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LightInTheBox Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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– Returns to Profitability with Net Income of $0.6 Million

SINGAPORE, Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LITB) (“LightInTheBox” or the “Company”), an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

“The second quarter of 2024 was a challenging one, with intensified competition and high traffic acquisition costs in the global e-commerce market continuing to weigh on our topline,” said Mr. Jian He, Chairman and CEO of LightInTheBox. “However, our strategic pivot to prioritize profitability proved effective, resulting in a turnaround with net income reaching $0.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 compared with a loss for the same period of last year and the first quarter of this year. Meanwhile, we continued to refine our differentiation strategy with a focus on strengthening localized operations, propelling progress in certain product lines.”

“Encouraged by the outcomes of these initiatives, we will continue to concentrate on overall efficiency and profitability amid the evolving environment. Additionally, we will further upgrade our products, services and customer experience, as well as our localized operations, to differentiate ourselves and build brand recognition and loyalty in this competitive industry. As always, we are committed to driving high-quality development and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders in the long run,” Mr. He concluded.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenues were $69.4 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with $191.8 million in the same period of 2023.Net income was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with net loss of $1.5 million in the same period of 2023.Adjusted EBITDA was an income of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $0.7 million in the same period of 2023.

First Half 2024 Financial Highlights

Total revenues were $140.5 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $339.5 million in the same period of 2023.Net loss was $3.2 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.4 million in the same period of 2023.Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.9 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $3.8 million in the same period of 2023.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Total revenues decreased by 63.8% year-over-year to $69.4 million from $191.8 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Total cost of revenues was $26.1 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with $81.6 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Gross profit in the second quarter of 2024 was $43.3 million, compared with $110.2 million in the same quarter of 2023. Gross margin was 62.4% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 57.5% in the same quarter of 2023.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $42.7 million, compared with $111.8 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Fulfillment expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $5.0 million, compared with $9.9 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 7.2% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 5.2% in the same quarter of 2023 and 8.1% in the first quarter of 2024.

Selling and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $31.5 million, compared with $94.0 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 45.5% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 49.0% in the same quarter of 2023 and 46.0% in the first quarter of 2024.

G&A expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $6.4 million, compared with $8.2 million in the same quarter of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses were 9.2% in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 4.3% in the same quarter of 2023 and 10.2% in the first quarter of 2024. As part of G&A expenses, R&D expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $4.0 million, compared with $5.1 million in the same quarter of 2023 and $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Income from operations was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $1.6 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Net income was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $1.5 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Net income per American Depository Share (“ADS”) was $0.01 in the second quarter of 2024, compared with net loss per ADS of $0.01 in the same quarter of 2023. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. The diluted net income per ADS in the second quarter of 2024 was $0.01, compared with net loss per ADS of $0.01 in the same quarter of 2023.

In the second quarter of 2024, the Company’s basic weighted average number of ADSs used in computing the net income per ADS was 110,342,430.

Adjusted EBITDA was an income of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared with a loss of $0.7 million in the same quarter of 2023.

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of $27.9 million, compared with $71.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

First Half 2024 Financial Results

Total revenues decreased by 58.6% year-over-year to $140.5 million from $339.5 million in the same period of 2023.

Total cost of revenues was $55.8 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $146.9 million in the same period of 2023.

Gross profit in the first half of 2024 was $84.7 million, compared with $192.7 million in the same period of 2023. Gross margin was 60.3% in the first half of 2024, compared with 56.7% in the same period of 2023.

Total operating expenses in the first half of 2024 were $88.1 million, compared with $198.2 million in the same period of 2023.

Fulfillment expenses in the first half of 2024 were $10.8 million, compared with $18.5 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, fulfillment expenses were 7.7% in the first half of 2024, compared with 5.5% in the same period of 2023.

Selling and marketing expenses in the first half of 2024 were $64.3 million, compared with $163.2 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses were 45.7% for the first half of 2024, compared with 48.0% in the same period of 2023.

G&A expenses in the first half of 2024 were $13.7 million, compared with $17.2 million in the same period of 2023. As a percentage of total revenues, G&A expenses were 9.7% for the first half of 2024, compared with 5.1% in the same period of 2023. Included in G&A expenses, R&D expenses in the first half of 2024 were $8.6 million, compared with $10.3 million in the same period of 2023.

Loss from operations was $3.4 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.6 million in the same period of 2023.

Net loss was $3.2 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $5.4 million in the same period of 2023.

Net loss per American Depository Share (“ADS”) was $0.03 in the first half of 2024, compared with $0.05 in the same period of 2023. Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. The diluted net loss per ADS for the first half of 2024 was $0.03, compared with $0.05 in the same period of 2023.

In the first half of 2024, the Company’s basic weighted average number of ADSs used in computing the net loss per ADS was 110,802,352.

Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.9 million in the first half of 2024, compared with $3.8 million in the same period of 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses a non-GAAP measure, Adjusted EBITDA, as a supplemental measure to review and assess operating performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s non-GAAP financial measure excludes share-based compensation expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses, interest income, interest expenses and income tax expense.

The Company presents this non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by management to evaluate operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure helps identify underlying trends in its business. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measure could provide further information about the Company’s results of operations and enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past performance and future prospects.

The non-GAAP financial measure is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measure does not reflect all items of income and expenses that affect the Company’s operations and does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Further, the non-GAAP measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for the limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating performance. The Company encourages you to review the Company’s financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

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

Conference Call

The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 2, 2024 (9:00 p.m. Hong Kong/Singapore Time on the same day).

Preregistration Information

Participants can register for the conference call by going to https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10040986-jh7t5r.html. Upon registration, participants will receive dial-in numbers, an event passcode, and a unique access PIN.

To join the conference, simply dial the number in the calendar invite you receive after preregistering, enter the event passcode followed by your unique access PIN, and you will be connected to the conference instantly.

A telephone replay will be available two hours after the conclusion of the conference call through August 9, 2024. The dial-in details are:

         US/Canada:              +1-855-883-1031

         Singapore:                800-101-3223

         Hong Kong, China:   800-930-639

         Replay PIN:              10040986

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at http://ir.lightinthebox.com

About LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

LightInTheBox is an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide. With a focus on serving its middle-aged and senior customers, LightInTheBox leverages its global supply chain and logistics networks, along with its in-house R&D and design capabilities to offer a wide selection of comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting apparel that brings fresh joy to customers. LightInTheBox operates its business through www.lightinthebox.com, www.ezbuy.sg and other websites as well as mobile applications, which are available in over 20 major languages and over 140 countries and regions. The Company is headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in California, Shanghai and Beijing.

For more information, please visit www.lightinthebox.com.

Investor Relations Contact

Investor Relations
LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
Email: ir@lightinthebox.com

Jenny Cai
Piacente Financial Communications
Email: lightinthebox@tpg-ir.com

Brandi Piacente
Piacente Financial Communications
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: lightinthebox@tpg-ir.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about LightInTheBox’s beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as LightInTheBox’s strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements.

LightInTheBox may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), 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: LightInTheBox’s goals and strategies; LightInTheBox’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the global online retail market; LightInTheBox’s ability to attract customers and further enhance customer experience and product offerings; LightInTheBox’s ability to strengthen its supply chain efficiency and optimize its logistics network; LightInTheBox’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products; competition; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in LightInTheBox’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and LightInTheBox does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

 

 

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(U.S. dollars in thousands, or otherwise noted)

As of December 31,

As of June 30,

2023

2024

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

66,425

25,287

Restricted cash

5,279

2,624

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses

634

994

Inventories

5,767

4,480

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

6,875

9,098

Total current assets

84,980

42,483

Property and equipment, net

2,789

2,145

Intangible assets, net

3,604

3,089

Goodwill

27,393

26,778

Operating lease right-of-use assets

6,559

6,934

Long-term rental deposits

392

312

Long-term investment

74

Other non-current assets

592

TOTAL ASSETS

126,309

81,815

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable

15,846

14,227

Advance from customers

17,001

13,258

Operating lease liabilities

5,046

4,049

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

94,622

61,891

Total current liabilities

132,515

93,425

Operating lease liabilities

1,915

1,650

Deferred tax liabilities

154

150

Unrecognized tax benefits

107

107

TOTAL LIABILITIES

134,691

95,332

EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

Ordinary shares

17

17

Additional paid-in capital

283,137

282,862

Treasury shares

(30,359)

(31,045)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(1,856)

(2,823)

Accumulated deficit

(259,321)

(262,528)

TOTAL EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

(8,382)

(13,517)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

126,309

81,815

 

 

 

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data, or otherwise noted)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

Revenues

Product sales

189,730

67,152

334,331

134,983

Services and others

2,037

2,210

5,217

5,548

Total revenues

191,767

69,362

339,548

140,531

Cost of revenues

Product sales

(81,142)

(25,513)

(145,318)

(54,583)

Services and others

(435)

(559)

(1,538)

(1,209)

Total Cost of revenues

(81,577)

(26,072)

(146,856)

(55,792)

Gross profit

110,190

43,290

192,692

84,739

Operating expenses

Fulfillment

(9,906)

(5,010)

(18,542)

(10,756)

Selling and marketing

(94,038)

(31,527)

(163,150)

(64,268)

General and administrative

(8,176)

(6,411)

(17,233)

(13,670)

Other operating income

332

277

677

563

Total operating expenses

(111,788)

(42,671)

(198,248)

(88,131)

(Loss) / income from operations

(1,598)

619

(5,556)

(3,392)

Interest income

143

14

173

84

Interest expense

(1)

(2)

Other (expense) / income, net

(1)

(9)

20

102

Total other income

141

5

191

186

(Loss) / income before income taxes

(1,457)

624

(5,365)

(3,206)

Income tax expense

(1)

(48)

(1)

Net (loss) / income

(1,457)

623

(5,413)

(3,207)

Net (loss) / income attributable to

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

(1,457)

623

(5,413)

(3,207)

Weighted average numbers of shares used in

calculating (loss) / income per ordinary share

-Basic

226,738,924

220,684,859

226,699,828

221,604,704

-Diluted

226,738,924

221,451,741

226,699,828

221,604,704

Net (loss) / income per ordinary share

-Basic

(0.01)

0.00

(0.02)

(0.01)

-Diluted

(0.01)

0.00

(0.02)

(0.01)

Net (loss) / income per ADS (2 ordinary

shares equal to 1 ADS)

-Basic

(0.01)

0.01

(0.05)

(0.03)

-Diluted

(0.01)

0.01

(0.05)

(0.03)

 

 

 

LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(U.S. dollars in thousands, or otherwise noted)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

Net (loss) / income 

(1,457)

623

(5,413)

(3,207)

Less: Interest income

143

14

173

84

Interest expense

(1)

(2)

Income tax expense

(1)

(48)

(1)

Depreciation and amortization

(826)

(521)

(1,655)

(1,147)

EBITDA

(773)

1,131

(3,881)

(2,143)

Less: Share-based compensation

(78)

(52)

(83)

(276)

Adjusted EBITDA*

(695)

1,183

(3,798)

(1,867)

* Adjusted EBITDA represents net (loss) / income before share-based compensation expense, interest income, interest
expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expenses.

 

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SOURCE LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

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Baseus Announces New Line of iPhone and Tech Accessories – Including Wireless Chargers, Security Cameras, Power Banks, and More

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As a company that designs products to be practical, reliable, and based on users, the new releases are curated to make everyday life easier and more efficient.

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Baseus, a global leader in consumer electronics and mobile accessories, hosted an exclusive launch event in New York, introducing its latest innovations: the PicoGo series, Nomos series, and Security Camera series. These new offerings, including wireless chargers, headphones, and home security systems, are designed to meet the needs of the everyday consumer. Baseus CEO Shiyou He emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering practical, user-friendly tech solutions.

At the event, COO Jacky Fang outlined Baseus’s core values of “Practical, Reliable, Based on User,” He attributed the brand’s rapid growth to its strong product portfolio and brand recognition, highlighting significant progress in North America, including new partnerships and retail expansions. Vadim from Max Tech YouTube Channel shared how Baseus’s user-driven philosophy guided the development of several new products in the second half of the year. These launches further solidify Baseus’s mission to enhance users’ digital lives through innovative, practical solutions.

New Product Highlights Include:

Baseus PicoGo Series: Pocket Power, On the Go

Baseus PicoGo Fast Charger 45W – $29.99

The Baseus PicoGo 45W Fast Charger supports full-speed PD 3.0 charging for the iPhone 16, improving efficiency. It is 54.2% smaller, uses TÜV Rheinland-certified graphene technology for safer, cooler performance, and features a USB-C port for wide compatibility, ideal for travel.

Baseus PicoGo Power Bank 10000mAh 45W – $39.99

The Baseus PicoGo 45W Power Bank delivers 10,000mAh capacity and 45W fast charging, perfect for the latest iPhones. Its ultra-thin, 2-in-1 design supports wired and wireless charging, offering universal compatibility and a smart digital display for efficient power on the go.

Baseus PicoGo Magnetic Power Bank with Rotatable Stand 5000mAh 20W – $39.99

Get the best of both worlds with a Magnetic Power Bank that has both wireless and wired charging capabilities. This device boasts an impressive 5000mAh capacity and is Qi2-certified to provide ultra-fast 20W charging power.

Baseus Nomos Series: Power Combined, Simplicity Redefined

Nomos Qi2 5-in-1 140W Desktop Charger – $129.99

A 5-in-1 design featuring a smart digital display and intelligent power allocation. It’s the first desktop charger with Qi2 wireless charging and a retractable 100W USB-C cable, letting you charge up to 5 devices simultaneously while keeping your space clutter-free.

Baseus Nomos Qi2 8-in-1 Charging Station – $89.99

The Baseus Nomos Qi2 8-in-1 Slim Charging Station 67W (US) is the world’s thinnest at just 0.67 inches. It supports 67W fast wired and 15W Qi2 wireless charging for up to 8 devices, perfect for multi-device workspaces, travel, and saving space.

Baseus Nomos Qi2 3-in-1 Magnetic Power Bank – $69.99

The Baseus Nomos Qi2 3-in-1 Power Bank offers wired and wireless charging for up to three devices at once. With 10,000mAh capacity, it supports 45W fast wired and 15W Qi2 wireless charging. Compact and slim with a digital display, it’s perfect for travel and daily use.

Baseus Security Camera Series: This state-of-the-art solar-powered outdoor camera features sun-powered tracking and top-of-the-line alerts, dual camera modes, color night vision, and more.

Baseus Security S1 Pro Outdoor Dual Camera 3K 2-Cam Kit$449.99

The S1 Pro, winner of the Technology Innovation Awards 2024 by Future Publishing, keeps your camera charged for uninterrupted home surveillance, even without sunlight. Its 13,500mAh battery powers up to 270 days of use. The camera rotates up to 80°, harnessing solar energy for near-continuous power.

For security, the system features AES+RSA encryption (TÜV Rheinland Certified).

The Baseus H1 HomeStation includes 16GB of eMMC storage for up to three months of footage, with optional 16TB expansion via an external hard drive (sold separately).

These products are available for purchase in the US on Amazon, at Baseus.com, and at Target (select products). For more information and to review all the latest Baseus products, please visit: www.baseus.com

About Baseus

Founded in 2011, Baseus was born out of utmost care for users. The company embodies its slogan: Practical. Reliable. Based on User. With 300 million users and over 6 billion services, Baseus delivers 100 million products annually, combining quality and innovation to enhance user satisfaction.

Media Contact:

Baseus PR Team
Phone: +1 (213) 512-7063
Email: pr@baseus.com

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Creative by Nature: HUAWEI Launches GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity 2024

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BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On September 19, HUAWEI officially launched the GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity 2024 themed “Creative by Nature”. From the kickoff day to December 31, 2024, painting enthusiasts around the world can share their unique digital art works on HUAWEI Community platform.

With their HUAWEI MatePad tablets, designed to spark creativity, global consumers can bring the “Creation of Beauty” concept to life. The HUAWEI GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity invites aspiring artists to unleash their inner creativity and continue to be inspired.

The new HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2-inch and HUAWEI MatePad 12 X come with powerful hardware and enhanced writing & painting experience when working with the most updated GoPaint App. The app’s professional brush engine, diverse canvas options, and FangTian Painting Engine 2.0 provide a seamless, authentic, and user-friendly creative experience.

The Activity is divided into five groups, with themes of Sci-Fi Art, Design & Fashion, Narrative Art, Cutting-edge Painting, and Digital Watercolor & Ink. Find out more in the the Official Website and get ready to paint on your HUAWEI MatePad[1]!

In the HUAWEI GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity, you could win the chance to showcase your artwork worldwide and in app placements. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your creative journey in video interviews. For more details, please visit the official website: 
https://consumer.huawei.com/en/campaign/gopaint/

[1] MatePad tablets that support the GoPaint App are required, such as HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2, HUAWEI MatePad 11.5S, HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2, and HUAWEI MatePad 12 X.

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Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Day 3 Highlights: Key Insights on IT Leadership, Ethical AI, and the Future of IT

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Day 3 of Info-Tech LIVE 2024 delivered actionable insights on IT leadership, AI, and future IT trends, featuring thought leaders and experts from across the technology landscape.

TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – The third and final day of Info-Tech LIVE 2024 concluded with impactful sessions designed to equip IT leaders with strategies to navigate the exponentially changing technology landscape. Day 3 delivered valuable insights on critical topics such as ethical AI, leadership, and the evolving role of the CIO.

Key Highlights From Day 3 Featured Keynotes:

1. Adaptive IT Leadership: Leading at the Pace of Exponential Change
Speaker: Carlene McCubbin, AVP of Research Development at Info-Tech Research Group

Carlene McCubbin explored the critical importance of building strong IT leadership teams capable of navigating the rapidly evolving technology landscape. She emphasized the shift from a purely technical focus to a more balanced approach that includes people leadership and business acumen. McCubbin highlighted the findings from the 2024 Info-Tech and McLean & Company surveys, which revealed a growing gap in leadership skills within IT and underscored the urgent need for leadership development and prioritization.

Key Takeaways:

There is a significant disconnect between CxO expectations and IT department capabilities. While 50% of CxOs view IT as a driver of transformation, only 5% of IT departments are currently meeting this expectation.The top challenges for IT leaders include staffing shortages, skills gaps, and difficulties in meeting business demands, which can hinder IT’s ability to deliver value and adapt to changing business needs.Despite advancements in technology, 35% of IT employees’ time is still spent on administrative tasks, a figure that has remained unchanged over the past five years. The finding indicates a persistent inefficiency that could be addressed through better use of AI and automation.Many IT employees believe that efficiency can be improved, with 37% identifying opportunities to eliminate low-value activities and 47% seeing potential for greater operational efficiency through innovative approaches.

2. AI Hype vs. Reality
Speaker: Dr. Timnit Gebru, Founder and Executive Director at the Distributed AI Research Institute

Dr. Timnit Gebru’s keynote dissected the current AI landscape and how to navigate the fine line between hype and the tangible benefits of AI technologies. She explained how AI can be misused, highlighting issues such as unauthorized data usage, copyright infringement, and machine bias. Dr. Gebru emphasized the need for critical thinking and skepticism when evaluating AI systems and stressed the importance of establishing ethical guidelines and accountability to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.

Key Takeaways:

There is a significant disconnect between the hype surrounding AI and its real-world applications, with many organizations overestimating the capabilities of current AI technologies.A critical, evidence-based approach is essential for evaluating the true capabilities and risks of AI systems, particularly in avoiding the misuse of data and ensuring compliance with copyright and ethical standards.AI systems must be developed and integrated with strict ethical guidelines and accountability frameworks to prevent biases, protect user data, and ensure responsible AI usage.

3. The New CIO: Leading IT Into the Future
Speaker: Heather Leier-Murray, Research Director at Info-Tech Research Group

Heather Leier-Murray discussed the evolving role of the CIO and the skills necessary to lead IT into the future. The session focused on the strategic shift required for CIOs to move from traditional IT management to becoming key business partners. Leier-Murray emphasized the need for modern CIOs to balance technological innovation with leadership and influence, positioning IT as a central driver of organizational success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

The role of the CIO has transformed significantly over the past 40 years, evolving from optimizing back-office operations to becoming a leader in driving organizational value through advanced technologies. Despite these shifts, 81% of respondents to Info-Tech’s CxO-CIO Alignment Diagnostic feel their IT maturity level is only at a supporting or struggling stage, indicating a need for further evolution.While 35% of CxOs believe their IT department must achieve the highest level of maturity to transform the organization, only 2% feel confident that their IT department is capable of driving this transformation.Over 50% of a CIO’s weekly time is consumed by day-to-day management and operational tasks, leaving less than 20% for strategic initiatives and technology advancements. This misalignment must be addressed so that IT leaders can effectively guide organizations through rapid technological changes.

Looking Beyond Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Over the three days of Info-Tech LIVE 2024, attendees explored the critical intersections of technology, leadership, and innovation, gaining insights into how to navigate the future of IT. From the transformative discussions on Exponential IT and AI to in-depth sessions on modernizing IT frameworks and developing effective leadership strategies, the conference provided a comprehensive roadmap for IT leaders aiming to drive their organizations forward in an era of exponential change.

Info-Tech Research Group looks forward to announcing details for the next LIVE event, including plans to expand the conference to Australia in March 2025.

For media inquiries, including requests for interviews with featured speakers and experts from LIVE 2024, or for access to session recordings and additional content, please contact pr@infotech.com. For conference-related press releases and images, please visit the online Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Media Kit.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights. 

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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