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PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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CLEVELAND, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Preformed Line Products Company (NASDAQ: PLPC) today reported financial results for its first quarter of 2026.

Q1 2026 highlights:

Quarterly net sales of $176.3 million, an increase of 19% from Q1 2025.USA sales growth of 26% from Q1 2025, driven by robust demand in energy and communications markets.Gross profit margin of 31.3%, up 150 basis points from Q4 2025.Diluted EPS of $2.14 per share, up 24% from Q4 2025.

Net sales in the first quarter of 2026 were $176.3 million compared to $148.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, a 19% increase. All segments recorded sales growth compared to the first quarter of 2025, with the PLP-USA business growing by 26%, primarily due to higher demand for energy and communications products. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact of $7.2 million on the first quarter of 2026 net sales.

Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was $10.5 million, or $2.14 per diluted share, compared to $11.5 million, or $2.33 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2025. While gross profit was up approximately $6.5 million from Q1 2025, period expenses were impacted by increased personnel costs supporting strategic market growth in core product offerings in both energy and communications, primarily for sales, sales support and engineering resources. Net income for the first quarter of 2026 was affected by an income tax charge of $1.3 million related to PLP’s French subsidiary. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact of $0.1 million on the first quarter of 2026 net income. Compared against Q4 2025, which contained many of the same tariff headwinds that impacted Q1 2025, gross profit margins, net income, and diluted EPS all increased.

“As we reflect on the first quarter of 2026, I am proud of the Company’s continued resilience in a challenging and dynamic global environment,” said Rob Ruhlman, Executive Chairman. “Our team achieved exceptional sales growth this quarter, propelled by outstanding results from our U.S. manufacturing operations and our ability to meet rising demand. We faced margin pressure from higher manufacturing and ongoing tariff-related costs, as well as volatility in commodity prices. However, our impressive 150 basis point increase in gross profit percentage from Q4 2025 shows that we are actively managing these challenges through supply chain optimization, pricing strategies, and investment in efficiency and innovation. Our healthy balance sheet and strong liquidity provide flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions, while also investing in facility modernization and returning capital to our valued shareholders. While the ongoing tariff and geopolitical uncertainties present challenges, I believe our team is well prepared to adapt. Our focus is unchanged: provide our customers with the high-quality products and superior customer service they have come to expect from PLP.”

A presentation on first quarter results will also be available on PLP’s website at www.plp.com/investor-relations. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding the Company, including those statements regarding the Company’s and management’s beliefs and expectations concerning the Company’s future performance or anticipated financial results, among others. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in those statements. Among other things, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements include the uncertainty in global business conditions and the economy due to factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, tariffs, labor disruptions, military conflict, international hostilities, political instability, exchange rates, natural disasters and health epidemics, the strength of demand and availability of funding for the Company’s products (including in light of price increases) and the mix of products sold, the relative degree of competitive and customer price pressure on the Company’s products, the cost, availability and quality of raw materials required for the manufacture of products and customer demand, opportunities for business growth through acquisitions and the ability to successfully integrate any acquired businesses, changes in regulations and tax rates, security breaches, litigation and claims and the Company’s ability to continue to develop proprietary technology and maintain high-quality products and customer service to meet or exceed new industry performance standards and individual customer expectations, and other factors described under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2026 and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s other filings with the SEC can be found on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events.

ABOUT PLP

PLP protects the world’s most critical connections by creating stronger and more reliable networks. The company’s precision-engineered solutions are trusted by energy and communications providers worldwide to perform better and last longer. With locations in 20 countries, PLP works as a united global corporation, delivering high-quality products and unparalleled service to customers around the world.

 

PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY (PLPC)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

March 31, 2026

December 31, 2025

(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$                69,452

$                83,389

Accounts receivable, net

130,840

113,175

Inventories, net

151,810

148,730

Prepaid expenses

12,998

12,961

Other current assets

6,287

5,206

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

371,387

363,461

Property, plant and equipment, net

225,279

222,781

Goodwill

30,351

30,684

Other intangible assets, net

9,837

10,140

Deferred income taxes

6,794

7,481

Other assets

18,181

19,074

TOTAL ASSETS

$               661,829

$               653,621

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Trade accounts payable

$                56,766

$                49,520

Notes payable to banks

1,318

1,213

Current portion of long-term debt

5,891

5,392

Accrued compensation and other benefits

24,084

29,207

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

35,532

29,378

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

123,591

114,710

Long-term debt, less current portion

34,737

32,860

Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred income taxes

29,919

30,500

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common shares $2 par value per share, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 4,888,012 and 4,907,787 issued and outstanding, at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025

13,890

13,860

Common shares issued to rabbi trust, 222,506 and 222,506 shares at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively

(9,586)

(9,586)

Deferred compensation liability

9,586

9,586

Paid-in capital

66,047

67,217

Retained earnings

593,869

584,360

Treasury shares, at cost, 2,056,379 and 2,021,940 shares at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively

(145,492)

(136,554)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(54,790)

(53,365)

TOTAL PLPC SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

473,524

475,518

Noncontrolling interest

58

33

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

473,582

475,551

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$               661,829

$               653,621

 

PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2026

2025

(Thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Net sales

$               176,278

$               148,541

Cost of products sold

121,058

99,870

GROSS PROFIT

55,220

48,671

Costs and expenses

Selling

13,769

12,181

General and administrative

21,053

17,626

Research and engineering

6,736

5,479

Other operating (income) expense, net

(54)

255

41,504

35,541

OPERATING INCOME

13,716

13,130

Other income (expense)

Interest income

777

510

Interest expense

(232)

(376)

Other income, net

69

407

614

541

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

14,330

13,671

Income tax expense

3,781

2,118

NET INCOME

$                10,549

$                11,553

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(25)

(36)

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLPC SHAREHOLDERS

$                10,524

$                11,517

AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING:

Basic

4,906

4,928

Diluted

4,927

4,950

EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLPC SHAREHOLDERS:

Basic

$                   2.15

$                   2.34

Diluted

$                   2.14

$                   2.33

Cash dividends declared per share

$                   0.21

$                   0.20

 

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SOURCE Preformed Line Products Company

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From IFA Berlin to CES 2027: OlloBot Continues Its Journey in Emotional Companionship

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HONG KONG, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AI companion robot brand OlloBot made its European debut at IFA Berlin 2026, where its AI companion robot OlloNi SS1 was named an Honoree in the Best in Home & Entertainment category of the IFA Innovation Awards. The recognition, alongside feedback from visitors at the show, offered further encouragement for OlloBot’s belief that the future of home robotics lies not only in what robots can do, but also in the connections they can build with people.

In the Top 10 Trends in China’s Robotics and Embodied Intelligence Market for 2026, IDC identifies the evolution of educational and companion robots into all-age home intelligent terminals as a key trend. The report highlights a growing emphasis on long-term companionship, contextual understanding and ongoing content services, with value extending beyond specific functions to lasting relationships and services.

OlloBot is building its identity around this shift. Rather than developing humanoid robots or devices primarily centered on task execution, the brand is exploring a different path through what it calls “Cyber Pet,” an emerging category of home companions designed around emotional relationships. Its approach starts with a simple question: how can a robot become a familiar and meaningful presence in someone’s life?

For OlloBot, the answer lies in restraint. A companion robot should not replace human relationships or compete for a user’s constant attention. It should learn when to engage and when to step back. The goal is not about delivering a moment of novelty or amusement. It is about creating a unique relationship that can expand with each interaction and gradually become personally meaningful.

“We believe home robots need to enter the household through emotional connection,” said Lyn Fang, founder of OlloBot. “Technology can create the conditions for interaction, but meaningful companionship comes from how those interactions make people feel over time.”

At IFA, the enthusiasm from visitors offered a tangible reflection of this approach. Under the theme “Touch. Feel. Bond.,” OlloBot created an open, home-inspired setting where visitors could interact with OlloNi SS1 directly. Powered by OlloBot’s proprietary EmpathCore emotional engine and Affinilog interaction system, OlloNi SS1 engages dynamically through touch, sound and facial expressions. OlloNi SS1 also appeared in IFA’s “Robots on the Runway” showcase, where its emotional engine enabled it to react to its surroundings in real time. Visitors were not simply examining a device or comparing functions. They were exploring how it responded to them. The experience reinforced the brand’s conviction that, in the home, emotional connection can matter as much as technical capability.

Next stop: Las Vegas

The recognition and feedback at IFA mark an encouraging step as OlloBot continues to advance its product development and commercialization. Looking ahead to CES 2027, OlloBot is set to take the next step in its journey by introducing two all-new robot family members: a desktop lamp-form robot and OlloBot Gen 2. Visitors will also get a first look at a rich lineup of IP merchandise and ecosystem peripherals built around the flagship OlloVerse universe. Please stay tuned—OlloBot looks forward to welcoming everyone in Las Vegas and sharing how its expanding ecosystem continues to redefine emotional companionship in the home.

About OlloBot

OlloBot is an AI companion robot brand developed by Ollobot Robotics Limited, a Hong Kong-based company and part of BizConf Technology Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 300578).

The company focuses on embodied intelligence and family-oriented AI companion robots designed to support more natural interaction, emotional presence and connection in modern homes. Through its Cyber Pet concept, OlloBot aims to explore how AI and robotics can become a more meaningful and approachable part of everyday family life.

For more information, please visit ollobot.com.

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ollo_botFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/ollobotofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/ollo_botThreads:https://www.threads.com/@ollo_botTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@ollo_botX:https://x.com/OLLOBOT_Real

 

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SOURCE OlloBot

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A new way to explore Japan with AI: Naviu AR Travel Companion for Japan Launches November 1 2026

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Patent pending geospatial technology brings 29 language guidance and city scale AR navigation to travelers

TOKYO, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Naviu, a business under TANGLE Inc., offering an AI-powered augmented-reality travel companion for Japan, launches on iOS and Android on November 1. Built on patent-pending geospatial technology, Naviu places AR content and navigation accurately in the real world across entire cities, without requiring a visual positioning system.

Travelers can ask Naviu about anything around them and receive answers in any of 29 languages, grounded in their exact location. A semi-transparent AR path provides turn-by-turn guidance, an AI companion walks with the traveler, and the app reveals side-street cafes, local landmarks, and other places that conventional maps and guidebooks may overlook.

About Naviu

Naviu combines an ask-anything AI guide, city-scale AR navigation, photo recognition, bespoke trip planning, and an optional cultural storytelling companion. Its spatial content network also allows brands, cities, and creators to place interactive 3D and AR content in the real world. AR experiences are already live at landmarks including Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Jingu, and Tokyo Station.

Naviu is available on the App Store and Google Play.

Official site: naviu.app

Key Features

Ask-anything AI guide: Conversational answers about any place in 29 languages, grounded in precise location dataCultural storytelling and guidance: An optional companion mode that guides travelers street by street and narrates local history and storiesAR navigation: A semi-transparent augmented-reality path overlaid on real streets across entire citiesPhoto recognition: Travelers can point the camera at a temple, sign, or storefront and ask what it isBespoke trip planning: Itineraries built around dietary needs, interests, accessibility, and available timeSpatial content network: Brands, cities, and creators can place interactive 3D and AR content in the real world

Statement from the Head of Naviu

“The hard part of traveling in Japan isn’t getting lost. It’s standing in front of something remarkable with no idea what it is. Naviu answers that question in your own language, right where you’re standing, so the city opens up instead of staying a backdrop.”
Jack Mead
CEO of Ashita Co. and Head of Naviu

About TANGLE Inc

TANGLE Inc. is the Tokyo-based company behind the tour operators TOMOGO! and Untold Japan. Its mission, Make the City Yours, reflects a decade of helping travelers discover Japan beyond the guidebook and now extends that experience into software through Naviu.

Company

TANGLE Inc.

Headquarters

Tokyo, Japan

Representative Director

Kengo Goto

Business

TOMOGO!, Untold Japan, and development and operation of Naviu

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SOURCE TANGLE Inc.

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Karma Automotive Announces Eximius, the Bespoke Vehicle Program for Elite Clients Seeking Singular Expressions of Extreme Performance and Bold Craftsmanship

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The First Eximius Creation, “Eximius 1,” is a Menacing Four-Seater Built for the Track which Makes its World Premiere at the 2026 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Karma Automotive builds vehicles in the hundreds rather than the thousands, attracting a highly individualistic clientele seeking a unique statement. For those who wish to go further still, and explore new possibilities beyond the extensive options for personalization available through the Studio program, Karma has created the Eximius bespoke vehicle program. Eximius clients may modify the vehicle’s body, performance and powertrain, collaborating with Karma’s design and engineering teams to build a One-of-One statement which will never be repeated.

Karma Eximius clients may modify the vehicle’s body, performance and powertrain to build a One-of-One statement

The first vehicle from Karma Eximius debuts today at the 2026 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. A menacing four-seater purpose-built for the track, “Eximius 1” is in ongoing development with its commissioning client, who is not revealed at this time. Upon delivery in 2027, “Eximius 1” will be fitted with an extreme-performance Plug-in Series Hybrid utilizing a 6.2 Liter V8 producing nearly 1200hp (550hp ICE, 645hp battery), delivering acceleration from 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph (estimated). As these parameters would demand, “Eximius 1” will be equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes and two-piece slotted brake rotors, and Ohlins semi-active suspension.

“‘Eximius 1’ began as a conversation with an elite client who loves their Karma Revero, but wanted something more extreme and unexpected, which was music to our ears,” says Marques McCammon, President and Chief Executive, Karma Automotive. “The Eximius program effectively deletes the word ‘no’ from conversations about what’s possible,” he continues, “and as a four-seat track weapon packing what’ll be the most powerful Plug-in Series Hybrid powertrain and vehicle ever developed, ‘Eximius 1’ shatters expectations and further establishes Karma as a manufacturer of exotic, uniquely American vehicles.” 

Exterior Design
“Eximius 1” is an imposing vehicle to behold, exhibiting the muscularity and eyepopping strength of a superhero. Every panel – excluding the body surface outer – is constructed of pre-impregnated carbon fiber, and the vehicle is 50mm wider due to its wheel arch extensions. The front doors and hood have a unique technical fade from glossy, exposed regular carbon fiber to signature Borealis Blue paint.

The front carbon splitter sets an aggressive tone and is flanked by massive side air intakes incorporating Karma’s Target Acquisition Lighting, rotated 45º to create a distinctive ‘><‘ DRL graphic identity. On the hood, the dramatic arc of the Comet Line – which is inspired by Halley’s Comet is it streaks across the evening sky – widens from its apex towards the base of the windshield; vents above the front fenders release air pressure from the wheel housings and add further visual intrigue. Moving to the side of the vehicle, the front fenders aft of the wheels feature Karma’s signature “Backslash” bearing the number “5,” which is of particular significance to the commissioning client. 21″ Magnesium wheels with center-locks reduce rotating and unsprung mass, and are finished in satin black. Aft of the driver’s side front wheel, twin exhaust tips announce the fearsome new powertrain.

The full-width rear GT wing maximizes stability and downforce at high speeds, and continues the distinctive ‘><‘ DRL graphic identity established at the front of “Eximius 1.” The rear fascia also boasts large side air intakes which are connected by a dominant diffuser to manage underbody airflow.

Interior Design
An aura of intensity continues to the interior of “Eximius 1.” In concert with the exterior, blue-tinted carbon-fiber adorns the seats, flat-bottom steering wheel and doors; for aesthetics and weight-savings, all four doors are manufactured in exposed carbon fiber with one purposeful arm pad on each door. The seats, which are Recaro carbon fiber buckets up front, are trimmed with blue Alcantara and blue Italian leather with Moondust Alcantara upper sections, creating an articulated, form-fitted feel. To support high-speed driving and intense braking force, the accelerator, brake pedal and dead pedal are billet machined aluminum.

The instrument panel is reimagined in glossy carbon fiber and incorporates anodized billet aluminum HVAC vents. The carbon fiber center console is simplified to include the essentials only: the PRND gear selector, window switches, key fob holder, and Emergency kill switch. This console extends through to the rear compartment, to which the client’s custom-fitted carbon fiber racing helmet is held in place by a center-latched strap matching the blue seat belts.

About Karma Automotive
Karma Automotive is America’s only full-line ultra-luxury vehicle manufacturer, and a pioneer of Plug-in Series Hybrid vehicles which it manufactures at its Karma Innovation and Customization Center (KICC) in Moreno Valley, CA. Its Executive, Product Development, and Design headquarters are located in nearby Irvine, CA. The Karma portfolio embodies California’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial boldness, reflected by the signature Comet Line which is the central hallmark of Karma’s new design language. The Gyesera Grand Coupe, a Plug-in Series Hybrid four-seater, arrives at dealerships in December 2026; and the Amaris GT 2-Door Plug-in Series Hybrid arrives in Q4 2027. The Karma Kaveya Super Coupe, with over 1,000HP and butterfly-doors, will arrive in Q1 2028, to be followed by the Karma Ivara GT-UV: both EVs will incorporate SDVA (Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture) developed with leading technology partners. For more information, visit www.karmaautomotive.com) 

Media Contact:

Joe Richardson, (917) 716-6617
Joe@BeautifulNoisePR.com 

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SOURCE Karma Automotive

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