Release – Kratos Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Research News and Market Data on KTOS

November 2, 2023 at 4:00 PM EDT

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        Third Quarter 2023 Revenues of $274.6 Million Reflect 20.1 Percent Organic Growth Over Third Quarter 2022 Revenues of $228.6 Million

Third Quarter 2023 Revenues Reflect 22.0 Percent Organic Revenue Growth in Kratos Government Solutions Segment and 13.4 Percent Organic Revenue Growth in Kratos Unmanned Systems Segment

Third Quarter 2023 Consolidated Book to Bill Ratio of 1.0 to 1 and Last Twelve Months Ended October 1, 2023 Consolidated Book to Bill Ratio of 1.1 to 1

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, today reported its third quarter 2023 financial results, including Revenues of $274.6 million, Operating Income of $12.2 million, Net Loss of $1.6 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $27.7 million and a consolidated book to bill ratio of 1.0 to 1.0.

Included in third quarter 2023 Net Loss and Operating Income is non-cash stock compensation expense of $6.4 million and Company-funded Research and Development (R&D) expense of $10.3 million, including significant ongoing development efforts in our Space and Satellite Communications business to develop our virtual, software-based OpenSpace command & control (C2), telemetry tracking & control (TT&C) and other ground system solutions. The third quarter 2023 Net Loss includes $4.6 million attributable to a non-controlling interest, which includes a charge of $4.2 million adjustment recorded to reflect the estimated increase in the value of the redeemable non-controlling interest to the estimated redemption amount by Kratos.

Kratos reported third quarter 2023 GAAP Net Loss of $1.6 million and a GAAP Net Loss per share of $0.01, compared to a GAAP Net Loss of $8.0 million and a GAAP Net Loss per share of $0.06 for the third quarter of 2022. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.12 for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $0.08 for the third quarter of 2022.

Third quarter 2023 Revenues of $274.6 million increased $46.0 million, reflecting 20.1 percent organic growth, from third quarter 2022 Revenues of $228.6 million. Third quarter 2023 Revenues include organic Revenue growth of 22.0 percent in our Government Solutions Segment (KGS) and 13.4 percent organic Revenue growth in our Unmanned Systems Segment (KUS), respectively.   

Third quarter 2023 Cash Flow Used from Operations was $0.1 million, reflecting the working capital requirements associated with the 6.9 percent sequential revenue growth of $17.7 million from the second quarter of 2023. Consolidated Days Sales Outstanding continued to improve from 120 in the second quarter of 2023 to 117 days in the third quarter of 2023. Free Cash Flow Used from Operations was $14.3 million after funding of $14.2 million of capital expenditures. Capital expenditures continue to remain elevated due primarily to the manufacture of the two production lots of Valkyries prior to contract award, to meet anticipated customer orders and requirements.

For the third quarter of 2023, KUS generated Revenues of $56.7 million, as compared to $50.0 million in the third quarter of 2022, primarily reflecting increased target drone related activity. KUS’s Operating Income was $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to Operating Loss of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2022.

KUS’s Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2023 was $5.4 million, compared to third quarter 2022 KUS Adjusted EBITDA of $2.1 million, reflecting a more favorable mix as well as the increased volume.

KUS’s book-to-bill ratio for the third quarter of 2023 was 0.5 to 1.0 and 1.1 to 1.0 for the last twelve months ended October 1, 2023, with bookings of $27.7 million for the three months ended October 1, 2023, and bookings of $244.8 million for the last twelve months ended October 1, 2023.    Total backlog for KUS at the end of the third quarter of 2023 was $227.8 million compared to $256.7 million at the end of the second quarter of 2023.

For the third quarter of 2023, KGS Revenues of $217.9 million increased organically 22.0 percent from Revenues of $178.6 million in the third quarter of 2022. The increased Revenues includes organic revenue growth in our Space, Satellite and Cyber, Turbine Technologies, C5ISR, Microwave Electronics Products and Training Solutions businesses.

KGS reported operating income of $15.9 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2022, primarily reflecting a more favorable mix and increased revenue volume. Third quarter 2023 KGS Adjusted EBITDA was $22.3 million, compared to third quarter 2022 KGS Adjusted EBITDA of $17.9 million, primarily reflecting the more favorable mix and increased revenue.

Kratos’ Space, Satellite and Cyber business generated Revenues of $105.5 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $85.8 million in the third quarter of 2022, reflecting a 23.0 percent organic growth rate.

KGS reported a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 for the third quarter of 2023, a book to bill ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 for the last twelve months ended October 1, 2023 and bookings of $254.6 million and $863.9 million for the three and last twelve months ended October 1, 2023, respectively. KGS includes Kratos’ Space, Satellite, Cyber and Training Solutions business, which reported a book to bill ratio of 1.4 to 1.0 for the third quarter of 2023 and a book to bill ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 for the last twelve months ended October 1, 2023. Bookings for Kratos’ Space, Satellite, Cyber and Training business for the three months and last twelve months ended October 1, 2023 were $153.6 million and $472.8 million, respectively. KGS’s total backlog at the end of the third quarter of 2023 was $937.3 million, as compared to $900.6 million at the end of the second quarter of 2023.

Kratos reported consolidated bookings of $282.3 million and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 for the third quarter of 2023, and consolidated bookings of $1.11 billion and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 for the last twelve months ended October 1, 2023. Consolidated backlog was $1.17 billion on October 1, 2023 and $1.16 billion on June 25, 2023. Kratos’ bid and proposal pipeline was $10.3 billion at October 1, 2023, up from $10.0 billion at June 25, 2023. Backlog at October 1, 2023 included funded backlog of $850.9 million and unfunded backlog of $314.1 million.

Kratos Thanatos Tactical UAV in Flight – Conceptual Rendition is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3429ec2-3495-4dba-95af-0cf2bb9f065e

Eric DeMarco, Kratos’ President and CEO, said, “Kratos continues to successfully execute our stated strategy of making targeted investments and being first to market, with relevant technology, products, systems and software, in mission critical, well-funded, high demand priority areas, which is reflected in our 20% third quarter organic growth rate. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, better is the enemy of good enough – ready to go today, and quantities have a quality all of its own, all of which are clearly being demonstrated geopolitically in multiple conflict areas.”

Mr. DeMarco continued, “Representative of the strength of Kratos’ strategy and our business, we have increased our full year 2023 revenue guidance and we are currently forecasting base case, which excludes potential tactical drone production orders, 2024 over 2023 revenue growth of 10%, with increased EBITDA. Additionally, based on recent large new program opportunities we are pursuing, we are now planning on certain additional investments in 2024, including in the tactical drone and satellite areas, in order to position the Company for potentially even greater growth in 2025 and beyond. Among the new opportunities we are pursuing, we are in discussions with a customer and hope to be under contract next year related to certain other Kratos tactical drone systems, including Thanatos and we are now in source selection on a significant new satellite opportunity with Kratos’ virtualized OpenSpace software system.”

Mr. DeMarco concluded, “Our primary operational challenge remains the obtaining, retaining, and related escalating cost of qualified individuals, including those willing and able to obtain a National Security clearance. As a result, though we expect continued future year over year profit margin expansion, including as noted with our Q3 results and affirmed Q4 EBITDA guidance, we will be cautious in our future EBITDA forecast. Also, as the industry and Kratos are currently operating under a Continuing Resolution Authorization, similar to previous years, we will wait to release our detailed fiscal 2024 business financial forecast in February 2024, when we report our fiscal 2023 results, as we should then have better budgetary and programmatic clarity.”

Financial Guidance

We are providing our initial 2023 fourth quarter financial guidance and increasing our full year 2023 Revenue and affirming our Adjusted EBITDA guidance today, which includes our current forecasted business mix, and our assumptions, including as related to: employee sourcing, hiring and retention; manufacturing, production and supply chain disruptions; parts shortages and related continued potential significant cost and price increases, including for employees, materials and components that are impacting the industry and Kratos. The range of our expected fourth quarter 2023 Revenues and Adjusted EBITDA includes assumptions of forecasted execution, including the number and estimated costs of qualified personnel expected to be obtained and retained to successfully execute on our programs and contracts, as well as expected contract awards. Our revised full year 2023 cash flow guidance reflects the ongoing impact of working capital requirements to fund revenue growth, including the increased estimated FY23 revenues, and the continued increase in inventory balances, as well as the shift of certain payment milestones primarily in our Training Solutions and C5ISR businesses.

Our fourth quarter and full year 2023 guidance ranges are as follows:  

Current Guidance Range
$MQ423FY23
Revenues$237 – $257$1,000 – $1,020
R&D$9 – $10$40 – $42
Operating Income$4 – $7$25 – $28
Depreciation$7 – $8$27 – $28
Amortization$2 – $3$8 – $10
Stock Based Compensation$6 – $7$24 – $26
Adjusted EBITDA$19 – $23$85 – $89
   
Operating Cash Flow $20 – $30
Capital Expenditures $45 – $50
Free Cash Flow Use $(20) – $(25)

Management will discuss the Company’s financial results, on a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern) today. The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this Online Form. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN that can be used to access the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on Kratos’ website.

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a Technology Company that develops and fields transformative, affordable systems, products and solutions for United States National Security, our allies and global commercial enterprises. At Kratos, Affordability is a Technology, and Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology is rapidly brought to market – at a low cost – with actual products, systems, and technologies rather than slide decks or renderings. Through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive, internally funded research and streamlined development processes, Kratos is focused on being First to Market with our solutions, well in advance of competition. Kratos is the recognized Technology Disruptor in our core market areas, including Space and Satellite Communications, Cyber Security and Warfare, Unmanned Systems, Rocket and Hypersonic Systems, Next-Generation Jet Engines and Propulsion Systems, Microwave Electronics, C5ISR and Virtual and Augmented Reality Training Systems. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, express or implied statements concerning the Company’s expectations regarding its future financial performance, including the Company’s expectations for its fourth quarter and full year 2023 revenues, R&D, operating income (loss), depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation expense, and Adjusted EBITDA, and full year 2023 operating cash flow, capital expenditures and other investments, and free cash flow, the Company’s future growth trajectory and ability to achieve improved revenue mix and profit in certain of its business segments and the expected timing of such improved revenue mix and profit, including the Company’s ability to achieve sustained year over year increasing revenues, profitability and cash flow, the Company’s expectation of ramp on projects and that investments in its business, including Company funded R&D expenses and ongoing development efforts, will result in an increase in the Company’s market share and total addressable market and position the Company for significant future organic growth, profitability, cash flow and an increase in shareholder value, the Company’s bid and proposal pipeline and backlog, including the Company’s ability to timely execute on its backlog, demand for its products and services, including the Company’s alignment with today’s National Security requirements and the positioning of its C5ISR and other businesses, planned 2024 investments, including in the tactical drone and satellite areas, and the related potential for additional growth in 2025, ability to successfully compete and expected new customer awards, including the magnitude and timing of funding and the future opportunity associated with such awards, including in the target and tactical drone and satellite communication areas, performance of key contracts and programs, including the timing of production and demonstration related to certain of the Company’s contracts and product offerings, the impact of the Company’s restructuring efforts and cost reduction measures, including its ability to improve profitability and cash flow in certain business units as a result of these actions and to achieve financial leverage on fixed administrative costs, the ability of the Company’s advanced purchases of inventory to mitigate supply chain disruptions and the timing of converting these investments to cash through the sales process, benefits to be realized from the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards, the availability and timing of government funding for the Company’s offerings, including the strength of the future funding environment, the short-term delays that may occur as a result of Continuing Resolutions or delays in U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) budget approvals, timing of LRIP and full rate production related to the Company’s unmanned aerial target system offerings, as well as the level of recurring revenues expected to be generated by these programs once they achieve full rate production, market and industry developments, and the current estimated impact of COVID-19 and employee absenteeism, supply chain disruptions, availability of an experienced skilled workforce, inflation and increased costs, and delays in our financial projections, industry, business and operations, including projected growth. Such statements are only predictions, and the Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements. 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 the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Factors that may cause the Company’s results to differ include, but are not limited to: risks to our business and financial results related to the reductions and other spending constraints imposed on the U.S. Government and our other customers, including as a result of sequestration and extended continuing resolutions, the Federal budget deficit and Federal government shut-downs; risks of adverse regulatory action or litigation; risks associated with debt leverage and cost savings and cash flow improvements expected as a result of the refinancing of our Senior Notes; risks that our cost-cutting initiatives will not provide the anticipated benefits; risks that changes, cutbacks or delays in spending by the DoD may occur, which could cause delays or cancellations of key government contracts; risks of delays to or the cancellation of our projects as a result of protest actions submitted by our competitors; risks that changes may occur in Federal government (or other applicable) procurement laws, regulations, policies and budgets; risks of the availability of government funding for the Company’s products and services due to performance, cost growth, or other factors, changes in government and customer priorities and requirements (including cost-cutting initiatives, the potential deferral of awards, terminations or reduction of expenditures to respond to the priorities of Congress and the Administration, or budgetary cuts resulting from Congressional committee recommendations or automatic sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011, as amended); risks that the unmanned aerial systems and unmanned ground sensor markets do not experience significant growth; risks that products we have developed or will develop will become programs of record; risks that we cannot expand our customer base or that our products do not achieve broad acceptance which could impact our ability to achieve our anticipated level of growth; risks of increases in the Federal government initiatives related to in-sourcing; risks related to security breaches, including cyber security attacks and threats or other significant disruptions of our information systems, facilities and infrastructures; risks related to our compliance with applicable contracting and procurement laws, regulations and standards; risks related to the new DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification; risks relating to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian military conflict; risks to our business in Israel; risks related to contract performance; risks related to failure of our products or services; risks associated with our subcontractors’ or suppliers’ failure to perform their contractual obligations, including the appearance of counterfeit or corrupt parts in our products; changes in the competitive environment (including as a result of bid protests); failure to successfully integrate acquired operations and compete in the marketplace, which could reduce revenues and profit margins; risks that potential future goodwill impairments will adversely affect our operating results; risks that anticipated tax benefits will not be realized in accordance with our expectations; risks that a change in ownership of our stock could cause further limitation to the future utilization of our net operating losses; risks that we may be required to record valuation allowances on our net operating losses which could adversely impact our profitability and financial condition; risks that the current economic environment will adversely impact our business, including with respect to our ability to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of qualified personnel to execute on our programs and contracts, as well as expected contract awards and risks related to increasing interest rates and risks related to the interest rate swap contract to hedge Term SOFR associated with the Company’s Term Loan A; currently unforeseen risks associated with COVID-19 and risks related to natural disasters or severe weather. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 25, 2022, and in our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Performance Metrics
This news release contains non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EPS (computed using income from continuing operations before income taxes, excluding income (loss) from discontinued operations, excluding income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest, excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, amortization of capitalized contract and development costs, stock-based compensation expense, acquisition and restructuring related items and other, which includes, but is not limited to, legal related items, non-recoverable rates and costs, and foreign transaction gains and losses, less the estimated impact to income taxes) and Adjusted EBITDA (which includes net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest and excludes, among other things, losses and gains from discontinued operations, acquisition and restructuring related items, stock compensation expense, foreign transaction gains and losses, and the associated margin rates). Additional non-GAAP financial measures include Free Cash Flow from Operations computed as Cash Flow from Operations less Capital Expenditures plus proceeds from sale of assets and Adjusted EBITDA related to our KUS and KGS businesses. Kratos believes this information is useful to investors because it provides a basis for measuring the Company’s available capital resources, the actual and forecasted operating performance of the Company’s business and the Company’s cash flow, excluding non-recurring items and non-cash items that would normally be included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, along with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, in evaluating the Company’s actual and forecasted operating performance, capital resources and cash flow. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information presented in compliance with GAAP, and investors should carefully evaluate the Company’s financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those financial results. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures as reported by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies. As appropriate, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and information reconciling these non-GAAP financial measures to the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP are included in this news release.

Another Performance Metric the Company believes is a key performance indicator in our industry is our Book to Bill Ratio as it provides investors with a measure of the amount of bookings or contract awards as compared to the amount of revenues that have been recorded during the period and provides an indicator of how much of the Company’s backlog is being burned or utilized in a certain period. The Book to Bill Ratio is computed as the number of bookings or contract awards in the period divided by the revenues recorded for the same period. The Company believes that the rolling or last twelve months’ Book to Bill Ratio is meaningful since the timing of quarter-to-quarter bookings can vary.

Press Contact:
Yolanda White
858-812-7302 Direct

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

 
 
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in millions, except per share data)
         
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  October 1, September 25, October 1, September 25,
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
         
Service revenues $106.5  $88.6  $301.8  $235.3 
Product sales  168.1   140.0   461.5   413.7 
Total revenues  274.6   228.6   763.3   649.0 
Cost of service revenues  79.0   65.1   227.2   171.2 
Cost of product sales  122.2   108.6   339.4   313.2 
Total costs  201.2   173.7   566.6   484.4 
Gross profit – service revenues  27.5   23.5   74.6   64.1 
Gross profit – product sales  45.9   31.4   122.1   100.5 
         
Total gross profit  73.4   54.9   196.7   164.6 
         
Selling, general and administrative expenses  47.5   44.2   136.7   126.1 
Acquisition and restructuring related items and other     0.4   0.9   7.0 
Research and development expenses  10.3   9.6   30.4   28.0 
Depreciation  1.9   1.3   4.8   3.9 
Amortization of intangible assets  1.5   3.0   4.5   6.3 
Operating income (loss)  12.2   (3.6)  19.4   (6.7)
Interest expense, net  (5.1)  (4.1)  (15.5)  (12.9)
Loss on extinguishment of debt           (13.0)
Other expense, net  (0.3)  (1.1)  (0.4)  (1.0)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes  6.8   (8.8)  3.5   (33.6)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations  3.8   (0.8)  6.9   (4.6)
Income (loss) from continuing operations  3.0   (8.0)  (3.4)  (29.0)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes        0.2   0.7 
Net income (loss)  3.0   (8.0)  (3.2)  (28.3)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest  4.6     8.1   0.3 
Net loss attributable to Kratos $(1.6) $(8.0) $(11.3) $(28.6)
         
Basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to Kratos:        
Loss from continuing operations $(0.01) $(0.06) $(0.09) $(0.23)
Income from discontinued operations            
Net loss  (0.01) $(0.06) $(0.09) $(0.23)
         
         
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding  129.6   127.2   129.3   126.5 
         
Adjusted EBITDA (1) $27.7  $20.0  $66.3  $51.5 
    
         
         
Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures        
         
Note: (1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined as GAAP net loss attributable to Kratos adjusted for net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, income from discontinued operations, net interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense of intangible assets, amortization of capitalized contract and development costs, stock-based compensation, acquisition and restructuring related items and other, and foreign transaction loss.
 
Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by us may be calculated differently than Adjusted EBITDA for other companies. We have provided Adjusted EBITDA because we believe it is a commonly used measure of financial performance in comparable companies and is provided to help investors evaluate companies on a consistent basis, as well as to enhance understanding of our operating results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as either an alternative to net income (loss) or as an indicator of our operating performance or an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. The adjustments to calculate this non-GAAP financial measure and the basis for such adjustments are outlined below. Please refer to the following table below that reconciles GAAP net loss to Adjusted EBITDA.
   
The adjustments to calculate this non-GAAP financial measure, and the basis for such adjustments, are outlined below:
         
Interest income and interest expense, net.  The Company receives interest income on investments and incurs interest expense on loans, capital leases and other financing arrangements, including the amortization of issue discounts and deferred financing costs. These amounts may vary from period to period due to changes in cash and debt balances.
 
Income taxes. The Company’s tax expense can fluctuate materially from period to period due to tax adjustments that may not be directly related to underlying operating performance or to the current period of operations and may not necessarily reflect the impact of utilization of our NOLs.
         
Depreciation. The Company incurs depreciation expense (recorded in cost of revenues and in operating expenses) related to capital assets purchased, leased or constructed to support the ongoing operations of the business. The assets are recorded at cost or fair value and are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of individual assets.
 
Amortization of intangible assets. The Company incurs amortization of intangible expense related to acquisitions it has made. These intangible assets are valued at the time of acquisition and are amortized over the estimated useful lives.
         
Amortization of capitalized contract and development costs. The Company incurs amortization of previously capitalized software development and non-recurring engineering costs related to certain targets in its Unmanned Systems and ballistic missile target businesses as these units are sold.
   
Stock-based compensation expense. The Company incurs expense related to stock-based compensation included in its GAAP presentation of selling, general and administrative expense. Although stock-based compensation is an expense of the Company and viewed as a form of compensation, these expenses vary in amount from period to period, and are affected by market forces that are difficult to predict and are not within the control of management, such as the market price and volatility of the Company’s shares, risk-free interest rates and the expected term and forfeiture rates of the awards. Management believes that exclusion of these expenses allows comparison of operating results to those of other companies that disclose non-GAAP financial measures that exclude stock-based compensation.
         
Foreign transaction (gain) loss. The Company incurs transaction gains and losses related to transactions with foreign customers in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In addition, certain intercompany transactions can give rise to realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses.
   
Acquisition and transaction related items. The Company incurs transaction related costs, such as legal and accounting fees and other expenses, related to acquisitions and divestiture activities. Management believes these items are outside the normal operations of the Company’s business and are not indicative of ongoing operating results.
   
Restructuring costs. The Company incurs restructuring costs for cost reduction actions which include employee termination costs, facility shut-down related costs and lease commitment costs for unused, excess or exited facilities. Management believes that these costs are not indicative of ongoing operating results as they are either non-recurring and/or not expected when full capacity and volumes are achieved.
     
Non-recoverable rates and costs. In fiscal 2022, the Company incurred non-recoverable rates and costs as a result of its inability to hire the required direct labor base to execute on its backlog due to a challenging environment in hiring and retaining skilled personnel. In addition, in 2022 the Company incurred non-recoverable rate growth resulting from a smaller than planned direct labor base due to delays in customer program execution and awards.
   
Legal related items. The Company incurs costs related to pending legal settlements and other legal related matters. Management believes these items are outside the normal operations of the Company’s business and are not indicative of ongoing operating results.
     
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information provided in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP financial measure may not be computed in the same manner as similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company expects to continue to incur expenses similar to the Adjusted EBITDA financial adjustments described above, and investors should not infer from the Company’s presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure that these costs are unusual, infrequent, or non-recurring.  
   
Reconciliation of Net Loss attributable to Kratos to Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:        
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  October 1, September 25, October 1, September 25,
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
         
Net loss attributable to Kratos $(1.6) $(8.0) $(11.3) $(28.6)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes        (0.2)  (0.7)
Interest expense, net  5.1   4.1   15.5   12.9 
Loss on extinguishment of debt           13.0 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations  3.8   (0.8)  6.9   (4.6)
Depreciation (including cost of service revenues and product sales)  6.7   5.9   19.5   16.5 
Stock-based compensation  6.4   6.6   19.0   19.9 
Foreign transaction loss  0.4   1.4   1.4   1.5 
Amortization of intangible assets  1.5   3.0   4.5   6.3 
Amortization of capitalized contract and development costs  0.8   0.4   2.0   1.0 
Acquisition and restructuring related items and other     7.4   0.9   14.0 
Plus: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest  4.6      8.1   0.3 
         
Adjusted EBITDA $27.7  $20.0  $66.3  $51.5 
         
         
         
Reconciliation of acquisition and restructuring related items and other included in Adjusted EBITDA:
     
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  October 1, September 25, October 1, September 25,
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
Acquisition and transaction related items $  $0.2  $  $0.6 
Restructuring costs     0.8      1.1 
Non-recoverable rates and costs     6.4      6.4 
Legal related items        0.9   5.9 
  $  $7.4  $0.9  $14.0 
         
         
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
Unaudited Segment Data
(in millions)
         
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  October 1, September 25, October 1, September 25,
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
Revenues:        
Unmanned Systems $56.7  $50.0  $156.8  $159.0 
Kratos Government Solutions  217.9   178.6   606.5   490.0 
Total revenues $274.6  $228.6  $763.3  $649.0 
         
Operating income (loss)        
Unmanned Systems $2.6  $(0.1) $3.2  $(4.6)
Kratos Government Solutions  15.9   3.3   35.2   18.4 
Unallocated corporate expense, net  (6.3)  (6.8)  (19.0)  (20.5)
Total operating income (loss) $12.2  $(3.6) $19.4  $(6.7)
         
Note: Unallocated corporate expense, net includes costs for certain stock-based compensation programs (including stock-based compensation costs for stock options, employee stock purchase plan and restricted stock units), the effects of items not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance, and acquisition and restructuring related items, corporate costs not allocated to the segments, legal related items, and other miscellaneous corporate activities.
         
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:
         
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  October 1, September 25, October 1, September 25,
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
Unmanned Systems        
Operating income (loss) $2.6  $(0.1) $3.2  $(4.6)
Other income (expense)  0.1   (0.1)  0.1    
Depreciation  2.1   1.7   5.9   5.0 
Amortization of intangible assets  0.1   0.2   0.3   0.7 
Amortization of capitalized contract and development costs  0.5   0.4   1.3   1.0 
Acquisition and restructuring related items and other           5.9 
Adjusted EBITDA $5.4  $2.1  $10.8  $8.0 
% of revenue  9.5%  4.2%  6.9%  5.0%
         
Kratos Government Solutions        
Operating income $15.9  $3.3  $35.2  $18.4 
Other income  0.1   0.4   0.9   0.5 
Depreciation  4.6   4.2   13.6   11.5 
Amortization of intangible assets  1.4   2.8   4.2   5.6 
Amortization of capitalized contract and development costs  0.3      0.7    
Acquisition and restructuring related items and other     7.2   0.9   7.5 
Adjusted EBITDA $22.3  $17.9  $55.5  $43.5 
% of revenue  10.2%  10.0%  9.2%  8.9%
         
Total Adjusted EBITDA $27.7  $20.0  $66.3  $51.5 
% of revenue  10.1%  8.7%  8.7%  7.9%
         
 
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions)
         
     
      October 1, December 25,
       2023   2022 
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents     $42.2  $81.3 
Accounts receivable, net      351.9   328.5 
Inventoried costs      150.1   125.5 
Prepaid expenses      18.3   11.9 
Other current assets      41.9   35.4 
Total current assets      604.4   582.6 
Property, plant and equipment, net      227.3   213.1 
Operating lease right-of-use assets      50.6   47.4 
Goodwill      558.2   558.2 
Intangible assets, net      50.7   55.2 
Other assets      99.6   95.0 
Total assets     $1,590.8  $1,551.5 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable     $57.4  $57.3 
Accrued expenses      40.3   33.8 
Accrued compensation      55.2   52.2 
Accrued interest      1.8   1.5 
Billings in excess of costs and earnings on uncompleted contracts      79.4   62.1 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities      12.1   10.8 
Other current liabilities      15.9   15.6 
Other current liabilities of discontinued operations      0.9   0.9 
Total current liabilities      263.0   234.2 
Long-term debt      234.2   250.2 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion      43.0   40.8 
Other long-term liabilities      76.8   77.4 
Other long-term liabilities of discontinued operations      1.1   1.4 
Total liabilities      618.1   604.0 
Commitments and contingencies        
Redeemable noncontrolling interest      19.3   11.2 
Stockholders’ equity:        
Additional paid-in capital      1,633.5   1,608.4 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss      2.5   (0.8)
Accumulated deficit      (682.6)  (671.3)
Total Kratos stockholders’ equity      953.4   936.3 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity     $1,590.8  $1,551.5 
         
         
         
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions)
         
    Nine Months Ended
      October 1, September 25,
       2023   2022 
Operating activities:        
Net loss     $(3.2) $(28.3)
Less: income from discontinued operations      0.2   0.7 
Loss from continuing operations      (3.4)  (29.0)
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations:        
Depreciation and amortization      24.0   22.8 
Amortization of lease right-of-use assets      8.5   7.8 
Deferred income taxes      0.1   0.3 
Stock-based compensation      19.0   19.9 
Litigation related charges         5.5 
Amortization of deferred financing costs      0.5   0.6 
Loss on extinguishment of debt         13.0 
Provision for doubtful accounts      1.0    
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:        
Accounts receivable      (23.5)  17.0 
Unbilled receivables      (9.1)  (18.2)
Inventoried costs      (23.7)  (28.0)
Prepaid expenses and other assets      (15.7)  (17.4)
Operating lease liabilities      (8.2)  (7.7)
Accounts payable      (0.6)  1.0 
Accrued compensation      3.1   3.0 
Accrued expenses      6.4   1.1 
Accrued interest      0.3   (1.2)
Billings in excess of costs and earnings on uncompleted contracts      17.4   (10.6)
Income tax receivable and payable      1.9   (8.3)
Other liabilities      (0.2)  (3.9)
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations      (2.2)  (32.3)
Investing activities:        
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired         (132.2)
Capital expenditures      (33.1)  (34.8)
Proceeds from sale of assets      8.3   0.1 
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations      (24.8)  (166.9)
Financing activities:        
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt         200.0 
Borrowing under credit facility      54.0   100.0 
Redemption of Senior Secured Notes         (309.8)
Repayment under credit facility, term loan and other debt      (67.8)  (1.2)
Debt issuance costs         (3.2)
Payment under finance leases      (1.2)  (1.0)
Payments of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards      (3.6)  (12.3)
Proceeds from shares issued under equity plans      6.5   6.1 
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations      (12.1)  (21.4)
Net cash flows from continuing operations      (39.1)  (220.6)
Net operating cash flows of discontinued operations         (0.3)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents         (3.3)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash      (39.1)  (224.2)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period      81.3   349.4 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period     $42.2  $125.2 
         
         
         
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
Unaudited Non-GAAP Measures
Computation of Adjusted Earnings Per Share
(in millions, except per share data)
         
         
Adjusted income from continuing operations and adjusted income from continuing operations per diluted common share (Adjusted EPS) are non-GAAP measures for reporting financial performance and exclude the impact of certain items and, therefore, have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that exclusion of these items assists in providing a more complete understanding of the Company’s underlying continuing operations results and trends and allows for comparability with our peer company index and industry. The Company uses these measures along with the corresponding GAAP financial measures to manage the Company’s business and to evaluate its performance compared to prior periods and the marketplace. The Company defines adjusted income from continuing operations before amortization of intangible assets, depreciation, stock-based compensation, foreign transaction gain/loss, and acquisition and restructuring related items and other. The estimated impact to income taxes includes the impact to the effective tax rate, current tax provision and deferred tax provision, and excludes the impact of discrete items, including transaction related expenses and release of valuation allowance, or benefit related to the add-backs.* Adjusted EPS reflects adjusted income on a per share basis using weighted average diluted shares outstanding.
 
The following table reconciles the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures.    
         
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  October 1, September 25, October 1, September 25,
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
Net loss attributable to Kratos $(1.6) $(8.0) $(11.3) $(28.6)
Less: GAAP provision (benefit) for income taxes  3.8   (0.8)  6.9   (4.6)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest  4.6      8.1   0.3 
Less: income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes        (0.2)  (0.7)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes  6.8   (8.8)  3.5   (33.6)
Add: Amortization of intangible assets  1.5   3.0   4.5   6.3 
Add: Amortization of capitalized contract and development costs  0.8   0.4   2.0   1.0 
Add: Depreciation  6.7   5.9   19.5   16.5 
Add: Stock-based compensation  6.4   6.6   19.0   19.9 
Add: Loss on extinguishment of debt           13.0 
Add: Foreign transaction loss  0.4   1.4   1.4   1.5 
Add: Acquisition and restructuring related items and other     7.4   0.9   14.0 
   Non-GAAP Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes  22.6   15.9   50.8   38.6 
Income taxes on Non-GAAP measure Adjusted income from continuing operations*  6.9   5.7   15.5   13.9 
   Non-GAAP Adjusted net income $15.7  $10.2  $35.3  $24.7 
         
         
Diluted earnings per common share $(0.01) $(0.06) $(0.09) $(0.23)
Less: GAAP provision (benefit) for income taxes  0.03   (0.01)  0.05   (0.03)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest  0.03      0.06    
Less: income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes            
Add: Amortization of intangible assets  0.01   0.02   0.03   0.05 
Add: Amortization of capitalized contract and development costs  0.01      0.02   0.01 
Add: Depreciation  0.05   0.05   0.15   0.13 
Add: Stock-based compensation  0.05   0.05   0.15   0.16 
Add: Loss on extinguishment of debt           0.10 
Add: Foreign transaction loss     0.01   0.01   0.01 
Add: Acquisition and restructuring related items and other     0.06   0.01   0.11 
Income taxes on Non-GAAP measure Adjusted income from continuing operations*  (0.05)  (0.04)  (0.12)  (0.11)
Adjusted income from continuing operations per diluted common share $0.12  $0.08  $0.27  $0.20 
         
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding  129.6   127.2   129.3   126.5 
         
*The impact to income taxes is calculated by recasting income before income taxes to include the add-backs involved in determining Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes and recalculating the income tax provision, including current and deferred income taxes, using the Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes. The recalculation also adjusts for any discrete tax expense, including transaction related expenses and the release of valuation allowance, or benefit related to the add-backs.
 

Kratos Thanatos Tactical UAV in Flight – Conceptual Rendition

Source: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Release – Onconova Therapeutics’ ASH Poster To Focus On Narazaciclib In MCL

Research News and Market Data on ONTX

Nov 02, 2023

PDF Version

Preclinical data indicate that narazaciclib shows monotherapy and combination anti-tumor activity in ibrutinib-sensitive and resistant cells and xenograft models

NEWTOWN, Pa., Nov. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ONTX), (“Onconova” or “the Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer, today announced that Onconova and collaborators will present a preclinical poster related to its lead program, narazaciclib, at the 65th American Society for Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition (ASH), taking place in San Diego, California from December 9 to 12, 2023.

“The poster that we and researchers from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain are presenting at ASH 2023 shows that the study of narazaciclib, either as a single agent or in combination with ibrutinib, effectively controls tumor growth in preclinical models of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), including those that are resistant to Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis), a mainstay of care for this aggressive and difficult to treat cancer. The experiments included a broad comparison of narazaciclib with three other approved cyclin-D-kinase inhibitors (CDKis), used in combination with several BTKis,” said Steven Fruchtman, M.D., President and CEO of Onconova.

Dr. Fruchtman continued, “We were especially pleased by the broad translational data set that provided an understanding of narazaciclib’s role in cell cycle blockade. These studies show that narazaciclib appears to act in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, the studies also indicate that the combination of narazaciclib and ibrutinib act in a synergistic way to achieve in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity in ibrutinib sensitive- and resistant -cells and xenograft models. Together, these data support the potential use of narazaciclib in MCL and other cyclin-dependent indications, and further inform our understanding of narazaciclib’s mechanism of action as we advance the clinical program, led by the Phase 1/2a study in patients with low grade endometrioid endometrial cancer, an indication with a great unmet medical need.”

Poster Presentation Information:

Title: Narazaciclib, a Differentiated CDK4/6 Antagonist, Prolongs Cell Cycle Arrest and Metabolomic Reprogramming, Enabling Restoration of Ibrutinib Sensitivity in Btki-Resistant Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Session Name: 605. Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance: Lymphoid Neoplasms: Poster III
Session Date: Monday, December 11, 2023
Presentation Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H
Poster Number: 4181 
Presenters: Dr. Nuria Profitos-Peleja, Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain

About Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.

Onconova Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer. The Company’s product candidates, narazaciclib and rigosertib, are proprietary targeted anti-cancer agents designed to disrupt specific cellular pathways that are important for cancer cell proliferation.

Narazaciclib, Onconova’s novel, multi-kinase inhibitor (formerly ON 123300), is being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 combination trial with the estrogen blocker letrozole, in advanced endometrial cancer (NCT05705505). Based on preclinical and clinical studies of CDK 4/6 inhibitors, Onconova believes narazaciclib has broad potential and is also evaluating opportunities for combination studies with narazaciclib and letrozole in additional indications, including breast cancer.

Rigosertib is being studied in an investigator-sponsored trial strategy to evaluate the product candidate in multiple indications, including a dose-escalation and expansion Phase 1/2a study of oral rigosertib in combination with nivolumab in patients with KRAS+ non-small cell lung cancer (NCT04263090), a Phase 2 program evaluating oral or IV rigosertib monotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma complicating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB-associated SCC) (NCT03786237NCT04177498), and a Phase 2 trial evaluating rigosertib in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic melanoma (NCT05764395).

For more information, please visit www.onconova.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to Onconova’s expectations regarding its clinical development and trials, its product candidates, its business and financial position. Onconova has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “preliminary,” “encouraging,” “approximately” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Although Onconova believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including the success and timing of Onconova’s clinical trials, investigator-initiated trials and regulatory agency and institutional review board approvals of protocols, Onconova’s collaborations, market conditions and those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Onconova’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of its date. Onconova undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Company Contact:
Mark Guerin
Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.
267-759-3680
ir@onconova.us
https://www.onconova.com/contact/

Investor Contact:
Bruce Mackle
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
646-889-1200
bmackle@lifesciadvisors.com 

Release – Eledon Reports Updated Data from Ongoing Phase 1b Trial Evaluating Tegoprubart for Prevention of Rejection in Kidney Transplantation

Research News and Market Data on ELDN

November 2, 2023

PDF Version

Data from 11 participants demonstrates tegoprubart successfully prevented kidney transplant rejection and was generally safe and well-tolerated

Aggregate mean eGFR was above 70 mL/min/1.73m2 at all reported time points after day 90 supporting tegoprubart’s potential to protect organ function in patients undergoing kidney transplantation

Eledon will host a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. ET

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Eledon”) (NASDAQ: ELDN) today reported results from the Company’s ongoing Phase 1b open-label trial evaluating tegoprubart for the prevention of rejection in patients undergoing de novo kidney transplantation. Results were presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2023 Annual Meeting taking place in Philadelphia, PA from November 2-5, 2023.

“We are excited to present updated safety and efficacy results from our ongoing Phase 1b trial which continue to support the potential of tegoprubart as a novel kidney transplant immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection and better preserve organ function without many of the side effects associated with tacrolimus, the current standard of care,” said David-Alexandre C. Gros, M.D., Chief Executive Officer. “We remain committed to the transplant community who are in urgent need of better treatment options, and we look forward to continuing this study in parallel with our Phase 2 BESTOW study initiated earlier this year.”

At the time of data submission, results from the 11 participants in the Phase 1b trial demonstrated that tegoprubart is generally safe and well-tolerated in patients undergoing kidney transplantation. There have been no cases of hyperglycemia, new onset diabetes, tremor, or cytomegalovirus infection commonly seen with tacrolimus. One participant experienced a mild T cell mediated rejection (Banff score 1a) on day 99. This patient was treated for the rejection and remains in the study. There were no cases of graft loss or death.

Aggregate mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) – a measure of kidney function – was above 70 mL/min/1.73m2 at all reported time points after day 90. Historical studies have reported average eGFRs generally in the low 50 mL/min/1.73m2 range during the first year after kidney transplant using standard of care. One participant has completed the study with an eGFR of 91 at one year (day 374) and is now enrolled in a Phase 2 open-label extension (OLE) study, which will evaluate the long-term safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of tegoprubart in participants who have completed one year of treatment in either the ongoing Phase 1b or Phase 2 BESTOW study.

“In this Phase 1b trial, patients treated with tegoprubart demonstrated robust improvements in eGFR with a strong safety profile,” said Dr. John S. Gill, MD, Professor of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada, and Principal Investigator of the study. “These results further support the promise of CD40L costimulatory blockade in organ transplantation. I look forward to additional readouts from this study in 2024.”

The Phase 1b open-label study has enrolled 11 participants who underwent kidney transplantation in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Each participant received rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction and a maintenance regimen consisting of tegoprubart, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. The primary endpoint of the study is safety. Other endpoints include characterizing the pharmacokinetic profile of tegoprubart, the incidence of biopsy proven rejection, and eGFR.

In September, Eledon announced that the first participant had been dosed in the Company’s Phase 2 BESTOW trial evaluating tegoprubart for the prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant. The multicenter, two-arm, active comparator clinical study is enrolling approximately 120 participants undergoing kidney transplantation in the United States and other countries to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of tegoprubart compared to the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus. The BESTOW trial’s primary endpoint is designed to test the potential superiority of tegoprubart vs. tacrolimus in post kidney transplant kidney function at 12 months as measured by eGFR. The Company expects to complete enrollment at the end of 2024.

Full details on the poster presentations are below:

Title: Tegoprubart for the prevention of rejection in kidney transplant: update of emerging data from an ongoing trial
Presenter: Steve Perrin, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer, Eledon Pharmaceuticals
Poster Number: TH-PO835
Session Title: Transplantation: Clinical – I [PO2102-1] 
Session Date and Time: November 2, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT

Following the presentation, a copy of the poster will be available on the Investor section of the Company’s website at https://ir.eledon.com/news-and-events/publications-and-presentations

Conference Call

Eledon will hold a conference call today, November 2, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the updated trial results. The dial-in numbers are 1-888-886-7786 for domestic callers and 1-416-764-8658 for international callers. The conference ID is 66816567. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.eledon.com. The webcast will be archived on the website following the completion of the call.

About Eledon Pharmaceuticals and tegoprubart

Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company that is developing immune-modulating therapies for the management and treatment of life-threatening conditions. The Company’s lead investigational product is tegoprubart, an anti-CD40L antibody with high affinity for CD40 Ligand, a well-validated biological target within the costimulatory CD40/CD40L cellular pathway. The central role of CD40L signaling in both adaptive and innate immune cell activation and function positions it as an attractive target for non-lymphocyte depleting, immunomodulatory therapeutic intervention. The Company is building upon a deep historical knowledge of anti-CD40 Ligand biology to conduct preclinical and clinical studies in kidney allograft transplantation, xenotransplantation, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Eledon is headquartered in Irvine, California. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.eledon.com.

Follow Eledon Pharmaceuticals on social media: LinkedInTwitter

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Any statements about the company’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including statements about planned clinical trials, the development of product candidates, expected timing for initiation of future clinical trials, expected timing for receipt of data from clinical trials, the company’s capital resources and ability to finance planned clinical trials, as well as other statements containing the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” “looks forward,” “could,” “may,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including: risks relating to the safety and efficacy of our drug candidates; risks relating to clinical development timelines, including interactions with regulators and clinical sides, as well as patient enrollment; risks relating to costs of clinical trials and the sufficiency of the company’s capital resources to fund planned clinical trials; and risks associated with the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ significantly from the forward-looking statements contained herein, are discussed in our quarterly 10-Q, annual 10-K, and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be found at www.sec.gov. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and not of any future date, and the company expressly disclaims any intent to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:

Stephen Jasper
Gilmartin Group
(858) 525 2047
stephen@gilmartinir.com

Media Contact:

Jenna Urban
Berry & Company Public Relations
(212) 253 8881
jurban@berrypr.com

Source: Eledon Pharmaceuticals 

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals’ Vaccine Candidate, TNX-1800, Selected by NIH/NIAID Project NextGen for Inclusion in Clinical Trials

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

November 02, 2023 8:00am EDTDownload as PDF

NIAID is conducting early phase clinical trials on select next generation COVID-19 vaccine candidates with the intent to identify promising vaccine candidates

TNX-1800, a live virus percutaneous vaccine candidate, is based on Tonix’s recombinant pox virus (RPV) platform

Phase 1 clinical trial of TNX-1800 expected to start in the second half of 2024

NIAID will cover the full cost of the clinical trial; Tonix will supply the vaccine candidate

CHATHAM, N.J., Nov. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will conduct a Phase 1 clinical trial with TNX-1800 (recombinant horsepox virus, live vaccine),1 Tonix Pharmaceuticals’ vaccine candidate to protect against COVID-19.

Tonix is developing a novel vaccine platform initially targeting COVID-19, smallpox and mpox (monkeypox). The intent is to provide durable protection against severe disease and prevent forward transmission, primarily by eliciting a T-cell immune response. TNX-1800 expresses the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, was immunogenic, well tolerated2 and showed promise in protecting animals from challenge with SARS-CoV-2 delivered directly into the lungs.3 A related horsepox-based vaccine, TNX-8011, protected animals against challenge with monkeypox virus delivered directly into the lungs.4 TNX-801 is also the vector on which TNX-1800 is based and has been shown to be >1,000-fold more attenuated than modern vaccinia virus vaccine (VACV) strains in immunocompromised mice.5 The Phase 1 trial of TNX-1800 is expected to start in the second half of 2024. NIAID will study TNX-1800 by percutaneous administration.

“We believe our novel vaccine platform technology has the potential to provide durable protection from respiratory pathogens and slow their spread,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “TNX-1800 will be the first vaccine candidate using our live virus recombinant pox virus (RPV) platform technology to enter clinical trials. We hope to expand the portfolio of RPV-based vaccines to address several other known respiratory threats including smallpox, mpox and tuberculosis. We are committed to supporting NIAID in assembling a variety of vaccine platform options to ensure the availability of effective vaccines in the face of known and emerging threats. We look forward to participating in the Project NextGen initiative.”

“Project NextGen,” is an initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to advance a pipeline of new, innovative vaccines and therapeutics for COVID-19. NIAID will be conducting clinical trials to evaluate several early-stage vaccine candidates. The Phase 1 study involving TNX-1800 is designed to assess safety and immunogenicity in approximately 60 healthy adult volunteers. Upon completion of the trial, NIAID and Tonix Pharmaceuticals will assess the results and determine the next steps for the development of TNX-1800.

NIAID will cover the full cost of the clinical trial, including operations and related analysis. Tonix will be responsible for providing clinical trial materials, and upon completion will have the right to rely on the findings in regulatory filings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support the approval of its COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines based on the RPV platform.

About Project NextGen

Project NextGen is a $5 billion initiative to develop the next generation of vaccines and therapeutics to combat COVID-19. Based at the HHS and led by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and the NIH’s NIAID, Project NextGen will coordinate across the federal government and the private sector to advance the pipeline of new, innovative vaccines and therapeutics into clinical trials and potential review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for authorization or approval, and commercial availability for the American people. The program will focus on several areas, including mucosal vaccines, vaccines that provide broader protection against variants of concern and a longer duration of protection, pan-coronavirus vaccines, and new and more durable monoclonal antibodies.

About TNX-1800*
TNX-1800 (recombinant horsepox virus) is a live virus vaccine for percutaneous administration that is designed to express the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to elicit a predominant T cell response. The RPV platform is based on a horsepox vector, which is a live replicating, attenuated virus that has been shown to be >1,000-fold more attenuated than modern VACV strains in immunocompromised mice.5 Horsepox and the vaccinia vaccine viruses are closely related orthopoxviruses that are believed to share a common ancestor. Molecular analysis shows that horsepox is closer than modern vaccinia vaccines in DNA sequence to the vaccine discovered and disseminated by Dr. Edward Jenner. 6-9 Live replicating orthopoxviruses, like vaccinia or horsepox, can be engineered to express foreign genes and have been explored as platforms for vaccine development because they possess; (1) large packaging capacity for exogenous DNA inserts, (2) precise virus-specific control of exogenous gene insert expression, (3) lack of persistence or genomic integration in the host, (4) strong immunogenicity as a vaccine, (5) ability to rapidly generate vector/insert constructs, (6) readily manufacturable at scale, and (7) ability to provide direct antigen presentation. Relative to vaccinia, horsepox has substantially decreased virulence in mice.4,6 The current formulation is a frozen liquid, but we believe that future lyophilized versions can be stored and shipped at standard refrigeration. Horsepox-based vaccines are designed to be single dose, vial-sparing vaccines that can be administered without sterile injection, manufactured using conventional cell culture systems with the potential for mass scale production, and packaged in multi-dose vials. Moreover, we believe the low dose of TNX-1800 makes this technology amenable for future implementation in microneedle delivery systems.

About TNX-801*
TNX-801 (recombinant horsepox virus) is a live virus vaccine based on horsepox4-7 in pre-clinical development to prevent smallpox and mpox. Tonix reported positive preclinical efficacy data, demonstrating that TNX-801 vaccination protected non-human primates against lethal challenge with monkeypox.Tonix has received official written response from a Type B pre-Investigational New Drug Application (IND) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop TNX-801 as a potential vaccine to protect against mpox disease and smallpox.10 Tonix believes the FDA feedback provides a path to agreement on the design of a Phase 1 /2 study and the overall clinical development plan. The Phase 1/2 clinical trial will assess the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of TNX-801, following the submission and clearance of an IND. More than 30,000 people have contracted mpox in the U.S. so far during the 2022-23 epidemic,11 The recent cluster of mpox in Chicago revealed breakthrough cases of mpox in individuals who had been vaccinated with the currently authorized non-replicating vaccine, which is administered in two doses.12 In contrast, TNX-801 is delivered percutaneously with only one dose and therefore may achieve higher rates of community protection by eliminating drop-out between doses and limiting forward transmission. Moreover, relying on only one approved mpox vaccine at present is a risk for the global supply chain that has already led to insufficient availability of vaccines to meet global health needs, especially in Africa. TNX-801 has the potential to make a global impact on mpox and the risk of smallpox because of its durable T-cell immune response, the potential to manufacture at scale, and the use of a lower dose than non-replicating vaccines.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*

Tonix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing, developing, discovering and licensing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg under a transition services agreement with Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC from whom the products were acquired on June 30, 2023. Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are each indicated for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults. Tonix’s development portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix’s CNS development portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead development CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia, having completed enrollment of a potentially confirmatory Phase 3 study in the third quarter of 2023, with topline data expected in late December 2023. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat fibromyalgia-type Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Enrollment in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study has been completed, and topline results were reported in the third quarter of 2023. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), is in development as a preventive treatment for chronic migraine, and enrollment has been completed in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study with topline data expected in early December 2023. TNX-1900 is also being studied in binge eating disorder, pediatric obesity and social anxiety disorder by academic collaborators under investigator-initiated INDs. TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA. A Phase 2 study of TNX-1300 is expected to be initiated in the fourth quarter of 2023. Tonix’s rare disease development portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 was initiated in the third quarter of 2023. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and mpox. TNX-801 also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine platform for other infectious diseases, including TNX-1800, in development as a vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The infectious disease development portfolio also includes TNX-3900 and TNX-4000, which are classes of broad-spectrum small molecule oral antivirals.

*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.

Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. Intravail is a registered trademark of Aegis Therapeutics, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Neurelis, Inc. All other marks are property of their respective owners.

1 TNX-1800 and TNX-801 are experimental new vaccines and have not been approved for any indication.
2 Awasthi, M. et al. Viruses. 2023. 15(10):2131.
3 Awasthi, M. et al. BioRxiv. 2023.
4 Trefry S, et al. BioRxiv. 2023.
5 Noyce RS, et al. Viruses. 2023. 15(2):356.
6 Jenner E. “An Inquiry Into the Causes and Effects of the Variole Vaccinae, a Disease Discovered in Some of the Western Counties of England, Particularly Gloucestershire and Known by the Name of the cow‐pox.” London: Sampson Low, 1798.
7 Noyce RS, et al. PloS One. 2018. 13(1):e0188453.
8 Schrick L et al. N Engl J Med. 2017. 377:1491-1492.
9 Tulman ER, et al. J Virol. 2006. 80(18):9244-58.
10 TNX-801 PR pre-IND meeting August 20, 2023: https://ir.tonixpharma.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1417/tonix-pharmaceuticals-announces-results-of-pre-ind-meeting
11 McQuiston JH, et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023. 72:547–552.
12 Centers for Disease Control. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023. 72(25);696-698.

This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 13, 2023, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Investor Contact

Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182

Peter Vozzo
ICR Westwicke
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact

Ben Shannon
ICR Westwicke
ben.shannon@westwicke.com
443-213-0495

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released November 2, 2023

Release – Ocugen to Host Conference Call on Thursday, November 9 at 8:30 A.M. ET To Discuss Business Updates and Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

November 2, 2023

PDF Version

MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that it will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss the Company’s third quarter 2023 financial results and provide a business update at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 9, 2023.

Ocugen will issue a pre-market earnings announcement on the same day. Attendees are invited to participate on the call using the following details:

Dial-in Numbers: (800) 715-9871 for U.S. callers and (646) 307-1963 for international callers
Conference ID: 1787631
Webcast: Available on the events section of the Ocugen investor site

A replay of the call and archived webcast will be available for approximately 45 days following the event on the Ocugen investor site.

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

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

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

Release – Kelly Enters Agreement to Sell European Staffing Business to Gi Group Holdings S.P.A.

Research News and Market Data on KELYA

November 2, 2023

  • Enables greater focus on higher margin, higher growth global managed service provider (MSP) solutions, global recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions, and specialty outcome-based and staffing services in North America
  • Transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2024; cash consideration of €100 million with additional earnout potential of up to €30 million
  • Unlocks significant capital to invest in organic and inorganic growth

TROY, Mich., Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB), a leading global specialty talent solutions provider, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its European staffing business to Gi Group Holdings S.P.A. (“Gi”), one of the largest staffing companies in Europe, for cash consideration of up to €130 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kelly will transfer its European staffing business within its International operating segment to Gi. Kelly provides staffing services to customers in 14 countries across Europe. The company will retain its managed service provider, recruitment process outsourcing, and functional service provider (FSP) business with customers in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

Following the close of the transaction, Kelly will maintain its global footprint and continue to provide MSP, RPO, and FSP solutions to customers in the EMEA region through KellyOCG, Kelly’s outsourcing and consulting group. As a leading global vendor-neutral provider of talent supply chain strategies and workforce solutions, KellyOCG leverages a network of 3,000 suppliers spanning 140 countries – including Gi – to connect customers across North America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA with top talent to grow their businesses. In Everest Group’s 2023 PEAK Matrix®, KellyOCG was recognized as a leader and major contender for its MSP and RPO solutions, respectively, with the latter earning KellyOCG star performer status. Everest Group also recognized KellyOCG as a leader and star performer in statement-of-work (SOW) management.

“The sale of Kelly’s European staffing business demonstrates our commitment to taking bold, transformative action to optimize our portfolio and maximize value creation,” said Peter Quigley, president and chief executive officer. “This transaction unlocks significant capital to pursue organic and inorganic investments in our chosen specialties. Furthermore, it sharpens our focus on our higher margin, higher growth global MSP solutions, global RPO solutions, and specialty outcome-based and staffing services in North America. Together, we expect these outcomes will accelerate Kelly’s progress toward achieving a normalized, adjusted EBITDA margin in the range of 3.3% to 3.5% as we shared in August and drive profitable growth over the long term.”

The transaction is the latest in a series of strategic actions Kelly has executed to unlock capital in pursuit of its specialty strategy and further optimize its operating model, which includes monetizing non-core real estate holdings and businesses; unwinding Kelly’s cross-shareholding arrangement with Persol and reducing the company’s ownership interest in PersolKelly, its Asia-Pacific staffing joint venture; selling its operations in Brazil and Russia; and most recently, implementing strategic restructuring actions which enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Quigley and Olivier Thirot, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will provide additional details about this transaction as it relates to the company’s specialty strategy during its upcoming third-quarter earnings conference call on November 9, 2023.

DLA Piper is serving as legal counsel to Kelly.

About Kelly®

Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) helps companies recruit and manage skilled workers and helps job seekers find great work. Since inventing the staffing industry in 1946, we have become experts in the many industries and local and global markets we serve. With a network of suppliers and partners around the world, we connect more than 450,000 people with work every year. Our suite of outsourcing and consulting services ensures companies have the people they need, when and where they are needed most. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, we empower businesses and individuals to access limitless opportunities in industries such as science, engineering, technology, education, manufacturing, retail, finance, and energy. Revenue in 2022 was $5.0 billion. Learn more at kellyservices.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that are forward looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Kelly’s financial expectations, are forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in this release include, but are not limited to, (i) changing market and economic conditions, (ii) disruption in the labor market and weakened demand for human capital resulting from technological advances, loss of large corporate customers and government contractor requirements, (iii) the impact of laws and regulations (including federal, state and international tax laws), (iv) unexpected changes in claim trends on workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability and medical benefit plans, (v) litigation and other legal liabilities (including tax liabilities) in excess of our estimates, (vi) our ability to achieve our business’s anticipated growth strategies, (vi) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition, (vii) damage to our brands, (viii) dependency on third parties for the execution of critical functions, (ix) conducting business in foreign countries, including foreign currency fluctuations, (x) availability of temporary workers with appropriate skills required by customers, (xi) cyberattacks or other breaches of network or information technology security, and (xii) other risks, uncertainties and factors discussed in this release and in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and we undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations.

KLYA-FIN

ANALYST CONTACT:MEDIA CONTACT:
Scott ThomasJane Stehney
(248) 251-7264(248) 765-6864
scott.thomas@kellyservices.comstehnja@kellyservices.com

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SOURCE Kelly Services, Inc.

Release – Eskay Mining Confirms New Precious Metal Rich VMS Discoveries at its Consolidated Eskay Project, Golden Triangle, BC

Research News and Market Data on ESKYF

November 2, 2023

  • Drill intercepts of 6.28 gpt AuEq over 15.00m, 2.96 gpt AuEq over 22.52m, 2.00 gpt AuEq over 61.23m and 1.39 gpt AuEq over 45.67m encountered at Cumberland
  • Rock chip samples of 37.23, 23.34, 20.34 and 20.23 gpt AuEq from Scarlet Knob

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 2, 2023 / Eskay Mining Corp. (“Eskay” or the “Company”) (TSXV:ESK)(OTCQX:ESKYF)(Frankfurt:KN7)(WKN:A0YDPM) is pleased to announce it has received very encouraging assay results from its 2023 diamond drill and exploration campaign at its 100% controlled Consolidated Eskay Gold Project in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Precious metal-rich volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) deposits are the focus of Eskay’s exploration.

Cumberland VMS Discovery

Nine short diamond core holes were completed at the Cumberland Showing in 2023 (Figure 2), several of which encountered very promising precious and base metal-rich stockwork and massive mineralization. Notable results include:

  • 3.02 gpt Au, 68.66 gpt Ag, 0.24% Cu, 0.73% Pb and 4.86% Zn (6.28 gpt AuEq) over 15.00m including 8.48 gpt Au, 103.27 gpt Ag, 0.23% Cu, 1.08% Pb and 4.16% Zn (12.02 gpt AuEq) over 3.41m in hole CBL23-28.
  • 1.21 gpt Au, 29.22 gpt Ag, 0.12% Cu, 0.32% Pb and 2.94% Zn (2.96 gpt AuEq) over 22.52m including 3.45 gpt Au, 108.21 gpt Ag, 0.65% Cu, 0.54% Pb and 19.40% Zn (13.24 gpt AuEq) over 1.75m in hole CBL23-29.
  • 0.68 gpt Au, 15.72 gpt Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.27% Pb and 0.90% Zn (1.39 gpt AuEq) over 45.67m in hole CBL23-30.
  • 0.95 gpt Au, 29.04 gpt Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.29% Pb and 1.31% Zn (2.00 gpt AuEq) over 61.23m including 1.57 gpt Au, 58.80 gpt Ag, 0.16% Cu, 0.60% Pb and 3.13% Zn (3.91 gpt AuEq) over 20.08m in hole CBL23-31.

Cumberland lies approximately 6km due south of the TV deposit and is similarly situated along the east side of the Eskay anticline. Eskay’s geologic team thinks this discovery opens up considerable exploration potential in areas between Cumberland and the TV-Jeff VMS complex (Figures 3 and 4). It is notable that mineralization at Cumberland displays very high base metals, an indicator of high formational fluid temperatures, a potential sign that this area lies in proximity to a major feeder vent or vents.

Based upon data from this limited first phase drill program, the Cumberland VMS deposit is interpreted to be tabular with a N-S orientation and a near vertical dip, perhaps slightly overturned. It remains open along strike and at depth. A review of historic soil data (Figures 3 and 4) from areas up to 1.5 km south of Cumberland indicates a broad area of strongly anomalous geochemistry, especially elevated silver values, confirming a likely extension of mineralization in this direction. Eskay’s geologic team observed significant outcropping sulfide mineralization while conducting traverses in this region south of Cumberland.

While prospecting late in the season, a notable area of outcropping sulfide mineralization was observed approximately 2.5 km to the northeast of Cumberland and is potentially part of the same VMS system. This area has been named Mahogany Ridge. Historic rock chip sample data from the broader Cumberland trend includes samples grading 25.0, and 27.9 gpt Au.

Given the strong drill and rock chip sample results from the Cumberland-Mahogany Ridge area, Eskay Mining views this discovery as a high priority exploration target. Compelling evidence is emerging that the corridor starting at TV-Jeff in the north through Mahogany Ridge and Cumberland and continuing a further 1.5km south of Cumberland is highly prospective for further precious metal-rich VMS discoveries. Eskay Mining thinks this corridor requires urgent follow up work including drilling in 2024.

“Cumberland is shaping up to be a very compelling and unique target”, commented John DeDecker, Eskay’s VP of Exploration. “Intense polymetallic sulfide mineralization ranges from stockwork-style, to massive seafloor-hosted mineralization. The seafloor-hosted mineralization is associated with barite breccia, and is capped by a non-mineralized and highly magnetic pillow basalt. Drilling and field investigations have defined the orientation of the mineralized seafloor horizon, and have shown that Ag anomalies in historic soil samples, and a pronounced magnetic anomaly evident in the 2021 EM survey lie along the trend of mineralization extending at least 300 m south of Cumberland. Our team looks forward to investigating this area further in 2024. The confirmation of another mineralized seafloor horizon at Scarlet Knob, and extensive disseminated Au mineralization at Tarn Lake opens these areas up to targeted exploration in 2024.”

Summary of significant results from nine core holes completed at the Cumberland Showing in 2023:

HoleFrom (m)To (m)Length (m)Au (gpt)Ag (gpt)Cu (%)Pb (%)Zn (%)Au Eq (gpt)
CBL23-26NSV
CBL23-271.268.156.890.5816.930.79
22.5725.763.190.3312.500.250.340.70
30.5035.394.890.4311.800.100.610.85
71.8392.6520.820.281.110.060.082.001.16
includes73.6376.713.080.176.620.080.042.801.44
includes84.9085.901.001.7823.000.350.2511.857.13
103.98121.0317.050.3410.120.47
CBL23-281.2916.2915.003.0268.660.240.734.866.28
includes5.6816.2910.614.1192.840.300.926.338.39
includes9.8613.273.418.48103.270.231.084.1612.02
CBL23-291.6924.2122.521.2129.220.120.322.942.96
includes1.694.793.102.9014.180.060.290.493.44
and14.9424.219.271.7053.890.230.510.623.07
includes22.4624.211.753.45108.210.650.5419.4013.24
CBL23-300.8946.5645.670.6815.720.070.270.901.39
includes0.892.791.902.725.030.021.460.193.37
and17.1246.5629.440.8421.400.110.381.561.97
CBL23-311.2262.4561.230.9529.040.070.291.312.00
includes1.222.221.009.846.780.020.150.0610.02
and30.2050.2820.081.5758.800.160.603.133.91
includes30.2035.205.001.3657.820.480.438.756.18
and36.2038.252.054.64155.070.071.161.347.57
85.0095.0010.000.4813.070.080.170.74
CBL23-32NSV
CBL23-33NSV
CBL23-34114.28117.283.000.207.420.091.380.85
127.61136.659.040.143.420.021.010.58

NSV = No Significant Values; AuEq values have been calculated using a Ag-to-Au ratio of 80:1, Cu-to-Au ratio of 8,100:1, Pb-to-Au ratio of 29,800:1 and Zn-to-Au ratio of 26,050:1 for this news release.

Scarlet Knob-Bruce Glacier Discovery

Near the end of the exploration season at a time of maximum snowmelt, Eskay Mining’s exploration team found outcrops of metal-rich VMS mineralization immediately adjacent to the eastern margin of Bruce Glacier. This area is called Scarlet Knob and is located in the northeastern part of the Consolidated Eskay Gold Project approximately 7km southeast of the Eskay Creek mine. Four rock chip samples collected from a 100 m long, 5 m wide sulfide replacement body (Figures 6 and 7) returned very strong precious and base metal values as presented below:

SampleAu (gpt)Ag (gpt)Cu (%)Pb (%)Zn (%)Au Eq (gpt)
1001A11.71199.030.337.778.1620.34
1001B22.26461.970.2214.5710.5037.23
1001C10.04169.500.1612.0010.0220.23
1001D14.80160.820.169.538.1823.34

Although this outcropping sulfide body is small, it appears to occur at or near the paleo-sea floor interface, a stratigraphic position conducive for hosting a deposit like that at the nearby Eskay Creek mine. Given the very strong precious metal values from these samples, Eskay mining’s geologic team takes a strong view that this occurrence suggests a bigger system may be present in this area.

Early in the drill season, four core holes were drilled in an area approximately 200 m south of this high-grade discovery. These holes were drilled based upon a conceptual view formed by Eskay Mining’s geologic team that the paleo-seafloor position, possibly mineralized, should be hiding under Bruce Glacier. All four of these drill holes indeed pierced the contact between volcanic rocks and sea floor mudstone, and two of these holes encountered highly elevated precious and base metal values as seen in the table below:

HoleFrom (m)To (m)Length (m)Au (gpt)Ag (gpt)Cu (%)Pb (%)Zn (%)Au Eq (gpt)
SKN23-01172.92174.101.180.2446.901.931.191.93
255.32257.512.190.4049.660.450.471.35
SKN23-02188.81191.432.620.5233.750.621.631.78
SKN23-03NSV
SKN23-04NSV

Although these intercepts are not long, the strong precious and base metal contents encountered in these holes are considered the sort of values that might occur proximal to a much stronger VMS system. Combined with the latter surface discovery of high-grade precious and base metal mineralization discussed above, this lends further strong evidence for a larger VMS system in this area. Eskay Mining’s geologic team takes the view that more exploration including core drilling is warranted at Scarlet Knob in 2024.

Tarn Lake

Four diamond drill holes were completed at Tarn Lake during the 2023 drill campaign (Figure 5) to follow up on encouraging drill results from this area in 2022. While all four holes encountered short to moderate length intervals of mineralization, two holes, TN23-14 and TN23-16 encountered short high-grade intervals, 4.84 gpt Au and 8.14 gpt Ag (4.94 gpt AuEq) over 2.00m in TN23-14 and 7.83 gpt Au and 6.96 gpt Ag (7.92 gpt AuEq) over 2.45m in TN23-16. These can be seen in the table below:

HoleFrom (m)To (m)Length (m)Au (gpt)Ag (gpt)Cu (%)Pb (%)Zn (%)Au Eq (gpt)
TN23-1334.0037.693.690.482.690.51
43.5048.505.000.374.440.43
TN23-1466.3967.801.413.330.843.34
78.4084.406.002.074.822.13
includes80.4082.402.004.848.144.94
114.81117.903.090.594.700.65
TN23-1551.0054.023.020.433.080.47
63.1565.282.130.831.950.85
136.80153.7016.900.316.400.39
175.90187.5011.600.825.880.89
208.30215.827.520.758.000.85
244.93250.305.370.462.040.49
TN23-16130.44132.892.457.836.967.92
includes130.44131.390.9512.4010.0012.53

Given the most promising results from Tarn Lake to date come from feeder zone type mineralization perhaps occurring deep in a VMS system, Eskay Mining’s geologic team is considering where the upper part of this system, including the favorable paleo-sea floor position, might lie. Rock chip sampling conducted in 2023 shows that disseminated Au mineralization extends approximately 100 m to the west of and over 200 m to the north of the drill holes at Tarn Lake (Figure 6). More field work and follow up drilling will be needed to ascertain if the better part of this system is present in the Tarn Lake area.

Other Targets

Targeting at Hexagon-Mercury (Figure 1), situated on the western flank of the Eskay Anticline approximately 9 km south of Eskay Creek mine, was driven by geophysical anomalies interpreted by Riaz Mirza of Simcoe Geoscience. One of two drill holes completed at the target yielded an intercept of over 100 m of appreciable stockwork sulfide mineralization hosted by volcanic rock thought to be part of the lower Hazelton Group. While no appreciable precious metals were encountered, moderately elevated pathfinder elements are present. Further work is needed in this location to refine future targets.

Two holes tested the Maroon Cliffs target (Figure 1) situated in the far northeast corner of the Consolidated Eskay Gold Project. Similar to Hexagon-Mercury, targeting at Maroon Cliffs was driven by geophysics. Neither hole encountered appreciable precious metal mineralization, and only weak pathfinder geochemistry. The magnetic expression that defined this target is believed to be driven by a package of conglomerate rock with magnetite-bearing clasts observed in core.

One hole was completed at Storie Creek, a target situated just 3.5 km SSE of the Eskay Creek mine. Prior to drilling, Eskay Mining’s geologic team formed the view that favorable Hazelton Group host rocks dip westward under the drill site thus making an intriguing blind target. Drilling determined that an east dipping reverse fault underlies Storie Creek. Therefore, any prospective Hazelton Group rocks will only lie to the east of Storie Creek. Consideration is being given to what further exploration might be done in the area.

Drill hole data from 2023 program:

Hole IDEasting (m)Northing (m)Elevation (m)AzimuthDipTotal Depth (m)
CBL23-2640864462614483676545210
CBL23-2740867962614753754065258
CBL23-2840867962614753753308078
CBL23-2940867962614753753547081
CBL23-304086796261475375107062
CBL23-3140867962614753752565122
CBL23-324086796261475375856595
CBL23-334086796261475375305016.5
CBL23-3440864462614483674545142
TV23-124409628626529996328355299
TN23-134151926273601146127044141.2
TN23-144151986273503146530555190.4
TN23-154150016273619151810050463.2
TN23-164150016273619151810075284
SKN23-014160976273570146527045339
SKN23-024160976273570146529545289
SKN23-034160976273570146525545296
SKN23-044160976273570146527565307
MC23-02421550628015691718045248
MC23-01423441627985591718045260
HM23-02408901627094254124545255
HM23-01408473627225583124545276
SC23-01411834627363939913050810
SC23-02413145627514755913050151

QA/QC, Methodology Statement:

Halved HQ drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry in Terrace, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. ALS is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays. All analytical methods include quality control standards inserted at set frequencies. The entire sample interval is crushed and homogenized, 250 g of the homogenized sample is pulped. All samples were analyzed for gold, silver, mercury, and a suite of 48 major and trace elements. Analysis for gold is by fire assay fusion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) on 30 g of pulp. Analysis for silver is by fire assay and gravimetric analysis on 30 g of pulp. Mercury is analyzed using the trace Hg Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) method. All other major and trace elements are analyzed by four-acid digestion followed by ICP-MS.

The assay results for rock chip samples reported for Scarlet Knob were obtained from Skeena Resources field assay laboratory. The entire sample is crushed and homogenized, and 100g of the homogenized sample is pulped. All samples were analyzed for gold, silver, arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc. Duplicates of these samples were sent to ALS Geochemistry in Terrace, British Columbia for certified analyses. Certified assay results for the Scarlet Knob rock chip samples are pending.

Historical rock chip and soil sample data is sourced from Assessment Reports AR17205 and AR22231. Eskay Mining is unable to fully verify this data, and it should be treated as such by the reader.

Mineralization at the TV and Jeff deposits displays similar characteristics and mineralogy to the Eskay Creek deposit and therefore for Au eq, and Au:Ag, a ratio of 78:1 is used and Au eq and Ag eq values are deemed to be reasonable based on assumed gold recovery (84.2%) and silver recovery (87.3%) as reported in the Eskay Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study, British Columbia, Canada, Effective Date: 22 July, 2021, Prepared for: Skeena Resources Ltd., Prepared by: Absence Engineering Canada Inc.

True widths of reported intercepts are not fully understood at this time. More drilling is required to ascertain true widths at these newly identified mineralized areas.

Dr. Quinton Hennigh, P. Geo., a Director of the Company and its technical adviser, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release.

About Eskay Mining Corp:

Eskay Mining Corp (TSX-V:ESK) is a TSX Venture Exchange listed company, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Eskay is an exploration company focused on the exploration and development of precious and base metals along the Eskay rift in a highly prolific region of northwest British Columbia known as the “Golden Triangle,” 70km northwest of Stewart, BC. The Company currently holds mineral tenures in this area comprised of 177 claims (52,600 hectares).

All material information on the Company may be found on its website at www.eskaymining.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please contact:

Mac Balkam
President & Chief Executive Officer
T: 416 907 4020
E: Mac@eskaymining.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such as actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

(Figure 1. Plan view of Eskay Mining’s land holdings at Consolidate Eskay Gold Project.)

(Figure 2. Plan view (top) and section looking southeast (bottom) showing assay results in Au equivalent for 2023 drill holes at Cumberland.)

(Figure 3. Map of the Cumberland prospect showing Ag values in soil samples and Au in rock chip samples reported in assessment reports 17205 and 22231. The Ag anomaly immediately south of Cumberland lies along the trend of mineralization as determined by drilling and field work in 2023.)

(Figure 4. Magnetic map of the Cumberland-Excelsior-Mahogany Ridge-TV area showing soil sample results from the 2021-2022 exploration programs and historic sampling programs reported in assessment reports 17205, and 22231. There are pronounced magnetic and Ag soil anomalies along trend from mineralization at the Cumberland prospect. This area will be a focus of exploration activities in 2024.)

(Figure 5. Plan view (top) and section looking southeast (bottom) showing assay results in Au equivalent for 2023 drill holes at Tarn Lake.)

(Figure 6. Map of the Bruce Glacier area showing the drill traces at Tarn Lake and Scarlet Knob, and Au assay results for rock chip samples collected during the 2021-2023 exploration programs. An approximately 100 m long and 5 m wide trend of semi-massive replacement-style polymetallic sulfide mineralization at Scarlet Knob yielded several Au- and Ag-bearing samples. Sampling at Tarn Lake shows that disseminated Au mineralization extends at least 100 m west of and 200 m north of 2022-2023 drilling. Both of these areas remain high-priority targets for exploration in 2024.)

(Figure 7. Top: The trend of semi-massive sulfide mineralization that was sampled at Scarlet Knob, with geologist for scale. Bottom: Photograph of sample 1001B showing massive polymetallic sulfide mineralization. This zone is associated with an andesite dike, with the most intense mineralization associated with sulfide replacement of volcaniclastic debris flow breccia surrounding the dike. The presence of replacement-style mineralization indicates a stratigraphic position within 200 m of the paleoseafloor. The confirmation of a paleoseafloor horizon in the 2023 drill holes at Scarlet Knob, raises the possibility that the VMS system that produced the replacement-style mineralization shown above may have fed seafloor vents. Investigation of this possibility will be an objective of the 2024 exploration program.)

SOURCE: Eskay Mining Corp.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/798688/eskay-mining-confirms-new-precious-metal-rich-vms-discoveries-at-its-consolidated-eskay-project-golden-triangle-bc

Release – CVG Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results

Research News and Market Data on CVGI

November 1, 2023

EPS of $0.22, up 100% year-over-year
Adjusted EBITDA of $16.6 million, up 16.1% year-over-year
Our strategy continues to favorably impact our results as Electrical Systems revenues were up 16.8% year-over-year

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVG (NASDAQ: CVGI), a diversified industrial products and services company, today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Third Quarter 2023 Highlights (Compared with prior year, where comparisons are noted)

  • Revenues of $246.7 million, down 1.9% due primarily to higher revenue in the prior year as a result of a COVID backlog in Asia-Pacific which offset an increase in revenue in Electrical Systems in 2023.
  • Operating income of $12.4 million, up 30.5%; adjusted operating income of $12.5 million, up 17.9%. Improved operating income was driven primarily by improved pricing and cost management, partially offset by volume decreases.
  • Net income and adjusted net income were both $7.3 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share and adjusted net income of $5.1 million, or $0.15 per diluted share.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $16.6 million, up 16.1% with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.7%, up from 5.7%.
  • New business wins year-to-date are expected to be approximately $140 million when fully ramped. The majority of the new business awards continue to be in the Electrical Systems segment.
  • Strong free cash flow and debt pay down reduced our leverage ratio down to 1.5x from 2.7x.

Robert Griffin, Chairman of the Board and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “CVG continues to execute on its strategic long-term plan, which again delivered year-over-year bottom line improvements in the quarter. Electrical Systems remains a key growth area for the Company, as evidenced by the strong revenue growth compared to last year and the successful start-up at our new Electrical Systems facilities in Aldama, Mexico, and Tangier, Morocco, which has gone very well. As always, I would like to thank our global CVG teams for their hard work, dedication, and commitment as we continue to execute our strategic goals.”

Andy Cheung, Chief Financial Officer, added, “CVG continued executing on our strategy, delivering strong year-over-year improvements in profitability during the quarter. Despite the strong performance, revenues declined slightly year-over-year against a tough comparable base year in 2022, when our Asia-Pacific business benefited from a post-COVID increase in backlogged sales orders. We also had improved earnings and generated strong free cash flow of $12.5 million during the quarter, further strengthening our financial foundation, and reduced our leverage to 1.5x from 2.7x in the third quarter last year.”

“Going forward, we remain committed to driving strong free cash flow, paying down debt, and investing to support our growing, diverse portfolio of businesses.”

Third Quarter Financial Results
(amounts in millions except per share data and percentages)

 Third Quarter    
 2023 2022 $ Change % Change
Revenues$246.7  $251.4  $(4.7) (1.9)%
Gross profit$33.9  $26.8  $7.1  26.5%
Gross margin 13.7%  10.7%    
Adjusted gross profit 1$34.0  $27.4  $6.6  24.1%
Adjusted gross margin 1 13.8%  10.9%    
Operating income$12.4  $9.5  $2.9  30.5%
Operating margin 5.0%  3.8%    
Adjusted operating income 1$12.5  $10.6  $1.9  17.9%
Adjusted operating margin 1 5.1%  4.2%    
Net income$7.3  $3.6  $3.7  102.8%
Adjusted net income 1$7.3  $5.1  $2.2  43.1%
Earnings per share, diluted$0.22  $0.11  $0.11  100.0%
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted 1$0.22  $0.15  $0.07  46.7%
Adjusted EBITDA 1$16.6  $14.3  $2.3  16.1%
Adjusted EBITDA margin 1 6.7%  5.7%    
See Appendix A for GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation    
     

Consolidated Results

Third Quarter 2023 Results

  • Third quarter 2023 revenues were $246.7 million, compared to $251.4 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 1.9%. The overall decrease in revenues was due to higher revenue in the prior year as a result of a COVID backlog in Asia-Pacific. Foreign currency translation also favorably impacted third quarter 2023 revenues by $2.0 million, or 0.8%.
  • Operating income in the third quarter 2023 was $12.4 million compared to $9.5 million in the prior year period. The increase in operating income was attributable to improved pricing and cost management, partially offset by volume decreases. Third quarter 2023 adjusted operating income was $12.5 million, excluding special charges.
  • Interest associated with debt and other expenses was $2.6 million and $2.8 million for the third quarter 2023 and 2022, respectively.
  • Net income was $7.3 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2023 compared to net income of $3.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in the prior year period.

On September 30, 2023, the Company had $5.0 million of outstanding borrowings on its U.S. revolving credit facility and $4.1 million outstanding on its China credit facility, $46.3 million of cash and $152.0 million of availability from the credit facilities, resulting in total liquidity of $198.3 million.

Third Quarter 2023 Segment Results

Vehicle Solutions Segment

  • Revenues were $145.4 million compared to $154.0 million for the prior year period, a decrease of 5.6%, due to higher revenue in the prior year as a result of a COVID backlog in Asia-Pacific.
  • Operating income was $10.9 million, compared to $9.6 million in the prior year period, an increase of 14.0%, primarily attributable to price increases, material and freight cost reduction improvements, partially offset by volume decreases.

Electrical Systems Segment

  • Revenues were $53.9 million compared to $46.1 million in the prior year period, an increase of 16.8%, primarily resulting from increased sales volume, pricing and favorable foreign exchange.
  • Operating income was $5.9 million compared to $5.2 million in the prior year period, an increase of 13.7%. The increase in operating income was primarily attributable to increased sales volume and pricing, partially offset by startup costs related to new facilities.

Aftermarket & Accessories Segment

  • Revenues were $34.4 million compared to $37.1 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 7.4%, primarily resulting from decreased sales volume.
  • Operating income was $4.5 million compared to $5.0 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 9.1%. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to cost inflation, partially offset by increased pricing.

Industrial Automation Segment

  • Revenues were $13.0 million compared to $14.1 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 7.8%, primarily due to lower sales volume due to decreased customer demand.
  • Operating income was $0.7 million compared to an operating loss of $1.0 million in the prior year period. The increase in operating income was primarily attributable to profit reported from the liquidation of certain excess inventories. Adjusted operating income was $0.8 million.

2023 Demand Outlook

According to ACT Research, the 2023 North American Class 8 truck production levels are expected to be at 336,000 units, compared to approximately 315,000 units in 2022. Class 8 estimates from FTR for 2023 are 327,000 units, slightly lower than ACT Research for Class 8 truck builds. Class 5-7 production levels are expected to be at 266,000 units in 2023. The 2024 forecast Class 8 truck builds according to ACT Research is approximately 274,000 units.

According to Transparency Market Research Inc, the global commercial and automotive vehicle wire harness market is growing at approximately 5% per year.

According to Interact Analysis, the Global Off-Highway vehicle market is expected to increase approximately 5% in 2023. Beyond 2023, the Off-Highway vehicle market is expected to grow in the 4-5% range.

According to MacKay and Company, North American aftermarket truck parts are expected to see at least 4% growth in 2023. Compounded annual growth of at least 4% is forecasted for 2023-2027​.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures referenced in this release is included as Appendix A to this release.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss this press release is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. ET. Management intends to reference the Q3 2023 Earnings Call Presentation during the conference call. To participate, dial (888) 259-6580 using conference code 93330617. International participants dial (416) 764-8624 using conference code 93330617.

This call is being webcast and can be accessed through the “Investors” section of CVG’s website at ir.cvgrp.com, where it will be archived for one year.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available for a period of two weeks following the call. To access the replay, dial (877) 674-7070 using access code 051647 and international callers can dial (416) 764-8692 using access code 051647.

Company Contact
Andy Cheung
Chief Financial Officer
CVG
IR@cvgrp.com

Investor Relations Contact
Ross Collins or Stephen Poe
Alpha IR Group
CVGI@alpha-ir.com

About CVG

At CVG, we deliver real solutions to complex design, engineering and manufacturing problems while creating positive change for our customers, industries and communities we serve. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements often include words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “project”, “continue”, “likely”, and similar expressions. In particular, this press release may contain forward-looking statements about the Company’s expectations for future periods with respect to its plans to improve financial results, the future of the Company’s end markets, changes in the Class 8 and Class 5-7 North America truck build rates, performance of the global construction equipment business, the Company’s prospects in the wire harness, warehouse automation and electric vehicle markets, the Company’s initiatives to address customer needs, organic growth, the Company’s strategic plans and plans to focus on certain segments, competition faced by the Company, volatility in and disruption to the global economic environment and the Company’s financial position or other financial information. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made in light of its experience as well as its perspective on historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results because of certain risks and uncertainties, including those included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. There can be no assurance that statements made in this press release relating to future events will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on behalf of the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
Revenues$246,687 $251,412 $771,590 $746,635
Cost of revenues 212,763  224,570  664,056  672,531
Gross profit 33,924  26,842  107,534  74,104
Selling, general and administrative expenses 21,476  17,304  64,498  49,955
Operating income 12,448  9,538  43,036  24,149
Other expense 383  1,924  488  2,798
Interest expense 2,614  2,813  8,308  6,892
Loss on extinguishment of debt       921
Income before provision for income taxes 9,451  4,801  34,240  13,538
Provision for income taxes 2,161  1,250  8,110  3,520
Net income$7,290 $3,551 $26,130 $10,018
Earnings per Common Share:       
Basic$0.22 $0.11 $0.79 $0.30
Diluted$0.22 $0.11 $0.78 $0.30
Weighted average shares outstanding:       
Basic 33,100  32,460  33,010  32,950
Diluted 33,350  32,922  33,408  33,645
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
ASSETSSeptember 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
Current assets:   
Cash$46,293  $31,825 
Accounts receivable, net 159,863   152,626 
Inventories 128,192   142,542 
Other current assets 29,892   12,582 
Total current assets 364,240   339,575 
Property, plant and equipment, net 71,554   67,805 
Intangible assets, net 12,041   14,620 
Deferred income taxes 11,181   12,275 
Other assets, net 37,026   35,993 
Total assets$496,042  $470,268 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$105,110  $122,091 
Accrued liabilities and other 52,999   42,809 
Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt 18,331   10,938 
Total current liabilities 176,440   175,838 
Long-term debt 135,573   141,499 
Pension and other post-retirement benefits 9,325   8,428 
Other long-term liabilities 28,150   24,463 
    Total liabilities$349,488  $350,228 
Stockholders’ equity:   
Preferred stock$  $ 
Common stock 330   328 
Treasury stock (15,322)  (14,514)
Additional paid-in capital 263,641   261,371 
Retained deficit (69,465)  (95,595)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (32,630)  (31,550)
Total stockholders’ equity 146,554   120,040 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY$496,042  $470,268 
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
BUSINESS SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 Vehicle Solutions Electrical Systems Aftermarket and Accessories Industrial Automation Corporate/Other Total
 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022
Revenues$145,393 $154,024 $53,862 $46,129 $34,412 $37,143 $13,020 $14,116  $  $  $246,687 $251,412
Gross profit 17,661  13,839  7,881  6,210  6,605  6,389  1,777  404         33,924  26,842
Selling, general & administrative expenses 6,761  4,279  2,018  1,055  2,104  1,436  1,087  1,371   9,506   9,163   21,476  17,304
Operating income (loss)$10,900 $9,560 $5,863 $5,155 $4,501 $4,953 $690 $(967) $(9,506) $(9,163) $12,448 $9,538
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Vehicle Solutions Electrical Systems Aftermarket and Accessories Industrial Automation Corporate/Other Total
 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023  2022 2023  2022
Revenues$458,707 $436,966 $172,236 $133,350 $108,870 $99,530 $31,777  $76,789 $  $  $771,590 $746,635
Gross profit 58,035  35,657  26,524  16,857  21,620  13,341  1,355   8,249        107,534  74,104
Selling, general & administrative expenses 19,609  18,269  6,932  3,998  6,017  4,636  3,588   4,242  28,352   18,810   64,498  49,955
Operating income (loss)$38,426 $17,388 $19,592 $12,859 $15,603 $8,705 $(2,233) $4,007 $(28,352) $(18,810) $43,036 $24,149
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Appendix A: Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)
 
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
Gross profit$33,924  $26,842  $107,534  $74,104 
Restructuring 70   607   1,443   2,958 
Adjusted gross profit$33,994  $27,449  $108,977  $77,062 
% of revenues 13.8%  10.9%  14.1%  10.3%
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
Operating income (loss)$12,448  $9,538  $43,036  $24,149 
Restructuring 70   647   1,501   3,387 
Deferred consideration purchase accounting    103      341 
Executive transition    329      329 
Total operating income adjustments 70   1,079   1,501   4,057 
Adjusted operating income$12,518  $10,617  $44,537  $28,206 
% of revenues 5.1%  4.2%  5.8%  3.8%
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
Net income$7,290  $3,551  $26,130  $10,018 
Operating income adjustments 70   1,079   1,501   4,057 
Pension settlement    1,116      1,116 
Loss on extinguishment of debt          921 
Hryvnia fair value adjustments on forward exchange contracts    (153)     98 
Adjusted provision for income taxes1 (18)  (511)  (375)  (1,548)
Adjusted net income$7,342  $5,082  $27,256  $14,662 
        
Diluted EPS$0.22  $0.11  $0.78  $0.30 
Adjustments to diluted EPS$  $0.04  $0.04  $0.14 
Adjusted diluted EPS$0.22  $0.15  $0.82  $0.44 
  1. Reported Tax Provision adjusted for tax effect of special charges at 25%

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
Net income$7,290  $3,551  $26,130  $10,018 
Interest expense 2,614   2,813   8,308   6,892 
Provision for income taxes 2,161   1,250   8,110   3,520 
Depreciation expense 3,639   3,749   10,615   11,043 
Amortization expense 847   851   2,544   2,563 
EBITDA$16,551  $12,214  $55,707  $34,036 
% of revenues 6.7%  4.9%  7.2%  4.6%
        
EBITDA adjustments       
Restructuring$70  $647  $1,501  $3,387 
Deferred consideration purchase accounting    103      341 
Loss on extinguishment of debt          921 
Hryvnia fair value adjustments on forward exchange contracts    (153)     98 
Executive transition    329      329 
Pension settlement    1,116      1,116 
Adjusted EBITDA$16,621  $14,256  $57,208  $40,228 
% of revenues 6.7%  5.7%  7.4%  5.4%
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
 Vehicle Solutions Electrical Systems Aftermarket and Accessories Industrial Automation Corporate/Other Total
Operating income (loss)$10,900  $5,863  $4,501  $690  $(9,506) $12,448 
Restructuring          70      70 
Adjusted operating income (loss)$10,900  $5,863  $4,501  $760  $(9,506) $12,518 
% of revenues 7.5%  10.9%  13.1%  5.8%    5.1%
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
 Vehicle Solutions Electrical Systems Aftermarket and Accessories Industrial Automation Corporate/Other Total
Operating income (loss)$38,426  $19,592  $15,603  $(2,233) $(28,352) $43,036 
Restructuring 423   8      1,070      1,501 
Adjusted operating income (loss)$38,849  $19,600  $15,603  $(1,163) $(28,352) $44,537 
% of revenues 8.5%  11.4%  14.3%  (3.7)%    5.8%
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
 Vehicle Solutions Electrical Systems Aftermarket and Accessories Industrial Automation Corporate/Other Total
Operating income (loss)$9,560  $5,155  $4,953  $(967) $(9,163) $9,538 
Restructuring 66     445   136    $647 
Deferred consideration purchase accounting          103      103 
Executive transition             329   329 
Adjusted operating income (loss)$9,626  $5,155  $5,398  $(728) $(8,834) $10,617 
% of revenues 6.2%  11.2%  14.5% (5.2)%    4.2%
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
 Vehicle Solutions Electrical Systems Aftermarket and Accessories Industrial Automation Corporate/Other Total
Operating income (loss)$17,388  $12,859  $8,705  $4,007  $(18,810) $24,149 
Restructuring 270   571   1,440   800   306   3,387 
Deferred consideration purchase accounting          341      341 
Executive transition             329   329 
Adjusted operating income (loss)$17,658  $13,430  $10,145  $5,148  $(18,175) $28,206 
% of revenues 4.0%  10.1%  10.2%  6.7%    3.8%
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities$18,468  $38,301  $29,990  $33,794 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (6,017)  (3,925)  (15,196)  (12,541)
Free cash flow$12,451  $34,376  $14,794  $21,253 


Use of Non-GAAP Measures

This earnings release contains financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In general, the non-GAAP measures exclude items that (i) management believes reflect the Company’s multi-year corporate activities; or (ii) relate to activities or actions that may have occurred over multiple or in prior periods without predictable trends. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to evaluate the Company’s performance, engage in financial and operational planning and to determine incentive compensation.

Management provides these non-GAAP financial measures to investors as supplemental metrics to assist readers in assessing the effects of items and events on the Company’s financial and operating results and in comparing the Company’s performance to that of its competitors and to comparable reporting periods. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.

The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those financial statements set forth above should be carefully evaluated.

Source: Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Release – Finalists Named for 2023 ISG Paragon Awards™ South America

Research News and Market Data on III

11/1/2023

Program recognizes innovative approaches to leveraging technology and new operating models for business success

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, today announced the finalists for the 2023 ISG Paragon Awards™ South America, which celebrate the ongoing transformation of sourcing industry partnerships through new approaches and technologies.

Winners in each category will be selected by a panel of independent industry experts and announced at the ISG Sourcing Industry Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday, November 9, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in São Paulo, Brazil.

Here are the South America finalists for the 2023 awards:

Excellence: Recognizing outstanding delivery by a technology or service provider

  • Kyndryl with a renowned motor vehicle manufacturer
  • Megawork Consultoria with a major retailer in Brazil
  • MIGNOW with a top financial firm offering banking services and solutions
  • T-Systems do Brasil with a renowned motor vehicle manufacturer
  • senhasegura with a leading pharmaceutical company

Innovation: Recognizing the importance of imagination and entrepreneurial spirit in helping organizations future-proof their businesses and better serve clients

  • Monitora Soluções Tecnológicas with a major hotel and apartment chain
  • Prime Control with a fashion and technology-focused company
  • Teleperformance with a prominent retail group
  • Vericode with Brazil’s financial market infrastructure firm
  • Teltec Solutions with a dynamic food solutions provider

Transformation: Recognizing the successful transformation of an organization or key business function

  • Enkel with a major player in the food industry
  • Fcamara with a distributor and wholesaler of food products
  • Spassu Tecnologia with Brazil’s state-owned oil and gas company
  • Logicalis with a data intelligence company
  • Dedalus with a healthcare technology and services provider

Environmental Sustainability: Recognizing outstanding positive impacts in one or more environmental sustainability fields for clients, consumers, communities and/or employees

  • ST IT Cloud with a global pharmaceutical and life sciences company
  • TIVIT with a leading agribusiness and food company
  • Yaman with a comprehensive benefits and rewards provider
  • Darede Serviços de TI with an energy solutions company

The ISG Paragon Awards™ South America, produced by ISG Events, recognize the innovative ways enterprises and providers are driving business success by leveraging digital technology and new operating models.

“Enterprises in South America seek partners to help them create hybrid, connected, autonomous, intelligent and effective organizations,” said Todd Lavieri, partner and president, ISG Americas and Asia Pacific. “ISG research finds regional providers in South America are outpacing many larger global firms in helping clients adopt the technologies that can deliver transformative business outcomes. It is an honor to recognize the partnerships that are driving agility and productivity in the region.”

Winners of the ISG Provider Lens™ Awards, recognizing outstanding performances by providers featured in ISG Provider Lens™ studies, will also be honored at the November 9 ISG Sourcing Industry Awards gala.

Full details of the ISG Paragon Awards program are available on the award website.

About ISG

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,600 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.

Source: Information Services Group, Inc.

Release – Salem Media Group Announces Partnership with Just The News

Research News and Market Data on SALM

November 01, 2023 12:00pm EDT

IRVING, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Salem Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SALM) announced today a new partnership between the Salem Podcast Network and Just The News to place the podcasts of John Solomon, Victor Davis Hanson, and Bauer and Rose on the SPN Platform. The agreement will allow Salem to market and sell the podcasts to its array of advertisers and provide additional promotional support.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231030790947/en/

John Solomon (Graphic: Business Wire)

The Salem Podcast Network has grown to become the 11th largest network on the Triton Digital national rankings, featuring such programs as Charlie Kirk, Dinesh D’Souza, and Trish Regan. “John Solomon and his team are a perfect fit for Salem and will provide an additional layer of news credibility to the stories he covers,” said Salem Senior VP Phil Boyce. “When you add Victor Davis Hanson’s podcasts, and those of Bauer and Rose, it makes the partnership complete.”

Solomon currently hosts seven podcasts a week dealing with many of the breaking news stories he covers on his website. In addition, Hanson hosts four podcasts a week, dealing with many of the culture war issues facing the country. Bauer and Rose host one podcast a week, so this adds an additional 12 weekly podcasts to the SPN platform.

“Salem Podcast Network has amassed one of the most formidable audiences and lineups in the industry,” said Solomon. “We are excited to be joining the team and introducing our news and analysis to a whole new audience.”

The Salem Podcast Network is one of Salem’s fastest growing business entities, providing podcasters with advertising, promotional support, and social media infrastructure. Podcasting in general is one of the fastest growing outlets for spoken word content, now reaching 14 million listeners a day, and Salem is a leader in the breaking news categories.

ABOUT SALEM MEDIA GROUP:

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing. Each day Salem serves a loyal and dedicated audience of listeners and readers numbering in the millions nationally. With its unique programming focus, Salem provides compelling content, fresh commentary and relevant information from some of the most respected figures across the Christian and conservative media landscape. Learn more about Salem Media Group, Inc. at www.salemmedia.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231030790947/en/

Evan D. Masyr
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(805) 384-4512
evan@salemmedia.com

Source: Salem Media Group, Inc.

Released November 1, 2023

Release – Noble Capital Markets Initiates Equity Research Coverage on Xcel Brands, Inc.

Research News and Market Data on XELB

November 1, 2023 at 8:30 AM EDT

NEW YORK, Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) (“Xcel” or the “Company”), a media and consumer products company with significant expertise in livestream shopping and social commerce, is pleased to announce that Noble Capital Markets has initiated company-sponsored equity research coverage on the Company. The full report by Noble Capital Markets Senior Research Analyst Michael Kupinski and Research Analyst Patrick McCann, as well as news and advanced market data on Xcel Brands, Inc., is available on Channelchek.

About Xcel Brands

Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, production, marketing, live streaming, social commerce and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as one thing. Xcel owns the Judith Ripka, Halston, LOGO by Lori Goldstein, and C. Wonder brands and a minority stake in the Isaac Mizrahi brand. It also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing LLC. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retail, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $4 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. www.xcelbrands.com

About Noble Capital Markets

Noble Capital Markets, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 as a full-service SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer, dedicated exclusively to serving underfollowed small / microcap companies through investment banking, wealth management, trading & execution, and equity research activities. Over the past 37 years, Noble has raised billions of dollars for these companies and published more than 45,000 equity research reports. www.noblecapitalmarkets.com email: contact@noblecapitalmarkets.com

About Channelchek

Channelchek (.com) is a comprehensive investor-centric portal – featuring more than 6,000 emerging growth companies – that provides advanced market data, independent research, balanced news, video webcasts, exclusive c-suite interviews, and access to virtual road shows. The site is available to the public at every level without cost or obligation. Research on Channelchek is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., an SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer since 1984. www.channelchek.com email: contact@channelchek.com

For further information please contact:

Andrew Berger
SM Berger & Company, Inc.
216-464-6400
andrew@smberger.com

Source: Xcel Brands, Inc

Release – ARK: Survival Ascended Races to #1 Selling Game on Steam within First 24-hours of Launch

Research News and Market Data on SNAL

November 1, 2023 at 7:59 AM EDT

Within five days of launch ARK Survival Ascended is among the top 8 most popular and played games on Steam.

Exhibiting an all-time concurrent player peak at 98K within five days of launch.

CULVER CITY, Calif., Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail” or “the Company”), a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment announced today the newly released ARK: Survival Ascended was the #1 top selling game on Steam on launch day, October 25th.

This latest installment of the ARK franchise has completely recreated and redesigned the artwork and worlds of ARK to take advantage of the latest in video game technology, Unreal Engine 5.

What are the players doing outside the world of ARK?

  • It watched over 5.6 million minutes of ARK Survival Ascended on Twitch during launch day – this equates to nearly 3,910 days or 10.7 years.
  • ARK Survival Ascended was ranked #1 top live games on YouTube gaming on launch day.
  • Was among the top 6 games on Twitch generating 129K concurrent viewers on launch day.

“On behalf of Snail and our incredible partners at Studio Wildcard, I want to say thank you to the community, and millions of new and old Survivors from around the world, who are and will be immersing yourselves in this new dinosaur survival experience. ARK Survival Ascended is the result of passionate teams working together to bring Unreal Engine 5 technology to the mythical world of ARK. We are excited for ARK Survival Ascended to be released on consoles and are committed to ensuring ARK Survival Ascended continues to usher in a new era of innovation and creativity especially in the cross-platform modding systems.” Jim Tsai, Chief Executive Officer of Snail, Inc.

About Snail, Inc.

Snail is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Snail’s intent, belief or current expectations. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of Snail’s business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, plans and objectives. The statements Snail makes regarding the following matters are forward-looking by their nature: growth prospects and strategies; launching new games and additional functionality to games that are commercially successful, including the launch of ARK: Survival Ascended, ARK: The Animated Series and ARK 2; expectations regarding significant drivers of future growth; its ability to retain and increase its player base and develop new video games and enhance existing games; competition from companies in a number of industries, including other game developers and publishers and both large and small, public and private Internet companies; its relationships with third-party platforms such as Xbox Live and Game Pass, PlayStation Network, Steam, Epic Games Store, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, My Nintendo Store and the Amazon Appstore; expectations for future growth and performance; and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

Contacts:

Investors:
investors@snail.com

Press:
media@snail.com

Release – Vera Bradley, Inc. Announces Reporting Date For Fiscal Year 2024 Third Quarter Results

Research News and Market Data on VRA

Nov 1, 2023

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) (the “Company”) today announced that it plans to report results for the third quarter ended October 28, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its financial results at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time that same day. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.verabradley.com. Alternatively, interested parties may dial into the call at (888) 204-4368, and enter the access code 7089328. A replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and remain available through December 20, 2023. To access the recording, listeners should dial (844) 512-2921, and enter the access code 7089328.

ABOUT VERA BRADLEY, INC.

Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. Vera Bradley and Pura Vida are complementary businesses, both with devoted, emotionally connected, and multi-generational female customer bases; alignment as causal, comfortable, affordable, and fun brands; positioning as “gifting” and socially-connected brands; strong, entrepreneurial cultures; a keen focus on community, charity, and social consciousness; multi-channel distribution strategies; and talented leadership teams aligned and committed to the long-term success of their brands.

Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace.

In July 2019, Vera Bradley, Inc. acquired a 75% interest in Creative Genius, Inc., which also operates under the name Pura Vida Bracelets (“Pura Vida”). Pura Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a digitally native, highly engaging lifestyle brand founded in 2010 by friends Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall. Pura Vida has a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle accessories. The Company acquired the remaining 25% of Pura Vida in January 2023.

CONTACTS:
Investors:
Julia Bentley
jbentley@verabradley.com

Media:
877-708-VERA (8372)
Mediacontact@verabradley.com