
Xiaomi Raises EV Sales Target, Plans New Overseas Stores as Q4 Revenue Jumps
China's Xiaomi on Tuesday reported an almost 50% jump in fourth-quarter revenue, beating analyst estimates, and raised its target for electric vehicle deliveries this year to 350,000 from 300,000.
The world's third-largest smartphone maker, whose product lines extend to home appliances and cars, also said it planned to expand its store network across China this year and open 10,000 new Mi Home stores overseas in the next five years.
The company reported a 48.8% rise in fourth-quarter revenue to 109 billion yuan ($15.1 billion), beating the 103.94 billion yuan average of 17 analyst estimates compiled by LSEG. Adjusted net profit jumped 69.4% year-on-year to 8.32 billion yuan, ahead of the average estimate of 6.399 billion yuan, Reuters reported.
Xiaomi president Lu Weibing said on an earnings call that he saw great potential for the company's products - from phones and tablets to cars - in overseas markets, though he added the complexity of expanding abroad was "quite high". Lu said the company aimed to start shipping cars overseas in 2027. Xiaomi's Hong Kong-listed shares closed up 3.3% before the earnings release. The stock has surged 284% over the past 12 months amid investor enthusiasm for its EV plans.
Xiaomi began manufacturing EVs last year with the launch of the SU7 sedan after selling smartphones, household appliances and smart gadgets for most of its 15-year history.
It reported 32.1 billion yuan in revenue for its EV business in 2024, delivering more than 135,000 SU7 sedans. The adjusted net loss related to its EV and other new initiatives reached 6.2 billion yuan.
Xiaomi's fourth-quarter global smartphone shipments rose 5% from a year earlier to 42.7 million handsets, ranking it third globally, with a market share of 13%, data from researcher Canalys showed.
In China, its largest market, shipments surged 29% to 12.2 million handsets over the same period, ranking it fourth, with a market share of 16%, according to the Canalys data.
Lu said Xiaomi aimed to ship 180 million smartphones this year, versus
in 2024, adding the company would invest up to 8 billion yuan, about a quarter of its total research and development budget this year, in AI-related initiatives.

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Saudi Gazette
16-06-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Palazzo Versace Dubai up for auction: Swiss-Italian Banker Christopher Aleo among potential buyers
The iconic Palazzo Versace Dubai, one of the most luxurious hotels in the United Arab Emirates, has officially been put up for auction following financial difficulties faced by its current owner. The property has been listed for online bidding with a starting price of approximately AED 600 million (around USD 163 million), a figure significantly lower than its previous valuation of over AED 1.4 billion (roughly USD 380 million). Opened in 2015 along the shores of Dubai Creek, the hotel spans 130,000 square meters and features 215 rooms and suites, 169 private residences, and 8 upscale restaurants and lounges. Despite the financial issues of its ownership, the hotel remains fully operational and continues to be one of the top choices among international luxury travelers. Its strategic location, association with the Versace brand, and consistently high standards make it a prime real estate and tourism asset in Dubai. Christopher Aleo emerges as a potential buyer Among those reportedly considering a bid is Christopher Aleo, a Swiss banker of Italian origin who has been a long-time resident of the UAE. Aleo is the founder of iSwiss, a financial group active in private banking in Switzerland and investment operations through its iSwiss Hedge Fund based in New York. He is also recognized for his involvement in global initiatives focused on sustainable finance and financial innovation. Interest channeled through global markets and Hedge Fund structures Aleo's interest in the Palazzo Versace would not be pursued directly through the Swiss banking group but rather via the iSwiss Hedge Fund. The structure under consideration involves a New York Stock Exchange-listed vehicle, which could serve as the financial platform for the acquisition. This approach would allow international capital to be raised in support of the deal, transforming the transaction from a simple real estate acquisition into a sophisticated global financial operation. The strategy reflects a growing trend in which investment funds target landmark hospitality assets via listed structures that combine tangible real estate value with financial market visibility. Restoring Italian heritage to the Versace brand Beyond the financial aspects, the potential change in ownership carries symbolic weight. Originally designed to embody the elegance and aesthetics of the Versace fashion house, the hotel could return to the hands of a buyer who shares its Italian cultural roots. Aleo's background would align closely with the brand's heritage, possibly enabling a revitalization that reinforces the connection between luxury hospitality, design, and Italian identity. Reportedly, plans under consideration include a conservative restyling of the property to enhance its original design language and upgrade its hospitality offering. The blend of Swiss financial discipline, international entrepreneurship, and Italian cultural sensibility would make Aleo's involvement particularly significant in positioning the hotel for a new era. One of the most anticipated deals of 2025 No official statements have been released so far by the hotel's current ownership, the iSwiss group, or Aleo himself. However, industry sources indicate that due diligence is underway and that multiple international stakeholders have shown serious interest. Should the deal proceed, the acquisition of the Palazzo Versace Dubai would rank among the most notable tourism and real estate transactions of 2025 in the region. The potential outcome of this deal would mark a strategic turning point for Dubai, a city that continues to strengthen its position as a global nexus of finance, luxury hospitality, and cultural prestige. For the Palazzo Versace, this could mean the start of a new chapter—guided by European leadership, global vision, and a renewed balance between heritage and innovation.


Arab News
16-06-2025
- Arab News
Oil Updates — prices rise further as Israel-Iran extends into fourth day
HONG KONG: Oil prices extended gains Monday as Israel and Iran pounded each other with missiles for a fourth day and threatened further attacks, stoking fears of a lengthy conflict that could reignite inflation. Gold prices also rose back toward a record high thanks to a rush into safe havens, but equities were mixed amid hopes that the conflict does not spread through the Middle East. Investors were also gearing up for key central bank meetings this week, with a particular eye on the US Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan, as well as talks with Washington aimed at avoiding Donald Trump's sky-high tariffs. Israel's surprise strike against Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday — killing top commanders and scientists — sent crude prices soaring as much as 13 percent at one point on fears about supplies from the region. Analysts also warned that the spike could send inflation surging globally again, dealing a blow to long-running efforts by governments and central banks to get it under control and fanning concerns about the impact on already fragile economies. 'The knock-on impact of higher energy prices is that they will slow growth and cause headline inflation to rise,' said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG. 'While central banks would prefer to overlook a temporary spike in energy prices, if they remain elevated for a long period, it may feed through into higher core inflation as businesses pass on higher transport and production costs. 'This would hampercentral banks' ability to cut interest rates to cushion the anticipated growth slowdown from President Trump's tariffs, which adds another variable for the Fed to consider when it meets to discuss interest rates this week.' Both main oil contracts were up around one percent in Asian trade. But Morningstar director of equity research Allen Good said: 'Oil markets remain amply supplied with OPEC set on increasing production and demand soft. US production growth has been slowing, but could rebound in the face of sustained higher prices. 'Meanwhile, a larger war is unlikely. The Trump administration has already stated it remains committed to talks with Iran. 'Ultimately, fundamentals will dictate price, and they do not suggest much higher prices are necessary. Although the global risk premium could rise, keeping prices moderately higher than where they've been much of the year.' Tokyo closed 1.3 percent higher, boosted by a weaker yen, while Hong Kong reversed early losses and Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore and Wellington also advanced. Taipei, Jakarta and Manila retreated while Sydney was flat. London, Paris and Frankfurt were all higher in early trade. Gold, a go-to asset in times of uncertainty and volatility, rose to around $3,450 an ounce and close to its all-time high of $3,500. There was little major reaction to data showing China's factory output grew slower than expected last month as trade war pressures bit, while retail sales topped forecasts. Also in focus is the Group of Seven summit in the Canadian Rockies, which kicked off Sunday, where the Middle East crisis will be discussed along with trade in light of Trump's tariff blitz. Investors are also awaiting bank policy meetings, with the Fed and BoJ the standouts. Both are expected to stand pat for now but traders will be keeping a close watch on their statements for an idea about the plans for interest rates, with US officials under pressure from Trump to cut. The Fed meeting 'will naturally get the greatest degree of market focus,' said Chris Weston at Pepperstone. 'The Fed should remain sufficiently constrained by the many uncertainties to offer anything truly market-moving and the statement should stress that policy is in a sound place for now,' he added. In corporate news, Nippon Steel rose more than three percent after Trump on Friday signed an executive order approving its $14.9 billion merger with US Steel, bringing an end to the long-running saga.


Arab News
13-06-2025
- Arab News
Hong Kong rights group shuts down after years of advocating for workers
HONG KONG: A Hong Kong group that advocated for workers rights for decades announced its shutdown abruptly on Thursday, citing financial difficulties and debt issues. China Labor Bulletin planned to stop updating its website content and appeared to have deleted Facebook and Instagram social media accounts used by the nonprofit rights organization. 'The company can no longer maintain operations and has decided to dissolve and initiate the relevant procedures,' it said in a statement on an archived web page Friday. Founded in 1994, organization maintained a database tracking workers' strikes, protests, workplace accidents and other labor rights incidents in China. As dozens of civil society groups disbanded or left Hong Kong in the wake of the 2020 Beijing-imposed national security law, China Labor Bulletin continued providing valuable resources for journalists and academics in the southern Chinese city. Critics say the drastic political changes in Hong Kong indicated the decline of Western-style civil liberties that China promised to keep intact when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. However, Beijing and Hong Kong governments insisted the law was crucial to bring stability to the city following massive anti-government protests in 2019. China Labor Bulletin's founder Han Dongfang, a former railway worker who participated in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. He told the Central News Agency of Taiwan that the shutdown was his decision and he would stay in Hong Kong. Han's decision appeared sudden to many Hong Kong civil society observers. Three weeks ago, he wrote on social media platform LinkedIn about his work anniversary and his team's progress. 'Let's keep our faith up at this abnormal time and continue our important work,' he said.