VEON’s Beeline Kazakhstan and Rakuten Symphony Collaborate to Advance Next-Generation Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure

Almaty, Dubai and Tokyo, December 23, 2025: VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator (“VEON”), and Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755), announced today that Beeline Kazakhstan Holding, VEON’s digital operator in Kazakhstan, and Rakuten Symphony, a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore strategic collaboration on next-generation connectivity, digital services, and cloud-native network infrastructure.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation focused on the evolution of modern, software-driven telecom networks and scalable digital platforms. Under this framework, the parties will assess opportunities to deepen collaboration across priority technology areas, including Open RAN architectures, AI-powered network intelligence, next-generation digital platforms, cloud solutions, and global IoT and mobile workforce connectivity.

By combining Beeline Kazakhstan’s strong market position and expanding digital ecosystem with Rakuten Symphony’s experience in cloud-native networks and open, automated architectures, the collaboration aims to support the long-term modernization of connectivity infrastructure and the development of advanced digital services in Kazakhstan.

“Our networks and business models are undergoing a profound transformation driven by cloud, automation and artificial intelligence,” said Evgeniy Nastradin, CEO of Beeline Kazakhstan Holding. “This collaboration reflects our ambition to explore next-generation network architectures and digital platforms that can enhance efficiency, resilience, and customer experience. By pairing our local expertise with Rakuten Symphony’s global innovation capabilities, we seek to unlock new opportunities for Kazakhstan’s digital ecosystem.”

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with VEON through this collaboration with Beeline Kazakhstan, a forward-thinking operator that shares our vision for the future of telecommunications,” said Sharad Sriwastawa, President of Rakuten Symphony. “Today’s announcement underscores our shared commitment to driving the future of telecom with open, cloud-native architectures. By combining our expertise in Open RAN, AI-powered automation, and digital platforms with Beeline Kazakhstan’s local expertise, we aim to deliver innovation and enhanced digital experiences for the region.”

“Beeline Kazakhstan has consistently demonstrated its leadership in translating advanced technologies into meaningful digital services for the people of Kazakhstan and the broader region,” said Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO. “This collaboration will enable us to explore how Rakuten Symphony’s cutting-edge capabilities and business model can enhance Beeline Kazakhstan’s continued network evolution and digital service ambitions. We are delighted to expand our collaboration with Rakuten to a second VEON Group company following Kyivstar Group in Ukraine.”

Kyivstar Group, another VEON Group Company, is already partnering with Rakuten Symphony in Ukraine to explore Open RAN collaboration.

About VEON  

VEON is a digital operator that provides connectivity and digital services to nearly 150 million connectivity and 140 million digital users. Operating across five countries that are home to more than 6% of the world’s population, VEON is transforming lives through technology-driven services that empower individuals and drive economic growth. VEON is listed on NASDAQ. For more information, visit: https://www.veon.com.

About Beeline Kazakhstan

Beeline Kazakhstan serves 11.9 million customers with mobile connectivity and around one million with fixed internet services. Since 2018, the company has been executing its digital operator strategy. Over the past five years, leveraging its expertise in digital solution development, Beeline Kazakhstan has created an ecosystem of 60 internal and external products. Beeline Kazakhstan is majority-owned by VEON.

About Rakuten

Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to 2 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has around 30,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.  

About Rakuten Symphony

Rakuten Symphony is reimagining telecom, changing supply chain norms and disrupting outmoded thinking that threatens the industry’s pursuit of rapid innovation and growth. Based on proven modern infrastructure practices, its open interface platforms make it possible to launch and operate advanced services in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional approaches, with no compromise to network quality or security. Rakuten Symphony has operations in Japan, the United States, Singapore, India, South Korea, Europe and the Middle East Africa region. For more information about Rakuten Symphony’s offerings, visit: https://symphony.rakuten.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

This release contains “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of the Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to VEON’s strategic ambitions and changes in technology. There are numerous risks, uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed by such statements, including risks relating to VEON’s strategic ambitions and changes in technology, among others discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in VEON’s 2024 Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 25, 2025 and other public filings made by VEON with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release and VEON disclaims any obligation to update them, except as required by law.

Contact Information

VEON 
Hande Asik
Chief Communications and Strategy Officer
[email protected]

Attachment



Burning Rock Announces Results of 2025 Annual General Meeting

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Burning Rock Biotech Limited (NASDAQ: BNR, the “Company” or “Burning Rock”), a company focusing on the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the field of precision oncology, today announced that all shareholder resolutions proposed at the Company’s 2025 annual general meeting held today were duly passed. Specifically, the shareholders passed the following resolutions:

  1. as an ordinary resolution, THAT the appointment of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP as auditor of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025 be ratified and that the directors of the Company be authorized to determine the remuneration of the auditor;
  2. as an ordinary resolution, THAT Feng Deng and Licen Lisa Xu be re-elected as directors of the Company; and
  3. as an ordinary resolution, THAT each of the directors of the Company be authorized to take any and all action that might be necessary to effect the foregoing resolutions as such director, in his or her absolute discretion, thinks fit.

About Burning Rock

Burning Rock Biotech Limited (NASDAQ: BNR), whose mission is to guard life via science, focuses on the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the field of precision oncology. Its business consists of i) NGS-based therapy selection testing for late-stage cancer patients, and ii) cancer early detection, which has moved beyond proof-of-concept R&D into the clinical validation stage.

For more information about Burning Rock, please visit: ir.brbiotech.com.

Contact: [email protected]



UPDATE — OBOOK Holdings Inc. (OWLS) issues Year-End CEO Letter to Shareholders

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  OBOOK Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OWLS) (the “Company” or “OwlTing”) today issued Year-End Letter to Shareholders from its Founder and CEO, Darren Wang.

Dear Shareholders,

I have spent the past twelve years in the blockchain industry.

Over that time, I have witnessed multiple waves of technological change — and I have seen the same technology lead to very different outcomes. Some chose to chase market momentum and short-term gains. Others chose to invest their time and resources in work that was less visible, but built to endure.

During these twelve years, the question I have been asked most often is simple: “Why not move faster?”

It is a fair question, and one we have thought about deeply.

From the very beginning, I made a deliberate choice. I did not want to build increasingly complex, well-packaged financial products. I wanted to solve a real problem — one that exists in everyday life, yet has never been properly addressed.

A Problem Everyone Has Experienced

Consider a simple, familiar situation.

In 2025, sending a WhatsApp message to someone on the other side of the world takes one second and costs nothing. Yet sending money to that same place often takes days and comes with meaningful fees.

Why can information move instantly, while money cannot? Why can’t money move as easily as a message?

This is not a technological limitation. The technology required for real-time value transfer has existed for years. The real constraint is responsibility.

Every movement of money carries obligations—anti-money-laundering requirements, source-of-funds verification, consumer protection, financial stability, and coordination across regulatory systems. For good reason, money must move within strict legal and licensing frameworks.

We do not view these frameworks as unreasonable barriers. On the contrary, they are what make financial systems trustworthy over the long term.

The true challenge is not bypassing regulation, but operating within it while meaningfully improving speed, cost, and reliability.

That challenge is precisely why OwlTing exists.

Long-Term Value as Our North Star

We believe the ultimate measure of our success is whether we create long-term value for our shareholders—much like Amazon, whose focus has always remained on durable, long-term outcomes.

That value comes from raising competitive barriers, entering markets early, and building positions that can be sustained over time. A strong global footprint enables higher-quality revenue, more stable cash flows, and more efficient capital deployment.

Because we take a long-term view, many of our decisions—and the way we evaluate trade-offs—differ from those of other companies. We believe it is important to share this philosophy clearly with our shareholders:

  1. We remain uncompromising in our compliance-first, technology-driven approach, and we open these standards and capabilities to companies across industries to help them grow responsibly.
  2. Our investment decisions are guided by long-term market leadership, not short-term profitability or market reactions.
  3. We operate with disciplined cost management while preserving a builder’s culture, recognizing that financial resilience depends on operational rigor.
  4. We prioritize hiring exceptional talent and emphasize equity ownership over cash compensation, because great people ultimately determine long-term shareholder value.

These principles have guided our development for more than a decade, and they continue to define how we operate today.

Looking Back: Slow, but Built to Last

Over the past five years, we deliberately chose a slower—but structurally sound—path. Nearly every major decision came down to one question: Will this still make sense five or ten years from now?

Rather than chasing visibility or momentum, we focused on fundamentals: building systems correctly, completing licensing frameworks, and laying infrastructure designed for long-term use.

Over the past year in particular, we intentionally slowed down further to deepen our foundation. Most of our time and resources were dedicated to two areas that may not attract attention—but ultimately define long-term potential.

1.   Building the Rails for Money Movement

We chose to work with the most established and reliable partners in the financial ecosystem, rather than taking shortcuts.

Through our integration with Visa Direct, we expanded the role of card networks. Historically, cards were primarily tools for spending. Today, they can also be used to receive and move funds — allowing individuals and businesses to participate in cross-border money movement through existing card infrastructure.

At the same time, we integrated Stellar and the Circle Payments Network (CPN) and partnered with Cross River Bank, enabling USDC to move compliantly, in real time, and 24/7 between blockchain networks and the traditional banking system.

These integrations are not flashy. But they make stablecoins usable in real financial workflows — where repeat usage by banks and enterprises truly matters.

2.   Completing the Compliance “Passport”

If technology is the rail, compliance is the passport. Without it, even the fastest system cannot enter the mainstream financial system.

We have invested more than four years—and significant resources—building this foundation:

In the United States, we maintain money transmitter licenses (MTLs) in 39 states, covering the vast majority of major U.S. markets, and continue to expand and update our regulatory footprint as requirements evolve.

In Japan, we currently hold one API-based funds transfer license, with two additional payment and remittance licenses under active review.

In Europe, we hold a VASP license and are progressing with regulatory upgrades and consolidation.

These licenses are among OwlTing’s quietest assets — but also its most critical. They determine not only what we are permitted to do, but whether institutions can trust us and adopt our infrastructure over time.

Our Focus for 2026: Lowering the Barrier to Stablecoin Access

As the foundation comes into place, our next priority is not adding complexity — but removing friction.

We want businesses and consumers to benefit from the speed and cost efficiency of stablecoins through familiar tools, whether debit cards or credit cards, without needing to understand the underlying infrastructure.

The user experience does not need to change. What changes is the settlement speed, cost structure, and reliability behind the scenes.

OwlTing is building financial infrastructure.

Like subways or highways, much of the work remains invisible until enough people rely on it. That is when the value becomes clear.

We cannot promise that every step will generate headlines. But we can promise that our decisions are made with the next decade in mind — and that they are built to withstand scrutiny over time.

If you are willing to take a longer-term view of this journey, we are deeply grateful for your trust.

The real challenge is not getting started. It is becoming something others can depend on.

2025 was a meaningful year for OwlTing. We completed a major transition in our business model and clarified the long-term path we are building toward. We are sincerely thankful to our users and shareholders—our progress this year and in the years ahead would not be possible without your support.

This is still Day 1.

Darren Wang

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

OwlTing Group (OBOOK Holdings Inc.)

About OBOOK Holdings Inc. (OwlTing Group)

OBOOK Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OWLS) is a blockchain technology company operating as the OwlTing Group. The Company was founded and is headquartered in Taiwan, with subsidiaries in the United States, Japan, Poland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia. The Company operates a diversified ecosystem across payments, hospitality, and e-commerce. In 2025, according to CB Insights’ Stablecoin Market Map, OwlTing was ranked among the top 2 global players in the “Enterprise & B2B” category. The Company’s mission is to use blockchain technology to provide businesses with more reliable and transparent data management, to reinvent global flow of funds for businesses and consumers and to lead the digital transformation of business operations. To this end, the Company introduced OwlPay, a Web2 and Web3 hybrid payment solution, to empower global businesses to operate confidently in the expanding stablecoin economy. For more information, visit https://www.owlting.com/portal/?lang=en.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “aim,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “likely,” “potential,” “project,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that such expectations will prove correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from those anticipated and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement filed with and declared effective by the SEC and other filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov.

OBOOK Holdings Inc. Media Relations

Michael Hsu, Public Relations Director
[email protected]



PG&E Announces Automatic Bill Credits for Customers Impacted by San Francisco Power Outage

PR Newswire

Immediate financial relief — no action required — for customers affected by the December 20 outages 

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced it will issue customer credits to residential and business customers affected by the power outage that occurred in San Francisco on December 20, 2025.

The intent is to provide meaningful, timely relief without requiring customers to take additional steps. In response to the outage, PG&E is making these credits available to help offset the inconvenience and disruption caused by the event. Residential customers will automatically receive a $200 bill credit, and business customers will receive an approximately $2,500 credit. Customers don’t need to file a claim or take any action; credits will appear on bills as “Customer Satisfaction Adjustment.” If customers choose to, they can also pursue a separate claims process for extended outages.

“We recognize the significant impact this outage had on our customers, and we are committed to providing immediate and meaningful support,” said Vincent Davis, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “We are making this as fast and easy as possible for our customers. The credits are one way we are working to restore trust and ensure our customers receive the assistance they deserve.”

PG&E will also reach out directly to inform customers about the credits.

PG&E remains dedicated to the safety, reliability and well-being of the communities it serves. The company is conducting a thorough review of the outage and will continue to invest in infrastructure and response strategies to minimize future disruptions.

For the latest updates, customers are encouraged to visit PG&E’s official website and follow the company’s social media channels.

About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pge-announces-automatic-bill-credits-for-customers-impacted-by-san-francisco-power-outage-302648400.html

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company

THE KYLN HOTEL SUZHOU CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING, JOINING THE JDV BY HYATT BRAND

PR Newswire

The contemporary, 327-room hotel and apartments offer vibrant style and comfort in the heart of Suzhou’s Xiangcheng District

CHICAGO, Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announces the opening of KYLN Hotel Suzhou under the JdV by Hyatt brand. Located in the Xiangcheng District of Suzhou, China and in close proximity to world-renowned heritage sites and the scenic Yangcheng Lake, the hotel is the true reflection of the city’s lively neighborhoods — inviting guests and locals alike to connect, live in the moment and celebrate the joy of life. In Suzhou, tradition and modernity intersect, weaving together stories of ancient Imperial Kiln Brick craftsmanship, an electric urban vibe, and natural attractions into one destination.

KYLN Hotel Suzhou blends traditional and modern influences throughout the hotel rooms and apartments, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage and innovation. Situated within the Chun Shen Li Commercial Center in the Xiangcheng District, the hotel is designed for business, leisure, and extended stays, where guestrooms offer a harmonious and comfortable retreat. Dedicated to thoughtful hospitality for all, KYLN Hotel Suzhou is pet-friendly, welcoming both guests and their four-legged companions.

“We are delighted to introduce KYLN Hotel Suzhou, a hotel that captures time-honored traditions and the dynamic spirit of the city. Nestled amid the urban life of Suzhou, it is a place where our guests can unwind, connect, and be inspired in a space designed for comfort and creativity,” said Eric Gong, General Manager, KYLN Hotel Suzhou.

Timeless Guestrooms and Apartments

KYLN Hotel Suzhou features 327 guest rooms, suites, and apartments designed as “homes for modern creators.” Each space reflects a harmonious fusion of softness, warmth, and artisanal craftsmanship, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to evoke the spirit of Suzhou’s makers — highlighting their dedication, precision, and creativity. Inspired by the city’s Imperial Kiln Brick heritage, the design integrates raw, natural materials such as clay and wood, creating an ambiance that feels both grounded and inspiring.

Designed by the internationally acclaimed HBA, the hotel’s interiors reinterpret traditional craftsmanship through a modern lens, blending science, art, and the human touch. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of Suzhou’s skyline, while flexible layouts and eco-friendly materials embody a refined balance between comfort, functionality, and emotional resonance — offering guests a serene retreat where creativity and modern living meet.

Culinary Experiences

KYLN Hotel Suzhou showcases a medley of traditional and modern flavors across three dining venues serving both classic Chinese and international cuisines. CHROMA Chinese Restaurant, open daily for lunch and dinner only, specializes in Boat Cuisine, using seasonal ingredients to reimagine the dishes and flavors once served along Jiangnan’s waterways. J Noodle Bar serves noodle dishes, Suzhou-style dim sum, and tea-infused cocktails in a lively setting, daily. Open daily for breakfast and all-day à la carte dining, Cai Lian 1090 utilizes premium, seasonal ingredients in its wide selection of Chinese and international dishes, served in a design-forward space inspired by the city’s aesthetic.

Wellness & Health Facilities

The hotel’s leisure and fitness facilities are designed for rejuvenation and holistic health. The Yuan Fitness Center is fully equipped with the Johnson brand’s cardio and strength training equipment, providing guests with an urban escape to connect with the mind and body. The Cheng Fitness Center offers the ultimate wellness retreat with a Pilates studio and multi-use spaces for private training classes. Both centers are filled with natural light and comfortable furnishings, providing a tranquil environment for guests.

Meetings, Events, and Weddings

Supported by professional event planning and culinary teams that work closely with guests to perfect every detail, from decorations to gourmet menus, KYLN Hotel Suzhou offers 7,534 square feet (700 square meters) of conference space, a ballroom, and five multipurpose rooms.

World of Hyatt Gives Members More Reasons to Stay Somewhere New

In celebration of the JdV by Hyatt brand’s continued growth in Asia, World of Hyatt is providing members with even more ways to be rewarded with the opportunity to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at KYLN Hotel Suzhou from December 23, 2025 to March 31, 2026 – part of World of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer. Additional participating hotels and their offer stay periods can be found at New Hotels Bonus Offer | World of Hyatt. No registration is required, and members can earn on top of other offers. Terms apply.

For more information or to book a reservation, please visit www.hyatt.com/jdv-by-hyatt/en-US/suzjd-kyln-hotel-suzhou

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.


About JdV by Hyatt

The JdV by Hyatt brand offers a collection of independent hotels that exhibit personality and joy. True to its namesake, joie de vivre, the properties are vibrant reflections of their surroundings, inviting guests to embrace discovery in their travels. Enjoy World of Hyatt benefits with eligible stays at JdV by Hyatt hotels – discover more here.


About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2025, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 82 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com

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SOURCE KYLN Hotel Suzhou, part of JdV by Hyatt

Eminence Capital Sends Open Letter to GPK Shareholders Calling Out Factually Inaccurate and Misleading Statements by GPK Board

PR Newswire

Reiterates Call for Shareholders to Demand Reinstatement of Mike Doss

NEW YORK, Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eminence Capital, LP (“Eminence”), a private investment firm that beneficially owns approximately 4.2% of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK) (“GPK” or the “Company”), today sent an open letter to GPK’s Shareholders in response to what it believes is a factually inaccurate and misleading letter the Board wrote on December 19, 2025, to justify the replacement of CEO Mike Doss with Robbert Rietbroek.

Eminence finds the Board’s December 19 letter to be a disingenuous, wholly inadequate attempt to legitimize a rushed and fundamentally flawed leadership transition process that replaced the CEO whose strategic decisions left GPK better positioned than ever.  Eminence believes the Board is using Mike Doss as a scapegoat.  Eminence asserts that Robbert Rietbroek has a pattern of leaving his employers in a worse place than when he inherited them and whose sole experience as a public company CEO was marred by failure.

The full text of the letter is below.

December 22, 2025

To the Shareholders of Graphic Packaging Holding Company,     

Graphic Packaging Holding Company (“GPK” or the “Company”) shareholders should not be fooled by the factually inaccurate and misleading letter the independent directors of GPK (including Phil Martens) filed on Friday evening, December 19, 2025, to justify the replacement of Mike Doss with Robbert Rietbroek.  We are writing to directly address the Board’s letter so shareholders know the facts and understand the kind of Board they are dealing with – disingenuous, uninformed and wholly inadequate.

The Board’s letter to shareholders states: “However, we recognize that our recent performance has not met expectations, as reflected by the nearly 50% decline in our share price over the past year. While external factors such as macroeconomic headwinds and industry-wide shifts have played a role, the Board has the responsibility to understand those dynamics and oversee the process to ensure that decisive actions are taken to restore value and deliver on our Vision 2030 goals. The decline in stock price, among others, was a clear signal that meaningful change was required.” 

This statement perfectly encapsulates the fundamental problem with the Board: They don’t understand the Company or the industry, and they are using Doss as a scapegoat.   Any reasonable industry observer knows that the stock’s year-to-date performance is a result of industry oversupply and not a result of mis-execution. The macroeconomic headwinds and industry-wide shifts haven’t just “played a role” – they tell the story. It should come as no surprise to shareholders that the Board fails to understand this: following Dean Scarborough’s abrupt departure in August, there are no GPK directors (other than Doss) with any packaging experience.  For the Board to cast blame for the stock price performance on Doss is preposterous and only serves to damage their credibility as stewards of your capital.

With Doss, GPK had never been better positioned competitively despite the tough industry backdrop. In fact, the Board agreed with this view as recently as one month ago as an investor presentation from November 2025 states: “Graphic Packaging has the assets, the capabilities, and the team needed to achieve Vision 2030 goals, and to generate cash well in excess of reinvestment needs.” What could have possibly changed so dramatically in one month?

Under Doss’s watch, GPK has built the most cost-effective manufacturing footprint in the industry in Kalamazoo and Waco.  The Company exited the Augusta mill at a heroic price in 2024, acquired AR Packaging to build out a European converting footprint and increased vertical integration in the US with several tuck-in acquisitions. GPK has never been better positioned as a result of the strategic decisions made by Doss. In 2026, the Company is forecasting over $2.25 in free cash flow per share at the trough of the cycle while the competition is feeling severe pain: Clearwater Paper is burning cash, Smurfit WestRock is not earning its cost of capital in the acquired Westrock consumer business, according to GPK Investor Relations, and Sappi has suspended its dividend and been issued a leverage warning. Yes, the industry has its challenges at the moment, but as the industry’s low-cost producer GPK can stay the course and focus on superior execution while this oversupply situation is sorted out.

We find it curious that Chairman Phil Martens never mentioned the stock price decline as a reason for Doss’s exit in our December 12th call with him, and that the Company had not previously made it part of their public messaging to shareholders.  Why now, only after the Board is under attack for this decision, is stock price part of the Board’s narrative?

This statement also raises the question: what stock price decline would the Board tolerate before making a major decision to replace a respected 35-year company veteran as CEO? The stock was only down -18% year-to-date at the end of August and then began a steady decline in September and October to near current levels.  When did the Board even begin to discuss whether it should take “decisive actions… to restore value and deliver on our Vision 2030 goals?” When exactly was “the decline in stock price…a clear signal that meaningful change was required?”  How could the Board have conducted a thorough CEO search process – which, at a minimum, should have included engaging a search firm to do an extensive search, conducting first-round interviews with a large sample of candidates, narrowing down the field through further interview rounds (including a broader subset of the Board), engaging in deep background and reference checking, performing psychometric testing, and deliberating on the impacts to Company culture and morale – all within such a short timeframe, IF the stock hadn’t fallen to that nearly 50% level until the end of October?

In short, the Board’s after-the-fact justification is a transparent attempt to add a veneer of credibility to what appears to be a rushed and manipulated process with a predetermined outcome.  That is why we made a Section 220 demand for books and records regarding the process that culminated in the Board’s replacement of Doss with Rietbroek to understand whether—as we strongly suspect—the Board’s process lacked the level of substance and rigor such a momentous decision demands and whether the Board was motivated in making its rushed decision by concerns other than the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

The Board’s letter also states: “Under Robbert’s leadership, Quaker Foods North America, a reported sector of PepsiCo, achieved significant volume and revenue growth over his five-year tenure.

We have reviewed the PepsiCo filings and note that volume definitively did not grow over Rietbroek’s five-year tenure at Quaker – it actually significantly declined, even though Rietbroek inherited a re-based margin structure thereby allowing proper growth investments and was the beneficiary of a Covid bump. In addition, just one month after Rietbroek announced he was leaving Quaker to join Primo Water as CEO, Quaker announced the largest product recall in its history that caused significant pressure on the segment’s financial results in the following year including massive drops in revenue, organic growth, and volume.

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023


2024

Quaker revenue

2,465

2,482

2,742

2,751

3,160

3,101


2,676

Quaker EBIT

644

546

674

578

611

628


507


EBIT margin


26 %


22 %


25 %


21 %


19 %


20 %



19 %

revenue growth

1 %

10 %

0 %

15 %

-2 %


-14 %

organic growth

1 %

11 %

0 %

13 %

0 %


-14 %



organic volume



0 %



10 %



-7 %



-3 %



-5 %



-14 %


organic price


1 %


0 %


7 %


16 %


5 %



0 %


* all dollars in millions; data from company filings.

The Board’s letter further states: “During his tenure as CEO of Primo Water and Primo Brands, the company grew volume, market share and earnings, improved EBITDA margins and earned recognition as one of America’s Greenest Companies by Newsweek.”

These comments are entirely misleading since the growth in volume, market share, earnings and EBITDA margins were largely driven by a transformational acquisition. That same acquisition has been an unmitigated disaster which has caused a more than 50% decline in PRMB’s stock, led to the filing of numerous class action lawsuits and resulted in Rietbroek’s firing from that company.

Despite the Board’s attempt at framing Rietbroek’s prior experience as positive, one fact is clear and unavoidable: there is a pattern of him leaving his employers in a worse place than when he inherited them.

Unfortunately for shareholders, the directors are not willing to admit their critical mistake and would prefer to double-down on their disastrous decision to replace Doss with Rietbroek by making disingenuous and misleading statements.  Shareholders deserve better.

Over the last several weeks, we have heard from many shareholders, former employees, former Board members and other industry constituents.  Not one of them thinks replacing Doss with Rietbroek is the right decision.  It is our understanding that senior leadership inside the Company has expressed deep concern with the CEO transitions.  In fact, the ONLY people we know that think this is the right decision is this weak, misguided and poorly-advised Board.

We, the shareholders, will ultimately bear the costs of the Board’s mistake. The Board (excluding Doss) has no real skin in the game, collectively owning less than 500,000 shares in the Company, yet is making highly disruptive C-suite changes that will dramatically impact the future of this great company in a negative manner. 

All shareholders should immediately demand the Board reinstate Doss as CEO before any long-term damage occurs to GPK.  We urge shareholders who are similarly concerned about the CEO transition and the actions of this Board to make their voices heard.

Sincerely, 

Ricky Sandler
CEO and CIO

About Eminence Capital, LP
Eminence is a global asset management firm founded in 1999 that currently manages approximately $7.4 billion. Eminence’s investment approach is anchored in bottom up fundamental research seeking to identify “quality value” investment opportunities.

Disclaimer

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any state to any person. In addition, the discussions and opinions in this press release and the material contained herein are for general information only, and are not intended to provide investment advice. All statements contained in this press release that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are “forward-looking statements,” which are not guarantees of future performance or results, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “potential,” “should,” “could,” “threatens,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this press release and the material contained herein that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, speak only as of the date of this press release and involve risks that may cause the actual results to be materially different. Accordingly, any analyses should also not be viewed as factual and also should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future results. Eminence disclaims any obligation to update the information herein and reserves the right to change any of its opinions expressed herein at any time as it deems appropriate.

Media Contacts
Jonathan Gasthalter/Nathaniel Garnick
Gasthalter & Co.
+1 (212) 257-4170

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SOURCE Eminence Capital, LP

JHX Deadline: JHX Investors Have Opportunity to Lead James Hardie Industries plc Securities Fraud Lawsuit

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) between May 20, 2025 through August 18, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important December 23, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased James Hardie common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the James Hardie class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 23, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, James Hardie Industries plc misled investors about the strength of its key North America Fiber Cement segment between May 20 and August 18, 2025. Despite knowing by April and early May that distributors were destocking inventory, James Hardie falsely claimed demand remained strong and that stock levels were “normal.” When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the James Hardie class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com

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SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

LG Display unveils world’s first 240Hz RGB stripe OLED panel

PR Newswire

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Display, the world’s leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it will debut the world’s first 27-inch 4K OLED panel for monitors featuring an RGB stripe structure and a 240Hz refresh rate at CES 2026, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics exhibition.

The RGB stripe structure arranges the three primary color subpixels — red, green, and blue — in a straight line, significantly reducing visual distortions such as color bleeding and fringing, even at close viewing distances.

Although OLED panels using the RGB stripe method existed before, their maximum refresh rate reached around 60Hz, making them unsuitable for use as gaming monitors.

LG Display’s new panel is the first in the world to achieve a 240Hz refresh rate while maintaining an RGB stripe structure. It incorporates the company’s specialized Dynamic Frequency & Resolution (DFR) technology, allowing users to directly switch between high-resolution (UHD 240Hz) and high-refresh-rate (FHD 480Hz) modes.

This product’s high refresh rate not only delivers optimal performance in first-person shooter (FPS) games and other applications that require rapid screen transitions, but it is also optimized for operating systems such as Windows and for font-rendering engines, ensuring excellent text readability and high color accuracy. Featuring a high pixel density of 160 pixels per inch (ppi), this panel additionally provides exceptional detail and precision.

With its plan to initially introduce the new pixel structure in its high-end gaming and professional monitor panels, LG Display will actively promote the technology at the upcoming CES 2026 as part of its strategy to expand its customer base and product lineup.

Existing high-end Gaming OLED monitor panels have primarily used RGWB structures, which include a white subpixel, or configurations where RGB pixels are arranged in a triangular pattern.

As LG Display developed its new pattern optimized for monitor use, it applied various new technologies — such as increasing the aperture ratio, which is the proportion of the pixel area that emits light. As a result, it achieved the world first of implementing both an RGB stripe structure and a high refresh rate simultaneously.

The company is actively targeting the high-end monitor market, mass-producing about 30% of the panels for the OLED monitor global market. In particular, among Gaming OLED panels currently in mass production, LG Display holds the world’s top titles in all major specs — including highest refresh rate, response time, and resolution — affirming its overwhelming technological leadership.

“Technology is the foundation of leadership in the rapidly growing OLED monitor market,” said Lee Hyun-woo, Head of the Large Display Business Unit at LG Display. He added, “We will continue to strengthen our global leadership by focusing on differentiated technologies compared to competitors, technologies that customers want, and technologies with strong business potential.”

About LG Display

LG Display Co., Ltd. [NYSE: LPL, KRX: 034220] is the world’s leading innovator of display technologies, including thin-film transistor liquid crystal and OLED displays. The company manufactures display panels in a broad range of sizes and specifications primarily for use in TVs, notebook computers, desktop monitors, automobiles, and various other applications, including tablets and mobile devices. LG Display currently operates manufacturing facilities in Korea and China, and back-end assembly facilities in Korea, China, and Vietnam. The company has approximately 70,707 employees operating worldwide. For more news and information about LG Display, please visit www.lgdisplay.com.


Media Contact:

Joo Yeon Jennifer Ha, Team Leader, Communication Team
Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE LG Display

Lattice to Showcase its Latest FPGA Technology Innovations at the International VLSID Conference

Lattice to Showcase its Latest FPGA Technology Innovations at the International VLSID Conference

‒ Pravin Desale, Head of R&D, to Deliver Keynote on Growing Need for Low Power FPGAs ‒

‒ Multiple Technical Sessions Focused on Edge AI, Sensor Fusion, System Design, and More ‒

HILLSBORO, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ: LSCC), the low power programmable leader, today announced its exhibition plan for the upcoming International VLSID Conference taking place January 3 – 7, 2026 in Pune, India.

As part of the event, Lattice Senior Vice President of Research and Development Pravin Desale will deliver a keynote presentation exploring the market dynamics and trends that are positioning low power FPGAs at the forefront of technological advancements. Lattice will also have track sessions and panel discussions on low power FPGAs and AI from edge to cloud, and technology demonstrations with industry partners focused on advanced automotive and robotics applications.

  • Who: Lattice Semiconductor
  • What / When (GMT+2):
    • Lattice Demo Showcase (Major Stall #B1), Jan 5 – 7

    • Keynote
      • Jan. 5, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at Main Auditorium

        • “Powering the Future – How Low Power FPGAs are Shaping Tomorrow’s Tech Landscape” by Pravin Desale, Head of R&D, Lattice Semiconductor

    • Track and Panel Discussions
      • Jan. 3, 2 – 3:30 p.m. at Hall-3

        • “FPGA-Based System Design for VLSI Engineers: Leveraging Lattice Solution”

      • Jan. 6, 1:50 – 2:40 p.m. at Main Auditorium

        • Next Generation Semiconductor Solutions for AI for Hyperscale and Edge Applications”
      • Jan. 6, 5:25 – 5:55 p.m. at Sabha 1

        • Breaking Barriers: “Building Resilient Careers in Semiconductor Industry”

  • Where:
    • Pune, Maharashtra, India.

The International VLSI Design & Embedded Systems conference focuses on the latest advancements in VLSI and Embedded Systems, and is attended by over 2,000 engineers, students & faculty, industry, academia, researchers, bureaucrats, and government bodies.

Supporting Resources

About Lattice Semiconductor

Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ: LSCC) is the low power programmable leader. We solve customer problems across the network, from the Edge to the Cloud, in the growing Communications, Computing, Industrial, Automotive, and Consumer markets. Our technology, long-standing relationships, and commitment to world-class support let our customers quickly and easily unleash their innovation to create a smart, secure, and connected world.

For more information about Lattice, please visit www.latticesemi.com. You can also follow us via LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, WeChat, or Weibo.

Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, Lattice Semiconductor (& design), and specific product designations are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. The use of the word “partner” does not imply a legal partnership between Lattice and any other entity.

GENERAL NOTICE: Other product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective holders.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sophia Hong

Lattice Semiconductor

503-268-8786

[email protected]

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Rick Muscha

Lattice Semiconductor

408-826-6000

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States India North America Asia Pacific Oregon

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Networks Internet Hardware Electronic Design Automation Robotics Technology Automotive Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor Engineering Other Automotive Manufacturing

MEDIA:

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FCPT Announces Acquisition of an Applebee’s Property for $4.3 Million

FCPT Announces Acquisition of an Applebee’s Property for $4.3 Million

MILL VALLEY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Four Corners Property Trust (NYSE:FCPT), a real estate investment trust primarily engaged in the ownership and acquisition of high-quality, net-leased restaurant and retail properties (“FCPT” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce the acquisition of an Applebee’s property for $4.3 million. The property is located in a strong retail corridor in California and franchisee-operated by Flynn Group under a triple net lease with approximately seven years of term remaining. The transaction was priced at a 6.2% cap rate on base rent and a 7.4% cap rate inclusive of estimated percentage rent both as of the closing date and exclusive of transaction costs.

About FCPT

FCPT, headquartered in Mill Valley, CA, is a real estate investment trust primarily engaged in the ownership, acquisition and leasing of restaurant and retail properties. The Company seeks to grow its portfolio by acquiring additional real estate to lease, on a net basis, for use in the restaurant and retail industries. Additional information about FCPT can be found on the website at www.fcpt.com.

Category: Acquisition

Four Corners Property Trust:

Bill Lenehan, 415-965-8031

CEO

Patrick Wernig, 415-965-8038

CFO

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: REIT Restaurant/Bar Retail Commercial Building & Real Estate Construction & Property

MEDIA: