Category Archives: PR Newswire

Sweeping Workplace Changes Expected in a Post-pandemic World, Says Research From The Adecco Group

Businesses and workers call for greater flexibility, questions raised over the hours-based contract, and a new empathetic leadership profile emerges

ZURICH, June 30, 2020

  • Workers demand greater flexibility after coronavirus, with a 50/50 split of remote and office time confirmed as the universal ideal
  • Questions raised over the hours-based contract, with 69% saying contracts should be based on results delivered rather than hours worked
  • Boom in digital skills an unintended consequence of lockdown, with tech knowhow improving for six in 10 (61%), and two thirds (69%) eager for further digital upskilling post-pandemic
  • Leaders need to reinvent themselves as more emotionally intelligent, but they are not prepared, as less than half felt equipped to support employees holistically during the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in pivotal shifts in attitudes and expectations among workers and leaders, as both call for permanent changes in how and where we work, workplace relationships and future skills, according to new research from the Adecco Group.

The Adecco Group, the world’s leading HR solutions company, today unveiled the results of its latest study, Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work, examining the expected short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on resetting workplace norms. Fieldwork was conducted in May 2020, with 8,000 office-based respondents (aged 18-60) across Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the USA.

The Adecco Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Alain Dehaze, said: “The world of work will never return to the ‘normal’ we knew before the pandemic struck. The sudden and dramatic change in the workplace landscape has accelerated emerging trends such as flexible working, high-EQ leadership, and re-skilling, to the point where they are now fundamental to organisational success. As many countries emerge from the acute crisis phase of the pandemic, employers have an opportunity to ‘hit reset’ on traditional workplace practices – many of which have remained largely unchanged since the industrial revolution. This research highlights that employee attitudes have shifted and gaps between workforce expectations and entrenched labour market processes have been exposed. As we step into the new era of work, now is the time to establish better norms that will enable a holistically healthy, productive and inclusive workforce into the future.”

Key research highlights:

The research revealed that the working world is ready for a new “hybrid” model, with three quarters (74%) of workers surveyed saying a mix of office-based and remote working is the best way forward. The universal ideal of spending half (51%) of their time in the office and half working remotely (49%) transcends geographies, generations and parental status. And company executives agree, with almost eight in ten (77%) C-suite leaders saying businesses will benefit from increased flexibility.

Another stark finding could signal the end of the hours-based contract and 40-hour week. More than two thirds (69%) of workers are in favour of “results-driven work,” whereby contracts are based on delivering against business needs rather than working a set number of hours. A high proportion of C-suite executives (74%) agree that the length of the working week should be revisited.

The pandemic has also demanded a new set of leadership competencies and these expectations are expected to accelerate a reinvention of the modern-day leader. Emotional intelligence has clearly emerged as the defining trait of today’s successful manager, but the soft skills gap is evident. Over a quarter (28%) of those questioned said their mental wellbeing had worsened due to the pandemic, with only 1 in 10 rating their managers highly on their ability to support their emotional health.   

In a similar nature to flexible working, the findings demonstrate a universal appetite for mass upskilling. Six in 10 say their digital skills have improved during lockdown, while a further two thirds (69%) are looking for further digital upskilling in the post-pandemic era. A broad range of skills development were identified as important by the workforce, including managing staff remotely (65%), soft skills (63%) and creative thinking (55%).

Finally, the findings highlighted the importance of sustaining trust in the new working world. Companies have risen to the challenge of supporting their people during the crisis, and as a result, trust in corporations has increased. In fact, 88% say that their employer met or exceeded their expectations in adapting to the challenges of the pandemic. And with this increased trust comes increased expectations. While the future of work is a collective responsibility, 80% of employees believe their employer is responsible for ensuring a better working world post-COVID and resetting norms, compared with 73% who say the government is responsible, 72% who agree it is an individual responsibility, and 63% who believe it is in the hands of labour unions.

For more information: 

  • Download the Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work full report here.
  • Follow us on social #ResetNormal for updates 

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading HR solutions company. We believe in making the future work for everyone, and every day enable more than 3.5 million careers. We skill, develop, and hire talent in 60 countries, enabling organisations to embrace the future of work. As a Fortune Global 500 company, we lead by example, creating shared value that fuels economies and builds better societies. Our culture of inclusivity, entrepreneurship and teamwork empowers our 35,000 employees and we are proud to have been consistently ranked one of the ‘World’s Best Workplaces’ by Great Place to Work®. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN) and powered by nine global brands: Adecco, Adia, Badenoch & Clark, General Assembly, Lee Hecht Harrison, Modis, Pontoon, Spring Professional and Vettery.

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The World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2020 Opening on July 9 with Visitor Registration Available Now

SHANGHAI, June 30, 2020 — Hosted by the Shanghai municipal government, the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2020) is opening to the public from July 9 – 11 in Shanghai, China, with registration now open for visitors. Under the theme of “Intelligent Connectivity, Indivisible Community,” the annual conference is set to leverage state-of-the-art technologies including 5G, virtual and augmented reality to create an unprecedented tech fest this year by combining physical and virtual exhibitions.

AI and cloud-based technologies have played a crucial role in the fight against the pandemic and revitalizing economic growth. Committed to becoming a global AI tech hub, Shanghai has pledged fresh efforts in advancing the construction of new infrastructures, the projects involving information and communication technologies, 5G, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, with new policies and investments initiated to boost AI cooperation and innovation globally. Set against this backdrop, WAIC 2020 aims to build a platform to accelerate global digital transformation by displaying the practical and innovative implementation of AI, cognitive technology and intelligent automation.

The online section of WAIC 2020 features a cloud platform showcasing a 3D virtual AI community alongside the cutting-edge AI solutions for future smart cities. A comprehensive AI industrial ecosystem will be laid out within the virtual community, allowing the global audiences to learn the strategic and tactical benefits of AI by following the roadmap for next-generation technologies across seven major sectors including education, medicine, transportation, finance, infrastructure, urban management and business.

Integrated with interactive features, both online and offline exhibitions enable audiences to have a close-up experience with world-leading AI technologies. In addition, the world’s most advanced humanoid robots for business and home are set to take the central stage. One of the highlights of the exhibition is the world’s first human-friendly dual-arm robot equipped with breakthrough functionality such as self-balance, collision prevention, object identification and the ability to cope with complex terrains.

The largest WAIC with more than 550 industry leaders joining the conference

WAIC 2020 consists of four regular sections, which include an opening ceremony, two plenary sessions and over ten themed and industry forums inviting experts to share their opinions on topics covering finance, education, 5G, intelligent algorithms, chips and smart hardware. The broadcasting teams in Germany, Korea and Singapore also will join the online showroom in Shanghai to demonstrate local cutting-edge technologies and share industry insight.

Over 550 AI experts, scientists, industry leaders, including Nobel laureates Thomas Sargent and Turing Award winners Manuel Blum, Judea Pearl, and David Patterson will attend the WAIC 2020, with tech gurus from Microsoft, Apple, IBM and Amazon also joining the online events. The conference has also set up “Investor Lounge” which serves as a platform to help leading AI innovators to carve out more commercial opportunities and land their AI innovations.

More than 50 new products and technologies are expected debuted with over 30 milestone partnerships planned to be signed during this year’s event. The conference will feature more competitions and awards to reward leading young innovators and tech trailblazers for their contributions to the AI industry.

To learn more about World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2020, please visit www.worldaic.com.cn

2020 World Artificial Intelligence Conference Summit Online
2020 World Artificial Intelligence Conference Summit Online

About World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2020

With the theme of “Intelligent Connectivity, Indivisible Community,” the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2020 is a platform for AI scientists, world leaders and entrepreneurs to share their insights on AI innovations and applications, gathering the brightest minds under one roof to enable them to shed light on a better future powered by intelligent technologies. It aims to connect the best from academia and industry to collaborate and offers opportunities for talented innovators to transform the world, meet investors and distribute their ideas globally.

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Optoma Unveils Award-Winning P1, 4K UHD Laser Cinema For her 20th anniversary

TOKYO, June 30, 2020 — Optoma officially unveils Award-Winning P1, 4K UHD Laser Cinema, now shipping its Optoma P1 available for Pre Order in Japan for her 20th anniversary. Optoma, a leading international projector and audio solution brand, has reached an exciting milestone as the company celebrates 20 years of delivering innovative display and audio technology solutions. For two decades, Optoma has continued to grow alongside the ever changing user landscape throughout the world. Now that in the line of Optoma No.1 4K UHD projectors, Optoma has honourably earned “The Grand Slam of Product Design” (iF, Red dot, Good Design) in her 20th years. Furthermore, Optoma remains world’s number one 4K UHD projector brand in Year 2019, occupying 21.6 of the market share, according to PMA Research. Once again, Optoma has held on the champion position throughout 2019.

Optoma Unveils Award-Winning P1, 4K UHD Laser Cinema For her 20th anniversary
Optoma Unveils Award-Winning P1, 4K UHD Laser Cinema For her 20th anniversary

“The ultra-short-throw technology that uses reflected light for projection is applied to replace traditional large screens and eliminate the injury that the backlight panel brings about directly to the user and minimize the eyestrain after watching TV for hours. The simple and elegant design language matches with the home environment and creates a projector that is not set up as a device but a decoration in the modern living space,” the Jury mentioned from GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2020.

Gordon Wu, Head of Optoma APAC: “We’re so proud that Optoma has been finally awarded The Grand Slam of Product Design in her 20th year across the world. Today we are delighted that the Optoma P1 has been released officially in Japan. Looking forward, Optoma redefines home cinematic experience with the all-new P1; it absolutely would be an excellent choice, which is exclusive to Optoma projectors. At this time, we are also celebrating our 20th anniversary and we hope our passion will reverberate with customers as well.

The Optoma P1, launching across the world, integrates 4K ultra high definition (UHD) resolution with an ultra-short throw distance, plus a laser light source – a culmination of today’s best technology advancements. The Optoma P1 features Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control capabilities, IFTTT support for seamless smart home automation with smart IoT devices and an integrated premium NuForce soundbar with Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus pass through over optical and HDMI arc. Combined with an easy auto geometry correction system driven by the SmartFIT app and Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) technology for hassle-free software updates, this powerhouse marries cutting edge technology with high style to be easily integrated into any home cinema.

For maximum contrast and brightness, the Optoma P1 can be used with Optoma’s 100″ ambient light rejecting ALR101 screen. The specialised screen surface is designed to actively reflect a projected image for high contrast and solid colour saturation while preventing ambient light from washing out the picture.

The Optoma P1 Smart 4K UHD laser projector is available for sale now at a street price of JPY 498,300.

The Optoma P1 key features

  • True to life detail – 4K UHD resolution and HDR compatible
  • Laser cinema projection  bright 3500 ANSI lumens
  • Amazing colour – 87% DCI-P3
  • Ultimate flexibility  ultra short throw lens
  • Built-in sound bar – powerful NuForce audio with Dolby Digital 2.0
  • 3x HDMI v2.0
  • Voice control  Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant supported device*
  • Smart features  IFTTT integration
  • Video Streaming: via Optoma Marketplace with access to popular streaming services
  • Integrated 4K media player
  • SmartFIT app – hassle free set-up via smartphone
  • Fluid viewing – PureMotion frame interpolation
  • Remote Control: Bluetooth smart home remote with air mouse
  • Full 3D

Where to Buy in Japan

OSM CO.,LTD. 
Technical support centre
TEL: 0120-465-040 (Open hours: open on weekdays from 9:00 – 18:00, except weekends and holidays)
E-mail: info@os-worldwide.com

P1 is now available in Japan, for inquiry, please contact: (info@os-worldwide.com)
For more information about Optoma, please go to https://www.optoma.jp

*Optoma is the No.1 brand worldwide for 4K UHD projectors, according to PMA Research in Year 2019.

Media Contact

Anderson Chen
+886-(2)-8911-8600 ext.3795
anderson.chen@optoma.com

Chris Lu
+886-(2)-8911-8600 ext.3708
chris.lu@optoma.com

Photo – https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200622/2837274-1?lang=0

X Financial Reports First Quarter 2020 Unaudited Financial Results

SHENZHEN, China, June 30, 2020 — X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the “Company” or “we”), a leading technology-driven personal finance company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020.

First Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights

  • Net revenues decreased by 31.9% to RMB529.0 million (US$74.5 million) from RMB776.4 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Loss from operations was RMB130.0 million (US$18.3 million), compared with income from operations of RMB279.1 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders was RMB196.3 million (US$27.7 million), compared with net income attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB209.0 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Non-GAAP[1] adjusted net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders was RMB159.9 million (US$22.5 million), compared with non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB251.2 million in the same period of 2019.
  • Net loss per basic and diluted American depositary share (“ADS”)[2] were RMB1.22 (US$0.17) and RMB1.22 (US$0.17) respectively, compared with net income per basic and diluted American depositary share (“ADS”) of RMB1.36 and RMB1.30, respectively, in the same period of 2019.
  • Non-GAAP adjusted net loss per basic and adjusted diluted ADS were RMB1.00 (US$0.14) and RMB1.00 (US$0.14), respectively, compared with non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and adjusted diluted ADS of RMB1.64 and RMB1.56, respectively, in the same period of 2019.

First Quarter 2020 Operational Highlights

  • The total loan facilitation amount[3] was RMB6,823 million, representing a decrease of 29.1% from RMB9,629 million in the same period of 2019 and a decrease of 23.2% from RMB8,890 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • The loan facilitation amount of Xiaoying Credit Loan[4] was RMB4,631 million, representing a decrease of 41.6% from RMB7,932 million in the same period of 2019 and a decrease of 25.1% from RMB6,185 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Xiaoying Credit Loan accounted for 67.9% of the Company’s total loan facilitation amount, compared with 82.4% in the same period of 2019.
  • The total outstanding loan balance[5] as of March 31, 2020 was RMB14,370 million, compared with RMB20,187 million as of March 31, 2019 and RMB17,267 million as of December 31, 2019.
  • The average loan amount per transaction[6] of Xiaoying Term Loan[7] was RMB15,745, representing an increase of 37.7% from RMB11,434 in the same period of 2019 and an increase of 7.8% from RMB14,611 for the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • The average consumption amount per user[8] of Xiaoying Revolving Loan[9] was RMB 8,582, representing an increase of 3.8% from RMB8,268 for the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • The delinquency rates for all outstanding loans that are past due for 31-90 days and 91–180 days as of March 31, 2020 were 6.71% and 7.12%, respectively, compared with 4.05% and 5.11%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019, and 3.56% and 5.21%, respectively, as of March 31, 2019.
  • The number of cumulative borrowers, each of whom made at least one transaction on the Company’s lending platform, as of March 31, 2020 was 5,732,385.
  • Total cumulative registered users reached 42.6 million as of March 31, 2020.
  • Institutional funding accounted for 81.7% of the total loan facilitation amount, compared with 50.2% in the fourth quarter of 2019.
  • The Gross Merchandise Value (“GMV”)[10] of Xiaoying Online Mall[11] was RMB60.8 million, representing a decrease of 62.2% from RMB160.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Mr. Justin Tang, the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, commented, “Despite challenges created by the Coronavirus Disease (the “COVID-19”) pandemic adversely impacting our operating environment, we made meaningful progress in expanding institutional funding for all new loan products originated on our platform during the quarter. Institutional funding accounted for 81.7% of the loans facilitated through our platform in the first quarter, representing an increase from 50.2% in the previous quarter. We rapidly built upon this with institutional funding which accounts for 100% of funding for the loans facilitated through our platform now.”

“Maintaining full compliance with current regulations and adapting to the ever changing macroeconomic environment have been critical to our success so far. We continued to diversify our institutional funding sources and deepen our relationships with financial partners. Building our platform out to scale and strengthening the confidence our funding partners have in us is an important part of our long-term strategy as we continue to provide the most user-friendly and convenient financial services to borrowers all over China.

“As of March 31, 2020, the total credit lines provided by our institutional partners expanded to RMB58.6 billion from RMB46.7 billion as of December 31, 2019. Given the current uncertainties in the market, this further proves that our asset quality and risk management capabilities continue to be well recognized by our institutional partners despite the impact from the pandemic. We are currently in discussions with a number of our partners about further reducing our funding costs.”

“We continue to adopt a strategic and disciplined approach to risk management and have implemented stricter criteria when assessing borrowers because we believe it is even more important now for the sustainability of our business. An adjustment period is therefore expected and is reflected in the lower number of active borrowers during the quarter. The number of active borrowers this quarter was 428,366, representing a decrease of 29.7% from 609,368 in the fourth quarter of 2019. Evaluating borrowers with stricter criteria is critical to reducing loan default rates at their later stages and strengthening our ability to generate stronger results when the market is expected to rebound during the second half of 2020”.

“In conclusion, there is no doubt that economic disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic will force all businesses that rely on consumption to once again adjust their strategies rapidly. Most importantly, the fundamental drivers underpinning the enormous growth opportunities in China’s personal finance industry have not changed. As we continue to evolve from a pure financial services provider to a more comprehensive business services provider, we are confident that we are well positioned to not just survive these challenging market conditions, but thrive when the market rebounds. We are committed to providing our customers the most user-friendly, convenient and comprehensive financial services, in addition to the best loan solutions on the market.”

Mr. Simon Cheng, President of the Company, added, “Over the past few quarters, we continued to ramp up our technology-driven risk infrastructure and strengthened customer acquisition. This solid foundation allowed us to successfully manage a rise in delinquency rates during the peak of the pandemic and has positioned us to emerge even stronger. The downturn in economic activity created by the pandemic has begun to gradually improve. While restrictions put in place to contain the pandemic continue to ease and life returns to normal, we have seen an improvement in delinquency rates in April 2020. We also saw a significant rebound of both loan facilitation amount and number of active borrowers of Xiaoying Credit Loan in April, which strengthens our confidence in the gradual recovery taking place in China.”

“Overall, the evolving health crisis and growing impact from COVID-19 have been weighing heavily on consumer sentiment in China, which is reflected in the performance of Yaoqianhua and Xiaoying Online Mall during the quarter. In order to control the impact of COVID-19, we have taken a more stringent risk policy. The GMV of Xiaoying Online Mall declined 62.2% from the fourth quarter of 2019 to RMB60.8 million. The number of active users of Yaoqianhua reached around 463,000 as of March 31,2020 as compared to approximately 408,000 as of December 31, 2019. Transaction volumes for Yaoqianhua, our revolving loan product previously known as Xiaoying Wallet, declined slightly to RMB2,192 million from RMB2,204 million last quarter. Yaoqianhua’s outstanding loan balance increased to RMB1,801 million as of March 31, 2020 from RMB1,503 million as of December 31, 2019 and now has an approved cumulative credit line of RMB11 billion with a credit utilization rate of around 28.0% as of March 31, 2020.”

“We believe the pandemic has significantly affected consumer behavior and at the same time created many more new opportunities for us to drive future growth. In addition, China’s central and local governments have recently begun rolling out a series of policies to guide businesses as they resume production and jump-start domestic consumption once again. Driven by supportive government policies in place and with consumer sentiment steadily recovering, we anticipate a strong but gradual recovery in Yaoqianhua and Xiaoying Online Mall.”

“We have also hit 100% of our institutional funding target. We remain in active negotiations with funding partners to further decrease funding costs and are in talks with other prospective financial partners which should bring down funding costs even further. At present, we have ample funding sources to meet growing demand as consumer sentiment improves.”  

Mr. Kevin Zhang, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, added, “We delivered solid results in the first quarter relative to guidance as we anticipated that it would be a challenging quarter. The total loan facilitation amount was RMB6,823 million, representing a decline compared with our previously announced guidance.”

“We are taking decisive action to streamline expenses against weaker top-line growth, but remain confident that demand for our highly-customized personal finance solutions will once again strengthen as the recovery from the pandemic unfolds. Our revenue and net income decreased both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year. Even though the total number of loans facilitated[12] of Xiaoying Term Loan in the first quarter decreased year-over-year, the average loan amount per transaction was RMB15,745, an increase of 37.7% from the same period of 2019 and an increase of 7.8% sequentially. The average consumption amount per user of Xiaoying Revolving Loan also increased 3.8% from the fourth quarter of 2019 to RMB8,582.”

“We are also pleased to see total cumulative registered users on the platform reach 42.6 million as of March 31, 2020, demonstrating the continued value that we are able to offer borrowers, even during such challenging market conditions. The number of active borrowers during the quarter decreased by 29.7%. The delinquency rates for all outstanding loans that are past due for 31-90 days and 91–180 days as of March 31, 2020 were 6.71% and 7.12% respectively, compared with 4.05% and 5.11%, respectively as of December 31, 2019.

“The percentage of loan products we facilitated that were covered by ZhongAn Insurance decreased further to 67.7% during the quarter as we continue to reduce our insurance coverage rate to lower our customer borrowing costs. In its place, we have expanded our partnerships with additional third-party, high-quality financial guarantee companies to strengthen trust in the quality of our underlying assets and risk management systems.”

“We are squarely focused on our mission to create more value for our customers and shareholders. After successfully adapting to the regulatory changes in 2019, we are now navigating the ongoing impact of the health crisis is having on the industry in 2020. While regulatory and capital requirements continue to put pressure on the sustainability of the sector this year, we remain in full compliance with current regulations and are confident in our ability to stand out among our peers by capitalizing on market consolidation and increasing protection for our investors. We will continue to prioritize operational efficiency in driving long-term value for our shareholders.”

[1] The Company uses in this press release the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) adjusted net income, (ii) adjusted net income attributable to X Financial shareholders, (iii) adjusted net income per basic ADS, and (iv) adjusted net income per diluted ADS, each of which excludes share-based compensation expense. For more information on non-GAAP financial measure, please see the section of “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement” and the table captioned “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

[2] Each American depositary share (“ADS”) represents two Class A ordinary shares.

[3] Represents the total amount of loans that X Financial facilitated during the relevant period.

[4] X Financial integrated Xiaoying Card Loan and Xiaoying Preferred Loan into one general product category, Xiaoying Credit Loan, in 2018.

[5] Represents the total amount of loans outstanding for loans X Financial facilitated at the end of the relevant period. Loans that are delinquent for more than 180 days are charged-off and are excluded in the calculation of delinquency rate by balance, except for Xiaoying Housing Loan. Xiaoying Housing Loan is a secured loan product and the Company is entitled to payment by exercising its rights to the collateral. X Financial does not charge off the loans delinquent for more 180 days and such loans are included in the calculation of delinquency rate by balance.

[6] Calculated by dividing the total loan facilitation amount by the number of loans facilitated during the relevant period.

[7] Xiaoying Term Loan refers to the loan’s with fixed repayment periods including Xiaoying Credit Loan, Xiaoying Housing Loan, Internet Channel.

[8] Calculated by dividing the total amount of consumption by the number of active users during the relevant period.

[9] Xiaoying Revolving Loan refers to the loans with revolving credit, including Yaoqianhua which was previously named as Xiaoying Wallet.

[10] Gross Merchandise Volume (“GMV”) refers a total sales value for merchandise sold through Xiaoying Online Mall.

[11] Xiaoying Online Mall was launched in March 2019 and is a product that provides loan installments to our individual customers enabling them to purchase goods online

[12] Represents the total number of transactions of loan facilitation during the relevant period.

First Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Net revenues decreased by 31.9% to RMB529.0 million (US$74.5 million) from RMB776.4 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to a decrease in transaction volumes as a more stringent risk policy been taken to address COVID-19 impact, which was also partially offset by an increase in the proportion of net revenue generated by the loans facilitated through the Consolidated Trusts which was recorded over the life of the underlying financing using the effective interest method.

Loan facilitation service fees under the direct model decreased by 60.7% to RMB246.0 million (US$34.6 million) from RMB626.4 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to a decrease in the total transaction volumes under the direct model compared with the same period of 2019.

Loan facilitation service fees under the intermediary model increased by 5.3% to RMB37.0 million (US$5.2 million) from RMB35.2 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to an increase in the total volume of products offered through the intermediary model as the Company continuing the main strategy to attract more institutional investors throughout 2020.

Post-origination service fees decreased by 12.2% to RMB64.1 million (US$9.0 million) from RMB73.0 million in the same period of 2019, as a result of the cumulative effect of decreased volume of loans facilitated in the previous quarters. Revenues from post-origination services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying loans as the services are being provided.

Financing income increased by 880.9% to RMB174.6 million (US$24.6 million) from RMB17.8 million in the same period of 2019, which was consistent with the increase of average loan balances held by the Consolidated Trusts due to the establishment of new trusts since the second half of 2019.

Other revenue decreased by 69.7% to RMB7.3 million (US$1.0 million) from RMB24.1 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to a decrease in penalty fees.

Origination and servicing expenses increased by 26.2% to RMB424.9 million (US$59.9 million) from RMB336.5 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to the following factors: (i) an increase in customer acquisition costs for the revolving credit product, Yaoqianhua, and (ii) an increase in interest expense related to loans facilitated through the Consolidated Trusts.

General and administrative expenses increased by 24.3% to RMB69.9 million (US$9.9 million) from RMB56.3 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to an increase in management fee paid to third-party trusts companies compared with the same period of 2019.

Sales and marketing expenses decreased by 61.5% to RMB11.8 million (US$1.7 million) from RMB30.7 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to a reduction in promotional and advertising expenses since the outbreak of COVID-19. 

Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities was RMB17.9 million (US$2.5 million), primarily attributable to the increase, caused by the pandemic, in estimated default rate of the loans subject to guarantee liabilities facilitated in prior periods.

Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets increased by 23.7% to RMB82.1 million (US$11.6 million) from RMB66.4 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to a combined effect of (a) the new current expected credit loss model that took into account the deterioration in the economic outlook caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and (b) an increase in the estimated default rates since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Provision for loans receivable was RMB42.8 million (US$6.0 million), compared with RMB7.5 million in the same period of 2019, primarily due to the increase of expected credit loss for revolving loan product when compared with the first quarter of 2019.

Loss from operation was RMB130.0 million (US$18.3 million), compared with income from operation of RMB279.1 million in the same period of 2019.

Loss before income taxes and gain from equity in affiliates was RMB228.3 million (US$32.2 million), compared with income before income taxes and gain from equity in affiliates of RMB259.0 million in the same period of 2019.

Income tax benefit was RMB31.2 million (US$4.4 million), compared with income tax expense of RMB53.6 million in the same period of 2019, primarily arose from the net operating loss.

Net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders was RMB196.3 million (US$27.7 million), compared with net income attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB209.0 million in the same period of 2019.

Non-GAAP adjusted net loss attributable to X Financial shareholders was RMB159.9 million (US$22.5 million), compared with non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to X Financial shareholders of RMB251.2 million in the same period of 2019.

Net loss per basic and diluted ADS were RMB1.22 (US$0.17) and RMB1.22 (US$0.17), respectively, compared with net income per basic and diluted ADS of RMB1.36 and RMB1.30, respectively, in the same period of 2019.

Non-GAAP adjusted net loss per basic and diluted ADS were RMB1.00 (US$0.14) and RMB1.00 (US$0.14), respectively, compared with non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and diluted ADS of RMB1.64 and RMB1.56, respectively, in the same period of 2019.

Cash and cash equivalents was RMB611.6 million (US$86.2 million) as of March 31, 2020, compared with RMB1,006.0 million as of December 31, 2019.

Business Outlook

As the Company continues to assess the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and market indicators around the recovery in the first half of 2020, it is anticipated that the Company’s total loan facilitation amount for the second quarter of 2020 will also be negatively impacted and the Company expects a second-quarter loss with drop in revenue. The Company plans to provide a business update in the second quarter 2020 Earnings Release. This forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary views, which are subject to change.

Conference Call

X Financial’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 (8:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong Time on the same day).

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

United States:

1-888-346-8982

Hong Kong:

852-301-84992

Mainland China:

4001-201203

International:

1-412-902-4272

Passcode:

X Financial

Please dial in ten minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call.

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until July 7, 2020:

United States:

1-877-344-7529

International:

1-412-317-0088

Passcode:

10145375

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

About X Financial

X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the “Company”) is a leading technology-driven personal finance company in China focused on meeting the huge demand for credit from individuals and small-to-medium-sized enterprise owners. The Company’s proprietary big data-driven risk control system, WinSAFE, builds risk profiles of prospective borrowers using a variety data-driven credit assessment methodology to accurately evaluate a borrower’s value, payment capability, payment attitude and overall creditworthiness. X Financial has established a strategic partnership with ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance Co., Ltd. in multiple areas of its business operations to directly complement its cutting-edge risk management and credit assessment capabilities. ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance Co., Ltd. provides credit insurance on X Financial’s investment products which significantly enhances investor confidence and allows the Company to attract a diversified and low-cost funding base from individuals, enterprises and financial institutions to support its growth. X Financial leverages financial technology to provide convenient, efficient, and secure investment services to a wide range of high-quality borrowers and mass affluent investors which complements traditional financial institutions and helps to promote the development of inclusive finance in China.

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

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement

In evaluating our business, we consider and use non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review and assess our operating performance. We present the non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. We also believe that the use of the non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors’ assessment of our operating performance.

We use in this press release the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) adjusted net income, (ii) adjusted net income attributable to X Financial shareholders, (iii) adjusted net income per basic ADS, and (iv) adjusted net income per diluted ADS, each of which excludes share-based compensation expense. These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  

We mitigate these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, which should be considered when evaluating our performance. We encourage you to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP results” set forth at the end of this press release.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This ASU requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of the Group’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The Company have adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective basis under which prior comparative periods are not restated. The impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Group’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income after tax amounts to RMB17.2 million as of January 1, 2020.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB7.0989 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of March 31, 2020.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets,” “guidance” and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the credit industry, and marketplace lending in particular, in China; the demand for and market acceptance of its marketplace’s products and services; its ability to attract and retain borrowers and investors on its marketplace; its relationships with its strategic cooperation partners; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is current as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

X Financial
Mr. Kevin Zhang
E-mail: ir@xiaoying.com

Christensen

In China
Mr. Christian Arnell
Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
E-mail: carnell@christensenir.com

In US 
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: lbergkamp@christensenir.com

X Financial

     

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

     
       

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

As of December 31, 2019

As of March 31, 2020

 

 RMB

RMB

USD

 ASSETS

     

 Cash and cash equivalents

1,005,980

611,598

86,154

 Restricted cash

514,323

964,185

135,822

 Accounts receivable and contract assets, net of
allowance for doubtful accounts

771,154

441,168

62,146

 Loans receivable from Xiaoying Credit Loans and
Revolving Loans, net

289,553

222,356

31,323

 Loans at fair value

2,782,333

2,197,569

309,565

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,226,170

2,013,654

283,658

 Financial guarantee derivative

719,962

498,980

70,290

 Deferred tax assets, net

465,441

520,232

73,283

 Long term investments

292,142

295,630

41,644

 Property and equipment, net

20,139

18,027

2,539

 Intangible assets, net

35,127

34,869

4,912

 Loan receivable from Xiaoying Housing Loans, net

89,536

91,460

12,884

 Other non-current assets

68,772

48,121

6,779

 TOTAL ASSETS

8,280,632

7,957,849

1,120,999

       

 LIABILITIES

     

 Payable to investors at fair value of the Consolidated
Trusts

3,006,349

2,510,839

353,694

 Guarantee liabilities

17,475

32,305

4,551

 Short-term bank borrowings

341,495

48,105

 Accrued payroll and welfare

63,649

37,145

5,233

 Other tax payable

58,086

68,675

9,674

 Income tax payable

340,996

321,845

45,337

 Deposit payable to channel cooperators

108,923

58,293

8,212

 Accrued expenses and other liabilities

274,440

339,343

47,803

 Other non-current liabilities

42,300

27,690

3,901

 Deferred tax liabilities

1,309

649

91

 TOTAL LIABILITIES

3,913,527

3,738,279

526,601

       

 Commitments and Contingencies

     

 Equity:

     

 Common shares

201

201

28

 Additional paid-in capital

2,987,363

3,024,054

425,989

 Retained earnings

1,311,194

1,114,853

157,046

 Other comprehensive income

67,101

79,216

11,159

 Total X Financial shareholders’ equity

4,365,859

4,218,324

594,222

 Non-controlling interests

1,246

1,246

176

 TOTAL EQUITY

4,367,105

4,219,570

594,398

       

 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

8,280,632

7,957,849

1,120,999

X Financial

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

         
 

Three Months Ended March 31,

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

2019

2020

 

2020

 

RMB

RMB

 

USD

 Net revenues 

       

 Loan facilitation service-Direct Model 

626,382

245,960

 

34,648

 Loan facilitation service-Intermediary Model 

35,162

37,012

 

5,214

 Post-origination service 

73,007

64,113

 

9,031

 Financing income 

17,801

174,617

 

24,598

 Other revenue 

24,066

7,290

 

1,027

 Total net revenue 

776,418

528,992

 

74,518

         

 Operating costs and expenses: 

       

 Origination and servicing 

336,539

424,875

 

59,851

 General and administrative 

56,268

69,929

 

9,851

 Sales and marketing 

30,685

11,813

 

1,664

 Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities

17,876

 

2,518

 Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets 

66,404

82,116

 

11,567

 Provision for loans receivable 

7,460

42,831

 

6,033

 Credit losses for other financial assets 

9,597

 

1,352

 Total operating costs and expenses 

497,356

659,037

 

92,836

         

 Income (loss) from operations 

279,062

(130,045)

 

(18,318)

 Interest income, net 

763

6,453

 

909

 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 

(873)

(84)

 

(12)

 Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivative 

(52,991)

(77,522)

 

(10,920)

 Fair value adjustments related to Consolidated Trusts 

32,556

(32,352)

 

(4,557)

 Other income (loss), net 

456

5,236

 

738

         

 Income (loss) before income taxes and gain from
equity in affiliates 

258,973

(228,314)

 

(32,160)

         

 Income tax benefit (expense)  

(53,605)

31,153

 

4,388

 Gain from equity in affiliates 

3,796

820

 

116

 Net income (loss) 

209,164

(196,341)

 

(27,656)

 Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling
interests 

200

 

 Net income (loss) attributable to X Financial
shareholders 

208,964

(196,341)

 

(27,656)

         

Net income (loss)

209,164

(196,341)

 

(27,656)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax of nil:

       

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(18,883)

12,115

 

1,707

Comprehensive income (loss)

190,281

(184,226)

 

(25,949)

Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non
controlling interests

200

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to X
Financial shareholders

190,081

(184,226)

 

(25,949)

         

 Net income per share—basic 

0.68

(0.61)

 

(0.09)

 Net income per share—diluted  

0.65

(0.61)

 

(0.09)

         

 Net income per ADS—basic 

1.36

(1.22)

 

(0.17)

 Net income per ADS—diluted  

1.30

(1.22)

 

(0.17)

         

 Weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding—basic 

306,025,409

320,667,943

 

320,667,943

 Weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding—diluted 

322,662,503

326,872,712

 

326,872,712

X Financial

Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

   
 

Three Months Ended March 31,

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

2019

2020

2020

 

RMB

RMB

USD

GAAP net income (loss)

209,164

(196,341)

(27,656)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses (net of tax of nil)

42,199

36,402

5,128

Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss)

251,363

(159,939)

(22,528)

       

Net income (loss) attributable to X Financial shareholders

208,964

(196,341)

(27,656)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses (net of tax of nil)

42,199

36,402

5,128

Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) attributable to X
Financial shareholders

251,163

(159,939)

(22,528)

       

 Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) per share—basic 

0.82

(0.50)

(0.07)

 Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) per share—diluted  

0.78

(0.50)

(0.07)

       

 Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) per ADS—basic 

1.64

(1.00)

(0.14)

 Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) per ADS—diluted  

1.56

(1.00)

(0.14)

       

 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding—basic 

306,025,409

320,667,943

320,667,943

 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding—diluted 

322,662,503

326,872,712

326,872,712

Related Links :

http://www.xiaoyinggroup.com

Clarivate Releases Web of Science Journal Citation Reports to Identify the World’s Leading Journals

2020 edition enables research community to make decisions with confidence using new data on open access models and updated journal self-citation parameters

LONDON and PHILADELPHIA, June 30, 2020 — Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CCC), a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace of innovation, today released the 2020 update to its annual Web of Science Journal Citation Reports™ (JCR).  The annual JCR release enables the research community to evaluate the world’s high-quality academic journals using a range of indicators, descriptive data and visualizations. The reports are used by academic publishers across the globe to evaluate the impact of their journals relative to their field and promote them to the research community.

The JCR is based on 2019 data compiled from the Web of Science Core Collection™, the flagship collection in the world’s largest publisher-neutral global citation database.

The structured data are curated by the global team of experts at Clarivate, who continuously evaluate and select the collections of journals, books and conference proceedings covered to ensure accuracy in journal impact evaluations. These insights enable researchers, publishers, editors, librarians and funders to explore the key drivers of a journal’s value for diverse audiences, making better use of the wide body of data and metrics available in the JCR, including the Web of Science Journal Impact Factor™ (JIF). 

Key highlights for 2020:

  • The journals selected for inclusion: This year’s edition includes more than 12,000 journals from 83 countries across five continents and 236 research categories in the sciences and social sciences. More than 1,600 journals are fully open access. 351 journals have been added to the JCR this year – 178 of which are fully open access.
  • New descriptive data on open access models: New data show each journal’s articles by access model. This provides the research community with transparent, publisher-neutral information about the relative contribution of articles published free to read and re-use under Creative Commons licenses (‘gold open access’) to a journal’s overall volume of content and citations. For the 7,487 hybrid journals in the JCR, readers are now quickly and easily able to identify:
    • the number of papers published via the traditional subscription model, and
    • those published via Creative Commons licenses.
  • Objectivity in journal selection: Clarivate has suppressed 33 journals from the JCR this year to support the integrity of the reports, representing 0.27% of the journals listed. The JCR monitors and excludes journals that demonstrate anomalous citation behavior including where there is evidence of excessive journal self-citation and citation stacking. In 2020, the methodology and parameters for the effect of journal self-citation on JCR metrics has been updated to better account for discipline norms.
    • In addition, an Editorial Expression of Concern has been issued for 15 journals with one or more published items with an atypically high-value contribution to the JIF numerator and a pattern of journal citations disproportionately concentrated into the JIF numerator. Clarivate will continue to review content of this type with the goal of developing additional screening for distortions of the Journal Impact Factor.

Keith Collier, Senior Vice President of Product, Science Group at Clarivate said: “For over 40 years publishers, institutions, funders and researchers have relied on unbiased data in the Web of Science Journal Citation Reports to identify and evaluate the world’s leading sciences and social sciences journals. The carefully selected and structured data within the JCR allows the research community to better understand citation impact trends and make confident decisions about their publication strategies.

“In 2020, we have added new descriptive data and updated self-citation parameters to further support the research community with trusted insights that can inform decisions and accelerate the pace of innovation.”

Each journal profile in JCR provides a rich array of indicators. This includes the Web of Science Journal Impact Factor, which identifies the frequency with which an average article from a journal is cited in a particular year; the Immediacy Index, which measures how frequently the average article from a journal is cited within the same year as publication; the journal’s rank in category, determined by Journal Impact Factor, expressed as a percentile; and cited half-life, which is the median age, in years, of items in any journal in the category that were cited during the JCR year, to name just a few.

For more information, please see our blog
Visit the Journal Citation Reports website to explore all available data, metrics, and analysis. Our suppression policy can also be found on our website.

Follow us on Twitter via @WebofScience, #JCR2020. 

About Clarivate

Clarivate™ is a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace of innovation. We offer subscription and technology-based solutions coupled with deep domain expertise that cover the entire lifecycle of innovation – from foundational research and ideas to protection and commercialization. Today, we’re setting a trail-blazing course to help customers turn bold ideas into life-changing inventions. Our portfolio consists of some of the world’s most trusted information brands, including the Web of Science™, Cortellis™, Derwent™, CompuMark™, MarkMonitor™ and Techstreet™. For more information please visit Clarivate.com.

Locus Listed as a Representative Vendor in Gartner’s Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling

The Company was recognized as a Representative Vendor in the 2020 report

WILMINGTON, Delaware, June 29, 2020 — Locus, a global B2B SaaS company that automates human decisions in the supply chain, today announced that it has been identified as a Representative Vendor in the Gartner ‘Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling’ report1. Gartner is a leading research and advisory company.

The report gives an overview of the Vehicle Routing and Scheduling market and lists vendors. "Vehicle routing and scheduling (VRS) applications are evolving into solutions in which the routing algorithm is almost becoming a secondary feature. There is an increased focus on new technologies, such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), and on functions such as last-mile fulfillment and customer experience," says the report.

The Locus platform uses deep machine learning and proprietary algorithms to offer smart logistics solutions like route optimization, real-time tracking, insights and analytics, beat optimization, efficient warehouse management, vehicle allocation and utilization. Locus also helps companies optimize their end-to-end supply chain network with its strategic consulting offering.

Locus presently works with top clients across Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and India. It has offices in the USA, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The top management of the company includes executives from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Barclays Capital, Google, and BlueDart (a DHL company), and data scientists with PhDs from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Illinois, among others. 

"We believe being named by Gartner Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling as a Representative Vendor reinforces the value we add to our customers. Supply chains have become increasingly complex these days. On top of it, COVID-19 has made life tougher and exposed the lack of collaboration, coordination, and visibility in the supply chain. Locus’ solutions help streamline supply chain operations, thereby bringing supply chain to the forefront of businesses," said Nishith Rastogi, Chief Executive Officer, Locus. 

Locus has achieved a peak of 2 million+ orders processed in a day (200,000 orders an hour). The company’s solutions are now tried and tested on over 500 million+ order deliveries, and its operations have expanded to 1000+ cities across the globe.

The company has so far raised $29 million from tier-1 investors including Tiger Global, Falcon Edge, Blume Ventures, Exfinity Venture Partners & growX ventures.

Gartner subscribers can log in to read the full research on the website.

1Gartner, "Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling," Oscar Sanchez Duran, Bart De Muynck, 23 June 2020.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Locus:

Locus is a deep-tech platform that automates human decisions in the supply chain to provide efficiency, transparency, and consistency in logistics operations.

The platform uses deep machine learning and proprietary algorithms to offer smart logistics solutions like route optimization, real-time tracking, insights and analytics, beat optimization, efficient warehouse management, vehicle allocation and utilization. Locus powers more than two million deliveries daily across Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe, and North America. Visit www.locus.sh to know more.

Media Contact:

Please reach out to – Marketing@locus.sh

Logo – https://techent.tv/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/locus-listed-as-a-representative-vendor-in-gartners-market-guide-for-vehicle-routing-and-scheduling.jpg

 

Tuniu Has Regained Compliance with Nasdaq’s Minimum Bid Price Requirement

NANJING, China, June 29, 2020 — Tuniu Corporation (Nasdaq:TOUR) (“Tuniu” or the “Company”), a leading online leisure travel company in China, today announced that it received a notification letter (the “Compliance Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (“Nasdaq”) dated June 26, 2020, indicating that the Company has regained compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”) and the matter is closed.

On May 18, 2020, Tuniu received a notification letter (the Deficiency Notice”) from the Nasdaq indicating that the closing bid price for the Company’s American depositary shares (the “ADSs”), each representing three Class A ordinary shares of the Company, was below the minimum bid price of $1.00 required for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) for 30 consecutive business days. According to the Deficiency Notice, if at any time during the tolling period or 180 day compliance period, the closing bid price of the Company’s security is at least $1.00 for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, the Nasdaq will provide the Company written confirmation of compliance and the matter will be closed. According to the Compliance Notice, the closing bid price of the Company’s ADSs has been at $1.00 per ADS or greater for 10 consecutive business days from June 12 through June 25, 2020, and the Company has regained compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement and the matter is closed.

About Tuniu

Tuniu (Nasdaq:TOUR) is a leading online leisure travel company in China that offers a large selection of packaged tours, including organized and self-guided tours, as well as travel-related services for leisure travelers through its website tuniu.com and mobile platform. Tuniu covers over 420 departing cities throughout China and all popular destinations worldwide. Tuniu provides one-stop leisure travel solutions and a compelling customer experience through its online platform and offline service network, including a dedicated team of professional customer service representatives, 24/7 call centers, extensive networks of offline retail stores and self-operated local tour operators. For more information, please visit http://ir.tuniu.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Tuniu may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Tuniu’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but are not limited to the following: Tuniu’s goals and strategies; the growth of the online leisure travel market in China; the demand for Tuniu’s products and services; its relationships with customers and travel suppliers; the Company’s ability to offer competitive travel products and services; Tuniu’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; competition in the online travel industry in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company’s structure, business and industry; the impact of the COVID-19 on Tuniu’s business operations, the travel industry and the economy of China and elsewhere generally; and the general economic and business condition in China and elsewhere. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and Tuniu does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

D-Link 5G Solutions Revolutionize Mobile Connectivity

D-Link’s 5G products DWP-1020, DWR-978, and DWR-2101 connect the world of tomorrow

TAIPEI, June 29, 2020 — D-Link today announced their new 5G solutions that create a world of wireless possibilities whether at home, at the office, or on the go. 5G networks elevate mobile internet connectivity and enhance IoT technology and devices to a level that has never been experienced before. Delivering supercharged performance and extreme reliability, 5G will redefine and transform industries and completely change the way people live. D-Link enables enhanced broadband capacity, extremely low latency, super high bandwidth, and next-generation speeds with the DWP-1020 5G Outdoor CPE, DWR-978 5G Wi-Fi Router, and DWR-2101 5G Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot.

“D-Link believes that 5G technology has and will continue to develop aggressively and create incredible, valuable user experiences,” said D-Link Corporation Chairman John Lee. “These new game-changing 5G innovations demonstrate D-Link’s commitment toward promoting an ever-evolving and improving world of connectivity.”

CES 2020 Innovation Award Honoree DWP-1020 is a 5GNR Sub 6GHz + mmWave CPE that is designed for installation on the exterior of a home or business building in order to maximize signal reception, especially for mmWave frequencies. The device is rated to IP65 waterproof to protect it against the elements and is PoE-powered via a 5 Gbps Ethernet port for convenient installation.

The DWR-978 supports 5G NR Sub 6 GHz frequencies and allows users to access worldwide mobile broadband networks. It also provides a physical WAN port that supports a wide variety of connection types. Designed for indoor use, the DWR-978 is perfect as a replacement for traditional wired service. Additional features include an RJ-11 port for VoLTE functionality and D-Link Intelligent QoS technology for prioritizing important network traffic. 

Recognized as a CES 2020 Innovation Award Honoree, the DWR-2101 is one of the world’s first portable hotspots to combine the capacity of Wi-Fi 6 and speed of 5G and can provide high-speed, low latency wireless access at home, at the office, or on-the-go. The DWR-2101 is also ideal for business and leisure travelers as it can support a wide range of international 5G bands.

About D-Link

D-Link is a global leader in connecting people, businesses, and cities with our computer networking solutions and technology. Our innovative products and services meet the needs of digital home consumers, small to medium sized businesses, enterprise environments, and service providers. D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, IP surveillance, and cloud-based network management. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer for over 30 years, D-Link has grown from a group of friends in Taiwan into a global brand with over 2,000 employees in 60 countries.

Carry Begins Offline Data Collection Campaign with South Korea’s largest SMB loyalty point platform

SEOUL, South Korea, June 29, 2020 — On June 29th, South Korea’s Blockchain Project Carry Protocol announced that it started data collection from the offline market targeting roughly half of the South Korean population (23M users) with South Korea’s largest SMB loyalty platform, Dodo Point.

The data collection feature with rewards rolls out to all 23m Dodo Point users on June 29th. Whenever someone claims loyalty points at a Dodo store, he or she can rate the services provided by the store and be eligible for giveaways. The giveaway promotion campaign goes on for a full month until August 31st. AirPod Pros, Starbucks coffee coupons, and reward points will be given to those who participate. 

As of May 2020, Dodo has over 20,000 cumulative stores and 23M registered users. Dodo is used by roughly half the population in Korea. Using Dodo as a platform to launch data collection is one of the best ways for Carry’s wide adoption.

Carry Protocol is a blockchain project that compensates consumers for sharing offline data and receiving ads, aiming to return control of data privacy and monetization rights back to the consumers. The launch campaign is the first step for Carry’s wide adoption in offline stores and consumers. Carry is also expanding its presence globally this year by having partnerships with global projects such as Pundi X and BananaTok.

Commenting on the launch of the data collection feature, the team mentioned “We are very excited to approach millions of monthly Dodo Point users through the campaign. We believe the first step to widespread adoption is to strip away complexities associated with blockchain technology so that any average person can use Carry. By closely monitoring usage and engagement metrics during the launch event, we will learn about the product market fit and flexibly respond to additional features and benefits that might be needed in future.”

Carry Official Website: https://carryprotocol.io/

Carry Official Medium: https://medium.com/carryprotocol

Carry Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/carryprotocol

Media Contact: contact@carryprotocol.io 

Related Links :

https://carryprotocol.io

Palma Ceia SemiDesign Announces Sampling for PCS11ax28, New 802.11ax Transceiver

SANTA CLARA, California, June 29, 2020 —  Palma Ceia SemiDesign, a fabless semiconductor company specializing in semiconductor chips and IP for next-generation wireless connectivity, today announced the PCS11ax28, its new chip for the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard, is now available for customer sampling.

“We are very excited at the test outcomes for the PCS11ax28, our new 802.11ax transceiver – initial testing all came back with positive results,” said James Flowers, chief operating officer of Palma Ceia SemiDesign. “The advanced feature set of the PCS11ax28 is designed to support the ever-expanding universe of applications for the Internet of Things and our customers’ accelerating initiatives. Sample supply is initially limited due to greater than expected customer demand and we are working with our global partners to expand supply.”

The 802.11ax standard, also known as Wi-Fi 6, is the newest version of the 802.11 standard for wireless network transmissions commonly referred to as Wi-Fi. It offers greater maximum data rates than earlier standards, as well as higher network capacity to support greater numbers of IoT devices. Wi-Fi 6 is backward-compatible with the previous version of the Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ac.

Highlights of the new Wi-Fi 6 chip from Palma Ceia SemiDesign include:

  • Currently available in 1×1 MIMO configuration. Availability of 2X2 and 4X4 configurations is expected to begin Q3 2020
  • Supports Wi-Fi 6 channel bandwidths 20 MHz, 40MHz and 80MHz.
  • Supports all Wi-Fi 6 modulations up to 1024-QAM.
  • Analog I/O out can enable Bluetooth over 2.4 GHz channel.
  • Extremely low power consumption, with peak RX power consumption of only 195mW for the 1×1 configuration.
  • Based on high-performance 28-nm HPC technology

Requests for additional information and sample requests for the PCS11ax28 from Palma Ceia SemiDesign can be made via the Palma Ceia SemiDesign website or by email to wifi-for-iot@pcsemi.com.

About Palma Ceia SemiDesign

Palma Ceia SemiDesign (PCS) is a fabless semiconductor company and leading provider of communication chips and IP for next-generation Wi-Fi and cellular applications. With a focus on emerging Wi-Fi and LTE standards, PCS targets the design of ICs for broadband, wireless, medical and automotive applications. Palma Ceia SemiDesign solutions are differentiated by low-power, high-performance and ease of integration. With operational headquarters in Hong Kong, the company has design centers in Cambridge (United Kingdom), Hong Kong, and McKinney, Texas (United States). Additional sales and support activities are located in mainland China, Israel, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Visit Palma Ceia SemiDesign on the web at www.pcsemi.com.

Palma Ceia SemiDesign and the Palma Ceia SemiDesign logo are trademarks of Palma Ceia SemiDesign, a Cayman Islands corporation, and are protected by trademark laws of the United States and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Palma Ceia SemiDesign Media Contact
John Molyneux
press@pcsemi.com

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Related Links :

http://www.pcsemi.com