Funding supports Interlink’s leadership in developing low-cost, high-performance sensor technology to enhance global food safetyFREMONT, Calif., Oct. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interlink Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LINK) (the “Company”), a global leader in sensor technology and printed electronic solutions, today announced that its Gas and Environmental Solutions division has received a $200,000 SBIR Phase 1 grant from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The funding will accelerate the development of a ...

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Foundation has contributed a $100,000 grant to the United Way of Berks County's Big Cheese event, which will provide 500,000 meals to those facing food insecurity, doubling the number of meals from the previous year [2][5] - The event involved 1,000 volunteers packaging meals, which were distributed to local food banks and the Reading School District [2][4] - In Berks County, 20% of residents are food insecure, including 25,000 children, highlighting the critical need for such initiatives [3] Company Contributions - The FirstEnergy Foundation has granted nearly $2 million in the first half of 2025 to support various community initiatives, including the Big Cheese event [5] - FirstEnergy is committed to supporting 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that address critical community needs in areas served by its electric operating companies [5][8] Community Impact - The partnership between FirstEnergy and the United Way of Berks County is rooted in community spirit and aims to ensure access to nutritious meals for families in need [4][6] - The United Way of Berks County has been active since 1925, focusing on education, food security, and workforce development to help the community thrive [6]

Core Insights - Pinnacle Food Group Limited sponsored the Smart Farming Forum, highlighting the urgency of food security and the need for smart farming systems in Canada [1][2] - The forum emphasized the importance of standards in ensuring quality assurance and access to international markets for Canadian smart food producers [3] - Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for the Canadian smart farming sector to compete globally, especially amid ongoing tariff conflicts [4] Industry Challenges - The Canadian smart farming sector faces technological challenges and broader transitions in global food systems, exacerbated by climate change and geopolitical tensions [2] - The need for secure and safe smart farming systems is increasingly urgent due to fragile food supply chains [2] Importance of Standards - Standards are crucial for building trust and ensuring quality in the smart farming sector, particularly for export-oriented agriculture in Canada [3] - Maintaining high international standards for quality and safety is vital for smart food producers to communicate effectively across borders [3] Collaboration and Integration - An integrated approach that connects technology, regulation, and real-world practices is necessary for the advancement of smart farming [4] - Stronger collaboration is required among Canadian smart food producers to standardize and certify their outputs for global competition [4] Achievements and Future Opportunities - Pinnacle Food Group has shown that smart monitoring and traceability are achievable goals, positioning Canada for leadership in smart farming [5] - The forum participants identified opportunities for future collaboration, including co-developing smart farming standards and launching pilot projects [9]

Core Insights - Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. successfully raised over $5 million through its 15th annual Independence from Hunger Food Drive to support local food banks [1][3] - The campaign ran from June 25 to July 31, with over 540 Grocery Outlet stores participating in collecting donations [2][4] - Since its inception in 2011, the Independence from Hunger campaign has raised over $30 million in cash and food donations [4] Company Initiatives - The company partnered with local food banks to facilitate fundraising and community outreach efforts [4] - Customers could support the campaign through various means, including in-store donations, purchasing pre-made grocery bags, and online contributions [7] - No administration or collateral fees are deducted from the funds collected, ensuring that all donations directly benefit local food banks [5] Industry Context - According to the USDA, approximately 18 million families in the U.S. are facing food insecurity, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Grocery Outlet's [3] - The company is committed to providing access to affordable, high-quality meals for families in need through its ongoing campaigns [3]

Humanitarian Aid to Gaza - The United States has contributed $60 million to provide food aid to Gaza [1] - The aid aims to address the humanitarian needs, focusing on food, sanitation, and other essential supplies [3] - Concerns exist regarding the distribution of aid, with fears that it may be intercepted by Hamas or other entities [2] International Cooperation - The United States is collaborating with the European Union, with Ursula playing a significant role in providing assistance [3] - A group of countries is expected to contribute to the humanitarian efforts [3] Overall Situation - The situation in Gaza is described as terrible and has been problematic for many years [2] - The priority is to provide humanitarian assistance, particularly feeding the children, before considering other actions [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the second quarter of 2025 were $1,050 million, a 1% increase year-over-year [20] - Adjusted operating income was $141.4 million, or 13.5% of net sales, a 70 basis point decrease from the prior year [22] - GAAP diluted loss per share was $1.53, while adjusted EPS declined slightly to $4.88 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales were $765.5 million, similar to last year, with utility sales increasing by 5.4% [23] - Solar sales declined nearly 50%, reflecting lower volumes, while telecommunications saw over 40% growth [23] - Agriculture sales increased by 2.7% to $289.4 million, driven by strong international market performance [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The infrastructure backlog approached $1.5 billion, indicating strong demand for products [10] - U.S. capital expenditures in utilities are expected to exceed $212 billion in 2025, a 22% increase [10] - International sales in agriculture increased by 22%, particularly in the EMEA region [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has completed a realignment strategy initiated in July 2023, exiting unprofitable solar segments and focusing on core strengths [7][8] - Future priorities include accelerating growth, driving efficiency, and advancing innovation [8] - The company aims to capture the infrastructure wave, with utility representing about 35% of total revenue [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term market fundamentals driven by megatrends such as energy transition and infrastructure investment [6][14] - The company expects to see revenue and EPS improvements starting in Q4 2025, with a smooth growth trajectory anticipated [53] - Management highlighted a strong production week and positive outlook for the second half of the year [76] Other Important Information - The company reported nonrecurring charges totaling $138.3 million due to realignment actions, with expected annualized savings of $22 million in 2026 [19] - Operating cash flows reached $167.6 million, with a significant reduction in net working capital days [25][26] - The company maintains a balanced capital allocation strategy, investing in growth while returning capital to shareholders [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the decision to exit the solar business? - Management stated the exit was due to an inability to provide strong returns in a competitive and fragmented market, while maintaining profitable operations in Italy and Brazil [41][42][44] Question: How does the increased tariff on steel impact your outlook? - Management indicated that steel pricing is stable and they have not seen any impact on demand, with a strong value proposition for customers [46][48] Question: What is the visibility for telecom growth for the rest of the year? - Management noted strong growth driven by carrier technology upgrades and expects continued strength into 2026 [70][71] Question: What are the drivers for growth in the lighting and transportation business? - Management acknowledged softer market conditions but emphasized ongoing execution improvements and strong DOT spending as positive indicators [98][100] Question: Can you elaborate on the expected revenue and EPS growth over the next few years? - Management confirmed expectations for low double-digit earnings growth, aligning with their long-term financial model [101][102]

Humanitarian Crisis & Aid Distribution - At least 20 people were killed at an aid distribution site in Southern Gaza [1] - The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation reported no gunfire, despite sounds of weapons being heard [2] - Breakdown of order at the distribution site led to desperate scramble for aid, highlighting uncertainty about future aid availability [3][4] - The Israeli military and American contractors have not established safe crowd control measures, exacerbating the situation due to food insecurity [5] Aid Program & Future Plans - The Israeli military aims to increase the number of aid distribution sites to alleviate crowding and reduce violence [6] - The fate of the private aid distribution program is tied to ongoing ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas [7] - Hamas is requesting the disbandment of the US-backed aid distribution program and the return of control to Hamas [8]

Core Insights - The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has committed up to US$3 million in non-dilutive, interest-free funding for the Banio potash project in Gabon, marking a significant milestone for the company [1][2][4] - This funding is aimed at mitigating geopolitical and financial risks associated with the project, particularly in the context of West Africa [3][4] - The project aligns with global trends in potash demand, as Africa currently relies on imports despite being a major consumer [5][6] Funding and Risk Mitigation - The DFC funding is structured as a loan without interest payments or collateral, allowing the company to repay only when raising funds for construction [2][3] - The backing from DFC enhances the project's credibility and reduces risks in a region where Gabon is considered stable [3][4] - Future funding from DFC could support construction, indicating a long-term commitment to the project [4] Market Position and Demand - Approximately 70-75% of global potash supply comes from Canada, Russia, and Belarus, highlighting the potential for African production to meet local demand [5][6] - The company aims to become the first African potash producer within the next 2-3 years, addressing the continent's growing consumption needs [6][7] Economic Viability and Infrastructure - The project is expected to have one of the lowest cost structures globally, bolstered by strong government support [7][8] - The coastal location of the project facilitates easier logistics compared to inland potash basins, enhancing its economic viability [9][10] Geological and Technical Developments - Recent drilling results have strengthened the geological profile of the project, with a revised technical report expected to expand the resource estimate significantly [11][12] - The company has indicated a resource of 1.7 billion tonnes, covering less than 5% of the property, suggesting substantial upside potential [12] - The DFC funding will enable the company to proceed with feasibility studies and environmental assessments without delays, aiming to apply for a mining permit by mid-next year [13]

Core Viewpoint - Millennial Potash Corp. has secured a strategic investment of up to US $3,000,000 from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for its Banio Potash Project in Gabon, which will support a feasibility study and enhance food security in Africa [2][3]. Group 1: Investment Details - The DFC's investment will be utilized for project development funding, specifically for a feasibility study on the Banio Potash Project, which is set to begin in the coming months [2][4]. - The funding from DFC will be released based on milestone activities completed during the feasibility study, with no interest payable and repayment triggered by the company securing financing for project construction [5]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The DFC recognizes the Banio Potash Project's potential to stabilize and enhance food availability across Africa, positioning Gabon as an emerging exporter in the agricultural supply chain [3]. - The investment is seen as timely for Millennial Potash as it transitions from exploration to development, with the DFC's involvement helping to derisk the project [3][4]. Group 3: Government and Community Support - The Government of Gabon fully supports the DFC investment, with the President of Gabon attending the signing ceremony, highlighting the collaboration between the U.S. and Gabon for economic growth [3][9]. - DFC's Head of Investments emphasized the project's role in boosting domestic potash production, which is crucial for increasing crop yields and fostering sustainable agriculture in Africa [3].

Industry Challenges & Opportunities - Traditional farming in Hong Kong faces challenges due to limited land (only 1.27% used as farmland) and high water import costs (20 million tons annually costing 200 million HKD) [1] - Hydroponics offers a revolutionary solution for efficient and sustainable crop cultivation with minimal resources [2] - Brownfield lands in Hong Kong present an opportunity for conversion into vertically spread greenhouses for hydroponics [8][9] Hydroponics Advantages - Hydroponics allows precise adjustment of pH values and nutrients for optimal plant growth [5] - Hydroponics has a high water efficiency, with about 90% of the water being reused [5] - Hydroponics can be set up vertically or in a compacted way, saving space [6] Comparative Analysis - Netherlands, despite its small size (41,850 square kilometers, one-quarter of Guangdong), produces 54 tons of vegetables per hectare, exceeding the US and China [6] - Hong Kong has a population density nearly 13 times higher than the Netherlands, suggesting hydroponics could maximize food production to meet shortages [8] Implementation & Call to Action - Setting up hydroponics is remarkably simple, requiring minimal materials [3] - Individuals can start hydroponics at home to inspire wider adoption and promote self-sufficiency [11][12]