Author: sHq_LoGiNz

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”, the “Company” or the “Group”; HKEX: 2318 / 82318; SSE: 601318) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Ping An Bank (the “Bank”, SZSE: 000001) has been upgraded to “AA” in the latest MSCI ESG Ratings, recognizing the Bank’s outstanding performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

This achievement marks a significant advancement for Ping An Bank, which has risen from “BB” to “AA” over the past five years. The upgrade underscores the Bank’s leadership in ESG within the global banking sector and highlights the successful execution of the Group’s ESG strategy and commitment to advancing the sustainable development of its subsidiaries.

MSCI ESG Ratings are among the world’s most recognized ESG assessment systems, widely acknowledged by global institutional investors and frequently used in investment decision-making. The latest rating report notes Ping An Bank’s significant progress in consumer protection and human capital development, as well as its industry-leading performance in areas such as consumer financial protection, financing environmental impact, and privacy & data security.

Leading Sustainable Development with Group’s Guidance

Ping An has made sustainable development a core component of its corporate strategy, establishing itself as a ESG leader in China. The Group’s comprehensive ESG governance framework ensures that ESG principles are integrated across all business operations. In 2024, the Group’s MSCI ESG rating was elevated to “AA”, maintaining its leadership in the “Multi-Line Insurance & Brokerage Industry” in Asia-Pacific region for three consecutive years.

Ping An Bank’s
Key
Achievements 

1. 
   Advancing Green Finance:
   
   
   
   Ping An Bank is dedicated to advancing the Group’s green finance strategy by offering a diverse range of products, including green loans, green bonds, and carbon finance instruments, to support seven priory sectors: energy efficiency and carbon reduction, environmental protection, resource recycling, and low-carbon transition, ecological restoration, green infrastructure, and sustainable services. By the end of June 2025, the Bank’s green loan balance reached RMB 251.746 billion.
2. 
   Enhancing Data Security: 
   
   
   
   In 2024, the Bank strengthened its data security framework, conducting 50 emergency drills and extensive training on data protection, workplace safety, and personal information security. Employees received an average of 35 hours of training, significantly improving security awareness and capabilities.
3. 
   Investing in Employee Development: 
   
   
   
   Committed to providing a comprehensive and well-structured training system, Ping An Bank invested RMB 88.44 million in nearly 8,000 training sessions in 2024, with employees averaging 92 hours of training each. By the end of 2024, female employees represented 55.5% of the workforce, reflecting the Bank’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.
4. 
   Protecting Consumer Rights: 
   
   
   
   Consumer rights protection is a top priority, overseen by the
   Bank’s
   Board of Directors. In 2024, the Bank provided comprehensive training across more than 1,000 branches and implemented an efficient complaint-handling system,
   effectively safeguarding consumer rights. In 2024, the number of customer complaints decreased by 12% year-on-year, with a 100% resolution rate and steadily improving customer satisfaction. 
5. 
   Expanding Inclusive Finance: 
   
   
   
   Ping An Bank continues to expand its inclusive financial services, focusing on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). By the end of June 2025, the Bank’s MSME loan portfolio grew to RMB 499.524 billion, serving over 970,000 customers. In the first half of 2025, the Bank issued RMB 133.917 billion in new MSME loans, a 33.6% increase year-over-year, providing vital financial support to small businesses.

Outlook

Ping An will remain customer-centric and continue to deepen its technology-driven “integrated finance + health and senior care” dual-driver strategy. The Group will further enhance its governance and risk management framework, actively promote green and low-carbon development, and create long-term, stable value for customers, employees, shareholders, and society. Under the Group’s guidance, Ping An Bank will further strengthen its ESG initiatives and deliver high-quality financial services that foster harmony between economic growth, societal well-being, and environmental sustainability.

—End—

About Ping An Group

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEX:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-driven “integrated finance + health and senior care” strategy, the Group provides professional “financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge” services to its nearly 247 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses’ quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of December 2024, Ping An had more than RMB12 trillion in total assets. The Group ranked 27th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2025 and 47th in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2025.

For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn – PING AN.

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SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.

BEIJING, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese liquor maker Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd. won the 2025 EFQM Global Award recently, presenting again its “harmony & beauty” concept-driven pursuit of premium quality.

With the highest “seven diamonds” certification, the EFQM Global Award received by Wuliangye is one of the world’s three leading quality awards standing for benchmarks for organizational quality.

Since 1980s, the Chinese liquor producer has applied comprehensive quality management and later introduced performance excellence frameworks and EFQM models, implanting quality management concept into corporate strategies and operation.

As the EFQM assessment report said, Wuliangye was recommended for its performance in fostering the “harmony & beauty”-based corporate culture, achieving a balance between tradition and innovation, driving large-scale development with a strong ESG orientation, etc.

The report not only serves as recognition of Wuliangye’s quality management, but also highlights the liquor maker’s pathways of sustainable development from the aspects of quality, ecology and culture.

In terms of quality, Wuliangye has set up and optimized an integrated quality management system overseeing the entire industrial chain from “one grain seed” to “one drop of liquor”, winning for five times top quality management awards in China.

For ecology protection, the Chinese liquor maker came up with the concept of “zero-carbon liquor maker”, giving birth to the first high-level green factory in China’s liquor industry.

In terms of culture, Wuliangye has cultivated a corporate culture deeply rooted in its “harmony & beauty” philosophy, injecting its own development philosophy into sustainable development.

Despite 200-plus companies worldwide vying for EFQM Global Award this year, 14 of them won the honors and Wuliangye is the only company to date that has achieved such a pleasant result within just one year of implementing the EFQM model and RADAR logic, according to EFQM CEO Russell Longmuir.

On the 2025 EFQM Sustainable Performance Conference, also the 2025 Global Award Ceremony held in Spain recently, Wuliangye was also honored for its achievement in driving business performance whilst leading adoption of the UN sustainable development goals.

As one of the pacesetters for China’s baijiu industry, Wuliangye is endeavoring to leverage global standards of excellence to propel management innovation and industrial upgrading to contribute to sustainable development of the global liquor industry.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/347999.html 

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SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

STORA ENSO OYJ INTERIM REPORT 23 October 2025 at 8:30 EEST

HELSINKI, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 

Q3/2025 (year-on-year)

• Sales increased by 1% to EUR 2,283 (2,261) million, mainly due to the acquisition of Junnikkala and the consumer board line ramp-up at the Oulu site.
• Adjusted EBIT decreased by 28% to EUR 126 (175) million, driven by the ramp-up of the new line in Oulu, impacting the Q3 result negatively by EUR 45 million. Adjusted EBIT margin decreased to 5.5% (7.8%).
• Operating result (IFRS) was EUR 231 (139) million, including items affecting comparability of EUR 117 million, and fair valuations and other non-operational items of EUR -11 million.
• Earnings per share were EUR 0.25 (0.11) and earnings per share excl. fair valuations (FV) were EUR 0.26 (0.10).
• The fair value of the forest assets was EUR 8.3 (8.8) billion, equivalent to EUR 10.50 per share, reflecting the impact of the forest asset divestment in Sweden.
• Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 223 (271) million, impacted by the lower profit.
• The net debt to adjusted EBITDA (LTM) ratio improved to 2.7 (3.1).
• Adjusted ROCE excluding the Forest segment (LTM) was 2.8% (2.7%).

January-September 2025 (year-on-year)

• Sales were EUR 7,072 (6,727) million.
• Adjusted EBIT was EUR 427 (478) million.
• Operating result (IFRS) was EUR 466 (372) million.
• Earnings per share (EPS) were EUR 0.42 (0.26) and EPS excl. fair valuations (FV) was EUR 0.44 (0.25).
• Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 560 (863) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR -26 (-15) million.

Key highlights

• The divestment of approximately 175,000 hectares of forest land in Sweden, equivalent of 12.4% of Stora Enso’s Swedish forest assets, was completed in September. The enterprise value of the transaction was SEK 9.8 billion, equivalent to approximately EUR 900 million.
• The strategic review of the Group’s remaining forest assets in Sweden, initiated in July, is progressing. The review includes assessing a potential separation and public listing of the forest assets.
• The ramp-up of the consumer board line at the Oulu site in Finland continues, and the production volumes are gradually increasing. The line is expected to reach full capacity during 2027.
• In October, Stora Enso and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched a science-based framework to enable nature positive forestry. It guides informed prioritisation of biodiversity actions, ensuring that the most urgent threats to biodiversity are addressed first.
• The second instalment of dividend, EUR 0.12 per share, was paid on 2 October.

Outlook and focus for 2025

Stora Enso expects market demand to remain subdued and challenging, affected by low consumer confidence and heightened macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Guidance
The ramp-up of the consumer board line at the Oulu site in Finland continues, and the production volumes are gradually increasing. However, volumes are somewhat behind the original schedule. Despite this, the target of reaching EBITDA break-even by year-end is unchanged. As a result, the EBIT impact for Q4 will be higher than initially anticipated – now estimated at a negative EUR 15-35 million. The full year EBIT impact estimated to be approximately negative EUR 120-140 million. The line is expected to reach full capacity during 2027.

Starting in the fourth quarter, the completed divestment of the forest assets in Sweden will have an annual adverse impact of EUR 25 million, approximately EUR 6 million per quarter, on the Forest segment’s results.

The Group’s capital expenditure forecast for the full year of 2025 is EUR 730-790 million.

Fourth quarter profitability will be impacted by planned maintenance stops, which are expected to be at similar levels as in the third quarter.

Focus for 2025

• Continue proactive, systematic, and determined work across the whole Group to improve profitability, cash flow, and cost competitiveness through activities related to sourcing, operational efficiency, commercial excellence, working capital, and fixed costs.
• Continue to build a leaner and flatter organisation, sharpening the focus on renewable packaging as the core business. The new streamlined structure not only enhances customer centricity and operational efficiency through deeper integration, but also unlocks further performance potential.
• Transition to a more integrated business model across the Nordic packaging board mills to improve the entire value chain and customer-centricity.
• After successfully completing the sale of 12.4% of the Swedish forest assets, continue the strategic review of the remaining Swedish forest assets, including assessment of a potential separation and public listing.
• Ramp up production and leverage the EUR 1 billion investment in the new packaging board line at the integrated mill in Oulu, Finland, to further strengthen Stora Enso’s competitive position.

Outlook from Q3/2025 to Q4/2025

Markets remain challenging, with low consumer confidence.

The direct impact of the US tariffs remains modest as Stora Enso’s direct sales to the USA account for only just below 3% of total group sales (2024). While tariffs impacting global trade present both risks and opportunities, the primary concern lies in their broader implications for economic conditions and trade flows. Indirect effects – such as weakening consumer confidence and an increase in Chinese exports to Europe – continue to weigh on the markets.

Market outlook continues weak due to suppressed end-user demand, which is leading to weakening order inflow and lower volumes particularly in the packaging businesses. Market prices remain under persistent downward pressure as supply continues to surpass demand.

Market demand for pulp remains weak, driven by ongoing market uncertainty. Market pulp prices are stable at low levels, and with demand continuing to lag. Prices are expected to stay flat or show only limited movement for the remainder of the year.

Demand in the wood products markets remains low. The construction market outlook continues to be weak, and the European construction confidence index remains negative. In addition, rising log costs in Central Europe are putting further pressure on margins.

The Forest segment continues to deliver solid financial performance. Fiber costs are expected to remain high, even though wood prices have decreased slightly.

Key figures

Stora Enso’s President and CEO Hans Sohlström comments on the third quarter 2025 results:

During the third quarter of 2025, Stora Enso continued to execute on its strategy and profit improvement actions. While the market continues to be challenging and demand subdued, we focused on the areas within our control.

The improvement actions remained the same – driving operational efficiency, cost competitiveness, and commercial excellence across the Group. In addition, we continue to work on further focusing our portfolio on growth in our core renewable packaging business and operations supporting it.

A major milestone in the quarter was the completion of the divestment of approximately 175,000 hectares of forest land in Sweden, representing 12.4% of our total forest holdings. The transaction, with an enterprise value of SEK 9.8 billion (equivalent to approximately EUR 900 million), in line with forest book value, strengthens our balance sheet and improves our financial flexibility.

We also made progress on the strategic review of our remaining 1.2 million hectares of Swedish forest assets announced in June 2025, including the assessment of a potential separation and public listing. The review aims to evaluate ways to unlock further value for our shareholders and strengthen our focus.

The ramp-up of the new consumer board line at our Oulu site in Finland continues, with production volumes gradually increasing. While the ramp-up has, and will continue to, weigh on profitability in the short term, we remain confident that the Oulu board line will deliver industry-leading quality and cost competitiveness once fully operational. We target EBITDA break-even by the end of the year.

Adjusted EBIT for the quarter was EUR 126 million. Excluding the EUR 45 million impact from the Oulu ramp-up, profitability would have been comparable to the same quarter last year, reflecting a stable underlying performance despite persistent market headwinds. 

Demand continued to be subdued due to low consumer confidence, and delivery volumes were relatively low, particularly in containerboard and biomaterials. Despite these challenges, we have intensified our own actions to improve and safeguard profitability, including a strengthened P&L responsibility in business areas, a leaner, more customer-focused organisation, and targeted efficiency programmes. Our net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 2.7 from 3.1 a year ago, reflecting the positive impact of the forest asset divestment.

Looking ahead, we will continue our systematic efforts to improve profitability and cash flow, whilst we expect market conditions to continue to be subdued and challenging. The strategic review of the Swedish forest assets and ramp-up of Oulu continue to be priorities.

Thanks to the dedication of our teams, we are now laying the foundation for a stronger, more focused company-one that is better positioned to deliver long-term value. As we reshape the company, the work being done today will define a more resilient and competitive future for Stora Enso.

Webcast for analysts, investors, and media

Stora Enso’s President and CEO Hans Sohlström and CFO Niclas Rosenlew will present the results in a webcast today starting at 11:30 am EET (10:30 CET, 9:30 BST, 4:30 EDT). The live the webcast can be accessed using the following link: https://stora-enso-oyj-q3-earnings-presentation-2025.open-exchange.net/registration.

During the webcast presentation, analysts and investors will also have the possibility to ask questions. To participate in the teleconference, please choose the “Teleconference” option on the homepage of the webcast. Recording of the webcast will be available shortly after the event at the same address and at storaenso.com/en/investors/interim-report.

Media representatives who wish to ask questions after the publication of the report may contact Carl Norell, SVP Corporate Communications at Stora Enso on +46 72 241 0349.

This release is a summary of Stora Enso’s Interim Report January-September 2025. The complete report is attached to this release as a pdf file, and it is also available on the company website at storaenso.com/en/investors/interim-report.

Media enquiries:

Carl Norell
SVP Corporate Communications
tel. +46 72 241 0349

Investor enquiries:
Jutta Mikkola
SVP Investor Relations
tel. +358 50 544 6061

The forest is at the heart of Stora Enso and we believe that everything made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. We are the leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. Stora Enso has approximately 19,000 employees and our sales in 2024 were EUR 9 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA on OTC Markets (OTCQX) as ADRs and ordinary shares (SEOAY, SEOFF, SEOJF). storaenso.com/investors

STORA ENSO OYJ

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SOURCE Stora Enso Oyj

OSLO, Norway, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Elkem reported an EBITDA of NOK 829 million for the third quarter 2025, compared to NOK 1 241 million in the corresponding quarter last year. While sales prices remained low, results were supported by strong operational performance and cost improvements. The strategic review of the Silicones division is proceeding as planned. The exclusive sales process is expected to close in the first half of 2026.

Elkem’s total operating income for the third quarter 2025 was NOK 7 523 million, which was 7 per cent lower than the third quarter 2024. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was NOK 829 million, down 33 per cent from the corresponding quarter last year. Earnings per share (EPS) was NOK 0.05 in the quarter and NOK -0.77 year to date. EPS was negatively impacted by the results in Silicones. This division has been classified as discontinued operations and assets held for sale due to the strategic review initiated to streamline Elkem’s business portfolio.

The Silicon Products division was impacted by low silicon and ferrosilicon prices in the third quarter, while the speciality segments delivered improved results. The division reported a total operating income of NOK 3 369 million, a reduction of 8 per cent compared to the third quarter last year, while the EBITDA declined 53 per cent year-on-year. Carbon Solutions reported an EBITDA of NOK 231 million, down 14 per cent from the third quarter last year, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 28 per cent. The lower EBITDA was mainly due to lower sales prices and somewhat higher raw material costs. Silicones recorded higher results due to improved cost and market positions. The division reported an EBITDA of NOK 248 million, a 23 per cent increase year-on-year, despite a 6 per cent reduction in operating income. 

“Despite challenging market conditions and pricing pressures, Elkem continues to deliver robust operational performance and cost improvements across our three divisions. The strategic review is proceeding according to plan and once successfully completed, Elkem will be well positioned for future growth. While uncertainties persist due to geopolitical and trade developments, Elkem benefits from a geographically diverse portfolio, a resilient supply chain and strong client relations, enabling our company to respond effectively to shifting market trends,” says Helge Aasen, CEO of Elkem.

Elkem has initiated a strategic review to sell the Silicones division to streamline the company and redirect capital towards accelerating growth in the Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions divisions. An exclusive sales process is currently underway with a major industrial player that has a significant presence in the global chemicals industry. Elkem is confident that the potential transaction would represent the best possible outcome for the Silicones division as well as the Company, to the benefit of all stakeholders. Subject to negotiations, agreement and necessary approvals, the closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the first half of 2026.

EU is considering safeguard measures that could become effective from 19 November 2025. The safeguard measures will be aimed at raising prices and protecting internal production within EU. It remains unclear how Norway and Iceland will be affected. The safeguard regulations appear to focus on ferrosilicon and foundry alloys, with no clear indication if silicon will be included. In addition, the US has imposed countervailing duties (CVD) on silicon imported from several countries, including Norway. The preliminary rate for Norway is 16.87 per cent, mainly related to free allocation of CO₂ quotas and CO₂ compensation under EU rules. Elkem’s position is that EU’s policies for CO₂ quotas and CO₂ compensation do not constitute countervailable subsidies harming the US domestic industry.

The Elkem group’s equity as at 30 September 2025 amounted to NOK 23 968 million, which gave a ratio of equity to total assets of 50 per cent. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 11 666 million, which gave a ratio of net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA of 3.1x. Elkem had cash and cash equivalents of NOK 3 968 million as at 30 September 2025, and undrawn credit lines of around NOK 6 000 million.

The Silicon Products division is facing challenging conditions, with low silicon and ferrosilicon demand. However, the division’s leading cost positions and good performance in specialty segments, are mitigating the negative impact. The Carbon Solutions division benefits from good cost positions and a geographically diverse customer portfolio, but continued weak demand is impacting the division’s results. The silicones producers are actively trying to increase prices, but markets are still hampered by overcapacity. Potential trade regulations and protective measures are expected to impact Elkem’s markets going forward. The safeguard measures in EU are not yet concluded, and the overall impact for Elkem is unclear.

For further information, please contact:

Odd-Geir Lyngstad
VP Finance & Investor Relations
Tel: +47 976 72 806
Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com

Marianne Stigset
VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Tel: +47 411 88 482
E-mail: marianne.stigset@elkem.com

About Elkem

Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7 200 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2024, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 33 billion. Elkem has been awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com

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SOURCE Elkem

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGTN America & CCTV UN releases “Global Dialogue on Innovation, Openness and Shared Development”

China Media Group will host a media event on Friday, October 24, at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, DC. The event, highlighting innovation, openness, and shared development, will bring together leading diplomats, commentators, and representatives of the young generation from China and the United States to discuss the outcomes and themes emerging from China’s Fourth Plenary Session, held in Beijing from October 20 to 23.

The plenary session reviews the proposals for formulating the 15^th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development. It emphasizes high-quality development, technological self-reliance, green transformation, and the creation of a modern industrial system integrating digital, intelligent, and sustainable growth. The session also underscores the importance of education, science, and technology as engines of modernization, calling for stronger cultural confidence and enhanced global understanding through dialogue and exchange.

The upcoming media event will feature keynote speeches by officials and commentators from China and the United States, followed by a lively panel discussion with young voices exploring key global themes — including global governance, Chinese modernization, artificial intelligence and technology, sustainability, climate change, and people-to-people exchanges. These conversations reflect the vision and aspirations of a new generation committed to shaping a more inclusive and forward-looking world.

From 2021 to 2024, China’s economy has grown at an average annual rate of 5.5%, contributing nearly 30% of global growth while advancing green development, innovation, and openness. The discussion aims to offer fresh insight into how these achievements and emerging policy directions can support inclusive and sustainable global progress.

(This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.)

Contact : Distribution@cgtnamerica.com

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SOURCE MediaLinks TV LLC