Rare earth is just one part of the the trade war here with China as China looks to minimize the impact. Chinese President Xi meeting with his country's top policy makers looking to make a roadmap for the next 5 years. Ununice Yun in Beijing and joins us with more on that story.So what are you hearing Ununice. Well Sarah, this meeting is called the fourth plenum and over the next four years uh Xiinping and um other policy makers are going to be mapping out uh the uh the economic priorities for 2026 until 203 ...

Core Insights - Fabrinet announced the retirement of its founder and Chairman, David T. ("Tom") Mitchell, after 25 years of leadership, marking a significant transition for the company [1][5] - Under Mr. Mitchell's guidance, Fabrinet transformed from a startup in 2000 to a public company with revenues exceeding $3.4 billion in fiscal year 2025, showcasing a strong commitment to innovation and customer service [2][4] - Seamus Grady, the current CEO, has been appointed as the new Chairman, ensuring continuity in leadership and the continuation of the company's core values [5][6] Company Overview - Fabrinet specializes in advanced optical packaging and precision manufacturing services for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in various sectors, including optical communications, automotive, and medical devices [7] - The company has expanded its manufacturing capabilities globally, with over 16,000 employees and facilities in Thailand, the USA, China, and Israel [5][7] - Fabrinet's operational excellence is reflected in its successful initial public offering in 2010 and its sustained profitable growth trajectory [4][7]

GUELPH, Ontario, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire select assets of Aludyne Incorporated’s North American operations. Aludyne is a Tier 1 automotive supplier specializing in lightweight aluminum chassis and structural technologies. The transaction, valued at $300 million USD, significantly expands Linamar’s manufacturing footprint across North America, notably in the United States. This acquisitio ...

GUELPH, Ontario, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire select assets of Aludyne Incorporated’s North American operations. Aludyne is a Tier 1 automotive supplier specializing in lightweight aluminum chassis and structural technologies. The transaction, valued at $300 million USD, significantly expands Linamar’s manufacturing footprint across North America, notably in the United States. This acquisitio ...

Core Viewpoint - Amaero Ltd has entered into a five-year exclusive supplier and development agreement with Titomic Limited to supply refractory and titanium alloy spherical powders for advanced manufacturing in defense, space, and aviation industries [1][3]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement establishes Amaero as Titomic's exclusive supplier of spherical refractory and titanium alloy powders, which will be used in Titomic's cold spray technology for mission-critical applications [7][8]. - Amaero will produce the powders while Titomic will manufacture coatings and parts using its cold spray technology, with both companies collaborating on testing and sharing resulting data and intellectual property [8]. - Pricing for the powders will vary based on the landed cost of feedstock, with a set markup, and the two companies will meet biannually to review prices [8]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The collaboration aims to enhance supply chain resilience by ensuring a consistent domestic production of powders, which is crucial for advanced manufacturing [7][8]. - This partnership positions both companies to accelerate the adoption of cold spray technologies in defense, space, and aerospace applications, addressing national security and manufacturing challenges [6][7]. - The agreement is expected to contribute approximately 5%-10% to Amaero's revenue for FY2026 [8]. Group 3: Industry Context - The partnership aligns with U.S. government initiatives to re-shore and scale domestic manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the defense sector [4][5]. - The collaboration is part of a broader effort to adopt advanced manufacturing modalities, including cold spray and metal 3D printing, to meet national security objectives [5].

Core Insights - Key Tronic Corporation has opened a new manufacturing facility in Springdale, Arkansas, marking a significant milestone in its operational growth and commitment to innovation [1][2][3] - The new facility represents an investment of over $28 million and is expected to create more than 400 jobs over the next five years, increasing the company's U.S. production capacity by approximately 40% [3][4] Company Overview - Key Tronic has a history of over 55 years in manufacturing, with roots in Arkansas dating back to the 1980s [2][5] - The company provides electronic manufacturing services and has facilities in the United States, Mexico, China, and Vietnam, serving leading original equipment manufacturers [5] Facility Details - The new facility is located at 601 W. Apple Blossom Avenue in Springdale and spans 300,000 square feet [3] - It will serve as a hub for advanced manufacturing, process optimization, and workforce development, offering skill-building opportunities for employees [2][3] Economic Impact - The opening of the facility is expected to enhance support for customers and employees, contributing to the local economy and workforce development initiatives in Arkansas [4] - State officials and community leaders have expressed strong support for Key Tronic's investment, highlighting its alignment with Arkansas's mission to attract technology-focused employers [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter was $6.6 billion, an increase of 4% year over year [6][15] - Adjusted operating margin was 6%, with adjusted EPS reaching a record $0.72, reflecting a more than 40% increase [6][15] - Gross profit totaled $596 million, with gross margin improving to 9.1%, up 130 basis points [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reliability Solutions revenue was $2.9 billion, down 2% year over year, impacted by macro-related pressures in Automotive and Renewables [16] - Agility Solutions revenue totaled $3.7 billion, up 10% year over year, driven by strong cloud and AI demand [17] - Operating income for Reliability Solutions improved to $172 million, while Agility Solutions saw operating income of $240 million [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas revenue rose to 49% in fiscal year 2025, up from 38% in fiscal year 2020, while Asia declined to 30%, down from 41% [12] - The company operates over 49 million square feet globally, with significant manufacturing footprints in the U.S. and Mexico [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-growth end markets such as data centers and power, positioning itself as a strategic end-to-end partner rather than just a contract manufacturer [14] - Investments are being made in advanced manufacturing capabilities, including AI and automation, to enhance productivity [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning despite market uncertainties, highlighting a strong start to fiscal year 2026 [14] - The updated fiscal year 2026 guidance anticipates revenue between $25.9 billion and $27.1 billion, with adjusted EPS between $2.86 and $3.06 [21] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the quarter was $268 million, representing a conversion rate of 98% [17] - The company acquired a new manufacturing site in Poland to double its power capacity in Europe [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook for the year - Management maintained a margin guidance range of 6% to 6.1%, citing tariff impacts and investments as factors affecting margins [28][30] Question: Data center revenue trends - Management confirmed a strong outlook for data center growth, with expectations of 35% year-over-year growth, driven by both cloud and power segments [31][33] Question: Market evolution and internal investments by hyperscalers - Management views the trend of hyperscalers investing in their own capabilities as positive, emphasizing the importance of integrated solutions [38][39] Question: Capacity constraints and investments - Management acknowledged capacity constraints but expressed confidence in new investments to meet demand, particularly in AI infrastructure [50][51] Question: End market growth expectations - Management indicated that automotive and consumer markets are expected to remain weak, while healthcare and industrial sectors are projected to grow [67][68]

Core Insights - The investment landscape is experiencing a shift from path dependency to identity reconstruction, driven by both passive self-rescue and active exploration [1][6] - The primary market is showing signs of recovery, with increased activity in exhibitions and offline meetings, indicating a resurgence in market engagement [1][4] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The primary market is in a delicate state, with some investors becoming more active while others remain cautious, reflecting a divergence in market sentiment [4][5] - New fund establishment in the RMB fund sector is showing signs of recovery, particularly following signals of state-backed funding, which has activated some financing processes [4][5] - Key investment areas include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, with recent policy advancements regarding the "National Big Fund Phase III" igniting temporary enthusiasm [4][5] Group 2: Investor Behavior - Many General Partners (GPs) are reevaluating their roles, transitioning from traditional capital allocators to content producers and market organizers, indicating a non-linear survival strategy [2][6] - The identity of investors is evolving, with some engaging in side businesses to maintain cash flow, such as becoming advisors for listed companies or operating new media accounts [8][9] - The relationship dynamics between Limited Partners (LPs) and GPs are shifting, with LPs now expecting GPs to take on more active roles in project sourcing and industry engagement [9][10] Group 3: Future Outlook - The current market sentiment is characterized by a "structural recovery" phase, where investors face the dilemma of whether to act or wait, reflecting a broader uncertainty in investment strategies [10][11] - There is a growing trend among investors to explore composite investment paths, focusing on supply chain restructuring and local industry policies to identify investment opportunities [10][11] - The primary market is at a crossroads, with macro policies indicating a bottoming out, yet micro-level confidence remains fragile, leading to a challenging investment environment [11][12]