchase, sale or redemption of the Company’s listed securities

During the Reporting Period, the Company repurchased a total of 25,490,000 Class B Shares on the Stock Exchange at an aggregate consideration (including transaction cost) of approximately HK$237.51 million including expenses. In addition, 10,331,500 Class B Shares were purchased by trustees of the Company’s share award schemes on the market during the year ended December 31, 2024 to satisfy share awards to be vested in subsequent periods.

Conference Call

Our management will hold a conference call at 17:30p.m. Beijing / Hong Kong Time on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 to discuss the financial results and answer questions from investors and analysts.

For participants who wish to join the call, please complete online registration using the link provided below prior to the scheduled call start time.

Participant Online Registration:
https://webcast.roadshowchina.cn/b2hMVjJranVjWXRBMVR4R1ExcWIwdz09/meet

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

International: +86-23-62737100
Mainland China: 023-63623333/4008-063-263
HK China: +852-30183602/+800-961505

English Dial-in Password: 290534058
Chinese Dial-in Password: 297236054

Please scan the QR code in the poster below to register for the conference:

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.brgroup.com/earnings 

About Bairong Inc.

Bairong Inc. is a leading artificial intelligence (AI) technology services company. The Company applies natural language processing (NLP), privacy computing, machine learning, cloud computing and other technologies to provide services to enterprises through model-as-a-service (MaaS) and business-as-a-service (BaaS). The MaaS services leverage discriminant AI to digitalize the know-your-customer (KYC) and know-your-product (KYP) process for enterprises, by analyzing users’ risk, willingness, and capability. The BaaS services use discriminant AI to analyze and stratify users into groups and develops generative AI-powered VoiceGPT using human natural languages to interact with users. The Company’s products and services are widely used by enterprise customers in banking, consumer finance, insurance, e-commerce, automobiles, logistics, ticketing, energy, construction and other industries.

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

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminologies such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and the negative of these words and other similar expressions or statements. Bairong may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the HKEx, in its annual and interim reports 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 Bairong’s beliefs, plans, 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 statements, including but not limited to the following: Bairong’s strategies, future business development, and financial condition and results of operations; Bairong’s limited operating history; risks associated with the financial service industry, Bairong’s ability to develop and deliver services of high quality and appeal to clients; Bairong’s ability to generate positive cash flow and profits; Bairong’s ability to compete successfully; Bairong’s ability to build its brand and withstand negative publicity; and changes in client demand and government incentives, subsidies, or other favorable government policies. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Bairong’s filings with the HKEX. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Bairong does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable laws.

For investor inquiries, please contact:
Bairong Inc.
Ms. Sandy Qin, CFA, CMA, FCG HKFCG
Email: ir@brgroup.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Bairong Inc.
Email: brmarketing@brgroup.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bairong-inc-announces-2024-annual-financial-results-302411836.html

SOURCE Bairong Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

Axon Announces Body 5: Next-Generation Camera Built for the AI Era

Published

on

By

Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power of earlier-generation cameras, with upgraded connectivity, audio and battery life to support real-time situational awareness in the field

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technology, today announced Axon Body 5, its newest body-worn camera designed to bring more powerful intelligence, connectivity and real-time support directly to officers in the field.

For years, Axon body cameras have helped agencies capture critical evidence and create greater transparency. Body 5 is built to help officers during the call, with information, assistance and backup on the spot.

“Officers shouldn’t have to choose between getting information and watching the scene. With Axon Body 5, they don’t,” said Rick Smith, Axon Founder and CEO. “They capture a license or document with the camera, keep their hands free and eyes up, and get information faster than writing it down and calling it in by radio. An officer fully engaged with the person in front of them, not down at a notepad, is a safer officer and a better-served community.”

Axon Body 5: Built for the AI Era

Built from the ground up for the AI era, Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power than earlier generation Axon body cameras, alongside advancements in connectivity, audio, video and battery life. Together, these upgrades give the camera the physical power to run smarter AI features — both today and as new AI tools are developed in the future — while also making it more dependable for officers to use every day. 

For the first time, Axon is also introducing two versions of its latest flagship camera: Axon Body 5 and Axon Body 5 Pro.

Both models feature several key advancements, including:

25x more processing power for AI: A powerful new computing architecture creates the capacity to support current and future AI features directly on the body camera.Enhanced video: Improved video captures clearer evidence across challenging environments, including better low-light performance.Improved connectivity: Seamless connectivity in urban and remote environments – and more precise location capability – helps officers, cameras and remote support teams stay connected when timely information matters most.Longer battery life: 20% more battery life than the previous generation helps keep the camera ready and connected throughout an officer’s shift.

The Axon Body 5 Pro will continue to gain new AI capabilities as they become available, growing along with the AI Era Plan. Additionally, new hardware features include:

A near-focus camera: An additional dedicated camera lens lets officers scan driver’s licenses to check status and search for wants or warrants in seconds, without returning to the patrol vehicle, with relevant information sent to Axon Fusus to support real-time operations.Front-facing speakers: Four additional speakers project even more powerful audio toward the person an officer is speaking with, helping real-time translations from Axon Assistant carry more clearly over heavy traffic or crowd noise. Additional memory: Extra space lets the camera run several AI tools at once, helping officers stay better informed and work faster.

Bringing More of Axon’s AI Era Into the Field

Axon Body 5 helps officers get more out of the Axon AI Era Plan by bringing smart tools right to the scene. Axon’s portfolio already supports public safety professionals across a growing range of tasks. For example, Draft One helps officers turn body-camera audio into high-quality report drafts and Axon Assistant provides voice-based information access and real-time translation.

Increasingly, Axon is also bringing AI into real-time operations.

Axon Guardian is a new category of AI features within the AI Era Plan that was specifically created to work with an officer’s field-based devices – starting with body cameras and in-car cameras – to improve safety. Guardian is designed to flag potential risks as situations unfold and create alerts when additional attention may be needed. Two of the first features include:

Escalation Detection: When an Axon Body 4 or Axon Body 5 camera is activated and recording, Guardian has the ability to detect potential conflicts in real time and create an alert in Axon Fusus. A human reviews the livestream and decides if additional support or action is needed.Approach Alert: When active on Axon Fleet 3, Guardian can detect if the door of a stopped vehicle opens and alert the officer through the in-car display and their body-worn camera.

Combined, Axon Body 5 and the expanding AI Era portfolio demonstrate the importance of AI as a critical resource to assist public safety professionals before, during and after an incident — reducing administrative burden, improving situational awareness and helping protect more lives.

Innovating Responsibly

Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework guides the development of all of its products. Designed with this in mind, Axon Body 5 and Guardian prioritize human oversight and maintain agency control over data. As a key part of the responsible innovation process, Axon’s independent Ethics and Equity Advisory Council was created to help responsibly develop and deploy new technologies with transparency, while aligning with community expectations.

General availability dates for Axon Body 5 and Axon Guardian will be announced soon. Product features and capabilities vary by configuration. For more information on Axon’s current products and services: Axon Product Catalog – Axon.com.

About Axon
Axon (Nasdaq: AXON) is the global leader in public safety technology supporting state, local, federal and international public safety agencies with technology designed to Protect Life. Complementing its mission, Axon’s growing Enterprise market focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and frontline workers across multiple industries including corporate security, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Founder-led since 1993, Axon builds products with transparency and responsibility. From TASER energy devices to today’s connected network of hardware – including cameras, drones, and robotics – cloud software, sensors, and AI-tools, the Axon ecosystem helps seamlessly protect people and places when it matters most. To ensure these technologies align with community expectations, Axon’s independent Ethics & Equity Advisory Council guides the ethical, inclusive, and accountable design of its products and services. Learn more about the EEAC and Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework at Axon Responsibility. 

Non-Axon trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Axon, TASER and the Delta Logo are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

Please visit https://investor.axon.com and https://www.axon.com/newsroom for more information.

Media Contact:
Kate MacKinnon
Vice President, Communications
press@axon.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-announces-body-5-next-generation-camera-built-for-the-ai-era-302918553.html

SOURCE Axon

Continue Reading

Technology

In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains a Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design

Published

on

By

The article explains why smart geometry, not thicker walls, creates stronger, more efficient aluminum components.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What early design choice causes many custom aluminum projects to become heavier, costlier, or harder to manufacture? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that outlines how misunderstanding aluminum behavior leads designers to rely on thick walls instead of stronger geometry.

The article begins by explaining that many people assume thicker walls automatically make aluminum parts stronger. It notes that aluminum does not respond to wall thickness the way steel does. Instead, its performance is shaped by how the metal flows through the extrusion die. The article states that custom aluminum design is more effective when profiles use ribs, chambers, and flanges to create stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. This guidance helps readers understand why adding material often increases cost without improving strength.

The article also highlights that thicker walls change how aluminum moves during extrusion. When heavy areas fill more slowly, the metal cools unevenly and can develop stress that only appears later. The HelloNation piece explains that well-balanced geometry keeps extrusion smooth and predictable. This consistency makes it easier to maintain dimensional accuracy across long production runs. By focusing on geometry, custom aluminum design avoids the problems that come with slow extrusion speeds and uneven cooling.

Another insight in the article centers on how ribs and internal supports influence stability. It describes how a thin wall supported by a properly placed rib often performs better than a thick wall with no reinforcement. This happens because the rib helps distribute load, improve stiffness, and guide the aluminum as it cools. The article explains that this structural approach makes custom aluminum design more efficient and gives designers more control over how the final part behaves under pressure.

The article also shows why early collaboration between designer and fabricator prevents costly changes. It states that a fabricator familiar with extrusion can catch potential issues before a die is built. Small adjustments to corners or transitions can remove weak points or improve metal flow. The article notes that this teamwork keeps the design aligned with real-world production. By working together early, both sides reduce the risk of redesigning the die after the first test run.

Machining is another area where the article explains how wall thickness affects performance. Features such as deep pockets or sharp internal angles may require slow feed rates or special tooling. When walls are thicker than needed, those areas can become difficult to machine cleanly. The article states that thoughtful custom aluminum design makes machining more predictable. Small changes, such as adding radiused edges or sizing features to match standard tools, help shorten cycle times and prevent tool wear.

Thermal behavior receives detailed attention as well. The article explains that aluminum retains heat differently depending on the mass of each section. Thicker walls hold heat longer, which increases the chance of distortion during extrusion, machining, or finishing. When a design uses geometry to create strength, the material cools more evenly. This reduces warping and helps long profiles stay aligned. The article notes that stable cooling is important for components that require a precise fit and consistent shape throughout an entire production run.

Cost is also a key topic in the article. It states that heavier profiles increase material use, extrusion time, and tooling needs. A custom aluminum design that relies on geometry instead of mass lowers material consumption and keeps the fabrication process efficient. The article explains that lighter parts are easier to handle, ship, and assemble. This saves money across multiple stages of production and supports long-term manufacturing efficiency.

The article also notes that smart custom aluminum design creates profiles that behave predictably during extrusion and machining. Smooth transitions, balanced wall dimensions, and structural features help reduce the chance of distortion or dimensional drift. These elements also lower scrap rates and support reliable performance. By using geometry instead of excess material, designers build parts that maintain strength without compromising manufacturability.

As the article concludes, it emphasizes that avoiding thick walls is one of the best ways to improve performance and lower cost. It states that the most dependable custom aluminum components come from designs that use structural features to strengthen the profile. When designers understand how aluminum behaves at each stage of extrusion and machining, they create parts that are strong, efficient, and consistent from batch to batch. This approach turns custom aluminum design into a predictable process rather than a series of uncertain adjustments.

A Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-custom-fabrication-expert-mark-coyle-explains-a-common-mistake-in-custom-aluminum-design-302918282.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Technology

World Young Scientist Summit 2026 Opens in Wenzhou, Zhejiang

Published

on

By

WENZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report by China Daily:

On October 24, the World Young Scientist Summit 2026 opened in Wenzhou, Zhejiang. The event is hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, and the World Association of Young Scientists. Nearly 800 representatives, including scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries and regions, are attending the summit.

He Junke, Vice President of CAST in charge of daily work and First Secretary of its Secretariat; Lian Yimin, Chairman and Party Group Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences; and Zhang Zhenfeng, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Wenzhou Municipal Committee, attended the summit and delivered remarks. Yao Gaoyuan, Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, presided over the first segment of the plenary session.

With the theme “Gathering Talents Worldwide to Create a Better Future,” the summit’s annual agenda is “Global Youth Action in the AI Era: Building a Sustainable Future.” It aims to draw on the insights of young people around the world, deepen international sci-tech cooperation, and jointly address questions about young people, science, the world and the future.

Efim Zelmanov, Fields Medalist and Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Chen Yunji, Deputy Director of the Institute of Computing Technology, CAS, and Director of the National Key Laboratory of Processor Chips; Mary Garson, President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; and Lu Chaoyang, Member of the Standing Committee of CAST, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Institute of Advanced Study, University of Science and Technology of China, and Chairman of the Council of the World Association of Young Scientists, delivered keynote speeches respectively on education reform in the AI era, AI and processor chips, young women scientists’ participation in science, and quantum computing. They explored new opportunities for scientific research, talent cultivation, and international cooperation in the AI era.

This year’s summit placed greater emphasis on the growth needs of young scientists, with young talents under the age of 45 accounting for 88 percent of participants. It aimed to build a cluster of international journals, bring together young scientific talent, facilitate a batch of international collaborative projects and advance the application and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. The summit released the Report on the Distribution and Mobility of Young Scientists in the Field of Embodied Intelligence, launched the World Young Scientist Summit Partner Journal Program and the 2026 World Young Scientist Innovation and Entrepreneurship Growth Support Program. It also published the “Young Scientist Pioneers 2035” list and announced the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award. The awards were presented to four Chinese and foreign scientists.

Chen Tianrun, Founder of Hangzhou Moxin Technology Co., Ltd.; Yuan Yang, Assistant to the Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University; and two of the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award winners, César de la Fuente and Nicola Segata, among other Chinese and foreign young scientist representatives, spoke at the flash-talk session to share their research practices and reflections.

In addition, the conference focused on fields such as future manufacturing, quantum information, embodied intelligence, brain-computer intelligence, environmental science, deep-sea resources, and life and health, and held 12 parallel forums. It also included the “Gravitation π” Future Technology and Concept Products Exhibition and Exchange, local thematic side events, and sci-tech and humanities study visits, further building an interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector platform for youth sci-tech exchange and cooperation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/world-young-scientist-summit-2026-opens-in-wenzhou-zhejiang-302918664.html

SOURCE China Daily

Continue Reading

Trending