Technology

Lenovo Further Gains Momentum in First Quarter FY 2017/18

Published

7 years ago

21/08/2017

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Behind the strength of its 3-wave strategy, Lenovo’s business transformation continued to gain traction during the first quarter, delivering solid profitability in its core PC and smart devices business, and revenue and profit improvements in targeted growth areas, including the data center and mobile businesses.

Fuelled by new investments in people and products, Lenovo’s Data Center Group (DCG) introduced the most comprehensive product lineup in its history, with the new ThinkSystem and ThinkAgile portfolio, and continued to build out its end-to-end sales organization. Similarly, Lenovo’s Mobile Business Group launched significant new products led by the Moto Z2 Force, available now on all major U.S. carriers, and ramped up its branding efforts worldwide.

“In the first quarter this fiscal year, we had stable performance as we executed our 3-wave strategy with commitment. We maintained our industry leading profitability in PC, built the foundation in mobile and data centre, and further invested in ‘Device + Cloud’ and ‘Infrastructure + Cloud’ powered by Artificial Intelligence,” said Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo Chairman and CEO. “We have made solid progress on every front of our strategy. Particularly MBG continued to improve, and is on track to breakeven by second half of this fiscal year. DCG gained good momentum as well. As the two new growth engines gain speed, we believe the sustainable results will soon follow.”

For its first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017, Lenovo’s quarterly revenue was US$10 billion, flat year-over-year, but an increase quarter-to-quarter of 4.5 percent. First quarter pre-tax loss was US$69 million, with a net loss of US$72 million.

Operating profit was up US$110 million quarter-to-quarter. The Company’s gross profit for the first fiscal quarter decreased 11 percent year-over-year to US$1.4 billion, yet remained flat quarter-to-quarter, with gross margin at 13.6 percent. Basic loss per share for the quarter was 0.66 US cents, or 5.15 HK cents.

Lenovo introduced its 3-wave strategy, namely balancing PCSD growth and profit, accelerating our DCG and MBG growth engines, and investing in non-hardware areas, to both meet today’s market dynamics while positioning the Company for longer-term profitable growth. Lenovo is investing in core technology and next-generation platforms that will help customers move towards a smart internet era where all smart devices will be connected to the cloud and powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

While Lenovo is focused on new technologies with our ‘Device + Cloud strategy’, the Lenovo Capital and Investment Group (LCIG), the Company’s provider of IoT solutions, reached a first quarter milestone of over three million users on its Global API platform.

In addition, as Lenovo continued to expand its ecosystem, LenovoID (a unique identification of directly reachable users across Lenovo devices) reached 225 million users in the first quarter. The progress Lenovo is making in its non-hardware businesses, such as software, services, and big data, is already gaining significant traction and winning new customers.

At its third annual Tech World event, held last month in Shanghai, Lenovo demonstrated several new consumer and commercial products, such as SmartVest wearable technology and daystAR glasses to help with industrial maintenance. Lenovo also announced a US$1.2 billion investment in AI research and development, and is pursuing smart solutions and partnerships in the manufacturing, healthcare and transportation sectors.

Business Group Overview

In our PC and Smart Devices (PCSD) business group, which includes PCs, tablets and smart devices, the average selling price of our PC + tablet products improved 7.8 percent year-over-year, meaning that customers were gravitating to Lenovo’s more innovative, higher-end products. Despite industry-wide component shortages and subsequent cost-hike pressures, Lenovo maintained its industry-leading profitability.

PCSD revenue was US$7 billion, with flat growth year-over-year. However, quarter-to-quarter, PCSD revenue grew 4.8 percent. Pre-tax income was US$291 million and pre-tax income margin fell to 4.2 percent, mainly due to the industry-wide increased component costs.

Lenovo’s PC business in the first quarter recorded share gains in Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and worldwide shipped 12.4 million units. In China, where Lenovo still enjoys almost 36 percent market share, the Company appointed a strong new consumer-focused leader to run its PCSD business. In North America as well, where the PCSD business has been flat, new leadership is now in place to help boost sales.

Lenovo’s Mobile Business Group (MBG), which includes Moto and Lenovo-branded smartphones, saw encouraging revenue growth outside of China to US$1.7 billion, 7.6 percent increase year-over-year. As an example of the Company’s continuing momentum in this business, Lenovo achieved its publically-stated goal of selling three million Moto Z smartphones within the first 12 months.

For the second consecutive quarter MBG has continued to grow revenue and improve profitability, with revenue up two percent year-over-year to US$1.7 billion and a pre-tax income margin improvement of 2.2 pts. during the same period.

With 11 million smartphones shipped in the first quarter, Lenovo grew 12.3 percent year-over-year outside of China, driven by significant gains in both Western Europe and Latin America, up 137 percent and 56 percent respectively year-over-year.

Lenovo’s Data Center Group (DCG), which includes servers, storage, software and services, continued to focus on the transformative actions that will help drive long-term DCG competitiveness, such as strengthening our sales teams, investing in the channel, revamping our product lines, building our brand strategy, and adding new partnerships.

These actions helped to stabilize the business outside of China in the first quarter with quarter-to-quarter revenue growth of 14 percent. Particularly encouraging was the year-over-year revenue growth in Western Europe and North America of 11 percent and eight percent respectively, including quarter-over-quarter revenue growth of 22 and 19 percent respectively. In both geographies, new leadership, a restructured sales organization, and new products are beginning to pay the expected dividends, and we expect that trend to accelerate into other geographies, including China, as we execute our DCG transformation worldwide.

Another positive sign in DCG was a pre-tax income margin improvement of 1.7 pts. quarter-to-quarter. In addition to these financial indicators, DCG set 42 world-record benchmarks on the new Intel platform, more than any of our competitors and Lenovo continued to be the world’s fastest-growing super-computing provider, number 1 in China and under recent new leadership there, secured a major win with Peking University.

Technology

P2Vest, Others Invest $1.6m in Billboxx for Cash Flow Solutions

Published

3 days ago

12/12/2024

Dipo Olowookere

By Dipo Olowookere

To tackle the critical cash flow challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, investors like P2Vest, Norrsken Accelerator, Afrinovation Ventures, Kaleo Ventures, and 54 Collective (formerly known as Founders Factory Africa), have invested about $1.6 million into Billboxx.

The integrated billing-to-payment platform, founded in 2023, successfully closed the pre-seed funding round, which is a mix of debt and equity, due to its innovative approach and commitment to building a more financially secure future for SMEs – the backbone of the African economy.

Manual invoicing and deferred payments often result in delayed payments, stifling many SMEs, but Billboxx’s integrated billing-to-payment platform streamlines billing processes, reduces inefficiencies from manual invoicing and mitigates the impact of deferred payments.

By providing automated billing and invoicing, secure payment facilitation, and tailored cash flow financing, Billboxx empowers businesses to achieve consistent cash flow and focus on growth.

Since its inception, the company has facilitated over $4 million in invoice payments through its MVP launched in May 2023.

The platform boasts strategic integrations with a leading commercial bank in Nigeria, a prominent African payment gateway, and multiple lending partners, enabling seamless payment facilitation via bank transfers, cards, and financing options.

“Cash flow difficulties are the leading cause of business failures in Africa, with delayed invoice payments being a major contributor.

“Billboxx is dedicated to solving these issues with an integrated platform that ensures consistent cash flow and financial resilience for businesses.

“This funding round enables us to expand our impact and empower more SMEs to thrive,” the co-founder and chief executive of BillBoxx, Mr Justus Obaoye, said.

Another co-founder and chief technical officer, Mr Abdulazeez Ogunjobi, noted that, “Delayed invoice payments pose a significant threat to SME growth and survival.

“Our platform not only streamlines the billing-to-payments workflows but also offers strategic embeddings to expedite payments. We aim to alleviate payment concerns and allow SMEs to focus on their core business.”

One of the investors, Bongani Sithole of 54 Collective, said, “We’re enthusiastic about the innovative work the Billboxx team is building. These 3x founders with successful exits under their belts are leveraging their leadership and business experience to tackle a massive pain point for SMEs across Africa.

“We invested in the company due to the large market size of the opportunity, impressive early traction gained from strong early partnerships with notable large corporates and startups, and the solid tech product the team has developed. We’re delighted to back Justus and Abdulazeez as they continue to scale Billboxx.”

Mr Obaoye and Mr Ogunjobi previously co-founded two startups: Charistouch (Carido), successfully acquired by Cars45, and Fixit45, a spin-off from Cars45.

Their leadership experience in large corporations and scaleups such as Schlumberger, Bolt, and OLX add to their strategic insight and entrepreneurial prowess.

Technology

The Rise of Web3 Developers: Why This Career Path is the Future of Tech

Published

4 days ago

10/12/2024

Business Post Contributor

As technology advances, the internet is undergoing a revolutionary shift toward decentralization. Known as Web3, this next phase of the internet is redefining how we interact with digital systems by emphasizing transparency, user ownership, and autonomy.

At the heart of this evolution are Web3 developers—professionals whose expertise in blockchain and decentralized systems is driving innovation and creating exciting new opportunities. Pursuing a Web3 career is not just about adapting to industry trends; it’s about shaping the future of technology. In this article, we’ll explore why Web3 developers are in high demand and how you can step into this promising field.

What is Web3?

Web3 represents the decentralized evolution of the internet. Unlike its predecessor, Web2, where centralized platforms dominate, Web3 leverages blockchain technology to create an ecosystem that is transparent, secure, and community-driven.

Some of the defining features of Web3 include:

Decentralization: Control is distributed among users rather than being concentrated in a single organization.
Transparency: Blockchain technology ensures that all transactions and operations are open and verifiable.
Automation: Smart contracts allow for self-executing agreements, reducing the need for intermediaries.

This paradigm shift has unlocked immense opportunities, particularly for developers who can create, manage, and enhance Web3 applications.

Why a Web3 Career is the Future

Rapid Growth in Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is no longer just about digital currencies; its applications have expanded to include finance, healthcare, logistics, and gaming, among others.

This rapid adoption is driving an unprecedented demand for Web3 developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and integrate blockchain solutions across various sectors.

High Demand and Competitive Compensation

The demand for Web3 talent has outpaced supply, making it one of the most lucrative fields in tech. Web3 developers often earn significantly more than traditional developers due to their specialized skills.

Many roles offer remote and flexible working arrangements, enabling global opportunities.

Opportunities for Innovation

Web3 is still in its infancy, making it a playground for innovators. From creating decentralized finance systems to building virtual economies in the metaverse, developers have the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that redefine industries.

Key Skills for a Successful Web3 Career

To excel as a Web3 developer, mastering certain skills is essential:

Programming Knowledge: Proficiency in languages like Solidity, Rust, or Go, commonly used in smart contract and blockchain development.
Blockchain Fundamentals: A deep understanding of how decentralized networks function and their architecture.
Smart Contracts: The ability to design and implement self-executing contracts.
Cryptography: Knowledge of encryption techniques to ensure security in applications.

Soft skills such as adaptability and problem-solving are equally important, given the fast-paced nature of the industry.

Benefits of Pursuing a Web3 Career

A career in Web3 comes with a range of unique advantages:

Global Reach: The decentralized nature of Web3 opens doors to international opportunities without geographical limitations.
Future-Ready Skills: Web3 expertise is increasingly sought after, offering a secure and sustainable career path.
Collaborative Ecosystem: Unlike traditional tech environments, Web3 thrives on open collaboration and community-driven development.
Freedom to Innovate: Developers have the flexibility to experiment and contribute to transformative projects.

Steps to Start Your Web3 Journey

Breaking into a Web3 career may seem challenging, but with a focused approach, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s how to get started:

Understand the Basics

Learn the core concepts of blockchain technology, decentralized systems, and smart contracts.
Explore educational resources, tutorials, and online communities for foundational knowledge.

Develop Technical Skills

Master programming languages and frameworks commonly used in blockchain development.
Familiarize yourself with Web3-specific tools and libraries to streamline your workflow.

Build Projects

Start small by creating basic decentralized applications or experimenting with smart contracts.
Showcase your work in a portfolio to demonstrate your capabilities for a potential employer.

Engage with the Community

Join forums, developer meetups, and hackathons to network with others in the field.
Stay updated on industry trends by following Web3-focused discussions and publications.

Continue Learning

The Web3 space is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with advancements is crucial.
Seek out certifications or courses to deepen your expertise and credibility.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the opportunities in Web3 are immense, they come with challenges. The fast-evolving technology requires developers to continually upskill. Additionally, the regulatory landscape for blockchain and decentralized systems is still developing, which may introduce uncertainties. A Web3 career offers more than just a job—it provides a chance to shape the next wave of technological innovation. As industries embrace decentralization, the demand for Web3 developers will only grow. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or someone looking to enter the field, now is the perfect time to explore this exciting career path. By stepping into the world of Web3, you’re not just advancing your skills—you’re becoming part of a movement that’s redefining how we connect, transact, and collaborate online. The future of technology is here, and it’s decentralized. Will you be part of it?

Technology

HubPharm Wins FCMB HERccelerate Women in Tech Programme

Published

5 days ago

09/12/2024

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

HubPharm has emerged as the winner of First City Monument Bank (FCMB)’s HERccelerate Showcase Day held recently at Hub One, FCMB’s Innovation Hub in Yaba, Lagos.

The tech accelerator, powered by FCMB’s SheVentures and Hub One and delivered by 8thGear Hub & Venture Studios, was designed to empower women-led startups in Nigeria with the skills and resources needed to secure funding and scale.

HubPharm was the best out of 10 finalists with Midddleman, a platform simplifying payments for African e-commerce businesses sourcing from China coming second, while Onit, a productivity tool designed for African SMEs, secured third place.

The Showcase Day brought together the finalists selected from over 1,000 applications who pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of judges.

Ms Tope Kareem, the co-founder of the startup explained that HubPharm is a digital platform with a retail pharmacy chain which has delivered over 100,000 medications across 15 cities, ensuring 98 per cent on-time delivery with AI-driven logistics.

We plan to explore more options and ensure Nigerians, both at home and abroad, know the importance of prioritizing their health. This funding will enable us to keep growing and making an impact,” she noted.

Speaking on the HERccelerate initiative, Mrs Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head of SheVentures, described it as “a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in women. While this is the first pilot of its kind, it is clear that women in tech have the talent, resilience, and vision to drive innovation.”

She also highlighted SheVentures’ broader impact, noting that over the past five years, they have “scaled businesses through four key pillars: access to finance, knowledge, markets, and networks. Our Zero Interest Loan program has provided over N800 million in funding to women entrepreneurs so far, an unprecedented achievement in the industry.”

The top 10 finalists will get free access to Hub One’s coworking space for a year, valued at over N5 million and will also be supported to scale their businesses.

FCMB’s HERccelerate programme is setting a new standard for supporting women in tech, with plans to accelerate over 200 startups in the next five years. By fostering innovation and inclusion, FCMB is shaping a brighter future for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.