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Fragile recovery in transatlantic confidence as US investors warn on UK competitiveness

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The 6th edition of the annual Index from BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company finds confidence in the US-UK business corridor has edged up to 6.7 out of 10, from a record low of 6.6 last year.US companies’ confidence in the UK improves marginally, from 6.3 to 6.4, with investors continuing to raise concerns about tax, regulation and energy costs.UK companies’ confidence in the US rebounds more strongly, from 7.5 to 8.1, with investment intentions remaining strong despite concerns around political stability, immigration and trade policy.

LONDON, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Transatlantic Confidence Index from BritishAmerican Business (BAB) and Bain & Company, which surveyed 74 leading transatlantic companies, reveals a modest recovery in confidence in the transatlantic economy following last year’s sharp decline.

The overall Index, which remained stable at 7.0-7.2 out of 10 between 2021 and 2024 before falling to 6.6 last year, edged up to 6.7 in 2026. While investment intentions remain strong on both sides of the Atlantic, businesses continue to raise concerns about tax, regulation, energy costs and policy predictability.

US companies report slightly higher confidence in the UK

US companies’ confidence in doing business in the UK edged up from 6.3 in 2025 to 6.4 this year, following last year’s fall to the lowest level since the Index began.

Despite the slight improvement, US investors continue to raise concerns about the UK’s domestic business environment. Tax and the cost of doing business remain significant concerns, while energy supply and costs – included in the survey for the first time – were viewed just as negatively as tax.

US businesses are calling for a more competitive environment for investment. 35 per cent ranked a flexible, predictable and business-friendly regulatory and tax environment as their number one priority, while 75 per cent placed it in their top three.

Businesses also want to see regulatory reform and simplification, delivery of the UK’s industrial strategy and planning reforms, and greater certainty around energy supply and costs. 92 per cent of US respondents rated the implementation of a pro-growth agenda at seven out of ten or higher in importance to their future investment in the UK.

Despite these concerns, US companies remain committed to the UK market, with most respondents expecting to maintain or increase their investment over the next two to three years.

Perceptions of the UK’s political stability also deteriorated, with its net attractiveness score falling from +37 in 2025 to -12 this year. The survey was conducted as expectations of a change in political leadership were growing, and before the new Prime Minister took office. Confidence in the UK-EU relationship also slipped from 6.6 to 6.2.

UK companies’ confidence in the US rebounds

UK companies’ confidence in doing business in the US increased from 7.5 out of 10 in 2025 to 8.1 in 2026, recovering much of last year’s decline.

Confidence in the US approach to economic policy also improved, rising from 5.4 to 6.5 out of 10.

The fundamentals of the US market continue to be highly attractive to UK investors. Access to capital and talent remain important strengths, while UK business leaders rated their confidence in US innovation at 8.5 out of 10.

This is reflected in investment intentions, with 86 per cent of UK respondents planning to moderately or significantly increase their investment in the US.

However, concerns remain around political stability, immigration policy, and trade. UK businesses want the US to maintain open markets and strong economic relationships with its trading partners.

Duncan Edwards, CEO of BritishAmerican Business, said: “US companies still want to invest in the UK, but they are increasingly clear about what is getting in the way. Tax, regulation and the cost of energy are all weighing on the UK’s competitiveness. The UK is competing for investment every day and we shouldn’t take that investment for granted. Confidence has edged up, which is welcome, but there is clearly more work to do. With another Budget coming up, businesses will be looking for predictability and won’t want to see further increases to the cost of doing business.”

Jonathan Frick, partner at Bain & Company in London, said: “The transatlantic business corridor has proved resilient through a very unsettled period, and companies remain committed to investing on both sides of the Atlantic. But the findings also show that the fundamentals matter. Cost, regulation, access to talent and policy predictability will continue to shape where businesses choose to invest.”

Media contacts
For any questions or to arrange an interview, please contact:

BritishAmerican Business:
Dominic Parker (London) dparker@babinc.org 

Bain & Company:
Gary Duncan (London) gary.duncan@bain.com  

Notes to Editors

This is the sixth edition of the Transatlantic Confidence Index issued by BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company.

The Index measures the confidence of US companies active in the UK and UK companies operating in the US. When appropriate, data from prior Index surveys is referenced for comparison. A total of 74 companies responded to the 2026 survey, including 53 US companies operating in the UK and 21 UK companies operating in the US. Combined, they employ nearly 275,000 people and represent a range of sectors, including financial services, technology, healthcare, media, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

While many factors influence confidence, the Transatlantic Confidence Index focuses on overall confidence for investing and trading, short-term investment prospects, and the health of the US-UK economic relationship.

About BritishAmerican Business
BritishAmerican Business is the leading transatlantic trade association incorporating the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

We are committed to strengthening the economic corridor between the United States and the United Kingdom by supporting policies and action that protect and enhance the environment for transatlantic trade and investment.

We convene and serve a growing network of companies and business leaders through networking opportunities, bespoke programming and marketing platforms.

About Bain & Company
Bain & Company works with leaders worldwide to solve their toughest challenges and deliver enduring results. Since 1973, we’ve partnered with clients, including private equity and portfolio companies, to build the capabilities they need to stay ahead of change and help them redefine their industries. We measure our success by our clients’ success, and we proudly hold the highest levels of client advocacy in our field.

Bain is consistently recognized globally as one of the best places to work. We operate as one global team, uniting strategists, industry and functional experts, technologists, and advisors with a vibrant ecosystem of technology partners. 

Notes to Editors (Bain & Company)
Bain & Company was founded in 1973 and today has 19,000 employees across 67 cities in 40 countries. We have worked with more than two-thirds of the Global 500 and more than 9,000 companies worldwide. Bain has pledged to deliver $2 billion in pro bono consulting to nonprofit, public-sector and charitable organizations by 2035. The firm is consistently recognized as a Leader in major analyst rankings across multiple areas, including digital business, innovation, strategy, experience design, customer experience, and carbon-zero transformation.

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BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2027 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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– Revenue increased 53% to $30.8 million   – Operating income increased 59% to $7.4 million

– Net income increased 43% to $5.3 million  – Earnings per share increased to $0.08 from $0.06

NEW CENTURY, Kan., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Butler National Corporation (OTCQX: BUKS), a leader in the growing global market for aircraft modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and a recognized provider of gaming management services, announces its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2027. The Company will host a conference call on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM Central Time to review these results.

Historical selected financial data related to all operations:

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Three Months Ended July 31

2026

2025

Revenue

$         30,781

$       20,125

Operating Income

$           7,424

$         4,667

Net Income

$           5,265

$         3,685

Weighted Average Shares – Diluted

63,954,343

66,922,924

Earnings Per Share

$             0.08

$           0.06

Selected Balance Sheet data

(In thousands)

As of

July 31, 2026

As of

April 30, 2026

Total Assets

$         139,520

$       141,842

Current Liabilities

$           25,762

$         31,419

Long-term Liabilities

$           27,458

$         28,445

Stockholders’ Equity

$           86,300

$         81,978

Management Comments

Adam Sefchick, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Butler National Corporation, commented on the results stating, “Butler National delivered record first-quarter earnings in fiscal 2027. These results reflect the dedication of our employees, the continued execution of our strategic initiatives, and our focus on operational efficiency across the organization. Revenue increased 53% to $30.8 million, operating income increased 59% to $7.4 million, and net income increased 43% to $5.3 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

Importantly, our significant revenue growth translated into continued strong profitability, with operating margin increasing to 24% compared to 23% in the prior-year quarter. Earnings per share increased to $0.08 from $0.06, reflecting improved operating performance during the quarter. We also continued our disciplined approach to capital allocation, including ongoing share repurchases and investments in our businesses.

Within our Aerospace Products segment, strong performance from both Avcon Aircraft Modifications and Butler National-Tempe contributed significantly to our results, while Aerospace Products backlog reached a record $51.1 million. At Avcon, we achieved several significant milestones, including the successful completion and delivery of two Challenger 605/650 modification projects that included our recently approved STC for the under-fuselage radome/pod and rails for mounting of sensors. In addition, Avcon completed a complex special mission systems integration project, delivering a CASA CN-235 aircraft upgraded with a new sensor package that included a new Avcon-designed custom workstation. The project demonstrates Avcon’s expanding capabilities beyond structural aircraft modification to provide more comprehensive special mission systems integration solutions, while creating opportunities for derivative products and potential follow-on installations. Special Mission Electronics (Tempe) continued to experience strong customer demand and increasing production volumes.

The increased sales of Avcon aircraft modification kits for customer installation also contributed to revenue and margin performance during the quarter. These included Cessna Caravan camera port modification kits, as well as Avcon rails and Special Mission Pod kits for the King Air. Kit sales remain an important part of our strategy to leverage Avcon’s engineering and certification capabilities while expanding our geographic reach.

These results reflect the continued execution of strategic initiatives implemented over the last several years, including investments in new product development, manufacturing capabilities, and operational efficiency. We remain focused on customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and disciplined growth.”

Jeffrey Yowell, Executive Chairman, commented: “Butler National’s strong first-quarter results demonstrate the continued momentum across our businesses and the effectiveness of the strategy we have been executing. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank our employees for their continued dedication to serving our customers and executing at a high level every day.

As Butler National enters its next chapter of leadership and growth, the Board and management team remain focused on maintaining stability and continuing to execute the Company’s strategic and operational priorities. While the Board conducts its search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer, we remain confident in Adam and our experienced leadership team and their ability to continue advancing the business.

Our objective remains to build upon the momentum already established across Butler National by investing in our capabilities, improving operational execution and pursuing disciplined opportunities for long-term growth and shareholder value creation.”

Stockholders’ equity increased 5% during the first quarter of fiscal 2027 while long-term liabilities declined 3%. During the first quarter of fiscal 2027, we repurchased 246,996 shares of our outstanding common stock for cash under our share repurchase program and as part of our ongoing capital allocation strategy.

Business Segment Highlights

Aerospace Products:

Revenue from the Aerospace Products segment increased 92% to $21.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2027 compared to $11.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by a $10.7 million increase in aircraft modification activity and a $0.7 million increase in the sales of Special Mission Electronics, partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in Aircraft Avionics. Aircraft Modifications experienced higher activity across multiple programs, including increased work on larger and more complex special mission aircraft projects, as well as repeat modifications utilizing previously developed STCs.

Revenue also benefited from increased sales of modification kits for field installation, including Cessna Caravan camera port modification kits and Avcon rails and Special Mission Pod kits for the King Air, among others. Additionally, Avcon completed and delivered two Special Mission Challenger 605/650 modification projects that included our recently approved STC for the under-fuselage radome/pod and rails for mounting of sensors.

Aerospace Products operating income increased 91% compared to the prior-year quarter, while the segment maintained an operating margin of approximately 25% despite the significant increase in revenue and activity.

Butler National-Tempe continued to experience strong demand for its specialized electronic control systems and defense-related products, including deliveries of M134 minigun gun control units. Special Mission Electronics revenue increased $0.7 million during the quarter, supported by increased production activity, additional customer orders and production efficiencies.

Professional Services:

Revenue from the Professional Services segment increased 3% to $9.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2027 compared to $8.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

Traditional casino gaming revenue increased $0.4 million due to increased patron spending. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in sports wagering revenue through the DraftKings sports wagering platform, which decreased to $1.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2026, compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended July 31, 2025. Non-gaming revenue at Boot Hill Casino increased slightly to $1.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2026, compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended July 31, 2025. The Company continues to pursue initiatives designed to increase visitation and enhance the entertainment offerings at Boot Hill Casino & Resort, including the development of the adjacent Glo Hotel property by a local hospitality provider.

Backlog:

As of July 31, 2026, Aerospace Products backlog totaled a record $51.1 million. Backlog represents contracted business that meets the Company’s criteria for inclusion and includes orders that may not be completed within the next fiscal year. The timing of revenue recognition can vary based on customer schedules, aircraft availability, engineering and regulatory requirements, material availability and other factors.

Conference Call:

What: Butler National Corporation First Quarter Fiscal 2027 Financial Results Conference Call

When: Friday, September 11, 2026 – 10:00 AM Central Time

How: Live via phone by dialing:

800 325 1307 – Toll-Free

858 244 1252 – Toll (international)

Passcode: 565658

Participants to the conference call should call in at least 5 minutes prior to the start time. An audio recording of the conference call will be made available on the Butler National Corporation website Investor Page (https://butlernational.com/investing/) following the call until October 11, 2026. Shareholders are encouraged to submit questions in advance through the Company’s investor relations website.

Our Business:

Butler National Corporation operates in the Aerospace and Professional Services business segments. The Aerospace Products segment includes the design, manufacture, sale and service of structural modifications, design, integration and installation of electronic equipment, systems and technologies that enhance aircraft operations, and the design, manufacture and sale of defense related articles. Additionally, we operate FAA Repair Stations. Companies in Aerospace Products concentrate on products and services for Learjet, Challenger, Textron Beechcraft King Air, and Cessna turboprop aircraft. Butler National-Tempe designs and manufactures robust electronic controls and cabling. The Professional Services segment includes the management of a gaming, dining and entertainment facility in Dodge City, Kansas. Boot Hill Casino and Resort features approximately 500 slot machines, 15 table games and a DraftKings branded sportsbook.

Forward-Looking Information:

Statements made in this press release, reports and proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), communications to stockholders, and oral statements made by representatives of the Company that are not historical in nature, or that state the Company’s or management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements may often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “could,” “should,” “will,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “goal,” “forecast,” “plan,” “guidance” or “estimate” or the negative of these words, variations thereof or similar expressions. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. It is important to note that any such performance and actual results, financial condition or business, could differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences, many of which are outside of our control, include, but are not limited to: (i) customer concentration risk; (ii) dependence on government spending; (iii) government shutdown; (iv) industry specific business cycles; (v) regulatory hurdles in the launch of new products; (vi) loss of key personnel, including executive officers; (vii) the geographic location of our casino; (viii) fixed-price contracts; (ix) international sales; (x) changing U.S. trade policy and impacts of tariffs; (xi) need to acquire hangar space for substantial growth; (xii) future acquisitions; (xiii) supply chain and labor issues; (xiv) customer demand; (xv) insurance costs and insufficient insurance for aircraft modifications; (xvi) cyber security threats; (xvii) fraud, theft and cheating at our casino; (xviii) dependence on third-party platforms to offer sports wagering; (xix) outside factors influence the profitability of sports wagering and legacy gaming; (xx) change of control restrictions; (xxi) significant and expensive governmental regulation across our industries; (xxii) U.S. Government action with respect to contracts; (xxiii) failure by the Company or its stockholders to maintain applicable gaming licenses; (xxiv) evolving political and legislative initiatives in gaming; (xxv) extensive and increasing taxation of gaming revenues; (xxvi) changes in regulations of financial reporting; (xxvii) the availability of financing; (xxviii) potential impairment losses; (xxix) marketability restrictions of our common stock; (xxx) the possibility of a reverse-stock split; (xxxi) market competition by larger competitors; (xxxii) acts of terrorism and war; (xxxiii) climate change, inclement weather and natural disasters; (xxxiv) rising inflation; (xxxv) failure of risk management; (xxxvi) effectiveness of internal controls; and (xxxvii) other factors discussed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings the Company makes with the SEC from time to time.

The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time, except as expressly required by federal securities laws.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

David Drewitz, Public Relations

david@rankoutlaw.com

www.rankoutlaw.com

Ph (972) 814-5723

Butler National Corporation Investor Relations

Ph (913) 780-9595

THE WORLDWIDE WEB:
Please review www.butlernational.com for pictures of our products and details about Butler National Corporation and its subsidiaries.

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Payroc Wins Four Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards 2026

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Global recognition highlights Payroc’s payments technology, innovation, and industry leadership

TINLEY PARK, Ill., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Payroc, a global payment-processing acquirer and technology platform, today announced that it has been named a winner in four categories in The Digital Banker’s Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards 2026, recognizing the company’s technology, payments expertise, and continued innovation across the global payments industry.

Payroc received the following awards:

Best Payments Gateway ProviderBest POS & In-Store Payments Solution ProviderOutstanding Implementation of Payments Initiatives by a TeamPayments Professional of the Year: Jim Oberman

The Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards recognize organizations and individuals shaping the future of the payments industry. The awards program is run by The Digital Banker, a global financial services publication and research and awards organization focused on banking, payments, fintech, and financial technology.

“Winning four Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards is a tremendous recognition of what we have built at Payroc and, more importantly, the people behind it,” said Jim Oberman, Payroc CEO. “These awards reflect the success of our strategy to combine innovative technology and deep payments expertise with an unwavering focus on our partners and their customers.”

The “Best Payments Gateway Provider” award recognizes Payroc’s multi-region payment gateway built for merchants, independent software vendors (ISVs), SaaS platforms, independent sales organizations and enterprise channel partners. The “Best POS & In-Store Payments Solution Provider” award recognizes the company’s capabilities in enabling seamless card-present and in-store payment experiences for merchants and partners. The “Outstanding Implementation of Payments Initiatives by a Team” award recognizes the people behind Payroc’s payments technology. Finally, Jim Oberman’s selection as “Payments Professional of the Year” recognizes his leadership at Payroc and contributions to the broader payments industry.

The Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards will be presented during a virtual gala on September 10, 2026.

About Payroc
Founded in 2003, Payroc WorldAccess, LLC, is a global payments ecosystem that helps businesses accept payments and optimize commerce. Payroc ranks among the top merchant acquirers in North America, processing more than $125 billion in card volume annually and operating across 47 regions with direct connections to the major card networks. Its proprietary full-stack technology supports vertically tailored card-present, card-not-present, and omnichannel solutions for software providers, financial institutions, and merchants of all sizes. With a focus on innovation, scalability, and award-winning support, Payroc makes payments seamless and drives growth for partners worldwide. For more information, visit payroc.com.

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BRICS: Building Bridges

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BEIJING, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China Daily:

President Xi Jinping has called for strengthening the foundation, momentum and impact of greater BRICS cooperation and delivering more practical benefits to the peoples. In recent years, China has advocated enhancing BRICS cooperation, delivering tangible results through concrete action. From doctors gaining new skills to businesses finding new markets and young people discovering new opportunities, BRICS cooperation is building bridges across borders, connecting people, markets and opportunities, and opening new pathways to shared development.

More on X:

https://x.com/XisMoments/status/2098232562548359430

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