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Humanity Protocol Experiment Reveals How AI Can Bypass KYC And Exploit Digital Trust
mpost138d ago

Humanity Protocol Experiment Reveals How AI Can Bypass KYC And Exploit Digital Trust

Humanity Protocol’s controlled experiment showed that AI can create convincing fake profiles to bypass identity verification, exposing critical weaknesses in traditional KYC systems and highlighting the growing risk of AI-driven fraud online.The post Humanity Protocol Experiment Reveals How AI Can Bypass KYC And Exploit Digital Trust appeared first on Metaverse Post.

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benzinga138d ago

Mesa Labs Announces Third Quarter Results

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:MLAB) ("Mesa" or "the Company"), a global leader in the design and manufacture of life science tools and critical quality control solutions, today announced results for its third fiscal quarter ("3Q26") ended December 31, 2025 (amounts in thousands).3Q26 Financial Summary – (comparisons are versus the same year ago periodRevenues increased 3.6%Non-GAAP organic and core organic revenues1 growth was 3.6% and 1.2%, respectivelyNon-GAAP organic revenues growth excluding CG China revenues (entirely diagnostics) was 5.7%Operating income increased 38.0% to $7,975 Non-GAAP adjusted operating income ("AOI") excluding unusual items2 increased 15.4% and was 26.2% as a percentage of revenuesRepaid $8.7 million of debt and reduced Total Net Leverage Ratio3 to 2.62We operate a diversified business across four divisions: Sterilization and Disinfection Control ("SDC"), Biopharmaceutical Development ("BPD"), Calibration Solutions ("CS"), and Clinical Genomics ("CG").Executive Commentary (amounts in thousands)"Steady execution and relatively stable markets across Europe and North America helped deliver 3.6% organic (1.2% core organic) revenues growth in 3Q26 versus the prior year, or 5.7% when excluding CG China revenues. Total company growth was 7.2% sequentially, well within our expected growth range. Strong growth in BPD, continued growth in CG excluding China, and a recovery towards normal SDC deliveries overcame strong but expected headwinds in CG China. For the first nine months of FY26, we delivered 3.7% organic revenues growth, but 6.6% when excluding CG China revenues. With continued strong execution across the business and less impactful CG China compares moving forward, we expect our positive momentum to continue in 4Q26" said Gary Owens, Chief Executive Officer of Mesa."Profitability for the quarter, using our preferred metric of AOI excluding unusual items as a percentage of revenues, was very robust at 26.2% versus 23.5% for both 3Q25 and the whole of FY25. We expect this margin rate to moderate slightly over the next several quarters as we fully realize the benefits from our cost realignment actions at the end of 2Q26 while continuing to increase investment in SDC into the first half of FY27. In the quarter, improving volumes, favorable product mix, and benefits from the cost alignment more than overcame headwinds of 120 bps from FX and a negligible impact from tariffs. The strong profitability allowed for the repayment of $8.7 million of debt, which reduced our Total Net Leverage Ratio to 2.62 as we remain committed to drive this metric below 2.5" added Mr. Owens."While macro conditions in the first three quarters of FY26 were challenging, we remain encouraged that end markets are stabilizing, our innovative solutions remain top of mind with customers, and our highly adaptable operating model and team will enable us to further accelerate both top and bottom-line growth as market conditions improve" concluded Mr. Owens.Financial Results (unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data)Total revenues were $65,126, an increase of 3.6% compared to 3Q25 (7.2% sequentially versus 2Q26). Operating income increased 38.0% to $7,975 (68.8% sequentially versus 2Q26). Net income was $3,630, an increase of 317.0% or $0.65 per diluted share of common stock. On a non-GAAP basis, core organic revenues growth was 1.2% and AOI increased 17.6% to $17,072 or $3.07 per diluted share of common stock compared to 3Q25. As detailed in the Unusual Items table below, AOI for 3Q25 was negatively impacted by unusual items totaling $273. Excluding the unusual items for 3Q25, AOI increased 15.4% to $17,072 (12.1% sequentially versus 2Q26). A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is provided in the tables below. Total Net Leverage Ratio was 2.62 as of December 31, 2025.Division Performance Revenues Organic RevenuesGrowth1Core Organic RevenuesGrowth (Amounts in thousands)Three Months EndedDecember 31, 2025 Nine Months EndedDecember 31, 2025 Three Months EndedDecember 31, 2025 Nine Months EndedDecember 31, 2025 Three Months EndedDecember 31, 2025 Nine Months EndedDecember 31, 2025SDC$24,914 $72,431 6.0% 5.5% 2.4% 2.3%BPD 14,373 39,779 17.5% 10.2% 13.7% 7.7%CS 14,072 39,992 (2.5)% 3.9% (2.5)% 4.0%CG 11,767 33,204 (7.1)% (6.7)% (9.0)% (7.8)%Total$65,126 $185,406 3.6% 3.7% 1.2% 1.8% Sterilization and Disinfection Control (38% of revenues in 3Q26) revenues were $24,914 for the quarter, which resulted in organic revenues growth of 6.0% (2.4% core organic). The increase resulted from higher sales volumes and modest price increases. During the quarter we were able to mitigate the production issues we encountered in the second quarter and resumed normal production which resulted in backlog modestly decreasing sequentially by approximately $0.5 million in the third quarter. Gross profit percentage decreased by 50 bps versus the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to the weakening of the USD. Excluding the impact of FX, gross profit percentage would have increased 30 bps to 70.3%.Calibration Solutions (22% of revenues in 3Q26) revenues were $14,072 for the quarter, which resulted in an organic and core organic revenues decline of 2.5% but a 3.7% sequential increase compared to 2Q26. This quarter's revenue decline, as compared to the same period in the prior year, was due to a non-repeating end of calendar year order acceleration in the prior year associated with our renal care product lines. Gross profit percentage decreased by 100 bps for the quarter, primarily due to unfavorable product mix.Biopharmaceutical Development (22% of revenues in 3Q26) revenues were $14,373 for the quarter, an organic revenues increase of 17.5% (13.7% core organic). The strong increase in revenues was driven primarily by higher sales of both Immunoassays and Peptides instruments. Gross profit percentage increased 50 bps for the quarter primarily due to higher revenues on a partially fixed cost base, partially offset by the impacts of foreign currency translation and tariffs. Excluding these impacts, gross profit as a percentage of revenues would have increased approximately 320 bps to 64.8%.Clinical Genomics (18% of revenues in 3Q26) revenues were $11,767 for the quarter, which resulted in an organic revenues decline of 7.1% (9.0% core organic) but a sequential increase of 5.6%. A contraction in China revenues of approximately $1.2 million, or 57% versus the same quarter prior year, was partially offset by 2.4% growth outside of China. China regulatory and tariff headwinds resulted in a step function contraction beginning 1Q26 with roughly flat sequential revenues from China since that time. YTD revenues excluding China are robust at 8.4%. With expectations of roughly flat sequential China revenues moving forward, the division should return to positive overall organic growth for 4Q26. Gross profit percentage increased by 560 bps for the quarter due to manufacturing and supply chain efficiency improvements, lower personnel-related costs attributable to our cost mitigation efforts in 2Q26, and favorable geographic product mix, as sales outside of China typically generate higher margins.Use of Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresAdjusted operating income, adjusted operating income excluding unusual items, organic revenues growth and core organic revenues growth are non-GAAP measures that exclude or adjust for certain items, as detailed within the tables in "Supplemental Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures."1 Organic revenues growth is defined as reported revenues growth excluding the impact of acquisitions and core organic revenues growth is defined as organic revenues growth excluding currency translation. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to their GAAP counterpart is set forth below.2 Adjusted operating income and adjusted operating income per share are defined to exclude the non-cash impact of amortization of intangible assets acquired in a business combination, stock-based compensation, depreciation and impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets. These measures are also presented excluding unusual items. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to their GAAP counterparts is set forth below, along with additional information regarding their use.3 Total Net Leverage Ratio under our Credit Facility is defined as the ratio of total debt minus unrestricted cash in excess of $10 million as compared to 12 months trailing EBITDA. EBITDA, a non-GAAP metric, for purposes of this calculation, is defined as net income plus the sum of interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation, amortization, unusual or non-recurring non-cash charges and stock compensation expense.About Mesa Laboratories, Inc.Mesa is a global leader in the design and manufacture of life science tools and critical quality control solutions for regulated applications in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical device industries. Mesa offers products and services to help our customers ensure product integrity, increase patient and worker safety, and improve the quality of life throughout the world.For more information about Mesa, please visit its website at www.mesalabs.com.Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements, including statements relating to future financial results, business conditions and strategic initiatives. Words such as "seek," "expect," "plan" "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "should," "estimate," "may," "target," "project," and similar expressions may also identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to our operations and business environments, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and present expectations or projections include those relating to: our ability to successfully grow our business, including as a result of acquisitions; the results on operations of acquisitions; our ability to consummate acquisitions at our historical rate and at appropriate prices; our ability to effectively integrate acquired businesses and achieve desired results; the market acceptance of our products; reduced demand for our products that adversely impacts our future revenues, cash flows, results of operations and financial condition; conditions in the global economy and the particular markets we serve; significant developments or uncertainties stemming from actions of the U.S. government, including changes in U.S. trade policies and medical device regulations; the timely development and commercialization, and customer acceptance, of enhanced and new products and services; the inherent uncertainty of projections of revenues, growth, operating results, profit margins, expenses, earnings, margins, tax rates, tax provisions, cash flows, liquidity, demand, and competition; the effects of additional actions taken to become more efficient or reduce costs; restructuring activities; laws regulating fraud and abuse in the health care industry and the privacy and security of health and personal information; outstanding claims, legal proceedings, tax audits and assessments and other contingent liabilities; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; and general economic, industry, and capital markets conditions. These risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to, those described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2025, and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We assume no obligation to update the information in this press release.Mesa Laboratories Contacts: Gary Owens; President and CEO, John Sakys; CFO1-303-987-8000

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benzinga138d ago

GPGI, Inc. Declares Dividend

NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GPGI, Inc. (NYSE:GPGI) (the "Company" or "GPGI"), a diversified multi-industry compounder comprising companies with great positions in good industries, today announced its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0025 per share of the Company's Class A common stock. The dividend represents an annual distribution of approximately $2.9 million.GPGI's capital allocation priorities remain focused on debt paydown and pursuing additional accretive acquisitions that meet the six pillars of our investment criteria.The cash dividend will be payable on February 27, 2026, to shareholders of record of Class A common stock at the close of business on February 13, 2026.About GPGIGPGI, Inc. ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

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globenewswire138d ago

Kyverna Therapeutics Appoints Mayo Pujols as Chief Technology Officer

Mr. Pujols brings more than 30 years of technical operations expertise to role, scaling commercial manufacturing for CAR T-cell therapies and complex biologics, as Kyverna advances towards launch of miv-cel Mr. Pujols brings more than 30 years of technical operations expertise to role, scaling commercial manufacturing for CAR T-cell therapies and complex biologics, as Kyverna advances towards launch of miv-cel

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benzinga138d ago

ITW Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results

Fourth Quarter 2025 HighlightsRevenue of $4.1 billion, an increase of 4.1%Operating margin of 26.5%, as enterprise initiatives contributed 140 bpsGAAP EPS of $2.72, an increase of 7%2025 HighlightsRevenue of $16 billion, an increase of 0.9%Customer-Back Innovation contributed 2.4% to revenue growth, an increase of 40 bpsOperating margin of 26.3%, as enterprise initiatives contributed 130 bpsGAAP EPS of $10.49 exceeded the prior guidance mid-point of $10.452026 GuidanceRevenue growth of 2 to 4%, organic growth of 1 to 3%Operating margin expansion of approximately 100 bps with enterprise initiatives contributing 100 bpsGAAP EPS of $11.00 to $11.40, an increase of 7% at the mid-pointGLENVIEW, Ill., Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results."ITW delivered a solid finish to the year, marked by more than four percent revenue growth and a seven percent increase in GAAP earnings per share. As a result of our disciplined execution across all seven segments, we expanded both operating margin and income to record levels in the quarter," said Christopher O'Herlihy, President and Chief Executive Officer."Our results over the past year demonstrate that ITW is well-positioned to deliver solid financial performance in any environment as we consistently exceeded market growth while improving profitability and margins. Notably, our Customer-Back Innovation initiatives were a primary catalyst, contributing 2.4 percent to revenue growth in 2025. Building on this momentum, we expect to continue outperforming our end markets in 2026 as we leverage ITW's unique business model to drive consistent, above-market organic growth with best-in-class margins and returns. I extend my sincere gratitude to our global colleagues for their unwavering dedication to serving our customers and executing our strategy with excellence," O'Herlihy concluded.Fourth Quarter 2025 ResultsFourth quarter revenue of $4.1 billion increased by 4.1 percent and organic revenue growth was 1.3 percent. Foreign currency translation increased revenue by 2.5 percent and acquisitions added 0.3 percent.GAAP EPS of $2.72 increased seven percent. Operating margin of 26.5 percent increased 30 basis points as enterprise initiatives contributed 140 basis points. Segment operating margin increased 120 basis points to 27.7 percent. Operating cash flow was $1 billion, and free cash flow was $0.9 billion with a conversion of 109 percent to net income. During the quarter, the company repurchased $375 million of its own shares and the effective tax rate was 22.8 percent.Full Year 2025 ResultsFull year revenue of $16 billion increased 0.9 percent as organic revenue was flat. Foreign currency translation increased revenue by 0.8 percent and acquisitions contributed 0.1 percent to revenues.GAAP EPS of $10.49 exceeded the prior guidance mid-point of $10.45. Operating income was $4.2 billion and operating margin was 26.3 percent with enterprise initiatives contributing 130 basis points. Segment operating margin of 27.2 percent increased 70 basis points. Pricing and supply chain actions successfully offset the tariff impact for the year. Six of seven segments expanded operating margins with three segments achieving operating margins above 30 percent.Operating cash flow was $3.1 billion and free cash flow was $2.7 billion, with a conversion of 88 percent to net income. The company invested approximately $0.8 billion to support the long-term growth of its highly profitable businesses and returned $3.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The effective tax rate was 22.7 percent.2026 GuidanceITW is initiating 2026 guidance including GAAP EPS in the range of $11.00 to $11.40 per share, which represents seven percent earnings growth at the mid-point. The company projects revenue growth of two to four percent and organic growth of one to three percent based on current levels of demand and present foreign exchange rates.Operating margin is projected to be in the range of 26.5 to 27.5 percent, an improvement of approximately 100 basis points with enterprise initiatives contributing 100 basis points.All seven segments are expected to deliver positive organic growth and operating margin expansion in 2026. Free cash flow is projected to be greater than 100 percent of net income, and the company plans to repurchase approximately $1.5 billion of its own shares. The projected effective tax rate is 23.5 to 24.5 percent.Non-GAAP MeasuresThis earnings release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included in the attached supplemental reconciliation schedule. The estimated guidance of free cash flow to net income conversion rate is based on assumptions that are difficult to predict, and estimated guidance for the most directly comparable GAAP measure and a reconciliation of this forward-looking estimate to its most directly comparable GAAP estimate have been omitted due to the unreasonable efforts required in connection with such a reconciliation and the lack of reliable forward-looking cash flow information. For the same reasons, the company is unable to address the potential significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to future results.Forward-Looking StatementsThis earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding the potential impact of tariffs, the Company's projected pricing actions, the impact of enterprise initiatives, future financial and operating performance, free cash flow and free cash flow to net income conversion rate, organic and total revenue, operating and incremental margin, price/cost impact, statements regarding diluted earnings per share, after-tax return on invested capital, effective tax rates, exchange rates, expected timing and amount of share repurchases, end market economic and regulatory conditions, and the Company's 2026 guidance. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include those that are detailed in ITW's Form 10-K for 2024 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC.About Illinois Tool WorksITW (NYSE:ITW) is a Fortune 300 global multi-industrial manufacturing leader with revenue of $16 billion in 2025. The company's seven industry-leading segments leverage the unique ITW Business Model to drive solid growth with best-in-class margins and returns in markets where highly innovative, customer-focused solutions are required. ITW's approximately 43,000 dedicated colleagues around the world thrive in the company's decentralized and entrepreneurial culture. www.itw.com.ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. and SUBSIDIARIESSTATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) Three Months EndedDecember 31, Twelve Months EndedDecember 31, In millions except per share amounts 2025 2024 2025 2024 Operating Revenue$4,093 $3,932 $16,044 $15,898 Cost of revenue 2,284 2,221 8,969 8,858 Selling, administrative, and research and development expenses 704 655 2,779 2,675 Amortization and impairment of intangible assets 20 25 80 101 Operating Income 1,085 1,031 4,216 4,264 Interest expense (75) (68) (292) (283) Other income (expense) 14 20 42 441 Income Before Taxes 1,024 983 3,966 4,422 Income taxes 234 233 900 934 Net Income$790 $750 $3,066 $3,488 Net Income Per Share: Basic$2.73 $2.55 $10.52 $11.75 Diluted$2.72 $2.54 $10.49 $11.71 Cash Dividends Per Share: Paid$1.61 $1.50 $6.11 $5.70 Declared$1.61 $1.50 $6.22 $5.80 Shares of Common Stock Outstanding During the Period: Average 289.5 294.7 291.5 296.8 Average assuming dilution 290.2 295.8 292.3 297.8 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. and SUBSIDIARIESSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED) In millionsDecember 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Assets Current Assets: Cash and equivalents$851 $948 Trade receivables 3,227 2,991 Inventories 1,659 1,605 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 463 312 Total current assets 6,200 5,856 Net plant and equipment 2,230 2,036 Goodwill 5,098 4,839 Intangible assets 591 592 Deferred income taxes 519 369 Other assets 1,510 1,375 $16,148 $15,067 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Short-term debt$2,286 $1,555 Accounts payable 522 519 Accrued expenses 1,636 1,576 Cash dividends payable 465 441 Income taxes payable 217 217 Total current liabilities 5,126 4,308 Noncurrent Liabilities: Long-term debt 6,683 6,308 Deferred income taxes 154 119 Other liabilities 959 1,015 Total noncurrent liabilities 7,796 7,442 Stockholders' Equity: Common stock 6 6 Additional paid-in-capital 1,771 Full story available on Benzinga.com

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