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OPENLANE, Inc. Reports 2023 Financial Results

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CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), today reported its fourth quarter and annual financial results for the period ended December 31, 2023.

“Our business made significant progress in 2023, and we are very pleased to deliver results that exceeded our guidance for the year,” said Peter Kelly, CEO of OPENLANE. “We are beginning to see the positive impacts of our strategic investments in innovation and technology, our brand simplification work, as well as our continued diligence around costs. Our solid execution in the fourth quarter and throughout 2023 delivered volume growth, revenue growth and margin expansion, results that I believe position OPENLANE for future growth and success.”

2023 Financial Highlights

Total revenue of $1,645 million, an increase of 8%Loss from continuing operations of $155 million, including a $251 million non-cash impairmentAdjusted EBITDA of $272 million, an increase of 18%, with Marketplace contributing approximately 40%Marketplace volumes increased 3% and 10% in the fourth quarter$237 million of cash flow from operating activities

2024 Guidance

Annual

Guidance

Income from continuing operations (in millions)

$74 – $88

Adjusted EBITDA (in millions)

$285 – $305

Income from continuing operations per share – diluted *

$0.20 – $0.30

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$0.77 – $0.87

* The company uses the two-class method of calculating income from continuing operations per diluted share. Under the two-class method, income from continuing operations is adjusted for dividends and undistributed earnings (losses) to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, and the weighted average diluted shares do not assume conversion of the preferred shares to common shares.

Earnings guidance does not contemplate future items such as business development activities, strategic developments (such as restructurings, spin-offs or dispositions of assets or investments), contingent purchase price adjustments, significant expenses related to litigation, tax adjustments and changes in applicable laws and regulations (including significant accounting and tax matters) and intangible impairments. The timing and amounts of these items are highly variable, difficult to predict, and of a potential size that could have a substantial impact on the company’s reported results for any given period. Prospective quantification of these items is generally not practicable. Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share excludes amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets, as well as one-time charges, net of taxes. See reconciliations of the company’s guidance included below.

Earnings Conference Call Information
OPENLANE will be hosting an earnings conference call and webcast on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The call will be hosted by OPENLANE Chief Executive Officer Peter Kelly and Chief Financial Officer Brad Lakhia. The conference call may be accessed by calling 1-833-634-2155 and asking to join the OPENLANE call. A live webcast will be available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com. Supplemental financial information for OPENLANE’s fourth quarter 2023 results is available at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com.

The archive of the webcast will be available following the call at the investor relations section of corporate.openlane.com for a limited time.

About OPENLANE
OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. The company’s unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services. Our integrated marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers around the globe. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, the company has employees across the United States, Canada, Europe, Uruguay and the Philippines. For more information and the latest company news, visit corporate.openlane.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this release include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and which are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. In particular, statements made that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “should,” “may,” “will,” “can,” “of the opinion,” “confident,” “is set,” “is on track,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,” “outlook,” initiatives,” “goals,” “opportunities” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include but are not limited to risks and uncertainties regarding the impact of adverse market, economic and geopolitical conditions and those other matters disclosed in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the company’s annual and quarterly periodic reports. The company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(In millions) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Year Ended

December 31,

2023

2022

2023

2022

Operating revenues

Auction fees

$        90.0

$        80.8

$      395.3

$      370.3

Service revenue

144.5

146.3

619.7

590.3

Purchased vehicle sales

60.2

45.0

236.7

182.9

Finance-related revenue

96.6

100.7

393.4

375.9

Total operating revenues

391.3

372.8

1,645.1

1,519.4

Operating expenses

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

204.8

202.0

867.6

834.3

Selling, general and administrative

103.8

93.0

430.4

445.1

Depreciation and amortization

25.3

24.0

101.5

100.2

Gain on sale of property

(33.9)

(33.9)

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

Total operating expenses

333.9

285.1

1,650.3

1,345.7

Operating profit (loss)

57.4

87.7

(5.2)

173.7

Interest expense

39.3

35.4

155.8

119.2

Other (income) expense, net

(3.1)

(7.7)

(15.6)

(1.3)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

0.2

1.1

17.2

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

21.2

59.8

(146.5)

38.6

Income taxes

7.6

17.9

8.3

10.0

Income (loss) from continuing operations

13.6

41.9

(154.8)

28.6

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

0.7

(4.8)

0.7

212.6

Net income (loss)

$        14.3

$        37.1

$    (154.1)

$      241.2

Net income (loss) per share – basic

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        0.02

$        0.21

$      (1.83)

$      (0.10)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

(0.03)

0.01

1.40

Net income (loss) per share – basic

$        0.02

$        0.18

$      (1.82)

$        1.30

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        0.02

$        0.21

$      (1.83)

$      (0.10)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

(0.03)

0.01

1.40

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

$        0.02

$        0.18

$      (1.82)

$        1.30

 

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions) (Unaudited)

December 31,

2023

December 31,

2022

Cash and cash equivalents

$                 93.5

$                225.7

Restricted cash

65.4

52.0

Trade receivables, net of allowances

291.8

270.7

Finance receivables, net of allowances

2,282.0

2,395.1

Other current assets

109.2

78.9

Total current assets

2,841.9

3,022.4

Goodwill

1,271.2

1,464.5

Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization

136.1

135.9

Operating lease right-of-use assets

75.9

84.8

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

169.8

123.6

Intangible and other assets

231.4

288.6

Total assets

$             4,726.3

$             5,119.8

Current liabilities, excluding obligations collateralized by

     finance receivables and current maturities of debt

$                692.3

$                676.9

Obligations collateralized by finance receivables

1,631.9

1,677.6

Current maturities of debt

154.6

288.7

Total current liabilities

2,478.8

2,643.2

Long-term debt

202.4

205.3

Operating lease liabilities

70.4

79.7

Other non-current liabilities

35.2

60.8

Temporary equity

612.5

612.5

Stockholders’ equity

1,327.0

1,518.3

Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity

$             4,726.3

$             5,119.8

 

OPENLANE, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In millions) (Unaudited)

Year Ended

December 31,

2023

2022

Operating activities

Net income (loss)

$       (154.1)

$        241.2

Net income from discontinued operations

(0.7)

(212.6)

     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

     Depreciation and amortization

101.5

100.2

     Provision for credit losses

59.2

18.6

     Deferred income taxes

(29.8)

(2.3)

     Amortization of debt issuance costs

8.7

10.7

     Stock-based compensation

16.5

16.6

     Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

     Net change in unrealized (gain) loss on investment securities

7.1

     Investment and note receivable impairment

10.3

     Gain on sale of property

(33.9)

     Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

     Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

17.2

     Other non-cash, net

1.0

0.5

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

     Trade receivables and other assets

(66.0)

107.7

     Accounts payable and accrued expenses

39.8

(240.8)

     Payments of contingent consideration in excess of acquisition-date fair value

(2.6)

(26.1)

Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations

237.0

4.1

Net cash used by operating activities – discontinued operations

(1.6)

(459.1)

Investing activities

     Net decrease in finance receivables held for investment

64.8

97.9

     Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired)

(103.0)

(0.4)

     Purchases of property, equipment and computer software

(52.0)

(60.9)

     Investments in securities

(1.3)

(6.7)

     Proceeds from sale of investments

0.3

     Proceeds from note receivable

0.7

     Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

0.3

39.8

Net cash (used by) provided by investing activities – continuing operations

(90.5)

70.0

Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations

7.0

2,077.4

Financing activities

  Net decrease in book overdrafts

(2.3)

(5.7)

  Net borrowings from lines of credit

5.9

141.9

  Net (decrease) increase in obligations collateralized by finance receivables

(55.9)

1.5

     Payments for debt issuance costs/amendments

(6.7)

(11.6)

     Payments on long-term debt

(928.6)

     Payment for early extinguishment of debt

(140.1)

(606.3)

     Payments on finance leases

(1.9)

(3.9)

     Payments of contingent consideration and deferred acquisition costs

(12.4)

(3.5)

     Issuance of common stock under stock plans

2.7

1.4

     Tax withholding payments for vested RSUs

(2.6)

(2.7)

     Repurchase and retirement of common stock

(22.2)

(182.2)

     Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock

(44.4)

(22.2)

Net cash used by financing activities – continuing operations

(279.9)

(1,621.9)

Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations

10.8

Net change in cash balances of discontinued operations

12.4

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

9.2

(19.4)

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(118.8)

74.3

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

277.7

203.4

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$        158.9

$        277.7

Cash paid for interest, net of proceeds from interest rate derivatives

$        145.2

$        106.4

Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – continuing operations

$          35.8

$          25.6

Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds – discontinued operations

$            1.5

$        378.1

OPENLANE, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share as presented herein are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). They are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as substitutes for net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that these measures provide investors additional meaningful methods to evaluate certain aspects of the company’s results period over period and for the other reasons set forth below.

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus interest expense net of interest income, income tax provision (benefit), depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for the items of income and expense and expected incremental revenue and cost savings as described in our senior secured credit agreement covenant calculations. Management believes that the inclusion of supplementary adjustments to EBITDA applied in presenting Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information to investors about one of the principal measures of performance used by our creditors. In addition, management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance.

Depreciation expense for property and equipment and amortization expense of capitalized internally developed software costs relate to ongoing capital expenditures; however, amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets, such as customer relationships, software, tradenames and noncompete agreements are not representative of ongoing capital expenditures, but have a continuing effect on our reported results. Non-GAAP financial measures of operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share, in the opinion of the company, provide comparability of the company’s performance to other companies that may not have incurred these types of non-cash expenses or that report a similar measure. In addition, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share may include adjustments for certain other charges.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per share have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the results as reported under GAAP. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The following tables reconcile EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to income (loss) from continuing operations for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Year Ended

December 31,

(in millions), (unaudited)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$      13.6

$      41.9

$   (154.8)

$      28.6

Add back:

Income taxes

7.6

17.9

8.3

10.0

Interest expense, net of interest income

38.9

34.9

152.3

116.5

Depreciation and amortization

25.3

24.0

101.5

100.2

EBITDA

85.4

118.7

107.3

255.3

Non-cash stock-based compensation

3.6

(5.7)

17.4

17.5

Loss on extinguishment of debt

0.2

1.1

17.2

Acquisition related costs

2.0

0.3

3.1

1.2

Securitization interest

(31.4)

(25.8)

(120.4)

(70.7)

Gain on sale of property

(33.9)

(33.9)

(Gain)/Loss on asset sales

(0.1)

Severance

2.1

4.2

5.5

12.4

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(2.1)

(6.1)

(2.9)

2.5

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities

(0.4)

0.6

7.1

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

2.1

3.1

6.6

15.2

Other

0.5

0.9

2.2

7.5

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

(23.6)

(62.2)

164.7

(24.1)

Adjusted EBITDA

$      61.8

$      56.5

$     272.0

$     231.2

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)

Marketplace

Finance

Consolidated

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$          (17.7)

$           31.3

$           13.6

Add back:

Income taxes

(2.5)

10.1

7.6

Interest expense, net of interest income

4.9

34.0

38.9

Depreciation and amortization

22.7

2.6

25.3

Intercompany interest

9.8

(9.8)

EBITDA

17.2

68.2

85.4

Non-cash stock-based compensation

2.7

0.9

3.6

Acquisition related costs

2.0

2.0

Securitization interest

(31.4)

(31.4)

Severance

2.0

0.1

2.1

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(2.1)

(2.1)

Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities

(0.4)

(0.4)

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

1.7

0.4

2.1

Other

0.2

0.3

0.5

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

6.5

(30.1)

(23.6)

Adjusted EBITDA

$           23.7

$           38.1

$           61.8

Year Ended December 31, 2023

(Dollars in millions), (Unaudited)

Marketplace

Finance

Consolidated

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$        (277.5)

$          122.7

$        (154.8)

Add back:

Income taxes

(40.4)

48.7

8.3

Interest expense, net of interest income

21.7

130.6

152.3

Depreciation and amortization

92.2

9.3

101.5

Intercompany interest

33.9

(33.9)

EBITDA

(170.1)

277.4

107.3

Non-cash stock-based compensation

13.2

4.2

17.4

Loss on extinguishment of debt

1.1

1.1

Acquisition related costs

3.1

3.1

Securitization interest

(120.4)

(120.4)

Severance

5.1

0.4

5.5

Foreign currency (gains)/losses

(2.9)

(2.9)

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

250.8

Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

1.3

Professional fees related to business improvement efforts

5.4

1.2

6.6

Other

1.3

0.9

2.2

  Total addbacks/(deductions)

278.4

(113.7)

164.7

Adjusted EBITDA

$          108.3

$          163.7

$          272.0

The following table reconciles operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share to net income (loss) for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Year Ended

December 31,

(in millions, except per share amounts), (unaudited)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Net income (loss) from continuing operations (1)

$      13.6

$      41.9

$   (154.8)

$      28.6

   Acquired amortization expense

9.5

8.0

37.8

33.0

   Loss on extinguishment of debt

0.2

1.1

17.2

   Contingent consideration adjustment

1.3

   Goodwill and other intangibles impairment

250.8

   Income taxes (2)

(0.1)

(2.5)

(32.5)

(13.0)

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations

$      23.0

$      47.6

$     103.7

$      65.8

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

$        0.7

$       (4.8)

$        0.7

$     212.6

   Acquired amortization expense

5.9

   Income taxes (2)

(1.5)

Operating adjusted net income (loss) from discontinued operations

$        0.7

$       (4.8)

$        0.7

$     217.0

Operating adjusted net income

$      23.7

$      42.8

$     104.4

$     282.8

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$      0.16

$      0.33

$      0.72

$      0.43

Operating adjusted net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share – diluted

(0.04)

1.43

Operating adjusted net income per share – diluted

$      0.16

$      0.29

$      0.72

$      1.86

Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion of preferred shares

144.7

145.7

144.8

151.9

(1)

The Series A Preferred Stock dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities have not been included in the calculation of operating adjusted net income (loss) and operating adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share.

(2)

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, each tax deductible item was booked to the applicable statutory rate. The deferred tax benefits of $52.5 million and $6.5 million associated with the goodwill and tradename impairments, respectively, resulted in the U.S. being in a net deferred tax asset position. Due to the three year cumulative loss related to U.S. operations, we currently have a $36.4 million valuation allowance against the U.S. net deferred tax asset. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2022, the effective tax rate at the end of each period was used to determine the amount of income tax on the adjustments to net income.

The following table reconciles EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations for the 2024 guidance presented:

2024 Guidance

(in millions), (unaudited)

Low

High

Income from continuing operations

$                74

$                88

Add back:

Income taxes

49

59

Interest expense, net of interest income

156

154

Depreciation and amortization

106

104

EBITDA

385

405

  Total addbacks/(deductions), net

(100)

(100)

Adjusted EBITDA

$              285

$              305

The following table reconciles operating adjusted net income from continuing operations and operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per diluted share to income from continuing operations for the 2024 guidance presented:

2024 Guidance

(in millions, except per share amounts), (unaudited)

Low

High

Income from continuing operations

$                74

$                88

   Acquired amortization expense

38

38

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations

$              112

$              126

Operating adjusted net income from continuing operations per share – diluted

$             0.77

$             0.87

Weighted average diluted shares – including assumed conversion of preferred shares

145

145

 

Analyst Inquiries:

Media Inquiries:

Mike Eliason

Laurie Dippold 

(317) 249-4559

(317) 468-3900

mike.eliason@openlane.com

 laurie.dippold@openlane.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/openlane-inc-reports-2023-financial-results-302066514.html

SOURCE OPENLANE

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The Ar-King of Spirits: Ed Arking’s Impact on the Liquor Industry

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In the interest of providing luxury liquors in a convenient and stress-free format, Served Neat was born. When asked about his intentions for the company, Ed states, “My goal with Served Neat is to create a one-stop shop where customers can easily discover these rare gems.”

MOORESTOWN, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Served Neat is an emerging online platform with a curated selection of some of the world’s most popular luxury spirits. The website offers daily flash deals that highlight a variety of high-end international brands including Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace, Clase Azul, and more.

“While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Ed and Joe Arking, the father-son team behind the concept of Served Neat, have decades of experience hand-selecting and supplying sought-after liquors. Ed Arking, CEO of New Jersey’s Roger Wilco, grew up in the world of wine and spirits and formed his own business aspirations.

“Growing up, I watched my father navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving wine and spirits industry,” Ed explains. “While I always aspired to create something similar, I knew I needed to wait for the right moment.” Ed has gone on to manage his own liquor store and lead projects for up-and-coming brands, such as the vodka-infused and non-carbonated Smooth Water.

As he evolved in his career, Ed discovered the perfect time to make his lifelong vision a reality. He recalls, “I noticed a gap in the market—especially for whiskey and tequila. These categories have surged in popularity, making it difficult for the everyday consumer to find those elusive sought-after allocated bottles.”

In the interest of providing luxury liquors in a convenient and stress-free format, Served Neat was born. When asked about his intentions for the company, Ed states, “My goal with Served Neat is to create a one-stop shop where customers can easily discover these rare gems.”

When it comes to Served Neat, quality and knowledge is key. Ed adds, “While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Served Neat is the sister company to WTSO and The Wine Market, two online platforms dedicated to sourcing and distributing top-notch wines from every corner of the globe.

At The Wine Market, an online marketplace for the world’s most popular wine brands, convenience and quality are key. Each bottle in their curated collection is a testament to exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.

Since 2006, WTSO has enjoyed creating a unique wine experience and sharing it with new beginners and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Using an extensive network of wineries and wine makers, WTSO connects customers to thousands of brands from top wine appellations around the globe. The strong relationships they’ve formed within the wine world allow the business to deliver authentic and high-quality bottles to homes across the United States.

Wine and spirits lovers alike are invited to explore Served Neat, WTSO, and The Wine Market to find their next favorite bottle. Visit their websites to learn more about these one-of-a-kind online marketplaces!

Media Contact

Julie Blount, WTSO, 1 8669572795, marketing@wtso.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-ar-king-of-spirits-ed-arkings-impact-on-the-liquor-industry-302254517.html

SOURCE WTSO

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Compete for $150K Prizes: Join Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship

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HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship is now open for registration! Organized by Rokid, a global leader in human-computer interaction through augmented reality, this championship invites AR developers globally to harness voice, gesture, and visual AI technologies to create groundbreaking AR experiences. Powered by the self-developed YodaOS-Master operating system, Rokid AR glasses deliver exceptional spatial computing performance.

What is Spatial Joy 2024 about?
In September 2022, Rokid kicked off its first AR Application Development Championship. The second championship, held last year in collaboration with Unity and Agora, quickly established itself as the largest AR application development event in China. As Rokid celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we are excited to present “Spatial Joy,” our newly branded global championship, open to developers worldwide for the first time, and positioned as the flagship event in the AR industry.

Why join Spatial Joy 2024?

Compete for a $150,000 prize poolFree access to Rokid AR Lite or Rokid AR studioDiscounted rates on purchasing Rokid productsFree participationTechnical support from Unity and AgoraInternational exposure within the AR industryOpportunity to attend the award ceremony in China

Who can participant?
The championship is open to global AR developers of all levels, including students, independent developers, teams, and professionals across sectors such as healthcare, retail, education, gaming, entertainment, lifestyle, and more.

How to register?
Detailed registration guidelines and requirements are available online at [https://t.rokid.com/iwvwcxkn]. Developers can register and submit their projects through Rokid official website at [www.global.rokid.com].

Spatial Joy 2024 Timeline:

Registration Deadline: October 16, 2024Final Project Submission Deadline: November 15, 2024Finalists Announcement: December 27, 2024Award Ceremony: January 11, 2025

About Organizer
Rokid has expanded its global presence, making notable progress in key markets across North America, Europe, and Asia, including a successful campaign on Kickstarter. With a decade of expertise, Rokid has revolutionized AR technology, transforming how users interact with both digital and physical environments.

Join us in shaping the future of AR with Rokid – enter Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship Now!

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Summit of Whose Future? Girls Have the Answers: Leaders Must Listen

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Young Women Activists Launch “What Girls Want,” Demand World Leaders Put Girls at the Center of Summit of the Future 

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today in New York, more than 50 young women from around the world – including Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai – gathered to take government to task for failing to prioritize girls and young women in the upcoming Summit of the Future. The group is backed by acoalition of girl-centered non-profit organizations, institutions, and funds who synthesized the demands of girls at www.whatgirlswant.com.

At a demonstration near the UN, alongside life-size cutouts of world leaders dressed ironically as “girl experts”, the activists delivered a strong message: world leaders aren’t the experts on what girls want for their futures – girls are. 

Eylül Erçin, 19, from Türkiye, shared: “The time has passed for girls and young women to be treated as mere afterthoughts. Leaders must include us in the foundational design of these processes, ensuring that our priorities are integrated into shaping the future we will inherit. Anything less is unacceptable.”

Today’s event is about more than calling out a process failure. Girls i from around the world delivered a forward-looking call to action this week. They expect governments, institutions, and community leaders to step up and help shape a more equitable future.

Alongside fellow activists, Malala said: “Even at 27, I know better than to assume I understand best what girls want. Everywhere I go, girls are eager to share their vision for their futures. As adults, it is our job to listen, fund their work and follow their lead. It is not too late for world leaders to do right by girls. They can start by prioritizing their demands in tomorrow’s final Summit deliberations and by investing resources to match their words.”

The evidence is clear: investing in girls and delivering on their rights transforms economies, societies, and the environment, advancing the SDGs and building a future that girls deserve.

About What Girls Want 

This effort was produced by a collaboration of girl-centered organizations, institutions, funders, and allies. The campaign is anchored around work to collate insights, data, and stories from 20+ public consultations with girls and young women over the past decade, driven by a shared desire to center girls’ demands in spaces where they are being ignored. 

Contact:

whatgirlswantpress@gmail.com

nate.powers@edelman.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384993/Women_Deliver_Logo.jpg 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/summit-of-whose-future-girls-have-the-answers-leaders-must-listen-302254570.html

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