Brands
Almonds Ai launches ChannelCARE program
Mumbai: Almonds Ai, a partner engagement, loyalty, and rewards technology company, announced the launch of a comprehensive ChannelCARE (Complete Assistance and Retention Empowerment) program for brands’ retailers and channel partners. ChannelCARE aims to elevate any brand’s success with retailers through financial support, training, sustainability initiatives, and an array of business services.
Key features of the Almonds Ai ChannelCARE program include:
1 Financial assistance such as working capital loans
2 Tax guidance and financial planning assistance
3 Healthcare /wellness service and insurance
4 Business skills training and mentorship
5 Support for marketing, promotion, and recruitment
6 Sustainability education and implementation of eco-friendly practices
7 Dedicated assistance teams
ChannelCARE program will also provide tailored services based on each retailer’s specific needs across technology adoption, inventory analysis, expansion support, and more.
“At Almonds Ai, we understand the pivotal role that channel partners play in the success of businesses. With ChannelCARE, we aim to provide comprehensive support and empowerment to channel partners, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to optimize operations, boost sales, and future-proof their businesses.” Abhinav Jain & Apurv Modi, co-founders of Almonds Ai jointly said.
These services address an extensive array of retailer needs, encompassing technological advancements, localized marketing, compliance, and energy efficiency. Depending on the challenges and opportunities within the retail industry, these services prove invaluable in driving retailers toward their utmost potential.
Brands
Domino’s Q1 profit falls 6.6 per cent, announces $1 billion buyback
Sales rise 3.4 per cent as pizza giant balances growth and shareholder returns
NEW YORK: Domino’s reported a mixed start to 2026, with first-quarter net income slipping even as global sales and store expansion held steady. The company also announced a fresh $1 billion share buyback, underlining its continued focus on shareholder returns.
Global retail sales rose 3.4 per cent on a constant-currency basis to $4.74 billion. The US remained a key growth engine, with same-store sales inching up 0.9 per cent, supported by a 1.5 per cent rise at company-owned outlets.
International markets, however, painted a more uneven picture. While Domino’s added 161 net new stores overseas during the quarter, international same-store sales declined 0.4 per cent. Overall revenues still climbed 3.5 per cent to $1.15 billion, driven by higher supply chain revenues and a 2.6 per cent increase in food basket pricing for franchisees.
On the profitability front, net income fell 6.6 per cent to $139.8 million, compared to $149.7 million a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share dropped to $4.13 from $4.33. The decline was largely attributed to a $30 million unfavourable swing in unrealised gains linked to its investment in DPC Dash Ltd.
Despite this, operational performance showed resilience. Income from operations rose 9.6 per cent to $230.4 million, supported in part by a $7.8 million pre-tax gain from the sale of a corporate aircraft.
Domino’s footprint continued to expand, with the company ending the quarter at 22,322 stores across more than 90 markets. In the US, digital orders remained dominant, accounting for over 85 per cent of retail sales in 2025.
The company also maintained its dividend payout, declaring $1.99 per share, payable on 30 June 2026. After repurchasing $75.1 million worth of stock during the quarter, the new authorisation lifts the total available for buybacks to $1.29 billion.
Domino’s chief executive officer Russell Weiner said the company’s scale and store-level economics position it well to capture further market share in 2026, even as competition intensifies.
As Domino’s leans into expansion and capital returns, the latest results show a business managing short-term pressures while keeping its long-term growth strategy firmly in play.
