May 2026 - Page 5 of 17

Small Caps: The Valuation Gap Is Flashing Opportunity

Posted on May 20, 2026May 20, 2026 by [email protected]

A significant valuation disconnect has been building in U.S. equity markets for nearly three years — and the Q1 2026 earnings season made it harder to ignore.

Small and microcap companies are delivering some of the strongest earnings growth numbers in years, yet their valuation multiples remain near historic lows relative to large caps. For investors willing to look beyond the mega-cap trade, the message is clear:

Small caps may be entering one of the more attractive valuation reset windows in a generation.

Where Valuations Stand Right Now

The S&P 500 currently trades at approximately 22x forward earnings, above both its five-year and ten-year averages. By comparison, profitable Russell 2000 companies trade closer to 14–15x, while the S&P 600 small cap index trades around 15.8x.

That places the large-cap valuation premium at roughly 30% to 42% over small caps — one of the widest spreads seen in the past two decades.

The valuation disconnect is even more pronounced when looking at EV/EBIT, a metric many institutional investors prefer for cross-cap comparisons. According to Royce Investment Partners, the Russell 2000’s EV/EBIT relative to large caps is near its lowest level in more than 25 years.

*Large caps continue to trade at a meaningful premium, while small caps remain discounted despite improving earnings momentum.*

What the Earnings Data Shows

The valuation gap would be easier to justify if small caps were underperforming fundamentally. But that is not what the data shows.

Heading into Q1 2026, the Russell 2000 carried consensus earnings growth expectations of approximately 44.9% year over year, with revenue growth projected at 5.2%. That combination suggests improving operating leverage as smaller companies recover from a prolonged period of pressure caused by higher rates, inflation, and tighter capital conditions.

Performance has already started to reflect the shift.

*Small-cap earnings expectations have accelerated meaningfully, suggesting improving operating leverage after years of margin pressure*

The Historical Context

For much of the past 25 years, small caps traded at a valuation premium to large caps because of their higher growth potential. That relationship inverted during the higher-rate cycle, as smaller companies faced greater pressure from financing costs, inflation, and reduced investor risk appetite.

That inversion pushed the valuation spread to levels not seen since the dot-com era.

Historically, when valuation gaps between small and large caps have reached this kind of extreme, small caps have often gone on to deliver above-average returns over the following three to five years.

One additional data point reinforces the opportunity: the Russell 2000’s weight within the Russell 3000 currently sits at approximately 4.6%, well below its historical average of 7.6%. In other words, small caps remain structurally underrepresented in the broader market.

*Small and microcap stocks have materially outperformed over the past year, yet their relative valuations remain near historical lows.*

Time to Revisit Small Caps

Strong earnings growth.
Historically discounted valuations.
Improving fundamentals.
Low investor allocation.

That combination may create one of the more compelling small and microcap opportunities investors have seen in years.

Against this backdrop, Noble Capital Markets will host its upcoming Virtual Small Cap Conference on June 3–4, giving investors an opportunity to hear directly from emerging growth companies across multiple sectors.

For investors looking to identify opportunities before broader market recognition returns to the asset class, this may be an important time to listen, compare, and look deeper into the small-cap universe.

The valuation gap is real. The earnings recovery is underway. The time to revisit small caps may be now.

Release – GDEV announces the financial results for Q1 2026

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on GDEV

GDEV announces results for the first quarter of 2026

May 19, 2026 – Limassol, Cyprus – GDEV Inc. (NASDAQ: GDEV), an international gaming and entertainment company (“GDEV” or the “Company”) released its unaudited financial and operational results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2026.

First quarter 2026 financial highlights:

Revenue of $99 million increased by 2% year-over-year.
Selling and marketing expenses of $37 million decreased by 13% year-over-year.
Profit for the period, net of tax, of $17 million in Q1 2026 increased vs. $14 million in Q1 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $18 million in Q1 2026 increased vs. $16 million in Q1 2025.

First quarter of 2026 financial performance in comparison

First quarter 2026 financial performance

In the first quarter of 2026, our revenue increased by $2 million (or 2%) year-over-year and amounted to $99 million. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in in-app purchases made by players.

Platform commissions remained stable at $20 million in the first quarter of 2026 vs. 2025.

Game operation costs remained stable at $14 million in the first quarter of 2026 vs. 2025.

Selling and marketing expenses in the first quarter of 2026 decreased by $5 million vs. the same period in 2025, amounting to $37 million. This decrease is driven by our continued focus on improving the efficiency of user acquisition activities. The decrease reflects a more selective approach to performance marketing, prioritizing channels that attract players with higher long-term value over broad-scale campaigns aimed at short-term growth.

General and administrative expenses increased by $2 million in the first quarter of 2026 vs. the same period of prior year and amounted to $10 million primarily due to increase in legal expenses.

As a result of the factors above, together with the effect of the net foreign exchange loss in the first quarter of 2026 in the amount of $1 million vs. the net foreign exchange gain in the amount of $1 million in the same period of prior year, we recorded a profit for the period, net of tax, of $17 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared with $14 million in the same period of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2026 amounted to $18 million, an increase of $2 million compared with the same period in 2025 driven primarily by the same factors as those affecting the profit.

Cash flows generated from operating activities were positive $4 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared with positive $6 million in the same period in 2025.

¹ For more information, see section titled “Presentation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” on the last two pages of this report, including the reconciliation of the profit for the period, net of tax to the Adjusted EBITDA.

First quarter 2026 operational performance comparison

Bookings increased in the first quarter of 2026 to reach $83 million compared with $81 million in the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily due to an increase in ABPPU of 8% partially offset by a decrease in MPU of 5% in the first quarter of 2026 as compared with the same period of prior year.

The share of advertisement sales as a percentage of total bookings remained relatively stable at 5.8% in the first quarter of 2026 vs. 5.9% in the respective period in 2025.

In the first quarter of 2026 we recorded an increase in share of mobile to reach 64% vs. 59% in the same period in 2025 and a corresponding decrease in share of PC which was fell to 36% vs. 41% in the same period in 2025.

Our split of bookings by geography in the first quarter of 2026 vs. the same period in 2025 saw a decrease in the share of bookings derived from the US and Asia and an increase in bookings derived from Europe and Other.

Note:

Due to rounding, the numbers presented throughout this release may not precisely add up to the totals. The period-over-period percentage changes are based on the actual numbers and may therefore differ from the percentage changes if those were to be calculated based on the rounded numbers.

About GDEV

GDEV is a gaming and entertainment holding company, focused on development and growth of its franchise portfolio across various genres and platforms. With a diverse range of subsidiaries including Nexters and Cubic Games, among others, GDEV strives to create games that will inspire and engage millions of players for years to come. Its franchises, such as Hero Wars, Island Hoppers, Pixel Gun 3D and others have accumulated over 550 million installs and $2.5 billion of bookings worldwide. For more information, please visit www.gdev.inc

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Roman Safiyulin | Chief Corporate Development Officer
[email protected]

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the federal securities laws. Such statements are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the Company’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those that the Company has anticipated. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) or other assumptions. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s 2025 Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed by the Company on March 31, 2026, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, 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 may be required under applicable securities laws.

Presentation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

In addition to the results provided in accordance with IFRS throughout this press release, the Company has provided the non-IFRS financial measure “Adjusted EBITDA” (the “Non-IFRS Financial Measure”). The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as the profit/loss for the period, net of tax as presented in the Company’s financial statements in accordance with IFRS, adjusted to exclude (i) goodwill and investments in equity-accounted associates’ impairment, (ii) loss on disposal of subsidiaries, (iii) income tax expense, (iv) other financial income, finance income and expenses other than foreign exchange gains and losses and bank charges, (v) change in fair value of share warrant obligations and other financial instruments, (vi) share of loss of equity-accounted associates, (vii) depreciation and amortization, (viii) share-based payments expense and (ix) certain non-cash or other special items that we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance. The Company uses this Non-IFRS Financial Measure for business planning purposes and in measuring its performance relative to that of its competitors. The Company believes that this Non-IFRS Financial Measure is a useful financial metric to assess its operating performance from period-to-period by excluding certain items that the Company believes are not representative of its core business. This Non-IFRS Financial Measure is not intended to replace, and should not be considered superior to, the presentation of the Company’s financial results in accordance with IFRS. The use of the Non-IFRS Financial Measure terms may differ from similar measures reported by other companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures.

Reconciliation of the profit for the period, net of tax to the Adjusted EBITDA

²Adjusted finance income/expenses consist of finance income and expenses other than foreign exchange gains and losses and bank charges, net.

Release – Euroseas Ltd. Sets Date for the Release of First Quarter 2026 Results, Conference Call and Webcast

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on ESEA

May 19, 2026 08:30 ET | Source: Euroseas

ATHENS, Greece, May 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESEA), an owner and operator of container carrier vessels and provider of seaborne transportation for containerized cargoes, announced today that it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, on May 21, 2026, before market opens in New York.

On the same day, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 8:30 am Eastern Time, the Company’s management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results.

Conference Call details:
Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 877 405 1226 (US Toll-Free Dial In) or +1 201 689 7823 (US and Standard International Dial In). Please quote “Euroseas” to the operator and/or conference ID 13760749. Click here for additional participant International Toll -Free access numbers.

Alternatively, participants can register for the call using the call me option for a faster connection to join the conference call. You can enter your phone number and let the system call you right away. Click here for the call me option.

Audio Webcast– Slides Presentation:
There will be a live and then archived webcast of the conference call and accompanying slides, available on the Company’s website. To listen to the archived audio file, visit our website http://www.euroseas.gr and click on Company Presentations under our Investor Relations page. Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

The slide presentation for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, will also be available in PDF format minutes prior to the conference call and webcast, accessible on the company’s website (www.euroseas.gr) on the webcast page. Participants to the webcast can download the PDF presentation.

About Euroseas Ltd.
Euroseas Ltd. was formed on May 5, 2005, under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the ship owning interests of the Pittas family of Athens, Greece, which has been in the shipping business over the past 150 years. Euroseas trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker ESEA.

Euroseas operates in the container shipping market. Euroseas’ operations are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified affiliated ship management company, which is responsible for the day-to-day commercial and technical management and operations of the vessels. Euroseas employs its vessels on spot and period charters and through pool arrangements.

The Company has a fleet of 21 vessels, including 15 Feeder containerships and 6 Intermediate containerships. Euroseas 21 containerships have a cargo capacity of 61,144 teu. Following the gradual delivery of ten containership newbuildings from the third quarter of 2027 through the first quarter of 2029, Euroseas’ fleet is expected to consist of 31 vessels with an aggregate carrying capacity of 93,834 TEU.

Visit the Company’s website www.euroseas.gr

Company Contact	Investor Relations / Financial Media
Tasos Aslidis Chief Financial Officer Euroseas Ltd. 11 Canterbury Lane, Watchung, NJ 07069 Tel. (908) 301-9091 E-mail: [email protected]	Nicolas Bornozis / Markella Kara Capital Link, Inc. 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1540 New York, NY 10169 Tel. (212) 661-7566 E-mail:[email protected]

Release – Power Metallic Announces Expansion In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Joint Venture With Amaar Mining

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on PNPNF

Strategic partnership establishes a framework for Power Metallic and Amaar Mining to jointly pursue future Saudi mining license auction rounds, with 50/50 ownership economics and an initial approved post-award work-program funding framework of up to US$10 million

TORONTO, May 19, 2026 – Power Metallic Mines Inc. (the “Company” or “Power Metallic”) (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV1) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic alliance and joint venture framework agreement with Amaar United Mining Company (“Amaar Mining”), a Saudi Arabian company affiliated with Amaar Holding, to jointly pursue mining license opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The agreement marks the next step in Power Metallic’s expansion strategy in Saudi Arabia following the Company’s award of the Jabal Baudan exploration license in the Jabal Sayid Mineralized Belt. Under the agreement, Power Metallic and Amaar Mining intend to cooperate in future Saudi mining license auction rounds and other mutually agreed opportunities, combining Power Metallic’s technical, geological, and exploration capabilities with Amaar Mining’s local strategic presence, coordination capacity, and regulatory interface experience in the Kingdom.

Pursuant to the agreement, any licenses awarded to the parties under the agreed framework are expected to be advanced through a 50/50 joint venture structure. Power Metallic is expected to act as technical lead and proposed operator of any post-award joint venture, subject to the execution of definitive joint venture documentation. Amaar Mining is expected to act as the local strategic partner, leading local coordination, relationship management, and administrative support.

The agreement contemplates that, for the first aggregate US$10 million of approved post-award work-program funding, Power Metallic will contribute US$2.5 million and Amaar Mining will contribute US$7.5 million, while maintaining 50/50 beneficial ownership, economic interests, and equity interests in the consortium and any post-award joint venture. Following the funding of the first US$10 million of approved work-program expenditures, all further approved funding is expected to be contributed by the parties on a 50/50 basis.

“This agreement is an important step in Power Metallic’s strategy to build a durable Saudi Arabia exploration platform,” said Terry Lynch, CEO of Power Metallic. “Our award of the Jabal Baudan license demonstrated that Power Metallic can compete successfully in one of the world’s most important emerging mining jurisdictions. This partnership with Amaar Mining gives us a strong local partner and a clear framework to pursue additional high-quality license opportunities in future auction rounds, while preserving 50/50 economics and maintaining disciplined capital exposure.”

“Saudi Arabia is moving quickly to establish itself as a major global mining jurisdiction, and the quality of future license applications will matter,” said Conor Lynch, Vice President of Business Development of Power Metallic. “Successful participation in the Kingdom requires strong geology, credible work programs, local coordination, regulatory preparation, and disciplined execution. We believe the combination of Power Metallic’s technical capabilities and Amaar Mining’s local platform positions the partnership to compete effectively for future opportunities.”

Naser Fahad Al-Qahtani, CEO of Amaar Mining, commented: “This agreement represents a strategic step in our plans to expand Amaar Mining’s business and enhance its presence in the mining sector by building international partnerships with experienced technical partners. This partnership aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to develop the mining sector and increase its contribution to the national economy. Through this alliance with Power Metallic, we look forward to creating quality opportunities in the Kingdom and achieving sustainable added value that supports the sector’s growth and investment attractiveness.”

Key Terms of the Joint Venture Framework

The key commercial principles of the agreement include:

50/50 ownership and economics: Power Metallic and Amaar Mining are expected to hold equal beneficial ownership, economic interests, and equity interests in the consortium and any post-award joint venture.

Future license auction participation: The parties intend to cooperate in future Saudi mining license auction rounds and other mutually agreed opportunities in the Kingdom.

Power Metallic as technical lead and proposed operator: Power Metallic is expected to lead geological, exploration, technical preparation, and work-program design matters and to act as proposed operator of any post-award joint venture, subject to definitive documentation.

Amaar Mining as local strategic partner: Amaar Mining is expected to lead local coordination, relationship management, and administrative support in the Kingdom, and to contribute to bid preparation and regulatory interface matters.

Initial approved work-program funding: For the first aggregate US$10 million of approved post-award work-program funding, Power Metallic is expected to contribute US$2.5 million and Amaar Mining is expected to contribute US$7.5 million.

Equal funding thereafter: Following the first US$10 million of approved work-program funding, additional approved funding is expected to be contributed by the parties equally on a 50/50 basis.

Post-award joint venture structure: Any awarded licenses under the agreed framework are expected to be advanced through the joint venture structure contemplated by the agreement.

The agreement provides Power Metallic with a scalable structure for future license participation in Saudi Arabia while allowing the Company to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation.

Building on Jabal Baudan

Power Metallic’s Saudi Arabia expansion began with the award of the Jabal Baudan exploration license in the Jabal Sayid Mineralized Belt. The Jabal Baudan property covers more than 200 square kilometers and is located in a highly prospective region known for copper, gold, and zinc mineralization. The area forms part of the broader Jabal Sayid belt, a district recognized for volcanogenic massive sulphide-style mineralization.

Power Metallic intends to continue advancing Jabal Baudan through a staged exploration approach, including compilation, reconnaissance, review of historical data, and advanced exploration targeting of high-priority zones. The Company also expects that Saudi Arabia’s Exploration Enablement Program and broader mining-sector reforms may help support continued exploration investment in the Kingdom, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, approvals, and program availability.

The Company views Jabal Baudan as both a high-potential exploration asset and a strategic beachhead for broader participation in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing mining sector.

About Amaar Mining and Amaar Holding

Amaar Mining is a Saudi Arabian mining company affiliated with Amaar Holding, a diversified Saudi investment group headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Amaar Holding was established to diversify investments across sectors and regions with strong economic potential, building on the group’s roots in real estate, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships.

Amaar Holding traces its origins to Amaar Real Estate, founded in 2011 in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and has since expanded into a diversified investment platform. Amaar Holding states that its cumulative portfolio exceeds 140 million square meters of developed lands with a value exceeding 40 billion SAR. Through Amaar Mining, the group is seeking to expand its participation in the Saudi mining sector and contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives

Qualified Person

Joseph Campbell, P. Geo, VP Exploration at Power Metallic, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Power Metallic Mines Inc.

Power Metallic is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing the Nisk Project Area (Nisk–Lion–Tiger)—a high–grade Copper–PGE, Nickel, gold and silver system—toward Canada’s next polymetallic mine.

On 1 February 2021, Power Metallic (then Chilean Metals) secured an option to earn up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (TSX–V: CRE). Following the June 2025 purchase of 313 adjoining claims (~167 km²) from Li–FT Power, the Company now controls ~330 km² and roughly 50 km of prospective basin margins.

Power Metallic is expanding mineralization at the Nisk and Lion discovery zones, evaluating the Tiger target, and exploring the enlarged land package through successive drill programs.

Beyond the Nisk Project Area, Power Metallic indirectly has an interest in significant land packages in British Columbia and Chile, by its 50% share ownership position in Chilean Metals Inc., which were spun out from Power Metallic via a plan of arrangement on February 3, 2025.

It also owns 100% of Power Metallic Arabia which owns 100% interest in the Jabul Baudan exploration license in The Kingdon of Saudi Arabia’s Jabal Said Belt. The property encompasses over 200 square kilometres in an area recognized for its high prospectivity for copper gold and zinc mineralization. The region is known for its massive volcanic sulfide (VMS) deposits, including the world-class Jabal Sayid mine and the promising Umm and Damad deposit.

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:
Power Metallic Mines Inc.
The Canadian Venture Building
82 Richmond St East, Suite 202
Toronto, ON

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

QAQC and Sampling

GeoVector Management Inc (“GeoVector”) is the Consulting company retained to perform the actual drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core.

All core in this news release is either HQ or NQ sized core. Drill core is re-fitted and measured. Geotech on core includes photographs (wet & dry), rock quality index, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity, and recovery estimates. Core is logged for lithology, mineralogy, and structural features, and sample intervals are delineated and tagged.

Sampled core is mechanically sawn, and half-core is retained for future reference. GeoVector’s QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results. QAQC and data validation was performed, and no material errors were observed.

All samples were submitted to and analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd (“Actlabs”), a commercial laboratory independent of Power Metallic with no interest in the Project. Actlabs is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratories. Samples submitted through Actlabs are run through standard preparation methods and analysed using RX-1 (Dry, crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 μm) preparation methods, and using 1F2 (ICP-OES) and 1C-OES – 4-Acid near total digestion + Gold-Platinum-Palladium analysis and 8-Peroxide ICP-OES, for regular and over detection limit analysis. Pegmatite samples are analyzed using UT7 – Li up to 5%, Rb up to 2% method. Actlabs also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This message contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “indicates,” “opportunity,” “possible” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others; the timing for various drilling plans; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward and conduct drilling and exploration; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company’s plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company’s operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry.

Trump Calls Off Iran Strike, But the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Far From Resolved

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by [email protected]

Oil markets whipsawed Tuesday after President Trump announced he had called off a planned military strike on Iran scheduled for that morning, citing active negotiations brokered by Gulf allies. The announcement briefly pulled crude prices lower, but the relief was short-lived. The underlying supply crisis has not been resolved, and the data emerging from global inventory trackers suggests the window for a clean diplomatic outcome is narrowing fast.

Brent crude slipped to around $110 per barrel following Trump’s announcement while West Texas Intermediate pulled back to approximately $103. Both contracts had been climbing sharply the session prior, with Brent settling above $112 and WTT rising more than 3% on Monday alone. The combined 54% rise in both benchmarks since the US-Iran conflict began February 28 represents one of the most sustained energy price shocks in recent memory.

What Trump Said — and What It Means

Trump posted on Truth Social Monday evening that the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates personally requested he hold off on the strike while serious negotiations proceed. He confirmed the military had been placed on full alert and instructed to act on short notice if a deal is not reached. A senior US official told reporters that Iran’s latest proposal remains insufficient, and no framework has been announced. The ceasefire is intact — but barely.

The Inventory Problem

The diplomatic pause may have eased prices temporarily, but the physical oil market tells a more urgent story. The International Energy Agency warned Monday at the G7 finance ministers meeting in Paris that global commercial oil inventories are depleting at a record pace. Stockpiles fell 129 million barrels in March and another 117 million barrels in April. At the current rate of depletion, inventories will approach all-time lows of approximately 7.6 billion barrels by end of May — a timeline measured in days, not months.

Complicating matters further, Iran has effectively converted the strait into a toll-collecting operation. Reports indicate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are charging vessels fees for passage, with nearly two dozen tankers sitting idle around Kharg Island. Traffic through the strait last week totaled just 55 vessels — still well below pre-conflict norms and only a marginal recovery from the wartime low of 19 crossings the prior week.

The Small Cap Exposure

For investors in the sub-$2 billion market cap space, the Iran situation is an active P&L event. Consumer-facing small caps in transportation, logistics, food services, and manufacturing continue absorbing elevated fuel costs that compress margins in real time. Limited pricing power and thin operating margins make smaller companies structurally more vulnerable to a prolonged energy shock than large cap counterparts.

The counterweight remains domestic energy producers. With WTI holding above $100 despite Tuesday’s pullback, the economics for independent US oil and gas operators remain highly favorable. Energy services companies and midstream operators in the small cap space are direct beneficiaries — and a negotiated resolution that reopens the strait would not necessarily collapse prices overnight given how severely inventories have been drawn down.

Trump’s call to stand down bought time. Whether that time produces a deal or simply delays the next escalation remains the most consequential open question in global energy markets right now.

GeoVax Labs (GOVX) – Recent Events Put GeoVax Programs For Mpox, Ebola, and Infectious Disease Programs In The Spotlight

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by [email protected]

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

WHO Has Declared Ebola A Public Health Emergency. On Sunday, May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Ebola a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest level of global health alert it can issue. We believe the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, held from May 18 to May 23, is increasing attention to outbreaks of Mpox, Ebola, and other infectious diseases. GeoVax is one of the few companies that has developed vaccines against these diseases.

GeoVax Has Overlooked Programs For Additional Infectious Diseases. GeoVax has completed pre-clinical work testing vaccines for hemorrhagic fever viruses, including Ebola, Sudan, and Marburg. It has developed these vaccines in collaborations with the National Institutes of Health, but has focused its resources on GEO-MVA, CM-04S1, and Gedeptin. The increased attention to Ebola could help obtain non-dilutive funding for these programs.

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The World’s Largest Utility Is Being Built to Power the AI Boom

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by [email protected]

The artificial intelligence boom just claimed its biggest infrastructure deal yet — and it has nothing to do with chips or software. NextEra Energy announced Monday it will acquire Virginia-based Dominion Energy in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $66.8 billion, creating the world’s largest regulated electric utility by market capitalization and marking one of the most significant utility mergers in a generation.

The deal values Dominion at $75.97 per share — a roughly 23% premium to its last close — structured as an exchange of 0.8138 NextEra shares for each outstanding Dominion share. Dominion stock jumped nearly 15% on the announcement. NextEra shares slipped about 2% as investors digested the scale of the acquisition. The combined entity will carry a market cap of approximately $249 billion and an enterprise value of $420 billion, making it the third-largest company in the US energy sector behind only ExxonMobil and Chevron. The transaction is expected to close within 12 to 18 months.

Why This Deal Happened Now

The answer is straightforward: AI is consuming electricity at a pace the existing power grid was never built to handle. Dominion is the utility responsible for powering Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley” — the world’s largest concentration of data centers — with roughly 51 gigawatts of contracted data center capacity already on the books. Its customer list reads like a who’s who of hyperscale computing: Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Equinix, CoreWeave, and CyrusOne all depend on Dominion’s grid.

Across both companies’ service territories, data centers proposing to connect to the combined grid represent approximately 130 gigawatts of future electricity demand. To put that in perspective, one gigawatt powers roughly 750,000 homes. NextEra’s CEO framed the acquisition plainly: electricity demand is rising faster now than it has in decades, and scale is the only way to meet it. The company plans to build more than 30 dedicated data center hubs across the US as part of its post-merger strategy.

Power prices nationally have already climbed roughly 40% over the past five years, with the sharpest increases concentrated in AI-heavy states including Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania — the exact markets this merger is designed to dominate.

What It Means for Smaller Energy Players

A merger of this magnitude reshapes competitive dynamics across the entire energy infrastructure ecosystem, and the ripple effects reach well into the small and microcap space. The buildout required to serve 130 gigawatts of incremental data center demand cannot be executed solely through internal resources — it requires a network of suppliers, contractors, and technology providers operating at every layer of the grid.

Companies involved in grid modernization, high-voltage transformer manufacturing, power management systems, substation equipment, and renewable energy development are all positioned to benefit from the infrastructure spending surge that a combined NextEra-Dominion will need to execute. Many of the companies operating in these niches sit well below the $2 billion market cap threshold.

Independent power producers and smaller regional renewable developers face a more complex picture — a utility giant with NextEra’s capital base and Dominion’s existing relationships creates a formidable competitor for new generation contracts. But for those on the supply side of the infrastructure buildout, the pipeline just got significantly larger.

The AI energy trade is no longer a theme. It is the defining structural force reshaping American power markets — and Monday’s deal is the clearest evidence yet of just how seriously the biggest players are taking it.

EuroDry Ltd. Sets Date for the Release of First Quarter 2026 Results, Conference Call and Webcast

Posted on May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on EDRY

May 18, 2026 11:00 ET | Source: EuroDry Ltd.

ATHENS, Greece, May 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EuroDry Ltd. (NASDAQ: EDRY, the “Company” or “EuroDry”), an owner and operator of drybulk vessels and provider of seaborne transportation for drybulk cargoes, announced today that it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, on May 20, 2026 before market opens in New York.

On the same day, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, the Company’s management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results.

Conference Call details:
Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 877 405 1226 (US Toll-Free Dial In) or +1 201 689 7823 (US and Standard International Dial In). Please quote “EuroDry” to the operator and/or conference ID 13760747. Click here for additional participant International Toll-Free access numbers.

Audio Webcast- Slides Presentation:
There will be a live and then archived webcast of the conference call and accompanying slides, available on the Company’s website. To listen to the archived audio file, visit our website http://www.eurodry.gr and click on Company Presentations under our Investor Relations page. Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

The slide presentation for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, will also be available in PDF format 10 minutes prior to the conference call and webcast, accessible on the company’s website (www.eurodry.gr) on the webcast page. Participants to the webcast can download the PDF presentation.

About EuroDry Ltd.
EuroDry Ltd. was formed on January 8, 2018 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the drybulk fleet of Euroseas Ltd into a separate listed public company. EuroDry was spun-off from Euroseas Ltd on May 30, 2018; it trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker EDRY.

EuroDry operates in the dry cargo, drybulk shipping market. EuroDry’s operations are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified affiliated ship management company and Eurobulk (Far East) Ltd. Inc., which are responsible for the day-to-day commercial and technical management and operations of the vessels. EuroDry employs its vessels on spot and period charters.

The Company has a fleet of 11 vessels, including 3 Panamax drybulk carriers, 5 Ultramax drybulk carriers, 2 Kamsarmax drybulk carriers and 1 Supramax drybulk carrier. EuroDry’s 12 drybulk carriers have a total cargo capacity of 766,420 dwt. After the delivery of two Ultramax vessels in 2027, the Company’s fleet will consist of 13 vessels with a total carrying capacity of 893,420 dwt.

Visit our website www.eurodry.gr

Company Contact
Tasos Aslidis
Chief Financial Officer
EuroDry Ltd.
10 Canterbury Lane,
Watchung, NJ 07069
Tel. (908) 301-9091
E-mail: [email protected]

Investor Relations /Financial Media
Nicolas Bornozis
Markella Kara
Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1540
New York, NY 10169
Tel. (212) 661-7566
E-mail: [email protected]

Release – GeoVax Highlights Strategic Importance of Domestic MVA-Based Preparedness Infrastructure Amid Escalating Global Infectious Disease Threats

Posted on May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

WHO Emergency Declaration of Ebola Outbreak and Ongoing Mpox Developments Reinforce the Importance of Diversified Vaccine Supply and Scalable U.S.-Based Manufacturing Capabilities

ATLANTA, GA – May 18, 2026 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancer, today highlighted the growing strategic importance of scalable domestic vaccine manufacturing infrastructure and diversified vaccine supply capabilities amid a series of escalating global infectious disease developments.

Recent public health events, including the World Health Organization’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (“PHEIC”) related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain, continued international spread of Clade I mpox, and recent hantavirus-related public health concerns, underscore the increasingly dynamic nature of global biodefense and pandemic preparedness requirements.

“These developments reinforce the importance of scalable and flexible vaccine preparedness infrastructure,” said David A. Dodd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GeoVax. “GeoVax’s primary strategic focus remains the advancement of GEO-MVA, our Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) mpox and smallpox vaccine candidate, which we believe is well aligned with growing global emphasis on diversified vaccine supply, domestic manufacturing capability, and long-term biodefense preparedness.”

GeoVax is advancing GEO-MVA to support global orthopoxvirus preparedness efforts and help address the need for expanded and diversified vaccine supply infrastructure. The Company recently announced positive Scientific Advice from the European Medicines Agency supporting a Phase 3 immunobridging pathway toward potential regulatory approval. This pivotal, Ph 3 trial is scheduled to initiate in Q4 ’26, with data results anticipated by mid-2027.

GeoVax believes recent infectious disease developments further reinforce the strategic importance of:
• diversified vaccine supply infrastructure;
• scalable domestic manufacturing capabilities;
• rapid-response vaccine platform technologies;
• and long-term investment in biodefense preparedness.

The Company also noted that the broader applicability of the MVA platform has been demonstrated across multiple infectious disease settings, including prior preclinical Ebola/hemorrhagic fever virus vaccine studies in which GeoVax’s MVA-based Ebola-Zaire vaccine candidate demonstrated complete protection in non-human primate lethal-challenge studies following Ebola virus exposure.

“Recent events continue to demonstrate that preparedness infrastructure cannot remain reactive or narrowly focused on individual outbreak cycles,” continued Mr. Dodd. “We believe the advancement of scalable domestic MVA-based manufacturing capability represents an important strategic objective for strengthening future biodefense readiness.”

About GEO-MVA

GEO-MVA is a next-generation Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA)-based vaccine candidate in development for the prevention of mpox and smallpox infection. GeoVax is advancing GEO-MVA as a potential differentiated MVA vaccine designed to support expanded global vaccine supply and diversified manufacturing capabilities. The program has received positive Scientific Advice from the European Medicines Agency supporting a Phase 3 immunobridging pathway toward potential regulatory approval.

About GeoVax

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of vaccines and immunotherapies addressing high-consequence infectious diseases and solid tumor cancers. GeoVax’s priority program is GEO-MVA, a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA)–based vaccine targeting mpox and smallpox. The program is advancing under an expedited regulatory pathway, with plans to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial in the second half of 2026, to address critical global needs for expanded orthopoxvirus vaccine supply and biodefense preparedness. In oncology, GeoVax is developing Gedeptin®, a gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) designed to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor activity. Gedeptin has completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial in advanced head and neck cancer and is being advanced into combination strategies, including planned neoadjuvant and first-line settings. GeoVax’s broader pipeline includes the development of GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine candidate being evaluated in immunocompromised and other patient populations. GeoVax maintains a global intellectual property portfolio supporting its infectious disease and oncology programs and continues to evaluate strategic partnerships and funding opportunities aligned with its development priorities. For more information, visit www.geovax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

Company Contact:

[email protected]

678-384-7220

Media Contact:

Jessica Starman

[email protected]

Release – GeoVax Announces $3 Million Private Placement Financing Priced At-the-Market Under Nasdaq Rules

Posted on May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

ATLANTA, GA – May 18, 2026 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with existing institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 2,027,027 shares of common stock (or common stock equivalents in lieu thereof) together with (i) Series A warrants to purchase up to 2,027,027 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.48 per share and a five-year term, and (ii) Series B warrants to purchase up to 2,027,027 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.48 per share and an 18-month term, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $3 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses.

The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about May 19, 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as the sole placement agent in connection with the offering.

The offer and sale of the foregoing securities is being made in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder, and applicable state securities laws, and the securities have not been and will not initially be registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement entered into with the investor, the Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) covering the resale of the shares of common stock and shares of common stock underlying common warrants sold in the offering.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About GeoVax

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Company Contact:

[email protected]

678-384-7220

Media Contact:

Jessica Starman

[email protected]

Release – V2X Awarded Modernization Contract for Aircraft Survivability Systems

Posted on May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on VVX

May 18, 2026

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RESTON, Va., May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command to support the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) program, a critical system designed to protect military aircraft from infrared-guided missile threats.

“LAIRCM is a vital capability that enhances aircraft survivability in contested environments,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer at V2X. “We are proud to continue supporting the U.S. Navy with proven expertise in aircraft modification, modernization, and mission system integration that directly contributes to warfighter safety and mission success.”

V2X was selected based on its demonstrated experience supporting complex aviation modification programs and is not only continuing this work but expanding its scope. Under the contract, V2X will integrate LAIRCM systems on multiple United States Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft at its modernization and integration center in Crestview, FL.

“Our Crestview modernization and integration center is a strategic differentiator that strengthens our ability to deliver innovative solutions for missions of today and tomorrow, and is regarded throughout the industry as a C-130 center of excellence after conducting hundreds of C-130 modifications over the past 10 years,” said Richard “Vinny” Caputo, Senior Vice President of Aerospace Systems at V2X. “The facility features a fully instrumented 8,000-foot runway with easy access for aircraft of all sizes. It also includes multiple high-bay hangars with more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing, production, and assembly space.”

This award further reinforces V2X’s position as a provider of aircraft modification and survivability solutions for U.S. defense customers.

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

Investor Contact
Mike Smith, CFA
Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
[email protected]
719-637-5773

Media Contact
Angelica Spanos Deoudes
Director, Corporate Communications
[email protected]
571-338-5195

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/v2x-awarded-modernization-contract-for-aircraft-survivability-systems-302774388.html

SOURCE V2X, Inc.

Release – Bitcoin Depot Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Process to Facilitate an Orderly Wind-Down and Sale of the Company’s Assets

Posted on May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on BTM

May 18, 2026 12:14 AM EDTDownload as PDF

ATLANTA, May 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today announced that it has initiated a voluntary Chapter 11 process in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas to effect an orderly wind-down of the Company’s operations and facilitate a sale of its assets.

“Over time, the Company has continued to strengthen its protocols and procedures to combat fraud and protect the customers who use its BTMs, including enhanced identity verification, customer fraud warnings, and its more recent adoption of lower transaction limits for its customers,” said Alex Holmes, CEO of Bitcoin Depot. “Nevertheless, the regulatory environment for BTM operators has shifted significantly: states have imposed increasingly stringent compliance obligations, including new transaction limits, and in some jurisdictions, outright restrictions or bans on BTM operations; and operators have faced increasing litigation and regulatory enforcement. These developments have materially affected Bitcoin Depot’s business and financial position. Under these circumstances, the Company’s current business model is unsustainable.”

Holmes continued, “After evaluating all options, we determined to initiate this court-supervised process to facilitate an orderly wind-down of operations and a sale of the Company’s assets. We are grateful to our customers, suppliers, and business partners for their support. I also want to thank our employees across the globe for their continued hard work and dedication.”

The Company’s network of BTMs has been taken offline. Bitcoin Depot has filed a number of customary “first day” motions with the Court.

The Company’s Canadian entities are included in the U.S. Court-supervised process and it expects to commence restructuring proceedings in Canada in due course. The Company’s other non-U.S. entities will be winding down under applicable foreign law.

Court filings and other information related to the proceedings are available through the Company’s claims agent at https://restructuring.ra.kroll.com/bitcoindepot, by calling the restructuring hotline at (844) 339-4117 (Toll-Free US/Canada) / + 1 (332) 232-7827 (International) or emailing [email protected].

Vinson & Elkins LLP is serving as legal advisor, Portage Point Partners is serving as restructuring advisor, and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is serving as strategic communications advisor to Bitcoin Depot.

About Bitcoin Depot

Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 47 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 31 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America and operates over 9,000 kiosk locations globally as of August 2025. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.

Contacts

Investors

Gateway Group, Inc.
949-574-3860
[email protected]

Media

Michael Freitag / Aaron Palash
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449

Gateway Group, Inc.
[email protected]

Source: Bitcoin Depot Inc.

Released May 18, 2026

Publicis Drops $2.5 Billion on LiveRamp — Why the Ad Giant Just Made Data Its Most Valuable Asset

Posted on May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 by [email protected]

The advertising industry’s M&A playbook just got rewritten. French media and communications giant Publicis Groupe announced Sunday it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LiveRamp Holdings (NYSE: RAMP), a San Francisco-based data collaboration platform, in an all-cash deal valued at $2.546 billion in total equity value — or approximately $2.167 billion on an enterprise value basis after accounting for LiveRamp’s net cash position of $379 million.

The offer price of $38.50 per share represents a 30% premium to LiveRamp’s closing price of $29.66 on May 15, the last trading session before the announcement. RAMP shares surged more than 26% Monday morning on the news, one of the largest single-day moves in the company’s history.

The Deal at a Glance

LiveRamp operates a global data collaboration platform that helps companies connect, control, and activate their first-party data across marketing ecosystems — essentially serving as the connective tissue between brands, publishers, and data partners in an era where third-party cookies are dead and privacy regulations have made clean data infrastructure a competitive necessity. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, LiveRamp posted total revenue of $813 million, up 9% year over year, with annualized recurring revenue reaching $545 million — up 8%.

Both companies’ boards unanimously approved the transaction. LiveRamp will continue operating as a standalone business following the close, with CEO Scott Howe remaining in place and reporting directly to Publicis Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. The deal is expected to close before year-end 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and a LiveRamp shareholder vote.

Why Publicis Wants This — and Why It Matters

Publicis has been one of the most acquisitive players in marketing technology over the past several years, systematically building out a data and AI services stack to differentiate itself from legacy agency competitors. The LiveRamp acquisition is framed internally as a bet on the agentic AI era — the next phase of AI deployment where autonomous agents need clean, permissioned, interoperable data to execute decisions at scale. LiveRamp’s infrastructure sits directly in that critical path.

For Publicis, this is about owning the data layer rather than just accessing it. As AI-driven marketing automation accelerates, the companies that control how data flows between brands and platforms hold significant structural leverage. At $2.167 billion enterprise value, the acquisition values LiveRamp at roughly 2.7x trailing revenue — a reasonable multiple for a high-margin, recurring-revenue data business with demonstrated growth in a market that is consolidating fast.

The Signal for Small and Microcap Investors

LiveRamp’s exit is a textbook example of what strategic acquirers are willing to pay for in the current environment: recurring revenue, clean data infrastructure, and a platform that becomes more valuable as AI workloads scale. That combination is commanding meaningful premiums.

For investors in the sub-$2 billion data, martech, and AI-adjacent software space, this deal is worth studying closely. As large enterprises accelerate their AI buildouts, the demand for best-in-class data collaboration tools, identity resolution platforms, and first-party data infrastructure is only growing — and the number of independent companies built to serve that need is shrinking. M&A activity in this space is not slowing down.

LiveRamp built something the market needed. Publicis just put a $2.5 billion price tag on exactly what that’s worth.