PALO ALTO, Calif., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denodo, a leader in data management, today announced the availability of the Denodo Platform in the new AI Agents and Tools category of AWS Marketplace. AWS customers can now use AWS Marketplace to easily discover, buy, and deploy AI agent solutions, including Denodo’s platform, a proven AI-Ready data management and delivery platform, using their AWS accounts, accelerating AI agent and agentic workflow development. The Denodo Platform helps organizations ...

Market Outlook - The market is expected to enter the next phase of an upward trend, with potential to break through the peak in the second half of 2024 due to existing discrepancies in market expectations [1][14]. Financial Performance - Zijin Mining anticipates a net profit of approximately RMB 23.2 billion for the first half of the year, representing a year-on-year increase of about 54% [9]. - Limin Co. forecasts a net profit of between RMB 260 million and RMB 280 million for the first half of 2025, reflecting a significant year-on-year growth of 719.25% to 782.27% [11]. - China Shenhua projects a net profit of between RMB 23.6 billion and RMB 25.6 billion for the first half of 2025, indicating a year-on-year decline of 13.2% to 20% due to decreased coal sales volume and average selling prices [13]. Corporate Actions - Fuda Alloy is planning to acquire at least 51% of the shares in Guangda Electronics, a company specializing in electronic paste products, which will enhance its product offerings in the solar energy sector [12]. Regulatory Developments - The Shanghai Stock Exchange has released new self-regulatory guidelines for companies listed on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board, allowing 32 unprofitable companies to enter the growth tier [5]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has outlined key points for the integration of information technology and industrialization, emphasizing support for AI applications in manufacturing [5]. Market Trends - Major U.S. stock indices closed lower, with the Dow Jones down 0.63%, S&P 500 down 0.33%, and Nasdaq down 0.22%, while large tech stocks showed mixed performance [4]. - International oil prices increased, with WTI crude oil rising by $1.88 to $68.45 per barrel, a 2.82% increase, and Brent crude oil up by $1.72 to $70.36 per barrel, a 2.51% increase [4]. - COMEX gold futures rose by $38.30 to $3,364.00 per ounce, a 1.15% increase, while silver futures surged by $4.22 to $39.075, marking a new high since 2011 [4].

Group 1 - The article discusses the allure of underdog stories in investing, highlighting the excitement and romanticism associated with them [1] - It raises skepticism about the viability of investing in underdog companies, questioning whether they can truly deliver on their potential [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific financial data or performance metrics related to any companies or industries [2]

Advanced AI agents from Agora and WIZ.AI can power call centers with multilingual support and contextual understandingSANTA CLARA, Calif., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Agora (NASDAQ: API), a global leader in real-time engagement and conversational AI technology, today announced its partnership with WIZ.AI to bring enterprise-grade AI agent solutions to the market.WIZ.AI, a leading provider of AI agents, is partnering with Agora to power enterprise-grade AI agents that offer local language support and conte ...

Core Viewpoint - Agora Inc. is experiencing a potential recovery driven by new demand for real-time engagement technology, particularly in the education sector with AI-powered tools [2][5][7]. Financial Performance - The company reported a net profit of $400,000 for the quarter, marking only the second profitable quarter since 2021 [3][17]. - Revenue grew modestly by 0.8% year-on-year to $33.3 million, indicating a turnaround after four years of decline [3][11]. - Gross margin improved to 68.0%, up from 61.2% a year earlier, following the exit from lower-margin businesses [4][16]. Market Dynamics - The education sector, previously a source of decline due to regulatory crackdowns, is now contributing to Agora's recovery through AI-driven virtual tutoring solutions [5][7]. - The company's service for the rest of the world, known as Agora, saw an 18% year-on-year revenue increase to $18.6 million, while Shengwang, its China-based service, contracted by 14% to $14.7 million [13][14]. Customer Metrics - Shengwang reported a 5.2% increase in active customers, reversing previous declines, with a customer retention rate of 85% [15]. - The Agora service maintains a higher customer loyalty with retention rates above 90% [15]. Future Outlook - The company forecasts second-quarter revenue between $33 million and $35 million, potentially extending its growth streak [12]. - Agora's stock has nearly doubled since last September, reflecting a broader rally in U.S. and Hong Kong-listed Chinese stocks [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 reached $33.3 million, up 12% year over year, excluding revenues from certain low-margin products, indicating a recovery in business momentum [3][11] - GAAP net profit for the quarter was $400,000, representing a 1.2% net income margin, a significant turnaround from a net loss margin of 28.7% in Q1 last year [16][17] - Operating cash flow was $17.6 million in Q1 compared to negative $6.5 million last year, reflecting improved financial health [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenues reached $18.6 million in Q1, growing 17.7% year over year, driven by market expansion in high-potential verticals like live shopping and entertainment [12] - Shunlong revenues were RMB 105.5 million in Q1, with a year-over-year growth of 6.7%, although it declined 13.7% sequentially due to seasonal factors [12][13] - The net retention rate improved to 96% for Agora and 85% for Shunlong, indicating better customer retention [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth rate in the U.S. and global markets is around 18% to 20%, with increasing adoption of live video-based shopping and entertainment apps, particularly in North America and Europe [28][30] - Demand recovery is noted in Asian markets, including India, for both education and entertainment use cases [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on conversational AI, particularly in education, IoT, and customer service sectors, which are seen as key growth drivers [25][26] - The strategy includes maximizing penetration in live commerce and improving video quality for better customer experiences [35] - The company aims to maintain profitability while investing in future growth opportunities, including share repurchase programs [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining GAAP profitability for the remainder of the year, supported by current business momentum [4][17] - The competitive landscape in China is consolidating, with fewer players remaining, which may enhance the company's market position [46][48] Other Important Information - The company launched a Conversational AI Device Kit, enabling manufacturers to integrate conversational AI into IoT devices, which could reduce R&D costs and time to market [7] - The open-source project for building real-time conversational AI agents is gaining traction, with significant support from leading cloud providers [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key areas for AI application? - Management highlighted education, IoT, and customer service as the most active use cases for AI applications [25][26] Question: What is the demand trend for China and overseas business? - Management noted a solid demand recovery in the U.S. and global markets, with stable pricing trends in developed markets [28][30] Question: What is the strategy for overseas e-commerce platforms? - The company is focusing on maximizing penetration in live commerce and improving video quality for better user experiences [35] Question: What is the timing for massive adoption of conversational AI? - Management indicated that the tipping point for adoption will depend on the maturity of product-market fit across various verticals [40][42] Question: How is the competitive landscape in China affecting pricing trends? - The competitive landscape is consolidating, with fewer players, and the company is focusing on higher value use cases to maintain margins [46][49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue in Q1 2025 reached $33.3 million, up 12% year over year, excluding revenues from certain low-margin products [3][11] - GAAP net profit for the quarter more than doubled from the previous quarter, marking the second consecutive quarter of GAAP profitability [4][15] - Operating cash flow was $17.6 million in Q1, compared to negative $6.5 million last year [16] - Gross margin for Q1 was 68%, with an increase of 0.6% year over year and 1.4% quarter over quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenues reached $18.6 million in Q1, growing 17.7% year over year [12] - Shunlong revenues were RMB 105.5 million in Q1, with a year-over-year growth of 6.7% [12] - The base net retention rate improved to 96% for Agora and 85% for Shunlong [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth rate in the US and global markets is around 18% to 20%, with increasing adoption of live video-based shopping and entertainment apps, particularly in North America and Europe [26][28] - Demand recovery is observed in Asian markets, including India, for both education and entertainment use cases [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on conversational AI, particularly in education, IoT, and customer service sectors [24][25] - The launch of the Conversational AI Device Kit aims to enable device manufacturers to integrate conversational AI into various IoT devices [7] - The company is committed to maintaining profitability while investing in future growth opportunities through share repurchase programs [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining GAAP profitability throughout 2025, supported by current business momentum [4][16] - The company anticipates a revenue range of $33 million to $35 million for Q2 2025, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 6.8% to 13.3% [18] Other Important Information - The conversational AI engine launched in March is expected to unlock innovation across multiple verticals, particularly in education [6] - The company has seen record-high product registrations and inquiries following recent product launches [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI demand and future growth drivers - Management highlighted key use cases for AI applications, including education, IoT, and customer service [24][25] Question: Breakdown of China and overseas business demand trends - Management noted a growth rate of about 18% in the US and global markets, with demand recovery in Asian markets [26][28] Question: Overseas e-commerce business strategy - Management discussed ongoing efforts to penetrate the live commerce space and improve video quality for better customer experience [33] Question: Shifts in downstream demand for AI-powered interaction capabilities - Management emphasized the importance of product market fit for various verticals to achieve growth [40][41] Question: Timing for massive adoption of conversational AI - Management indicated that the tipping point for adoption will depend on the maturity of product market fit across different use cases [40][41] Question: Competitive landscape in China and pricing trends - Management acknowledged the competitive nature of the Chinese market but noted a trend towards consolidation among major players [44][46]

Agora, Inc. 2025 Q1 Earnings May 27, 2025 Disclaimer Information in this presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this presentation are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to st ...

Core Viewpoint - Agora, Inc. reported its second consecutive quarter of GAAP profitability in Q1 2025, driven by disciplined cost management and double-digit revenue growth year-over-year, excluding certain end-of-sale products [2][4]. Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $33.3 million, a 0.8% increase from $33.0 million in Q1 2024 [4]. - Agora's revenues were $18.6 million, up 17.7% from $15.8 million in the same period last year, attributed to business expansion and growth in sectors like live shopping [4]. - Shengwang's revenues were RMB105.5 million ($14.7 million), down 13.9% from RMB122.6 million ($17.2 million) in Q1 2024, mainly due to a decline in revenues from certain end-of-sale products [4]. Cost Management - Cost of revenues decreased to $10.6 million, down 16.9% from $12.8 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to the end-of-sale of certain products [5]. - Gross profit increased to $22.6 million, an 11.9% rise from $20.2 million in the same period last year, with a gross margin of 68.0%, up 6.8% from 61.2% [6]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses were $26.5 million, a decrease of 20.5% from $33.3 million in Q1 2024 [7]. - Research and development expenses were $14.0 million, down 22.7% from $18.1 million in the same period last year [17]. - Sales and marketing expenses decreased to $6.2 million, an 8.5% reduction from $6.8 million [17]. - General and administrative expenses were $6.2 million, down 25.6% from $8.4 million [17]. Profitability Metrics - Net income for Q1 2025 was $0.4 million, compared to a net loss of $9.5 million in Q1 2024 [11]. - Loss from operations was $3.7 million, improved from a loss of $12.6 million in the same period last year [9]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - Total cash, cash equivalents, and financial products as of March 31, 2025, amounted to $388.0 million [4]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $17.6 million, compared to a net cash used of $6.5 million in Q1 2024 [4]. Share Repurchase Program - The company repurchased approximately 1.2 million Class A ordinary shares for about $1.2 million during Q1 2025, representing 0.6% of its $200 million share repurchase program [13]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company had repurchased approximately 131.8 million Class A ordinary shares for about $116.4 million, representing 58.2% of its share repurchase program [14]. Future Outlook - The company expects total revenues for Q2 2025 to be between $33 million and $35 million, compared to $30.9 million in Q2 2024, excluding revenues from certain end-of-sale low-margin products [16].

Core Viewpoint - Agora, Inc. is set to release its financial results for Q1 2025 on May 27, 2025, after U.S. market close, followed by a conference call to discuss the results [1][2]. Company Overview - Agora, Inc. is a pioneer and leader in Real-Time Engagement technology, providing a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that enables developers to integrate real-time conversational AI, video, voice, chat, and interactive streaming into applications [3]. - The company operates two independent businesses: Agora and Shengwang, with Agora headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and Shengwang based in Shanghai, China [3][4]. Conference Call Details - The conference call for discussing the financial results will take place at 6 p.m. Pacific Time / 9 p.m. Eastern Time on May 27, 2025 [1]. - Investors are encouraged to log in at least 15 minutes prior to the broadcast and can register for the call through a provided link [1][2].