BEIJING, June 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuantaSing Group Limited (NASDAQ: QSG) (“QuantaSing” or the “Company”), a leading online learning service provider in China, today announced changes in the composition of its board of directors (the “Board”) and management.
The Company received a letter of resignation dated June 5, 2024 from Mr. Jinshan Li, notifying the Company of his resignation as a director effective upon June 5, 2024 and the chief technology officer effective upon June 30, 2024, for personal reasons not resulting from any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practice.
Mr. Jinshan Li has been a valued member of the executive team and has contributed significantly to the Company’s achievements during his tenure. The decision to resign comes after Mr. Jinshan Li had decided to pursue new opportunities that align with his professional aspirations. The Company respects his decision and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.
Following the foregoing changes, Mr. Peng Li, Mr. Dong Xie and Ms. Xihao Liu will continue to serve as the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and senior vice president of the Company, respectively. The Board will consist of four directors, including Mr. Peng Li, Mr. Frank Lin, Mr. Dong Xie and Ms. Xihao Liu, and three independent directors, namely Mr. Hongqiang Zhao, Ms. Pei Hua (Helen) Wong and Mr. Chenyang Wei.
Safe Harbor Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding QuantaSing’s financial outlook, beliefs and expectations. 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. Among other things, the Financial Outlook in this announcement contains forward-looking 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. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to attract and retain new users and learners and to increase the spending and revenues generated from users and learners; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its services and products; trends and competition in China’s adult learning market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; the expected growth of China’s adult learning market; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the Company’s business and industry, general economic and political conditions in China and globally, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the final prospectus related to the IPO filed with the SEC dated January 24, 2023. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
About QuantaSing Group Limited
QuantaSing is a leading online service provider in China dedicated to improving people’s quality of life and well-being by providing lifelong personal learning and development opportunities. The Company is the largest service provider in China’s online adult learning market and China’s adult personal interest learning market in terms of revenue, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan based on data from 2022. By leveraging its proprietary tools and technology, QuantaSing offers easy-to-understand, affordable, and accessible online courses to adult learners, empowering users to pursue personal development. Leveraging its extensive experience in individual online learning services and its robust technology infrastructure, the Company has expanded its services to corporate clients, and diversified its operations into its e-commerce business and its AI and technology business.
BEIJING, June 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuantaSing Group Limited (NASDAQ: QSG) (“QuantaSing” or the “Company”), a leading online learning service provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 (the “third quarter of FY 2024”, which refers to the quarter from January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024).
Highlights for the Third Quarter of FY 2024
Revenues for the third quarter of FY 2024 were RMB945.6 million (US$131.0 million), representing a change of 3.6% from the second quarter of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 (the “second quarter of FY 2024”) and an increase of 17.1% from the third quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 (the “third quarter of FY 2023”).
Gross billings of individual online learning services1 for the third quarter of FY 2024 were RMB981.5million (US$135.9 million), representing an increase of 3.9% from the second quarter of FY 2024 and an increase of 22.1% from the third quarter of FY 2023.
Net income for the third quarter of FY 2024 was RMB14.6 million (US$2.0 million), compared with RMB107.6 million in the second quarter of FY 2024, and a net loss of RMB22.7 million in the third quarter of FY 2023.
Adjusted net income2 for the third quarter of FY 2024 was RMB31.9 million (US$4.4 million), compared with RMB103.9 million in the second quarter of FY 2024, and RMB21.7 million in the third quarter of FY 2023.
Total registered users increased by 40.3% to approximately 121.0 million as of March 31, 2024, from 86.3 million as of March 31, 2023.
Paying learners increased by 48.4% year over year to approximately 0.5 million in the third quarter of FY 2024.
Mr. Peng Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of QuantaSing, commented, “We are pleased to see the positive reception that our expanded course offerings have received from our middle-aged and elderly users. By focusing on their unique interests and needs, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and recreational exercises like Ba Duan Jin, we are enriching their lives and fostering a vibrant community of lifelong learners. Our recent initiatives, including the educational tour program and the launch of mini-lectures, have received enthusiastic feedback, highlighting robust demand for active aging and continuous learning. During May 2024, our overseas development initiatives made solid progress, as Kelly’s Education opened its first offline school in Hong Kong. Importantly, this quarter’s growth in gross billings and user engagement has further solidified our business fundamentals. As we continue to develop and market consumer products tailored to our middle-aged and elderly users, we are excited about the opportunities ahead to enhance their well-being and extend our reach in the silver economy.”
Mr. Dong Xie, Chief Financial Officer of QuantaSing, added, “During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, we achieved total revenues of RMB945.6 million, a 17.1% year-over-year increase driven by robust demand for our skills upgrading courses. We strategically allocated cash flow into new initiatives using our “test-and-scale” approach while closely monitoring our learning business to preserve profitability. Moving forward, our commitment to sustainable and profitable growth will continue to guide our strategic trajectory.”
Financial Results for the Third Quarter of FY 2024
Revenues
Revenues increased by 17.1% year over year to RMB945.6 million (US$131.0 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, primarily driven by the growth in revenues from skills upgrading courses, which primarily consist of courses aiming to improve the soft skills of individuals3.
Revenues from individual online learning services increased by 14.3% year over year to RMB828.1 million (US$114.7 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, up from RMB724.7 million in the third quarter of FY 2023. This growth was primarily due to 1) revenues from skills upgrading courses3 increased to RMB464.4 million (US$64.3 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024 from RMB205.9 million in the third quarter of FY 2023, and 2) revenues from recreation and leisure courses3 increased to RMB95.3 million (US$13.2 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024 from RMB32.1 million in the third quarter of FY 2023, partially offset by the decline of RMB218.2 million (US$30.2 million) in revenues from financial literacy courses.
Revenues from enterprise services were RMB65.1 million (US$9.0 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared to RMB81.1 million in the third quarter of FY 2023, representing a year-over-year change of 19.8%, primarily due to a change in revenue streams from transactions involving related party and external entities, partially offset by an increase in revenue due to higher demand from existing and new customers for marketing services.
Revenues from others increased to RMB52.4 million (US$7.3 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024 from RMB1.4 million in the third quarter of FY 2023, mainly driven by the increase in revenues from the Company’s newest business endeavor, live e-commerce, which is aligned with its commitment to diversified revenue streams.
Cost of revenues
Cost of revenues was RMB145.8 million (US$20.2 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared to RMB101.1 million in the third quarter of FY 2023, representing a change of 44.3%. The change was primarily due to increased labor outsourcing costs of RMB23.3 million (US$3.2 million) and higher procurement costs of RMB27.1 million (US$3.7 million), and was partially offset by a RMB15.7 million (US$2.2 million) decrease in staff costs.
Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses were RMB729.6 million (US$101.1 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared to RMB631.4 million in the third quarter of FY 2023, representing a change of 15.6%. The change was mainly due to increases in labor outsourcing costs of RMB84.9 million (US$11.8 million) and marketing and promotion expenses of RMB89.4 million (US$12.4 million), partially offset by a decrease in staff costs of RMB73.7 million (US$10.2 million), which includes a decrease in share-based compensation expenses of RMB9.5 million (US$1.3 million).
Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses were RMB38.8 million (US$5.4 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared to RMB49.6 million in the third quarter of FY 2023, representing a decrease of 21.7%. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in staff costs of RMB11.5 million (US$1.6 million), which includes a decrease in share-based compensation expenses of RMB5.2 million (US$0.7 million).
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses were RMB36.4 million (US$5.0 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared to RMB48.3 million in the third quarter of FY 2023, representing a decrease of 24.7%. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in share-based compensation expenses and office expenses.
Net income and adjusted net income
Net income was RMB14.6 million (US$2.0 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared with a net loss of RMB22.7 million in the third quarter of FY 2023. Adjusted net income was RMB31.9 million (US$4.4 million) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared with RMB21.7 million in the third quarter of FY 2023.
Earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share4
Basic and diluted net income per share were RMB0.09 (US$0.01) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared with basic and diluted net loss per share of RMB0.19 in the third quarter of FY 2023. Basic and diluted adjusted net income per share were RMB0.19 (US$0.03) in the third quarter of FY 2024, compared with basic and diluted adjusted net income per share of RMB0.11 in the third quarter of FY 2023.
Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of RMB1,149.9 million (US$159.3 million), compared with RMB930.6 million as of June 30, 2023.
Financial Outlook
Based on currently available information, for the fourth quarter of FY 2024 (which refers to the quarter from April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024), the Company expects its revenues to be in the range of RMB900.0 million to RMB930.0 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 8.7% to 12.3%. The forecasts reflect the Company’s current and preliminary views on the market and its operating conditions, which are subject to change.
Recent Developments
On June 9, 2023, the Company announced that its board of directors had approved a share repurchase program of up to US$20.0 million of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares in the form of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) for a 12-month period beginning on June 9, 2023 (the “Share Repurchase Program”). As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cumulatively repurchased an aggregate of approximately 2.6 million ADSs for approximately US$11.5 million under the Share Repurchase Program.
On March 20, 2024, as part of its initiative to expand the e-commerce business and the AI and technology business, the Company, through one of its wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries, entered into a partnership agreement to form a PRC limited partnership enterprise for future equity investment (the “Partnership”), in which the Company served as a limited partner and committed to subscribing for 43.29% of the interests in the Partnership for an aggregate capital contribution of RMB100.0 million. Up to the date of this press release, the Company has fulfilled its initial capital contribution of RMB3.0 million.
Conference Call Information
The Company’s management team will hold a conference call at 7:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, June 6, 2024 (7:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:
International:
1-412-902-4272
United States Toll Free:
1-888-346-8982
Mainland China Toll Free:
4001-201203
Hong Kong Toll Free:
800-905945
Conference ID:
QuantaSing Group Limited
The replay will be accessible through June 13, 2024 by dialing the following numbers:
International:
1-412-317-0088
United States Toll Free:
1-877-344-7529
Access Code:
7529094
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.quantasing.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company uses gross billings of individual online learning services, adjusted net income/(loss) and basic and diluted adjusted net income/(loss) per ordinary share as its non-GAAP financial measures. Gross billings of individual online learning services for a specific period represents revenues of the Company’s individual online learning services net of the changes in deferred revenues in such period, further adjusted by value-added tax in such period. Adjusted net income/(loss) represents net (loss)/income excluding share-based compensation expense. Basic and diluted adjusted net income/(loss) per ordinary share represents adjusted net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of QuantaSing Group Limited divided by weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the periods used in computing adjusted net income/(loss) per ordinary share, basic and diluted. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about the Company’s results of operations, enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company’s management in its financial and operational decision-making.
The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing the Company’s operating performance, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for revenue, net (loss)/income, net (loss)/income per ordinary share, basic and diluted or other consolidated statements of operations data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company’s definition of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from those of industry peers and may not be comparable with their non-GAAP financial measures.
The Company mitigates these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “QuantaSing Group Limited Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” near the end of this release.
Exchange Rate Information
This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi (“RMB”) amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at the rate of RMB7.2203 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on March 29, 2024, set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the Renminbi or U.S. dollars amounts referred to could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.
Safe Harbor Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding QuantaSing’s financial outlook, beliefs and expectations. 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. Among other things, the Financial Outlook in this announcement contains forward-looking 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. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to attract and retain new users and learners and to increase the spending and revenues generated from users and learners; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its services and products; trends and competition in China’s adult learning market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; the expected growth of China’s adult learning market; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the Company’s business and industry, general economic and political conditions in China and globally, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the final prospectus related to the IPO filed with the SEC dated January 24, 2023. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
About QuantaSing Group Limited
QuantaSing is a leading online service provider in China dedicated to improving people’s quality of life and well-being by providing lifelong personal learning and development opportunities. The Company is the largest service provider in China’s online adult learning market and China’s adult personal interest learning market in terms of revenue, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan based on data from 2022. By leveraging its proprietary tools and technology, QuantaSing offers easy-to-understand, affordable, and accessible online courses to adult learners, empowering users to pursue personal development. Leveraging its extensive experience in individual online learning services and its robust technology infrastructure, the Company has expanded its services to corporate clients, and diversified its operations into its e-commerce business and its AI and technology business.
TNX-1500 displays potential as a monotherapy or combination therapy to prevent rejection in organ transplantation in allograft and xenograft animal models
Research Directed by Faculty of the Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital
Transplantation is also believed to be a model for treating autoimmunity
CHATHAM, N.J., June 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, announces two oral presentations and a poster presentation at the American Transplant Congress 2024, held June 1-5, 2024 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa. A copy of the oral and poster presentation is available under the Scientific Presentations tab of the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com.
“We remain encouraged by the potential of our TNX-1500, Fc-modified humanized anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody therapy for the prevention of rejection in solid organ transplantation,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “Despite advancements in the field of solid organ transplantation, there remains a significant need for new treatments with improved activity and tolerability. Several lines of research indicate that anti-CD40L therapy may improve outcomes for allograft acceptance, and that anti-CD40L therapy may be required for long term xenograft acceptance. We are excited about the broad potential of TNX-1500, on the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and also for the treatment of autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s Syndrome.”
In the oral presentation titled, “Combined Blockade of the CD154 and CD28 Co-Stimulation Pathways Attenuates Pathogenic Alloimmunity and Prolongs Survival in Cynomolgus Cardiac Allografts”, by Kinoshita, K. et al., data demonstrated that the combined use of TNX-1500 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody, VEL-101 is associated with durable protection and graft survival and function in a nonhuman primate model.
In the oral presentation titled, “Extended Survival of 9- and 10-Gene-Edited Pig Heart Xenografts with Ischemia Minimization and CD154 Costimulation Blockade-Based Immunosuppression”, Sanatkar, A. et al., data demonstrated that TNX-1500 has promise to prevent rejection of 9-, or 10-gene-edited (GE) pig hearts.1,2
The poster presentation titled, “Experience with a Novel Delayed Immune Tolerance Protocol in Nonhuman Primates Based on Anti-CD154, Anti-CD2, and Anti-CD28”, by Ileka, I. evaluated whether a modified protocol based on targeting CD28 and CD2 promotes expansion of peripheral regulatory T-cells and is sufficient to promote heart allograft acceptance.
In February 2024, Tonix announced completion of the clinical stage of its Phase 1 single ascending dose study of TNX-1500 in healthy volunteers. The primary objectives of the study are to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous TNX-1500. This first-in-human study is intended to support dosing in a planned Phase 2 trial in kidney transplant recipients.
About TNX-1500
TNX-1500 (Fc-modified humanized anti-CD40L mAb) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and blocks the CD40-ligand (CD40L), also known as CD154. TNX-1500 is being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection, for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A first-in-human Phase 1 trial of TNX-1500 has completed the clinical phase. The primary objective of the Phase 1 trial is to assess the safety, tolerability, PK, and pharmacodynamics of intravenous (i.v.) TNX-1500. Eligible participants enrolled in the Phase 1 trial were distributed across three dosing cohorts (3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg, respectively) and evaluated regularly over a 120-day period after dosing. The Phase 1 trial is intended to support dosing in a planned Phase 2 trial in kidney transplant recipients. Two published articles in the American Journal of Transplantation demonstrate TNX-1500 prevents rejection, prolongs survival and preserves graft function as a single agent or in combination with other drugs in non-human primate renal and heart allografts. 3,4
Tonix is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, licensing and commercializing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the second half of 2024 for Tonmya1, a product candidate for which two statistically significant Phase 3 studies have been completed for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction as well as fibromyalgia-type Long COVID. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has Breakthrough Therapy designation. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix also has product candidates in development in the areas of rare disease and infectious disease. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.
*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.
1Tonmya™ is conditionally accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the tradename for TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. Tonmya has not been approved for any indication.
Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners.
This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 1, 2024, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.
NEW YORK, June 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bit Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBT) (“Bit Digital” or the “Company”), a sustainable platform for digital assets and artificial intelligence (“AI”) infrastructure headquartered in New York, announced its unaudited digital asset production and corporate updates for the month of May 2024.
Corporate Highlights for May 2024
The Company had 256 servers actively generating revenue from its initial Bit Digital AI contract, as of May 31, 2024. The Company earned an estimated $4.2 million of unaudited revenue from this contract during the month of May 2024.
In May 2024, the Company produced 63.3 BTC, a 47% decrease compared to the prior month. The decrease was predominantly due to the reduction of bitcoin block rewards following the April halving event.
The Company’s active hash rate was approximately 2.54 EH/s as of May 31, 2024. The decrease from the prior month was driven by voluntary curtailment activity.
Treasury holdings1 of BTC and ETH were 1,038.4 and 20,508.3 with a fair market value of approximately $70.1 million and $77.1 million, respectively, on May 31, 2024.
The BTC equivalent2 of our digital asset holdings as of May 31, 2024, was approximately 2,188.9 or approximately $147.7 million.
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $47.3 million, and total liquidity (defined as cash and cash equivalents, USDC, and the fair market value of digital assets) of approximately $195.0 million, as of May 31, 2024.
Proof-of-Stake Highlights
The Company had approximately 17,184 ETH actively staked in native staking protocols as of May 31, 2024.
Bit Digital earned a blended APY of approximately 3.1% on its staked ETH position for the month of May 2024.
The Company earned aggregate staking rewards of approximately 45.8 ETH during May 2024.
Upcoming Events
Bitcoin Prague 2024 on June 13-15th
Singular Research Summer Solstice Conference on June 20th
Northland Growth Conference 2024 on June 25th
Noble Capital Markets Emerging Growth Consumer / Entertainment / Media Virtual Conference on June 26-27th
About Bit Digital
Bit Digital, Inc. is a sustainable platform for digital assets and artificial intelligence (“AI”) infrastructure headquartered in New York City. Our bitcoin mining operations are located in the US, Canada, and Iceland. The Company has established a business line, Bit Digital AI, that offers specialized cloud-infrastructure services for artificial intelligence applications. For additional information, please contact ir@bit-digital.com or visit our website at www.bit-digital.com.
Investor Notice
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under “Risk Factors” in Item 3.D of our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. If any material risk was to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. Future changes in the network-wide mining difficulty rate or bitcoin hash rate may also materially affect the future performance of Bit Digital’s production of bitcoin. Actual operating results will vary depending on many factors including network difficulty rate, total hash rate of the network, the operations of our facilities, the status of our miners, and other factors.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Bit Digital, Inc., and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
Footnotes:
1 “Treasury holdings” excludes approximately 2,701 ETH that were transferred to an internally managed fund.
2 “BTC equivalent” is a hypothetical illustration of the value of our digital asset portfolio in bitcoin terms. BTC equivalent is defined as if all non-BTC digital assets, comprised of ETH, and USDC, were converted into BTC as of May 31, 2024, and added to our existing BTC balance. Conversion values are found using the closing price on coinmarketcap.com.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
BTC Side. Bit Digital produced 63.3 BTC during the month of May, a 47% decrease from 119.3 BTC the prior month. The ‘halving’ is the main contributor to the decrease. The active hash rate as of May 31, 2024, was 2.54 EH/s down from 2.76 EH/s last month due to the Company curtailing some of its machines.
AI and ETH. The Company had 256 servers actively running on its AI contract and earned an estimated $4.2 million of revenue during the month of May 2024. On the staking side, Bit Digital had approximately 17,184 ETH actively staked in native staking protocols, flat from last month. The Company earned a blended APY of 3.1% on its staked ETH.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jun. 5, 2024– The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) (“GEO” or the “Company”) announced today the appointment of Mark J. Suchinski as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 8, 2024.
Mr. Suchinski has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Spirit AeroSystems since 2020. In this role, Mr. Suchinski has been responsible for the overall financial management of Spirit AeroSystems, its financial reporting and transparency, and multiple corporate functions including Treasury, Investor Relations, Strategy, and Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Suchinski joined Spirit AeroSystems in 2006 as the Controller for the Aerostructures Segment. He subsequently served in increasingly senior positions, including as Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis and Corporate Contracts, Vice President of Finance and Treasurer, and Vice President of Quality. Prior to joining Spirit AeroSystems, Mr. Suchinski held the position of Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for Home Products International from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Suchinski attended DePaul University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
George C. Zoley, Executive Chairman of GEO, said, “Mark Suchinski has extensive experience in corporate finance, capital markets, financial reporting, and business management, having held multiple leadership positions throughout his career. He also brings unique skills and knowledge in manufacturing and supply chain management to our company. We are pleased to welcome him to GEO’s Senior Management Team.”
Brian R. Evans, GEO’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to have Mark Suchinski join our Senior Management Team. We believe that his unique skill set, knowledge and experience, across a broad range of key areas of corporate finance and business management, will be an asset to our company.”
Mr. Suchinski, stated, “I am excited to join this worldclass organization and have been impressed with George Zoley, Brian Evans, and the entire GEO leadership team. I look forward to partnering with them to drive value creation for our employees and shareholders.”
About The GEO Group
The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider, specializing in design, financing, development, and support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO’s diversified services include enhanced in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support through the award-winning GEO Continuum of Care®, secure transportation, electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care. GEO’s worldwide operations include the ownership and/or delivery of support services for 100 facilities totaling approximately 81,000 beds, including idle facilities and projects under development, with a workforce of up to approximately 18,000 employees.
Use of forward-looking statements
This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and are based on current expectations and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary from current expectations and forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, risk factors contained in GEO’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports. GEO disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
QuantaSing is a leading online service provider in China dedicated to improving people’s quality of life and well-being by providing lifelong personal learning and development opportunities. The Company is the largest service provider in China’s online adult learning market and China’s adult personal interest learning market in terms of revenue, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan based on data from 2022. By leveraging its proprietary tools and technology, QuantaSing offers easy-to-understand, affordable, and accessible online courses to adult learners under a variety of brands, including QiNiu, JiangZhen and QianChi, empowering users to pursue personal development. Leveraging its extensive experience in individual online learning services, the Company has also expanded its services to corporate clients including, among others, marketing services and enterprise talent management services.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
A shift in business strategy. We believe the company plans to invest more heavily into its new growth verticals, such as e-commerce (private label Chinese liquor sales), overseas learning markets, and in-person teaching locations. This is a shift in its priority from its online adult learning services business, which appears to be maturing. As such, we are adjusting our revenue and cash flow outlook for the company.
Fiscal Q3 preview. We are lowering our fiscal Q3 revenue forecast from RMB930.0 million to RMB860.0 million because of anticipated slower revenue growth in its online learning business. Adj. EBITDA is expected to be slightly better than our previous estimate.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Our lead program is THIO, a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Presentation At ASCO Updates Phase 2 THIO-101 Trial. MAIA presented data from its Phase 2 THIO-101 trial at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2024 Annual Meeting. The new data includes additional patients followed for longer time periods, giving more observation points. We believe the data continues to show that THIO shows meaningful improvements over published data in several important measures of efficacy.
Third Line Treatment Shows Disease Control and Tumor Response. Patients had advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and were treated with the combination of THIO and cemiplimab (Libtayo, an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor from Regeneron) after failing 2 or more standard-of-care therapy regimens. The data included 20 patients who had failed two previous lines of therapy including platinum chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors, with a group dosed at 60 mg (n=12) and a group dosed at 180 mg (n=8). The 180 mg dose was selected as the optimal dose for further studies.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Special dividend. Excluding special dividends, Hemisphere Energy pays a base dividend of C$0.025 per share per quarter, or C$0.10 per share on an annual basis. Hemisphere Energy recently declared a special dividend of C$0.03 per common share. The special dividend will be paid on July 26 to shareholders of record on July 12. In May, the company’s board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of C$0.025 per share that will be paid on June 28 to shareholders of record on June 20.
Return of capital to shareholders. To date in 2024, Hemisphere has committed to returning C$10.7 million to shareholders, including shares repurchased and canceled under the company’s normal course bid, quarterly dividend payments in February and June, and the special dividend payment in July. Returns of capital are funded entirely with free cash flow supported by ultra-low decline rates, low operating expenses, low capital-intensive assets, long life reserves and minimal decommissioning liabilities.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Patients With LVADs Need A New Anticoagulant. A new analysis of anticoagulant regimens from a study in cardiovascular devices patients was presented at the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation Annual Meeting. The presentation included data from the ARIES-HM3 study testing anticoagulation with warfarin and aspirin against warfarin alone. We believe the data highlights the need for tecarfarin in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients.
Abbott Has An Interest In LVAD Patient Outcomes. The ARIES-HM3 study was sponsored by Abbott (ABT, Not Rated), maker of the HeartMate3 LVAD. Patients with these devices cannot take DOAC anticoagulant drugs, leaving them with only warfarin. The study tested warfarin (a vitamin K antagonist, VKA) with and without aspirin. The findings showed lower time in the therapeutic range (TTR) is a predictor of excessive bleeding events, and warfarin patients are typically below target values.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
In a move to create a new exploration player focused on British Columbia’s mineral-rich Golden Triangle, Eskay Mining Corp. and P2 Gold Inc. have agreed to join forces through an all-share merger. The combined company will also gain a foothold in Nevada’s Walker Lane Trend through P2’s Gabbs gold-copper project.
Under the terms of the deal announced Monday, P2 Gold shareholders will receive 0.2778 Eskay shares for each P2 share they hold. When the transaction closes, expected by October 31st, existing Eskay shareholders will own approximately 80% of the combined company, with P2 investors holding the remaining 20%.
The merger brings together two mineral exploration companies with complementary assets and expertise in prolific mining jurisdictions. Eskay’s flagship asset is its Eskay-Corey property, a large 52,600 hectare land package located in the heart of the Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia. This region has gained prominence in recent years due to successful mine developments by companies like Pretivm, Seabridge Gold, and others operating in the area.
P2 Gold, meanwhile, holds the Gabbs project in Nevada’s Walker Lane mineral belt. A 2022 preliminary economic assessment outlined a potentially robust mid-sized open pit mine at Gabbs producing over 100,000 ounces of gold and 13,500 tonnes of copper annually over a 14-year mine life. The deal provides the combined company with a more advanced, development-stage asset to complement Eskay’s exploration upside in the Golden Triangle.
The current P2 President and CEO, who previously helped discover and develop Pretivm’s high-grade Brucejack gold mine in the Golden Triangle, will take the helm as CEO of the as-yet unnamed combined company. P2 has already been contracted to plan and execute the 2024 exploration program at Eskay-Corey under an exploration services agreement.
In addition to exploration upside, the merger is expected to provide improved access to capital markets for funding the advancement of the companies’ project portfolio. As single assets, Eskay and P2’s respective market caps were around C$40 million each, limiting their ability to raise funds for major programs.
One investment manager sees the deal unlocking value, stating the combined company will have much more relevance and reduce single asset risk, putting it on the radar for more institutional investors and funds.
Prior to closing, P2 Gold will settle approximately $1.7 million in outstanding convertible debentures and $1.2 million in shareholder loans through share issuances. The transaction remains subject to shareholder approvals from both companies as well as regulatory and court approvals.
The merger continues the wave of consolidation across the mining sector, as companies seek economies of scale and diversified asset bases. If successful, the combined Eskay-P2 entity will aim to leverage its exploration and development expertise to establish new mines in mining-friendly North American jurisdictions.
The red-hot U.S. labor market showed further signs of cooling in May as private hiring slowed more than anticipated, according to the latest employment report from payroll processor ADP.
Companies added just 152,000 jobs last month, coming in well below economist projections of a 175,000 increase. It marked the lowest level of monthly job gains since January and a notable deceleration from April’s downwardly revised 188,000 figure.
The ADP report, which captures private payroll changes but not government hiring, suggests the robust labor market demand that has characterized the pandemic recovery is moderating amid higher interest rates, still-elevated inflation, and growing economic uncertainty.
“Job gains and pay growth are slowing going into the second half of the year,” said Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist. “The labor market is solid, but we’re monitoring notable pockets of weakness tied to both producers and consumers.”
A Shift Toward Services While goods-producing sectors like manufacturing, mining, and construction have driven solid hiring for much of the recovery, last month they contributed only 3,000 net new jobs.
Job creation was instead carried by services industries, led by trade/transportation/utilities with 55,000 new positions. Other strong areas included education/health services (+46,000), construction (+32,000), and other services (+21,000).
However, even within services there were weak spots, including the previously booming leisure/hospitality sector which saw just a 12,000 job gain in May. Professional/business services also posted a decline.
Manufacturers Slashing Payrolls The report highlighted particular softness in the manufacturing sector, which shed 20,000 jobs last month amid a broader industrial slowdown.
Factories have been cutting payrolls for most of the past 18 months as higher material and energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and softening demand weighed on production. The sector has contracted in seven of the last eight months, according to survey data.
Regional manufacturing indexes have also pointed to slowing activity and employment levels, including the latest readings from the Dallas and Richmond Federal Reserve districts.
Small Businesses Feeling the Pinch Companies with fewer than 50 employees were disproportionately impacted in May, seeing a net decrease in headcounts. Those with 20-49 workers reduced staffing levels by 36,000.
The pullback at smaller firms underscores how rapidly tightening financial conditions and ebbing consumer demand have started to squeeze profits and required some businesses to adjust their workforce levels.
Annual Pay Growth Steady at 5% Despite some loss of momentum in overall hiring, the ADP report showed private wage growth stayed on a 5% annual trajectory last month, holding steady at that level for a third consecutive period.
The elevated but moderating pace of pay increases suggests employers are still working to attract and retain staff even as overall job creation starts to wane from its torrid pandemic-era pace.
While a single data point, the ADP release could preview what’s to come from the more comprehensive government nonfarm payrolls report due out Friday. Economists expect that report to show a 190,000 increase in total U.S. payrolls for May, slowing from April’s 253,000 gain.
As borrowing costs continue climbing and spending softens, further hiring deceleration across both goods and services sectors seems likely in the months ahead, though an outright decline remains unlikely based on most economic projections.
As the semiconductor industry’s unrivaled leader in artificial intelligence, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has become a Wall Street sensation in recent years. The company’s latest strategic move – a 10-for-1 stock split – could further amplify its appeal to both individual investors and the prestigious Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The announcement of Nvidia’s stock split, effective June 7th, comes on the heels of the company’s blockbuster Q1 2024 earnings report. With revenue and forecasts exceeding analyst expectations, Nvidia’s shares have more than doubled so far this year, solidifying the chipmaker’s status as a bona fide tech titan.
Lowering the Barrier to Entry for Retail Investors Nvidia’s decision to split its stock could open the doors wider for individual, or “retail,” investors to participate in the company’s AI-driven growth story. By reducing the per-share price from around $1,040 to approximately $104, the split makes Nvidia’s stock more accessible to investors with smaller trading accounts.
Analysts believe the lower price point could spark greater interest from retail investors, who typically trade in smaller lots compared to institutional investors. Currently, Nvidia is the most heavily weighted stock in the average retail trading portfolio, accounting for 9.3% of holdings – a figure that has more than doubled from a year ago.
While many retail investors can already buy fractional shares, the lower price could still make Nvidia more appealing to those without access to such features. The reduced share price could make Nvidia’s stock “less of an obstacle” for these investors, according to one expert.
Paving the Way for Dow Jones Inclusion In addition to attracting more retail interest, Nvidia’s stock split could also improve the company’s prospects for inclusion in the prestigious Dow Jones Industrial Average. As a price-weighted index, the Dow favors lower-priced stocks, and Nvidia’s current share price of around $1,040 would make it the second-largest component, behind only UnitedHealth Group.
However, after the split, Nvidia’s share price would fall to approximately $104, making it the 21st-largest stock in the Dow, just behind Merck and ahead of Walt Disney. This more manageable price point could pave the way for Nvidia’s eventual inclusion in the blue-chip index.
Analysts believe Nvidia “checks all the boxes” for Dow Jones inclusion, citing the company’s strong reputation, history of sustained growth, investor appeal, and sector representation.
A Potential Boost for Shareholder Returns Historically, companies that announce stock splits have tended to outperform the market. According to an analysis from Bank of America Global Research, stocks announcing splits have seen their shares rise an average of 25.4% over the following 12 months, compared to an 11.9% increase for the S&P 500.
However, it’s important to note that a stock split alone is unlikely to overcome broader market forces that can sway a company’s share price. As evidenced by the selloffs experienced by Amazon and Alphabet in 2022, even after their own stock splits, external factors such as rising interest rates can still weigh heavily on stock performance.
Nonetheless, Nvidia’s stock split announcement comes at a time when the company’s AI dominance has made it a must-have investment for both institutional and individual investors. By making its shares more accessible and potentially paving the way for Dow Jones inclusion, this move could further cement Nvidia’s position as a leading player in the rapidly evolving semiconductor and AI landscapes.
