Market Newsdesk

NEW YORK, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a global data and AI company, announced that it has been granted 10 new U.S. patents in the last year for innovations that power solutions for clients across insurance, healthcare, retail, utilities and financial services. These advancements include making data, agentic AI-ready through EXLdata.ai™, unlocking the power of agentic AI to automate and orchestrate workflows with EXLerate.ai™ and fine-tuning domain specific LLMs. This strengthens EXL’s position as a data and AI leader, embedding AI into critical business workflows and enabling clients to accelerate growth, reduce costs and improve customer experience.

“These patents underscore EXL’s commitment to innovation and to building differentiated data and AI capabilities that deliver measurable outcomes for our clients,” said Anand “Andy” Logani, executive vice president and chief data and AI officer at EXL. “From extracting intelligence from unstructured data to orchestrating agentic AI workflows and advancing responsible, compliant AI, we are embedding decision intelligence directly into enterprise operations, enabling clients to operate faster, reduce costs, and improve customer outcomes with confidence.”

EXLdata.ai: Launched in October 2025, EXLdata.ai is a first-of-its-kind agentic AI-native suite of data solutions built to unify complex data ecosystems and accelerate enterprise-wide adoption. The newly patented innovations address a wide range of enterprise AI use cases within EXLdata.ai, including the following:

• Multimodal Data Ingestion: U.S. Patent No. 12,260,342 (March 25, 2025) advances EXL Xtrakto.AI™, a document processing solution, with multimodal table extraction and semantic search methods which allow natural-language queries within unstructured documents using advanced machine learning models to preprocess unstructured data by extracting content and generating searchable data structures.
• Knowledge Graph Creation: EXL was granted U.S. Patent No. 12,481,215 (November 25, 2025) for advanced knowledge retrieval techniques that dynamically segment content, extract concepts and relationships, and generate graph-based embeddings for fast, context-aware search. The innovation enables real-time updates as source data changes, strengthening semantic discovery and AI-driven insights across large enterprise data environments. These 2025 advancements are supported by U.S. Patent No. 11,842,286 (December 12, 2023), which covers a machine learning model for structuring complex enterprise data and U.S. Patent No. 12,033,408 (July 9, 2024), which outlines a method of contextual text recognition using prompt-guided knowledge distillation.
• Data Intelligence Layer Development: U.S. Patent No. 12400252 (August 26, 2025) for EXL Transaction Insights™ covers a method for using AI to mine deep consumer financial insights such as income strength and stability, debt obligations and other factors to assess personal financial risk. These 2025 advancements are supported by U.S. Patent No. 12,118,019 (October 15, 2024) for EXL Smart Data Signals™, which established the AI-based modeling foundation for detecting patterns, anomalies and predictive triggers across large datasets.
• Unstructured Data Extraction: U.S. Patent No. 12,253,832 (July 8, 2025) for EXL Generic NER™ focuses on context-based entity recognition within large database files.

EXLerate.ai: EXL’s agentic AI platform is designed to help enterprises reimagine workflows with the ability to seamlessly integrate EXL and third-party AI agents into their business operations. Its capabilities have been enhanced by the following patented solutions:

• AI-powered Audit: U.S. Patent No. 12,334,077 (June 17, 2025), which covers automated audio to text signal processing used in the EXL Smart Audit.AI™ solution.
• Cognitive Image Analytics: U.S. Patent No. 12387271 (August 12, 2025) for EXL Cognitive Image Analytics™ focuses on reducing network traffic associated with generating event predictions based on cognitive image analysis and powers EXL’s proprietary offering EXL Property Insights™.
• Insurance Regulatory Reporting: U.S. Patent No. 12,468,696 (November 11, 2025) for the EXL Regulatory Reporting Assist.AI™ solution significantly enhances regulatory reporting accuracy, speed, and transparency, enabling organizations to modernize compliance workflows and respond more effectively to evolving regulatory requirements using natural language queries.
• Query & Prompt Optimization: U.S. Patent No. 12,299,427 (May 13, 2025) for EXL SAMAC Copilot™ covers a method for automatically calibrating AI queries in a consistent, structured manner.
• Adaptive Communication Optimization: U.S. Patent No. 12,536,551 (January 27, 2026) uses a tensor-based reinforcement learning platform to optimize timing, tone, content and communication strategies to improve multichannel customer engagement. The innovation powers solutions such as EXL Paymentor℠, an AI-powered collections and receivables management solution.

LLM Fine-tuning: EXL was granted a patent for its EXL Insurance LLM™, the first industry-specific large language model (LLM) created to augment claim adjudication outcomes for bodily injury claims by enhancing adjuster efficiency, reducing indemnity costs, claims leakage, and accelerating settlement timelines. Building on this data foundation, EXL advances agentic AI for autonomous and assisted decision-making. EXL Insurance LLM is powered by more than 10 years of deep domain-specific data labeling architecture with best-in-class AI engineering, enabled by a partnership with NVIDIA, to fine-tune our models.

U.S. Patent No. 12399924 (August 26, 2025) for EXL Insurance LLM addresses unique methods for multi-model domain signal evaluation systems, which allows EXL’s LLM to achieve 20-30% higher accuracy in claims and underwriting tasks than leading general-purpose models.

For more information about EXL’s data and AI-led innovations that are transforming businesses and delivering value, please visit www.exlservice.com.

About EXL

EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 63,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

Contact

Media

Keith Little
[email protected]

ATLANTA, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A shareholder class action lawsuit has been filed against Paysafe Limited (“Paysafe” or the “Company”) (NYSE: PSFE). The lawsuit alleges that Defendants issued false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding Paysafe’s business, operations, and prospects, including allegations that: (1) Paysafe’s ecommerce business had significant exposure to a single high risk client; (2) as a result, the Company’s credit loss reserves and/or write-offs were understated; (3) Paysafe had an undisclosed issue with higher risk Merchant Category Codes, making its client services difficult to bank; (4) the foregoing issues were likely to have a material negative impact on the Company’s revenue growth and overall revenue mix; and (5) as a result, Paysafe was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance for fiscal year 2025.

If you purchased Paysafe shares between March 4, 2025 and November 12, 2025, and experienced a significant loss on that investment, you are encouraged to discuss your legal rights by contacting Corey D. Holzer, Esq. at [email protected], by toll-free telephone at (888) 508-6832, or by visiting the firm’s website at www.holzerlaw.com/case/paysafe/ for more information.

The deadline to ask the court to be appointed lead plaintiff in the case is April 7, 2026.

Holzer & Holzer, LLC, an ISS top rated securities litigation law firm for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025, dedicates its practice to vigorous representation of shareholders and investors in litigation nationwide, including shareholder class action and derivative litigation. Since its founding in 2000, Holzer & Holzer attorneys have played critical roles in recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders victimized by fraud and other corporate misconduct. More information about the firm is available through its website, www.holzerlaw.com, and upon request from the firm. Holzer & Holzer, LLC has paid for the dissemination of this promotional communication, and Corey Holzer is the attorney responsible for its content.  

CONTACT:
Corey Holzer, Esq.
(888) 508-6832 (toll-free)
[email protected]

INOLA, Okla., Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest ‘premium aluminum’ producer in the world, and leading American primary aluminum producer Century Aluminum today announced the selection of American firm Bechtel to conduct preparatory engineering for their planned primary aluminum production plant in Inola, Oklahoma.

Bechtel is undertaking the design of the new plant with a strong focus on value improvement, preparing the project for a final investment decision and the start of construction by the end of 2026. The Bechtel team is also defining the technical, infrastructure, and planning requirements to enable new industrial growth in Inola, which will create long-term benefits for local communities across Rogers County and the greater northeast Oklahoma region.

The project will be the first new primary aluminum smelter built in the United States since 1980, and will double current U.S. primary aluminum production. The project will create 1,000 permanent direct jobs at the facility and 4,000 jobs during construction. The plant will be built with EGA’s latest aluminum reduction technology, EX, which is amongst the most advanced and efficient in the world.

As part of its work, Bechtel is exploring modularization and pre-assembly strategies to improve the efficiency of construction on site and defining logistics to transport materials by road and river while minimizing the impact on local traffic.

Bechtel is working closely with ERM, a leading sustainability consultancy that is coordinating the environmental and social public consultation and permitting process for the project.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Building the first American primary aluminum production plant in decades is a transformative project for America’s industrial revival, the strong economic future of Inola and Oklahoma, and for our company. Bechtel, with its leading experience in American industrial projects and aluminum projects around the world, will play a key role in the extensive work ongoing to make this project a reality.”

Jesse Gary, Chief Executive Officer of Century Aluminum, said “The selection of Bechtel adds momentum to our project, meeting the urgency of our nation’s needs for this critical metal. We’re proud to mark this milestone with EGA and with Bechtel.”       

Ailie MacAdam, President of Bechtel Mining & Metals, said: “Bechtel has been helping build America’s industrial base for more than a century, and we welcome the opportunity to support this important project in Oklahoma. We are bringing our experience in delivering U.S. megaprojects and our global track record in delivering aluminum facilities to help our customer move forward with confidence.”

Bechtel has built one-third of all new aluminum smelter capacity outside China over the past 25 years and has been a leader in U.S. project delivery since 1898.

EGA and Century Aluminum are developing the Oklahoma project in partnership, with EGA owning 60 per cent and Century Aluminum owning 40%.

About Emirates Global Aluminium


Emirates Global Aluminium is the world’s largest ‘premium aluminum’ producer, manufacturing one in every 25 tonnes of aluminum made worldwide. EGA is an integrated aluminum producer, with operations from alumina refining to the production of cast metal and recycling. EGA’s operations include an aluminum smelter and an alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi, an aluminum smelter in Dubai, and a specialty foundry in Germany, and an aluminum recycling plant in the United States.

Founded over 50 years ago, EGA has been a steadfast partner to American industries, driving innovation and progress. The United States stands as one of EGA’s largest single-country markets globally, with aluminum manufacturers nationwide utilizing EGA metal. EGA’s high-quality aluminum supports tens of thousands of American jobs across aerospace, automotive, construction, energy systems, and electronics sectors. Additionally, EGA’s high-purity aluminum plays a crucial role in specialized U.S. defense applications. Established in 1999, EGA America, the company’s U.S. marketing and sales arm, is based in St. Louis, Missouri. EGA America has been a market leader in ensuring the seamless logistics and sales of EGA’s aluminum products across the U.S., fostering strong relationships with key industry players and contributing significantly to the local economy.

EGA expanded its U.S. presence with the acquisition of an 80 per cent shareholding in Spectro Alloys in 2024. EGA Spectro Alloys is a leading aluminum recycling plant in Rosemount, Minnesota.

About Century Aluminum Company


Century Aluminum is an integrated producer of bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminum products. Century is the largest producer of primary aluminum in the United States, and operates production facilities in Iceland, the Netherlands and Jamaica. Visit www.centuryaluminum.com for more information.

About Bechtel


Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers’ objectives to create a lasting positive impact. Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world’s infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.  Bechtel serves the Energy; Infrastructure; Manufacturing & Technology; Mining & Metals; and Nuclear, Security & Environmental markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. www.bechtel.com

Cautionary Statement

This press release and statements made by Century Aluminum Company and its management contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are statements about future events and are based on our current expectations. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “hope,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “estimate,” “potential,” “project,” “scheduled,” “forecast” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” or “may.” Where we express an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, our forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected, or implied by those forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results and events to differ from those described in such forward-looking statements can be found in the risk factors and forward-looking statements cautionary language contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we have attempted to identify those material factors that could cause actual results or events to differ from those described in such forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For EGA
        Simon Buerk, +971 56 311 1536, [email protected]
        
For Century Aluminum
        Investors: Chad Rigg, 312.696.3132, [email protected]
        Media: Tawn Earnest, 614.698.6351, [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b4df6192-6255-4868-8d82-02384d0dc79f

NEW YORK, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rising by 9.6% year-on-year, global pensions assets reached a record USD 68.3 trillion in 2025 as defined contribution (DC) savings continued to drive growth, according to leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, WTW’s (NASDAQ: WTW) Thinking Ahead Institute’s (TAI) latest Global Pension Assets Study.

2025 showed sustained recovery across global markets with strong investor sentiment and relatively contained volatility, culminating in the creation of USD 6.0 trillion of pension asset value.

Of the top seven global pensions markets – Australia, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK, US – DC now forms 63% of all assets, with Australia and the US strongly skewing towards DC asset allocation at 90% and 72% respectively, followed closely by Canada at 44%.

Over the past 10 years, the three predominantly DC markets have seen above average growth, as Australia grew by 6.6% pa, the US by 7.7% pa, and Canada by 5.3% pa. Looking at other countries in the wider Top 22 pensions markets, South Korea, Switzerland and Hong Kong all grew by more than 8% pa over the past decade.

The US remains the largest single pensions market, now forming 66% of the Top 22 globally. Canada has now overtaken Japan for the first time to become the second largest pensions market, due to strong 12% year-on-year growth.

Conversely, the UK saw weak growth of only 1.4% pa over the last 10 years in USD terms. As of 2025, it has the lowest compound annual growth rate of all 22 major markets, bar Brazil. Consequently, having been the second largest pension market in 2015, the UK has now fallen to fourth place in the rankings.

A key driver of this trend is that the UK pension market is going through a structural shift, with DB schemes maturing, paying out benefits, and de-risking, while DC continues to expand. DC now represents around 40% of UK pension assets, up from 18% in 2020.

Looking at the seven largest pensions markets, over last 20 years, overall allocation to equities has fallen nine percentage points (pp) to 48% of total assets, while bonds and other asset classes are up 3pp and 6pp respectively to 31% and 19% of total assets. Aggregate asset allocation now more closely resembles that of 15 years ago.

“2025 saw broad-based gains across global markets, with most major asset classes delivering positive returns. Equities performed especially well, while fixed income also posted gains in light of global rate cuts and narrowing credit spreads,” said Jessica Gao, director, Thinking Ahead Institute.

“Looking ahead, the 2026 outlook is likely to be shaped by policy decisions, technological innovation and shifting global dynamics. Fiscal support and AI-related investment should remain important growth drivers. Inflation trends and central bank actions will be key, particularly in the US, where strong capital spending and supportive fiscal policy may continue to support growth and keep yields relatively elevated.

“Now more than ever, adopting a ‘Total Portfolio Approach’ matters because the investment environment is more uncertain, complex and interdependent than the governance models that many funds have relied on. Rapid technological change as well as more prominent political and systemic risks demand frameworks that can operate with less certainty and weaker model stability. TPA addresses this by enabling faster, more coordinated decisions supported by better data, technology and an organization-wide perspective.”

Notes to editors:

• The P22 refers to the 22 largest pension markets included in the study which are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, UK, and US
• The P7 refers to the seven largest pension markets (91% of total assets in the study): Australia, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK, and US.
• All figures are rounded and 2025 figures are estimates.
• All dates refer to the calendar end of that year.

About the Thinking Ahead Institute at WTW

The Thinking Ahead Institute is a global not-for-profit investment research and innovation network dedicated to helping investors navigate the future. Bringing together leading asset owners, asset managers, wealth providers and strategic partners, the Institute drives innovation through collaborative research and practical solutions.  Since its founding in 2015, the Institute has convened more than 100 organizations to collaboratively design fit-for-purpose investment strategies, improve organizational effectiveness, and strengthen stakeholder trust. Learn more about how the Thinking Ahead Institute can support your organization at https://www.thinkingaheadinstitute.org/.

About WTW

At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

Learn more at wtwco.com

Media contacts

Ileana Feoli: +1 212 309 5504
[email protected]

Arnelle Sullivan: +1 718 208 0474
[email protected]

MIAMI, FL, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered, today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NeutronX Corporation, a U.S.-based energy technology company with extensive expertise in government contracting, military operations, and critical infrastructure.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration whereby NextNRG will serve as the lead partner contractor and project manager for energy projects pursued or won by NeutronX, where NextNRG’s capabilities are applicable. The collaboration is designed to create synergy between NeutronX’s government contracting expertise and NextNRG’s AI-driven energy infrastructure capabilities.

Under the agreement, NeutronX will leverage its extensive government contracting expertise, relationships, and domain knowledge to identify, pursue, and win government projects for energy needs in the fields of defense, infrastructure, airports, military installations, and related sectors. NextNRG will serve as the lead partner, providing technical expertise and operational support, proprietary technology and intellectual property, personnel and resources as contractor for the project, operational backbone for project execution, and backend support for maintenance and continued operation of each project.

“This collaboration with NeutronX creates a strategic pathway for NextNRG to serve the government and defense sectors with our advanced energy infrastructure solutions,” said Michael D. Farkas, Executive Chairman and CEO of NextNRG. “By combining NeutronX’s deep government contracting experience with our AI-driven platform and operational capabilities, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver intelligent, resilient energy systems for mission-critical government applications.”

NeutronX is led by Colonel Emilio Gonzalez US Army Retired, a distinguished military leader and government operations expert, and is supported by a team from world-leading research institutions, government organizations, and universities. The company actively pursues and bids on federal, state, and military government contracts and projects.

The parties anticipate collaboration in several key areas, including energy infrastructure and intelligent grid systems, defense and military installations, airport and transportation infrastructure, critical infrastructure protection, autonomous systems and AI-enabled platforms, data analytics and operational intelligence, and cybersecurity for critical systems.

For each government project, the parties will negotiate and execute separate definitive agreements setting forth specific terms, deliverables, timeline, and compensation. The MOU does not create an exclusive relationship outside of specific projects where the parties have actively agreed to pursue jointly, and neither party is obligated to pursue any specific opportunity.

The collaboration advances NextNRG’s strategy of deploying next-generation energy infrastructure through its integrated ecosystem of AI-optimized solutions, establishing the company as a provider of intelligent energy management and delivery for essential government and defense operations.

About NeutronX Corporation

NeutronX Corporation is a U.S.-based energy technology company possessing extensive expertise in government contracting, military operations, defense systems, energy infrastructure as national security, airport operations, and critical infrastructure. Led by Colonel Emilio Gonzalez US Army Retired and supported by a team from world-leading research institutions, government organizations, and universities, NeutronX builds energy systems with intelligence inside every watt.

About NextNRG, Inc.

NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into utility infrastructure, battery storage, wireless EV in-motion charging, renewable energy and mobile fuel delivery, to create a unified platform for modern energy management.

At the core of its strategy is the Next Utility Operating System®, which uses AI to optimize both new and existing infrastructure across microgrids, utilities, and fleet operations. NextNRG’s smart microgrids serve commercial, healthcare, educational, tribal, and government sites delivering cost savings, reliability, and decarbonization. The company also operates one of the nation’s largest on-demand fueling fleets and is advancing wireless charging to support fleet electrification.

To learn more, visit www.nextnrg.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact

NextNRG, Inc.
Sharon Cohen
[email protected]

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lee Enterprises and Hudl today announced a new content partnership that significantly expands access to high school sports coverage across Lee’s nationwide network of trusted local news brands, marking one of the largest collaborations in local sports media.

Through this partnership, the two companies will work to bring high-quality high school sports video and storytelling across Lee Enterprises’ 72 markets, reaching millions of local sports fans, families, coaches, and student athletes. Together, Lee and Hudl will connect communities to the moments, teams, and athletes that matter most — at a scale unmatched in local sports coverage.

At its core, the partnership is about access, trust, and community connection. Hudl’s deep relationships with schools and coaches, combined with Lee’s longstanding role as the authoritative voice in local communities, creates a powerful platform to celebrate high school sports — not behind a paywall, but free and accessible to all.

“High school sports coverage is at the heart of our community-driven mission,” said Nathan Bekke, interim chief executive officer at Lee Enterprises. “This partnership with Hudl allows us to serve our communities even better — by expanding free access to meaningful local sports content and telling stories that reflect the pride, passion, and connection people feel for their schools and teams.”

Hudl works with thousands of high schools nationwide, providing video, data, and tools that support athletes and coaches at every level. By joining forces with Lee, highlight and post-match content now reaches broader local audiences — parents watching from home, alumni staying connected, and fans who rely on trusted local media to stay engaged with their communities.

“Hudl’s mission has always been to give athletes and coaches the shot they deserve while strengthening the communities around them,” said Kelly Mosier, senior director Hudl Fan. “This partnership allows us to highlight and elevate the incredible talent in high school sports. By showcasing top plays and telling community-driven stories we have a chance to deepen the fan connection and help athletes get even more recognition by celebrating these moments.”

This collaboration represents Lee Enterprises’ largest coordinated effort in local sports content, reinforcing the company’s commitment to journalism and storytelling that bring communities together. Coverage will include a wide range of boys’ and girls’ sports, spotlighting both marquee moments and everyday achievements that define high school athletics. “This isn’t just about highlights,” said Joe Battistoni, chief revenue officer at Lee Enterprises. “It’s about honoring how high school sports shape young people and bring communities together. With Hudl, we’re amplifying those stories and inviting advertising partners to be part of the magic that happens when coaches, fans, and communities connect.”

The Lee–Hudl partnership will soon roll out across Lee markets, beginning with expanded coverage and community-focused storytelling throughout the upcoming high school sports seasons.

About Lee Enterprises

Lee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 72 markets in 25 states. Our core commitment is to provide valuable, intensely local news and information to the communities we serve. Our markets include St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; and Tucson, AZ. Lee Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit lee.net.

About Hudl

Hudl empowers more than 300K teams globally to reach their potential, working with coaches, athletes, and administrators at every level of sport. We equip teams with tools and insights to elevate performance, streamline operations, drive recruitment and deepen fan engagement. Our smart cameras capture every second of practices and games, powering the industry’s ecosystem of film review, recruiting, scouting and more. Our trusted software layers data and analytics onto video to help athletes and teams reach their potential. And our platform helps every team create a stronger connection to their fans through livestreaming, athlete highlights, tickets, and updates on all the information fans care about. Learn more at Hudl.com.

CLEVELAND, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: ABEO) today announced it has granted equity awards to new non-executive employees who joined the Company. The equity awards were approved in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

On January 31, 2026, the Compensation Committee of Abeona’s Board of Directors granted restricted stock equity awards as a material inducement to employment to seven individuals hired by Abeona, which equity awards relate to, in the aggregate, up to 28,676 restricted shares of Abeona common stock. One-third of the shares subject to such restricted stock awards will vest yearly on each anniversary of the Grant Date, such that the shares subject to such restricted stock awards granted to each employee will be fully vested on the third anniversary of the Grant Date, in each case, subject to each employee’s continued employment with Abeona on the applicable vesting dates.

About Abeona Therapeutics 

Abeona Therapeutics Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell and gene therapies for serious diseases. Abeona’s ZEVASKYN^® (prademagene zamikeracel) is the first and only autologous cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of wounds in adults and pediatric patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). The Company’s fully integrated cell and gene therapy cGMP manufacturing facility in Cleveland, Ohio serves as the manufacturing site for ZEVASKYN commercial production. The Company’s development portfolio features adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for ophthalmic diseases with high unmet medical need. Abeona’s novel, next-generation AAV capsids are being evaluated for a variety of devastating diseases. For more information, visit www.abeonatherapeutics.com.

ZEVASKYN^®, Abeona Assist^®, Abeona Therapeutics^®, and their related logos are trademarks of Abeona Therapeutics Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that involve risks and uncertainties. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by such terminology as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “potential,” and similar words and expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances), which constitute and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, our ability to successfully commercialize and market ZEVASKYN, including manufacturing sufficient batches of ZEVASKYN to meet demand; the therapeutic potential of ZEVASKYN; whether the unmet need and market opportunity for ZEVASKYN are consistent with the Company’s expectations; continued interest in our rare disease portfolio; our ability to enroll patients in clinical trials; the outcome of future meetings with and inspections by the FDA or other regulatory agencies, including those relating to preclinical programs and to the cGMP manufacturing of ZEVASKYN; the ability to achieve or obtain necessary regulatory approvals for our pre-clinical programs; the impact of any changes in the financial markets and global economic conditions, including those resulting from changes to U.S. trade policy, such as current or future tariffs; risks associated with data analysis and reporting; and other risks disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise these forward-looking statements or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by the federal securities laws.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XOMA Royalty Corporation (NASDAQ: XOMA) (“XOMA Royalty” or the “Company”), a biotechnology royalty aggregator playing a distinctive role in helping biotech companies achieve their goal of improving human health, today announced the Company successfully completed its previously announced tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Generation Bio Co. (NASDAQ: GBIO) (“Generation Bio”) common stock for a price per share of $4.2913 in cash (the “Cash Amount”), plus one non-tradeable contingent value right (“CVR”) (together with the Cash Amount, the “Offer Price”) and successfully completed its acquisition of Generation Bio.

The tender offer and related withdrawal rights expired one minute after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 6, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”). As of the Expiration Date, a total of 4,722,533 shares of Generation Bio common stock were validly tendered, and not validly withdrawn, representing approximately 70% of the outstanding shares of Generation Bio common stock as of the Expiration Date. As of the Expiration Date, the number of shares validly tendered in accordance with the terms of the tender offer and not validly withdrawn satisfied the minimum tender condition, and all other conditions to the tender offer were satisfied or waived. After the Expiration Date, XOMA Royalty irrevocably accepted for payment all shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and expects to promptly pay for such shares.

Following the closing of the tender offer, a subsidiary of the Company, XRA 7 Corp., merged with and into Generation Bio (the “Merger”), and all shares of Generation Bio common stock that had not been validly tendered and irrevocably accepted for purchase were converted into the right to receive the Offer Price without interest. As a result of the Merger, Generation Bio became a wholly owned subsidiary of XOMA Royalty. Following the closing of trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) on February 6, all shares of Generation Bio common stock ceased trading on Nasdaq, and the Company and Generation Bio intend promptly to cause such shares to be delisted from Nasdaq and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Advisors

XOMA Royalty was represented by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. TD Cowen served as financial advisor, and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP served as legal counsel to Generation Bio.

About XOMA Royalty Corporation

XOMA Royalty is a biotechnology royalty aggregator playing a distinctive role in helping biotech companies achieve their goal of improving human health. XOMA Royalty acquires the potential future economics associated with pre-commercial and commercial therapeutic candidates that have been licensed to pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. When XOMA Royalty acquires the future economics, the seller receives non-dilutive, non-recourse funding they can use to advance their internal drug candidate(s) or for general corporate purposes. XOMA Royalty has an extensive and growing portfolio of assets (asset defined as the right to receive potential future economics associated with the advancement of an underlying therapeutic candidate). For more information about XOMA Royalty and its portfolio, please visit www.xoma.com or follow XOMA Royalty Corporation on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements/Explanatory Notes

Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the payment and expected timing of payment of the tender offer, the delisting and deregistration of Generation Bio common stock, the ability of XOMA Royalty to monetize Generation Bio’s delivery platform for the benefit of XOMA Royalty and Generation Bio stockholders, and the ability to achieve any dispositions within the disposition period under the CVR Agreement. In some cases, you can identify such forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “approximately,” “look to,” “plan,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “could” or “should,” the negative of these terms or similar expressions.  These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of XOMA Royalty’s performance, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. These statements are based on assumptions that may not prove accurate, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to certain risks including the risk that XOMA Royalty does not achieve anticipated net cash after winding down Generation Bio’s operations and concluding remaining activities, and the risk that XOMA Royalty is unable to develop or otherwise enter into dispositions related to the Generation Bio programs. Other potential risks to XOMA Royalty meeting these expectations are described in more detail in XOMA Royalty’s most recent filing on Form 10-Q and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement in this press release represents XOMA Royalty’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. XOMA Royalty disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

EXPLANATORY NOTE: Any references to “portfolio” in this press release refer strictly to milestone and/or royalty rights associated with a basket of drug products in development. Any references to “assets” in this press release refer strictly to milestone and/or royalty rights associated with individual drug products in development.