(AsiaGameHub) - As previously reported by SBC News, GR8 Tech has secured football legend José Mourinho, the former manager of Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, and current head coach of Benfica, as the newest brand ambassador for its Champions Club initiative. In this interview, we speak with the company's CEO, Oleksandr Feshchenko, to gain deeper insight into the collaboration with 'The Special One,' who now stands alongside undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk in the Champions Club. Feshchenko explains why Mourinho was the ideal candidate to represent the campaign's message and highlights the core parallels he identifies between elite sports professionals and leading technology firms. Why did GR8 Tech choose José Mourinho to the Champions Club? GR8 Tech CEO Oleksandr Feshchenko – Image Source: GR8 Tech Mourinho is a figure who has achieved success at the pinnacle of one of the world's most fiercely competitive arenas, accomplishing this feat with various teams in different leagues and across different periods. This level of achievement is exceptionally uncommon. His distinction comes not merely from the silverware but from the methodology behind the victories: meticulous preparation, strategic acumen, and an unwavering commitment to high performance. This philosophy resonated with us as it reflects our own approach to business. We focus not on a single breakthrough but on constructing systems and technologies that yield reliable outcomes consistently, regardless of external pressures or the specific markets they serve. When the chance to collaborate with José arose, the mutual alignment was immediately apparent. What does Mourinho add to the Champions Club? Jose Mourinho is a GR8 Tech brand ambassador – Image source: GR8 Tech He strengthens and expands upon the foundation we have already laid. Our partnership with Usyk established a powerful identity centered on a world champion who embodies discipline, thorough preparation, and hard-earned success. Mourinho introduces another facet of this same core belief. His entire career demonstrates that long-term winning is never a product of chance, luck, or coincidence. It requires constructing effective systems, strategic intelligence, and persistent high standards. This "no luck" principle is a theme shared by both ambassadors and is fundamental to GR8 Tech's operational ethos and partner offerings. Featuring two elite personalities from distinct sports who share an identical competitive mindset amplifies our message and increases its impact. It also provides access to new audiences and dialogues that a solitary partnership, however strong, could not achieve independently. What is the criteria to be the perfect Champions Club member? The requirements are simple. We seek individuals who have performed at the absolute highest level and whose careers are founded on discipline, consistency, and a relentless drive to improve. It's about mindset as much as innate ability. Authenticity is also crucial. The collaboration must be a natural fit for all parties, and the individual must have a sincere connection to the values GR8 Tech promotes. If the partnership seems contrived, the public will recognize it instantly. We prefer a select group of ambassadors who genuinely embody the brand over a lengthy roster that appears impressive but is ultimately superficial. How has the industry responded to the Champions Club? The most telling measure is our commercial activity. Our discussions with operators, including both current and prospective partners, have become more focused, frequent, and ambitious. The Champions Club provides a clear picture of GR8 Tech's principles, which directly influences our market engagement. The increasing number of alliances within the Champions Club is evidence of its success. However, the key point is that our commercial achievements are based on more than just ambassadors; they result from the synergy of robust technology, expert partner support, and a unifying brand identity. The Champions Club reinforces this message, and the positive market reaction validates our strategy. Who might be joining the Champions Club next? We have expansive plans for the Champions Club and will leverage all available platforms to ensure these partnerships are highly visible and influential. The objective extends beyond announcing new members to creating tangible activations that strengthen the GR8 Tech brand message. Currently, the most exciting aspect is having two world-class figures in the Champions Club, each contributing unique qualities. There is significant potential in uniting these distinct worlds, and we are actively developing initiatives to do so. Further details will be revealed at the appropriate time. What I can confirm is that the Champions Club is designed for expansion, and our momentum will continue. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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by: osami
Entain Closes Irish Ladbrokes Stores as Sales Talks Fail to Progress
(AsiaGameHub) - Entain hasn’t made any progress toward selling its Irish Ladbrokes assets, as discussions about a potential sale concluded without an agreement, SBC News has learned. Last June, reports emerged that Entain was considering offloading its Irish Ladbrokes assets to Irish bookmaker Bar One Racing. SBC News understands these talks ultimately fizzled out with no resolution. Multiple sources have reported, and Entain has confirmed, that the company is moving forward with closing several shops in Ireland. A source also noted that Ladbrokes Ireland has kept closures to a minimum so far. This week’s store adjustments come amid broader restructuring efforts across the UK and Irish betting and gaming sectors. “We regularly assess our retail locations to ensure our business remains competitive and financially viable,” a Ladbrokes spokesperson told SBC News. “These planned closures in the Republic of Ireland are not a decision we take lightly; they reflect ongoing cost pressures, long-term shifts in customer behavior, and the growing competitive threat from the unlicensed market. “Our current priority is to engage collaboratively with colleagues throughout the consultation process, with a strong focus on redeploying staff wherever possible. Ladbrokes remains committed to Ireland and to operating responsibly within a sustainable retail footprint.” Reviews underway Ladbrokes currently operates over 2,700 locations across the UK and Ireland, including 108 active shops in Ireland and 66 in Northern Ireland. However, Entain’s latest financial report revealed that total UK&I retail revenue fell 2% year-over-year, while sports betting revenue across its retail estate dropped by 3%. While the UK and Ireland are separate markets with distinct legislative and regulatory frameworks for gambling, they are closely intertwined, with several of the same firms active in both—Entain, Flutter, evoke, Super Group, and bet365, to name a few. April 1 marks the first day the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) rises from 21% to 40%, as promised by UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in last November’s Autumn Budget. This time next year, the General Betting Duty (GBD) will also increase from 15% to 25%. Against the backdrop of the UK’s current tax landscape, Entain’s decision to close part of its UK&I retail portfolio aligns with a broader cost-cutting trend in the market. The firm is not alone in reviewing its options amid mounting financial pressure. William Hill owner evoke has chosen to close over 200 UK shops as part of a group-wide strategic review launched in December 2025—one month after the tax hikes were announced. Flutter Entertainment is also exploring mitigation measures, with a restructuring of Paddy Power’s marketing department revealed to SBC News last week. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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by: emer
CTF Life Collaborates with the HKMC to Refer the Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme and the Reverse Mortgage Programme
HONG KONG, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - CTF Life announced today a new collaboration with The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (“HKMC”), which aimed at offering customers an additional option for managing their wealth after retirement. By introducing referrals for the “Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme” (“PRMP”) and the “Reverse Mortgage Programme” (“RMP”)1, the partnership combines CTF Life’s retirement product with the HKMC’s reverse mortgage solutions to deliver more comprehensive retirement planning support that meets customers’ financial needs at every stage of life.As Hong Kong’s population ages rapidly, the need for stronger retirement protection is growing. According to the latest projection2 from the Census and Statistics Department, the proportion of people aged 65 or above in Hong Kong is expected to rise significantly from 20.6% in 2021 to 36% in 2046, a clear sign of the city’s ageing trend. As citizens live longer and spend more years in retirement, their living expenses are set to rise, driving demand for stable, sustainable income and thoughtful financial planning. In support of the Government’s initiatives to encourage early retirement planning and promote the silver economy, CTF Life has partnered with the HKMC to promote the PRMP and the RMP. These two programmes aim to provide customers with a stable income to enhance the quality of retirement life, supporting them with diverse and reliable retirement solutions.Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CTF Life, said, “Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population is driving demand for more comprehensive retirement planning solutions. We are pleased to partner with the HKMC to introduce the PRMP and the RMP through referrals, which complement CTF Life’s product suite to provide customers with stable income streams and an additional wealth management option in retirement, helping customers build well-rounded retirement solutions and reinforce our commitment to creating value beyond insurance.”Colin Pou, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, said, “The PRMP and the RMP help retirees convert their life insurance policies or their residential properties into steady monthly payouts, generating lifelong streams of income, thereby enhancing the quality of their retirement lives. We are pleased to collaborate with CTF Life to introduce the PRMP and the RMP to more clients, and to jointly support the Government’s initiative to address the ageing society and promote silver economy.”CTF Life’s @MyLove Insurance Plan II3 is an eligible life insurance product under the PRMP, allowing customers to use their insurance policies as collateral to apply for monthly or lump-sum payouts to meet their retirement financial needs. The plan provides life protection up to 100 years of age, together with extra accidental death benefit during the first 10 policy years, flexible premium payment options, premium prepayment options, a guaranteed cash value, plus annual dividend and terminal dividend to help customers further grow their wealth. At the same time, through the RMP, customers can convert property value into a stable cash flow. When combined with the ongoing protection provided by life insurance products, this enables a more flexible approach to asset utilisation and delivers dual, stable support for retirement wealth planning.Notes:1.The Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme and the Reverse Mortgage Programme are operated by HKMC Insurance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited. For further information, please refer to The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited website: www.hkmc.com.hk.2.Census and Statistics: Hong Kong Population Projections for 2022 to 20463.@MyLove Insurance Plan II is an eligible life insurance plan under PRMP, but it does not necessarily mean that the customer’s PRMP application will be approved. The eligibility of this product under the PRMP is based on the features of the product. The customer and the life insurance policy are still required to meet the eligibility criteria under PRMP before applying for the policy reverse mortgage loan.Important Notice:- The information contained in this press release is intended as a general summary of information for reference only. For more details, please refer to relevant product brochures, promotion leaflets, and policy documents. For details regarding the CTF Life @MyLove Insurance Plan II, please refer to the policy contract for details of the full terms and conditions.- This press release does not contain the full provisions of the @MyLove Insurance Plan II, and the full terms can be found in the Policy documents. The @MyLove Insurance Plan II may serve as a standalone plan(s) without bundling with other type(s) of insurance product. Please refer to the main product brochure and policy terms and conditions, as well as the explanatory documents provided by your licensed insurance intermediary, to fully understand the details and complete terms and conditions regarding the mentioned definitions, fees, product features, exclusions, and compensation payment conditions related to @MyLove Insurance Plan II.- Please refer to the product brochure for more information on the @MyLove Insurance Plan II: https://www.ctflife.com.hk/pdf/en/products/life-insurance/protection/life/@mylove-ii-insurance-plan-brochure.pdf- For further details, please contact CTF Life’s Customer Service Hotline on +852 2866 8898.- This press release is intended to be distributed in Hong Kong only and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or provision of any of our products outside Hong Kong. Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited hereby declares that it has no intention to offer to sell, to solicit to buy or to provide any of its products in any jurisdiction other than Hong Kong in which such offer to sell or solicitation to buy or provision of any product of Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited is illegal under the laws of that jurisdiction.Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CTF Life and Colin Pou, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited announced a new collaboration aimed at offering customers an additional option for managing their wealth after retirement.CTF Life and The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited representatives at the collaboration kick-off ceremony.(From left to right) Eleonore Chow, Chief Executive, Agency; Ellick Tsui, Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer; Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CTF Life; Colin Pou, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited; Kitty Lai, Senior Vice President (Operations) of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited / Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of HKMC Insurance Limited; and Angela Leung, Vice President (Marketing and Business Development) of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited.About CTF LifeChow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (“CTF Life”) is proud of its rich, 40-year legacy in Hong Kong. CTF Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CTF Services Limited (“CTFS”) (Hong Kong Stock Code: 659) and one of the most well-established life insurance companies in Hong Kong. As a member of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, CTF Life consistently strengthens its collaboration with the Chow Tai Fook Group (“CTF Group” or “the Group”) ecosystem to support customers and their loved ones in navigating life’s journey with personalised planning solutions, lifelong protection and diverse lifestyle experiences. By leveraging the Group’s robust financial strength and strategic investments across the globe, CTF Life aspires to become a leading insurance company in Asia while continuously creating value beyond insurance.Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Yuanda China’s 2025 Operating Revenue Surged 27% to RMB 2.8 Billion, with a Net Profit of RMB 0.35 Billion, turning losses into gains
HONG KONG, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On 31 March 2026, Yuanda China Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 02789.HK, "Yuanda China"), a global leader in the curtain wall industry, announced its audited annual consolidated results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (the "Reporting Period").In 2025, competition in the building curtain wall industry continued to intensify, placing higher demands on enterprises' technical capabilities, project management, and financial operational capability. In light of the market conditions in 2025, the Group adhered to the business principle of "prudent operation, quality improvement and efficiency enhancement, and risk control", and fully leveraged its professional strengths. During the year, the Group continued to deepen refined management, focusing on lean control throughout the entire project lifecycle to effectively improve engineering quality and delivery efficiency. At the same time, the Group strengthened supply chain coordination and strictly controlled procurement costs to further consolidate cost competitiveness. In terms of market expansion, the Group focused on quality overseas clients and high-quality projects, proactively avoiding high-risk orders to ensure healthy and stable cash flow. Furthermore, the Group deepened technological innovation, transformed its production model, obtained 7 new utility model patents, and has built a product system with core technological competitive advantages. In 2025, the Group achieved steady and robust growth by leveraging sound business strategies and exceptional project execution capabilities.Benefiting from the tangible results of continuously improving operational efficiency and the successful delivery of core projects both domestically and internationally, the Group’s operating revenue in 2025 increased significantly by 27.2% on a year-on-year basis to approximately RMB 2,814.6 million (Unit: RMB, the same below), among which, the domestic revenue amounted to approximately RMB 1,271.6 million, with an increase of 25.1% compared with 2024, contributing approximately 45.2% of the Group’s total revenue; the overseas revenue amounted to approximately RMB 1,543.0 million, with an increase of 29.0% compared with 2024, contributing approximately 54.8% of the Group’s total revenue. Meanwhile, driven by its international strategy, the Group achieved notable growth in overseas markets, particularly in Australia and the Middle East. During the Reporting Period, the total value of new projects secured by the Group amounted to approximately RMB 5,168.3 million, with an increase of approximately 55.4% compared with 2024. As at 31 December 2025, the outstanding contract value of the Group amounted to approximately RMB 13,201.3 million, which provides strong support for the Group’s development over the next two to three years.In addition, the Group focused on quality customers, enhancing both coverage and depth, while increasing the proportion of newly secured projects with higher gross profit margins. Benefiting from these initiatives, the Group’s gross profit margin steadily improved and profitability continued to strengthen. In 2025, the Group’s gross profit margin was approximately 26.1%, with an increase of approximately 6.6 percentage points compared with 2024. Furthermore, the Group continuously strengthened the collection management of trade receivables and contract assets. During the year, the receivables turnover days decreased by 41.0% on a year-on-year basis to approximately 184 days, while the turnover days of trade and bills payables decreased by 50.6% on a year-on-year basis to approximately 214 days, reflecting a comprehensive improvement in capital turnover efficiency. During the Reporting Period, the Group’s adjusted gross profit margin increased significantly by 18.8 percentage points to approximately 30.3%, demonstrating strong profit quality. For the Reporting Period, the profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company was approximately RMB 352.5 million, successfully turning losses into gains compared with a loss of RMB 354.0 million in 2024.Looking ahead to 2026, the building curtain wall industry still faces multiple pressures such as slow demand recovery, intensified competition and cost fluctuations. However, the industry will also usher in a strategic opportunity period for technological upgrading and green transformation, where innovative products such as prefabricated curtain walls and building integrated photovoltaics are expected to accelerate their penetration, and digital transformation will remain the main path for industry development. The Group will always adhere to a prudent and stable operating philosophy to integrate risk control throughout the business process. Leveraging the core strengths, the Group will closely monitor market changes, rationally plan the business layout, and ensure the smooth and orderly development of the business. In the future, the Group will balance efficiency improvement and risk control, consolidate the existing core market share through refined management, focus on core regional markets and prioritize projects with manageable risks. The Group will further strengthen technological research and development, enhance system integration capabilities, and create more benchmarking curtain wall projects; deepen internal management reforms, optimize resource allocation, and continuously improve operational efficiency and profitability. At the same time, the Group will strictly adhere to the risk bottom line to ensure capital security and promote the Group’s high-quality and sustainable development, thereby creating greater value for shareholders and delivering more high-quality projects. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: eqs
DPC Dash Ltd (1405.HK): Stellar Earnings, Service Consumption Tailwind Lifts the Leading Pizza Stock
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 01/04/2026 / 14:00 UTC+8 Over the past few years, the consumer sector has witnessed repeated reshaping of market expectations. From consumption upgrading to downgrading, and from traffic-driven growth to stock competition, the market has grown increasingly discerning toward the catering industry, and is also placing greater emphasis on the sustainability of corporate growth. In a recent research report, Industrial Securities noted that boosting domestic demand is a top economic priority for 2026. China's residential service consumption has considerable room for improvement compared with overseas markets, and is expected to become a new focus of the country on the basis of further optimizing subsidies for commodity consumption. Capital allocation in the sector is at a historically low level and the overall valuation has priced in many pessimistic expectations. It is recommended to attach importance to 2026 as the first year of service consumption, and lay out the two main lines of inflation expectation recovery and segmented prosperity from a full-year perspective. Against this macro backdrop, DPC Dash Ltd ("DPC Dash" or the "Company")(1405.HK) recently released an eye-catching annual results. Despite the slowdown in the growth of the catering industry and intensified competition over the past year, which have left many players stuck in a growth bottleneck, DPC Dash has proven with data that an enterprise's resilience to navigate economic cycles never comes from empty slogans, but from solid fundamentals and sustained growth momentum. 01 Profit Quality Improves Steadily, Economies of Scale Accelerate A quick look at DPC Dash's financial report reveals impressive performance in its core metrics. In 2025, Domino's China achieved revenue of RMB 5.382 billion, a year-on-year increase of 24.8%, representing five straight years of double-digit growth; adjusted net profit reached RMB 188 million, a year-on-year surge of 43.3%; adjusted EBITDA stood at RMB 635 million, up 28.2% year-on-year; adjusted EBITDA profit margin was 11.8%, a year-on-year increase of 30 basis points. Net profit hit RMB 142 million, a substantial year-on-year surge of 157.1%. Behind this outstanding performance is the continuous consolidation of profitability at the store level. In 2025, store-level EBITDA totaled approximately RMB 1.001 billion, with a margin of 18.6%; store-level operating profit reached around RMB 740 million, maintaining a healthy operating profit margin of 13.7%. These figures send a clear signal: the Company's profit growth has moved beyond the inflection point of "turning losses into profits" and entered an upward trajectory of "sustained realization". 2024 marked a milestone as the Company achieved annual profitability for the first time, and 2025 further validated the sustainability of its business model on this basis. The revenue side maintained a high growth rate of 24.8%, and the profit growth outpaced revenue growth significantly—a typical characteristic of the materialization of economies of scale. With the expansion of the store network, fixed costs are spread thinner, driving higher marginal profits. Headquarters management expenses are also spread thinner, and supply chain and distribution efficiency is optimized as network density increases. Every seemingly minor cost improvement, multiplied by the scale of over a thousand stores, translates into tangible profit elasticity. On a deeper level, the improvement in profit quality is also driven by the optimization of store structure. In 2025, the revenue share of newly growing markets rose further. These new stores not only contributed to revenue growth but also boosted the overall profitability with their higher return on investment efficiency. At the same time, mature markets continued to generate stable cash flow through consecutive years of same-store sales growth. A dual-drive pattern of "mature markets stabilizing the core business and new markets contributing growth elasticity" has taken shape. It can be said that DPC Dash has built a self-reinforcing operating cycle: scale expansion leads to cost optimization, and such optimization in turn fuels the improvement of profitability, and the improved profitability provides financial support for a new round of expansion. 02 Store Milestone Achieved, 4D Strategy Powers the Growth Flywheel The core keyword for DPC Dash's 2025 results can be summarized as resilience. This resilience is not a short-term earnings surge, but a sustainable growth capability built on economies of scale, digital barriers and brand moats. The Company's "4D Strategy" anchored its full-year operations, encompassing high-quality store Development, Delicious Pizza at Value, efficient Delivery experience, and advanced Digital capabilities. These four pillars work in lockstep to accelerate the growth flywheel. a. Store Network Achieves Growth in Both Quantity and Quality In 2025, DPC Dash continued its expansion strategy of "deepening and expanding market reach", with a net increase of 307 stores throughout the year, successfully meeting its annual store opening target. By the end of the year, the total number of stores reached 1,315, covering 60 cities. Entering 2026, the pace of expansion has further accelerated, with 62 new stores opening in 46 cities nationwide on New Year's Day alone, including 8 cities where the brand entered those markets for the first time. What is more noteworthy than the number itself is the performance of the new stores. Most of the newly opened stores are located in non-first-tier cities, yet their growth momentum has been nothing short of stunning. In October 2025, the first store in Xuzhou recorded a daily turnover of over RMB 680,000 on its opening day. The first store in Dalian, which opened on New Year's Day 2026, further refreshed this record to RMB 700,000. As of January 31, 2026, the Company occupied the entire top 50 slots in Domino’s global ranking of first-30-day sales across its network of over 22,000 stores worldwide. Clearly, the Company's store location selection is not a matter of luck, but a data-driven model. Every new store opening is backed by scientific, data-driven decision-making, from the analysis of urban tier characteristics and the measurement of business district traffic, to the control of rental costs and the design of delivery radii. "Deepening and expanding market reach" is not blind expansion, but a steady territorial expansion based on a replicable single-store model. b. Expanding Member Ecosystem, Digital Strategy Builds Core Barriers As of the end of 2025, the scale of DPC Dash's “loyalty program” exceeded 35.6 million, with a net increase of over 11 million members and more than 15 million new first-time users throughout the year. The value of these figures lies in the closed data loop. The Company's digitalization has integrated the full customer journey of "ordering-production-delivery-repeat purchase". The accumulated user portrait data can feed back into product research and development and marketing strategies, with data supporting decisions such as which cities to launch new products in, what promotions to match, and when to prioritize sales. This digital asset is not something competitors can replicate in the short term. It is not a purchasable system, but a collection of user insights and operational methodologies accumulated over the years. At a time when traffic costs are rising steadily, DPC Dash, with a private domain user base of 35 million, has built its own brand moat. c. Simultaneous Product Innovation and Precision Marketing On the product front, DPC Dash maintained a high-frequency iteration pace of innovation. Throughout 2025, the Company launched a new product every 6 to 12 weeks, introducing a number of new pizzas that blend regional flavors with global inspiration, and also upgraded classic products with "more portions without extra cost". From Sicilian-style to Madrid-style pizzas, braised beef brisket with prawns to black truffle & mushroom, each new product enriches the product portfolio while reinforcing the brand’s value-for-money positioning. This continuous product renewal not only meets consumers' pursuit of novelty but also solidifies the foundation for repeat purchases. In terms of marketing, the Company accurately seized major consumer nodes throughout the year, launching Halloween-themed limited editions, Spring Festival promotions, and cross-border collaborations with popular IPs such as Sanrio. With coordinated online and offline efforts, it successfully reached the young consumer group. Meanwhile, classic promotional activities such as "Buy One Get One Free Super Week" returned regularly, providing consumers with a variety of choices. The simultaneous increase in brand exposure and sales conversion attests to the effectiveness of its marketing strategy. 03 The Expectation Gap in An Era of Differentiation Among Consumer Stocks Currently, the investment logic of the consumer sector is undergoing profound changes. In the past, "choosing the right track meant success for anyone", but now "investors are scrupulously picking alpha opportunities". In this differentiated environment, what underappreciated advantages support DPC Dash? Expectation Gap 1: Pizza’s Inherent Anti-Cyclicality in China The coexistence of consumption downgrading and upgrading may sound contradictory, but it is the real picture of China's current consumer market. Consumers in first-tier cities may be more budget-conscious, while consumption upgrading in lower-tier markets is just beginning. The uniqueness of the pizza category lies in its dual attributes: it combines everyday convenience with social dining appeal. It works as a RMB 30 quick meal and a presentable RMB 80 treat. This flexible positioning gives pizza unusual resilience in a split consumer landscape. When the catering sector faces pressure, its essential, everyday appeal provides a defensive cushion; when consumer confidence recovers, its experiential attribute releases growth elasticity. The market is accustomed to simply categorizing pizza as "Western fast food", but overlooks its cross-tier pricing appeal. This inherent advantage of the category is the underlying logic for DPC Dash to navigate economic cycles. Expectation Gap 2: Accelerating Economies of Scale Beyond 1,000 Stores Many view economies of scale as linear, assuming that a 10% increase in the number of stores will lead to a corresponding percentage drop in costs. In reality, economies of scale are released in a cumulative and accelerating manner. When store density reaches a certain level, cost efficiency improves at a steepening rate. The 1,000-store mark is a critical threshold. Crossing this threshold brings qualitative changes in procurement bargaining power, distribution network efficiency and brand recognition. With the further increase in store network density and optimization of operational efficiency, the scale dividends on the supply chain side are also expected to be further released. Of course, the pace of opening about 300 stores per year means the Company is still in the expansion and investment phase, which requires continuous resource input for the cultivation of new markets and the growth of new stores. But the key is to look at the trend: as the number of stores increases, the fixed component of the single-store cost model will be diluted further; as store density rises, the efficiency of the distribution network will improve. This process does not happen overnight, but the direction is clear. It is foreseeable that as new stores gradually move beyond the cultivation period and enter the mature stage, the improvement in profitability will be gradually reflected in the financial statements. This gradual but definite improvement is the expectation gap that the market has not yet fully digested. Expectation Gap 3: Digital Assets Underappreciated in Valuation System of Consumer Stocks When valuing catering stocks, the market is used to looking at PE ratios, store numbers and same-store sales growth. However, DPC Dash's digital assets, from 35.6 million member data to order forecasting algorithms and delivery route optimization systems, are underappreciated in conventional valuation frameworks. Digitalization is not a cost center, but a catalyst for higher valuation. A catering enterprise with a large private domain user pool and the ability to accurately reach and operate users has an incomparable long-term value compared with enterprises that rely solely on third-party platform traffic. As the market gradually recognizes the competitive barriers built by this set of digital assets, the valuation system of DPC Dash is expected to face a re-rating. Expectation Gap 4: Premium Brand Benefits in Lower-Tier Markets Top Western brands are still in short supply in lower-tier markets. When young people in a county want to eat authentic pizza for the first time, they often have limited choices. At this time, the emergence of Domino's is not consumption downgrading, but a catch-up opportunity for consumption upgrading. The queuing phenomenon at the first stores in more than a dozen new cities entered in 2025 is the best testament to this. Behind this explosive growth is the dimension reduction impact of Domino's global brand momentum. According to the "RESTAURANTS 25 2025" released by Brand Finance, Domino's ranked seventh with a brand value of US$6.69 billion, firmly securing a spot in the world's top 10 most valuable restaurant brands. For consumers in lower-tier markets, the recognition and trust in international top brands exceed expectations. This brand endorsement is an advantage that local brands can hardly replicate. From this perspective, the story of the pizza track in China is far from over. First and second-tier markets compete on density and efficiency, while lower-tier markets compete on the first-mover brand perception. DPC Dash happens to stand at the intersection of these two tracks. Therefore, for DPC Dash, sinking to lower-tier markets is not a move downmarket, but an in-depth expansion into a blue ocean market. 04 Conclusion Looking back at the full year of 2025, DPC Dash's economies of scale are being released at an accelerated pace. This is not a simple extensive expansion, but a sustainable snowball-like growth model. When the brand has a solid foundation and the market space is broad enough, growth momentum can be continuously accumulated. While the market is still debating the strength of consumption recovery, DPC Dash has proven with its brilliant financial report that solid fundamentals are the most reliable anchor through economic cycles. Of course, DPC Dash is not without challenges. Balancing the speed of expansion and the quality of single stores is a technical task amid rapid expansion. Entering new cities means continuous investment, and the early cultivation period may bring short-term fluctuations. The decline in the proportion of delivery revenue in some new stores will also affect the average transaction value. These are the normal costs associated with expansion, but such investment and layout are for the long term. Crucially, the Company has established a presence in only 60 cities to date, leaving massive untapped potential. Meanwhile, it supports the opening of around 300 new stores annually through internal cash generation, without increasing debt or depleting cash reserves—a level of financial stability rarely seen in the current catering industry. It is important to note the brand value of Domino's—ranking among the world's top 10 restaurant brands is a moat built over decades. DPC Dash's localized operation capabilities have also been verified: a sustained and strong expansion momentum, new stores in emerging markets repeatedly breaking sales records, a member base exceeding 35.6 million, four consecutive years of being awarded the "Best Employer" by Mercer, and the first "Star Employer" award by Mercer China in 2025. What the market needs is a telescope for long-termism, not a microscope for short-term fluctuations. 01/04/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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by: jenn
35 Years On, A Classic Scorsese Thriller Is Set for a Modern TV Reboot
Apple TV(SeaPRwire) - Certain stories are worth retelling time and again. Whether it’s the timeless showbiz tragedy of A Star Is Born or the spine-tingling tale of Dracula, some narratives consistently resonate no matter their era or setting. You might not immediately think of Cape Fear as one of these, but in its own way, it fits the bill. It started as a 1962 film adapted from the 1957 novel The Executioners, yet Martin Scorsese’s 1991 remake has become so widespread that the original is often overlooked.Visuals from that movie—like Robert De Niro’s Max Cady cackling wildly in a cinema—have stayed with audiences for decades. But Hollywood has changed, and in just a few months, Cape Fear will get the miniseries treatment from Apple TV. Fortunately, the trailer looks just as gripping as its predecessors. Check it out below.The series follows a married pair of public defenders (Patrick Wilson and Amy Adams) as they realize a murderer they failed to defend successfully has been released from prison and is plotting revenge. The story will draw from the novel as well as both film versions, and with all that source material available, using the miniseries format instead of another two-hour movie makes perfect sense. Presumably, we’ll see some of the novel’s characters and subplots that couldn’t be squeezed into the films, or fresh ideas that put a new twist on the classic.As for the series’ quality, it’s executive-produced by Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, so it shouldn’t stray too far from what fans love about Scorsese’s work. The style has apparently been updated to fit modern TV’s prestige format, and if the trailer brings to mind the recent resurgence of true crime dramatizations, there’s a good reason: Cape Fear comes from Nick Antosca, who created scripted true-crime series like The Act, Candy, and A Friend of the Family. Max Cady’s case may be fictional, but this series could find new depth by making his story feel like it unfolded just yesterday.Cape Fear premieres June 5, 2026, on Apple TV. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: grit
MHI President Eisaku Ito Offers Words of Encouragement to New Employees at the Company’s 2026 Welcoming Ceremony
President Eisaku Ito welcomes new employees at the ceremonyTOKYO, Apr 1, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) held an entrance ceremony for the fiscal year 2026 at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Minato-ku, Tokyo. This year, as a new initiative, some of the new employees' families also participated in the ceremony online. President & CEO Eisaku Ito addressed over 1,100 new employees, offering words of encouragement and expressing his expectations that "each individual's diverse values and experiences will bring innovation to our Group."Summary of President Ito's MessageMaking the stable supply of energy and electricity and the establishment of strategic supply chains increasingly important, alongside heightened awareness of security. Labor shortages in developed countries and the aging of urban infrastructure also pose major challenges. Furthermore, the remarkable advances in AI technology are transforming industries. Against this backdrop, President & CEO Ito emphasized that "in times like these, it is essential to cherish the fundamentals of our company." He explained the origins of our Group and the three corporate principles that form our management philosophy, including "putting customers first and contributing to social progress through our business." He then spoke about the Group's vision and offered encouragement to the new employees. The key points are as follows:MHI Group VisionOur Group's mission is to "combine the technologies accumulated with cutting-edge knowledge, tackle evolving social challenges, and realize a prosperous life for people." We provide diverse products and services to a wide range of customers, supported by a common foundation of technologies, experts, and IT systems. Our Group owns over 700 technologies. Companies that possess both such diversity and a common foundation are rare worldwide. Therefore, our Group still has significant room for growth.To maximize our growth potential, we are promoting "Innovative Total Optimization (ITO)" throughout the company. ITO is based on two core concepts. The first is "Group-Wide Optimization," which means optimizing the value chain from sales to manufacturing and enabling lean business operations through the common foundation mentioned earlier. Additionally, by strengthening collaboration between businesses, sharing lessons learned from failures and early signs of changes in the business environment, we aim to enhance productivity and profitability. The second concept is "Scope Expansion," which anticipates latent needs and creates new value by "smartly connecting" different fields. By leveraging partnering and IT, we swiftly approach new customers and regions. Combining these approaches, we will provide new value to vastly more customers.This fiscal year marks the final year of the "2024 Business Plan," launched in fiscal 2024. Through achieving this plan and advancing ITO, we aim to realize a "virtuous cycle of high profitability and growth investment."Encouragement to New EmployeesOur Group fosters a culture where young employees can take on significant challenges early in their careers. When I was a student, I researched gas turbines and aspired to become an engineer in this field. I joined Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the only company in Japan independently developing gas turbines. I was entrusted with a project to develop a turbine for a new concept jet engine. I was involved in all manufacturing processes from planning to development, design, prototyping, and evaluation, which later became the foundation of our business. Since then, as an engineer, I have participated in various projects both domestically and internationally, and with each experience, including failures, I saw personal growth.The greatest appeal of our Group is its deep connection with society. There are countless opportunities to realize the desire to "contribute to society through manufacturing." Our business fields extend from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space.People are the core of our Group. To enhance individual capabilities, we provide various opportunities for challenges and growth. However, these opportunities are not only given but must also be actively pursued. We want you to identify social issues you are passionate about in your own life, align them with organizational goals, and continue to challenge yourself and grow.In your daily work, please especially keep in mind to "work cheerfully and enjoyably," "focus on the small tasks in front of you," and "be yourself." Mental and physical health are the foundation of life. When things are tough, there is actually an opportunity to rapidly develop your abilities. Also, small tasks support our Group's large businesses. The day will come when you will be entrusted with major work, so prepare thoroughly with humility and courage, and expand the areas where you can contribute. Be aware of how your work benefits society, set your own goals, and put them into practice.Our Group has many jobs that contribute to social progress, global-scale work, and work that only we can do. With the ambition and responsibility to proactively create and support society, let us maximize our Group's potential and continue to take on challenges on the global stage.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: grit
MHI Completes the Transfer Procedures for its Domestic Onshore Wind Power Business
TOKYO, Apr 1, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) announced that, as previously disclosed on November 7, 2025 announcement(1) and the February 10, 2026 announcement(2), MHI had entered into a legally binding agreement to transfer its domestic onshore wind power business (Target Business) to Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-Power). We are pleased to inform you that the transfer procedures have been completed as of April 1.This transfer of the Target Business—including engineering and after-sales services, but excluding certain continuing businesses, such a joint business with Vestas Wind A/S of Denmark—will strengthen and further expand J-Power's foundation as a wind power developer by integrating MHI's accumulated wind power expertise. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the future expansion of J-Power's wind power development activities and the strengthening of its technical and maintenance capabilities, leading to further growth. MHI is convinced that this will not only provide customers with greater value but also offer new opportunities for growth and development to employees engaged in this business.(1) "MHI Reaches a Basic Agreement with J-POWER on the Transfer of its Domestic Onshore Wind Power Business" https://www.mhi.com/news/25110702.html(2) "(Update on Disclosed Matter) Notice Regarding the Conclusion of an Absorption-type Split Agreement for the Succession of Business to a Subsidiary via Company Split (Simplified Absorption-type Split) and a Share Transfer Agreement for Shares in the Said Subsidiary" https://www.mhi.com/notice/notice_260210.htmlAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
After 12 Years, ‘Masters of the Universe’ Adopts a Transparent MCU Strategy
Amazon MGM Studios(SeaPRwire) - Following over 15 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe blueprint is no longer just a perpetual hit-making engine; it has become a genre in its own right. These spectacular, quip-filled action epics starring superheroes are not exclusive to the MCU anymore; they appear in various franchises such as Jurassic Park, Jumanji, Ghostbusters, and even Pixar films.Now, a new franchise is entering the arena: Masters of the Universe. The iconic cartoon series is receiving a lavish live-action adaptation that follows the Marvel playbook to the letter. View the film's trailer below:The trailer contains some amusing lore details, such as Battle Cat substituting for the MGM lion, but it primarily centers on the core narrative of Adam Glenn (Nicholas Galitzine), the displaced prince of Eternia who is compelled to live in secrecy on Earth. His mission is to return to his native world and seize power from the malevolent, skull-faced antagonist Skeletor (Jared Leto).In essence, this fresh interpretation of Masters of the Universe presents a story akin to Thor blended with Peter Quill, and the trailer radiates a distinct MCU atmosphere. This includes fish-out-of-water humor, abundant teal-and-orange color palette, destined armaments, and signature lines. A major villainous unveiling also occurs, as this preview marks our first opportunity to hear Leto's voice for Skeletor. After Galitzine's He-Man yells the iconic line "I have the power!" we hear Skeletor retort, "You may have the power... But you're too scared to use it."Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man brings classic Marvel hero energy into the latest heroic franchise endeavor. | Amazon MGM StudiosHowever, in 2026, is crafting a film to precisely mimic an MCU movie a wise approach? The phrase "superhero fatigue" has been widely discussed lately, yet with James Gunn's reboot of the DC Universe and forthcoming Avengers films, a revival seems imminent.In a sense, Masters of the Universe might act as the definitive test for new franchises in the current cinematic climate. Should it triumph, it would indicate the genre is not wholly exhausted, and that the established formula from years past can still attract viewers. Conversely, if it fails, it suggests the genre, as we recognize it, must transform into something completely different. Cinema must continually innovate to remain relevant; that is the driver of advancement. Yet, perhaps the timeless, grand action of a classic superhero sci-fi fantasy origin tale can demonstrate that this older strategy remains effective.Masters of the Universe premieres in theaters on June 5, 2026. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: jenn
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2: Release Date, Start Time, Cast, Plot, and More
Netflix(SeaPRwire) - Netflix has kept things fairly hush-hush about the future of its Avatar: The Last Airbender remake. Over two years have passed since the first season landed on the streamer, and Gordon Cormier—once 12 years old when we met him in 2024—isn’t the same kid anymore. Thankfully, the Avatar team hasn’t been idle: Season 2 wrapped production in May 2025, and we’ll see the results of their work in just a few months.In a new behind-the-scenes featurette, Netflix unveiled the official release date for Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2. The next chapter in Avatar Aang’s (Cormier) saga is about to take off—so here’s everything you need to know about Netflix’s animated reimagining.Avatar Season 2 will be bigger than its predecessor in more ways than one. | NetflixWhat is the Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 release date?Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 will premiere on June 25, 2026—roughly two and a half years after the first season’s debut.What is the Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 release time?Like most Netflix releases, Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 will likely be available to stream at 12:00 a.m. PST, or 3:00 p.m. EST.Is there a trailer for Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2?There certainly is. Check out the official teaser for Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2, which sets the stage for the arrival of a key fan-favorite character.What is the plot of Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2?It’s hard not to fixate on the elephant in the room—Cormier’s major growth spurt—when watching the trailer, but Avatar Season 2 will be bigger than its first in multiple ways. When Cormier returns as Aang, some time will have passed since he and his friends saved the Northern Water Tribe from the Fire Nation’s invasion. But the fascistic evil forces are far from defeated: Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) still aims to conquer the world. Aang is running out of time to embrace his destiny as the Avatar—the chosen one who can wield (or “bend”) all four elements. In Season 1, he started his waterbending training; Season 2 will follow his fated meeting with his future earthbending master, Toph Beifong (Miya Cech).Avatar Season 2 is also set to be much darker than its predecessor, forcing Aang to confront greater responsibility and the threat of more loss as he steps into his Avatar role. The Gaang heads to Ba Sing Se, the heart of the Earth Kingdom, where conspiracy and betrayal lurk around every corner. Elsewhere, Zuko (Dallas Liu), the exiled Fire Nation prince, grapples with his decision to stop hunting the Avatar in Season 1. His inner conflict paves the way for his younger sister, Azula (Elizabeth Yu), to join the fray—and she’s far more dangerous than anyone Aang has encountered so far.The Gaang is finally complete. | NetflixWho is in the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2?Avatar Season 2 expands its already large cast even further. Beyond its core players—including Aang (Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio), Sokka (Ian Ousley), Toph (Cech), Zuko (Liu), Azula (Yu), and Uncle Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee)—Netflix announced several major additions in 2024:Chin Han as Long Feng, the Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing SeJustin Chien as King Kuei, ruler of Ba Sing SeHoa Xuande as Professor Zei, the patron of a mystical libraryAmanda Zhou as Joo Dee, the Gaang’s guide in Ba Sing SeKelemete Misipeka as The Boulder, an earthbending wrestlerTerry Chen as Jeong Jeong, a surly firebending masterDolly de Leon as Lo and Li, advisors to Princess AzulaLily Gao as Ursa, Zuko and Azula’s motherDichen Lachman as Yangchen, the airbending Avatar before AangWill there be an Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 3?Yes—Netflix renewed Avatar for two additional seasons after Season 1 premiered. The team is ideally filming Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back, so hopefully, there won’t be such a long delay between the final chapters of this saga. While there’s no official release date for Season 3, it’s good to know the story will end on its own terms.Avatar: The Last Airbender returns to Netflix on June 25. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: emer
VCREDIT Releases 2025 Full-Year Results
HONG KONG, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - March 31 2026, VCREDIT Holdings Limited ("VCREDIT" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 2003.HK), a leading technology-driven consumer financial service provider in China, today announced its audited consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Year").During the Year, as the external environment remained complex and challenging, the Group dynamically optimized its strategies and strengthened risk management to enhance operational efficiency. It also consolidated its business framework, committed to building a secure and compliant digital financial ecosystem. The Group adopted a prudent strategic approach, advancing steadily while dynamically assessing new market opportunities.During the Year, the Group's loan origination volume in the Chinese mainland reached RMB58.45 billion. Cumulative registered users increased to 171 million, representing an increase of 8.2% from the end of 2024. The Group's total income remained relatively stable at RMB3,870.9 million.Prudently Optimizing Business Structure and Consolidating High-Quality Customer BaseFacing changes in the macroeconomic environment, the Group strengthened risk control and cost optimization, advancing its business prudently and gradually shifting its focus toward relatively higher-quality customer segments and more sustainable business models. By deepening ecosystem partnerships with multiple industry platforms, the Group refined its end-to-end intelligent customer acquisition and operation systems, and continued to optimize its funding partnership structure to enhance business resilience.Building upon its continuously enhanced technological capabilities, the Group focused on maintaining its base of high-quality users, intensifying collaborations with premium platforms across various sectors, including a leading comprehensive retail e-commerce provider, online travel service platforms, smart devices companies, and a map service provider. By establishing an intelligent outreach system integrating "smart SMS and AI-powered outbound calls," the Group created a full-cycle customer acquisition closed loop, encompassing precise screening, layered outreach, and efficient conversion.In operating its existing customer base, the Group implemented a two-dimensional strategy combining willingness models with risk models to execute refined and differentiated operations and services for various customer segments. Adhering to a "customer-centric" service philosophy, the Group fully integrated consumer rights protection into the entire product and service lifecycle. During the Year, repeat borrowers accounted for 80.7% of the total loan origination volume for its business in the Chinese mainland, demonstrating sustained user loyalty.Upgrading Technology-Driven Capabilities with AI Empowering Multiple Business ScenariosTechnology serves as a core strategic driver for the Group's sustainable business development. In 2025, centered on artificial intelligence (AI), the Group continued to advance the evolution from tool-based usage to systematic intelligence. Through the integration of causal inference algorithms into its "Hummingbird" intelligent risk control platform, the Group focused on enhancing risk identification capabilities and model stability within complex customer segments and volatile market environments. The application of the AI-powered marketing robot effectively contributed to improvements in customer acquisition conversion and customer value.Simultaneously, intelligent agent technologies, such as the "Digital Operations Engineer," have extended automation capabilities across the entire R&D and operational lifecycle. Currently, approximately 30% of code generation and standardized operational procedures are automated, solidifying the efficiency foundation. To address long-term technology trends, the Group has initiated specialized research on financial vertical large language models in collaboration with scientific research institutions and continues to explore technological integration with traditional finance and the Web3.0 ecosystem. The Group's research and development expenses for the Year increased by 43.9% year-on-year, reflecting the Company's continued investment in technological capabilities.Steadily Advancing International Exploration and Expanding New Business HorizonsWhile deepening its core consumer finance business in the Chinese mainland, the Group continued to advance its strategic expansion into new markets. Its Hong Kong business, "CreFIT," consistently deepened collaborations with high-quality platforms to broaden its customer base and launched a loan service featuring instant approval via WhatsApp, seeking to embed financial services into users' daily scenarios. Meanwhile, the Group formally entered the Indonesian market by launching its licensed Information Technology-Based Joint Funding Services (LPBBTI), marking an important milestone. Leveraging its proven operational experience, the Group looks forward to creating sustainable value for shareholders of the Group.Outlook: Focusing on Quality and SustainabilityLooking ahead, VCREDIT noted that the macroeconomic landscape and industry regulatory framework are evolving dynamically. The Group will continue to leverage its established capabilities in risk management and technology, while rationally embracing industry trends and innovations. Future strategies will focus on: refining and adapting credit solutions to serve high-quality customers; improving operational efficiency and risk management capabilities by continuously advancing AI technologies in core business scenarios; reinforcing long-term partnerships with licensed financial institutions and premium cross-industry scenario partners; and cautiously evaluating potential investment opportunities, pursuing appropriate arrangements as they align with long-term goals to support steady and high-quality business development. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Legend Holdings 2025 Annual Results: Both Revenue and Net Profit Rise
HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - March 31, 2026, Legend Holdings Corporation (“Legend Holdings” or the “Company”; Stock Code: 3396.HK) announced the audited annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the “Reporting Period”). The Company recorded revenue of RMB605,945 million, representing an 18% year-on-year increase; the net profit was RMB9,799 million, representing a 28% year-on-year increase; the net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was RMB1,061 million, representing a significant year-on-year increase. The profit growth was primarily attributable to the recovery of the capital market, which led to a year-on-year reduction in losses from the industrial incubations and investments segment. In addition, the Board has recommended a final cash dividend of RMB0.10 per ordinary share (before tax).In 2025, the Chinese economy continued to demonstrate strong resilience. As the conclusion year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, there was a prominent focus on high-quality and innovative development. Adhering to its original aspiration of serving the country through industry, Legend Holdings closely aligned with national strategic directions, ventured into the deep waters of scientific and technological innovation, focused on the real economy, and worked with all sectors of society to foster and develop new quality productive forces.Build a Distinctive Sci-Tech Innovation System to Drive High-Quality DevelopmentLegend Holdings has actively responded to the national innovation-driven development strategy and continued to increase investment in R&D. In 2025, R&D expenses exceeded RMB17 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 10% and reaching a new historic high. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the total R&D expenses exceeded RMB75 billion, marking an increase of over 60% compared to the 13th Five-Year Plan period. This firm commitment to R&D has yielded remarkable returns. The launch of the world’s first AI PC has led industry transformation, and the Company currently captures a global PC market share of over 25%, firmly ranking first in the industry. Its AI servers and Neptune liquid cooling systems have gained high recognition in the global market, placing the Company among the world’s top three server providers. The SSG services claimed the top rankings in China’s IT services sector, and a series of generative AI solutions have been launched, leading the industry’s transition from IT services to AI-driven services.During the same period, Legend Holdings has actively participated in the construction of China’s technology ecosystem and scaled up its investment in frontier domestic technologies. Focusing on national emerging pillar industries and future industries, the Company has maintained an investment pace of over 100 new and follow-on investments each year in Chinese tech enterprises across cutting-edge sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), embodied intelligence, commercial aerospace, the low-altitude economy, new energy and advanced materials, controllable nuclear fusion, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biopharmaceuticals. In AI alone, the Legend Holdings family group has invested in over 300 enterprises, making it the institution with the longest investment history and the broadest reach in China’s AI field. In 2025, the Company invested in nearly 150 Chinese tech enterprises and facilitated the listing of 15 portfolio companies on capital markets, ranking among the top performers in the market.In response to the national call for “deep integration of technological and industrial innovation”, Legend Holdings has actively fulfilled its role as a main entity in corporate technological innovation. The Company’s Forward-Looking Technology Research Institute has intensified exploration into the industrialization of early-stage cutting-edge technological achievements. It has established connections with over 60 enterprises and research institutions, launched in-depth cooperation with two universities and seven domestic and international enterprises, and selected 39 seed technologies. Earlier this year, the “Peking University-Legend Holdings Advanced Photonic Integration Technology Joint Laboratory” established in collaboration with the State Key Laboratory of Photonics and Communications at Peking University, stands as a representative example of such efforts.In addition, the Legend Holdings family group achieved multiple results in cutting-edge and core technology localization. Lenovo Research Institute, under Lenovo Group, has been driving innovation in the AI domain, launching world-leading L3 AI super agents, such as Lenovo Tianxi and Lenovo Qira, and developing the X-Engine on-device inference engine to significantly enhancing the AI PC experience. Levima Research Institute, under Levima Advanced Materials, has focused on advanced materials, filling domestic gaps in areas such as solid-state and semi-solid-state battery materials and PEEK materials. Two research projects jointly developed with the Chinese Academy of Sciences have both been designated national Key R&D Programs by the Ministry of Science and Technology.Focusing on the Real Economy and Strengthening the Industrial FoundationDuring the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Legend Holdings has been deeply rooted in the real economy. With advanced manufacturing as its backbone, the Company has made new investments totaling over RMB20 billion, with the estimated output value exceeding RMB100 billion. Within this framework, Lenovo has built its “global mother factory” of intelligent manufacturing, the Shenzhen southern base, which has earned the highest certification under China’s Intelligent Manufacturing Capability Maturity Model. Lenovo Tianjin Industrial Park has also earned “Eco-level Carbon Neutral Factory” certification, a top-tier designation globally. By establishing four major manufacturing bases across China, Lenovo has ensured the stability and security of China’s IT-related industrial and supply chains, while driving local economic progress. Levima Advanced Materials established its New Energy Materials and Biodegradable Materials Integration Project in Levima Green (Shandong) Advanced Materials Co., with an annual capacity of 200,000 tons of EVA and 300,000 tons of PO. In Jiangsu, Levima Advanced Materials established a 100,000-ton-per-year POE (polyolefin elastomer) project. Furthermore, it has established multiple projects across several locations, including the biodegradable PLA and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), filling critical gaps in China’s relevant industrials.Deepening ESG Practices and Cultivating Diverse ValuesLegend Holdings remains steadfast in its commitment to green development, pursuing the harmonious integration and mutual enhancement of economic, social, and environmental values. Lenovo has maintained the highest AAA rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings for four consecutive years. It has pledged net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by the end of 2050, and made itself the first high-tech manufacturing enterprise in China to receive the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) net-zero validation. Levima Advanced Materials has built a portfolio of green products centered on green industries. it has reinforced its leadership in the photovoltaic adhesive film materials industry while expanding into fields such as biodegradable materials and new energy battery materials and was designated a National Green Factory. Furthermore, Legend Holdings actively fulfills its corporate social responsibility in areas such as technological innovation and rural revitalization. Notably, the Legend Star CEO Training Program provides free entrepreneurship training to domestic technology founders. Since its inception, Legend Holdings has invested tens of millions of RMB annually. As of the end of 2025, the cumulative investment reached RMB160 million, with a total of 1,429 innovative and entrepreneurial talents cultivated. To date, 71 enterprises founded by these "Star Alumni" have successfully gone public, and 216 have been recognized as National-level Specialized, Refined, Distinctive and Innovative "Little Giant" Enterprises, driving the creation of nearly 460,000 jobs in society.Consolidating Strategic Focus and Anchoring the Future through Intelligent TransformationGuided by the agenda of high-quality development, Legend Holdings has strengthened independent innovation, steadily advanced the optimization of its asset portfolio, and enhanced capital recycling. Over the past five years, the Company has recovered a total of over RMB45 billion in capital, providing robust support for its large-scale investments in technological innovation and the real economy.Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Legend Holdings will more proactively integrate into the tide of high-quality development, strengthen the guidance of technological innovation, focus on the real economy, solidly promote the development of new productive forces with the strategic focus of long-termism, and resolutely implement the transformation of major scientific and technological achievements, supporting high-level technological self-reliance and self-improvement. The Company will continue to increase R&D investment in national emerging pillar industries such as AI and new materials; maintain systematic support for China's sci-tech innovation ecosystem and innovative and entrepreneurial enterprises; accelerate the adjustment of its asset portfolio to build an industrial layout that aligns with the characteristics of the times; drive collaborative innovation across diverse businesses to create a differentiated innovation ecosystem; and establish a replicable business model with Legend characteristics in the commercialization of global cutting-edge technologies, continuously delivering results. In addition, Legend Holdings will further consolidate its industrial foundation, strengthen core competitiveness, actively fulfill social responsibilities, and contribute to the building of a Beautiful China.Mr. Ning Min, Chairman and Executive Director of Legend Holdings, stated: “Over the past year, Legend Holdings has delivered a resilient and quality-improved performance, guided by a clear technological innovation strategy and supported by the vast market space brought about by the country's promotion of new productive forces and the construction of a modern industrial system. We will firmly seize the strategic opportunities of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and through more determined steps in innovation, a more open industrial ecosystem, and more pragmatic social contributions to align the development of the enterprise with national development, creating greater value for shareholders and society and being a steadfast practitioner of the Chinese path to modernization.” Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
What’s in Store for ‘Paradise’ Season 3? Writer Hints at a Huge Time Travel Twist
Hulu(SeaPRwire) - Paradise has been packed with sci-fi plot twists right from the start. The very first episode, which initially came off as a politically charged mystery thriller, shifted gears when it was revealed that the entire story played out in an underground city built to protect a select group of Americans from the apocalypse. Hulu’s sleeper hit gradually unfolded its secrets over Season 1, including the true nature of the apocalypse (not as catastrophic as we thought!) and the fate of protagonist Xavier Collins’ (Sterling K. Brown) long-missing wife. Season 2 was just as loaded with new survivor characters and major reveals. But nothing could have prepared fans for an even bigger twist in the Season 2 finale—another genre-bending surprise that will shape the rest of the story. The upcoming third (and likely final) season faces a tall order to match that moment.Spoilers for the Paradise Season 2 finale, “Exodus,” are ahead.The name “Alex” cropped up repeatedly in Paradise Season 2, and this supposed main villain was so well-hidden that we didn’t see them until the finale. When we finally did, the truth was far darker. Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson), the bunker’s mastermind, was finally shown talking to Alex—who turns out to be an ultra-powerful quantum computer. This machine is so advanced that it might even be able to manipulate time and reverse the apocalypse, saving Sinatra’s son Dylan in the process (though Dylan may still be alive as Link, Alex’s creator, played by Thomas Doherty).Alex isn’t a villainous mastermind—it’s actually a quantum supercomputer. | HuluShowrunner Dan Fogelman has always planned a three-season arc, so every element is building toward a final act. “I think this is Fogelman’s exploration of the multiverse,” Brown told Variety. “What are the rules that dictate our excursion into time travel?” He cites Back to the Future, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and Everything Everywhere All At Once as examples. “It unlocks your brain in such a way that whatever you think is possible can be possible if you can conceive it.”In a detailed interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Season 2 finale co-writer John Hoberg broke down the nuances of the quantum computer twist. The series even hired a quantum physics consultant to add real-world expertise to the Alex reveal, and Hoberg says the science is at least somewhat credible. “It’s legitimate in theory, and very debatable among quantum physicists,” he said.Xavier is set to embark on a time travel journey in Paradise Season 3. | HuluSo what’s in store for Season 3? Hoberg teases more wild twists. “At the end of Season 1, we answered all of the questions but then asked a couple more. I feel like Season 2 is doing the same thing. We answered all the questions that were brought up, but we’re now posing an even bigger question.”We’re in for one more year of the unexpected. As for the show’s ultimate ending, expect another twist on par with the Alex reveal. “We didn’t do necessarily exactly what you thought in Season 2, but it was what you hoped in some ways that would be dealt with and answered. I think Season 3 will feel the exact same way. It may not go where you guess or what you think, but I think it’s going to be satisfying in where it takes you.” Paradise is streaming on Hulu. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: jenn
‘Supergirl’ Trailer Verifies Devastating Comic Book Twist
DC Studios(SeaPRwire) - The film Superman expertly demonstrated how to start a franchise, utilizing a charismatic lead to reintroduce the hero's origins and build a compelling new universe. David Corenswet's portrayal of Kal-El marked a fresh beginning, with his cousin Kara (Milly Alcock) appearing at the end to hint at a future that is fun, irreverent, and somewhat dark.The first complete preview for her solo film, Supergirl, is now here. Among several surprises, such as multiple cameos by Jason Momoa as Lobo, the most significant revelation is an expected one: a brutal assault taken directly from the movie's comic book inspiration, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The full trailer is available to watch.An early look from Entertainment Weekly provided the first plot details for Supergirl, which closely follows Tom King's Woman of Tomorrow narrative. The synopsis states: "A young alien girl, Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), tracks down Superman's tormented partygirl cousin to bring the brute that murdered her family to justice, Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts)."The conflict becomes deeply personal for Kara when Krem poisons Krypto the Superdog, the troublesome canine Kal-El was watching in Superman. Krypto rapidly gained popularity with audiences and serves as the primary link between the two films; the trailer also features several glimpses of his puppyhood, hinting at his origin story.Krypto seems positioned as the emotional core of Supergirl. Kara repeatedly states that home is wherever he is. Faced with just three days to locate an antidote before he dies, she is determined to protect the little family she has left, despite her conflicted thoughts on vengeance.Krem attacks Krypto with a poisoned arrow in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1, published in June 2021. | DC ComicsPlacing the dog in such grave peril is a risk even Superman largely avoided—it's the type of story turn that prompts dedicated viewer warnings. However, it aligns perfectly with Supergirl's character, which has been defined by apathy; she prefers partying over championing truth and justice, unlike her cousin. This villain, however, strikes at her most vulnerable point, launching her on a galactic quest to find Krem and gather allies during her journey.There is, however, an additional twist. Venturing into spoiler details, in Woman of Tomorrow #8, Supergirl discloses that Krypto was never truly facing death. Kara fabricated the crisis to persuade Ruthye to join her. The question remains whether this deception will be included in the film. While it could lessen the emotional tension, it would certainly mean safer conditions for the beloved Superdog.Supergirl premieres in theaters on June 26, 2026. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: emer
Thunderstruck Resources Announces Strategic Investment by Zhaojin International Gold Co. Ltd.
Vancouver, BC, Apr 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Thunderstruck Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AWE) (OTC: THURF) (the "Company" or "Thunderstruck") is pleased to announce that Zhaojin International Gold Co. Ltd. (SZSE: 000506) ("Zhaojin"), a Shenzhen Stock Exchange-listed gold mining company and the owner and operator of Fiji's Vatukoula Gold Mine, intends to make a strategic investment in the Company, marking Zhaojin's first investment in an exploration company.The proposed investment underscores growing strategic interest in Thunderstruck's highly prospective mineral portfolio in Fiji and is expected to strengthen the Company's ability to advance its 2026 exploration priorities through alignment with a well-capitalized and experienced mining group with an established operating presence in the country.Thunderstruck's portfolio includes district-scale exploration opportunities prospective for gold, silver, zinc and copper, and the Company believes Zhaojin's investment represents a significant validation of both its asset base and long-term growth strategy."Thunderstruck is uniquely positioned in Fiji with a portfolio that offers both scale and discovery potential, and this partnership will meaningfully enhance how we move those assets forward." stated Bryce Bradley, Thunderstruck's Chief Executive Officer. "Our objective is to build long-term value through disciplined exploration, strong technical execution and strategic partnerships, and this investment is an important step in that process. Notably, within the first year following Zhaojin's acquisition of the Vatukoula Gold Mine, the mine was successfully restored to profitability, demonstrating the operational capability that we're looking for in a partner."Terms of InvestmentZhaojin, or its affiliates, will, directly or indirectly, enter into a subscription agreement (the "Subscription Agreement") for such number of common shares of the Company that will represent approximately 19.99% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company following completion of the investment (the "Offering").The proposed investment will consist of 14,207,134 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.11 per common share, for aggregate gross proceeds of CDN$1,562,784.74.The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used to fund the Company's 2026 exploration programs on its mineral prospects in Fiji, as well as for general working capital purposes. No finder's fees are payable in connection with the Offering.The Offering remains subject to the execution of definitive documentation, including the Subscription Agreement, and is also subject to receipt of all required approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Chinese regulatory authorities.In connection with the proposed strategic investment, the Company and Zhaojin also intend to enter into an investor rights agreement, pursuant to which, subject to certain conditions and ownership thresholds, Zhaojin will be granted certain rights, including the right to appoint one director to the Company's board of directors and to designate a Vice President, Exploration for the Company.About ZhaojinZhaojin International Gold Co. Ltd. (SZSE: 000506) is a Shenzhen Stock Exchange-listed mining company headquartered in Jinan City, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China. In Fiji, Zhaojin is the owner and operator of the Vatukoula Gold Mine, a historically significant gold operation that has been in continuous production for over 90 years and currently supports a workforce of more than 1,300 employees and contractors.Zhaojin's controlling shareholder is Zhaojin Group, a vertically integrated gold mining enterprise with operations across mineral exploration, mining, processing, smelting, refining, gold bar production and gold jewelry manufacturing. Zhaojin Group is among China's leading gold producers with reported total consolidated gold production of approximately 600,000-700,000 ounces in 2025.Warrant ExtensionIn other news, the Company announces that it intends to extend the expiry date of an aggregate of 536,666 outstanding share purchase warrants by two years.The warrants were originally issued on July 7, 2023, and currently expire on July 7, 2026. Subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company intends to extend the expiry date of the warrants to July 7, 2028. All other terms of the warrants will remain unchanged, including the original exercise price of $0.20 per warrant.About Thunderstruck ResourcesThunderstruck Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of high value copper-gold porphyry, gold-silver epithermal, and VMS base-metal deposits on the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji.Fiji has a long history of mining with over 90 years of activity at the prolific Vatukoula Gold Mine alongside several other advanced development projects and mines including Tuvatu (Lion One Metals), Indicated Resources of 1.00 Mt @ 8.48 g/t Au (274,600 oz), Inferred Resources of 1.33 Mt @ 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz) (Tuvatu-PEA-Update-NI-43-101) and Namosi (Newmont), Proven, Measured and Indicated Resources of 1.8Bt at 0.35% Cu and 0.11 g/t Au (6.4M oz Au and 6.3Mt Cu) (Newcrest Annual Mineral Resources Update, June 2022).The Company provides investors with exposure to a diverse portfolio of exploration stage projects with potential for zinc, copper, gold and silver in a politically safe and stable jurisdiction. Thunderstruck trades on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol "AWE" and United States OTC under the symbol "THURF."For additional information, please contact:Bryce Bradley, Chief Executive OfficerEmail: bryce@thunderstruck.caP: +1 604 349-8119or, visit our website: http://www.thunderstruck.caNeither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Although Thunderstruck believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Thunderstruck's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Thunderstruck undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290635 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: nicole
Iran’s ‘basement’ Chinese drone networks raise concerns about sleeper cell attacks on US soil.
(SeaPRwire) - A top defense analyst has cautioned that Iran is developing a distributed drone warfare capacity within the basements of Tehran apartment blocks, utilizing low-cost Chinese technology.Cameron Chell of Draganfly noted this nascent framework—focused on first-person-view (FPV) drones—might endanger not just the Middle East but also potentially the continental United States."The FPV drones represent Iran's desperate long-shot weapon since they are extremely challenging to counter, highly potent, and can be deployed without a centralized control structure," Chell informed Digital."Therefore, be it the formal Iranian military, affiliated militias, or nationalist actors, they can each manufacture or acquire their own FPV drones and launch assaults."He further stated that "Iran could be mass-producing FPV drones, eventually manufacturing over 100,000 per month.""Iran has militia elements or sleeper cells within the United States that, in my assessment, already possess the ability to assemble this hardware," Chell specified.This alert coincides with recent events in Iraq underscoring the escalating employment of FPV drones.Under the banner of the "Iraqi Islamic Resistance," Iran-supported militias have executed several FPV drone strikes at Baghdad International Airport.Video disseminated in March 2026 purportedly depicts an FPV drone hitting a U.S. UH-60M or HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, with a separate strike successfully damaging a U.S. AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar system at that location."FPV drones are a fundamental focus, and Iran is constructing these domestically, likely sourcing components from China via relatively unsecured borders. This makes it exceptionally hard to intercept," Chell remarked.He cautioned that Iran's approach reflects developments in Ukraine, where distributed drone production has expanded rapidly."An underground sector for FPV and drone manufacturing will, or already does, exist and is growing within Iran, precisely as we witnessed in Ukraine," he elaborated."This activity will occur in Iranian residences, in basements, and the basements of apartment complexes, where improvised production lines can be set up."I believe China and Russia are supplying parts to aid in developing drone assembly or manufacturing capacity, effectively creating a decentralized cottage industry."Apprehensions reach beyond foreign conflicts, as approximately 1,500 Iranian nationals were apprehended at the U.S. border under the Biden administration.Authorities express alarm that an undetermined number who avoided capture could indicate potential "sleeper cells."On March 11, President Trump recognized the situation, stating, "Many people entered under Biden with his foolish open border policy, but we know where most are located: We are monitoring all of them, I believe.""This marks the start of an asymmetric capability that Iran will employ against neighboring states and U.S. interests in the area, and also against the U.S. mainland," Chell stated."We might even term it terrorist attacks, using FPV drones against their neighbors and virtually any global location."It is a question of when we witness FPV attacks, likely swarming and likely advanced, on American territory.""In the coming eight months, Iran will possess advanced drone systems capable of overcoming certain RF/radio frequency jamming. They will begin employing tactics such as swarming or spoofing," he warned."It will be enormously difficult for the U.S. to eliminate these small-scale drone workshops in apartment basements where civilians may assist. Severing supply lines will also prove challenging."The key bottleneck for Iran is securing supply chains from China to amass sufficient resources for a precise, mass-scale capability and/or a sustained, widespread asymmetric threat," Chell said, adding that should this occur, "the conflict between Iran and the U.S. simply becomes far more protracted." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: jenn
Netflix Quietly Added the Year’s Most Underrated Horror Movie
Sony (SeaPRwire) - It is far too early in the year, with March just ending, to declare anything the best of the year. However, a particular scene featuring Ralph Fiennes in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is so thrilling, enjoyable, and utterly audacious that it compels us to make an exception.28 Years Later: The Bone Temple premiered in cinemas on January 16, and its early release date means it arrives on Netflix by the end of March. The film is a direct follow-up to 2025's 28 Years Later—which is also available on Netflix—and it concludes the storylines for characters introduced in the first installment.The story continues with young Spike (Alfie Williams) suffering through a terrifying ritual as he is forcibly initiated into The Jimmies, a sadistic post-apocalyptic murder cult/gang that appeared at the conclusion of 28 Years Later.For those unaware (primarily American audiences—this is a distinctly British element in a very British film), The Jimmies are modeled on Jimmy Savile, the disgraced comedian and TV host who was posthumously revealed to be a monstrous sexual predator in 2011. In the 28 Years Later universe, however, Savile was never exposed because civilization collapsed with the initial outbreak of the Rage Virus in 2002. (The alternate fate of the real Jimmy Savile is not explored, though one might hope he was torn apart by the Infected.)Nevertheless, The Jimmies have instinctively embraced their most depraved tendencies—especially their leader, Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell), whose history links the cold open of 28 Years Later to the overarching series narrative. The Bone Temple focuses on a brutal torture sequence that director Nia DaCosta—taking over from Danny Boyle and working from a script by Alex Garland—shoots with an artful, detached perspective. This approach does not lessen the scene's visceral impact, and it leaves no doubt about the group's villainy.Fortunately, The Bone Temple also reunites audiences with Dr. Ian Kelson, portrayed memorably by Ralph Fiennes. Although a secondary character in 28 Years Later, Dr. Kelson receives significant screen time in the sequel, revealing details of his daily existence and how he maintains his sanity while constructing a cathedral made entirely of bones. His secret is his vinyl record collection, and the film depicts him dancing alone in his domain to LPs by Duran Duran and Radiohead.This leads to what is arguably the finest horror movie scene of the year. Since The Bone Temple concludes a story arc from the previous film, a confrontation between Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal and Dr. Ian Kelson is inevitable. Their encounter takes place during a fiery, hallucinogenic vision of Hell that drives The Jimmies into a frenzy.Sir Lord Jimmy has persuaded his younger followers that their savage acts against other survivors are commanded by Satan, whom they refer to as "Old Nick." Dr. Kelson, capitalizing on their fear, devises a pyrotechnic spectacle to intimidate these juvenile psychopaths. He douses the grass around the temple's central pillar, suspends hundreds of candles from bone "trees," and paints himself red with blackened teeth to appear demonic.Kelson's masterstroke, however, comes from his record collection: the title track from Iron Maiden's The Number of the Beast. Even those who prefer "Run to the Hills" must acknowledge the song's power, and context is key: while Dr. Kelson and Sir Lord Jimmy remember life before the virus and understand heavy metal, the younger Jimmies have no concept of the genre. (Are there even metal bands after the apocalypse? A question for a potential sequel.)Viewing the scene with this knowledge enhances its brilliance. But fans of the band, in particular, can relish the Satanic grandeur of Ralph Fiennes baring his teeth and cavorting around the bone temple like a cartoon devil. He is terrifying yet clearly enjoying himself. Director Nia DaCosta described filming the sequence to Rue Morgue as "like a rolling train, or rolling snow down a hill until it was the perfect snowball." It serves as the centerpiece of a sequel that exceeds expectations and is currently available on Netflix.28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is now streaming on Netflix. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: nicole
Iranian moderates advocating Trump deal risk elimination as regime fractures deepen
(SeaPRwire) - Iranian officials advocating for talks with the U.S. face the risk of being branded traitors and "most probably eliminated," a policy expert has warned, as rifts appear within Iran’s new leadership.Hooshang Amirahmadi, head of the American Iranian Council, noted that moderates pushing for engagement with Washington are growing more exposed at a time when the Trump administration claims to be in touch with parts of a "new" leadership."If moderates move to push for negotiations and a ceasefire, they’ll be seen as traitors and will almost certainly be eliminated," Amirahmadi told Digital.Amirahmadi’s caution came as Washington itself seems to be dealing with internal "rifts" during the ongoing conflict.On Monday, President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is holding serious discussions with a "new" and "more rational" regime in Iran as the war enters its fifth week, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to identify who exactly the U.S. is negotiating with but mentioned "rifts.""Look, I won’t tell you who those individuals are, because it might land them in hot water with other groups inside Iran. There are some internal rifts happening there right now," Rubio said on "Good Morning America.""Anyone in Iran who talks about negotiations is suspected of clearing the path for more war and destruction," Amirahmadi said, adding that moderate reformers are viewed as "infiltrators and labeled traitors."Amirahmadi also backed up Rubio’s remarks and pointed out an internal conflict within Tehran’s power structure, where traces of what he refers to as the "old regime"—the Khamenei-era system—still remain."Many of them favor negotiations or a ceasefire. But the new regime taking shape consists of more hardline elements that see the others as traitors," he stated."For a long time, there’s been a significant divide—what we term a cleavage—between hardliners or radicals and moderates or reformists."Amirahmadi also described how "assassination isn’t a new occurrence in the Islamic Republic; it’s been around for a long while."Amirahmadi’s comments came before Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that Washington is committed to securing an agreement to end the month-long conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and the Islamic Republic.At a press conference, Hegseth repeated that Trump is ready to strike a deal to end the war, noting that the new regime is now established."If Iran is wise, it will make a deal. The new Iranian regime should already understand that. This new regime, which has gone through a change in leadership, ought to be smarter than the last one. President Trump doesn’t bluff and won’t back off. He’s willing to make a deal, and the terms are known to them," Hegseth stated."The battlefield and the war are controlled by radical colonels, and that’s what’s important right now," Amirahmadi added."The existing bureaucracy is still managed by the same old moderate leadership, but that’s not the new regime. The new regime is definitely more radical," he said.Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba Khamenei taking over, the regime seems to depend more on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).Iran’s power structure is more and more controlled by IRGC figures like Ahmad Vahidi and Qods Force head Esmail Qaani, along with judicial officials such as Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Ayatollah Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei.Although President Masoud Pezeshkian’s influence may have decreased, figures like Saeed Jalili, Guardian Council insider Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi still play a role in shaping Iran’s security stance."Essentially, there are the colonels; there are the Revolutionary Guards—people in the military. A small number of non-military hardliners are in universities, government, and other places," Amirahmadi added."They’ve turned the regime into a very radical one," Amirahmadi warned, "I don’t even believe Khamenei’s son would support negotiations, at least not at first.""His role and situation aren’t fully clear. His leadership seems symbolic—a response, even a gesture, against people like Trump.""Trump and Netanyahu wanted regime change, and they’ve already gotten it—but the regime has only become more radical," Amirahmadi concluded. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: osami
PGA Tour Valero Texas Open Odds, Predictions & Picks: Betting on Favorite, Sleeper & Longshot
(AsiaGameHub) - The PGA Tour's Valero Texas Open acts as the final event before next week's Masters at Augusta National. Commonly used as a warm-up for golf's premier major, the tournament has crowned five different champions in the last five years. Canada's Corey Connors claimed victory in 2019 and again in 2023. The left-handed Brian Harman enters this week as the reigning Valero Open titleholder. Valero Texas Open Odds at DraftKings Here are the current odds to win the Valero Open from DraftKings at the time of writing: Tommy Fleetwood +1375 Ludvig Aberg +1500 Russell Henley +1700 Robert MacIntyre +1700 Jordan Spieth +1850 Si Woo Kim +1950 Hideki Matsuyama +2100 Maverick McNealy +2250 Rickie Fowler +2600 Sepp Straka +2700 Michael Thorbjornsen +2700 Keith Mitchell +3400 J.J. Spaun +3500 Ryo Hisatsune +3900 Alex Noren +3900 Denny McCarthy +4500 Jordan Smith +5300 Marco Penge +5300 Nick Taylor +5400 Ricky Castillo +5600 Alex Smalley +5700 John Keefer +5900 Stephan Jaeger +5900 Thorbjorn Olesen +6100 Tony Finau +6300 Sudarshan Yellamaraju +6400 Brian Harman +6500 Will Zalatoris +6600 Davis Thompson +6800 J.T. Poston +7000 Rico Hoey +7000 Best Bet on Favorite to Win Valero Texas Open Jordan Spieth +1850 Jordan Spieth has recorded three top-12 results in his last four tournaments. The Texan is a past champion, having won the Valero Open in 2021. While his last victory was at the 2022 RBC Heritage, his recent play shows positive momentum, making him a betting consideration for The Masters as well. Spieth captured the 2015 Masters by four shots and has six top-four finishes at Augusta National, including second-place results in 2014 and 2016. Best Bet on Sleeper to Win Valero Texas Open Ryo Hisatsune +3900 Hisatsune is on the verge of his maiden PGA Tour victory. His strong start to the 2026 season includes: Farmers Insurance Open (T-2) WM Phoenix Open (T-10) AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (T-8) Players Championship (T-13) He also placed T-5 at last year's Valero Texas Open. Key season statistics underscore his excellent form (with PGA Tour rank in parentheses): Greens in Regulation (3rd) SG: Tee-to-Green (8th) SG: Off-the-Tee (15th) SG: Total (19th) This combination of recent results and strong metrics points to a promising week at TPC San Antonio. Best Bet on Longshot to Win Valero Texas Open Austin Smotherman +9000 Austin Smotherman has notched three top-13 finishes this season. American Express T-8 Cognizant Classic T-2 Players Championship T-13 His performance has been highly variable, however, mixing those good showings with missed cuts and a withdrawal at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His most recent outing at the Valspar Championship ended in a missed cut. If his pattern of alternating performances continues, Smotherman could be set for another high finish. Given his long odds, he represents a worthwhile speculative wager. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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by: nicole
Bike-riding gunmen raid a Nigerian village on Palm Sunday, leaving at least 20 dead
(SeaPRwire) - At least 20 people have been killed following an overnight attack in Nigeria’s north-central region on Palm Sunday. Per Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the state’s information commissioner, the attack took place in the Gari Ya Waye community within the Jos North area of Plateau State. The total number of people wounded or killed, as well as those responsible for the massacre, remains unclear. Residents told The Associated Press that gunmen on motorcycles fired sporadically into the community, resulting in at least 20 fatalities. International Christian Concern (ICC), a global humanitarian organization, reported that the gunmen killed at least 30 people. ICC also noted that at least 10 people were killed earlier on Sunday, with humanitarian worker, Alex Barbir, stating on social media that the victims were Christians. In the aftermath of the attacks, the Plateau State government imposed a 48-hour curfew. In 2025, the ICC documented the deaths of at least 54 Christians in Zikke village near Jos following Palm Sunday celebrations. Over 100 homes were destroyed during the ambush. According to Open Doors, a global Christian charity, Nigeria ranks as the seventh-worst country in the world for Christian persecution, accounting for 72% of all global Christian killings in 2025. Open Doors’ records show that just last year, 546 Christians were killed in Plateau State. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.