Aurania Resources (AUIAF) – Regaining its Momentum; Aurania Outlines 2024 Exploration Program


Thursday, April 18, 2024

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.


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*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. 

FAT Brands (FAT) – More Development Deals


Thursday, April 18, 2024

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

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.

New Development Deals. FAT Brands has announced a number of new development deals. We view these announcements positively as they highlight the continued interest by existing and new franchisees for the Company’s portfolio of restaurant themes. The new deals add to the existing 1,100+ pipeline of new locations.

Co-Branding Deal. FAT Brands announced a new development deal to open 40 new franchised Fatburger locations across Northern California in partnership with franchisee California Burger, Inc. Fatburger will be added to 40 existing Round Table Pizza locations over the next 10 years with the first location set to open in 2024.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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. 

Benitec Biopharma Lands $40M Lifeline to Advance Gene Therapy Pipeline

In an oversubscribed private placement deal, clinical-stage biotech Benitec Biopharma (NASDAQ: BNTC) has secured $40 million in fresh capital to propel its lead gene therapy program into human trials. The financing provides an essential lifeline for the company as it aims to validate its novel “Silence and Replace” platform through clinical data readouts.

Benitec sold 5.7 million shares of its common stock at $4.80 per share, while also issuing 2.6 million pre-funded warrants in the transaction. The deal was led by healthcare investment firm Suvretta Capital Management, with participation from an investor syndicate including Adage Capital Partners, Nantahala Capital, multiple specialist healthcare funds, and a large mutual fund.

The $40 million gross proceeds dwarf Benitec’s $8.5 million cash balance exiting 2023 and strengthen the biotech’s financial runway considerably. Executives stated the capital will primarily fund development of BB-301, Benitec’s lead therapeutic candidate for Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD).

Specifically, Benitec plans to kick off a natural history lead-in study and then initiate a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial evaluating BB-301 in OPMD patients. A portion will also support general operations as the company works to build out its pipeline leveraging the next-generation “Silence and Replace” platform.

For Benitec, scoring this level of financing commitment represents a major endorsement from the investment community. The company has been touting the promise of its dual RNA interference and gene therapy technology for years, but has leaned on equity injections and partnerships to keep the lights on.

Now, with $40 million from a blue-chip investor group, Benitec will have resources to prove its bold scientific vision can translate into real-world results for patients. Delivering clinical validation would be a game-changer in unlocking the plethora of therapeutic opportunities the “Silence and Replace” platform could potentially address.

As part of the deal terms, Benitec has agreed to consider adding Suvretta portfolio manager Kishen Mehta to its board of directors. Having greater oversight and alignment with the lead investor could tighten Benitec’s focus on prudent capital allocation and strategic execution going forward.

The financing did require issuing shares at a discount to the $4.80 prior closing price as well as warrant coverage for investors to get the deal done. But scoring that magnitude of capital from high-quality funds suggests belief in the innovative science and upcoming data milestones.

For a pre-revenue biotech still in clinical development stages, continual cash raises remain the norm. Yet this latest $40 million haul buys Benitec significant runway to produce human proof-of-concept results and hit major value-inflection points, without being forced to give away the farm through onerous dilution or a cut-rate M&A exit.

Of course, as is the case with all cutting-edge technologies, execution risk remains. Benitec and its investors are betting big on the “Silence and Replace” platform living up to its game-changing gene therapy potential. Success would be transformative, but fai lures are all too common in the high-risk, high-reward biotech realm.

With its coffers newly replenished, Benitec is approaching a make-or-break inflection point. This $40 million lifeline paves the way for the pioneering gene therapy firm to generate pivotal clinical data that could vindicate its ambitious “Silence and Replace” platform. The road ahead is unforgiving, with little margin for error against the high bar set for regulatory approval and commercial success in the cutthroat biotech sphere. But if Benitec can deliver validating evidence that its dual RNA interference and gene replacement approach translates into meaningful therapeutic benefits, it could spark a tectonic shift in how the industry tackles genetic diseases. Benitec is staring down its chance to forever change the landscape of modern medicine.

Take a moment to take a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Senior Research Analyst Robert LeBoyer’s coverage universe.

Release – QuantaSing Group Accelerates Global Growth with Strategic Initiatives

Research News and Market Data on QSG

BEIJING, April 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuantaSing Group Limited (NASDAQ: QSG) (“QuantaSing” or the “Company”), a leading online learning service provider in China, today announced several strategic initiatives integral to the Company’s global growth acceleration. QuantaSing is strengthening its presence in the United States and in Hong Kong as part of this plan.

The Company’s executive team, led by Tim (Dong) Xie, Chief Financial Officer of QuantaSing Group, is currently in the United States engaged in dozens of meetings with investors, potential partners and other key stakeholders in the market. These exchanges are focused on the company’s development, establishing and strengthening new and existing relationships, and shaping next steps for QuantaSing’s growth.

“Our recent visit to the United States has opened up a wealth of opportunities. We look forward to announcing new partnerships in due course,” said Tim Xie, CFO of QuantaSing. “We also anticipate the opening of our new office in Hong Kong this summer and extend a warm welcome to our friends and partners worldwide to meet us when in market.”

QuantaSing returns to the ASU + GSV Summit

QuantaSing has returned to the ASU + GSV Summit in San Diego this year as a sponsor and continues to contribute to the discussion on the future of online learning, adult education, and education technology. Ken Chau, Chief Executive Officer of Kelly’s Education (a QuantaSing company), joined a panel discussion on “Responsible AI for Kids” highlighting how Kelly’s Education and QuantaSing have harnessed AI tools to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and empower both children and elderly adults to lead more fulfilling lives.

Kelly’s Education shares key business updates

Kelly’s Education recently announced partnerships with two major authorities in English learning courses: Disney World of English and National Geographic Learning. These partnerships aim to provide children with a higher quality teaching environment and learning materials, further enhancing their learning outcomes and building Kelly’s Education as the children’s English learning platform of choice in Hong Kong.

Moreover, Kelly’s Education will announce the opening of its first offline school in May. The school will serve as an interactive, innovative learning center, offering various educational resources and high-quality teaching services, which can effectively combine the advantages of both online and traditional learning methods, providing children with an innovative and engaging learning experience.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to engage in a discussion about the delicate dynamics of AI and children’s education,” said Ken Chau, CEO of Kelly’s Education. “During the summit, we were also able to share how we apply AI to our work to better the customer experience while guarding children’s wellbeing. Since becoming a part of the QuantaSing Group, Kelly’s Education has seen remarkable growth. Our newly established partnerships will propel us forward in our mission to establish ourselves as the premier children’s education brand in Hong Kong.”

QuantaSing to open Hong Kong office in summer

QuantaSing announces the intention to open an office in Hong Kong, the Company’s first office outside Mainland China. The new office will be situated in a prime location close to investors and business decisionmakers. With an opening planned for early-summer, the office will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and further expansion into global markets. This marks an exciting new chapter in QuantaSing’s international growth journey.

About QuantaSing Group Limited

QuantaSing is a leading online service provider in China dedicated to improving people’s quality of life and well-being by providing lifelong personal learning and development opportunities. The Company is the largest service provider in China’s online adult learning market and China’s adult personal interest learning market in terms of revenue, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan based on data from 2022. By leveraging its proprietary tools and technology, QuantaSing offers easy-to-understand, affordable, and accessible online courses to adult learners, empowering users to pursue personal development. Leveraging its extensive experience in individual online learning services and its robust technology infrastructure, the Company has expanded its services to corporate clients, and diversified its operations into its e-commerce business and its AI and technology business.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.quantasing.com

Contact

Investor Relations

Leah Guo

QuantaSing Group Limited

Email: ir@quantasing.com

Tel: +86 (10) 6493-7857

Robin Yang, Partner

ICR, LLC

Email: QuantaSing.IR@icrinc.com

Tel: +1 (212) 537-0429

Public Relations

Brad Burgess, Senior Vice President

ICR, LLC

Email: Brad.Burgess@icrinc.com

Release – Bitcoin Depot Signs Fareway Stores as its First Major Grocery Chain

Research News and Market Data on BTM

Partnership to Result in 66 New Bitcoin Depot Kiosk Locations Across Midwest

ATLANTA, April 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today announced its retail partnership with Fareway Stores Inc. (“Fareway”), a growing Midwest grocery company currently operating more than 130 grocery store locations across the Midwestern US.

Bitcoin Dept plans to deploy BTMs in 66 Fareway locations starting in Q2 of 2024, throughout Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri.

“We’re thrilled to work with a growing grocery store brand like Fareway as we continue our own expansion efforts in 2024, reinforcing our commitment to providing easy and convenient crypto access to new and returning users,” said Brandon Mintz, CEO of Bitcoin Depot. “Our technology has a proven track record of success across our portfolio of retail partners, and I believe our customer-first approach aligns perfectly with Fareway’s ethos. We anticipate a mutually beneficial partnership that enhances the cash to Bitcoin experience for Fareway customers.”

Bitcoin Depot’s products and services provide an intuitive, quick, and convenient process for converting cash into Bitcoin. This allows users to access the broader digital financial system, including using Bitcoin to make payments, transfers, remittances, online purchases, and investments.

“At Fareway, we are dedicated to enhancing the shopping experience for our customers by offering innovative solutions and services,” said Scot Kinne, Vice President of Banking, Payments and Investments at Fareway Stores. “Partnering with Bitcoin Depot allows us to further enrich our offerings and meet the evolving needs of our communities. We look forward to introducing Bitcoin Depot’s BTMs to our customers and continuing to provide exceptional service across our stores.”

This news builds upon Bitcoin Depot’s recent operational momentum and significant growth milestones following its recent expansions into Australia and Puerto Rico. In April 2024, the Company surpassed its goal of deploying 8,000 Bitcoin ATMs. With these achievements, Bitcoin Depot now retains the largest installed fleet of BTMs in its history, solidifying its position as the leading BTM operator in North America.

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.  

About Fareway Stores

Fareway Stores, Inc. is a growing Midwest grocery company currently operating more than 130 grocery store locations in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Fareway holds family values in the highest regard, demonstrating integrity, fairness, and honesty in relationships with customers, employees, vendors, and suppliers.

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 

Release – Kratos Demonstrates Fully Virtualized SATCOM Ground System for U.S. Army Futures Command Over SES’s O3b MEO Constellation

Research News and Market Data on KTOS

Together the companies showcase technology capable of supporting multi-orbit, multi-mission satellite ground operations

SAN DIEGO and LUXEMBOURG, April 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, and SES, a leader in global content connectivity solutions, successfully executed a fully virtualized satellite communications (SATCOM) ground system demonstration for the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command, both announced today.

Kratos and SES successfully showed a flexible network architecture facilitating simultaneous communication pathways for resilient SATCOM. This virtualized and containerized architecture enables soldiers to position their radio frequency (RF) hardware and software-defined hubs anywhere globally. In an industry first, the demonstration showed seamless operation supporting satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) on a “make-before-break” mode over SES’s O3b MEO satellite network. Make-before-break is an essential capability for MEO and LEO satellite constellations referring to the ability to transfer communication sessions while the user transverses the coverage areas of different satellites.

The demonstration employed a remote terminal in Port St. Lucie, U.S., and a gateway in Lima, Peru, which connected to a software-defined Kratos OpenSpace® vStar hub system located more than 3,000 miles away in Virginia, U.S., all orchestrated and conducted over SES’s O3b satellite network.

Military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) networks increasingly will need to support multiple missions and employ multi-orbit satellite networks while reacting far more quickly than today’s hardware-based ground system. Kratos OpenSpace® Platform is the industry’s only commercially available, fully software-defined satellite ground system that provides the necessary reliability and agility needed for these modern operations. System efficiency was further enhanced by hosting the container-based OpenSpace hub on public cloud resources provided by SES.

Chris Badgett, Vice President of Technology for Kratos Space, said, “As employed in this demonstration, OpenSpace is the first to leverage containers to orchestrate the transfer of communication sessions in a standards-based, open, COTS platform environment. Using a containerized architecture for this make-before-break handover is a significant advancement in SATCOM technology and shows how Kratos is leading SATCOM ground modernization by using commercial capabilities, including software and generic x86 servers, to streamline and enhance hub, gateway and remote terminals.”

Saba Wehbe, Senior Vice President, Service Engineering and Delivery of SES, said, “SES’s software reconfigurable approach will future-proof ground systems and simplify the interoperability of multi-constellation, multi-orbit, multi-platform satellite services as well as standards-based integration with terrestrial networks. Showcasing a resilient software-defined network, characterized by the flexibility and agility critical to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) SATCOM modernization efforts, reinforces the importance of these features.”

Funding for this project was through the Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT) established by the Army Futures Command.

About Kratos OpenSpace

Kratos’ OpenSpace family of solutions enables the digital transformation of satellite ground systems to become a more dynamic and powerful part of the space network. The family consists of three product lines: OpenSpace SpectralNet for converting satellite RF signals to be used in digital environments; OpenSpace quantum products, which are virtual versions of traditional hardware components; and the OpenSpace Platform, the first commercially available, fully orchestrated, software-defined ground system. These three OpenSpace lines enable satellite operators and other service providers to implement digital operations at their own pace and in ways that meet their unique mission goals and business models. For more information about the OpenSpace family visit http://KratosDefense.com/OpenSpace.

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.

About SES

SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates the world’s only geosynchronous orbit and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance. By leveraging its vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world’s leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES’s video network carries over 6,400 channels, reaching 369 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.

For further information, please contact:

For Kratos: Yolanda White

858-812-7302 Direct

Investor Information:

877-934-4687

investor@kratosdefense.com

For SES: Suzanne Ong

External Communications SES

Tel. +352 710 725 500

suzanne.ong@ses.com

Release – FAT Brands Ignites Co-Branding Strategy with 40-Unit Northern California Development Deal

Research News and Market Data on FAT

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Round Table Pizza and 16 other restaurant concepts, announces a new development deal to open 40 new franchised Fatburger locations across Northern California. In partnership with franchisee California Burger, Inc., Fatburger will be added to 40 existing Round Table Pizza locations over the next 10 years with the first location set to open in 2024.

“Since opening our first co-branded Fatburger and Round Table Pizza in the Dallas area last year, we have seen significant interest in this pairing from our franchisee base,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “We are pleased to further the growth of this new co-branded model with California Burger, Inc. who also operates Circle Pizza LLC, the largest multi-unit operator of Round Table Pizza with over 70 Round Table Pizza restaurants in operation. We see great potential for Fatburger and Round Table Pizza co-branded restaurants given both brands’ California heritage. The strategy is not unsimilar to the success we have experienced with co-branded locations of Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express, which now number over 100 locations worldwide.”

Ever since the first Fatburger opened in Los Angeles over 70 years ago, the chain has been known for its delicious, grilled-to-perfection and cooked to order burgers. Founder Lovie Yancey believed that a big burger with everything on it is a meal in itself. At Fatburger, “everything” is not just the usual lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, pickles and relish. Burgers can be customized with toppings including bacon and eggs. In addition to its famous burgers, the Fatburger menu also includes Fat and Skinny Fries, turkeyburgers, hand-breaded crispy chicken sandwiches, and hand-scooped milkshakes made from 100% real ice cream.

Since its founding in 1959, Round Table Pizza has been recognized as “Pizza Royalty™” for its homemade dough made from scratch and rolled fresh daily as well as for its dedication to using gold-standard ingredients like hand-sliced vegetables, high-quality meats, and the brand’s signature three cheese blend. Each pizza is hand-crafted with legendary toppings layered to the edge of Round Table’s perfectly baked crust.

For more information or to find a Fatburger near you, please visit www.fatburger.com. For more information or to find a Round Table Pizza near you, please visit www.roundtablepizza.com.

###

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza®, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Native Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit http://www.fatbrands.com.

About Fatburger

An all-American, Hollywood favorite, Fatburger is a fast-casual restaurant serving big, juicy, tasty burgers, crafted specifically to each customer’s liking. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Fatburger’s extraordinary quality and taste inspire fierce loyalty amongst its fan base, which includes a number of A-list celebrities and athletes. Featuring a contemporary design and ambience, Fatburger offers an unparalleled dining experience, demonstrating the same dedication to serving gourmet, homemade, custom-built burgers as it has since 1952 – The Last Great Hamburger Stand™.

About Round Table Pizza

Inspired by the honor, valor, and revelry of the Knights of the Round Table, Round Table Pizza’s superior pizza and commitment to quality and authenticity have earned the reputation of “Pizza Royalty™” for over 60 years. With more than 410 restaurants across the globe, Round Table celebrates community, family and making merry. For more information, visit www.roundtablepizza.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings and area development agreements. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we” or “our”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands

emandzik@fatbrands.com

860-212-6509

Release – V2X Clinches Spot on U.S. Navy’s Global Contingency Services Contract for Second Time, Building on Past Success

Research News and Market Data on VVX

MCLEAN, Va., April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) proudly announces its selection as one of the six prime contractors for the U.S. Navy’s Global Contingency Services (GCS) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) III. The contract, valued at up to $2 billion, was awarded by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific in Hawaii, with an expected completion date of September 2032.

This significant contract enables V2X to swiftly provide critical facility support services for a wide range of scenarios, including natural disasters, humanitarian efforts, military actions, and potential service disruptions. With operations spanning various global locations, including remote areas, V2X stands ready to deliver rapid and effective solutions whenever and wherever they are needed most.

Ken Shreves, Senior Vice President of Global Mission Solutions and Chief Service Delivery and Growth Officer at V2X, expressed pride in the company’s ongoing partnership with the Navy, “As a leading provider under GCS MAC II with nearly $300 million in awarded task orders, we are honored to continue our support for the Navy in the third iteration of the GCS MAC. This reaffirms our commitment to providing essential services during times of necessity. V2X has a proven track record of meeting our customers’ needs, even in the most challenging environments worldwide.”

During the GCS MAC II, which reached its $900 million ceiling reflecting demand for critical support services, V2X showcased its ability to deliver essential services efficiently and effectively. Under this latest contract, V2X remains committed to providing short-notice facility support services and incidental construction.

About V2X

V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure – by aligning people, actions, and outputs. Formed by the merger of Vectrus and Vertex, we bring a combined 120 years of successful mission support. Our lifecycle solutions improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness.

The Company delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. Our global team of approximately 16,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation to operations, to sustainment, as it tackles the most complex challenges with agility, grit, and dedication.

Media Contact

Angelica Spanos Deoudes

Director, Corporate Communications

Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com

571-338-5195

Investor Contact

Mike Smith, CFA

Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

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Small Biotech Cullinan Goes All-In on Autoimmune CAR-T in $280M Pivot

In a bold strategic move, small-cap biotech Cullinan Oncology is transforming into an autoimmune disease company and rebranding as Cullinan Therapeutics. The Massachusetts company announced the major pivot alongside a $280 million private placement financing that extends its cash runway into 2028.

Cullinan is staking its future on the emerging potential of CAR-T cell therapies to treat autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The company plans to advance its lead candidate CLN-978, a bispecific T cell engager originally developed for lymphoma, into SLE. An Investigational New Drug (IND) filing is targeted for the third quarter of 2024, with additional autoimmune indications likely to follow.

The strategic refocusing comes as preliminary data from small academic studies hint that CAR-T cells could induce durable remissions in autoimmune patients by depleting pathogenic B cells and modulating the immune system. In February, researchers reported that 8 out of 15 SLE patients achieved remission for over 1 year after CAR-T treatment, allowing them to discontinue all other medications.

“The unmet need in autoimmune diseases is vast, with most patients cycling through treatment after treatment without achieving remission,” said Cullinan CEO Alejandra Carvajal. “CAR-T cell therapy represents a potential paradigm shift, with an entirely novel mechanism to re-educate the immune system.”

Cullinan is one of the first movers in the autoimmune CAR-T space, but it won’t be alone for long. Peers like Kyverna, Cabaletta, Allogene and Arbor have all initiated programs or partnerships in the last year to develop similar cell therapies.

Cullinan has stopped enrolling patients in CLN-978’s lymphoma study to fully transition to autoimmune disorders. But the company is retaining its existing oncology pipeline, including lead asset zipalertinib in non-small cell lung cancer.

To fund the new autoimmune endeavors, Cullinan raised $280 million through the sale of shares and convertible securities to institutional investors. The private placement was led by venBio Partners and included Cullinan’s existing investors.

“This successful financing provides Cullinan with the resources to rapidly advance our CLN-978 program in SLE and beyond,” stated Carvajal. “We’re excited to lead the way into this new frontier at the intersection of cell therapy and autoimmune disease.”

Cullinan is making a high-risk, high-reward bet on still-unproven science. CAR-T’s efficacy in autoimmune conditions has only been explored in small patient numbers so far. But if the approach proves transformative, Cullinan could be at the vanguard of disrupting the large autoimmune drug market.

The hefty $280 million raise buys Cullinan plenty of runway to generate data from larger trials evaluating CLN-978 and shaping its future autoimmune portfolio. For autoimmune disease patients in need of new options, all eyes will be on Cullinan’s pioneering role in the promising CAR-T space.

Bitcoin’s Next Major Milestone Is A Few Days Away: The 2024 Halving

A once-every-four-years event in the Bitcoin world is rapidly approaching – the highly anticipated “halving.” Scheduled to occur around April 19th, 2024, this mechanism hard-coded into Bitcoin’s DNA is set to cut the rate of new BTC issuance in half. It’s a pivotal moment that could supercharge the crypto’s scintillating 2024 rally and reignite the bull market.

The halving is a deflationary feature designed to control Bitcoin’s supply over time by reducing the block reward paid to miners. From its inception in 2009 until 2012, miners received 50 BTC per validated block. That number was cut in half to 25 BTC at the first halving in 2012, then halved again to 12.5 BTC in 2016, and most recently to 6.25 BTC in 2020.

Now in 2024, the block reward is set to get cut again from 6.25 to around 3.125 BTC. By systematically slowing the issuance rate over time, Bitcoin’s supply is kept scarce in the face of theoretically increasing demand. This perceived scarcity is one of the factors purported to give Bitcoin its monetary value premium as a form of “digital gold.”

The halving events have historically preceded huge price surges in Bitcoin. A year after the May 2020 halving, Bitcoin rallied over 545%. Similar explosive rallies were witnessed after the 2016 and 2012 events as well. The logic is that as new supply slows after the halving, demand has to be higher to sustain price levels.

Some analysts think the halving impact has already been priced into Bitcoin’s blistering 2024 rally amid optimism around newly launched U.S. Bitcoin ETFs and rising institutional adoption. Since January 1st, BTC has surged over 60% to fresh all-time highs near $74,000.

But many Bitcoin veterans believe the halving could simply be the catalyst that reignites the next true crypto bull cycle akin to cycles past. They point to the recent rally as just the warm-up act before the main event. Adding fuel to the fire, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates later this year, thereby boosting risk assets like Bitcoin.

According to crypto exchange Bitfinex, Bitcoin could rally 160% in the 12-14 months post-halving to over $150,000 per coin if historical trends play out. While past returns are no guarantee of future performance, the scarcity effects of reduced supply could indeed supercharge demand.

Of course, doubters remain plentiful. There’s the argument that three prior data points create a small sample size from which to draw conclusions. The 2020 cycle was potentially inflated by pandemic stay-at-home narratives. And as Bitcoin matures, price movements may become more decoupled from fundamentals like the halving.

For crypto diehards though, the halving represents a once-in-a-cycle opportunity to get positioned ahead of the next major uptrend in Bitcoin prices. After spending 2022 and much of 2023 brutalized by the brutal crypto winter, many view it as the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it marks just another bullish catalyst or something even bigger remains to be seen. But Bitcoin’s next milestone moment is fast approaching.

Xcel Brands (XELB) – Sets Its Course Toward Profitability


Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Xcel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 United States https:/Sector(s): Consumer Cyclical Industry: Apparel Manufacturing Full Time Employees: 84 Key Executives Name Title Pay Exercised Year Born Mr. Robert W. D’Loren Chairman, Pres & CEO 1.27M N/A 1958 Mr. James F. Haran CFO, Principal Financial & Accou

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.

A noisy quarter. The company reported Q4 revenue of $2.3 million down year over year, but reflected strong 48% licensing revenue growth. Adj. EBITDA loss of $1.2 million was modestly lower than our estimate. In our view, the full impact of the company’s lower cost, licensing model has not yet been manifested. 

Significant amount of revenue growth initiatives. In our view, the company’s outlook in 2024 appears favorable in terms of revenue and potential swing toward positive adj. EBITDA. The favorable outlook is supported by its joint venture with Christie Brinkley, TWRHLL, which is launching in May; G-III and its launch of Halston in Q3 of 2024; expanding products from C. Wonder and Judith Ripka. 


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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. 

Haynes International (HAYN) – Shareholders Vote to Approve Haynes’ Pending Acquisition by North American Stainless


Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Haynes International, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced, nickel and cobalt-based high-performance alloys, primarily for use in the aerospace, industrial gas turbine and chemical processing industries.

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.

Transaction approved by Haynes stockholders. At a special meeting on April 16, Haynes shareholders voted to approve the company’s pending acquisition by North American Stainless, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Acerinox S.A. Acerinox, a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of stainless steel and high-performance alloys, will acquire all the outstanding shares of Haynes for $61.00 per share in an all-cash transaction. 

Closing is expected in the third calendar quarter. The transaction is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2024. The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act expired on March 18. Remaining closing conditions include approval by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), an interagency committee authorized to review transactions involving foreign investment in the U.S.. Other conditions are receipt of approvals, clearances, or expiration of waiting periods under certain foreign regulatory laws.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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. 

Release – Xcel Brands, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter And Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Research News and Market Data on XELB

April 16, 2024 at 4:33 PM EDT

PDF Version

  • GAAP net loss of $6.8 million for the quarter, compared with GAAP net loss of $6.0 million in the prior year quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of ($1.2) million for the quarter, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of ($5.9) million for the prior year quarter, an improvement of $4.7 million.
  • GAAP net loss of $21.1 million for the current year, compared with GAAP net loss of $4.0 million in the prior year, which included a $20.6 million gain on the sale of a majority interest in the Isaac Mizrahi brand.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of ($5.7) million for the year, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of ($12.5) million for the prior year, an improvement of $6.8 million.

NEW YORK, April 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) (“Xcel” or the “Company”), a media and consumer products company with significant expertise in livestream shopping and social commerce, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xcel commented, “Throughout 2023, we focused on a restructuring plan that got us focused on our core brand management business. The plan is now complete, and the core business is back on track. We have entered into new licensing agreements with industry leaders in core product categories and reduced salaries and operating costs by $14 million. Also, we strengthened our balance sheet. Recently, we launched Orme, a video and social commerce marketplace with a technology partner that leverages our vast knowledge in video commerce over TV and their technology brilliance. I believe Orme has the potential to transform e-commerce as we know it today.”

Mr. D’Loren continued, “we finished the year as expected and look forward to working with our new licensing partners to grow top line revenue and bottom-line results. Now more than ever, I am excited by the potential of the company.”

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $2.3 million, representing a decrease of approximately $1.8 million (-44%) from the fourth quarter of 2022. The year-over-year revenue decline in the fourth quarter of 2023 was driven by a $2.5 million decrease in net sales, attributable to the exit from the wholesale apparel, fine jewelry and Longaberger sales operations earlier this year as part of our restructuring plan, which was partly offset by an increase in licensing revenues.

Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands for the quarter was approximately $6.8 million, or ($0.34) per share, compared with a net loss of $6.0 million, or ($0.30) per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. The operating loss for the current quarter was approximately $5.6 million, compared with $8.4 million, loss for the prior year quarter.

After adjusting for certain cash and non-cash items, results on a non-GAAP basis were a net loss of approximately $4.7 million, or ($0.24) per share for the current quarter and a net loss of approximately $6.2 million, or ($0.32) per share, for the prior year quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA improved significantly on a year-over-year basis to negative $1.2 million for the current quarter as compared with negative $5.9 million for the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of the restructuring of our business and entry into the new long-term license agreements for our Halston, Judith Ripka, C Wonder and Longaberger brands.

Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Net revenue for the current year was $17.8 million, representing a decrease of approximately $8.0 million (45%) from the prior year. The year-over-year revenue decline from the prior year was driven by a $5.6 million decrease in licensing revenue, primarily attributable to the sale of a majority interest in the Isaac Mizrahi brand in May 2022 and a decrease of $2.4 million in net sales, attributable to the exit from the wholesale apparel, fine jewelry and Longaberger sales operations earlier this year as part of our restructuring plan.

Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands for the current year was approximately $21.1 million, or ($1.07) per share, compared with a net loss of $4.0 million, or ($0.20) per diluted share, for the prior year, which included a $20.6 million gain on the sale of a majority interest in the Isaac Mizrahi brand.

After adjusting for certain cash and non-cash items, results on a non-GAAP basis were a net loss of approximately $12.2 million, or $(0.62) per share for the current year, compared with a net loss of approximately $15.0 million, or $(0.77) per share, for the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA was negative $5.7 million for the current year, as compared with negative $12.5 million for the prior year, an improvement of $6.8 million or approximately 54%.

Balance Sheet

The Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2023, reflected stockholders’ equity of approximately $48 million, cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.0 million, and working capital, exclusive of the current portion of lease obligations, of approximately $2.1 million.

The Company closed a 5-year term, $5 million term loan during the 4th quarter 2023.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call with members of the executive management team to discuss these results with additional comments and details at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 16, 2024. A webcast of the conference call will be available live on the Investor Relations section of Xcel’s website at www.xcelbrands.com. Interested parties unable to access the conference call via the webcast may dial 800-715-9871 or 646-307-1963 and use the conference ID 1258246. A replay of the webcast will be available on Xcel’s website.

About Xcel Brands

Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel owns the Judith Ripka, Halston, LOGO by Lori Goldstein, and C. Wonder brands and a minority stake in the Isaac Mizrahi brand. It also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing LLC. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retail, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone, and over 20,000 hours of live-stream and social commerce. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. www.xcelbrands.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “appears,” “suggests,” “future,” “likely,” “goal,” “plans,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “should,” “would,” “guidance,” “confident” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our anticipated revenue, expenses, profitability, strategic plans and capital needs. These statements are based on information available to us on the date hereof and our current expectations, estimates and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including, without limitation, the risks discussed in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and its other filings with the SEC, which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors, nor can we address the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason.

For further information please contact:
Seth Burroughs
Xcel Brands
sburroughs@xcelbrands.com

View the full release HERE.