Core Insights - Tria Federal has joined the ServiceNow Partner Program to enhance its capabilities in assisting federal agencies with system modernization and mission delivery [1][2] - The partnership allows Tria to utilize its experience with the ServiceNow AI Platform to achieve measurable outcomes for federal clients, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [2][3] - Tria aims to help federal agencies automate workflows and improve operational efficiency through the ServiceNow AI Platform, which integrates various functions and systems [3][4] Company Overview - Tria Federal specializes in delivering digital services and technology solutions that support the health and safety of veterans, service members, and civilians [5] - The company has a two-decade history of assisting federal agencies in modernizing their systems and fulfilling critical missions [5] - Tria Labs, the technology innovation group within Tria, focuses on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to address future government challenges [5]

Core Insights - Diebold Nixdorf announced that Bank AlJazira is the first bank globally to implement VCP-Lite 7 on Windows 11 using the DDC protocol across over 400 DN Series ATMs, enhancing its self-service capabilities [1][3] - The VCP-Lite 7 platform supports transactions in Arabic and English, enabling NFC transactions and catering to both on-us and off-us customers [1][3] - The implementation of VCP-Lite 7 is part of Bank AlJazira's digital transformation strategy, aimed at modernizing its infrastructure and enhancing security, performance, and operational efficiency [4] Company Overview - Bank AlJazira is a leading financial institution in Saudi Arabia, focused on providing innovative wealth management solutions and enhancing financial well-being for individuals and businesses [4] - The bank is committed to digital transformation, offering seamless banking experiences through its digital platforms, including AlJazira Online and mobile banking apps [4] - Alhamrani Universal, a partner of Diebold Nixdorf, provides installation and services in Saudi Arabia, holding a significant market share in ATMs and POS systems [5] Technology and Future Readiness - VCP-Lite 7 is designed for long-term support until 2034, utilizing industry-standard protocols and modern APIs for quick connectivity to self-service networks [3] - The platform's web extensions allow for integration with digital channels, enhancing the multichannel user experience [3] - The collaboration between Bank AlJazira and Diebold Nixdorf positions the bank at the forefront of banking technology, addressing evolving consumer needs [4]

This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Build-A-Bear appointed Carmen Flores as senior vice president of e-commerce and digital experiences last week, as the company expands its digital strategy. Flores will lead the expansion of Build-A-Bear’s e-commerce business and develop its global digital experience strategy, according to a company press release. She reports to Chief Revenue Officer David Henderson. F ...

Group 1: Nestlé's Digital Transformation - Nestlé has successfully implemented SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, benefiting 50,000 users across 112 countries in Asia, Oceania, and Africa, with plans to complete the upgrade across the entire company within two years [1] - The new ERP system connects core business processes, enhancing operations and decision-making across manufacturing, sales, supply chain, finance, and human resources [1] - The CIO of Nestlé emphasizes the importance of a unified ERP system for visibility and efficiency, enabling faster global product rollouts and improved insights through AI and automation [2] Group 2: Industry Trends in AI and Retail - The RTIH AI in Retail Awards highlight the significance of digital upgrades and AI tools in reshaping omnichannel retail, focusing on personalized customer experiences and inventory optimization [3][4] - The awards aim to recognize companies that effectively integrate AI into their business processes by 2025, moving beyond hype to practical applications that enhance efficiency and innovation [5] - Winners will be announced at an event in London, celebrating advancements in technology and their benefits for retailers, shoppers, and employees [6]

Core Insights - The company reported revenues of INR 10,533 million, marking a 3% increase year-over-year, and an EBITDA of INR 2,361 million, which is a 20% increase compared to the same quarter last year. However, the company incurred a loss of INR 275 million for the period [9][15]. Management Commentary - The Chairman highlighted India's digital transformation as a critical phase, emphasizing the country's growing role in the global technology ecosystem, particularly in cloud adoption, AI integration, and data center expansion [4]. - The company is focused on investing in hyperscale data centers, network expansion, and AI-ready digital platforms to strengthen its position as a key enabler of enterprise transformation [5]. - The Executive Director and Group CFO reiterated the commitment to fiscal discipline while strategically investing for long-term growth, with ongoing expansion in data centers and digital platforms [6][7]. Financial Highlights - The revenue breakdown for the quarter shows Network Services contributing 41%, Data Center Services 39%, and Digital Services 20% [14]. - The company commissioned an additional 3 MW of data center capacity during the quarter and expanded its fiber node network by 12% year-over-year, reaching 1,196 nodes [14]. - The cash balance at the end of the quarter was INR 4,149 million, reflecting robust liquidity management [7][18]. Customer Engagements - The company secured several significant contracts across various sectors, including network services, data center interconnections, and digital services, indicating strong demand for its offerings [10][14]. - Notable clients include international and Indian banks, insurance companies, and various startups, showcasing the company's diverse customer base and service capabilities [14]. Business Highlights - The company reported a loss before tax of INR 194 million, with a total capital expenditure of INR 3,064 million during the quarter [9][15]. - The operational efficiency and cash flow management have been emphasized as key factors in maintaining a robust liquidity position [7]. Equity and Debt - As of September 2025, the company's equity stood at INR 16,116 million, with long-term borrowings at INR 26,729 million and short-term borrowings at INR 7,823 million, resulting in a net debt of INR 30,403 million [18].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, Metropolitan Commercial Bank (MCB) reported loan growth of approximately $170 million, or 2.6% [3] - Year-to-date loan growth reached approximately $750 million, exceeding 12% [4] - Core deposits increased by approximately $280 million, or 4.1% in the quarter, with year-to-date growth over $1 billion, or 18% [4] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased by five basis points to 3.88% from 3.83% in the prior quarter [5][15] - Net interest income for Q3 was $77.3 million, up 5% from the previous quarter and over 18% year-over-year [17] - Diluted EPS for Q3 was reported at $0.67, with a normalized estimate closer to $1.95 after adjustments [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan originations year-to-date were $1.4 billion, with a mix of approximately 70% fixed and 30% floating rate loans [4][12] - The bank's non-deposit funding initiative (NDFI) totals approximately $350 million, representing about 5% of the loan portfolio, with no identified credit issues [13] - Noninterest expense for the quarter was approximately $45.8 million, an increase of $2.7 million from the prior quarter, driven by compensation, technology costs, and licensing [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's asset quality remains strong, with no broad-based negative trends identified across loan segments or geographies [7] - The provision expense for Q3 was $23.9 million, with $18.7 million related to a specific borrower group [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - MCB's growth strategy focuses on maintaining and developing existing deposit verticals while exploring new branch openings in strategic markets [4] - The company is advancing its technology stack and has initiated an AI strategy, hiring its first AI director [6] - The bank aims to capture additional market share through traditional channels and strategically position itself for future opportunities [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's position to benefit from favorable tailwinds in the banking industry despite recent market volatility [8] - The bank anticipates modest further expansion of NIM in Q4 due to a decline in the cost of funds and continued deposit growth [16] - Management noted that the recent provision expense is a prudent measure and does not reflect broader credit issues within the portfolio [47] Other Important Information - The board approved a $50 million share repurchase program and the payment of the first common stock dividend, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns [5] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was approximately 30% [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the multifamily relationship metrics - Management provided insights on a multifamily relationship involving vacant buildings in Champaign, Illinois, and Ohio, indicating ongoing restructuring efforts [26] Question: Additional details on the $5.2 million provision - The provision was primarily driven by macroeconomic forecasts from Moody's, with a significant portion related to variable forecast deterioration [28] Question: Bank's policy on insider selling prior to earnings releases - Management confirmed that insider trading is governed by 10b5-1 plans, ensuring compliance with blackout periods [30][32] Question: Percentage of CRE loans out of market - Management stated that there are no immediate concerns about other CRE loans beyond those reported in Q3 [34] Question: Future opportunities in deposits - Management indicated that growth is spread evenly across various deposit verticals, with no reliance on a single category for significant growth [39] Question: Digital transformation expenses in Q1 - Management confirmed that there will be a slight tail in digital transformation expenses into Q1, but it will be managed effectively [41] Question: Trends on criticized and classified loans - Management reported no noticeable credit migration movements within the portfolio, indicating stability [45] Question: Near-term growth strategies - Management reassured that the specific reserve taken is an outlier and will not deter near-term growth strategies [47]

Financial Performance - The company's closing price increased from $70.00 in 2Q 2025 to $74.82 in 3Q 2025[8] - Market capitalization grew from $729.50 million in 2Q 2025 to $776.80 million in 3Q 2025[8] - Assets increased from $7.9 billion in 2Q 2025 to $8.2 billion in 3Q 2025[8] - Loans increased from $6.6 billion in 2Q 2025 to $6.8 billion in 3Q 2025[8] - Deposits increased from $6.8 billion in 2Q 2025 to $7.1 billion in 3Q 2025[8] - Net Interest Margin increased from 3.83% in 2Q 2025 to 3.88% in 3Q 2025[8] - The company's loans to deposits ratio was 95.9% in 3Q 2025, compared to 97.4% in 2Q 2025[8] Loan Portfolio - Total loans reached $6.8 billion as of September 30, 2025[30] - Commercial Real Estate (CRE) loans constitute 36% of the total loan portfolio[55] - Commercial & Industrial (C&I) loans represent 14% of the total loan portfolio[55] - The average yield on loans for 3Q 2025 was 7.32%[56]

Core Insights - The modernization upgrade intended for the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has turned into a significant failure, with employees describing the new system, HNL Build, as a "disaster" and "complete failure" [1][3][12] - The transition from the old system POSSE, which had been in use for 28 years, to HNL Build has resulted in increased workload and inefficiencies, contrary to the original goals of improving approval processes and transparency [3][14][15] Summary by Sections System Overview - HNL Build is a $7.3 million system built on Salesforce, designed to manage building permits but has been criticized for its lack of readiness to handle complex city regulatory needs [3][4] - The old system, POSSE, was a customized solution developed over 20 years, while HNL Build is a standardized, modular SaaS product [3][14] Employee Feedback - An anonymous survey revealed that most DPP employees rated HNL Build with the lowest score of "1," with no one giving it a "5" [3][7] - Employees reported that tasks that previously took minutes now take hours, and essential data tracking features are missing, leading to a lack of accountability [7][9] Operational Impact - The number of permits issued dropped significantly in August after the system's launch, with only about 1,300 permits issued in September, which barely matched the previous year's figures [9][12] - Employees expressed frustration, stating that the new system has only brought chaos and increased workloads, with one employee likening the experience to being on a "runaway bus" [9][12] System Limitations - HNL Build lacks the ability to track changes effectively, which was a strong feature of the old system, leading to concerns about potential long-term risks associated with incorrect approvals [9][12] - The implementation team, Speridian, has been criticized for not addressing the severity of the issues, often providing template responses to feedback [12][13] Future Considerations - DPP leadership acknowledges the challenges but insists that improvements are ongoing, although many employees believe the system's fundamental issues cannot be resolved through training alone [13][15] - Plans to integrate AI features for automatic review of building designs have been mentioned, but no timeline has been provided for their implementation [13]

Core Insights - Nokia has extended its long-term partnership with VNPT to upgrade and expand radio infrastructure across Vietnam, focusing on enhancing digital connectivity in key regions [1][9] - The agreement includes the deployment of Nokia's AirScale portfolio, which utilizes energy-efficient technology to improve connectivity and reduce power consumption [2][9] - The upgrade aims to enhance mobile coverage quality, particularly in border regions and economic hubs, supporting Vietnam's economic growth and digital inclusion goals [3][5] Summary by Sections Partnership and Agreement - The new agreement marks a significant step in advancing Vietnam's digital connectivity, particularly in the Hanoi area, border provinces, and the southern region [1][9] - VNPT's CEO emphasized the importance of this partnership in strengthening Vietnam's telecommunications infrastructure and meeting the growing connectivity needs [5] Technology and Implementation - Nokia will deploy its AirScale equipment, which is designed to deliver premium connectivity, low latency, and enhanced network capacity while being energy-efficient [2][6] - The scope of the agreement includes comprehensive network management services to ensure optimal performance and reliability [2] Economic and Social Impact - The upgrade is expected to significantly improve access to telecommunications and digital services for people and businesses across multiple provinces, contributing to Vietnam's socio-economic development [3][6] - Nokia's commitment to establishing Vietnam as a manufacturing hub for AirScale equipment in 2024 will create new economic opportunities and strengthen regional supply chains [4]

Core Insights - Sika demonstrated resilience in the first nine months of 2025, achieving a sales increase of 1.1% in local currencies despite challenging construction markets, particularly in China [2][3][6] - The company is implementing strategic actions, including structural adjustments and an investment program, to drive growth and profitability [3][12][13] Financial Performance - Sales in Swiss francs decreased to CHF 8.58 billion from CHF 8.91 billion, reflecting a foreign currency impact of -4.9% primarily due to a weak US dollar [2][6] - The material margin improved to 55.0% from 54.7%, while the EBITDA margin expanded to 19.2% from 19.1% [2][6] - Operating profit before depreciation (EBITDA) was CHF 1.64 billion, down from CHF 1.70 billion in the previous year [2][6] Regional Performance - In the EMEA region, sales grew by 2.1% in local currencies, with strong performance in the Middle East and Africa [5][7] - The Americas region saw a sales increase of 2.9% in local currencies, although growth softened due to US trade policy uncertainties [7] - The Asia/Pacific region experienced a decline of -3.9% in local currencies, primarily due to the downturn in China's construction sector [8][9] Strategic Initiatives - Sika is undertaking structural adjustments in response to weak markets, particularly in China, with anticipated one-off costs of CHF 80 to 100 million in 2025 [6][12] - The "Fast Forward" program aims to enhance operational excellence and customer value through digital acceleration, with investments of CHF 120 to 150 million expected to yield annual savings of CHF 150 to 200 million [12][13] - The company plans to reduce its workforce by up to 1,500 employees as part of these adjustments [6][12] Outlook - For 2025, Sika anticipates a modest increase in local currency sales and an EBITDA margin of approximately 19% after one-off costs [13][14] - The medium-term target includes an EBITDA margin of 20-23% and a revised growth guidance of 3-6% in local currencies [14]