Month: October 2026

Vancouver, British Columbia, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apogee Minerals Ltd. (“Apogee” or the “Company”) (TSXV: APMI) is pleased to announce its planned name change to Northmark Metals Corp. (the “Name Change”) and the appointment of Taj Singh to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective October 23, 2026.

Name Change to Northmark Metals:

The Name Change is intended to better reflect the Company’s focus on advancing copper and base metal exploration opportunities in Saskatchewan, anchored by the Knife Lake Copper Project. Subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Name Change is expected to take effect in the coming weeks, with the Company’s common shares expected to commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the name Northmark Metals Corp. and the symbol “NMRK”. Following the Name Change, the Company’s common shares will be assigned a new CUSIP number.

The Name Change was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and does not require shareholder approval. The Name Change will not alter the Company’s share capital or shareholders’ rights, and no share consolidation is being undertaken in connection with the Name Change. No action is required by shareholders, and outstanding share certificates will remain valid and do not need to be exchanged.

Board of Directors:

Mr. Singh is an accomplished mining executive with over 25 years of technical, corporate development and capital markets experience, having participated in raising more than C$400 million in equity. He is President and CEO of Crown 80 Consulting Services Ltd. and previously served as founding President and CEO of each of First Nordic Metals Corp. (until its merger with Mawson Finland to form Goldsky Resources), NOA Lithium Brines Inc. and Discovery Silver Corp. He also served as a founding Director and Lead Independent Director of GT Gold Corp., subsequently acquired by Newmont Corporation for a fully diluted C$456 million valuation.

Mr. Singh is a Professional Engineer and Chartered Professional Accountant and holds Bachelor and Master of Engineering degrees in metallurgy and minerals processing.

Brady Rak, CEO of Apogee, comments, “I am thrilled to have Taj Singh join the board of directors. As an investor I have personally seen the value that Taj can bring in evaluating early-stage assets and connecting them with the capital markets. Apogee, soon to be Northmark, and its stakeholders will benefit from the knowledge Taj will bring and I am very excited to apply this in building a central Canadian base metals company.”

Riley Trimble has stepped down as a Director of the Company, effective October 23, 2026. The Company thanks Mr. Trimble for his service and contributions to Apogee and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

About Apogee Minerals Ltd.:

Apogee Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian copper and base metal exploration company that holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Knife Lake Copper Project. The asset comprises 54 mineral claims totalling approximately 35,255 hectares in east-central Saskatchewan, located approximately 136 kilometres northwest of Flin Flon, Manitoba and approximately 180 kilometres northeast of La Ronge, Saskatchewan – a jurisdiction consistently ranked among the top mining jurisdictions in the world by the Fraser Institute. The Property hosts the Knife Lake Deposit, a near-surface, stratabound volcanogenic massive sulphide (“VMS”) style copper-zinc-silver-gold-cobalt deposit.

Our goal is to build shareholder value through mineral project acquisitions and advancement, as well as through new mineral discoveries.

To find out more about Apogee Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: APMI), visit the Company’s website: www.apogeemineralsltd.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Apogee Minerals Ltd.

“Brady Rak”

Brady Rak
Chief Executive Officer and a Director

For further information, please contact:

Apogee Minerals Ltd.
Matthew Coltura, Corporate Communications
Email: mcoltura@sentinelmarket.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Name Change and the change of the Company’s trading symbol to “NMRK”, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange and the expected timing thereof; the appointment of Mr. Singh as a Director and his anticipated contributions to the Company; the Company’s business plans, strategy and objectives; and the anticipated advancement of the Knife Lake Copper Project. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “targets”, “aims” or similar expressions, or by statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions made by management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation: delays in obtaining, or the failure to obtain, the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange for the Name Change and the change of trading symbol; the Company’s ability to execute on its business plans, strategy and objectives; the ability to retain key personnel; the early-stage nature of the Company’s exploration activities; the ability to obtain adequate financing on acceptable terms; delays in obtaining, or the failure to obtain, required regulatory approvals; changes in legislation or in TSX Venture Exchange policies; and general market, political and economic conditions.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Applied enters into agreement to increase its investment to approximately 20 percent of outstanding shares, reinforcing the companies’ long-term strategic partnership in advanced packaging

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) today announced it is increasing its investment in BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (Besi) (Euronext Amsterdam: BESI), a leading manufacturer of assembly equipment for the semiconductor industry, to approximately 20 percent of Besi’s outstanding shares. The share purchase would add to Applied Materials’ current investment in Besi, which Applied initially made in April 2025.

The companies have a longstanding strategic collaboration, which began in 2020 and was recently expanded with Besi joining Applied Materials’ EPIC Center as an Innovation Partner. The expanded partnership extends the companies’ co-innovation beyond hybrid bonding into new interconnect architectures and applications supporting the semiconductor industry’s AI-driven scaling roadmap. Areas of collaboration include next-generation 3D IC scaling, logic and memory integration, scaling of thermo-compression bonding and new die-on-wafer, die-on-die and die-on-panel integration platforms.

“Applied Materials is adding to its investment in Besi as hybrid bonding technology and next-generation interconnect architectures become increasingly critical enablers of energy-efficient AI compute performance,” said Dr. Prabu Raja, President of the Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials. “We also look forward to furthering our strategic collaboration with Besi and delivering the innovative products and technologies our customers need to scale AI systems.”

Applied Materials has entered into an accelerated share purchase agreement for the Besi shares, and the delivery of the shares is subject to the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the HSR Act).

Applied Materials views its investment in Besi as long term. Applied currently has no intention to increase its investment in Besi beyond approximately 20 percent, and Applied does not intend to seek board representation at Besi.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the purchase of Besi shares by Applied Materials. These statements and their underlying assumptions are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements include the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act and the risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current estimates, projections and assumptions, and we assume no obligation to update them.

About Applied Materials
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) is the leader in materials engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor and advanced display in the world. The technology we create is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation chips. At Applied, we push the boundaries of science and engineering to deliver material innovation that changes the world. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

Contact:
Ricky Gradwohl (editorial/media) 408.235.4676
Mike Sullivan (financial community) 408.986.7977

Expected Q3 2026 Revenue of $6.9 Million to $7.2 Million; Gross Margin of 80% to 82%, Net Loss of Approximately $10.0 Million, Inclusive of Non-recurring Stock-Based Compensation and Merger-Related Transaction Fees, and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.7 Million to $2.0 Million

LAKE MARY, Fla., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OpenWorld, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPNW) (“OpenWorld” or the “Company”) today provided preliminary, unaudited estimated financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. The third-quarter operating results will reflect OpenWorld’s historical operations, rather than those of VerifyMe, Inc. (the “predecessor company”), following the completion of the reverse takeover transaction on September 30, 2026 (the “RTO”). The September 30, 2026, consolidated balance sheet will reflect the combined entities.

Preliminary Third Quarter 2026 Highlights

Based on currently available information, the Company expects to report the following financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026:

Metric	Estimated Range
Revenue	$6.9 million – $7.2 million
Gross Margin	80% – 82%
Net Loss (GAAP) Including Nonrecurring Stock-Based Compensation and Merger-Related Transaction Fees	Approximately $(10.0) million
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)*	$1.7 million – $2.0 million

* Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, certain nonrecurring stock-based compensation expenses and merger-related transaction fees. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and Appendix A for additional information and a reconciliation to GAAP net loss.

• Revenue: Revenue is expected to be between $6.9 million and $7.2 million, reflecting the Company’s results, reported primarily as OpenWorld.
• Gross margin: Gross margin is expected to be between 80% and 82%, underscoring the Company’s belief in the scalability of its business model.
• Net loss: Approximately $10.0 million, inclusive of approximately $11.9 million in non-recurring stock-based compensation expense and merger-related transaction fees.
• Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA* is expected to be between $1.7 million and $2.0 million, reflecting adjustments for certain non-recurring stock-based compensation expenses and merger-related transaction fees.

“Even as we are in the early stages of scaling operations, our estimated third-quarter financial results demonstrate the strength of OpenWorld’s business model as we move forward as a public company,” said Matthew Shaw, Chairman and CEO of OpenWorld. “Our initial revenue performance, high-margin profile and positive Adjusted EBITDA* provide an excellent indication of the early progress we are making, and we believe we are well positioned to build on this momentum. Considering that our revenue from real-world assets (“RWA(s)”) has ramped to this level within just three quarters from zero at the start of the year, we are confident that the Company has the right strategies to benefit from our expectation of consistent significant growth and adoption of RWAs globally.”

Appointment of Gerard Hernandez as Chief Financial Officer

OpenWorld today also announced that Gerard Hernandez has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective October 23, 2026. In this role, Mr. Hernandez will oversee the Company’s finance, accounting, reporting, and investor relations functions as the Company’s operations transition to primarily focus on OpenWorld.

Mr. Hernandez co-founded OpenWorld and has brought more than 15 years of financial leadership experience across technology, blockchain, and healthcare. He played a key role in the Company’s transition to the Nasdaq public markets and most recently served as its Chief Accounting Officer. His extensive Web3 experience includes serving as a Special Council Member of the APE Foundation, the legal and administrative steward of ApeCoin DAO, one of the most prominent decentralized autonomous organizations in the Web3 ecosystem, and as Chief Financial Officer of ThriveCoin, a blockchain rewards and treasury allocation platform. Mr. Hernandez has also held CFO and senior finance leadership roles across large, multi-entity healthcare organizations. He holds CPA designations in both the United States and Canada.

“Gerard brings the financial discipline, public-company perspective and industry expertise we need at this stage of OpenWorld’s growth,” said Matthew Shaw. “We are confident he will play a key role as we continue to execute on our strategy and create value for our shareholders.”

“I am excited to step into the CFO role at such an important time for OpenWorld,” said Mr. Hernandez. “I look forward to working with the team to strengthen our financial foundation and to help the capital markets fully understand and value OpenWorld’s investment thesis.”

Preliminary Results

The financial information in this press release is preliminary, unaudited, and based on management’s estimates as of the date of this release and does not represent a complete presentation of the Company’s third quarter financial results or financial condition. The Company’s financial closing procedures for the quarter end September 30, 2026, are not yet complete, and actual results may differ materially from these estimates. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has not audited, reviewed or performed any procedures with respect to these preliminary financial results and, accordingly, does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about them. The Company expects to report its third quarter 2026 results and host a conference call and webcast on November 12, 2026.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude certain nonrecurring stock-based compensation expenses and merger-related transaction fees. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA provides useful supplemental information about the Company’s operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of preliminary GAAP net loss to Adjusted EBITDA is included in Appendix A to this press release.

About OpenWorld

OpenWorld, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPNW) is a digital assets and blockchain technology company. Through its OpenWorld Enterprise platform, the Company provides financial structuring and blockchain infrastructure for the issuance and distribution of tokenized real-world assets to institutional and retail investors. To learn more, visit openworld.dev.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “continue,” “expect,” “estimate,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “focus,” and other words of similar meaning. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding OpenWorld’s preliminary financial estimates for the third quarter of 2026, the anticipated benefits of the RTO, OpenWorld’s leadership transition, the growth and adoption of RWA utilization and the Company’s future business, operating and financial performance. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statement. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on OpenWorld’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside OpenWorld’s control. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the completion of the Company’s quarter-end closing procedures, the integration of the businesses following the RTO, market conditions and other risks and uncertainties described in OpenWorld’s Annual Report and Quarterly Reports filed with the SEC, including under the heading titled “Risk Factors.”

OpenWorld cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are encouraged to read OpenWorld’s filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and OpenWorld undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements except as required by applicable law. OpenWorld’s business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should consider these risks and uncertainties. OpenWorld does not give any assurance that the Company will achieve its expectations and objectives, financial or otherwise.

Contacts

Investors: OpenWorldIR@allianceadvisors.com 

Media: Aayushi@allianceadvisors.com   

Appendix A: Reconciliation of Preliminary Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)^

Adjusted EBITDA

(in millions of U.S. dollars)	For the three months ended September 30, 2026
GAAP net loss	Approx. $(10.0)
Interest expense, net	$0.1
Income tax expense	$0.0
Depreciation and amortization	$0.0
Nonrecurring stock-based compensation	$5.9
Merger-related transaction fees (a)	$6.0
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$1.7  – $2.0

^(a) Merger-related transaction fees consist primarily of non-recurring advisory fees incurred in connection with the Company’s reverse merger transaction with VerifyMe, Inc., which closed on September 30, 2026.

^ See “Preliminary Results” above for additional information on the financial information presented in this release and Appendix A.