Archives March 2026

Global smartphone shipments are forecast to decline by around 7% year-on-year in 2026 according to Omdia’s latest outlook. This projection based on Q1 memory price assumptions, which indicate that pricing pressure and constrained supply will begin to ease in the second half of the year. The global smartphone market will face significant challenges in 2026 as tightening memory supply and elevated pricing place increasing cost pressures for vendors. Memory now accounts for a significantly larger share of the smartphone bill of materials (BOM), eroding vendor profitability, particularly in entry-level devices. Since 4Q25, smartphone manufacturers have already begun raising retail prices in order to maintain profit margins. However, sustained price increases are likely to weaken demand, particularly in price-sensitive emerging markets.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304209331/en/

Worldwide smartphone shipments forecast and growth, 2014 to 2026F

Further memory pressure and geopolitical volatility raise the risk of over 15% smartphone shipment decline in 2026

Downside risks to the forecast remain significant. If memory prices continue rising into the second half of 2026 due to tight supply and increasing AI server demand locking in production capacity, smartphone vendors will face further cost escalation across both entry-level and premium devices. At the same time, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could amplify macroeconomic volatility including higher energy prices, freight costs, and foreign-exchange instability, further weakening consumer upgrades in price-sensitive markets. Under this downside scenario, global smartphone shipments are expected to decline by more than 15% in 2026, potentially exceeding the 12% contraction recorded in 2022.

“Rising memory costs and macro headwinds are expected to impact smartphone demand unevenly across price segments,” said Zaker Li, Principal Analyst at Omdia. “Devices priced below $100 are forecast to decline by nearly 31% year-on-year in 2026, reflecting the severe margin pressure vendors face in ultra-low-cost segments, which are highly sensitive to even modest shifts in the macroeconomic environment. Smartphones in the $100–$399 range, which represent the core volume bands of the global market, are also expected to contract as rising memory prices push retail prices upward in price-sensitive markets. These segments are largely served by entry-focused vendors that rely heavily on LPDDR4X memory, operate with thin margins, and often have lower priority in the memory supply chain, leaving them more exposed to cost inflation and potential supply shortages. As a result, vendors concentrated in these price tiers are expected to face production constraints and shipment reductions, with many projected to experience double-digit declines in 2026.”

“In contrast, the premium segment is expected to remain relatively resilient despite rising component costs. Devices priced above $800 are forecast to grow by around 4% in 2026, supported by stronger brand positioning and greater pricing flexibility. Apple maintains a dominant presence in the high-end market and benefits from strong supply chain relationships and higher margins that help absorb component cost inflation. Samsung also benefits from vertical integration and internal semiconductor capabilities, which provide greater security of supply and priority access to key components. While Samsung still utilizes LPDDR4X in some models and faces similar cost pressures, its supply chain advantages reduce the risk of significant shortages.”

“The evolving cost environment is reshaping dynamics across the global smartphone supply chain,” added Li. “As entry-level smartphone demand weakens, suppliers of mid- and low-end components – including chipsets, camera modules, and other key parts – are likely to face declining orders and intensified pricing pressure. Vendors are already responding by simplifying product configurations and tightening BOM costs. At the same time, volatility in memory pricing is pushing brands toward shorter-term production planning and smaller order volumes, increasing operational pressure across the supply chain. Smaller ODMs and specialized component suppliers will also face growing consolidation risks as margins compress and demand becomes more concentrated among leading brands. In this environment, vendors will need to prioritize higher-value product innovation and disciplined production planning, while channel partners strengthen inventory management and demand forecasting to navigate slower replacement cycles and shifting consumer demand.”

ABOUT OMDIA

Omdia, part of TechTarget, Inc. d/b/a Informa TechTarget (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a technology research and advisory group. Our deep knowledge of tech markets grounded in real conversations with industry leaders and hundreds of thousands of data points, makes our market intelligence our clients’ strategic advantage. From R&D to ROI, we identify the greatest opportunities and move the industry forward.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304209331/en/

Binarly, the industry leader in software and firmware supply‑chain security, today announced a leadership transition as the company enters its next phase of growth. Founder and current CEO Alex Matrosov has joined the company’s Board, and Gwenyth Castro has joined as Chief Executive Officer to scale global go-to-market and enterprise growth.

Binarly developed its Transparency Platform on a unique, patented technology core designed to help the world’s largest enterprises identify and reduce third-party software risk across complex environments. The platform is trusted by organizations including Meta and Dell, among others.

“We built Binarly to solve a problem the industry kept ignoring: you can’t secure what you can’t see,” said Alex Matrosov, Founder of Binarly. “Over the last five years, this team turned deep program analysis and vulnerability research into a platform trusted by some of the world’s most demanding enterprises. Now, as AI accelerates how software is built and shipped, the mission is only getting bigger.”

A proven cybersecurity operator, Castro brings 15+ years of experience helping build and scale Bishop Fox, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to the CEO, where she led cross-functional strategic initiatives and supported global expansion. As CEO of Binarly, Castro will focus on accelerating go-to-market momentum, strengthening customer and partner engagement, and advancing the company’s platform to meet evolving software supply-chain threats.

“It’s an honor to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Alex and the team have created,” said Gwenyth Castro, Chief Executive Officer of Binarly. “Binarly is uniquely positioned to deliver the transparency enterprises need to manage third-party risk and application security at scale. My focus will be on deepening customer partnerships, delivering an exceptional platform experience, and executing with urgency as we expand into new markets.”

“Gwenyth’s appointment as CEO is a defining milestone for Binarly as demand accelerates for supply-chain security and clearer visibility into third-party risk,” said Mike Goguen, Founder of Two Bear Capital and Binarly Board Member. “Binarly’s Transparency Platform is uniquely positioned to bring measurable trust to the software supply chain. Gwenyth is a proven operator with the discipline to scale execution without compromising technical excellence.”

About Binarly

Binarly is a U.S.‑based software and firmware supply‑chain security company founded in 2021. The Binarly Transparency Platform helps device manufacturers, OEMs and enterprise security teams detect vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, secrets and malicious code in firmware and software components—while accelerating the shift to post‑quantum cryptography. Visit https://binarly.io for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304223369/en/

• Svante acquires Carbon Alpha to accelerate commercial-scale carbon removal & expand its CCS/BECCS project development business in Western Canada.
• Acquisition adds the North Star BECCS Project, developed in partnership with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, advancing the market for durable and verifiable CDR credits.
• The transaction strengthens Svante’s fully integrated carbon management platform, adding CO₂ storage expertise, a regional pipeline & a major geological storage hub.

Svante Technologies Inc. (Svante), a leader in carbon management, and Calgary-based Carbon Alpha Corporation (Carbon Alpha) today announced that Svante has acquired Carbon Alpha and its related subsidiaries, including Carbon Alpha Development Corp. and its ownership interests in North Star Carbon Solutions Corp. and North Star Carbon Solutions Limited Partnership, a project developer for carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Western Canada. With this transaction, Carbon Alpha’s flagship North Star Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) project, developed in partnership with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) in Saskatchewan, joins Svante’s business unit portfolio alongside Svante Development Inc.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304605629/en/

This transaction strengthens Svante’s expertise in geological CO₂ storage as part of a fully integrated carbon management company ready to build, own, and operate all elements of the CCS value chain from source to sink. Svante’s combined offering now includes a portfolio of engineering solutions for carbon capture and removal across various market segments and a major CO₂ storage hub asset in Western Canada.

Carbon Alpha’s North Star Project will add carbon capture and storage (BECCS) at the existing MLTC Bioenergy Centre, a forestry biomass cogeneration facility, permanently and safely storing captured biogenic CO₂ deep underground in a saline aquifer — measuring, monitoring and generating high‑quality, durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits. MLTC represents nine First Nations in Saskatchewan. MLTC will be co-owner with Svante in the BECCS facility. Additionally, a new CO₂ pipeline developed by Carbon Alpha will connect the capture facility to permanent geological storage southwest of Meadow Lake, SK. This major CO₂ hub asset offers expansion opportunities to aggregate and service other biogenic CO₂ emitters in the region.

The MLTC Bioenergy Centre generates renewable electricity and heat by burning sustainable waste biomass from the neighboring sawmill. Phase 1 of the North Star Project will capture up to 140,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year from the Bioenergy Centre’s flue gas (the main source of the facility’s biogenic CO₂ emissions) and other onsite sources.

“This project is a game changer for Svante and a pivotal moment for scaling verifiable, durable engineered carbon removal solutions working in tandem with nature,” said Claude Letourneau, President & CEO of Svante. “By integrating Carbon Alpha’s team, we’re accelerating the delivery of high‑integrity CDR credits at commercial scale in partnership with the MLTC leadership, who is closely coordinating with us on the North Star Project.”

“Today marks an important milestone for Carbon Alpha as we join forces with Svante Development. Our mission has been to accelerate high-integrity carbon dioxide removal through the development of scalable, durable BECCS projects. Joining with a globally respected and well capitalized organization strengthens our ability to advance that mission with greater scale, certainty, and impact,” said Simon Bregazzi, former CEO of Carbon Alpha.

“The Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) is excited to embark on the next stage of the North Star BECCS Project, in partnership with Svante and Carbon Alpha. North Star provides economic development, full-cycle carbon sustainability, and added value to MLTC’s existing green energy infrastructure and forestry-based operations. It enables the MLTC First Nations to create ongoing economic development, jobs, environmental leadership and optimism for our people,” said Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman of MLTC.

The next steps for this advanced carbon capture project will be to conduct a FEED (front end engineering design) study and test well drilling campaign. The lease of the space and test well license have already been obtained. The final investment decision (FID) for the project is expected in Q1-2027.

Transaction Highlights

• Business Unit integration: Carbon Alpha’s team and North Star BECCS project (Meadow Lake, SK), have become part of Svante Development Inc.
• Indigenous partnership: Svante reaffirms North Star’s partnership model with MLTC, prioritizing local jobs, skills development, and enduring economic benefits for participating First Nations.
• Standards & integrity: North Star remains aligned to Puro.earth’s Geologically Stored Carbon methodology pathway and will continue to advance a rigorous MRV framework.
• Schedule: FID is expected in Q1-2027. An updated development and commissioning schedule will be established following test drilling program, permitting and regulatory approvals.

About North Star (Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan)

North Star integrates BECCS with the existing MLTC Bioenergy Centre. The project design aims to capture biogenic CO₂ from biomass to power, compressing and transporting it to a dedicated injection well for safe, permanent geological storage, producing durable carbon removal credits. North Star has been listed as a Future Facility on the Puro.earth platform following preliminary assessment and is recognized in Canada’s CDR landscape for Indigenous ownership and community benefit design. Read more about the North Star project here: https://www.carbonalpha.com/northstar.

About Meadow Lake Tribal Council

MLTC was formed in 1981 and represents 9 First Nations located in Northwest Saskatchewan. MLTC invests in businesses to meaningfully participate in Saskatchewan’s economy, supporting economic reconciliation in a rural and remote area of the province. 100% of the distributions flow to the 9 First Nations, to foster local economic growth; enhance on-reserve education; healthcare; youth and elder programs; housing; and other community social and infrastructure needs.

About Svante

Svante is a purpose-driven, leading carbon capture and removal solutions provider. The company makes nanoengineered filters and modular rotating contactor machines that capture and remove CO₂ in an environmentally responsible way from industrial emissions and the air. Svante is on the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 Hall of Fame and TIME & Statista’s list of Top Greentech Companies of 2025. For more information, visit www.svanteinc.com.

About Carbon Alpha

Carbon Alpha is a Canadian leader in carbon dioxide removal, specializing in the design, development, and operation of BECCS projects that generate durable, high-quality carbon removals. Headquartered in Calgary and founded in 2021, its multidisciplinary team of technical experts delivers fully integrated carbon storage solutions from early-stage feasibility and engineering through construction, operations, and credit generation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304605629/en/

Andersen Consulting enhances its cybersecurity and technology transformation offerings through a Collaboration Agreement with A3Sec, a firm specializing in data-driven threat detection, incident response, and exposure management.

Headquartered in Spain with offices in Mexico and Colombia, A3Sec has more than 14 years of experience helping public and private organizations across the financial services, telecommunications, energy, government, and enterprise sectors secure their digital assets. Operating its Security and Digital Surveillance Center® (CSVD®) 24/7 with a team of more than 180 cybersecurity professionals and serving more than 280 clients worldwide, the firm delivers integrated cybersecurity services, including managed detection and response, cyber telemetry, threat intelligence, and crisis management, helping clients strengthen resilience and transform risk into strategic advantage while effectively managing exposure and minimizing risk.

“Our purpose has always been to protect the digital environment through innovation and accountability,” said Javier López-Tello, CEO and founder of A3Sec. “Through Andersen’s global platform and resources, we can now deliver end-to-end professional services to our clients seamlessly.”

“A3Sec’s data-driven approach to cybersecurity reflects a new generation of problem solving,” added Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. “This collaboration enhances our ability to deliver solutions that strengthen client confidence in an increasingly complex environment.”

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 50,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 1,000 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304549466/en/

Roots Corporation (“Roots,” or the “Company”) (TSX: ROOT) announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has initiated a review of strategic alternatives (“Strategic Review”) to identify opportunities to maximize value for all shareholders. During the Strategic Review, the Board will analyze and evaluate a range of alternatives, including, but not limited to, a sale of the Company.

The Company has decided to publicly announce this Strategic Review as part of its value-maximization strategy while continuing to execute its current business plan. The Company does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the Strategic Review unless and until the Board has approved a specific transaction or otherwise determines that disclosure is appropriate or required by law.

As the Strategic Review proceeds, the Roots management team remains dedicated to acting in the best interests of the Company and to executing on its key objectives. Roots remains unwavering in its commitment to its customers, partners, and employees in its ongoing operations as the Strategic Review proceeds.

The Company has engaged J.P. Morgan Securities Canada Inc. as its financial advisor and Torys LLP as its legal advisor for the Strategic Review.

Roots cautions that the engagement of financial and legal advisors should not be viewed as an indication that any specific process or transaction will be pursued. There can be no assurances that the Strategic Review will result in any specific action, transaction or agreement, or if a transaction is undertaken, as to its timing, completion or terms.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking information. This information is based on management’s reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us and is made as of the date of this press release. The forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the Strategic Review and the possibility of a transaction involving the Company.

Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors. Information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

See “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s current Annual Information Form for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law.

ABOUT ROOTS
Established in 1973, Roots is a global lifestyle brand. Starting from a small cabin in northern Canada, Roots has become a global brand with over 100 corporate retail stores in Canada, two stores in the United States, and an eCommerce platform, roots.com. We have more than 100 partner-operated stores in Asia, and we also operate a dedicated Roots-branded storefront on Tmall.com in China. We design, market, and sell a broad selection of products in different departments, including women’s, men’s, children’s, and gender-free apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories. Our products are built with uncompromising comfort, quality, and style that allows you to feel At Home With Nature™. We offer products designed to meet life’s everyday adventures and provide you with the versatility to live your life to the fullest. We also wholesale through business-to-business channels and license the brand to a select group of licensees selling products to major retailers. Roots Corporation is a Canadian corporation doing business as “Roots” and “Roots Canada”.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303820242/en/

Mary Kay Inc., a global direct sales leader in beauty and skincare innovation, has achieved ISO 22716 certification, the internationally recognized gold standard for cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), reinforcing the company’s unwavering commitment to product quality, safety, and consumer trust worldwide.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304100367/en/

Chaun Harper, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Mary Kay Inc., emphasized the broader significance of the milestone: “At Mary Kay, quality is not a checkbox – it is a promise, an operational framework, and a culture. (Photo Credit: Mary Kay Inc.)

Key Data Points About Mary Kay’s Global Manufacturing:

• Built on 26 acres of land, Mary Kay’s state-of-the-art, Silver LEED-certified Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing and R&D Center (R3) is located in Lewisville, Texas.
• R3 is a $100+ million investment and is a 453,000-square-foot building.
• R3 has the capability to produce up to 1 million units of product daily across its 21 packaging lines.
• Nearly 60 percent of products manufactured at the facility are exported to international markets, supporting the company’s presence in more than 40 markets around the world.

ISO 22716 provides comprehensive global guidelines aligned with EU standards for the production, control, storage, and shipment of cosmetic products, ensuring safety and quality at every stage of the manufacturing process. The certification comes at a pivotal time for the beauty industry as the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) strengthens regulatory oversight in the United States and establishes mandatory Good Manufacturing Practices for cosmetics.

Chaun Harper, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Mary Kay Inc. emphasized the broader significance of the milestone: “At Mary Kay, quality is not a checkbox – it is a promise, an operational framework, and a culture. ISO 22716 certification matters as it is a global standard recognizing what we have always strived for: manufacture products with care, consistency, and accountabilityfrom raw materials to finished goods. It reflects our culture of empowering people to do things the right way every day and reinforces our long-term commitment to safe, reliable, and responsibly made beauty products.”

ISO 22716 is recognized globally as the benchmark for cosmetic GMPs. It requires rigorous documentation, traceability of every batch, structured training, supplier quality management, and clearly defined processes to ensure products are manufactured in a safe, controlled, and transparent manner.

For consumers, the certification signals confidence. For regulators and partners, it demonstrates preparedness and alignment with evolving global standards. For Mary Kay, it affirms a culture built on accountability, teamwork, and excellence – values rooted in the Golden Rule philosophy of founder Mary Kay Ash.

As the beauty industry enters a new era of regulation and accountability, Mary Kay’s ISO 22716 certification underscores how global standards, strong governance, and human-centered quality culture come together to shape the future of cosmetics.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 40 markets. For over 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260304100367/en/