Hong Kong rises to world No.1 cross-boundary wealth hub

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – Hong Kong has overtaken Switzerland as the world’s top cross-boundary wealth management centre, according to the latest Global Wealth Report 2026 published by the Boston Consulting Group (May 27).

Hong Kong has emerged as the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre

Hong Kong’s cross-boundary wealth rose 10.7% in 2025 to US$2.9 trillion, driven by Chinese Mainland flows and a vigorous stock market that delivered significant IPO (initial public offering) activity and strong gains in benchmark-heavy internet platforms, according to the report. It also projected that, from 2025 to 2030 the cross-boundary wealth managed by Hong Kong will grow by 9% on average annually and maintain first place globally, fully affirming Hong Kong’s position as a world-leading cross-boundary wealth management centre.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG), highlighted that China’s National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in strengthening its functions as an international asset and wealth management centre, which is also a key component of Hong Kong’s ‘Finance +’ development strategy.

“Over the past few years, the Government has worked closely with the financial sector to continuously improve the financial infrastructure and ecosystem, expand the range of investment products and risk management tools, and deepen the connectivity with capital markets around the world.

“Leveraging the advantages of ‘one country, two systems’, complemented by free, open, transparent, and predictable economic policies as well as a stable and secure investment environment, and cross-market connectivity, Hong Kong is attracting more and more ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices to establish a presence and invest in the city,” Mr Chan said.

Hong Kong rises to world's top cross-boundary wealth management centre (1).jpg

Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSARG, noted that the Government had issued the Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong in March 2023 and has since implemented various measures to encourage family offices to operate in Hong Kong. Such initiatives, he said, include providing profits tax concession to family-owned investment holding vehicles managed by eligible single family offices and introducing the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.

“The Government will introduce legislative proposals into the Legislative Council next month (June 2026) to further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest, so as to further enhance the competitiveness of the tax regimes, and attract more funds and family offices to set up and operate in Hong Kong,” Mr Hui said.

According to a study commissioned by Invest Hong Kong and published in February 2026, there were over 3,380 single family offices operating in Hong Kong as of end-2025, representing an increase of more than 25%, over the past two years.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #Global #Wealth #Management #Top





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Hong Kong rises to world No.1 cross-boundary wealth hub

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – Hong Kong has overtaken Switzerland as the world’s top cross-boundary wealth management centre, according to the latest Global Wealth Report 2026 published by the Boston Consulting Group (May 27).

Hong Kong has emerged as the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre

Hong Kong’s cross-boundary wealth rose 10.7% in 2025 to US$2.9 trillion, driven by Chinese Mainland flows and a vigorous stock market that delivered significant IPO (initial public offering) activity and strong gains in benchmark-heavy internet platforms, according to the report. It also projected that, from 2025 to 2030 the cross-boundary wealth managed by Hong Kong will grow by 9% on average annually and maintain first place globally, fully affirming Hong Kong’s position as a world-leading cross-boundary wealth management centre.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG), highlighted that China’s National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in strengthening its functions as an international asset and wealth management centre, which is also a key component of Hong Kong’s ‘Finance +’ development strategy.

“Over the past few years, the Government has worked closely with the financial sector to continuously improve the financial infrastructure and ecosystem, expand the range of investment products and risk management tools, and deepen the connectivity with capital markets around the world.

“Leveraging the advantages of ‘one country, two systems’, complemented by free, open, transparent, and predictable economic policies as well as a stable and secure investment environment, and cross-market connectivity, Hong Kong is attracting more and more ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices to establish a presence and invest in the city,” Mr Chan said.

Hong Kong rises to world's top cross-boundary wealth management centre (1).jpg

Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSARG, noted that the Government had issued the Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong in March 2023 and has since implemented various measures to encourage family offices to operate in Hong Kong. Such initiatives, he said, include providing profits tax concession to family-owned investment holding vehicles managed by eligible single family offices and introducing the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.

“The Government will introduce legislative proposals into the Legislative Council next month (June 2026) to further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest, so as to further enhance the competitiveness of the tax regimes, and attract more funds and family offices to set up and operate in Hong Kong,” Mr Hui said.

According to a study commissioned by Invest Hong Kong and published in February 2026, there were over 3,380 single family offices operating in Hong Kong as of end-2025, representing an increase of more than 25%, over the past two years.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #Global #Wealth #Management #Top





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Global Filmmakers Are Leveraging Kling AI to Push the Boundaries of Storytelling, Cannes Panel Presents

CANNES, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – A shift is underway in the global film industry as creators across the globe embrace Kling AI to produce cinematic-level visuals and push the boundaries of storytelling.

Native 4K Generation for Cinematic-Level Output

“For House of David, we did it for a third of what the studios told us we needed,” said Jon Erwin, the writer and producer of House of David, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Wonder Project.

For House of David, Kling AI has served as its core foundation model and benchmark tool. Across both season one and two, Kling AI has generated the vast majority of its production shots, leading the share of its AI workflows for the show. While Season One of House of David incorporated 72 shots invovling the use of AI, its second season used more than four times as many AI shots compared to the first season.

Emotional Expressiveness for Feature Film

Raphael, South Korea’s first full-length feature created entirely using generative AI, is a large-scale production being developed by Mateo AI Studio. Currently in production with the goal of a theatrical release in 2026, this project is leveraging Kling AI’s powerful video model throughout the production process to maximize distinctive visual effects and deliver a differentiated cinematic experience.

Realism and Visual Quality for Theatrical Screens

Born of the Tide, the first AI-generated cinematic epic exploring China’s Tanka community, often referred to as “sea nomads” for their long-standing floating way of life, leverages Kling AI’s 4K capabilities to present its sweeping, high-stakes spectacles, such as massive dragon boat races, explosive fish market bombings, and sprawling mountain battles.

“Kling AI faithfully preserves the director’s intended color tones without losing stylistic consistency during the video generation process. The platform also delivers rare realism in rendering waves, torrential rain, and the intricate, glistening reflections of firelight across wet wooden ship planks—textures that stand out as unmatched among AI models,” said Wei Li, director of Born of the Tide and Executive Director for Big Fish & Begonia.

Kling AI is one of the world’s leading AI creative platforms, focused on next-generation tools for visual storytelling, cinematic workflows and creative production innovation. Since its launch, It has empowered over 60 million creators worldwide.
Hashtag: #KlingAI

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Global Filmmakers Are Leveraging Kling AI to Push the Boundaries of Storytelling, Cannes Panel Presents

CANNES, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – A shift is underway in the global film industry as creators across the globe embrace Kling AI to produce cinematic-level visuals and push the boundaries of storytelling.

Native 4K Generation for Cinematic-Level Output

“For House of David, we did it for a third of what the studios told us we needed,” said Jon Erwin, the writer and producer of House of David, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Wonder Project.

For House of David, Kling AI has served as its core foundation model and benchmark tool. Across both season one and two, Kling AI has generated the vast majority of its production shots, leading the share of its AI workflows for the show. While Season One of House of David incorporated 72 shots invovling the use of AI, its second season used more than four times as many AI shots compared to the first season.

Emotional Expressiveness for Feature Film

Raphael, South Korea’s first full-length feature created entirely using generative AI, is a large-scale production being developed by Mateo AI Studio. Currently in production with the goal of a theatrical release in 2026, this project is leveraging Kling AI’s powerful video model throughout the production process to maximize distinctive visual effects and deliver a differentiated cinematic experience.

Realism and Visual Quality for Theatrical Screens

Born of the Tide, the first AI-generated cinematic epic exploring China’s Tanka community, often referred to as “sea nomads” for their long-standing floating way of life, leverages Kling AI’s 4K capabilities to present its sweeping, high-stakes spectacles, such as massive dragon boat races, explosive fish market bombings, and sprawling mountain battles.

“Kling AI faithfully preserves the director’s intended color tones without losing stylistic consistency during the video generation process. The platform also delivers rare realism in rendering waves, torrential rain, and the intricate, glistening reflections of firelight across wet wooden ship planks—textures that stand out as unmatched among AI models,” said Wei Li, director of Born of the Tide and Executive Director for Big Fish & Begonia.

Kling AI is one of the world’s leading AI creative platforms, focused on next-generation tools for visual storytelling, cinematic workflows and creative production innovation. Since its launch, It has empowered over 60 million creators worldwide.
Hashtag: #KlingAI

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The Leadership We Need: Building Judgement In Times Of Uncertainty

Leadership is easier to define than it is to practicalize. In theory, leadership is associated with sound decision-making, firm authority, and clear direction. However, in practice, true leadership is more nuanced and manifests in the quality of judgement exercised under pressure.

The Leadership We Need: Building Judgement In Times Of Uncertainty

Leadership is undergoing a profound shift as economic volatility, policy uncertainty, and rapid market changes reshape our organizations. Traditional approaches, once considered sufficient for stability and growth, are now proving inadequate. As a result, there is a growing demand for leaders who are not only competent and resilient, but also adaptive in how they think, act, and make decisions in real time.

The Sage Centre for Leadership Excellence was created in response to this demand. Building on decades of inspiring leadership and sound governance by its Chairman, Mutiu Sunmonu, the Sage Centre brings industry leaders and subject matter experts together in communities of practice that reinforce ethical leadership and decision-making. The Centre’s Masterclass, held on 11 April 2026 in Lagos, underscores    the outcomes of these convenings. Exploring the theme Leadership in Uncertain Times, the masterclass featured a fireside conversation between Hakeem Belo-Osagie, Chairman of Metis Capital Partners, and Bolaji Balogun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham.

At the heart of the discussion was a shared question: how do leaders make sound decisions when the systems they operate are uncertain and often contradictory?

Leadership Beyond Structure and Strategy

For Hakeem Belo-Osagie, the central argument was that sustainable progress in any society is ultimately determined by the quality of its leaders at the individual, corporate, and institutional levels. In his view, what distinguishes countries and organisations that endure those that stagnate is not ambition, but disciplined and consistent leadership sustained over time across institutions.

He illustrated this idea through comparative national examples, showing how perceptions of national potential can diverge sharply from long-term outcomes. He referenced Libya and the United Arab Emirates as an example of how such expectations can shift dramatically over time. In the 1950s and early 1960s, Libya was widely regarded as a promising economy, while the UAE was relatively underdeveloped. Over the past decades, that expectation has been reversed.

This contrast, he suggested, underscores a broader point about how leadership continuity and institutional discipline ultimately shape national trajectories.  Building on this perspective, he argued that improving leadership outcomes in Nigeria ultimately comes down to two structural levers: strengthening regulatory and institutional processes that shape how leaders are selected and held accountable, and taking a more intentional approach to diversity in leadership pipelines—not just as representation, but as a way of improving the quality of decision-making across institutions.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/28/quest-merchant-bank-strengthens-market-position-as-gcr-revises-outlook-to-stable/

The Pressure of Short-Termism in Financial Systems

Bolaji Balogun brought the conversation closer to market behaviour and capital formation, raising concerns about whether Nigeria’s financial system is sufficiently structured to support long-term productive investment, or whether it is still skewed towards short-term, high-yield trading strategies. He situated this within broader macroeconomic realities such as currency volatility and inflation, which continue to shape investment decisions and risk appetite across the market.

In his view, this imbalance reflects deeper structural and policy issues within the financial system. He pointed to the role of regulation in shaping market development, the unintended consequences of earlier privatisation efforts, and structural gaps in long-term savings mobilisation, including limitations within the pension system and the absence of a strong domestic savings culture to support risk capital formation.

Bridging the Leadership Gap

The Sage Centre’s masterclass does not attempt to resolve these questions in a single sitting. Instead, it creates space for these questions to be asked openly among those positioned to influence outcomes.

Established in 2025, the Sage Centre for Leadership Excellence is advancing corporate governance and leadership excellence across West Africa. Through four strategic service pillars—the Masterclass Series, Enterprise Turnaround Clinic, Leadership-in-Action Labs, and the Advisory & Executive Engagement Platform—the Centre is designed for C-suite executives and board members of medium to large enterprises, with a mandate to strengthen ethical leadership, strategic clarity, and organisational performance across the region’s corporate landscape.

The series will continue with its next edition scheduled for July 2026, further deepening conversations around leadership, strategy, and decision-making under complexity.

You can learn more about the Sage Centre for Leadership Excellence and its programmes at Sage Centre for Leadership Excellence.

Quest Merchant Bank Strengthens Market Position As GCR Revises Outlook To Stable

Lagos, Nigeria – May 2026 – Quest Merchant Bank Limited has strengthened its market position following GCR Ratings’ affirmation of the Bank’s national scale issuer ratings of BBB(NG) and A3(NG), alongside an outlook revision to Stable from Rating Watch Negative.  

Quest Merchant Bank Strengthens Market Position As GCR Revises Outlook To Stable

The ratings action marks a significant milestone for Quest Merchant Bank following a transformative period for the institution, reflecting renewed confidence in the Bank’s financial strength, market positioning, liquidity profile and future growth trajectory.

According to GCR, the revised Stable Outlook is anchored on Quest Merchant Bank’s sound risk profile, improved capitalization and strong liquidity, alongside the successful transition of the Bank’s ownership structure following its acquisition by EverQuest LLP after the divestment by FBN Holdings.

The rating agency also highlighted the Bank’s strong presence within Nigeria’s merchant banking sector, where Quest Merchant Bank accounted for c.30% of the sub-sector’s total assets as of 31 December 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading merchant banking institutions.

Further strengthening the Bank’s outlook was the successful completion of its ₦42.9 billion capital raise in March 2026 in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s revised minimum capital requirements. GCR noted that the capital injection is expected to further enhance the Bank’s capital adequacy position and support the next phase of business growth.

Quest Merchant Bank’s asset quality and liquidity profile also remained key strengths underpinning the ratings affirmation. The Bank maintained a NPL ratio of 3.2%, significantly below the broader banking industry average, while continuing to sustain strong liquidity metrics and resilient earnings performance.

GCR additionally recognised the strategic value of the Bank’s relationship with Custodian Investment Plc, noting the potential for expanded business opportunities, operational synergies and stronger profitability over time.

Commenting on the development, Afolabi Olorode, Ag. Managing Director/CEO, Quest Merchant Bank Limited, said:

“This outlook revision is a strong signal of confidence in the future of Quest Merchant Bank and the progress we have made in strengthening our organization over the last year.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/28/can-university-degrees-alone-save-africa/

“Beyond the ratings action itself, this recognition reflects the resilience of our business, the quality of our balance sheet, and the confidence our clients, partners and stakeholders continue to place in the Bank.

“We have emerged from a defining transition period stronger, well-capitalized and better positioned to capture the opportunities ahead. We remain committed to delivering innovative solutions, creating long-term value and supporting economic growth across the sectors we serve.”

The Stable Outlook reflects GCR’s expectation that Quest Merchant Bank will continue to maintain sound asset quality, stable funding and strong liquidity metrics over the next 12 to 18 months, further reinforcing confidence in the Bank’s long-term strategic direction and operating fundamentals.

About Quest Merchant Bank Limited

Quest Merchant Bank Limited is a Nigerian licensed merchant bank providing Corporate and Investment Banking, Global Markets, and Wealth Management services to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients. The Bank is committed to strong governance, disciplined execution, and sustainable value creation.

 

Johnson Electric reports results for the year ended 31 March 2026

Highlights of FY25/26 Results

  • Group sales US$3,650 million – up 0.1% compared to the prior year; a decrease of 2% on a constant currency basis
  • Gross profit US$840 million or 23.0% of sales (compared to US$843 million or 23.1% of sales in the prior year)
  • Adjusted EBITA US$287 million or 7.9% of sales (compared to US$344 million or 9.4% of sales in the prior year)
  • Net profit attributable to shareholders totalled US$202 million – a decrease of 23% compared to the prior year
  • Net profit, excluding non-cash unrealized currency movements, restructuring costs, impairment of certain intangible assets, and adverse fair value movements in investments, declined by 13% to US$234 million
  • Free cash flow from operations totalled US$217 million compared to US$286 million in the prior year
  • A recommended final dividend of 44 HK cents per share (5.64 US cents)
  • As of 31 March 2026, cash reserves amounted to US$902 million (compared to US$791 million at the prior year end); and the ratio of total debt to capital was 10%

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – Johnson Electric Holdings Limited (“Johnson Electric”), a global leader in electric motors and motion subsystems, today announced its results for the twelve months ended 31 March 2026.

Group sales for the 2025/26 financial year were US$3,650 million, an increase of 0.1% compared to the prior year. Net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 23% to US$202 million or 21.59 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis. Adjusted net profit, excluding the effects of non-cash foreign exchange rate movements, the impairment of intangible assets, restructuring charges, and adverse fair value movements in investments, declined by 13% to US$234 million.

Sales Performance

The Automotive Products Group (“APG”) achieved sales of US$3,054 million, which amounted to 84% of total Group sales. Excluding currency effects, APG’s sales decreased by 3%.

Global automotive industry production volumes increased slightly over the prior year, but growth remains lacklustre in most markets due to affordability concerns and the challenges faced by OEMs and suppliers in adjusting to geopolitical uncertainty, tariff pressures, and the shifting economics of battery electric vehicles that continue to be shaped by the level of government subsidies available to consumers.

APG’s sales are divided broadly equally across the three major geographic regions of demand, but performance over the past year reflected distinct variations in local market conditions, as well as APG’s own mix of OEM customers and the timing of new program launches.

In Asia, the division’s sales declined by 7% on a constant currency basis primarily due to the ongoing erosion in market share held by Sino-foreign joint venture OEM customers in China. APG has continued to win significant new business awards from Chinese domestic OEMs and their suppliers, which now account for the majority of its sales in China. However, the division’s historically large share among joint venture customers has acted as a drag on its recent sales performance that is taking time to reverse. The domestic passenger vehicle market in China itself experienced a sharp slowdown in sales in the first quarter of 2026 due to the phasing out of trade-in subsidies designed to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.

APG’s sales to the Americas increased by 1% on a constant currency basis in a market that saw total light vehicle production volumes broadly flat. The predominant factor constraining new car sales in North America is cost of living concerns, with many low to middle income car buyers struggling to afford new vehicles that, on average, have increased in price by over 30% since 2020.

In Europe, APG’s sales decreased by 2% on a constant currency basis. The European auto market continues to experience sluggish consumer demand at the same time that OEMs are hampered by excess production capacity and the impact of shifting emissions regulations on their product model line-ups.

APG’s strategy in the context of the varied and unpredictable operating environment for component suppliers is, firstly, to focus on bringing to market innovative motion technologies that enable electrification, reduce emissions, and enhance passenger safety and comfort. Secondly, APG aims to offer its diverse base of customers an unrivalled total cost and value proposition that combines speed, scale, and reliability of production with an adaptable global operating footprint.

The Industry Products Group (“IPG”) achieved sales of US$596 million – an increase of 2% compared to the prior year on a constant currency basis. After three successive years of declining sales, this marks an important return to growth for the division. In more commoditized product application segments, new business development has been redirected towards the rapidly growing base of Chinese manufacturers who are capturing an increasing share of the global market for consumer and commercial hardware goods – particularly for low-priced, entry-level products. In parallel, IPG is focused on supplying motion subsystem solutions to more specialized, higher-growth segments, including humanoid robotics, warehouse automation, medical devices, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and liquid cooling applications.

Gross Margins and Operating Profitability

The Group’s gross profit of US$840 million, or 23.0% of sales, was essentially flat compared to the prior financial year. Slight increases in production staff costs, depreciation, and raw materials were offset by savings in other production overheads and direct labour.

Reported earnings before interest, tax and amortization (“EBITA”) amounted to US$258 million, a decrease of 22% compared to US$331 million achieved in the prior year. The decline was due to a combination of factors, including higher selling and administrative staff costs and other provisions, an impairment of intangible assets arising from a past acquisition, and reduced other income due to an adverse net change in the fair value of certain investments.

Net Profit and Financial Condition

Net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 23% to US$202 million or 21.59 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis. Adjusted net profit, excluding the effects of non-cash foreign exchange rate movements, the impairment of intangible assets, restructuring charges, and adverse fair value movements in investments, amounted to US$234 million compared to US$268 million in the prior year.

The Group’s overall financial condition remains robust with a total debt to capital ratio of 10%, an interest coverage ratio of 22 times, and year-end cash reserves of US$902 million.

Dividends

The Board considers it appropriate to recommend maintaining the final dividend of 44 HK cents (5.64 US cents) per share, which together with the interim dividend of 17 HK cents per share, represents a total dividend of 61 HK cents (7.82 US cents) per share.

Chairman’s Comments on the Annual Results and Outlook

Commenting on the annual results for the financial year 2025/26, Dr. Patrick Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive, said, “Operating conditions for global manufacturing businesses during the financial year 2025/26 remained challenging, with end-market demand in most regions subdued and geopolitical events and uncertainties placing upward pressure on input costs.”

Dr. Patrick Wang further commented: “In the face of these headwinds, Johnson Electric maintained its long-standing resilience with sales and gross profit margins both holding up comparatively well. The bottom-line result, however, was negatively impacted by the effects of higher overhead expenses on a flat sales base, adverse net changes in the fair value of investments, and a non-cash intangible assets impairment charge.”

Concerning the near-term financial outlook, Dr. Patrick Wang said: “The global economy demonstrated resilience over the past year, despite the protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the geopolitical shock of tariffs being imposed on US imports of goods from almost all countries. Looking ahead, the unstable and unpredictable conditions for trade and global manufacturing have been made even more precarious by the outbreak of war in the Middle East.”

“Johnson Electric has a long-standing track record in successfully navigating volatile global markets. In the near term, with geopolitical and macro-economic dynamics impossible to forecast with precision, management remains focused on cost control, managing the effects of inflation, and maintaining a prudent financial risk profile.”

“In parallel, however, we are also committed to invest in adapting and scaling our business model to meet strong underlying demand for our motion subsystem solutions in several high-growth end-markets and new product applications. Included among these are: thermal management systems for electric and hybrid vehicles that depend on a combination of water pumps, valves and actuators to support optimal vehicle cabin temperature, extend electric vehicle driving range, and contribute to longer battery life; solid oxide fuel cell power generation systems that are becoming established as an important source of low-emission, on-site electricity supply to AI data centres; and AI-enabled humanoid robots, which are widely viewed as one of the most significant industrial and commercial opportunities over the next ten to twenty years.”

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Johnson Electric and certain plans and objectives of the management of Johnson Electric.

Words such as “outlook”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believe”, “estimates”, “projects”, variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of Johnson Electric to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Johnson Electric’s present and future business strategies and the political and economic environment in which Johnson Electric will operate in the future.

Note to Editors and Securities Analysts: The full text of the Annual Results announcement, includingfinancial statements, is available through the Investors section of company’s website at www.johnsonelectric.com
Hashtag: #JohnsonElectric

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Johnson Electric Group

At Johnson Electric, our vision is to be the world’s definitive provider of innovation and reliable motion systems.

We are a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro-mechanical components, serving a broad range of industries including Automotive, Liquid Cooling, Robotic Joints, Smart Metering, Business Equipment, Ventilation, Home Automation, Large Appliances, Power Tools, Medical Devices and Lawn & Garden Equipment. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employes over 30,000 individuals in more than 20 countries worldwide. We are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ( Stock no. 179). For further information, please visit: .

Johnson Electric reports results for the year ended 31 March 2026

Highlights of FY25/26 Results

  • Group sales US$3,650 million – up 0.1% compared to the prior year; a decrease of 2% on a constant currency basis
  • Gross profit US$840 million or 23.0% of sales (compared to US$843 million or 23.1% of sales in the prior year)
  • Adjusted EBITA US$287 million or 7.9% of sales (compared to US$344 million or 9.4% of sales in the prior year)
  • Net profit attributable to shareholders totalled US$202 million – a decrease of 23% compared to the prior year
  • Net profit, excluding non-cash unrealized currency movements, restructuring costs, impairment of certain intangible assets, and adverse fair value movements in investments, declined by 13% to US$234 million
  • Free cash flow from operations totalled US$217 million compared to US$286 million in the prior year
  • A recommended final dividend of 44 HK cents per share (5.64 US cents)
  • As of 31 March 2026, cash reserves amounted to US$902 million (compared to US$791 million at the prior year end); and the ratio of total debt to capital was 10%

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – Johnson Electric Holdings Limited (“Johnson Electric”), a global leader in electric motors and motion subsystems, today announced its results for the twelve months ended 31 March 2026.

Group sales for the 2025/26 financial year were US$3,650 million, an increase of 0.1% compared to the prior year. Net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 23% to US$202 million or 21.59 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis. Adjusted net profit, excluding the effects of non-cash foreign exchange rate movements, the impairment of intangible assets, restructuring charges, and adverse fair value movements in investments, declined by 13% to US$234 million.

Sales Performance

The Automotive Products Group (“APG”) achieved sales of US$3,054 million, which amounted to 84% of total Group sales. Excluding currency effects, APG’s sales decreased by 3%.

Global automotive industry production volumes increased slightly over the prior year, but growth remains lacklustre in most markets due to affordability concerns and the challenges faced by OEMs and suppliers in adjusting to geopolitical uncertainty, tariff pressures, and the shifting economics of battery electric vehicles that continue to be shaped by the level of government subsidies available to consumers.

APG’s sales are divided broadly equally across the three major geographic regions of demand, but performance over the past year reflected distinct variations in local market conditions, as well as APG’s own mix of OEM customers and the timing of new program launches.

In Asia, the division’s sales declined by 7% on a constant currency basis primarily due to the ongoing erosion in market share held by Sino-foreign joint venture OEM customers in China. APG has continued to win significant new business awards from Chinese domestic OEMs and their suppliers, which now account for the majority of its sales in China. However, the division’s historically large share among joint venture customers has acted as a drag on its recent sales performance that is taking time to reverse. The domestic passenger vehicle market in China itself experienced a sharp slowdown in sales in the first quarter of 2026 due to the phasing out of trade-in subsidies designed to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.

APG’s sales to the Americas increased by 1% on a constant currency basis in a market that saw total light vehicle production volumes broadly flat. The predominant factor constraining new car sales in North America is cost of living concerns, with many low to middle income car buyers struggling to afford new vehicles that, on average, have increased in price by over 30% since 2020.

In Europe, APG’s sales decreased by 2% on a constant currency basis. The European auto market continues to experience sluggish consumer demand at the same time that OEMs are hampered by excess production capacity and the impact of shifting emissions regulations on their product model line-ups.

APG’s strategy in the context of the varied and unpredictable operating environment for component suppliers is, firstly, to focus on bringing to market innovative motion technologies that enable electrification, reduce emissions, and enhance passenger safety and comfort. Secondly, APG aims to offer its diverse base of customers an unrivalled total cost and value proposition that combines speed, scale, and reliability of production with an adaptable global operating footprint.

The Industry Products Group (“IPG”) achieved sales of US$596 million – an increase of 2% compared to the prior year on a constant currency basis. After three successive years of declining sales, this marks an important return to growth for the division. In more commoditized product application segments, new business development has been redirected towards the rapidly growing base of Chinese manufacturers who are capturing an increasing share of the global market for consumer and commercial hardware goods – particularly for low-priced, entry-level products. In parallel, IPG is focused on supplying motion subsystem solutions to more specialized, higher-growth segments, including humanoid robotics, warehouse automation, medical devices, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and liquid cooling applications.

Gross Margins and Operating Profitability

The Group’s gross profit of US$840 million, or 23.0% of sales, was essentially flat compared to the prior financial year. Slight increases in production staff costs, depreciation, and raw materials were offset by savings in other production overheads and direct labour.

Reported earnings before interest, tax and amortization (“EBITA”) amounted to US$258 million, a decrease of 22% compared to US$331 million achieved in the prior year. The decline was due to a combination of factors, including higher selling and administrative staff costs and other provisions, an impairment of intangible assets arising from a past acquisition, and reduced other income due to an adverse net change in the fair value of certain investments.

Net Profit and Financial Condition

Net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 23% to US$202 million or 21.59 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis. Adjusted net profit, excluding the effects of non-cash foreign exchange rate movements, the impairment of intangible assets, restructuring charges, and adverse fair value movements in investments, amounted to US$234 million compared to US$268 million in the prior year.

The Group’s overall financial condition remains robust with a total debt to capital ratio of 10%, an interest coverage ratio of 22 times, and year-end cash reserves of US$902 million.

Dividends

The Board considers it appropriate to recommend maintaining the final dividend of 44 HK cents (5.64 US cents) per share, which together with the interim dividend of 17 HK cents per share, represents a total dividend of 61 HK cents (7.82 US cents) per share.

Chairman’s Comments on the Annual Results and Outlook

Commenting on the annual results for the financial year 2025/26, Dr. Patrick Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive, said, “Operating conditions for global manufacturing businesses during the financial year 2025/26 remained challenging, with end-market demand in most regions subdued and geopolitical events and uncertainties placing upward pressure on input costs.”

Dr. Patrick Wang further commented: “In the face of these headwinds, Johnson Electric maintained its long-standing resilience with sales and gross profit margins both holding up comparatively well. The bottom-line result, however, was negatively impacted by the effects of higher overhead expenses on a flat sales base, adverse net changes in the fair value of investments, and a non-cash intangible assets impairment charge.”

Concerning the near-term financial outlook, Dr. Patrick Wang said: “The global economy demonstrated resilience over the past year, despite the protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the geopolitical shock of tariffs being imposed on US imports of goods from almost all countries. Looking ahead, the unstable and unpredictable conditions for trade and global manufacturing have been made even more precarious by the outbreak of war in the Middle East.”

“Johnson Electric has a long-standing track record in successfully navigating volatile global markets. In the near term, with geopolitical and macro-economic dynamics impossible to forecast with precision, management remains focused on cost control, managing the effects of inflation, and maintaining a prudent financial risk profile.”

“In parallel, however, we are also committed to invest in adapting and scaling our business model to meet strong underlying demand for our motion subsystem solutions in several high-growth end-markets and new product applications. Included among these are: thermal management systems for electric and hybrid vehicles that depend on a combination of water pumps, valves and actuators to support optimal vehicle cabin temperature, extend electric vehicle driving range, and contribute to longer battery life; solid oxide fuel cell power generation systems that are becoming established as an important source of low-emission, on-site electricity supply to AI data centres; and AI-enabled humanoid robots, which are widely viewed as one of the most significant industrial and commercial opportunities over the next ten to twenty years.”

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Johnson Electric and certain plans and objectives of the management of Johnson Electric.

Words such as “outlook”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believe”, “estimates”, “projects”, variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of Johnson Electric to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Johnson Electric’s present and future business strategies and the political and economic environment in which Johnson Electric will operate in the future.

Note to Editors and Securities Analysts: The full text of the Annual Results announcement, includingfinancial statements, is available through the Investors section of company’s website at www.johnsonelectric.com
Hashtag: #JohnsonElectric

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Johnson Electric Group

At Johnson Electric, our vision is to be the world’s definitive provider of innovation and reliable motion systems.

We are a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro-mechanical components, serving a broad range of industries including Automotive, Liquid Cooling, Robotic Joints, Smart Metering, Business Equipment, Ventilation, Home Automation, Large Appliances, Power Tools, Medical Devices and Lawn & Garden Equipment. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employes over 30,000 individuals in more than 20 countries worldwide. We are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ( Stock no. 179). For further information, please visit: .

Can University Degrees Alone Save Africa?

Authors: George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, & Dr. Sanele W Nhlabatsi, Senior Lecturer, Project Management, UNISA

African universities are facing two crises at once.

The first is scale. Africa is home to the world’s youngest and
fastest-growing population, with more than 400 million people aged
15–35, and is expected to have the world’s largest workforce by
2040. Yet tertiary enrolment remains around 9%, far below the global
average of 38%. Despite growth in university enrolment, higher education
capacity is still struggling to keep pace with demographic demand, with
some estimates suggesting capacity would need to expand nearly
twelvefold by 2035.

The second crisis is a crisis of expectation. It is not difficult to see
why many African families place such a high premium on university
education. A degree has long been associated with a life-changing
opportunity and a pathway to better job prospects, higher income, and
social mobility. This belief has quietly become a burden African youth
carry, because when university becomes the only door to success, young
people who don’t get in don’t just lose a place; they feel as though
they have lost a future.

Universities are globally recognised as producers of knowledge that
contribute significantly to national economic development. Consequently,
university graduates are strongly associated with a pipeline of emerging
professionals, researchers, and innovators who are essential to national
progress. This is evident in rapidly developing nations such as China
and South Korea, where knowledge, innovation, and higher education
policies remain central drivers of national development strategies.

Therefore, Africa absolutely needs strong universities, and we must
continue investing in them. But we must also confront a hard truth: when
access remains limited, a single-pathway mindset amplifies pressure,
anxiety, and a sense of failure among young people who are simply
navigating a persistently high-demand, limited-supply system that has
become increasingly competitive.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/28/koladaisi-university-to-host-inaugural-career-fair-to-strengthen-talent-to-industry-pipeline/

Across the continent, there are far too many young adults competing for
too few seats, and South Africa shows what that looks like in real
terms: for the 2026 academic year, the public university system could
only offer about 235,000 first-year places, while more than 245,000
candidates obtained bachelor-level passes in the 2025 National Senior
Certificate examinations. That gap shut the door of the future on at
least 10,000 young people.

The situation at South African private universities is even more acute,
with more than 100,000 applications competing for fewer than 10,000
coveted spots. This is before accounting for the structural and
socio-economic challenges of affordability, limited student
accommodation, and other barriers to access.

Societal pressure has resulted in generations of young people believing
that university admission is the primary proof of potential and that
anything else is second best. This belief has sustained and continues to
fuel the growing appeal for higher education. That narrative is deeply
out of step with where the global economy is heading.

Today, the world is being shaped by volatility, rapid technological
change, geopolitical, and geoeconomic uncertainty. The future demands
flexibility, particularly as advances in AI continue to reshape the
nature of work. Traditional knowledge-based careers are giving way to a
skills-based economy, where individuals increasingly apply their
expertise across multiple projects and dynamic work environments rather
than remaining in fixed, long-term roles.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 captures the mood
of this moment, noting that 50% of global leaders anticipate a turbulent
or stormy outlook over the next two years, which is expected to rise
further over the next decade. The report also highlights the lack of
economic opportunity and unemployment as major risks shaping the global
outlook.

In that context, preparing young people for a future where everything
depends on a single pathway is not only outdated but also risky. The
goal cannot simply be “to get into university.” The goal must be to
build employability, enabling young people to earn an income, grow, and
adapt to changing conditions.

The defining career advantage in the decade ahead will not be one based
on a higher education qualification only. It will be the ability to
re-skill and re-enter the economy repeatedly, moving between roles,
industries, and opportunities in a technology-based, radically
transforming labour market.

There are alternative, non-linear avenues to success, and Africa must
begin to treat them as first-class pathways, requiring a fundamental
national shift in mindset and focus. Across the continent, the countries
that will succeed are those that build strong skills-based ecosystems,
where young people can advance through multiple credible routes,
including TVET and technical qualifications aligned to jobs,
apprenticeships, learnerships linked to real work experience,
entrepreneurship, work-integrated learning programmes, and globally
recognised professional certifications that signal competence and
portability.

In project management, for example, young people can build a career
through certifications straight out of high school. They can begin with
the foundational Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) as an
early-career professional certification. The certification can open
doors to employability or entrepreneurial opportunities. The pursuit of
a higher education qualification can be targeted for a later phase,
informed by a real-world knowledge base requirement. As they gain
experience, they can progress toward globally recognised advanced
certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP).

The reality is unavoidable: even the best universities cannot admit
everyone. Expanding and legitimising alternative pathways has the
potential to equip the continent’s youth with the skills needed to
drive innovation, accelerate economic growth, and advance sustainable
development. Africa’s future will not be built by a single educational
route, but by an ecosystem of pathways that recognise skills,
competence, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

KolaDaisi University To Host Inaugural Career Fair To Strengthen Talent-to-Industry Pipeline

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Ibadan, Nigeria – KolaDaisi University (KDU) has announced plans to host its inaugural Career Fair on June 10, 2026, at its campus in Ibadan. The event is set to convene over 200 final-year students, alumni, and a diverse range of leading employers across multiple sectors in a strategic effort to strengthen the link between academic training and industry demands.

Organised by the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, the Career Fair underscores the University’s commitment to equipping its students with not only academic excellence but also the practical skills, professional exposure, and networks required for success in today’s competitive labour market.

The one-day event will feature participation from top-tier organisations spanning finance, consulting, technology, manufacturing, and other key industries. Participating companies will engage directly with students, offering opportunities for graduate trainee programmes, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) placements, internships, and entry-level employment.

In addition to recruitment opportunities, the Career Fair will include a series of industry-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking engagements designed to provide students with insights into workplace expectations, emerging career trends, and professional development pathways.

Speaking ahead of the event, the President of the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Mrs. Olasumbo Obaseki, highlighted the University’s strategic focus on employability. “At KolaDaisi University, we are deliberate about preparing our students for life beyond the classroom. This Career Fair represents a critical platform for fostering meaningful engagement between our students and industry leaders. It is not just an event, but a long-term investment in partnerships that will drive innovation, talent development, and economic growth.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/28/vertiv-expands-liquid-cooling-portfolio-in-emea-to-accelerate-ai-ready-data-centre-deployments/

The Career Fair is being hosted in collaboration with key industry partners, including Chapel Hill Denham, Mobile Screens and Sound Limited, SKOT Communications, LEADWAY Assurance, HighlerLife Properties Consult Ltd, Idea Konsult, New Horizons Nigeria alongside several other organisations committed to nurturing emerging talent. These partnerships reflect a shared vision of developing a workforce that is both competent and responsive to evolving industry needs.

This impactful and timely initiative is an essential platform for aligning academic outcomes with industry expectations. Partnering organisations are pleased to support KolaDaisi University in creating opportunities for students to connect with employers and build meaningful career pathways.

The initiative forms part of KDU’s broader institutional strategy to enhance graduate employability through sustained industry engagement, career readiness programmes, and alumni relations. By creating structured opportunities for interaction between students and employers, the University continues to position itself as a forward-thinking institution committed to producing globally competitive graduates.

For further information about the Career Fair, interested participants and organisations are encouraged to contact the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, KolaDaisi University.

About KolaDaisi University

KolaDaisi University stands proudly as the leading private university in Ibadan, renowned for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and holistic student development. The University provides a dynamic learning environment that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive in a competitive global society. The university offers a wide range of accredited programmes across Applied Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Arts, Management and Social Sciences, Law, Media and Information Studies, including courses such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics with Electronics, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Accounting, Economics, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Marketing, Political Science, International Relations, Law, Mass Communications, Information and Media Studies, English and Literary Studies, History and Diplomatic Studies. These programmes are carefully designed to equip students with industry-relevant knowledge, practical skills, leadership capacity, and entrepreneurial competences required to excel in a rapidly evolving global environment. Beyond academics, KolaDaisi University is steadily building a reputation as a hub for talent development in Nigeria and beyond.