Group 1 - Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Metal Mining signed a final joint venture agreement for the Winu copper-gold project in Western Australia, expected to complete this year [1] - The Winu project, discovered by Rio Tinto in 2017, is considered an attractive low-risk, long-life copper-gold deposit with promising expansion prospects after initial development [1] - Rio Tinto will continue to develop and operate the Winu project, while Sumitomo Metal Mining will pay up to $430.4 million for a 30% stake, including a $195 million upfront payment and $235.4 million in deferred payments [1] Group 2 - Both companies will explore broader strategic partnerships in copper, other base metals, and lithium for commercial, technical, and strategic collaboration opportunities [2] - The transaction is expected to be completed by 2025, pending regulatory approval and typical conditions [2]

香港交易及結算所有限公司及香港聯合交易所有限公司對本公告的內容概不負責， 對其準確性或完整性亦不發表任何聲明，並明確表示，概不對因本公告全部或任何 部份內容而產生或因倚賴該等內容而引致的任何損失承擔任何責任。 Zhongsheng Group Holdings Limited 中升集團控股有限公司 （於開曼群島註冊成立的有限公司） （股份代號：881） 自願公告 擬就拓展經銷網絡與一汽奧迪銷售有限責任公司建立戰略合作夥伴關係 本公告乃由中升集團控股有限公司（「本公司」，連同其附屬公司統稱為「本集團」）之 董事會（「董事會」）自願刊發，以向其股東及潛在投資者提供有關本集團最新業務發 展的更新資料。 擬與一汽奧迪建立戰略合作夥伴關係 根據諒解備忘錄，本集團與一汽奧迪擬於二零二五年內新建10家以上經銷網點，以 强化一汽奧迪在中國的經銷網絡。本集團與一汽奧迪亦將於新能源發展、新業務場 景落地等領域緊密合作，旨在為彼等客戶提供更優質、更多樣的體驗。 – 1 – 一般事項 諒解備忘錄僅為本公司與一汽奧迪間訂立的諒解備忘錄。諒解備忘錄項下擬進行的 交易的實施須待最終訂立最終協議後，方可作實，且未必會如本公告所述落實或甚 至 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the fourth quarter was $93.5 million, exceeding the midpoint of guidance and down 5% year-over-year [7][23] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 57.4%, an increase of over 600 basis points year-over-year [7][24] - Non-GAAP operating expenses were $39.9 million, below the targeted range and down $1.4 million from the previous year [8][24] - Non-GAAP EPS was $0.5, representing a $0.25 improvement year-over-year [8][26] - Adjusted EBITDA was $16.8 million, approximately 18% of sales, compared to $11.9 million in the same quarter last year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hardware revenue was $62.3 million, down 7% year-over-year [23] - Software revenue was $11.6 million, down 5% [23] - Service revenue decreased by 2% to $19.7 million [23] - Recurring revenue was $17.1 million, representing 18% of sales, and declined by 2% year-over-year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas and European regions saw a decline of 5% and 52% respectively, while Asia Pacific experienced a decline of over 11% primarily due to weakness in China [23] - Stable demand was noted in sectors like 3D metrology, while challenges persisted in commercial construction and specific regions [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a multi-year strategy categorized into three phases: operational excellence, organic growth initiatives, and strategic investments [11][12] - The first phase has been successful in improving cash flow generation and gross margins, while the second phase will focus on organic growth initiatives [12][13] - New product launches and strategic partnerships are key components of the growth strategy, including the introduction of the FARO LEAP ST handheld scanner and partnerships with Topcon [17][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the market outlook beyond the next quarter, citing ongoing economic challenges and FX headwinds [10][28] - The company anticipates continued headwinds in Q1 2025, with revenue guidance between $77 million and $85 million [28] - Despite challenges, management remains optimistic about the potential of growth initiatives to offset market softness [28][22] Other Important Information - The company achieved a record year in 2024, with significant improvements in gross margin and cash flow [10][27] - The updated long-term aspirational goals include a gross margin of 59% and an EBITDA margin of 20% [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Differences in the OEM distribution agreement with Topcon compared to previous agreements - Management highlighted a comprehensive growth plan with Topcon, expecting significant contributions to revenue [31][32] Question: Timeline for the full ramp of the Topcon agreement - Management indicated a cautious approach, focusing on delivering growth for both companies [34] Question: Impact of the digital metrology agreement - The agreement is expected to enhance global reach and customer base, with initial focus on one metrology product [35][36] Question: Market conditions and growth initiatives - Management noted that Q1 conditions are similar to Q4, with expectations for growth initiatives to help outpace market trends [43][44] Question: Competitive landscape and tariff impacts - Management discussed the potential for tariff impacts but emphasized the ability to adapt production strategies [49][50] Question: Customer caution regarding tariff impacts - Management acknowledged that uncertainty leads to cautious spending among customers, particularly in certain regions [56][57] Question: Pricing strategy and competitor actions - Management confirmed recent price increases were well received, with no significant pushback noted from customers [61][62]