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New configuration purpose-built for the needs of in-city, last-mile package deliveryLower entry price combined with 100-mile range offers more affordable option for companies seeking to diversify fleets as a hedge against rising fuel prices DETROIT, March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WKHS) (“Workhorse”), a North American OEM and provider of all-electric trucks, step vans, shuttles and buses, today announced the availability of a new W56 Step Van model with a 140 kWh battery. The new model is based on the same platform as the 210 kWh Workhorse W56 step van, which is renowned for its spacious cargo, ergonomic design, reliability and durability and comes in two wheelbases (Standard and Extended).

W56 step vans with the Standard Wheelbase and 140 kWh configuration offer an estimated nominal range of 100 miles per charge at full payload. Pricing begins at $169,000 which includes a fully-integrated, purpose-built composite body. Because Workhorse produces the W56 fully on site, it has greater control of the process which can result in lower costs and more predictable delivery timelines.

The Standard 178" Wheelbase offers 1,000 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload of 11,000 lbs., making it ideal for many last-mile delivery needs. The Expanded 208" Wheelbase offers 1,000 cubic feet of cargo space and 10,000 lbs., making it perfect for larger loads with the added benefit of enhanced stability for efficient operations.

“The new 140 kWh version of our W56 step van is a result of listening to customer feedback and purpose-building a product to meet their needs,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Workhorse. “We’ve been able to balance the functional needs of fleets – range, durability, reliability and performance – with a lower entry price to offer a ‘no-compromise’ electric truck.”

Fleet operators, (such as the network of independent service providers (ISPs) operating FedEx Ground routes, including Stables by Workhorse, an ISP that is owned and operated by Workhorse), have consistently reported that 100 miles of daily range substantially exceeds their needs for many of their routes. They’ve stated that a more appropriately sized battery pack at a lower price point would strengthen the business case for electrification.

The timing of today’s announcement comes as oil prices have surged — exceeding $100 at their recent peak1 — following geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East. Analysts at Goldman Sachs have warned that triple-digit oil could become a structural reality for years to come2. For fleet operators of any size, fuel is often the second-largest operating expense after the cost/depreciation of the vehicle itself3.

“Commercial ground fleets have similar exposure to spikes in fuel prices as airlines, and the launch of this new model offers fleets a no-compromise option to control costs while still ensuring efficient operations,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Workhorse. “Because electricity costs are low, local, and more immune to global oil shocks, we believe every electric truck in a mixed fleet can act as a buffer against the volatility that is once again hammering operators who run entirely on gasoline and diesel.”

The new model and pricing are a result of the initial synergies realized through Workhorse’s December 2025 merger with Motiv Electric Trucks, as the combined company works to drive down production costs through economies of scale as well as operational and supply chain efficiencies. Fleets now have new options as they seek to reduce overall operating costs and hedge against the volatility of gas prices. ISPs can now operate a blend of 140 kWh and 210 kWh configurations of the Workhorse W56 to optimize performance among the mix of shorter and longer routes they serve daily.

The W56 is currently in production at Workhorse’s commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Union City, Indiana, which is capable of producing up to 5,000+ vehicles per year on a single operating shift. Workhorse sells its vehicles through a national dealer network, with post-sale support bolstered by regionally deployed Workhorse-trained technicians.

About Workhorse Group Inc.
Headquartered in the Detroit area with a commercial-scale manufacturing plant in Union City, Indiana, Workhorse (Nasdaq: WKHS) is redefining what a medium-duty truck should be. Workhorse builds software-first, electric trucks, shuttles and buses that are powerful, cost-efficient, reliable, safe and comfortable — all with zero tailpipe emissions. Our deep experience building electric vehicles at scale drives intentional innovations designed to help customers lower operating costs, improve fleet performance, enhance the driver experience, and maximize uptime without compromise. More information is available at www.workhorse.com.

Media Relations Contact:
Workhorse
John Williams, Communications
+1-206-660-5503, [email protected]

ICR, Inc.,
[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:
[email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including, among other things, statements regarding future events, plans and anticipated results of operations, business strategies, the anticipated benefits of the Motiv/Workhorse merger, the anticipated impact of the Workhorse/Motiv merger on the combined company’s business and future financial and operating results, the expected amount and timing of synergies from the Workhorse/Motiv merger and other aspects of either company’s operations or operating results are forward-looking statements. Some of these statements may be identified by the use of the words “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “estimated”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “targets”, “projects”, “contemplates”, “predicts”, “potential”, “continue”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of Workhorse as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include our ability to achieve the expected synergies and/or efficiencies from our operations and as a result of the Motiv/Workhorse merger; the effect of the announcement of the Motiv/Workhorse merger on the ability of the parties to operate their businesses and retain and hire key personnel and to maintain favorable business relationships; the possibility that the integration of the parties may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruptions may be greater than expected; the risk that the price of our securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors; changes in laws, regulations, technologies, the global supply chain, and macro-economic and social environments affecting our business; and our ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq rules and otherwise maintain our listing of securities on Nasdaq.

Additional information on these and other factors that may cause actual results and Workhorse’s performance to differ materially is included in Workhorse’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, but not limited to, Workhorse’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, including those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” therein, and Workhorse’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of Workhorse’s filings with the SEC are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained by contacting Workhorse. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Workhorse undertakes no obligations to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

1 https://qz.com/brent-crude-oil-prices-wti-iran-war-energy-attacks-south-pars
2 https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/20/energy/oil-gas-prices-intl-hnk
3 https://www.automotive-fleet.com/346725/containing-fuel-spend-is-a-top-fleet-focus-despite-price-stability

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7d2a6f4-92e1-44f6-817b-94364a951e49

Workhorse's New Model of its W56 Electric Step Van Workhorse is announcing a new model of its W56 all-electric step van. The 140 kWh model offers 100-m...

Key Takeaways Rising P/E signals investor confidence and expectations of strong future earnings growth. Momentum filters show consistent price gains vs. past periods and the S&P 500.Screening narrows 7,700 stocks to 66, highlighting high-quality breakout candidates. Investors often opt for the stock-picking approach that involves stocks with a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. This strategy is based on the notion that the lower the P/E ratio, the higher the stock value. The reasoning behind this is straightforward — when a stock's current market price does not adequately reflect its higher earnings, it suggests potential for growth.

But there is more to this whole P/E story. Because not only low P/E, stocks with a rising P/E can also fetch strong returns. In this regard, investors can bet on the likes of H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) , Sportsman's Warehouse (SPWH - Free Report) , Sera Prognostics (SERA - Free Report) , Veeva Systems (VEEV - Free Report) and Workhorse Group (WKHS - Free Report) .

Rising P/E: A Useful ToolThe concept is that as earnings rise, so should the price of the stock. As forecasts for expected earnings come in higher, strong demand for the stock should continue to push up its prices. After all, a stock's P/E gives an indication of how much investors are ready to shell out per dollar of earnings.

Suppose an investor wants to buy a stock with a P/E ratio of 30. This means that he is willing to shell out $30 for only $1 worth of earnings, as he expects earnings of the company to rise at a faster pace in the future, owing to strong fundamentals.

So, if the P/E of a stock is rising steadily, it means that investors are assured of its inherent strength and expect some strong positives out of it.

Also, studies have revealed that stocks have seen their P/E ratios jump over 100% from their breakout point in the cycle. So, if you can pick stocks early in their breakout cycle, you can end up seeing considerable gains.

The Winning StrategyIn order to shortlist stocks that are exhibiting an increasing P/E, we chose the following as our primary screening parameters.

EPS growth estimate for the current year is greater than or equal to last year’s actual growth

Percentage change in last year EPS should be greater than or equal to zero

(These two criteria point to flat earnings or a growth trend over the years.)

Percentage change in price over four weeks greater than the percentage change in price over 12 weeks

Percentage change in price over 12 weeks greater than percentage change in price over 24 weeks

(These two criteria show that the price of a stock has been increasing consistently over the said timeframes.)

Percentage price change for four weeks relative to the S&P 500 greater than the percentage price change for 12 weeks relative to the S&P 500

Percentage price change for 12 weeks relative to the S&P 500 greater than the percentage price change for 24 weeks relative to the S&P 500

(Here, the case for consistent price gains gets even stronger as it displays percentage price changes relative to the S&P 500.)

Percentage price change for 12 weeks is 20% higher than or equal to the percentage price change for 24 weeks, but it should not exceed 100%

(A 20% increase in the price of a stock from the breakout point gives cues of an impending uptrend. But a jump of over 100% indicates that there is limited scope for further upside and that the stock might be due for a reversal.)

In addition, we place a few other criteria that lead us to some likely outperformers.

Zacks Rank less than or equal to 2: Only companies with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) can get through.

Average 20-day Volume greater than or equal to 50,000: High trading volume implies that the stocks have adequate liquidity.

Just these few criteria narrowed down the universe from over 7,700 stocks to just 66.

Here are five out of the 66 stocks:

H&R Block: This Zacks Rank #2 company is a leading provider of tax preparation services. The company provides assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself (DIY) tax solutions, and other products and services associated with income tax return preparation in the United States, Canada and Australia. All these continuing operations are reported under a single segment. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The average four-quarter earnings surprise of HRB is 1.57%.

Sportsman's Warehouse: This Zacks Rank #2 company is an outdoor sporting goods retailer.

The average four-quarter earnings surprise of SPWH is 38.37%.

Sera Prognostics: This Zacks Rank #2 company is a women's health diagnostics company.

The average four-quarter earnings surprise of SERA is 15.54%.

Veeva Systems: This Zacks Rank #2 company offers cloud-based software applications and data solutions for the life sciences industry.

The average four-quarter earnings surprise of VEEV is 7.47%.

Workhorse Group: This Zacks Rank #2 company is engaged in designing, developing, manufacturing and selling medium-duty trucks.

The average four-quarter earnings surprise of WKHS is 19.89%.

DETROIT, April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WKHS) (“Workhorse”), a North American OEM and provider of all-electric trucks, step vans, shuttles and buses, today announced a limited-time pricing promotion on its W56 electric step van lineup. Effective April 1 through September 30, 2026, customers can purchase W56 step vans at significantly reduced prices through any authorized Workhorse dealer.

Promotional Pricing — April 1 through September 30, 2026:

W56 Standard Wheelbase (178”), 210 kWh: New pricing starts at $196,000 (versus $255,000 prior to promotion) — a savings of $59,000W56 Extended Wheelbase (208”), 210 kWh: New pricing starts at $204,000 (versus $265,000 prior to promotion) — a savings of $61,000 This promotion is timed to help commercial fleets manage costs at a time when high fuel prices are driving costs for fleets, enabled, in part, by the initial synergies realized through Workhorse’s December 2025 merger with Motiv Electric Trucks. The combined company has worked to drive down production costs through economies of scale, operational and supply chain efficiencies and product roadmap-driven Bill of Materials (BOM) and build cost reductions.

The W56 step van, with its spacious cargo capacity, demonstrated operating cost savings of 64 percent compared to internal combustion engines1, ergonomic design, reliability and durability, is designed to meet the needs of real-world duty cycles, driver usability, and long-term durability. Every model includes a fully-integrated, purpose-built composite body. Because Workhorse produces the W56 fully on site, it has greater control of the manufacturing process, which can result in lower costs and more predictable delivery timelines.

The Standard 178" Wheelbase offers 1,000 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload of 10,000 lbs., while the Expanded 208" Wheelbase offers 1,200 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload of 9,000 lbs., making both configurations well-suited for the full spectrum of last-mile delivery needs. Workhorse recently announced a 140 kWh version of the W56 in both wheelbase options, with an estimated nominal range of 100 miles per charge, slightly more payload capacity, and a base price of $169,000.

The lower cost 140 kWh model and the new promotional prices for the 210 kWh model can be further reduced by various state incentive programs. California’s HVIP program, for instance, offers between $60,000 and $80,000 for qualifying vehicles. Washington state’s soon-to-be-launched WAZIP program offers incentives from $60,000 up to $100,000. A number of other states offer lower, but still significant, incentive amounts. Combining these incentives with the promotional pricing can significantly reduce, if not virtually eliminate in some cases, the price difference between an electric step van and a gas-powered one.

Today, many fleets are seeing significantly increased operating costs as a result of rising fuel prices, which now exceed $4.00 per gallon in many states resulting from the geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East2, with analysts warning that high fuel prices could become a reality for years to come. For commercial fleet operators, fuel can be the second-largest operating expense after the vehicle itself3—and the current spike is hitting fleets hard. Fleets are also increasingly prioritizing cost stability, operational predictability, and vehicle uptime—areas where purpose-built electric platforms are delivering measurable advantages.

“We know exactly what this oil price environment is doing to fleet operators, because we live it every day,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Workhorse. “Through Stables by Workhorse, our own FedEx Ground ISP operation, we see firsthand how fuel costs are hammering route economics. Lowering the purchase price of the W56 is one of the most direct ways we can help our customers. As package delivery companies typically plan months in advance of the busy holiday season, there’s never been a better time to add electric trucks to their fleets.”

Electric trucks offer a compelling total cost of ownership versus their internal combustion counterparts. Workhorse has demonstrated 64 percent operating cost savings compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in its Stables by Workhorse fleet, and that case strengthens considerably in periods of high oil prices. Electricity costs are comparatively low, often locally sourced and can be largely immune to the global oil shocks that are currently hammering gas- and diesel-dependent fleets. Every electric step van in a mixed fleet acts as a hedge, and can stabilize per-mile operating costs independent of what happens at the pump.

All models of the W56 lineup are produced at Workhorse’s commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Union City, Indiana, which is capable of producing up to 5,000+ vehicles per year on a single operating shift. Workhorse sells its vehicles through a national dealer network, with post-sale support bolstered by regionally deployed Workhorse-trained technicians. With expanded scale, an established dealer network, and more than 20 million real-world miles driven across its fleet, Workhorse brings a level of operational experience and production readiness that is critical for fleets making the transition to electric vehicles today.

About Workhorse Group Inc.

Headquartered in the Detroit area with a commercial-scale manufacturing plant in Union City, Indiana, Workhorse (Nasdaq: WKHS) is redefining what a medium-duty truck should be. Workhorse builds software-first, electric trucks, shuttles and buses that are powerful, cost-efficient, reliable, safe and comfortable — all with zero tailpipe emissions. Our deep experience building electric vehicles at scale drives intentional innovations designed to help customers lower operating costs, improve fleet performance, enhance the driver experience, and maximize uptime without compromise. More information is available at www.workhorse.com.

Media Relations Contacts:

Workhorse
John Williams, Communications
+1-206-660-5503, [email protected]

ICR, Inc.
[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:
[email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including, among other things, statements regarding future events and plans regarding Workhorse’s ability to achieve profitability, Workhorse’s sales, pricing and product pipeline, Workhorse’s access to capital to fund operations and fulfill orders, and other statements regarding the company’s anticipated or planned operations are forward-looking statements. Some of these statements may be identified by the use of the words “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “estimated”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “targets”, “projects”, “contemplates”, “predicts”, “potential”, “continue”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of Workhorse as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include our ability to raise capital to fund our operations and to maintain access to our current debt facilities, our ability to achieve the expected synergies and/or efficiencies from our operations and as a result of the Motiv/Workhorse merger; our ability to reduce the cost to build our vehicles; the effect of the Motiv/Workhorse merger on the ability of the parties to operate their businesses and retain and hire key personnel and to maintain favorable business relationships; the possibility that the integration of the parties may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruptions may be greater than expected; and changes in laws, regulations, technologies, the global market and supply chain, and macro-economic and social environments affecting our business, including demand for electric trucks and our cost of production.

Additional information on these and other factors that may cause actual results and Workhorse’s performance to differ materially is included in Workhorse’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, but not limited to, Workhorse’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, including those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” therein, and Workhorse’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of Workhorse’s filings with the SEC are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained by contacting Workhorse. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Workhorse undertakes no obligations to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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1 Based on 2023 full year operations of W56 trucks at Stables by Workhorse, which operates FedEx ISP Fleet
2 https://www.investopedia.com/20-states-now-have-gas-prices-at-4-plus-see-what-youll-pay-in-your-state-11943493#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways,each%20month%20the%20disruption%20persists.
3 https://www.automotive-fleet.com/346725/containing-fuel-spend-is-a-top-fleet-focus-despite-price-stability

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f30e29ae-ec30-4676-998b-612870e1f8e1

Workhorse Launches Pricing Promotion on W56 Electric Step Vans Price reductions of up to $61,000 are expected to make the W56 electric step vans a more attractive ...

DETROIT, April 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WKHS) (“Workhorse”), a North American OEM and provider of all-electric trucks, step vans, shuttles and buses, and Kingsburg Truck Center (KTC), a leading California truck dealer, today announced a purchase order for 100 W56 fully-electric step vans from Gateway Fleets, a California-based provider of bundled electric vehicle and charging solutions for commercial delivery operators.

Gateway plans to deploy the W56 step vans across its network of electrified sites and is preparing to launch additional locations, to be announced in the coming months, expanding access to reliable charging across key markets. The company’s bundled model is designed to simplify electric fleet operations, pairing purpose-built electric trucks with on-site charging infrastructure, fleet support, and depot access — all available through flexible financing arrangements.

By offering W56 step vans through a lease structure, Gateway Fleets enables operators to access the fuel and maintenance savings of electric vehicles while managing cash flow and avoiding large upfront capital expenditures. The company currently operates depots in Southern California and is scaling its network to meet growing operator demand across the region and beyond.

“Gateway Fleets understands the challenges fleets are facing right now, and they’ve built a business model designed to solve it,” said Scott Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of Workhorse. “On top of the overall reduced costs of operating electric trucks, fleet electrification offers a counterweight to the current exorbitant costs and volatility of fossil fuels. Gateway’s bundled model enables fleets to seamlessly add electric trucks to their fleet by handling every aspect of electrification. We’re proud to support their vision.”

The W56 step vans available through Gateway are the Standard Wheelbase (178") with a 210 kWh battery, offering 1,000 cubic feet of cargo space, a payload of 10,000 lbs. and a nominal range of 150 miles per charge. Every van features a fully-integrated, purpose-built composite body, an ergonomic driver environment, and a platform engineered for the demands of high-cycle last-mile delivery.

“Even when factoring in electricity costs, we’ve seen fuel cost savings of up to 65 percent on active delivery routes, based on a year-long, real-world case study at our Riverside, California site. That’s real impact for operators managing tight margins. Vehicles like the W56 are performing reliably in last-mile operations, and through close coordination with partners like Workhorse and Kingsburg Truck Center, we’re delivering a more complete solution for operators,” said Jamie Miller, Chief Revenue Officer of Gateway Fleets.

All W56 models are produced at Workhorse’s commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Union City, Indiana, which is capable of producing up to 5,000+ vehicles per year on a single operating shift. To date, Workhorse has delivered more than 1,100 vehicles that have collectively accumulated more than 20 million real-world miles across customer fleets.

Vehicles are expected to begin deploying in July 2026, ahead of “peak” season, the lead-up to and through the holidays when package delivery volumes spike, supporting operators during the busiest time of year.

“At Kingsburg Truck Center, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the commercial transportation shift toward zero-emissions. This 100-unit commitment is a testament to the reliability of the Workhorse W56 and the strength of the partnership we've built with Gateway Fleets,” said Jerry Smith, President of Kingsburg Truck Center. “By combining Workhorse's quality engineering with our extensive experience in navigating the complex grant and incentive landscape, we are removing the traditional financial barriers to EV adoption and making it easier than ever for fleets to scale efficiently.”

Fleets interested in leasing a Workhorse W56 should contact Gateway Fleets directly or visit www.gatewayfleets.com.

About Workhorse Group Inc.

Headquartered in the Detroit area with a commercial-scale manufacturing plant in Union City, Indiana, Workhorse (Nasdaq: WKHS) is redefining what a medium-duty truck should be. Workhorse builds software-first, electric trucks, shuttles and buses that are powerful, cost-efficient, reliable, safe, and comfortable — all with zero tailpipe emissions. Our deep experience building electric vehicles at scale drives intentional innovations designed to help customers lower operating costs, improve fleet performance, enhance the driver experience, and maximize uptime without compromise. More information is available at www.workhorse.com.

About Gateway Fleets

Gateway Fleets is a California-based provider of complete electric vehicle and charging solutions designed for commercial delivery operators. Gateway delivers electric trucks, fast flat-rate charging infrastructure, real-time fleet visibility and support, and depot access in a single bundled package — removing the barriers to electric fleet adoption and enabling operators to focus on their routes. Gateway Fleets currently serves operators in Southern California and is expanding to meet growing demand. More information is available at www.gatewayfleets.com.

About Kingsburg Truck Center
Based in Kingsburg, California, Kingsburg Truck Center is one of the nation's leading commercial truck dealerships and was the first full-service authorized dealer for Workhorse Group Inc. in the state of California. Specializing in advanced vocational solutions and zero-emission fleet deployment, Kingsburg Truck Center provides comprehensive upfitting, sales, and service for the medium-duty market. The company is a recognized leader in California's incentive ecosystem, leveraging deep expertise in grant writing and voucher processing to maximize funding for fleet transitions. As a strategic partner for sustainable transportation, Kingsburg Truck Center helps operators navigate technical and financial complexities to achieve zero-emission goals. More information is available at kingsburgtruckcenter.com.

Contacts:

Workhorse
John Williams, Communications
+1-206-660-5503, [email protected]

ICR, Inc.
[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

[email protected]

Gateway Fleets

[email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including statements regarding the planned delivery of vehicles to Gateway Fleets, Gateway Fleets’ intended leasing activities, anticipated fleet operator demand for electric vehicles, and the expected deployment date of purchased trucks are forward-looking statements. Some of these statements may be identified by the use of the words “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “estimated”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “targets”, “projects”, “contemplates”, “predicts”, “potential”, “continue”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of Workhorse as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include our ability to raise capital to fund our operations and to maintain access to our current debt facilities; our ability to achieve the expected synergies and/or efficiencies from our operations and as a result of the Motiv/Workhorse merger; our ability to reduce the cost to build our vehicles; changes in laws, regulations, technologies, the global supply chain, and macro-economic and social environments affecting our business, including demand for electric trucks and our cost of production; and our ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq rules and otherwise maintain our listing of securities on Nasdaq.

Additional information on these and other factors that may cause actual results and Workhorse’s performance to differ materially is included in Workhorse’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including Workhorse’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 including those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” therein, and Workhorse’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of Workhorse’s filings with the SEC are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained by contacting Workhorse. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Workhorse undertakes no obligations to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required by law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29860789-3031-43f2-824d-05964608aaca

Gateway Purchases 100 Workhorse W56 Step Vans A Workhorse W56 step van at a Gateway charging station

Revenue of $4.3 million in Q1 2026, compared to $1.1 million in Q1 2025 on a comparable GAAP basisDelivered 21 vehicles in Q1 2026, compared to 5 vehicles in Q1 2025Announced 100-vehicle W56 purchase order from Gateway Fleets, with deliveries expected to begin in July 2026; combined with Purolator 100 vehicle order and other unannounced orders, drives total contracted backlog of 200+ vehicles since merger closeLaunched 140 kWh W56 battery configuration and limited-time promotional pricing on 210 kWh W56, driving new commercial activityOn track to exit 2026 at $20 million annualized cost synergy run rate; facility consolidation to Union City, Indiana complete DETROIT, May 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WKHS) ("Workhorse" or the "Company"), a North American OEM and provider of all-electric trucks, step vans, shuttles and buses, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Today’s results represent the Company’s first full quarter as a combined company following the completion of its merger with Motiv Electric Trucks in December 2025.

“Reflecting back on the first quarter, I am pleased to report we are continuing to deliver on our commitments, controlling what is controllable, and positioning Workhorse for sustained growth,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Workhorse. “We believe a strong product-market fit exists in the medium duty segment, with numerous large fleets already deploying electric vehicles at scale, making this $23 billion commercial vehicle market near a tipping point of an electric transition. Our efforts this year have been focused on reducing the time to that tipping point.”

Running an electric fleet reduces operating costs to 20 percent of the cost compared to gas and diesel vehicles, according to data from the Stables by Workhorse program1, our subsidiary that operates as an Independent Service Provider contracted with FedEx using a mix of gas and electric delivery trucks. While such operating cost savings make a compelling case to electrify, the higher upfront cost of an electric vehicle is still an obstacle for many.

“We took decisive steps in the first quarter to address the issue of upfront cost by introducing a lower cost version (140 kWh) of our W56 step van, while also launching promotional pricing on our 210 kWh,” said Griffith. “Both efforts have generated strong interest and sales, including our announced 100-unit order from Gateway Fleets.”

Workhorse also believes that fundamental, structural changes in hardware and software, as well as strategic use of the global supply chain, are required to create further cost reductions needed to effectively compete with ICE vehicles.

Toward that end, Workhorse has developed a plan for a new, proprietary “modular” chassis design that will be produced exclusively at its Union City manufacturing plant. The new chassis design will be based on the foundational learnings gathered from proven W56 components but with a scalable architecture that supports flexible wheelbase configurations, advanced battery and axle technologies, and next-generation software and power electronics.

In addition, Workhorse has developed a plan for its first Class 5/6 cab chassis, which will pair the new modular chassis with a lightweight, low-cost cab designed for efficient upfitting, spanning applications across all classes of medium duty trucks. Workhorse’s engineering team is planning to begin test and validation of both products in 2026, supporting a planned start of production for the cab chassis platform in early 2027.

Last, the Company took actionable steps to further provide a high level of support demanded by large fleets by announcing a new at-scale customer support program across its North American network of trucks through a combination of national dealer relationships, internal capabilities and a partnership with InCharge Energy. This industry-first partnership is a key aspect of plans to deliver scalable ‘first-call’ service operations and provide large fleets with what they value most – high uptime.

“Ultimately, we believe we’re very well positioned in the category to deliver on both of the key drivers of the tipping point to the electrification of the medium duty segment: ICE-comparable economics and professional, scalable post-sale support,” said Griffith. “We believe our revised product priorities and new product development roadmap will address the need to deliver on the first, while our new partnership with InCharge, combined with the ongoing learnings from our existing customers and data from our own operations at our FedEx ISP, put us in a great position to solve the second.”

____________________
1 Q1 Actual operating data (fuel and electricity costs) from Stables by Workhorse

First Quarter and Recent Strategic Highlights

Merger Integration on Track: Facility aggregation is complete, including the relocation of the EPIC 4 and F59 production lines to Union City, Indiana. Platform commonization and supply chain optimization efforts are underway.Targeting $20 Million in Annualized Cost Synergies: The Company continues to expect to exit 2026 at a $20 million annualized cost synergy run rate, with early savings already being realized through the elimination of duplicative administrative functions.Gateway Fleets 100-Vehicle Order: In late April, the Company announced a 100-vehicle W56 purchase order from Gateway Fleets through partner Kingsburg Truck Center in California, with deliveries expected to begin in July 2026. The order was influenced by the Company's promotional pricing, demonstrating how the flexibility afforded by the Company’s cost reduction efforts is translating to commercial success.Purolator 100-Vehicle Order: Purolator, a leading Canadian integrated freight and logistics provider, placed a 100-vehicle purchase order for fully-electric step vans — Purolator’s fourth order with the company over a multi-year period and one that will double the number of Workhorse vehicles in its fleet. Deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights *

Revenue: Sales, net of returns and allowances, for the first quarter of 2026 were $4.3 million, compared to $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Vehicles Delivered: The Company delivered 21 vehicles during the first quarter of 2026, compared to 5 vehicles in the first quarter of 2025.Cost of Sales: Cost of sales for the first quarter of 2026 was $11.8 million, compared to $2.2 million in the prior year quarter. Cost of sales increased on higher sales volume and also reflects the higher fixed cost base of the pre-facility consolidation combined manufacturing footprint, including the costs for the Workhorse manufacturing facility as well as contract manufacturing under the legacy Motiv operational structure during the quarter. Gross loss for the quarter was $7.5 million.Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2026 were $13.6 million, compared to $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2025. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $9.5 million and research and development expenses were $4.1 million.Operating Loss: Operating loss was $21.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $9.1 million in the first quarter of 2025.Net Loss: Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 was $19.9 million, or $1.99 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $12.7 million, or $1.36 per share, in the same period last year. Conference Call

Workhorse management will hold a conference call on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss these results and answer related questions.

To listen to the conference call webcast, please go to the Investor Relations section of Workhorse’s website at ir.workhorse.com.

To listen via telephone, please call (877)-407-0789 (U.S.) or (201)-689-8562 (international).

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available after 7pm Eastern time on the same day through May 28, 2026.

Toll-free replay number: (844)-512-2921
International replay number: (412)-317-6671
Replay ID: 13760452

About Workhorse Group Inc.

Headquartered in the Detroit area with a commercial-scale manufacturing plant in Indiana, Workhorse (Nasdaq: WKHS) is redefining what a medium-duty truck should be. Workhorse builds software-first, electric trucks, shuttles and buses that are powerful, cost-efficient, reliable, safe and comfortable—all with zero tailpipe emissions.

Our deep experience building electric vehicles at scale drives intentional innovations designed to help customers lower operating costs, improve performance of their fleets, enhance the driver experience, and maximize uptime without compromise. By electrifying their fleets, our customers can make a positive impact on our world while meeting their financial, sustainability and compliance goals.

More information is available at www.workhorse.com.

Media Relations Contacts:

Workhorse
John Williams, Communications
+1-206-660-5503, [email protected]
ICR, Inc.
[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

[email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including, among other things, statements regarding future events, plans and anticipated results of operations, business strategies, the anticipated benefits of the Motiv/Workhorse merger, the anticipated impact of the Workhorse/Motiv merger on the combined company’s business and future financial and operating results, the expected amount and timing of synergies from the Workhorse/Motiv merger, Workhorse’s ability to achieve profitability, Workhorse’s sales integration and pipeline, Workhorse’s access to capital to fund operations and fulfill orders, Workhorse’s expected delivery of contracted vehicle orders, Workhorse’s product development plans, and other statements regarding the company’s anticipated or planned operations, access to capital or operating results are forward-looking statements. Some of these statements may be identified by the use of the words “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “estimated”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “targets”, “projects”, “contemplates”, “predicts”, “potential”, “continue”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of Workhorse as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include our ability to raise capital to fund our operations and to maintain access to our current debt facilities; our ability to achieve the expected synergies and/or efficiencies from our operations and as a result of the Motiv/Workhorse merger; our ability to reduce the cost to build our vehicles; our ability to deliver vehicles as contracted; our ability to further develop and bring to market new products as planned; the effect of the Motiv/Workhorse merger on the ability of the parties to operate their businesses and retain and hire key personnel and to maintain favorable business relationships; the possibility that the integration of the parties may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruptions may be greater than expected; the risk that the price of our securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors; changes in laws, regulations, technologies, the global supply chain, and macro-economic and social environments affecting our business, including demand for electric trucks and our cost of production; our status as a controlled company; and our ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq rules and otherwise maintain our listing of securities on Nasdaq.

Additional information on these and other factors that may cause actual results and Workhorse’s performance to differ materially is included in Workhorse’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, but not limited to, Workhorse’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, including those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” therein, and Workhorse’s subsequent periodic reports. Copies of Workhorse’s filings with the SEC are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained by contacting Workhorse. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Workhorse undertakes no obligations to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

* Note on Financial Statement Presentation

On December 15, 2025, we completed our merger with Motiv. While the legal acquirer in the merger was Workhorse, for financial accounting and reporting purposes under U.S. GAAP, Motiv was the accounting acquirer, and the Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition. Accordingly, the consolidated assets, liabilities and results of operations of Motiv became the historical consolidated financial statements of the consolidated company, and Workhorse’s assets, liabilities and results of operations were consolidated with those of Motiv beginning on December 15, 2025. As a result, comparative first quarter 2025 financial information reflects only Motiv and is not directly comparable to the combined company results for the first quarter of 2026.

    Workhorse Group Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets    (in thousands, except share amounts)(Unaudited)
March 31, 2026 December 31,
2025Assets   Current assets:   Cash and cash equivalents$600  $12,240 Restricted cash 680   680 Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $295 and $435 as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively 3,422   3,889 Inventory, net 37,272   39,065 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,059   3,948 Total current assets 47,033   59,822 Property, plant and equipment, net 20,689   22,470 Goodwill 3,482   3,130 Intangible assets, net 10,041   10,182 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 21,075   21,872 Other assets 416   416 Total Assets$102,736  $117,892 Liabilities   Current liabilities:   Accounts payable$13,461  $13,301 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 11,993   11,063 Deferred revenue 1,291   1,615 Warranty liability - current portion 3,830   3,183 Operating lease liability - current portion 1,387   3,616 Stock rights liability 1,339   6,074 Customer order credit agreement - related party 5,000   — Total current liabilities 38,301   38,852 Operating lease liability - long-term 20,839   18,777 Cash flow credit agreement - related party 10,000   10,000 Convertible notes at fair value - related party 5,679   5,429 Warranty liability - long-term 1,724   1,792 Total Liabilities 76,543   74,850 Commitments and contingencies   Stockholders’ Equity:   Series A preferred stock, par value of $0.001 per share, 75,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively —   — Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 36,000,000 and shares authorized, 10,449,859 and 9,699,858 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively 11   10 Additional paid-in capital 365,087   362,055 Accumulated deficit (338,905)  (319,023)Total stockholders’ equity 26,193   43,042 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$102,736  $117,892          Workhorse Group Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)   Three Months Ended
March 31,(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2026   2025 Sales, net of returns and allowances$4,329  $1,145 Cost of sales 11,811   2,224 Gross loss (7,482)  (1,079)Operating expenses:   Selling, general and administrative 9,545   4,340 Research and development 4,069   3,660 Total operating expenses 13,614   8,000 Loss from operations (21,096)  (9,079)Interest expense, net (354)  (3,576)Change in fair value of convertible note (145)  — Change in fair value of stock rights 1,703   — Other expense (24)  (1)Loss before benefit for income taxes (19,916)  (12,656)Benefit for income taxes 34   — Net loss$(19,882) $(12,656)    Net loss per share of common stock   Basic and Diluted$(1.99) $(1.36)    Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share of common stock   Basic and Diluted 10,014   9,329          Workhorse Group Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)   Three Months Ended
March 31,(in thousands) 2026   2025 Cash flows from operating activities:   Net loss$(19,882) $(12,656)Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:   Depreciation and amortization 2,015   197 Allowance for credit losses (140)  — Excess and obsolete inventory 66   — Non-cash lease expense 797   218 Warranty provision 1,800   251 Stock-based compensation —   106 Non-cash interest expense and change in fair value of convertible notes 250   — Non-cash change in fair value of stock rights (4,735)  — Non-cash conversion of stock rights 3,032   — Loss on disposal of assets 23   — Effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities:   Accounts receivable 642   (1,025)Inventory, net 1,727   (3,188)Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1,146)  330 Accounts payable 171   654 Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities (968)  2,954 Operating lease liability (167)  (328)Net cash used in operating activities (16,515)  (12,487)    Cash flows from investing activities:   Capital expenditures (125)  (168)Net cash used in investing activities (125)  (168)Cash flows from financing activities:   Proceeds from secured promissory note - related party —   10,000 Proceeds from Customer Order Credit Agreement 5,000   — Net cash provided by financing activities 5,000   10,000     Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (11,640)  (2,655)Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of the period 12,920   6,629 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of the period$1,280  $3,974     Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:   Cash paid for interest$227  $— Cash paid for taxes$—  $—                  Workhorse Group, Inc.
Unaudited Pro Forma Revenue

The table below reflects the combined revenue of Workhorse and Motiv for the period ended March 31, 2025 as if the merger had occurred at the beginning of the period presented. The unaudited pro forma revenue presented is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the merger was completed at the beginning of the period presented or of the future operating results of the combined company. A reconciliation of pro forma revenue is provided below.

(in thousands)For the
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025Sales, net of returns and allowances, as reported$1,145Pre-Merger Workhorse sales, net of returns and allowances 641Pro forma combined revenue$1,786   

CHARACTERS FROM THE UPCOMING HUNDRED ACRE WOOD SERIES JOIN KARTOON STUDIOS' CEO, CFO, AND HEAD OF TOON NETWORKS IN A GROUNDBREAKING PRESENTATION OUTLINING THE COMPANY'S GROWTH STRATEGY AND COMING PROPERTIES' TRANSITION TO AI-DRIVEN ANIMATION PRODUCTION

Building on 2025 Momentum as Operating Performance Improves and the Company Scales Its IP-Driven Strategy 

Distribution Revenue Climbs 15% Compared to Prior Year Period as Streamers, Kartoon Channel! and Ameba Expand Engagement and Monetization

Kartoon Channel Continues Strategic Expansion of Globally Recognized Entertainment Brands With Licensing Deal for Mattel’s Animated Series Masters of the Universe (2002) and American Girl (2016)

Operating Costs Decline 20% as Loss From Operations Continues to Narrow Year-Over-Year Reflecting Continued Operating Discipline 

Flagship Franchises, “Hundred Acre Wood” and “Stan Lee Universe”, Advance Toward Commercialization and Long-Term Monetization

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, building on the operational momentum established in 2025 as the Company executes its transition to an intellectual property-driven growth model, with early signs that the strategy is beginning to translate into operating performance. The Company’s franchise initiatives are anchored by ‘Hundred Acre Wood’, inspired by A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh, and ‘Stan Lee Universe’ based on IP from the iconic superhero creator Stan Lee.

During the quarter, the Company strengthened performance across its distribution network through its streaming services, Kartoon Channel, and Ameba, improved operating efficiency, and continued advancing its flagship franchise initiatives. This reflects the impact of prior investments in platform, content, and infrastructure, supporting a more scalable operating foundation and the broader commercialization of the Company’s intellectual property portfolio.

For the quarter, the Company reported total revenue of $7.2 million, with distribution revenue increasing 15% as compared to the same quarter last year, while total operating expenses declined 20%, contributing to improved operating performance.

Q1 2026 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Total Revenue: $7.2 million, compared to $9.5 million in Q1 2025, reflecting timing of production deliveries at Mainframe StudiosDistribution Revenue: $2.3 million, up 15% as compared to the same quarter last yearGeneral & Administrative Expenses: $5.1 million, down 10% as compared to Q1 2025Total Operating Expenses: $10.0 million, down 20% as compared to Q1 2025Loss from Operations: $2.8 million, improved 9% as compared to Q1 2025Balance Sheet: $6.0 million in cash & marketable securities and $30.7 million in total current assets as of March 31, 2026, with stockholders’ equity of $22.6 million “We are now entering the phase where Kartoon Studios is translating years of investment in our platform into measurable operating performance,” commented Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Kartoon Studios. “This quarter reflects continued momentum across our distribution business, where we are seeing growth in both engagement and monetization, alongside meaningful progress in improving our cost structure. Our channel system continues to grow and is still ranked #1 in the Apple app store by users above all our competitors”

“At the same time, our strategy is increasingly centered on the development and commercialization of our owned intellectual property. Our flagship franchises, Hundred Acre Wood and the Stan Lee Universe, are advancing as multi-platform initiatives designed to extend across content, licensing, and consumer products.”

“With our platform in place and our key franchises progressing, our focus is on execution, bringing these properties to market and converting them into scalable, higher-margin revenue opportunities that we believe will drive long-term value for the Company.”

Kartoon Studios continued to expand its owned distribution ecosystem during the quarter, with Kartoon Channel! and Ameba driving higher engagement and revenue contribution. During the first quarter, both Kartoon Channel! and Ameba achieved record paid subscriber levels, while also delivering breakout increases in viewer engagement across the Company’s subscription streaming platforms. Subscriber engagement on Kartoon Channel! increased more than 80% year-over-year during Q1 2026, while Ameba subscriber engagement increased more than 200% year-over-year.

The Company’s broader digital distribution strategy continues to gain traction, with YouTube, FAST, and VOD increasingly functioning as a discovery, engagement, and monetization flywheel. Broad audience reach and discoverability across these platforms are helping drive subscriber engagement, conversion, and monetization across the Company’s owned streaming services. This momentum is being supported by strong performance from recently acquired content, increasingly data-informed acquisition and programming decisions, and the Company’s operational expertise in driving reach and engagement across digital media platforms.

DISTRIBUTION PLATFORM CONTINUES TO EXPAND REACH AND MONETIZATION; ACQUIRES TOP TIER BRANDS FROM MATTEL

“Kartoon Channel is extremely proud to have closed a deal with Mattel to license the animated programs of both Masters of the Universe (2002) and American Girl (2016) for our premiere streaming service,” commented Mr. Heyward. Todd Steinman, President of Toon Media Networks, added, “Our strategy at Kartoon Channel is to continually align ourselves with globally recognized franchises and culturally resonant properties that already possess deep audience affinity and multi-generational appeal. The additions of Masters of the Universe (2002) and American Girl (2016) significantly strengthen that strategy.”

The 15% increase in distribution revenue reflects improved performance across the Company’s owned platforms alongside continued licensing of the Company’s intellectual property to third-party services. These results highlight the value of Kartoon Studios’ strategy of combining owned distribution with broader third-party platform reach to expand audience engagement and monetization opportunities. As the ecosystem continues to scale, the Company expects these combined revenue streams to play an increasingly important role in supporting recurring revenue growth.

The year-over-year change in total revenue primarily reflects the timing of production deliveries at Mainframe Studios, with several projects shifting from the first quarter into later periods in 2026. This timing variability is consistent with the nature of animation production schedules and does not reflect any loss of business or change in underlying demand. Mainframe Studios continues to maintain an active production pipeline with leading broadcast, streaming, and production partners, including recent and upcoming releases such as It’s Andrew, co-produced with Pirate Size Productions and Infinite Studios for CBC/SRC and ABC Australia; Unicorn Academy: Secrets Revealed for Spin Master on Netflix; and Phoebe & Jay for PBS. The Company maintains visibility into its production pipeline and expects these revenues to be recognized in future periods.

COST DISCIPLINE SUPPORTS IMPROVED OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Kartoon Studios continued to improve its cost structure during the quarter, contributing to stronger operating performance. Lower operating expenses reflect efficiencies achieved as the Company moves beyond its peak investment phase and aligns its cost base with current operations. Reduced general and administrative expenses, along with broader operational improvements, supported a narrowing of operating losses year-over-year. These improvements position the Company to benefit from future revenue growth as higher-margin activities become a larger part of the business.

FRANCHISE INITIATIVES PROGRESS TOWARD MARKET INTRODUCTION

Kartoon Studios continues to advance its intellectual property portfolio through scalable, multi-platform franchise initiatives, anchored by its flagship properties Hundred Acre Wood and the Stan Lee Universe.

With its core infrastructure in place, the Company is increasingly focused on execution, bringing its properties to market and expanding opportunities across content, licensing, and consumer products.

Hundred Acre Wood

Hundred Acre Wood, inspired by the classic works of A.A. Milne, remains a central component of the Company’s franchise strategy, designed as a multi-platform brand spanning episodic content, short-form programming, holiday specials, and consumer products.

The franchise is being developed with a broad content strategy that extends across both long-form and short-form programming, tailored for global distribution across streaming and digital platforms, while also supporting expansion into consumer products and licensing.

The series is being developed by a highly experienced creative team, including Executive Producer, Linda Woolverton, Composer, Danny Elfman, and Story Editor, Elise Allen. The brand has generated strong early audience response through previews and live events, and broadcast partners will be announced shortly.

As the property moves toward launch, the Company is focused on aligning content, distribution, and consumer products initiatives to support a coordinated global rollout.

Stan Lee Universe

Complementing this initiative, Kartoon Studios is also advancing the Stan Lee Universe, built around the legacy of one of the most influential creators in modern entertainment.

The initiative is focused on building a portfolio of original properties inspired by Stan Lee’s creative vision, including titles such as The Excelsiors and SuperHero Pets, with planned expansion across animation, publishing, licensing, and consumer products. 

Development is centered on creating a cohesive slate of character-driven franchises designed for introduction across multiple formats and platforms, with an emphasis on long-term brand development and sustained audience engagement.

As these properties move closer to market, the Company is focused on aligning creative development with distribution, licensing, and consumer products strategies, positioning the Stan Lee Universe as a scalable portfolio of original intellectual property.

LEVERAGING AN INTEGRATED PLATFORM

Kartoon Studios’ vertically integrated model continues to support its franchise strategy, enabling the Company to develop, distribute, and monetize content across multiple channels. By combining production capabilities, owned distribution platforms, marketing infrastructure, and licensing operations, the Company is positioned to capture value across the full lifecycle of its intellectual property.

“We are seeing a shift in our business and are quickly moving towards a tech-forward strategy focused on developing and deploying valuable IP across our media platform. We have the foundation in place, and our core business is shifting to align with this strategy. Overall, we are seeing the pivot of the company which is our competitive advantage – meaning we can move quicker and with purpose faster than our competitors” commented Brian Parisi, Chief Financial Officer. “We have foundational stability in our production, distribution and media advisory business, which remains an important driver of recurring revenue and long-term value for the IP we develop.”

“Looking ahead, our focus remains on executing against our platform while continuing to expand higher-margin, IP-driven revenue streams. As these initiatives scale, we expect further improvement in operating performance and margin profile over time,” concluded Parisi.

About Kartoon Studios

Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global leader in children’s and family entertainment, delivering premium content and high-value animated intellectual property to millions of viewers worldwide. The Company’s portfolio features globally recognized brands, as well as holding a controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, and operates Mainframe Studios, one of North America’s largest animation producers, with more than 22,000 minutes of award-winning programming delivered.

Through its Toon Media Networks division including Kartoon Channel!, Ameba, Kartoon Channel Worldwide and Frederator, Kartoon Studios reaches audiences across linear television, AVOD, SVOD, FAST channels, and top streaming platforms. Kartoon Channel! is consistently rated the #1 kids’ streaming app on the Apple App Store. With a global distribution footprint in over 60 territories, and a robust content pipeline, Kartoon Studios is positioned for sustained growth and long-term shareholder value.

For more information, visit www.kartoonstudios.com

Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding: the Company executing its transition to an intellectual property-driven growth model; early signs of that strategy beginning to translate into operating performance; continuing to advance the Company’s flagship franchise initiatives; prior investments in platform, content, and infrastructure, supporting a more scalable operating foundation and the broader commercialization of the Company’s intellectual property portfolio; entering the phase where the Company is translating years of investment in its platform into measurable operating performance; continuing the momentum across the Company’s distribution business; increasingly centering the Company’s strategy on the development and commercialization of its owned intellectual property; advancing the Company’s flagship franchises as multi-platform initiatives designed to extend across content, licensing, and consumer products; focusing on execution, bringing properties to market and converting the Company’s franchises into scalable, higher-margin revenue opportunities to drive long-term value; licensing of the Company’s intellectual property being expected to play a larger role in supporting recurring revenue and direct audience relationships; recognizing revenues from the Company’s pipeline in future periods; aligning the Company’s cost base with current operations; reduced general and administrative expenses, along with broader operational improvements, positioning the Company to benefit from future revenue growth as higher-margin activities become a larger part of the business; continuing to advance the Company’s intellectual property portfolio through scalable, multi-platform franchise initiatives, anchored by flagship properties Hundred Acre Wood and the Stan Lee Universe; being increasingly focused on execution, bringing properties to market and expanding opportunities across content, licensing, and consumer products; developing Hundred Acre Wood with a broad content strategy that extends across both long-form and short-form programming, tailored for global distribution across streaming and digital platforms, while also supporting expansion into consumer products and licensing; being focused on aligning content, distribution, and consumer products initiatives to support a coordinated global rollout as Hundred Acre Wood moves toward launch; also advancing the Stan Lee Universe; building a portfolio of original properties inspired by Stan Lee’s creative vision, including titles such as The Excelsiors and SuperHero Pets, with planned expansion across animation, publishing, licensing, and consumer products; creating a cohesive slate of character-driven franchises designed for introduction across multiple formats and platforms, with an emphasis on long-term brand development and sustained audience engagement; being focused as properties move closer to market on aligning creative development with distribution, licensing, and consumer products strategies; positioning the Stan Lee Universe as a scalable portfolio of original intellectual property; the Company’s vertically integrated model continuing to support its franchise strategy, enabling the Company to develop, distribute, and monetize content across multiple channels; being positioned to capture value across the full lifecycle of the Company’s intellectual property by combining production capabilities, owned distribution platforms, marketing infrastructure, and licensing operations; seeing a shift in the Company’s business and quickly moving towards a tech-forward strategy focused on developing and deploying valuable IP across the Company’s media platform; shifting the Company’s core business to align with its tech-forward strategy; seeing the pivot of the Company; the Company moving quicker and with purpose faster than its competitors; the Company’s production, distribution and media advisory business remaining an important driver of recurring revenue and long-term value for the IP the Company develops; remaining focused on executing against its platform while continuing to expand higher-margin, IP-driven revenue streams; expecting further improvement in operating performance and margin profile over time as the Company’s initiatives scale; and being positioned for sustained growth and long-term shareholder value. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation the Company’s ability to execute its transition to an intellectual property-driven growth model; the Company’s ability to advance its flagship franchise initiatives; the Company’s ability to leverage prior investments in platform, content, and infrastructure, to support a more scalable operating foundation and the broader commercialization of the Company’s intellectual property portfolio; the Company’s ability to continue the momentum across its Company’s distribution business; the Company’s ability to advance its flagship franchises as multi-platform initiatives extending across content, licensing, and consumer products; the Company’s ability to bring properties to market and convert its franchises into scalable, higher-margin revenue opportunities to drive long-term value; the Company’s ability to launch and expand Hundred Acre Wood and the Stan Lee Universe in the US and globally as planned; the Company’s ability to capture value across the full lifecycle of its intellectual property by combining production capabilities, owned distribution platforms, marketing infrastructure, and licensing operations; the Company’s ability to move quicker and with purpose faster than its competitors; the Company’s ability to execute against its platform while continuing to expand higher-margin, IP-driven revenue streams; the Company’s ability to improve operating performance and margin profile over time as its initiatives scale; the Company’s ability to benefit from its investments in infrastructure and IP; the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; fluctuations in the results of the Company’s operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; the Company’s ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; the Company’s reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; the Company’s ability to market and advertise its products; the Company’s reliance on third parties to promote its products; the Company’s ability to keep pace with technological advances; the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and those other risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

MEDIA CONTACT:
[email protected]

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
[email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dbee42e2-aba6-4b08-8dc2-84f842dbf682

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4eca3785-8871-47c1-9752-c20fe1652d98

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cf66a35-5b99-47f3-b359-9287ed194067 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/afb105a0-9b94-4984-a928-ceddf7f8552f 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0aef3e7f-f65c-47d1-ab68-1bcff1992c43 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f86a2a65-396b-44c4-8add-334137c5c67a

Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) Presents at Bernstein 42nd Annual Strategic Decisions Conference Transcript

While the market remains mesmerized by artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, there is a sector of the old economy that has outperformed over the past month.

Airline stocks United Airlines (UAL +2.58%), Delta Air Lines (DAL +1.56%), and Southwest Airlines (LUV +2.66%) are up handsomely, with Delta even outperforming the S&P 500 in 2026 with its 17.4% rise so far. These are somewhat surprising developments, given that the war in Iran has sent the price of oil and jet fuel soaring.

Airline stocks and soaring fuel prices The following chart shows a broad-based recovery over the past month.

Data by YCharts.

It's surprising, given that oil prices are still in the $90-per-barrel range, compared with $60 per barrel before the conflict began. Moreover, the unavailability of crude oil and refined products that typically flow through the Strait of Hormuz has sent jet fuel crack spreads soaring this year.

For example, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, "The war in the Middle East has driven an unprecedented spike in jet fuel, with prices roughly double what they were earlier in the year." The company declined to update its full-year guidance because of the uncertainty created by the conflict and its impact on jet fuel prices.

Image source:Getty Images.

Wall Street downgrades expectations That said, investors and Wall Street analysts have wasted no time in lowering expectations for airline stocks. Here's how the Wall Street consensus for adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS), according to S&P Global Market Intelligence/Visible Alpha, has been lowered over the past three months for all three stocks.

Airline

EPS Estimate
3 Months Ago
for 2026

Current
EPS Estimate
for 2026

EPS Estimate
3 Months Ago
for 2027

Current
EPS Estimate
for 2027

United Airlines

$13.33

$9.46

$15.24

$14.59

Delta Air Lines

$7.19

$5.54

$8.20

$8.05

Southwest Airlines

$4.37

$2.71

$5.27

$4.44

Data source: S&P Global Marketplace/Visible Alpha.

There's a pronounced reduction in 2026 earnings expectations, but Delta and United's expectations haven't changed much for 2027.

Why Delta and United have outperformed All the airlines have been able to increase pricing to offset higher fuel costs because end demand remains high, and the market is pricing in a resolution to the conflict.

Regarding end demand, Delta's Bastian said in April, "The acceleration we saw in March is carrying forward into the June quarter." At the end of May, United CEO Scott Kirby said, "As everyone knows, demand has remained strong as is well publicized." That came at the same investment conference where Robert Jordan, CEO of low-cost airline Southwest, said:" [T]he consumer remains very strong despite this rise in fares. So I'm becoming increasingly bullish that we will be able to cover these fuel increases with revenue increases."

Where next for airlines While airlines have reduced capacity in response to rising fuel prices and earnings estimates have come down, Delta and United, in particular, have demonstrated they can push through price increases in the current environment, and they are likely to emerge as winners from a period of capacity constraints.

Moreover, both airlines have diversified their revenue streams, making them relatively insulated from the industry's decades-long cyclicality. Delta in particular remains a top stock to buy for 2026.

A Southwest Airlines jet comes in for a landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, New York, U.S., January 11, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

SummaryCompaniesMAX 7 revenue service expected in 2027Southwest focused on MAX, not second fleet typeStarlink rollout begins; Amazon Leo not ruled outRIO DE JANEIRO, June 6 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines (LUV.N), opens new tab expects Boeing's (BA.N), opens new tab long-delayed 737 MAX 7 to enter ‌revenue service in 2027 and remains focused on the MAX family rather than adding another aircraft type to reduce risk, Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson told Reuters on Saturday.

Asked about Airbus's (AIR.PA), opens new tab A220, Watterson said Southwest ​was focused on the MAX.

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"Diversification doesn't come through a second fleet type," Watterson said ​in an interview on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association's annual ⁠meeting in Rio de Janeiro. "A second fleet type can increase your risk."

"It doesn't make ​sense to lose focus on that," he added.

The MAX 7 is still awaiting certification from ​the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Watterson said Southwest plans to do about six months of internal work after certification, including adding the aircraft to its operating specifications and manuals.

"The clock starts when they certify it," he ​said.

Watterson said the MAX 7 delay had not forced Southwest to hold back specific ​routes, but had limited its ability to better match aircraft size with demand. The penalty, he said, is ‌having ⁠too many larger aircraft and not enough smaller jets for periods or markets with lower demand.

STARLINK ROLLOUTSouthwest is also moving ahead with Starlink-powered Wi-Fi, but Tony Roach, the airline's chief customer and brand officer, said the carrier has not ruled out Amazon's Leo satellite network.

​Roach said Southwest expects ​to have an aircraft ⁠serviceable with Starlink later this month.

The airline has targeted equipping 300 aircraft with Starlink by year-end, but the pace depends on how fast ​Starlink can supply equipment, the executives added.

"Our tech ops can retrofit as ​fast as ⁠Starlink can deliver," Watterson said.

Watterson said activist investor Elliott Investment Management was right that Southwest had been too slow to change, even though many changes were already underway.

"What Elliott was unequivocally correct ⁠about ​is we were too slow," he said.

Watterson said ​investors had underestimated Southwest customers' willingness to pay for new products, and said revenue per available seat mile would be ​the "litmus test" for whether the changes are working.

Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Rio de Janeiro

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Rajesh Kumar Singh is the U.S. Aviation Correspondent at Reuters, based in Chicago, where he reports on airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and regulatory developments that shape the global aviation industry. Prior to this role, he covered U.S. manufacturing and trade policy, including the U.S.–China trade wars, where his work delved into the disruption facing American businesses and the strategic responses of major corporations. He began his career with Reuters in India, where he reported on a wide range of issues covering the country's economic complexities—from its recovery after the global financial crisis to the challenges of inflation and governance.

SAY WOW TO DISCOUNT TRAVEL: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DELIVERS WEEK OF DEALS ON FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, AND VACATIONS SAY WOW TO DISCOUNT TRAVEL: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DELIVERS WEEK OF DEALS ON FLIGHTS, HOTELS, CARS, AND VACATIONS PR Newswire

DALLAS, June 8, 2026

Book an adventure for less and earn more Rapid Rewards® points for future travel

, /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) launches the Week of WOW, one of the carrier's biggest sales of the year. Starting today through June 11, Customers can save up to 40% off base fares using code FLYWOW for flights from Aug. 4 to Dec.16, 2026,1 along with promotions on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and Getaways by Southwest™ vacation packages. Check out some of the nonstop routes on sale now available on Southwest.com®, with one-way as low as 40% off between:

Baltimore and Orlando,Dallas and Las Vegas,Dallas and San Diego,Austin and New Orleans, andDenver and Tampa."Southwest Customers can book deals across all of our travel products—and with more than 20 million seats on sale, including millions of nonstop flights to destinations that our Customers love—our Week of WOW offers the perfect opportunity to book that trip," said Sabrina Callahan, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Marketing Officer. "Delivering some of the best deals of the year is another way we're focused on giving Customers more reasons than ever to fly Southwest, alongside our Legendary Hospitality, enhanced onboard offerings, rewarding loyalty program, and industry leading flexibility with no change or cancel fees."2

Savings All Along the Way
Customers can shop at Southwest.com for discounts on:

Fares: Using code FLYWOW, Customers can save up to 40% off base fares for select flights from Aug. 4 to Dec.16, 2026.1Rental Cars: Powered by Southwest's newly enhanced car rental platform, Customers can save up to 25% off base rates plus earn 1,200 Rapid Rewards points on two-day or longer car rentals with Dollar.3Cruises: Customers can earn 2X Rapid Rewards points on eligible cruises departing on or before Dec. 31, 2027.4Hotels: Customers can earn 5,000 Rapid Rewards bonus points or receive a 5,000 Rapid Rewards points discount for select hotel stays from June 8, 2026, through June 30, 2027.5More Reasons to Book the Vacation
Getaways by Southwest is bringing even more deals to Customers who want to book vacation packages. Customers can save up to $500 on a vacation package for two,6 plus two free checked bags.7

Unlock More Value as a Rapid Rewards Member
Join Rapid Rewards to unlock access to free WiFi thanks to T-Mobile®,8 tier benefits, and points by flying or spending with eligible partners. Members can purchase points to earn a reward to book their favorite destination or a new Southwest route. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply at Southwest.com/rrterms.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co.operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline.9 By empowering its more than 73,00010 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1 Use code FLYWOW by June 11 for travel on select flights Aug. 4 to Dec. 16, 2026. Restrictions, exclusions, and blackouts apply. Seats/days/markets limited. Discount applied pre-government taxes/fees. Additional fees may apply.
2 No change fees: Fare difference may apply. No cancel fees: All fare types are eligible for cancellations without a fee. For round trip reservations, if one or both flight segments is booked with a Basic fare, cancellations are only permitted if either a) both flight segments are canceled or b) the Basic fare segment(s) is upgraded. Failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to original scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds.
3 Valid at participating Dollar airport locations. Valid for bookings June 8 to June 15, 2026, and vehicle pickup through Nov. 30, 2026. Taxes and fees excluded. Terms and exclusions apply.
4 Book June 8, 2026 to June 15, 2026. Terms apply. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at southwest.com/rrterms..
5 Book June 8, 2026 to June 15, 2026. Terms apply. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at southwest.com/rrterms. .
6 Based on 2-person, 5-night minimum. Restrictions, exclusions, and blackouts may apply. Seats/days/markets limited 1-day advance. purchase required. Additional fees may apply. See Getaways terms and conditions.
7 Getaways by Southwest™ Customers receive their first and second checked bags for free. Weight and size limits apply. Additional allowances, benefits, and/or exceptions may apply. Learn more.
8 Where available. Available only on WiFi-enabled designated aircraft.
9 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025
10 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of March 31, 2026.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/say-wow-to-discount-travel-southwest-airlines-delivers-week-of-deals-on-flights-hotels-cars-and-vacations-302793734.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.

A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Southwest Airlines (LUV - Free Report) Based in Dallas, TX, Southwest Airlines is a passenger airline that provides scheduled air transportation in the United States and 'ten near-international' markets. The company was incorporated in Texas in 1967 and commenced operations in 1971 with three Boeing 737 jets serving the cities of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

LUV is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 14.62; value investors should take notice.

Two analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.09 to $2.81 per share. LUV also boasts an average earnings surprise of +247%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, LUV should be on investors' short list.

By You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.

A Spirit Airlines worker waits for passengers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on March 10. Scott Olson/Getty Images Yeneshia Thomas was in her Central Florida home when she got a surprising email at about 12:30 a.m. on Saturday: Spirit Airlines was shutting down.

Thomas, 42, first heard the news from her union, but didn't fully believe it. The flight attendant still hoped Spirit Airlines executives would secure a $500 million federal bailout.

"We were all like, 'Nah. Until the company emails us, we don't believe it,'" Thomas said, referring to her and her colleagues.

The bailout negotiations fell apart, and Spirit Airlines announced at 3 a.m. that it would cease operations "effective immediately." It then canceled all its flights.

For Thomas and about 17,000 other employees, it was a gut punch. She had finished her shift hours before the news broke, unaware that it would be her last.

"This broke a lot of people's hearts," she said.

She said some employees were still on the road and had to get back home using other airlines, but that both Spirit and the union have stepped up to help employees navigate the transition.

"It feels like you're in a relationship, and your boyfriend is cheating on you, and everyone is there watching, but you didn't know," Thomas said. "You just heard it on the internet."

Spirit Airlines canceled its flights after ceasing operations on Saturday.  Joe Raedle/Getty Images Thomas said she received another email on Saturday telling her she was no longer allowed to wear her uniform. She said a colleague who hadn't read the email tried to go through security but was told by a TSA agent to "take your uniform off."

"We're all stunned because we're like, 'What happened?' We were doing good. We were putting out the work. Why didn't anyone say anything?" Thomas said.

Sign of the timesAlthough employees hadn't gotten official word in advance that Spirit Airlines would shut down over the weekend, Thomas said she saw the signs. Certain routine flights were canceled with little warning on Friday, for example.

Spirit Airlines had navigated turbulent winds in recent years, including two bankruptcies, a failed merger with JetBlue, employee furloughs, layoffs, and pay cuts. The ongoing US and Israeli war on Iran has also sent jet fuel prices skyrocketing, forcing airlines to implement cost-cutting measures.

Thomas was among the Spirit Airlines employees furloughed in December. She returned to her role in March. She also took a pay cut.

"I had hopes that we were going to make it because they called us back," Thomas said.

Despite how it ended, Thomas said she enjoyed her time at Spirit Airlines.

"At the end of the day, we had a big job," Thomas said. "Getting everyone from point A to point B was our biggest goal, which we did in a safe manner and as comfortably as possible."

Thomas said she found her job fulfilling and enjoyed interacting with people from all walks of life.

"The minute they see the uniform, people come up to me, and they say, 'I love Spirit Airlines. I take it all the time and see my grandchildren,'" Thomas said. "That made me feel so good."

She's also built ties with her coworkers as she traveled across the country.

"It's like a big family because you might end up on an airplane with someone that you've never met in your life, but before you leave, you know their whole life," Thomas said.

She said travelers will likely miss the budget-friendly option Spirit offered, especially amid rising ticket prices.

"They're feeling it now," Thomas said. "Someone just messaged me and she said, 'What am I going to do? Now I have to buy a $700 ticket.'"

Read next

Lauren Edmonds You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.

Lauren Edmonds is an award-winning reporter on the Business News team. When news isn't breaking, she covers personal finance, kitchen-table economics, and paths to financial freedom, including investing, real estate, side hustles, and small business. She also writes about guaranteed and universal basic income programs in the United States.Lauren has also covered lifestyle and entertainment, digital culture, and more. She has a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and resides in New York City.Do you have an interesting story to tell? You can reach Lauren at [email protected] or on Signal at ledmonds0.07.Popular StoriesNetflix wants to be Disney when it grows up Why Hollywood is paying this 17-year-old up to $20,000 to boost film trailers with TikTok editsHere's all the free money Trump's talked about giving Americans during his second term — and where it all standsA 17-year-old earned $72,000 after investing his e-commerce profits into stocks. Here's why he bet on the tech industry.Lawmakers float a nationwide basic income experiment that would cover the cost of a 2-bedroom apartmentNearly 30,000 Americans have received about $335 million in basic income. Here are 5 takeaways. Americans ditch suffocating healthcare costs and divisive politics to retire in Italy: 'It's the way they approach life'From 'road-schooling' to gas that costs $500, this family of 4 shares what it's like living in a solar-powered Greyhound bus

An airline worker waits at the Spirit Airlines terminal at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, in New York City, U.S., May 2, 2026. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

CompaniesWASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - Bankrupt discount carrier Spirit Airlines (FLYYQ.PK), opens new tab, which ceased operations on Saturday, asked a U.S. bankruptcy court for approval to ​pay retention bonuses to remaining employees and said it had no choice but to ‌end operations.

Spirit is seeking court approval to pay $10.7 million in retention bonuses to employees who remain as the company ends operations -- averaging $76,000 per participant -- and will pay more to the top three executives but has not yet disclosed ​how much.

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"Having fought valiantly for months to reorganize, and having all but succeeded, (Spirit is) ​left with no alternative to an orderly wind-down of operation," Chief Financial Officer ⁠Fred Comer said on Monday in a court filing.

"There are no longer any viable paths to ​a restructuring or continued operations."

Spirit said the payments to the top three executives will replace some of ​the payments it would have offered the senior executives under annual incentive and cash incentive plans in place before the bankruptcy.

Bondholders may challenge Spirit's management bonuses, as some aspects of the wind-down plan, such as how liquidation proceeds and ​cost savings will be measured, are still being negotiated with the debtor-in-possession lenders, according to a ​separate filing.

The airline said it will retain about 150 employees before decreasing its headcount to about 40 after the ‌first ⁠three months, with expectations that its liquidation plan will be completed within that time frame.

Spirit says it does not have money to conduct an organized auction of its aircraft, engines and other equipment, and is asking the court for permission for fast sales or to abandon and let the lenders ​repossess.

The carrier had been ​in advanced talks with ⁠the Trump administration over a $500 million government bailout that would have helped it exit bankruptcy and granted the government up to 90% of Spirit's equity. ​Those talks collapsed after some creditors objected.

Global carriers are contending with surging jet ​fuel prices since ⁠the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, in the air travel industry's worst crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic. Spirit was already struggling to turn a profit before the fuel shock and ⁠has ​faced $100 million in incremental fuel costs since March 1.

"The material ​additional costs to Spirit proved to be too much for its available liquidity to absorb," Spirit said.

Reporting by David Shepardson in ​Washington and Dietrich Knauth and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Bill Berkrot

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

-

SIXT stands ready to help affected travelers get where they need to go and welcomes Spirit Airlines team members to explore career opportunities

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SIXT USA, a subsidiary of Sixt SE, a global leader in premium mobility services, today announced a special offer for travelers impacted by the Spirit Airlines suspension of operations, providing those in need of alternative ground transportation with discounted one-way rental rates to help meet their near-term travel needs. SIXT is also inviting affected Spirit Airlines team members to explore career opportunities with the company.

Support for Spirit Airlines Travelers

SIXT is offering up to 20% off one-way rentals at participating U.S. locations to travelers whose Spirit Airlines flights have been cancelled or disrupted. Reservations must be made by May 17, 2026, with rentals taking place between May 5 and May 31, 2026, for a duration of one to 14 days. Vehicles must be returned no later than June 10, 2026.

This offer is available for select vehicle categories across SIXT's network of more than 120 locations in 27 states, including 56 major airports — many of which previously served Spirit Airlines routes. Impacted travelers can book at www.sixt.com/partners/travelassistance/. Additional information about SIXT, including rental locations, is available at SIXT.com or via the SIXT app.

Support for Spirit Airlines Team Members

SIXT recognizes that Spirit team members are navigating an incredibly difficult moment and wants to offer meaningful support. As SIXT continues its U.S. expansion, the company is actively recruiting across a broad range of roles — from operations and customer service to sales and corporate functions including finance, HR, and revenue management. With U.S. headquarters in Fort Lauderdale and locations nationwide, SIXT offers opportunities close to home and across the country. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.sixt.jobs/us/spirit to learn more and apply.

Tom Kennedy, President, SIXT North America: "When travelers face unexpected disruptions, our job is to step up. SIXT has the network, the locations, and the team to provide real solutions for people who need to get where they're going. We also recognize the very real impact this has on Spirit team members, and as we continue our robust expansion across the United States, we encourage anyone looking for their next opportunity to explore what SIXT has to offer."

SIXT’s focus on innovation and service excellence has earned multiple industry accolades, including being named “Best Car Rental & Mobility Innovation” company at the 2025 Frequent Traveler Awards, “#1 Rental Car Company” in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and one of Travel + Leisure Readers’ Five Favorite Car Rental Companies for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025).

In just 15 years, the United States has become SIXT's most important growth market. Today, the company operates more than 120 rental branches across 27 states and serves 56 of the busiest airports in the country. With operations established in Canada since 2022, SIXT has extended its North American footprint into another billion-dollar market.

We’re proud of our performance in the J.D. Power 2025 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. Learn more: J.D. Power 2025 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study

About SIXT

Sixt SE with its registered office in Pullach near Munich, is a leading international provider of high-quality mobility services. With its products SIXT rent, SIXT share, SIXT ride and SIXT+ car subscription the company offers a uniquely integrated premium mobility service across the fields of vehicle and commercial vehicle rental, car sharing, ride hailing and car subscriptions. The products can be booked, among others, through the SIXT App, which also contains the services of its renowned mobility partners. With the global rewards program SIXT ONE, the company is also strengthening customer retention across its core markets and offering members a fully digitally integrated experience with attractive benefits when renting vehicles. SIXT has a presence in more than 100 countries around the globe. The company offers its customers experiences that inspire and exceed their expectations – through a lived culture of innovation, a consistent premium offering in terms of fleet and service, and an attractive price-performance ratio. According to preliminary calculations, the Group achieved consolidated earnings before taxes of EUR 400.5 million in 2025 and a significant increase in consolidated revenue to EUR 4.28 billion. Sixt SE has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 1986 (ISIN ordinary share: DE0007231326, ISIN preference share: DE0007231334). For more information, please visit https://about.sixt.com/en/.

More News From SIXT USA

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By You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.

Spirit Airlines and United Airlines removed over 54,000 flights, according to Cirium. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images Airlines canceled more than 75,000 flights this summer over a 10-day period, according to the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

On Tuesday, Cirium released an analysis of flight schedules between June 1 and September 30, comparing what those schedules looked like on April 24 versus May 4.

During those 10 days, airlines around the world removed more than 9.3 million seats, per Cirium.

US carriers accounted for the four largest reductions.

About 70% of the removed seats, or 33,000 flights, came from Spirit Airlines. The budget airline shut down last Saturday after negotiations for a federal bailout fell apart.

United Airlines reduced its summer schedule by over 21,000 flights over the 10-day period, marking the second-highest cancellation count.

Delta Air Lines removed around 7,300 flights, and American Airlines cut some 6,400 flights.

Airlines have faced significant cost increases since the war in Iran doubled jet fuel prices. In April, jet fuel exceeded $200 a barrel, but has dropped back to about $180 a barrel, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Jet fuel is typically an airline's second-highest expenditure after labor costs.

When Spirit announced it was winding down operations, it cited "the recent material increase in oil prices and other pressures on the business."

The budget airline filed for Chapter 11 restructuring in August 2025 and in November 2024.

United Airlines, which reported a $340 million increase in fuel costs during the first quarter, is also cutting its schedule.

CEO Scott Kirby spoke about capacity cuts at a JP Morgan conference in March. "I'd much rather make the mistake of leaving a couple of months' worth of demand on the table because we cut more, and then you can get it back, as opposed to making the mistake of oil prices staying higher and longer, and you're flying flights that lose cash," he said.

Many airlines are raising ticket prices and baggage fees to offset higher fuel costs.

US carriers are more exposed to the price shock because, unlike most European airlines, they do not use financial derivatives to hedge against fuel costs.

Even so, Europe is also facing cancellations. Lufthansa, the continent's largest airline group by revenue, canceled over 5,000 flights that were scheduled between June and September, per Cirium's data.

The German flag carrier last month announced it was canceling 20,000 short-haul flights through October, reducing its capacity by 1%.

Not every airline has been slashing its schedule.

Cirium's data showed Frontier Airlines added more than 14,600 flights to its summer schedule.

After Spirit shut down, Frontier announced it would add nine new routes plus daily flights in 18 markets formerly served by its low-cost rival.

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Pete Syme You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.

Pete Syme is an aviation reporter for Business Insider, based in London.He writes about all things related to the industry, such as flight diversions, aviation safety, airline updates, travel tips, plane tours, and aviation leaders.Pete has appeared on BBC News to discuss a Heathrow Airport closure and on Sky News to talk about Boeing.Before joining Business Insider in 2022, he graduated with an MA in Newspaper Journalism from City, University of London. While getting his BA in English from the University of Exeter, he was the award-winning deputy editor of the student newspaper, Exeposé.You can get in touch by emailing [email protected] or via Signal @syme.99.

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Airlines for America President and CEO Chris Sununu discusses the European jet fuel shortage, TSA staffing issues, recent air traffic close calls and more on 'Varney & Co.' 0:00 European Jet Fuel Shortage Concerns 0:53 Why Domestic Airfares Are Rising 1:51 TSA Staffing Crisis & Government Shutdown 4:10 Air Traffic Control Close Calls & Modernization 5:12 Grading Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

SummaryCompaniesMore A320neo planes available in the US after Spirit's demiseYoung Spirit A320neo jets are being dismantled for partsStrong demand for RTX Pratt & Whitney GTF engineNEW YORK, May 8 (Reuters) - The recent grounding of U.S. budget carrier Spirit Airlines could help ease shortages of next-generation RTX (RTX.N), opens new tab spare engines needed ​to keep late-model Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab single-aisle jets flying, industry executives and analysts say.

Spirit ceased operating its all-Airbus fleet on May 1 due ‌to high jet-fuel prices. Its bankruptcy is leading to fresh cases of near-new A320neos being dismantled for parts - a trend that had already been occurring in the industry due to a severe shortage of RTX Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan engines.

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With more A320neo planes becoming available in the United States following Spirit's demise, the fuel-efficient GTF engines are often more appealing than ​the aircraft they power.

“We are seeing some of the GTF engines from the Spirit A320s being removed from the airframes and leased out ​to customers to support (aircraft on the ground)," said Austin Willis, CEO of Willis Lease Finance Corp (WLFC.O), opens new tab, who added that ⁠leasing rates for GTF engines have not declined.

"This is providing some limited temporary relief from the supply/demand imbalance."

Hundreds of A320neo planes have been grounded, due ​in part to long waiting times for engine inspections and repairs, and after a manufacturing problem at Pratt & Whitney put pressure on GTF engine output.

GTF engines power ​at least 40% of A320neos in service and compete for airline contracts with CFM International's (GE.N), opens new tab, (SAF.PA), opens new tab LEAP engine.

Airbus has complained of GTF shortages for new jets during a tug of war over who has priority to receive scarce engine supplies - assembly lines for new aircraft or airlines waiting for repairs.

Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus' Commercial Aircraft business, declined to comment on ​the GTF during an interview on Wednesday.

AIRCRAFT PARTS PROVIDE RELIEFDick Allewelt, founder and owner of Allewelt Aviation Consulting GmbH in Germany, said teardowns of some ​Spirit aircraft "could have an easing effect on the spare engine market going forward."

Sumisho Air Lease, which leased late-model jets to Spirit, declined to comment. Lessor AerCap was not immediately ‌available for ⁠comment.

RTX, which declined to comment, said in April that cases of grounded A320neo aircraft are declining due to greater capacity at repair shops.

Arizona-based aftermarket supplier KP Aviation said there are several former Spirit Airlines aircraft that are being marketed for disassembly and teardown.

"There's a lot of money in the engines," said KP Aviation Chief Commercial Officer Scott Butler. "The airframes, there may not be as much appetite" as more Spirit aircraft come to market, he said.

In February, Dublin-based aviation asset ​management company EirTrade Aviation and Chicago-based ​aviation and rail lessor RESIDCO said ⁠they would dismantle two near-new Spirit A320neos for parts.

KP Aviation is planning to disassemble five-to-six-year-old planes from an earlier tranche of bright-yellow Spirit aircraft that returned to the market in late 2025.

After engines, Butler said there is also appetite ​for auxiliary power units, landing gear and flight controls.

BANKRUPTCY COURT ACCELERATES SALEEarlier this week, Spirit Airlines received permission ​from a U.S. bankruptcy ⁠court to accelerate its liquidation plan, including expedited sales of aircraft.

Spirit’s fleet totals as of May included 114 Airbus A320‑family aircraft, of which 66 are leased.

According to court filings, the carrier has 17 GTF engines which are owned by lessors. Lessors also own about 30 planes with GTF engines, according to a court filing.

However, these planes ⁠will not ​hit the market for at least a few months, Butler said, as the lessors compile ​technical information about the assets.

Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Additional reporting by Dietrich Knauth in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Why airlines can't crack down on this shameless line-skipping hack By You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.

: Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Some travelers have found a shameless travel "hack" to skip airport lines: Request a wheelchair to board the plane, then walk off at the destination.

This phenomenon of so-called "miracle flights" — where able-bodied travelers ask for a wheelchair to cut security and boarding lines — blurs the line between legitimate disability accommodations and abusing the system.

Earlier this month, during an interview with the Boston public radio station WBUR's "Breakfast Club," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said US law requires airlines to provide wheelchair assistance to passengers who request it at the airport. Airlines generally cannot ask questions beyond logistics or clarity about the assistance request.

However, she said there is a "group of folks that use wheelchairs to get to the front of the line, and not for legitimate reasons."

The CEO's comments drew attention to the long-running "miracle flight" tension in air travel that others in aviation say has become all too common in the US and lacks an easy solution.

"We have certain flights that have 23 to 25 customers with wheelchairs, and, frankly, nobody wants to try to address some of those challenges because it's a very tough situation to navigate, both politically, but also just heart," Geraghty said.

Not all disabilities are visible, and passengers do not need to use a wheelchair full time to request assistance at the airport. But doing so to bypass airport lines shortchanges people with real mobility issues.

So how do airlines and airport staff police the increasing demands for disability accommodations without unfairly scrutinizing passengers with legitimate — and often invisible — disabilities?

Michele Erwin, the founder and president of the advocacy nonprofit All Wheels Up, told Business Insider that there are few solutions.

She said she's seen firsthand how airlines discuss the abuse behind the scenes and are doing their best to tackle it within the law, but there is virtually no way to verify who does or does not have a disability without asking for legally protected information.

She added that each wheelchair push is an expense for the airlines, so they lose money every time someone abuses the system: "It's not great for either side; we're all living in a gray area."

Airlines handle thousands of wheelchairs a day across their networks, and adding fake requests can worsen service.  Bloomberg/Getty Images Industry leaders have called out the misuse for years. Former Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle said in 2024 that the ultra-low-cost airline was seeing a "massive, rampant abuse" of special services. He said it costs $30 to $35 per wheelchair request.

The ex-CEO of London's Heathrow Airport similarly said in 2022 that some travelers were using wheelchair assistance to "fast-track" through airports after seeing it recommended on TikTok.

Several reports say Southwest's former open-seating system — where boarding order was determined by check-in time — may have incentivized some passengers to request wheelchair assistance in order to secure a better seat.

However, Erwin warned that efforts to police abuse could actually risk creating new problems for passengers who rely on wheelchairs, especially for reasons not related to mobility.

For example, she said some people who board with a wheelchair but then walk off the plane may be mobile but need help navigating a big, unfamiliar airport. Or they may be someone who has been flying for 24 hours across time zones and is simply exhausted.

So, she said, referring to these individuals as having experienced a medical miracle in-flight ignores the broader context.

Retired Delta captain Mark Stephens told Business Insider that he's aware wheelchair abuse happens, but similarly warned people should not start questioning anyone in the airport using one, on the off chance that they might be lying.

"Many people are disabled with things we cannot see," he said.

Flying with a disability is already tricky enoughThe wheelchair abuse — and potential backfiring of trying to police it — is on top of a system that is already hard enough for people with disabilities.

Geraghty acknowledged the shortfalls during the interview, saying, "In general, I don't think the airline industry does a great job with our customers with disabilities."

Transportation Department data shows that there were about 43,500 disability-related complaints among all US airlines in 2024.

More than half of the complaints were about failure to provide wheelchair service, such as insufficient staff or leaving someone behind. This may be partly due to the increase in wheelchair abuse, which takes workers away from those who truly need assistance.

: Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images But Erwin said part of the problem also stems from travelers not notifying the airline in advance that they will need wheelchair assistance.

She said airports can sometimes be overwhelmed by unexpected last-minute wheelchair requests, leaving staff stretched too thin and resulting in slower or worse service. "That's where All Wheels Up comes in," Erwin said. "To educate the community."

Passengers can typically request a wheelchair during the booking process or add it later. The airlines are responsible for providing disability access services, but the assistants who perform these duties on their behalf are usually employed by third-party contractors.

Geraghty similarly said that more opportunities to pre-plan would be helpful: "If we could isolate out the folks who truly needed help, I think we could do a far, far, far better job with it."

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Taylor Rains You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.

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The airline’s first aircraft honoring an international destination, the vibrant, community-selected design honors Dominican culture and JetBlue’s deep-rooted connection to the country

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU), the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, today unveiled Quisqueya la Bluebella at Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), a vibrant new aircraft livery celebrating Dominican pride and a major milestone for the airline. The newly designed Airbus A320 honors the country’s rich culture and JetBlue’s deep connection to the Dominican community. Created by Dominican artist Willy Gómez, the design was chosen by the public earlier this year.

The name Quisqueya la Bluebella is a playful nod to the beloved patriotic phrase “Quisqueya la Bella,” reimagined with JetBlue’s signature flair. The design was introduced during a celebratory event in Santo Domingo, where customers, community members, local leaders, and JetBlue crewmembers gathered to celebrate Dominican culture and see the aircraft up close.

“When we flew to Santiago for the first time in 2004, we started building a connection with the Dominican Republic that has only grown stronger over the last two decades,” said Marty St. George, JetBlue’s president. “Quisqueya la Bluebella truly celebrates the pride, the passion and the culture of the Dominican community that has been such an important part of JetBlue’s journey. We were blown away by Willy Gómez’s design and the heart he poured into it. It’s bold, beautiful, and impossible to miss. Seeing this aircraft take to the skies is really special for us, and I hope it stands as a reminder to this community of how proud we are to be a part of it.”

A tribute to Dominican culture, identity, and connection
Through Gómez’s artistic eye, the aircraft’s creative design is meant to capture the spirit of the Dominican Republic through color and movement. Flowing lines and dynamic shapes echo the rhythm of merengue and bachata, while vibrant tropical tones reflect its warmth, resilience and energy, bringing to life the essence of everyday Dominican life.

From the Dominican Republic to communities across JetBlue’s network, and among its many Dominican crewmembers, it stands as a powerful symbol of belonging and shared identity. The phrase “Tamo’ aquí” (“We’re here”), featured on the aircraft belly, reinforces JetBlue’s ongoing presence and commitment—both at home and abroad. Today, JetBlue is the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, with service to Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata.

Quisqueya la Bluebella features design elements including:

The dominoes game, a beloved part of everyday Dominican life Traditional musical instruments such as the tambora, güira, and accordion, representing the rhythm of merengue and bachata The Cigüa Palmera, the national bird, symbolizing Dominican identity Vibrant Dominican flowers that reflect the nation’s natural beauty The Alcázar de Colón, honoring the country’s rich history Palm trees and ocean waves, representing the Dominican Republic’s landscapes and coastal culture Contemporary street-art influences that highlight modern Dominican creativity “The design represents a graphic synthesis of Dominican identity, reflecting elements of its culture, climate, and wildlife; a combination of qualities dancing together, giving life and rhythm to our nation,” said Willy Gómez. “I feel incredibly proud to be able to represent Dominican culture through a project like this, as it serves as a bridge and inspiration between Dominicans and the rest of the world. For me, it represents a childhood dream come true.”

Elevating Dominican creativity through art
In January, JetBlue launched its RD Orgullo que Eleva (DR Pride That Lifts) campaign, inviting customers, fans and members of the public to help select a design that would celebrate the Dominican Republic through a special aircraft livery. The campaign featured three concepts created by Dominican artists, Gómez, Los Plebeyos, and Lena Tolkens, each offering their interpretation of the Dominican culture, with Gómez’s design selected by the community.

At the heart of the campaign was JetBlue’s commitment to amplify authentic voices and celebrate local talent. Extending this effort beyond the design, JetBlue partnered with Centro Educativo Hogar Andres Boca Chica ahead of the unveiling. Led by Gómez, the initiative engaged and inspired the next generation of Dominican creatives through the creation of a community mural, which was showcased at today’s unveiling event. As part of this initiative, JetBlue also made a donation to support the organization’s ongoing work in the community.

Deepening ties with the Dominican Republic and its diaspora
As a part of the communities it serves, this summer JetBlue will celebrate the Dominican Republic and its diaspora as an official sponsor of the Dominican Day Parade in New York City on August 9. A float inspired by the newly unveiled Quisqueya la Bluebella design will make a special appearance, bringing the celebration to one of the largest Dominican communities outside of the Dominican Republic.

This summer, JetBlue will operate an average of 45 daily flights to and from the Dominican Republic, strengthening connections between the country, the United States and the Caribbean. The airline offers the most routes between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. than any other carrier, reinforcing its position as the lead airline in the country.

Most recently, JetBlue announced additional daily flights from Fort Lauderdale to high-demand destinations, including Santo Domingo and Santiago, starting July 9, further expanding access and meeting growing travel demand. Beyond its network, JetBlue continues to invest in and support communities across the Dominican Republic through meaningful local partnerships, JetBlue Foundation grants, and meaningful local initiatives that help expand opportunities for schools and community programs across the country.

About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline® and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

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New route would further strengthen JetBlue’s leading position in Fort Lauderdale and support travel between the U.S. and Venezuela

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced its intent to launch nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) in Maiquetía, Venezuela, marking the airline’s first-ever service to Venezuela. The proposed route remains subject to receipt of government approval and completion of applicable processes to operate in Venezuela.

JetBlue plans to begin service before the end of the year, with tickets expected to go on sale in the coming months.

The new route will connect Caracas with JetBlue’s Fort Lauderdale focus city, a key gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, where the airline offers customers an extensive network of destinations across the region. The service is expected to support strong demand from customers visiting friends and relatives, providing South Florida travelers with a convenient new nonstop option to Caracas and seamless connections across JetBlue’s broader network.

“Fort Lauderdale continues to serve as JetBlue’s gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, and we believe there is meaningful opportunity to expand our presence in the region with planned service to Caracas,” said Dave Jehn, vice president, network planning and airline partnerships, JetBlue. “South Florida is home to a large Venezuelan community, and this new route would help connect families and loved ones with JetBlue’s competitive fares and award-winning service.”

JetBlue plans to operate the Caracas route using its Airbus A320 aircraft offering the airline's award-winning service, including fast, free, unlimited Fly-Fi®, seatback entertainment at every seat and complimentary snacks and drinks.1

Continued Growth in Fort Lauderdale

JetBlue continues to expand its presence in Fort Lauderdale, where the airline recently announced its largest-ever schedule from the airport, including 11 new destinations and additional flights on existing routes across the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. With nearly 130 daily departures expected this summer, Fort Lauderdale has become one of JetBlue’s largest and most important gateways.

The proposed Caracas service would build on that growth by giving South Florida’s Venezuelan community another convenient way to stay connected with family and loved ones, while also expanding access to JetBlue’s broader network across the Americas.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

Fly-Fi® and live television are available on all JetBlue-operated flights. Availability and coverage area may vary by aircraft. Details on inflight wi-fi and entertainment: https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us. More News From JetBlue

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Airline, hotel and other industry groups are urging the White House and top Trump administration officials to abandon a proposal that would cut off immigration processing at major airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, a United Airlines hub.

United CEO Scott Kirby was set to discuss the proposal with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to convey the disruptions the policies could cause to travelers, according to two people familiar with the previously unreported call who spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about a private conversation.

Airlines for America, a trade association whose members include American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines told White House officials this week that reducing Customs and Border Protection service at Newark, New Jersey's airport would "create havoc" for U.S. citizens, which make up the bulk of the 20,000 passengers flying in internationally to the airport, according to a document that was seen by CNBC.

The document also said that if there is a bottleneck at Newark, a major connecting hub, "disproportionate impacts to US citizens will hit heartland America far more than Newark itself." It also warned against the proposal, which could include impacts to other cities, and said it could curtail air cargo shipments.

Mullin said earlier this week on Fox News that the Trump administration was "drawing up plans" to potentially cut immigration and customs processing for international flights at U.S. airports in so-called "sanctuary cities," which the government says are more lenient on immigration policies.

Such a plan could be intended to pressure leaders of cities to crack down on undocumented immigrants by threatening to impede air travel.

The White House didn't immediately comment.

Mullin said in an interview on Fox News' "Hannity" on Tuesday night said that if "radical left Democrats" aren't allowing the government to "enforce federal laws ... we shouldn't be processing international flights into their cities either." He said the administration hasn't made a final plan or a decision on such a policy.

The Justice Department last August published a list of states and cities it said are impeding U.S. immigration policies, which include major international air hubs New York, Newark, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Philadelphia.

The proposal is being floated two weeks before the U.S., Canada and Mexico are set to host the FIFA Men's World Cup, but it isn't clear if the plan, if enacted, would take place before or during the tournament, which could derail travel for millions of people.

ToplineAirline stocks tumbled Monday as the industry continues to feel pressure from increasing jet fuel prices due to the Iran war, with JetBlue falling as much as 9% earlier after revising its second quarter outlook.

JetBlue’s stock price fell on Monday, before slightly recovering.

Getty Images

Key FactsIn a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Monday, JetBlue raised its second quarter fuel cost guidance to $4.26-$4.36 per gallon—up from an expected $4.13-$4.28 listed in its previous guidance from April.

Jet fuel prices rose to about $142 per barrel in May, Reuters reported, up from $85-$90 per barrel before the U.S. and Israel began air strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

JetBlue was down more than 5.1% to $5.18 a share as of around 3:15 p.m. EDT, recovering from a drop of more than 9% after markets opened.

Other airlines saw share prices drop—Delta Airlines was down about 1.3% around the same time, American fell about 1.8%, United tumbled 2.3%, and Alaska Airlines was down about 3%.

ContraDespite the rise in fuel prices, JetBlue said travel demand was “strong and consistent,” with positive trends “across all cabins and geographies.” The updated filing also noted the company was seeing “overperformance” on routes previously served by rival Spirit Airlines, which shut down in May. The company said it expected to “recapture 40% or more of increased fuel costs” in its second quarter.

Key BackgroundJetBlue suspended its full-year guidance in April, and announced it would slow hiring and raise airfare.

JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty speaks at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on potential consolidation saying "never say never". -------- More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video?

Airline stocks are trading lower across the board this Wednesday afternoon, but the more revealing story for investors is how dramatically the group has diverged in 2026.