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SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Lionsgate Studios Corp. shares climbed 15.80% to close at $14.95 on May 22, 2026, following the release of fiscal fourth-quarter 2026 results that exceeded analyst expectations on revenue and profitability.

The company reported revenue of $906.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared with $865.6 million in the year-ago period. Non-GAAP net income reached nearly $112 million, or $0.37 per share, more than tripling from the prior-year quarter.

Both figures surpassed consensus estimates of $809 million in revenue and $0.24 per share in adjusted net profit. Operating income totaled $117.5 million, up 52% year-over-year. Adjusted OIBDA stood at $165.4 million.

Motion Picture Segment Performance

The Motion Picture segment generated revenue of $651.9 million and segment profit of $187.1 million, increases of 23% and 39% respectively from the prior year. Performance was driven by the theatrical and ancillary results of “The Housemaid,” which grossed nearly $400 million worldwide, along with strong library sales.

“The Housemaid” also set records on premium video-on-demand and became the top Pay One title ever on STARZ.

Library and Other Metrics

Trailing 12-month library revenue topped $1 billion for the third consecutive quarter, rising 5% year-over-year. More than half of the company’s film, television and live entertainment slates consist of branded, repeatable properties.

CEO Jon Feltheimer stated, “All of the pieces of our business are coming together – our library has achieved a billion dollars in trailing 12-month revenue for three quarters in a row, more than half of our film, television and live entertainment slates are comprised of branded, repeatable properties, and massive hits like The Housemaid and Michael are strengthening our brand and increasing our forward visibility.”

Analyst Reactions

Benchmark maintained a Buy rating and raised its price target on Lionsgate Studios. Other firms including Baird and Morgan Stanley had issued upward target revisions in the weeks leading into earnings. Consensus price targets ranged from approximately $12 to $16 following recent updates.

Recent Film Success

Earlier in 2026, the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” opened to $217 million globally in its first weekend, exceeding expectations and marking Lionsgate’s biggest opening since the pandemic.

Financial Position

The company reported improvements in free cash flow and adjusted OIBDA. Year-end leverage improved to 6.1 times. Lionsgate continues to focus on its library value and upcoming slate that includes multiple tentpole films.

Market Context

Lionsgate Studios operates as a standalone public company following its separation from Lions Gate Entertainment. The stock reached an all-time high during the May 22 session amid elevated trading volume. Shares have shown strong year-to-date performance in 2026, reflecting investor confidence in its content pipeline.

The company’s strategy emphasizes branded franchises and library monetization across theatrical, streaming and ancillary channels. Upcoming releases and television deliveries are expected to contribute to fiscal 2027 results.

Broader Industry Trends

Lionsgate competes in a dynamic entertainment landscape with major studios and streaming platforms. Its focus on mid-budget films and strong library has supported revenue stability amid industry shifts. Analysts project earnings growth in coming years tied to slate execution.

Lionsgate management will host its fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter earnings conference call on May 21, with a replay available afterward. Further details on fiscal 2027 guidance and film slate will be monitored in upcoming updates.

The May 22 stock movement reflected positive reaction to the earnings beat and optimism around recent box office results. Trading activity remained active into after-hours with shares around $14.91.

LOS ANGELES — Meghan Markle posted multiple never-before-seen photographs from her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2026, to mark the couple’s eighth wedding anniversary.

The Duchess of Sussex shared two carousel posts on Instagram featuring previously unpublished images from the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor and the reception. The photos included moments of the couple embracing, their first dance, Prince Harry toasting, and Elton John performing.

One post was captioned “Eight years ago today…☀️” with photo credit to royal photographer Chris Allerton. Markle did not include images of other members of the royal family such as King Charles III or Prince William in the shared collection. She did post a photo with her mother, Doria Ragland.

The couple married on May 19, 2018. The anniversary posts came amid reports of ongoing distance between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the British royal family. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back as working royals in 2020 and relocated to the United States.

Social Media Reactions

The anniversary posts drew a range of responses on social media platforms, including Reddit. Some users described the volume of photos — more than 20 across the posts — as notable for a non-milestone anniversary.

One Reddit user wrote, “She kept all the internal pics private and now, in a moment of desperation, unloads them all to get attention.” Another commented, “This is so beyond pathetic.” A third added, “She also posted SO MANY pictures. Feels desperate.”

Loyal fans of the couple praised the intimate glimpses into the 2018 ceremony and reception. The posts quickly gained significant engagement across Instagram.

Anniversary Details

Additional posts from Markle showed the couple celebrating with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Images included cutting a lemon elderflower cake. Prince Harry reportedly gifted Markle a bronze penguin sculpture, referencing an element from their early relationship.

The 2018 wedding was watched by hundreds of millions worldwide. Meghan Markle wore a minimalist Givenchy gown designed by Clare Waight Keller with a 16-foot veil. The ceremony featured notable guests including Elton John and other celebrities.

Recent Context

Reports in May 2026 indicated Prince Harry has expressed interest in reconciling with his family while Markle has focused on her lifestyle brand “As Ever” in the United States. The couple has maintained a private life in California with their two children.

This marked one of the first times Markle shared such a large collection of intimate, previously unseen wedding images publicly. The timing coincided with ongoing public interest in the couple’s life post-royal duties.

Public Interest

The anniversary posts generated widespread coverage across entertainment and royal news outlets. Discussions focused on the couple’s continued use of social media to share personal milestones despite previous requests for privacy.

Markle has maintained an active Instagram presence. The wedding anniversary content aligned with her pattern of occasional personal posts mixed with promotional activity for her brand initiatives.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not issued additional joint statements on the anniversary beyond the shared photographs. Buckingham Palace has not commented on the posts.

Background on the Couple

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met in 2016 and announced their engagement in 2017. Their wedding in 2018 was a global event broadcast live. The couple welcomed Archie in 2019 and Lilibet in 2021. They relocated to Montecito, California, after stepping back from senior royal roles.

Since leaving the United Kingdom, they have pursued media projects, including a Netflix series and Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare.” Markle has launched lifestyle ventures including the brand “As Ever.”

The couple has faced ongoing public scrutiny regarding their relationship with the royal family. Reports of internal differences have circulated periodically but remain unconfirmed by official statements from either side.

Broader Royal Developments

As of May 2026, King Charles III continues public duties following his cancer diagnosis and treatment. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have maintained their schedule of royal engagements. The Sussexes have operated independently from the main royal household.

The anniversary posts highlighted the couple’s focus on their own family narrative eight years after the highly publicized royal wedding. The images provided fans with new perspectives on the event while avoiding direct references to other royal family members.

It is the third time Fowler & Holden has received backing from NPIF and FW Capital

A historic foundry which has been operating in Grimsby for more than 100 years has secured its latest investment.

Fowler & Holden, which is on the town’s Railway Street, has received a six-figure sum from NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). It is the third round of funding from NPIF and FW Capital for the firm, which will use the funds to boost capacity and enhance the environmental impact of the site in Grimsby.

The business is owned by engineering group TGM Industrial and operates from a purpose-built, 20,000 sqft property which was developed using funding from NPIF – FW Capital as part of the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund back in 2021. That move increased the firm’s production and manufacturing capacity by up to 80.

Fowler & Holden was founded in 1919 and provides foundry and engineering services to clients around the world, using its array of modern CNC machines and traditional machine tools. It was acquired by TGM in 2021.

Tim Brooksbank, director at Fowler & Holden, said: “Since TGM Industrial Group acquired Fowler & Holden in 2021, we have reinvested over £1.1m into our site, plant, and process infrastructure, with approximately £650,000 supported by FW Capital over this period. These investments are a testament to our commitment to the long-term success of our facilities and our workforce.

“By prioritising environmental credentials and health and safety, we are not only reducing our footprint but also creating a superior working environment for our team. We have found FW Capital to be a pragmatic and supportive partner throughout this journey.”

Dave Hawkins, portfolio executive at FW Capital added: “We continue to be impressed by the management team’s vision and are proud to support their ambitions for growth. This latest funding cycle is instrumental in driving operational efficiency and reducing emissions, both of which are core to Fowler and Holden’s sustainability goals. Having worked with the team since 2021, this is a great example of how we provide ongoing support to help businesses scale responsibly and successfully.”

Bain Capital-backed Dhoot Transmission Limited has filed its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus – 1 (UDRHP – 1) with market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for its initial public offering (IPO).

The electrical & electronics companies’ proposed public offer will be a mix of fresh issue and an offer for sale (OFS). The fresh issue consists of equity shares of face value Rs 2 each, aggregating up to Rs 1,400 crore and the OFS comprises up to 1.63 equity shares.

The OFS includes equity shares being sold by the promoter and promoter group selling shareholders. BC Asia Investments XV Limited is offering up to 1,31,91,900 equity shares and Mangalam Capital Private Limited (formerly known as Mangalam Colise Private Limited) is offering 31,18,833 equity shares.

Dhoot Transmission IPO

The company proposes to use the net proceeds mainly for repayment/prepayment of certain outstanding borrowings of the company amounting to Rs 493.9 crore, and investment in subsidiaries including Dhoot Auto Components Private Limited, Dhoot Electricals Systems Private Limited, Dhoot Automotive Systems Private Limited and Dhoot Transmission UK Limited for repayment/prepayment of their outstanding borrowings amounting to Rs 272.58 crore.

The proceeds will also be used to set up new wiring harness manufacturing plants at Jhajjar, in Haryana, and Hosur in Tamil Nadu, with Rs 150 crore allocated for this purpose.
Additionally, the company plans to use funds for unidentified acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The net proceeds are proposed to be deployed over FY27 and FY28.

About Dhoot Transmission

Founded in 1999, Dhoot Transmission is one of India’s leading electrical and electronics companies. The promoters of the company are BC Asia Investments XV Limited and Rahul Radhavallabh Dhoot.

BC Asia XV acquired a 49% stake in the Company in April 2025. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and supplies critical wiring harnesses that integrate electronic sensors and controllers, switches, terminals, connectors, junction boxes, high-voltage interconnection systems and data cables, delivering application-specific architectures across platforms.

The UDRHP claimed company is among the top two players in India’s two-wheeler and three-wheeler wiring harness market, with a 44.64% market share by value in FY25. It is also a market leader in the electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler wiring harness segment, commanding over 70% market share in FY25, reflecting its strong positioning in both traditional and electric mobility platforms.

The company serves both automotive and non-automotive applications, with products designed to meet stringent OEM performance, safety and reliability standards.

As on December 31, 2025, the company had 22 operational manufacturing facilities, three engineering and design support centres and seven warehouses across India and key international locations, providing access to major automotive clusters in India and globally. They have four under construction plants in India.

The company’s marquee clients include Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Company, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Private, Customer 4, and Royal Enfield, a unit of Eicher Motors.

Dhoot Transmission financials

During the nine months ended December 31, 2025 and fiscals 2025, 2024 and 2023, the company had 477, 466, 436 and 453 customers, respectively

The company has demonstrated strong FY23–FY25 growth momentum, with revenue from operations rising 62% from Rs 2,125.86 crore in FY23 to Rs 3,444.86 crore in FY25, while PAT more than doubled from Rs 163.91 crore to Rs 353.89 crore. EBITDA also strengthened from Rs 298.68 crore in FY23 to Rs 590.96 crore in FY25, with EBITDA margin improving from 14.05% to 17.15%, while PAT margin expanded from 7.69% to 10.19% for the same period.

Wiring harnesses remain the core revenue driver, contributing Rs 2,687 crore, or 78% of FY25 revenue, and Rs 2,505.42 crore, or 77.15%, for the nine months ended December 31, 2025.

IPO lead managers

Axis Capital Limited, Jefferies India Private Limited, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, SBI Capital Markets Limited and 360 ONE WAM Limited are the bankers to the issue.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

As the 2026 NBA playoffs continue with the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, trade speculation has intensified for the upcoming offseason and 2026 NBA Draft.

League executives and analysts have highlighted several major storylines as teams evaluate rosters following the February 2026 trade deadline. Here are the three most prominent NBA trade rumors circulating as of May 23, 2026.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Possibilities

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the most discussed name in trade rumors. After the Bucks missed the 2026 playoffs, the organization has fielded inquiries about the two-time MVP, who is under contract through the 2027-28 season.

Teams including the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder have been mentioned as potential suitors. Executives believe Antetokounmpo’s trade value could increase due to his matchup potential against players like Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs.

NBA executives have noted that teams are considering how to build rosters capable of competing against dominant Western Conference teams. One source told Sam Amick that Giannis is viewed as a potential solution against emerging stars.

The Golden State Warriors have expressed interest in keeping their 2026 draft pick rather than using it aggressively in a Giannis pursuit, according to reports. Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has emphasized flexibility with future assets.

2. Warriors Roster Reconstruction Plans

The Golden State Warriors have been active in trade discussions as they look to build around Stephen Curry in the win-now window. The team traded for Kristaps Porzingis at the 2026 deadline and continues exploring options.

Golden State holds the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and multiple future first-round selections. Reports indicate the franchise is open to trades involving young talent and picks to improve the roster.

Dunleavy stated after the deadline, “We’re willing to do whatever it takes to improve this team, whether it’s young players, first-round picks. We always have been, we always will be, as long as we’re in this win-now window.”

Potential targets include veterans who fit alongside Curry, Draymond Green and the team’s younger core. Salary constraints have limited some larger pursuits, but the Warriors maintain trade flexibility.

3. Lakers and Other Contender Moves

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to several trade targets as they seek to bolster their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, though Davis was traded to the Washington Wizards earlier in the season.

Los Angeles has shown interest in centers and wing defenders. Names such as Jalen Duren, Jarrett Allen and Walker Kessler have surfaced in connection with the Lakers. The team holds future first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 that could be used in deals.

Broader offseason rumors include potential availability of players like Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, Michael Porter Jr. from the Brooklyn Nets and Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks. These names have been discussed as possible targets for contenders seeking upgrades.

The 2026 NBA Draft features top prospects such as AJ Dybantsa, with teams like the Utah Jazz reportedly inquiring about trading up to the No. 1 pick held by the Washington Wizards.

Offseason Context

The NBA offseason will include the 2026 draft in June and free agency beginning in early July. Teams eliminated from the playoffs have begun internal evaluations of potential trades, extensions and draft strategies.

Several franchises face key decisions. The Memphis Grizzlies have been linked to discussions involving Ja Morant, though no resolution has been reported. Other teams are monitoring salary cap situations and asset accumulation.

League sources indicate that while major superstar trades are possible, many moves will involve role players and future picks as teams position themselves for the 2026-27 season.

Broader League Landscape

The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently leading the Western Conference Finals, have built a strong young core and could be active in future trades. The San Antonio Spurs, featuring Victor Wembanyama, have emerged as a formidable opponent.

Eastern Conference teams such as the Boston Celtics, who acquired Nikola Vucevic at the deadline, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who added James Harden, continue refining their rosters.

Analysts expect a busy summer with draft-night deals and sign-and-trade possibilities. Teams with available cap space and draft assets hold advantages in negotiations.

The 2026 free agent class includes several notable names, though restricted free agents like Jalen Duren could complicate plans for suitors. Trade assets remain central to roster construction strategies.

NEW YORK — Alphabet Inc. and Microsoft Corp. continued to show strong performance in artificial intelligence and cloud computing through mid-2026, with both companies reporting solid first-quarter results amid heavy investments in AI infrastructure.

As of May 22, 2026, Alphabet Class A shares closed at approximately $205 while Microsoft shares closed around $418. Both stocks have seen significant movement in 2026, with Alphabet showing stronger year-to-date gains in some periods compared to Microsoft.

Q1 2026 Financial Results

Alphabet reported first-quarter 2026 consolidated revenue of $109.9 billion, up 22% year-over-year. Google Services revenue increased 16% to $89.6 billion. Google Cloud revenue surged 63% to $20.0 billion. Operating income rose 30% with a margin of 36.1%. Net income increased 81% with EPS of $5.11.

Microsoft reported fiscal third-quarter 2026 revenue of $82.9 billion, up 18%. Intelligent Cloud revenue grew significantly, with Azure showing strong momentum. Operating income reached $38.4 billion. GAAP diluted EPS was $4.27. Microsoft Cloud revenue surpassed $49 billion.

Business Segment Performance

Alphabet’s Google Cloud achieved record growth, with backlog nearly doubling quarter-over-quarter to over $460 billion. Gemini models and AI infrastructure drove enterprise adoption. Search and YouTube ads continued as core revenue drivers.

Microsoft maintained leadership in enterprise cloud with Azure growth around 40% in recent quarters. The company highlighted AI integration across productivity tools and commercial bookings that increased over 100%.

Analyst Consensus and Valuation

Analysts assigned Microsoft a Moderate Buy consensus with average 12-month price targets around $560 to $570. Some targets reached as high as $870.

Alphabet received generally positive ratings with price targets reflecting expectations for continued cloud acceleration. Both companies traded at forward multiples in the high 20s to low 30s based on 2026 estimates.

Strategic Developments

Alphabet expanded its AI offerings with Gemini models and custom TPUs. The company reported over 350 million paid subscriptions across services and strong momentum in Waymo autonomous rides.

Microsoft deepened its partnership with OpenAI and integrated AI across Azure, Microsoft 365 and other platforms. Capital expenditures remained elevated for both companies due to AI data center buildouts.

Market Position

Alphabet benefits from its dominant search position and growing cloud market share, which reached around 21% in some estimates. Microsoft holds leadership in enterprise productivity software and maintains a strong position in cloud infrastructure.

Both companies face regulatory scrutiny in various jurisdictions related to market practices and AI development. Capital allocation for AI infrastructure has been a key focus, with significant spending expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.

Outlook Factors

Alphabet guided for continued double-digit revenue growth with particular emphasis on cloud and AI acceleration. Microsoft projected ongoing strength in cloud and commercial segments for the remainder of fiscal 2026.

Upcoming quarterly reports will provide further details on AI monetization progress and margin trends. Analysts will monitor execution on backlog conversion and competitive positioning in the AI sector.

Both companies returned capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. Microsoft has a history of consistent dividend increases while Alphabet raised its dividend by 5% in Q1 2026.

Broader Industry Context

The AI infrastructure boom has driven investment across the technology sector. Alphabet and Microsoft compete directly in cloud services while pursuing different strategies in consumer AI and enterprise productivity. Performance in 2026 has reflected varying investor sentiment around growth rates and valuation.