HOUSTON, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has been awarded a seat on a multiple award, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP). The NAVSUP Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract (WEXMAC) 2.1 Territorial Integrity of the United States (TITUS) is a contract for readiness and sustainment focused on defense of the continental United States. Under WEXMAC 2.1 TITUS, KBR will compete on IDIQ task orders t ...

LA JOLLA, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), today announced the successful completion of patient enrollment in the randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial, the OXTOX study (Oxaliplatin Neurotoxicity study in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer). This study, an investigator-initiated clinical trial led by Dr. Janet ...

Vantage Acquisition Anchors HHH’s Transformation into a Diversified Holding Company Vantage’s Diversified Specialty Insurance Platform Delivers Lower Risk and Superior Return Potential Pershing Square to Manage Vantage’s Investment Portfolio on a Fee-Free Basis HHH to Host a Conference Call and Presentation on Thursday, December 18 at 8:30 a.m. ET, with an X Spaces Session to Follow THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH) (“Howard Hughes,” “HHH,” or t ...

Core Points - China has launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), enhancing free trade and business-friendly measures [1][3] - The Hainan FTP is now designated as a special customs supervision zone, marking a significant development in its evolution [3][4] - The share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP has increased from 21% to 74%, expanding the list of zero-tariff items from 1,900 to over 6,600 [5][6] Summary by Sections Free Trade and Business Environment - The new customs arrangements allow foreign companies to benefit from a business environment aligned with international standards, lower tax and production costs, and broader access to service sectors [4] - Hainan is positioned as a platform for foreign companies to access the vast Chinese mainland market [4] Customs Operations - The special customs system includes "freer access at the first line" for trade between Hainan and areas outside China's customs borders, and "regulated access at the second line" for goods moving from Hainan to the mainland [5] - Zero-tariff goods processed in Hainan can be sold to the mainland duty-free if local processing adds 30% or more in value [6] Historical Context and Development Goals - Hainan has evolved from an underdeveloped frontier outpost to China's largest special economic zone since 1988, with over 9,600 foreign-invested enterprises established since 2020 [7] - The launch date of December 18 aligns with the anniversary of a significant CPC meeting in 1978, marking the beginning of China's reform and opening-up era [8]

Core Insights - The AI Agent Expo in Tokyo showcased the increasing demand for AI-driven digital transformation in Japan, with AI customer support being the top priority for enterprises [1] - GPTBots.ai's solutions, particularly in intelligent automation, received significant interest from various sectors including manufacturing, finance, technology, and consumer goods [1] Group 1: Key DX Needs from Japanese Enterprises - Japanese enterprises are focusing on three main areas for digital transformation: real-time communication, customer engagement, and internal collaboration [2][4] - LiveSpeechly, an enterprise-grade AI solution by GPTBots, enhances real-time multilingual translation and meeting transcription, facilitating better cross-border collaboration [2] Group 2: GPTBots as a Preferred DX Partner - GPTBots offers AI-powered virtual sales agents and automated customer support to improve customer experience and drive growth [4] - The company provides seamless integration with major CRM platforms like Salesforce, ensuring unified data management [4][5] - GPTBots emphasizes flexible deployment options, including cloud and on-premise solutions, with a focus on data security and compliance with Japanese regulations [5] Group 3: Empowering Digital Transformation - GPTBots is dedicated to supporting Japanese enterprises in their AI-driven digital transformation journey, offering scalable and customizable solutions that provide measurable business value [6] - The company positions itself as a leader in enterprise AI agent platforms, enabling organizations to automate and elevate their business operations [7]

Core Viewpoint - DXS International plc is preparing for its Annual General Meeting and anticipates a challenging half-year ending October 2025, with expectations of a marginal loss, but is optimistic about operational improvements in 2026 due to potential NHS funding renewal [2][3][4]. Group 1: AGM and Financial Outlook - The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for today at Elm House, Tanshire Park, and the AGM documents, including the Annual Report for the year ended April 30, 2025, are available for download [2][3]. - Current trading for the half year ending October 31, 2025, is expected to be broadly flat, with a marginal loss anticipated [3]. - The half-year results will be reported in January 2026, consistent with the previous three years [5]. Group 2: Operational Developments - The Board is optimistic that calendar year 2026 will be operationally positive, with NHS funding likely to be renewed between April and June [4]. - The company has made significant progress in development commitments, including the rebuilding of the SMART Referral solution and completion of a Cholesterol Prototype [4]. - Cost management measures are being implemented, particularly at the senior management level, to maintain cash flow [4]. Group 3: Cyber Security Incident - A separate announcement regarding a Cyber Security Incident was made, detailing the steps taken by the company in response [5]. Group 4: Company Overview - DXS International provides healthcare information and digital clinical decision support systems, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes and contribute to NHS efficiency savings [7].

Core Points - Nordic American Tankers Ltd. (NAT) has entered into firm agreements to sell two suezmax tankers for a total net price of $50 million, which will enhance the company's cash position [1] - The vessels are expected to be delivered to the buyers in January 2026, and the sale is anticipated to generate a book profit of approximately $14 million [1] - The company has also entered into a preliminary agreement for the construction of two newbuildings at a South Korean shipyard, with a firm agreement expected to be signed in January 2026 [2] Financial Summary - The sale of the two tankers will improve NAT's cash position by $50 million [1] - The expected book profit from the sale is around $14 million [1] Future Prospects - The company expresses optimism regarding its future prospects following the agreements for both the sale of tankers and the construction of new vessels [2]

Core Insights - AXIL Brands, Inc. is set to launch the MX II Series earmuffs featuring the next-generation SonicShieldX™ technology, aimed at providing superior hearing protection and sound enhancement for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals in high-noise environments [1][3] Product Launch Details - The MX II PRO model will be available for preorder starting January 5, 2026, with deliveries expected in February 2026. This model includes advanced Bluetooth connectivity, hearing amplification, and instant noise compression for sounds above 85 dB [2] - Additional variants, including the MX II Electronic and MX II Passive, are scheduled for release in May 2026, focusing on essential sound enhancement and reliable non-electronic noise reduction, respectively [2] Technological Advancements - The MX II Series incorporates enhanced automatic sound compression, improved ambient sound amplification (up to 6X for safe levels), and superior clarity in challenging environments [7] - The earmuffs are designed to be lightweight, sweat- and water-resistant, with adjustable headbands and easy-to-clean cushions for all-day comfort [7] - Customizable options include interchangeable ear pads and plates, along with eco-friendly packaging [7] Company Overview - AXIL Brands is a global consumer products company specializing in premium hearing enhancement and protection products, including ear plugs, earmuffs, and ear buds, marketed under the AXIL® brand [5] - The company also offers premium hair and skincare products under the Reviv3® brand, with a market presence in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Asia [5]

Core Insights - Roblon reported a profit from continuing operations for FY 2024/25, despite challenges from divesting its US subsidiary and winding up a product category [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Revenue from continuing operations was DKKm 236.9, down from DKKm 245.4, with an operating profit (EBIT) before special items of DKKm 31.6, resulting in an EBIT margin of 13.3% [2][6][7] - The Composite product group generated revenue of DKKm 192.7, while the FOC product group saw a decline to DKKm 44.2 due to difficult market conditions in EMEA [6][7] - Gross profit was DKKm 146.3, equating to a gross margin of 61.8%, and net cash inflow from operations was DKKm 31.4 [7][8] Special Items - The divestment of the US subsidiary resulted in a loss from discontinued operations after tax of DKKm 49.6, and a loss of DKKm 3.9 was recognized for winding up a product category targeting the European FOC market [2][3] Corporate Social Responsibility - Roblon's Annual Report includes a section on corporate social responsibility and separate climate accounts aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, covering key figures for Scopes 1, 2, and 3 [4] Future Guidance - Management expects FY 2025/26 performance to be impacted by a changed product mix, particularly a decrease in revenue from submarine energy cable supplies [10][11] - The company anticipates returning to a higher activity level in 2026/27, despite ongoing price competition and challenging market conditions in the FOC product group [11]

Core Viewpoint - BioNTech has successfully completed the acquisition of CureVac, enhancing its mRNA technology capabilities and supporting its oncology strategy [1][6]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of CureVac was finalized on December 18, 2025, with the subsequent offering period for CureVac shares expiring at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day [1]. - A total of 195,341,219 CureVac shares, representing approximately 86.75% of the outstanding shares, were tendered in the exchange offer [3][6]. - BioNTech plans to complete the compulsory acquisition of the remaining CureVac shares in January 2026 as part of a post-offer reorganization [3][6]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The acquisition aims to complement BioNTech's proprietary technologies in mRNA design, delivery formulations, and manufacturing, thereby strengthening its position in the global mRNA industry [1][6]. - BioNTech's oncology strategy focuses on mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy candidates and a bispecific antibody candidate, pumitamig (BNT327/BMS986545), developed in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb [1][6]. - The merger is seen as a synergy of two pioneering German mRNA firms, contributing to the country's innovation agenda [2]. Group 3: Management and Operations - Following the acquisition, the Management Board of CureVac SE will consist of BioNTech executives, while former CureVac board members have resigned [2]. - CureVac will continue its existing organizational processes to ensure business continuity, while BioNTech will conduct strategic and operational analyses for future organizational setup [2][6].