Businesses
Here's a look at documents from U.S. and international businesses
Featured Stories
Xcel Energy Receives Approval for Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission Line Project
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Feb. 7 -- Xcel Energy issued the following news release on Feb. 6, 2026:
* * *
Xcel Energy receives approval for Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission Line Project
New 345 kV line will relieve congestion, connect more renewable energy and strengthen reliability for customers across Minnesota
*
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) and its partners received approval Thursday from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to move forward with its Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission Project.
The project, developed with Dairyland Power Cooperative, Rochester Public Utilities,
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Feb. 7 -- Xcel Energy issued the following news release on Feb. 6, 2026:
* * *
Xcel Energy receives approval for Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission Line Project
New 345 kV line will relieve congestion, connect more renewable energy and strengthen reliability for customers across Minnesota
*
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) and its partners received approval Thursday from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to move forward with its Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission Project.
The project, developed with Dairyland Power Cooperative, Rochester Public Utilities,and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, includes a 345 kV transmission line and an associated 161 kV that will deliver reliable electricity to Minnesota homes and businesses, reduce grid congestion that often leads to increased costs for customers and connect new renewable energy resources to the regional grid. The approval, which includes the project's designated route, follows a comprehensive, multi-year regulatory review process.
"Expanding the transmission grid will provide continued electric reliability for customers throughout the region while also connecting low-cost renewable energy in southern Minnesota," said Bria Shea, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. "This project is a key part of our plan to provide customers with clean, reliable, affordable and safe energy -- today and for decades to come."
The Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission Project (MMRT) will add about 120 miles of new and upgraded 345 kilovolt infrastructure between Mankato, Minnesota, and Kellogg, Minnesota, located near the Mississippi River. An additional 20 miles of new 161 kilovolt infrastructure will be added between Pine Island and an existing transmission line northeast of Rochester enhancing reliability in the growing southeast Minnesota region.
Together, the new investments will improve electricity transfer across the state, including areas in southwest Minnesota where available low-cost wind energy is often shut down due to the lack of transmission infrastructure available to deliver that energy to customers. Reducing this congestion within the grid improves efficiency and lowers overall energy costs.
The route leverages existing transmission corridors in areas near Mankato and Faribault, including the CapX2020 corridor, as well as following other boundaries such as field, section and property lines. These route choices balance reliability, cost and land use considerations while limiting new right-of-way needs.
Xcel Energy developed the route in close consultation with landowners, local governments and community stakeholders. Two rounds of open houses, hearings attended by more than 1,000 landowners and several hundred public comments helped define the final route.
"Balancing safety, reliability, local feedback and the environment is always a big undertaking," said Shea. "Feedback from landowners helps teach us how to build smarter and balance these priorities in communities across the state."
The MMRT is a cornerstone of Xcel Energy's clean energy transition in the Upper Midwest. Under its current plan, Xcel Energy will reduce carbon emissions from electricity by more than 85% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), putting it on the path to delivering 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. By 2030, about 80% of customers' electricity in Minnesota is expected to be carbon-free.
With route approval secured, Xcel Energy will move into final design, right-of-way acquisition and detailed permitting. Construction will begin after remaining approvals are completed, with in-service timing to be shared as schedules are finalized. Throughout this process, Xcel Energy will continue proactive outreach with landowners, local governments and community partners to ensure timely information, fair treatment and responsive engagement.
* * *
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar -- delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.
We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers' need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.
* * *
Original text here: https://newsroom.xcelenergy.com/news/xcel-energy-receives-approval-for-mankatomississippi-river-transmission-line-project
[Category: BizEnergy]
Littler: Policy Week in Review - February 6, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Feb. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Policy Week in Review - February 6, 2026
Congressional and Administrative News
At a Glance
The Policy Week in Review, prepared by Littler's Workplace Policy Institute (WPI), sets forth WPI's updates on federal, state, and local matters.
By Shannon Meade, Jim Paretti, Alex MacDonald, and Maury Baskin
DOL Announces Minimum Wage Rate Change for Federal Contractors
The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division issued a notice setting a new minimum wage rate of $13.65 per hour for workers performing
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Feb. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Policy Week in Review - February 6, 2026
Congressional and Administrative News
At a Glance
The Policy Week in Review, prepared by Littler's Workplace Policy Institute (WPI), sets forth WPI's updates on federal, state, and local matters.
By Shannon Meade, Jim Paretti, Alex MacDonald, and Maury Baskin
DOL Announces Minimum Wage Rate Change for Federal Contractors
The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division issued a notice setting a new minimum wage rate of $13.65 per hour for workers performingwork on or in connection with federal contracts entered into between January 1, 2015 and January 29, 2022 that were not renewed or extended on or after January 30, 2022. The minimum wage for tipped employees performing work in connection with those covered contracts increases to $9.55 per hour. The rate changes will go in effect 90 days after publication in the Federal Register. Read Littler's analysis here.
DHS and DOL Release Supplemental H-2B Visas for 2026
The Departments of Homeland Security and Labor published a temporary rule authorizing up to, but not more than, an additional 64,716 H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2026 to be distributed in three allocations. The supplemental visas will be available only to those American businesses that "are suffering or will suffer impending irreparable harm, i.e., those facing permanent and sever financial loss, as attested by the employer."
Bipartisan Joint Employer Bill Gains Support
The congressional Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of Republican and Democratic members of Congress seeking solutions to key issues facing the country, endorsed the American Franchise Act, which aims to protect the franchise business model by amending the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify that a franchisor may be considered a joint employer of the employees of a franchisee only if the franchisor possesses and exercises substantial direct and immediate control over the essential terms and conditions of employment. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Representatives Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Don Davis (D-NC) and currently has 77 cosponsors.
* * *
Authors
Shannon Meade
Executive Director, Workplace Policy Institute
Washington, D.C.
* * *
James A. Paretti
Shareholder
Washington, D.C.
* * *
Alexander T. MacDonald
Shareholder
Washington, D.C.
* * *
Maury Baskin
Shareholder
Washington, D.C.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/policy-week-review-february-6-2026
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: DOL Notice Indicates Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Does Not Apply to Contracts Entered Into or Renewed After Jan. 29, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Feb. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Feb. 6, 2026, by shareholder David J. Goldstein:
* * *
DOL Notice Indicates Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Does Not Apply to Contracts Entered Into or Renewed After January 29, 2022
In 2014 President Obama issued Executive Order 13658, creating a minimum wage for work performed on or in connection with certain federal contracts that is higher than the minimum wage applicable to employers subject to just the Fair Labor Standards Act. In 2021 President Biden issued Executive Order 14026, establishing
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Feb. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Feb. 6, 2026, by shareholder David J. Goldstein:
* * *
DOL Notice Indicates Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Does Not Apply to Contracts Entered Into or Renewed After January 29, 2022
In 2014 President Obama issued Executive Order 13658, creating a minimum wage for work performed on or in connection with certain federal contracts that is higher than the minimum wage applicable to employers subject to just the Fair Labor Standards Act. In 2021 President Biden issued Executive Order 14026, establishingan even higher minimum wage applicable to certain government contracts entered into on or after January 30, 2022 and providing that Executive Order 13658 "is superseded, as of January 30, 2022, to the extent it is inconsistent with this order."
On March 14, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14236, revoking President Biden's Executive Order 14026 without addressing the continuing viability of President Obama's Executive Order 13658. Following this executive action, there has been uncertainty as to whether the minimum wage previously established pursuant to EO 13658 would once again apply or whether the higher federal minimum wage applicable to federal contracts has been abolished entirely. Since neither Biden's Executive Order 14026 nor Trump's Executive Order 14236 revoked Executive Order 13658, there is an argument that Executive Order 13658 applies to covered government contracts entered into on or after March 14, 2025.
Employers have been waiting for the U.S. Department of Labor to offer guidance on this issue, which has now been provided, albeit obliquely, in a Notice that is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on February 9.
In this Notice, the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division announces an increase in the minimum wage payable to workers performing work on or in connection with contracts covered by Executive Order 13658 to $13.65 per hour and an increase in the required minimum cash wage that generally must be paid to tipped employees performing work on or in connection with covered contracts to $9.55 per hour. These increases will become effective 90 days after the date on which the Notice is published in the Federal Register.
Far more significant than the announcement of this annual adjustment to the federal contractor minimum wage, however, is the Department of Labor's statement that: "At this time, Executive Order 13658 remains in effect and generally applies to contracts . . . awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, and not renewed or extended on or after January 30, 2022."
The Department of Labor is thus expressing its position that Executive Order 13658 does not apply to contracts awarded, renewed, or extended after January 29, 2022. Unfortunately, the Notice does not provide any rationale for this conclusion. While the Department's conclusion is reasonable, it is not the only possible conclusion given President Trump's failure to either revoke Executive Order 13658 or otherwise explicitly address its continuing applicability.
Because work covered by Executive Order 13658 is very often also covered by either the Service Contract Act or Davis Bacon Act, which establish prevailing wages that are typically higher than the minimum wage established by Executive Order 13658, the continuing viability of Executive Order 13658 will be of limited importance for many federal contractors.
Nevertheless, there may be instances in which an employer will wish to pay workers less than the federal contractor minimum wage for work that would be within the scope of Executive Order 13658, if this executive order applies to contracts awarded, renewed, or extended after January 29, 2022. If the Department of Labor has erred in concluding that Executive Order 13658 does not apply to contracts awarded, renewed, or extended after January 29, 2022, employers could be liable for failing to pay the higher wage./1 Formal rulemaking by the Department of Labor to address this continuing uncertainty would be welcome. Any remaining ambiguity could also be resolved by an executive order revoking Executive Order 13658. Barring such further clarification, federal contractors should consult with their legal counsel regarding compliance with federal contractor prevailing wage and minimum wage requirements.
* * *
See Footnotes
1/ See, e.g., David Goldstein, Jim Paretti, Jason Branciforte, and Carroll Wright, President Trump Decreases Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors, Littler ASAP (Mar. 19, 2025).
* * *
Authors
David J. Goldstein
Shareholder
Minneapolis
* * *
Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/dol-notice-indicates-federal-contractor-minimum-wage-does-not-apply-contracts
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: California High Court Limits Use of Formatting and "Fine Print" Arguments to Defeat Arbitration
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Feb. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Feb. 6, 2026, by shareholder Laura E. Devane, shareholder Robert F. Friedman and associate Carolyn Hudson:
* * *
California High Court Limits Use of Formatting and "Fine Print" Arguments to Defeat Arbitration
The California Supreme Court (the "Court") has confirmed that an arbitration agreement's formatting--standing alone--does not render its terms substantively unconscionable, even where the text is difficult to read./1 The Court rejected efforts to "double count" formatting flaws as both procedural
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Feb. 7 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Feb. 6, 2026, by shareholder Laura E. Devane, shareholder Robert F. Friedman and associate Carolyn Hudson:
* * *
California High Court Limits Use of Formatting and "Fine Print" Arguments to Defeat Arbitration
The California Supreme Court (the "Court") has confirmed that an arbitration agreement's formatting--standing alone--does not render its terms substantively unconscionable, even where the text is difficult to read./1 The Court rejected efforts to "double count" formatting flaws as both proceduraland substantive defects. The Court also reiterated that extreme procedural deficiencies may warrant closer review of an agreement's terms, and remanded the case in question for further proceedings based on issues unique to the record before it.
Background
In Fuentes v. Empire Nissan, Inc., an applicant, during the hiring process, signed an arbitration agreement. The agreement appeared in dense, small font text and was presented as part of a standard employment packet. After the employee's later termination, she filed suit, and the employer moved to compel arbitration.
The trial court denied the motion, finding significant procedural unconscionability and some degree of substantive unconscionability. The Court of Appeal reversed and directed arbitration. The Court granted review to resolve disagreement in the lower courts over how flawed formatting impacts an unconscionability analysis.
The California Supreme Court's Decision
1. Formatting Defects Are Procedural--Not Substantive
The Court squarely held that font size, density, or legibility do not, by themselves, make arbitration terms substantively unconscionable. Substantive unconscionability turns on whether contract terms are unfairly one sided or unduly harsh, while procedural unconscionability considers the print or presentation of those terms. The Court also noted that a contract's multiple procedural deficiencies do not render the contract substantively deficient.
In reaching this conclusion, the Court clarified that references in prior cases to "fine print terms" address hidden, unfair provisions, not merely small or blurry type. To that extent, the Court curtailed attempts to use formatting issues as an independent basis to invalidate arbitration agreements.
Takeaway: Arguments that arbitration agreements fail because of "tiny print" alone remain insufficient to establish substantive unconscionability.
2. Procedural Issues May Heighten--But Do Not Replace--Substantive Inquiry
While rejecting the trial court's reliance on illegibility as substantive unconscionability, the Court emphasized established doctrine: where procedural unconscionability is high, courts may apply closer scrutiny to the agreement's substance.
The Court acknowledged the Court of Appeal prematurely ended its analysis upon finding no substantive unconscionability, without meaningfully considering procedural unconscionability or applying the required sliding scale framework. The Court further emphasized that arbitration agreements must be evaluated under the same principles as any other contract, neither favored nor disfavored.
3. Related Agreements Must Be Read Carefully
The employee pointed to separate confidentiality agreements executed after the arbitration agreement, arguing they preserved the employer's ability to pursue certain claims in court.
Without resolving that issue definitively, the Court concluded the agreements--read together--raised interpretive questions that should not have been resolved automatically in favor of arbitration. Given the posture of the case, the Court determined the trial court should reconsider whether the agreements, as drafted, created an impermissible lack of mutuality.
4. Remand for Further Proceedings
Because the trial court never reached the employee's separate argument that she did not assent to the arbitration agreement, the Court held the Court of Appeal erred in directing arbitration outright. The Court remanded the case to allow the trial court to address unresolved issues under the proper legal framework.
Key Takeaways for Employers
While fact specific, the decision delivers several employer relevant clarifications for arbitration agreements in general:
* Formatting alone does not invalidate arbitration agreements on substantive unconscionability grounds.
* California courts remain focused on the fairness of the terms themselves, not typography.
* Procedural concerns may increase scrutiny but do not substitute for a showing of unfair substance.
* Arbitration agreements should be reviewed alongside related employment documents to ensure consistent dispute resolution provisions.
* Employers should not assume courts will rely on generalized "policy favoring arbitration" to resolve ambiguities.
Bottom Line
The California Supreme Court meaningfully limited the use of formatting based challenges to arbitration agreements, reinforcing that substantive unconscionability requires substantively unfair terms. Although the Court remanded for further proceedings tied to the specific record, its core holding strengthens employers' ability to defend arbitration agreements against expansive unconscionability theories--particularly those grounded in formatting or "fine print" arguments.
* * *
See Footnotes
1/ A contract is substantively unconscionable when its terms unfairly benefit or harm one side and a contract is procedurally unconscionable when there was unfairness in the process of forming the contract, often due to an imbalance in bargaining power.
* * *
Authors
Devane_Laura
Laura E. Devane
Shareholder
Fresno
* * *
Robert F. Friedman
Shareholder
Dallas
* * *
Carolyn Hudson
Associate
Fresno
* * *
Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/california-high-court-limits-use-formatting-and-fine-print-arguments-defeat
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
IHeartPodcasts' "Calm Down With Erin & Charissa" LIVE at NFL Culture Club
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 7 -- iHeartMedia issued the following news release:
* * *
iHeartPodcasts' "Calm Down with Erin & Charissa" LIVE at NFL Culture Club
In the special live taping presented by "Your Attention, Please" the duo discussed the importance of prioritizing healthcare, Super Bowl 2026 and more
Listen Now HERE (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/calm-down-with-erin-and-charissa-77416573/)
*
WHAT: iHeartPodcasts' "Calm Down" with Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson hosted a live podcast recording at NFL Culture Club bringing two of sports media's most influential female voices together
... Show Full Article
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 7 -- iHeartMedia issued the following news release:
* * *
iHeartPodcasts' "Calm Down with Erin & Charissa" LIVE at NFL Culture Club
In the special live taping presented by "Your Attention, Please" the duo discussed the importance of prioritizing healthcare, Super Bowl 2026 and more
Listen Now HERE (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/calm-down-with-erin-and-charissa-77416573/)
*
WHAT: iHeartPodcasts' "Calm Down" with Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson hosted a live podcast recording at NFL Culture Club bringing two of sports media's most influential female voices togetherfor a candid conversation around prioritizing yourself, your health and your well being. The event was presented by Novartis' "Your Attention, Please" campaign and empowered women to take a proactive approach to their breast health by scheduling screenings and better understanding their risk. The gathering also featured an interactive glambot experience in addition to inspiring conversation and thoughtful connection. The live show was recorded ahead of Super Bowl LX on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the NFL Culture Club, an exclusive, immersive destination where the worlds of sport, art, music, fashion and community converge during Super Bowl week. Inspired by the spirit of a modern-day members' club, the space brings together athletes, creators, artists and industry leaders for curated conversations, live performances and immersive experiences. As a first-time Super Bowl initiative, NFL Culture Club fosters creative connection and exchange among today's cultural leaders.
Event Photos: (Credit Kimberly White for iHeartPodcasts)
https://iheartradio.photoshelter.com/galleries/C00002S4l8ShFJjM/G0000nulu2k98Yk0/Culture-Club
Password: iHeartNFL26!
Highlights & Memorable Moments:
* 33:38: CHARISSA TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAMMOGRAMS AND EARLY DETECTION
- CHARISSA: "1 in 8 women will face breast cancer in their lifetime yet only 1 in 2 women receive their mammogram...It's really important to highlight not just the stats of the game but the stats of life that have a major impact on everything because early detection is key."
* 35:22: ERIN OPENS UP ABOUT HER CANCER DIAGNOSIS:
- ERIN: "What is our gameplan? It's putting ourselves first. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at a regular screening..I had zero symptoms and week three of a season back in 2017 I found I had cancer and changed my life. I caught it early so I didnt have to have a hysterectomy.. so that is why I stress to everybody, early detection is key - you have to make the appointment and go."
WHO: Erin Andrews is a sports broadcaster as part FOX Sports' A Team. She can be seen weekly on "FOX NFL Sunday, "doing sideline coverage and features, a show that records a staggering 56.4 million unique viewers, as well as reporting for "NFL Thursday Night Football." She joined ESPN in May 2004 as a reporter for the network's National Hockey League coverage and quickly became a fan favorite, transitioning into college football and basketball.
Charissa Thompson is the host of FOX NFL KICKOFF, the Sunday morning NFL pregame show leading into FOX NFL SUNDAY. After discovering an interest in TV production and moving into a production assistant role with FOX Sports in Denver, Thompson was given her first on-air opportunity as a fill-in host for the channel's Saturday evening Colorado Rockies all-access show. Thompson moved on from FOX Sports in 2010 and pulled double duty as a host for both Versus and Yahoo Sports. She anchored Versus' NHL studio coverage and recorded web videos for the highly trafficked Yahoo platform, leading the site's presence at high-profile events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl XLV and the BCS National Championship. Success in both arenas led to her joining ESPN in August 2011, where she was named one of the hosts for the network's newly conceived afternoon show, "Numbers Never Lie." In July 2012, she transitioned to the popular "SportsNation," enjoying a successful run that lasted until she left the network to return to Los Angeles for the launch of FS1 in May 2013. She has been one of the faces of FSI since the network's launch.
WHERE + WHEN: The "Calm Down with Erin & Charissa" live episode from NFL Culture Club presented by Novartis' "Your Attention Please" is now available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
SHOW PAGE: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/calm-down-with-erin-and-charissa-77416573/
* * *
About iHeartMedia, Inc.
iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart's broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to both Podtrac and Triton, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, has the highest-reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.iheartmedia.com/press/iheartpodcasts-calm-down-erin-charissa-live-nfl-culture-club
[Category: BizMedia]
Carlyle Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Carlyle Group posted the following news release on Feb. 6, 2026:
* * *
Carlyle Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results
The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CG) today reported its unaudited results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2025. The full detailed presentation of Carlyle's fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results can be viewed at ir.carlyle.com.
For the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2025, U.S. GAAP results included income before provision for income taxes of $462 million and $1.2 billion, respectively, and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Carlyle Group posted the following news release on Feb. 6, 2026:
* * *
Carlyle Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results
The Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CG) today reported its unaudited results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2025. The full detailed presentation of Carlyle's fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results can be viewed at ir.carlyle.com.
For the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2025, U.S. GAAP results included income before provision for income taxes of $462 million and $1.2 billion, respectively, anda margin on income before provision for income taxes of 24.3% and 24.3%, respectively.
Carlyle Chief Executive Officer Harvey M. Schwartz said, "2025 was a record year for Carlyle, and we significantly outperformed the targets we set at the beginning of the year. We delivered record Fee Related Earnings and strong fundraising across the platform, reflecting disciplined execution of our strategy and continued confidence from our investors. As we look ahead to 2026, we enter the year with strong momentum and remain focused on delivering long-term value for our global investors and shareholders."
Dividend
The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per common share to holders of record at the close of business on February 16, 2026, payable on February 20, 2026. For full-year 2025, the Board of Directors declared $1.40 in aggregate distributions to common shareholders.
Conference Call
Carlyle will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. EST on Friday, February 6, 2026, to announce its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results. The conference call will be available via public webcast from the Events & Presentations section of ir.carlyle.com and a replay will also be available on our website soon after the call's completion.
* * *
About Carlyle
Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Carlyle AlpInvest. With $477 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2025, Carlyle's purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies, and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,500 people in 27 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.
* * *
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations, estimates, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions and statements that are not historical facts, including our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, contingencies, and our dividend policy. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates," or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements including, but not limited to, those described in this press release and under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 27, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in our other periodic filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
This press release does not constitute an offer for any Carlyle fund.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.carlyle.com/media-room/news-release-archive/carlyle-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2025-financial-results
[Category: BizFinancial Services]
BAE Systems Launches Flagship Incubator Programme to Propel Cutting-Edge Technologies Beyond Defence
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 7 -- BAE Systems issued the following news release:
* * *
BAE Systems launches flagship incubator programme to propel cutting-edge technologies beyond defence
BAE Systems Launchpad is a new technology incubator programme designed to take dual-use technologies beyond the defence sector and help cutting-edge innovations reach their full commercial potential.
* Launchpad programme to transform new technologies into scalable, successful businesses
* Rho-C announced as Launchpad's first company
* Initiative designed to accelerate UK innovation and leverage BAE Systems'
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Feb. 7 -- BAE Systems issued the following news release:
* * *
BAE Systems launches flagship incubator programme to propel cutting-edge technologies beyond defence
BAE Systems Launchpad is a new technology incubator programme designed to take dual-use technologies beyond the defence sector and help cutting-edge innovations reach their full commercial potential.
* Launchpad programme to transform new technologies into scalable, successful businesses
* Rho-C announced as Launchpad's first company
* Initiative designed to accelerate UK innovation and leverage BAE Systems'technology for civilian applications.
Launchpad directly addresses the challenge of moving defence technologies beyond prototype development by spinning them out into independent start-up businesses. This aligns with a key priority outlined in the UK's Defence Industrial Strategy, which calls for "constant innovation at wartime pace" and highlights the need for more successful spinouts from UK-developed technologies.
The programme is designed to leverage BAE Systems' position as a technology innovator to support national priorities, including rapid technology incubation, sovereign capability and economic growth. It also provides start-ups with access to customers across a broader range of sectors, like energy and advanced manufacturing.
By doing so, BAE Systems contributes to UK innovation and strengthening the country's industrial base.
The first company established by the Launchpad programme is Rho-C, which is already making strides in its industry.
Rho-C will exploit innovative technology originally developed for use in submarines, which enables the transmission of power and data through solid materials. This technology eliminates the need to drill holes for wires and has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of operations in the oil and gas industry.
Rho-C is in the process of closing its first venture capital funding round.
* * *
"BAE Systems has long been a leader in UK research and development and Launchpad represents an exciting evolution in how innovation is taken forwards. It allows us to bring to market agile start-ups that are increasingly vital to sectors beyond defence, including energy and advanced manufacturing. It helps more people use the innovative technology being developed by some of the smartest brains in the UK."
- Julian Cracknell, Chief Technology and Information Officer
* * *
"BAE Systems Launchpad has given us a highly effective, mature technology that we can quickly turn into a product. We're currently working on our first operational unit, which would never have happened this fast without BAE Systems' support. They've given us access to their technology experts as well as help to set up and run our new company. We've got a huge amount of interest from our first prospective customers and an exciting first year ahead of us."
- Rob Malkin, Chief Technology Officer at Rho-C
* * *
The first Launchpad business is based on technology created within BAE Systems' internal research and development programmes. Future ventures could also include partnerships with academics and other technology specialists, including opportunities using quantum clocks for radar and hyperspectral sensing.
The Defence Industrial Strategy highlights the importance of turning innovative technologies into scalable businesses. Launchpad aims to address this challenge head-on, using BAE Systems' technologies and expertise.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/launchpad-announcement
[Category: BizNational Defense]
