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MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Leading global logistics service provider Rhenus Group has officially opened a new warehouse in Philippines’ Paranaque, Metro Manila. This marks the company’s effort to expand its presence as a leading logistics player in the Philippines, with plans to add more warehousing space in the near future.

The warehouse is strategically located in NCR, close to major business districts and offers excellent access to major transport routes via direct access from SLEX Sucat. The brand new 7,320 sqm multi-user warehouse facility features a very high ceiling of around 20m with full insulation. It has the highest level of structural integrity and meets very high safety and security standards. Some of the features include Optical Beam Smoke Detectors, Sprinklers, mechanical cross ventilation system, fully enclosed gated compound, 24×7 security guards, full CCTV coverage with 60 days video retention, intruder alarm system, etc.

With a focus on sustainability, the warehouse utilizes LED lighting, solar panel provision, and a skylight to harness natural light, in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The warehouse is in the process of obtaining ISO certifications in Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems.

The new warehouse expands the footprint of seven existing facilities across Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, strengthening nationwide coverage and smooth integration with global supply chains.

The freight and logistics market size in the Philippines is estimated at USD 16.20 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 21.60 billion by 2031^[1].

“Rhenus Philippines will continue to strengthen our position further in the market. With the opening of this new warehouse, we are moving forward with our plan to continue to invest in modern and state-of-the-art facilities. This allows us to expand our footprint and product portfolio to serve our customers’ requirements with the highest level of efficiency, safety, security, and compliance,” said Deepak Sharma, Managing Director of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Philippines.

Rhenus Philippines has strong expertise in chemical warehousing, consumer goods, machinery and industrial logistics. Together with its freight forwarding entity, it offers a wide range of comprehensive services to customers, including warehousing and distribution solutions, domestic inter-island shipping, customs brokerage, project logistics, as well as air, ocean, and road freight.

More information on Rhenus Philippines is available at:

https://www.rhenus.group/ph/

Hashtag: #Rhenus

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

Leveraging Know Your Customer’s cutting-edge digital compliance platform, DBS Hong Kong will gain real-time access to comprehensive business verification data — including instant retrieval of official company documents and automatic identification of complex ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) networks across more than 140 jurisdictions.

This AI-powered automation addresses the traditionally manual and cumbersome SME onboarding processes by streamlining the end-to-end business KYC process, efficiently verifying corporate structures and ownership, reducing manual effort and accelerating onboarding timelines. The result is significantly enhanced operational efficiency and a faster, more seamless onboarding experience for DBS Hong Kong’s business customers.

[Lareina Wang, Head of SME Banking, DBS Bank Hong Kong] said,

” At DBS Hong Kong, we are dedicated to reimagining the customer onboarding experience through continuous digital innovation. By engaging Know Your Customer, we leverage advanced technology to streamline CDD workflows, delivering faster service to our customers. This collaboration also represents a major advancement in automating SME onboarding processes that have historically been complicated and manual, solidifying SME banking position of DBS in the market of Hong Kong. “

Claus Christensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Know Your Customer, added,

“Our service provided to DBS Hong Kong exemplifies how financial technology can simplify complex onboarding challenges. With our global data coverage and AI-powered automation, we empower DBS Hong Kong to accelerate KYC processes and provide business customers with an unrivalled onboarding journey. Together, we are shaping the future of digital banking.”

In recognition of its visionary digital strategy, DBS Hong Kong was named Asia’s Best Digital Bank in 2025 by Euromoney. The bank also continues to lead digital innovation, evidenced by over 70% of Hong Kong SMEs already integrating or exploring AI and digital technologies as part of their operations, according to its recent SME survey.

This transformative collaboration underscores DBS Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to innovation and delivering safe and trusted digital onboarding solutions in Asia’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Hashtag: #KnowYourCustomer

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025. In 2026, DBS won the “Triple A award – Best Digital Customer Onboarding Experience – Hong Kong”

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.

DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About Know Your Customer Limited

Know Your Customer Limited is an award-winning RegTech company specialised in next-generation business verification solutions for financial institutions and regulated organisations worldwide. For teams struggling with inefficient client due diligence and onboarding processes, Know Your Customer offers an intuitive digital compliance workspace that combines unmatched real-time registry data, covering over 140 countries, seamless integrations, and AI-powered smart automation. This streamlined approach transforms the compliance function at its core, allowing customers to customise their solutions by selecting only the functionalities they need, all accessible via a robust REST API.

Founded in Hong Kong in 2015, with a local presence in Singapore, Dublin, London, and Shanghai, Know Your Customer has built a global customer base across 11 verticals and 18 jurisdictions. The company also maintains a wide network of technology and data partners, ensuring high-quality entity data and enhanced compliance processes for its customers.

For more information visit https://knowyourcustomer.comor follow Know Your Customer Limited on LinkedIn or X.

The yuan rebounded in both onshore and offshore trading after the People’s Bank of China lifted its daily midpoint setting by the largest margin in more than six months. The central bank fixed the yuan at 6.9088 per dollar, roughly 148 pips firmer than the previous guidance level, a move interpreted by traders as a deliberate effort to anchor expectations following two sessions of depreciation.

China operates a managed floating exchange rate system in which the yuan is permitted to trade within a band of two per cent above or below the daily midpoint set by the central bank. The fixing therefore serves as a powerful signal to markets about the authorities’ preferred direction for the currency.

Following the adjustment, the onshore yuan strengthened to around 6.88 per dollar during Asian trading hours, while its offshore counterpart posted similar gains. Currency dealers said the stronger guidance helped calm investors after geopolitical tensions and shifts in global risk sentiment had unsettled foreign-exchange markets earlier in the week.

Prior to the short-lived decline, the yuan had been on a sustained upward trajectory for several months, supported by a weaker US dollar, resilient export performance and continued capital inflows into China’s financial markets. The currency reached its strongest level since April 2023 during that rally, prompting concerns among policymakers that rapid appreciation could erode exporters’ competitiveness.

Authorities have responded with a series of calibrated measures aimed at smoothing the pace of currency gains rather than reversing them entirely. Among the most notable steps was the decision to remove a 20 per cent risk-reserve requirement on certain foreign-exchange forward contracts, effectively lowering the cost of betting against the yuan and encouraging market participants to buy dollars.

Analysts say such adjustments illustrate the central bank’s balancing act between maintaining exchange-rate stability and allowing market forces to play a greater role. Officials have repeatedly emphasised the importance of preventing excessive volatility while ensuring the currency reflects underlying economic fundamentals.

Currency strategists note that Beijing has a wide toolkit for influencing the yuan’s trajectory. These tools include modifying the daily reference rate, adjusting foreign-exchange reserve requirements for banks, and guiding state-owned financial institutions to participate in the market when volatility intensifies.

Despite the latest intervention through the midpoint setting, the fixing remained weaker than many market forecasts, highlighting the cautious stance adopted by policymakers. The approach suggests authorities are comfortable with moderate appreciation but wary of rapid movements that could unsettle financial markets or complicate domestic economic management.

China’s export-oriented companies have been particularly sensitive to exchange-rate fluctuations. A stronger yuan reduces the value of overseas earnings when converted into the local currency, potentially squeezing margins for manufacturers and technology firms whose revenues are denominated largely in dollars.

Market participants say the central bank’s latest move aims to reinforce stability while avoiding a signal that authorities intend to drive the currency significantly higher. Such signalling is important in an environment where global investors remain alert to geopolitical developments and shifts in US monetary policy.

The broader international context has also played a role in shaping currency movements. Escalating tensions in the Middle East have fuelled demand for traditional safe-haven assets, including the US dollar, prompting fluctuations across major currency pairs. For China, which relies heavily on imported energy, volatility in global markets can quickly translate into financial-market turbulence.

Attention among investors is now turning to the annual meetings of China’s national legislature and political advisory body, where policymakers are expected to outline economic priorities for the year ahead. The gatherings typically provide guidance on growth targets, fiscal policy and structural reforms that influence expectations for the yuan and other financial assets.

Economists are closely watching signals on monetary policy as well. Some analysts anticipate modest policy easing in the months ahead, including a potential reduction in benchmark lending rates and a cut to banks’ reserve requirement ratios aimed at supporting domestic demand.

For Best Nights VC, the venture capital investment firm of globally known spirits brand Jägermeister, this partnership is a natural strategic fit. Best Nights don’t only happen at home, they happen while traveling, meeting strangers who become friends, and sharing unique experiences in unfamiliar places. Perfectly reflecting BNVC’s Emerging Markets Strategy, Mad Monkey stands out as a hospitality platform that already enables more than one million bed nights for over 115,000 guests a year across seven countries, including the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Australia, creating epic social connections on the journey.

“This investment marks an exciting next chapter for Mad Monkey,” said Tom Edwards, Co-Founder and Director at Mad Monkey. “With the support of EXS and Best Nights VC, we’re excited to continue with our growth plan while staying true to our mission of creating meaningful, inclusive travel experiences. Their shared belief in connection, community, and responsible travel strongly reflects our own values.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Best Nights VC into the Mad Monkey journey,” said Eric Solberg, Founder and CEO of EXS Capital. “Their deep understanding of culture-led consumer brands and their focus on meaningful social experiences make them a natural partner. Together, we see strong alignment in supporting Mad Monkey’s continued expansion and its ability to create safe, high-energy environments for travelers.”

“We’re excited to join EXS in backing Mad Monkey,” said Lorrain de Silva, Managing Director at Best Nights VC. “From empowering solo travelers to creating authentic social connection on the road, Mad Monkey represents exactly the kind of platform we believe in. We’re proud to come on board and contribute to a brand that already delivers more than one million Best Nights every year.”

Mad Monkey embodies the core mission of Best Nights VC: building safe, inclusive, high-energy environments where people connect, celebrate, and discover new cultures together. This investment is anchored in three narrative pillars that define Mad Monkey’s impact and long-term relevance:

Empowering the Solo Traveler

Safety at Mad Monkey is not an add-on, it is the foundation for inclusivity. Especially for first-time and solo female travelers, Mad Monkey offers a trusted and consistent standard across 24 locations in

Southeast Asia. From secure accommodation to strong on-site communities, the brand provides a reliable safety net that enables confidence, independence, and freedom of movement.

Social Tech: Connection Before Arrival

Mad Monkey bridges digital convenience with real-world connection. Through the Mad Monkey App, guests can see their future “tribe” before they arrive. Features such as pre-stay chat and real-time guest transparency allow travelers to start building community even before packing their bags, and allowing an extended user experience beyond the trip – fostering immediate social bonds, accountability, a sense of belonging from day one and lasting connections.

Community Impact

Guided by the belief that “one community shouldn’t ruin it for the next,” Mad Monkey sees itself as a guest in every region it operates. Its CSR initiatives are designed to support local communities and ecosystems rather than exploit them, Mad Monkey is proud to employ 77% of their staff from outside city communities ensuring that the local communities are enriched by the platform too.

Together, Mad Monkey, EXS and Best Nights VC are excited to co-create the next chapter of global backpacker culture, scaling experience-driven hospitality, expanding into new markets, and delivering more moments of joy, connection, and adventure worldwide.

More Best Nights. More global community. More meaningful travel experiences.

www.bestnights.vc
www.madmonkeyhostels.com
https://www.exs.com

Hashtag: #MadMonkey #BNVC #EXSCapital

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

“Effective execution of our strategy drove strong financial performance and higher shareholder returns in 2025, despite a challenging retail environment. Our significant progress made in portfolio simplification creates investment capacity for strategic priorities, enabling greater value for our customers and accretive inorganic opportunities to drive sustainable growth and returns.”

Lincoln Pan

Chairman

DFI RETAIL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

INTRODUCTION

It is my honour and privilege to join DFI Retail Group (‘DFI’ or the ‘Group’) as Chairman of the Board, supporting Group Chief Executive, Scott Price, and his leadership team in executing its strategic priorities and delivering shareholder returns. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to express our gratitude to John Witt for his invaluable contributions to DFI over many years.

As Asia’s leading multi-format retail platform, DFI has a unique set of assets – strong customer trust, an extensive store network across markets, deep data insights from a powerful loyalty programme, and a strengthening Own Brand portfolio – that will serve as a foundation for growth over the coming years.

Amid macroeconomic volatility and evolving consumer needs, the Group has been responding effectively through a stronger value proposition and enhanced omnichannel capabilities. This strategy is yielding early and encouraging results, demonstrated by a 35% increase in underlying profit in 2025. We remain particularly optimistic about the growth prospects in Health & Beauty and Convenience, as well as the opportunities emerging in digital.

I am confident that under the capable leadership of Scott and his team, DFI will continue to deliver retail excellence to customers across Asia while driving long-term value creation and growth.

Under a new 70% dividend payout policy announced in December 2025, the Board recommends a final dividend of US¢10.50 per share (2024 final dividend: US¢7.00).

STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS

Over the course of 2025, the Group executed effectively against its strategic framework of Customer First, People Led, Shareholder Driven. This approach enables DFI to navigate market challenges while capturing opportunities that build on its strong platform for sustainable growth.

The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by shifting consumer behaviour and digitalisation. The Group remains focused on strategic priorities that place customers first – delivering quality, value and convenience in everyday moments. Across its businesses, the Group made good progress in strengthening value propositions, expanding customer reach in growth markets, driving deeper customer engagement with data-driven insights and accelerating digital monetisation. These initiatives enhance its ability to better serve customers and supplier partners while delivering returns to shareholders.

Investing in talent development remains at the top of the agenda. During the year, the Group achieved an improved team member engagement score. Inclusive leadership, a purpose-driven culture and engaged team members are critical to driving stronger performance and delivering exceptional customer experience. In parallel, the Group continues to enhance its organisational agility in meeting customer needs while reducing overhead costs.

In 2025, the Group completed the divestments of minority stakes in Yonghui and Robinsons Retail, as well as Singapore Food business, enabling reinvestment in subsidiary businesses and strategic priorities with stronger growth and return potential. This approach, combined with a sharpened business focus and a strengthened balance sheet, delivered a total shareholder return exceeding 90% in 2025, including the distribution of a US$600 million special dividend in October.

PROSPECTS

Transformation is an ongoing journey for today’s retailers. Serving diverse communities across Asia, where economic conditions and consumer expectations vary widely, the Group must stay agile and locally relevant guided by a customer-first mindset and a disciplined focus on growth opportunities that further build on its competitive advantages. Over the year, DFI has invested in delivering better outcomes for customers through price reinvestment, Own Brand innovation, omnichannel expansion and data-driven personalisation – focus areas that will remain central to its growth plans in the years ahead. An expanded digital ecosystem also unlocks new avenues to drive deeper value for supplier partners and enhance shareholder returns.

I would like to end by expressing the Board’s appreciation to our team members. We could not be more proud of the work they have done over the year, particularly in responding to the deeply tragic Tai Po fire in Hong Kong. Their unwavering dedication to serving our customers across Asia is what will continue to drive our business forward and build long-term value for shareholders.

Lincoln Pan

Chairman

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

INTRODUCTION

We are pleased to close 2025 on a strong note, with underlying profit attributable to shareholders up 35% year-on-year to US$270 million, reaching the high end of our guidance range. This strong performance was driven by a recovery in LFL subsidiary sales, improved margins and proactive portfolio actions, including the divestment of our minority stake in Yonghui.

Customers across Asia, including in our home market of Hong Kong, are increasingly seeking quality and convenience at great value. While macro challenges remain, we are encouraged to see early signs of recovery in key retail segments, including 3% growth in health and beauty sales in Hong Kong, supported by a 12% increase in tourist arrivals. As Asia’s leading multi-format omnichannel retail platform, we are uniquely positioned to meet customers’ evolving needs effectively across all channels through relevant and compelling customer propositions.

With a renewed focus on balancing profitability with capital discipline, the Group ended the year in a net cash position, after distributing a US$600 million special dividend, and delivered a significantly improved return on capital employed (ROCE) of 9.4%. Our strengthened balance sheet allows us to reinvest for growth as we deepen our focus on higher-return subsidiary businesses and strategic priorities that sustain value creation for shareholders. For the full year 2025, we returned a total of approximately US$740 million to shareholders, including the special dividend.

In December, we held our inaugural Investor Day where DFI announced a new dividend policy with an increased payout ratio of 70%. Dividends paid during the year, combined with a share price increase of more than 70%, resulted in a total shareholder return exceeding 90% in 2025. We also outlined our three-year plan for realising our financial ambitions and accelerated growth goals, including a target of US$310-350 million in underlying profit (representing 11% CAGR at the mid-point compared to 2025¹) and an improved ROCE of at least 15% by 2028.

As we enter the new financial year, we remain firmly focused on executing our strategic priorities to drive sustained, profitable growth.

STRATEGIC DELIVERABLES – KEY PROGRESS

Over the past year, we have made significant progress in our transformation from a portfolio business into a strategically focused operating company. We have been advancing our strategy across five key deliverables to create greater value for our customers, supplier partners and shareholders.

Retail Excellence

By delivering best-in-class customer propositions, we see a wide range of opportunities for driving higher store sales density and market share gain across all business segments.

Health & Beauty

Mannings and Guardian continue to strengthen their position as the trusted advisor for wellness, unlocking strong cross-category growth opportunities through an assortment with high functional value across supplements, derma skin care and hair care. Customers across Asia are increasingly shifting to retailers that best fulfil their broad, diverse and unique wellness goals. Our technology-enabled personalised services – including skin, scalp and health assessments – drive higher purchase conversion and basket size by deepening customer understanding of their wellness needs. These capabilities will be expanded to 25% of our Health & Beauty store network to enhance our competitive differentiation and leadership in wellness.

Convenience
7-Eleven is broadening its shopper missions towards higher-margin, non-cigarette categories with a strategic focus on ready-to-eat (RTE) offerings, which accounted for 24% of Convenience sales in 2025. Across markets, consumers are seeking more convenient, high-quality and value-driven meal solutions. The expansion of Food Bars to 1,250 locations in South China and the rollout of RTE-focused store revamp across the entire Hong Kong network by 2028 will further strengthen 7-Eleven’s RTE proposition.

Food

Given consumers’ pivot towards value, continued northbound travel and increasing competition from Chinese mainland e-commerce platforms, the Wellcome team has focused on enhancing food basket value for customers by advancing our Everyday Low Price strategy. Investment in reduced pricing through strategic direct sourcing of core basket items, particularly in fresh, has resulted in a 2% growth in volume driven by higher footfall and increased items per basket. Direct sourcing allowed us to reduce prices while protecting gross profit, resulting in a 30-basis point gross margin improvement. These efforts further supported the narrowing basket price gap compared to the Greater Bay Area to a currently low single-digit price difference².

Home Furnishings

Similar to Food, IKEA has focused on enhancing its affordability and accessibility by reinvesting in the pricing of high-volume products, broadening the range of entry price points, rationalising the tail of slow-selling assortment, and further expanding digital touchpoints through third-party marketplaces. We are also strengthening IKEA Food as a key draw for customers seeking exciting and affordable food experiences as part of their store journey. These efforts are supported by significant cost transformation initiatives across our operating markets.

Own Brand

Our reset in Own Brand strategy across Food and Health & Beauty is driving higher customer loyalty and sales penetration through greater exclusivity and value. By refining our product range to align closely with customer needs and maximising cross-selling across our formats, we achieved meaningful improvements in margins and sales productivity.

Access to Customers

We continue to strategically expand our network in high-growth, profitable markets, primarily through a capex-light franchise model, with 114 net new openings³ in 2025. In particular, we will deepen 7-Eleven’s presence in Guangdong province to around 2,400 stores and expand Guardian’s footprint in Indonesia to approximately 750 stores by 2028.

Omnichannel and Data Ecosystem

DFI’s expanded omnichannel ecosystem is elevating our relevance and engagement with customers, providing us deep data insights across daily consumer needs that few peers in Asia can match. This ecosystem now allows our customers to engage with DFI brands across more than 90 digital channels, including apps, websites, third-party marketplaces, quick-commerce partnership with food delivery platforms and click-and-collect services. Our strengthened digital proposition was underpinned by a 140-basis point increase in online sales penetration to 6.4%⁴ as at year-end 2025, with order volume more than doubled year-on-year. Our overall digital ecosystem, comprising e-commerce, retail media, insights monetisation and yuu, continues to drive improved financial returns for the Group.

Retail Media (DFIQ Media)

Positioned to become Asia’s leading omnichannel retail media network, DFIQ Media offers a differentiated online and offline advertising proposition, enabling brands to execute cross-format campaigns through our digital assets and more than 10,000 in-store digital screens across markets. DFIQ Media delivered strong sales growth, albeit from a low starting base, achieving a fourfold increase in revenue over 2024, supported by proprietary data insights from over 7 million monthly active users across our growing digital portfolio.

DFIQ Portal

We aim to empower our supplier partners with actionable insights that drive greater business impact and better outcomes for customers. The DFIQ Portal – a vendor platform combining DFIQ Media, DFIQ Insights and trade capabilities – was launched in December 2025, providing suppliers real-time access to critical analytics that enables optimised inventory management and more effective strategic planning.

Retail Analytics

Leveraging cross-format data insights from over 5 million yuu Rewards members in Hong Kong, we continue to enhance our assortment and promotional decisions to help expand both in-store sales and gross profit.

Lean & Agile Model

Maintaining a lean and agile operating model is essential to ensuring efficient decision-making in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. Continued cost optimisation and better product sourcing will support both strategic price reinvestment and sustainable margin expansion in the coming years. Overhead reductions are expected to translate into lower SG&A costs beginning 2026. We remain disciplined in capex, driving network growth primarily through a franchise model with a strong focus on paybacks.

Strategic pivot from portfolio to a focused operating company

We conduct strategic reviews of our businesses guided by return on capital and total shareholder return priorities. During the year, we completed the divestment of our minority stakes in Yonghui and Robinsons Retail, as well as our Singapore Food business, generating total gross proceeds of approximately US$1 billion in cash consideration. In line with our capital allocation priorities, these proceeds were redeployed towards debt repayment, resulting in a net cash position of US$70 million as at year-end 2025. In addition, a special dividend of US$600 million was distributed to shareholders in October 2025. The Group remains focused on maximising total shareholder return while maintaining strategic flexibility for inorganic growth opportunities that are accretive to long-term shareholder value.

2025 PERFORMANCE

Total revenue from subsidiaries in 2025 was US$8.9 billion, up 1% on a LFL basis, excluding cigarettes. Organic revenue, excluding divested businesses⁵ for the comparable period, grew 0.5%. Strong sales growth in the Health & Beauty division was offset by lower contributions from other segments.

Excluding the impact of the minority stake divestments in Yonghui and Robinsons Retail completed in 2025, total revenue for the Group, including 100% of associates and joint ventures, remained broadly stable.

The Group reported total underlying profit attributable to shareholders of US$270 million for the year, up 35% year-on-year. This was supported by improved profitability from subsidiary businesses, lower financing costs and higher underlying profit from associates following the divestment of Yonghui.

Underlying profit from subsidiaries was US$183 million, 15% higher than the prior year. This was driven by strong Health & Beauty performance in addition to earnings recovery in Singapore Food and Home Furnishings segment, partially offset by lower contribution from Convenience due to reduced cigarette volume.

The Group’s share of underlying profit from associates was US$88 million, an improvement of US$45 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to the divestment of minority stake in loss-making Yonghui and higher contribution from Maxim’s as a result of improved mooncake sales and restaurant performance in Southeast Asia. Despite challenging trading conditions in Hong Kong and Chinese mainland, Maxim’s delivered profit growth in these regions through cost optimisation.

The Group reported operating cash flow after lease payments of US$430 million, 30% higher than the prior year, supported by underlying operating profit growth. Free cash flow⁶ for the period was US$281 million, up 78% year-on-year. As at 31 December 2025, the Group’s net cash was US$70 million, compared to US$468 million net debt at 31 December 2024.

SUSTAINABILITY

We remain firmly committed to our purpose to sustainably serve Asia for generations with everyday moments – with a focused, balanced, collaborative approach taking into account the macroeconomic environment and consumer sentiment. We are driving progress on our pathway to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline, with our targeted investments in refrigerant emissions management, energy efficiency, and behaviour-change initiatives across our operations gaining momentum throughout the year. From 2025 to 2030, we will further increase the share of renewable energy use in our portfolio, helping to accelerate the energy transition in the key markets where we operate.

As advocates for our customers and the communities we serve, we are committed to delivering affordable, sustainable products. In 2025, we delivered 380 tonnes of Own Brand low-carbon rice to our Hong Kong markets and added multiple products through our Grounds to Green programme to our 7-Eleven RTE range. These award-winning initiatives demonstrate our ability to anticipate customer expectations and deliver on market demands. We maintained strong discipline in waste and packaging management, keeping us on track to meet our 2030 targets.

BUSINESS REVIEW

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Sales for the Health and Beauty division grew 7% year-on-year or 5% on an LFL basis to US$2.6 billion. Underlying operating profit was US$228 million for the year, representing an increase of 8% compared to 2024.

Both Mannings and Guardian achieved strong LFL sales performance, supported by growing wellness sales penetration towards the mid-term target of over 35%. To further strengthen our leadership in wellness – a cross-category opportunity spanning health, beauty and personal care – Mannings and Guardian complemented their wellness-focused assortment with in-store health, skin and scalp assessments in selected outlets. Our personalised consultations and tailored product recommendations deepen our engagement with customers, supporting larger basket sizes and higher purchase conversion.

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #IKEA #yuu #Maxim’s

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DFI Retail Group

By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: The war that began with a lightning decapitation strike has settled into something far more uncertain. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that U.S. military operations against Iran could last “four to five weeks” — and possibly “far longer.” Across the Atlantic, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s decision to […]

The article Trump-Netanyahu’s Iran War May Be Prolonged Involving More Countries appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The sell-off was driven by escalating military strikes between the United States and Israel against Iran, which led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and triggered retaliatory actions across the region. This surge in hostilities has directly affected energy markets, pushing Brent crude oil prices upwards as disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for roughly a fifth of global oil shipments — raised concerns about supply. Higher oil prices have increased input costs for energy-importing economies and amplified inflationary pressures, prompting investors to reassess risk assets.

The immediate impact on Indian markets was stark. On Monday, the Sensex closed more than 1.3 per cent lower, its lowest finish in nearly six months, while the volatility index jumped sharply, reflecting heightened unease among traders. Nifty 50’s weakness on the trading floor mirrored broader pressure across key sectors, with energy, infrastructure and export-linked stocks bearing the brunt as sentiment deteriorated. Safe-haven assets such as gold saw notable gains as buyers sought refuge from equity market turmoil.

Analysts point out that crude oil’s swift ascent — fuelled by concerns over prolonged conflict and chokepoint disruptions — directly affects inflation and corporate margins. India imports a significant share of its crude from the Middle East, meaning sustained higher oil prices could widen the current account deficit and constrain monetary policy flexibility. As the cost of imported fuel rises, transport and manufacturing sectors may face margin pressure, posing broader economic challenges.

Sector-specific reactions were evident as aviation and consumer discretionary firms underperformed sharply, enduring heavier selling than other segments. Airlines canceling or rerouting flights due to closed Middle Eastern airspace compounded operational uncertainties for carriers with significant exposure to that region. By contrast, stocks of certain energy producers saw modest strength, as rising oil benchmarks can enhance their near-term earnings prospects.

Foreign institutional investors have been net sellers, exacerbating downward pressure on domestic bourses. Data from market intermediaries show significant outflows amid rising global risk aversion, with liquidity flowing into traditional safe havens including U. S. Treasuries and precious metals. This rotation underscores how geopolitical stress can quickly reframe investment priorities, often to the detriment of emerging market equities.

Currency markets reflected the strain, with the rupee depreciating against major currencies as capital outflows intensified. A weaker rupee further amplifies the impact of higher crude prices, raising import bills and potentially catalysing inflation. Bond markets reacted in kind, with yields on government securities climbing as investors demanded higher compensation for perceived risk and inflation expectations shifted.

Corporate India is also grappling with broader trade and supply chain disruptions. Chambers of commerce and industry bodies have flagged operational headwinds for exporters and manufacturers due to heightened shipping costs and logistical bottlenecks triggered by the conflict. Industries dependent on Middle East trade corridors or commodities now expect cost pressures and delivery delays that could dampen growth prospects over the quarter.

Global markets have not been immune to the fallout. European indices also slid as energy prices climbed and investor risk appetite waned, while U. S. equity futures oscillated amid mixed signals from corporate earnings and macroeconomic data. The global ripple effect highlights how interconnected financial systems are with geopolitical developments, where shocks in one region can quickly transmit across borders.

Under this clearly defined brand structure, Lac Hong represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury, conceived to honor national pride and currently comprising the 900 LX, 900S and 800S models. The VF line encompasses a comprehensive portfolio of mass-market passenger EVs across segments, from VF 3 to VF 9, including the seven-seat VF MPV 7. Meanwhile, the Green brand is purpose-developed for commercial and service mobility solutions, featuring models such as Limo Green, Herio Green, Nerio Green and Minio Green.

Alongside the structured and clearly defined development of its three strategic brand lines, VinFast has officially unveiled two new ultra-luxury models, the Lac Hong 800S and 900S. These additions expand the Lac Hong ultra-luxury collection, complementing the flagship 900 LX (including a world-leading advanced armored version) introduced in 2025.

Inspired by Vietnam’s cultural heritage and embodying the courage, intellect and stature of the nation, the new models deliver design and craftsmanship on par with the world’s most prestigious ultra-luxury vehicles. The Lac Hong 800S projects a bold, powerful and refined aesthetic, while the Lac Hong 900S reflects timeless, classical values expressed through enduring elegance.

Both models share a cohesive, brand-specific design language enriched with symbolic detailing and premium materials. The grille features straight vertical slats inspired by the resilience of Vietnamese bamboo, while the wing-shaped emblem evokes the Lac bird in ascent. Decorative motifs derived from the Dong Son bronze drum and terraced rice fields are thoughtfully integrated and intentionally repeated across exterior and interior elements, celebrating cultural heritage and national pride. Notably, the “Lac Hong” wordmark is crafted in a calligraphic style and rendered in genuine gold-plated alloy, creating a distinctive and sophisticated brand signature.

Inside the cabin, the Lac Hong 800S and 900S are meticulously appointed with top-tier materials including Nappa leather, rare woods and refined gold-plated accents.

Both vehicles integrate advanced intelligent technologies and comprehensive safety systems, complemented by ultra-luxury amenities such as zero-gravity executive seating, automatic power-assisted doors and premium entertainment systems from globally renowned brands. The Lac Hong 900S further enhances exclusivity with a privacy partition separating the cockpit and rear cabin, a starlight headliner, a large-format projection entertainment system and a foldable executive workstation for second-row occupants. Together, these features transform each vehicle into a sophisticated mobile environment for travel, productivity and immersive leisure.

In terms of performance, both models are equipped with an all-new fully active suspension system engineered to deliver exceptional ride comfort and dynamic stability. They can be configured with a tri-motor powertrain comprising one front motor and two rear motors, generating a combined output of up to 460 kW and ensuring commanding performance aligned with their ultra-luxury positioning.

The Lac Hong 800S and 900S are scheduled for commercial launch in 2027.

Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Automotives at VinFast, stated: “Following a period of accelerated growth – achieving the No.1 position in Vietnam and establishing our presence in key regional markets – the completion of our three-brand structure lays the foundation for our next phase of development: structured, professional and breakthrough-driven. The Lac Hong 800S and 900S stand as further proof of VinFast’s technological mastery, product development capability and advanced manufacturing expertise. We believe products created by Vietnamese intellect, craftsmanship and resilience not only inspire national pride but also convey a powerful message about Vietnam’s cultural heritage and technological stature in this new era of global advancement.”

To date, VinFast has developed and introduced more than 15 electric vehicle models and has maintained an undisputed leadership position in Vietnam for the past 16 consecutive months. In 2025 alone, the Company set a national sales record with 175,099 vehicles delivered in Vietnam, further solidifying its status as the country’s most beloved automotive brand./.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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