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Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining ExaWizards Financial Results briefing for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2026. In this briefing, I will explain the quarterly performance driven by AI and our future growth strategies, followed by a presentation from our Representative Director and President, CEO, Makoto Haruta.

Here’s today’s agenda. First, I will cover the Q3 financial summary and consolidated results, followed by details on the status of each segment. Finally, I will share business updates focusing on AI agents, which we are currently emphasizing. I will not explain the appendix, so please download the presentation material from our website for your reference.

Let’s start with Section 1, the executive summary of the third quarter of fiscal year ending March 2026. Net sales for Q3 were JPY 3.116 billion. Operating profit was JPY 481 million. By segment, the AI Products business generated JPY 1.229 billion in sales and JPY 371 million in operating profit. This business continues to grow strongly, led by exaBase Generative AI, which has captured the top market share. The AI Solutions Services Business also returned to a growth trajectory with sales of JPY 1.922 billion, an increase over the previous year and an operating profit of JPY 717 million or 106% year-on-year due to contributions from large-scale projects.

Section 2 provides a detailed summary of our consolidated financial results. As shown here, both net sales and operating profit reached record highs on a quarterly basis. Net sales grew steadily to over JPY 3.1 billion and the operating profit improved dramatically, reaching JPY 481 million compared to just JPY 6 million in the same period last year. We achieved record highs for both net sales and operating profit for

White House Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro touted what he called a “Goldilocks economy” under President Donald Trump while promising Americans the “biggest rebate” in U.S. history.

“When Americans get those rebate checks on tax day, that’s going to be the biggest rebate and broad-based in American history,” Navarro said Sunday. 

“In 2026, unless the geopolitics get in the way, it’s shaping up to be beautiful.”

Appearing on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Navarro pointed to the latest economic data showing inflation easing while job growth and wages rise. The consumer price index (CPI) increased 2.4% over the past year, beating expectations and marking an eight-month low in inflation.

TRUMP SPEECH SPARKS OPTIMISM AS ‘GANGBUSTER’ ECONOMY FORECASTED FOR 2026

Peter Navarro, White House senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, speaks to members of the media outside the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“This is happening because of tariffs, not in spite of them, as the critics would say, because if there were any tariff inflation, it would show up in the core. It’s simply not doing that,” Navarro said.

“So everything is hitting on all major cylinders, and the best is yet to come.”

Navarro’s remarks come as the Supreme Court weighs Trump’s use of emergency tariffs, with the justices set to issue opinions Friday that could include a ruling on the policy.

BANK OF AMERICA CEO SEES STRONGER 2026 ECONOMY, SAYS WALL STREET MAY BE UNDERESTIMATING GROWTH

President Donald Trump speaks during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The ruling would determine whether the president can continue using emergency authorities to impose tariffs without additional congressional approval.

The administration has long justified Trump’s tariffs as a way to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and counter what officials describe as unfair trade practices by other nations.

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Navarro reiterated that defense on Sunday, pointing to what he described as a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing.

“We had the ISM manufacturing index, which is dear to my heart, because I’m the counselor for trade manufacturing. That’s showing a very robust final jump in manufacturing,” he said.

The Ferndale business has a new new managing director

Valleys -based manufacturer Avon Engineered Rubber is posed for continued domestic and international growth under a new managing director.

Vince Minchella has taken up the head role at the Ferndale-based which specialises in aerosol gaskets and seals and specialist industrial rubber moulding for automotive, HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning, construction, and other industries. He has been promoted for a commercial role with the business.

The company is one of nine engineering firms that make up Bristol-based Avon Group. With the support of Avon Engineered Rubber the group is targeting breaking through the £100m annual revenues mark for this first time by 2030.

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Mr Minchella has taken over the helm of the business following the opening of new premises in Malaysia o

Mr Minchella said: “I’m excited to have been given the opportunity to lead Avon Engineered Rubber forward because it is a very important part of Avon Group as the exclusive global source for both stem and cup seal gaskets.

“We’ve been the ‘go-to’ supply partner for the world’s top aerosol valve producers for more than 20 years and I am confident that we will kick on and expand our reach as well as playing an important role in Avon Group’s overall progress.”

On its new Malaysian operation he added: “The official opening of our new Malaysian base is an important milestone for the business as we are now ideally placed to support growing demand for our products in the South East Asian market and beyond.

“We are very proud of the progress our formidable Malaysian team have been making and they did themselves, Avon Engineered Rubber and Avon Group as a whole proud by staging a fantastic opening which bodes well for our future.

“By honouring local traditions and blessing the visiting dragons it means we’ve got off to a perfect start in new surroundings which we can be proud of as we focus on future expansion.”

The Ferndale operation employs 107 across its production, laboratory, quality, sales, logistics and administration teams.

To support its growth the business, which also has a presence in the US, has invested £300,000 investment in cutting-edge extrusion technology and plant upgrades.

Avon group director, Mark Rushin said: “We are all really ambitious and passionate about what we do and with exceptionally talented people in vital positions we are firmly on course to rise to every challenge and fulfil Avon Group’s vast potential.”

Avon Engineered Rubber was acquired by Avon Group in 2007.

Apple’s upcoming MacBook lineup is generating significant buzz among tech enthusiasts and consumers as Apple prepares a major refresh in early 2026. With rumors pointing to multiple new models, including updates to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, as well as a potential low-cost entry-level option, the company appears poised to strengthen its laptop dominance amid growing competition from AI-enhanced Windows devices and budget alternatives.

As of mid-February 2026, Apple’s current MacBook offerings include the 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip, unveiled in October 2025. That model introduced substantial gains in AI performance, with up to 3.5 times better neural engine capabilities compared to the prior generation, alongside faster SSD speeds and up to 24 hours of battery life. However, higher-end configurations featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips have yet to arrive, leaving the 16-inch MacBook Pro and more demanding professional workflows on the previous M4 silicon. The MacBook Air lineup remains on the M4 chip from its March 2025 refresh.

Industry analysts and reliable sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, indicate that Apple is gearing up for announcements as soon as March. A special “Apple Experience” event is scheduled for March 4, 2026, in New York City, with simultaneous events in London and Shanghai. While Apple has not officially confirmed the agenda, leaks suggest the gathering could showcase several Mac-related products alongside other devices like a budget iPhone variant and updated iPads.

One of the most anticipated releases is the M5 MacBook Air. Following a consistent spring refresh pattern—March 2024 for M3 and March 2025 for M4—the M5 version is widely expected in March 2026. The 13-inch and 15-inch models are predicted to retain their slim, fanless design while benefiting from the M5 chip’s efficiency improvements. Expect 15-25% faster CPU performance and up to 45% better graphics over the M4, making the Air even more capable for everyday tasks, light creative work and on-device AI features through Apple Intelligence. Pricing is likely to hold steady, starting around $999 for the base configuration.

Attention is also turning to the MacBook Pro family. The base 14-inch model received its M5 upgrade last fall, but professionals have been waiting for the M5 Pro and M5 Max variants in both 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. Reports tie this launch closely to the rollout of macOS Tahoe 26.3, with a potential debut as early as the week of March 2. These chips promise enhanced multi-core performance, superior GPU capabilities for video editing, 3D rendering and machine learning workloads, and even higher memory bandwidth. No major design changes are anticipated here; the focus remains on processor upgrades to bridge the gap until a larger overhaul later in the year.

Adding intrigue is speculation about a new low-cost MacBook, often described as an entry-level model priced under $1,000—potentially as low as $599 or $699. Powered by the A18 Pro chip (the same silicon driving recent iPhones), this device aims to compete directly with premium Chromebooks and affordable Windows laptops in education and consumer markets. Leaks suggest it could feature vibrant color options, such as yellow, green and pink, departing from Apple’s typically subdued palette. With long battery life and solid performance for web browsing, streaming and productivity apps, the budget MacBook could broaden Apple’s reach without cannibalizing higher-end sales. Gurman has indicated this model may also debut at the March event.

Looking further ahead, 2026 could deliver even more excitement. A redesigned MacBook Pro with OLED displays, touch support and a thinner chassis is rumored for the second half of the year or early 2027, powered by M6-series chips. Such a refresh would mark the first major MacBook Pro redesign since 2021, potentially incorporating mini-LED alternatives or under-display cameras for a seamless look.

Apple’s strategy reflects a push to integrate advanced AI across its hardware while maintaining premium build quality and ecosystem integration. The M5 family’s emphasis on on-device processing aligns with privacy-focused features in macOS, appealing to creators and developers. Meanwhile, the rumored budget option addresses price sensitivity in a competitive landscape.

Consumers eyeing a purchase face a familiar dilemma: buy now or wait. Current M4 MacBook Air and base M5 MacBook Pro models remain excellent choices for most users, offering strong performance and longevity. However, those needing maximum power may benefit from holding off just a few weeks for the M5 Pro/Max Pro models. Budget-conscious shoppers could find the new entry-level MacBook transformative if it delivers as promised.

As the March 4 event approaches, expectations are high for Apple to deliver a compelling mix of innovation and accessibility. Whether through incremental chip upgrades or bold new form factors, the company’s MacBook releases in 2026 are set to influence laptop trends for years to come. Stay tuned for official announcements that could redefine portable computing once again.

A council governance review found only 35.3 per cent of Ansford residents supported the proposals

Proposals to combine a rapidly expanding Somerset town with its neighbouring parish have been abandoned following a lack of backing from local people. Castle Cary has seen substantial growth in recent years, with considerable housing development occurring across both the town and the adjacent parish of Ansford, which encompasses Castle Cary railway station.

The scale of this expansion has left existing parish boundaries outdated – with one boundary line running directly through the middle of a residential dwelling. After local councillor Henry Hobhouse submitted a petition, Somerset Council initiated a governance review in late-2025, with findings presented to the council’s constitution and governance committee in Taunton on February 5.

However, given the limited public appetite for the changes, the committee determined that no merger plans would proceed at present.

Steven Lake, the council’s electoral services manager, informed the committee in his written report: “The consultation demonstrates that there is insufficient support from both communities to proceed with the proposals to merge the two parishes.

“Whilst there was an overall approval rate of 53.6 per cent to the proposals, the rate of approval from the responders from Ansford was only 35.3 per cent. There is, however, sufficient evidence to review the administrative boundaries to ensure that there are clear, definitive boundaries between the two communities.”

Castle Cary currently has 1,883 individuals on the electoral register, in contrast to Ansford’s 1,174. Despite the two parishes maintaining their individuality, a series of minor boundary adjustments will be put into effect.

These modifications include shifting the Crown Pet Foods factory entirely into Castle Cary parish (where the boundary currently bisects the main building) and relocating 57 to 67 Churchfield Drive into Ansford parish.

Summer Easeman, a disabled mother and the youngest member of Ansford Parish Council, warned the committee that merging the two parishes would “silence a vital local voice” at a pivotal moment for local democracy.

She said: “We have consistently demonstrated what can be achieved when we work collaboratively and base our decisions on evidence. Because of our constructive relationship with Somerset Council and local developers – and because we invested in proper, evidence‐based reports – we now have the prospect of three zebra crossings being delivered in Ansford.

“That’s not abstract policy; that’s safer routes for children, older residents, disabled people, and families. It’s exactly the kind of practical, community‐driven outcome that only a functioning parish council can deliver. Dissolving this council would silence a vital local voice at the very moment when our community is proving what it can achieve.”

Fellow Ansford resident Fiona Houlton pointed out significant distinctions between this proposal and the planned merger of Langport and Huish Episcopi.

She explained: “The nature of community identity, the strength and clarity of opposition, the response rates and the demographic profile are all materially different. Ansford is getting younger, with significant numbers of new housing and many families moving in.

“Proceeding now would create a long-term legitimacy problem by acting against the views of the very residents who will shape the parish’s future.”

Castle Cary resident Simon Bebbington offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that uniting the two councils would make it simpler to obtain new facilities from property developers.

He reasoned: “The extension and ongoing development taking place has effectively blurred the boundaries and made them a single natural community. Our larger voice carries more weight when bidding for National Lottery funding, developer contributions, or government grants for projects like the Donald Pither pavilion.”

Trevor Oats, chairman of Castle Cary Town Council, added: “I can see great merit in the formation of a new council to move forward and start to focus on the needs and wants of everyone, and not be continually being accused of not paying heed to the parishioners of Ansford.

“All the new council parishioners will have equal access to elect the members who they wish to represent them, and enjoy the services that will be provided across the whole of the community.”

Councillor Tim Kerley (Liberal Democrat, Somerton) described this as a textbook case of needing to honour public opinion despite any professional evaluation.

He said: “It looks to me that it suits the governance for them to come together, but we have to accept that we need to take the public with us on the journey. Having set through a similar one in Langport and Huish Episcopi, I see the arguments are pretty much the same.

“The difference here is the local population haven’t been taken with the argument, and I think we have to respect that.”

Following less than half an hour of discussion, the committee voted against proceeding with the merger.

X experienced a widespread outage early Monday, leaving thousands of users unable to access the social media platform.

According to Downdetector, a website that tracks service disruptions based on user reports, complaints surged to more than 41,000 around 8:40 a.m. ET, far above the typical baseline level.

Reports had first begun trickling in earlier in the morning, starting with about a dozen complaints before rapidly escalating.

The social media company did not immediately respond to FOX Business’s request for comment.

EUROSTAR FORCED TO CANCEL ALL SERVICES TO AND FROM LONDON AFTER ‘MAJOR DISRUPTION’ IN CHANNEL TUNNEL

By 9:09 a.m., complaints had been cut by more than half, falling to about 28,673 reports, though the number remained significantly elevated.

Reports continued to decline later in the morning, dropping to 17,360 by 9:19 a.m. and falling further to roughly 1,245 by 9:49 a.m., according to the site’s data.

HOW PARENTS CAN ENCOURAGE HEALTHY SOCIAL MEDIA HABITS FOR THEIR KIDS

Tens of thousands of X users reported outages on Feb. 16, 2026, according to Downdetector. (X Logo – Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Downdetector’s outage heatmap showed the disruption affected users primarily in the United States, with hotspots in major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

X was also down temporarily in mid-January and again in November 2025.

AUSTRALIA BEGINS ENFORCING SOCIAL MEDIA LAW BANNING CHILDREN UNDER 16 FROM MAJOR PLATFORMS

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The 2025 service issue was due to a widespread outage at Cloudflare, an internet infrastructure provider.

The disruption comes weeks after a major Verizon network outage that left millions of wireless customers without service for hours, one of several high-profile connectivity issues in recent months.