Tag Archives: WEB

NetEase Announces Pricing of Global Offering

HANGZHOU, China, June 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES) (“NetEase” or “the Company”) today announced the pricing of the Global Offering of 171,480,000 new ordinary shares (the “Offer Shares” or “Shares”) which comprises an International Offering and a Hong Kong Public Offering. The final offer price for both the International Offering and the Hong Kong Public Offering (the “Offer Price”) has been set at HK$123 per Share. Based on the ratio of 25 ordinary shares per Nasdaq-listed American depositary share (“ADS”), the Offer Price translates to approximately US$397 per ADS. The Company has set the abovementioned offer price by taking into consideration, among other factors, the closing price of the ADSs on June 4, 2020 (the latest trading day before pricing). Subject to approval from The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “SEHK”), the Shares are expected to begin trading on the Main Board of the SEHK on June 11, 2020 under the stock code “9999.” The Global Offering is expected to close on the same day, subject to customary closing conditions.

The gross proceeds to the Company from the Global Offering, before deducting underwriting fees and the offering expenses, are expected to be approximately HK$21,092 million. In addition, the Company has granted the international underwriters an over-allotment option, exercisable from June 5, 2020 until 30 days thereafter, to require the Company to issue up to an additional 25,722,000 new Shares at the Offer Price.

The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Offering for globalization strategies and opportunities, fueling continued pursuit of innovation, and general corporate purposes.

CICC, Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan (in alphabetical order) are the joint sponsors and joint global coordinators for the proposed Offering.

The International Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus included in an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 29, 2020, which automatically became effective upon filing. The registration statement on Form F-3 and the preliminary prospectus supplement dated June 1, 2010 are available at the SEC website at: http://www.sec.gov. The final prospectus supplement will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may also be obtained from China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited, Email: g_prospectus@cicc.com.cn, Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited, Email: newyork.prospectus@credit-suisse.com, or J.P. Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific) Limited, Email: prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com.  

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer or an invitation to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute a prospectus (including as defined under the laws of Hong Kong) and potential investors should read the prospectus of the Company for detailed information about the Company and the proposed offering, before deciding whether or not to invest in the Company. This press release has not been reviewed or approved by the SEHK or the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

The price of the Shares of the Company may be stabilized in accordance with the Securities and Futures (Price Stabilization) Rules. The details of the intended stabilization and how it will be regulated under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the laws of Hong Kong) have been contained in the prospectus of the Company dated June 2, 2020.

About NetEase, Inc.

As a leading internet technology company based in China, NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES) is dedicated to providing premium online services centered around innovative and diverse content, community, communication and commerce. NetEase develops and operates some of China’s most popular mobile and PC-client games. In more recent years, NetEase has expanded into international markets including Japan and North America. In addition to its self-developed game content, NetEase partners with other leading game developers, such as Blizzard Entertainment and Mojang AB (a Microsoft subsidiary), to operate globally renowned games in China. NetEase’s other innovative service offerings include the intelligent learning services of its majority-controlled subsidiary, Youdao (NYSE: DAO); music streaming through its leading NetEase Cloud Music business; and its private label e-commerce platform, Yanxuan. For more information, please visit: http://ir.netease.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets,” “guidance” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the offering and listing, the use of proceeds and the Company’s strategies and goals, are or contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. There can be no guarantee that the offering and listing will be completed as planned, or that the expected benefits from the offering and listing will be achieved. You should consider the risk factors included in the registration statement (including any documents incorporated by reference), prospectus and prospectus supplements that have been or will be filed with the SEC and the prospectus registered in Hong Kong. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable as of this date, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Contact for Investors:
Margaret Shi
NetEase, Inc.
ir@service.netease.com
Tel: (+86) 571-8985-3378

Brandi Piacente
Investor Relations
netease@thepiacentegroup.com
Tel: (+1) 212-481-2050

Contact for Media:
Li Ruohan
NetEase, Inc.
globalpr@service.netease.com
Tel: (+86) 571-8985-2668

Alby Wan
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Asia
Alby.Wan@hkstrategies.com
Tel: (+852) 2894-6267

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Source: NetEase, Inc.

Tuniu to Report First Quarter 2020 Financial Results on June 10, 2020

NANJING, China, June 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Tuniu Corporation (NASDAQ: TOUR) (“Tuniu” or the “Company”), a leading online leisure travel company in China, today announced that it plans to release its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, before the market opens on June 10, 2020.

Tuniu’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 am U.S. Eastern Time on June 10, 2020 (8:00 pm Beijing/Hong Kong Time on June 10, 2020).

Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

US

+1-888-346-8982

Hong Kong

+852-301-84992

Mainland China

4001-201203

International

+1-412-902-4272

Conference ID: Tuniu 1Q 2020 Earnings Call         

A telephone replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference call through June 17, 2020. The dial-in details are as follows:

US

+1-877-344-7529

International

+1-412-317-0088

Replay Access Code: 10144584

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

About Tuniu Corporation

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.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

China
Mary Chen
Investor Relations Director
Tuniu Corporation
+86-25-6960-9988
ir@tuniu.com

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Bitauto to Report First Quarter 2020 Unaudited Financial Results on June 12, 2020

BEIJING, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Bitauto Holdings Limited (“Bitauto” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BITA), a leading provider of internet content & marketing services, and transaction services for China’s automotive industry, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, before the U.S. market opens on Friday, June 12, 2020. Bitauto’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM on June 12, 2020 U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM on June 12, 2020 Beijing/Hong Kong Time).

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, operator assisted conference calls are not available at the moment. All participants wishing to attend the call must pre-register online before they can receive the dial-in numbers.

Conference Call Pre-registration:

Please register in advance of the conference using the link provided below and dial in 10 minutes prior to the call. Once pre-registration has been completed, participants will receive dial-in numbers, direct event passcode, and registrant ID.

To join the conference, simply dial the number you receive, enter the event passcode followed by your unique registrant ID, and you will join the conference instantly.

PRE-REGISTER LINK: http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/3685489

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until June 20, 2020:

US:

+1-855-452-5696 or +1-646-254-3697

International:

+61-2-8199-0299

Conference ID:

3685489

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

About Bitauto Holdings Limited

Bitauto Holdings Limited (NYSE: BITA) is a leading provider of internet content & marketing services, and transaction services for China’s automotive industry. Bitauto’s business consists of three segments: advertising and subscription business, transaction services business and digital marketing solutions business.

Bitauto’s advertising and subscription business provides a variety of advertising services to automakers through the bitauto.com website and corresponding mobile apps which provide consumers with up-to-date automobile pricing and promotional information, specifications, reviews and consumer feedback. Bitauto also provides transaction-focused online advertisements and services for promotional activities to its business partners, including automakers, automobile dealers, auto finance partners and insurance companies. Bitauto offers subscription services via its SaaS platform, which provides web-based and mobile-based integrated digital marketing solutions to new car automobile dealers in China. The SaaS platform enables automobile dealer subscribers to create their own online showrooms, list pricing and promotional information, provide automobile dealer contact information, place advertisements and manage customer relationships to help them reach a broad set of purchase-minded customers and effectively market their automobiles to consumers online.

Bitauto’s transaction services business is primarily conducted by its controlled subsidiary, Yixin Group Limited (SEHK: 2858), a leading online automobile finance transaction platform in China, which provides transaction platform services as well as self-operated financing services.

Bitauto’s digital marketing solutions business provides automakers with one-stop digital marketing solutions, including website creation and maintenance, online public relations, online marketing campaigns, advertising agent services, big data applications and digital image creation.

For more information, please visit ir.bitauto.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook of the Company and the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Bitauto’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Bitauto may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports 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. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Bitauto’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: our goals and strategies; our future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the automobile industry and the internet marketing industry in China; our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our services and service delivery model; our expectations regarding enhancing our brand recognition; our expectations regarding keeping and strengthening our relationships with major customers, partner websites and media vendors; relevant government policies and regulations relating to our businesses, automobile purchases and ownership in China; our ability to attract and retain quality employees; our ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances; competition in our industry in China and internationally; general economic and business conditions in China; and our ability to effectively protect our intellectual property rights and not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Bitauto’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Bitauto does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Bitauto undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

China

IR Department
Bitauto Holdings Limited
Phone: +86-10-6849-2145
ir@bitauto.com

Philip Lisio
Foote Group
Phone: +86-10-8429-9544
bitauto@thefootegroup.com

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The Art of Enabling the Disabled

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML) technologies have come a long way since its first inception. Who would have thought that we would have a working model of actual computer-based assistants that can do things like manage our schedules? Who would have thought that we could even use these assistants to manage our homes? These things can even be used to diagnose cancer patients, something impossible without doctors even five years ago.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is at the forefront of AI and ML technology. As one of the world’s largest technology innovators, they would naturally be at an advantage to feed enough data to the technology and accelerate their development. Because they are also one of the largest technology firms any man has ever seen, they are also at an advantage in placing AI and ML in places and applications we may never have imagined.

Linguistics is one segment that has benefitted greatly from technologies today. Linguistics, if you think about it is also one of the most complex things that us humans can create and understand. The context of it and interpretation can be affected by plenty of things too. Linguistics is affected by area, culture, community, heritage, and even lineage.

For example, there are differences between French spoken in France and Canada. There are even subtle differences between French spoken in France and Monaco, or even Switzerland. The most common language of all, English has differences even in spelling and context in Britain, the Americas, and even Australia. English spoken today is also a distinct form of the language that was spoken 50 years ago.

The Pollexy Project

The progression of technology in linguistics have progressed through years and years of feeding all these data into it. That has allowed us to communicate with global communities with more ease than peeling an orange. AWS has taken it a little further than that though. They have gone beyond spoken or written languages. Through something called AWS DeepLens, they have developed translation algorithms to sign languages.

While that technology might sound like it is as simple as gesture controls, it is plenty more than that. Yes, it is technically gesture control and recognition. But it is way larger and more complex than just a solution for end-point devices. The trick is to teach the native algorithm to recognise all the available sign words and even alphabets. The AWS DeepLens Community projects so far has learnt to recognise most of the alphabets in the American Sign Language.

But technology also goes beyond just recognising alphabets to understanding proper words with the algorithm in Amazon Alexa. It is not just about communicating with your friends anymore. It is about using the platform as a home assistant tool, a customer service tool, a command center, and user defined PC experience that mimics voice control and command for us. Instead of using voice though, its all in the gestures.

Making Amazon Alexa respond to Sign Language using AI

The tool they use is called Amazon Transcribe. It works just like any transcribe apps you can find in the market. It supports up to 31 languages currently with more being added by time. It even supports ASL as a component to create text from sign language.

Simple communication is just the beginning for the technology though. AI and ML still has a long way to go even in the medical field. Just like the human race, the technology gets better everyday though. If you really think about it, the technology is not that new in the first place. We have embarked on the journey of having machine built and defined assistants since we started developing computers to help us with simple and complex mathematical problems.

It is just that simple mathematical problem solver has become something much bigger today. Who would have thought that we would let computers fly a commercial airplane? Who would have thought that cars can drive themselves today? Who would have thought that we could hire a private translator without spending any money or any time? You just have to look into your pocket.

Chengdu’s Wenjiang District holds online seminar on 28 new measures to further improve business environment

BEIJING, May 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — On May 14, huanqiu.com, in collaboration with the Office of the Wenjiang District (Chengdu) Business Environment Steering Group held a seminar with a focus on discussing the adoption of 28 new policies designed to further enhance the environment for conducting business in the district.

Livestreaming of the Wenjiang seminar
Livestreaming of the Wenjiang seminar

During the event moderated by Strategic Cooperation Office at the School of Economics Peking University deputy director and Peking University China Brand Value Evaluation Research Platform secretary general Liu Xueming, several industry professionals shared their insights into the new measures in their opening speeches, including School of Economics Peking University vice dean Zhang Yaguang, Strategic Cooperation Office at the School of Economics Peking University director and School Of Economics Peking University (Southwest Campus) executive vice dean Yan Yu, Beijing Shenzhou Boya Medical Research Center director and NewMargin Capital senior partner Li Xiaoqiang, M.D., China Chengxin Credit Management Co., Ltd. vice president and China Business Integrity Research Institute president Zhang Yingjie, and huanqiu.com editor-in-chief Zhu Yan

Zhang Yaguang expressed the opinion that Wenjiang District is well positioned to set a new benchmark in China with an exemplary business environment. He said, “The overall approach to the effort focuses on further defining the relationship between the local government and the market, alongside designing a science-based, effective and efficient mechanism within the inclusivity framework.”

Zhang Yingjie added, “The district should move forward with ongoing innovation in policies and measures, improvement in the government service environment, reduction in the costs of doing business for companies located in the district, enhancement in the sharing of credit information and evaluation of the digitalized business environment with the goal of creating an international business-friendly environment.”    

Zhu Yan shared her experience when visiting Wenjiang. She said, “WuXi AppTec, among other leading Chinese companies taking the lead in establishing facilities in Wenjiang, recognizes the district’s unique advantages when it comes to building a quality-based health industry ecosystem that brings together the three branches of healthcare — the study of medicine, the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and the application of medical therapies, as well as the two branches that focus on longevity – health maintenance and elder care. Five years ago, the district made a forward-looking decision to invest in the innovative integration of the various branches, opening up unlimited possibilities for the future of the health industry overall.”

Yan Yu shared his insights into the Wenjiang District Business Environment White Paper, “In 2019, the district focused on responding to the needs of market players and consumers by testing 20 of the proposed measures, all of which were specifically designed to accelerate the transformation of the healthcare sector, providing the country and beyond with an effective solution for building a business-friendly environment.”

Li Xiaoqiang said, “The healthcare-first health industry ecosystem enhanced by a science-based approach is an essential component of an industry-specific business environment.”

During the online event, the Office of Wenjiang District Business Environment Steering Group executive deputy director and Wenjiang District Administrative Examination and Approval Department director Silang Wangxiu reviewed the 28 new measures, “The Office has optimized the 2.0 version of the Goals and Programs for Building a Business-friendly Environment in Wenjiang by benchmarking against Beijing and Shanghai, among other top-tier cities across China in terms of the endeavor. In addition, the district will pay special attention to improving some underperforming sectors by leveraging extensive partnerships in terms of developing actionable policies and measures backed by ongoing innovation.”  

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51job, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results

SHANGHAI, May 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — 51job, Inc. (Nasdaq: JOBS) (“51job” or the “Company”), a leading provider of integrated human resource services in China, announced today its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2020 ended March 31, 2020.

First Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights:

  • Net revenues decreased 13.2% over Q1 2019 to RMB791.1 million (US$111.7 million)
  • Online recruitment services revenues decreased 10.8%
  • Other human resource related revenues decreased 18.2%
  • Income from operations was RMB170.0 million (US$24.0 million)
  • Fully diluted earnings per share was RMB3.02 (US$0.43)
  • Excluding share-based compensation expense, gain from foreign currency translation and change in fair value of equity securities investment, as well as the related tax effect of these items, non-GAAP adjusted fully diluted earnings per share was RMB3.27 (US$0.46), which exceeded the Company’s expectations
  • Cash and short-term investments balance increased to RMB11,231.1 million (US$1,586.1 million) as of March 31, 2020

Commenting on the results, Rick Yan, President and Chief Executive Officer of 51job, said, “Despite a decline in revenues and profitability in the first quarter that reflected the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activity and recruitment market demand in China, I’m very proud of how quickly our 51job team has rallied together to adapt to these unprecedented circumstances.  Tapping into our large HR services ecosystem of innovative solutions and strategic partners, we are assisting and supporting employers, workers and job seekers in every possible way, including contactless services such as online job fairs, AI assessment and video interviewing.  Although companies have resumed operations and employees have returned to work, the current market sentiment is still cautious and uncertain due to the ongoing pandemic and its unpredictable consequences on China and globally.  But we have confidence in our proven business model, and with our ample financial resources, we remain committed to leading with high quality services, improving the user experience and driving operational excellence, all of which will position and strengthen 51job to capture more opportunities in the future.”

First Quarter 2020 Unaudited Financial Results

Net revenues for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 were RMB791.1 million (US$111.7 million), a decrease of 13.2% from RMB911.9 million for the same quarter in 2019.

Online recruitment services revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were RMB547.0 million (US$77.3 million), representing a 10.8% decrease from RMB613.4 million for the same quarter of the prior year.  The decline was due to the disruptive social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on companies in China, including temporary office and facility closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, which hindered business operations, reduced recruitment demand and curtailed employer spending on the Company’s online recruitment platforms in the first quarter of 2020.

Other human resource related revenues for the first quarter of 2020 decreased 18.2% to RMB244.1 million (US$34.5 million) from RMB298.5 million for the same quarter in 2019.  The decrease was primarily due to fewer in-person training seminars and recruitment events conducted in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions instituted on public gatherings.

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2020 was RMB536.8 million (US$75.8 million) compared with RMB662.5 million for the same quarter of the prior year.  Gross margin, which is gross profit as a percentage of net revenues, was 67.9% in the first quarter of 2020 compared with 72.7% for the same quarter in 2019.  The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to a lower level of revenues in the first quarter of 2020 while cost of services increased 2.0% from the year-ago quarter, mainly as a result of greater employee compensation expenses which were largely offset by less direct costs related to training and recruitment events.

Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020 decreased 3.2% to RMB366.8 million (US$51.8 million) from RMB379.0 million for the same quarter in 2019.  Sales and marketing expenses for the first quarter of 2020 decreased 4.3% to RMB276.2 million (US$39.0 million) from RMB288.7 million for the same quarter of the prior year primarily due to a decrease in performance-based bonuses and selling expenses, which was partially offset by greater spending on advertising and promotion activities.  General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2020 were RMB90.6 million (US$12.8 million), slightly higher than RMB90.2 million for the same quarter of the prior year.

Income from operations for the first quarter of 2020 was RMB170.0 million (US$24.0 million) compared with RMB283.5 million for the first quarter of 2019.  Operating margin, which is income from operations as a percentage of net revenues, was 21.5% in the first quarter of 2020 compared with 31.1% for the same quarter in 2019.  Excluding share-based compensation expense, operating margin would have been 26.2% in the first quarter of 2020 compared with 34.3% for the same quarter in 2019.

The Company recognized a gain from foreign currency translation of RMB10.2 million (US$1.4 million) in the first quarter of 2020 compared with RMB13.8 million in the first quarter of 2019 primarily due to the impact of the change in exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar on the Company’s U.S. dollar cash deposits.

In the first quarter of 2020, the Company recognized a mark-to-market, non-cash gain of RMB9.9 million (US$1.4 million) associated with a change in fair value of equity securities investment in Huali University Group Limited, which is traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Other income in the first quarter of 2020 included local government financial subsidies of RMB4.5 million (US$0.6 million) compared with RMB62.5 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Net income attributable to 51job for the first quarter of 2020 was RMB205.2 million (US$29.0 million) compared with net loss of RMB(84.8) million for the same quarter in 2019.  Fully diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2020 was RMB3.02 (US$0.43) compared with loss per share of RMB(1.38) for the same quarter in 2019.

In the first quarter of 2020, total share-based compensation expense was RMB37.1 million (US$5.2 million) compared with RMB29.3 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Excluding share-based compensation expense, gain from foreign currency translation, and changes in fair value of equity securities investment and convertible senior notes, as well as the related tax effect of these items, non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to 51job for the first quarter of 2020 was RMB222.3 million (US$31.4 million) compared with RMB349.5 million for the first quarter of 2019.  Non-GAAP adjusted fully diluted earnings per share was RMB3.27 (US$0.46) in the first quarter of 2020 compared with RMB5.33 in the first quarter of 2019.

As of March 31, 2020, cash and short-term investments totaled RMB11,231.1 million (US$1,586.1 million) compared with RMB9,940.6 million as of December 31, 2019.

Business Outlook

Based on current market and operating conditions, the Company’s net revenues target for the second quarter of 2020 is in the estimated range of RMB775 million to RMB825 million (US$109.5 million to US$116.5 million). Excluding share-based compensation expense, any gain or loss from foreign currency translation and any change in fair value of equity securities investment, as well as the related tax effect of these items, the Company’s non-GAAP fully diluted earnings target for the second quarter of 2020 is in the estimated range of RMB4.35 to RMB4.85 (US$0.61 to US$0.68) per share, which factors in the receipt of local government financial subsidies of approximately RMB120 million (US$17.4 million) in the second quarter of 2020. The Company expects total share-based compensation expense in the second quarter of 2020 to be in the estimated range of RMB37 million to RMB39 million (US$5.2 million to US$5.5 million). The above forecast reflects 51job’s current and preliminary view, which is subject to change and substantial uncertainty.

Guidance for earnings per share is provided on a non-GAAP basis due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting the future impact of certain items, such as gain/loss from foreign currency translation and change in fair value of equity securities investment. The Company is not able to provide a reconciliation of these non-GAAP items to expected reported GAAP earnings per share, without unreasonable efforts, due to the unknown effect and potential significance of such future impact.

Currency Convenience Translation

For the convenience of readers, certain Renminbi amounts have been translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the rate of RMB7.0808 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate on March 31, 2020 in New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as set forth in the H.10 weekly statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

Conference Call Information

The Company’s management will hold a conference call at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 7, 2020 (9:00 a.m. Beijing / Hong Kong time zone on May 8, 2020) to discuss its first quarter 2020 financial results, operating performance and business outlook.  To dial in to the call, please use the following telephone numbers:

US: +1-888-346-8982
International: +1-412-902-4272
Hong Kong: +852-3018-4992
Conference ID: 51job

The call will also be available live and on replay through 51job’s investor relations website, http://ir.51job.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), 51job uses non-GAAP financial measures of income before income tax expense, income tax expense, adjusted net income, adjusted net income attributable to 51job and adjusted earnings per share, which are adjusted from results based on GAAP to exclude share-based compensation expense, gain from foreign currency translation, and changes in fair value of equity securities investment and convertible senior notes, as well as the related tax effect of these items.  The Company believes excluding share-based compensation expense and its related tax effect from its non-GAAP financial measures is useful for its management and investors to assess and analyze the Company’s core operating results as such expense is not directly attributable to the underlying performance of the Company’s business operations and do not impact its cash earnings.  The Company believes excluding gain from foreign currency translation, and changes in fair value of equity securities investment and convertible senior notes, as well as the related tax effect, from its non-GAAP financial measures is useful for its management and investors as such translation, mark-to-market gain or loss is not indicative of the Company’s core business operations and will not result in cash settlement nor impact the Company’s cash earnings.  51job also believes these non-GAAP financial measures excluding share-based compensation expense, gain from foreign currency translation, and changes in fair value of equity securities investment and convertible senior notes, as well as the related tax effect of these items, are important in helping investors to understand the Company’s current financial performance and future prospects and to compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis.  The presentation of these additional measures should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies.  The non-GAAP measures have been reconciled to GAAP measures in the attached financial statements.

About 51job

Founded in 1998, 51job is a leading provider of integrated human resource services in China.  With a comprehensive suite of HR solutions, 51job meets the needs of enterprises and job seekers through the entire talent management cycle, from initial recruitment to employee retention and career development.  The Company’s main online recruitment platforms (http://www.51job.com, http://www.yingjiesheng.com, http://www.51jingying.com, http://www.lagou.com, and http://www.51mdd.com), as well as mobile applications, connect millions of people with employment opportunities every day.  51job also provides a number of other value-added HR services, including business process outsourcing, training, professional assessment, campus recruitment, executive search and compensation analysis.  51job has a call center in Wuhan and a nationwide network of sales and service locations spanning more than 30 cities across China.

Contact

Linda Chien
Investor Relations, 51job, Inc.
Tel: +86-21-6879-6250
Email: ir@51job.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets, “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 51job’s beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as 51job’s strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements.  51job may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports 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.  All forward-looking statements are based upon management’s expectations at the time of the statements and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: execution of 51job’s strategies and business plans; growth and trends of the human resource services industry in China; market acceptance of 51job’s products and services; competition in the industry; 51job’s ability to control costs and expenses; 51job’s ability to retain key personnel and attract new talent; relevant government policies and regulations relating to 51job’s industry, corporate structure and business operations; seasonality in the business; fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies; risks related to acquisitions or investments 51job has made or will make in the future; accounting adjustments that may occur during the quarterly or annual close or auditing process; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and globally, including the impact of the coronavirus or other pandemic.  Further information regarding these and other risks are included in 51job’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release and based on assumptions that 51job believes to be reasonable as of this date, and 51job undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

51job, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2019

March 31, 2020

March 31, 2020

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$ (Note 1)

Revenues:

   Online recruitment services

613,376

547,017

77,254

   Other human resource related revenues

298,485

244,094

34,473

Net revenues

911,861

791,111

111,727

Cost of services (Note 2)

(249,364)

(254,303)

(35,914)

Gross profit

662,497

536,808

75,813

Operating expenses:

   Sales and marketing (Note 3)

(288,728)

(276,192)

(39,006)

   General and administrative (Note 4)

(90,243)

(90,642)

(12,801)

Total operating expenses

(378,971)

(366,834)

(51,807)

Income from operations

283,526

169,974

24,006

Gain from foreign currency translation

13,780

10,171

1,436

Interest and investment income, net

32,556

44,315

6,258

Change in fair value of equity securities investment

9,891

1,397

Change in fair value of convertible senior notes

(418,786)

Other income, net

62,328

4,335

612

Income (Loss) before income tax expense

(26,596)

238,686

33,709

Income tax expense

(60,056)

(36,771)

(5,193)

Net income (loss)

(86,652)

201,915

28,516

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

1,836

3,331

470

Net income (loss) attributable to 51job, Inc.

(84,816)

205,246

28,986

Net income (loss)

(86,652)

201,915

28,516

Other comprehensive income (loss)

(318)

308

43

Total comprehensive income (loss)

(86,970)

202,223

28,559

Earnings (Loss) per share:

   Basic

(1.38)

3.07

0.43

   Diluted (Note 5)

(1.38)

3.02

0.43

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

   Basic

61,645,331

66,802,054

66,802,054

   Diluted

61,645,331

68,005,680

68,005,680

Notes:

(1) The conversion of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollar amounts is based on the noon buying rate of RMB7.0808

to US$1.00 on March 31, 2020 in New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as set forth in the H.10 weekly statistical

release of the Federal Reserve Board.

(2) Includes share-based compensation expense of RMB4,661 and RMB5,917 (US$836) for the three months ended 

March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

(3) Includes share-based compensation expense of RMB4,007 and RMB5,087 (US$718) for the three months ended

March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

(4) Includes share-based compensation expense of RMB20,618 and RMB26,120 (US$3,689) for the three months ended

March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

(5) Diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was calculated in accordance with the

“if converted” method. The potential conversion of the convertible senior notes was excluded in the computation of diluted

loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 because the effect would be anti-dilutive. The impact of share

options was also excluded in the computation of diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019

because the effect would be anti-dilutive. On April 15, 2019, the convertible senior notes matured, and the note holders

requested the conversion of the senior notes into 4,035,664 shares.

51job, Inc.

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2019

March 31, 2020

March 31, 2020

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$ (Note 1)

GAAP income (loss) before income tax expense

(26,596)

238,686

33,709

Add: Share-based compensation

29,286

37,124

5,243

Less: Gain from foreign currency translation

(13,780)

(10,171)

(1,436)

Less: Change in fair value of equity securities investment

(9,891)

(1,397)

Add: Change in fair value of convertible senior notes

418,786

Non-GAAP income before income tax expense

407,696

255,748

36,119

GAAP income tax expense

(60,056)

(36,771)

(5,193)

Tax effect of non-GAAP line items

8

(31)

(4)

Non-GAAP income tax expense

(60,048)

(36,802)

(5,197)

Non-GAAP adjusted net income

347,648

218,946

30,922

Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to 51job, Inc.

349,484

222,277

31,392

Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share:

   Basic

5.67

3.33

0.47

   Diluted (Note 2)

5.33

3.27

0.46

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

   Basic

61,645,331

66,802,054

66,802,054

   Diluted

67,336,334

68,005,680

68,005,680

Notes:

(1) The conversion of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollar amounts is based on the noon buying rate of RMB7.0808

to US$1.00 on March 31, 2020 in New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as set forth in the H.10 weekly statistical

release of the Federal Reserve Board.

(2) Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was calculated in accordance with the “if

converted” method. This included the add-back of interest expense of RMB9,403 related to the convertible senior notes

to the numerator of non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to 51job for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

The maximum number of 4,035,672 potentially converted shares related to the convertible senior notes was added to the

denominator of diluted common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2019. On April 15, 2019, the convertible

senior notes matured, and the note holders requested the conversion of the senior notes into 4,035,664 shares.

51job, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of

December 31,
2019

March 31,
2020

March 31,
2020

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$ (Note 1)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash

2,294,904

2,899,211

409,447

Restricted cash

66,169

3,085

436

Short-term investments

7,645,686

8,331,892

1,176,688

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of RMB21,952 and

  RMB19,344 as of December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020,

  respectively)

266,437

211,017

29,801

Prepayments and other current assets

669,208

184,437

26,047

Total current assets

10,942,404

11,629,642

1,642,419

Non-current assets:

Long-term investments

1,482,544

1,495,713

211,235

Property and equipment, net

271,932

268,239

37,883

Goodwill

1,036,124

1,036,124

146,329

Intangible assets, net

203,162

192,612

27,202

Right-of-use assets

320,809

313,250

44,239

Other long-term assets

10,420

12,537

1,770

Deferred tax assets

22,147

24,527

3,464

Total non-current assets

3,347,138

3,343,002

472,122

Total assets

14,289,542

14,972,644

2,114,541

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

48,114

75,234

10,625

Salary and employee related accrual

162,775

111,389

15,731

Taxes payable

267,596

131,891

18,627

Advance from customers

1,108,518

979,627

138,350

Lease liabilities, current

34,817

35,591

5,026

Other payables and accruals

1,211,642

1,924,001

271,721

Total current liabilities

2,833,462

3,257,733

460,080

Non-current liabilities:

Lease liabilities, non-current

50,763

45,775

6,465

Deferred tax liabilities

214,307

209,679

29,612

Total non-current liabilities

265,070

255,454

36,077

Total liabilities

3,098,532

3,513,187

496,157

Mezzanine equity:

Redeemable non-controlling interests

216,974

213,298

30,123

Shareholders’ equity:

Common shares (US$0.0001 par value: 500,000,000 shares

  authorized, 66,784,688 and 66,902,685 shares issued and

  outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020,

  respectively)

53

54

8

Additional paid-in capital

4,901,466

4,967,497

701,545

Statutory reserves

17,930

17,930

2,532

Accumulated other comprehensive income

254,524

254,832

35,989

Retained earnings

5,774,358

5,979,604

844,481

Total 51job, Inc. shareholders’ equity

10,948,331

11,219,917

1,584,555

Non-controlling interests

25,705

26,242

3,706

Total equity

10,974,036

11,246,159

1,588,261

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and equity

14,289,542

14,972,644

2,114,541

Note (1): The conversion of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollar amounts is based on the noon buying rate of RMB7.0808 to US$1.00

on March 31, 2020 in New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as set forth in the H.10 weekly statistical release of the Federal

Reserve Board.

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Source: 51job, Inc.

58.com’s Zhuan Zhuan Used-Goods Trading Platform to Acquire Operator of Zhaoliangji App

BEIJING, May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — 58.com Inc. (NYSE: WUBA) (“58.com” or the “Company”), China’s largest online classifieds marketplace, today announced that Zhuan Zhuan, an online used goods trading platform and a consolidated subsidiary of 58.com, has entered into definitive agreements to acquire 100% equity interest in Shenzhen Wanshifu Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Wanshifu Technology”) with a combination of cash in the amount of RMB360 million and newly issued Zhuan Spirit Holdings Limited shares, Zhuan Zhuan’s ultimate holding company. Shenzhen Wanshifu Technology operates the Zhaoliangji app (which translates into ‘find nice phone’), an online platform for used mobile phones and accessories in China. The transactions contemplated under the definitive agreements are subject to customary closing conditions, and are currently expected to close in the coming months. If the transaction were to close pursuant to the terms in the definitive agreements, the Company’s equity interest in Zhuan Spirit Holdings Limited would be diluted from 54.6% to less than 50% on fully diluted basis. 58.com is assessing the accounting impact of the proposed transactions, if closed.

Mr. Michael Jinbo Yao, Chairman and CEO of 58.com, commented, “We believe that the combined horizontal and vertical model provides unparalleled strengths for classifieds marketplaces. We intend to replicate the proven success we had with the combination of 58.com, a horizontal classifieds and Anjuke, an online housing vertical acquired in 2015. We believe Zhuan Zhuan, a horizontal used goods platform, and Zhaoliangji, a used cell phone vertical, will create another powerful combination.”

Mr. Wei Huang, the CEO of Zhuan Zhuan, commented, “We’d like to warmly welcome Zhaoliangji’s highly experienced and talented team to Zhuan Zhuan. Used cellphones are the third largest category in the second-hand market in China after secondary homes and pre-owned cars. Used cellphones in particular have a very low online penetration rate which creates enormous opportunities for growth. For Zhuan Zhuan, used cellphones have always been the most important category. Zhaoliangji, which launched around the same time Zhuan Zhuan did, has been very successful over the years. The combination will not only solidify our leading position in online used cellphone B2C and C2C models and also better position us to build a larger and more efficient ecosystem that covers more models such as C2B and B2B for used cellphones. Zhaoliangji’s team as well as its offline inspection centers will integrate with Zhuan Zhuan’s used cellphone team. We look forward to building our ecosystem to scale and creating future success together.”

About 58.com Inc.

58.com Inc. (NYSE: WUBA) operates China’s largest online classifieds marketplace, as measured by monthly unique visitors on both its www.58.com website and mobile applications. The Company’s online marketplace enables local business users and consumer users to connect, share information and conduct business. 58.com’s broad, in-depth and high-quality local information, combined with its easy-to-use website and mobile applications, has made it a trusted marketplace for consumers. 58.com’s strong brand recognition, large and growing user base, merchant network and massive database of local information create a powerful network effect. For more information on 58.com, please visit http://www.58.com.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. 58.com 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 58.com’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: 58.com’s goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; its ability to retain and grow its user base and network of local merchants for its online marketplace; the growth of, and trends in, the markets for its services in China; the outbreak of COVID-19 or other health epidemics in China or globally; the demand for and market acceptance of its brand and services; competition in its industry in China; its ability to maintain the network infrastructure necessary to operate its website and mobile applications; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry; and its ability to protect its users’ information and adequately address privacy concerns. 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 58.com does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

58.com Inc.
ir@58.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

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Baidu to Report First Quarter 2020 Financial Results on May 18, 2020

BEIJING, May 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Baidu, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIDU), a leading search engine, knowledge and information centered Internet platform and AI company, today announced that it will report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, after the U.S. market closes on May 18, 2020. Baidu’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 9:15 PM on May 18, 2020, U.S. Eastern Time (9:15 AM on May 19, 2020, Beijing Time).

Please register in advance of the conference call using the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with participant dial-in numbers, Direct Event passcode and unique registrant ID by email.

For pre-registration, please click http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/7490173. It will automatically direct you to the registration page of “Baidu Q1 2020 Earnings Conference Call”, where you may fill in your details for RSVP. If it requires you to enter a participant conference ID, please enter “7490173”.

In the 10 minutes prior to the call start time, you may use the conference access information (including dial-in number(s), Direct Event passcode and unique registrant ID) provided in the confirmation email that you have received following your pre-registration.

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

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until May 26, 2020:

International:

+61 2 8199 0299

Passcode:

7490173

About Baidu

Baidu, Inc. is a leading search engine, knowledge and information centered Internet platform and AI company. Baidu aims to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu’s ADSs trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BIDU”. Currently, ten ADSs represent one Class A ordinary share.

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Investors Relations, Baidu, Inc.
Tel: +86-10-5992-8888
Email: ir@baidu.com

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Source: Baidu, Inc.

Secoo announced an exclusive online strategic partnership with China Fashion Week

BEIJING, May 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Secoo Holding Limited (NASDAQ: SECO), the exclusive strategic online partner of China Fashion Week, will launch the 2020 AW “cloud” fashion week today. Secoo will exclusively present over 100 live stream sessions of fashion shows, presentations, and “see now, buy now ” online sessions from 1st May to 7th May. 

This season under the current global pandemic situation, Secoo and China Fashion Week jointly announced the theme of 2020AW fashion week as “Rebuild. Innovate. 2020 “. The new fashion week format will bring designers closer to the consumers and build an integrated model that promotes creativity and commerce.    

Secoo consumers will have exclusive access to over 170 designer brands presentations from China and over 60 international designer brands from 15 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. Secoo will live stream AW2020 fashion shows and presentations across China and internationally online. Over 70 brands will also hold live stream “See now, buy now” selling sessions exclusively to reach Secoo’s targeted high-end consumers.  

Besides, leveraging both parties’ industry influence and extensive network, Secoo and China Fashion Week will jointly host four sessions of ‘China Fashion Forum’ focusing on “Rebuilding and Innovating” topics in Technology, Sustainability, Business Model, Brands & Consumers engagement.

With this innovative partnership, both Secoo and China Fashion Week look toward a long term successful new partnership model to support designers and grow the China fashion industry together.

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