Month: January 2025

Diversified Expands Portfolio with Strategic Maverick Natural Resources Acquisition

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– $1.275B deal creates $3.8B energy giant with doubled production
– Shifts from gas-heavy to balanced oil/gas portfolio
– 3.3x EBITDA price with $345M cash flow; EIG takes 20% stake

Diversified Energy (NYSE:DEC) made waves in the energy sector Monday with its $1.275 billion acquisition of Maverick Natural Resources, a move that signals a major shift in domestic energy production strategy and could spark further consolidation in the industry.

The deal, which combines two major players in the U.S. energy market, is set to nearly double Diversified’s revenue and significantly boost its free cash flow, according to company statements. Market observers note this could mark the beginning of a new wave of consolidation in the domestic energy sector, as companies seek to build scale and efficiency in an increasingly competitive market.

“This acquisition expands our unique and highly focused energy production company with a complementary portfolio of attractive, high-quality assets,” said Rusty Hutson, Jr., CEO of Diversified. The combined company will boast an enterprise value of approximately $3.8 billion and operate across five distinct regions, with production reaching approximately 1,200 MMcfe/d.

What’s catching investors’ attention is the deal’s attractive valuation at roughly 3.3 times LTM EBITDA, suggesting Diversified may have found value in a market where quality assets often command premium multiples. The transaction structure, including the assumption of $700 million in Maverick debt and the issuance of 21.2 million new shares, appears designed to maintain financial flexibility while expanding the company’s operational footprint.

Perhaps most significantly, the merger dramatically shifts Diversified’s production mix. While the company has historically been heavily weighted toward natural gas with about 85% of production, Maverick brings a more balanced portfolio with 55% liquids production. This diversification could prove crucial in navigating volatile energy markets.

The deal also marks a strategic entry into the coveted Permian Basin, while strengthening Diversified’s position in the Western Anadarko Basin. Industry analysts suggest this multi-basin exposure could provide valuable operational flexibility and help mitigate regional production risks.

EIG, a major energy-focused investor, will emerge as a significant stakeholder, owning approximately 20% of the outstanding shares post-merger. This backing from a sophisticated institutional investor may provide additional validation for Diversified’s growth strategy.

Looking ahead, the combined company is positioned to benefit from substantial operational synergies and improved market presence. With a projected free cash flow of $345 million, the merged entity should have ample resources to fund both growth initiatives and shareholder returns.

The transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2025, still requires shareholder approval and regulatory clearance. However, with unanimous board approval and strong strategic rationale, the deal appears well-positioned to move forward.

For investors watching the energy sector, this merger could signal a broader trend toward consolidation as companies seek to build scale and improve operational efficiency in an evolving market landscape. The success of this integration could set a template for future deals in the domestic energy sector.

Take a moment to take a look at Senior Research Analyst Mark Reichman’s Industrials and Basic Industries coverage list.

Release – GeoVax Advanced MVA Manufacturing Process: Aimed to Enhance Vaccine Supply Worldwide

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

 

  • Last updated: 27 January 2025
  • Created: 27 January 2025
  • Hits: 60

Process Expected to Increase Production Yield, Flexibility at Lower Cost

Atlanta, GA – January 27, 2025 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in vaccines and immunotherapies, has shared updates about its development-stage advanced Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine manufacturing process. This anticipated process provides the potential to not only address today’s pressing health challenges but also paves the way for more efficient, flexible and lower-cost MVA-vaccine manufacturing.

The Power and Versatility of the MVA Platform

The MVA platform is uniquely designed to incorporate multiple antigens into a single vaccine. This versatility allows GeoVax to develop vaccines targeting multiple aspects of a single pathogen or several pathogens simultaneously. Originally developed as a safer smallpox vaccine, the MVA platform offers distinct advantages, including:

  • Protection against diseases such as Mpox and smallpox.
  • Multi-antigen vaccines like GEO-CM04S1, which targets both the Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) antigens of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Stability under minimal refrigeration and the potential for freeze-drying (lyophilization), simplifying distribution in resource-limited settings.

Advancing MVA Manufacturing

Current vaccine manufacturing methods rely on Chicken Embryo Fibroblast (CEF) cells, requiring pathogen-free eggs. This process is costly, time-consuming, and dependent on limited egg supplies, providing barriers to rapid, real-time MVA manufacturing, as well as hindering the flexibility necessary to establish local MVA manufacturing of critically important vaccines.  GeoVax is addressing these barriers through an advanced MVA Manufacturing process utilizing an avian cell line licensed from ProBioGen AG (Berlin). Key features include:

  • A continuous avian suspension cell line process that eliminates the need for pathogen-free eggs.
  • Compatibility with standard manufacturing equipment, reducing setup time, simplifying the MVA manufacturing process, increasing scalability and lowering manufacturing costs.

This advanced MVA manufacturing process is expected to significantly simplify vaccine production, particularly in middle- and low-income regions where supply chain issues often hinder access to critical vaccines.

Addressing Global Health Needs

“Our advanced MVA manufacturing process represents not only a transformative manufacturing advance but also addresses a public health imperative,” said David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax. “By tackling disease protection, logistical hurdles, and manufacturing challenges, we aim to empower regions like Africa with the tools needed to combat current and future health crises.”

GeoVax’s MVA vaccines have demonstrated robust performance in clinical trials, with ongoing Phase 2 studies for GEO-CM04S1, its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, showing broad and durable immune responses. Supported by its BARDA Project NextGen Award and partnerships with leading manufacturing and development organizations, GeoVax is positioned to enhance vaccine access and delivery on a global scale.

Recent Conference Presentations

GeoVax CEO David Dodd recently presented the company’s strategic initiatives and the potential of GEO-MVA at:

  • Biotech Showcase: January 14, 2025
  • Emerging Growth Conference: January 16, 2025

About GeoVax

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines for many of the world’s most threatening infectious diseases and therapies for solid tumor cancers. The company’s lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine for which GeoVax was recently awarded a BARDA-funded contract to sponsor a 10,000-participant Phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of GEO-CM04S1 versus an approved COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, GEO-CM04S1 is currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, being evaluated as (1) a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, (2) a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and (3) a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. In oncology the lead clinical program is evaluating a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, having recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. A Phase 2 clinical trial in first recurrent head and neck cancer, evaluating Gedeptin® combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor is planned to initiate in mid-2025. GeoVax has a strong IP portfolio in support of its technologies and product candidates, holding worldwide rights for its technologies and products. The Company has a leadership team who have driven significant value creation across multiple life science companies over the past several decades. For more information about the current status of our clinical trials and other updates, visit our website: www.geovax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.

Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. 

Company Contact:                         Investor Relations Contact:                     Media Contact:
info@geovax.com austin.murtagh@precisionaq.com sr@roberts-communications.com 
678-384-7220 212-698-8696 202-779-0929

Release – Ocugen, Inc. Announces Investigational New Drug Application in Effect After Review by FDA to Initiate Phase 1 Clinical Trial Evaluating First-in-Class OCU500 Inhaled Vaccine Candidate for COVID-19

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

January 27, 2025

PDF Version

  • OCU500 will be administered via inhalation and as a nasal spray
  • COVID-19 remains a substantial public health threat in the U.S. and around the world
  • Phase 1 clinical trial is anticipated to start in 2Q 2025

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (“Ocugen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the Company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application and it is in effect. This is a critical step toward the initiation of the Phase 1 clinical trial for OCU500—an inhaled mucosal vaccine for COVID-19. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, will sponsor and conduct the Phase 1 trial to assess the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of OCU500 administered via two different routes, inhalation into the lungs and intranasally as a spray.

“We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration with NIAID and pleased to bring our novel vaccine technology into the clinic through Project NextGen,” said Mike Shine, Senior Vice President, Commercial at Ocugen. “COVID-19 remains a real public health concern, and an increasing number of studies are showing the benefit of mucosal vaccines that attack the virus where it enters the body—through the nose and mouth—to give better and longer protection. We look forward to this important next step in potentially providing a more durable and safer option to help prevent infection and transmission of COVID-19 regarding various variants of concern.”

Even though the pandemic has ended, COVID-19 still presents a significant burden in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that from October 1, 2024 to January 11, 2025, there were 4.4 to 7.9 million COVID infections, resulting in 120,000 to 210,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 to 25,000 deaths.

The Phase 1 trial would enroll 80 adult subjects aged 18 to 64 years. Forty (40) subjects would be assigned to the low-dose group, and 40 subjects would be assigned to the high-dose group. Within each group, 20 subjects would receive the inhalation form of the vaccine, and the other 20 subjects would receive the intranasal form. The primary aim of the study would be to determine safety, while secondary and exploratory endpoints include antibody production and the number of breakthrough COVID-19 infections.

OCU500 is based on a novel chimpanzee adenovirus-vectored (ChAd36) technology. Earlier clinical studies to prevent COVID-19 that employed a similar technology administered via inhalation demonstrated increased mucosal and systemic antibodies and a durable immune response up to one year using one-fifth the dose compared to the same vaccine administered intramuscularly. Ocugen intends to expand this mucosal platform to address other serious respiratory threats including seasonal influenza, bird flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The original ChAd36 vector that makes the Ocugen vaccine unique was licensed from Washington University in St. Louis.

“We are delighted to see the progress of the ChAd36 vector encoding a SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen that was originally designed and tested at Washington University in St. Louis,” said Dr. Michael Diamond, Professor of Medicine and Co-Director of the Center for Vaccines and Immunity to Microbial Pathogens at Washington University School of Medicine. “We believe this vector is ideal for mucosal administration and can be designed to carry COVID-19 strains as well as influenza and antigens from other respiratory viruses,” added Dr. David Curiel, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, co-collaborator on the vector design. 

Project NextGen is a $5 billion multi-government agency initiative to develop the next generation of vaccines and therapeutics to combat the spread of COVID-19. NIAID, with funding from Project NextGen, will cover the full cost of the Phase 1 clinical trial, including operations and related analysis. Ocugen is providing clinical trial materials and, upon completion, will have full right of reference to the findings, which Ocugen believes will provide clinical evidence to support the further development of the Company’s lead mucosal vaccine candidate.

“Ocugen further advanced the vector technology, enabling the incorporation of single/multiple antigens into a single vector. This innovation offers significant manufacturing flexibility in responding to emerging variants within one hundred days of identifying a circulating variant of concern,” said Dr. Arun Upadhyay, Chief Scientific Officer at Ocugen. “This vector technology, combined with mucosal delivery, has the potential to enable rapid development of respiratory vaccines in response to future outbreaks including bird flu.”

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; the ability of OCU500 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical or preclinical study data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Release – Townsquare Forms Strategic Alliance With Steel City Media

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data On TSQ

Jan 27, 2025 

Purchase, NY – January 27, 2025 – Townsquare Media, Inc. (NYSE: TSQ), a leader in digital advertising and marketing solutions focused on markets outside of the Top 50 in the United States, announced today a strategic digital advertising partnership with Steel City Media, a multi-media company with market-leading media outlets in Pittsburgh and Kansas City. Townsquare teased this partnership in the pre-release of their estimated 2024 financial results last week.

“We could not be more excited to have the talented team at Steel City Media join our partnership program. They will now be able to leverage Townsquare Ignite’s cutting-edge digital advertising and marketing solutions to their expansive customer base, which importantly exists in markets that do not compete with ours,” said Todd Lawley, President of Townsquare Ignite, the Company’s Digital Advertising division. “Our expertise is coaching and training high performing broadcast sales teams to leverage our proprietary programmatic advertising platform and data-driven insights to deliver exceptional results for their clients. By sharing our proven strategies and dynamic approach, we look forward to helping Steel City strengthen their digital capabilities, driving growth and measurable success for their clients.”

Click here to view the complete press release

About Townsquare Media, Inc.

Townsquare is a community-focused digital media and digital marketing solutions company with market leading local radio stations, principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the U.S. Our assets include a subscription digital marketing services business, Townsquare Interactive, providing website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization, social media and online reputation management as well as other digital monthly services for SMBs; a robust digital advertising division, Townsquare IGNITE, a powerful combination of a) an owned and operated portfolio of more than 400 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data and b) a proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform; and a portfolio of 345 local terrestrial radio stations in 74 U.S. markets strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States. Our portfolio includes local media brands such as WYRK.com, WJON.com and NJ101.5.com, and premier national music brands such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, UltimateClassicRock.com, and Loudwire.com. For more information, please visit www.townsquaremedia.com, www.townsquareinteractive.com, and www.townsquareignite.com.

Investor Relations:
Claire Yenicay
(203) 900-5555
investors@townsquaremedia.com

Bit Digital (BTBT) – Secures New HPC Contract with Anchor Customer

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Monday, January 27, 2025

Joe Gomes, CFA, 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 Contract. Last Friday, Bit Digital announced a new agreement with its anchor customer in the GPU Cloud portion of its HPC business. The new 464 Nvidia B200 GPUs contract replaces a prior agreement to provide 2,048 H100 GPUs. The contract represents approximately $15 million of annualized revenue and features a two-month prepayment from the customer. While the new agreement reduces annualized revenue from what the Company anticipated last year (roughly $50 million), management is exploring additional contracts with the customer, which we are hopeful, when combined, will at least rise to the originally expected contract level.

Additional Terms. Under the new agreement, Bit Digital will provide the customer with 58 B200 servers (464 GPUs) for 18 months. Furthermore, the customer may deduct 100% of the service fees from the previously paid $30 million non-refundable deposit. 


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Release – Graham Corporation Announces Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on GHM

BATAVIA, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries, announced that it will release its third quarter fiscal year 2025 financial results before financial markets open on Friday, February 7, 2025.

The Company will host a conference call and webcast to review its financial and operating results, strategy, and outlook. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results Conference Call

Friday, February 7, 2025
11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Phone: (201) 689-8560
Internet webcast link and accompanying slide presentation: ir.grahamcorp.com

A telephonic replay will be available from 3:00 p.m. ET on the day of the teleconference through Friday, February 14, 2025. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter conference ID number 13750971 or access the webcast replay via the Company’s website at ir.grahamcorp.com, where a transcript will also be posted once available.

ABOUT GRAHAM CORPORATION

Graham is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries. Graham Corporation and its family of global brands are built upon world-renowned engineering expertise in vacuum and heat transfer, cryogenic pumps and turbomachinery technologies, as well as its responsive and flexible service and the unsurpassed quality customers have come to expect from the Company’s products and systems.

Graham routinely posts news and other important information on its website, grahamcorp.com, where additional information on Graham Corporation and its businesses can be found.

For more information, contact:
Christopher J. Thome
Vice President – Finance and CFO
Phone: (585) 343-2216

Tom Cook
Investor Relations
Phone: (203) 682-8250
Tom.Cook@icrinc.com

Source: Graham Corporation

Release – Bit Digital, Inc. Secures New B200 GPU Contract with Key Customer

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on BTBT

NEW YORK, January 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bit Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBT) (“Bit Digital” or the “Company”), a global platform for high-performance computing (“HPC”) infrastructure and digital asset production headquartered in New York, today announced a new agreement with a key customer for 464 Nvidia B200 GPUs, expanding its GPU Cloud business. This new agreement replaces a prior agreement whereby the Company was to provide the customer with an incremental 2,048 H100 GPUs and the Company continues to explore additional GPU contracts with this customer for 2025.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bit Digital will provide the customer with 58 Nvidia B200 servers (464 GPUs) for a period of eighteen months. The contract represents approximately $15 million of annualized revenue for Bit Digital and features a two-month prepayment from the customer. However, the customer may deduct 100% of the service fees from the $30 million non-refundable deposit previously paid to the Company. The contract is scheduled to commence on June 30th, 2025, and the GPUs will be deployed in Iceland. To fulfill the contract, Bit Digital has placed an order for 58 Nvidia B200 servers for approximately $21MM which are expected to be delivered well in advance of the service commencement date. Bit Digital intends to finance the purchase with cash and customer deposits and intends to retain complete ownership of the servers.

Sam Tabar, CEO of Bit Digital, commented: “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with a key customer. This contract delivers significantly improved margins compared to the original plan, which included a sale-leaseback agreement for a portion of the deployment. We look forward to exploring additional new business with this customer for 2025 while remaining focused on execution.”

About Bit Digital

Bit Digital, Inc. is a global platform for high-performance computing (“HPC”) infrastructure and digital asset production headquartered in New York City. Our operations are located in the US, Canada, and Iceland. For additional information, please contact ir@bit-digital.com or visit our website at www.bit-digital.com.

Investor Notice 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under “Risk Factors” in Item 3.D of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“Annual Report”). Notwithstanding the fact that Bit Digital Inc. has not conducted operations in the PRC since September 30, 2021 we have previously disclosed under Risk Factors in our Annual Report: “We may be subject to fines and penalties for any noncompliance with or any liabilities in our former business in China in a certain period from now on.” Although the statute of limitations for non-compliance by our former business in the PRC is generally two years and the Company has been out of the PRC, for more than two years, the Authority may still find its prior bitcoin mining operations involved a threat to financial security. In such event, the two-year period would be extended to five years. If any material risk was to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. Future changes in the network-wide mining difficulty rate or bitcoin hash rate may also materially affect the future performance of Bit Digital’s production of bitcoin. Actual operating results will vary depending on many factors including network difficulty rate, total hash rate of the network, the operations of our facilities, the status of our miners, and other factors. See “Safe Harbor Statement” below.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This press release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Bit Digital, Inc., and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Release – The GEO Group Announces Date for Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on GEO

  • Earnings Release Scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025 Before the Market Opens
  • Conference Call Scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM (Eastern Time)

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan. 23, 2025– The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE:GEO) (“GEO”) will release its fourth quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, February 27, 2025 before the market opens. GEO has scheduled a conference call and simultaneous webcast for 11:00 AM (Eastern Time) on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Hosting the call for GEO will be George Zoley, Executive Chairman of the Board, J. David Donahue, Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Calabrese, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Suchinski, Chief Financial Officer.

To participate in the teleconference, please contact one of the following numbers 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time:

1-877-250-1553 (U.S.)
1-412-542-4145 (International)

In addition, a live audio webcast of the conference call may be accessed on the Webcasts section of GEO’s investor relations home page at investors.geogroup.com. A webcast replay will remain available on the website for one year.

A telephonic replay will also be available through March 6, 2025. The replay numbers are 1-877-344-7529 (U.S.) and 1-412-317-0088 (International). The passcode for the telephonic replay is 3882673. If you have any questions, please contact GEO at 1-866-301-4436.

Pablo E. Paez 1-866-301-4436
Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations

Source: The GEO Group, Inc.

Novo Nordisk Stock Soars After Groundbreaking Results for New Obesity Drug

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Novo Nordisk’s amycretin led to 22% average weight loss in a 36-week trial.
– Shares rose 7.13%, marking the best single-day gain since March 2024.
– Amycretin targets dual hormones to tackle hunger and appetite, showcasing groundbreaking innovation.

Novo Nordisk shares surged Friday after the pharmaceutical giant announced promising early-stage trial results for amycretin, a groundbreaking weight-loss drug administered through a once-weekly injection. The Danish company revealed that the treatment led to an average weight reduction of 22% in overweight and obese patients over a 36-week trial, marking a significant advancement in the fight against obesity. This compares to a 2% weight gain observed in patients receiving a placebo, showcasing the drug’s potential to reshape the treatment landscape for weight management.

The trial involved 125 participants and highlighted amycretin’s innovative mechanism of action. The drug targets GLP-1, a gut hormone that regulates appetite, and amylin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that influences hunger. This dual-action approach is a step forward from Novo Nordisk’s flagship products, Wegovy, which mimics GLP-1, and Ozempic, its well-known diabetes treatment. Amycretin’s ability to address weight loss through multiple pathways underscores its potential to provide life-changing results for patients struggling with obesity.

Novo Nordisk’s stock rose by 7.13% on Friday, reaching its best single-day performance since March 2024. The initial gains peaked at nearly 14% before settling, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s ability to expand its market dominance in obesity therapeutics. Fellow Danish drugmaker Zealand Pharma also benefited from the announcement, with shares climbing 4.7%, while rival Eli Lilly, the maker of obesity drug Zepbound, saw a slight dip in premarket trading.

The pharmaceutical industry has been increasingly focused on developing more effective weight-loss solutions, with obesity affecting millions worldwide and posing significant health risks. Novo Nordisk’s continued innovation in this space has made it a frontrunner, and the results from the amycretin trial further solidify its position. The company is already exploring oral formulations of the drug, which, in a separate early-stage trial announced last September, demonstrated a 13.1% weight reduction over 12 weeks.

Safety and tolerability are key considerations for any obesity treatment, and amycretin appears to meet these benchmarks. The most common side effects observed during the trial were gastrointestinal issues, but most were mild to moderate in severity. These findings align with patient tolerability seen in previous trials for similar drugs, making amycretin a promising addition to Novo Nordisk’s portfolio.

Martin Lange, executive vice president for development at Novo Nordisk, expressed optimism about the trial results. “We are very encouraged by the subcutaneous phase 1b/2a results for amycretin in people living with overweight or obesity,” Lange said in a statement. “The results seen in the trial support the weight-lowering potential of this novel unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist.”

As Novo Nordisk invests further in amycretin, the drug has the potential to transform the obesity treatment market, which is projected to grow substantially in the coming years. The company’s strategic focus on innovative, science-driven solutions positions it to maintain a competitive edge while addressing a critical global health challenge.

Cars Commerce Expands Into the Wholesale Market with DealerClub Acquisition

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Acquires DealerClub for $25 million to revolutionize dealer-to-dealer digital auctions with reputation-based transparency.
– Integrates DealerClub’s innovative platform with AccuTrade, creating a seamless retail and wholesale ecosystem for automotive dealers.
– Strengthens Cars Commerce’s role in the $10B wholesale market, empowering dealers to optimize inventory and boost profitability.

Cars Commerce, the parent company of Cars.com, is making a bold move into the wholesale automotive market with its acquisition of DealerClub, a reputation-driven digital auction platform. This purchase, finalized for $25 million in cash with the potential for up to $88 million in performance-based payouts, reflects Cars Commerce’s strategic vision to streamline how dealers trade vehicles and optimize inventory management.

DealerClub’s innovative platform has made waves in the industry since its launch in 2024. Unlike traditional wholesale systems, DealerClub focuses on reputation-based transactions, which foster trust between dealers and reduce common challenges like arbitration disputes and title issues. This groundbreaking approach has attracted over 650 dealers to the platform and provides Cars Commerce with a strong foothold in the $10 billion wholesale used car market.

Revolutionizing Wholesale with Technology

The acquisition builds on Cars Commerce’s mission to use technology to simplify the car-buying and selling process. DealerClub’s platform, designed to facilitate seamless dealer-to-dealer transactions, aligns perfectly with this goal.

“This is a critical step for us,” said Alex Vetter, CEO of Cars Commerce. “Dealers need efficient, transparent solutions to manage inventory and boost profitability. DealerClub’s technology adds a new dimension to our platform, making it easier for dealers to trade within a trusted network while keeping more profit in their pockets.”

Cars Commerce plans to integrate DealerClub with its existing tools, such as the AccuTrade appraisal platform, creating a full-service solution that combines retail and wholesale capabilities. This unified ecosystem will allow dealers to handle every aspect of vehicle trading—from appraisal to resale—on a single platform.

What It Means for Dealers

The acquisition introduces several new opportunities for automotive dealers:

  • Greater Transparency: DealerClub’s reputation-based model brings a level of trust and clarity to the wholesale market that hasn’t been seen before, mirroring Cars Commerce’s success in consumer and dealer reviews.
  • Efficiency Gains: Dealers can now manage wholesale transactions with minimal risk and streamlined processes, saving time and money.
  • New Revenue Potential: Cars Commerce’s transactional model, combined with its established subscription business, promises long-term financial benefits for both the company and its dealer partners.

The integration also strengthens Cars Commerce’s position as a technology leader in the automotive space. As the industry moves toward digitization, platforms like DealerClub are becoming essential tools for dealers looking to stay competitive.

What’s Next for Cars Commerce?

While the acquisition is expected to have minimal financial impact in 2025, Cars Commerce sees it as a long-term investment. The company is committed to scaling DealerClub, even if it means short-term costs. Given the proven track record of DealerClub’s founder, Joe Neiman—who previously built ACV Auctions into an industry leader—expectations are high for the platform’s growth and success.

This move highlights Cars Commerce’s broader ambition to be a one-stop shop for all aspects of the car trade, from consumer-facing marketplaces to behind-the-scenes wholesale operations. As dealers continue to navigate challenges like inventory shortages and shifting market demands, Cars Commerce is positioning itself as the partner they can rely on for innovative solutions.

With DealerClub in its portfolio, Cars Commerce is no longer just a leader in the retail automotive space; it’s reshaping the future of wholesale as well.

Positive Market Sentiment Brings Opportunity to Small and Micro-Cap Investors

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The current market environment is marked by a wave of optimism, creating a fertile ground for small and micro-cap companies to thrive. While the broader market reacts to macroeconomic developments like tariffs and international trade policies, the small and micro-cap space stands apart as a unique opportunity for investors.

Tariffs: Minimal Impact on Small-Cap Companies

One of the key drivers of recent market attention has been the announcement of new tariffs as part of former President Trump’s policies. While these tariffs primarily target international trade and large multinational corporations, their effect on small-cap companies is expected to be minimal. Most small and micro-cap businesses focus on domestic markets, which shields them from the volatility of global trade tensions. This domestic focus positions these companies as a more stable option for investors seeking growth opportunities in uncertain times.

The Benefits of Lower Interest Rates

Another factor fueling positive sentiment in the small-cap space is the current trend of lower interest rates. As borrowing costs decrease, small businesses gain easier access to capital, enabling them to expand operations, invest in new projects, and drive revenue growth. For investors, this creates a virtuous cycle: lower interest rates improve business fundamentals, which in turn boosts the appeal of small-cap stocks. Historically, small-cap companies have outperformed in low-interest-rate environments, and today’s conditions appear no different.

IPO Activity Signals Market Strength

A surge in IPO activity is another indicator of the favorable environment for small and micro-cap companies. New businesses entering the public markets not only reflect broader economic optimism but also generate increased deal flow and investment opportunities within the small-cap space. This uptick in IPOs suggests that entrepreneurs and business leaders are confident in their ability to raise capital and succeed in today’s market, which bodes well for the ecosystem as a whole.

Opportunities in the Current Market Environment

The combination of limited tariff exposure, lower interest rates, and rising IPO activity underscores the abundance of opportunities available in the small and micro-cap marketplace. Investors are increasingly recognizing the potential for strong returns in this sector, particularly as the broader market sentiment remains positive. Unlike larger companies that may struggle with global uncertainties, small-cap firms are well-positioned to capitalize on domestic growth trends.

For investors seeking alpha, this environment offers a chance to identify high-growth companies at attractive valuations. Additionally, the renewed interest in small and micro-cap stocks aligns with the broader market’s appetite for innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. As these companies grow and mature, they provide a dynamic pathway for wealth creation and portfolio diversification.

The current market sentiment is paving the way for small and micro-cap companies to shine. With limited exposure to international trade risks, the tailwind of lower interest rates, and robust IPO activity, the small-cap space is uniquely positioned to benefit from today’s economic conditions. For investors, this environment represents a compelling opportunity to participate in the growth and success of innovative, domestic-focused businesses. As the marketplace evolves, those who seize the moment stand to reap significant rewards

Release – V2X to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on VVX

MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc., (NYSE: VVX), a leading provider of global mission solutions, will report fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results on Monday, February 24, 2025, after market close. Senior management will conduct a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET that same day.

U.S.-based participants may dial in to the conference call at 877-300-8521, while international participants may dial 412-317-6026. A live webcast of the conference call as well as an accompanying slide presentation will be available at https://app.webinar.net/W6kmnm4z8V9 and on the Investors section of the V2X website at https://gov2x.com/.

A replay of the conference call will be posted on the V2X website shortly after completion of the call and will be available for one year. A telephonic replay will also be available through March 10, 2025, at 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international) with passcode 10195666.  

About V2X
V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.

Investor Contact 
Mike Smith, CFA
Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
IR@goV2X.com
719-637-5773

Media Contact
Angelica Spanos Deoudes
Director, Corporate Communications
Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com
571-338-5195

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/v2x-to-announce-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-financial-results-302358053.html

SOURCE V2X, Inc.

Release – LODE: Comstock Fuels Establishes Headquarters in Oklahoma

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on LODE

Secures First $1 Million Incentive from Oklahoma’s Quick Action Closing Fund

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – JANUARY 23, 2025 – Comstock Inc. (NYSE American: LODE) today announced that its subsidiary, Comstock Fuels Corporation (the “Company”), a leader in advanced lignocellulosic biomass refining solutions, has established its corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The completion of this strategic milestone triggers the first of three $1 million awards from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Quick Action Closing Fund, highlighting Oklahoma’s commitment to fostering energy development.

Comstock Fuels’ new headquarters will be located in Northwest Oklahoma City, providing a central hub for its expanding operations. “We’re excited to establish our headquarters and rapidly expand our presence in Oklahoma, a state with a strong pedigree for energy and a wealth of resources for supporting our industry,” said David Winsness, President of Comstock Fuels. “This accelerates our growth and supports domestic energy dominance as we begin to build a network of Bioleum Refineries across the U.S., starting right here in Oklahoma.”

The relocation was incentivized by a $3 million grant award, from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Quick Action Closing Fund, which supports economic development and infrastructure projects throughout the state. This initiative is anticipated to generate new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth within Oklahoma’s energy sector as Comstock Fuels builds its first planned 75,000 metric ton per year (“MTPY”) commercial demonstration facility in Oklahoma, where it will produce cellulosic ethanol, gasoline, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), and other renewable fuels with Comstock’s proprietary biomass refining solutions.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Comstock Fuels to Oklahoma and congratulate them on their success,” said Evan Brown, Executive Director of EDGE. “Oklahoma’s rich history of energy innovation and business-friendly environment makes our state the perfect choice for this type of investment.”

Comstock Fuels is currently assessing multiple, qualified locations in Oklahoma for the construction of its initial commercial demonstration facility, that once secured, triggers the second of the three $1 million grant payments.

About Comstock Fuels Corporation

Comstock Fuels delivers advanced lignocellulosic biomass refining solutions that set industry benchmarks for production of cellulosic ethanol, gasoline, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), and other renewable fuels, with extremely low carbon intensity scores of 15 and market-leading yields of up to 140 gallons per dry metric ton of feedstock (on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis, or “GGE”), depending on feedstock, lignin content, site conditions, and other process parameters. Comstock Fuels plans to directly build, own, and operate a network of Bioleum Refineries in the U.S. to refine 50 million tons of biomass annually into 8 billion gallons of renewable fuel by 2035, starting with its first 75,000 TPY commercial demonstration facility in Oklahoma. Comstock Fuels also licenses its advanced refining solutions to third parties for additional production in the U.S. and global markets, including several recently announced and other pending projects. To learn more, please visit www.comstockfuels.com. 

About Comstock Inc.

Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) innovates and commercializes technologies that are deployable across entire industries to contribute to energy abundance by efficiently extracting and converting under-utilized natural resources, such as waste and other forms of woody biomass into renewable fuels, and end-of-life electronics into recovered electrification metals. Comstock’s innovations group is also developing and using artificial intelligence technologies for advanced materials development. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Comstock Social Media Policy

Comstock has used, and intends to continue using, its investor relations link and main website at www.comstock.inc in addition to its Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts, as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

Contacts

For investor inquiries:
RB Milestone Group LLC
Tel (203) 487-2759
ir@comstockinc.com

For media inquiries:
Comstock Inc., Tracy Saville
Tel (775) 847-7573
media@comstockinc.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of doing so. 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Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in our filings with the SEC and the following: adverse effects of climate changes or natural disasters; adverse effects of global or regional pandemic disease spread or other crises; global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, and lithium, nickel and cobalt recycling, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, metal recycling, processing or mining activities; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with precious and other metal based activities, including environmentally friendly and economically enhancing clean mining and processing technologies, precious metal exploration, resource development, economic feasibility assessment and cash generating mineral production; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with metal recycling, processing or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from our stock issuances, recapitalization and balance sheet restructuring activities; potential inability to comply with applicable government regulations or law; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; permitting constraints or delays; challenges to, or potential inability to, achieve the benefits of business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us, including those involving battery technology and efficacy, quantum computing and generative artificial intelligence supported advanced materials development, development of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and related material production; commercialization of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and generative artificial intelligence development services; ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, asset sales, and investments that we may be party to in the future; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities due to capital constraints; equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, zinc, lithium, nickel, cobalt, cyanide, water, diesel, gasoline and alternative fuels and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; adverse effects of war, mass shooting, terrorism and geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies, equipment and raw materials due to credit or other limitations imposed by vendors; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to satisfy debt and lease obligations; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission; potential inability to list our securities on any securities exchange or market or maintain the listing of our securities; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation with respect to any securities of the Company, the fund, or any other issuer.