-- Third Quarter GAAP Diluted Loss Per Share of $(0.14); Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share of $0.58 --

-- Increases 2026 GAAP Diluted EPS Guidance: Greater than $3.46 & Adjusted Diluted EPS Greater than $5.20 --

- Increases 2026 full year adjusted diluted EPS guidance by $0.40.

- Consolidated HBR of 92.7% in the third quarter, better than expectations, driven by the Medicare segment, with Medicaid and Marketplace on track.

- Full year 2026 HBR mid-point expectation improved by 15 basis points to 90.75%.

- Debt reduced by $1.1 billion since June 30, 2026, including full redemption of 2027 Senior Notes in October.

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) (the Company) announced today its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. In summary, the 2026 third quarter results were as follows:

"Solid underlying fundamentals within our core businesses have powered a faster recovery to our earnings trajectory than previously anticipated," said Chief Executive Officer of Centene, Sarah M. London. "We are pleased with the progress our teams have made in delivering increased margin to power our mission of transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. We remain focused on a strong finish to 2026 and building on this progress in 2027."

Membership

The following table sets forth membership by line of business:

Premium and Service Revenues

The following table sets forth supplemental revenue information ($ in millions):

Statement of Operations: Three Months Ended September 30, 2026

- For the third quarter of 2026, premium and service revenues increased 0.5% to $45.1 billion from $44.9 billion in the comparable period of 2025. The increase was primarily driven by premium yield and membership growth in the PDP business, rate increases in Marketplace and in the Medicaid business to address medical trend, Marketplace risk adjustment revenue transfer for the 2026 benefit year, and state directed payments. The increases were partially offset by lower Marketplace and Medicaid membership.

- Health benefits ratio (HBR) of 92.7% for the third quarter of 2026, unchanged from 92.7% in the comparable period in 2025. The consolidated HBR benefited from a lower Marketplace HBR resulting from improved pricing and risk transfer reflecting the acuity of the Marketplace membership as well as strong fundamental performance in both the Medicare Advantage and PDP businesses. The HBR in 2025 was positively impacted by a decrease to the premium deficiency reserve versus no premium deficiency reserve in 2026 for our Medicare Advantage business as a result of our progression towards profitability.

- The SG&A expense ratio was 7.2% for the third quarter of 2026, compared to 7.0% in the third quarter of 2025. The adjusted SG&A expense ratio was 6.5% for the third quarter of 2026, compared to 7.0% in the third quarter of 2025. The increase in the SG&A expense ratio was primarily driven by enterprise optimization severance and vendor costs. The decrease in the adjusted SG&A expense ratio was driven by strong cost management, leveraging of expenses over higher revenues and reduced Marketplace membership, which operates at a meaningfully higher SG&A expense ratio. The decrease was also driven by growth in the PDP business, which operates at a meaningfully lower SG&A expense ratio as compared to the overall company.

- The effective tax rate was 46.7% for the third quarter of 2026, compared to 0.6% in the third quarter of 2025. For the third quarter of 2026, our effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was 14.5%, compared to 2.5% in the third quarter of 2025. The GAAP and adjusted effective tax rates for 2026 reflect a decrease to the estimated annual effective tax rate applied to year-to-date operating results. The GAAP and adjusted effective tax rates for 2025 reflect the impact of estimating interim period taxes on the year-to-date tax method. The effective tax rate for 2025 also reflects the non-deductible nature of the goodwill impairment.

- GAAP diluted loss per share of $(0.14) for the third quarter of 2026.

- Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.58 for the third quarter of 2026.

- Cash flow used in operations for the third quarter of 2026 was $3.7 billion, primarily driven by the timing of pass through, premium and other payments, as expected.

Balance Sheet

At September 30, 2026, the Company had cash, investments and restricted deposits of $39.9 billion and maintained $175 million of cash available for general corporate use. Medical claims liabilities totaled $21.5 billion. The Company's days in claims payable (DCP) was 48 days, an increase of one day as compared to the second quarter of 2026.

During the third quarter of 2026, the Company repurchased $558 million of the Company's par value senior notes due 2027 and 2028. Following the senior note repurchase, total debt was $15.5 billion, which included no borrowings on the $4.0 billion Revolving Credit Facility at quarter end. In October 2026, the debt repurchase program was increased by $2.0 billion and subsequently the Company repurchased the remaining $569 million of its par value Senior Notes due 2027. With the increase and subsequent repurchase, there was $1.9 billion available under the senior note debt repurchase program as of October 27, 2026.

Outlook

Please refer to the Forward-Looking Statements, which should be reviewed in conjunction with the Company's 2026 outlook.

The Company is updating its 2026 GAAP diluted EPS guidance floor to greater than $3.46 and its 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance floor to greater than $5.20. Additionally, the Company is decreasing its HBR guidance range to 90.4% to 91.1% and its interest expense guidance range to $600 million to $620 million.

The Company's annual guidance for 2026 is as follows and will be discussed further on our conference call:

Conference Call

As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET to review the financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026.

Investors and other interested parties are invited to listen to the conference call by dialing 1-877-883-0383 (toll free) in the U.S. and Canada; +1-412-902-6506 (toll) from abroad, including the following Elite Entry Number: 1565730 to expedite caller registration; or via a live, audio webcast on the Company's website at www.centene.com, under the Investors section.

A webcast replay will be available for on-demand listening shortly following the completion of the call for the next 12 months or until 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 26, 2027, at the aforementioned URL. In addition, a digital audio playback will be available until 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, by dialing 1-855-669-9658 (toll free) in North America, or +1-412-317-0088 (toll) from abroad, and entering access code 581422.

Non-GAAP Financial Presentation

The Company is providing certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release as the Company believes that these figures are helpful in allowing investors to more accurately assess the ongoing nature of the Company's operations and measure the Company's performance more consistently across periods. The Company uses the presented non-GAAP financial measures internally in evaluating the Company's performance and for planning purposes, by allowing management to focus on period-to-period changes in the Company's core business operations, and in determining employee incentive compensation. Therefore, the Company believes that this information is meaningful in addition to the information contained in the GAAP presentation of financial information. The Company strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and cautions investors that the non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may differ from similar measures used by other companies, even when similar terms are used to identify such measures. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Specifically, the Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures that excludes amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition and divestiture related expenses, as well as other items, allows investors to develop a more meaningful understanding of the Company's core performance over time.

The tables below provide reconciliations of non-GAAP items ($ in millions, except per share data):

To provide clarity on the way management defines certain key metrics and ratios, the Company is providing a description of how the metric or ratio is calculated as follows:

- Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) (GAAP) = Medical costs divided by premium revenues.

- SG&A Expense Ratio (GAAP) = Selling, general and administrative expenses divided by premium and service revenues.

- Adjusted SG&A Expense Ratio (non-GAAP) = Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses divided by premium and service revenues.

- Adjusted Effective Tax Rate (non-GAAP) = GAAP income tax expense (benefit) excluding the income tax effects of adjustments to net earnings divided by adjusted earnings (loss) before income tax expense.

- Adjusted Net Earnings (non-GAAP) = Net earnings less amortization of acquired intangible assets, less acquisition and divestiture related expenses, as well as adjustments for other items, net of the income tax effect of the adjustments.

- Adjusted Diluted EPS (non-GAAP) = Adjusted net earnings divided by weighted average common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis.

- Debt to Capitalization Ratio (GAAP) = Total debt, divided by total debt plus total stockholder's equity.

- Average Medical Claims Expense (GAAP) = Medical costs for the period divided by number of days in such period.

Invitation to Minesto's webinar: Q3 update by CEO

News provided by

Minesto AB

Oct 27, 2026, 05:26 ET

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the Interim Management Statement 1 July-30 September 2026, Minesto invites investors to a webinar, Thursday 29 October at 10 am CET. CEO Dr Martin Edlund will present and share key updates from Minesto, followed by a Q&A session.

The webinar will take place online at 10 am CET on Thursday 29 October 2026.

The presentation will be held in English.

The webinar will be broadcast through Finwire TV.

Following the session, a recording will be available online.

Welcome!

Please register your attendance here:

Minesto - Q3 Presentation 2026 - Finwire

The Interim Management Statement 1 July-30 September 2026 is planned to be published around 08.30 CET on 29 October, distributed through press release and available at www.minesto.com

Contact

Cecilia Sernhage, Chief Communications Officer

+46 735 23 71 58

[email protected] 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/minesto-ab/r/invitation-to-minesto-s-webinar--q3-update-by-ceo,c4415802

WINNEMUCCA, Nev., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: HYMC) ("Hycroft" or "the Company"), a U.S.-based silver and gold development company that owns the Hycroft Mine, announces its third quarter results and the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Q3 Highlights

- Maintained safety record with more than 1.5 million work hours without a lost-time incident and a 0.86 total recordable injury frequency rate ("TRIFR")

- Maintained strong balance sheet with $211 million in unrestricted cash and no debt, placing the Company in a strong financial position to support ongoing exploration, technical studies, and project advancement activities

- Continued the 2025-2026 Exploration Drill Program with approximately 18,700 meters drilled since the program began, with results continuing to demonstrate high-grade growth at Brimstone and Vortex

- Michael Deal Appointed Chief Operating Officer, bringing extensive mining, operational, and technical experience as the Company advances exploration, technical studies, and development planning

- Appointed four new independent directors, adding experience in mining operations, technical services, finance, and corporate governance to the Board of Directors

Current and Future Work

- The Company, in collaboration with RESPEC Company LLC and Hatch Ltd., has been focused on the conceptual design of a high-grade underground mine and processing facility. This work is substantially complete and will be incorporated in the project optimization work planned for 2027

- The current trade-off study between roasting and pressure oxidation ("POX") processing methods is also being finalized in the fourth quarter with the results expected to be released in the first quarter of 2027

- Drilling at Brimstone and Vortex will continue as we grow and further define the full potential of the high-grade systems

- Heap leach metallurgical test work is underway and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027

Diane Garrett, Executive Chairman and CEO, commented: "The third quarter marked meaningful progress for Hycroft, as we strengthened the organization and continued to expand the high-grade silver systems at Brimstone and Vortex. Both systems continue to grow and remain open in all directions and at depth. At the same time, we are optimizing development plans to unlock the highest value of this world-class resource for the benefit of shareholders and other stakeholders. Our expanded leadership team and four new independent directors bring the mining, technical, financial, and governance expertise needed to advance the project to production. With $211 million in cash and no debt, we are well funded to execute our plan."

Organizational Update

Effective March 16, 2027, Stan Rideout, Chief Financial Officer, will transition to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Strategic Advisor. Dr. Garrett commented, "Stan has been a valued partner whose financial leadership and strategic insight have been instrumental in strengthening Hycroft's foundation and advancing our long-term objectives. I look forward to continuing to work with Stan." The Company has commenced a search for a CFO.

Effective April 30, 2027, David Thomas, who previously served as Senior Vice President, General Manager and most recently, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, will retire. To ensure a smooth transition, David will remain a consultant to the Company. Dr. Garrett commented, "Throughout his tenure, David has been a respected leader both within our organization and across the community where we operate. He played a pivotal role in strengthening our safety-first culture, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring every employee returns home safely each day. His leadership also helped foster a collaborative, values-driven corporate culture that has contributed significantly to our success. Beyond the Company, he built strong and lasting relationships with community leaders and stakeholders, establishing trust and support for our operations. I look forward to his continuing support as we advance the project."

About Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation

Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation is a US-based gold and silver company exploring and developing the Hycroft Mine, among the world's largest precious metals deposits, located in Nevada, a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction. With a history of heap leach operations, Hycroft is advancing to the next phase of operations for processing sulfide mineralization. In addition, Hycroft is engaged in a robust exploration drill program (2025-2026 Exploration Drill Program) to expand and advance the two new high-grade silver systems, Brimstone and Vortex. These discoveries represent a significant value driver for the Hycroft Mine.

For Further Information

Investor Relations: 

E: [email protected]

P: 775-245-0564 

Media: 

Jos Simson / Emily Moss

E: [email protected]

P: +44 207 920 3150

www.hycroftmining.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable United States securities law (referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the future financial or operating performance of the Company, the Hycroft Mine and its mineral properties; results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of the PEA for the Hycroft Mine, including cash flows, revenue potential, development, expenditures, and timing thereof, extraction rates, LOM projections and cost estimates; timing of completion of a technical report summarizing the results of the PEA; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of the Project mine plan; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; costs and timing of future exploration; permitting; construction and optimization planning; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; anticipated advancement of the Hycroft Mine, future prospects and prospective inclusion of mineral resources in future mining activities; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the realization of the expected economics of the Project; future growth potential of the Project; and future development plans.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statement was made. Assumptions and factors include: the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the Hycroft Mine; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; results of independent engineer technical reviews; the possibility of cost overruns and unanticipated costs and expenses; the price of gold remaining at levels that continue to render the Hycroft Mine and the Company's mineral properties economic; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in the Hycroft Mine parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks related to local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and other factors beyond the Company's control and as well as those factors included herein and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and all other quarterly filings, available on the EDGAR profile for the Company at www.sec.gov.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Daqo New Energy Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results

SHANGHAI, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo New Energy," the "Company" or "we"), a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026.

Third Quarter 2026 Financial and Operating Highlights

- Aggregate of cash, short-term investments, bank notes receivable, held-to-maturity investments and fixed-term bank deposit balance was $2.06 billion at the end of Q3 2026, compared to $1.92 billion at the end of Q2 2026

- Polysilicon production volume was 53,469 MT in Q3 2026, compared to 43,675 MT in Q2 2026

- Polysilicon sales volume was 46,910 MT in Q3 2026, compared to 15,190 MT in Q2 2026

- Polysilicon average total production cost(1) was $5.37/kg in Q3 2026, compared to $5.95/kg in Q2 2026

- Polysilicon average cash cost(1) was $4.23/kg in Q3 2026, compared to $4.57/kg in Q2 2026

- Polysilicon average selling price (ASP) was $4.12/kg in Q3 2026, compared to $4.04/kg in Q2 2026

- Revenue was $194.2 million in Q3 2026, compared to $62.7 million in Q2 2026

- Gross loss was $60.6 million in Q3 2026, compared to $82.7 million in Q2 2026; gross margin was negative 31.2% in Q3 2026, compared to negative 132.0% in Q2 2026

- Net loss attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $52.9 million in Q3 2026, compared to $81.2 million in Q2 2026; loss per basic American Depositary Share (ADS)(3) was $0.78 in Q3 2026, compared to $1.20 in Q2 2026

- Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)(2) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $52.9 million in Q3 2026, compared to $81.2 million in Q2 2026

- Adjusted loss per basic ADS(3) (non-GAAP)(2) was $0.78 in Q3 2026, compared to $1.20 in Q2 2026; EBITDA (non-GAAP)(2) was negative $9.2 million in Q3 2026, compared to negative $29.3 million in Q2 2026; EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(2) was negative 4.7% in Q3 2026, compared to negative 46.8% in Q2 2026

Management Remarks

Mr. Xiang Xu, CEO of Daqo New Energy, commented, "Supported by continued anti-involution policies, including price enforcement, the polysilicon sector bottomed out and rebounded in Q3, with polysilicon prices gradually recovering towards cost levels. However, downstream players continued to hold polysilicon inventories and largely limited their purchases to immediate operational needs, keeping overall sector trading volumes low. Against this backdrop, we delivered a substantial increase in Q3 shipment volumes, driving strong sequential revenue growth and narrowing losses. Our financial position remained sound, with a robust balance sheet and zero debt throughout the period. As of September 30, 2026, we held cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $546.5 million, short-term investments of $267.3 million, bank notes receivable of $161.5 million, held-to-maturity investments of $51.6 million, and a fixed term bank deposit balance of $1.0 billion. Together, these readily convertible assets totaled $2.06 billion, up from $1.92 billion at the end of Q2, providing a strong financial foundation and strategic flexibility to navigate the current market environment."

"Operationally, our nameplate capacity utilization rate was approximately 70% during the period. Total production volume at our two polysilicon facilities was 53,469 MT, exceeding our guidance range of 40,000 MT to 45,000 MT. Sales volume rose sharply from 15,190 MT in Q2 to 46,910 MT in Q3, following our shift in June from a wait-and-see stance to a more market-oriented sales and pricing strategy. We believe this increase also reflects greater customer confidence in our product quality and continued preference for our products. Our average selling price increased by 2.0% sequentially to $4.12/kg, although the increase lagged the broader market recovery because Q3 shipments fulfilled orders signed before late July. On the cost side, average total production cost and average cash cost fell by 9.7% and 7.4% sequentially, respectively, reaching new record lows of $5.37/kg and $4.23/kg, respectively, reflecting our continued improvements in manufacturing efficiency and cost control."

"In light of the current market dynamics, we expect total polysilicon production volume in Q4 2026 to be approximately 35,000 MT to 45,000 MT. For the full year of 2026, we expect production volume to be in the range of 175,000 MT to 185,000 MT."

"Anti-involution efforts across the solar PV sector continued during Q3. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released price compliance guidance targeting the solar PV sector on July 31, followed in August by an industry initiative against below-cost sales that we co-signed. Against this backdrop, polysilicon manufacturers halted below-cost sales, and N-type polysilicon prices rebounded from a trough of RMB 30.5-33/kg in Q2 to approximately RMB 40-43/kg by the end of Q3. On September 3, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on Matters Concerning Cost Accounting for Low-Price Disordered Competition in Key Industrial Products, establishing a firmer regulatory basis for polysilicon pricing. Despite these policy tailwinds, elevated industry inventories and weak near-term demand continue to make the operating environment challenging. In response, we are taking a disciplined approach and evaluating a reduction in our near-term utilization rate to better align our production with market demand and support the orderly destocking of polysilicon inventories. This approach is consistent with our commitment to the long-term, healthy development of the solar industry."

"We are also diversifying beyond our core polysilicon business to reduce our exposure to solar PV cyclicality by targeting the fast-growing AI data center (AIDC) power infrastructure market. On June 3, 2026, we announced an investment agreement to establish a manufacturing base for the R&D, manufacturing, and sale of next-generation energy solutions and related equipment for AIDCs, including energy storage systems, solid-state transformers, and solid-state circuit breakers. These technologies support the AIDC industry's transition to high-voltage direct current architecture, such as the 800V DC standard advanced by Nvidia and other leading AI infrastructure providers. The platform is anchored by Daqo Group, an affiliated entity under common beneficial ownership with Daqo New Energy Corp., which brings over 40 years of power equipment manufacturing expertise, established technology, experienced talent, and deep customer relationships to help accelerate our entry into this segment. We view AIDC power infrastructure as a structural growth opportunity that complements our core business and has the potential to broaden our earnings base. Drawing on our track record of navigating multiple polysilicon cycles, we intend to pursue this expansion in a disciplined manner while preserving our balance sheet strength."

"Despite the challenging market environment, the solar PV industry retains compelling long-term growth prospects. Growing vulnerabilities in global energy markets have heightened concerns about national energy security, underscoring the important role that solar PV and other renewable energy sources can play. As one of the world's lowest-cost producers of high-quality N-type polysilicon, supported by a robust balance sheet and zero debt, we remain optimistic about the sector and are well positioned to capitalize on the anticipated broader market recovery and long-term growth opportunities. We will continue to sharpen our competitive edge by advancing high-efficiency N-type technology and using digital transformation and AI adoption to optimize costs. As the world accelerates its transition to clean energy, we are confident in our ability to play a leading role in that transition."

Outlook and guidance

The Company expects to produce approximately 35,000 MT to 45,000 MT of polysilicon during the fourth quarter of 2026. The Company expects to produce approximately 175,000 MT to 185,000 MT of polysilicon for the full year of 2026, inclusive of the impact of the Company's annual facility maintenance.

This outlook reflects Daqo New Energy's current and preliminary view as of the date of this press release and is subject to change. The Company's ability to achieve these projections is subject to risks and uncertainties. See "Safe Harbor Statement" at the end of this press release.

Third Quarter 2026 Results

Revenues

Revenues were $194.2 million, compared to $62.7 million in the second quarter of 2026 and $244.6 million in the third quarter of 2025. The sequential increase was primarily driven by higher sales volumes, as the Company resumed normal sales activities in June following its adoption of a more market-oriented sales and pricing strategy.

Gross (loss) profit

Gross loss was $60.6 million, compared to a gross loss of $82.7 million in the second quarter of 2026 and a gross profit of $9.7 million in the third quarter of 2025. Gross margin was negative 31.2%, compared to negative 132.0% in the second quarter of 2026 and positive 3.9% in the third quarter of 2025. The sequential improvement in gross margin reflected higher selling prices, lower production costs and lower inventory impairment provisions. Inventory impairment provisions totaled $30.9 million in the third quarter of 2026, down from $55.7 million in the second quarter of 2026.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $16.3 million, compared to $15.8 million in the second quarter of 2026 and $32.3 million in the third quarter of 2025. The sequential increase was primarily attributable to higher sales volume. The year-over-year decrease was primarily because the Company recognized $18.

NEW YORK and HONG KONG, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CSTS Enterprises ("CSTS"), a New York-based sports, entertainment, integrated media and travel technology group, today announced the appointment of James Alba-Duignan as Managing Director, Commercial Alignment and Development. Alba-Duignan will lead strategic growth initiatives, commercial development and new opportunities, with a particular focus on payment solutions for the travel industry.

In this role, Alba-Duignan will work closely with CSTS business leaders to identify and develop growth opportunities across the Group's portfolio spanning travel, entertainment, sports, integrated marketing solutions and technology. His responsibilities will include building new ventures and partnerships, developing scalable commercial models and drawing on capabilities across the CSTS ecosystem to create recurring revenue streams and deliver greater value beyond individual business units.

Alba-Duignan brings more than 25 years of international experience across payments, financial services, travel and technology. He has held senior leadership roles across the global payments industry, including Regional Vice President and Head of Commercial Payment Solutions at Discover Financial Services (now part of Capital One) and Regional Director at American Express. His expertise spans strategic partnerships, business development and commercial innovation, and he has also advised businesses on B2B and travel payments, virtual cards, merchant of record models and commercial growth strategies.

Abel Zhao, Group CEO and Executive Director of CSTS Enterprises, said: "As CSTS continues to expand across travel, sports, entertainment and technology, the biggest opportunities sit at the intersections of our businesses. James brings deep international experience in payments and commercial strategy, and a rare ability to turn ideas into businesses that work. His appointment strengthens our ability to build new ventures and partnerships and to create long-term value for our clients and partners."

James Alba-Duignan, Managing Director, Commercial Alignment and Development, CSTS Enterprises, said: "CSTS has built a rare combination of travel, sports, entertainment and technology businesses. The opportunity now is to connect them commercially, so that each one makes the others stronger. Payments is a natural place to start, because travel sits at the heart of how our clients and audiences spend. I look forward to building that."

About CSTS Enterprises

CSTS Enterprises is an integrated media, entertainment, sports, and travel technology group. Headquartered in New York City, the company develops and partners with intellectual properties and brands to deliver compelling experiences that connect with audiences across the world. In addition to its own initiatives, including Generation C⢠and PremierXâ¢, it collaborates with international IPs including FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Formula 1.

CSTS integrates experiential marketing, travel, data, and technology to deliver seamless end-to-end audience experiences. The company engages consumers across physical events and digital channels, executing at scale worldwide, turning complex activations into co-ordinated, measurable outcomes.

SOURCE CSTS Enterprises

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New research finds 80% of patients consider hospital quality when choosing a doctor, while 71% would switch doctors for access to a higher-rated hospital

DENVER, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital, today announced the recipients of its 2027 Specialty Excellence Awards, Outpatient Awards and Specialty State Rankings, recognizing hospitals delivering exceptional outcomes in specialty care across the country.

The annual recognitions come as new research from Healthgrades reveals the growing influence of hospital quality on healthcare decisions, with 80% of patients who have looked or plan to look for a doctor this year considering the quality of the hospital where their doctor practices. Additionally, when choosing between two doctors for an upcoming procedure, close to 7 in 10 patients (68%) say they're more likely to seek care from a doctor who works at a hospital with high quality ratings in their procedure or condition.

The three awards celebrate hospitals who excel in specialty care:

- 2027 Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Awards: Recognizing hospitals with outstanding clinical performance across 19 specialty care areas.

- 2027 Healthgrades Outpatient Awards: Honoring national leaders in outpatient orthopedic surgery, joint replacement and prostate care.

- 2027 Healthgrades Specialty State Rankings: Identifying the highest-performing hospitals across 19 specialties in 30 eligible states.

Healthgrades aims to help consumers find high-quality care by identifying hospitals that deliver exceptional outcomes across common outpatient procedures and specialty conditions. The importance of choosing a high-performing hospital is significant. There's a growing disparity between top performers and one-star hospitals, and considering hospital's quality of care is vital. In fact, from 2023 to 2025, if all hospitals had performed at the five-star level:

- 227,229 lives could potentially have been saved*

- 158,138 complications could potentially have been avoided*

"Our specialty awards identify the nation's top-performing hospitals across numerous medical specialties, helping consumers find high quality care tailored to their specific needs," said Alana Biggers, MD MPH, medical advisor at Healthgrades. "Navigating the complex healthcare system can feel daunting, but taking a proactive stance to understand where to access superior care can enhance your healthcare journey and overall experience. The ability to make informed decisions about your health â and where to get care â is a cornerstone of self-advocacy, and we are proud to help make that information accessible to all patients."

2027 Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Awards plus America's Top 50 and Top 100 Best Hospitals for Specialty Care

This year's Specialty Excellence Award recipients are among the top 15 percent of hospitals specializing in these areas. Healthgrades evaluated outcomes at approximately 4,500 hospitals across 31 common procedures and conditions for these awards. It is important for patients to find a hospital that excels in the condition or procedure that's relevant to them.

From the list of Specialty Excellence Award recipients, Healthgrades recognizes America's 100 Best Hospitals for Specialty Care for 11 specialty areas and America's 50 Best Hospitals for Specialty Care for four specialty areas.

2027 Healthgrades Outpatient Awards

Outpatient care is one of the fastest growing areas of healthcare and why Healthgrades awards hospitals who excel at Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery, Outpatient Joint Replacement, and Outpatient Prostate Care. These hospitals are the national leaders in these outpatient procedure areas.

In recent years, the number of orthopedic procedures performed in an outpatient environment has grown exponentially. From 2020 to 2025, outpatient hip replacement volumes increased by 81% while inpatient volumes decreased by 75%.* During the same time period, outpatient knee replacement volumes grew by 71% while inpatient volumes dropped by 70%.*

2027 Healthgrades Specialty State Rankings

State Rankings identify the top three or five hospitals in each eligible state across 19 key specialties. By offering specialty care rankings at the state level, Healthgrades helps consumers find local hospitals that excel in their condition or procedure, taking the guesswork out of finding high quality care close to home.

METHODOLOGY for each of these specialty awards can be found at the below links:

To provide additional insights and education around these important topics, Healthgrades has launched the following resources:

- Consumers can visit Healthgrades' Specialty Excellence Patient Advocate Center to access the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. This resource hub includes a patient-friendly infographic overview of how Healthgrades picks award recipients, a list of the nation's top hospitals for specialty care, and more.

- Health systems audiences can read up on the industry's latest challenges in the "2027 Specialty Excellence Report."

- Hospitals interested in promoting their achievements can learn more here.

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for 2023 through 2025 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

**To be eligible for a Specialty Excellence Award, hospitals must receive a rating in the required procedures and conditions included in the determination of the award. Some awards, like the Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence Awardâ¢, are based on a single procedureâcranial neurosurgeryâwhile others, such as the Cardiac Surgery Excellence Awardâ¢, are based on a grouping of procedures: heart bypass surgery and heart valve surgery. To learn more about Healthgrades' ratings and awards determination process, see the 2027 Specialty Excellence Awards and Ratings Methodology.

About Healthgrades

Healthgrades is dedicated to empowering meaningful connections between patients, doctors, and hospitals. As the #1 platform for finding a doctor and a leader in healthcare transparency, we help millions of consumers each month find and schedule appointments with their healthcare professional of choice and prepare for their appointments with best-in-class, treatment-focused content.

For over 20 years, our health system, group practice, and life sciences marketing solutions have helped our partners reach and engage consumers on their way to the doctor.

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MUTSAMUDU, Comoros, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MEXC, a pioneer in 0-fee digital asset trading, and blockchain security, compliance, and regulatory assurance partner Hacken, have released the MEXC Ã Hacken AI Trading Safety Handbook, providing practical guidance on how users and platforms can use and deploy AI-assisted and automated trading tools more safely, from research and decision support through trade execution.

The handbook follows the recent MEXC AI Trading Report, which found strong interest in AI alongside clear demand for greater control. In MEXC's 2026 survey, willingness to use automated trading rose from 55% to 71.8% when limits on funds, positions, leverage and losses were introduced.

As AI takes a more active role in trading, the handbook emphasizes that safety cannot rely on the AI model alone. AI-facilitated actions should be checked against separate permissions, financial limits and risk controls before execution. It covers risks including credential exposure, excessive permissions, manipulated data and unintended execution, while outlining practical safeguards for both users and platforms.

For users, the handbook sets out five safety checks: Ask, Verify, Limit, Control and Review. For platforms, it outlines five principles: Guard, Limit, Approve, Controls and Test. Together, they provide a practical framework for expanding the use of AI while keeping appropriate controls in place.

"AI can make trading more accessible and efficient, but greater capability should come with stronger safeguards," said Vugar Usi Zade, CEO of MEXC. "At MEXC, we want users to benefit from innovation, while taking a measured approach to AI adoption. Our People First principle means giving users access to new capabilities without losing sight of control, transparency and risk."

"AI agents will soon place more orders than people do. Trust in them should be earned the way smart contracts earned it: through independent controls, continuous red-teaming and evidence anyone can verify," said Dyma Budorin, CEO and co-founder of Hacken. "This handbook is intended to raise awareness of those risks and provide practical support for both users and platforms. As adoption grows, platforms will need to test these safeguards continuously and strengthen them as new risks emerge."

MEXC and Hacken hope the handbook can serve as a practical reference for users and platforms as AI becomes more deeply integrated into trading, helping raise risk awareness and support safer, more responsible adoption across the industry.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is a leading global multi-asset trading platform built as your 0-fee gateway to infinite opportunities. Serving users across 170+ markets, MEXC provides simple and efficient access to crypto, stocks, tokenized assets, derivatives, and a growing range of TradFi-linked opportunities through one account and one gateway.

With 0 trading fees, deep liquidity, broad asset coverage, and a high-performance trading experience, MEXC is designed for retail users who want to discover earlier, act faster, and trade with fewer barriers. As crypto and traditional finance continue to converge, MEXC is committed to making global opportunities more accessible, helping users trade freely and MEXCmize every opportunity.

MEXC Official Websiteï½ X ï½ Telegram ï½How to Sign Up on MEXC

About Hacken

Hacken is a security and assurance partner for financial institutions and the infrastructure they rely on: exchanges, ecosystems, custodians, banks, asset managers, and tokenization platforms. Hacken's AI security work includes AI agent security audits and red-teaming of AI systems.

Founded in 2017, Hacken has 60+ engineers and more than 1,500 clients across industries, including the European Commission, ADGM, Ethereum Foundation, Societe Generale-Forge, MetaMask, and Bybit.

Hacken website | X | LinkedIn

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MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) reported third quarter 2026 financial results today through an earnings release posted on the Company's Investor Relations website at ir.polaris.com. The earnings release will be furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a Form 8-K and is available at sec.gov. The Company will also hold a conference call with analysts and investors today at 8:00 a.m. CT.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

The call and webcast can be accessed via the Webcast link on our website at ir.polaris.com or by dialing 1-877-883-0383 in the U.S. or 1-412-902-6506 Internationally using access code 0439231. Related presentation materials and a replay of the webcast will also be accessible on our website at ir.polaris.com, and a replay of the call will be available by dialing 1-855-669-9658 in the U.S., or 1-412-317-0088 Internationally using access code 7008833. 

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) has been defining and redefining outdoor adventure since 1954. Polaris delivers industry-shaping off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, boats, military, quadricycles, and commercial transportation vehicles, along with an expansive portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Its lineup includes some of the most iconic brands in powersports including the RANGER, RZR, Polaris XPEDITION, Bennington pontoons, Slingshot, and more. Headquartered in Minnesota and serving customers in nearly 100 countries, Polaris continues to set the standard for performance, quality, and unmatched service. Explore more at www.polaris.com.

SOURCE Polaris Inc.

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Palmer becomes Earlytrade's preferred CMiC advisory, integration and implementation partner; both companies exhibiting at CMiC CONNECT 2026, Nov. 1â4 in Orlando

DENVER and LISLE, Ill., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlytrade, the construction fintech company whose marketplace negotiates early payment terms between general contractors and subcontractors, and Palmer Consulting Group, a construction-focused business transformation and technology advisory firm, today announced a strategic integration partnership. Palmer becomes Earlytrade's preferred CMiC integration and implementation partner and will offer Earlytrade to its CMiC clients as its recommended early payment provider.

General contractors using CMiC, including Palmer's existing clients, can now connect to Earlytrade, with implementation typically taking six to eight weeks. Palmer configures the integration to each GC's CMiC environment, and guides implementation and adoption. Initial deployments are focused on CMiC on-premise and PaaS environments, with CMiC Cloud capabilities planned as part of the joint partnership roadmap. Finance teams keep their current accounting workflows, and approved subcontractor invoices become available for early payment.

"For a GC using CMiC, the question isn't whether a tool is valuable. It's whether it will work inside their environment," said Dave Anderskow, President of Palmer Consulting Group. "Our clients want solutions that deliver value without disrupting their operations. Because Palmer knows the CMiC ecosystem so well, we can typically have the Earlytrade integration configured and delivering value in weeks, with a team our clients already know and trust."

"Financially stable subcontractors mean less risk on every project," said Guy Saxelby, CEO and co-founder of Earlytrade. "Earlytrade lets GCs using CMiC strengthen their supply chain and earn margin on cash that would otherwise sit idle. With Palmer, they can do it in the CMiC environment they already run."

Power Construction, a general contractor that uses CMiC, runs Earlytrade across all of its projects. Since launch, Power and its trade partners have participated in millions of dollars of early payment opportunities, helping improve cash flow across projects while generating significant benefits for both parties.

"Earlytrade represents a win-win opportunity for both Power and our trade partners," said Brian Herold, VP of Finance at Power Construction. "The system provides transparency into invoice status, offers subcontractors the choice to receive payment earlier, and delivers greater certainty regarding payment timing. These benefits strengthen subcontractor liquidity and financial stability while improving the project's working capital efficiency and creating an attractive yield on available cash."

Earlytrade is not factoring, supply chain finance or lending: general contractors fund early payments from their own working capital. Earlytrade has negotiated more than $3 billion in early payments globally.

Meet both teams at CMiC CONNECT 2026

Earlytrade and Palmer will both exhibit at CONNECT 2026, CMiC's annual customer conference, November 1â4 in Orlando, Florida.

Joint webinar for CMiC users

After CONNECT, Earlytrade and Palmer will co-host an introductory webinar for CMiC users, including current Palmer clients, on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 9 am PT / 12 pm ET. Register at https://bit.ly/4siGbWz.

About Earlytrade

Earlytrade is a global fintech company transforming how construction and enterprise businesses grow margin and turn finance operations into a profit center. Operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, Earlytrade's suite of solutions, including early payment and progress claim platforms, empowers general contractors and trade partners to improve cash flow, increase profitability, and build more resilient supply chains. Learn more at earlytrade.com.

About Palmer Consulting Group

Founded in 2009 and based in Lisle, Illinois, Palmer Consulting Group helps construction companies build better businesses through strategy, technology, data and operational transformation. Palmer partners with contractors to align leadership, optimize processes, modernize technology platforms, and improve business performance across finance, operations, and project execution. Its services span business transformation, technology advisory, ERP consulting, systems integration, data and AI solutions, managed services, and ongoing application support. By combining deep construction industry expertise with practical execution, Palmer helps clients navigate change and achieve measurable business outcomes. Learn more at palmercg.com.

Media contacts

Stephanie Hall 

Pitch PR 

[email protected] 

Aspen Montoya 

Pitch PR 

[email protected] 

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Global manufacturing and sourcing company publishes guidance on volume breakpoints, tolerances, edge quality and alloy selection for copper and aluminum busbar

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MES, Inc., a global manufacturing sourcing and supply chain company serving Fortune 500 OEMs, today released engineering guidance showing that the same busbar drawing can produce supplier quotes up to three times apart, depending on which manufacturing process each supplier assumes. The guidance is written for data center engineers and sourcing teams specifying copper and aluminum busbar for high-density power distribution.

The stakes are rising with AI infrastructure. A liquid-cooled AI rack can draw around 120 kW. At the 48 to 54 V DC used inside many of these racks, that's more than 2,000 amps, which makes busbar a critical component both inside the rack and in the switchgear and busway that feed it.

"When we send the same busbar drawing to multiple suppliers, the quotes can come back three times apart, and material and margin don't explain it," said Hiten Shah, President and CEO of MES. "One supplier prices punch and bend, another prices stamping, another prices machining. Until those assumptions are on the table, buyers aren't comparing the same part."

Volume sets the starting point. MES's guidance outlines general breakpoints for the four common processes. CNC machining is often the lowest total-cost option below about 200 pieces a year. CNC punch and bend typically leads from roughly 200 to 5,000 pieces. Stamping becomes increasingly competitive above about 10,000 pieces, as tooling costs spread across larger runs. Extrusion fits long aluminum busbar with a constant cross-section. Part complexity, number of variants and design stability can all move these breakpoints.

Precision belongs at the joint. The guidance recommends tight control where it affects the electrical connection, such as roughly 0.05 mm flatness across bolted contact areas and about ±0.10 mm position on critical bolt patterns, with standard tolerances elsewhere. Applying tight tolerances across the whole part can force a move to machining without improving performance.

Edge condition matters for insulated busbar. Deburring removes the burr on punched and stamped edges but doesn't remove rollover, fracture zones or work-hardened material. Powder and epoxy coatings can thin at sharp edges, where electric fields also concentrate.

"Edge radius is one of the most common gaps we see on insulated busbar drawings," said Brad Layne, Engineering Manager at MES. "If it isn't specified, the edge condition depends on the process the supplier chooses. Putting a radius on the drawing keeps coating performance consistent no matter who makes the part."

Alloy selection affects conductivity. For extruded, current-carrying busbar, the guidance calls for 6101 aluminum, which is available with minimum conductivity requirements under ASTM B317, rather than the structural alloy 6063.

MES supplies copper and aluminum busbar through a manufacturing network spanning eight countries, with capabilities in CNC punch and bend, stamping, machining and extrusion. Its engineering team reviews drawings before tooling begins to identify the most practical manufacturing route.

The full guidance, including a busbar drawing and RFQ checklist, is available at https://mesinc.net/why-the-same-busbar-can-cost-3-more-a-manufacturing-process-comparison/

About MES, Inc.

Headquartered in Lewis Center, Ohio, MES, Inc. is a global manufacturing sourcing and supply chain company serving OEMs in electrical and energy, automotive, robotics, lighting, and construction and agriculture. MES manages sourcing, engineering, quality and delivery across a global supplier network with operations in the United States, Mexico, Poland, India, Vietnam, China and beyond. MES has been ISO 9001:2015 certified since 2009 and is NMSDC certified. Learn more at https://mesinc.net.

SOURCE MES, Inc.

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