Technology
Dolby Laboratories Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Published
1 year agoon
By
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) today announced the company’s financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
“We are off to a strong start for FY25,” said Kevin Yeaman, President and CEO, Dolby Laboratories. “In Q1, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision momentum continued across device categories. At CES, many of our device partners announced a wide range of Dolby enabled products, and customers experienced the first Dolby Vision enabled car with Li Auto.”
First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights
Total revenue was $357 million, compared to $316 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024.GAAP net income was $68 million or $0.70 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income of $67 million or $0.69 per diluted share for the first quarter of fiscal 2024. On a non-GAAP basis, first quarter net income was $111 million or $1.14 per diluted share, compared to $99 million or $1.01 per diluted share for the first quarter of fiscal 2024.Dolby repurchased approximately 186,000 shares of its common stock for approximately $15 million, and ended the quarter with approximately $387 million of stock repurchase authorization available going forward.
A complete listing of Dolby’s non-GAAP measures are described and reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures at the end of this release.
Recent Business Highlights
At CES, our partners announced a wide range of new products incorporating Dolby technologies, including:Soundbar announcements from Harmon Kardon, Samsung, and Amazon all support Dolby technology.TV launches from partners including Hisense, TCL, Panasonic, Sharp, and RCA support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.In Auto, Samsung Display is working with Dolby to pre tune its cutting edge OLED displays for autos to deliver Dolby Vision to more cars, Texas Instruments announced that it would support Dolby Atmos in its new family of chips for automakers, and Pioneer showcased how Dolby Atmos could be used in an aftermarket solution using a 4-channel speaker system.In PCs, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, and Samsung announced a variety of new PCs, laptops, and monitors that support Dolby Vision and/or Dolby Atmos.Social Media app Xiaohongshu, which goes by the name RedNote in the U.S., now supports Dolby Vision.Amazon announced that the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED will support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.All eight of the 2025 Grammy nominees for best new artist are available in Dolby Atmos, and seven out of eight Grammy nominees for Record of the Year and Album of the Year are available in Dolby Atmos.In 2024, over 80% of domestic box office and almost 70% of global box office came from Hollywood and local titles released in Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.
Dividend
Today, Dolby announced a cash dividend of $0.33 per share of Class A and Class B common stock, payable on February 19, 2025, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 11, 2025.
Financial Outlook
Dolby’s financial outlook relies, in part, on estimates of royalty-based revenue that take into consideration various factors that are subject to uncertainty, including consumer demand for electronic products. In addition, actual results could differ materially from the estimates Dolby is providing below due in part to uncertainty resulting from the macroeconomic effect of certain conditions, including supply chain constraints, international conflicts, geopolitical instability, and fluctuations in inflation and interest rates. The uncertainty resulting from these factors has greatly reduced its visibility into Dolby’s future outlook. To the extent possible, the estimates Dolby is providing for future periods reflect certain assumptions about the potential impact of certain of these items, based upon a consideration of currently available external and internal data and information. These assumptions are subject to risks and uncertainties. For more information, see “Forward-Looking Statements” in this press release for a description of certain risks that Dolby faces, and the section captioned “Risk Factors” in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, to be filed on or around the date hereof.
Dolby is providing the following estimates for its second quarter of fiscal 2025:
Total revenue is estimated to range from $355 million to $385 million.Licensing revenue is estimated to range from $330 million to $360 million. Gross margins are anticipated to be approximately 89% on a GAAP basis and approximately 91% on a non-GAAP basis.Operating expenses are anticipated to range from $230 million to $240 million on a GAAP basis and from $190 million to $200 million on a non-GAAP basis.Effective tax rate is anticipated to be around 20.5% on a GAAP basis and around 18.5% on a non-GAAP basis.Diluted earnings per share is anticipated to range from $0.77 to $0.92 on a GAAP basis and from $1.19 to $1.34 on a non-GAAP basis.
Dolby is providing the following estimates for the full year of fiscal 2025:
Total revenue is expected to range from $1.33 billion to $1.39 billion.Licensing revenue is estimated to range from $1.22 billion to $1.28 billion. Gross margins are anticipated to be approximately 87% on a GAAP basis and approximately 90% on a non-GAAP basis.Operating expenses are anticipated to range from $915 million to $925 million on a GAAP basis and from $765 million to $775 million on a non-GAAP basis.Dolby expects operating margins to be roughly 20% on a GAAP basis and to be roughly 33% on a non-GAAP basis.Diluted earnings per share is anticipated to range from $2.39 to $2.54 on a GAAP basis and from $3.99 to $4.14 on a non-GAAP basis.
Conference Call Information
Members of Dolby management will lead a conference call open to all interested parties to discuss first quarter fiscal 2025 financial results for Dolby Laboratories at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Access to the teleconference will be available at http://investor.dolby.com or by dialing 1-800-210-2212 (+1-646-960-0390 for international callers) and entering confirmation code 5587811.
A replay of the call will be available from 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, until 8:59 p.m. PT (11:59 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 by dialing 1-800-770-2030 (+1-647-362-9199 for international callers) and entering the confirmation code 5587811. An archived version of the teleconference will also be available on the Dolby website, http://investor.dolby.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Information
To supplement Dolby’s financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, Dolby management uses, and Dolby provides to investors, certain non-GAAP financial measures as an additional tool to evaluate Dolby’s operating results in a manner that focuses on what Dolby’s management believes to be its ongoing business operations and performance. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are also helpful to investors in enabling comparability of operating performance between periods and among peer companies. Additionally, Dolby’s management regularly uses our supplemental non-GAAP financial measures to make operating decisions, for planning and forecasting purposes and determining bonus payouts. Specifically, Dolby excludes the following as adjustments from one or more of its non-GAAP financial measures:
Stock-based compensation expense: Stock-based compensation, unlike cash-based compensation, utilizes subjective assumptions in the methodologies used to value the various stock-based award types that Dolby grants. These assumptions may differ from those used by other companies. To facilitate more meaningful comparisons between its underlying operating results and those of other companies, Dolby excludes stock-based compensation expense.
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles: Dolby amortizes intangible assets acquired in connection with business combinations. These intangible assets consist of patents and technology, customer relationships, and other intangibles. Dolby records amortization charges relating to these intangible assets in its GAAP financial statements, and Dolby views these charges as items arising from pre-acquisition activities that are determined by the timing and valuation of its acquisitions. As these amortization charges do not directly correlate to its operations during any particular period, Dolby excludes these charges to facilitate an evaluation of its current operating performance and comparisons to its past operating results. In addition, while amortization expense of acquisition-related intangible assets is excluded from Non-GAAP Net Income, the revenue generated from those assets is not excluded.
Restructuring charges or credits: Restructuring charges are costs associated with restructuring plans and primarily relate to costs associated with exit or disposal activities, employee severance benefits, and asset impairments. Dolby excludes restructuring costs, including any adjustments to charges recorded in prior periods (which may be credits), as Dolby believes that these costs are not representative of its normal operating activities and therefore, excluding these amounts enables a more effective comparison of its past operating performance and to that of other companies.
Income tax adjustments: The income tax effects of the aforementioned non-GAAP adjustments do not directly correlate to its operating performance so Dolby believes that excluding such income tax effects provides a more meaningful view of its underlying operating results to management and investors.
Using the aforementioned adjustments, Dolby provides various non-GAAP financial measures including, but not limited to: non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating margin, and non-GAAP effective tax rate. Dolby’s management believes it is useful for itself and investors to review both GAAP and non-GAAP measures to assess the performance of Dolby’s business, including as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Dolby’s management does not itself, nor does it suggest that investors should, consider non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, superior to, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Whenever Dolby uses non-GAAP financial measures, it provides a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely applicable GAAP financial measures. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures as detailed above and below. Investors are also encouraged to review Dolby’s GAAP financial statements as reported in its US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures is provided at the end of this press release and on the Dolby investor relations website, http://investor.dolby.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release and in our earnings calls, including, but not limited to, expected financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 and full year fiscal 2025, Dolby’s ability to expand existing business, navigate challenging periods, pursue its long-term growth opportunities, and advance its other long-term objectives are “forward-looking statements” that inherently involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those provided. The following important factors, without limitation, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: the potential impacts of economic conditions on Dolby’s business operations, financial results, and financial position (including the impact to Dolby partners and disruption of the supply chain and delays in shipments of consumer products; the level at which Dolby technologies are incorporated into products and the consumer demand for such products; delays in the development and release of new products or services that contain Dolby technologies; delays in royalty reporting or delinquent payment by partners or licensees; lengthening sales cycles; the impact to the overall cinema market including adverse impact to Dolby’s revenue recognized on box-office sales and demand for cinema products and services; and macroeconomic conditions that affect discretionary spending and access to products that contain Dolby technologies); risks associated with geopolitical issues and international conflicts; risks associated with trends in the markets in which Dolby operates, including the broadcast, mobile, consumer electronics, PC, and other markets; the loss of, or reduction in sales by, a key customer, partner, or licensee; pricing pressures; risks relating to changing trends in the way that content is distributed and consumed; risks relating to conducting business internationally, including trade restrictions and changes in diplomatic or trade relationships; risks relating to maintaining patent coverage; the timing of Dolby’s receipt of royalty reports and payments from its licensees, including recoveries; changes in tax regulations; timing of revenue recognition under licensing agreements and other contractual arrangements; Dolby’s ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with industry participants; Dolby’s ability to develop and deliver innovative products and technologies in response to new and growing markets; competitive risks; risks associated with conducting business in countries that have historically limited recognition and enforcement of intellectual property and contractual rights; risks associated with the health of the motion picture and cinema industries generally; Dolby’s ability to increase its revenue streams and to expand its business generally, and to continue to expand its business beyond its current technology offerings; risks associated with acquiring and successfully integrating businesses or technologies; and other risks detailed in Dolby’s SEC filings and reports, including the risks identified under the section captioned “Risk Factors” in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on or around the date hereof. Dolby may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of such statements, and while Dolby believes such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. Except as required by law, Dolby disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
About Dolby Laboratories
Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) is based in San Francisco, California with offices around the globe. From movies and TV shows, to apps, music, sports and gaming, Dolby transforms the science of sight and sound into spectacular experiences for billions of people worldwide. Dolby partners with artists, storytellers, developers, and businesses to revolutionize entertainment and communications with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, Dolby Cinema, and Dolby.io.
Dolby, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, Dolby Cinema, Dolby.io, and the double-D symbol are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories in the United States and/or other countries. Other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts; unaudited)
Fiscal Quarter Ended
December 27,
2024
December 29,
2023
Revenue:
Licensing
$ 330,479
$ 293,767
Products and services
26,520
21,807
Total revenue
356,999
315,574
Cost of revenue:
Cost of licensing
21,110
15,736
Cost of products and services
19,664
16,324
Total cost of revenue
40,774
32,060
Gross profit
316,225
283,514
Operating expenses:
Research and development
66,638
67,033
Sales and marketing
94,399
79,003
General and administrative
70,092
65,166
Restructuring charges
5,216
6,091
Total operating expenses
236,345
217,293
Operating income
79,880
66,221
Other income/(expense):
Interest income/(expense), net
2,646
9,187
Other income, net
3,525
5,425
Total other income
6,171
14,612
Income before income taxes
86,051
80,833
Provision for income taxes
(17,981)
(13,252)
Net income including noncontrolling interest
68,070
67,581
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(248)
(600)
Net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
$ 67,822
$ 66,981
Net income per share:
Basic
$ 0.71
$ 0.70
Diluted
$ 0.70
$ 0.69
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
95,615
95,376
Diluted
97,147
97,439
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands; unaudited)
December 27,
2024
September 27,
2024
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 520,821
$ 482,047
Restricted cash
90,836
95,705
Accounts receivable, net
339,304
315,465
Contract assets, net
220,892
197,478
Inventories, net
31,833
33,728
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
82,113
69,994
Total current assets
1,285,799
1,194,417
Long-term investments
86,304
89,267
Property, plant, and equipment, net
476,113
479,109
Operating lease right-of-use assets
36,972
39,046
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
941,661
967,722
Deferred taxes
227,021
219,758
Other non-current assets
104,732
120,609
Total assets
$ 3,158,602
$ 3,109,928
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 11,550
$ 17,380
Accrued liabilities
360,915
347,529
Income taxes payable
20,875
9,045
Contract liabilities
37,111
31,644
Operating lease liabilities
11,426
12,238
Total current liabilities
441,877
417,836
Non-current contract liabilities
32,481
34,593
Non-current operating lease liabilities
33,019
34,754
Other non-current liabilities
134,197
135,852
Total liabilities
641,574
623,035
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock
55
53
Class B common stock
40
41
Retained earnings
2,543,413
2,496,255
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(35,542)
(19,187)
Total stockholders’ equity – Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
2,507,966
2,477,162
Noncontrolling interest
9,062
9,731
Total stockholders’ equity
2,517,028
2,486,893
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 3,158,602
$ 3,109,928
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands; unaudited)
Fiscal Quarter Ended
December 27,
2024
December 29,
2023
Operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interest
$ 68,070
$ 67,581
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
22,362
17,872
Stock-based compensation
36,070
31,894
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets
2,835
3,088
Amortization of premium on investments
—
(895)
Provision for/(benefit from) credit losses
730
(2,101)
Deferred income taxes
(7,307)
(5,397)
Other non-cash items affecting net income
(3,059)
(1,745)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
(24,647)
(28,935)
Contract assets, net
(23,416)
(35,400)
Inventories
1,340
(9,297)
Operating lease right-of-use assets
(2,487)
570
Prepaid expenses and other assets
16,867
5,866
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
4,804
(31,993)
Income taxes, net
15,305
6,184
Contract liabilities
3,691
(1,116)
Operating lease liabilities
(798)
(4,264)
Other non-current liabilities
(3,581)
(3,503)
Net cash provided by operating activities
106,779
8,409
Investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities
—
(35,753)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
—
1,226
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities
—
41,259
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
(6,779)
(6,099)
Business combinations, net of cash and restricted cash acquired, and other related payments
(1,362)
—
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
(8,141)
633
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
22,157
18,301
Repurchase of common stock
(15,000)
(80,002)
Payment of cash dividend
(31,548)
(28,552)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
(740)
(1,047)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock
(32,440)
(34,562)
Equity issued in connection with business combination
—
722
Net cash used in financing activities
(57,571)
(125,140)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(7,162)
6,790
Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
33,905
(109,308)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
577,752
817,966
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
$ 611,657
$ 708,658
Licensing Revenue by Market
(unaudited)
The following table presents the composition of our licensing revenue and percentage of total licensing revenue for all periods presented (in thousands, except percentage amounts):
Fiscal Quarter Ended
Market
December 27, 2024
December 29, 2023
Broadcast
$ 115,762
35 %
$ 112,416
38 %
Mobile
61,524
19 %
35,287
12 %
CE
49,457
15 %
53,220
18 %
PC
31,256
9 %
29,679
10 %
Other
72,480
22 %
63,165
22 %
Total licensing revenue
$ 330,479
100 %
$ 293,767
100 %
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations
(unaudited)
The following tables present Dolby’s GAAP financial measures reconciled to the non-GAAP financial measures included in this release for the first quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024:
Net income:
Fiscal Quarter Ended
(in thousands)
December 27,
2024
December 29,
2023
GAAP net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
$ 67,822
$ 66,981
Stock-based compensation (1)
36,070
31,894
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles (2)
10,647
3,124
Restructuring charges
5,216
6,091
Income tax adjustments
(8,886)
(9,450)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
$ 110,869
$ 98,640
(1) Stock-based compensation included in above line items:
Cost of products and services
$ 487
$ 410
Research and development
10,984
10,106
Sales and marketing
12,645
10,481
General and administrative
11,954
10,897
(2) Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles included in above line items:
Cost of licensing
$ 6,704
$ 62
Cost of products and services
834
534
Sales and marketing
754
656
General and administrative
1,872
1,872
Other income, net
483
—
Diluted earnings per share:
Fiscal Quarter Ended
December 27,
2024
December 29,
2023
GAAP diluted earnings per share
$ 0.70
$ 0.69
Stock-based compensation
0.37
0.33
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
0.11
0.03
Restructuring charges
0.05
0.06
Income tax adjustments
(0.09)
(0.10)
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share
$ 1.14
$ 1.01
Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted (in thousands)
97,147
97,439
The following tables present a reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP versions of the estimated financial measures for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 and full year fiscal 2025 included in this release:
Gross margin:
Q2 2025
Fiscal 2025
GAAP gross margin
89.0 %
87.0 %
Stock-based compensation
0.1 %
0.1 %
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
1.9 %
2.9 %
Non-GAAP gross margin
91.0 %
90.0 %
Operating expenses (in millions):
Q2 2025
Fiscal 2025
GAAP operating expenses (low – high end of range)
$230 – $240
$915 – $925
Stock-based compensation
(34)
(131)
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
(3)
(9)
Restructuring charges
(3)
(10)
Non-GAAP operating expenses (low – high end of range)
$190 – $200
$765 – $775
Operating margin:
Fiscal 2025
GAAP operating margin
20% +/-
Stock-based compensation
10 %
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
3 %
Non-GAAP operating margin
33% +/-
Effective tax rate:
Q2 2025
GAAP effective tax rate
20.5 %
Stock-based compensation (low – high end of range)
(2%) – 0%
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles (low – high end of range)
(1%) – 0%
Non-GAAP effective tax rate
18.5 %
Diluted earnings per share:
Q2 2025
Fiscal 2025
Low
High
Low
High
GAAP diluted earnings per share (low – high end of range)
$ 0.77
$ 0.92
$ 2.39
$ 2.54
Stock-based compensation
0.34
0.34
1.36
1.36
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
0.12
0.12
0.42
0.42
Restructuring charges
0.03
0.03
0.10
0.10
Income tax adjustments
(0.07)
(0.07)
(0.28)
(0.28)
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (low – high end of range)
$ 1.19
$ 1.34
$ 3.99
$ 4.14
Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted (in thousands)
97,400
97,400
97,500
97,500
Investor Contact:
Peter Goldmacher
415-254-7415
peter.goldmacher@dolby.com
Media Contact:
media@dolby.com
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SOURCE Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
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“Connectivity is not just about technology. It is a lifeline, a platform for opportunity, and a driver of sustainable development. I believe the intersection of connectivity and artificial intelligence will shape the future of smarter, more resilient networks.”
— Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU
“Performance and user experience are the essential path to the next-generation WLAN. Based on standards and AI-driven innovation, let’s jointly explore the path to the future autonomous WLAN with all the stakeholders.”
— Dr. Crane H. Yang, Secretary-General, World WLAN Application Alliance (WAA)
“At the summit, NIDA and WBBA signed an MOU to accelerate next-generation network evolution and establish pioneering smart city benchmarks through the co-development of industry standards, the harmonization of global regulations, and the sharing of vertical industry insights.
NIDA focuses on advancing network architecture standards, while WBBA drives global consensus on broadband evolution. This natural strategic complementarity creates vast opportunities for future collaboration.”
— Joey Deng, Secretary-General of NIDA
“ION-2030 develops the global standard for next generation optical networks in the AI era. It provides exceptional AI application and service experience. The WBBA and ITU will jointly accelerate its development, and this is a unique opportunity for Asia-Pacific stakeholders to actively influence the future of optical broadband networks.”
— Dr. Marcus Brunner, Chief Expert Standardization, WBBA WG1 Chair and Vice-Chair of ETSI ISG F5G
“The transition into the AI era demands a high-quality, deterministic digital foundation. By releasing Net5.5G policy guidelines, Malaysia is accelerating the evolution of next-generation network standards based on IPv6, establishing an innovative infrastructure to unleash AI’s value and drive a prosperous digital economy for 2030.”
— Prof. Sureswaran Ramadass, Chair of APAC at IPv6 Council, Industry Partner of WBBA
“The digital economy is thriving across the Asia-Pacific region, with AI emerging as a core catalyst for intelligent transformation. China Mobile International (CMI) is driving regional growth by integrating China’s advanced AI capabilities with comprehensive communications, computing, and AI services. Moving forward, CMI will collaborate closely with industry partners to foster a shared, AI-driven future for the region.”
— Paul Lin, Managing Director of Commercial and Technology, Asia Pacific, China Mobile International
“Next-generation network infrastructure is the oxygen of the intelligent economy. By integrating cutting-edge 800G connectivity with quantum-safe security, HKT is laying the essential foundations to keep Hong Kong’s enterprises highly competitive, secure, and ready for the computing paradigm shifts of tomorrow.”
— Wilson Cheung, Vice President, Broadband Design & Cyber Security, HKT
“The evolution toward Net5.5G AI WAN is an important step in strengthening XLSMART’s transport network for the future. By progressively adopting AI-assisted operations, SRv6, SDN, service differentiation, and higher-capacity transport infrastructure, we are enhancing network intelligence, operational efficiency, and service resilience while supporting long-term sustainability. This transformation is a continuous journey that aligns with the industry’s vision of AI-native broadband networks. Through collaboration with our technology partners and the broader ecosystem, we will continue to develop capabilities that deliver better network performance and support Indonesia’s growing digital connectivity needs.”
— Regie Ginanjar, Head of Transport Autonomy & Orchestration, Transport Network Transformation, XLSMART
“For the AI era, Huawei upgrades the IP bearer network via security resilience, multi-dimensional awareness, and network autonomy. This empowers carriers to guarantee service experience, accelerate monetization, and enhance efficiency, ushering in a new chapter of intelligent connectivity.”
— Arthur Wang, Vice President of Data Communication Product Line, Huawei
A CONVERGING VIEW
Speakers agreed AI is shifting networks from connectivity to intelligent connectivity, as broadband, IP, computing and cross-border infrastructure converge to support innovation and coordination.
WBBA launched the AI-Net Certification, a global benchmark for national policy, industrial ecosystems and network intelligence. XLSmart was named first AI-Net Champion, and Indonesia was among the first with a certified operator, backed by its Net5.5G roadmap.
In another high-profile segment, WBBA Director General Martin Creaner presented the Gigacity Certification to KOMDIGI, SURGE, Telkomsel, AIS, TRUE, HKT and Globe, recognizing regional broadband pioneers.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ai-powered-connectivity-apac-charts-a-path-to-a-smarter-digital-future-302829032.html
SOURCE HUAWEI
Technology
Laifen Expands U.S. Retail Footprint with Costco Launch of Best-Selling SE Hair Dryer
Published
7 hours agoon
July 18, 2026By
Starting July 18, Costco Members Can Shop Laifen’s Award-Winning Hair Dryer in Select Warehouse Locations Across the U.S.
NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Laifen, ranked the world’s No.1 high-speed hair dryer brand, today announced the launch of its best-selling SE High-Speed Hair Dryer at select Costco warehouse locations, marking the brand’s largest U.S. retail expansion to date and bringing its award-winning haircare technology to Costco members across select U.S. markets.
The launch brings Laifen’s award-winning haircare technology to Costco, making it easier for consumers to experience the brand through one of the nation’s leading membership retailers. Laifen joins Costco’s growing portfolio of premium beauty and personal care brands. The initial rollout includes select Costco warehouse locations across the United States, with a strong presence across the Western U.S., including California, the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest.
Costco’s reputation for quality and its highly selective merchandising approach make this partnership especially meaningful. The Costco launch reflects Laifen’s continued expansion beyond direct-to-consumer channels as the brand accelerates its U.S. omnichannel retail strategy. “Costco represents an important milestone in our U.S. retail strategy,” said Romeo, General Manager of International Business of Laifen. “As more consumers seek salon-quality performance at an accessible price, we’re excited to make Laifen available through one of America’s most trusted retailers.”
Engineered to deliver professional-level performance in a sleek, lightweight design, the Laifen SE is powered by the brand’s proprietary high-speed brushless motor, delivering fast drying, reduced heat damage and smoother styling. An intelligent temperature control system continuously monitors airflow to help minimize frizz while protecting hair from excessive heat.
The Costco launch represents the next phase of Laifen’s U.S. retail expansion as the brand continues to grow beyond its direct-to-consumer and online channels. By expanding into one of the nation’s most trusted retailers, Laifen aims to broaden access to its category-disrupting haircare solutions while advancing its mission to bring more thoughtful design and everyday excellence into more homes.
The Laifen SE High-Speed Hair Dryer in White will be available at select Costco locations, while Costco.com shoppers will have access to additional color options including Purple and Pink, alongside the White model.
For more information on Laifen, please visit LaifenTech.com.
About Laifen:
Founded in 2019, Laifen is a global personal care technology brand combining high-performance engineering with modern design across hair care, oral care, and grooming categories. Ranked the world’s No. 1 high-speed hair dryer brand by Euromonitor International, Laifen first gained recognition for its self-developed 110,000 RPM high-speed brushless motor, the proprietary technology behind its award-winning hair dryers.
Building on this innovation, Laifen has expanded its portfolio to include electric toothbrushes and shavers, delivering premium technology and elevated everyday experiences to consumers worldwide. Today, Laifen products and accessories are used by over 22 million households across more than 60 countries, supported by more than 600 patents and recognized with over 50 international design and innovation awards. Driven by continuous technological breakthroughs, Laifen is committed to making cutting-edge personal care technology more accessible to consumers around the world.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laifen-expands-us-retail-footprint-with-costco-launch-of-best-selling-se-hair-dryer-302828573.html
SOURCE Laifen
NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP (“Pillsbury”) was among many law firms targeted by sophisticated social engineering attempts in an incident last year. While the firm quickly detected and blocked the activity, an unauthorized actor was able to access some of the firm’s documents during a short window of time. Pillsbury notified any impacted clients last year and undertook a detailed process to review the accessed documents for personal information. Pillsbury then began notifying individuals whose personal information was affected. That process is now complete, and today, Pillsbury is publishing substitute notice as a final step.
For more information, please visit the substitute notice on our website at https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/breach-notice.html.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pillsbury-notice-of-data-breach-302828892.html
SOURCE Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
AI-Powered Connectivity: APAC Charts a Path to a Smarter Digital Future
Laifen Expands U.S. Retail Footprint with Costco Launch of Best-Selling SE Hair Dryer
Pillsbury Notice of Data Breach
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