Market Newsdesk

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, announced a dual-feature aerial performance at the Hefei sub-venue of the 2026 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala. The performance featured a formation of 16 EH216-S pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft alongside a record-breaking drone light show involving 22,580 next-generation GHOSTDRONE 4.0 (“GD4.0”) unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”), the performance delivered a futuristic visual spectacle supported by industry-leading flight safety and fleet orchestration technologies, offering sincere Lunar New Year wishes to a global audience.

Image: 16 EH216-S aircraft from EHang illuminate the CMG Spring Festival Gala stage

Source: Live screen capture from the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala

Image: 22,580 GD4.0 drones from EHang Egret at the CMG Spring Festival Gala.

Source: Live screen capture from the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala

Among the highlights, the 22,580 GD4.0 formation drones at the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala set a new world record, earning the Guinness World Records™ title for “the most multirotor/drones airborne simultaneously from a single computer.”

During the segment of“He Yun Man Jiang Huai”at the Hefei branch venue of the Spring Festival Gala, 16 EH216-Saircraft took off simultaneously and formed a perfect circular formation above the “Eye of Anhui”, the main stage in Hefei Luogang Park. Equipped with customized stage lighting modules, the aircraft illuminated the stage through safe, stable, and precisely coordinated flight，seamlessly blending the technological allure of pilotless “air taxis” with the festive atmosphere of family reunion.

The synchronized flight of 16 aircraft at the Spring Festival Gala showcases EHang’s industry leadership and professionalism in cutting-edge technological innovation sectors, including cluster Command-and-Control System, precise algorithmic control, multi-scenario adaptive flight, and professional service support.

As the world’s first pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft to obtain Type Certificate (TC), Production Certificate (PC), and Standard Airworthiness Certificate (AC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and currently conducting trial operations at Luogang Park, the coordinated flight of 16 EH216-S aircraft also marked the largest simultaneous public flight of pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft to date. It offered a direct showcase of China’s technological prowess in new-era civil aviation and vividly illustrated the exciting potential of the low-altitude economy within the celebratory New Year setting.

Image: 16 EH216-S completed formation flight at the Hefei Venue of the CMG Spring Festival Gala

In another segment at the Hefei branch venue of the Spring Festival Gala, a drone light show of 22,580 GD4.0 formation drones from EHang’s subsidiary, EHang Egret, took to the skies above the main stage. Forming intricate 3D animations of the sky city and the iconic horse-head walls of Hui-style architecture. Through synchronized light choreography integrated with the stage design, the drones created an immersive “aerial theater” fusing technology and culture. This performance amplified the joyous, auspicious, and harmonious spirit of the festival, immersing global viewers in a powerful visual experience. Prior to the official Guinness World Record™ attempt and the Gala, EHang Egret had successfully conducted multiple performances in Hefei Luogang Park involving over 20,000 drones simultaneously, fully demonstrating the GD4.0’s robust performance in complex environments, dynamic performance capabilities, and technological strengths in high-precision positioning and intelligent coordination.

Image: 22,580 GD4.0 drones from EHang Egret form and the iconic horse-head walls of Hui-style architecture pattern at the CMG Spring Festival Gala.

Source: Live screen capture from the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala

The performance venue, Hefei Luogang Park, is a multifunctional, multi-dimensional space that has become one of China’s most representative testing grounds and demonstration sites for low-altitude economy development. It currently hosts two Urban Air Mobility (UAM) centers capable of eVTOL flight services. Since March 2025, following the grant of one of China’s first Air Operator Certificates (OC) for pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft by the CAAC to EHang’s local operator, Hefei HeYi Aviation, regular trial operations of the EH216-S have been conducted there. With its comprehensive infrastructure, Luogang Park is also well suited for EHang Egret to conduct routine drone light shows, gradually fostering a citywide ecosystem integrating low-altitude technology and culture.

Image: 22,580 GD4.0 drones from EHang Egret set a new world record

Mr. Wang Zhao, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, stated, “The appearance of 16 EH216-S and 22,580 GD4.0 drones in multi-aircraft formations at the CMG Spring Festival Gala showcases not only EHang’s formidable technological strength and creative commercial capabilities but also comprehensively demonstrates the adaptability and maturity of our superior command-and-control technology across diverse scenarios. This lays a solid technical foundation for the large-scale commercial operation of pilotless aircraft in low-altitude economy applications. The Guinness World Record™ achieved by EHang Egret and the Gala performance further elevate and solidify the EHang brand’s influence, providing a significant platform for public awareness and understanding of the low-altitude economy. Driven by our long-term commitment to continuous innovation and technological iteration, EHang’s pilotless aircraft are designed not only for major events displays but for practical applications in passenger transportation, logistics, firefighting and emergency response, smart city management, and aerial media services. Through core technology R&D and the implementation of commercial services, we aim to bring scalable Chinese low-altitude solutions to global markets and enable these new technologies to serve a broader consumer base.”

Watch the video of the new world record of 22,580 GD4.0 drones by EHang Egret: https://youtu.be/9B4ETNspxMc

Watch the video of 16 EH216-S and 22,580 GD4.0 Drones at the CMG Spring Festival Gala: https://youtu.be/9es9jzMR_6s

About EHang

EHang (Nasdaq: EH) is the world’s leading advanced air mobility (“AAM”) technology platform company, committed to making safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility accessible to everyone. The company develops and manufactures a diversified portfolio of pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft for a wide range of use cases, including aerial tourism, intra-city transport, intercity travel, logistics and emergency firefighting. Its flagship model, EH216-S, has obtained the world’s first type certificate, production certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for pilotless eVTOL issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and is now commercially operated under the country’s first Air Operator Certificates for human-carrying eVTOL services. Complementing this, EHang’s VT35 expands its reach into long-range and intercity scenarios, supporting the development of a multi-tiered low-altitude mobility network. By integrating advanced autonomous technologies with scalable operational infrastructure, EHang is redefining how people and goods move—across cities, regions, and natural barriers—shaping the future of air mobility. For more information, please visit www.ehang.com.

About EHang Egret

Founded in July 2016, EHang Egret is a subsidiary of EHang that focuses on aerial media drone technology. Using centimeter-level positioning technology, EHang Egret turns the night sky into a beautiful canvas—bringing technology and art together. EHang Egret is building the world’s leading global aerial media platform for sky-scaping, delivering stunning drone light shows for brand events, large celebrations, and sky theaters. EHang Egret continues to light up famous landmarks and tourist destinations around the world with unforgettable nighttime displays.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to those relating to certifications, our expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, our products and solutions and the commercialization of UAM services, our relationships with strategic partners, and current litigation and potential litigation involving us. Management has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While they believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management’s control. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause EHang’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Media Contact: [email protected]

Investor Contact: [email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/232079e5-cc5d-42c4-890d-08f51484d57a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e234ace-eaf7-492f-8352-bd7fe348cd72
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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65341a8e-b7bb-43aa-8bc4-e1bf3be8a6cd
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Maranello (Italy), February 16 2026 – Ferrari N.V. (NYSE/EXM: RACE) (“Ferrari” or the “Company”) informs that the Company has purchased, under the Euro 250 million share buyback program announced on December 16, 2025, as the first tranche of the multi-year share buyback program of approximately Euro 3.5 billion expected to be executed by 2030 in line with the disclosure made during the 2025 Capital Markets Day (the “First Tranche”), the additional common shares – reported in aggregate form, on a daily basis – on the Euronext Milan (EXM) as follows:

        
Since the announcement of such First Tranche till February 13, 2026, the total invested consideration has been:

• Euro 81,975,746.99 for No. 276,643 common shares purchased on the EXM

As of February 13, 2026 the Company held in treasury No. 16,921,249 common shares, net of shares assigned under the Company’s equity incentive plan, corresponding to 8.73% of the total issued common shares. Including the special voting shares, the Company held in treasury 9.18% of the total issued share capital.

Since January 5, 2026, start date of the multi-year share buyback program of approximately Euro 3.5 billion announced during the 2025 Capital Markets Day, until February 13, 2026, the Company has purchased a total of 276,643 own common shares on EXM and NYSE, including transactions for Sell to Cover, for a total consideration of Euro 81,975,746.99.

A comprehensive overview of the transactions carried out under the buyback program, as well as the details of the above transactions, are available on Ferrari’s corporate website under the Buyback Programs section (https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/corporate/buyback-programs).

For further information:
Media Relations
tel.: +39 0536 949337
Email: [email protected]

Attachment

• FNV BB PR 16 February 2026 ENG

RADNOR, Pa., Feb. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP informs investors that the firm has filed a securities fraud class action lawsuit against uniQure N.V. (NASDAQ: QURE) (“uniQure” or the “Company”) on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired uniQure ordinary shares between September 24, 2025, and October 31, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action, captioned Scocco v. uniQure N.V., et al., Case No. 1:26-cv-01124, was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Important Deadline Reminder: Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired uniQure ordinary shares during the Class Period may, no later than April 13, 2026, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class.

CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):


If you experienced losses in connection with uniQure, contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP at:

https://www.ktmc.com/qure-uniqure-nv-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=Globe&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=qure&mktm=PR

You can also contact attorney

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at

[email protected]

.

UNIQURE N.V. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT COMPLAINT ALLEGEGATIONS


uniQure is a biotechnology company developing gene therapies for rare diseases, including Huntington’s disease (“HD”). uniQure is incorporated in The Netherlands with its principal executive offices in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Company’s leading drug candidate is AMT-130, a novel gene therapy being developed to slow the progression of HD, a usually fatal, inherited genetic disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain to break down, leading to problems with movement and thinking, as well as psychiatric issues. There is no existing cure or approved means for slowing the progression of the disease. Some drugs can address certain HD symptoms, but do not halt its progression to a usually fatal outcome. AMT-130 is one of a very few drugs in testing intended to slow the progression of HD. In March 2022, uniQure completed patient enrollment for two, ongoing multi-center, dose-escalating Phase I/II clinical trials for AMT-130 called the Pivotal Phase I/II Study of AMT-130 in patients with HD (the “Pivotal Study”).

According to the Defendants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) previously agreed that uniQure’s Pivotal Study would not include any placebo comparator, but instead, the Pivotal Study results could be compared to an external historical data set, known as Enroll-HD or ENROLL-HD, and the analysis derived from such comparison potentially could serve as the basis for uniQure’s Biologics License Application (“BLA”) submission to the FDA for approval to use AMT-130 to treat patients with HD.

Indeed, Defendant Matthew Kapusta, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, assured investors of the Company’s alignment with the FDA during calls with investors on June 2, 2025, and July 29, 2025.

The Class Period begins on September 24, 2025, when the Company announced topline results of the Pivotal Study. Notably, the Company emphasized that AMT-130 saw a “mean reduction from baseline in cerebrospinal neurofilament light protein” (“CSF NfL”)—which uniQure asserted was “a well-characterized, supportive biomarker of neurodegeneration.” Accordingly, uniQure explained that “[e]levation in CSF NfL has been shown to be strongly associated with greater clinical severity of [HD].” Thus, based on the totality of the results and as compared to data from ENROLL-HD, investors were led to believe that AMT-130 was effective in slowing the neurodegeneration in patients with HD and that uniQure would file for accelerated approval of a BLA for AMT-130 in the near-term. During the related investor conference held that same day, Defendant Kapusta touted the study results and asserted that “we believe these findings provide compelling and clinically meaningful evidence of AMT-130 disease modifying potential.”

Additionally, Defendant Walid Abi-Saab, the Company’s Chief Medical Officer, reminded investors that uniQure previously discussed the trial design with the FDA and that the FDA agreed that “cUHDRS could serve as an acceptable registrational, intermediate clinical endpoint for accelerated approval.” Moreover, he stated that “[t]he FDA also agreed that ENROLL-HD . . . may be acceptable as the external control dataset for the primary analysis, with each dose matched the corresponding controls based on their baseline characteristics.” Thus, investors were led to believe that there was a high likelihood that AMT-130 would receive accelerated approval from the FDA after the Company’s planned BLA submission in the first quarter of 2026. The market acted accordingly and, in response to Defendants’ statements, the price of the Company’s ordinary shares jumped from a close of $13.66 per share on September 23, 2025, to close at $47.50 per share on September 24, 2025, a nearly 250% increase. By October 29, 2025, uniQure ordinary shares were trading above $70.00 per share.

Capitalizing on the substantial increase in the value of uniQure ordinary shares, the Company publicly offered more than 5.7 million uniQure ordinary shares, and more than 500,000 pre-funded warrants to purchase ordinary shares, over the next several days after the release of the Pivotal Study results (the “September 2025 Offering”). Despite the fact that AMT-130’s future remained uncertain pending uniQure’s discussion of the Pivotal Study results with the FDA, in the prospectus supplement to the September 2025 Offering, uniQure explained that it was engaging in the September 2025 Offering in order to “fund our commercialization readiness activities” and “the potential commercial launch of AMT-130 and related commercialization activities.” Through the September 2025 Offering, uniQure generated approximately $345 million in proceeds (before expenses).

Investors learned the truth about the Company’s prospects and the BLA timeline for AMT-130 on November 3, 2025, when uniQure revealed that “the FDA currently no longer agrees that the data from the Phase I/II studies of AMT-130 in comparison to an external control, as per the prespecified protocols and statistical analysis plans shared with the FDA in advance of the analyses, may be adequate to provide the primary evidence in support of a BLA submission.” Although the Company “plan[ned] to urgently interact with the FDA to find a path forward for the timely accelerated approval of AMT-130,” uniQure admitted that “the timing of the BLA submission for AMT-130 is now unclear.”   On this news, the price of uniQure ordinary shares plummeted $33.40 per share, or more than 49%, from a close of $67.69 per share on October 31, 2025, to close at $34.29 per share on November 3, 2025.

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about the Company’s business and operations. Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the design of uniQure’s Pivotal Study—including comparison of the Pivotal Study results to the ENROLL-HD external historical data set—was not fully approved by the FDA; (2) Defendants downplayed the likelihood that, despite purportedly highly successful results from the Pivotal Study, uniQure would have to delay its BLA timeline to perform additional studies to supplement its BLA submission; and (3) as a result, Defendants’ statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS FOR UNIQURE INVESTORS:

uniQure investors may, no later than April 13, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation.  The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
encourages uniQure investors to contact the firm directly for more information about the lawsuit.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal’s Plaintiff’s Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs’ Law, BTI Consulting Group’s Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer’s Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon’s Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360’s Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Jonathan Naji, Esq.
(484) 270-1453
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
[email protected]         

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Feb. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFD), an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, today announced it has initiated the approval process to build a new state-of-the-art packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The new facility, which is subject to permitting and other regulatory and design approvals, will be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000+-acre heavy industrial park located in northwest Sioux Falls, and will replace Smithfield’s existing plant, which has played a central role in the regional economy for more than 100 years. The company currently employs 3,200 people in Sioux Falls, providing $200 million in wages annually, and supports thousands of indirect jobs in agriculture and other sectors.

A Defining Moment

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Smithfield’s preliminary estimate of the proposed investment is up to $1.3 billion over the next three years. The investment is contingent on securing required permits and other regulatory approvals as well as approval of the final facility design by Smithfield’s board of directors.

The proposed combined fresh pork and packaged meats facility will be the most modern of its kind in the U.S., with highly efficient process flow, advanced automation technology and a streamlined design. The new, best-in-class facility will deliver significant efficiency gains to Smithfield’s fresh pork and high-value packaged meats operations.

Smithfield has worked in partnership with South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation on the opportunity to build the new facility outside of downtown Sioux Falls. The new facility will support independent hog farmers, corn and soybean producers and other agricultural sectors that fuel the pork supply chain in South Dakota and the surrounding region.

“This highly automated facility will represent a major investment in Sioux Falls, the state of South Dakota and the future of American agriculture,” said Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. “Smithfield’s investment supports our long-term strategy of continuing to grow and optimize our value-added packaged meats and fresh pork operations to deliver innovation, convenience and value to our customers.”

“Food security equals national security, so food production and processing will continue to play a vital role in South Dakota’s economy,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Smithfield’s proposed investment in South Dakota opens up greater opportunity for our state to expand livestock production, and the company’s decision to relocate from downtown Sioux Falls opens up the opportunity to revitalize the downtown riverfront. This is a win-win-win-win for producers, the company, the city, and the state of South Dakota.”

“Today’s announcement marks a historic moment for our city and state. For more than a century, Smithfield has been a cornerstone of our community, and this new, state-of-the-art facility reaffirms their long-term commitment to Sioux Falls and the region—supporting our ag economy and thousands of local jobs for generations to come,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “This investment by Smithfield unlocks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop the existing site in downtown Sioux Falls when the time is right.”

“Smithfield’s investment in a new facility in Sioux Falls will have a transformational impact on our community and our agriculture economy,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “The new facility will bring skilled jobs for Smithfield’s workforce, provide renewed value-added agriculture opportunities for regional producers and create an incredible redevelopment opportunity in Downtown Sioux Falls. We’re grateful for Smithfield’s commitment to Sioux Falls and are looking forward to welcoming them to their new home in Foundation Park.”

If approved, Smithfield’s new state-of-the-art facility will be constructed in Foundation Park, the state’s largest industrial park, at the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90 in Sioux Falls. Site work is expected to begin at the new location in the spring of 2026 with initial groundbreaking anticipated in the first half of 2027 and production expected to begin at the end of 2028.

About Smithfield Foods 

Smithfield Foods (Nasdaq: SFD) is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.

About Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Since 1954, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation has been leading the way in creating one of the most vibrant, secure, and growing economies in the nation. Founded by a group of far-sighted business leaders, the SFDF is a non-profit economic development corporation with the mission of improving the economy of the Sioux Falls region. We connect businesses with the people, tools and resources they need to be successful.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our plans to construct a new facility in Sioux Falls, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “will,” “expects,” “expected, “anticipated,” or “estimates” or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions.

We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this press release primarily on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Although we believe we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, the results, events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur, and actual results, events or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect our ability to construct a new facility in Sioux Falls, or could delay or increase the costs of construction, include, among others, (1) issues with securing zoning approvals, easements and other land-use entitlements, (2) issues with securing environmental, air, water and waste-management and other federal, state and local permitting, (3) adequacy of water supply, wastewater treatment capacity or other utility infrastructure, (4) community opposition, public hearings or litigation, (5) construction costs, contractor availability, supply-chain disruptions, inflation and labor shortages, (6) transportation, logistics and infrastructure constraints, (7) financing, economic conditions and the availability of incentives or governmental support, and (8) changes in laws, regulations or governmental policies. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and, other than as required by applicable law, we undertake no duty to, and expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to, update or revise any statement made in this press release.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to construct the proposed facility in Sioux Falls in a timely or economical fashion or at all. You should consider these risks and uncertainties in evaluating forward-looking statements and should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. It is not possible to anticipate or foresee all risks and uncertainties, and investors should not consider any list of risks and uncertainties to be exhaustive or complete. The foregoing factors should be read in conjunction with the risks that affect our business contained in our SEC filings, including reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.” Copies of our filings are available online from the SEC or by contacting our Investor Relations Department at [email protected] or by clicking on SEC Filings on our Investor Relations website at investors.smithfieldfoods.com
.

Contact:

Media:
Ray Atkinson
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(757) 576-1383
[email protected]

Investor:
Julie MacMedan
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
[email protected]

LOUISVILLE, KY, Feb. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stoker’s, a category leader in 100% American-made smokeless tobacco for more than 85 years, announced the launch of Stoker’s Proud®, a new sub-brand designed to meet growing consumer demand for high-quality, affordable tobacco products—without compromising the standards that define the Stoker’s name.

As value-focused segments continue to grow, driven by consumers seeking more accessible price options, Stoker’s Proud offers a smart extension of the Stoker’s portfolio. The new sub-brand delivers the same commitment to quality and consistency Stoker’s is known for, while providing a distinct product experience and price point that complement the flagship brand.

Like Stoker’s, Stoker’s Proud is made with 100% American-grown tobacco and proudly manufactured in the USA, using Stoker’s time-honored curing and flavoring processes. The product features a more traditional long cut tobacco than Stoker’s signature long cut, offering a familiar format with subtle differences in taste and texture. It broadens the portfolio by providing an accessible option for a distinct consumer segment, while preserving the brand’s core offerings.

Stoker’s Proud launches in two popular styles:

• Damn Straight, Long Cut
• American Wintergreen, Long Cut

Both are offered in a classic 1.2-ounce can format, providing convenience and familiarity in a well-known configuration.

“Stoker’s Proud represents an exciting next chapter for our brand,” said Thomas Helms III, senior brand director at Stoker’s. “As more consumers look for affordable options, Stoker’s Proud allows us to serve that demand while staying true to our American-made heritage and preserving the positioning of our core Stoker’s products.”

Product Highlights

• Classic 1.2-ounce can format, premium embossed metal lid
• 100% Kentucky and Tennessee grown tobacco; manufactured in the USA
• Available in popular styles: Long Cut Straight and Long Cut Wintergreen
• Backed by more than 85 years of Stoker’s craftsmanship

Stoker’s Proud is now available through authorized distributors and select retailers nationwide.

For more information, visit Stokers.com or follow Stoker’s on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube or Truth Social.  Consumers may purchase Stoker’s Proud on Stokers.com. For Retail purchases, visit TPBMarketplace.com.

About Stoker’s

Stoker’s® has a proud heritage dating back to 1940. The brand holds the No. 1 position in the chewing tobacco category and is one of the fastest-growing brands in the moist snuff segment. The portfolio also includes the legacy Beech-Nut® brand, launched in 1897, along with a variety of chewing tobacco products that deliver flavor and value to a wide range of consumers. Stoker’s® has a proud heritage dating back to 1940. The brand holds the No. 1 position in the chewing tobacco category and is one of the fastest-growing brands in the moist snuff segment. The portfolio also includes the legacy Beech-Nut® brand, launched in 1897, along with a variety of chewing tobacco products that deliver flavor and value to a wide range of consumers. Stoker’s is a part of the broader Turning Point Brands portfolio.  

Attachments

• Stoker’s Proud Straight Can
• Stoker’s Proud Wintergreen Can

PARSIPPANY, NJ, Feb. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ: LINC), a national leader in specialized technical training for 80 years, will celebrate the grand opening of its Houston, TX campus on February 18th. The campus offers career training for the automotive, welding, electrical and HVAC industries, fields which are projected to add more than 240,000 jobs statewide by 2032*. Employers in and around Houston will be able to turn to Lincoln Tech for skilled, qualified candidates ready to fill those positions.

DATE:                               Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

TIME:                                10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

LOCATION:                     Lincoln Tech’s Houston Campus
2000 South Lockwood Drive
Houston, TX 77023

EXPECTED GUESTS:    Scott Shaw, Lincoln Tech’s President and CEO

Cory Hughes, Campus President

Adrian Garcia, Commissioner, Harris County Precinct 2

Christine Hwong, Vice President of Financial Planning and
Treasurer, Group 1 Automotive

Lucas Motycka, General Manager – Greater Houston Area,
Johnson Controls International

    FEATURING:                     Tours and equipment demonstrations for career training programs in: 

• Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology
• Automotive Service Technology
• Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology
• Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe

Lincoln Tech’s President and CEO Scott Shaw says the campus will play a major role in expanded career opportunities for graduates as well as in building the Texas workforce for these in-demand fields. “We’ve had a presence in Texas dating back to 1966, and we know there’s a consistent need for essential workers in the automotive industry and skilled trades,” Shaw says. “With the opening of our Houston campus, we’re proud to continue as a state leader in training a new generation of workers to revitalize the workforce in these fields.”

“Students and employers across the area have definitely welcomed us here in Houston – the excitement has been tremendous,” says Campus President Cory Hughes. “The auto, electrical, HVAC and welding industries are facing critical skills gaps, and Lincoln Tech is proud to be training the next generation of workers, keeping companies staffed and operating at top efficiency. We look forward to serving the Houston community for years to come.”

The Houston campus is Lincoln Tech’s second location in Texas; the Grand Prairie campus, located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, provides training for auto, diesel, and the skilled trades.

* Career growth projections can be found at onetonline.org for the years 2022-2032 and are current as of January 21, 2026.

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About Lincoln Educational Services Corporation

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education. Lincoln offers recent high school graduates and working adults career-oriented programs in four principal areas of study: transportation, healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology. Lincoln has provided the workforce with skilled technicians since its inception in 1946. 

Lincoln currently operates 22 campuses in 12 states under 3 brands: Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Technical Institute, and Nashville Auto-Diesel College.

For more information, go to lincolntech.edu.

Attachments

• Lincoln Tech’s Houston Campus
• Lincoln Tech’s Welding Shop