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Baozun Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

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SHANGHAI, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Baozun Inc. (Nasdaq: BZUN and HKEX: 9991) (“Baozun”, the “Company” or the “Group”), a leading brand e-commerce solution provider and digital commerce enabler in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

Mr. Vincent Qiu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baozun, commented, “I am pleased that Baozun’s three-year transformation continues with strong momentum, as both BEC and BBM segments return to topline growth alongside bottom-line improvements. In the fourth quarter of 2024, we achieved 8% year-over-year revenue growth and remarkable growth in operating profit. With technology as our backbone, we drive digital innovations and AI applications to enhance efficiency, streamline omni-channel operations, and improve content creation for sustainable growth. As 2025 marks the transformation’s culmination, we remain committed to accelerating this shift, fostering an entrepreneurial, innovative and customer-centric approach to drive quality growth.”

Ms. Catherine Zhu, Chief Financial Officer of Baozun Inc., commented, “Baozun delivered solid topline growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with E-Commerce revenue increasing by 6% and Brand Management revenue accelerating by 17% year-over-year. While investing in our strategic initiatives, we have also implemented comprehensive measures to enhance efficiency and optimize costs. These efforts drove a 16% increase in adjusted operating profits for our BEC segment and reduced adjusted operating loss for our BBM segment by 20% for the quarter. With healthy cash reserves, a continuing focus on financial discipline and innovation in technology, we remain confident in sustaining long-term profitability and growth.”

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total net revenues were RMB2,994.4 million (US$[1] 410.2 million), representing an increase of 7.7% compared with RMB2,780.4 million in the same quarter of last year.Income from operations was RMB73.2 million (US$10.0 million), an improvement from RMB6.4 million in the same quarter of last year. Operating margin was 2.4%, improved from 0.2% for the same period of 2023.Non-GAAP income from operations[2] was RMB103.3 million (US$14.2 million), an improvement of 36.6% from RMB75.7 million in the same quarter of last year. Non-GAAP operating margin was 3.5%, improved from 2.7% for the same period of 2023.Adjusted operating profit of E-Commerce[3] was RMB137.4 million (US$18.8 million), an improvement of 16.3% from RMB118.2 million for the same period of 2023.Adjusted operating loss of Brand Management[3] narrowed to RMB34.2 million (US$4.7 million), an improvement of 19.7% from RMB42.5million for the same period of 2023.Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun was RMB0.1 million (US$0.02 million), compared with net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun was RMB48.4 million for the same period of 2023.Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun[4] was RMB45.7 million (US$6.3 million), an improvement of 58.9% from RMB28.8 million for the same period of 2023.  Basic and diluted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per American Depositary Share (“ADS[5]”) were both RMB0.00[6], compared with basic and diluted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per American Depositary Share were both RMB0.80 for the same period of 2023.Diluted non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS[7] was RMB0.77 (US$0.11), compared with RMB0.47 for the same period of 2023.Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments totaled RMB2,915.9 million (US$399.5 million), as of December 31, 2024, compared with RMB3,072.8 million as of December 31, 2023.

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Highlights

Total net revenues were RMB9,422.2 million (US$1,290.8million), representing an increase of 6.9% compared with RMB8,812.0 million in the fiscal year of 2023.Loss from operations was RMB114.8 million (US$15.7 million), improved from RMB206.4 million in the fiscal year of 2023. Operating margin was negative 1.2%, compared with negative 2.3% for the fiscal year of 2023.Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB10.6 million (US$1.5 million), compared with non-GAAP loss from operations RMB23.7 million for the fiscal year of 2023. Non-GAAP operating margin was 0.1%, compared with negative 0.3% for the fiscal year of 2023.Adjusted operating profit of E-Commerce was RMB179.6 million (US$24.6 million), an improvement of 9.5% from RMB164.0 million for the fiscal year of 2023.Adjusted operating loss of Brand Management narrowed to RMB168.8 million (US$23.1 million), an improvement of 10.1% from RMB187.7 million for the fiscal year of 2023.Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun was RMB185.2 million (US$25.4 million), improved from RMB278.4 million for the fiscal year of 2023.Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun was RMB40.4 million (US$5.5 million), improved from RMB65.1 million for the fiscal year of 2023.Basic and diluted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per American Depositary Share (“ADS”) were both RMB3.09 (US$0.42), compared with both RMB4.68 for the fiscal year of 2023.Diluted non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS was RMB0.67 (US$0.09), compared with RMB1.09 for the fiscal year of 2023.

Reconciliations of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures presented above are included at the end of this results announcement.

Adjusted operating profits (losses) are included in the Segments data of Segment Information.

[1] This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi (RMB) amounts into U.S. dollars (US$) at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, the translation of RMB into US$ has been made at RMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2024 as set forth in the H.10 Statistical Release of the Federal Reserve Board.

[2] Non-GAAP income (loss) from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as income (loss) from operations excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition, acquisition-related expenses, impairment of goodwill and cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs.

[3] Following the acquisition of Gap Shanghai, the Group updated its operating segment structure resulting in two segments, which were (i) E-Commerce; (ii) Brand Management, for more information, please refer to Supplemental Information.

[4] Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition, acquisition-related expenses, impairment of goodwill and investments, other-than-temporary impairment of equity method investments, cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs, fair value gain on derivative liabilities, gain on disposal/acquisition of subsidiaries, and unrealized investment loss (gain).

[5] Each ADS represents three Class A ordinary shares.

[6] The amount is less than RMB 0.01.

[7] Diluted non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS are non-GAAP financial measures, which is defined as non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun divided by weighted average number of shares used in calculating diluted net income (loss) per ordinary share multiplied by three.

Business Highlights

Baozun e-Commerce, or “BEC”

BEC encompasses our China e-commerce businesses, including brand store operations, customer services, and value-added services in warehouse and logistics management, IT and digital marketing. During the quarter, total revenue from BEC increased by 6.0% year-over-year, primarily driven by higher demand from digital marketing and IT solutions. As of December 31, 2024, we served approximately 490 brand partners, compared to approximately 450 brand partners as of December 31, 2023. The increase in brand partners was mainly driven by greater engagement in our value-added services, aimed at enhancing the consumer experience.

Omni-channel expansion remains a key theme for our brand partners. By the end of the fourth quarter, approximately 48.8% of our brand partners engaged with us for store operations of at least two channels, compared to 44.7% at the end of same quarter of last year. For value-added services in warehouse and logistics management, IT and digital marketing, most brand partners engaged with us in an omni-channel basis, to enhance productivity and efficiency for their omni-channel development.

Baozun Brand Management, or “BBM”

The Company launched the BBM business line in 2023, to leverage its leading portfolio of technologies in service of brands, fostering deeper and longer relationships to drive sustainable business growth in China.

BBM provides holistic brand management, encompassing strategic and tactical positioning, branding and marketing, retail and e-commerce operations, supply chain and logistics, and technology enablement. We aim to leverage our portfolio of technologies to build longer and deeper relationships with brands. Currently, our Brand Management business line includes the Gap and Hunter brands. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, Gap and Hunter brands have 156 offline stores under our management.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Total net revenues were RMB2,994.4 million (US$410.2 million), an increase of 7.7% from RMB2,780.4 million in the same quarter of last year. The increase in total net revenues was driven by revenue growth in both the Company’s BEC and BBM business lines.

Total product sales revenue was RMB1,106.0 million (US$151.5 million), an increase of 5.0% compared with RMB1,053.0 million in the same quarter of last year, of which,

Product sales revenue of E-Commerce was RMB571.7 million (US$78.3 million), a decrease of 4.3% from RMB597.5 million in the same quarter of last year. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower sales from its brand portfolio under the distribution model in the appliances category, partially offset by the introduction of high-quality new distribution businesses.  

The following table sets forth a breakdown of product sales revenues of E-Commerce by key categories [8] for the periods indicated:

For the three months ended December 31,

2023

2024

 RMB 

% of
Net
Revenues

 RMB 

 US$ 

% of
Net
Revenues

YoY
Change

(In millions, except for percentage)

Product Sales of E-Commerce

Appliances

255.6

8 %

220.5

30.2

7 %

-14 %

Beauty and cosmetics

131.1

5 %

130.7

17.9

4 %

0 %

Home and furnishing

46.1

2 %

84.6

11.6

3 %

84 %

Others

164.7

6 %

135.9

18.6

5 %

-17 %

Total net revenues from product sales of E-Commerce

597.5

21 %

571.7

78.3

19 %

-4 %

 

[8] Key categories refer to the categories that accounted for no less than 10% of product sales of BEC during the periods indicated. 

Product sales revenue of Brand Management was RMB534.6 million (US$73.2 million), an increase of 17.3% from RMB455.5 million in the same quarter of last year. The increase was primarily driven by higher sales from the Gap brand, as the Company continued to optimize merchandising plans and enhance customer experience to boost sales in both its online and offline channels.

Services revenue was RMB1,888.5 million (US$258.7 million), an increase of 9.3% from RMB 1,727.4 million in the same quarter of last year. The increase was primarily attributable to a 16.2% year-over-year growth in online store operations, together with a 14.8% year-over-year growth in digital marketing and IT solutions, driven by content creation and technology monetization.

The following table sets forth a breakdown of services revenue by business models for the periods indicated:

For the three months ended December 31,

2023

2024

 RMB 

% of
Net
Revenues

 RMB 

 US$ 

% of
Net
Revenues

YoY
Change

(In millions, except for percentage)

Services revenue

Online store operations

511.8

18 %

594.8

81.5

20 %

16 %

Warehousing and fulfillment

704.8

25 %

705.7

96.7

24 %

0 %

Digital marketing and IT solutions

549.4

20 %

630.5

86.3

20 %

15 %

Inter-segment eliminations[9]

(38.6)

-1 %

(42.5)

(5.8)

-1 %

10 %

Total net revenues from services

1,727.4

62 %

1,888.5

258.7

63 %

9 %

Breakdown of total net revenues of online store operations of services revenue by key categories [10] for the periods indicated:

For the three months ended December 31,

2023

2024

 RMB 

% of
Net
Revenues

 RMB 

 US$ 

% of
Net
Revenues

YoY
Change

(In millions, except for percentage)

Online store operations in Services revenue 

Apparel and accessories

372.7

13 %

472.0

64.6

15 %

27 %

Luxury

123.2

4 %

126.9

17.3

4 %

3 %

Sportswear

133.9

5 %

157.6

21.6

5 %

18 %

Other apparel

115.6

4 %

187.5

25.7

6 %

62 %

Others

139.1

6 %

122.8

16.9

4 %

-12 %

Inter-segment eliminations[11]

(18.6)

-1 %

(14.6)

(2.0)

0 %

-22 %

Total net revenues from online store operations in services

493.2

18 %

580.2

79.5

19 %

18 %

 

[9] The inter-segment eliminations mainly consist of revenues from online store operations, digital marketing and IT services provided by E-Commerce to Gap, a brand under Brand Management.

[10] Key categories refer to the categories that accounted for no less than 10% of services revenue during the periods indicated. 

[11] The inter-segment eliminations mainly consist of revenues from store operation services provided by E-Commerce to Gap, a brand under Brand Management.

Total operating expenses were RMB2,921.2 million (US$400.2 million), compared with RMB2,774.0 million in the same quarter of last year.

Cost of products was RMB773.9 million (US$106.0 million), compared with RMB737.8 million in the same quarter of last year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in product sales volume.Fulfillment expenses were RMB768.9 million (US$105.3 million), compared with RMB768.0 million in the same quarter of last year. Fulfillment expenses remained flat, which is in line with the warehousing and fulfillment service revenue.Sales and marketing expenses were RMB1,041.4 million (US$142.7 million), compared with RMB892.4 million in the same quarter of last year. The increase was mainly due to higher revenue contributions from digital marketing services for BEC, as well as increased marketing activities and expenses associated with the expansion of offline stores for BBM during the quarter.Technology and content expenses were RMB146.6 million (US$20.1 million), compared with RMB140.8 million in the same quarter of last year. As the Company continued to implement cost control and efficiency improvements initiatives, technology and content expenses remained flat, despite strong double-digit net revenues growth in IT solutions.General and administrative expenses were RMB191.8 million (US$26.3 million), a decrease of 16.1% compared with RMB228.7 million in the same quarter of last year. The decrease was primarily due to the Company’s cost control initiatives and efficiency improvements.

Income from operations was RMB73.2 million (US$10.0 million), significant improvement compared with RMB6.4 million in the same quarter of last year. The operating margin was 2.4%, compared with 0.2% in the same quarter of last year.

Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB103.3 million (US$14.2 million), an increase of 36.6% compared with RMB75.7 million in the same quarter of last year. Non-GAAP operating margin was 3.5%, an improvement from 2.7% in the same quarter of last year.

Adjusted operating profit of E-Commerce was RMB137.4 million (US$18.8 million), an improvement of 16.3% from RMB118.2 million in the same quarter of last year.Adjusted operating loss of Brand Management was RMB34.2 million (US$4.7 million), an improvement of 19.7% compared with RMB42.5million in the same quarter of last year.

Unrealized investment gain was RMB20.9 million (US$2.9 million), compared with an unrealized investment loss of RMB8.4 million in the same quarter of last year. The unrealized investment gain of this quarter was mainly related to the increase in the trading price of iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited, or iClick Interactive, a public company listed on the Nasdaq Global Market that the Company invested in January 2021.

Impairment loss of investments was RMB14.4 million (US$2.0 million), compared with nil in the same quarter of last year. The impairment loss of investments during the period was primarily associated with certain equity investees.

Fair value change on financial instruments was a gain of RMB17.7 million (US$2.4 million), compared with nil in the same quarter of last year. The fair value change on financial instruments is mainly comprised of the gain recognized from the financial instruments the Company invested in during the second quarter of 2024.

Exchange loss was RMB11.5 million (US$1.6 million), due to exchange rate fluctuation in the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to exchange gain of RMB0.7 million in the same quarter last year.

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun was RMB0.1 million (US$0.02 million), compared with net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun RMB48.4 million in the same quarter of last year.

Basic and diluted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS were both RMB0.00[12], compared with net loss of both RMB0.80 for the same period of 2023.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun Inc. was RMB45.7 million (US$6.3 million), compared with Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun Inc. RMB28.8 million in the same quarter of last year.

Diluted non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS was RMB0.77 (US$0.11), compared with diluted non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS was RMB0.47 for the same period of 2023.

[12] The amount is less than RMB 0.01.

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Total net revenues were RMB9,422.2 million (US$1,290.8 million), an increase of 6.9% from RMB8,812.0 million in fiscal year 2023. The increase in total net revenues was driven by revenue growth in both the Company’s E-Commerce and BBM business lines.

Total product sales revenue was RMB3,466.9 million (US$475.0 million), compared with RMB3,357.2 million in the fiscal year of 2023, of which,

Product sales revenue of E-Commerce was RMB1,999.6 million (US$273.9 million), a decrease of 4.4% from RMB2,092.2 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable lower sales from the brand portfolio under the distribution model in the appliances category, fast-moving consumer goods and electronics categories, due to the macro-economic weakness, as well as the Company’s optimization of its brand portfolio in distribution model. 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of product sales revenues of E-Commerce by key categories for the years indicated:

For the fiscal year ended December 31,

2023

2024

 RMB 

% of
Net
Revenues

 RMB 

 US$ 

% of
Net
Revenues

YoY
Change

(In millions, except for percentage)

Product Sales of E-Commerce

Appliances

936.3

11 %

852.5

116.8

9 %

-9 %

Beauty and cosmetics

378.2

4 %

397.3

54.4

4 %

5 %

Home and furnishing

169.9

2 %

201.9

27.7

2 %

19 %

Others

607.8

7 %

547.9

75.0

6 %

-10 %

Total net revenues from product sales of E-Commerce

2,092.2

24 %

1,999.6

273.9

21 %

-4 %

Product sales revenue of Brand Management was RMB1,469.6 million (US$201.3 million), an increase of 16.2% from RMB1,265.0 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher sales from the Gap brand, as the Company continued to optimize its merchandising plans and enhance customer experience to boost sales in both its online and offline channels.

Services revenue was RMB5,955.3 million (US$815.9 million), an increase of 9.2% from RMB5,454.8 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to a 10.0% year-over-year growth in online store operations, together with a 22.2% year-over-year growth in digital marketing and IT solutions, driven by content creation and technology monetization.

The following table sets forth a breakdown of services revenue by business models for the years indicated:

For the fiscal year ended December 31,

2023

2024

 RMB 

% of
Net
Revenues

 RMB 

 US$ 

% of
Net
Revenues

YoY
Change

(In millions, except for percentage)

Services revenue

Online store operations

1,604.7

18 %

1,765.4

241.9

19 %

10 %

Warehousing and fulfillment

2,194.4

25 %

2,189.2

299.9

22 %

0 %

Digital marketing and IT solutions

1,735.8

20 %

2,120.9

290.6

23 %

22 %

Inter-segment eliminations[13]

(80.1)

-1 %

(120.2)

(16.5)

-1 %

50 %

Total net revenues from services

5,454.8

62 %

5,955.3

815.9

63 %

9 %

Breakdown of total net revenues of online store operations of services revenue by key categories for the years indicated:

For the fiscal year ended December 31,

2023

2024

 RMB 

% of
Net
Revenues

 RMB 

 US$ 

% of
Net
Revenues

YoY
Change

(In millions, except for percentage)

Online store operations in Services revenue 

Apparel and accessories

1,134.8

13 %

1,342.7

184.0

14 %

18 %

Luxury

406.4

4 %

407.0

55.8

4 %

0 %

Sportswear

419.1

5 %

487.1

66.7

5 %

16 %

Other apparel

309.3

4 %

448.6

61.5

5 %

45 %

Others

469.9

5 %

422.7

57.9

4 %

-10 %

Inter-segment eliminations[14]

(44.4)

-1 %

(55.2)

(7.6)

-1 %

24 %

Total net revenues from online store operations in services

1,560.3

17 %

1,710.2

234.3

17 %

10 %

 

[13] The inter-segment eliminations mainly consist of revenues from online store operations, digital marketing and IT services provided by E-Commerce to Gap, a brand under Brand Management.

[14] The inter-segment eliminations mainly consist of revenues from store operation services provided by E-Commerce to Gap, a brand under Brand Management.

Total operating expenses were RMB9,537.1 million (US$1,306.6 million), compared with RMB9,018.4 million in the fiscal year of 2023.

Cost of products was RMB2,473.8 million (US$338.9 million), compared with RMB2,409.1 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in product sales volume.Fulfillment expenses were RMB2,461.6 million (US$337.2 million), compared with RMB2,507.3 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The decrease was mainly due to the Company’s cost control initiatives and efficiency improvements.Sales and marketing expenses were RMB3,380.7 million (US$ 463.2 million), compared with RMB2,829.0 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The increase was mainly due to higher revenue contributions from digital marketing services for BEC, as well as increased marketing activities and expenses related to more offline stores for BBM during the year.Technology and content expenses were RMB550.3 million (US$75.4 million), compared with RMB505.2 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The increase was mainly due to more revenues from IT solutions during the year, partially offset by the Company’s cost control initiatives and efficiency improvements.General and administrative expenses were RMB719.2 million (US$98.5 million), compared with RMB855.9 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the Company’s cost control initiatives and efficiency improvements.

Loss from operations was RMB114.8 million (US$15.7 million), significantly improved compared with RMB206.4 million in the fiscal year of 2023. Operating margin was negative 1.2%, compared with negative 2.3% in the fiscal year of 2023.

Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB10.6 million (US$1.5 million), compared with non-GAAP loss from operations RMB23.7 million in the fiscal year of 2023. Non-GAAP operating margin was 0.1%, an improvement from negative 0.3% in the fiscal year of 2023.

Adjusted operating profit of E-Commerce was RMB179.6 million (US$24.6 million), an improvement of 9.5% from RMB164.0 million in the fiscal year of 2023.Adjusted operating loss of Brand Management was RMB168.8 million (US$23.1 million), an improvement of 10.1% compared with RMB187.7 million in the fiscal year of 2023.

Unrealized investment gain was RMB4.9 million (US$0.7 million), compared with an unrealized investment loss of RMB68.0 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The unrealized investment gain during the year was mainly related to the increase in the trading price of iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited, or iClick Interactive, a public company listed on the Nasdaq Global Market that the Company invested in January 2021.

Impairment loss of investments was RMB14.4 million (US$2.0 million), compared with nil in the fiscal year of 2023. The impairment loss of investments during the year was primarily associated with certain equity investees.

Fair value change on financial instruments was a gain of RMB11.8 million (US$1.6 million), compared with RMB24.5 million in the fiscal year of 2023. The fair value gain on financial instruments this year is mainly comprised of the gain recognized from the financial instruments the Company invested in during the second quarter of 2024, while the fair value gain on derivative liabilities last year was in connection with the equity contracts with a holder of non-controlling interest.

Exchange loss was RMB10.2 million (US$1.4 million), due to exchange rate fluctuation in the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to RMB8.5 million last year.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun narrowed to RMB185.2 million (US$25.4 million), an improvement from RMB278.4 million in the fiscal year of 2023.

Basic and diluted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS were both RMB3.09 (US$0.42 million), compared with both RMB4.68 in the fiscal year of 2023.

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun Inc. was RMB40.4 million (US$5.5 million), compared with RMB65.1 million in the fiscal year of 2023.

Diluted non-GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS was RMB0.67 (US$0.09), compared with RMB1.09 in the fiscal year of 2023.

Segment Information

(a) Description of segments

Following the acquisition of Gap Shanghai in February 2023, the Group updated its operating segments structure resulting in two segments, which were (i) E-Commerce and (ii) Brand Management;

The following summary describes the operations in each of the Group’s operating segment:

(i) E-Commerce focuses on Baozun traditional e-commerce service business and comprises two business lines, BEC (Baozun E-Commerce) and BZI (Baozun International).

a>  BEC includes our mainland China e-commerce businesses, such as brands’ store operations, customer services and value-added services in logistics and supply chain management, IT and digital marketing.

b>  BZI includes our e-commerce businesses outside of mainland China, including locations such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South East Asia and Europe.

(ii) Brand Management engages in holistic brand management, encompassing strategic and tactical positioning, branding and marketing, retail and e-commerce operations, supply chain and logistics and technology enablement to leverage our portfolio of technologies to build into longer and deeper relationships with brands. Currently, the Company runs brand management operations for the Gap and Hunter brands in Greater China.

(b) Segments data

The table below provides a summary of the Group’s reportable segment results for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2024:

For the three months ended December 31,

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

Net revenues:

E-Commerce

2,361,066

2,501,781

Brand Management 

457,961

535,475

Inter-segment eliminations *

(38,612)

(42,811)

Total consolidated net revenues

2,780,415

2,994,445

Adjusted Operating Profits (Losses) **:

E-Commerce

118,190

137,433

Brand Management

(42,535)

(34,157)

Inter-segment eliminations *

41

Total Adjusted Operating Profits

75,655

103,317

Unallocated expenses:

Share-based compensation expenses

(24,667)

(15,171)

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition   

(7,911)

(7,901)

Acquisition-related expenses

(1,467)

Cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs

(101)

Impairment of goodwill

(35,212)

(6,934)

Total other (expenses) income, net

(165)

21,315

Profit before income tax and share of income (loss) in equity method investment

6,233

94,525

The table below provides a summary of the Group’s reportable segment results for the fiscal years of 2023 and 2024:

For the fiscal year ended December 31,

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

Net revenues:

E-Commerce

7,621,114

8,070,271

Brand Management 

1,271,027

1,474,351

Inter-segment eliminations *

(80,128)

(122,393)

Total consolidated net revenues

8,812,013

9,422,229

Adjusted Operating Profits (Losses) **:

E-Commerce

163,990

179,622

Brand Management

(187,663)

(168,767)

Inter-segment eliminations *

(210)

Total Adjusted Operating Profits (Losses) 

(23,673)

10,645

Unallocated expenses:

Share-based compensation expenses

(103,449)

(81,601)

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition   

(31,875)

(36,257)

Acquisition-related expenses

(12,171)

Cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs

(678)

Impairment of goodwill

(35,212)

(6,934)

Total other (expenses) income, net

(10,646)

21,838

Loss before income tax and share of income (loss) in equity method investment

(217,026)

(92,987)

 

*The inter-segment eliminations mainly consist of revenues from services provided by E-Commerce to Brand Management.

** Adjusted Operating (Losses) Profits represent segment (losses) profits, which is (loss) income from operations from each segment without allocating share-based compensation expenses, acquisition-related expenses and amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition, cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs and impairment of goodwill.

Update in Share Repurchase Programs

On January 24, 2024, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) authorized the management to set up and implement a new share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$20 million worth of its outstanding (i) American depositary shares (“ADSs”), each representing three Class A ordinary shares, and/or (ii) Class A ordinary shares over the next 12 months starting from January 24, 2024. As of January 17, 2025, the Company repurchased approximately 5.3 million of ADSs for approximately US$14.7 million under its share repurchase program through the open market.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss the earnings at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, March 20, 2025 (7:30 p.m. Beijing time on the same day).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States:                         1-888-317-6003
Hong Kong:                             800-963-976
Singapore:                               800-120-5863
Mainland China:                       4001-206-115
International:                            1-412-317-6061
Passcode:                                3445230

A replay of the conference call may be accessible through March 27, 2025 by dialing the following numbers:

United States:                         1-877-344-7529
International:                           1-412-317-0088
Canada:                                   855-669-9658
Replay Access Code:              7399162

A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Baozun’s website at http://ir.baozun.com. An archived webcast will be available through the same link following the call.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company also uses certain non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating its business. For example, the Company uses non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net margin, non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun and diluted non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS, as supplemental measures to review and assess its financial and operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The Company defines non-GAAP income (loss) from operations as income (loss) from operations excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition, acquisition-related expenses, impairment of goodwill and cancelation fees of repurchased. The Company defines non-GAAP net income (loss) as net (loss) income excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition, acquisition-related expenses, impairment of goodwill and investments, other-than-temporary impairment of equity method investments, cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs, fair value gain on derivative liabilities, loss (gain) on disposal/acquisition of subsidiaries, and unrealized investment loss (gain). The Company defines non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun as net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition, acquisition-related expenses, impairment of goodwill and investments, other-than-temporary impairment of equity method investments, cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs, fair value gain on derivative liabilities, loss (gain) on disposal/acquisition of subsidiaries, and unrealized investment loss (gain). The Company defines diluted non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS as non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun divided by weighted average number of shares used in calculating net income (loss) per ordinary share multiplied by three.

The Company presents the non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the Company’s management to evaluate the Company’s financial and operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun and Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS reflect the Company’s ongoing business operations in a manner that allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that the use of the non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors to understand and evaluate the Company’s current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses, gain/loss and other items that are not expected to result in future cash payments or that are non-recurring in nature or may not be indicative of the Company’s core operating results and business outlook.

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. One of the key limitations of using non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun, and non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company’s operations. Further, the non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP measures used by other companies, including peer companies, potentially limiting the comparability of their financial results to the Company’s. In light of the foregoing limitations, the non-GAAP income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net margin, non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun and non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS for the period should not be considered in isolation from or as an alternative to income (loss) from operations, operating margin, net income (loss), net margin, net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun and net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun per ADS, or other financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. The company encourages you to review the company’s financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. For reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled, “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results.”

Safe Harbor 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,” “confident,” “potential,” “continues,” “ongoing,” “targets,” “guidance,” “going forward,” “looking forward,” “outlook” or other similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Baozun’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to Baozun’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and its announcements, notices or other documents published on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date hereof and is based on assumptions that Baozun believes to be reasonable as of this date, and Baozun undertakes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

About Baozun Inc.

Founded in 2007, Baozun Inc. is a leader in brand e-commerce service, brand management, and digital commerce service.  It serves approximately 490 brands from various industries and sectors around the world, including East and Southeast Asia, Europe and North America as of December 31, 2024.

Baozun Inc. comprises three major business lines – Baozun e-Commerce (BEC), Baozun Brand Management (BBM) and Baozun International (BZI) and is committed to accelerating high-quality and sustainable growth.  Driven by the principle that “Technology Empowers the Future Success”, Baozun’s business lines are devoted to empowering their clients’ business and navigating their new phase of development.

For more information, please visit http://ir.baozun.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Baozun Inc.
Ms. Wendy Sun
Email: ir@baozun.com

 

Baozun Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

As of

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2024

December 31,
2024

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

2,149,531

1,289,323

176,636

Restricted cash

202,764

354,991

48,634

Short-term investments

720,522

1,271,618

174,211

Accounts receivable, net

2,184,729

2,033,778

278,626

Inventories

1,045,116

1,117,439

153,089

Advances to suppliers

311,111

404,353

55,396

Derivative financial assets

11,557

1,583

Prepayments and other current assets

590,350

724,091

99,200

Amounts due from related parties

86,661

7,021

962

Total current assets

7,290,784

7,214,171

988,337

Non-current assets

Long term investments

359,129

341,687

46,811

Property and equipment, net

851,151

822,229

112,645

Intangible assets, net

306,420

357,307

48,951

Land use right, net

38,464

37,438

5,129

Operating lease right-of-use assets

1,070,120

767,376

105,130

Goodwill

312,464

362,399

49,648

Other non-current assets

45,316

69,886

9,574

Deferred tax assets

200,628

234,508

32,127

Total non-current assets

3,183,692

2,992,830

410,015

Total assets

10,474,476

10,207,001

1,398,352

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities

Short-term loan

1,115,721

1,220,957

167,270

Accounts payable

563,562

620,679

85,033

Notes payable

506,629

461,179

63,181

Income tax payables 

18,768

26,559

3,638

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

1,188,179

1,169,547

160,228

Derivative liabilities

130

18

Amounts due to related parties

32,118

5,369

735

Current operating lease liabilities

332,983

243,137

33,310

Total current liabilities

3,757,960

3,747,557

513,413

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

24,966

32,783

4,491

Long-term operating lease liabilities

799,096

597,805

81,899

Other non-current liabilities

40,718

48,277

6,614

Total non-current liabilities

864,780

678,865

93,004

Total liabilities

4,622,740

4,426,422

606,417

Redeemable non-controlling interests

1,584,858

1,670,379

228,841

Baozun Inc. shareholders’ equity:

Class A ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par
value; 470,000,000 shares authorized,
167,901,880 and 175,668,586 shares
issued, 167,901,880 and 161,337,586
shares outstanding, as of December 31,
2023, and December 31, 2024, respectively)

93

95

13

Class B ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par
value; 30,000,000 shares authorized,
13,300,738 shares issued and outstanding
as of December 31, 2023, and December
31, 2024)

8

8

1

Additional paid-in capital 

4,571,439

4,646,631

636,586

Treasury shares (nil and 14,331,000
shares as of December 31, 2023, and
December 31, 2024, respectively)

(95,502)

(13,084)

Accumulated deficit

(506,587)

(691,785)

(94,775)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

32,251

54,575

7,477

Total Baozun Inc. shareholders’ equity

4,097,204

3,914,022

536,218

Non-controlling interests

169,674

196,178

26,876

Total Shareholders’ equity

4,266,878

4,110,200

563,094

Total liabilities, redeemable non-
controlling interests and shareholders’ equity 

10,474,476

10,207,001

1,398,352

 

 

Baozun Inc.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except for share and per share data and per ADS data)

For the three months ended September 30,

For the year ended December 31,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Net revenues

Product sales(1)

1,053,022

1,105,971

151,517

3,357,202

3,466,928

474,967

Services

1,727,392

1,888,474

258,720

5,454,811

5,955,301

815,873

Total net revenues

2,780,414

2,994,445

410,237

8,812,013

9,422,229

1,290,840

Operating expenses (2)

Cost of products

(737,813)

(773,887)

(106,022)

(2,409,110)

(2,473,804)

(338,910)

Fulfillment(3)

(768,028)

(768,863)

(105,334)

(2,507,306)

(2,461,591)

(337,237)

Sales and marketing (3)

(892,401)

(1,041,421)

(142,674)

(2,829,016)

(3,380,724)

(463,157)

Technology and content(3)

(140,788)

(146,589)

(20,083)

(505,203)

(550,289)

(75,389)

General and administrative(3)

(228,697)

(191,822)

(26,280)

(855,914)

(719,157)

(98,524)

Other operating income, net

28,923

8,281

1,134

123,368

55,445

7,596

Impairment of goodwill

(35,212)

(6,934)

(950)

(35,212)

(6,934)

(950)

Total operating expenses 

(2,774,016)

(2,921,235)

(400,209)

(9,018,393)

(9,537,054)

(1,306,571)

Income (loss) from operations 

6,398

73,210

10,028

(206,380)

(114,825)

(15,731)

Other income (expenses)

Interest income 

19,508

18,298

2,507

82,113

68,752

9,419

Interest expense 

(9,436)

(9,619)

(1,318)

(41,344)

(38,987)

(5,341)

Unrealized investment (loss) gain

(8,352)

20,851

2,857

(68,031)

4,851

665

(Loss) gain on disposal/acquisition of  subsidiaries

(2,620)

631

Impairment loss of investments

(14,403)

(1,973)

(14,403)

(1,973)

Fair value change on financial instruments 

17,654

2,419

24,515

11,838

1,622

Exchange gain (loss)

735

(11,466)

(1,571)

(8,530)

(10,213)

(1,399)

Gain (loss) before income tax

6,233

94,525

12,949

(217,026)

(92,987)

(12,738)

Income tax expense (4)

(5,952)

(28,443)

(3,897)

(12,003)

(20,739)

(2,841)

Share of  (loss) income in equity method investment, net of tax of nil(5)

(2,264)

(23,930)

(3,278)

6,253

(24,658)

(3,378)

Net (loss) income

(1,983)

42,152

5,774

(222,776)

(138,384)

(18,957)

Net (income) loss attributable to
    noncontrolling interests

(22,368)

(18,253)

(2,501)

(9,677)

1,990

273

Net income attributable to
    redeemable noncontrolling
    interests

(24,063)

(23,770)

(3,256)

(45,969)

(48,804)

(6,686)

Net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun Inc.

(48,414)

129

17

(278,422)

(185,198)

(25,370)

Net (loss) income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun Inc.:

Basic

(0.27)

0.00*  

0.00*  

(1.56)

(1.03)

(0.14)

Diluted

(0.27)

0.00*  

0.00*  

(1.56)

(1.03)

(0.14)

Net (loss) income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of Baozun Inc.:

Basic

(0.80)

0.00*  

0.00*  

(4.68)

(3.09)

(0.42)

Diluted

(0.80)

0.00*  

0.00*  

(4.68)

(3.09)

(0.42)

Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share

Basic

180,642,328

176,942,201

176,942,201

178,549,849

179,678,986

179,678,986

Diluted

180,642,328

178,685,466

178,685,466

178,549,849

179,678,986

179,678,986

Net (loss) income

(1,983)

42,152

5,774

(222,776)

(138,384)

(18,957)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax of nil: 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

(23,783)

24,732

3,388

16,573

22,324

3,058

Comprehensive (loss) income

(25,766)

66,884

9,162

(206,203)

(116,060)

(15,899)

* The amounts are less than 0.01.

(1)  These amounts include product sales from E-Commerce and Brand Management of RMB571.7 million and RMB534.6 million for the three months period ended December 31, 2024, respectively, compared with product sales from E-Commerce of RMB597.5 million and Brand Management of RMB455.5 million for the three months period ended December 31, 2023.

These amounts also include product sales from E-Commerce and Brand Management of RMB1,999.6 million and RMB1,469.6 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, respectively, compared with product sales from E-Commerce of RMB2,092.2 million and Brand Management of RMB1,265.0 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

(2) Share-based compensation expenses are allocated in operating expenses items as follows:

For the three months ended December 31,

For the year ended December 31,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Fulfillment

1,873

732

100

6,443

4,885

669

Sales and marketing

5,239

3,075

421

33,955

19,943

2,732

Technology and content

3,681

2,077

285

12,184

11,290

1,547

General and administrative

13,874

9,287

1,272

50,867

45,483

6,231

24,667

15,171

2,078

103,449

81,601

11,179

(3) These amounts include amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition, which amounted to RMB7.9 million and RMB7.9 million for the three months period ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

These amounts also include amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition, which amounted to RMB31.9 million and RMB36.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

(4) These amounts include income tax benefits of RMB1.5 million and RMB1.8 million related to the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, which was recognized on business acquisition for the three months period ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

These amounts also include income tax benefits of RMB6.1 million and RMB7.6 million related to the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, which was recognized on business acquisition for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.  

(5) These amounts include the other-than-temporary impairment of an equity method investment of nil and RMB26.1 million for the three months period and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(In thousands, except for share and per ADS data)

For the three months ended December 31,

For the year ended December 31,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$

Income (loss) from operations 

6,398

73,210

10,028

(206,380)

(114,825)

(15,731)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses

24,667

15,171

2,078

103,449

81,601

11,179

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from business
acquisition

7,911

7,901

1,082

31,875

36,257

4,967

Acquisition-related expenses

1,467

12,171

Impairment of goodwill

35,212

6,934

950

35,212

6,934

950

Cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs

101

14

678

93

Non-GAAP income (loss) from operations 

75,655

103,317

14,152

(23,673)

10,645

1,458

Net (loss) income

(1,983)

42,152

5,774

(222,776)

(138,384)

(18,957)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses

24,667

15,171

2,078

103,449

81,601

11,179

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from business
acquisition

7,911

7,901

1,082

31,875

36,257

4,967

Acquisition-related expenses

1,467

12,171

Impairment of goodwill and investments

35,212

21,337

2,923

35,212

21,337

2,923

Other-than-temporary impairment of equity method investments

26,115

3,578

26,115

3,578

Cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs

101

14

678

93

Fair value gain on derivative liabilities

(24,515)

Loss (gain) on disposal/acquisition of subsidiaries

2,620

(631)

Unrealized investment loss (gain)

8,352

(20,851)

(2,857)

68,031

(4,851)

(665)

Less: Tax effect of amortization of intangible assets resulting
from business acquisition

(1,507)

(1,802)

(247)

(6,086)

(7,611)

(1,043)

Non-GAAP net income (loss)

76,739

90,124

12,345

(3,270)

15,142

2,075

Net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders of
Baozun Inc.

(48,414)

129

17

(278,422)

(185,198)

(25,370)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses

24,667

15,171

2,078

103,449

81,601

11,179

Amortization of intangible assets resulting from business
acquisition

5,991

5,528

757

24,206

25,776

3,531

Acquisition-related expenses

1,467

12,171

Impairment of goodwill and investments

35,212

20,742

2,842

35,212

20,742

2,842

Other-than-temporary impairment of equity method investments

26,115

3,578

26,115

3,578

Cancellation fees of repurchased ADSs

101

14

678

93

Fair value gain on derivative liabilities

(24,515)

Loss (gain) on disposal/acquisition of subsidiaries

2,620

(652)

Unrealized investment loss (gain)

8,352

(20,851)

(2,857)

68,031

(4,851)

(665)

Less: Tax effect of amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition

(1,127)

(1,209)

(166)

(4,569)

(5,234)

(717)

Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary
shareholders of Baozun Inc.

28,768

45,726

6,263

(65,089)

(40,371)

(5,529)

Diluted non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to ordinary
shareholders of Baozun Inc. per ADS:

0.47

0.77

0.11

(1.09)

(0.67)

(0.09)

Weighted average shares used in calculating diluted net
income (loss) per ordinary share

182,780,715

178,685,466

178,685,466

178,549,849

179,678,986

179,678,986

(1) The Company evaluated the non-GAAP adjustments items and concluded that these items have immaterial income tax effects except for amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baozun-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2024-unaudited-financial-results-302406876.html

SOURCE Baozun Inc.

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BEIJING, March 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from People’s Daily:

Over the past months, China’s AI model DeepSeek has gained global attention, reigniting discussions on inclusive AI development and improving access to AI services. As the wave of AI accelerates, bridging the global AI divide demands governance solutions, collaborative responses to challenges, and inclusive progress.

Every technological revolution brings both guiding stars and hidden reefs. “In our days, everything seems pregnant with its contrary,” noted Karl Marx during the Industrial Revolution. “The newfangled sources of wealth, by some strange weird spell, are turned into sources of want.”

The “paradox of wealth” takes on a new form in the era of AI. Today, the global AI divide manifests in R&D investment, hardware resources, talent pools, and application capabilities.

In a joint report, the International Labour Organization and a UN office on technology revealed that over $300 billion is spent annually on technology to enhance computing capacity, but these investments are seen mainly in higher-income nations. It creates a disparity in access to infrastructure and skills development that puts developing countries and their homegrown start-ups at a “severe disadvantage.”

Africa, for instance, holds less than 1 percent of global data center capacity. The International Monetary Fund’s AI Preparedness Index quantifies this gap: in 2023, developed nations scored 0.68, while emerging markets and low-income countries scored 0.46 and 0.32, respectively.

To harness AI for good, humanity needs not just smarter algorithms but broader wisdom and vision. Bridging the divide requires global solidarity, ensuring no nation is left behind, and making AI a truly inclusive engine of global development.

Countries should focus on capacity building, and promote open sharing of AI technology, talent, and infrastructure.

The power of technology lies not just in upgrading tools but in igniting endogenous momentum. All relevant parties should actively engage in North-South, South-South, and trilateral cooperation to help developing countries strengthen AI and digital infrastructure connectivity, enhance AI literacy, and cultivate talent, thereby building an ecosystem for AI development.

A greater digital inclusion can be achieved by further universality of networks, computing power, and data, providing low-threshold, low-cost AI services to small and medium-sized enterprises and the general public.

As noted by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union, global coordination should be secured “in building safe and inclusive AI accessible to all.”

The international community should uphold equity and inclusiveness, and guarantee equal rights to AI development and utilization.

At the AI Action Summit held in Paris, countries, regions and international organizations, including France, China, India, and the EU, endorsed the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet, which aims to help the Global South strengthen AI capacity building.

While ethical principles are widely debated, binding laws, treaties, and governance remain nascent. Respecting national differences, the world must forge a consensus to align AI with global social responsibility.

As a responsible AI power, China actively bridges the divide. It has proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative and the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. It has promoted the adoption by consensus of a resolution on strengthening international cooperation in AI capacity-building at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, and taken the lead in advocating for helping the Global South benefit equally in AI development.

China and Zambia co-hosted the meeting of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-building at the UN Headquarters in New York. It launched the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center, and partnered with Cambodia to help farmers with AI-driven precision planting.

These tangible actions help more developing countries become stakeholders, not bystanders, in the AI revolution. All nations may cooperate to safeguard security and advance growth.

The ultimate measure of technological progress lies in its impact on human society. As AI, an important force driving a new round of technological revolution and industrial reform, is reshaping the world, nations must unite together, using algorithms to solve shared challenges, and ensuring the intelligent revolution illuminates their shared future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/making-ai-inclusive-engine-for-global-development-302408599.html

SOURCE People’s Daily

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Bybit Named Exclusive Payment Partner for Tomorrowland Brasil 2025-26, Launches Cardholder Presale

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DUBAI, UAE, March 23, 2025 /CNW/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has partnered with Tomorrowland Brasil as its exclusive payment part for 2025 and 2026. This landmark collaboration grants Bybit Card holders privileged early access to tickets before they become available to the general public — a first in Tomorrowland’s history.

A Historic First for Bybit and Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Brasil 2025 is set for October 10-12 at Parque Maeda in Itu, São Paulo. This year, Tomorrowland Brasil welcomes ‘LIFE’ as its mainstage theme, continuing the magical journey that began at Tomorrowland Belgium in 2024. Set in the mythical world of Silvyra, ‘LIFE’ transports the People of Tomorrow to an era of untamed natural beauty, just as a rare celestial event – the alignment of two moons – is about to unfold. Over three unforgettable days, attendees can escape the city and enjoy performances from more than 150 top electronic artists across six breathtaking stages.

“By partnering with Tomorrowland Brasil, we are merging the energy of music with the innovation of blockchain. This collaboration reinforces Bybit’s commitment to integrating crypto seamlessly into everyday experiences, and our cardholders will enjoy unparalleled access to one of the world’s most iconic festivals,” said Joan Han, Head of the Payment Business Unit at Bybit.

Bybit Card: More Than Just a Payment Solution

The Bybit Card enhances users’ festival experience by offering instant activation, seamless payments, and exclusive rewards. With compatibility across Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, it ensures effortless transactions worldwide.

Beyond convenience, Bybit Cards help users grow their wealth. With Auto-Savings, cardholders can earn up to 8% APR on their balance, ensuring passive income effortlessly. There are no annual fees or hidden charges, and users can withdraw up to $100 in cash for free every month, with a 2% fee thereafter. Plus, Bybit’s partnership with DHL ensures fast and secure worldwide delivery of the physical card.

How to Secure Your Tomorrowland Brasil Tickets with Bybit Card

The Bybit Card is the ultimate festival payment solution, giving holders exclusive access to a two-day presale before tickets go on sale to the general public.

Exclusive Registration Period: Now – April 3, 2025

Presale Period: April 4, 10:00 BRT / 15:00 CESTApril 6, 10:00 BRT / 15:00 CESTPresale Website: Bybit Card x TomorrowlandGeneral Public Sale: Begins after the presale period

To participate in the exclusive presale, users must be Bybit Card holders and complete their registration on the Bybit website before the presale begins. Only registered users will have access to the presale period.

New users can still apply for a Bybit virtual card to join the presale.

Priority Access: Bybit Card holders enter the first eight digits of their card (BIN code) to unlock ticket access.Secure a Spot: Each user may purchase up to six tickets.Exclusive Payment Method: Tickets must be purchased using a Bybit Card, as Bybit is the festival’s exclusive presale payment partner.

Bybit’s seamless integration with Tomorrowland Brasil’s official website and ticketing system ensures a hassle-free booking experience for cardholders.

General Ticket Sales Open April 8, 2025

For users who miss out on the exclusive presale, tickets will still be available for general sale starting April 8. Purchases can be made using Bybit Card or Bybit Pay, with new users enjoying a 10% cashback on their festival purchases.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

About TOMORROWLAND BRASIL

Tomorrowland Brasil 2025 will take place on October 10-12 in the beautiful festival area of Parque Maeda in Itu, a municipality in São Paulo. The festival will revolve around the mesmerizing ‘LIFE’ theme, set against the backdrop of Brazil’s enchanting natural beauty. A story set in the mythical realm of Silvyra, it’s a world unto its own, filled with creatures, plant life, and people living in harmony, each with their own stories, with the diversity of Silvyra’s lush nature represented in the spectacular ‘LIFE’ Mainstage. Offering the ultimate escape from the city during three days of bliss, guests will be treated to breathtaking performances by more than 150 of the world’s finest electronic artists across 6 mesmerizing stages.

The first two festival editions of Tomorrowland Brasil took place in 2015 and 2016 in the beautiful festival area of Parque Maeda in Itu, São Paulo. After years of dreaming of a return, Tomorrowland finally headed back to Brazil in 2023, becoming a yearly highlight once again.

Tomorrowland Brasil 2025

October 10-12, 2025

Parque Maeda, Itu

brasil.tomorrowland.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bybit-named-exclusive-payment-partner-for-tomorrowland-brasil-2025-26-launches-cardholder-presale-302408590.html

SOURCE Bybit

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Leveling the Playing Field: Advocating for Women in Science & Research

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NEW YORK, March 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today Mediplanet launches their Women in Research campaign, aimed at addressing gender disparities in the U.S. research workforce. Making up 30% of the research workforce, women continue to face systemic challenges, including gender bias, lack of mentorship, and unequal access to funding. This campaign seeks to advocate for policies that promote gender equality, ensuring women have the same opportunities to lead, innovate, and contribute to scientific advancements.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Research

While women have made significant strides in research, persistent obstacles prevent them from advancing in their fields at the same rate as their male counterparts. The Women in Research campaign will work to:

Advocate for Institutional Policies that promote equal opportunities for women in research.Expand Advocacy for Mentorship and Funding Opportunities to help women advance in their academic and professional journeys.Highlight the Contributions of Women in Science and Research to inspire future generations and drive systemic change.

The print component of “Women in Research” is distributed in today’s edition of LA Times. The digital component is distributed nationally, through a vast social media strategy, and across a network of top news sites and partner outlets. To explore the digital version of the campaign, visit: https://www.educationandcareernews.com/campaign/women-in-research/ 

This campaign was made possible with the support of UN Women, Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Women in Research (WIRe), Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR), Association for Women in Science (AWIS), American Institutes for Research (AIR), American Association of University Women (AAUW), IEEE Women in Engineering, National Center for Women in IT (NCWIT) and Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green.

Copies of the print component will be available at NCUR 2025 (April 7-9), IEEE Women in Engineering International Leadership Conference (May15-16) and ACRP 2025 (April 24th-27th).

About Mediaplanet

Mediaplanet specializes in the creation of content marketing campaigns covering a variety of industries. We tell meaningful stories that educate our audience and position our clients as solution providers. Our unique ability to pair the right leaders with the right readers, through the right platforms, has made Mediaplanet a global content marketing powerhouse. Our award-winning stories have won the hearts of countless readers while serving as a valuable platform for brands and their missions. Just call us storytellers with a purpose. Please visit www.mediaplanet.com/us for more on who we are and what we do.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leveling-the-playing-field-advocating-for-women-in-science–research-302406044.html

SOURCE Mediaplanet

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