April 2024 - Page 3 of 15

Release – Conduent Implements I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes Tolling System for the Virginia Department of Transportation

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

APRIL 25, 2024

Conduent to maintain flexible, dynamic pricing and conduct license plate image reviews, helping to improve the flow of traffic and relieve congestion for VDOT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Conduent Transportation, a global provider of smart mobility technology solutions and business unit of Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT), today announced the implementation of an Express Lanes tolling system in Virginia. The system, which went live March 17 on a segment of the I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes, was designed by Conduent as part of a 2021 contract from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Conduent will operate and maintain an innovative and completely overhead vehicle classification system, a traffic-responsive dynamic pricing system and an automated license plate recognition system, as well as conduct license plate image reviews for VDOT. These technologies and services are designed to help improve traffic flow and relieve congestion for motorists and passengers.

To enable dynamic pricing, VDOT will use data analytics to determine toll rates based on the volume of traffic during different times of the day, helping reduce overall travel times and enhance predictability and mobility choices for motorists. The lanes remain free for vehicles with two or more occupants using a required E-ZPass Flex transponder.

“It’s exciting to offer our clients the latest innovations in tolling technology that greatly enhance the roadway experience for motorists, from an overhead vehicle classification system to the ease of booth-less electronic payment – all enabling reduced congestion and faster journeys,” said Adam Appleby, President, Transportation Solutions at Conduent. “Our tolling solutions also improve operational efficiency, accuracy and customer service for transportation and tolling authorities. As a leader in road usage charging, Conduent continues to identify new solutions to transform mobility.”

This segment on I-64, located in Chesapeake and Norfolk, is the first of four segments that will be implemented with the new system. The segments will ultimately become a part of a continuous 45-mile Express Lanes network on the corridor. VDOT also has the option under the contract to implement a vehicle occupancy detection system in the future, which would use camera systems and video analytics to identify the number of occupants in a vehicle.

Conduent Transportation is a leading provider of streamlined, high-volume mobility services and solutions, spanning road usage charging and advanced transit systems, that enhance the services provided by transportation agencies to benefit the citizens who use them. For over 50 years, the company has helped clients advance transportation solutions in more than 20 countries.

About Conduent
Conduent delivers digital business solutions and services spanning the commercial, government and transportation spectrum – creating valuable outcomes for its clients and the millions of people who count on them. The Company leverages cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation and advanced analytics to deliver mission-critical solutions. Through a dedicated global team of approximately 59,000 associates, process expertise and advanced technologies, Conduent’s solutions and services digitally transform its clients’ operations to enhance customer experiences, improve performance, increase efficiencies and reduce costs. Conduent adds momentum to its clients’ missions in many ways including disbursing approximately $100 billion in government payments annually, enabling 2.3 billion customer service interactions annually, empowering millions of employees through HR services every year and processing nearly 13 million tolling transactions every day. Learn more at www.conduent.com.

Note: To receive RSS news feeds, visit www.news.conduent.com . For open commentary, industry perspectives and views, visit http://twitter.com/Conduent, http://www.linkedin.com/company/conduent or http://www.facebook.com/Conduent.

Trademarks
Conduent is a trademark of Conduent Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts

NEIL FRANZ

Conduent

neil.franz@conduent.com

+1-240-687-0127

GILES GOODBURN

Conduent

ir@conduent.com

+1-203-216-3546

Release – Bitcoin Depot Announces Strategic Investment from Sopris Capital

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on BTM

April 25, 2024 8:05 AM EDTDownload as PDF

ATLANTA, April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today announced a strategic investment from Sopris Capital (“Sopris”), a 20-year-old multi-strategy investment firm. As part of the investment, Sopris Capital has purchased 2,906,976 Class A common shares and is now one of the Company`s largest independent shareholders.

“We are thrilled to own part of a growing, market-leading business at such a compelling valuation. We look forward to collaborating with Bitcoin Depot as they pursue their numerous growth initiatives,” said Andy Paul, Founder and CEO of Sopris Capital.

“We’re excited to welcome Sopris Capital as a strategic investor to help accelerate our growth,” said Bitcoin Depot CEO Brandon Mintz. “With their extensive network of valuable relationships and experience in the cryptocurrency space, Sopris Capital is a fantastic fit for us. Most importantly, they understand our mission and our value proposition.”

In March of this year Sopris Capital purchased 50 kiosks to become a partner in Bitcoin Depot`s Franchise Program, which allowed Sopris to leverage Bitcoin Depot`s operating expertise and receive a passive income stream from its Bitcoin ATMs.

“The investment reinforces the confidence we have in Bitcoin Depot’s strategy and growth potential, which we believe is not reflected in the current public market valuation given their underlying unit economics and ability to redeploy capital at a high return,” said Sopris Capital Vice President Dan Wedman.

Bitcoin Depot’s products and services provide an intuitive, quick, and convenient process for converting cash into Bitcoin, giving users the ability to access the broader digital financial system, including using their Bitcoin for purposes of making payments, transfers, remittances, online purchases, and investments.

This news marks the latest show of momentum for Bitcoin Depot, which holds the largest market BTM share in North America, with over 7,400 Bitcoin ATM locations. The announcement follows several recent milestones and expansions for the company, including its first partnership with a major grocery chain as well as the advancement of its newly launched profit share program in April 2024. The company also recently surpassed its goal of signing 8,000 BTM locations ahead of schedule to achieve the largest installed fleet of locations in its history and announced expansions into new markets, including Puerto Rico and Australia.

About Bitcoin Depot
Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 7,400 kiosk locations as of April 1, 2024. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, the anticipated effects of the Amendment, and the closing of the Preferred Sale. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “priorities,” “project,” “pursue,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “when,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contacts:

Investors 
Cody Slach, Alex Kovtun 
Gateway Group, Inc. 
949-574-3860 
BTM@gateway-grp.com

Media 
Christina Lockwood, Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney 
Gateway Group, Inc.
949-574-3860 
BTM@gateway-grp.com

Source: Bitcoin Depot Inc.

Released April 25, 2024

Release – Harte Hanks to Report First Quarter 2024 Financial Results on May 9, 2024

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on HHS

CHELMSFORD, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 25, 2024 / Harte Hanks, Inc. (NASDAQ:HHS), a leading global customer experience company focused on bringing companies closer to customers for over 100 years, announced today that the company will release financial results for the first quarter of 2024, the period ended March 31, 2024, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, after the close of the market.

The Company will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss these results at 4:30 p.m. EDT on the same day. Interested parties may access the webcast at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2810/50446 or access the conference call by dialing 888-506-0062 in the United States or 973-528-0011 from outside the U.S. and using access code 689651.

A replay of the call can also be accessed via phone through May 23, 2024, by dialing (877) 481-4010 from the U.S., or (919) 882-2331 from outside the U.S. The conference call replay passcode is 50446.

About Harte Hanks:

Harte Hanks (NASDAQ:HHS) is a leading global customer experience company whose mission is to partner with clients to provide them with CX strategy, data-driven analytics and actionable insights combined with seamless program execution to better understand, attract and engage their customers.

Using its unparalleled resources and award-winning talent in the areas of Customer Care, Fulfillment and Logistics, and Marketing Services, Harte Hanks has a proven track record of driving results for some of the world’s premier brands, including Bank of America, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, Pfizer, HBOMax, Volvo, Ford, FedEx, Midea, Sony and IBM among others. Headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Harte Hanks has over 2,500 employees in offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

For more information, visit hartehanks.com

As used herein, “Harte Hanks” or “the Company” refers to Harte Hanks, Inc. and/or its applicable operating subsidiaries, as the context may require. Harte Hanks’ logo and name are trademarks of Harte Hanks.

Investor Relations Contact:

Rob Fink or Tom Baumann
646.809.4048 / 646.349.6641
FNK IR
HHS@fnkir.com

SOURCE: Harte Hanks, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

Release – The ODP Corporation to Announce First Quarter 2024 Results Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ODP

PDF Version

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr. 24, 2024– The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) (“ODP,” or the “Company”), a leading provider of business services, products and digital workplace technology solutions to businesses and consumers, will announce first quarter 2024 financial results before the market open on Wednesday, May 8^th, 2024. The ODP Corporation will webcast a call with financial analysts and investors that day at 9:00 am Eastern Time which will be accessible to the media and the general public.

To listen to the conference call via webcast, please visit The ODP Corporation’s Investor Relations website at investor.theodpcorp.com. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours following the event. A copy of the earnings press release, supplemental financial disclosures and presentation will also be available on the website.

About The ODP Corporation

The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of products and services through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, a B2B digital procurement solution, online presence and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC; ODP Business Solutions, LLC; Veyer, LLC; and Varis, Inc., The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day. For more information, visit theodpcorp.com.

ODP and ODP Business Solutions are trademarks of ODP Business Solutions, LLC. Office Depot is a trademark of The Office Club, LLC. OfficeMax is a trademark of OMX, Inc. Veyer is a trademark of Veyer, LLC. Varis is a trademark of Varis, Inc. Grand&Toy is a trademark of Grand & Toy, LLC in Canada. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424694019/en/

Tim Perrott
Investor Relations
561-438-4629
Tim.Perrott@theodpcorp.com

Source: The ODP Corporation

Release – Great Lakes Announces New $150,000,000 Second-Lien Financing Agreement

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GLDD

Apr 24, 2024

PDF Version

HOUSTON, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (“Great Lakes” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GLDD), the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, announced that it has entered into a $150,000,000 5-year, senior secured second-lien credit agreement (“Second Lien Credit Agreement”) with Guggenheim Credit Funding, LLC, on behalf of one or more clients. The Company borrowed $100,000,000 under the Second Lien Credit Agreement on the Closing Date and has the option to draw an additional $50,000,000 for a period of 12 months following the closing date of the initial loan. The loans under the Second Lien Credit Agreement funded on the Closing Date were used to repay amounts outstanding under the ABL Credit Agreement and to pay fees associated with the transactions and will be used to fund upcoming newbuild payments. The delayed draw portion of the term loans, if funded, will be used to fund future newbuild payments, ongoing working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The Second Lien Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants as well as customary events of default. The obligations under the Second Lien Credit Agreement are secured on a second-priority basis by substantially all of the Company’s assets. Further details on the terms of the Second Lien Credit Agreement can be found in the Company’s Form 8-K for the Second Lien Credit Agreement which will be filed within the next four business days.

Scott Kornblau, Great Lakes’ Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer commented, “The second-lien financing shores up our balance sheet and provides additional liquidity to complete our new build program. The delayed draw feature allows Great Lakes to lock in a commitment for additional long-term capital while giving us the flexibility to pursue financing alternatives, including Title XI. We are confident in our long-term strategy and remain committed to delivering value to our shareholders and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”

Lazard Frères & Co. LLC acted as placement agent and sole financial advisor to the Company in connection with the Second Lien Credit Agreement.

The Company
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 134-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”) or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), all as may be amended from time to time. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Great Lakes and its subsidiaries, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the Exchange Act and the PSLRA with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the “safe harbor” provisions of such laws. Great Lakes cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by Great Lakes are not guarantees or indicative of future events.

Although Great Lakes believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in this press release are reasonable, actual events could differ materially. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof and Great Lakes does not have or undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.

For further information contact:
Tina Baginskis
Director, Investor Relations
630-574-3024

Billionaire Leon Cooperman Sounds the Alarm on Looming Financial Crisis

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a characteristically blunt assessment, billionaire investor Leon Cooperman painted a grim picture of the current economic landscape during his recent appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box. The legendary investor, known for his storied career at Goldman Sachs and the success of his hedge fund Omega Advisors, did not mince words as he expressed grave concerns about the state of the nation’s leadership, fiscal policies, and the potential for an impending financial crisis.

Cooperman’s remarks kicked off with a scathing critique of the upcoming presidential election, describing the choices as “bad and worse.” This sentiment underscored his belief in a broader “leadership crisis” within the country, which he believes is exacerbating the already precarious economic situation.

At the forefront of Cooperman’s concerns is the ballooning federal debt and the persistent trade deficit plaguing the nation. “The evils of trade and debt deficit,” as he put it, are a ticking time bomb that could potentially trigger a financial crisis of unprecedented proportions. He emphasized that “deficits matter,” and the current trajectory is unsustainable, warning that the consequences of unchecked borrowing and spending could manifest in the form of higher interest rates, rampant inflation, and a weakened currency.

Cooperman also leveled criticism at the Federal Reserve, giving them a “low grade” for their handling of monetary policy. He lambasted the central bank for keeping interest rates near zero for nearly a decade, only to abruptly raise them by a staggering 500 basis points within a year. This whiplash-inducing policy shift, according to Cooperman, is symptomatic of the Fed’s missteps and lack of foresight.

Despite the stock market hovering near record highs, Cooperman warned of rampant speculation and froth in certain segments of the market. He cited the frenzy surrounding former President Trump’s social media venture and the proliferation of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) as examples of speculative excess. Cooperman cautioned that the current market euphoria might be misguided, as there are no clear signs that the Fed’s tightening measures have been sufficiently restrictive to rein in inflation.

Interestingly, Cooperman’s portfolio reflects a defensive posture, with 15% allocated to energy stocks and 20% invested in bonds. However, he expressed concerns about the ongoing lawsuit with Spectrum against the government, which could impact the value of his bond holdings.

In a contrarian move, Cooperman revealed a preference for equities over bonds, defying conventional wisdom that favors fixed-income assets in times of economic uncertainty. This stance underscores his belief that certain sectors and companies may offer better risk-adjusted returns than the bond market, which he views as overvalued.

Cooperman’s dire warnings and contrarian positions serve as a stark reminder of the uncertainties and potential pitfalls facing investors in the current market environment. While his views may be controversial, they underscore the importance of vigilance, risk management, and careful asset allocation in navigating the turbulent waters of the global economy.

As investors and financial professionals grapple with the challenges ahead, Cooperman’s sobering assessments demand careful consideration, even if they challenge conventional wisdom. In the end, his candor and willingness to voice unpopular opinions may prove invaluable in preparing for the potential storms on the horizon.

Travelzoo (TZOO) – An Improved Balance Sheet; Stable Outlook

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Travelzoo® provides its 30 million members with exclusive offers and one-of-a-kind experiences personally reviewed by our deal experts around the globe. We have our finger on the pulse of outstanding travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. We work in partnership with more than 5,000 top travel suppliers—our long-standing relationships give Travelzoo members access to irresistible deals.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Mixed Q1 Results. The company reported Q1 revenue of $22.0 million, a modest 1.8% increase over the year earlier results and a significant sequential deceleration from 13.7% in the previous quarter. Adj. EBITDA in the latest quarter was $6.1 million, beating our estimate of $5.8 million by 5.0%, a result of lower marketing spend.

A year of transition. In January the company switched to a paid subscription, all new members pay a $40 annual fee, while members who joined prior to January 2024 do not pay a subscription fee until January 2025. Notably, the company plans to increase marketing spend in the coming quarters as it aims to grow the number of paid members, a development we view favorably.

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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.

Orion Group Holdings (ORN) – First Look into the First Quarter

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Results. Revenue for the first quarter was $160.7 million, a 0.9% increase from $159.2 million last year but lower than our estimate of $170 million. Adjusted net loss totaled $4.0 million, or a loss of $0.12, an improvement from a net loss of $10.3 million or $0.32 last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $4.1 million compared to a negative $4.1 million in the prior year. We estimated an adjusted net loss of $7.5 million, or a loss of $0.23, and adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 million.

Continued Margin Improvement. The first quarter brought higher margins compared to last year, as management’s focus on margin improvement continues to deliver. Gross margin improved to 9.7% from 3.7% in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 2.5% from (2.6)% in the prior year. With management’s strategic plan towards higher quality projects, we expect continued higher margins in the future.

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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

MustGrow Biologics Corp. (MGROF) – Releases Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Fiscal Year Results. Management reported revenue of CAD$4.7 million for the year from CAD$6,479 last year. This is due to fees earned from technology license, evaluation, and collaboration agreements. The Company had a net loss of CAD$676,940, or a loss of $0.01 per share, from a loss of CAD$5.6 million or $0.11 last year, with the improvement from the increased revenue.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow. MustGrow ended the year with CAD$6.8 million in cash, slightly down from CAD$7.0 million last year. The Company used CAD$294,764 in CFFO, an improvement from a use of CAD$3.3 million last year. The improvement was due to the revenue from fees earned. Barring any additional revenue, we estimate that the Company currently has an approximate 15-month runaway before needing new capital.

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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

Comstock Inc. (LODE) – Comstock Fuels Gains Commercial Momentum

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Agreement executed with RenFuel K2B AB. Comstock completed agreements to invest up to $3 million in RenFuel K2B AB over a three-year period. The investment will support commercialization of joint development applications and renewable fuel technologies, along with the development of a 100 thousand tonnes per year (TPY) biorefinery joint venture project in Sweden. The agreements call for the purchase of up to $3 million in 7% senior secured convertible notes funded in quarterly installments of $250 thousand for three years.

The power of partnership. Comstock’s partnership with RenFuel has accelerated the commercialization of its technologies. The companies’ joint venture project is strategic to Comstock’s plan to commercialize its proprietary Bioleum product. Comstock uses RenFuel’s patented catalytic esterification technology to refine Bioleum derivatives into Hydro-deoxygenated Bioleum Oil (HBO) for use by advanced biofuel refineries to produce sustainable aviation and renewable diesel fuel.

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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

Noble Capital Markets Emerging Growth Virtual Healthcare Conference Presentation Replays

Posted on April 25, 2024May 6, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

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**Anavex Life Sciences (AVXL)**
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**Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc (ATRA)**
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**Kiora Pharmaceuticals (KPRX)**
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**SeaStar Medical Holding Corporation (ICU)**
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Emerging Growth Public Healthcare Company Executive Presentations
Q&A Sessions Moderated by Noble’s Analysts and Bankers
Scheduled 1×1 Meetings with Qualified Investors

Noble Capital Markets, a full-service SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer, dedicated exclusively to serving emerging growth companies, is pleased to present the Emerging Growth Virtual Healthcare Conference, taking place April 17^th and 18^th, 2024. This virtual gathering is set to be an immersive experience, bringing together a unique blend of investors, industry leaders, and experts in the life sciences, healthcare, and medical device sectors.

Part of Noble’s Robust 2024 Events Calendar

The Emerging Growth Virtual Healthcare Conference is part of Noble’s 2024 event programming, featuring a range of c-suite interviews, in-person non-deal roadshows throughout the United States, two more sector-specific virtual equity conferences, and culminating in Noble’s preeminent in-person investor conference, NobleCon20, to be held at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida December 3-4. Keep an eye out for the official press release on NobleCon20 coming soon.

Check out the calendar of upcoming in-person non-deal roadshows here.

What to Expect

The Emerging Growth Virtual Healthcare Conference will feature 2 days of corporate presentations from up to 50 innovative public healthcare, biotech, and medical device companies, showcasing their latest advancements and investment opportunities. Each presentation will be followed by a fireside-style Q&A session proctored by one of Noble’s analyst or bankers, with questions taken from the audience during the presentation. Panel presentations are planned, featuring key opinion leaders in the healthcare sector, providing valuable insights on emerging trends. Scheduled one-on-one meetings with public company executives, coordinated by Noble’s dedicated Investor Outreach team, are also available to qualified investors.

Why Your Company Should Present

Looking to increase awareness in your company and increase liquidity? Paid participation in Noble’s investor conferences, both virtual and in-person, provides that opportunity, with a tailored experience aimed at delivering substantial value. After 40 years of serving emerging growth companies, and the investors who follow them, Noble has built an investor base eager to discover where the next success story lies.

Noble’s investor base is relevant and, in many cases, new to your company. Noble’s dedicated Investor Outreach team provides unmatched exposure to investors that can invest in your company, including small money managers, family offices, RIAs, wealth managers, self-directed investors, and institutions. Most of Noble’s investors specifically seek undervalued, overlooked, emerging investment opportunities.

The cost to present includes your corporate presentation with a Q&A session proctored by one of Noble’s analysts or bankers, a webcast recording, scheduled 1×1 meetings with qualified investors, and marketing on Channelchek.

Benefits for Investors

The emerging growth healthcare space may be poised for a breakout year. The recent dislocation in the healthcare and biotech spaces has created compelling valuation profiles for many companies. Hear directly from the c-suite of the next innovators in this space and learn about new investment opportunities. The Q&A portion of each presentation gives you the opportunity to have your questions answered during or after the proctored session. The planned panel presentations are sure to provide expert insight on growing trends in the healthcare space. And, for qualified investors, one-on-one meetings are available with company executives; scheduled by Noble’s dedicated Investor Outreach team. All from the comfort of your own desk, and at no cost.

How to Register

Limited presenting slots are available

Publicly traded companies in the healthcare space can submit their registration details here.

If you have any questions about presenting, please contact events@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Investor / Guest attendees can register here

Interested in becoming a sponsor of Noble’s virtual and in-person investor conferences?

Contact events@noblecapitalmarkets.com for sponsorship information.

The New York Stock Exchange’s Bold Proposal for 24/7 Trading: Risks and Opportunities

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the iconic centerpiece of global finance, is exploring a groundbreaking shift that could reshape how stock markets operate worldwide. The proposal to transition to 24/7 trading is a bold move that promises both opportunities and challenges for investors and market participants alike.

The Lure of Continuous Trading
The driving force behind the NYSE’s consideration of round-the-clock trading is the desire to align with the increasingly global and interconnected nature of modern financial markets. As the world’s economic activities continue to transcend time zones, the traditional trading hours impose limitations on investors’ ability to react swiftly to events that could significantly impact stock prices.

By embracing a 24/7 trading model, the NYSE aims to democratize access, allowing investors across the globe to participate in the markets at their convenience. This could potentially enhance liquidity and market efficiency, providing a more seamless flow of capital and pricing information.

Moreover, the rise of digital currencies and their associated markets, which operate continuously, has set a precedent that traditional stock exchanges are keen to emulate. The promise of reducing volatility at market openings, as news and events would be immediately reflected in stock prices, is an enticing proposition for advocates of 24/7 trading.

Navigating Potential Risks
However, this revolutionary shift is not without its challenges and concerns. One significant apprehension is the potential for increased price volatility, particularly during off-peak hours when trading volumes may be lower. Uninformed or less experienced investors could face substantial risks if prices swing erratically due to lower liquidity or unforeseen events.

The NYSE’s survey specifically probes for mechanisms to safeguard against such volatility, underscoring the need for robust investor protection measures in a 24/7 trading environment. Regulatory bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will play a pivotal role in shaping the framework and rules to mitigate risks and ensure market integrity.

Operational and logistical demands pose another significant hurdle. Staffing for overnight sessions, upgrading technical infrastructure, and overhauling clearing house operations to accommodate non-stop trading will require substantial investments and coordination across the financial ecosystem.

Implications for Investors and Markets
If the NYSE successfully navigates these challenges and implements 24/7 trading, the implications for investors could be far-reaching. Individual investors may benefit from increased flexibility, as they would no longer be constrained by traditional trading hours. This could democratize access to market opportunities, allowing investors to react more swiftly to global events that could impact their portfolios.

However, the potential for increased volatility during off-peak hours could pose risks for less experienced or risk-averse investors. Prudent investors may need to adjust their strategies and risk management approaches to account for the possibility of sudden price swings during overnight trading sessions.

For institutional investors and market makers, 24/7 trading could present both opportunities and challenges. While continuous access to markets could enable more efficient portfolio management and risk hedging, it may also necessitate adjustments to staffing, trading algorithms, and risk management protocols to accommodate round-the-clock operations.

Moreover, the transition to 24/7 trading could have broader implications for market dynamics and behavior. With the traditional opening and closing bell ceremonies no longer demarcating trading sessions, the psychological and behavioral factors that influence market participants may evolve. Investors and traders may need to adapt their decision-making processes and strategies to account for the absence of these temporal anchors.

Conclusion
The NYSE’s exploration of 24/7 trading represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of financial markets. While the potential benefits of continuous trading, such as increased liquidity and market efficiency, are appealing, the industry must carefully navigate the associated risks and challenges.

As the world moves towards a more interconnected and digitized financial landscape, the future of trading may indeed lie in a 24/7 model. However, achieving this paradigm shift will require collaboration among exchanges, regulators, and market participants to ensure investor protection, operational readiness, and market stability.

The road ahead may be arduous, but the prospect of more accessible, efficient, and globally inclusive markets could usher in a new era of trading that better serves the needs of a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.

Corporate America Braces for Seismic Shift as FTC’s Noncompete Ban Kicks In

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the dynamics of the American workforce, the Federal Trade Commission has fired a shot across the bow of Corporate America by enacting a near-total ban on noncompete agreements. The new regulation promises to upend long-standing business practices and trigger sweeping ramifications for companies, investors, and millions of workers.

On Tuesday, the FTC’s commissioners voted 3-1 to prohibit employers from imposing noncompete clauses that restrict workers from leaving for a rival firm. The ban applies not only to future contracts but also requires companies to nullify existing noncompete agreements, with few exceptions allowed for some highly-paid executives.

The rationale, according to the FTC, is that such clauses suppress wages, hamper innovation, and deprive workers of economic freedoms by limiting their career mobility and ability to pursue better opportunities. It’s an expansive assertion of regulatory power spotlighting the Biden administration’s pro-labor policy agenda.

“Companies with extraordinary leverage over employees shouldn’t be able to squeeze Americans with noncompetes that are often offered on a take-it-or-leave-it basis,” FTC Chair Lina Khan declared. “Today’s vote helps restore workers’ countervailing bargaining power and freedom of mobility.”

But the new edict is already facing a backlash from powerful business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which have accused the FTC of overstepping its legal authority. Within 24 hours, they filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the “staggeringly overbroad” ban.

“This represents a startling regulatory overreach and stretches the FTC’s authority far beyond what Congress could ever have intended,” said Jeffrey Shapiro, a noncompete law expert at FCW Partners. “It will likely be bogged down in the courts for years.”

If the ban withstands the expected legal challenges, experts say the ripple effects could be seismic across a wide range of industries that have long leveraged noncompete clauses to protect trade secrets and retain top talent:

Tech Giants Face Talent Drain
Major tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle and Austin could see a free-for-all in the battle for engineering and product talent no longer restricted by noncompete strictures. This could accelerate attrition at the FAANG companies and disrupt the aggressive recruiting tactics they’ve leaned on to poach stars. Public tech stock valuations may have to be reevaluated.

Manufacturing Risks Rise
Automakers and aerospace manufacturers that have stringently guarded R&D and intellectual property using noncompetes worry about a brain drain to rivals or upstart competitors. Smaller industrial firms may have to rethink business strategies if they can no longer tie down key personnel.

Healthcare Industry Upheaval
The healthcare industry, notorious for its aggressive use of noncompete language, could be turned upside down. Major hospital systems and staffing firms may struggle to retain nurses, doctors and specialists who can now seamlessly jump ship to competing practices or startups. Costs may spike for replacing those who exit.

While noncompete agreements faced growing restrictions in several states, the FTC’s action goes much further in seeking to eliminate them nationwide outside of very narrow circumstances. The resulting purge could catalyze significant workforce churn across the corporate landscape.

“Employers, investors and the markets have to prepare for severe disruption if this ban sticks,” said Eric Sibbitt, CEO of data analytics firm O*NET OnLine. “Holding onto your most valuable human capital will become exponentially harder.”

Whether it triggers an unleashing of professional talent or catastrophic defections of prized workers will be the multi-billion dollar question facing Corporate America. Buckle up for a brave new world of unrestricted job-hopping.