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Illumina DRAGEN v4.4 powers clinical oncology research and multiomic applications

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Building on reputation for unparalleled performance, latest software delivers even greater accuracy, with 30% improvement in structural variant calling

New features include easy-to-use oncology apps, enhanced multiomics pipelines, and AWS F2 support enabling faster turnaround times

SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) today announced the launch of DRAGEN™ version 4.4 software (v4.4), the industry’s most comprehensive secondary analysis solution. The latest version of DRAGEN includes out-of-the-box oncology applications for clinical research and support for newly announced Illumina multiomics assays. Additionally, DRAGEN v4.4 continues DRAGEN’s best-in-class accuracy with a 30% improvement in germline structural variant calling accuracy. DRAGEN v4.4 enhancements will simplify NGS analysis for customers while expanding their capabilities.

“DRAGEN has pushed the limits in what is possible in complex genomic data analysis, while making bioinformatics more accessible and easier to use,” said Rami Mehio, head of Global Software and Informatics at Illumina. “With DRAGEN v4.4 we make bioinformatics even easier for complex oncology workflows and multiomics analysis. With out-of-the-box oncology applications, customers can set up their clinical research tests with a fraction of the effort typically required and obtain meaningful insights in record time.”

Providing labs with ready-to-use analysis applications simplifies oncology biomarker detection and reduces complexities for customers. The applications integrate with the Illumina Connected Insights platform, allowing for a fully streamlined analysis and interpretation workflow, and enabling efficient and complete discovery and clinical research solutions across a wide range of customer segments, including genetic disease, oncology, multiomics, infectious disease, and population genomics.

University hospital selects DRAGEN for pioneering clinical impact study

The University Hospital of Tübingen (UHT) in Germany is among the first adopters of the latest version of DRAGEN. UHT researchers have selected DRAGEN for a first-of-its-kind study to evaluate the clinical utility of advanced secondary analysis on whole-genome germline testing. Germline testing can help identify inherited genetic mutations that increase an individual’s risk of developing certain cancers or other health conditions.

Researchers will compare the diagnostic yield of WGS processed with DRAGEN v4.4 and WGS processed initially using their existing, in-house analysis software pipeline. DRAGEN germline analysis is regarded as the most accurate variant calling tool available for germline WGS testing. This was demonstrated in a peer-reviewed study published in Nature Biotechnology in October 2024, “Comprehensive genome analysis and variant detection at scale using DRAGEN,” which validated DRAGEN software’s germline algorithms and proved their superior performance in providing a more comprehensive genome with higher accuracy and faster reads compared to eight other variant calling programs in the study. 

“Whole-genome germline testing holds tremendous value to deliver critical diagnostic insights and risk factors across a wide range of disease areas, but we believe there are still significant insights hiding in the data because we haven’t had the tools to fully understand them before,” said Marc Sturm, head of Bioinformatics for Diagnostics at Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany. “We’re eager to bring the power of DRAGEN and its sophisticated AI capabilities to this challenge, to deepen our understanding of the insights that can be generated from germline testing.”

“This study is a cornerstone in demonstrating the clinical utility of variant calling software for germline testing,” Mehio said. “DRAGEN is the established leader in variant calling accuracy, and we’ll now examine the potential clinical impact that our technology can offer.”

Key features of DRAGEN v4.4

Preconfigured applications: DRAGEN v4.4 will offer “push-button” analysis for oncology workflows, including the first and only commercially available heme WGS application, Solid WGS DNA Tumor-Normal, and pipelines for molecular residual disease (MRD), WGS analysis, with more coming soon.New multiomics pipelines: Support for new and emerging multiomics assays includes Illumina Single Cell 3’RNA Prep, Illumina Protein Prep, and in the future will support the anticipated 5-base solution for methylation analysis, and Illumina’s spatial technology solution. DRAGEN outputs work seamlessly with Illumina Connected Multiomics to further explore and visualize the data.Unparalleled accuracy in structural variant (SV) calling: DRAGEN v4.4 marks a 30% increase in SV calling accuracy—the software’s biggest leap to date—driven by advancements in the multigenome mapper with pangenome reference. These advances help close the gap in structural variant calling accuracy between short- and long-read sequencing capabilities.Small variant calling accuracy improvement: DRAGEN v4.4 introduces a personalized pangenome reference capability that delivers a 20% boost in accuracy of single nucleotide variant (SNV) and indel calling.Accelerated cloud analysis: DRAGEN v4.4 supports new AWS F2 instance types, enabling faster turnaround times and improved scalability in the cloud.

Visit the DRAGEN web page to learn more.

About DRAGEN Secondary Analysis

Illumina DRAGEN secondary analysis is a leading suite of bioinformatics pipelines and applications for next-generation sequencing data. Its continuous innovations have set new standards for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and efficiency. DRAGEN analysis delivers the highest accuracy for germline and somatic variant calling, as demonstrated in industry challenges from PrecisionFDA. Featuring built in AI, with machine learning-based variant recalibration for germline SNV variant calling, DRAGEN is available across multiple deployment options, from a standalone server to Illumina cloud solutions and onboard select sequencers.

Use of forward-looking statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors to which our business is subject that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are: (i) challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, and launching new products and services; (ii) customer uptake of, and satisfaction with, new products and services; and (iii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments, together with other factors detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update these forward-looking statements, to review or confirm analysts’ expectations, or to provide interim reports or updates on the progress of the current quarter.

About Illumina

Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Contacts

Investors:
Brian Blanchett
IR@illumina.com

Media:
Christine Douglass
PR@illumina.com

 

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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.

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Verda and Compal Announce Partnership to Accelerate AI Infrastructure Development and Expansion

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TAIPEI, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Compal Electronics (Compal; TWSE: 2324) and Verda, the Helsinki-headquartered European AI cloud provider, purpose-built for the demands of frontier model training and agentic inference, today announced a strategic partnership under which Compal will supply next-generation GPU server systems to accelerate the build-out of its next-generation AI infrastructure across Europe and the APAC region.

Under this collaboration, Compal will supply high-density, liquid-cooled AI server platforms. The platforms are engineered for the workloads defining the next wave of AI: agentic applications that process extensive context and operate at high concurrency, while maintaining the thermal efficiency required for Verda’s sustainable cloud deployments.

The partnership underlines the growing global traction for Verda’s services as well as Compal’s growing role as an infrastructure partner to neocloud operators addressing rising demand for localized AI compute. As enterprises and governments increasingly prioritize data residency, security, and regulatory compliance, neocloud providers like Verda are emerging as key enablers of Sovereign AI strategies.

“Verda’s platform reflects where AI infrastructure demand is heading—toward regional, high-performance, and energy-efficient deployments,” said Alan Chang, Vice President, Infrastructure Solutions Business Group (ISBG) at Compal. “This collaboration demonstrates our ability to deliver advanced AI systems at scale for customers building the next generation of AI clouds.”

“Our mission is to build the next generation of cloud infrastructure for AI and empower pioneering teams across the globe. Working with Compal helps us deliver with world-class quality and reliability, and is an important step in our plans to expand our presence in the APAC region. We’re excited about what’s ahead,” said Jorge Santos, Chief Operating Officer at Verda.

Compal brings deep engineering expertise in accelerated computing, advanced thermal design, and system integration, enabling customers to deploy AI infrastructure efficiently while managing power density and operational complexity. To support global AI deployments, Compal continues to expand its manufacturing footprint across Taiwan, Vietnam, and the United States, strengthening supply-chain resilience and aligning production capacity with regional customer requirements.

About Compal
Established in 1984, Compal has grown into a leading global manufacturer of computers and smart devices, partnering with top-tier brands worldwide. Compal was recognized by CommonWealth Magazine as one of Taiwan’s top 7 manufacturers and has consistently ranked among the Forbes Global 2000 companies. Compal has actively expanded into new growth areas, including cloud servers, automotive electronics, smart medical and healthcare, and advanced communication solutions. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Compal operates design and production facilities in the United States, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, and Poland. Learn more at https://www.compal.com

About Verda
Verda (formerly DataCrunch) is a European AI cloud provider operating high-density GPU data centers across Europe, delivering on-demand compute for training and inference at scale. Headquartered in Finland, Verda runs infrastructure powered by renewable energy and serves frontier AI labs, research teams and startups building the next generation of models. Learn more at https://verda.com

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SOURCE COMPAL ELECTRONICS,INC.

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Mastercard and Yellow Card Partner to Unlock Stablecoin Payment Innovation Across EEMEA

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The two companies will explore innovative real-world use cases for stablecoin-enabled payments including strengthening digital asset payment security with Mastercard Crypto Credential

JOHANNESBURG and NEW YORK, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mastercard and Yellow Card, a licensed stablecoin infrastructure provider operating primarily across Africa, with additional capabilities in select emerging markets, have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate stablecoin-enabled payment innovation across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA), with plans for global expansion.

The collaboration will explore breakthrough applications for stablecoin payments across four key verticals: cross-border remittances, B2B settlement, digital loyalty ecosystems, and treasury management. Both companies will work with banks, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies to pilot secure, compliant stablecoin solutions that enhance payment efficiency and reduce costs for businesses and consumers.

The alliance will establish joint working groups to identify high-impact use cases, and create interoperable solutions for banks and financial institutions in the Mastercard network that bridge traditional finance with blockchain-powered payments. Initial focus markets include Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

“Emerging markets represent the greatest opportunity for payment innovation, but success requires deep local expertise and regulatory navigation,” said Chris Maurice, CEO of Yellow Card. “We bring years of experience building compliant stablecoin infrastructure where traditional banking falls short. Mastercard’s global network amplifies these capabilities, allowing us to serve businesses and consumers who need better, more affordable ways to move money across borders,” added Mr. Maurice.

Stablecoins are an exciting and useful option for some payments, and we look forward to working on additional use cases with Yellow Card, while continuing to leverage Mastercard’s expertise to make stablecoins seamless and secure. Together we look forward to taking digital finance into a new sphere, unlocking new efficiencies in cross-border trade, business-to-business settlements, and digital asset security, to generate a wide-ranging positive impact across the financial ecosystem,” said Mete Güney, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard.

The partnership builds on Mastercard’s expanding blockchain ecosystem and Yellow Card’s proven track record as one of Africa’s leading licensed stablecoin operators, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to utility-focused digital asset innovation. As stablecoins gain regulatory clarity and institutional adoption across emerging markets, the collaboration positions both partners at the forefront of secure, scalable digital payment solutions that bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology.

About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

About Yellow Card
Yellow Card is one of the largest licensed stablecoin-based infrastructure providers with capabilities in 20 African countries and major emerging markets. From Stablecoin payment infrastructure to fiat settlement rails, wallet services, and custom local Stablecoin issuance, Yellow Card provides the complete à-la-carte infrastructure businesses need to manage Stablecoins, payments, and operations across emerging markets.

https://yellowcard.io/

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SOURCE Yellow Card

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Chunghwa Telecom Reports Un-Audited Consolidated Operating Results for the First Quarter of 2026

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TAIPEI, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (TAIEX: 2412, NYSE: CHT) (“Chunghwa” or “the Company”) today reported its un-audited operating results for the first quarter of 2026. All figures were prepared in accordance with Taiwan-International Financial Reporting Standards (“T-IFRSs”) on a consolidated basis.

(Comparisons throughout the press release, unless otherwise stated, are made with regard to the prior year period.)

First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights

Total revenue increased by 7.5% to NT$ 59.99 billion.Consumer Business Group revenue increased by 6.2% to NT$ 36.73 billion.Enterprise Business Group revenue increased by 8.5% to NT$ 18.81 billion.International Business Group revenue increased by 10.7% to NT$ 2.70 billion.Total operating costs and expenses increased by 8.3% to NT$ 46.89 billion.Operating income increased by 4.6% to NT$ 13.10 billion.EBITDA increased by 3.4% to NT$ 23.30 billion.Net income attributable to stockholders of the parent increased by 3.2% to NT$ 10.11 billion.Basic earnings per share (EPS) was NT$1.30.Total revenue, operating income, net income attributable to stockholders of the parent, and EPS all exceeded the high-end target of quarterly guidance.

“We began 2026 with a strong start, delivering financial performance across revenue, operating income, net income attributable to stockholders of the parent and EPS all exceeding our quarterly forecasts. Moreover, revenue reached a first-quarter record, the highest since 2012. These results reflect the continued strength of our business momentum,” said Mr. Chih‑Cheng Chien, Chairman and CEO of Chunghwa Telecom.

“This performance was primarily driven by robust growth in our ICT business, where both recurring revenue and order intake reached new highs. Our ICT revenue grew significantly year over year, supported by strong demand across key areas such as IDC, cloud, and AIoT services, underscoring our success in capturing emerging digital and AI-driven opportunities,” said Mr. Rong-Shy Lin, President of Chunghwa Telecom.

“Our mobile and broadband businesses also continued to deliver stable growth, benefiting from escalating 5G penetration and ongoing improvements in ARPU. Notably, our four value-added services all exceeded their remarkable million-subscriber thresholds, demonstrating our success in delivering value to users. These results reflect not only the resilience of our core operations, but also the effectiveness of our long-term strategy to balance stable cash-generating businesses with high-growth digital initiatives,” Mr. Lin continued.

“We are committed to advancing our 6G transition and AI-powered future. Our phased 5G standalone deployment is strengthening networking founding by targeting services in select verticals and high-traffic commercial districts for the 6G era,” Mr. Lin added. “Meanwhile, by building ‘CHT AI Factory platform’ to integrate our DeepFlow solutions, compute power, AI models and agents, we offer AI-enabled applications to customers and accelerate AI-related revenue growth in 2026. Alongside our technology advancements, ESG remains a core pillar of our long‑term strategy. We are confident in our ability to achieve sustainable growth and create long‑term value for our shareholders.”

Revenue

Chunghwa Telecom’s total revenues for the first quarter of 2026 increased by 7.5% to NT$ 59.99 billion.

Consumer Business Group’s revenue for the first quarter of 2026 increased by 6.2% Year-over-year to NT$ 36.73 billion and income before tax increased by 5.3% year-over-year, supported by steady increases in core telecom business and strong iPhone demands.

Enterprise Business Group’s revenue for the first quarter of 2026 increased 8.5% year-over-year to NT$ 18.81 billion, driven by robust ICT growth, while pre-tax profit declined 2.7% due to fixed voice service decrease. Notably, ICT order intake hit a quarterly record-high, led by network resilience, anti-fraud initiatives, and large projects for national fiscal and public surveillance systems, underpinning future growth momentum.

International Business Group’s revenue for the first quarter of 2026 increased by 10.7% to NT$ 2.70 billion and income before tax increased by 1.6% year-over-year, driven by rising demand for ICT services and stronger roaming revenue. In addition, we expanded investment in the AUG-East submarine cable this quarter, boosting Taiwan to Japan and Taiwan to Singapore bandwidth to 18+ Tbps, supporting international business growth.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Total operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2026 increased by 8.3% to NT$ 46.89 billion, mainly due to higher costs associated with growth in sales and ICT project revenue, as well as an increase in personnel expenses.

Operating Income and Net Income

Operating income for the first quarter of 2026 increased by 4.6% to NT$ 13.10 billion. The operating margin was 21.75%, as compared to 22.44% in the same period of 2025. Net income attributable to stockholders of the parent increased by 3.2% to NT$ 10.11 billion. Basic earnings per share was NT$1.30.

Cash Flow and EBITDA

Cash flow from operating activities, as of March 31st, 2026, decreased by 13.6% year over year to NT$ 11.19 billion.

Cash and cash equivalents, as of March 31st, 2026, increased by 20.8% to NT$ 35.10 billion as compared to that as of March 31st, 2025.

EBITDA for the first quarter of 2026 was NT$ 23.30 billion, increased by 3.4% year over year. EBITDA margin was 38.85%, as compared to 40.37% in the same period of 2025.

Business Highlights

Mobile

As of March 31st, 2026, Chunghwa Telecom had 13.34 million mobile subscribers, representing a 1.7% year-over-year increase. In the first quarter, total mobile service revenue increased by 4.4% to NT$ 17.70 billion, while mobile post-paid ARPU excluding IoT SIMs grew 3.6% year over year to NT$ 573.

Fixed Broadband/HiNet

As of March 31st, 2026, the number of broadband subscribers slightly increased by 0.5% to 4.45 million. The number of HiNet broadband subscribers increased by 1.4% to 3.80 million. In the first quarter, total fixed broadband revenue grew 3.0% year over year to NT$ 11.81 billion, while ARPU increased 2.5% to NT$ 818.

Fixed line

As of March 31st, 2026, the number of fixed-line subscribers was 8.57 million.

Financial Statements

Financial statements and additional operational data can be found on the Company’s website at http://www.cht.com.tw/en/home/cht/investors/financials/quarterly-earnings

NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Chunghwa’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Investors are cautioned that actual events and results could differ materially from those statements as a result of a number of factors including, but not limited to the risks outlined in Chunghwa’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms F-1, F-3, 6-K and 20-F, in each case as amended. The forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the current belief of Chunghwa as of the date of this press release and Chunghwa undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such date, except as required under applicable law.

This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the issuer or selling security holder and that will contain detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

To supplement the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards pursuant to the requirements of the Financial Supervisory Commission, or T-IFRSs, Chunghwa Telecom also provides EBITDA, which is a “non-GAAP financial measure”. EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income (loss) excluding (i) depreciation and amortization, (ii) total net comprehensive financing cost (which is comprised of net interest expense, exchange gain or loss, monetary position gain or loss and other financing costs and derivative transactions), (iii) other income, net, (iv) income tax, (v) (income) loss from discontinued operations.

In managing the Company’s business, Chunghwa Telecom relies on EBITDA as a means of assessing its operating performance because it excludes the effect of (i) depreciation and amortization, which represents a non-cash charge to earnings, (ii) certain financing costs, which are significantly affected by external factors, including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and inflation rates, which have little or no bearing on our operating performance, (iii) income tax (iv) other expenses or income not related to the operation of the business. 

CAUTIONS ON USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In addition to the consolidated financial results prepared under T-IFRSs, Chunghwa Telecom also provide non-GAAP financial measures, including “EBITDA”. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with another method for assessing its operating results in a manner that is focused on the performance of its ongoing operations.

Chunghwa Telecom’s management believes investors will benefit from greater transparency in referring to these non-GAAP financial measures when assessing the Company’s operating results, as well as when forecasting and analyzing future periods. However, the Company recognizes that:

these non-GAAP financial measures are limited in their usefulness and should be considered only as a supplement to the Company’s T-IFRSs financial measures;these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the Company’s T-IFRSs financial measures;these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered to be superior to the Company’s T-IFRSs financial measures; andthese non-GAAP financial measures were not prepared in accordance with T-IFRSs and investors should not assume that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this earnings release were prepared under a comprehensive set of rules or principle.             

Further, these non-GAAP financial measures may be unique to Chunghwa Telecom, as they may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. As such, this presentation of non-GAAP financial measures may not enhance the comparability of the Company’s results to the results of other companies. Readers are cautioned not to view non-GAAP results as a substitute for results under T-IFRSs, or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies.

About Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom (TAIEX 2412, NYSE: CHT) (“Chunghwa” or “the Company”) is Taiwan’s largest integrated telecommunications services company that provides fixed-line, mobile, broadband, and internet services. The Company also provides information and communication technology services to corporate customers with its big data, information security, cloud computing and IDC capabilities, and is expanding its business into innovative technology services such as IoT, AI, etc. Chunghwa has been actively and continuously implemented environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives with the goal to achieve sustainability and has won numerous international and domestic awards and recognitions for its ESG commitments and best practices. For more information, please visit our website at www.cht.com.tw

Contact:          Angela Tsai
Phone:            +886 2 2344 5488
Email:              chtir@cht.com.tw

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SOURCE Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.

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