Lucas GC Limited Announces US$6 Million Share Repurchase Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Lucas GC (NASDAQ: LGCL), an AI-driven PaaS company, has announced a US$6 million share repurchase program. This program, effective immediately for up to one year, matches the gross proceeds from their March 2024 IPO. The company reported strong 2023 financial results, with revenue reaching US$208 million (92.3% growth) and net income of US$11 million (115% growth). In 2024, Lucas secured two significant AI patents and signed strategic agreements to expand into wealth management. CEO Howard Lee stated that the company's shares are trading below intrinsic value, and the repurchase program aims to maximize shareholder value. The repurchases will be funded through existing cash and cash equivalents.

Positive

• Announced US$6 million share repurchase program, potentially boosting shareholder value
• Reported strong 2023 financial results with 92.3% revenue growth to US$208 million
• Achieved 115% net income growth to US$11 million in 2023
• Secured two significant AI patents in 2024, strengthening technological position
• Signed strategic agreements with public financial institutions to expand into wealth management

Negative

• Withdrew Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on August 5
• Company acknowledges uncertain macro-economic environment
• Shares currently trading well below intrinsic valuation, according to management

Insights

Financial Analyst

Lucas GC 's announcement of a $6 million share repurchase program is a strategic move that warrants attention. The program's size, matching their IPO proceeds, signals confidence in their financial position and future prospects. Their impressive 92.3% revenue growth to $208 million and 115% net income growth to $11 million in 2023 underscore this confidence.

However, the decision to withdraw their F-1 Registration Statement raises questions. This could indicate a shift in capital allocation strategy or concerns about market conditions. The repurchase, while potentially boosting shareholder value, may limit funds for growth initiatives. Investors should weigh this against the company's recent strategic agreements and patent acquisitions, which could expand their market opportunities in AI applications for finance and HR.

Tech Expert

Lucas GC's recent technological advancements are noteworthy. The acquisition of two significant AI patents strengthens their competitive position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Their focus on applying AI to human resources, insurance and wealth management demonstrates a targeted strategy in high-value sectors.

The strategic agreements with public financial institutions to implement their AI LLM (Large Language Model) technology in wealth management is particularly promising. This move could significantly expand their Total Available Market (TAM) and create new revenue streams. The partnership to develop AI training courses also positions them well in the growing field of AI education. These initiatives suggest a company actively leveraging its AI expertise to create diverse, potentially lucrative opportunities.

Market Research Analyst

The timing of Lucas GC's share repurchase program is intriguing. With shares trading "well below intrinsic valuation" according to management, this move could be seen as a vote of confidence in the company's future. However, it's important to consider the broader market context. The CEO's mention of an "uncertain macro-economic environment" suggests caution.

The company's strategic focus on AI applications in financial services and HR aligns with growing market trends. The global AI in fintech market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.17% from 2021 to 2026, indicating significant potential. Investors should monitor how effectively Lucas GC capitalizes on these opportunities and whether their technological advancements translate into sustained financial growth amidst market uncertainties.

NEW YORK, Aug. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lucas GC Limited (NASDAQ: LGCL) (“Lucas” or the “Company”), an artificial intelligence (the “AI”) technology-driven Platform-as-a-Service (the “PaaS”) company whose technologies have been applied to the human resources, insurance and wealth management industry verticals, today announced that its board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to US$6 million of its ordinary shares, the same gross amount of proceeds that it raised in its IPO closed in March 2024. This plan is effective immediately for up to a one-year period.

“We achieved financial results in 2023 with both record revenue and net profit. Our 2023 revenue reached US$208 million representing 92.3% annual growth, net income reached US$11 million representing 115% annual growth. In 2024 we have obtained two significant patents that further solidify our technological leads in the AI area with wide applications in such verticals as human resources, insurance and wealth management; signed two strategic agreements with publicly traded financial institutions to port our AI LLM technology into wealth management vertical which significantly increases our TAMs (Total Available Markets); and to partner with a leading AI firm publicly traded in the main board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange to develop AI training courses. As a result, we are confident that these initiatives will have positive impacts on both our top and bottom lines going forward. While the macro-economic environment remains uncertain, Lucas’ ordinary shares are currently trading well below our intrinsic valuation. We believe withdrawing the Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on August 5, together with these repurchases are the prudent measures to maximize our shareholder values,” said Howard Lee, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Lucas.

The Company may repurchase ordinary shares from time to time through open market purchases, in privately negotiated transactions, or by other means, including through the use of trading plans, intended to qualify under Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. The timing and total amount of stock repurchases will depend upon business, economic and market conditions, corporate, legal and regulatory requirements, prevailing stock prices, trading volume, and other considerations. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not obligate the Company to acquire any amount of stock. The Company expects to utilize its existing cash and cash equivalents to fund any repurchases under the share repurchase program.

About Lucas GC Limited

With 18 granted U.S. and Chinese patents and over 74 registered software copyrights in the AI, data analytics and blockchain technologies, Lucas GC Limited is an AI technology-driven Platform as a Service (PaaS) company with over 638,000 agents working on its platform. Lucas’ technologies have been applied to the human resources, insurance and wealth management industry verticals. For more information, please visit: https://www.lucasgc.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute ‘forward-looking statements.’ The words ‘anticipate,’ ‘believe,’ ‘continue,’ ‘could,’ ‘estimate,’ ‘expect,’ ‘intend,’ ‘may,’ ‘plan,’ ‘potential,’ ‘predict,’ ‘project,’ ‘should,’ ‘target,’ ‘will,’ ‘would’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the uncertainties related to market conditions. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Syra Health specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For Media Contact:
https://www.lucasgc.com/
ir@lucasgc.com
T: 818-741-0923

For Investor Inquiries:
Ben Shamsian
Vice President
Lytham Partners, LLC
646-829-9701
shamsian@lythampartners.com

FAQ

What is the size of Lucas GC 's (LGCL) share repurchase program?

Lucas GC (LGCL) has announced a US$6 million share repurchase program, which is equal to the gross proceeds raised in its IPO in March 2024.

How long will Lucas GC 's (LGCL) share repurchase program last?

The share repurchase program is effective immediately for up to a one-year period.

What were Lucas GC 's (LGCL) financial results for 2023?

In 2023, Lucas GC (LGCL) achieved record results with revenue reaching US$208 million (92.3% annual growth) and net income of US$11 million (115% annual growth).

How will Lucas GC (LGCL) fund the share repurchase program?

Lucas GC (LGCL) expects to utilize its existing cash and cash equivalents to fund the share repurchases.

What recent strategic developments has Lucas GC (LGCL) announced for 2024?

In 2024, Lucas GC (LGCL) obtained two significant AI patents and signed strategic agreements with publicly traded financial institutions to expand into the wealth management vertical.