CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NAPC Defense, Inc. (OTCID: BLIS) (“NAPC Defense” or “the Company”), a U.S. licensed defense manufacturer with exclusive rights to produce and distribute the CornerShot USA system, announced today that it has received $38,166,873.04 in new and recently finalized U.S. government task orders through its strategic partner Obera LLC (“Obera”) under existing U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State contract vehicles, with performance extending into the ...

Core Viewpoint - BAE Systems, a significant player in the defense industry, reported earnings that were slightly below estimates, yet the company's shares rose due to investor confidence in its long-term growth prospects [2][6]. Financial Performance - The company reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.52, which was below the estimated EPS of $0.54 [2][6]. - Actual revenue was approximately $21.64 billion, falling short of the estimated $21.77 billion, but showed a year-on-year sales increase of 10%, reaching a record £30.7 billion ($41.7 billion) [3][6]. Growth Drivers - The growth in sales was driven by significant defense contracts with countries such as Norway, the U.S., and Turkey, as noted by CEO Charles Woodburn [3]. Financial Metrics - BAE Systems has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 31.54, indicating the price investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings [4][6]. - The price-to-sales ratio stands at about 2.19, and the enterprise value to sales ratio is around 2.46, reflecting the company's total value compared to its sales [4]. Order Backlog and Future Outlook - The company's order backlog has reached £83.6 billion, marking a £5.8 billion increase from 2024 [5]. - BAE Systems anticipates sales growth of 7% to 9% in 2026, with projected cumulative free cash flow exceeding £6 billion between 2026 and 2028 [5]. - The debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.87, suggesting a balanced approach to financing its growth and operations [5][6].

Market Overview - The NASDAQ 100 declined by 1%, reflecting investor skepticism about the returns on capital expenditures for artificial intelligence, impacting major tech stocks like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia [2][9] - The S&P 500 fell by 12.68 points (0.19%) to 6,823.49, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 79.03 points (0.16%) to reach 49,579.96, indicating a rotation from high-valuation tech stocks to more defensive sectors [3] Cryptocurrency Regulation - The White House supports the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, aiming to establish a regulatory framework for the digital asset industry and resolve disputes over stablecoin yields [4][9] - MicroStrategy continued its Bitcoin accumulation, purchasing 2,486 BTC for approximately $168.4 million, bringing its total holdings to 717,131 BTC, which is over 3% of the total Bitcoin supply [5][9] Housing Market Sentiment - The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell to 36 in February, below the expected 38, marking a second consecutive month of declining builder confidence due to affordability issues [6][9] - 36% of builders reported cutting prices to stimulate demand, with an average reduction of 6% [7] Defense Industry Developments - Rheinmetall secured approval to expand munitions production in Italy, aiming to produce up to 1.1 million artillery shells annually by 2027 to support European stockpiles and Ukraine [10][9]

Core Insights - T3 Defense Inc. has acquired a 51% stake in Industrial Techno-Logic Solutions (ITS), with an option to purchase the remaining shares, enhancing its manufacturing capacity within the defense industrial base [1][6] Company Overview - T3 Defense operates as a holding company focused on acquiring and scaling mission-critical defense businesses, particularly in the sub-OEM defense sector, providing capital, strategic alignment, and operational oversight while maintaining the expertise of its subsidiaries [2][7] Transaction Details - The acquisition of ITS expands T3 Defense's presence in the execution layer of the defense industrial base, addressing production bottlenecks in specialized sub-OEM suppliers as global defense demand accelerates [3] - ITS specializes in end-to-end engineering and manufacturing, delivering integrated electro-mechanical machines and advanced production systems for defense and aerospace programs [4] Strategic Importance - The acquisition strengthens T3 Defense's capabilities in technically demanding production areas, with ITS also owning Positech Ltd., which develops precision motion control systems for various platforms [5] - The CEO of T3 Defense emphasized that this transaction aligns with the strategy to enhance constrained production capacity, estimating annual revenue from the acquisition to be between $24 million and $26 million [6]

Core Viewpoint - NAPC Defense, Inc. is set to exhibit its CornerShot USA system at the 2026 NASRO National School Safety Conference in Reno, Nevada, highlighting the growing need for enhanced security measures in schools and institutions due to rising gun-related incidents [1][4]. Company Overview - NAPC Defense, Inc. is a U.S.-licensed defense manufacturer with exclusive rights to produce and distribute the CornerShot USA system, which integrates high-resolution video and weapon capabilities for law enforcement [1][9]. - The company aims to enhance officer survivability and community safety in high-risk environments through innovative technologies [10]. Conference Participation - The NASRO conference will take place from June 28–30, 2026, at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, where NAPC Defense will showcase its products and services [2]. - The exhibit will demonstrate how CornerShot USA can be integrated into existing security protocols for school resource officers and law enforcement [3]. Security Context - The need for CornerShot USA is underscored by alarming statistics, with 233 gun-related incidents recorded in schools in 2025, resulting in 148 victims [4]. - The company emphasizes the importance of providing better tools and information to confront potential threats in educational and workplace settings [5]. Product Features - CornerShot USA allows responders to observe and engage threats while remaining behind cover, thus improving situational awareness and safety during critical incidents [6]. - The system supports both lethal and less-lethal munitions, contributing to a comprehensive approach to security and response strategies [6]. Shareholder Meeting - NAPC Defense plans to hold its 2026 annual meeting of shareholders on July 1, 2026, in Reno, where updates on the company's progress and projects will be shared [7][8].

Core Insights - NUBURU, Inc. has established a strategic equity position in Heckler & Koch AG, a leading manufacturer of small arms and kinetic defense systems [1] Company Overview - NUBURU operates as a dual-use Defense & Security platform company, focusing on non-kinetic effects, directed-energy technologies, and software-orchestrated defense systems [1] - Heckler & Koch AG is recognized globally for its production of small arms and serves NATO and allied forces [1] Strategic Implications - The investment in Heckler & Koch AG represents a deliberate strategic step for NUBURU, indicating a focus on enhancing its defense capabilities [1]

Core Viewpoint - National Presto Industries, Inc. has significantly outperformed its industry peers, with a 29.6% increase in share price over the past six months, compared to the industry's 8% growth, driven by strong defense contracts and a solid financial position [1][11]. Business Operations - National Presto operates through three segments: Housewares/Small Appliance, Defense, and Safety, focusing on product innovation and meeting regulatory standards [3]. - The Housewares segment offers a variety of household appliances, while the Defense segment manufactures munitions primarily for government use, and the Safety segment develops innovative monitoring systems [3]. Key Tailwinds - The Defense segment is experiencing growth due to major government contracts, including a $139.3 million order from the U.S. Army and a $92.3 million subcontract with Boeing, expected to boost revenues starting in 2026 [4]. - The company has a Defense segment backlog of $1.4 billion, up from $1.1 billion at the end of 2024, providing visibility into future revenue streams [7]. Financial Position - National Presto maintains a strong financial position with a current ratio of 3.5:1 and access to a $50 million unsecured credit facility, ensuring liquidity for growth initiatives [8]. - The company generated nearly $30 million from financing activities in the first nine months of 2025, supporting its capital needs [8]. Challenges - The Housewares/Small Appliances segment has faced declining sales and profitability due to tariffs and increased operating costs, while the Safety segment continues to post negative margins [9]. - Increased borrowing to fund inventory has led to higher interest expenses, impacting overall earnings [9]. Valuation - National Presto is undervalued compared to industry averages, trading at 1.94X trailing 12-month EV/sales, below the industry average of 2.68X and its peers [10]. Conclusion - Despite challenges in the consumer and Safety divisions, National Presto's robust Defense segment growth and strong financial footing position the company for sustained revenue expansion in the coming decade [11].

Core Insights - IEH Corporation reported a 3.9% increase in revenue for the third fiscal quarter of 2026 compared to the same quarter in the previous fiscal year [1] - The company experienced an operating loss of $723,444 in Q3 2026, a significant increase from the operating loss of $130,086 in Q3 2025 [1] - A net loss of $660,286 was recorded for Q3 2026, compared to a net loss of $61,640 in Q3 2025, indicating a worsening financial position [1] - The basic loss per share increased to $0.27 in Q3 2026 from $0.03 in Q3 2025 [1] Financial Performance - Revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, were $7,497,879, up from $7,217,616 in the same quarter of the previous year [1] - The company maintained unchanged cash levels compared to the third quarter of the previous fiscal year [1] - A five-year high in backlog was noted, attributed to orders supporting missile defense programs [1] Regulatory Developments - The SEC dismissed its administrative proceeding against IEH, which may facilitate the company's uplisting in the OTC marketplace [1]

Group 1 - Japan is heading to the polls on February 8, with expectations that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will remain in power [1] - Markets anticipate aggressive policy continuity, including massive fiscal stimulus and a slower path to interest rate hikes from the Bank of Japan [2] - The yen is trading heavily, with USD/JPY near the 157 level ahead of the vote [2] Group 2 - Polymarket traders are betting on a "Supermajority" scenario for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), indicating a low 22% probability for the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) [3] - A potential supermajority would allow Takaichi to implement her hawkish policies without needing to negotiate with coalition partners [3]

Core Insights - Lockheed Martin Corp. has experienced a significant increase in its quality score, reflecting its strong fundamental performance and robust future demand for its defense platforms [1][2] Financial Performance - The company reported a record backlog of approximately $194 billion, a 17% year-over-year increase, which is about 2.5 times its annual sales, indicating multi-year revenue certainty [2] - Full-year 2025 sales reached $75 billion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year, with all business segments contributing to this growth [3] - Lockheed generated $6.9 billion in free cash flow for the year, surpassing expectations despite a substantial $860 million pension contribution [3] Operational Developments - A series of landmark agreements with the U.S. Department of War have driven production increases, including a deal to quadruple THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 units annually and to triple PAC-3 MSE production to 2,000 units [5] - The company is investing in a new Munitions Acceleration Center in Camden, Arkansas, as part of a multi-billion-dollar modernization plan for over 20 facilities across five states [6] Future Outlook - For 2026, Lockheed Martin projects sales between $77.5 billion and $80 billion, with anticipated segment operating profit growth exceeding 25% year-over-year [7] - The company has outperformed the S&P 500 significantly, with shares advancing by 26.39% year-to-date and 48.28% over the last six months [8]