CN to Invest $165 Million in Manitoba to Build Capacity and Power Sustainable Growth

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today plans to invest approximately $165 million CAD in Manitoba, as part of its 2025 capital investment program. This investment will support track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives in the province, including upgrade projects to improve operations of rail yards in Winnipeg. These investments will help ensure the safe movement of goods and support long-term sustainable growth in Manitoba and across CN’s network.

“We believe that investing in our network is about building for the future. Our continued infrastructure investment in Manitoba will help strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of our network across the province. Our focus remains on providing exceptional service to our customers and supply chain partners, supporting strong economic growth for North America and across the communities where we operate.”

     – Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of CN

“The Government of Manitoba celebrates CN and their continued investment in strategic railway projects and infrastructure to ensure the safe movement of goods across the province. Railways are essential to supporting trade in getting goods to market and an important local employer; CN’s investment in sustainable infrastructure will strengthen Manitoba’s position as an economic partner and create growth opportunities that will benefit all Manitobans.”

     – Lisa Naylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Government of Manitoba

In 2024, CN invested approximately $200 million CAD in Manitoba for track maintenance and key infrastructure initiatives. Highlights of this investment include:

  • Over $16 million for signals and communications upgrades to improve the safety of our operations
  • Approximately $12 million for the acquisition of equipment, such as tractors and trailers deployed in Manitoba and across CN’s network



Manitoba in Numbers:

  • Employees: approximately 2,269
  • Railroad route miles operated: 860
  • Community investments: $923,000 in 2024
  • Local spending: $1 billion in 2024
  • Cash taxes paid: $75 million in 2024



CN Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements by CN included in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “outlook,” “plans,” “targets,” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

About CN

CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.



Contacts:



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Investment Community

Ashley Michnowski Stacy Alderson
Senior Manager Assistant Vice-President
Media Relations Investor Relations
(438) 596-4329 (514) 399-0052
[email protected] [email protected]



EXL named Microsoft Solutions Partner for Data and AI

Designation underscores EXL’s digital innovation and proven success delivering data and AI solutions for global clients

NEW YORK, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a leading data and AI company, announced it has been recognized as a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Data and AI. This designation acknowledges EXL’s advanced capabilities in helping clients manage data across systems and build transformative analytics and AI solutions on Microsoft platforms.

This designation highlights EXL’s technology capabilities, high-level digital talent, and proven track record for enabling customer success with Microsoft products and platforms. Through close collaboration with Microsoft, EXL is uniquely positioned to deploy innovative tools and solutions for its clients.

“We’re always looking for ways to better serve our clients data and AI goals,” said Baljinder Singh, executive vice president and global chief information officer at EXL. “Receiving this Microsoft Solutions Partner designation is yet another advancement in how we’re able to help deliver better customer experiences, data-driven decisions, and AI-powered operating models.”

As part of this accreditation, EXL has expanded its digital offerings in Microsoft Azure Marketplace, launching three innovative solutions that demonstrate the company’s industry expertise in data and AI.

  • EXL Code Harbor™ – Code Harbor is a Generative AI-powered solution leveraging multi-agent framework that accelerates the platform migration journey, as well as enhances data and code governance. It leverages multiple agents designed specifically for code assessment, code conversion, optimization, governance, data lineage and automated testing. It addresses the manual effort involved in the large-scale transformation process, resulting in accelerated delivery, reduced costs, and higher accuracy. Learn more about the Code Harbor listing here.
  • EXL Value-Based Care Analytics Solution – Value-Based Care (VBC) shifts the healthcare focus from volume to value, prioritizing quality outcomes and cost efficiency over traditional fee-for-service models. To succeed in VBC, providers managing global or partial patient risk require advanced analytics solutions. At EXL, we empower healthcare providers with data-driven insights, AI, and cloud technologies to excel in value-based care initiatives. Learn more about the VBC listing here
  • EXL Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) – plays a vital role in maintaining financial stability and streamlining operations. A well-optimized RCM process—from patient registration to final payment—helps minimize denials, accelerate collections, and improve overall financial health. EXL leverages its deep expertise in healthcare and AI to optimize the revenue cycle management operations. The solutions seamlessly integrate into customers Azure Cloud environment, enhancing financial performance, reducing denials, and improving operational efficiency. Learn more about the listing here.

“Our collaboration with EXL is centered on helping organizations reimagine how they use data and AI to solve real-world challenges,” said Irina Ghose, managing director, Microsoft India & South Asia. “By combining Microsoft’s cloud and AI capabilities with EXL’s solutions, we’re enabling businesses to move faster, operate smarter, and unlock new opportunities for growth.”

“Achieving this recognition as a Microsoft Solutions Partner reinforces our commitment to driving success through strong partnerships and innovative technology,” said Singh. “We are excited to continue elevating our transformational solutions we provide as part of the Microsoft ecosystem.”

EXL reimagines what is possible with Microsoft Azure, helping to reshape how companies can build smarter, faster, AI-driven enterprises. Learn more about our Azure Marketplace listings here.

About EXL

EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

Contacts

Media

Keith Little
+1 703-598-0980
[email protected]

Investor Relations

John Kristoff
+1 212 209 4613
[email protected]



UBS Declares Quarterly Coupon Payment on Exchange Traded Note: AMUB

UBS Declares Quarterly Coupon Payment on Exchange Traded Note: AMUB

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
UBS Investment Bank today announced coupon payments for the ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Series B (NYSE Arca: “AMUB”), traded on the NYSE Arca.

NYSE

Ticker

ETN Name and Prospectus Supplement*

Coupon

Valuation

Date

Ex-

Date

Record Date

Payment

Date

Coupon

Amount

Payment

Schedule

Current Yield

(annualized)**

AMUB

ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Series B

5/15/25

5/29/25

5/29/25

6/6/25

$0.3085

Quarterly

6.31%

* The table above provides a hyperlink to the relevant prospectus and supplements thereto. For more information on the ETRACS ETN, see ”List of ETNs.”

**”Current Yield (annualized)” equals the current Coupon Amount, multiplied by four (to annualize such coupon), divided by the Closing Indicative Value of the ETN on its current Coupon Valuation Date rounded to two decimal places for ease of analysis. The Current Yield is not indicative of future coupon payments, if any, on the ETN. You are not guaranteed any coupon or distribution amount under the ETN.

About ETRACS

ETRACS ETNs are senior unsecured notes issued by UBS AG, are traded on NYSE Arca, and can be bought and sold through a broker or financial advisor. An investment in ETRACS ETNs is subject to a number of risks, including the risk of loss of some or all of the investor’s principal, and is subject to the creditworthiness of UBS AG. Investors are not guaranteed any coupon or distribution amount under the ETNs. We urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement for the ETRACS ETN.

UBS AG has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus and supplements thereto) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offerings of securities to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, along with the applicable prospectus supplement to understand fully the terms of the securities and other considerations that are important in making a decision about investing in the ETRACS ETN. The applicable offering document for the ETRACS ETN may be obtained by clicking on the name of the ETRACS ETN identified above. You may also get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The securities related to the offerings are not deposit liabilities and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction.

About UBS

UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. It also provides diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. UBS manages 6.1 trillion dollars of invested assets as per fourth quarter 2024. UBS helps clients achieve their financial goals through personalized advice, solutions and products. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the firm is operating in more than 50 markets around the globe. UBS Group shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

In the US, securities underwriting, trading and brokerage activities and M&A advisor activities are provided by UBS Securities LLC, a registered broker/dealer that is a wholly owned subsidiary of UBS AG, a member of the New York Stock Exchange and other principal exchanges, and a member of SIPC (http://www.sipc.org/). UBS Financial Services Inc. is a registered broker/dealer and affiliate of UBS Securities LLC.

This material is issued by UBS AG and/or any of its subsidiaries and/or any of its affiliates (“UBS”). This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of UBS as of the date of writing and are subject to change. It has been prepared solely for information purposes and for the use of the recipient. It does not constitute an offer or an invitation by or on behalf of UBS to any person to buy or sell any security. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable but UBS does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof. Products and services mentioned in this material may not be available for residents of certain jurisdictions. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Please consult the restrictions relating to the product or service in question for further information. Alerian MLP Index and AMZ are trademarks of VettaFi and their use is granted under a license from VettaFi. VettaFi owns and administers the Alerian Index Series.

UBS specifically prohibits the redistribution or reproduction of this communication in whole or in part without the prior written permission of UBS and UBS accepts no liability whatsoever for the actions of third parties in this respect.

© UBS 2025. The key symbol, UBS and ETRACS are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of UBS. Other marks may be trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

_______________________________
1 Individual investors should instruct their broker/advisor/custodian to call us or should call together with their broker/advisor/custodian.

 

Media contact

Alison Keunen

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Marriott International Signs Agreement to Debut St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Brand in Costa Rica

PR Newswire

Combining timeless glamour and vanguard spirit, the property is anticipated to offer exquisite experiences in one of the world’s finest addresses starting in early 2027.


PLANTATION, Fla.
, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) announced today a signed agreement with Solana PA, S.R.L. to debut the iconic St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica. The development of this visionary project, which will span 20 hectares on the Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste region, is expected to begin in July of this year, with a planned opening in early 2027.

“This extraordinary development underscores our continued commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio in key destinations across the Caribbean and Central America,” said Uriel Burak, Marriott International Vice President, Development, Caribbean and Latin America (CALA). “Costa Rica continues to experience growing demand for high-end travel and residential offerings, and we are proud to work with Solana PA, S.R.L. to bring the first St. Regis hotel and residences to Costa Rica.”

“We are honored to bring the iconic St. Regis brand to Costa Rica and to create a landmark destination in one of the most exceptional oceanfront settings in the region,” said Alberto Halabe, Partner at Solana. “This project reflects our deep appreciation for Costa Rica’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. Together with Marriott International, we look forward to delivering a resort and residential experience that embodies the spirit of Pura Vida through the unmatched elegance and service of St. Regis.”

Inspired by the local culture and its ocean surroundings, the new-build St. Regis Papagayo is slated to feature 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units, offering unequaled luxury experiences for guests and residents alike. The hotel expects to offer six distinct culinary venues, including Casa Club for casual gourmet dining; The Cliff, inspired by Japanese and Costa Rican influences; a Beach Club & Grill; and the signature St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy. Other planned amenities include the St. Regis Library, multiple swimming pools, a spa, an exclusive beach club, and 7,750 ft2 of indoor space and 2,475 ft2 of outdoor space for meetings and banquets space for celebrations and exquisite gatherings.

Strategically located between Panama Bay and Culebra Bay, just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport, the St. Regis Papagayo will offer 634 linear yards of beachfront and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort will expand the luxury enclave in Papagayo, further solidifying the area’s reputation as a premier luxury.

This new project arrives at a time of significant potential for luxury experiences in Costa Rica. The esteemed Mexican architecture firm, Sordo Madaleno, will bring this vision to life. They are currently designing several luxury resort projects with Marriott, including the St. Regis Costa Mujeres and a dual-brand luxury development in Costa Mujeres.

Promising maximum luxury and comfort in every detail, Gensler Mexico City has been selected as the principal interior design firm. Maat Handasa will lead the landscape architectural project, TalentChef will act as a food and beverage consultant, and Ana Ramirez of Ancestral Handmade Hotels will contribute her expertise as a wellness consultant. GFG Securities LLC advised Solana PA, S.R.L. in the negotiation of the St. Regis agreements and the successful debt raise for the project.

The St. Regis brand in currently features six landmark hotels and resorts across the CALA region. The St. Regis Papagayo marks a significant milestone in Marriott’s luxury expansion in Costa Rica, as the company debuts the timeless elegance and innovative spirit of The St. Regis brand to the country, offering guests unparalleled experiences in this stunning destination.

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

ABOUT ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS
Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at 65 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis Hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

ABOUT GFG SECURITIES

GFG Securities, LLC (“GFG Securities”) is a boutique real estate investment banking firm assisting public and privately owned businesses with domestic and international investment banking services, including equity and debt capital raising, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic consulting services. Headquartered in Miami, FL, GFG Securities has acted as the primary liaison in debt and equity capital raising transactions exceeding $3 billion, with transaction values between US$20 million and US$500 million. Visit www.GFGSecurities.com for more company information.

 

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

Kimberly-Clark Foundation Awards 30 Bright Futures Scholarships to High School Seniors

PR Newswire


DALLAS
, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kimberly-Clark today announced the recipients of its Bright Futures college scholarships, awarding 30 high school seniors from across North America. These students, children of Kimberly-Clark employees, were selected based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, work experience, and extracurricular activities.

Now in its 33rd year, the Bright Futures program provides scholarship grants worth up to $20,000, or $5,000 per school year, for full-time students attending accredited colleges and universities. Administered by the Kimberly-Clark Foundation, the program has awarded nearly $50 million in scholarships to more than 2,400 students since its inception.

“The Bright Futures scholarship program exemplifies our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies and communities, and we are proud to support their journey toward academic and professional success,” said Kurt Laufer, Interim President, Kimberly-Clark North America. “We believe in their potential to make a significant impact in the world, and we are excited to see what they will achieve.”

The average GPA for this year’s Bright Futures scholarship class is 3.98. Awardees will attend leading colleges and universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Wheaton College, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Wisconsin. Past scholarship recipients have gone on to pursue successful careers in medicine, education, the armed forces, and engineering.

For more information on this year’s award recipients, click here.

About the Kimberly-Clark Foundation

Established in 1952, the Kimberly-Clark Foundation is the charitable arm of Kimberly-Clark Corporation and is dedicated to supporting global causes that create lasting social change.  Together with funding from the corporation and employees, its primary focus is on social impact investments that help advance essential care for women and girls on their journeys through puberty and motherhood.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the seventh year in a row and one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

[KMB-C]

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

LexisNexis Risk Solutions Launches New ADAM Program Interactive Dashboard to Help Recover Missing Children

PR Newswire

New Tool Empowers the Public to Search Geo-Targeted Alerts on Missing Children – Released in Honor of National Missing Children’s Day and the Program’s 25th Anniversary


ATLANTA
, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LexisNexis® Risk Solutions has announced the launch of a powerful new Interactive Dashboard designed to aid in the recovery of missing children. This innovative, AI-driven tool allows the public to easily search geo-targeted alerts sent through the ADAM Program (Automated Delivery of Alerts on Missing Children) and view missing child posters by location, and other filters.

The release of the dashboard coincides with National Missing Children’s Day and marks the 25th anniversary of the ADAM Program, which quickly distributes geo-targeted posters from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). Importantly, the posters contain a photo of the missing child and case details, which are then delivered to communities across the nation.

“This dashboard brings a new level of accessibility to our efforts to help recover missing children,” said Trish McCall, co-founder of the ADAM Program. “For 25 years, the ADAM Program has been about quickly getting information into the hands of people who can help. Now, with the dashboard, anyone can take action right from their devices— and view missing child posters in their area which they can easily share on social media and help be part of the solution to bring missing children home.”

The ADAM Program uses technology to distribute missing child posters quickly to individuals, businesses, and organizations within a targeted geographic area. With the addition of the new dashboard, users can now actively browse real-time cases, deepening public engagement in the search for missing children.

“I am a supporter of child protection efforts, and I praised this initiative. This dashboard is a shining example of how technology can serve our most vulnerable. The ADAM Program has a proven track record of helping to recover missing children, and this new tool will empower even more citizens to help bring missing children back to safety. I’m proud to stand with The ADAM Program and NCMEC on this milestone,” U.S. Representative Rich McCormick said.

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions

LexisNexis Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data, sophisticated analytics platforms, and technology solutions to provide insights that help businesses across multiple industries and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (LSE: REL/NYSE: RELX), a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit LexisNexis Risk Solutions and RELX.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Grigas Richman

LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Mobile: +1.678.906.9073

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SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Lexin Delivers Strong Q1 2025 Results with Profit at a Three-Year High, Highlighting the Growing Strength of Its Multi-Business Ecosystem

Shenzhen, China, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 22, LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (“Lexin” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: LX), a leading new-consumer digital technology service enabler in China, released its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The revenue reached RMB 3.1 billion, while profit (Non-GAAP EBIT) surged to RMB 580 million, up 104.7% year-over-year and 25.3% quarter-over-quarter. Against a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainties, the Company has demonstrated strong resilience in business operation, achieving its highest quarterly profit in 13 quarters. Lexin’s strategy of dual-driven risk control and data management, along with refined operations, has begun to yield preliminary results.

  

In terms of asset quality, in Q1, Lexin’s early-stage risk metrics for newly originated assets, FPD7 (First Payment Default 7), declined by 5% quarter-over-quarter. The delinquency rate for overall assets under management dropped by 11% QoQ, while the 90+ day delinquency rate fell by 9% QoQ, reflecting significant improvementsin the quality of both new and existing assets. Regarding financial metrics, the Company’s profit margin (net profit/average loan balance) rose by 21% QoQ, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of substantial improvement.  

In terms of funding costs, it decreased by 2.3% QoQ, extending a seven-quarter streak of declines.

 

Concerning the business scale, Lexin’s transaction volume in Q1 reached RMB 51.62 billion, with managed outstanding loan balance reaching RMB 107.33 billion. The total number of users grew to 232 million, up by 8.1% year-over-year. Despite uncertainties in the business environment, stable scale and strong earnings growth underscored the Company’s operational resilience. 

With this stunning business performance, following the previous announcement in last November to raise its cash dividend payout ratio, Lexin has disclosed in its quarterly report that it will further increase dividend payout ratio. Effective from the second half of 2025, the cash dividend payout ratio will increase from 25% to 30% of total net profit. This marks Lexin’s second dividend hike in six months, highlighting its commitment to shareholder returns and long-term confidence in the Company’s growth.  

“Amid external uncertainties, including macroeconomic challenges, our strong Q1 performance demonstrates the success of our strategic transformation over the past two years, centered on risk-driven, data-driven, and refined operations. We have now navigated this challenging transformation and embarked on a new phase of high-quality development,” Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lexin, said.  

“In the forthcoming quarters, despite challenges such as macroeconomic volatility and industry shifts, we are implicitly confident in achieving significant year-over-year net profit growth for the full year, supported by our enhanced capabilities, unique advantages in multi-business ecosystem, and substantially improved operational strength and resilience,” he added. 

Dual-Drive Strategy Fuels Leap in Core Capabilities, Injecting Dynamic Momentum into Performance Growth  

The financial report shows that Lexin invested RMB 156 million in R&D in Q1, which marks a 15.3% year-over-year increase, maintaining its position as an industry leader. Powered by the dual-drive strategy of risk control and data management, the company’s underlying capabilities have achieved continuous advancement, driving sustained high-speed performance growth.  

Lexin has completed a comprehensive upgrade of its risk control system, achieving high synergy between risk management and business operations. In Q1, the company increased investment in data algorithms, enhancing its ability to identify and differentiate customer segments at various stages, with a 10% improvement in segmentation accuracy. It also conducted deep joint modeling with channel partners, leveraging both third-party and proprietary data to improve model performance. By embedding model-based decision-making into the customer acquisition process, Lexin strengthened its competitiveness in user acquisition. It has also witnessed significant progress in developing intelligent risk control tools, including the development of “Credit Limit Robot” and “Pricing Robot”, which can provide highly tailored offers to users and significantly improve decision-making efficiency and precision. The company has also focused on optimizing the quality of existing assets, employing automated asset inspection tools to manage high-risk users through measures such as exclusion and credit limit reductions. Additionally, Lexin’s multi-dimensional AI-powered anti-fraud model and real-time behavior monitoring system have enabled comprehensive fraud risk surveillance and effective interception, reducing the overall fraud incidence rate by 30% year-over-year. With enhanced risk identification capabilities, key risk indicators are expected to maintain a positive trajectory.  

 

Lexin has been actively engaged in exploring the integration of AI and digital finance, restructuring business processes to establish a full-chain quantitative operation analysis system. In Q1, the company introduced advanced large models such as DeepSeek R1 and QWen3, refining its locally deployed “Singularity” AI model through a “data distillation + domain fine-tuning” framework. Such cutting-edge technologies have already found their way into enhanced R&D efficiency, internal tools, and business empowerment. Furthermore, Lexin developed an AI Agent system equipped with financial adaptive capabilities using reinforcement learning algorithms and financial knowledge distillation, now being tested and applied in the assisted generation of pre-loan strategy to augment policy iteration efficiency. The deep integration of AI across business scenarios supports Lexin’s digital and intelligent development, further refining its capabilities in precision operation.

Synergistic Advantages of Ecosystem Businesses Become Evident, Driving Consumption Growth and Supporting SME Development  

In Q1, Lexin’s installment retail business, personal consumption credit business, and inclusive finance business all achieved solid progress. Installment retail business recorded a transaction volume of RMB 1.126 billion, up by 16.2% QoQ. Personal consumption credit business has continued to make progress in refined operation, improving customer acquisition efficiency. In inclusive finance business, Lexin has further optimized risk control strategies for customer acquisition while maintaining profitability. The development of ecosystem businesses and the enhancement of underlying capabilities have strengthened synergies across different business domains, constituting Lexin’s differentiated competitive advantage and contributing to the consumption growth and micro and small business development.  
Fenqile Mall, Lexin’s installment retail platform, targets high-quality and fast-growing young customers. Through the restructuring of the risk management system, supply chain upgrades, expanded user engagement, and improved consumption experiences, the Mall has registered significant Q1 transaction growth. Also in Q1, precision customer segmentation has been realized to match differentiated e-commerce products and financial services, thus increasing the installment approval rates. Lexin has also enhanced supply chain development. The “Zhenpin Hui” program has introduced first-tier authorized suppliers of premium brands in apparel, esports, and sports, all of which are categories popular among young consumers. Through the “Factory Direct” model, the Mall has further diversified product offerings, now covering 366 sub-industries and nearly 330,000 merchandise items, thus significantly enriching supply chain variety.  

In Q1, in the sector of personal consumption credit business, “FlexiLoan” was launched, which is an on-demand credit product aligned with its “Easy Spending, Flexible Liquidity” philosophy, catering to young users’ needs for instant borrowing and longer repayment terms. FlexiLoan, alongside Lexin Gold Card, Lexin Liquidity, and Lexin Huaka, formed a diversified product matrix. By optimizing credit limits, interest rates, and tenures based on segmented customer demands, Lexin has enhanced its offer competitiveness, significantly boosting user retention and engagement. 

Lexin’s Fenqile Inclusive Finance, which aims to empower micro and small businesses, actively advances notions of financial inclusiveness and expands into lower-tier cities in Q1. Its risk control approach based on “quantitative + interactive manual review” precisely tailors credit limits for qualified users, balancing risk mitigation with market competitiveness. Under the “Believe in Small Dreams” initiative, the Fenqile Inclusive Finance has deepened penetration in industrial clusters of small and self-employed businesses in lower-tier cities, connecting 150,000 micro and small businesses with approximately RMB 4.3 billion in funding. Over 70% of Q1 transactions originated from fourth-tier cities and below, bridging the last-mile financial service gap for underserved regions.  

In the overseas business sector, in Q1, Lexin upgraded its financial products in Mexico and Indonesia, refined its middle-office risk systems, and enhanced its customer acquisition channels. Overseas customer acquisition costs dropped by 19% QoQ, while profitability improved. Leveraging its decade-long fintech expertise in risk control, technology, and back-end systems, Lexin is accelerating its strategic expansion in additional international markets.  

Lexin consistently attaches great importance to the protection of consumer rights. In Q1, it deployed new tools such as AI-powered large models to optimize services of user touchpoints, such as App, enterprise WeChat, on-duty customer service, etc. Such tools can promptly address service bottlenecks to earn greater consumer trust. Moving forward, Lexin will continue strengthening its consumer protection capabilities by employing digital and systematic methods to deliver secure and seamless financial experiences for consumers.



Chuanda Xu
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd
chuandaxu (at) lexin.com

CN to Invest $615 Million in British Columbia to Build Capacity and Power Sustainable Growth

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today plans to invest approximately $615 million CAD in British Columbia, as part of its 2025 capital investment program. This investment will support strategic infrastructure initiatives in the province, including many multi-year projects to increase fluidity in the Vancouver corridor and build capacity along CN’s network from Prince Rupert and across Western Canada. These projects will help ensure the safe movement of goods and support long-term sustainable growth in British Columbia and across CN’s network.

“We believe that investing in our network is about building for the future. Our continued infrastructure investment in British Columbia will help strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of our network across the province. Our focus remains on providing exceptional service to our customers and supply chain partners, supporting strong economic growth for North America and across the communities where we operate.”

– Tracy Robinson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CN

“CN’s investment reflects the vital role British Columbia plays in Canada’s transportation and trade network. Strengthening rail infrastructure across our province, in both urban centres and smaller communities, will enhance supply chain resiliency and ensure goods move efficiently and reliably.”

– Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit, Government of British Columbia

In 2024, CN invested approximately $554 million CAD in British Columbia for track maintenance and key infrastructure initiatives. Highlights from this investment include:

  • Over $22 million for siding extension projects to help provide additional fluidity along key corridors from the Port of Vancouver to Kamloops and north to Fort St John.
  • Advancing projects to improve fluidity and capacity in the Greater Vancouver area, such as a $7.6 million initial investment in the multi-year Holdom Overpass project, and $2 million for enhancements to the Thornton Tunnel, as well as another $7 million for upgrades to both the Lulu Island and Fraser River Bridges.

British Columbia in Numbers:

  • Employees: approximately 2,698
  • Railroad route miles operated: 2,797
  • Community investments: $2.7 million in 2024
  • Local spending: $559 million in 2024
  • Cash taxes paid: $241 million in 2024

CN Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements by CN included in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “outlook,” “plans,” “targets,” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

About CN

CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.




Contacts:


 


Media



Investment Community

Ashley Michnowski Stacy Alderson
Senior Manager Assistant Vice-President
Media Relations Investor Relations
(438) 596-4329 (514) 399-0052
[email protected] [email protected]



Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners Agrees to Sell Seven Seas Water

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners Agrees to Sell Seven Seas Water

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM), through investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (MSIP), its private infrastructure investment platform, today announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its ownership stake in Seven Seas Water Group (Seven Seas Water or the Company) to the EQT Infrastructure VI fund (EQT).

Seven Seas Water Group is a developer, owner, and operator of water and wastewater treatment plants across North America, including the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with over 220 plants currently under management. Through its Water-as-a-Service® (WaaS®) model, the Company delivers reliable, safe, and environmentally compliant water and wastewater treatment to a diverse customer base, including governmental, municipal, industrial and hospitality clients. The Company’s desalination and wastewater treatment plants sign long-term, inflation-linked contracts with take-or-pay minimum volume commitments creating stable, predictable cashflows. Operating in some of the most water-challenged geographies, Seven Seas Water ensures availability for potable and clean water, while maintaining its more than 20-year track record of high uptime, strong customer retention and a world-class health, safety, and environmental (HSE) performance.

The Company is the result of a business separation from non-infrastructure activities which was conducted shortly after a public-to-private transaction. Under MSIP’s ownership, Seven Seas Water has experienced substantial growth expanding its footprint in the United States, particularly Texas, scaling to become the North American Water-as-a-Service® leader. The Company recently secured several high-profile long-term contracts, including with the South Texas Water Authority (STWA), as well as successful project delivery for the City of Alice in Texas.

“Seven Seas Water exemplifies the infrastructure characteristics we prioritize – essential services, long-term inflation-protected cashflows, and operational excellence,” said Alberto Donzelli, Managing Director and Co-Head of Europe for Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners. “The Company’s Water-as-a-Service® model has proven highly effective across diverse markets, and we are proud to have supported their evolution into a market-leading platform.”

Markus Hottenrott, Chief Investment Officer for Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, added: “Seven Seas Water is another example of MSIP’s differentiated ability to execute corporate carve-outs and business separations, successfully conduct take-private transactions, build institutional-grade platforms and work with management teams to drive operational excellence. We are pleased to have created a resilient infrastructure business that delivers an essential service to communities and industries across North America and beyond.”

About Seven Seas Water Group

Seven Seas Water offers WaaS® solutions by providing outsourced water treatment and wastewater treatment and reuse solutions for governmental, municipal, industrial, property developer and hospitality customers. The Company’s water treatment solutions utilize seawater reverse osmosis and other purification technologies to produce potable and high purity industrial process water in high volumes for customers operating in regions with limited access to potable water. Seven Seas Water’s wastewater treatment and reuse solutions include scalable modular treatment plants, field-erected treatment plants and temporary bypass plants that are used by our customers to treat and convert wastewater into effluent or reclaimed water prior to being released back into the environment. Some of the Company’s wastewater and reuse solutions are provided by AUC Group, a Houston, TX based subsidiary.

About Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (MSIP) is a leading global private infrastructure investment platform with approximately $18 billion in assets under management since inception. Founded in 2006, MSIP has invested in a diverse portfolio of over 40 investments across transport, digital infrastructure, energy transition and utilities. MSIP targets assets that provide essential public goods and services with the potential for value creation through active asset management. For further information about Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, please visit www.morganstanley.com/im/infrastructurepartners.

About Morgan Stanley Investment Management

Morgan Stanley Investment Management, together with its investment advisory affiliates, has more than 1,400 investment professionals around the world and $1.6 trillion in assets under management or supervision as of March 31, 2025. Morgan Stanley Investment Management strives to provide outstanding long-term investment performance, service, and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide. For further information about Morgan Stanley Investment Management, please visit www.morganstanley.com/im.

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

Morgan Stanley Media Relations Contact:

Alyson Barnes

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Personal Finance Finance Other Energy Utilities Professional Services Energy Other Natural Resources Other Professional Services Natural Resources

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L3Harris Marks Major Milestone for New Solid Rocket Motor ‘Factories of the Future’ in Virginia

L3Harris Marks Major Milestone for New Solid Rocket Motor ‘Factories of the Future’ in Virginia

CULPEPER, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has broken ground on the construction of five new solid rocket motor facilities in Virginia that will boost production to support key national defense programs. The new facilities will incorporate modular factory design, robotic flex cells, automated, progressive casting and improved handling and assembly throughout the production line.

“L3Harris’ growth in Virginia is another solid example of how we’re expanding our rocket motor manufacturing infrastructure to support the nation’s defense propulsion needs,” said Ken Bedingfield, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “Made possible through a Defense Production Act Title III cooperative agreement, this expansion will complement an existing 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space, supporting some of the most advanced propulsion research and production in the world.”

L3Harris’ site in Virginia hosts the company’s Center of Excellence for Propellant Research and Small to Medium-sized Solid Rocket Motor Production. The expansion includes a 12,000 square foot, state-of-the-art solid rocket motor cast and assembly facility, as well as a control room, facilities to support mixing and grinding operations and upgrades to the site’s motor testing capabilities. The consolidated cast and assembly building will centralize production of a critical program under one roof, reducing the distance motors travel during manufacturing by 90%.

“L3Harris’ continued expansion in Virginia underscores the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in safeguarding our nation’s security,” said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “With a world-class workforce, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a strategic East Coast location, Virginia offers the ideal environment for defense and aerospace leaders like L3Harris to grow and drive innovation for the future.”

“I’m proud of Virginia’s continued leadership in the defense sector, which is made possible in part through crucial investments like L3Harris’ new solid rocket motor facilities,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. “I’ll keep looking for opportunities to support Virginia’s robust defense industry—a core pillar of Virginia’s economy and a key component of our military readiness.”

“Thrilled to see L3Harris expand its presence in Virginia and continue to strengthen our defense industrial base,” said Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va. “This investment in Orange County will support the world-class research and manufacturing coming out of Virginia, while also creating valuable jobs for American workers.”

“This investment by L3Harris underscores how the Seventh Congressional District, and Virginia overall, remains a great place to build systems critical to our national security. This project will yield exactly the kind of smart, strategic growth we need in the Seventh District to strengthen our national security, rebuild America’s defense industrial base, and build key components for munitions such as the Javelin,” said Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Va. “As an Army veteran and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will prioritize supporting projects that ensure our service members have the tools they need to keep our country safe — while creating more good jobs right here in the Seventh.”

“Investment in key capabilities for domestic defense production is integral to our efforts to continue to support warfighter requirements,” said Greg Davis, Acting Director, Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. “It’s also an important component to the Department’s priority of revitalizing the defense industrial base.”

L3Harris is also modernizing and expanding its solid rocket motor production in two other states. The company is constructing new solid rocket motor facilities in Camden, Arkansas, and is transitioning production of inert components for critical missile systems to align with the sites’ core competencies in Huntsville, Alabama. The company is already ramping up production due to digital process improvements as well as new tooling and equipment.

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about future capacity are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Media Contacts:

Jessica Carlton

Aerojet Rocketdyne

[email protected]

256-513-2220

Sara Banda

Corporate

[email protected]

321-306-8927

KEYWORDS: United States North America Virginia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Defense Contracts Homeland Security Congressional News/Views Public Policy/Government Aerospace Manufacturing Government Technology White House/Federal Government Defense

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