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Kamux Corporation’s Half Year Financial Report for January 1–June 30, 2024: Revenue decreased and adjusted operating profit decreased significantly, a weak Q2 in Sweden

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Kamux Corporation, Half Year Financial Report, 16.8.2024 at 9:00

ESPOO, Finland, Aug. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kamux Corporation’s Half Year Financial Report for January 1—June 30, 2024: Revenue decreased and adjusted operating profit decreased significantly, a weak Q2 in Sweden.

This is a summary of Kamux Corporation’s Half Year Financial Report for January 1—June 30, 2024. The complete report is attached to this release and is also available at the company website at www.kamux.com.

The figures in parentheses refer to the comparison period, i.e., the same period in the previous year, unless stated otherwise.

April–June in brief

Revenue decreased by -0.9% and was EUR 252.6 million (255.0)Gross profit decreased by -6.1% to EUR 24.7 million (26.3), or 9.8% (10.3) of revenueAdjusted operating profit (EBIT) decreased by -41.3% to EUR 2.7 million (4.5), or 1.1% (1.8) of revenueOperating profit (EBIT) decreased by -45.9% and was EUR 2.1 million (3.9), or 0.8% (1.5) of revenueThe number of cars sold decreased by -1.0% to 17,037 cars (17,215)Like-for-like showroom revenue decreased by -5.7% (2.9)Basic and diluted earnings per share were EUR 0.00 (0.06)

January–June in brief

Revenue increased by 3.2%, totaling EUR 493.4 million (478.1)Gross profit increased by 4.3% to EUR 49.0 million (47.0), or 9.9% (9.8) of revenueAdjusted operating profit (EBIT) remained at the previous year’s level and was EUR 5.4 million (5.4), or 1.1% (1.1) of revenueOperating profit (EBIT) decreased by -1.8% to EUR 4.4 million (4.5), or 0.9% (0.9) of revenueThe number of cars sold increased by 2.0% to 33,174 cars (32,539)Like-for-like showroom revenue growth was 0.1% (-2.4)Basic and diluted earnings per share were EUR 0.03 (0.06)

Key Figures

EUR million

4−6/2024

4−6/2023

Change, %

1−6/2024

1−6/2023

Change, %

1−12/2023

Revenue

252.6

255.0

-0.9 %

493.4

478.1

3.2 %

1,002.1

Gross profit

24.7

26.3

-6.1 %

49.0

47.0

4.3 %

102.5

as percentage of revenue, %

9.8 %

10.3 %

9.9 %

9.8 %

10.2 %

Operating profit (EBIT)

2.1

3.9

-45.9 %

4.4

4.5

-1.8 %

15.8

as percentage of revenue, %

0.8 %

1.5 %

0.9 %

0.9 %

1.6 %

Adjusted operating profit*

2.7

4.5

-41.3 %

5.4

5.4

0.0 %

18.0

as percentage of revenue, %

1.1 %

1.8 %

1.1 %

1.1 %

1.8 %

Revenue from integrated services

13.6

12.4

9.2 %

26.9

23.9

12.4 %

53.0

as percentage of revenue, %

5.4 %

4.9 %

5.5 %

5.0 %

5.3 %

Number of cars sold

17,037

17,215

-1.0 %

33,174

32,539

2.0 %

68,257

Gross profit per sold car, EUR

1,449

1,527

-5.1 %

1,478

1,446

2.3 %

1,502

Sales growth of like-for-like showrooms, %

-5.7 %

2.9 %

0.1 %

-2.4 %

2.9 %

Net debt

75.8

79.3

-4.4 %

53.8

Inventories

140.1

133.6

4.9 %

117.2

Inventory turnover, days

53.1

58.0

-8.6 %

46.9

Capital expenditures

0.6

0.5

20.1 %

1.8

0.9

103.0 %

1.8

Average number of employees during the period

906

861

5.2 %

885

Return on equity (ROE), %

7.8 %

5.9 %

8.7 %

Return on investment (ROI), %

6.0 %

4.1 %

6.6 %

Equity ratio, %

45.0 %

46.5 %

51.9 %

Earnings per share, basic and diluted, EUR

0.00

0.06

-93.6 %

0.03

0.06

-43.0 %

0.24

*) Operating profit adjusted for special items related to strategic planning and consulting, taxes from previous financial years, own real estate operations and other items, totaling EUR 0.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 and EUR 1.0 million for 1−6/2024 (4−6/2023: EUR 0.6 million, 1−6/2023: EUR 0,9 million and 1−12/2023: EUR 2.2 million including also special items related to legal processes).

CEO Tapio Pajuharju:

“Despite the somewhat favorable development of the used car demand in all our operating countries, the second quarter was challenging for Kamux. The difficult sourcing market, and in particular the challenges in Sweden, were reflected in our revenue and profitability.

In Finland, the market slowed down in June, yet in Sweden and Germany, the market momentum remained mainly favorable throughout the quarter. The car sourcing market became increasingly difficult throughout the period in all of our operating countries, and we did not fully succeed in acquiring enough cars matching the demand. At Kamux, the good sales momentum continued in Germany, where the number of cars sold increased by almost 20%. In Finland, the number of cars sold remained at the same level as in the comparison period, and in Sweden the number of cars decreased substantially.

In Sweden, the second quarter had a good start, but June in particular was a major disappointment. We did not proceed in onboarding the new sellers as quickly as we had planned, and in addition, while the corrective actions related to previously detected misconduct have progressed as planned, they have required more effort and resources than expected. During August, it became evident that implementing the corrective actions has taken a toll and in order to speed up the commercial recovery, we needed to make a change in Kamux Sweden’s leadership. However, we believe that we will have a well-performing team in Sweden later this year and that all corrective actions will be completed gradually towards the end of the year. However, the challenge in Sweden has turned out to be bigger than previously estimated.

In Finland, we fell slightly below market development due to the challenged sourcing market in passenger cars. We have elected to maintain solid profitability, and we did succeed relatively well in maintaining our margin per sold car even in the substantially tightened sourcing market.

At the group level, the number of cars sold in the second quarter fell one percent below the comparison period due to the negative development in Sweden. The group’s revenue also fell by one percent, as the revenue growth in Finland and Germany was not high enough to offset the decrease in Sweden. In Finland, revenue grew mainly due to the slightly higher average price of cars sold. In Germany, revenue grew with the volume of cars sold, but on the other hand the average price of cars sold decreased as a result of the planned change in our offering. In Sweden, the average price of sold cars was lower than in the comparison period.

Gross profit decreased compared to the comparison period due to the negative development in Sweden. In Germany, gross profit developed favorably. In all our operating countries, gross profit was impacted by maintenance expenses which increased due to inflation. Sales of integrated services, especially Kamux Plus, developed favorably. Adjusted operating profit for the second quarter decreased compared to the comparison period and was EUR 2.7 million (EUR 4.5 million). Operating cash flow for January–June was EUR -14.2 million (EUR -16.2 million).

The sourcing market for used cars tightened in all our operating countries. Sales of new cars have been slow, and as a consequence the number of used cars entering the market is lower. At the same time, the market dynamics and competition have also changed, as many dealers who previously focused on new cars have invested noticeably more in used cars than before. In Sweden, the situation was further complicated due to the low exchange rate of the Swedish krona. This has made Sweden an attractive sourcing market for many eurozone countries.

During the past quarter, we have continued the dedicated and systematic implementation of our omnichannel strategy by upgrading our showrooms and web presence to match our concept, especially in Finland, but also in Sweden and Germany. We have also made several changes to our showroom network. On top of this, we decided to accelerate the measures defined in our strategy to improve the productivity and profitability of our operations. With the measures initiated during the second quarter, we target approximately EUR 5.0–7.0 million in annualized savings by the end of 2025. The measures are divided into two parts: In the first part, we will standardize indirect purchases, such as maintenance, washing, repairs and spare parts, and combine volumes. The second part includes the streamlining of the showroom network and own processes and organization. At the same time, we will continue to invest in growth, particularly by developing our webstore and showroom network.

Customer satisfaction is an important metric for us. The Net Promoter Score (NPS), where our long-term target is 60, decreased slightly in the second quarter and was 49 (51 in Q1) at the group level – still a very good level within the car industry. During the fall, we will continue actions dedicated to improving customer experience as well as upgrading our showrooms to match our concept. Due to the changes in the sourcing market, we are also accelerating our international sourcing activities and the standardization of car processing in order to get them ready for sale quicker, as well as to reduce costs.

I would like to once again express my warm thanks to all Kamux employees for their good work in a challenging market. I would also like to thank our customers and partners for their trust.”

Outlook for the year 2024 (unchanged)

Kamux expects its adjusted operating profit for 2024 to exceed its 2023 adjusted operating profit, which was EUR 18.0 million.

Significant events after the reporting period

On August 13, 2024, Kamux announced that Andy Rietschel, Kamux Sweden’s Managing Director and a member of the Group Management Team, leaves Kamux. The resignation was effective immediately. Aino Hökeberg, Kamux’s Chief Marketing and Concept Officer and a member of the Group Management Team, acts as the interim Managing Director of Kamux Sweden.

On August 9, 2024, Kamux announced that Marjo Nurmi, the Group’s Chief People and Sustainability Officer and a member of the Group Management Team, has decided to become an entrepreneur and will leave Kamux. She will continue in her current position and as a member of the Group Management Team until September 30, 2024.

On July 5, 2024, Kamux announced that Vesa Uotila, the Group’s Chief Business Development Officer and a member of the Group Management Team, had decided to leave Kamux in order to join private equity investor Sponsor Capital as a partner. He continued as Chief Business Development Officer and a member of the Group Management Team until August 7, 2024, and he will serve as an advisor to the company until the end of 2024.

Kamux Corporation’s financial reporting in 2024

The publication schedule for Kamux Corporation’s financial reporting in 2024 is as follows:

Interim Report for January—September 2024  November 8, 2024

News conference

News conference for investors, analysts and media will be held today, Friday, August 16, 2024, at Sanomatalo, Flik Studio Eliel, 1st floor, Töölönlahdenkatu 2, Helsinki at 11:00 EEST. CEO Tapio Pajuharju and CFO Jukka Havia will present the Half Year Report.

The conference can be followed as a live webcast at https://kamux.videosync.fi/q2-2024

Participation by conference call:

You can access the teleconference by registering on the link below. After the registration you will be provided phone numbers and a conference ID to access the conference. If you wish to ask a question, please dial *5 on your telephone keypad to enter the queue.

https://palvelu.flik.fi/teleconference/?id=50049836

For more information, please contact:
CEO Tapio Pajuharju, tel. +358 50 577 4200
CFO Jukka Havia, tel. +358 50 355 3757
Head of Communications & IR Katariina Hietaranta, tel. +358 50 557 6765

Kamux Corporation
Communications

Kamux is a retail chain specialized in preowned cars and related integrated services that has grown rapidly. Kamux combines online shopping with an extensive showroom network to provide its customers with a great service experience anytime, anywhere. In addition to digital channels, the company has a total of 74 car showrooms in Finland, Sweden and Germany. Since its founding in Hämeenlinna, Finland, in 2003 the company has sold over 500,000 used cars, 68,257 of which were sold in 2023. Kamux’s revenue in 2023 was EUR 1,002 million and its average number of employees was 885 in terms of full-time equivalent employees. Kamux Corporation is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. For more information, please visit www.kamux.com 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/kamux/r/kamux-corporation-s-half-year-financial-report-for-january-1-june-30–2024–revenue-decreased-and-ad,c4025073

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/17647/4025073/2947733.pdf

Kamux_Half Year Financial Report Q2 2024

 

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Neusoft Education officially renamed as ” Neutech Group Limited “, accelerating the advancement of the “education-healthcare-wellness and mind tour” strategy in a new stage

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HONG KONG, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On 9 January, Neusoft Education (09616.HK) announced that the Company’s English name will change from “Neusoft Education Technology Co. Limited” to “Neutech Group Limited”. The name change will take effect on the same day.

According to the announcement, the Company’s renaming to “Neutech Group Limited” better reflects its strategic transformation and upgrade, and more accurately demonstrates its five-in-one industry layout of “education-healthcare-wellness and mind tour”. This will establish a new corporate brand image and highlight the Company’s comprehensive strength in technological innovation and integrated development. Starting with the name change, the Company will focus on education and adapt to the aging economy, promoting the parallel development of academic education, continuing education, senior education, and resource output. This will create a business model of “education-assisted healthcare, education-assisted wellness, medical-care conversion, medical-education assistance, care-supported medicine, and care-education assistance”. Driven by technology and platform research and development, the company will achieve integrated development of education, medicine, care, health, and tourism, as well as efficient use of human, financial, and material resources. This will build a harmonious and inclusive “education + technology + medical care + health + tourism” prosperous ecosystem. It is expected to further enhance the Company’s brand reputation and industry influence, and support its sustainable development.

Neutech Group, as a pioneer in the “education-healthcare-wellness and mind tour” ecosystem in China, successfully listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 29 September 2020, becoming the “first stock of IT higher education” (stock code: 9616.HK). With the broad market opportunities brought by the aging population and the positive support of policies for the development of the elderly care industry, the Company leverages its innovative research and development capabilities in “education + technology + medical care” to build a new ecosystem of integrated development of ” education-healthcare-wellness and mind tour”.

In the education technology business sector, the Company will retain the main body of ” Neusoft Education Group” and continue to operate academic education, continuing education, and resource output businesses. Based on IT innovation education, the Company will further develop the “digital media” and “medical care” fields, build an integrated ecosystem of “education-healthcare-wellness”, and consolidate the core competitiveness of education technology in the future. The Company will also establish a characteristic product and service system based on the 4S model, providing first-class platforms, resources, models, and management services to governments, universities, hospitals, and health care institutions, continuously empowering partners’ reform and development.

In the elderly education and elderly care technology business sector, following the concept of “Elderly care starts with prevention, education drives elderly care, and technology empowers elderly care”, the Company has deeply developed elderly education through Neuedu Phoenix Academy and created a unique “LIFECARES” model of integrated elderly education with “leisure, care, medical services, education, and integration”. Using top-notch medical and care services and platform services to empower the elderly to live a happy life, the Company is building a dream university for active seniors. In addition, the Company will strengthen the training of elderly care service personnel by creating a one-stop industry chain of “university training + training + intern + human resource services”. On the other hand, the Company will build a medical and care technology operation service model, create an elderly care solution industrial ecosystem through the output of overall smart elderly care solutions and elderly care technology products and services, and achieve mutually beneficial cooperation with ecological partners.

In the medical and health care service sector, the Company integrates customer management service systems to provide intelligent medical and elderly care information solutions, and create a “medical care and elderly care” integrated development system with treatment-based medical institutions, rehabilitation-based nursing institutions, and care-based elderly care institutions. Its subsidiaries, Ruikang Cardiovascular Hospital, Dalian Ruikang Zhuomei Stomatology Hospital Co., Ltd., and Wecare Family Nursing Home, have been put into operation.

In the wellness tourism sector, targeting energetic seniors, the Company integrates tourism, education, and elderly care into one, with a focus on “leisure learning, slow travel, and peaceful living”. Through the concept of “study-travel-care”, seniors can experience a variety of dimensions of “learning-travel-care” in their travel and learning process, creating a comprehensive elderly education model that provides opportunities for art experiences, promotes physical and mental relaxation, enhances cultural literacy, and expands social interaction.

In addition, the Company expands its industrial management and service sector, with the vision of building a better life and using technology to empower intelligent logistics. It explores diverse, characteristic, and value-added service models to meet the diverse needs of internal and external customers, continuously expanding its brand reputation and social influence.

With its keen market insight and deep accumulation of industry and education resources, Neutech Group Limited actively embraces the development of the silver-haired economy, timely enters new tracks, and improves its position in the industrial ecosystem. Now, the Group’s new layout of “education-healthcare-wellness and mind tour ” has been formed, which not only helps to create a new growth curve but also continuously expands new development margins, moving towards becoming a leader in the development of the “education-healthcare-wellness and mind tour” ecosystem.

CONTACT: Lin Wei, weilin@neuedu.com

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SOURCE Neutech Group Limited

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RoboSense and Coco Robotics Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Autonomous Last-Mile Delivery

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RoboSense (2498.HK), a global leader in AI-driven robotics technology, and Coco Robotics, an innovator in delivery robots, have announced a strategic partnership to transform last-mile logistics. By combining RoboSense’s advanced sensor technology with Coco Robotics’s delivery solutions, the collaboration aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in urban networks.

Coco Robotics bridges the gap between local businesses and customers through advanced navigation and real-time tracking, prioritizing sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and delivery costs. Since its launch in 2020, the company has expanded operations to major U.S. and European cities, forming partnerships with food delivery leaders like Uber Eats and DoorDash to meet the growing demands of modern logistics and support a greener future.

This partnership addresses key challenges in autonomous last-mile delivery by integrating RoboSense’s perception solutions into Coco Robotics’s fleet to enhance navigation and obstacle detection. Together, the companies are accelerating the deployment of delivery robots to optimize efficiency and scale operations.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with RoboSense to push the boundaries of what’s possible in last-mile delivery,” said Zach Rash, Co-founder and CEO of Coco Robotics. “This partnership strengthens our ability to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable delivery solutions at scale, helping us better serve businesses and communities.”

Mark Qiu, CEO of RoboSense, said, “The successful collaboration with Coco Robotics is one of the key milestones in RoboSense’s global strategy. By combining our visual sensor technology with Coco Robotics’ innovative robotics solutions, we aim to redefine what’s possible in autonomous last-mile delivery. RoboSense will continue to innovate, providing superior incremental components and solutions to our global robotics customers. Partnering with Coco Robotics, we will create safer, smarter robotic delivery services and expand into global markets.”  

About RoboSense

RoboSense (2498.HK), founded in 2014, is an AI-driven robotics technology company that supplies industry-leading incremental components and solutions for the robotics market. The company is committed to “Become the global leader in robotics technology platforms”, and its mission is “Safer world, Smarter life”. For more information about RoboSense, visit https://www.robosense.ai 

About Coco Robotics

Coco Robotics is the world’s largest urban robot delivery platform. Founded in 2020, Coco has completed over 500,000 zero-emission deliveries, serving customers in the US and Europe. Coco’s mission is to create a more sustainable, reliable, and affordable last-mile logistics solution in cities around the world. For more information about Coco, visit cocodelivery.com  

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SOURCE RoboSense Technology Co., Ltd.

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AI Wellness Launches SoCal Fire Relief Initiative to Support Families and First Responders in Southern California

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LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and compassion, AI Wellness has officially launched the SoCal Fire Relief Initiative to provide aid to families and first responders affected by the devastating fires in Southern California. Unveiled during CES 2025, this initiative aims to deliver critical resources and long-term recovery solutions to the communities hardest hit by this tragedy.

 

Southern California is more than just where we operate—it’s our home,” said Dr. Gideon Kwok, Co-Founder of AI Wellness. “The fires have left countless families without homes, belongings, and hope. This initiative is our way of giving back and rebuilding the lives of our neighbors and the first responders who have worked tirelessly to protect them.”

Let’s Take Action Together

The SoCal Fire Relief Initiative brings together individuals, brands, and organizations to address the urgent and long-term needs of affected communities. In partnership with the Mission Community Hospital Foundation and the Santo Niño Health Center, AI Wellness is leading efforts to:

Provide essential supplies such as food, water, clothing, and medical care to displaced families.Deliver hydration and wellness resources to first responders working on the frontlines.Support long-term community recovery through wellness programs and innovative solutions.

“It is during a crisis that the best of humanity comes out,” said Bernard Hiller. “It’s important for those affected to know they are not alone. This is a huge undertaking that we cannot do without you. These are our friends, neighbors, and family. Please help us.”

How You Can Help

The initiative provides several ways to make a difference:

Donate to Relief Efforts:
Contributions directly fund essential resources for families and first responders.Send Water to Evacuation Centers:
Every purchase of AI Wellness Water helps ensure first responders and displaced families stay hydrated, while also funding continued production and donation efforts.Spread Awareness:
Share the SoCal Fire Relief Initiative with your networks to amplify its reach and inspire collective action.Wellness Bundles:
Wellness bundle purchases such as the Powersuit, Smart Ring, and Mindbody Matrix Water, help support relief efforts with proceeds contributing to recovery initiatives.

DONATE HERE

Real Impact in Action

Since the fires began, AI Wellness and its partners have made a significant impact:

Delivered over 10,000 water packs to evacuation centers and first responders.Distributed 500 wellness bundles to displaced families.Donated proceeds from the first 1,000 AI Wellness Powersuits and 5,000 Smart Rings to relief efforts.Raised $250,000 to support critical aid and recovery.

“This initiative is about more than providing relief,” said Abby Aboitiz Founder of AI Wellness. “It’s about restoring hope and rebuilding our community, together.”

Uniting Brands and Innovators

During CES 2025, AI Wellness called on brands and innovators to collaborate on this critical mission. Companies can contribute by donating resources, partnering on curated wellness bundles, or amplifying awareness for the initiative.

“We’re inspired by the innovation and generosity of the brands we’ve met here at CES,” said Dr. TK Huynh, Medical Innovator at AI Wellness. “Together, we can transform this tragedy into an opportunity to rebuild lives and strengthen our community.”

Join the SoCal Fire Relief Initiative

Support the SoCal Fire Relief Initiative by visiting aiwellness.ai or contacting AI Wellness directly:

Email: info@aiwellness.aiInstagram: @aiwellnesstv

About AI Wellness

AI Wellness is a pioneer in health, wellness, and philanthropy, combining cutting-edge AI technology with innovative solutions to address the most pressing challenges facing communities today. From digital avatars to precision education and curated wellness bundles, AI Wellness empowers individuals and brands to make a meaningful impact.

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SOURCE Assisted Intelligence Wellness, Inc.

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