TAIPEI, TW / ACCESS Newswire / December 16, 2025 / Nocera, Inc. (NASDAQ:NCRA) ("Nocera" or the "Company"), an industry-agnostic, acquisition-focused company, today announced that the Company plans to allocate $2 million for the purchase of Bitcoin (BTC) for its corporate treasury over the coming weeks.Bitcoin purchased will be held in the U.S. with an institutional-grade custodian. While Bitcoin represents the Company's initial digital asset initiative, Nocera expects to remain flexible in its approach a ...

Core Viewpoint - iPower Inc. reported a solid start to fiscal 2026, highlighting improvements in cost management and operational efficiencies, alongside a strategic shift towards a diversified supply chain [3]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q1 2026 was $12.0 million, down from $19.0 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to lower product sales to the largest channel partner, partially offset by growth in SuperSuite offerings [4][8]. - Gross profit decreased to $4.8 million from $8.5 million year-over-year, with a gross margin of 40.0%, down from 44.7%, attributed to an increase in services income [5][8]. - Operating expenses were reduced by 42% to $6.5 million compared to $11.2 million in the prior year, driven by personnel reductions and improved operational efficiencies [6][8]. - The net loss attributable to iPower improved to $0.5 million or $(0.51) per share, compared to a net loss of $2.1 million or $(1.94) per share in the same quarter last year [7][8]. Debt and Cash Position - Cash and cash equivalents were $0.9 million as of September 30, 2025, down from $2.0 million at June 30, 2025 [7]. - Total debt was reduced by 48% to $1.9 million from $3.7 million as of June 30, 2025, reflecting the company's debt paydown efforts [7][8]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is transitioning to a more diversified and domestically anchored supply chain, reducing reliance on China imports, which enhances logistical control and mitigates tariff-related risks [3]. - iPower is focused on building a more efficient and profitable organization, with plans to leverage its e-commerce infrastructure to connect consumers with digital asset products [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 2025 revenues decreased to $2.4 million, marking a historical low point for the company [12] - Gross margin improved to 45%, up from 44% in Q2 and 39% in Q3 of 2024 [13] - Pro forma operating costs decreased by 29% compared to the respective prior year periods [13] - Operating loss on a cash basis improved by 23% for Q3 2025 despite the decline in revenue [13] - Booked revenue for Q4 is already higher than Q3 revenue, indicating positive momentum [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Roblox opportunities now represent only 42% of the pipeline, down from 57% in 2024 [14] - Playable and in-game mobile advertising now accounts for 20% of the pipeline and 15% of Q3 revenue [15] - The company launched 12 Pop-Up programs by the end of 2025, which are expected to become more meaningful in 2026 [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total ad spend in connected TV is projected to grow from $33 billion in 2025 to $47 billion by 2028 [9] - The gaming content and media space is gaining recognition, as evidenced by the success of the gaming summit organized by Super League [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve profitability and increase shareholder value as its highest priority [3] - Focus on enabling brands to engage consumers through gaming, targeting a broader audience beyond hardcore gamers [4] - Plans to explore digital asset strategies that could fuel growth, with a target launch in Q1 of the following year [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's stronger position and ability to grow after overcoming previous challenges [2] - There are encouraging signs of budget openings in the advertising market, indicating a potential recovery [21] - The company sees significant growth potential in mobile gaming and connected TV partnerships [23] Other Important Information - The company has eliminated its debt and is fully compliant with Nasdaq listing requirements [3] - A strategic partnership with Evo Fund enhances the company's growth potential through access to a global network [3] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for future operating expenses - Management indicated that current operating expense levels are expected to be a good base moving forward, with no immediate additional reductions anticipated [19] Question: Sentiment around the broader advertising market - Management noted a recent flight to safe havens in advertising budgets but observed that budgets are beginning to open up again [21] Question: Future revenue mix from Roblox and other platforms - Management expects Roblox to remain a significant revenue source, projecting it will not dip below a third of revenue in 2026, while also highlighting growth in mobile and connected TV [22][23] Question: Digital strategy leadership - The company is in the process of finding a board member with deep experience in the digital asset space and plans to bring in advisors with strong track records [24][25] Question: Pop-ups as a lead generation tool - Management confirmed that pop-ups serve as a low-friction entry point for brands, facilitating larger revenue opportunities through successful initial engagements [26]

Core Insights - T. Rowe Price reported moderate growth in Q3, exceeding Wall Street expectations for revenue and adjusted earnings, driven by solid investment returns and progress in ETFs and alternative investments [1][2] - CEO Rob Sharps highlighted improvements in one-year fund performance and positive momentum in retirement-focused products [1] Financial Performance - Revenue reached $1.91 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $1.87 billion, reflecting a 6.9% year-on-year growth and a 2.2% beat [5] - Adjusted EPS was $2.81, exceeding analyst estimates of $2.54, marking a 10.5% beat [5] - Adjusted EBITDA stood at $785.8 million, with a margin of 41.2%, beating estimates of $757.6 million [5] - Operating margin was 33.7%, consistent with the same quarter last year [5] - Market capitalization is reported at $22.29 billion [5] Analyst Insights - Questions from analysts focused on T. Rowe Price's digital asset strategy, with management emphasizing internal expertise and gradual product rollout [5] - The economics of the Goldman Sachs partnership were described as balanced, with shared incentives but no specific financial details provided [5] - Management acknowledged weaker near-term flows due to higher equity redemptions, indicating a need for alternatives and retirement products to scale further [5] - Initial launches of co-branded Target Date products are planned for mid-2026, with potential slow client uptake due to regulatory and fee concerns [5] - Recent investment performance was attributed to a narrow market environment and some stock selection missteps, with recent changes in portfolio management acknowledged [5]

Core Insights - Super League is advancing its digital asset strategy following successful financing from Evo Fund, with plans to launch in Q1 2026 [1][2] - The partnership with Evo Fund is expected to enhance Super League's capabilities in integrating digital assets into its platform strategy, aiming to empower brands and creators [2][7] Company Overview - Super League is a leader in playable media, focusing on connecting brands with consumers through playable ads and gamified content across various platforms [3] - The company utilizes proprietary technologies and a network of creators to drive measurable impact in the attention-driven economy [3] Strategic Developments - The company has initiated a search for a digital asset expert to join its Board of Directors, enhancing its strategic capabilities as it enters a new growth phase [7] - Discussions with multiple potential partners are underway to support the design and execution of the digital asset strategy, targeting a launch in Q1 2026 [7]

Financial Performance and Key Metrics - The group reported a statutory profit after tax of £3.3 billion with a return on tangible equity (RoTE) of 11.9% for the year to date, which would be 14.6% excluding the motor provision [8][26] - Year-to-date net income reached £13.6 billion, a 6% increase compared to the previous year, driven by growth in net interest income and a 9% rise in other operating income [9][18] - Operating costs increased by 3% year-on-year to £7.2 billion, in line with expectations, while the asset quality ratio improved to approximately 20 basis points for the full year [10][25] Business Line Performance - Group lending balances increased by £18 billion or 4% year-to-date, with retail lending growing by £5.1 billion, primarily due to a rise in the mortgage book [12][13] - Deposits grew by £14 billion or 3% year-to-date, with a £2.8 billion increase in Q3, driven by retail and commercial sectors [14] - Other operating income for the year to date was £4.5 billion, up 9% year-on-year, with significant contributions from motor and LPG investments [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics - The net interest margin (NIM) for Q3 was 3.06%, reflecting a gradual increase, and is expected to continue growing into 2026 [9][40] - The group anticipates net interest income for the full year to be around £13.6 billion, slightly above previous guidance [17][43] - The asset quality remains strong, with low levels of new arrears and a year-to-date impairment charge of £618 million [25][26] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The full acquisition of Schroders Personal Wealth, now rebranded as Lloyds Wealth, aims to enhance the group's wealth management capabilities and customer propositions [6][52] - The company is advancing its digital asset strategy, including partnerships for tokenized deposits and FX derivatives, which are expected to drive customer opportunities [7][59] - The management remains confident in achieving its 2026 targets, including a RoTE exceeding 15% and capital generation above 200 basis points [88] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment regarding the additional £800 million charge related to motor commissions but remains confident in the underlying business performance [4][31] - The company expects continued growth in net interest income and margin despite headwinds from mortgage refinancing [74] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining cost discipline while driving income growth and capital generation [21][31] Other Important Information - The total provision for potential motor commission remediation costs has reached £1.95 billion, reflecting the adverse outcomes anticipated from FCA proposals [23][68] - The company is focused on integrating the newly acquired wealth management business and enhancing customer propositions [55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sensitivity around motor finance provision - Management indicated that the current provision of £1.95 billion is based on scenario analysis and reflects the adverse end of expected outcomes from FCA proposals [36][37] Question: Expectations for net interest margin (NIM) growth - Management confirmed expectations for NIM to increase in Q4, driven by structural hedge contributions, and anticipates continued growth into 2026 [40][41] Question: Wealth management strategy and inorganic expansion - Management expressed satisfaction with the acquisition of Lloyds Wealth and emphasized focusing on organic growth rather than inorganic expansion at this stage [51][55] Question: Nonbanking funding costs and trends in other operating income - Management reported that nonbanking net interest income is running about 10% ahead of last year, driven primarily by volume growth rather than rate increases [96][98]

Core Insights - Kazakhstan has launched the Alem Crypto Fund as its first national crypto reserve, selecting BNB as the initial digital asset through a partnership with Binance Kazakhstan [1][2] - The fund aims to serve as a reliable instrument for major investors and a foundation for digital state reserves, potentially facilitating state-level savings in the future [2][3] - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive emphasizes the accumulation of a strategic reserve of promising assets, with up to $1 billion allocated for technological growth in high-tech and fintech sectors [4] Group 1: Fund and Asset Selection - The Alem Crypto Fund is managed by Qazaqstan Venture Group and registered within the Astana International Financial Centre ecosystem [1] - BNB, with a market capitalization exceeding $138 billion, is recognized as one of the most reputable digital assets globally [2] - The selection of BNB marks a significant step towards institutional recognition of cryptocurrencies in Kazakhstan [3] Group 2: Regulatory Framework and Initiatives - Kazakhstan has approved stablecoin payments for regulatory fees, with Bybit being the first exchange to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Astana Financial Services Authority [5] - The regulatory framework allows participants to settle fees in U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins through licensed Digital Asset Service Providers [5][6] - Plans are in place to channel portions of Kazakhstan's gold and foreign exchange reserves into crypto-linked investments [6]

Market Trends & New Entrants - Circle's IPO experienced a 500% increase upon launch [1] - XPL is recognized as the year's most prominent token [1] - Cloudflare's CEO unveiled their stablecoin project this week [1] - USDH has recently been launched [1] - MegaETH announced their USDm stablecoin [1] - A Korean Won stablecoin is in development on Avalanche [1] - Stripe is rumored to be launching a stablecoin early next year [1] Investment & Funding - ZeroHash secured $104 million to develop a stablecoin [1] Regulatory Landscape & Projections - The GENIUS Act was enacted this past summer [1] - The US Treasury Secretary Bessent aims for a total stablecoin supply of $3 trillion by 2028 [1] Industry Outlook - The demand for stablecoin exposure is considered virtually limitless [2] - All major banks are actively exploring their digital asset strategies [2] - The industry is entering a "Stablecoin Supercycle" [2]

Core Insights - ULTRA, Avalanche's tokenized U.S. Treasury fund, aims to enhance the usability of digital dollars by converting traditional U.S. Treasury securities into digital tokens for easier trading and settlement [1] - The stablecoin market, valued at approximately $280 billion, has set a precedent for tokenized assets, prompting asset managers to seek money market exposure [2] - A favorable regulatory environment, including the GENIUS Act, has accelerated interest in digital asset strategies among enterprises and institutions, leading to a sense of urgency in the market [3] Tokenization and Institutional Adoption - Recent institutional investments in tokenized assets on Avalanche, such as SkyBridge's deployment of around $300 million, highlight the growing trend of moving funds on-chain [4] - Asset managers are increasingly inclined to tokenize assets on public networks, which reduces operational friction and allows for lower investment minimums, thereby broadening the investor base [5] - Grove Finance's deployment of $250 million in real-world assets on Avalanche indicates a strategic preference for Avalanche over Ethereum, attributed to its unique infrastructure that supports interoperability [6]

Core Insights - 01 Quantum Inc. is hosting a Crypto Treasury Summit at TOKEN2049 in Singapore on September 30, 2025, focusing on digital asset strategies for public companies [1][2] - The summit will feature discussions on the risks posed by quantum computing to current cryptographic systems and the need for organizations to adapt [3] - qLABS, co-hosting the event, emphasizes the importance of quantum-resilient solutions for managing substantial institutional crypto holdings [2][3] Event Details - The summit will provide insights into treasury management frameworks, security and compliance requirements, and investment trends in digital assets [4][5] - It aims to facilitate networking among leaders in the crypto treasury space, offering competitive intelligence typically reserved for executive briefings [4] - The event will take place at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore and includes an invite-only VIP dinner [7] Company Background - 01 Quantum is recognized for its innovative work in post-quantum cybersecurity, particularly with its IronCAP™ product line, which is patent-protected in the U.S. [8] - qLABS is the first quantum-native crypto foundation, focusing on developing blockchain solutions resistant to quantum computing threats [5][8]