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Egan-Jones Examines Rising Threats to Middle East Energy Chokepoints

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NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Egan-Jones released an analysis examining how relatively inexpensive missiles and drones have given Shiite groups leverage over the chokepoints that carry Middle East petroleum exports, and what that shift could mean for global trade and credit markets.

The commentary points to recent events as evidence. Yemen-based Houthis have taken control of Mayun, a strategic island in the Red Sea, and Saudi Arabia’s cross-peninsula pipeline was shut after drones launched from Iraq struck it. Saudi Arabia has fought the Houthis for the past decade without success, which Egan-Jones attributes in part to Yemen’s mountainous terrain and the persistence of the fighters.

Egan-Jones sets these developments against the trading system built over several centuries, in which surplus output moved by sea at low cost and petroleum exports later underpinned manufacturing worldwide. Shiite strongholds now sit at the major chokepoints for those exports, and weapons cheap enough to be used at scale have narrowed the gap between a small armed group and a state.

A military remedy looks unlikely, according to the firm. Prolonged campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq have made the United States reluctant to undertake similar engagements, the European Union is preoccupied with Ukraine, and China, India, and Japan, though exposed, can draw on other suppliers and are shifting toward electric vehicles. United States vessels cleared mines near the Strait of Hormuz, but Egan-Jones considers missile and drone attacks a continuing threat.

The current Western approach relies on economic pressure. Iran’s currency weakened from roughly 186,500 per dollar in 2021 to about 2.3 million in September 2026, a loss of approximately 91.9 percent in dollar terms, though the firm cautions that currency deterioration alone does not guarantee political change.

Two paths follow. Egan-Jones suggests a negotiated arrangement covering the movement of petroleum, accompanied by wider nuclear proliferation in the Gulf, would be unpalatable but manageable over time. Sustained curtailment of regional energy exports would be far costlier, forcing adjustments in food production, which depends on petroleum-based fertilizer, and in transportation, and weighing on global output while sovereigns and other borrowers already strain to meet obligations. The firm publishes the analysis so institutional investors and risk managers can weigh those conditions early.

About Egan-Jones Ratings
Egan-Jones, an NRSRO founded in 1995, offers timely and accurate credit ratings and proxy services.

Media Contact:
sales@egan-jones.com
+1 212 425 0460

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SOURCE Egan-Jones Ratings Co.

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HCLTech delivers strong Q2 led by record deal bookings of $3.3 billion

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EBIT margin expands to 18.2%; annualized advanced AI revenue at $876M

NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, Oct. 12, 2026 /CNW/ — HCLTech (NSE: HCLTECH) (BSE: HCLTECH), a leading global technology company, today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. USD revenue was at $3.7 billion, up 2.2% YoY, while revenue in constant currency (CC) grew 2.6% YoY.

“We delivered a strong quarter with new bookings of $3.3 billion, up 27% YoY, taking first half bookings to a record high. EBIT margin expanded 131 bps QoQ to 18.2%. Services grew 3% QoQ with growth across verticals and geographies, while overall revenue grew 2.3% QoQ. Advanced AI revenue grew 28.4% QoQ and 78% YoY in constant currency. Our AI propositions are resonating well with our clients, giving us confidence in our growth trajectory,” said C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director, HCLTech.

Services revenue growth was led by a steady momentum in IT and Business Services, which grew at 4.4% YoY in CC, followed by Engineering and R&D Services at 2.1% YoY (CC). HCLSoftware’s annual recurring revenue stood at $1.13 billion. Revenue per employee per annum was at $65.4K, up 2.4% YoY. 

Advanced AI revenue for the quarter was at $219 million, leading to an annualized advanced AI revenue of $876 million.

Industry vertical growth was led by Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, with 14% YoY (CC) growth, followed by Financial Services at 7.1 % YoY (CC) and Technology and Services at 5.9% YoY (CC). In terms of geographies, the U.S. grew by 3.5% YoY (CC). India grew the fastest at 21.8% YoY (CC) while the Rest of the World grew by 11.4% YoY (CC).

The company revised its FY27 revenue growth guidance to 2.5%-4% YoY in CC and Services revenue growth guidance to 3%-4% YoY in CC. EBIT margin is expected to be between 17.5% and 18.5%. HCLTech announced a dividend of ₹12 per share for the quarter.

“HCLTech delivered Q2 FY27 revenue of ₹35,620 crores, up 3% QoQ and 11.5% YoY. Our superior revenue growth with improved profitability led to our highest-ever quarterly net income of ₹5,132 crores, up 11% QoQ and 21.2% YoY,” said Shiv Walia, Chief Financial Officer, HCLTech.

The company added 6,450 people to its workforce, including 6,136 freshers, during Q2, FY27. Gender diversity reached 30% during the quarter.

HCLTech also announced a Global Premier Partnership with Anthropic to accelerate enterprise adoption of Agentic AI with a focus on safety, cybersecurity and governance. HCLTech’s services teams will build industry solutions and offerings powered by Claude, Cowork and Claude Code, while HCLSoftware, as an Anthropic ISV partner, will embed these into select enterprise products.

Key Advanced AI deal wins:

A U.S.-based AI-native company selected HCLTech as a strategic partner for its AI Factory.A U.S.-based neocloud provider selected HCLTech to build and scale its AI-native architecture and infrastructure capabilities that enable hyperscalers and enterprises to unlock the full potential of AI at scale.A Europe-based manufacturing company selected HCLTech to transform quality assurance at scale with an AI-powered visual inspection platform, VisionX.

Other key deal wins:

A Europe-headquartered, Fortune Global 50 firm selected HCLTech to establish an AI-driven operating model to transform and manage its Global Digital Workplace and Enterprise Networks.A Europe-based FMCG major selected HCLTech to transform its global IT operations through a unified, AI-led operating model spanning applications, cloud and networks, digital workplace and cybersecurity.A global aerospace and defense major selected HCLTech to provide full lifecycle managed services for its SAP S/4HANA landscape, including ERP application project delivery, support and maintenance.

HCLTech has been named to TIME’s World’s Best Companies list for the third consecutive year. It has also been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and World’s Best Management Consulting Firms, while Newsweek recognized it among America’s Greatest Workplaces for Leadership and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Perks & Benefits.

About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 230,000 people across 60+ countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around AI, digital, engineering, cloud and software, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Mobility and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending September 2026 totaled $14.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

For further details, please contact:

Meredith Bucaro, Americas
meredith-bucaro@hcltech.com

Elka Ghudial, EMEA
elka.ghudial@hcltech.com

James Galvin, APAC
james.galvin@hcltech.com

Nitin Shukla, India
nitin-shukla@hcltech.com

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SOURCE HCLTech

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ASES to Honor Six Austin-Area Clean Energy Leaders at SOLAR 2026

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Host City Inaugural awards recognize leadership in clean energy policy, implementation, equity, education, and innovation across Austin, TX, and Travis County

BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Board of Directors today announced six recipients of its inaugural host-city recognition awards, honoring clean energy leadership across Austin and the surrounding region. The awards will be presented at the SOLAR 2026 opening reception on Monday, October 19, at 6 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas.

“Every ASES SOLAR conference brings us into a community that is shaping the energy transition in its own way,” said Karen Soares, chair of the ASES Board of Directors. “These honorees demonstrate how local leadership, public policy, education, equity and effective programs can turn clean energy goals into measurable progress. We are proud to recognize their contributions to Austin and Travis County and to celebrate their work with the ASES community.”

The 2026 ASES Board-recognized honorees are:

Stuart Reilly, Austin Energy, recipient of the ASES Municipal Utility Clean Energy Implementation AwardKirk Watson, Mayor of Austin, recipient of the ASES Host City Clean Energy Leadership AwardSarah Eckhardt, Texas State Senator, recipient of the ASES Clean Energy Policy Leadership AwardKecia Prince, Strategic Housing Finance Corporation of Travis County, recipient of the ASES Energy Equity and Community Impact AwardDarien Clary, Austin ISD, recipient of the ASES Clean Energy Innovation and Education AwardBrigid Shea, Travis County Commissioner, recipient of the ASES Host County Renewable Energy Leadership Award

SOLAR 2026 will take place October 19–21 at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, bringing together clean energy professionals, researchers, educators, policymakers and advocates. Register and view the full program at ases.org/conference.

About ASES: The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation’s longest-serving solar energy advocacy organization. ASES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing sustainable living and a 100% clean energy future through solar energy education, research, workforce development and community-based deployment. Guided by justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, ASES connects science, industry, policy and the public through Solar Today magazine, the e-newsletter Solar@Work, Webinars, the ASES National Solar Conference, and the ASES National Solar Tour. Learn more at ases.org.

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SOURCE American Solar Energy Society

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Xodus Medical Announces Agreement to Be Acquired by STERIS (NYSE: STE)

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Xodus Medical, a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative surgical safety solutions, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by STERIS, a global provider of products and services that support patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention.

The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Xodus Medical’s more than 30-year history, bringing together two organizations with a shared commitment to advancing patient safety, supporting healthcare professionals, and delivering innovative solutions to the surgical environment. As part of a larger global organization, Xodus Medical looks forward to expanding its reach, leveraging complementary capabilities, and delivering even greater value to its customers.

Equally important is the strong cultural alignment between the two companies. Both organizations share a dedication to product excellence, continuous improvement, and building lasting relationships with the healthcare professionals they serve. “Joining STERIS represents an exciting new chapter for Xodus Medical and an opportunity to build upon everything our talented team has accomplished over the past three decades,” said Craig Kaforey, Chief Executive Officer of Xodus Medical. “Together, we see tremendous potential to deliver even greater value to our customers by combining our innovative products and expertise with STERIS’s extensive resources, industry knowledge, and established market presence. Just as importantly, we believe our shared values and commitment to excellence will create meaningful opportunities for our employees to grow and develop as part of a global organization. I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and excited about what lies ahead.”

STERIS is approximately $6 billion in revenue, with 18,000 Associates focused on providing innovative healthcare and life science products and services around the globe. “Xodus Medical’s product portfolio complements and expands STERIS’s offering, particularly by adding consumables used in the operating room. Its focus on products that make surgery safer aligns closely with our mission to help our Customers create a healthier and safer world,” said Dan Carestio, President and Chief Executive Officer of STERIS. “The business has demonstrated an ability to grow at double-digit rates with its specialty product portfolio, a steady stream of new products, and a highly effective commercial team. We look forward to welcoming the Xodus Medical team to STERIS and working together to enhance our service to our customers and value for our shareholders.”

Throughout its history, Xodus Medical has remained focused on its mission of Making Surgery Safer™. The company believes joining STERIS will further strengthen its ability to support healthcare providers with differentiated solutions that enhance patient safety and improve surgical outcomes.

Advisors

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to STERIS, and Jones Day is serving as legal counsel. J.P. Morgan is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Xodus Medical, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is serving as legal counsel.

About STERIS

STERIS is a leading global provider of products and services that support patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention. WE HELP OUR CUSTOMERS CREATE A HEALTHIER AND SAFER WORLD by providing innovative healthcare and life science products and services around the globe. For more information, visit www.steris.com.

About Xodus Medical

Founded in 1993 and headquartered near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Xodus Medical is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative medical devices dedicated to Making Surgery Safer™. The company’s comprehensive portfolio of proprietary surgical safety technologies, including its flagship Pink Pad® patient positioning systems, serves hospitals worldwide. Xodus Medical has established itself as a trusted partner to healthcare professionals and a recognized leader in perioperative patient safety. For more information, visit www.xodusmedical.com.

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SOURCE Xodus Medical

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