January 2025 - Page 8 of 12

Release – Ocugen, Inc. Announces Positive 2-Year Data Across Multiple Mutations from Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of OCU400 —A Novel Modifier Gene Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

January 13, 2025

100% (9/9) of treated evaluable subjects demonstrated improvement or preservation in visual function compared to untreated eyes at both one and two years
100% (9/9) of treated evaluable subjects demonstrated improvement or stabilization in mobility testing, which was only performed up to one year
Improvement in visual function was statistically significant (p=0.01, treated vs untreated eyes), regardless of mutation at two years
Favorable long-term safety and tolerability profile with no serious adverse events related to OCU400

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 13, 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 a positive 2-year safety and efficacy update for the Phase 1/2 OCU400 clinical trial. OCU400 is intended for the treatment of early to advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in pediatric and adult populations. Currently, about 2 million patients globally (~300,000 in U.S./EU) desperately need rescue, otherwise they can potentially become legally blind at some point in their life. OCU400 is intended to treat all these patients with a one-time therapy.

OCU400 demonstrated meaningful improvement of 2-line gain (10 letters on ETDRS chart) in low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA) in treated eyes when compared to untreated fellow eyes. This treatment effect was statistically significant (p=0.01) in all subjects, regardless of mutation at two years, validating the gene-agnostic mechanism of action for OCU400.

This data highlights the unique therapeutic potential of OCU400. To date, Ocugen’s groundbreaking modifier gene therapy platform provides long-term safety and meaningful improvements in visual function for patients suffering from RP—a condition that leads to progressive vision loss.

“We are thrilled to share these compelling results from the Phase 1/2 OCU400 trial,” said Shankar Musunuri, PhD, MBA, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Ocugen. “These findings represent a significant step forward in our mission to bring life-changing therapies to patients with inherited retinal disorders and confirm the transformative potential of our modifier gene therapy platform.”

“It is truly remarkable to see the significant improvements in visual acuity in patients treated with OCU400 sustained at two years,” said Syed M. Shah, MD, FACS, Vice Chair for Research and Digital Medicine, Director of Retina Service at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin. “The broad spectrum of genes and mutations causing RP presents a unique challenge in developing treatments for this unmet need. This is where the promise of mutation-agnostic therapies becomes particularly compelling. OCU400’s demonstrated effectiveness across multiple mutations not only offers hope to RP patients but also opens new possibilities for treating other retinal diseases.”

“Establishing the long-term safety and efficacy of OCU400 demonstrates the durability of this novel gene therapy,” said Huma Qamar, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen. “These 2 year low light visual acuity (LLVA) findings, which are the most sensitive measure of visual function, are consistent with the results observed at one year.”

The Phase 3 OCU400 liMeliGhT clinical trial is currently ongoing and on target for BLA submission in the first half of 2026.

About OCU400
OCU400 is the Company’s modifier gene therapy product based on a nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) gene called NR2E3. This gene regulates diverse physiological functions within the retina, such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation, and cell survival. Retinal cells in RP patients have a dysfunctional gene network, and OCU400 resets this network to reestablish a healthy cellular homeostasis—which has the potential to improve vision in patients with RP.

About Modifier Gene Therapy
Modifier gene therapy is designed to fulfill unmet medical needs related to retinal diseases, including IRDs, such as RP and Stargardt disease, as well as multifactorial diseases like dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). Our modifier gene therapy platform is based on the use of NHRs, master gene regulators, which have the potential to restore homeostasis—the basic biological processes in the retina. Unlike single-gene replacement therapies, which only target one genetic mutation, we believe that our modifier gene therapy platform, through its use of NHRs, represents a novel approach that has the potential to address multiple retinal diseases caused by mutations in multiple genes with one product, and to address complex diseases that are potentially caused by imbalances in multiple gene networks. Currently, Ocugen has three modifier gene therapy programs in the clinic: OCU400, OCU410, and OCU410ST. In addition to the OCU400 Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial, the OCU410 Phase 1/2 ArMaDa clinical trial for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dAMD and the OCU410ST Phase 1/2 GARDian clinical trial for Stargardt disease are currently underway. GA affects approximately two to three million people in the U.S. and EU combined, and Stargardt disease affects nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. and EU combined.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patients’ 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 OCU400 to perform in humans in a manner consistent with nonclinical, preclinical or previous clinical 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 Corporate Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

FAT Brands (FAT) – More Details on Twin Hospitality Distribution

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, January 13, 2025

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, 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.

Twin Hospitality Transaction. On Friday after the market closed, Twin Hospitality Group filed an amended Form 10 providing additional detail regarding the distribution of Twin Hospitality shares to existing FAT Brands shareholders. We believe the distribution and subsequent potential actions will highlight the value of Twin Hospitality and, by extension, FAT Brands shares.

Details. Initially, FAT Brands will own 100% of the equity of Twin Hospitality, consisting of 47,298,271 Class A shares and 2,870,000 Class B shares. Just like at FAT Brands, the B shares are super-voting with 50 votes per share. Class A shares have one vote.

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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.

Aurania Resources (AUIAF) – Priorities for 2025

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, January 13, 2025

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.

Private placement financing. In December, Aurania closed the second and final tranche of its private placement financing. A total of 3,747,243 units were sold at C$0.45 per unit for gross proceeds of C$1,686,259.35. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, which entitles the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of C$0.75 for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the applicable tranche of the offering. Aurania expects to allocate most of the net proceeds to fund exploration activities in France.

Kuri-Yawi epithermal gold target. In November, Aurania commenced an induced polarization (IP) geophysical survey over its Kuri-Yawi epithermal gold target at the company’s Lost Cities-Cutucu project in Ecuador. The IP survey is designed to identify deep conductors that could correspond to gold mineralization and to target drill holes for a drilling program in 2025. In his recent shareholder letter, Dr. Keith Barron, Aurania’s Chairman and CEO, mentioned that while he is awaiting the Geophysicist’s report on the IP survey at Kuri-Yawi, the preliminary reports look great. Some epithermal veins were discovered during the survey and samples are being assayed.

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

Release – Comtech to Report First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results on January 13, 2025

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on CMTL

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Jan. 10, 2025– Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) (“Comtech” or the “Company”) today announced that it plans to release its first quarter fiscal 2025 results before the market opens on Monday, January 13, 2025.

At 8:30 a.m. ET that day, Comtech’s leadership team will hold a conference call to discuss the Company’s first quarter fiscal 2025 results, operations, and business trends. A real-time webcast of the call will be available to the public at the investor relations section of the Comtech web site at www.comtech.com. Alternatively, investors can access the conference call by dialing (800) 579-2543 (primary) or (785) 424-1789 (alternate) and using the conference I.D. of “Comtech.” A replay of the call will also be available by dialing (800) 839-9557 or (402) 220-6089 through Monday, January 27, 2025.

About Comtech

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 911 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions.For more information, please visit www.comtech.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250109051520/en/

Investor Relations

Maria Ceriello

631-962-7115

Maria.Ceriello@comtech.com

California Inferno Impact: Insurance Stocks Plunge as LA Wildfires Cause $20B in Expected Losses

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– Mercury General stock falls 20% as California represents one-fifth of its US premiums
– JPMorgan doubles damage estimate to $20B as fires continue to rage
– Over 246,000 Californians left without power amid safety shutoffs

The devastating Los Angeles wildfires are sending shockwaves through financial markets, with major insurance stocks tumbling Friday as the disaster shapes up to be one of California’s costliest natural catastrophes. Mercury General Corporation led the decline with a dramatic 20% drop, reflecting its heavy exposure to the California market, where it derives approximately one-fifth of its U.S. homeowners’ insurance premiums.

The fires, which have already claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed thousands of structures, are prompting major reassessments of potential losses by financial analysts. JPMorgan has doubled its estimate of insured losses to $20 billion, with warnings that this figure could climb higher as fires continue to burn across the region.

Other major insurers are also feeling the impact, with industry giants including Allstate, Travelers Companies, Chubb, and American International Group seeing their shares decline between 2% and 4% in early trading. The widespread market reaction underscores the growing concerns about the insurance industry’s exposure to climate-related disasters in high-value property markets.

“It will take weeks or months to determine the magnitude of the insured damages, but the Los Angeles wildfires are likely among the most costly wildfires in the state’s history,” Moody’s insurance analysts noted in their Thursday report. The catastrophe’s timing is particularly problematic as it comes just as California attempts to attract insurers back to the state amid increasing climate-related risks.

The impact extends beyond insurance companies, with utility stocks also facing significant pressure. Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison, is heading toward a 13% weekly loss, while Pacific Gas & Electric shares dropped more than 10%. Although Southern California Edison maintains its equipment did not spark the fires, JPMorgan analysts note that if found responsible, the company’s liability would be capped at $4 billion.

The crisis has forced Southern California Edison to implement widespread safety-related power shutoffs, affecting approximately 173,000 residents, while total power outages across California have reached 246,000 customers. These measures, while necessary for safety, underscore the growing challenges faced by both insurers and utilities in managing climate-related risks in one of America’s most populous states.

The situation draws parallels to PG&E’s historic 2019 bankruptcy filing, which Harvard researchers dubbed “the first climate change bankruptcy.” That case, resulting from over $30 billion in legal claims related to previous California wildfires, serves as a stark reminder of the financial vulnerabilities faced by companies operating in regions increasingly affected by climate change.

As firefighters continue their efforts to contain the blazes, the financial impact of this disaster is likely to reverberate through the insurance and utility sectors for months to come. The event may also accelerate discussions about the sustainability of current insurance models in areas prone to climate-related disasters, potentially leading to significant changes in how risk is assessed and priced in vulnerable regions.

Bitcoin Depot (BTM) – Scores Another Retail Partnership

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Friday, January 10, 2025

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

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

Adding 50 kiosks. On December 8, the company announced the deployment of 50 additional kiosks through a new partnership with a convenience store operator. The newly deployed kiosks are in the Texas Panhandle and surrounding region, including multiple states.

Executing its kiosk expansion strategy. In our view, the recent development illustrates the company’s favorable execution of its kiosk expansion strategy. Importantly, the company owns over 10,000 kiosks, of which roughly 8,300 were deployed as of September 30, 2024. As such, we believe the company is well positioned to aggressively deploy additional kiosks and seed future revenue growth.

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

Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – Award Momentum Continues

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, January 10, 2025

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technologies for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research, and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training and combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.kratosdefense.com.

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.

Award Momentum. Hot on the heels of announcing the largest award in Company history, Kratos Defense & Security received two more awards totaling over $107 million. The two new awards continue the award momentum for Kratos, in our view, and suggest a solid growth opportunity for the Company in 2025.

Geolocation Services. Kratos was awarded a Geolocation Global Support Services (GGSS) contract in the amount of $48 million. The Company will provide support services to Space Forces Space electromagnetic interference managers and supporting elements with EMI resolution services. Notably, this award takes advantage of Kratos’ internally funded and constructed, one-of-a-kind, worldwide Space Domain Awareness network.

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

DLH Holdings (DLHC) – A New Award

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, January 10, 2025

DLH delivers improved health and readiness solutions for federal programs through research, development, and innovative care processes. The Company’s experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 2,300 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to public health to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

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. On Monday, DLH was awarded a new Governmentwide Acquisition Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract through the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS+). OASIS+ is a multi-billion dollar expansive suite program used by various federal agencies such as the Defense Health Agency, CDC, and the DoD, and is expected to grow in usage over the next few years.

Details. Through the contract, DLH will deliver complex professional services and advanced capabilities to various federal agencies. DLH won all five domains for which the Company submitted a bid, including Research and Development Services, Technical and Engineering Services, Intelligence Services and Solutions, Logistics Services and Solutions, and Management and Advisory Services. As a prime awardee of the contract, the base period is five years, with one option for an additional five.

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

Bit Digital (BTBT) – December Production Numbers Released

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, January 10, 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.

HPC/AI Side. At year-end, Bit Digital had 266 servers actively generating revenue from its Bit Digital AI contracts and earned approximately USD $4.5 million of total unaudited GPU Cloud revenue during the month of December. In addition, $177k in revenue from the Boosteroid contract was recognized. The Company’s HPC data center colocation revenue was approximately CAD $757.8k (approximately USD $528.1k) and had 14 customers generating revenue at the Enovum Data Center facility as of December 31, 2024.

Mining. The Company produced 32.4 BTC in December, a 27.8% decrease from 44.9 BTC last month due to changes in the Company’s hosting portfolio, ongoing redeployment of mining assets to new sites, and the retirement of older generation miners. The active hash rate was roughly 1.8 EH/s, a decline from 2.51 EH/s last month due to the reasons mentioned earlier. During the month, 941 S21 miners were purchased for $3.2 million, with the Company selling 4,506 S19 mining units for approximately $836.6k. We expect the hash rate to climb back up as the Company redeploys its new and current miners to new sites.

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

AZZ, Inc. (AZZ) – Well-Positioned for Sales Growth and Margin Expansion; Increasing Estimates

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, January 10, 2025

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.

Third quarter financial results. For the fiscal year (FY) 2025, AZZ reported third quarter adjusted net income of $41.9 million or $1.39 per share compared to $34.8 million or $1.19 per share during the prior year period and our estimate of $37.7 million or $1.25 per share. Compared to the prior year period, sales increased 5.8% to $403.6 and exceeded our estimate of $398.5 million. AZZ generated a 24.2% gross margin as a percentage of sales compared to 23.1% during the prior year period and our estimate of 23.3%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 5.0% to $90.7 million, above our estimate of $86.1 million, representing 22.5% of sales versus 22.6% of sales during the third quarter of FY 2024.

Updating estimates. We have increased our 2025 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $351.6 million and $5.23, respectively, from $346.8 million and $5.05. Our 2026 EBITDA and EPS estimates have been raised to $372.6 million and $5.77, respectively, from $371.5 million and $5.70. Our revised estimates are largely due to changes in sales growth and gross margin assumptions. The company is expected to provide guidance for FY 2026 in early February.

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

Banking Powerhouse Emerges: CNB and ESSA Unite in $214M Strategic Merger to Dominate Pennsylvania Market

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– All-stock merger creates $8B asset institution with expanded Pennsylvania footprint
– Deal valued at $21.10 per ESSA share, representing merger of equals
– Combined entity to rank in Top 10 Pennsylvania banks and Top 3 in Lehigh Valley

In a strategic move that reshapes Pennsylvania’s banking landscape, CNB Financial Corporation and ESSA Bancorp, Inc. announced today their merger agreement valued at approximately $214 million. The all-stock transaction unites two storied community banking institutions to create a formidable presence across the state’s key markets.

Under the terms of the agreement, ESSA shareholders will receive 0.8547 shares of CNB common stock for each ESSA share, valued at approximately $21.10 per share. The combined entity will emerge as a banking powerhouse with approximately $8 billion in total assets, $7 billion in deposits, and $6 billion in loans, positioning it among Pennsylvania’s top 10 banks.

“We are excited to partner with ESSA which shares such a strong banking tradition with CNB,” said Michael D. Peduzzi, President and CEO of CNB. The merger strategically expands CNB’s footprint into eastern Pennsylvania and the greater Lehigh Valley market without any branch overlap, creating a stronger competitive position in these growing regions.

ESSA’s current President and CEO, Gary S. Olson, emphasized the cultural alignment between the institutions: “CNB is a powerful partner for our bank that closely mirrors our culture and values, making the transaction a natural fit.” Following the merger, ESSA Bank & Trust will operate as ESSA Bank, a division of CNB Bank, maintaining its established brand presence in eastern Pennsylvania.

The transaction is expected to generate significant financial benefits, with approximately 35% earnings per share accretion projected for CNB in 2026. While the deal will initially dilute tangible book value per share by 15%, management expects to earn this back within approximately 3.3 years.

The merger, unanimously approved by both boards, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. Post-merger, three ESSA directors, including Gary S. Olson and Board Chairman Robert C. Selig Jr., will join CNB’s board, ensuring continuity of leadership and strategic vision.

Quanterix’s Game-Changing $220M Merger with Akoya Sets New Path for Disease Detection

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– All-stock merger creates first integrated blood and tissue biomarker detection platform
– Combined company projects $40M in annual cost savings by 2026
– Post-merger entity to maintain $175M cash position with zero debt

In a groundbreaking move that promises to revolutionize disease detection and monitoring, Quanterix Corporation announced today its acquisition of Akoya Biosciences in an all-stock transaction. The merger unites Quanterix’s ultra-sensitive biomarker detection capabilities with Akoya’s spatial biology expertise, creating the first integrated platform for comprehensive blood- and tissue-based protein biomarker analysis.

The strategic combination positions the merged entity at the forefront of liquid biopsy innovation, a market that Quanterix CEO Masoud Toloue believes will eventually eclipse all other diagnostic testing segments combined. “This transaction accelerates our progress by creating the first platform that lets researchers and clinicians track disease progression from tissue to blood,” said Toloue, who will continue as CEO of the combined company.

The deal structure gives Akoya shareholders 0.318 shares of Quanterix common stock for each Akoya share, representing a 19% premium to Akoya’s unaffected stock price from November 14, 2024. Post-merger, current Quanterix shareholders will hold approximately 70% of the combined company, with Akoya shareholders owning the remaining 30%.

Looking ahead, the merged company projects annual cost synergies of $40 million by the end of 2026, with half that amount expected within the first year post-closing. These savings will come from streamlined operations, improved commercial infrastructure, and optimized facilities. The combined entity will maintain a strong financial position with approximately $175 million in cash and no debt at closing.

Akoya CEO Brian McKelligon emphasized the strategic importance of the merger: “We are thrilled to be part of an established leader in the life science tools and diagnostics market that not only strengthens our presence in critical markets but also accelerates our ability to scale, innovate and ultimately bring to market products that impact human health.”

The transaction, expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, will create a powerhouse in biomarker detection with a combined installed base of 2,300 instruments and trailing 12-month revenue of approximately $220 million. The merger has already secured support from shareholders owning more than 50% of Akoya’s common stock.

Release – Bit Digital, Inc. Announces Monthly Production Update for December 2024

Posted on January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on BTBT

NEW YORK, January 8, 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, announced its unaudited digital asset production, HPC services revenue, and corporate updates for the month of December 2024.

Corporate Highlights for December 2024

The Company had 266 servers (2,128 GPUs) actively generating revenue from its Bit Digital AI contracts, as of December 31, 2024. The Company earned approximately $4.5 million of total unaudited GPU Cloud revenue during the month of December 2024. In addition, the Company received $177K in cash payments from its equipment leasing contract with Boosteroid during the month of December 2024.
Treasury holdings of BTC and ETH were 742.1 and 27,623.9 with a fair market value of approximately $69.3 million and $92.1 million, respectively, on December 31, 2024.
The BTC equivalent¹ of our digital asset holdings as of December 31, 2024, was approximately 1,731.8 or approximately $161.8 million.
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $98.6 million and total liquidity (defined as cash and cash equivalents, USDC, and the fair market value of digital assets) of approximately $260.4 million in December 2024.

Colocation Services Revenue Highlights

The Company had 14 customers actively generating revenue at its Tier-3 Enovum Data Center facility, as of December 31, 2024.
The Company’s HPC data center colocation revenue was approximately CAD $757.8k (approximately USD $528.1k) in December 2024.
On December 27, 2024, the Company acquired the real estate and building for a build-to-suit 5MW Tier 3 data center expansion project in Montreal, Canada. The Company purchased the site (“MTL2”) for CAD $33.5 million (approximately USD $23.3MM assuming a CAD/USD exchange rate of 0.70) excluding fees. This acquisition is part of the Company’s strategy to expand its HPC data center footprint to 32MW during 2025. This site also comprises part of Bit Digital’s 288MW proprietary pipeline announced earlier this year. The Company expects to spend approximately CAD $27.6 million (approx.USD $19.3MM) to develop the site to Tier-3 standards with an initial gross load of 5MW. The site is expected to be completed and operational by May 2025.

GPU Cloud Highlights

On December 31, 2024, Bit Digital AI entered into a Master Service Agreement and associated purchase order with a new customer, an AI Compute Fund managed by DNA Holdings Venture Inc. The purchase order provides for services utilizing a total of 576 H200 GPUs over a twenty-five (25) month period, terminable by either party upon at least 90 days’ written notice prior to any renewal date. It represents an aggregate revenue opportunity of approximately $20.2 million.

Digital Assets Highlights

In December 2024, the Company produced 32.4 BTC, a 27.8% decrease compared to the prior month. The decrease was primarily driven by a change in the Company’s hosting portfolio, ongoing redeployment of mining assets to new sites, and the retirement of older generation miners.
In December 2024, the Company’s active hash rate was approximately 1.8 EH/s, a 28% decrease compared to the prior month. The decrease was primarily driven by a change in the Company’s hosting portfolio, ongoing redeployment of mining assets to new sites, and the retirement of older generation miners.
The Company purchased 941 S21 mining units for approximately $3.2 million during the month of December 2024.
The Company sold 4,506 S19 mining units for approximately $836.6k during the month of December 2024.
The Company had approximately 21,568 ETH actively staked in native staking protocols as of December 31, 2024.
Bit Digital earned a blended APY of approximately 3.3% on its staked ETH position for the month of December 2024.
The Company earned aggregate staking rewards of approximately 60.6 ETH during December 2024.

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 bitcoin mining operations are located in the US, Canada, and Iceland. The Company has established a business line, Bit Digital AI, that offers infrastructure services for artificial intelligence applications. 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.