Month: January 2026

Alliance Entertainment Appoints Jeffrey Smith as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Alliance Authentic™

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on AENT

PLANTATION, Fla., Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AENT), the world’s largest distributor of vinyl records and a leading curator of physical entertainment products and collectibles, today announced the appointment of Jeffrey Smith as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Alliance Authentic™, the company’s newly launched premium platform for authenticated, numbered, investment-grade vinyl collectibles.

Smith joins Alliance Authentic following a highly successful tenure as Vice President of Marketing at Discogs, the world’s largest online marketplace for vinyl collectors. At Discogs, Smith played a central role in transforming the platform into a performance-driven commerce engine, driving substantial revenue growth, expanding global engagement, and deepening Discogs’ position as the definitive destination for vinyl culture and collecting.

“Jeffrey is one of the most respected and proven leaders in the global vinyl ecosystem,” said Jeff Walker, CEO of Alliance Entertainment. “He understands collectors, marketplaces, and how to build trusted, high-performance commerce platforms at scale. As Alliance Authentic moves from launch into growth, Jeffrey brings exactly the combination of cultural credibility, data-driven execution, and leadership we need to accelerate adoption and build a category-defining brand.”

Proven Leader in Vinyl Commerce, Marketing, and Marketplace Growth

During his time at Discogs, Smith led a comprehensive transformation of marketing, demand generation, and brand strategy. His leadership helped drive a dramatic increase in marketing-driven orders, materially improve return on advertising spend, and grow lifecycle and owned-channel revenue into a significant share of total platform sales. He also led major brand repositioning efforts, scaled performance marketing into a core growth engine, and played a key role in strategic partnerships with global retailers, technology companies, and music labels.

Prior to Discogs, Smith founded and led Crash Avenue, a successful independent marketing and public relations agency representing both major and independent record labels and artists. Over more than two decades in music, culture, and commerce, Smith has built teams, launched platforms, and executed campaigns at the intersection of brand, fandom, and transactional marketplaces.

Driving Growth for Alliance Authentic™

As Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Smith will be responsible for building and executing Alliance Authentic’s global growth strategy across direct-to-consumer sales, the peer-to-peer marketplace, retail partnerships, and future category expansions. He will lead brand development, demand generation, lifecycle marketing, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market execution as Alliance Authentic scales its ecosystem of authenticated vinyl collectibles.

“Alliance Authentic is building something genuinely new within record collecting culture, a platform grounded in authenticity, trust, and long-term stewardship,” said Smith. “By working directly with labels and creating a credible framework for owning the records that carry personal and cultural significance, Alliance Authentic brings deeper meaning to the music we truly love, the ones that reflect who we are and why music matters to us. I’m excited to lead this team and help build the definitive marketplace for authenticated vinyl history.”

Strategic Expansion of the Alliance Authentic Leadership Team

Smith’s appointment follows the official launch of Alliance Authentic on January 6, 2026, and represents a key milestone in building the leadership team required to scale the platform globally. His addition underscores Alliance Entertainment’s commitment to scaling Alliance Authentic into a long-term, high-margin growth business within the company’s broader collectibles portfolio.

About Alliance Authentic™

Alliance Authentic™ is a premium collectible platform dedicated to preserving entertainment history through authentic, certified, encapsulated, and individually numbered collectibles. Each release is sourced directly from music labels, studios, and brands, digitally authenticated, and designed for long-term ownership and resale.

Alliance Authentic™

The Ultimate Vinyl Collectible™

Own a Piece of Vinyl History™

About Alliance Entertainment

Alliance Entertainment (NASDAQ: AENT) is a premier distributor and fulfillment partner for the entertainment and pop culture collectibles industry. With more than 340,000 unique in-stock SKUs – including over 57,300 exclusive titles across compact discs, vinyl LPs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games – Alliance offers the largest selection of physical media in the market. Our vast catalog also includes licensed merchandise, toys, retro gaming products, and collectibles, serving over 35,000 retail locations and powering e-commerce fulfillment for leading retailers. The company’s growing collectibles portfolio includes Handmade by Robots™, a stylized vinyl figure line featuring licensed characters from leading entertainment franchises. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, exclusive licensing partnerships, and a capital-light, scalable infrastructure, Alliance is a trusted partner to the world’s top entertainment brands and retailers. Our omnichannel platform connects collectors and fans to the products, franchises, and experiences they love – across formats and generations. For more information, visit www.aent.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this Press Release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether identified in this Press Release, and on the current expectations of Alliance’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Alliance. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to the anticipated growth rates and market opportunities; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the ability of Alliance to execute its business model, including market acceptance of its systems and related services; Alliance’s reliance on a concentration of suppliers for its products and services; increases in Alliance’s costs, disruption of supply, or shortage of products and materials; Alliance’s dependence on a concentration of customers, and failure to add new customers or expand sales to Alliance’s existing customers; increased Alliance inventory and risk of obsolescence; Alliance’s significant amount of indebtedness; our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness; our ability to continue as a going concern absent access to sources of liquidity; risks that a breach of the revolving credit facility could result in the lender declaring a default and that the full outstanding amount under the revolving credit facility could be immediately due in full, which would have severe adverse consequences for the Company; known or future litigation and regulatory enforcement risks, including the diversion of time and attention and the additional costs and demands on Alliance’s resources; Alliance’s business being adversely affected by increased inflation, uncertainty regarding tariffs, higher interest rates and other adverse economic, business, and/or competitive factors; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; as well as our financial condition and results of operations; substantial regulations, which are evolving, and unfavorable changes or failure by Alliance to comply with these regulations; product liability claims, which could harm Alliance’s financial condition and liquidity if Alliance is not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims; availability of additional capital to support business growth; and the inability of Alliance to develop and maintain effective internal controls.

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Dave Gentry
RedChip Companies, Inc.
1-800-REDCHIP (733-2447)
1-407-644-4256
AENT@redchip.com

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Release – Kratos Applauds Focus on Reinvestment to Strengthen Defense Readiness

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on KTOS

January 8, 2026

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SAN DIEGO, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a leader in defense, national security and global markets, today expressed strong support for President Trump’s announcement of policies that prioritize reinvestment in national defense capabilities over stock buybacks by defense contractors.

Kratos has long operated under a fundamentally different capital allocation philosophy than much of the publicly traded defense market. The company does not have a practice of conducting stock buybacks or paying dividends, choosing instead to reinvest capital directly into the development, production, and fielding of affordable, mission-ready technologies for the warfighter.

“At Kratos, every dollar we earn is viewed through the lens of readiness and capability,” said Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos. “Since our inception as a defense company, we have aggressively self-funded development to be first-to-market with relevant systems that can be affordably produced in large quantities to deter and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries, and we have reinvested in people, facilities, inventory, and real technologies that can be delivered at speed and scale to support today’s and tomorrow’s warfighter.”

Kratos’ reinvestment-first approach has enabled the company to self-fund and be first-to-market with critical capabilities across unmanned systems, hypersonics, propulsion, space, and defense electronics—taking on development and production risk ahead of customer funding or becoming formal programs of record. This model supports faster innovation cycles, strengthens the U.S. defense industrial base, and helps ensure that advanced capabilities are available when needed, not years later.

The company’s strategy aligns with growing emphasis across government and the Department of War on accelerating both production and acquisition, expanding industrial capacity, delivering affordable systems in quantity, and ensuring readiness and lethality for the warfighter. By maintaining inventory on the shelf, investing in infrastructure, and scaling production-ready technologies, Kratos continues to demonstrate how disciplined reinvestment can translate directly into operational advantage.

DeMarco added, “Our mission is not financial engineering, but delivering value to all Kratos stakeholders, including most importantly the warfighter, and delivering capability now – affordable, scalable, and real – so the United States and its allies are prepared. That is where we believe defense capital should go.”

Learn more at www.kratosdefense.com.

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

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 29, 2024, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.

Press Contact:
Claire Cantrell
claire.cantrell@kratosdefense.com

Investor Information:
877-934-4687
investor@kratosdefense.com

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Source: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Release – Northrop Grumman to Rapidly Develop Marine Corps CCA with Kratos’ Valkyrie UAS

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on KTOS

January 8, 2026

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SAN DIEGO, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a leader in defense, national security and global markets, today announced that Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) was competitively awarded the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This award combines Northrop Grumman’s uncrewed capabilities and autonomous leadership with Kratos’ Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system to work alongside crewed fighters to provide air dominance in high-threat environments. 

Northrop Grumman will develop and rapidly deliver platforms that include:

  • Advanced Mission Kit: Northrop Grumman’s cost-effective mission kit is inclusive of sensors and software-defined technologies designed specifically for uncrewed aircraft. The mission kit’s flexible technology can perform various kinetic and non-kinetic effects, making the platform a combat-ready asset.
  • Open Architecture Autonomy Software: Northrop Grumman’s open architecture autonomy software package – known as Prism – will manage the aircraft’s operations autonomously.
  • Valkyrie Uncrewed Aerial System from Kratos Defense and Security Solutions: Fully equipped for a variety of missions that will include conventional takeoff and landing capabilities, enhanced runway flexibility with a modular airframe and payload bays for customizable effects.
This agile solution integrates Northrop Grumman’s proven mission systems with Kratos’ mature Valkyrie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)
This agile solution integrates Northrop Grumman’s proven mission systems with Kratos’ mature Valkyrie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)

This agile solution integrates Northrop Grumman’s proven mission systems with Kratos’ mature Valkyrie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9b85fff-eb05-4d27-a20b-38d91f791f17 

Experts:
Krys Moen, vice president, advanced mission capabilities, Northrop Grumman: “Northrop Grumman remains at the forefront of advanced sensing capabilities, delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of the warfighter with unmatched speed and reliability. This enhanced capability set ensures optimal performance for both crewed and uncrewed platforms.”

Steve Fendley, president Kratos Unmanned Systems Division: “The integration of the Kratos Valkyrie aircraft system configured with the world’s best multifunction mission systems from Northrop Grumman results in a high-capability CCA at a price point that enables the uncrewed systems to be deployed in mass with crewed aircraft.”

Details:
Northrop Grumman has packaged its sensors and other mission capabilities into a smaller envelope, resulting in a more cost-effective solution that is compatible with an uncrewed platform. Combining existing product lines and proven capabilities, Northrop Grumman, Kratos, and commercial partners developed a missionized CCA that includes survivability, connectivity, lethality and supportability elements. With more than 20 successful flight demonstrations in operationally relevant environments, Northrop Grumman and Kratos are offering the U.S. Marine Corps a low risk, expedited path to MUX TACAIR mission capability and persistent joint crewed and uncrewed expeditionary operations.

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

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 29, 2024, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.

Press Contact:
Claire Cantrell
claire.cantrell@kratosdefense.com

Investor Information:
877-934-4687
investor@kratosdefense.com

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This agile solution integrates Northrop Grumman’s proven mission systems with Kratos’ mature Valkyrie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)

 

This agile solution integrates Northrop Grumman’s proven mission systems with Kratos’ mature Valkyrie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)

Source: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

World-Renowned Alzheimer’s Expert Prof. Steven Arnold Joins NeuroSense SAB

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on NRSN

Alzheimer’s Clinical and Biomarker Outcomes Expected in Q1 2026

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NeuroSense Therapeutics Ltd. (NASDAQ: NRSN) (“NeuroSense”), a late-clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel treatments for severe neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that Prof. Steven E. Arnold, a world-renowned Alzheimer’s disease expert and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, has joined the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board. Prof. Arnold brings decades of experience in neurodegenerative disease research, biomarker-driven clinical development, and translational neuroscience, further strengthening NeuroSense’s scientific leadership as it advances PrimeC in ALS and expands its Alzheimer’s disease program.

“Prof. Arnold’s depth of experience in biomarker-driven clinical development and translational neuroscience aligns closely with how we are advancing our programs,” said Alon Ben-Noon, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NeuroSense. “His perspective will be valuable as we continue to execute across both Alzheimer’s disease and ALS.”

“PrimeC’s multi-target mechanism addresses biological pathways that are highly relevant to Alzheimer’s disease,” said Prof. Steven E. Arnold. “I look forward to reviewing the forthcoming clinical and biomarker data and to contributing to the program as it moves forward.”

NeuroSense recently concluded its proof-of-concept Alzheimer’s disease study (RoAD), with top-line results demonstrating a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Clinical and biomarker outcomes from the study are expected in the first quarter of 2026. 

About Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide, affecting more than 30 million people globally. AD is characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, and currently has no cure. Existing therapies provide only limited symptomatic relief, leaving a significant unmet need for disease-modifying treatments that can slow or halt progression. Given the complexity of AD, approaches that target multiple disease mechanisms simultaneously, such as PrimeC, hold potential to deliver meaningful therapeutic advances for patients and their families.

About PrimeC

PrimeC, NeuroSense’s lead drug candidate, is a novel extended-release oral formulation composed of a unique fixed-dose combination of two FDA-approved drugs: ciprofloxacin and celecoxib. PrimeC is designed to synergistically target several key mechanisms of ALS and AD, that contribute to neuron degeneration, inflammation, iron accumulation and impaired ribonucleic acid (“RNA”) regulation to potentially inhibit the progression of ALS and AD.

About NeuroSense

NeuroSense Therapeutics, Ltd. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing treatments for patients suffering from debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. NeuroSense believes that these diseases, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, among others, represent one of the most significant unmet medical needs of our time, with limited effective therapeutic options available for patients to date. Due to the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases and based on strong scientific research on a large panel of related biomarkers, NeuroSense’s strategy is to develop combined therapies targeting multiple pathways associated with these diseases.

For additional information, we invite you to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube and X. Information that may be important to investors may be routinely posted on our website and these social media channels.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on NeuroSense Therapeutics’ current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict and include statements regarding the timing of regulatory filings, meetings and regulatory decisions. Further, certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the timing of the reporting of additional data from the study of PrimeC in Alzheimer’s disease, are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. The future events and trends may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward looking statements. These risks include the uncertainty regarding outcomes and the timing of current and future clinical trials; timing for reporting data, including from the study of PrimeC in Alzheimer’s disease; that the study will not be successful; the ability of NeuroSense to remain listed on Nasdaq; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in NeuroSense’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You should not rely on these statements as representing our views in the future. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting NeuroSense is contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2025 and NeuroSense’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and NeuroSense undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1707291/NeuroSense_Therapeutics_Logo.jpg

SOURCE NeuroSense

For further information: For further information: Email: info@neurosense-tx.com, Tel: +972 (0)9 799 6183

Release – Direct Digital Holdings Announces Reverse Stock Split

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on DRCT

January 08, 2026 8:30 am EST Download as PDF

HOUSTON, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRCT) (“Direct Digital Holdings” or the “Company”), a leading advertising and marketing technology platform operating through its companies Colossus Media, LLC (“Colossus SSP”) and Orange 142, LLC (“Orange 142”), today announced a 55-to-1 reverse stock split of all classes of its common stock. The Company expects the Class A common stock to begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on The Nasdaq Stock Market as of the commencement of trading on January 12, 2026. The reverse stock split is intended to allow the Company to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share.

The reverse stock split was approved by Direct Digital Holdings’ Board of Directors and subsequently by its stockholders on December 30, 2025, with the authorization to determine the final ratio having been granted to, and determined by, the Board. As a result of the reverse stock split, every 55 shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding will be automatically converted into one share of common stock, with no change in the $0.001 par value per share or authorized number of shares of common stock. The number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock, which is traded on Nasdaq, will be reduced from approximately 68.9 million to approximately 1.3 million, and the number of outstanding shares of Class B common stock, which is exchangeable and votes with the Class A common stock, will be reduced from approximately 9.3 million to approximately 0.2 million.

The Company’s Class A common stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “DRCT.” The new CUSIP number for the Class A common stock following the reverse split is 25461T204.

Mark Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Digital Holdings, commented, “Executing this reverse split is an important next step in our path forward and enables us to regain compliance with the continued listing requirements for Nasdaq. Our Nasdaq listing is a key asset for our business and provides our common stock with heightened visibility among institutional investors to build and maintain a strong investor base, which is foundational to our go-forward strategy as we look ahead to 2026 and beyond.”

No fractional shares will be issued if, as a result of the reverse stock split, a stockholder would otherwise become entitled to a fractional share because the number of shares of common stock they hold before the reverse stock split is not evenly divisible by the split ratio. Instead, each stockholder will be entitled to receive a proportional cash payment in lieu of a fractional share. The Company’s transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, is acting as the exchange and paying agent for the reverse stock split. The Company does not expect that stockholders holding their shares in book-entry form or through a bank, broker or other nominee need to take any action in connection with the reverse stock split. Beneficial holders are encouraged to contact their bank, broker or other nominee with any procedural questions. Additional information concerning the reverse stock split can be found in the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2025.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws that are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. We use words such as “could,” “would,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “likely,” “believe,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, but not all forward-looking statements include these words. All of our forward-looking statements involve estimates and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the information described under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Form 10-K”) and subsequent periodic and or current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that we have made in light of our industry experience and our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. As you read and consider this press release, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond our control) and assumptions.

Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual operating and financial performance and cause our performance to differ materially from the performance expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. We believe these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the restrictions and covenants imposed upon us by our credit facilities; the substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing; our ability to secure additional financing to meet our capital needs; our ineligibility to file short-form registration statements on Form S-3, which may impair our ability to raise capital; our failure to satisfy applicable listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market resulting in a potential delisting of our common stock; costs, risks and uncertainties related to restatement of certain prior period financial statements; any significant fluctuations caused by our high customer concentration; risks related to non-payment by our clients; reputational and other harms caused by our failure to detect advertising fraud; operational and performance issues with our platform, whether real or perceived, including a failure to respond to technological changes or to upgrade our technology systems; restrictions on the use of third-party “cookies,” mobile device IDs or other tracking technologies, which could diminish our platform’s effectiveness; unfavorable publicity and negative public perception about our industry, particularly concerns regarding data privacy and security relating to our industry’s technology and practices, and any perceived failure to comply with laws and industry self-regulation; our failure to manage our growth effectively; the difficulty in identifying and integrating any future acquisitions or strategic investments; any changes or developments in legislative, judicial, regulatory or cultural environments related to information collection, use and processing; challenges related to our buy-side clients that are destination marketing organizations and that operate as public/private partnerships; any strain on our resources or diversion of our management’s attention as a result of being a public company; the intense competition of the digital advertising industry and our ability to effectively compete against current and future competitors; any significant inadvertent disclosure or breach of confidential and/or personal information we hold, or of the security of our or our customers’, suppliers’ or other partners’ computer systems; as a holding company, we depend on distributions from Direct Digital Holdings, LLC (“DDH LLC”) to pay our taxes, expenses (including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement) and any amount of any dividends we may pay to the holders of our common stock; the fact that DDH LLC is controlled by DDM, whose interest may differ from those of our public stockholders; any failure by us to maintain or implement effective internal controls or to detect fraud; and other factors and assumptions discussed in our Form 10-K and subsequent periodic and current reports we may file with the SEC.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of these assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual operating and financial performance may vary in material respects from the performance projected in these forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances, and we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. New factors that could cause our business not to develop as we expect emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each currently known or new factor on our results of operations or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. 

About Direct Digital Holdings

Direct Digital Holdings (Nasdaq: DRCT) combines cutting-edge sell-side and buy-side advertising solutions, providing data-driven digital media strategies that enhance reach and performance for brands, agencies, and publishers of all sizes. Our sell-side platform, Colossus SSP, offers curated access to premium, growth-oriented media properties throughout the digital ecosystem. On the buy-side, Orange 142 delivers customized, audience-focused digital marketing and advertising solutions that enable mid-market and enterprise companies to achieve measurable results across a range of platforms, including programmatic, search, social, CTV, and influencer marketing. With extensive expertise in high-growth sectors such as Energy, Healthcare, Travel & Tourism, and Financial Services, our teams deliver performance strategies that connect brands with their ideal audiences.

At Direct Digital Holdings, we prioritize personal relationships by humanizing technology, ensuring each client receives dedicated support and tailored digital marketing solutions regardless of company size. This empowers everyone to thrive by generating billions of monthly impressions across display, CTV, in-app, and emerging media channels through advanced targeting, comprehensive data insights, and cross-platform activation. DDH is “Digital advertising built for everyone.”

Contacts:

Investors:
IMS Investor Relations
Walter Frank/Jennifer Belodeau
(203) 972-9200
investors@directdigitalholdings.com

Direct Digital Holdings Logo (PRNewsfoto/Direct Digital Holdings)

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/direct-digital-holdings-announces-reverse-stock-split-302655500.html

SOURCE Direct Digital Holdings

Released January 8, 2026

SKYX Announces Collaboration with NVIDIA on its Connect Program, Cloud, and AI Ecosystem for its Patented Ceiling All-In-One Smart Home Platform and Hub

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on SKYX

January 08, 2026 07:58 ET  | Source: SKYX Platforms Corp.

 NVIDIA Connect Supports Advanced Technology Companies Developing AI-powered Products

Part of NVIDIA’s Connect Program is to Promote, Assist, and Identify Go-To-Market Opportunities

SKYX Expects to Include its All-In-One Smart Platform and Hub, in Collaboration with NVIDIA’s AI Features, in Future U.S. and Global Projects, Including the Upcoming $4 Billion Miami, Florida Smart City

NVIDIA Connect is Designed to Help Build AI Solutions Faster, Accelerate Growth, and Maximize Opportunities while Delivering a Range of Significant AI Ecosystem Advantages, as Well as Free Benefits

SKYX’s Technologies Expansion Provides Additional Opportunities for Future Recurring Revenues, AI Services, Monitoring, and Subscriptions Through Interchangeability and Upgrades, Among Others

MIAMI, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a SKYX Technologies) (the “Company” or “SKYX”), a highly disruptive smart home platform technology company with over 100 pending and issued patents globally and over 60 lighting and home décor websites, with a mission to make homes and buildings become safe and smart as the new standard, today announced it has joined the NVIDIA Connect Program, gaining access to NVIDIA’s cloud and AI ecosystem to support the development of SKYX’s all-in-one smart home platform and hub, as well as its broader portfolio of advanced smart home products.

SKYX’s all-in-one smart home platform and hub comprises numerous safety, security, and smart home features including Wi-Fi and repeaters, AI ecosystem, voice, and app controls, 911 emergency calling feature, smoke and CO detectors, thermostat, speakers, room-to-room intercom, emergency light, safety night light, color changing light, among others.

The NVIDIA Connect Program, cloud, and AI ecosystem accelerates and offers significant advantages for SKYX’s all-in-one smart home platform and hub including the following:

  • Access to NVIDIA’s world-class GPU-accelerated AI development ecosystem, including advanced frameworks for speech recognition, anomaly detection, real-time analytics, and scalable cloud inference.
  • Advances the Company’s vision of transforming the ceiling into the AI-powered brain of the home, enabling the all-in-one SKYX platform to deliver intelligence across six distinct domains, such as voice, audio, safety, environmental, behavioral, and predictive.
  • Powers a secure, privacy-first cloud infrastructure leveraging NVIDIA’s GPU and DPU technologies to process anonymized device data, enabling fleet-wide learning while ensuring enterprise-grade security and data protection.
  • Supports the Company’s long-term roadmap, including next-generation safety intelligence, computer vision, healthcare applications such as elderly monitoring and fall detection, and whole-home connectivity through Wi-Fi mesh extension, Matter protocol and capabilities.
  • Joining a global ecosystem of AI innovators leveraging NVIDIA technology, reinforcing SKYX’s commitment to delivering the most intelligent and comprehensive smart home platform available.
SKYX Patented All-In-One Smart Home Platform and Hub

SKYX Patented All-In-One Smart Home Platform and Hub

Khadija Mustafa, SKYX’s Senior AI Advisor and former Global Business & AI leader at Microsoft & G42, said; “This is a significant development that positions SKYX to lead the smart, safe home and AI solutions category. Since joining SKYX as Lead AI Advisor, our focus has been on expanding the company’s AI opportunities and capabilities. Aligning with NVIDIA and its programs was a top priority from the outset. NVIDIA’s Connect Program and broader AI ecosystem provide SKYX with meaningful advantages to accelerate innovation, strengthen differentiation, and lead the advanced smart and safe home segment. Combined with SKYX’s progress in home safety standardization, this collaboration has the potential to be truly game-changing for homes and buildings.”

Rani Kohen, Founder and Executive Chairman of SKYX, said; “This is a significant and very exciting development for SKYX. The NVIDIA Program gives us a tremendous advantage toward our safe and smart home goal. Utilizing NVIDIA’s programs and the benefits of its Connect and AI ecosystem can be game changing for our Company and Shareholders.”   

For SKYX All-In-One Smart Platform and Hub Video Demo: Click Here

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

  • For more information about SKYX Platforms Corp. go to SKYX.com
  • As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 100 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://skyplug.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.
  • SKYX’s technologies provide opportunities for recurring revenues through interchangeability, upgrades, AI services monitoring, and subscriptions. Company is focused on the “Razor & Blades” model and its product range includes its advanced ceiling electrical outlet (Razor) and its advance and smart home plug & play products (Blades) including its advance and smart home plug & play platform products, lighting, recessed lights, down lights, EXIT signs, emergency lights, ceiling fans, chandeliers/pendants, holiday/kids/themes lights, indoor/outdoor wall lights among other. Company’s plug & play technology enables an installation of lighting, fans, and smart home products in high-rise buildings and hotels within days rather than months.
  • Company’s total addressable market (TAM) in the U.S. is roughly $500 billion with over 4.2 billion ceiling applications in the U.S. alone. Expected revenue streams from retail and professional segments include product sales, royalties, licensing, subscription, monitoring, and sale of global country rights.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with First-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions, including recent measures adopted by the federal government, on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management considers earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted, an important indicator in evaluating the Company’s business on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables management to monitor and evaluate the business on a consistent basis. The Company uses EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. The Company believes that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not part of the Company’s core operations, such as interest expense and amortization expense associated with intangible assets, or items that do not involve a cash outlay, such as share-based payments and non-recurring items, such as transaction costs. EBITDA, as adjusted, should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and cash flows used in operating activities. This non-GAAP financial measure excludes significant expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded in the Company’s financial statements and is subject to inherent limitations. Investors should review the reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the comparable GAAP financial measure. Investors should not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate the Company’s business.

Investor Relations Contact:

Jeff Ramson
PCG Advisory
jramson@pcgadvisory.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13461e59-836b-4c5a-8676-e1f57b6cc2b2

Release – MustGrow Announces Non-Brokered LIFE Offering of up to $2 Million

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on MGROF

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Canada, January 8, 2026 – MustGrow Biologics Corp. (TSXV: MGRO; OTC: MGROF; FRA: 0C0) (the “Company” or “MustGrow“), is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 4,000,000 units of the Company (each, a “Unit“) at a price of $0.50 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000 (the “LIFE Offering“).

Each Unit will consist of (i) one common share of the Company (a “Share“); and (ii) one common share purchase warrant (a “Warrant“). Each whole Warrant will be exercisable for a period of 60 months from the Closing Date (defined below) and will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share (a “Warrant Share“) at an exercise price of $0.70 per Warrant Share.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds raised from the LIFE Offering for inventory production for its mustard-derived organic biofertility product TerraSanteTM, inventory for agricultural products to sell via its Canadian distribution platform NexusBioAg, and working capital and general corporate purposes.

Subject to the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV“), the securities issuable from the sale of Units to Canadian resident subscribers will not be subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Insiders and certain consultants that participate in the LIFE Offering would be subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV.

There is an offering document related to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at www.MustGrow.ca. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

It is expected that closing of the LIFE Offering will take place on or about January 22, 2026 or such other date(s) as may be determined the Company (the “Closing Date“). Closing of the LIFE Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

The Units sold pursuant to the LIFE Offering will be offered in Canada pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption from the prospectus requirement available under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions as modified by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, in the United States pursuant to available exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act“), as amended, and in certain other jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States provided that no prospectus filing or comparable obligation arises in such other jurisdiction.

As consideration for services, certain eligible finders may receive (i) an aggregate cash fee equal up to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the LIFE Offering from investors introduced to the Company by the finder; and (ii) non-transferable common share purchase warrants (the “Finder’s Warrants“) representing up to 6.0% of the aggregate number of Shares forming part of the Units issued to investors introduced to the Company by the finder. Each Finder’s Warrant will entitle its holder to purchase one Share (a “Finder Warrant Share“) at a price of $0.70 per Share for a 60-month period. The Finder Warrants and any Finder Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise thereof will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day following the date of issue in accordance with applicable Canada securities laws.

MI 61-101 Compliance

It is anticipated that insiders of the Company may participate in the LIFE Offering, and any Units issued to insiders will be subject to a four month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV. The issuance of Units to any insiders will be considered a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). In respect of any such insider participation, the Company expects to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a), as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization.

Not an Offer to Sell or Solicitation in the U.S.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the 1933 Act, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

About MustGrow

MustGrow Biologics Corp. is a fully-integrated provider of innovative biological and regenerative agriculture solutions designed to support sustainable farming. The Company’s proprietary and third-party product lines offer eco-friendly alternatives to restricted or banned synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. In North America, MustGrow offers a portfolio of third-party crop nutrition solutions, including micronutrients, nitrogen stabilizers, biostimulants, adjuvants and foliar products. These products are synergistically distributed alongside MustGrow’s wholly-owned proprietary products and technologies that are derived from mustard and developed into organic biocontrol and biofertility products to help replace banned or restricted synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. Outside of North America, MustGrow is focused on collaborating with agriculture companies, such as Bayer AG in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, to commercialize MustGrow’s wholly-owned proprietary products and technologies. The Company is dedicated to driving shareholder value through the commercialization and expansion of its intellectual property portfolio of approximately 110 patents that are currently issued and pending, and the sales and distribution of its proprietary and third-party product lines through NexusBioAg. MustGrow is a publicly traded company (TSXV-MGRO) and has approximately 58.9 million common shares issued and outstanding and 69.1 million shares fully diluted. For further details, please visit www.mustgrow.ca.

Contact Information

Corey Giasson Director & CEO
Phone: +1-306-668-2652
info@mustgrow.ca

MustGrow Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect the results, performance or achievements of MustGrow.

Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements in this news release, including statements about: the LIFE Offering, the intended closing date of the LIFE Offering and if the LIFE Offering closes at all, the intended use of proceeds, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of MustGrow to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, MustGrow. Important factors that could cause MustGrow’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include: risks relating to the Company’s ability to complete the proposed LIFE Offering on the terms and timeline contemplated herein, or at all, including the receipt of conditional and final approvals from the TSXV and satisfaction of other closing conditions, and those risks described in more detail in MustGrow’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by MustGrow with the applicable securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are referred to such documents for more detailed information about MustGrow, which is subject to the qualifications, assumptions and notes set forth therein.

Neither the TSXV, nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV), nor the OTC Markets has approved the contents of this release or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

© 2026 MustGrow Biologics Corp. All rights reserved.

Coincheck Group Expands Global Footprint with 3iQ Acquisition

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Coincheck Group N.V. (Nasdaq: CNCK) has announced a significant expansion of its institutional capabilities through an agreement to acquire approximately 97% of 3iQ Corp., a pioneering digital asset investment manager based in Ontario, Canada. The transaction values 3iQ at approximately $111.8 million and represents a strategic repositioning for the Japan-focused crypto exchange as it pursues aggressive global growth. For small cap investors seeking exposure to the digital asset infrastructure space, this deal offers a compelling case study in how emerging players are consolidating capabilities to compete against larger, established financial institutions entering the crypto market.

The all-stock transaction will see Coincheck Group issue 27.1 million newly issued ordinary shares to Monex Group, its majority shareholder and current owner of the 3iQ stake. Based on an agreed share price of $4.00, the deal also includes provisions for minority shareholders to receive up to 810,435 additional shares, potentially bringing Coincheck Group’s ownership to 100%. Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.

Founded in 2012, 3iQ has established itself as a trailblazer in bringing digital assets into traditional investment frameworks. The company achieved several industry firsts, including launching North America’s first major exchange-listed Bitcoin and Ether funds on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2020, and introducing the world’s first Ethereum staking ETF in 2023. More recently, 3iQ launched one of the first Solana staking ETFs and a spot-based XRP ETF in 2025. The firm’s QMAP platform, launched in 2023, provides a managed account solution for sophisticated investors seeking risk-managed digital asset exposure. Its recent partnership with UAE-based Further Asset Management to launch a market-neutral, multi-strategy hedge fund demonstrates 3iQ’s expanding geographic reach and product sophistication.

For investors in Coincheck Group, this acquisition represents a meaningful pivot toward institutional services and geographic diversification. While Coincheck has dominated Japan’s retail crypto market—ranking number one in trading app downloads for over six consecutive years—the addition of 3iQ’s institutional infrastructure opens new revenue streams in North America and beyond. This is particularly significant for small cap investors, as the deal transforms CNCK from a single-market operator into a multi-jurisdictional player with products spanning retail trading, institutional prime brokerage, and regulated investment products. The company’s current market capitalization positions it as an accessible entry point for investors who believe traditional finance’s adoption of digital assets is still in early innings. CEO Gary Simanson emphasized that the combination positions Coincheck Group to serve traditional financial institutions now seeking digital asset exposure for their clients. The company expects the acquisition to be earnings accretive, while spreading its public company costs over a more diversified revenue base.

The 3iQ deal follows Coincheck Group’s October 2025 acquisition of Aplo SAS, a Paris-based crypto prime brokerage, and its March 2025 purchase of staking platform Next Finance Tech. Management has indicated plans to create revenue synergies across these businesses, with 3iQ and Aplo cross-selling services to their respective institutional clients, and Next Finance providing staking infrastructure across the group.

The transaction highlights Coincheck Group’s ambition to evolve from a Japan-centric retail exchange into a diversified, global digital asset services provider. For small cap investors, the key questions revolve around execution: Can management successfully integrate these disparate businesses? Will institutional clients embrace the combined platform? And can the company achieve the promised synergies? With 3iQ’s proven track record and Coincheck’s operational expertise, the foundation appears solid. Investors should monitor regulatory approval progress and watch for early signs of cross-selling success as the deal approaches its anticipated Q2 2026 close.

Comstock (LODE) – Comstock Metals Achieves a Major Permitting Milestone

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Thursday, January 08, 2026

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

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

Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Receipt of Air Quality Permit. Comstock Metals received its Air Quality Permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection – Bureau of Air Pollution Control for the processing of waste solar panels and photovoltaics at its planned industry-scale materials recovery facility in Silver Springs, Nevada. Receipt of the permit is expected to enable Comstock to install, test, and commission the facility on schedule during the first quarter of 2026.

Closing in on the Written Determination Permit. The Air Quality Permit follows a notification of eligibility for a written determination permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection – Bureau of Sustainable Materials Management, which is now through the public notice period. Once the written determination permit is final, the two permits represent the complete scope of required regulatory approvals for commissioning the scale up of the recovery facility designed to process more than 3.0 million panels per year, representing up to 100 thousand tons per year of waste materials.


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

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

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

AZZ (AZZ) – Third Quarter FY 2026 Results Outpace Expectations

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Thursday, January 08, 2026

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.

FY 2026 third-quarter financial results. AZZ reported adjusted net income of $46.0 million, or $1.52 per share, compared to $41.9 million, or $1.39 per share, during the prior year period. We had forecast adjusted net income of $44.9 million, or $1.48 per share. Compared to the third quarter of FY 2025, total sales increased 5.5% to $425.7 million. We had projected sales of $424.6 million. Gross margin of $101.9 million was modestly below our estimate of $103.2 million. Operating income of $69.5 million exceeded our estimate of $64.9 million, due to lower selling, general, and administrative expenses. Adjusted EBITDA increased modestly to $91.2 million compared to $90.7 million during the prior year period and our estimate of $93.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin as a percentage of sales amounted to 21.4% compared to 22.5% during the third quarter of FY 2025.

Segment results. While Metal Coatings sales were up 15.7% compared to the prior year quarter, Precoat Metals sales were down 1.8%. Metal Coatings delivered higher sales due to increased volume driven by infrastructure-related projects in several end markets. Precoat Metals experienced lower sales due to weaker end markets, including building construction, HVAC, and transportation, partially offset by container. Segment adjusted EBITDA margin amounted to 30.3% for Metal Coatings and 19.7% for Precoat Metals.


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

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

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

Bit Digital (BTBT) – Monthly ETH Production

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Thursday, January 08, 2026

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

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

Data. Bit Digital reported its monthly Ethereum (“ETH”) treasury and staking metrics for the month of December 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the Company held approximately 155,227 ETH versus 154,398.7 ETH at the end of November. Included in the ETH holdings were approximately 15,146.0 ETH and ETH-equivalents held in an externally managed fund. The Company staked an additional 642 ETH during the month. The Company’s total staked ETH was approximately 138,263, or about 89% of its total holdings as of December 31st.

Yield and Value. Staking operations generated approximately 389.6 ETH in rewards during the period, representing an annualized yield of approximately 3.5%. Based on a closing ETH price of $2,967, as of December 31, 2025, the market value of the Company’s ETH holdings was approximately $460.5 million.


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

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

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

ACCO Brands (ACCO) – 2025 Review and 2026 Expectations

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Thursday, January 08, 2026

ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Esselte®, Five Star®, GBC®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Quartet®, Rapid®, Rexel®, Swingline®, Tilibra®, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, can be found at www.accobrands.com.

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

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

2025 Review. ACCO Brands’ 2025 narrative was dominated by a clear priority: defend profitability and cash generation in a soft demand environment, using restructuring and cost takeout as the primary levers while the top line remained pressured. Across the first three quarters of 2025, demand was weak and uneven globally, and Q3 in particular underscored that as sales came in lower than expected; however, the Company still delivered adjusted earnings in line with its outlook by expanding gross margin and lowering SG&A, demonstrating meaningful operating discipline.

2026 Preview. Looking into 2026, we believe the key question for investors is whether ACCO can convert its 2025 operational progress into a durable and investable story rather than a purely defensive one. The most important variable remains organic revenue stabilization: the Company has demonstrated the ability to protect earnings despite sales declines, but the market will require evidence that declines are moderating, particularly in the Americas, and that channel inventories and promotional intensity are improving rather than worsening.


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Release – 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. to Release its Fiscal 2026 Second Quarter Results on Thursday, January 29, 2026

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on FLWS

Jan 07, 2026

JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS) (the “Company”),a leading provider of thoughtful expressions designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships, today announced that the Company will release financial results for its fiscal 2026 second quarter on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The press release will be issued before the market opens and will be followed by a conference call with members of senior management at 8:00 a.m. (ET).

The conference call will be available via live webcast from the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.1800flowersinc.com/investors. A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the live event has concluded. A telephonic replay of the call can be accessed beginning at 2:00 p.m. (ET) on January 29, 2026, through February 5, 2026, by dialing (855) 669-9658 or (412) 317-0088 for international callers; the passcode is 4751964.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Some of the statements contained in the Company’s press release and conference call regarding its fiscal 2026 second quarter results, other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the applicable statements. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, please refer to the Company’s SEC filings including its Annual Reports and Forms 10K and 10Q available at the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at 1800flowersinc.com. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements made in the scheduled conference call and any recordings thereof, or in any of its SEC filings, except as may be otherwise stated by the Company.

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of thoughtful expressions designed to help inspire customers to share more, connect more, and build more and better relationships. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, CardIsle®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Things Remembered®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Simply Chocolate® and Scharffen Berger®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge on eligible products across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad-range of products and services designed to help members grow their businesses profitably; Napco℠, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; and DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek for 2024. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was also recognized as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces for 2025 by Newsweek and was named to the Fortune 1000 list in 2022. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com.

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Investors Contact:

Andy Milevoj