ET Intelligence Group: A handful of BSE 500 companies have shown strong earnings momentum amid a volatile macroeconomic environment, shows an ETIG analysis. There are 18 companies in the sample that have exceeded their respective FY25 revenue, operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and net profit in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. These companies have also shown an improvement in EBITDA margins over FY25 levels. The performance on these four key parameters was considered to weed out companies that might have benefited from one-off, non-operating items such as exceptional income, tax adjustments and others.

The list is dominated by six finance and four capital goods companies, aided by an uptick in credit demand and the government’s thrust on infrastructure development. Other sectors that have representation include chemicals, fast moving consumer goods, auto ancillaries and metals. The list includes companies such as GE Vernova T&D, Waaree Energies, Muthoot Finance, Acme Solar, Gillette India, Navin Fluorine, Kalyan Jewellers, Tata Investment Corporation, Multi Commodity Exchange of India, Bajaj Holdings and Investment and Aether Industries.

In addition, seven companies have reported a more than two-fold jump in net profit when compared with the corresponding nine-month period of the previous year. This subgroup includes Waaree Energies, Craftsman Automation, GE Vernova, Capri Global, HBL Engineering, Navin Fluorine and Acme Solar.
Despite their impressive financial performance, market conditions have affected their stock returns in the current calendar year. Of the 18 companies, only six, or one-third, have yielded stock returns. These include Waaree Energies (7% return), GE Vernova (20%), Navin Fluorine (5%), Acme Solar (7%), MCX (11%), and Aether Industries (35%), which is also the top gainer on the list. Paradeep Phosphate was the biggest loser, falling 32% year-to-date, affected by concerns over rising input costs.

Travelers at Los Angeles International Airport, known as LAX, are experiencing relatively short TSA security wait times Friday, March 27, 2026, with official airport data showing general boarding and TSA PreCheck lanes at 0 to 5 minutes in the Tom Bradley International Terminal as of early morning. While the ongoing partial government shutdown has caused record delays at some major U.S. airports, LAX has largely avoided the severe staffing shortages and multi-hour lines seen elsewhere.

The official flyLAX.com security wait times page reported 0 minutes for both general and PreCheck screening in TBIT early Friday, with similar low figures in recent days. Third-party trackers and traveler reports indicate average standard security waits fluctuating between 8 and 25 minutes depending on the hour, far below the four-hour peaks reported at hubs like Houston, Atlanta and Orlando amid the funding lapse.

LAX officials stated this week that the airport has not seen significant deviations from typical passenger wait times, and no immediate operational changes are expected despite the shutdown affecting roughly 50,000 TSA employees working without pay nationwide. Call-out rates at LAX have remained manageable compared with other facilities experiencing 40% to 50% absenteeism.

**Current Conditions at LAX**

As of late March 27, real-time monitors such as TakeoffTimer and OnAirParking showed standard security waits averaging around 17 to 21 minutes, with peaks near 34 to 36 minutes during early morning hours (4-5 a.m.) and much shorter times in the evening. TSA PreCheck lanes consistently cleared in under 5 to 10 minutes. Terminal-specific data varies slightly across LAX’s nine terminals, but TBIT — the busiest for international flights — has reported the lowest figures.

Recent traveler accounts on Reddit and Instagram confirm the trend: one post from March 26 described PreCheck taking less than 5 minutes at Terminal 1 with regular lines at 10-20 minutes. Multiple users noted breezing through mid-day with CLEAR or PreCheck in under 10 minutes, even during spring break travel.

The airport’s checkpoints open early, and conditions typically improve after the morning rush. Unlike airports deploying ICE agents for crowd management, LAX has relied on its existing staffing and efficient layout to maintain flow.

**Impact of the Partial Government Shutdown**

The funding impasse, now in its sixth week, has left TSA officers without paychecks since mid-February, prompting higher call-outs and more than 480 resignations nationwide. TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill warned Congress this week of the longest wait times in the agency’s 24-year history, with some lines exceeding four hours.

LAX has fared better due to factors including strong local management, lower relative call-out rates and high passenger volumes that may encourage consistent staffing. Airport officials emphasized no major disruptions, though they continue monitoring the situation closely. Spring break crowds have added pressure, but security has kept pace without the bottlenecks plaguing other hubs.

**How to Check Live TSA Wait Times at LAX**

Passengers should verify conditions in real time:

– Visit flyLAX.com/wait-times for official terminal-specific estimates, updated frequently.
– Use third-party tools such as TakeoffTimer.com, OnAirParking.com or the MyTSA app for user-reported data and forecasts.
– Check airline apps for gate information and any flight delays.
– Monitor LAX’s social media and the Port of Los Angeles alerts for announcements.

Experts recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures. Those with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR or airline priority boarding should still benefit from faster lanes, though even standard screening has moved efficiently this week.

**Tips for Smoother Security at LAX**

To minimize time at checkpoints:

– Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for expedited screening.
– Prepare liquids in a quart-sized bag, remove laptops and wear slip-on shoes.
– Use mobile boarding passes and avoid prohibited items.
– Consider off-peak travel times when possible, such as mid-morning or evening slots.
– Have snacks, water and entertainment ready in case of unexpected delays.

Travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification can use TSA’s alternative processes, though these may add time. Families, elderly passengers or those needing assistance should request support early.

**Broader Travel Context in 2026**

LAX, one of the world’s busiest airports handling about 74 million passengers annually, serves as a major gateway for domestic, international and connecting flights. Efficient security helps sustain its reputation despite heavy traffic and occasional construction.

The shutdown has highlighted vulnerabilities in federal workforce funding, with TSA warning of potential airport closures if the impasse persists. At LAX, the focus remains on safety and throughput, with redundancy in checkpoints across terminals helping absorb fluctuations.

Nationally, wait times vary widely: some airports report minimal delays while others face chaos. LAX’s performance stands out as a relative success story amid widespread frustration.

**What Travelers Are Saying**

Feedback from recent days is mostly positive, with many praising quick PreCheck experiences and manageable regular lines. Some note that arriving extra early still provides peace of mind, especially for international flights requiring additional processing. Social media users have contrasted LAX favorably with reports from Houston and other strained facilities.

As negotiations to end the shutdown continue, LAX officials urge patience and preparation. Frontline TSA workers continue performing their duties under difficult circumstances, earning appreciation from passengers who recognize the challenges.

**Looking Ahead**

With spring travel in full swing, monitoring tools will remain essential. LAX expects normal operations to continue, supported by its infrastructure and staffing. However, any escalation in the funding situation could change conditions rapidly.

Passengers should build buffers into their plans and check multiple sources before heading to the airport. Parking, rideshare services and the LAX Automated People Mover remain fully operational, though traffic around the facility can add time during peak periods.

For now, on March 27, 2026, most travelers at Los Angeles International Airport are clearing security faster than expected amid a national TSA crunch. The airport’s proactive approach has helped keep lines moving, offering welcome relief for those flying out of one of America’s busiest hubs.

Shaojun Su
Joint Company Secretary

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the CPIC Group 2025 Annual Results Announcement. I’m Su Shaojun, CPIC Group Board Secretary. It’s my great pleasure to meet you again. Now this year, we are conducting this event in both Shanghai and Hong Kong. It’s a face-to-face opportunity to give you a brief account of our performance last year and listen to your opinions and suggestions to protect the interest of small and medium-sized investors, we also have this event broadcast online. And after the meeting, you can watch the playback on our official website.

Next, I’m going to introduce our managers on the Hong Kong and Shanghai side. On the Hong Kong — on the Shanghai side, we have Mr. Fu Fan, CPIC Group Chairman; and also Mr. Yu Bin, CPIC Group Vice President; and also CPIC Life General Manager, Mr. Li Jinsong. And on the Hong Kong side, we have CPIC Group President, Mr. Zhao Yonggang; and Group Vice President, Mr. Ma Xin; and also Group Vice President, CIO and CFO, Mr. Su Gang; and [ Mr. Chang Hwei ], CPIC P&C General Manager. And our independent directors will also attend this meeting online.

First of all, Mr. Zhao Yonggang will give you account of our performance last year to be followed by a Q&A session. First of all, let’s give the floor to Mr. Zhao.

A UK-based start-up is bringing Mickey Mouse and other iconic characters to smartphones after striking a major content deal with The Walt Disney Company, in a bid to reverse declining reading habits among children.

London-founded Comixit has secured rights to adapt more than 100 titles across Disney, Pixar and 20th Century Studios into digital comic strips known as webtoons, a fast-growing format designed specifically for mobile consumption.

The agreement will see globally recognised franchises including Frozen, Ice Age and Moana reimagined as vertically scrolling, episodic comics tailored to younger audiences. The company has already partnered with the The Beano, signalling early traction in the children’s content space.

Comixit was founded in 2025 by entertainment executive Michael Nakan, who said the platform is designed to meet children “where they already are”, on their phones, while turning screen time into a more constructive activity.

“Disney has shaped imaginations for generations,” he said. “Bringing its characters into a modern, mobile-first format allows us to make reading engaging again.”

Webtoons, which originated in South Korea in the early 2000s, are structured for vertical scrolling, allowing users to move through stories frame by frame on a smartphone. The format blends visual storytelling with concise text, making it particularly accessible for younger readers and those less inclined towards traditional books.

Nakan said the idea for Comixit was sparked by declining literacy engagement among children, citing research that suggests only one in three young people aged eight to 18 now enjoy reading in their free time.

The start-up is entering a rapidly expanding market. Industry estimates put the global webtoon sector at around $9 billion in 2024, with projections suggesting it could grow to nearly $100 billion by 2033, potentially surpassing the scale of Japan’s manga industry.

By combining globally recognised intellectual property with a format optimised for mobile devices, Comixit is aiming to capture a share of this growth while addressing a broader cultural challenge around reading and engagement.

The platform uses artificial intelligence to convert traditional comic formats into webtoon-style content, but the company emphasises that all material is reviewed by human editors to ensure quality, accuracy and age-appropriate standards.

Unlike many digital platforms targeting younger audiences, Comixit has deliberately avoided social features such as comments, instead focusing on a curated and moderated environment designed to be safe for children.

The company is also developing tools that will allow users to create their own stories, adding an interactive dimension to the platform and encouraging creativity alongside consumption.

Comixit has attracted backing from prominent figures in film and media, including Harry Potter producer David Barron and Peaky Blinders producer Caryn Mandabach, as well as investor Magnus Rausing.

Nakan’s own background spans both film and television, with experience working alongside director Joe Wright and contributing to major productions such as Game of Thrones and House of Cards during his time at HBO.

The app is already available across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with plans to expand into the United States, a key market for both digital content and children’s entertainment.

At its core, Comixit’s strategy reflects a broader shift in how content is consumed and how literacy can be supported in a digital-first world.

By leveraging familiar characters and immersive storytelling, the company is attempting to bridge the gap between entertainment and education, encouraging children to engage with narratives in a format that feels native to their everyday habits.

As traditional reading faces increasing competition from digital media, initiatives like this suggest the future of literacy may lie not in resisting screen time, but in reimagining it.

---

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NOVO:CA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

I also own Lilly.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.