Financial Performance - Worldwide net sales were $2.1 billion in 2025, a 2% decrease from 2024 [206]. - Consolidated income from operations was $47.4 million in 2025, down from $286.5 million in 2024, primarily due to a $215 million provision for talc-related claims [206]. - Net loss was $18.4 million in 2025, compared to income of $167.1 million in the prior year, resulting in a loss of $0.59 per share [208]. - Income from operations in 2025 was $47.4 million, representing 2.3% of sales, a significant decrease from $286.5 million and 13.5% of sales in 2024 [224]. - The Consumer & Specialties segment's net sales decreased 4% to $1,097.7 million in 2025, driven by a challenging competitive environment in the cat litter products market [241]. - The Engineered Solutions segment's net sales slightly decreased to $974.9 million in 2025, with High-Temperature Technologies sales down 1% to $704.7 million [246]. - The Company recorded a consolidated net loss of $14.0 million in 2025, which included a $191.8 million charge related to litigation accrual and credit losses [237]. Cash Flow and Investments - Cash flow from operations for 2025 was $193.7 million, with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $332.6 million as of December 31, 2025 [209]. - Cash flow from continuing operations in 2025 was $193.7 million, down from $236.4 million in the prior year [252]. - The Company intends to use cash flow for investments in growth, shareholder returns, and debt reduction [252]. - Capital expenditures for 2026 are anticipated to be between $90 million and $100 million, aimed at improving operations and strategic growth [262]. - The Company repurchased $58.5 million in shares in 2025 under a $200 million buyback program [209]. - The Company repurchased 1,000,122 shares for $61.3 million under a share repurchase program authorized for up to $200 million [265]. Litigation and Provisions - In 2025, the Company recorded a provision for litigation accrual and credit losses of $215.0 million, including $30.0 million for debtor-in-possession financing [221]. - The Company recorded litigation expenses of $19.6 million in 2025 and $11.3 million in 2024 related to Oldco's bankruptcy [225]. - The Company recorded a provision of $215 million for estimated costs to fund a trust for talc-related claims and Chapter 11 Cases [270]. - The Company is involved in multiple lawsuits related to talc products, with accruals for loss contingencies recorded when liabilities are probable and estimable [279]. - In Q2 2024, the company recorded a provision for credit loss of $30 million due to an unfunded loan commitment related to the DIP Credit Agreement [306]. Tax and Compliance - The effective tax rate in 2025 was (35.0)%, primarily due to the net loss recorded during the year [229]. - The Company experienced a decrease in percentage depletion tax benefits to $8.9 million in 2025 from $10.0 million in 2024 [233]. - The Company began implementing the OECD's Pillar Two Model Rules in Q1 2024, assessing its impact across jurisdictions [236]. - The Company is in compliance with all covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement throughout the reporting period [259]. Assets and Liabilities - The net deferred tax liability was $75.5 million at December 31, 2025, down from $115.7 million in 2024, indicating a significant reduction in deferred tax liabilities [287]. - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) includes an unfunded loan commitment, which is recognized as a liability in accrued expenses [278]. - The Company assumed $1.9 million in long-term debt as part of the acquisition of Concept Pet Heimtierprodukte GmbH [261]. Research and Development - Research and development expenses were $22.9 million in 2025, representing 1.1% of net sales [220]. - The Company aims to increase market share in global cat litter products and deploy new products in pet care, including lightweight litter [214]. - The Company plans to continue developing innovative applications for its bleaching earth products in the edible oil and renewable fuel industries [214]. Pension and Interest Rates - The average rate of return on pension plan assets from inception through December 31, 2025, was approximately 9%, with a strategic allocation of 56% in equity securities, 32% in fixed income securities, and 12% in other securities [290]. - The Company recognized pension (benefit) expense of $(0.6) million in 2025, a decrease from $1.9 million in 2024, reflecting changes in discount rates and expected returns [291]. - An immediate 10% increase in interest rates would not materially affect the Company's results of operations, while a one percentage point change in interest rates would result in $4.2 million in incremental interest charges annually [303]. - The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to limit exposure to market fluctuations on floating-rate debt, having entered into a floating to fixed interest rate swap for a notional amount of $150 million [303]. Debt and Financing - As of December 31, 2025, there were no loans and $9.2 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Facility [256]. - The Company has a committed loan facility in Japan with an outstanding balance of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2025 [260]. - The Company assesses the recoverability of property, plant, and equipment using discounted cash flow models, with critical assumptions including business performance and financial results [283]. - The Company has two reporting units: Consumer & Specialties and Engineered Solutions, with no indication of impairment for either unit as of the fourth quarter of 2025 [281].

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Namib Minerals (“Namib Minerals” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: NAMM) today announced that on February 18, 2026 the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (”Nasdaq”) stating that the Company has regained compliance with the minimum market value of publicly held shares (“MVPHS”) requirement under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(C) (the “Rule”).  Accordingly, the Company is now in compliance with all applicable listing standards, and its ordinary shar ...

Core Viewpoint - LaFleur Minerals Inc. is advancing its Beacon Gold Mill restart plans, with a focus on near-term production and a comprehensive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) [1][12]. Group 1: Company Overview - LaFleur Minerals Inc. operates in the Val-d'Or mining camp, a significant gold-producing region in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, with over 73 million ounces of gold produced from 1926 to 2019 [2]. - The company owns the Beacon Gold Mill and the Swanson Gold Deposit, which are strategically located within this prolific mining area [1][3]. Group 2: Mill Restart Progress - The Beacon Gold Mill has undergone over $20 million in upgrades and modernization, with the last production occurring in 2022 when gold prices were around $2,000 per ounce [3]. - Current gold prices have exceeded $4,900 per ounce, enhancing the strategic value of the mill and its associated infrastructure [3][14]. - Approximately 30% of the total budget for the mill refurbishment has been spent, with significant physical progress achieved while maintaining cost control [6]. Group 3: Resource Development - The Swanson Gold Deposit has shown strong gold continuity with notable drill results, including an intercept of 2.05 g/t Au over 158.25 meters [11]. - The company aims to combine resource development at the Swanson Gold Deposit with the Beacon Gold Mill to accelerate production [7][12]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The upcoming PEA is expected to provide updated economic metrics and a development roadmap aligned with the company's production objectives, targeted for completion in March 2026 [12][14]. - The integrated asset portfolio of LaFleur Minerals offers capital efficiency and operational leverage, particularly as gold prices rise [14].

Core Insights - The United States is now fully reliant on imports for 16 critical minerals, with over half of 90 tracked commodities sourced from foreign suppliers, highlighting a significant supply chain vulnerability [1] - Global refined copper production is approximately 26.5 million tonnes, falling short of the demand of 27.2 million tonnes, resulting in a 700,000-tonne deficit, which could increase due to AI data center requirements [1] - The U.S. State Department held a Critical Minerals Ministerial in February 2026, resulting in the signing of eleven new bilateral frameworks and the announcement of a $10 billion strategic critical minerals reserve under Project Vault [1] Company Developments - GoldHaven Resources confirmed gold mineralization at its Copeçal West Target in Brazil, with the first drilling returning 39 meters at 0.11 g/t gold, indicating a mineralized system beneath a thick saprolite layer [3][4] - The Copeçal Gold Project is located in Brazil's Alta Floresta Mineral Province, where GoldHaven holds 3,681 hectares, and previous drilling at the East Target discovered bornite, suggesting potential for a substantial gold-copper system [4] - GoldHaven also confirmed high-grade tungsten mineralization at its Magno Property in British Columbia, with surface samples showing silver grades up to 2,370 grams per tonne and tungsten values reaching 6,550 ppm [5] Industry Trends - Junior exploration companies are adopting dual-track strategies that combine exploration with near-term production potential, which helps reduce funding risk while maintaining upside potential [2] - Scottie Resources reported high-grade gold intercepts from its Blueberry Contact Zone, with drill hole SR25-420 returning 34.3 g/t gold over 3.30 meters [6][7] - Goliath Resources reported high-grade drill results from its Golddigger property, with highlights including 19.13 g/t gold over 6.10 meters, indicating strong continuity of mineralization [8][9] - Sun Summit Minerals confirmed high-grade gold and silver potential at the Finn Zone within its JD Project, with drill hole FZ-25-002 returning 46.0 meters of 1.03 g/t gold and 44.9 g/t silver [10][11] - Thesis Gold appointed Coille van Alphen to its Board of Directors as it transitions from exploration to project development at its Lawyers-Ranch gold project, which has a Prefeasibility Study showing an after-tax IRR of 54.4% [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - Trilogy Metals has reported significant advancements in its fiscal 2025 year-end results, highlighting a strategic investment from the U.S. federal government aimed at bolstering domestic critical minerals production, particularly through the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in Alaska [1][2]. Financial and Operational Highlights - Trilogy Metals plans to open the Bornite camp during the 2026 summer field season for geotechnical and exploration drilling [1]. - The U.S. government is committed to facilitating financing for the construction of the Ambler Road, in collaboration with the State of Alaska [1]. - A budget of $35 million has been approved for the Ambler Metals joint venture for 2026, focusing on permitting and development milestones [1][2]. - The company reported a net loss of $42.2 million for the year ended November 30, 2025, compared to a net loss of $8.6 million in fiscal 2024 [1][2]. - As of November 30, 2025, Trilogy Metals had a strong cash balance of $51.6 million, providing financial flexibility [1]. U.S. Federal Strategic Investment - Trilogy entered a binding letter of intent with the U.S. Department of War for a conditional investment of approximately $17.8 million, reflecting the strategic importance of the UKMP to domestic critical mineral supply chains [1][2]. - The investment includes 8,215,570 units at a price of $2.17 per unit, each comprising one common share and ¾ of a 10-year warrant [1]. Strengthened Leadership and Joint Venture Oversight - The company has expanded its senior leadership and advisory capabilities to support the execution and oversight of the joint venture, particularly as mine permitting and project activity are expected to accelerate [2]. - Engagement with local communities and stakeholders remains a core focus, emphasizing transparent communication and long-term workforce planning [2]. Ambler Metals Budget and Activities - The approved budget for Ambler Metals for fiscal 2026 is approximately $35 million, with Trilogy's share being $17.5 million [2]. - Exploration activities will primarily focus on the Arctic Project, including geotechnical and condemnation drilling to support mine design and infrastructure placement [2].

Core Viewpoint - Applied Minerals, Inc. has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11, significantly improving its financial position by eliminating approximately $63 million of term debt, resulting in a virtually debt-free balance sheet [1]. Financial Restructuring - The financial restructuring process was completed on November 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company [1]. - The elimination of $63 million in term debt enhances the company's financial stability and operational flexibility [1].

Company Overview - Aura Minerals is a mid-sized producer of precious and base metals, primarily gold, copper, and silver, with operations across the Americas [5][7] - The company employs a vertically integrated mining model, managing all aspects from exploration to sale, which enhances operational control and efficiency [7][9] - As of February 12, 2026, Aura Minerals had a market capitalization of $6.29 billion and a revenue of $771.59 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] Recent Developments - On February 12, Sagil Capital LLP disclosed a new position in Aura Minerals, acquiring 155,992 shares valued at approximately $7.86 million [2][6] - This acquisition represents 1.79% of Sagil Capital's reportable U.S. equity assets, indicating a strategic allocation towards Aura Minerals [3][6] - Aura Minerals' share price was $75.26 as of February 11, 2026, reflecting a remarkable 200% increase since its Nasdaq debut in July [3][9] Market Context - The recent momentum in precious metals has influenced portfolio adjustments, with Aura Minerals being a deliberate addition to a portfolio already exposed to commodities [6][8] - The company's strong performance in production and cost management has contributed to its stock price surge, supported by favorable gold prices [9][10] - Investors are focused on whether Aura Minerals can sustain production growth and maintain a strong balance sheet following its significant stock price increase [10]

Core Viewpoint - Ridgeline Minerals Corp. has announced a Mineral Exploration Target for the Chinchilla Oxide deposit at the Selena project in Nevada, indicating significant potential for silver, gold, lead, and zinc resources, with an estimated 38.3 to 58.0 million tonnes of mineralized material [1][4][7]. Exploration Target Details - The exploration target is estimated to contain mineralized material grading between 39.8 - 52.0 grams per tonne (g/t) Ag, 0.12 - 0.15 g/t Au, 0.42% - 0.55% Pb, and 0.40% - 0.51% Zn [1][4][11]. - The Chinchilla Oxide zone remains open for expansion along strike and down-dip, with additional drilling required to complete a NI 43-101 compliant maiden resource estimate [4][7]. Drilling Results - Significant drill intercepts include: - SE22-045: 32.5 m grading 153.42 g/t Ag, 0.09 g/t Au, and 4.1% Pb-Zn, with a notable inclusion of 0.7 m grading 1,347.73 g/t Ag [6]. - SE23-047: 60.7 m grading 69.8 g/t Ag, 0.4 g/t Au, and 1.8% Pb-Zn [6]. - SE21-025: 44.2 m grading 123.2 g/t Ag, 0.1 g/t Au, and 2.1% Pb-Zn [6]. Project Overview - The Selena project covers 39 square kilometers and is located in White Pine County, Nevada, approximately 64 km north of Ely [15]. - The project is currently operated under an earn-in agreement with South32, which may earn up to an 80% interest by fulfilling specific commitments [11][15]. Future Strategy - The company plans to continue drill testing the Chinchilla Sulfide discovery to better understand the potential scale and grade of the sulfide system, which will aid in assessing the overall resource potential of the Selena project [3][4].

Core Insights - STLLR Gold Inc. has received the first permit under Ontario's new Recovery of Minerals regime for the Hollinger Tailings Project, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to advance and remediate the site [1][2]. Company Overview - STLLR Gold Inc. is a Canadian gold development company focused on advancing high-potential gold projects, including the Hollinger Tailings Project and the Tower Gold Project in Ontario, as well as the Colomac Gold Project in Northwest Territories [4]. Regulatory Framework - The Recovery of Minerals regime, enacted in July 2025, aims to streamline the permitting process for responsible mineral recovery and environmental remediation of historical mine sites in Ontario [2]. - The authorization from the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines allows STLLR to conduct additional technical work, moving closer to reprocessing and remediating the legacy site [2]. Economic Impact - The project is expected to create jobs and strengthen the economy in Timmins and Northern Ontario, with government officials emphasizing the importance of responsible resource development [3]. - The Hollinger Tailings Project is viewed as a "triple win," offering potential for substantial near-term cash flows, environmental remediation, and long-term economic benefits for local communities [3][4]. Project Potential - The Hollinger project is characterized by low upfront capital requirements, an accelerated permitting pathway, and a low-cost profile, positioning it for quick advancement to cash flow generation in a favorable gold price environment [3][4]. - The company is actively engaging with local mill owners and regional stakeholders to further advance the project [4].

Group 1 - The Australian metals producer expects strong demand for zinc from North American smelters facing raw material shortages [1]