TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX: FTG) (OTCQX: FTGFF) today announced financial results for the full year and the fourth quarter 2025. Full Year Financial Highlights: Bookings: $209.9 million for 2025, marking a 14% increase over 2024.Backlog: $148.5 million at the end of 2025, a 21% rise from the previous year end inclusive of FLYHT acquisition.Revenue: $191.0 million, an 18% increase over 2024.Adjusted EBITDA: $32.7 million in 2025, up 27% from $25.8 milli ...

Genuine Parts Company Announces Plan to Separate Automotive and Industrial Businesses Into Two Industry-Leading Public Companies [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationSeparation to Unlock Significant Shareholder Value and Enhance Strategic Clarity, Operational Focus and Financial Performance for Both CompaniesTax-Free Separation Expected to be Completed in the First Quarter of 2027Company to Announce Further Details Regarding Ongoing Operational and Strategic Initiatives at Investor Days for Global Autom ...

Core Insights - SoftBank Group is a leading Japanese technology investment company known for its Vision Fund, which invests in global technology firms [1] - The company reported earnings per share of $0.27, exceeding estimates of $0.20, primarily due to strategic investments in OpenAI [2][6] - SoftBank's Vision Fund achieved a quarterly gain of $2.4 billion, significantly influenced by its investment in OpenAI, which helped mitigate losses from other investments [2][6] Financial Performance - SoftBank generated revenue of approximately $12.62 billion, slightly below the estimated $12.65 billion, but returned to profitability with a net profit of 248.59 billion yen (approximately $1.62 billion) for the quarter [3] - The company's financial metrics show a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 2.28, indicating a low valuation relative to earnings, while the enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is negative at -108.13, suggesting operational cash flow challenges [4] - The debt-to-equity ratio stands at approximately 1.41, indicating a higher level of debt compared to equity, and the current ratio is around 0.93, which may signal difficulties in meeting short-term liabilities [5] Investment Strategy - Despite the challenges indicated by financial metrics, SoftBank's earnings yield is approximately 43.92%, suggesting a high return on investment [5]

Group 1 - AIG has completed acquisitions of minority stakes in Convex Group and Onex Corporation, acquiring approximately 35% equity interest in Convex valued at about $2.1 billion and a 9.9% stake in Onex worth approximately $642 million [1][2] - Following AIG's investment, Onex has become the majority shareholder in Convex with a 63% ownership interest, marking a significant milestone for Convex [2]

Group 1 - American International Group, Inc. (AIG) has completed acquisitions of minority ownership stakes in Convex Group Limited and Onex Corporation, enhancing its strategic positioning for future growth [1][2] - AIG acquired approximately 35% equity interest in Convex for about $2.1 billion and a 9.9% ownership stake in Onex for approximately $642 million, with Onex becoming the majority shareholder in Convex with a 63% ownership interest [2] - AIG's CEO, Peter Zaffino, expressed confidence that these long-term investments will be accretive to AIG's earnings and return on equity in 2026 and beyond, with AIG beginning participation in Convex's business starting January 1, 2026 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Cannara Biotech Inc. has completed a strategic non-brokered private placement with Phoenician Capital LLC, raising C$6,300,000 through the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares at a price of C$2.10 per share, which is a 16% premium over the closing price prior to the announcement [1][2]. Group 1: Private Placement Details - The proceeds from the private placement will be utilized for working capital and strategic investments, including capital investments in the Valleyfield Facility and operational expansion [2]. - The common shares issued are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, in accordance with Canadian securities laws [3]. Group 2: Management Commentary - The CEO of Cannara, Zohar Krivorot, stated that the investment aligns with the company's expansion strategy and reflects confidence in its operational model [3]. - John Khabbaz, from Phoenician, expressed support for Cannara's focus on operational discipline and long-term value creation [3]. Group 3: Secondary Share Sale - Zohar Krivorot has agreed to sell 333,333 common shares to Phoenician at the same price of C$2.10 per share, which is intended to offset personal tax losses [5]. - Following the secondary share sale, Krivorot's ownership will decrease from approximately 26.99% to 25.83% of the issued and outstanding common shares [6]. Group 4: Company Overview - Cannara Biotech Inc. is a vertically integrated producer of premium-grade cannabis products, operating two facilities in Québec with a total area of over 1,600,000 sq. ft. and a potential annual cultivation output of 100,000 kg [16].

Core Insights - Fintech firm Brex's plan to sell itself for over $5 billion may indicate a trend in the upcoming year, reflecting a broader sentiment among U.S. CEOs regarding mergers and acquisitions [1] Group 1: Mergers and Acquisitions Sentiment - A recent EY survey indicates that 62% of 320 U.S. CEOs plan to actively pursue M&A deals in the next 12 months, a significant increase from 35% in a similar survey conducted in September 2025 [2][3] - The overall global sentiment shows that 53% of all surveyed CEOs intend to pursue M&A this year, with American CEOs being more optimistic [3] Group 2: Strategic Investment Adjustments - 85% of U.S. CEOs have modified their strategic investment plans due to geopolitical and trade policy developments, with 46% accelerating planned investments and 39% delaying them [6] - 11% of respondents have completely halted investments due to global tensions, indicating a cautious approach to capital allocation [6] Group 3: Preparation for Growth - CFOs are advised to assess capital effectiveness and improve capital efficiency, focusing resources on high-return opportunities while addressing underperforming areas [5] - The need for a tailored approach in capital distribution is emphasized, suggesting a strategic shift in how companies prepare for growth [5][4]

Core Viewpoint - Naughty Ventures Corp. has made a strategic investment of $250,000 in Freeport Recovery Group Inc. by acquiring 2,500,000 non-voting preferred shares at a price of $0.10 per share, reflecting a focus on disciplined capital allocation and investments outside traditional mineral exploration [1][2]. Company Overview - Freeport Recovery Group Inc. is a privately held company that specializes in the acquisition, development, and operation of recovery-based businesses, emphasizing asset recovery, specialty services, and scalable cash-flow-generating operations [2]. - The management team of Freeport Recovery Group has extensive experience in operations, restructuring, and value creation across various industries [2]. Investment Rationale - The investment aligns with the company's strategy of disciplined capital allocation and reflects a commitment to supporting businesses that address addiction and mental health challenges, which have personal significance to the CEO of Naughty Ventures [2][3]. - The CEO of Naughty Ventures expressed strong confidence in Freeport's operational strengths and the professionalism of its team after visiting their facilities [2]. Personal Investment - In addition to the corporate investment, the CEO has personally invested $250,000 in Freeport through a private corporation, Canal Front Investments, to match the company's subscription [4]. - The company intends to continue supporting Freeport Recovery Group as further investment opportunities arise, despite current capital allocation considerations limiting the investment amount [4]. Company Profile - Naughty Ventures Corp. is a Canadian exploration and investment company focused on acquiring and developing mineral assets with strong value potential, as well as investing in select private and public companies with exceptional management and high-growth opportunities [5].

Core Viewpoint - Nicola Mining Inc. is strengthening its balance sheet through a strategic non-brokered private investment of $1,000,000 from Ocean Partners UK Limited as it prepares to uplist onto NASDAQ in Q1 of 2026 [1]. Investment Offering - The Company will issue 1,111,112 units at a price of $0.90 per unit, aiming for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 [2]. - Each unit consists of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant, with each warrant allowing the purchase of an additional share at $1.10 for three years post-closing [3]. Warrant Details - The expiry of the warrants may be accelerated if the closing price of the Company's shares on the TSX Venture Exchange reaches $1.70 or greater for ten consecutive trading days [3]. Use of Proceeds - The gross proceeds from the offering will be allocated for general working capital [5]. Regulatory Compliance - All securities issued will be subject to a statutory holding period of four months and one day post-closing, and the offering is subject to Exchange approval [4]. Strategic Advisory Appointment - Rahim Kassim-Lakha has been appointed as Strategic Advisor, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in capital markets and M&A, and will guide the Company on capital markets strategy and corporate development [7]. Company Overview - Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company with a 100% owned mill and tailings facility located near Merritt, British Columbia, and has signed profit share agreements with high-grade gold projects [8]. - The Company owns the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property covering over 10,800 hectares, and the Treasure Mountain Property, a fully-permitted high-grade silver mine spanning over 2,200 hectares [9].

Core Viewpoint - Orecap Invest Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its 100%-owned Mirado property for a 19.9% equity stake in Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp., reflecting a strategic shift towards holding significant equity positions in high-quality exploration companies [1][2][14]. Transaction Details - The transaction involves Orecap receiving approximately 40,050,398 shares of KLDC, valued at $11.4 million based on KLDC's closing price on December 17, 2025 [3][14]. - The shares received will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period following the closing date [7]. - The transaction is pending approval from the TSX Venture Exchange and is expected to close in January 2026 [8]. Strategic Rationale - This investment aligns with Orecap's strategy of focusing on well-capitalized companies with high-potential assets and strong management teams [4][6]. - By acquiring a stake in KLDC, Orecap increases its exposure to the Kirkland Lake region, which is known for its rich gold deposits [4][10]. Portfolio Impact - Orecap's investment in KLDC complements its existing 13.9% interest in Stardust Metal Corp., enhancing its overall exposure in the Kirkland Lake area [5]. - The transaction allows Orecap to concentrate on equity positions rather than direct ownership of land, while still retaining exposure to the Mirado Project through KLDC [6][14]. Company Background - Orecap Invest Corp. focuses on special situation investments in the natural resource sector, aiming for high returns on precious and critical metal assets [9]. - Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. holds a significant exploration portfolio in the Kirkland Lake region, which is recognized as one of the most prolific mining districts globally [10][11].