CHICAGO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While gig economy services are popular with American consumers overall, households with children have emerged as power users. This cohort reports using gig services on a weekly basis at an overall rate nearly 50% higher than households without children. More telling, 23% of households with children spend $500 or more per month on ridesharing, food delivery and other gig services, a rate almost five times higher than households without children—just 5% of which spend ...

Core Business Performance - Quhuo achieved total revenue of RMB 3,046.9 million and an adjusted EBITDA of RMB 9.07 million in 2024, marking positive EBITDA for three consecutive fiscal years [3] - The company reduced general and administrative expenses by 19.4% year-on-year and R&D expenses by 13.7%, enhancing operational efficiency [3] - Significant profit gains were driven by a focus on core businesses, with gross profit margins from shared-bike maintenance and ride-hailing services increasing by 15.7% and 216.9% respectively [4] Global Expansion Initiatives - Quhuo International shipped over 3,500 vehicles to overseas markets by the end of 2024 and launched the Carnuxt brand for used vehicle certification across various regions [5] - The company developed a "technology + resources" solution for international markets, successfully partnering with local entities in Azerbaijan to enhance ride-hailing services [6][7] - The model allows local dealers to integrate vehicles with ride-hailing platforms efficiently, leading to repeat orders and market validation for Quhuo's solutions [8] Business Model Innovation - Quhuo formed a strategic partnership with NIU World to provide distribution services for beef products, transitioning from a fulfillment service provider to a supply chain enabler [10][11] - The partnership operates on an "on-demand production and real-time fulfillment" model, significantly improving supply chain efficiency and product freshness [12][13] - This innovative model is expected to drive revenue growth in 2025 and may expand to other perishable food segments [14] Corporate Social Responsibility - By 2024, Quhuo created flexible job opportunities for over 830,000 workers and provided commercial insurance and vocational training [15] - The company's initiatives, such as EV exports and fresh beef supply models, contribute to reducing carbon emissions and food waste, promoting sustainable consumption [16] - Quhuo aims to leverage business innovation to address social challenges and set a benchmark for socially responsible enterprises [16] Strategic Vision - The company plans to optimize resource allocation, strengthen partnerships, and enhance ecosystem resilience to deliver long-term value to shareholders and society [17]

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing gig economy and the launch of H&R Block's "Make It Legit" contest aimed at supporting gig workers in establishing themselves as legitimate small business owners [1][3][5] Group 1: Contest Overview - The "Make It Legit" contest will accept entries until May 4, providing three winners with professional business services and marketing support [2] - Winners will receive free business formation services, year-round tax expertise, and custom marketing materials, including a commercial [5] Group 2: Gig Economy Context - There are over 70 million individuals classified as gig workers in the U.S., many of whom do not view themselves as legitimate business owners despite being taxed as such [3][4] - A recent change in the 1099-K reporting threshold now requires independent workers to report earnings of $5,000 or more, significantly lowering the previous threshold of $20,000 [3] Group 3: Awareness and Education - A study by H&R Block found that nearly half of gig workers were unaware of the 1099-K change, and 50% remained unclear on the details as tax season began [4] - Many gig workers may be missing out on tax credits and deductions available to small businesses, potentially limiting their income [4] Group 4: Brand Promotion - H&R Block is promoting the contest through creative content creators who have successfully turned their passions into legitimate businesses, showcasing their stories through commercials [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of the new 1099-K earning threshold, which has lowered the reporting requirement for gig workers and side hustlers from $20,000 to $5,000, effectively classifying many as small business owners [3][4] - H&R Block has launched the "Make It Legit" contest to encourage gig workers to recognize their status as small business owners and to provide them with essential business services and marketing support [2][5] Group 1: Contest Details - The "Make It Legit" contest will accept entries until May 4, aiming to help three gig workers by providing professional business services and marketing support [2] - Winners will receive free business formation services, year-round tax expertise from H&R Block professionals, and custom marketing materials, including a commercial [5][6] Group 2: Gig Economy Insights - A study by H&R Block found that nearly 50% of gig workers were unaware of the 1099-K threshold change, and even after learning about it, 50% remained unclear on the details [4] - Many gig workers may be missing out on tax credits and deductions available to small businesses, potentially limiting their income [4] Group 3: H&R Block's Role - H&R Block has been providing tax assistance for 70 years and aims to inspire gig workers to operate confidently as small business owners [3][6] - The company blends digital innovation with human expertise to support clients in tax preparation and financial management [9]