HEXWAVE’s Advanced Millimeter-Wave & AI Screening System will Be Utilized to Screen Employees and Visitors at the LaboratoryWILMINGTON, Mass., Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (“Liberty” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SCAN, OTCQB: LDDFF), a leading technology provider of AI-based next generation detection solutions for concealed weapons and threats, today announced it has secured a sale with a well-known Infectious Disease Laboratory to deploy a HEXWAVE™ walkthrough screening system ...

Company Overview - Xtract One Technologies Inc. is a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution provider that leverages AI to enhance patron access experiences [3] - The company specializes in unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems aimed at improving safety while allowing for seamless entry and exit at facilities [3] - Xtract One's solutions are tailored for various markets, including schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, and manufacturing, establishing the company as a market leader in security solutions [3] Financial Results Announcement - Xtract One will release its fiscal 2026 second quarter results after the market closes on March 4, 2026 [1] - A webcast and conference call will be held on March 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results for the three months ended January 31, 2026 [1][2] - Management will provide an overview of the annual financial results and the business outlook, followed by a Q&A session [2]

Core Insights - The company, Bond, has successfully completed a one-year paid pilot with a major employer in the U.S. with nearly one million employees, leading to discussions for a broader rollout that could generate over $10 million in annual revenue [2][3]. Company Overview - Bond is the creator of the world's first AI-powered Preventative Personal Security platform, which has been adopted by leading multinational companies [2]. - The company has invested over $100 million in technology, operations, and global expansion [9]. Pilot Program Results - The pilot program validated Bond's capability to provide proactive personal security across a large employee base, offering 24/7 access to its platform and live Personal Security Agents [4]. - Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, indicating the platform's scalability and its ability to enhance employees' sense of safety [5]. Future Growth Strategy - Large enterprise deployments are viewed as a core growth pillar for Bond, as major employers are incentivized to implement scalable safety solutions [7]. - The company is in active discussions with additional Fortune 500 companies to expand its offerings [6][8]. Global Presence - Bond operates in 28 countries and has supported over 1.4 million security service requests, including more than 10,000 emergencies [10].

Core Insights - The company, Bond, has successfully completed a one-year paid pilot with a major employer in the U.S., which has nearly one million employees, and is now discussing a broader rollout that could generate over $10 million in annual revenue [1][2] Company Overview - Bond is the creator of the world's first AI-powered Preventative Personal Security platform, which has been adopted by leading multinational companies [1] - The company has invested over $100 million in its technology, operations, and global expansion [8] Pilot Program Results - The pilot validated Bond's capability to provide proactive, real-time personal security across a large employee population, offering 24/7 access to its platform and live Personal Security Agents [3] - Feedback from pilot participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the platform's scalability and its ability to enhance employees' sense of safety [4] Market Strategy - Large enterprise deployments are viewed as a core growth pillar for Bond, as major employers are incentivized to implement scalable safety solutions for diverse populations [6] - The company is in active discussions with additional Fortune 500 companies to expand its offerings [5][7] Global Presence - Bond operates in 28 countries and has supported over 1.4 million security service requests, including more than 10,000 emergencies and life-saving interventions [9]

Core Viewpoint - Ring has decided to terminate its partnership with Flock Safety due to increasing scrutiny and pressure from privacy advocates and employees within the tech industry [1][2][3] Group 1: Partnership Termination - Ring's partnership with Flock Safety faced criticism after an advertisement during the Super Bowl highlighted a controversial AI feature for locating lost pets, which was labeled a "surveillance nightmare" by the Electronic Frontier Foundation [1] - The decision to cancel the partnership comes amid a broader trend where tech companies are reevaluating their collaborations with federal agencies, as seen with Salesforce and Google employees advocating against ties with ICE and CBP [2] - Ring stated that the planned integration with Flock Safety would require more time and resources than initially anticipated, leading to the joint decision to cancel the integration [3] Group 2: Industry Context - Privacy and civil liberties advocates have been vocal in urging companies like Ring to sever ties with Flock, ICE, and CBP, indicating a growing movement against surveillance partnerships in the tech industry [3] - A protest is scheduled outside Amazon's Seattle headquarters, reflecting the heightened activism surrounding privacy issues and corporate responsibility in technology [3]

Core Viewpoint - Knightscope, Inc. is identified as a promising AI penny stock, with a focus on growth through acquisitions, supported by a positive rating from H.C. Wainwright and a price target of $12.00 [1][7]. Financial Position - As of Q3 2025, Knightscope reported $20.4 million in cash, enabling the company to potentially fund smaller acquisitions outright [2]. - The expectation is that Knightscope will utilize a combination of cash and stock for acquisitions to align long-term interests with target companies [2]. Strategic Initiatives - Knightscope has engaged Lake Street Capital Markets as its exclusive buy-side advisor to assist in acquiring complementary businesses and technologies [3]. - The company has released an updated investor presentation detailing its long-term strategy, operating model, and growth priorities, emphasizing the goal of becoming a leading integrated security services platform [3]. Company Overview - Knightscope is a U.S.-based security technology firm developing the first Autonomous Security Force, integrating autonomous machines, advanced software, and human expertise to enhance security while reducing costs [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was approximately 20% in Q4 and 11% for the full year 2025, with adjusted EBITDA margin at approximately 25% in Q4 and 24% for the full year [4][11] - Adjusted EPS was $1.27 in Q4 and $4.06 for the full year [5][11] - Free cash flow conversion ratio was approximately 135% in Q4 and 94% for the full year [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the CPI segment, core sales were flat in Q4, with double-digit growth in gaming offset by softness in other markets, and adjusted operating margin improved to approximately 32% [12] - Security and Authentication Technologies (SAT) saw core sales up approximately 11% in Q4, driven by strong performance in Crane Currency, with adjusted operating margin decreasing by approximately 420 basis points [13][15] - Crane Authentication performed as expected, contributing to the overall growth in SAT, with a backlog up more than 50% year-over-year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international currency business showed strong performance, with organic backlog up over 30% year-over-year and 20 new Micro-optics wins in 2025 [6][24] - The company secured significant contract renewals with major sports leagues, enhancing its market position in authentication and traceability technologies [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating organic revenue growth while maintaining strong margins and free cash flow, with significant investments in international currency and micro-optics technology [4][24] - The acquisition of Antares Vision is a strategic move to expand into higher growth markets, with plans to take the company private by mid-2026 [9][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sales outlook for 2026, driven by a strong backlog and new currency series launches, including the new $10 bill [6][19] - The company anticipates full-year sales growth of 4%-6% in 2026, with adjusted EPS expected in the range of $4.10-$4.40 [18][21] Other Important Information - The company announced a 6% increase in its annual dividend while maintaining capacity for future acquisitions [18] - Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately flat year-over-year at around 28% for 2026 [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the margin performance in SAT and pricing strategies? - Management highlighted strong growth and backlog in international currency, emphasizing that contracts are executed from backlog, which provides visibility into future performance [36] Question: What is the expected EPS cadence throughout the year? - EPS is expected to accelerate through the first half of the year, with a total guidance of $4.10-$4.40 reflecting continued strength in currency and authentication [40][41] Question: What are the dynamics in the CPI segment for the first quarter? - CPI is expected to be flat in 2026, with mid-single-digit growth in services and low single-digit declines in vending due to tariffs [51] Question: What is the status of the $10 bill onboarding? - The company is preparing for a mid-year announcement from the U.S. Treasury, with expectations for full consumer release in Q4 [54][81] Question: Can you provide insights on the international currency growth drivers? - Management identified increased counterfeiting, growth in emerging economies, and faster redesign times as key drivers for sustainable growth in international currency [66]

Core Viewpoint - Jeffs' Brands Ltd is expanding its presence in the global homeland security sector through its subsidiary KeepZone AI Inc, by extending a distribution agreement with Scanary Ltd to include a new territory in Asia [1][2][4] Group 1: Company Overview - Jeffs' Brands is a data-driven e-commerce company that has recently pivoted into the homeland security market, leveraging its expertise in data-driven operations [4] - The company operates on the Amazon Marketplace and aims to deliver comprehensive security ecosystems for critical infrastructure worldwide [4] Group 2: Strategic Agreement - The initial distribution agreement with Scanary Ltd, established in December 2025, granted KeepZone exclusive rights in Canada, Germany, and the UAE, along with non-exclusive rights in Spain and Italy, and exclusive rights to stadiums in Israel [2] - The agreement has now been expanded to include an additional territory in Asia, enhancing the collaboration between the two companies [2] Group 3: Technology and Capabilities - Scanary's technology utilizes AI and 3D imaging to screen up to 25,000 individuals per hour, detecting threats such as guns and explosives in under two seconds without requiring individuals to stop or remove belongings [3] - This technology is designed for deployment in high-traffic areas such as airports, stadiums, and transit hubs, indicating a significant advancement in security measures [3]

Core Insights - Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. has appointed Matt Johnson as the Department of Homeland Security Relationship Manager to enhance its aviation strategy and accelerate the commercialization of its next-generation screening solutions across airports and high-throughput venues [1][3]. Company Overview - Liberty Defense is a technology provider specializing in AI-based detection solutions for concealed weapons and threats, focusing on high-traffic areas such as airports and stadiums [5]. - The company’s HEXWAVE product, developed in collaboration with MIT, offers modular and scalable protection for detecting both metallic and non-metallic weapons [5]. Leadership Appointment - Matt Johnson brings over 20 years of experience in aviation security and technology, having held senior roles at the TSA and Evolv Technology, where he contributed to the development of risk-based security initiatives and next-generation detection solutions [2][4]. - His expertise is expected to strengthen Liberty's commercial execution, partnership development, and customer engagement as the company expands its aviation footprint [3][4]. Market Potential - Liberty views the aviation sector as a significant long-term market for next-generation screening technologies, indicating a strategic focus on expanding its presence in this area [3].

Core Viewpoint - ScanTech AI Systems Inc. is facing potential delisting from Nasdaq due to non-compliance with listing requirements, specifically regarding market value and periodic filing obligations [2][3]. Group 1: Nasdaq Compliance Issues - On February 4, 2026, ScanTech AI received a deficiency notice from Nasdaq indicating that its market value of publicly held shares (MVPHS) was below the required $15 million for 30 consecutive business days [2]. - The company has a 180-day compliance period until August 3, 2026, to regain compliance by maintaining an MVPHS of at least $15 million for ten consecutive business days [2]. - On February 6, 2026, the Nasdaq Hearing Panel denied the company's request for continued listing, citing non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules 5250(c)(1) and 5450(b)(2)(A) [3]. Group 2: Next Steps and Alternatives - The company has 15 days from the receipt of the determination letter to request a review of the Panel's decision by the Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council [4]. - ScanTech AI is evaluating options, including submitting a request for review, which could lead to various outcomes such as affirmation or reversal of the Panel's decision [4]. - Concurrently, the company plans to apply for its common stock to be quoted on the OTCQB Venture Market, although there is no guarantee of meeting eligibility requirements [5]. Group 3: Company Overview - ScanTech AI Systems Inc. specializes in advanced AI-powered security screening and imaging technologies, particularly in non-intrusive 'fixed-gantry' CT screening [6]. - The company's technology is designed to detect hazardous materials and contraband, with applications in various high-security environments such as airports, seaports, and government buildings [6].