LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT(Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”), a leading global franchising company and parent company of iconic brands including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Twin Peaks, Fazoli’s and 12 other restaurant concepts, today announced the redemption of 1,821,831 shares of its 8.25% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock (NASDAQ: FATBP) from an affiliate of Garnett Station Partners, for $43.2 million.
The shares of Series B Preferred Stock were redeemed at a price of $23.69 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption.
“The redemption of this Tranche of Series B Preferred Stock will yield significant cash flow savings for FAT Brands as our securitization facility, which funded the transaction, has a lower cost of capital than the effective dividend rate on the redeemed preferred stock,” noted Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands.
About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we”, “our” or the “Company”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies, including but not limited to uncertainties surrounding the severity, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Planning for a Changing Market Environment is Not Without Risks
There are two upcoming events, one scheduled and one not. They each have the potential and perhaps are even likely, to jolt or shift financial markets for a period longer than the ordinary disruptions traders and investors experience over the course of any month. These two items are the U.S. elections, which are approaching quickly, and a resolution of the Russia and Ukraine war.
Mid-Terms
On the U.S. side of the Atlantic, the mid-term election is thought of as a referendum on the person in the Oval Office and their party. The democrats who are in power in both legislative branches and also hold the executive branch are likely to lose the House and perhaps the Senate. The gridlock that would unfold if this occurs would include many government spending plans that have helped drive some investment sectors since January 2021. However, the party currently controlling both are viewed by many market participants as not “Wall Street-friendly,” so this could also weigh into market direction. And just as critical for investors, it would have the ability to shift which sectors are winners and which investments one may wish to lighten up in.
European War
In Europe, the war means a lot of things to those that live there. Focusing only from a global investor standpoint, one’s mind first turns to the energy sector. If the outcome is one where Russia largely has its way and annexes a large portion of Ukraine, how long would it take for normalcy to resume? And what would that look like? If, instead, Putin, who is leading the charge, loses power or his resolve, what would this mean for stocks, commodity prices, and overall investor mood? Should investors pre-think all scenarios and have a plan for each?
What Investment Experts Say
Channelchek spoke to a couple of highly respected, highly credentialed money managers and investment experts and asked about pre-planning.
Eric Lutton, CFA is Chief Investment Officer, at Sound Income Strategies. Eric doesn’t expect Putin to be removed, but cautions that if he is, depending on what follows, it may not automatically be good for markets. He said, “If Putin was “pushed” out of power, a highly unlikely scenario, but if it were to happen, it would mean more unknowns for the market, which would probably be taken as another negative.” Lutton, who has spent a great deal of time in Russia and Northern Europe, explains, “A vacuum of power in Russia would not be a good thing and could escalate the current situation.” Eric believes if a leader chosen by the West was installed, “inflation would fall, and the Fed could ease up on the rate increases.” Lutton does not think that is a scenario we will see any time soon.
The Sound Income Strategies CIO thinks the media overplays any real risk of Putin dropping a nuclear device so close to Russia on land it seeks to annex. But he did entertain the thought, as I pressured him for hypothetical scenario analysis and investment planning thoughts. “As for investors, if a bomb falls, either Putin or a false flag operation, you’d want to be in 100% cash! No place would be safe other than perhaps a handful of industrial defense or war contractors,” Said Eric Lutton.
As it relates to the November 8th mid-term elections, Eric Lutton isn’t expecting a huge “red wave” win. He points to the notion that there are people that would avoid voting red even if it was clear that the policies would better serve the populace. Eric does, however expect Republicans to gain a majority in the House and Senate. Even if they only gain a majority in one branch, Lutton says, “I do think there will be a slight pop in the market, but short-lived as the main factors will be the Fed, inflation, supply chain and ongoing conflict in Ukraine.”
Robert Johnson, PhD, CFA, CAIA, is the CEO and Chair at Economic Index Associates. He apologetically offered conventional wisdom, suggesting that it could be a mistake for investors to, “…concern themselves with broad market moves or the crisis du jour.” Johnson, instead, recommends more tried and true portfolio implementation. This includes suggesting the creation of an Investment Policy Statement (IPS). Dr. Johnson explains that clearly defining, in advance, and in accordance with one’s time horizon and other specifics, such as liquidity needs and tax situation, will define the ground rules necessary during temporary hiccups in the market.
As it relates to a personal investment policy statement, the Chair of Economic Index Associates says it is best to develop a policy statement in calm, less volatile markets. He says’ “The whole point of an IPS is to guide you through changing market conditions. It should not be changed as a result of market fluctuations.” He did allow for individual changes in circumstances,” It only needs to be revised when your individual circumstances change — perhaps a divorce or other unanticipated life change.”
As added testimony to what Dr. Johnson knew was less than groundbreaking thoughts on the subject of the two future events and what to do in each, he offered, “ I had a former co-worker who, in the run-up to the 2016 election, was convinced that Hillary Clinton was going to win and the stock market was going to crash. So, immediately prior to the election, he sold out of stocks and went to cash. Stocks surged the day following Trump’s victory, and my co-worker bought back into the market — at a higher price.”
Take-Away
Market hiccups are often short-lived.
While it is prudent to keep your eyes open and know what risks and potential rewards may be, it may also be smart to keep investing within specific boundaries. Those boundaries are best defined when volatility and predictability are average. Within the boundaries, there can be room to lighten up or overweight, but not in ways that pull the investor substantially out of line with their original goal while using the predefined arsenal of stocks, bonds, or other financial products.
Fat brands inc. Reports third quarter 2022 financial results
OCTOBER 20, 2022
Conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. ET
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) today reported fiscal third quarter 2022 financial results for the 13-week period ending September 25, 2022.
Andy Wiederhorn, President and CEO of FAT Brands, commented, “We are impressed with the strong performance FAT Brands experienced in the third quarter as evidenced by our robust unit development and profitable revenue growth. Our sales resilience is a testament to our diverse portfolio of brands with average checks ranging from approximately $8 to $37.”
“Our organic growth strategy remains strong with 38 store openings in the third quarter. This week, we are set to surpass 100 openings for the year and remain on track to open 125 new restaurants in 2022, a new milestone for FAT Brands. Looking ahead to 2023, we plan to continue this robust unit growth with over 130 units slated to open. Additionally, during the third quarter, we signed 180 new franchise agreements bringing our total pipeline to over 1,000 new locations which is expected to represent a 60% increase in EBITDA over the next several years.”
“We are also extremely impressed with how our 2021 acquisitions have seamlessly fit into our portfolio and the demand we are experiencing for them from our franchisee base. We will continue to evaluate strategic acquisitions, particularly, brands that fit within our current operations that have a proven track record of long-term, sustainable and profitable operating performance or that provide us with the opportunity to expand our factory business.”
“We also continue to work on reducing our cost of capital. To that end, we expect to redeem shares of our Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock in the coming weeks. This will yield significant cash flow savings as our securitization facility, which will fund the transaction, has a lower cost of capital than the preferred share dividend rate.”
Fiscal Third Quarter 2022 Highlights
Total revenue improved 247% to $103.2 million compared to $29.8 million in the third quarter of 2021
System-wide sales growth of 57% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the prior year quarter
Year-to-date system-wide same-store sales growth of 7.0% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the prior year
38 new store openings during the third quarter of 2022
Net loss of $23.4 million, or $1.42 per diluted share, compared to $3.6 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2021
Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $24.6 million compared to $7.2 million in the third quarter of 2021
Adjusted net loss(1) of $16.3 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, compared to $2.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2021
(1) EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net loss are non-GAAP measures defined below, under “Non-GAAP Measures”. Reconciliation of GAAP net loss to EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net loss are included in the accompanying financial tables.
Summary of Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Total revenue increased $73.5 million, or 247%, in the third quarter of 2022, to $103.2 million compared to $29.8 million in the same period of 2021. The increase reflects revenue from the acquisition of Global Franchise Group in July 2021, the acquisition of Twin Peaks in October 2021, the acquisitions of Fazoli’s and Native Grill & Wings in December 2021 (collectively, the “2021 Acquisitions”) and the continuing recovery from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on royalties from restaurant sales.
Costs and expenses increased $74.8 million, or 273%, in the third quarter of 2022 to $102.2 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the 2021 Acquisitions.
General and administrative expense increased $18.2 million, or 172%, in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the 2021 Acquisitions, increased compensation costs, professional fees related to pending litigation and government investigations, and travel, reflecting the significant expansion of the organization.
Cost of restaurant and factory revenues totaled $55.3 million in the third quarter of 2022 and was related to the operations of the company-owned restaurant locations and the dough factory operated by Global Franchise Group associated with the 2021 Acquisitions.
Depreciation and amortization increased $4.5 million, or 190% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to depreciation of company-owned restaurant property and equipment and amortizing intangible assets related to the 2021 Acquisitions.
Refranchising losses in the third quarter of 2022 were $0.1 million and were comprised of restaurant costs and expenses, net of food sales. Refranchising gains in the third quarter of 2021 were $0.3 million and were comprised of $0.5 million in net gains related to refranchised restaurants, partially offset by $0.2 million in restaurant operating costs, net of food sales.
Advertising expenses increased $5.7 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the prior year period. These expenses vary in relation to advertising revenues and reflect advertising expenses related to the 2021 Acquisitions and the increase in customer activity as the recovery from COVID continues.
Total other expense, net for the third quarters of 2022 and 2021 was $23.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively, primarily comprised of net interest expense of $24.5 million and $7.2 million, respectively.
Adjusted net loss was $16.3 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2022 compared to $2.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2021.
Key Financial Definitions
New store openings – The number of new store openings reflects the number of stores opened during a particular reporting period. The total number of new stores per reporting period and the timing of stores openings has, and will continue to have, an impact on our results.
Same-store sales growth – Same-store sales growth reflects the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable store base, which we define as the number of stores open and in the FAT Brands system for at least one full fiscal year. For stores that were temporarily closed, sales in the current and prior period are adjusted accordingly. Given our focused marketing efforts and public excitement surrounding each opening, new stores often experience an initial start-up period with considerably higher than average sales volumes, which subsequently decrease to stabilized levels after three to six months. Additionally, when we acquire a brand, it may take several months to integrate fully each location of said brand into the FAT Brands platform. Thus, we do not include stores in the comparable base until they have been open and in the FAT Brands system for at least one full fiscal year. For 2022, the comparable store base does not include concepts acquired during fiscal 2021.
System-wide sales growth – System wide sales growth reflects the percentage change in sales in any given fiscal period compared to the prior fiscal period for all stores in that brand only when the brand is owned by FAT Brands. Because of acquisitions, new store openings and store closures, the stores open throughout both fiscal periods being compared may be different from period to period.
Conference Call and Webcast
FAT Brands will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its fiscal third quarter 2022 financial results today at 5:00 PM ET. Hosting the conference call and webcast will be Andy Wiederhorn, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ken Kuick, Chief Financial Officer.
The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-877-704-4453 from the U.S. or 1-201-389-0920 internationally. A replay will be available after the call until Thursday, October 27, 2022, and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921 from the U.S. or 1-412-317-6671 internationally. The passcode is 13733381. The webcast will be available at www.fatbrands.com under the “Investors” section and will be archived on the site shortly after the call has concluded.
About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fatbrands.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the future financial and operating results of the Company, estimates of future EBITDA, the timing and performance of new store openings, our expected redemption of Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock, our ability to conduct future accretive acquisitions, our pipeline of new store locations, and the recovery of our business from the COVID-19 pandemic. Forward-looking statements generally use words such as “expect,” “foresee,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “should,” “estimate,” “will,” “plans,” “forecast,” and similar expressions, and reflect our expectations concerning the future. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our current expectations and from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited)
This press release includes the non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net loss.
EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. We use the term EBITDA, as opposed to income from operations, as it is widely used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. We believe that EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of expenses that do not relate to business performance. EBITDA is not a measure of our financial performance or liquidity that is determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as a measure of financial performance or cash flows from operations as measures of liquidity, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA (as defined above), excluding expenses related to acquisitions, refranchising gain or losses, impairment charges, and certain non-recurring or non-cash items that the Company does not believe directly reflect its core operations and may not be indicative of the Company’s recurring business operations.
Adjusted net loss is a supplemental measure of financial performance that is not required by or presented in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted net loss is defined as net loss plus the impact of adjustments and the tax effects of such adjustments. Adjusted net loss is presented because we believe it helps convey supplemental information to investors regarding our performance, excluding the impact of special items that affect the comparability of results in past quarters to expected results in future quarters. Adjusted net loss as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies, and our presentation of adjusted net loss should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by excluded or unusual items. Our management uses this non-GAAP financial measure to analyze changes in our underlying business from quarter to quarter based on comparable financial results.
Reconciliations of net loss attributable to FAT Brands Inc. presented in accordance with GAAP to EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net loss are set forth in the tables below.
Central Bank Digital Currencies May Be Inevitable, And That’s a Problem
Readers of a certain age will remember Carnac the Magnificent, Johnny Carson’s recurring alter ego. As Carnac, the late-night host would list off three seemingly unrelated words, all of which answered a question that was sealed in an envelope that he held to his forehead.
Today we’re going to play the same game, with the answers being PayPal, Kanye (or Ye, as he’s now known) and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). And the question: What are the consequences of financial hyper-centralization?
Some of you will make the connections immediately. For everyone else, let me explain.
PayPal, the financial technology (fintech) firm cofounded over 20 years ago by Peter Thiel, Elon Musk and others, was roundly criticized last week after an update to its terms of service showed that the company would fine users $2,500 for, among other things, spreading “misinformation.” A PayPal spokesperson was quick to walk back the update, even claiming that the language “was never intended to be inserted in our policy,” but the damage was done. #DeletePayPal started trending on Twitter, and the company’s stock tanked nearly 12%.
As for Ye, he and his apparel brand Yeezy were reportedly dropped last week by JPMorgan Chase. In a letter widely shared on social media, JPMorgan says Ye has until November 21 to move his business finances elsewhere.
No reason was given by the bank to cut ties with the billionaire rapper, but it’s easy to surmise that Ye was targeted for his political beliefs and outspokenness. I don’t agree with everything he says, nor should you. He’s a controversial figure, and his comments are often erratic and designed to get a rise out of his critics. I’m not sure, though, that this should have anything to do with his access to banking services.
The two cases of PayPal and Ye represent what I believe are legitimate and mounting concerns surrounding centralized finance. Admittedly, Ye is an extreme example. He’s a multiplatinum recording artist with tens of millions of social media followers. But there’s a real fear among everyday people that they too can be fined or have their accounts frozen or canceled at any time for expressing nonconformist views.
This article was republished with permission from Frank Talk, a CEO Blog by Frank Holmes of U.S. Global Investors (GROW). Find more of Frank’s articles here – Originally published October 19, 2022
CBDCs Are Inevitable
That brings me to CBDCs. I was in Europe last week where I attended the Bitcoin Amsterdam conference, and I was honored to participate on a lively panel that was aptly titled “The Specter of CBDCs.”
As I told the audience, I believe CBDCs are inevitable, ready or not. There are too many perceived benefits. These currencies offer broad public access and instant settlements, streamline cross-border payments, preserve the dominance of a nation’s currency and reduce the operational costs of maintaining physical cash. Here in the U.S., millions upon millions of dollars’ worth of bills and coins are lost or accidentally thrown away every year. CBDCs would solve this problem.
An estimated 90% of the world’s central banks currently have CBDC plans somewhere in the pipeline. As I write this, only two countries have officially launched their own digital currencies—the Bahamas with its Sand Dollar, and Nigeria with its eNaira—but expect many more to follow in the coming years. China, the world’s second largest economy, has been piloting its own CBDC for a couple of years now, and India, the seventh largest, released a report last week laying out the “planned features of the digital Rupee.” A pilot program of the currency is expected to begin “soon.” And speaking at an annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that the U.S. should be “in a position where we could issue” a CBDC.
CBDCs Improve Bitcoin’s Use Case
Due to the centralized nature of CBDCs, however, there are a number of concerns that give many people pause. Unlike Bitcoin, which is decentralized and anonymous, CBDCs raise questions about privacy, government interference and manipulation.
In the White House’s own review of digital currencies, issued last month, policymakers write that a potential U.S. coin system should “promote compliance with” anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) laws. Such a system should also “prevent the use of CBDC in ways that violate civil or human rights.” Further, it should be sustainable; that is, it should “minimize energy use, resources use, greenhouse gas emissions, other pollution and environmental impacts on local communities.”
Nothing about this sounds inherently nefarious, but then, some of us may have said the same thing about PayPal’s “misinformation” policy (whether intended or not) and JPMorgan’s decision to end its relationship with a polarizing celebrity.
I believe this only improves Bitcoin’s use case, especially if we’re headed for a digital future.
Worst 60/40 Portfolio Returns In 100 Years
With only a little over 50 trading days left in 2022, it looks more and more likely that this will be among the very worst years in history for investing. Since World War II, there have been only three instances, in 1974, 2002 and 2008, when the S&P 500 ended the year down more than 20%. If 2022 ended today, it would mark only the fourth time.
Here’s another way to visualize it. The scatter plot below shows annual returns for the S&P 500 (horizontal axis) and U.S. bonds (vertical axis). As you can see, 2022 falls in the most undesirable quadrant along with the years 1931, 1941 and 1969. Not only have stocks been knocked down, but so have bond prices as the Fed continues to hike rates at an historically fast pace.
What this means is that the traditional “60/40” portfolio—composed of 60% stocks and 40% bonds—now faces its worst year in 100 years, according to Bank of America.
My takeaway is that diversification matters more now than perhaps in any other time in recent memory. Real assets like gold and silver look very attractive right now. Real estate is an option. And Bitcoin continues to trade at a discount. Diversification doesn’t ensure a positive return, but it could potentially spell the difference between losing a little and losing a lot.
You can watch the panel discussion at Bitcoin Amsterdam featuring Frank Holmes by clicking here!
All opinions expressed and data provided are subject to change without notice. Some of these opinions may not be appropriate to every investor. By clicking the link(s) above, you will be directed to a third-party website(s). U.S. Global Investors does not endorse all information supplied by this/these website(s) and is not responsible for its/their content.
The S&P 500 Stock Index is a widely recognized capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stock prices in U.S. companies. Diversification does not protect an investor from market risks and does not assure a profit.
Holdings may change daily. Holdings are reported as of the most recent quarter-end. None of the securities mentioned in the article were held by any accounts managed by U.S. Global Investors as of 9/30/2022.
RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corp. (NYSE: BOWL), the world’s leader in bowling entertainment, announced today that Thomas Shannon, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Bowlero Corp., will be interviewed by Jim Cramer on tonight’s edition of Mad Money with Jim CrameronCNBC.
The interview is scheduled to air tonight during the 6:00 PM ET showing of Mad Money. To view the interview, please visit CNBC’s website at www.cnbc.com/live-tv/ or visit the CNBC channel anywhere you get live TV.
About Bowlero Corp
Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment, media, and events. With more than 300 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves more than 27 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero, Bowlmor Lanes, and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero Corp. acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com.
IRVING, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Salem Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SALM), announced today that it will present at the Annual LD Micro Main Event XV investor conference at 4:00 P.M. Central Time on October 26, 2022. The presentation will be available on the investor relations portion of the company’s website www.salemmedia.com prior to the company’s presentation.
ABOUT LD MICRO/SEQUIRE:
LD Micro began in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource to the microcap world. What started as a newsletter highlighting unique companies, has transformed into the pre-eminent event platform in the space. For more information, please visit ldmicro.com.
In September 2020, LD Micro was acquired by SRAX, a financial technology company that unlocks data and insights for publicly traded companies. Through its premier investor intelligence and communications platform, Sequire, companies can track their investors’ behaviors and trends and use those insights to engage current and potential investors across marketing channels. For more information on SRAX, visit srax.com and mysequire.com.
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, Facebook and Twitter.
Marks the Company’s 10th, 11th, and 12th Completed Acquisitions of 2022
Robust Pipeline of Definitive Agreements Remain
RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Bowlero Corp., (NYSE: BOWL) the world’s leader in bowling entertainment, announced today that it has completed three more acquisitions from its pipeline of definitive agreements in 2022. This marks the Company’s 7th completed acquisition of FY23.
Brett Parker, President & Chief Financial Officer of Bowlero Corp stated, “We are delighted with the pace and quality of our acquisitions so far in 2022, with these completions marking our 45th location in California and expanding our presence in Wisconsin from three to five.”
On the West Coast, Strikes Unlimited is a 50-lane center in Sacramento, CA with state-of-the-art technology, arcade games, an on-site pro-shop and home to the Halftime Bar and Grill.
Super Bowl Family Entertainment Center, located in Wisconsin, is a 48-lane center featuring a wide selection of arcade games, blacklight bowling, leagues and a sports bar and grill. Additionally, located minutes away from downtown Milwaukee, is JB’s on 41. With 10 private luxury suites, 35 modern bowling lanes, 40 arcade games and much more, this location is a nationally and locally ranked top bowling and entertainment destination.
All three locations will officially open under Bowlero Corp management the weekend of October 21st.
“Our pipeline for additional deals remains robust, and we will continue to pursue accelerated growth through our proven strategy of acquisitions and new builds,” said Parker in closing.
About Bowlero Corp
Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment, media, and events. With more than 300 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves more than 27 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero, Bowlmor Lanes, and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero Corp. acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com
Investments of Washington’s Powerful Pieced Together
Top federal employees in the U.S. are required to disclose their trading activities. The disclosure must be made within 30 days of executing a transaction. And annually by May 15 of the following year. Over 2500 government officials report transactions each year, often trading in companies that lobby their department for the company’s financial benefit. Where are these disclosures? The government doesn’t maintain a public database of mandatory disclosures. Fortunately, the pieces can be made available and, although a huge undertaking, can be pieced together. The Wall Street Journal did this when they performed their Capital Assets Investigation by analyzing 12,000 federal officials’ financial disclosures. Some may not find the outcome comforting.
How the Investigation Was Conducted
The lack of a central database made this investigation a huge undertaking. The Journal pulled information on about 850,000 financial assets and more than 315,000 transactions of nearly 12,000 officials at 50 federal agencies filed during the five-year period between 2016 and 2021.
The financial publisher compared this data to lobbying reports filed by companies to identify officials who invested in firms seeking treatment that would benefit the companies represented by those agencies (including immediate family members). Journal analysts went as far as cross-referencing reported stock trades with announcements of contracts and regulatory, enforcement, and legal actions.
What Were the Findings
The investigation was immense and tedious, however, it didn’t take much digging to discover transactions and situations that would make the average taxpayer to raise an eyebrow. As a sample, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) let an official own dozens of food and drug stocks on its no-buy list – a top official at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported purchases of oil and gas stocks – a Defense Department (DoD) official bought stock in a defense company several times before the company won new business from the Pentagon.
Drilling a little deeper, the Wall Street Journal uncovered and pieced together thousands of questionable investment situations from a multitude of decision-makers all on the taxpayer payroll.
• While the U.S. government was escalating oversight and review of big tech companies, more than 1,800 federal official’s disclosed owning or trading at least one of four big tech stocks: Meta Platforms (META), Alphabet (GOOG), Apple (AAPL), and Amazon (AMZN).
• Over 60 officials at five agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Justice Department, reported trading stock in companies shortly before their departments announced enforcement actions, such as charges and settlements, against those companies.
• High-ranking public servants in the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Defense reported together owning between $1.2 million and $3.4 million of stock in aerospace and defense companies during each of the five years investigated. Some owned stock in Chinese companies during the period the U.S. was deciding if it should blacklist these companies.
• Over 200 senior EPA officials, nearly one in three, disclosed taking positions in companies that were lobbying the agency. Exposure to these companies by EPA employees and their family members totaled between $400,000 and up to $2 million in shares of oil and gas companies each year between the years investigated.
When financial conflicts clearly were at odds with rules of the various agencies, the rules were often waived for the situation. In most instances, according to the Journal, ethics officials certified that the employees had complied with the rules, which contain several exemptions that provide for situations where officials can hold stock that conflicts with their agency’s function.
The officials, many of which are household names and faces, can influence and financially impact company’s while at the same time making decisions that come to play in the day-to-day lives of citizens. These include public health and food safety, diplomatic relations, weapons systems, medical care, and regulating trade, to name a few. Even in those cases where a rule has not been explicitly violated, or has been waived, the actions violate the spirit behind rules intended to elevate or maintain public trust in government.
Official’s Transactions
There is a running joke that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, or more accurately, her husband Paul Pelosi’s investment picks and timing are so good that he must use a crystal ball. Lawmakers like Pelosi have gotten much more public attention. And activities at the Federal Reserve have recently caused resignations over accusations. But most agencies fly under the radar. The investigation by the Journal is expected to result in a number of WSJ special reports. Each time exposing another area that they want to bring to the public eye.
Congress had long been criticized for not prohibiting lawmakers from working on matters in which they have a financial interest. The rules were tightened in 2012 by the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, passed following a series of Journal articles on congressional trading abuses.
Investigative journalism or watchdog reporting is part of what helps reshape rules that lead to forced integrity and increased trust. American’s should feel confident that approvals, decisions, and all undertakings by those hired to serve the citizenry, put the interest of those funding their paychecks first.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted immunotherapies for cancer and infectious disease, today announced that its management will present at the LD Micro Main Event XV conference being held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on October 25-27, 2022.
LD Micro Main Event XV Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Time: 4:30 PM PDT Virtual viewers: Livestream
About PDS Biotechnology PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on our proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T cell-activating technology platforms. We believe our targeted Versamune® based candidates have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing large quantities of high-quality, potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the potential to reduce tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV-positive cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. Our Infectimune™ based vaccines have also demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T cell responses, including long-lasting memory T cell responses in pre-clinical studies to date. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech.
Versamune® is a registered trademark and Infectimune™ is a trademark of PDS Biotechnology.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT(Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT), a leading global franchising company and parent company of iconic brands including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Twin Peaks, Fazoli’s and 12 other restaurant concepts, today announced their participation in The ThinkEquity Conference, which will take place on October 26, 2022, at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York, NY.
Andy Wiederhorn, President and CEO, will be presenting at 11:30 AM ET on October 26th. Management will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the day. A live webcast of the presentation will be available under the Events & Presentations section on the Company’s Investor Relations website at FAT Brands Inc. – Events & Presentations.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.
BOTHELL, Wash., Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) announces that President and co-interim CEO Sam Lee, PhD will present a company overview of their antiviral programs and clinical trials at the LD Micro Main Event XV on Wednesday, October 26 at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time (6:30 p.m. Eastern time). The conference is being held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles.
A webcast of the presentation will be available live and archived on the IR Calendar of the company website.
About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.
Highlighting Ocugen research and innovative technologies
Featuring thought leaders in gene therapy and vaccines
MALVERN, Pa., Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines, today announced that it will host an in-person Research & Development (R&D) Day on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. The event will take place from 9 a.m.-noon ET at the Nasdaq Market Site in Times Square, New York City.
R&D Day will provide an opportunity to learn more about Ocugen’s innovations focused on improving public health and addressing unmet medical need. A scientific poster session will include a detailed look at Ocugen’s comprehensive pipeline. Two panel discussions will offer expert opinion on the current and future treatment landscape of vaccines and gene therapy.
Panelists include:
Neena B. Haider, PhD, Associate Professor, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
Mark Pennesi, MD, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, and a member of Ocugen’s Retina Scientific Advisory Board
David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Translational Medicine & Human Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, and a member of Ocugen’s Vaccine Scientific Advisory Board
Eric Feigl-Ding, ScD, Chief of COVID Task Force, Co-founder of World Health Network, Faculty of Public Health- NECSI
Ocugen’s leadership will provide a business update, along with insight to how its programs in vaccines and gene and cell therapies contribute to its long-term corporate strategy.
Nasdaq requires advance registration from attendees and registration can be done here or by contacting Jon Nugent, [email protected] at Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
A replay will be available within 48 hours following the conclusion of the event via webcast on the events page of the Ocugen investor site.
About Ocugen, Inc. Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on 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 Twitter 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.
CHATHAM, N.J., Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced today that Jessica Morris, Chief Operating Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals, will present at the ThinkEquity Conference on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. ET, and host investor meetings. The conference is being held at the Mandarin Oriental, New York in New York City.
Investors interested in arranging a meeting with the Company’s management during the conference should contact the ThinkEquity conference coordinator. A webcast of the presentation will be available under the IR Events tab of the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com.
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*
Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022 and interim data expected in the second quarter of 2023. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Tonix initiated a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the third quarter of 2022 and expects interim data in the first half of 2023. 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 first quarter of 2023. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), a small molecule in development for chronic migraine, is expected to enter the clinic with a Phase 2 study in the fourth quarter of 2022. TNX-601 ER (tianeptine hemioxalate extended-release tablets) is a once-daily formulation of tianeptine being developed as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) with a Phase 2 study expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2023. Tonix’s rare disease 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 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 and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the first half of 2023. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline consists of a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and a platform to make fully human monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19. TNX-801, Tonix’s vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform for other infectious diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-801 is expected to be initiated in Kenya in the first half of 2023. Tonix’s lead vaccine candidate for COVID-19 is TNX-1850, a live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox live virus vector vaccine platform.
*All of Tonix’s product candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.
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; delays and uncertainties caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic; 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, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 14, 2022, 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.
