Noble Capital Markets Research Morning Call

Noble Capital Markets Research Report Friday, November 5, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS)/OUTPERFORM – Recovery Begins to Take Shape
Conduent (CNDT)/OUTPERFORM – Cost Reductions Fuel Margin Recovery
EuroDry (EDRY)/OUTPERFORM – Updating Estimates Ahead of Earnings
InPlay Oil (IPOOF)/OUTPERFORM – Strong Third Quarter Sets Stage for 2027 Growth
Lucky Strike Entertainment (LUCK)/OUTPERFORM – Core Trends Improve, Deleveraging Takes Focus

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS/$2.6 | Price Target: $4)
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Recovery Begins to Take Shape
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Q1 results. The company reported fiscal first-quarter 2027 revenue from continuing operations of $171.4 million, an 11.1% decline from $192.7 million in the prior-year period. Notably, despite the revenue decline, the adjusted EBITDA loss was essentially unchanged at $31.9 million, compared with $31.7 million a year ago. A $10.3 million reduction in operating expenses largely offset weaker sales and a 120-basis-point contraction in gross margin.

Improving Demand Trends. E-Commerce revenue declined 12.3%, as weakness at smaller websites and in B2B operations outweighed improving demand at 1-800-Flowers.com and Harry & David. Net order demand at these primary websites declined 8.0% during the quarter, compared with 36.0% at smaller websites. Following quarter-end, the decline at the primary websites moderated to 3.4% in October, providing early support for the company’s strategy of concentrating investment on its core brands.

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Conduent (CNDT/$1.64 | Price Target: $5)
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Cost Reductions Fuel Margin Recovery
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Q3 Operating Results. The company reported Q3 revenue of $534 million, down 11.7% year over year but up slightly from $531 million in Q2, as contract losses and lower client volumes continued to weigh on results. Adj. EBITDA increased 16.1% to $36 million, with margins expanding 160 basis points to 6.7%, reflecting cost reductions that more than offset the impact of lower revenue.

Underlying Business Trends. Commercial revenue declined 16% to $308 million, reflecting the completed wind-down of the company’s largest Commercial customer. Government revenue declined 5% to $226 million due to completed implementations, lost business, and lower volumes. Despite these headwinds, Government adj. EBITDA margins expanded 230 basis points to 27.9%, supported by cost-efficiency initiatives.

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EuroDry (EDRY/$35.51 | Price Target: $47)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Richard Magnusen [email protected] |
Updating Estimates Ahead of Earnings
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Updating estimates. We have adjusted our third-quarter 2026 adj. EBITDA, net income, and adj. EPS estimates to $10.5 million, $6.0 million, and $1.91 from $10.2 million, $5.8 million, and $1.70, respectively, driven by lower estimates for voyage expenses and management fees. We are maintaining our $19.1 million net revenue estimate. For FY 2026, we forecast net revenue, adj. EBITDA, net income, and adj. EPS of $69.0 million, $36.7 million, $18.6 million, and $5.91, respectively, compared to our previous estimates of $68.9 million, $36.4 million, $18.3 million, and $5.77. 

Market strength continued into Q3. Strength in dry bulk shipping, supported by demand for iron ore, grain, and bauxite, continued into the third quarter. The historically low global orderbook, limited shipyard capacity, aging global fleet, and environmental regulations are expected to support shipping rates in 2026. As demand trends in the first half of 2026 have leveled off, freight markets could be less favorable through the remainder of 2026, emphasizing the importance of EuroDry’s ability to adjust its charter coverage as market conditions evolve.

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InPlay Oil (IPOOF/$12.36 | Price Target: $22)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Strong Third Quarter Sets Stage for 2027 Growth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Third-quarter financial results. InPlay Oil reported third-quarter 2026 production of 19,254 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), up 3% sequentially and 1% year over year. Oil and natural gas sales increased 50% year over year to C$118.8 million, while adjusted funds flow (AFF) increased 92% to C$51.4 million, or C$1.86 per basic share. Sequentially, AFF increased 15% despite softer realized commodity prices, benefiting from lower realized hedging losses.

Favorable outlook. InPlay increased its 2026 AFF guidance to C$178 million to C$184 million from C$161 million to C$169 million, while maintaining production guidance of 18,900 to 19,400 boe/d. Preliminary 2027 guidance calls for production of 20,100 to 21,000 boe/d, AFF of C$206 million to C$218 million, and free adjusted funds flow (FAFF) of C$101 million to C$123 million. The outlook reflects an expanded oil-weighted development program and contributions from recently acquired assets.

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Lucky Strike Entertainment (LUCK/$3.75 | Price Target: $14.5)
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Core Trends Improve, Deleveraging Takes Focus
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A modest top-line beat. Fiscal Q1 revenue increased 3.5% to $302.6 million, modestly above our $299.0 million estimate. Adj. EBITDA of $72.1 million was in line with our $72.5 million estimate and roughly flat with the prior-year period. Acquired water parks and entertainment centers drove revenue growth, while same-store revenue was down 2.6%. 

Core trends improve. Acquired water parks generated $27.6 million of revenue, up from $6.5 million in the prior-year period, lifting amusement and other revenue 15.8% to $82.1 million. Meanwhile, same-store sales improved from a 4% decline in July to 2% growth in September. Event revenue matched or exceeded prior-year levels for six consecutive months through October, led by corporate events.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, November 5, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW)/OUTPERFORM – First Look at 3Q26 Results
Ocugen (OCGN)/OUTPERFORM – 3Q26 Reported With Expected Progress In All Three Trials
SelectQuote (SLQT)/OUTPERFORM – Cost Discipline Begins to Pay Off
Townsquare Media (TSQ)/OUTPERFORM – Balancing Growth and Financial Flexibility

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW/$30.52 | Price Target: $42)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
First Look at 3Q26 Results
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Overview. The third quarter was active for CoreCivic, with the Company delivering strong financial results, driven by increased demand from ICE, including higher utilization of recently activated facilities, as well as the contribution from the acquisition of Clinical Solutions Pharmacy earlier this year. In addition, CoreCivic completed the sale of four facilities to the Federal government, generating $2.2 billion in gross proceeds.

3Q26 Results. Revenue in 3Q totaled $744.1 million, up 28.2% y-o-y and exceeding our $690 million projections. Adjusted EBITDA in 3Q26 was $117.8 million, up 32.6% y-o-y and above our $109 million estimate. Adjusted EPS was $0.49, up over 100% y-o-y and exceeding our $0.42 per share projection.

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Ocugen (OCGN/$0.87 | Price Target: $12)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
3Q26 Reported With Expected Progress In All Three Trials
Rating: OUTPERFORM

3Q26 Reported With Start Of OCU410 Phase 2/3 Trial. Ocugen reported a loss of $3.6 million, or $(0.01) per share, including a non-cash gain of $16.6 million from Change In Fair Value of Derivatives. Without this gain, Net Loss would have been $20.2 million, or $(0.06) per share. This adjusted Net Loss is consistent with previous quarters and our estimates for 3Q26. Cash and equivalents were $84.6 million as of September 30, 2026, which we expect to fund operations through 2028.

OCU400 In Retinitis Pigmentosa. The Phase 3 liMeliGhT (pronounced Limelight) trial continues, with data expected to be announced in 1Q2027. The Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) batches for the CMC section of the BLA have been completed. As discussed in our Research Note on September 28, the Bahamas has granted Provisional Approval and Priority Designation for OCU400. We continue to expect submission of the BLA to the FDA and an MAA in Europe, with approval later in FY2027.

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SelectQuote (SLQT/$0.49 | Price Target: $3)
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Cost Discipline Begins to Pay Off
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Q1 Results Exceed Expectations. SelectQuote reported fiscal first-quarter 2027 revenue of $280.0 million, down 14.8% year over year but above our estimate of $270.9 million. The adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $17.0 million from $32.1 million in the prior-year period, exceeding our forecast for a $25.4 million loss. The results highlight improving profitability despite continued revenue pressure.

Lower Costs Drive Profitability Improvement. Revenue declined amid lower pharmacy volumes, fewer Medicare Advantage policy sales, and reduced carrier-sponsored payments. However, marketing expenses decreased 25.0%, while improving pharmacy economics helped Healthcare Services adjusted EBITDA increase 55.7% to $11.2 million. In Senior, lower acquisition costs and greater use of internally generated leads narrowed the adj. EBITDA loss to $12.3 million from $21.0 million.

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Townsquare Media (TSQ/$2.18 | Price Target: $15)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Balancing Growth and Financial Flexibility
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Q3 Results. Townsquare Media reported third-quarter revenue of $110.9 million, an increase of 3.9% year over year and above our estimate of $108.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased 2.7% to $22.6 million, modestly below our forecast of $23.5 million. Results benefited from strong Digital Advertising growth and higher political spending, partially offset by weakness in Interactive and Broadcast.

Mixed Performance Across Digital Businesses. Digital Advertising revenue increased 12.7%, driven by programmatic growth and stronger direct sales of owned-and-operated properties. However, profitability lagged as the expanding Media Partnerships business contributed to lower segment margins. Meanwhile, Interactive’s customer churn remained historically low, and profit margin improved 300 basis points to 36.3%, despite continued weakness in new-customer sales as the company rebuilds its salesforce.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Commercial Vehicle Group (CVGI)/OUTPERFORM – Revenue Momentum Continued in 3Q
VivoPower International PLC (VIVO)/OUTPERFORM – Laying the Groundwork for AI

Commercial Vehicle Group (CVGI/$3.34 | Price Target: $7)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Revenue Momentum Continued in 3Q
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Overview. In the third quarter of 2026, CVG delivered year-over-year revenue growth across all 3 segments, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce end-market concentration in cyclical North American Class 8 truck exposure through geographic and end-market diversification. While there are still macroeconomic uncertainties to monitor, we believe CVG is hitting its stride as new business wins are ramping up coincidentally with a recovery in key end markets.

3Q26 Numbers. Revenue of $208.1 million rose 36.5%. We had forecast $195 million. Gross margin expanded 300 bp to 13.5% and was up 80 bp sequentially. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $8.5 million, versus $4.6 million in 3Q25. Adjusted EPS was $0.03 compared to an adjusted net loss of $0.14/sh last year. We had forecast $10 million and $0.03, respectively.

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VivoPower International PLC (VIVO/$1.6 | Price Target: $10)
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Laying the Groundwork for AI
Rating: OUTPERFORM

FY2026 Operating Results. VivoPower reported fiscal 2026 revenue of $2.6 million, primarily reflecting $2.5 million from Mo i Rana following its May 12 acquisition. The adjusted EBITDA loss from continuing operations widened to $24.4 million from $11.1 million in FY 2025. Excluding $13.1 million in non-cash share-based expenses, the loss was $11.3 million.

Mo i Rana Drives Fourth Quarter Revenue. The data center contributed $2.5 million in revenue and approximately $0.04 million in operating profit during the final 50 days of fiscal 2026. Revenue came from existing Bitcoin mining hosting rather than AI leases, while one-time acquisition costs, downtime for site improvements and maintenance, and lower Bitcoin prices weighed on profitability. 

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Information Services Group (III)/OUTPERFORM – Riding the AI Wave
NeuroSense Therapeutics Ltd. (NRSN)/OUTPERFORM – New Data To Be Added To Canadian NDS Application For PrimeC
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF)/OUTPERFORM – Black Creek Discovery Gains Momentum
The GEO Group (GEO)/OUTPERFORM – Activating Idle Facilities
V2X (VVX)/OUTPERFORM – Strong Third Quarter Results

Information Services Group (III/$6.28 | Price Target: $7)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Riding the AI Wave
Rating: OUTPERFORM

3Q26 Overview. ISG delivered a robust financial performance in the third quarter, with strong cash generation, expanding margins, and solid revenue growth. Revenue in the quarter was driven by a return to growth in Asia Pacific, up 47%, AI-related revenues reaching over $30 million for the first time, and recurring revenues continuing to build, up 7%. This mix of growth helped drive adjusted EBITDA margin expansion to 15.4%, the highest quarterly margin in four years.

3Q26 Results. Revenues for 3Q26 were $65.1 million, up 4.4% from $62.4 million in the prior year. Revenues were $41.9 million in the Americas, down 1%; revenues in Europe were $17.0 million, up 6% on a reported basis; and Asia Pacific revenues were $6.2 million, up 47% on a reported basis. ISG reported GAAP net income of $3.4 million, compared with net income of $3.1 million in the prior year. Fully diluted earnings per share were $0.07, compared with fully diluted earnings per share of $0.06 in the prior year. Adjusted EPS was $0.10, up from $0.09 in the prior year’s third quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $10.0 million, up 19% from the prior year.

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NeuroSense Therapeutics Ltd. (NRSN/$1.43 | Price Target: $9)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
New Data To Be Added To Canadian NDS Application For PrimeC
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Additional Data To Strengthen NDS Application. NeuroSense announced it will add data from new analyses of the PrimeC Phase 2b PARADIGM trial to its New Drug Submission (NDS) in Canada. These additional analyses strengthen the application, but have moved the NDS submission date from December 2026 to March 2027. We have not expected this to be a financially important market and do not see this delay as significant.

New, Unpublished Analyses Will Be Included. One of the new analyses to be included in the NDS is data on neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels. This structural protein in neurons serves as a biomarker for neuronal damage and death in ALS. PrimeC patients had greater reductions in NfL than placebo patients, correlating with other clinical findings in the trial. We believe these data further support previous findings of slowed disease progression.

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Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF/$1.08 | Price Target: $3.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Black Creek Discovery Gains Momentum
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Recent drilling results. Tectonic Metals reported results from six additional drill holes at its Flat Gold Project in Alaska, highlighted by Hole CMR26-159, which intersected 2.86 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold over 91.44 meters, including 5.61 g/t over 41.15 meters and 12.94 g/t over 13.72 meters. The hole represents the longest mineralized intercept reported at Black Creek and ended in high-grade mineralization, leaving the system open at depth.

Results strengthen evidence of mineralization continuity. Hole CMR26-159 was drilled 100 meters south of the 2025 discovery hole and 30 meters south of two previously reported mineralized holes. Drilling has now intersected gold in 17 of 18 holes across a footprint measuring approximately 100 by 200 meters. Several higher-grade intersections remain open at depth, supporting additional drilling to establish the geometry and continuity of mineralization.

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The GEO Group (GEO/$27.89 | Price Target: $40)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Activating Idle Facilities
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Activation. Yesterday, The GEO Group announced the activation of its previously idle Big Spring Complex in Texas.  The Big Spring Complex is expected to generate approximately $200 million in annual revenues for GEO in the first full year of operations. The announcement is the second contract update in the past week. Not only do these contracts reinforce GEO’s ability to help its government partners meet their needs, but they also suggest ICE detainee populations should continue to rise, in our view.

Details. The contract is a 10-year intergovernmental service agreement between the City of Big Springs, Texas, and ICE. The facilities include the 1,404-bed Flightline Facility and the 925-bed Cedar Hill Facility. GEO will provide support services at the Big Springs Complex, which are expected to include the exclusive use of the Facility by ICE, along with security, maintenance, and food services, as well as access to recreational amenities, medical care, and transportation services.

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V2X (VVX/$83.2 | Price Target: $92)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Strong Third Quarter Results
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Overview. V2X delivered another strong quarter, with revenue growth and double-digit increases in net income and diluted EPS. Results reflect consistent execution and continued demand for V2X’s mission-critical capabilities. V2X experienced another quarter of strong cash generation and maintained a healthy balance sheet. With this flexibility, the Company is continuing to invest in priority growth areas, including expanding capacity in engineering and product capabilities.

3Q26 Results. Third-quarter revenue of $1.271 billion was up from $1.167 billion and exceeded our $1.19 billion estimate. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $88.6 million, up from $85.2 million in 3Q25 and above our $86 million estimate. Adjusted EPS was $1.64, up 19% y-o-y, and exceeded our $1.46 projection.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Monday, November 2, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

ACCO Brands (ACCO)/OUTPERFORM – Repositioning Ongoing
NN (NNBR)/OUTPERFORM – Opportunity, Opportunity, Opportunity
Nutriband (NTRB)/OUTPERFORM – Progress Reported Toward Start Of Clinical Trial

ACCO Brands (ACCO/$5.5 | Price Target: $9)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Repositioning Ongoing
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Thoughts on the Quarter. We view the quarter as evidence of progress in cash generation and portfolio repositioning, with an organic earnings recovery still to be demonstrated. Cost actions, school brand performance, and International margin improvement support the operating base. However, acquisitions and currency continue to offset declining comparable sales, and tariff recoveries explain more than the entire quarterly increase in adjusted operating income. A sustained improvement in peripherals sell-through and margins would provide stronger support for a recovery thesis.

Key Quarter Metrics. Back-to-school was a bright spot. Management reported mid-single-digit seasonal growth in the United States and Canada and nearly 20% growth in Mexico. Workspace Solutions segment sales were off low single digits overall, while the Tech Peripherals business was down low double digits.

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NN (NNBR/$3.93 | Price Target: $6)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Opportunity, Opportunity, Opportunity
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Opportunity. The biggest takeaway from the quarter is the tremendous amount of opportunity available to NN. The pipeline in the key end markets-Data Center and Electric Grid, Defense and Electronics, and Medical-exceeds $270 million, with an overall pipeline of $750 million, and the prospect list is over $1 billion in additional opportunities being tracked that have yet to be quoted.

Growth. New-business awards totaled $106 million through September, and management expects more than 150 program launches during 2026. Data-center cooling, defense products, and robotic surgery components are expanding NN’s addressable applications. Management raised its full-year awards target to $110 million to $130 million.

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Nutriband (NTRB/$6.3 | Price Target: $15)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Progress Reported Toward Start Of Clinical Trial
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Commercial Preparations Continue. Nutriband continues to prepare for the AVERSA Fentanyl clinical trial, now expected to begin in 1H27. The NDA will be submitted through the 505(b)(2) pathway and requires a single Phase 1 trial demonstrating abuse deterrence with AVERSA Fentanyl technology.

Opioid Crisis Is Getting Worse. The Opioid Crisis was declared a National Public Health Emergency in October 2017. While overdose deaths have declined from their 2023 peak, the number of people living with opioid addiction has increased. CEO Garth Sheridan recently appeared in a video with Nick Shirley, a well-known YouTuber. The segment featured a walking tour in Los Angeles, speaking with people who live with fentanyl addiction. The segment can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyDQOBp4nn4&t=1357s.  

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Friday, October 30, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

ACCO Brands (ACCO)/OUTPERFORM – Third Quarter 2026 First Look
Kuya Silver (KUYAF)/OUTPERFORM – Laying the Foundation for Production Growth
The GEO Group (GEO)/OUTPERFORM – Updated Contract For Northwest ICE Processing Center
Titan International (TWI)/OUTPERFORM – Still Working Through Headwinds
Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX)/OUTPERFORM – Cost Savings Face Mounting Headwinds

ACCO Brands (ACCO/$4.36 | Price Target: $9)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Third Quarter 2026 First Look
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Quarterly Overview. ACCO delivered third-quarter sales consistent with management’s outlook, driven by a solid back-to-school season in both North America and Mexico and stabilizing trends in Workspace Solutions. Adjusted EPS included net tariff refunds, with underlying operations in line with outlook. ACCO generated strong cash flows and continued to pay down debt, ending September with a consolidated leverage ratio of 3.6x.

3Q26 Numbers. Third quarter net sales decreased 0.9% to $380.3 million from $383.7 million in 2025, reflecting 4.9% growth from the EPOS acquisition and 0.4% from favorable foreign exchange, which were more than offset by a 6.2% decline in comparable sales. Net income was $11.5 million, or $0.12 per share, compared with $4.0 million, or $0.04 per share, in 2025. Adjusted net income increased to $27.2 million from $19.5 million in 2025, and adjusted earnings per share rose to $0.28 from $0.21 in 2025.

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Kuya Silver (KUYAF/$0.31 | Price Target: $1.7)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Laying the Foundation for Production Growth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Record underground development supports production growth. Kuya Silver reported record underground development at its Bethania silver mine in Peru during the third quarter of 2026, advancing 575 meters and excavating 4,713 tonnes of development material. Management prioritized mine development over near-term production to establish additional working areas and support higher mining rates. Quarterly production totaled 3,401 tonnes of mineralized material, with increased output expected beginning in the fourth quarter and continuing into 2027.

Infrastructure and processing agreements establish a path to higher throughput. An upgraded underground winch system is expected to support the targeted mining rate of 350 tonnes per day (tpd) without completing the planned access ramp. Separately, a strategic agreement with the Camila processing plant secures dedicated capacity of 3,000 tonnes monthly through March 2027, increasing to 4,000 tonnes beginning in April. The agreement supports near-term production growth while allowing Kuya Silver to prioritize construction of its fully permitted 350 tpd Bethania processing plant.

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The GEO Group (GEO/$28.54 | Price Target: $40)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Updated Contract For Northwest ICE Processing Center
Rating: OUTPERFORM

New Contract. The GEO Group entered into a new 10-year contract for the continued provision of support services at the GEO-owned 1,635-bed Northwest ICE Processing Center located in Tacoma, Washington. The new 10-year contract is expected to generate approximately $140 million in annual revenues for GEO and continue through October 27, 2036. We believe this demonstrates the ongoing attractiveness of GEO’s assets for its government partners.

Services. Support services at the Northwest ICE Processing Center are expected to include security, maintenance, and food services, as well as access to recreational amenities, medical care, and transportation services.

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Titan International (TWI/$4.91 | Price Target: $8)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Still Working Through Headwinds
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Quarterly Overview. Inclusive of ITM, which is reported in the 3Q26 financials as discontinued operations, Titan’s revenues of $454 million were above the midpoint of the guidance, while adjusted EBITDA of $28 million was also within the guidance range. Titan’s One Stop Shop strategy continues to enable the Company to deliver solid financial results despite challenging current market conditions.

3Q26 Results. Focused on reported results, which exclude ITM from continuing operations, revenue came in at $335.2 million compared to $357.3 million in the comparable period of 2025. Gross margin was 14.7% of net sales versus 15.7% in 3Q26. Titan reported adjusted EBITDA of $16.4 million, down from $20.3 million last year. Adjusted loss was $0.03/sh compared to adjusted EPS of $0.04 in 3Q25.

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Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX/$1.67 | Price Target: $2.5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Cost Savings Face Mounting Headwinds
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Third quarter falls short of expectations. Xerox reported third-quarter revenue of $1.87 billion, largely in line with our estimate, while adjusted EBITDA of $193 million was 12.8% below our forecast. Gross margin of 29.2% was approximately 370 basis points below our estimate, reflecting higher input costs and an unfavorable equipment mix, which more than offset lower operating expenses.

Lexmark savings remain on track. Following our discussions with management, we believe the company remains confident in achieving approximately $100 million of incremental Lexmark integration savings in 2027. Additional opportunities in automation, AI, organizational simplification, and facility consolidation could deliver further benefits, though the timing and magnitude of these savings remain uncertain.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, October 29, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Bimergen Energy (BESS)/OUTPERFORM – Powering Up a 2 GW Opportunity
NN (NNBR)/OUTPERFORM – First Look at 3Q26 Results

Bimergen Energy (BESS/$2.12 | Price Target: $6)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Richard Magnusen [email protected] |
Powering Up a 2 GW Opportunity
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Initiating coverage with an Outperform rating. Bimergen Energy develops, finances, owns, and operates utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). The company has assembled 23 development projects representing approximately 2.0 gigawatts (GW) of capacity across several regional U.S. power markets. We believe the portfolio provides a range of options to unlock value as Bimergen advances projects through development, monetization, financing, construction, and ultimately commercial operation.

Multiple paths to value creation. Bimergen can monetize projects by retaining minority interests alongside strategic partners or owning completed assets and generate recurring operating revenue. The company has begun demonstrating this flexibility through the sale of the 100-megawatt (MW) Redbird project and two smaller ERCOT projects to Frontier Power while retaining a 7.5% economic interest. We believe this transaction provides initial evidence that development-stage projects can create tangible value before commercial operation.

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NN (NNBR/$3.8 | Price Target: $6)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
First Look at 3Q26 Results
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Quarterly Overview. NN delivered a strong 3Q26, significantly exceeding our expectations for sales, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income. NN’s new business program has continued to outperform expectations, with the Company now winning more than 1 new program per day. And NN’s 5 Pillar growth program is working well, with the Company investing its time and resources to strategically pivot the portfolio to high-growth, high-value markets and products.

3Q26 Numbers. Net sales for 3Q26 were $131.1 million, an increase of 26.2% compared to net sales of $103.9 million for 3Q25. The increase was primarily driven by higher selling prices, higher volumes, and favorable foreign exchange effects.  Adjusted EBITDA was $18.5 million, an increase of 49.7% compared to adjusted EBITDA of $12.4 million for the same period in 2025. Adjusted net income was $5.3 million, or $0.07 per diluted common share, an increase of $5.6 million or $0.08 per diluted common share, y-o-y.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

T3 Defense (DFNS)/OUTPERFORM – A New Acquisition
Travelzoo (TZOO)/OUTPERFORM – Membership Momentum Sets Up 2027 Earnings Growth

T3 Defense (DFNS/$3.85 | Price Target: $30)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
A New Acquisition
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Acquisition. T3 Defense has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KeepZone AI from Nexera Technologies. KeepZone expands T3’s offerings into the Homeland Security vertical. The acquisition allows T3 to expand its commercial reach while providing the Company with a U.S. presence and active channels in North America, Latin America, and the Gulf. We view the proposed acquisition as another building block in T3’s efforts to build a mission-critical defense business embedded at critical chokepoints.

Details. Initial consideration is $1.0 million, payable in common stock (and, to the extent required by a 4.9% beneficial ownership limitation, pre-funded warrants), priced at the average closing price of T3 Defense common stock for the five trading days preceding closing. Nexera is also eligible for an earn-out equal to 50% of KeepZone’s standalone net profit generated during the 24 months following the closing, calculated on the first $10.0 million of net profit and therefore capped at $5.0 million, payable in cash. Closing is expected within 60 days.

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Travelzoo (TZOO/$4.98 | Price Target: $16)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
George Proost [email protected] |
Membership Momentum Sets Up 2027 Earnings Growth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Investment weighs on Q3. Revenue increased 3% to $22.9 million, in line with expectations. Adjusted EBITDA fell to a loss of $2.2 million, modestly wider than our estimated loss of $1.5 million. The earnings shortfall largely reflected higher sales and marketing expenditures associated with the company’s transition to a paid membership model. 

Membership growth accelerates. Club Members increased 65% year over year, supported by $5.8 million in direct membership acquisition spending during the quarter. Encouragingly, average U.S. customer acquisition cost fell to $54 from $62 in the second quarter, while deferred revenue rose to $13.5 million, providing greater visibility into future recurring membership revenue.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS)/OUTPERFORM – Transformation Efforts Progressing; Financial Flexibility Remains a Focus
Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP)/OUTPERFORM – Strong Third Quarter Results Reinforce Constructive 2027 Outlook
Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN)/OUTPERFORM – Phase 2 BESTOW Analysis Shows Improved Quality Of Life and Reduced Symptom Burden
Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML)/OUTPERFORM – Golden Gate North Gold Zone Expands
SKYX Platforms (SKYX)/OUTPERFORM – Another Homebuilder Deal
Star Equity Holdings, Inc. (STRR)/OUTPERFORM – A Tuck-in; Updated Model
VivoPower International PLC (VIVO)/OUTPERFORM – Advancing Mo i Rana Development and Sovereign AI Strategy

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS/$2.83 | Price Target: $5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Transformation Efforts Progressing; Financial Flexibility Remains a Focus
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Additional cost savings identified. The company highlighted $50 million in annualized run-rate cost savings achieved ahead of schedule in fiscal 2026 and identified an additional $15 million to $20 million in potential annualized savings for fiscal 2027. We believe these initiatives could support a recovery in profitability, although the timing and extent of the EBITDA contribution remain uncertain.

Focus on financial flexibility. The company highlighted an amendment to its credit agreement that extends covenant relief and provides greater flexibility in using asset-sale proceeds. In addition, the company is evaluating financing alternatives, including potential debt or equity transactions and nonstrategic asset divestitures.

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Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP/$26.4 | Price Target: $35)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Strong Third Quarter Results Reinforce Constructive 2027 Outlook
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Third Quarter Financial Results. Alliance Resource Partners reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $603.0 million, up 5.5% year-over-year and 9.3% sequentially. Net income attributable to ARLP increased 46.8% to $139.6 million, or $1.08 per unit, compared with $0.73 a year ago and $0.61 in the second quarter. Adjusted EBITDA attributable to ARLP increased 26.3% to $233.9 million, reflecting stronger coal operations and record oil and gas royalty contributions.

Operating Performance Strengthens. Coal sales increased 7.4% year-over-year to 9.35 million tons, supported by resumed production at Hamilton and strong performance at River View and Tunnel Ridge. Segment Adjusted EBITDA expense per ton decreased 13.1% to $35.64, contributing to an 18.6% increase in Coal Operations Segment Adjusted EBITDA to $186.8 million. The AllDale III and IV acquisition contributed to record oil and gas royalty production of 1.45 million barrels of oil equivalent, while attributable segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 61.4% to $43.6 million.

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Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN/$2.21 | Price Target: $10)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Phase 2 BESTOW Analysis Shows Improved Quality Of Life and Reduced Symptom Burden
Rating: OUTPERFORM

New Data Presentation On Quality of Life and Symptoms. Eledon presented data from the Phase 2 BESTOW trial at the American Society of Nephrology Annual Kidney Week 2026 meeting. The presentation compared patients receiving tegoprubart with those receiving tacrolimus, showing improvements in quality of life and reductions in symptom burden at 12 months. We believe these findings support prior data on efficacy, safety, and tolerability.

Patient Evaluations. Data from two accepted clinical evaluations, MTSOSD-59R and KDQOL-SF, showed substantial, lasting improvements in quality of life and reductions in transplant-related side effects. We see these patient-reported outcomes as consistent with prior reductions in BPAR (Biopsy-Proven Acute Rejection), improvements in eGFR, and improvements in factors that contribute to long-term graft failure.

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Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML/$3.82 | Price Target: $30)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Golden Gate North Gold Zone Expands
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Drilling expands the gold zone. Resolution Minerals reported additional drill results from Golden Gate North at its 100%-owned Horse Heaven project in Idaho, confirming gold mineralization over an area measuring at least 500 meters along strike, 200 meters in width, and 300 meters in depth. The results expand the known mineralized footprint and strengthen the potential for a sizable near-surface gold system.

Broad mineralized intervals. Three newly reported drill holes intersected extensive gold mineralization beginning at the surface, including 324 meters grading 0.49 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 322 meters grading 0.37 g/t gold. Although grades remain relatively modest, the continuity and scale of mineralization are encouraging and support further evaluation of potential bulk tonnage mineralization.

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SKYX Platforms (SKYX/$0.78 | Price Target: $5)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Another Homebuilder Deal
Rating: OUTPERFORM

New Deal. Hot on the heels of the Maronda Homes announcement, SKYX Platforms revealed an agreement to supply 60,000 units of its smart home technologies for over 700 homes to be built by Home Creations. The units are expected to be provided over the next 12 months. We believe these are the first of many agreements to be awarded in the future for SKYX products in the home builder vertical.

Home Creations. Founded in 1981, Home Creations is a family-founded homebuilder serving Oklahoma and the Houston, Texas, market. Significantly, Home Creations combines energy-efficient construction with smart home features. The firm’s Oklahoma City homes are nearly 53% more energy-efficient than typical new homes and include Deako smart lighting, a smart thermostat, smart locks, and an app-enabled garage door. Every home is HERS-verified by a certified RESNET energy rater and backed by a 10-year structural warranty.

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Star Equity Holdings, Inc. (STRR/$9.89 | Price Target: $16)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
A Tuck-in; Updated Model
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A Tuck-in. Yesterday, Star Equity announced that its Energy Services division acquired a privately held Vernal, Utah-based machine shop that provides repair, rebuild, and machining services for well fishing tools, drill pipe, and other drilling equipment. The transaction closed on October 23, 2026, and the shop will work alongside Alliance Drilling Tool’s (ADT) existing Vernal operation. No financial details were provided.

Additional Detail. Adding these in-house capabilities makes ADT’s Vernal operation a full-service location. ADT can support customers across more of the tool life cycle while gaining more direct control over service quality and turnaround time. The expanded capabilities also position ADT to more actively pursue oil and gas drilling work in the Uinta Basin, as well as mining and geothermal opportunities across the region.

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VivoPower International PLC (VIVO/$2.45 | Price Target: $10)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Advancing Mo i Rana Development and Sovereign AI Strategy
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Construction mobilized at Mo i Rana. On October 12, 2026, VivoPower announced the start of construction for the initial 40MW AI data center at its Mo i Rana facility in Norway. While a definitive lease agreement has not yet been announced, the company confirmed that it has selected a global AI industry leader as its preferred tenant, with the facility’s design and construction tailored to the prospective customer’s requirements.

Existing operations maintained during construction. VivoPower has engaged local contractors to complete site preparation and structural works ahead of the specialized mechanical and electrical fit-out. Under the original development plan, construction will proceed on adjacent land while existing Bitcoin mining and grid-balancing operations continue. After the mining lease expires in June 2027, the existing power capacity is earmarked for AI applications, with an additional 40MW development planned thereafter.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Monday, October 26, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Cosmos Health (COSM)/OUTPERFORM – Building a Higher-Margin Healthcare Platform

Cosmos Health (COSM/$0.26 | Price Target: $1.4)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Richard Magnusen [email protected] |
Building a Higher-Margin Healthcare Platform
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Initiating coverage with an Outperform rating. We believe Cosmos Health is positioned for a meaningful improvement in profitability as its revenue mix shifts toward higher-margin proprietary healthcare products and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company’s established wholesale distribution business provides a revenue base, while its expanding U.S. direct-to-consumer operations could become an increasingly important driver of earnings growth.

U.S. direct-to-consumer sales are gaining momentum. Management expects approximately $15 million in fourth-quarter 2026 U.S. e-commerce revenue and $10.5 million in gross profit, reflecting the rapid expansion of its proprietary nutraceutical business. Active U.S. subscriptions reached 8,940 as of October 19, although customer retention and marketing efficiency remain important considerations as the business scales.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Friday, October 23, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF)/OUTPERFORM – Kodiak Advances MPD Metallurgy Ahead of Key 2027 Catalysts
Seanergy Maritime (SHIP)/OUTPERFORM – Raising Estimates, Fleet Growth Ahead

Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF/$0.46 | Price Target: $1.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Kodiak Advances MPD Metallurgy Ahead of Key 2027 Catalysts
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Metallurgical work begins. Kodiak Copper has commenced an additional metallurgical program at its 100%-owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project in southern British Columbia. The new work builds on positive results reported earlier this year and is focused on flowsheet development and optimization. The program is intended to improve the technical foundation for future economic studies while MPD continues to advance through ongoing exploration and resource growth.

Project-wide testing. The program is broad in scope and will include representative material from all seven deposits included in MPD’s mineral resource estimate: 1) Gate, 2) Ketchan, 3) Man, 4) Dillard, 5) West, 6) Adit, and 7) South. Four composite samples representing the Southern Area, Northern Area, Ketchan, and Gate will undergo mineralogical, comminution, gravity, flotation, locked cycle, and concentrate quality testing. In our view, this should help determine whether a common processing flowsheet can be applied across multiple deposits, which could simplify future development and provide greater flexibility in mine planning and deposit sequencing.

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Seanergy Maritime (SHIP/$15.35 | Price Target: $28)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Raising Estimates, Fleet Growth Ahead
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Increasing third-quarter estimates. We have increased our third-quarter revenue, adj. EBITDA, and adj. EPS estimates to $55.4 million, $35.0 million, and $0.95, respectively, from $53.4 million, $32.0 million, and $0.86. Our revised estimates reflect a higher average time charter equivalent (TCE) rate of $32,750 per day. Moreover, we have increased our FY 2026 revenue, adj. EBITDA and adj. EPS estimates to $209.4 million, $139.7 million, and $3.85, respectively, from $205.9 million, $134.2 million, and $3.70.

Looking ahead. We expect Seanergy’s fleet renewal program to support earnings growth in 2027, with four newbuild vessels scheduled for delivery during the year. These additions should enhance revenue growth, improve operating efficiency, and reduce average vessel age. We also anticipate selective disposals of older vessels, partially offsetting fleet growth while advancing the company’s modernization strategy. While dry dockings, delivery timing, and freight-rate volatility could affect 2027 results, we expect the new vessels to contribute more meaningfully to earnings and cash flow in 2028.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, October 22, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

SKYX Platforms (SKYX)/OUTPERFORM – Proof of Concept
Unicycive Therapeutics (UNCY)/OUTPERFORM – NDA Resubmission Accepted For FDA Review

SKYX Platforms (SKYX/$0.9 | Price Target: $5)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Proof of Concept
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Proof. It didn’t take long for SKYX Platforms and new subsidiary Deako to supply proof of concept on one of the key elements of the merger: i.e., cross-selling. Yesterday, SKYX announced that it will supply over 80,000 units of its advanced technologies to over 1,000 homes for Maronda Homes. We believe this announcement will be the first of many.

Details. The Company expects to deliver over 80,000 units of its advanced plug-and-play and smart home technologies to over 1,000 Maronda Homes residences in several states, including Ohio, Georgia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. If the contract is similar to the $50/unit revenue previously disclosed, the contract would represent some $4 million in revenue.

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Unicycive Therapeutics (UNCY/$3.87 | Price Target: $40)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
NDA Resubmission Accepted For FDA Review
Rating: OUTPERFORM

OLC Resubmission Given March 25, 2027 PDUFA Date. Unicycive announced that the FDA has accepted its NDA (New Drug Application) resubmission for OLC (oxylanthanum carbonate) for review. This follows the 30-day period after resubmission in which the FDA determined that it was sufficiently complete for review. The application received a PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee Act) date of March 25, 2027. This is the date the FDA must respond to the application by statute and aligns with the TDAPA program deadlines.

The NDA Contains Data From A New Manufacturing Partner. As we had expected, the resubmission was classified as Class 2 and received a six-month review. The CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) section includes product manufacturing data from a new third-party manufacturing partner. The FDA inspected this manufacturer’s plant in March 2024 and gave a “No Action Indicated” status, the equivalent of a passing grade.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

FreightCar America (RAIL)/OUTPERFORM – Outlook Reset Following Tank Car Retrofit Order Removal
NetSol Technologies, Inc. (NTWK)/OUTPERFORM – Transcending to the Next Stage of Growth

FreightCar America (RAIL/$4.02 | Price Target: $10)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Outlook Reset Following Tank Car Retrofit Order Removal
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Tank car retrofit order removed from backlog. FreightCar America removed 1,285 railcars associated with a tank car retrofit contract from its backlog after determining that the customer was unlikely to fulfill its contractual obligations. The order included deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2026 and throughout 2027. Management emphasized that the cancellation is specific to one customer and does not affect other orders. Following the adjustment, the September 30, 2026, backlog totaled 2,660 railcars valued at $284.5 million.

Preliminary Q3 2026 results reflect lower production volumes. FreightCar America expects third-quarter revenue of $75 million to $77 million, down approximately 53% from $160.5 million in the prior-year period. Railcar deliveries declined 49% to 662 units, while adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately breakeven, compared with $17.0 million a year earlier. We now forecast revenue of $76.1 million, adjusted EBITDA of $0.0 million, and a loss of $(0.13) per share.

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NetSol Technologies, Inc. (NTWK/$6.54 | Price Target: $9)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Transcending to the Next Stage of Growth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Initiating coverage. We are initiating coverage of NetSol Technologies, a global provider of lending, leasing, and digital retail software to auto captives, banks, and equipment lenders. In our view, NetSol’s long-standing customer relationships and Transcend platform position it to benefit as lenders replace aging systems and to shift more revenue from one-time licenses to recurring subscriptions.

A record year. Fiscal 2026 revenue rose 12.5% to a record $74.4 million. Recurring subscription and support revenue grew 8.7% to $35.8 million and accounts for nearly half of total revenue. We believe the increased adoption of the Transcend platform’s subscription model should improve revenue visibility and reduce reliance on individual contract wins.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Euroseas (ESEA)/OUTPERFORM – Strong Charter Rates and Attractive Vessel Sale

Euroseas (ESEA/$66.59 | Price Target: $95)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Strong Charter Rates and Attractive Vessel Sale
Rating: OUTPERFORM

New charter at an attractive rate. Euroseas announced a new time charter for its 2001-built, 2,556 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) feeder containership, M/V EM Corfu, at a gross daily rate of $62,500 for a minimum period of 12 to a maximum period of 14 months. The charter, expected to commence in mid-December following a scheduled dry-dock, represents a significant increase from the previous rate of $28,000 per day. The new charter is expected to generate approximately $17.8 million in EBITDA over the minimum 12-month period. The agreement increases charter coverage to approximately 100% for 2026, 91% for 2027, and 49% for 2028.

Monetizing an older vessel. Euroseas also agreed to sell the M/V Evridiki G, a 2001-built sister vessel of the EM Corfu, for approximately $26 million. The transaction is expected to generate a gain of $22.5 million, or $3.19 per share. We view the sale favorably given the vessel’s age and the opportunity to realize an attractive price while reducing the fleet’s exposure to older tonnage.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Monday, October 19, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Conduent (CNDT)/OUTPERFORM – Conduent Moves To Resolve Major Litigation Overhang
First Phosphate Corp. (PHOS)/OUTPERFORM – Advancing Toward Feasibility
Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF)/OUTPERFORM – Kodiak Extends Ketchan Mineralization, Strengthening Resource Potential
Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS)/OUTPERFORM – A Tuck-in and Other News

Conduent (CNDT/$1.39 | Price Target: $5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Conduent Moves To Resolve Major Litigation Overhang
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Reaches $80 million class action settlement. Conduent agreed to settle consolidated class action litigation related to its previously disclosed January 2025 cybersecurity incident. The incident involved unauthorized access to the company’s networks beginning in October 2024 and exposed personal information belonging to approximately 62 million individuals. The agreement remains subject to court approval.

Addresses significant litigation exposure. The settlement seeks to resolve litigation stemming from the cybersecurity incident, including claims involving Conduent and affected clients. Upon final approval, the agreement would release Conduent, its affected clients, and their affected customers from covered claims arising from the incident. We believe the agreement provides greater visibility into a significant legal uncertainty that has weighed on the company’s broader turnaround efforts.

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First Phosphate Corp. (PHOS/$12.8 | Price Target: $25.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Advancing Toward Feasibility
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Significant progress toward development. First Phosphate continues to advance its North American LFP battery materials strategy, supported by its inclusion in a G7-backed critical minerals initiative, international financing interest, accelerated permitting coordination in Quebec, and expanded mineral resources. These developments strengthen the company’s strategic position as Bégin-Lamarche advances toward feasibility.

Strengthening project economics and financing prospects. With the updated mineral resource estimate, indicated mineral resources increased by 378%, providing greater geological confidence for feasibility-level mine planning. Canadian government contributions and potential export credit support from Swiss and Danish agencies could reduce future funding requirements. Management is targeting completion of the Bégin-Lamarche feasibility study in the first quarter of calendar 2027.

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Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF/$0.49 | Price Target: $1.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Kodiak Extends Ketchan Mineralization, Strengthening Resource Potential
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Ketchan deposit expands significantly. Kodiak Copper recently reported encouraging results from seven drill holes totaling 1,583 meters at its 100%-owned MPD copper-gold project in British Columbia. Step-out drilling extended the known mineralized envelope at Ketchan by at least 450 meters southeast of its existing 1.4-kilometer resource footprint, increasing the known extent of the mineralized system and supporting potential resource growth.

Near-surface copper-gold mineralization. Hole AG-26-034 intersected 122.5 meters grading 0.41% copper equivalent (CuEq), beginning just 5.5 meters below the surface. Hole AG-26-021 returned 202.5 meters grading 0.20% CuEq, while infill hole AG-26-015 intersected 207.3 meters grading 0.31% CuEq. The results demonstrate mineralization both beyond and within the existing resource boundaries.

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Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS/$40.42 | Price Target: $100)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
A Tuck-in and Other News
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A Tuck-in. Last week, Kratos acquired Jetset Airmotive from its founders. Jetset’s MRO operations on PT6A turbine engines complement Kratos’ existing MRO operations conducted through its Oklahoma-based CTS subsidiary. Based on previous such transactions, we believe the acquisition was structured as 50% KTOS shares and 50% cash, which would imply roughly $50 million in total. With an estimated $40-$50 million in revenue and typical 13-14% EBITDA margins, Jetset was purchased for approximately 1x revenue and 9x EBITDA. The acquisition should add about $5+ million to annual EBITDA.

New Contracts. Kratos has been awarded more than $100 million over multiple contracts to develop prototype mission applications and cyber capabilities, providing space intelligence data in support of joint operations across the space and cyberspace domains. The contracts will leverage Kratos’ software products, analytics, and expertise in RF, signal processing, cybersecurity, and software development, establishing a proven technology base that can be adapted and integrated to meet emerging space and cyber mission requirements.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Friday, October 16, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF)/OUTPERFORM – High-Grade Results Strengthen Flat’s Resource Potential

Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF/$1.2 | Price Target: $3.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
High-Grade Results Strengthen Flat’s Resource Potential
Rating: OUTPERFORM

High-grade results strengthen exploration outlook. Tectonic Metals reported encouraging results from 19 drill holes at its Flat Gold Project in Alaska. At the Alpha Bowl target, drilling intersected 2.41 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 59.44 meters, including 11.82 g/t over 10.67 meters and 39.96 g/t over 3.05 meters, within a broader interval of 1.86 g/t over 80.77 meters beginning at the surface. The results strengthen the potential for a large, near-surface gold system containing higher-grade zones.

Alpha Bowl emerges as a priority target. Alpha Bowl extends approximately 820 meters along strike and 600 meters in width, with mineralization encountered beyond 300 meters of vertical depth. Recent and historical drilling demonstrate gold mineralization across multiple locations, with higher-grade intersections suggesting opportunities to enhance future resource quality. Drilling is evaluating mineralization continuity and expansion potential, with several holes awaiting assays.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, October 15, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

AZZ (AZZ)/OUTPERFORM – Record Results Reinforce Growth Outlook
NanoViricides (NNVC)/OUTPERFORM – Ebola Trial Reports Ongoing Enrollment Progress
Ocugen (OCGN)/OUTPERFORM – Ocugen Completes Licensing Agreement For MENA Region
SKYX Platforms (SKYX)/OUTPERFORM – Transformative Acquisition Completed

AZZ (AZZ/$137.66 | Price Target: $170)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Record Results Reinforce Growth Outlook
Rating: OUTPERFORM

FY 2027 Second Quarter Results Exceed Expectations. AZZ reported adjusted net income of $60.1 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, compared with $46.9 million, or $1.55 per share, in the prior-year period. Results exceeded our estimates of $54.9 million, or $1.81 per share, by 9.5% and 10.5%, respectively. Revenue increased 16.7% to a record $486.9 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose 25.0% to $110.9 million, exceeding our $101.6 million estimate. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 150 basis points to 22.8%. Metal Coatings revenue increased 22.9% to $233.5 million, while Precoat Metals revenue rose 11.5% to $253.4 million. Segment adjusted EBITDA margins were 30.7% and 21.2%, respectively.

FY 2027 Corporate Guidance Raised. Reflecting strong first-half results and sustained operating momentum, management increased FY 2027 revenue guidance to $1.825 to $1.875 billion from $1.800 to 1.850 billion. Adjusted EBITDA guidance increased to $380 to $420 million from $375 to $415 million, while adjusted diluted EPS guidance rose to $7.00 to $7.30 from $6.75 to $7.15.

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NanoViricides (NNVC/$1.31 | Price Target: $6)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Ebola Trial Reports Ongoing Enrollment Progress
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Patient Enrollment and Treatment Continue. Nanoviricides provided an update on the progress of its Phase 2a trial in Ebola, including additional details on its design, endpoints, and objectives. The Phase 2a trial began treating patients with NV-387 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in late September. The company reported that enrollment is continuing, with data expected in 1Q27. 

Stages Of Infection Are Emerging. The current outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the DRC has been caused by a new variant of the Bundibugyo Ebolavirus (BDBV). The development of symptoms varies between patients, and its diagnosis is still being refined. During the first 5 to 7 days after initial infection, mild symptoms may not even be noticeable. Patients typically seek treatment after about 5 to 7 days, when they begin vomiting and have severe diarrhea. The trial is expected to enroll most patients at this stage.

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Ocugen (OCGN/$0.84 | Price Target: $12)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Ocugen Completes Licensing Agreement For MENA Region
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Licensing Agreement Finalizes Terms Announced In July. Ocugen and Roots Pharmaceuticals have finalized a licensing agreement for the commercialization of OCU400 in the Middle East and North Africa. The license finalizes the terms that the two companies announced in July 2026. This advances Ocugen’s plan to market OCU400 worldwide.

Collaboration Covers A Large Territory. The agreement gives Kuwait-based Roots Pharmaceuticals and its strategic partner, Al-Dhow International Holding, exclusive rights for the Middle East and North Africa coastal countries (MENA region). Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is estimated to have a higher incidence in this region than in the US and Europe, although we cannot project sales at this time.

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SKYX Platforms (SKYX/$1.04 | Price Target: $5)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Transformative Acquisition Completed
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Deako. SKYX Platforms has closed the merger with Deako, Inc., which we first covered in our September 11th report. As we noted then, the merger enables SKYX to offer an A-to-Z AI and smart home plug-and-play solution for homes and buildings. The merger significantly expands SKYX’s addressable market and also opens additional avenues of cross-selling opportunities for both companies, in our view.

New Pipeline Details. SKYX noted the combined Company pipeline is over 4 million units with an expected average selling price of approximately $50/product, suggesting a $200 million+ current pipeline. With cross-selling opportunities, SKYX’s full product line is expected to create an opportunity to increase Deako’s revenue per home by up to fivefold; we expect to see strong pipeline growth going forward. And there is the opportunity to cross-sell Deako products into SKYX’s existing projects.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Aurania Resources (AUIAF)/OUTPERFORM – Drilling Completed at Thor’s Valley; Assays Expected in November
AZZ (AZZ)/OUTPERFORM – Record Earnings Drive Increased Guidance

Aurania Resources (AUIAF/$0.13 | Price Target: $0.3)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Drilling Completed at Thor’s Valley; Assays Expected in November
Rating: OUTPERFORM

2026 drilling program completed. Aurania completed eight diamond drill holes totaling 780.7 meters at its Thor’s Valley gold-silver project in Iceland, compared with six holes originally planned. The program included six holes twinning historical drilling, one drilled in the same direction as a historical hole but at a different inclination, and a step-out hole 50 meters northwest of the historic area. The program was intended to confirm historical results and assess the continuity and extent of mineralization. Assay results are expected in November 2026.

Core recovery improves geological confidence. Aurania achieved nearly 100% core recovery in most holes, compared with approximately 50% or less historically. Using HQ3 diamond drilling, the company recovered fragmented, clay rich vein material frequently lost during earlier programs. More representative samples should improve the assessment of historical gold grades and mineralized widths.

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AZZ (AZZ/$136.71 | Price Target: $170)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Record Earnings Drive Increased Guidance
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Q2 FY 2027 Financial Results. AZZ reported adj. net income of $60.1 million, or $2.00 per share, versus $46.9 million, or $1.55 per share, a year ago. Results exceeded our estimates of $54.9 million, or $1.81 per share, by 9.5% and 10.5%, respectively. Revenue increased 16.7% to a record $486.9 million, while adj. EBITDA rose 25.0% to $110.9 million, exceeding our $101.6 million estimate. Adj. EBITDA margin expanded 150 basis points to 22.8%. Metal Coatings revenue increased 22.9% to $233.5 million, while Precoat Metals revenue rose 11.5% to $253.4 million. Segment adj. EBITDA margins were 30.7% and 21.2%, respectively.

FY 2027 Corporate Guidance Raised. Reflecting strong performance and sustained sales momentum, management raised FY 2027 revenue guidance to $1.825–$1.875 billion from $1.800–$1.850 billion. Adj. EBITDA guidance increased to $380–$420 million from $375–$415 million, while adj. EPS guidance rose to $7.00–$7.30 from $6.75–$7.15. The revised outlook reflects contributions from the new Washington, Missouri facility, improved operations, and lower interest expense. Capital expenditures are expected to total $80–$100 million, with debt reduction of $100–$140 million.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, October 8, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP)/OUTPERFORM – Coal Operations Anchor Cash Flow as Oil and Gas Royalties Expand
Resources Connection (RGP)/OUTPERFORM – Pricing Holds as the Recovery Remains Elusive
Xcel Brands (XELB)/OUTPERFORM – Performance-Based Partnership Could Accelerate Royalty Growth

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP/$24.65 | Price Target: $33.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Coal Operations Anchor Cash Flow as Oil and Gas Royalties Expand
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Coal fundamentals support a constructive outlook. Alliance Resource Partners is the second-largest coal producer in the eastern United States and benefits from a competitive cost structure and strong earnings visibility based on contracted sales. More than 99% of expected 2026 coal volumes are committed and priced, while approximately 85% of anticipated 2027 volumes are contracted. Growing electricity demand and a more supportive regulatory environment could extend coal-fired power plant lives and strengthen demand for thermal coal.

Royalties strengthen the growth profile. Alliance continues to expand its high-margin oil and gas royalty business, supported by more than $1 billion invested in mineral interests. The recent $206.2 million AllDale acquisition expanded its portfolio to approximately 115,680 net royalty acres, including more than 44,770 acres in the Permian Basin. We expect royalties to contribute increasingly to earnings and cash flow without the capital requirements of operated properties.

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Resources Connection (RGP/$2.99 | Price Target: $6)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Pricing Holds as the Recovery Remains Elusive
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Overview. Resources Connection’s first-quarter results were within management’s revenue and gross margin outlook, while lower operating expenses helped profitability exceed our July projections. However, the Company has yet to demonstrate sustained revenue improvement. We believe pricing discipline and ongoing cost actions provide a foundation for recovery, but weak consultant utilization and recent cash consumption leave less room for an extended turnaround.

1Q27 Results. Revenue was $98.1 million compared to $120.2 million in 1Q26 and our $100 million estimate. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $3.6 million compared to $3.1 million in 1Q26 and our projected $5.5 million loss. Adjusted net loss was $0.16/sh. versus EPS of $0.03 in 1Q26 and our $0.22/sh. loss estimate. The earnings improvement relative to our forecast is encouraging, although it does not change the need for higher billable activity.

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Xcel Brands (XELB/$0.64 | Price Target: $5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
George Proost [email protected] |
Performance-Based Partnership Could Accelerate Royalty Growth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

An important evolution of the creator-commerce model. Xcel Brands announced a partnership with Paradium.AI to launch PetHelpful x Trust·Respect·Love by Cesar Millan, combining Parade’s extensive digital publishing network with Cesar Millan’s global recognition and authentic content. We believe the collaboration marks an important evolution in Xcel’s strategy, leveraging AI-powered content to convert strong consumer awareness into retail sales.

A compelling performance-based marketing model. Paradium.AI commits significant marketing resources through its media platforms to participating retailers at no cost, while Paradium.AI, Cesar Millan, and Xcel share performance-based royalties. We believe this creates an attractive proposition for retailers by providing substantial promotional support while aligning all parties’ interests around generating sales.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, October 8, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA)/OUTPERFORM – Patient Enrollment Completed In THIO-101, Enrollment Milestone Reached In THIO-104

MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA/$1.18 | Price Target: $14)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Patient Enrollment Completed In THIO-101, Enrollment Milestone Reached In THIO-104
Rating: OUTPERFORM

MAIA Reported Two Important Clinical Trial Milestones. MAIA announced the completion of enrollment for the Part C Expansion Stage of the THIO-101 trial. This part of THIO-101 has enrolled 150 patients. Separately, the Phase 3 THIO-104 trial reached enrollment of 65 patients, putting it on schedule to enroll 100 patients by YE2026. Reaching the full-year enrollment goal could allow an interim analysis in FY2027.

Results From THIO-101 Part C Have Been Positive To Date. As discussed in our Research Note on September 22, MAIA recently announced initial efficacy data from the THIO-101 Part C. The evaluable population, consisting of patients with at least one post-treatment evaluation by tumor scan, showed a disease control rate (DCR) of 90.5%. This far exceeds published studies that show a 25%–35% DCR for standard third-line chemotherapy regimens.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI)/OUTPERFORM – Positioning For The Next Step
Conduent (CNDT)/OUTPERFORM – Transit Sale Closes; Deleveraging Story Advances
Lucky Strike Entertainment (LUCK)/OUTPERFORM – Q1 Headwinds, Full-Year Outlook Intact
The GEO Group (GEO)/OUTPERFORM – To Redeem Debt, Extend Credit Facility

Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI/$10.07 | Price Target: $28)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
George Proost [email protected] |
Positioning For The Next Step
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Revising estimates. We are lowering our second-half 2026 revenue expectations to reflect a softer advertising environment, including lower expectations for core and political advertising. We now forecast Q3 revenue of $42.7 million and adjusted EBITDA of $3.9 million, followed by Q4 revenue of $49.5 million and adjusted EBITDA of $6.5 million.

Cost reductions are providing support. Despite the challenging revenue environment, we believe Beasley’s significantly lower operating cost structure is beginning to meaningfully benefit profitability. We forecast full-year 2026 revenue to decline 13.1% to $178.9 million, while adjusted EBITDA increases 45.2% to $15.3 million and the adjusted EBITDA margin expands to 8.5% from 5.1% in 2025.

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Conduent (CNDT/$1.62 | Price Target: $5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
George Proost [email protected] |
Transit Sale Closes; Deleveraging Story Advances
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Transit sale completed. Conduent completed the previously announced sale of its public transit and fare collection business to Modaxo on October 1. In our view, the closing represents another important step in the company’s efforts to simplify its portfolio, reduce financial leverage, and focus resources on its core Commercial and Government businesses.

$125 million earmarked for debt reduction. Conduent received $140 million in cash consideration at closing and expects to use $125 million of net proceeds to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility. We view the debt reduction favorably and believe the improved balance sheet should enhance the company’s financial flexibility as management executes its ASCEND strategy.

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Lucky Strike Entertainment (LUCK/$5.29 | Price Target: $14.5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
George Proost [email protected] |
Q1 Headwinds, Full-Year Outlook Intact
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Q1 expectations reset. We are lowering our fiscal Q1 revenue and adj. EBITDA forecasts to $299.0 million and $72.5 million, down from $307.0 million and $77.0 million, respectively. The revision largely reflects softer-than-expected water-park results due to unfavorable weather, pricing, and season-pass decisions, as well as lingering disruption from the World Cup.

Water-park weakness appears fixable. While weather and an aggressive, roughly 30% price increase pressured attendance, per-capita spending improved, and labor costs declined. Management plans to recalibrate pricing, start selling season passes earlier, and further optimize admissions to position the parks for improved performance next season.

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The GEO Group (GEO/$29.94 | Price Target: $40)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
To Redeem Debt, Extend Credit Facility
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Debt Redemption. The GEO Group is redeeming all of its $650 million 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due in 2029. The redemption will be funded from net proceeds of the facility sale announced Monday. We view this as a significant positive for the Company, reducing outstanding debt, eliminating interest payments, and setting the Company up to be more aggressive in its share repurchase program.

Details. The redemption price for the 2029 Senior Secured Notes will be equal to $1,043.13 per $1,000.00 original principal amount, or approximately $678 million, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. GEO is receiving a net $705 million from the facility sale and had another $55 million of cash on the balance sheet as of June 30th. The redemption of the 2029 Senior Secured Notes will occur on October 15, 2026. GEO will save some $56 million in annual interest expense.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Alliance Entertainment Holding (AENT)/OUTPERFORM – Building A Higher-Margin Entertainment Platform
NN (NNBR)/OUTPERFORM – A Deeper Look Into the Implications of the PIPE Transaction
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF)/OUTPERFORM – Preparing for the Next Phase of Growth
The GEO Group (GEO)/OUTPERFORM – A Sale; Increased Buyback Authorization

Alliance Entertainment Holding (AENT/$4.69 | Price Target: $9)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
George Proost [email protected] |
Building A Higher-Margin Entertainment Platform
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Noble Virtual Conference Highlights. On October 1, 2026, Bruce Ogilvie, Executive Chairman of Alliance Entertainment, presented at Noble’s October Virtual Emerging Growth Conference. The presentation highlighted an optimistic outlook for fiscal 2027 and opportunities to expand margins through licensing, collectibles, authentication, and fulfillment. A replay is available here.

Favorable revenue and margin expansion outlook. Management expects continued revenue growth and margin expansion in fiscal 2027, supported by continued demand for physical media products and a full year of the company’s high-margin licensing deal with Amazon MGM. Additionally, the company’s return to direct movie sales to Walmart eliminates third-party intermediary fees and restores access to supply chain financing, supporting faster cash collection and higher margins. Management expects the full benefit to become more apparent in fiscal Q2.

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NN (NNBR/$4.24 | Price Target: $6)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
A Deeper Look Into the Implications of the PIPE Transaction
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Transaction. As noted, NN is eliminating its outstanding Preferred stock, which will eliminate the associated dividends that cost the Company approximately $19 million in 2025. NN issued 11.3 million shares in the PIPE transaction and an additional 4.8 million pre-funded warrants. Eliminating the dividends and increasing the share count would lower our 4Q26 estimated loss per share to $0.03 from a prior $0.06. The elimination of $122.1 million of outstanding preferred stock as of June 30th significantly improves NN’s capital structure.

Term Loan. At the end of June, NN had $133.5 million outstanding under its term loan facility at a 13.5% interest rate. We believe the elimination of the preferred, along with solid operating performance, gives management the opportunity to refi the term debt at a lower rate. For illustrative purposes, reducing the interest rate to 10% from 13.5% would save the Company $4.6 million in annual interest costs, or about $0.04/sh, based on 100 million shares outstanding.

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Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF/$1.32 | Price Target: $3.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Preparing for the Next Phase of Growth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Senior leadership team appointment. Effective October 1, Tectonic appointed Mr. Eduard Epshtein, CPA, CA, as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Epshtein has more than 20 years of capital markets, project development, transactions, and corporate finance experience, including 16 years as Chief Financial Officer of Lithium Americas (NYSE: LAC, TSX: LAC). During his tenure, Lithium Americas evolved from an exploration-stage company into a NYSE-listed producer with a market capitalization exceeding US$5 billion.

Experience aligned with Tectonic’s next phase. We view the appointment positively given Mr. Epshtein’s experience advancing major resource projects from exploration through construction and production. His experience with project finance, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, offtake arrangements, M&A, and corporate governance should become increasingly relevant as Tectonic moves Flat from exploration toward resource definition and economic evaluation.

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The GEO Group (GEO/$32.34 | Price Target: $40)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
A Sale; Increased Buyback Authorization
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Facilities Sale. The GEO Group has sold its Adelanto, California ICE Processing Center complex to the Federal government for $950 million, or a net of $705 million. This is the first facility sale by GEO to the Department of Homeland Security and follows similar transactions earlier this year by competitor CoreCivic to DHS. The sale provides a solid foundation for the value of GEO’s assets in our view.

Details. The Adelanto complex consists of 3 buildings with a total of 2,644 beds. On a consolidated basis, the sale price equates to over $359,000/bed. GEO expects to continue providing support services to the Federal government at these locations under the existing contract agreement, although we would expect some changes to the contract as GEO no longer owns the facilities. The current contract runs through mid-December 2029 with a 5-year option period.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Monday, October 5, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

NN (NNBR)/OUTPERFORM – Another Milestone In Cleaning Up The Capital Structure
Sky Harbour Group (SKYH)/OUTPERFORM – Noble October Virtual Conference.
SKYX Platforms (SKYX)/OUTPERFORM – Noble October Virtual Conference
Star Equity Holdings, Inc. (STRR)/OUTPERFORM – Noble October Virtual Conference
Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE)/OUTPERFORM – OVO Growth Roadmap Comes Into Focus

NN (NNBR/$4.51 | Price Target: $6)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Another Milestone In Cleaning Up The Capital Structure
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Capital Structure. On Friday, NN  announced it had entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private investment in public equity financing (PIPE) that is expected to result in net proceeds of approximately $50 million. A majority of the proceeds will be used to eliminate the outstanding Series D preferred stock. NNBR shares rose 24% on the news, closing at $4.51. We view Friday’s announcement positively, placing NN in a much stronger financial position to pursue extensive growth opportunities.

Details. NN will issue an aggregate of 16.1 million shares of common stock (or prefunded warrants in lieu thereof) at a price of $3.30 per share (or $3.29 per pre-funded warrant). Each pre-funded warrant has an exercise price of $0.01 per share of common stock and will be immediately exercisable. There are 10 investors making this investment, a mix of existing shareholders and new shareholders. The deal was significantly oversubscribed. The deal is expected to close on October 5th.

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Sky Harbour Group (SKYH/$9.29 | Price Target: $23)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Noble October Virtual Conference.
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Noble Virtual Conference. Sky Harbour Senior Vice President Tim Herr presented at the Noble Virtual Conference. Highlights included macro tailwinds, client mix, and long-term goals. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/sky-harbour-skyh-noble-capital-markets-virtual-conference-replay-october-2026.

Macro Tailwinds. The total square footage of the aviation fleet continues to increase, driven by an increased number of aircraft operating-driven by both business and consumer demand-and the increasing size of the aircraft fleet. U.S. Business-Class total square footage, Sky Harbour’s target market, has risen by 73% over the past 15 years. On the supply side, no new major airports have been built since the early 1990s. The available land at or surrounding airports continues to shrink.

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SKYX Platforms (SKYX/$1.18 | Price Target: $5)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Noble October Virtual Conference
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Noble Virtual Conference. SKYX Platforms CEO Leonard Sokolow presented at the Noble Virtual Conference. Highlights included the Deako acquisition, development agreements, and product introductions.  A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/skyx-platforms-corp-skyx-noble-capital-markets-virtual-conference-replay-october-2026.

Deako Acquisition. Management does expect cost synergies, but the larger piece of the pie, in our view, is the ability to provide an A-to-Z solution across the electronic real estate of homes, buildings, and hotels, where power, control, sensing, and AI intelligence will reside. The combination will put SKYX at the forefront of data sharing in smart home systems, opening multiple high-margin revenue opportunities, in our opinion.

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Star Equity Holdings, Inc. (STRR/$9.76 | Price Target: $16)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Noble October Virtual Conference
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Noble Virtual Conference. Star Equity CEO Jeff Eberwein presented at the Noble Virtual Conference. Highlights included the Harte Hanks proposed acquisition, efforts to monetize non-cash-flowing assets, and future financial goals.  A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/star-equity-holdings-strr-noble-capital-markets-virtual-conference-replay-october-2026.

Harte Hanks. Harte Hanks has completed its go-shop period, and while other proposals were received, the Harte Hanks Board has not determined that any proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal to the Star proposal. Mr. Eberwein noted that both companies are moving forward to complete the announced deal, hopefully by year-end.

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Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE/$10.5 | Price Target: $14)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
OVO Growth Roadmap Comes Into Focus
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Insights From Noble’s Emerging Growth Conference. We recently hosted Vince Holding Corp. CEO Brendan Hoffman and CFO Yuji Okumura for a fireside chat at Noble Capital Markets’ Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference. The discussion provided additional insight into the strength of the core Vince business and, importantly, management’s strategy to leverage its operating platform to accelerate growth at the recently acquired OVO business. Click here to view the presentation. Vince participated in the conference on October 2.

Core Vince Momentum Remains Healthy. We believe the underlying Vince business remains on solid footing, supported by strength across both direct-to-consumer and wholesale. Second-quarter revenue rose 11.7% to $81.8 million, with DTC up 13.7% and wholesale up 10.4%, providing a solid foundation as management begins integrating OVO.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, October 1, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Conduent (CNDT)/OUTPERFORM – Laying Out the Path to Profitable Growth
Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF)/OUTPERFORM – Kay Copper Advances
Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML)/OUTPERFORM – Horse Heaven Advances on Multiple Fronts

Conduent (CNDT/$1.56 | Price Target: $5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Laying Out the Path to Profitable Growth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A clearer path forward. At its Investor Day held on September 30 in New York, Conduent outlined ASCEND 2026-28, a three-year framework to transition the company from restructuring and portfolio simplification to consistent, profitable growth. The strategy centers on three priorities: Standardize operations and infrastructure, Specialize in core solutions, and Scale the company’s go-to-market capabilities.

Targets provide visibility through 2028. Management expects revenue of $2.15 billion-$2.25 billion in both 2026 and 2027, increasing to $2.25 billion-$2.35 billion in 2028. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to increase from $140 million-$170 million in 2026 to $170 million-$200 million in 2027 and $210 million-$250 million in 2028, with meaningful margin expansion anticipated.

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Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF/$0.49 | Price Target: $1.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Kay Copper Advances
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Transaction moves toward closing. Kodiak Copper has filed the initial TSX Venture Exchange listing application for Kay Copper and executed definitive agreements covering the combination of Kodiak’s Mohave project with Teck’s Copper Hill project in Arizona. The transaction is intended to create a well-funded, U.S.-focused copper explorer with two drill-ready porphyry projects. Completion is expected in October 2026, subject to TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) acceptance and other customary closing conditions.

Financing is in place. In connection with the transaction, approximately C$5.37 million was raised through a subscription receipt financing at C$0.25 per receipt, in addition to an earlier C$830,000 financing. The proceeds are intended to fund exploration at Mohave and Copper Hill during 2026 and 2027. Following closing, Kodiak and Teck are each expected to own approximately 26.4% of Kay Copper.

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Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML/$5.68 | Price Target: $30)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Horse Heaven Advances on Multiple Fronts
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Horse Heaven takes center stage. In fiscal 2026, Resolution Minerals repositioned the company around its 100%-owned Horse Heaven Antimony-Tungsten-Gold-Silver Project in Idaho following its acquisition in July 2025. During the year, Resolution initiated and expanded drilling, made gold discoveries at Golden Gate North and South, advanced the high-grade Antimony Ridge system, acquired the Johnson Creek processing site and historical tungsten stockpiles, and initiated metallurgical programs across gold, antimony, and tungsten.

Golden Gate continues to expand. Following the June 30 fiscal year-end, Resolution completed its 2026 Golden Gate drilling program with 42 diamond holes totaling 12,236 meters. Recent assays from Golden Gate South extended the mineralized zone to approximately 600 meters in width and returned the highest gold grades reported to date at Horse Heaven, including one meter grading 14.8 g/t Au and 10.2 meters grading 1.83 g/t Au. Assays remained pending for 36 holes, providing a pipeline of additional results.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS)/OUTPERFORM – Sharpening the Focus
Power Metallic Mines Inc. (PNPNF)/OUTPERFORM – Deep Drilling Extends Lion Zone at Depth
Unicycive Therapeutics (UNCY)/OUTPERFORM – Unicycive Announces NDA Resubmission For OLC, Ahead Of Our Expected Timeframe

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS/$2.6 | Price Target: $5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Sharpening the Focus
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Portfolio simplification. FLWS agreed to sell PersonalizationMall and Things Remembered to PlanetArt for approximately $45 million. We believe the transaction advances management’s strategy to simplify the business and concentrate resources behind its core brands and higher-return growth opportunities. The transaction is expected to close within the next several weeks.

Debt amendment increases flexibility. Importantly, a recent amendment to the credit agreement allows FLWS to retain a portion of the sale proceeds rather than directing the entire amount toward debt reduction. We estimate that roughly $22.5 million will reduce term debt, while approximately $22.5 million will be available to reinvest in the business.

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Power Metallic Mines Inc. (PNPNF/$0.81 | Price Target: $2)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Deep Drilling Extends Lion Zone at Depth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Deep drilling expands the Lion Zone. Power Metallic recently released new drill results that extend the known depth of the Lion Zone, with Hole PML-26-125 intersecting 5.70 meters grading 14.00% copper equivalent recovered (CuEqRec) at nearly 800 meters vertical depth. The intercept was drilled roughly 150 meters below the previous deepest high-grade hole and lies well beneath the limits of the recently announced mineral resource estimate, providing additional evidence that Lion remains open at depth.

Grades remain strong below the current resource. Hole PML-26-125 returned 11.42% copper within the broader 5.70-meter interval, including 2.15 meters grading 24.62% CuEqRec and 20.30% copper. A second hole, PML-26-121a, intersected 7.70 meters grading 3.28% CuEqRec, including 1.70 meters at 11.93% CuEqRec. Together, the results suggest that high-grade copper-platinum group elements (PGE) mineralization continues below the current resource envelope rather than tapering out at depth.

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Unicycive Therapeutics (UNCY/$4.55 | Price Target: $40)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Unicycive Announces NDA Resubmission For OLC, Ahead Of Our Expected Timeframe
Rating: OUTPERFORM

NDA For OLC Has Been Resubmitted. Unicycive has resubmitted its NDA (New Drug Application) for OLC (oxylanthanum  carbonate) to control phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. Typically, the FDA accepts the submission for filing within 30 days and provides a PDUFA date, the statutory date for the agency to respond. This date is expected to be six months later, for a PDUFA date around March 30, 2026.

An Alternate Manufacturing Vendor Has Been Added.  The resubmission included CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) product data from a new third-party manufacturing vendor similar to the original vendor, including OLC manufacturing and 12-month stability studies. The NDA also includes data from bridging studies showing the vendors’ products are equivalent, as recommended by the FDA.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

DLH Holdings (DLHC)/OUTPERFORM – Momentum Continues

DLH Holdings (DLHC/$3.46 | Price Target: $7)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Momentum Continues
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A New Task Order. DLH has been awarded a task order to provide risk management framework and cybersecurity operations support services to the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) Center for Information Technology (“CIT”). CIT provides the NIH community with a secure and reliable IT infrastructure in support of its mission-critical research activities. In our view, not only does the award expand DLH’s support for NIH, but the award aligns with management’s strategy to grow technology-powered solutions in core markets.

Details. Notably, the task order is new work for DLH. The award has a potential value of $19.1 million inclusive of all option periods. The base period and multiple options aggregate to a three-year period of performance. This new business comes hot on the heels of recent awards for DLH, supporting our thesis that the multi-year lull in awards has broken. We anticipate DLH to continue to win its fair share of business going forward.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Monday, September 28, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW)/OUTPERFORM – A CEO Transition
Metals & Mining (Metals & Mining) – Observations from the 2026 Precious Metals Summit
Ocugen (OCGN)/OUTPERFORM – New Designations In The Bahamas To Lead To First Commercial Approval For OCU400

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW/$32.13 | Price Target: $42)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
A CEO Transition
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Transition. On Friday, CoreCivic announced that Patrick Swindle was stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer due to health reasons. Mr. Swindle also resigned from CoreCivic’s Board. The Board named Lucibeth N. Mayberry as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Ms. Mayberry also joined the Board. We believe CoreCivic’s deep bench of executives should make this a seamless transition.

Ms. Mayberry’s Background. Ms. Mayberry has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer since May 2025. From October 2022 to May 2025, Ms. Mayberry served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer. Prior to assuming that role, Ms. Mayberry served as Executive Vice President, Real Estate from May 2015 until October 2022. She has previously served in various roles at CoreCivic since May 2003, including as Vice President, Deputy Chief Development Officer; Vice President, Research, Contract and Proposals; and Managing Director, State Partnership Relations.

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Ocugen (OCGN/$1.02 | Price Target: $12)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
New Designations In The Bahamas To Lead To First Commercial Approval For OCU400
Rating: OUTPERFORM

First Commercialization Could Be Coming Soon. Ocugen has received Provisional Approval and Priority Designation from the Bahamian government for OCU400. Ocugen can now supply OCU400 through an Expanded Access Program (EAP). If the first patient is treated within 90 days, OCU400 will receive full regulatory approval, allowing for commercialization in Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). We see this as a significant regulatory and commercial milestone.

Regulatory Approval Is More Significant Than Potential Sales. This would be the first approval to allow commercial sales of OCU400. While some countries allow compassionate-use treatments before approval at the company’s break-even cost, Ocugen will be allowed to charge full price and earn profit on the treatments. We expect only a handful of patients to be treated in the coming quarters and do not expect a material impact on quarterly Net Losses, as the company has three late-stage clinical trials in progress at this time.

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Metals & Mining Industry Report
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Observations from the 2026 Precious Metals Summit

Precious Metals Summit. We attended the Precious Metals Summit last week at the Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado. While strong increases in metal prices led to exceptional investment returns in 2025, returns have moderated in 2026. Year-to-date through September 25, mining companies (as measured by the XME) appreciated 4.6% compared to a gain of 13.1% for the S&P 500 Index. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners (GDX) and Junior Gold Miners (GDXJ) ETFs were up 8.3% and 6.4%, respectively. While metals prices remain strong, gold, silver, nickel, and lead prices have retreated modestly since the end of last year, while copper and zinc prices have continued to advance. While rising rate expectations may pose a headwind for gold, an uncertain geopolitical environment and other factors may provide an offset.

Investors are more discerning. Sentiment remains constructive, supported by strong metals prices, robust industry cash flows, and continued institutional interest in the sector. Conference participation was strong, including executive teams from over 225 mining companies and a broad mix of institutional investors, sell-side brokerage firms, and other industry participants. Investors appear to be increasingly focused on companies with scale, grade, strong metallurgy, manageable capital requirements, and an identifiable path for converting exploration success into economic value

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, September 24, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

NanoViricides (NNVC)/OUTPERFORM – Phase 2 Clinical Trial For HV-387 In MPox Begins
NN (NNBR)/OUTPERFORM – Raises Full Year Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Guide
V2X (VVX)/OUTPERFORM – Follow-on Award

NanoViricides (NNVC/$1.51 | Price Target: $6)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Phase 2 Clinical Trial For HV-387 In MPox Begins
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Phase 2 Trial Patient Enrollment Has Started. NanoViricides has begun enrolling patients in the Phase 2 clinical trial testing NV-387 for MPox Virus Infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This meets our expected timeframe for the start of the trial, with preliminary results expected in late 4Q26. We anticipate a second trial testing NV-387 to start shortly in the same region.

Phase 2 Trial Design. The trial is an open-label study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NV-387 compared with the standard of care. The trial is being conducted in Lodja, Sankuru Province, DRC, a remote province not (yet) affected by the Ebola outbreaks seen in other regions. NV-387 is formulated as an oral solid (gummies) that does not require refrigeration or cold storage, making it practical to administer in remote regions.

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NN (NNBR/$3.86 | Price Target: $6)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Raises Full Year Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Guide
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A Raise. For the third time in 2026, NN management raised full-year guidance, reflecting the positive momentum of the business, in our view. Full-year revenue is now expected to be in the $470-$490 million range, with adjusted EBITDA now projected to be in the $58-$68 million range, up from a prior $460-$480 million and $55-$65 million, respectively. Initial 2026 guidance called for revenue in the $445-$465 million range and adjusted EBITDA in the $50-$60 million range.

Management Commentary. NN management noted, “Our business continues to build momentum as we ramp up in our key growth markets of Data Center, Defense & Electronics, and Medical, where demand for our solutions remains strong and actively expanding. Our year-to-date results and year-to-go forecast underpin this improved guidance and reflect the steady performance of our growth and cost programs.”

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V2X (VVX/$74.94 | Price Target: $92)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Follow-on Award
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Business. V2X continues to add business with a recent follow-on award from the Air Force for base support services and a position on an ID/IQ supporting the Air Force’s Carriage Equipment Production Effort for the Long Range Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile program. Such awards demonstrate V2X’s strong position to bid for and win new and expanded business, in our opinion.

Follow-on. The Department of War announced that V2X Systems has been awarded an undefinitized contract action with a not-to-exceed ceiling price of $231.8 million, a modification to a previously awarded contract for base support services in support of the Iraq F-16 program. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $594.2 million. Work will be performed at Martyr BG Ali Flaih Air Base, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by July 17, 2027. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $115.9 million are being obligated at the time of award.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF)/OUTPERFORM – Advancing Plans for a Stand-Alone Merchant Chlor-Alkali Plant
Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN)/OUTPERFORM – Tegoprubart Extension Study Maintains Improvement Over Tacrolimus

Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF/$0.18 | Price Target: $2.3)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Advancing Plans for a Stand-Alone Merchant Chlor-Alkali Plant
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Advancing a merchant chlor-alkali plant. Century Lithium plans to develop a commercial-scale chlor-alkali plant in the Western United States that would produce chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide from sodium chloride, water, and electricity. The plant is expected to initially produce at a rate of 300 short tons per day (st/d) of chlorine, with potential expansion to 600 st/d depending on regional demand and the supply needs of Angel Island.

Early offtake interest provides commercial support. Century has signed eight non-binding Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that could collectively fully utilize the plant’s initial production, while discussions with additional customers are ongoing. The company is evaluating sites in Nevada and Utah based on power, feedstock, rail access, permitting, and proximity to customers, with final site selection expected following completion of due diligence.

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Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN/$2.89 | Price Target: $10)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Tegoprubart Extension Study Maintains Improvement Over Tacrolimus
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Long-Term Data Updated At Transplant Conference. Eledon presented an update to the Phase 2 BESTOW Extension study at the International Congress of The Transplantation Society. Analysis up to 24 months after transplantation showed that patients treated with tegoprubart had statistically significant improvements in kidney function compared with patients treated with tacrolimus. Separately, tegoprubart has also received Fast Track designation from the FDA in the kidney transplant indication.

Updated Extension Study Data. Patients completing the BESTOW trial were entered into an Extension Stage to follow outcomes after the trial period ended. At 18, 21, and 24 months, tegoprubart patients had a higher eGFR of about 71 mL/min/1.73m2 compared with 58 mL/min/1.73m2 for tacrolimus, with differences that were statistically significant. Tegoprubart patients showed a continued improvement in eGFR after the trial, while tacrolimus patients showed a gradual but steady decline.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA)/OUTPERFORM – Heading Into 4Q After Strong Clinical Progress
Titan International (TWI)/OUTPERFORM – To Sell ITM Business

MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA/$1.33 | Price Target: $14)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Heading Into 4Q After Strong Clinical Progress
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Phase 2 Extension Stage Has Begun Treatment At US Sites. MAIA began treating patients at three US sites in the Part C Expansion Phase of its Phase 2 THIO-101 trial. The trial tests ateganosine (aka THIO) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and had completed the planned patient enrollment at international sites worldwide. Two additional US sites are expected to open during 2026.

Initial Data Shows Consistent Efficacy. In June 2026, MAIA announced initial efficacy data from the ongoing Phase 2 THIO-101 Part C Expansion Stage. Patients with at least one post-treatment evaluation by tumor scan showed a disease control rate (DCR) of 90.5% in the evaluable population. We believe that data consistent with Parts A and B could allow the company to apply for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review.

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Titan International (TWI/$7.36 | Price Target: $11)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
To Sell ITM Business
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A Sale. Titan International entered into an agreement to sell its Italtractor ITM undercarriage business. The sale is expected to generate cash value of approximately $285 million, which includes a $207 million initial purchase price, $6 million of potential earnout proceeds, $23 million of customary adjustments based on ITM’s net assets and financial position at closing, and $49 million of dividends, consisting of $38 million received in recent years and $11 million expected prior to closing. The deal is expected to close in early January.

Focus. We expect Titan to use the proceeds to sharpen its focus on the core global wheel and tire operations serving the agriculture, construction, and consumer markets. Investments are expected to be focused on the Company’s highest growth opportunities and may include the purchase of adjacent businesses. A portion of the proceeds may be used to reduce outstanding net debt, which totaled $413 million as of June 30th.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Monday, September 21, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Codere Online (CDRO)/OUTPERFORM – Adding the NFL to the Mexico Playbook
Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX)/OUTPERFORM – A Clearer Path Through the Turnaround

Codere Online (CDRO/$9 | Price Target: $16)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Adding the NFL to the Mexico Playbook
Rating: OUTPERFORM

High-visibility NFL Agreement. Codere recently announced a multi-year agreement with the NFL, establishing it as the league’s Official Betting Partner in Mexico.  In our view, the high-visibility partnership strengthens its presence in a key market, increases brand awareness, deepens customer engagement opportunities, and enhances brand credibility.

Details. The agreement is set to run for three years and includes annual sponsorship of one NFL game in Mexico City and Super Bowl sponsorship rights in Mexico. The agreement kicks off with the November 22, 2026, 49ers–Vikings matchup and Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles in February 2027. The partnership also creates fan engagement opportunities through hospitality programs, VIP experiences, promotional events across multiple Mexican cities, and official NFL merchandise.

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Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX/$3.42 | Price Target: $5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
George Proost [email protected] |
A Clearer Path Through the Turnaround
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Xerox Roadshow. On September 16th, Louis Pastor, CEO, Chuck Butler, CFO, and Greg Stein, SVP & Head of IR, presented to investors at a non-deal roadshow in St. Louis. The presentation highlighted the company’s turnaround strategy, focusing on its efforts to stabilize revenue, expand margins, and reduce debt.

Broadening the revenue base. Earlier this month, the company announced a strategic partnership with Flint Group Digital Xeikon to utilize its digital press technology in Xerox-branded products. The partnership bolsters Xerox’s position in the production print market by providing access to digital packaging, labels, and commercial print without the cost of developing the technology internally.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, September 17, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

DLH Holdings (DLHC)/OUTPERFORM – $43.7 Million Follow-On Award
First Phosphate Corp. (PHOS)/OUTPERFORM – SERV Adds a Significant New Export Credit Agency (ECA) Financing Component
GeoVax Labs (GOVX)/OUTPERFORM – MVA Technology Platform Produces New Vaccine For Ebola
Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF)/OUTPERFORM – Advancing a District-Scale Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in British Columbia

DLH Holdings (DLHC/$3.99 | Price Target: $7)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
$43.7 Million Follow-On Award
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Follow-on Order. DLH has been awarded a task order to continue providing high-quality information technology services for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. DLH has performed on this mission since 2018. The task order, valued at up to $43.7 million, includes a base period and multiple options aggregating to a two-and-a-half-year period of performance. We view this most recent award as further confirmation that the backlog of contracts and task orders is being freed up which will benefit DLH going forward.

Details. Under this task order, DLH will build on its existing implementation of artificial intelligence for IT operations and automation to improve service efficiency, system reliability, data integrity, cybersecurity, and compliance- all strengths of DLH. The Company will provide services in support of approximately 2,000 NHLBI scientific and administrative employees and contractors.

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First Phosphate Corp. (PHOS/$15.37 | Price Target: $25.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
SERV Adds a Significant New Export Credit Agency (ECA) Financing Component
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Swiss support adds another financing layer. First Phosphate has received a Letter of Support from Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) for approximately US$212.5 million in potential financing tied to Swiss machinery, equipment, goods, and services for the Bégin-Lamarche mine and processing facility. The contemplated financing is based on an assumed US$250 million eligible Swiss export contract, with SERV prepared to consider financing 85% of the contract value.

European and G7 support is converging around the project. The SERV announcement follows EIFO’s earlier letter of intent for up to €170 million in guaranteed financing support, while the Canadian government’s G7 Critical Minerals Resilience and Production Alliance announcement also highlighted Danish support for the Bégin-Lamarche mine and Italian financial and industrial support for First Phosphate’s downstream phosphoric acid facility. Switzerland is not a G7 member, but SERV’s participation adds another significant European state-backed export finance institution to a project already receiving support through G7-related initiatives.

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GeoVax Labs (GOVX/$0.41 | Price Target: $10)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
MVA Technology Platform Produces New Vaccine For Ebola
Rating: OUTPERFORM

BDBV Vaccine Construct Developed With GeoVax’s Proprietary Technology. GeoVax has developed a new vaccine construct against Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). This is the virus causing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), now the largest Ebola outbreak and the fastest-spreading outbreak in the DRC. We see this new vaccine construct as proof of principle for the GeoVax MVA technology platform and its ability to respond to infectious diseases with new vaccines.

We See This As An Example Of The MVA Technology Capabilities. GeoVax has proprietary technology based on the MVA (Modified Vaccinia Ankara) virus that it can use to develop and manufacture new vaccines. This technology provides a common foundation for developing new vaccines and responding to infectious disease outbreaks. Previous vaccines developed with the MVA technology platform can stimulate both antibody and cellular immune responses, resulting in long durability, high tolerability, and improved safety profiles.

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Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF/$0.52 | Price Target: $1.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
George Proost [email protected] |
Advancing a District-Scale Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in British Columbia
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A large copper resource with room to grow. We have initiated coverage of Kodiak Copper Corp. with an Outperform rating and a price target of C$2.10, or approximately US$1.50 per share. Kodiak’s 100%-owned MPD Copper-Gold Project in southern British Columbia contains 439.2 million tonnes of Indicated and Inferred Resources across seven deposits, all open to expansion. Resource growth and improved project definition could support a higher valuation against a favorable long-term outlook for copper.

Ketchan drilling supports higher-grade potential. Hole AG-26-019 returned 283.5 meters at 0.70% copper equivalent (CuEq) from 37.5 meters downhole, including 108 meters at 1.02% CuEq. The result highlights shallow mineralization that could improve the grade and confidence of the existing resource.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

GeoVax Labs (GOVX)/OUTPERFORM – GEO-MVA Phase 3 Trial Moves Forward With Laboratory Testing Agreement For Patient Samples

GeoVax Labs (GOVX/$0.43 | Price Target: $10)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
GEO-MVA Phase 3 Trial Moves Forward With Laboratory Testing Agreement For Patient Samples
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Agreement With CEPI Lab Network Establishes Standardized Sample Testing. GeoVax announced an agreement with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) to test patient samples from its Phase 3 GEO-MVA study through the CEPI Centralized Laboratory Network. CEPI is an internationally recognized laboratory network that uses standardized assays and laboratory methods. We see this as an important development that can provide reliable results for both regulatory approval and comparison with other therapeutics.

An Important Step For The GEO-MVA Trial. GeoVax reiterated its plan to begin its GEO-MVA immunobridging study in Mpox/smallpox in 4Q26. The trial is expected to enroll about 500 patients, with results expected in mid-2027. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) has given Scientific Advice stating that a single immune bridging study showing that an immune response elicited by the GEO-MVA vaccine is non-inferior to the approved vaccine would be sufficient to apply for approval from the European Union.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Monday, September 14, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML)/OUTPERFORM – Thoughts on the Golden Gate Drilling Program

Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML/$7.76 | Price Target: $30)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Thoughts on the Golden Gate Drilling Program
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Golden Gate 2026 drilling program. Resolution has completed its planned 2026 Golden Gate drilling program at the Horse Heaven Project in Idaho, completing 42 diamond core holes totaling 12,236 meters. The program, the largest exploration campaign undertaken at Horse Heaven, was designed to define the scale and extent of both gold and tungsten mineralization across Golden Gate North and the recently established Golden Gate South discovery. Core logging is complete, and final samples are being sent to the laboratory for analysis, leaving assay results from 39 of the 42 holes as the principal near-term catalyst.

Early results suggest a potentially large gold system. Results from the first three 2026 holes extended gold mineralization at least 2,000 meters south of Golden Gate North and established Golden Gate South as a new discovery. The strongest 2026 result reported to date was 305.7 meters grading 0.64 g/t gold from surface in Hole HH-GG26-003C, while the 2025 program returned higher-grade intervals including 189.2 meters at 1.30 g/t gold and 253 meters at 1.5 g/t gold. Along with a broad gold-in-soil anomaly between the two areas, the results provide increasing evidence that Golden Gate may represent a considerably larger mineralized system than initially recognized.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Friday, September 11, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS)/OUTPERFORM – Cost Reset Complete; Focus Shifts To Growth
Alliance Entertainment Holding (AENT)/OUTPERFORM – Momentum Builds Into Fiscal 2027
SKYX Platforms (SKYX)/OUTPERFORM – Now Offering an A-to-Z Solution for the Smart Electronic Grid
T3 Defense (DFNS)/OUTPERFORM – Another Award
Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF)/OUTPERFORM – Chicken Mountain Drilling Expands Gold System
Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE)/OUTPERFORM – Core Momentum Builds Ahead of OVO

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS/$3.04 | Price Target: $5)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Cost Reset Complete; Focus Shifts To Growth
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Q4 results reflect continued top-line pressure. Fiscal Q4 revenue declined 12.9% to $293.1 million, with Consumer Floral & Gifts down 13.4% and Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets down 15.4%, partially offset by 1.9% growth at BloomNet. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $31.0 million compared with a loss of $24.2 million in the prior-year period, as revenue deleverage and cost pressures more than offset operating efficiencies.

Underlying trends provide signs of progress. Importantly, Consumer Floral & Gifts gross margin rose 220 basis points to 40.7%, while contribution margin remained relatively stable. Management also indicated that the flowers category is now generating positive sales on many days and weeks, providing early evidence that changes to merchandising, fulfillment, and the digital customer experience may be improving the underlying revenue trajectory. 

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Alliance Entertainment Holding (AENT/$5.51 | Price Target: $9)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Momentum Builds Into Fiscal 2027
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A strong finish to fiscal 2026. Fiscal Q4 revenue was $268.1 million, up 18% from the prior-year period, capping a solid year in which revenue increased 8% to $1.15 billion. Full-year adjusted EBITDA increased 14% to $41.5 million, while gross margin expanded 80 basis points to 13.3%, reflecting favorable product mix and improved operating performance.

Growth is broadening across the portfolio. Physical entertainment remained healthy, with fiscal 2026 vinyl revenue increasing 13%, CDs up 25%, and physical movies up 22%, supported by strong consumer demand and expanded studio relationships with Paramount and Amazon MGM. Higher-value businesses are also gaining traction, with collectibles revenue up 45% and distribution and fulfillment fees up 26%.

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SKYX Platforms (SKYX/$1.32 | Price Target: $5)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Now Offering an A-to-Z Solution for the Smart Electronic Grid
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Merger. Yesterday, SKYX Platforms announced an agreement to merge with Deako, Inc., a smart home AI platform and intelligent lighting company. The merger agreement between SKYX and Deako will enable SKYX to address from A-to-Z the smart electronic real estate of electrical outlet boxes in homes and buildings including wall outlets, wall switches, and ceiling outlet boxes for smart home and safety products, lighting, ceiling fans, smoke detectors, among others, all with advanced and smart home plug & play solutions.

Synergistic. Management does expect cost synergies, but the larger piece of the pie, in our view, is the ability to provide an A-to-Z solution across the electronic real estate of homes, buildings, and hotels, where power, control, sensing, and AI intelligence will reside. SKYX products will be introduced into Deako’s 50-plus home builders market, while Deako’s products will be introduced into SKYX’s existing projects, such as European hotels and the $4 billion Miami Smart City. We view this as a win-win for SKYX.

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T3 Defense (DFNS/$9.84 | Price Target: $30)
Joe Gomes [email protected] | 561-999-2262
Another Award
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Award. Yesterday, T3 subsidiary Rimon announced receipt of a purchase order valued at $1.3 million from a leading Israeli defense prime contractor. The new award is further validation of management’s game plan to focus on mission-critical hardware and systems used in defense and counter-drone programs. The Company’s portfolio spans launcher systems, tactical mobility, power generation, positioning and navigation, command-and-control, and training and simulation capabilities that support the deployment, operation, and sustainment of layered defense architectures.

Details. Rimon will supply engineered power-generation systems for a European production line supporting a critical air-defense system. The equipment will be built and configured to the prime contractor’s specifications and the requirements of serial defense production, with deliveries scheduled for the customer’s European production facility. Notably, this is a production-line award, not a one-off delivery, which should result in additional volume not only from this customer but potentially from other customers.

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Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF/$1.61 | Price Target: $3.5)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Chicken Mountain Drilling Expands Gold System
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Initial 2026 drilling results. Tectonic Metals reported the first assays from its 2026 program at Chicken Mountain, with results from 15 holes totaling 2,276 meters, demonstrating extensions of mineralization both at depth and along the southern margin. The strongest diamond hole, CMD26-036, returned 1.40 g/t gold (Au) over 30.00 meters, including 4.58 g/t Au over 4.50 meters, followed by a 118.16-meter interval grading 0.51 g/t Au that continued to the end of the hole. The result extends Central Corridor 2 to more than 300 meters of vertical depth and supports the interpretation of Chicken Mountain as a large, bulk-tonnage reduced intrusion-related gold system potentially amenable to heap-leach processing.

The mineralized footprint continues to grow. Approximately 1.2 kilometers south of Hole CMD26-036, step-out holes CMR26-141 and CMR26-142 extended the southernmost tested mineralization by approximately 200 meters, increasing its interpreted length to roughly 600 meters. Hole CMR26-142 returned 0.56 g/t Au over 38.10 meters, including 3.06 g/t Au over 4.57 meters, while Hole CMR26-141 intersected 0.31 g/t Au over 25.91 meters and ended in mineralization. The results confirm lateral continuity and expand the mineralized volume that could contribute to a maiden resource.

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Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE/$5.03 | Price Target: $11)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
Jacob Mutchler [email protected] |
Core Momentum Builds Ahead of OVO
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Strong Q2 Results. The company reported Q2 revenue of $81.8 million and adj. EBITDA of $18.0 million, both of which were above our estimates of $80.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively. Solid Q2 results were driven by double-digit revenue growth across DTC and wholesale channels, improved operating leverage, and a $10.4 million tariff refund benefit. Notably, when excluding the refund, adj. EBITDA was approximately $7.6 million, still above our estimate.

DTC and Wholesale Gain Momentum. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) revenue increased 13.7% to $32.4 million, while wholesale revenue grew 10.4% to $49.4 million. DTC benefited from strength across stores and e-commerce, while an expanding full-price customer base and favorable demand for women’s and men’s collections supported both channels. 

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Thursday, September 10, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF)/OUTPERFORM – Angel Island Permitting Advances
Ocugen (OCGN)/OUTPERFORM – Interim Analysis Report Recommends Continuing Stargardt Phase 2/3 Trial, But Causes Confusion
Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML)/OUTPERFORM – Nasdaq Listing Expands U.S. Investor Access

Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF/$0.19 | Price Target: $3.05)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Angel Island Permitting Advances
Rating: OUTPERFORM

A major milestone. Century Lithium reached a major permitting milestone at its 100%-owned Angel Island Lithium Project in Nevada with the submission of its Mine Plan of Operations and Nevada Reclamation Permit Application. The Plan of Operations formally defines the proposed project for federal environmental review and moves Angel Island into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

Angel Island lithium project. Angel Island will be a large, long-life surface mine designed to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate on site. Development would be phased from approximately 8,300 tons per day during the first four years to as much as 16,500 tons per day from years five through 40, supported by direct lithium extraction, closed-loop water recycling, and significant power and water infrastructure.

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Ocugen (OCGN/$1.07 | Price Target: $12)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Interim Analysis Report Recommends Continuing Stargardt Phase 2/3 Trial, But Causes Confusion
Rating: OUTPERFORM

The DMC Recommends Continuing The GARDian Trial. Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) has completed its planned interim analysis of the Phase 2/3 GARDian trial of OCU410ST in Stargardt disease. The analysis included 26 patients out of the planned enrollment of about 50, evaluating 16 treated patients and 10 controls. The DMC recommended continuing the trial as planned, with an evaluation of the entire patient population at 8 months after treatment. We believe the disclosure has led to misinterpretation of the recommendation.

The Evaluation Included Just Half The Enrollment In An Orphan-Sized Trial. Stargardt is an Orphan disease with a Phase 2/3 trial based on a small enrollment of about 50 patients. While this helps enrollment, each patient’s data has a larger impact than in larger trials.

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Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML/$11.6 | Price Target: $30)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Nasdaq Listing Expands U.S. Investor Access
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Nasdaq listing enhances Resolution’s U.S. market presence. Resolution Minerals’ American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on September 9, 2026, under the ticker RML. Each ADS represents 200 ordinary Resolution shares, while the ASX remains the company’s primary listing. Resolution did not conduct a U.S. capital raise in connection with the Nasdaq listing.

The listing supports Resolution’s broader U.S. strategy. We expect the Nasdaq listing to increase the company’s visibility among U.S. retail and institutional investors and strengthen its ability to raise capital in the United States. The timing is favorable given heightened U.S. interest in securing domestic supplies of critical minerals, particularly tungsten and antimony.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Aurania Resources (AUIAF)/OUTPERFORM – Drilling is Underway at the Thor’s Valley Gold Project in Iceland
Power Metallic Mines Inc. (PNPNF)/OUTPERFORM – High-Grade Lion Maiden Resource with Significant Expansion Potential

Aurania Resources (AUIAF/$0.14 | Price Target: $0.3)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
Drilling is Underway at the Thor’s Valley Gold Project in Iceland
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Drilling has commenced at Thor’s Valley. Aurania has commenced a six-hole, approximately 770-meter diamond drilling program at the Thor’s Valley gold project in Iceland. The program is expected to take about one month. Five holes will twin historical holes to validate previously reported high-grade intercepts using modern drilling and standards, while a sixth will test a new target associated with surface rock chip boulders grading up to 102 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.

Thor’s Valley has a history of high-grade gold. Historical mining between 1911 and 1924 identified a productive vein approximately one meter wide and at least one kilometer long, with grades ranging from 11 g/t to 315 g/t gold. More recent exploration has reinforced the project’s high-grade characteristics, with 32 holes drilled in 2005 and 2006 returning results of up to 415.4 g/t gold, and another 11 holes completed in 2020 returning grades of up to 113 g/t gold.

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Power Metallic Mines Inc. (PNPNF/$0.94 | Price Target: $2.65)
Mark Reichman [email protected] | (561) 999-2272
High-Grade Lion Maiden Resource with Significant Expansion Potential
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Maiden resource establishes Lion as a high-grade polymetallic deposit. Power Metallic’s inaugural maiden resource estimate (MRE) defined approximately 4.75 million tonnes at roughly 3.9% copper equivalent (CuEq), containing approximately 406 million pounds of CuEq, with more than 85% of the resource classified as Indicated. Importantly, mineralization begins at the surface, with approximately 59% of the current tonnage contained within the conceptual open pit resource, and the underground Indicated resource grading 4.71% CuEq.

Strong metallurgy and favorable infrastructure. Locked-cycle testing achieved copper recoveries above 98% while producing concentrates grading more than 25% copper, alongside strong recoveries for palladium, platinum, gold, and silver. The Lion Zone’s near-surface mineralization and proximity to all-season roads and major Hydro-Québec power infrastructure could support a relatively efficient development scenario, potentially beginning with an open pit before transitioning underground. Power Metallic is now preparing for a preliminary economic assessment (PEA), expected to be released in December 2026, that may include integration of the Nisk resource.

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Noble Capital Markets Research Report Friday, September 4, 2026

Companies contained in today’s report:

Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN)/OUTPERFORM – Clinical Milestones For Tegoprubart Trials In 2H26 Reiterated
Lands’ End (LE)/OUTPERFORM – Underlying Momentum Remains Intact

Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN/$2.93 | Price Target: $10)
Robert LeBoyer [email protected] | (212) 896-4625
Clinical Milestones For Tegoprubart Trials In 2H26 Reiterated
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Eledon Reiterated Plans For Tegoprubart Trials In Kidney Transplantation and Diabetes. Eledon has confirmed plans to initiate its Phase 3 LEGACY trial, testing tegoprubart to prevent rejection after kidney transplants. The trial will have two arms, comparing an immuno- suppressive regimen with tegoprubart to a regimen with tacrolimus. Each arm has a target enrollment of about 300 patients at clinical sites worldwide. The primary endpoint will be a composite of BRAR, graft loss, and death. Secondary endpoints include measures of kidney function and side effects associated with tacrolimus.

IND For Islet Cell Transplantation In Diabetes Has Been Filed. The company has submitted an IND (Investigational New Drug) application to begin testing tegoprubart to prevent rejection of islet cell allograft transplants in type 1 diabetes (T1D). To date, 12 patients treated in the first trial have achieved cell engraftment and normalized blood glucose. Their recent HbA1c levels averaged 5.4%, comfortably below the standard 6.5% threshold for diabetes. The upcoming trial will be multicenter and intended to meet requirements for FDA approval.

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Lands’ End (LE/$10.82 | Price Target: $20)
Michael Kupinski [email protected] | (561) 994-5734
George Proost [email protected] |
Underlying Momentum Remains Intact
Rating: OUTPERFORM

Q2 Revenue Rebounds. Fiscal second-quarter revenue increased 2.7% to $302.0 million, modestly above our $300.0 million estimate, as U.S. eCommerce revenue increased 9.0% and Outfitters increased 4.4%. Importantly, regular consumer fulfillment has normalized following the Q1 WMS disruption.

Underlying eCommerce Trends Are Encouraging. U.S. eCommerce revenue increased to $182.4 million, well above our $172.3 million estimate, supported in part by shipments carried over from Q1. Given the improved performance, we modestly increased our fiscal 2026 U.S. eCommerce revenue estimate to $842.2 million from $840.4 million.

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Noble Capital Markets Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference – October 2026 – Presenting Company Replays

October 1 Schedule

All times Eastern

October 2 Schedule

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Participating in 1×1 Meetings Only

Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman, Closing a Remarkable Era

Warren Buffett stepped down Friday as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B), bringing another chapter of one of the most consequential careers in modern investing to a close.

Buffett, who recently turned 96, has been named Chairman Emeritus and will remain on Berkshire’s board, where the company says he will continue to offer his judgment and perspective. His son, Howard G. Buffett, a Berkshire director since 1993, has been elected chairman, while Greg Abel remains chief executive officer and continues to run the company’s operations.

The transition completes a process that began earlier this year when Abel succeeded Buffett as CEO. Buffett described the timing as right, writing to shareholders that Abel had exceeded his already high expectations and had been making Berkshire’s important decisions for some time. He characterized Howard’s role differently: Abel will run the company, while Howard will help guard the culture and values Buffett spent decades building.

For investors, Buffett’s departure from the chairman’s seat is less about an abrupt change in control than the culmination of a succession plan years in the making. But symbolically, it closes an extraordinary period in American business.

From Struggling Textile Company to $1 Trillion Conglomerate

Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, when it was still primarily a struggling New England textile manufacturer. What followed was one of the most remarkable transformations in corporate history.

Rather than remaining a textile business, Berkshire evolved into a sprawling collection of operating companies and investments spanning insurance, rail transportation, energy, manufacturing, retailing and services. Today its businesses include GEICO, BNSF Railway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Dairy Queen and numerous industrial and consumer companies.

The numbers illustrate the scale of the transformation. From 1965 through 2025, Berkshire’s per-share market value compounded at 19.7% annually, compared with 10.5% for the S&P 500 including dividends. Over the full period from 1964 through 2025, Berkshire’s gain totaled more than 6 million percent, versus roughly 46,000% for the S&P 500.

That record turned Buffett from a successful investor into a central figure in global finance and transformed Berkshire from an obscure textile company into a business valued at roughly $1 trillion.

A Different Approach to Building a Company

Much of Buffett’s success came from a model that was unusual when he began using it and remains difficult to replicate.

Berkshire’s insurance operations generated large amounts of float – premiums collected before claims are paid – that could be invested elsewhere. Buffett used that capital to buy public-company stakes and, increasingly, entire businesses.

Over time, Berkshire accumulated large positions in companies such as Coca-Cola and Apple while acquiring businesses ranging from GEICO and BNSF Railway to utilities, manufacturers and retailers. Buffett’s investment approach also evolved alongside longtime partner Charlie Munger, moving beyond simply buying statistically cheap companies toward acquiring strong businesses with durable competitive advantages, capable management and attractive long-term economics.

Berkshire then allowed many acquired companies to operate with significant autonomy rather than imposing a heavily centralized corporate structure. The combination of patient capital, decentralized management and an unusually long investment horizon became a defining part of Berkshire’s identity.

Crisis Investing Helped Build the Buffett Reputation

Buffett’s reputation was also reinforced by his willingness to deploy capital when markets were under severe stress.

During the 2008 financial crisis, Berkshire invested billions of dollars in companies including Goldman Sachs and General Electric at a time when access to capital had become extremely valuable. Those investments demonstrated one of Berkshire’s recurring advantages: maintaining enough liquidity to act aggressively when other investors were forced to retreat.

That philosophy remains visible today. As of June 30, Berkshire’s insurance and other businesses held approximately $359 billion in cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury bills, giving the company an enormous pool of liquidity for investments, acquisitions or share repurchases. Buffett has long viewed that liquidity not as idle capital, but as both protection against unexpected events and optionality when attractive opportunities emerge.

Buffett Also Changed How Investors Think

Buffett’s influence extends well beyond Berkshire’s financial results. His annual shareholder letters became widely read explanations of investing, corporate governance, accounting and capital allocation, while Berkshire’s annual meeting in Omaha evolved into one of the largest gatherings of investors in the world.

Among the ideas Buffett repeatedly emphasized were relatively simple concepts that often proved difficult to practice: focus on long-term business value rather than short-term stock movements, avoid excessive leverage, understand what you own and remain disciplined when markets become euphoric or fearful.

His emphasis on treating shareholders as long-term business partners also helped shape Berkshire’s unusually loyal investor base. In his final message as chairman, Buffett returned to that idea, noting that he and Munger had always sought shareholders who thought in decades rather than quarters.

What Happens to Berkshire Now?

The most important question for Berkshire investors is how much the company changes without Buffett holding either the CEO or chairman title. Operationally, the transition is already well underway.

Greg Abel became CEO at the beginning of 2026 and is responsible for running Berkshire and making capital-allocation decisions. Buffett said Friday that Abel has fully taken control of the CEO role and that he has not had reason to question the decisions Abel has made.

Howard Buffett’s position as chairman is expected to be more focused on governance and protecting Berkshire’s corporate culture than managing day-to-day operations. Buffett described his son as a safeguard for the values he believes are central to the company.

Berkshire also enters the post-Buffett era with substantial financial strength. At June 30, the company reported roughly $1.26 trillion in total assets and nearly $748 billion in Berkshire shareholders’ equity, alongside its large holdings of cash and Treasury bills. That gives Abel considerable flexibility, but also presents one of Berkshire’s biggest challenges: its enormous size makes finding investments capable of materially moving the company increasingly difficult.

The Next Berkshire Will Inevitably Look Different

No successor can realistically replicate Buffett’s exact role. For decades, he served simultaneously as chief executive, chairman, chief capital allocator, public face of the company and one of its largest shareholders.

Berkshire’s next generation of leadership is intentionally more distributed, with Abel managing the business, Howard Buffett overseeing the board and Berkshire’s existing managers continuing to run individual subsidiaries. Investors will therefore be watching whether the company can preserve the elements of Buffett’s system that made it distinctive: disciplined capital allocation, conservative financing, decentralized operations and a willingness to wait for attractive opportunities.

There are reasons for continuity. Buffett remains a director and major shareholder, and the current succession structure was developed over many years rather than assembled suddenly. But Berkshire is unquestionably entering a new era.

Buffett took control of a struggling textile operation more than six decades ago and turned it into one of the largest and most financially powerful companies in the world. Few investors have produced comparable long-term returns, and fewer still have had such a lasting influence on how generations of investors think about businesses, markets and capital.

In his letter Friday, Buffett acknowledged the inevitability of the transition with characteristic simplicity: “Father Time always wins.” He added that Berkshire had reached a point where he was more confident than ever about what lies ahead.

That confidence will now be tested under a new generation of leadership. For Berkshire shareholders, the Buffett era may be ending – but the company he built is designed to continue long after him.

Taboola to Acquire Dianomi, Expanding Its Reach in Financial Advertising

Taboola (NASDAQ: TBLA) has agreed to acquire UK-based digital advertising company Dianomi, a move that will significantly expand Taboola’s presence in financial services advertising and deepen its access to premium business and finance publishers.

The acquisition is expected to close before the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory conditions and approval by Dianomi shareholders. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Dianomi specializes in connecting financial, business and lifestyle advertisers with high-intent audiences across premium digital publications. Its clients include major financial institutions and asset managers such as Charles Schwab, Invesco and Bank of America, while its publisher relationships include Reuters, CNN Business, The Times and The Wall Street Journal.

For Taboola, the acquisition adds a specialized advertising network in one of the most commercially valuable segments of digital media.

Why Dianomi Fits Taboola’s Strategy

Taboola has spent years expanding beyond the content-recommendation widgets that first made the company widely known.

Its current strategy centers on Realize, Taboola’s performance advertising platform, which uses the company’s publisher relationships, first-party data and artificial intelligence to help advertisers drive measurable outcomes across the open web. Taboola said Dianomi’s network will be integrated with Realize, creating a more specialized offering for advertisers seeking finance-oriented audiences.

That is important because financial advertisers often place a premium on context, trust and audience quality. Someone reading investment research, retirement planning content or business news is often a more attractive advertising target for financial institutions than a generic web user. Dianomi has built its business specifically around that distinction.

Founded in 2003, the company focuses on contextual advertising across finance, business and lifestyle publications, using what it describes as privacy-first and identity-free targeting rather than relying solely on third-party cookies.

A Premium Finance Advertising Network

Dianomi says its marketplace reaches more than 500 million devices interested in finance, business and lifestyle content and serves more than 8 billion native advertising impressions per month. The company also has relationships with more than 320 premium publishers.

Its customer base is particularly concentrated in financial services. Dianomi says it works with eight of the world’s ten largest asset managers and more than half of the largest U.S. banks. Its audience products include segments aimed at investors, retirement planners, financial advisers, C-suite executives and other affluent or professionally oriented users.

That specialization differentiates Dianomi from broader ad networks. Rather than competing primarily on raw audience scale, the company has built its proposition around placing financial advertising adjacent to relevant, premium editorial content. That positioning has become increasingly valuable as advertisers seek alternatives to broad behavioral targeting and as privacy restrictions reduce reliance on traditional cookies.

Taboola Continues Building Beyond Native Advertising

The Dianomi acquisition also fits a broader pattern in Taboola’s evolution.

Taboola has steadily expanded its capabilities through acquisitions and partnerships designed to increase the types of advertisers and publishers it can serve. In 2021, the company acquired Connexity, expanding into e-commerce advertising and product recommendations across the open web. Taboola later entered a long-term commercial agreement with Yahoo, giving it access to one of the internet’s largest consumer audiences and significantly increasing the scale of its native advertising operations.

More recently, the company has been positioning Realize as a broader performance advertising platform rather than simply a recommendation engine. The addition of Dianomi gives Taboola something different from pure scale: vertical specialization.

Finance represents a category where advertisers typically care deeply about audience quality, regulatory considerations, brand safety and trusted publishing environments. Dianomi has spent more than two decades building relationships specifically around those needs.

Contextual Advertising Becomes More Important

The deal also reflects changes occurring across digital advertising.

For years, online advertising relied heavily on third-party cookies and user-level behavioral tracking. That model has come under increasing pressure from privacy regulations, browser restrictions and changing consumer expectations.

Dianomi’s approach is more context-driven. Rather than depending primarily on an individual user’s identity, its platform analyzes the content being consumed and places advertising around relevant subject matter. A retirement-services advertisement, for example, might appear alongside investing or retirement-planning content where reader intent is already high.

Dianomi says its platform is designed to operate without third-party cookies, an approach that could become increasingly important as advertisers and publishers look for privacy-conscious methods of reaching targeted audiences. Taboola has similarly emphasized first-party data and contextual signals as part of its open-web advertising strategy.

Bringing the two together could give advertisers access to Dianomi’s specialized financial audiences while adding Taboola’s broader technology, AI capabilities and performance measurement tools.

Benefits for Publishers Could Matter Too

The combination is not only about advertisers.

Premium publishers increasingly face pressure to generate more revenue from digital audiences without sacrificing reader experience or exposing valuable first-party data.

Dianomi offers publishers native, display, video and podcast advertising across websites, apps, email, Apple News and other digital formats. The company says its model allows publishers to monetize inventory while maintaining control over their first-party audience data.

For Taboola, that could deepen relationships with publishers already operating in financially valuable categories. The company has repeatedly described its ambition as becoming an economic infrastructure provider for the open web, helping publishers generate revenue while giving advertisers alternatives to large closed advertising platforms. Dianomi expands that strategy further into a category where publisher credibility is particularly important.

A Smaller Deal With Strategic Value

Without disclosed financial terms, investors cannot yet evaluate the acquisition based on purchase multiple, expected accretion or return on invested capital. That makes the strategic rationale more important than the transaction economics for now.

Dianomi brings Taboola a concentrated network of finance-focused advertisers, premium publishers and high-value audiences. Taboola brings a much larger performance advertising platform, broader publisher distribution, first-party data and AI-driven optimization.

The combination could allow Dianomi’s specialized network to scale more quickly while giving Taboola a stronger position in financial advertising. The acquisition also comes as Taboola continues expanding partnerships across major media companies, reinforcing its push to increase premium publisher inventory available through Realize.

A Related Digital Advertising Theme in Noble Coverage

The deal also highlights the growing importance of digital and programmatic advertising across the broader media ecosystem. Noble Capital Markets covers Townsquare Media (NYSE: TSQ), which has increasingly shifted toward a digital-first business model.

Noble’s recent research has highlighted continued growth in Townsquare’s digital advertising operations, including programmatic advertising, owned-and-operated digital properties and its expanding Media Partnerships platform. While Townsquare’s model differs from Taboola and Dianomi, all three are exposed to the continued migration of advertising budgets toward measurable, data-driven digital channels.

What Investors Should Watch

The key question will be whether Taboola can preserve what makes Dianomi valuable while integrating it into a much larger advertising platform.

Dianomi’s appeal rests partly on specialization, trusted publisher relationships and its reputation within financial services. If Taboola can combine that niche positioning with greater scale and technology without diluting it, the acquisition could strengthen Realize in a category that offers both high-value advertisers and attractive audiences.

Investors will also be watching for additional details around the transaction price, expected financial contribution and integration plans as the deal moves toward closing.

For now, the acquisition reinforces a broader direction for Taboola. The company is increasingly building a portfolio of specialized capabilities around performance advertising, rather than relying solely on its traditional native recommendation business.

With Dianomi, Taboola is adding something particularly valuable to that portfolio: a deeply established position inside the financial advertising ecosystem.

GeoVax Labs (GOVX) – MVA Technology Platform Produces New Vaccine For Ebola


Thursday, September 17, 2026

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

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

BDBV Vaccine Construct Developed With GeoVax’s Proprietary Technology. GeoVax has developed a new vaccine construct against Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). This is the virus causing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), now the largest Ebola outbreak and the fastest-spreading outbreak in the DRC. We see this new vaccine construct as proof of principle for the GeoVax MVA technology platform and its ability to respond to infectious diseases with new vaccines.

We See This As An Example Of The MVA Technology Capabilities. GeoVax has proprietary technology based on the MVA (Modified Vaccinia Ankara) virus that it can use to develop and manufacture new vaccines. This technology provides a common foundation for developing new vaccines and responding to infectious disease outbreaks. Previous vaccines developed with the MVA technology platform can stimulate both antibody and cellular immune responses, resulting in long durability, high tolerability, and improved safety profiles.


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

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

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

First Phosphate Corp. (PHOS) – SERV Adds a Significant New Export Credit Agency (ECA) Financing Component


Thursday, September 17, 2026

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

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

Swiss support adds another financing layer. First Phosphate has received a Letter of Support from Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) for approximately US$212.5 million in potential financing tied to Swiss machinery, equipment, goods, and services for the Bégin-Lamarche mine and processing facility. The contemplated financing is based on an assumed US$250 million eligible Swiss export contract, with SERV prepared to consider financing 85% of the contract value.

European and G7 support is converging around the project. The SERV announcement follows EIFO’s earlier letter of intent for up to €170 million in guaranteed financing support, while the Canadian government’s G7 Critical Minerals Resilience and Production Alliance announcement also highlighted Danish support for the Bégin-Lamarche mine and Italian financial and industrial support for First Phosphate’s downstream phosphoric acid facility. Switzerland is not a G7 member, but SERV’s participation adds another significant European state-backed export finance institution to a project already receiving support through G7-related initiatives.


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

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

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

Kodiak Copper Corp. (KDKCF) – Advancing a District-Scale Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in British Columbia


Thursday, September 17, 2026

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

George Proost, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

A large copper resource with room to grow. We have initiated coverage of Kodiak Copper Corp. with an Outperform rating and a price target of C$2.10, or approximately US$1.50 per share. Kodiak’s 100%-owned MPD Copper-Gold Project in southern British Columbia contains 439.2 million tonnes of Indicated and Inferred Resources across seven deposits, all open to expansion. Resource growth and improved project definition could support a higher valuation against a favorable long-term outlook for copper.

Ketchan drilling supports higher-grade potential. Hole AG-26-019 returned 283.5 meters at 0.70% copper equivalent (CuEq) from 37.5 meters downhole, including 108 meters at 1.02% CuEq. The result highlights shallow mineralization that could improve the grade and confidence of the existing resource.


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

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

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

DLH Holdings (DLHC) – $43.7 Million Follow-On Award


Thursday, September 17, 2026

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

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

Follow-on Order. DLH has been awarded a task order to continue providing high-quality information technology services for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. DLH has performed on this mission since 2018. The task order, valued at up to $43.7 million, includes a base period and multiple options aggregating to a two-and-a-half-year period of performance. We view this most recent award as further confirmation that the backlog of contracts and task orders is being freed up which will benefit DLH going forward.

Details. Under this task order, DLH will build on its existing implementation of artificial intelligence for IT operations and automation to improve service efficiency, system reliability, data integrity, cybersecurity, and compliance- all strengths of DLH. The Company will provide services in support of approximately 2,000 NHLBI scientific and administrative employees and contractors.


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

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

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

SEC Opens Door to Tokenized U.S. Stocks as Broader Crypto Legislation Stalls

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission took a major step toward bringing tokenized equities into mainstream American markets Thursday, approving a temporary regulatory framework that allows certain trading venues to offer blockchain-based representations of publicly traded U.S. stocks.

The SEC’s new Innovation Exemption creates a five-year conditional pathway for approved onchain venues to trade tokenized National Market System stocks, while also providing limited relief from dealer-registration requirements for liquidity providers operating in those markets. The order is effective immediately.

The move could accelerate efforts to bring traditional equities onto blockchain infrastructure, potentially enabling faster settlement, fractional ownership, expanded trading hours and new forms of custody. It also arrives just two days after the Senate failed to advance the Clarity Act, a broader digital-asset market structure bill that would have created a more comprehensive statutory framework for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.

For investors, the contrast is important. Congress may remain divided over comprehensive crypto legislation, but regulators and market operators are continuing to build a more targeted framework for tokenized securities specifically.

What the SEC Actually Approved

The exemption does not simply allow any crypto platform to create synthetic versions of U.S. stocks. Under the SEC framework, qualifying Tokenized Securities Venues, or TSVs, may facilitate trading in tokenized versions of National Market System stocks. The tokenized securities must represent actual securities and provide holders with the same core rights and privileges associated with the traditional shares, including dividend and voting rights. Synthetic tokens that merely track a stock’s price without conveying equivalent ownership rights are excluded.

Issuers also retain an important degree of control. Platforms must notify a public company before offering a tokenized version of its shares, and the company can object and prevent that tokenized security from being listed on the venue.

That provision addresses one of the largest concerns surrounding early tokenized-stock products offered outside the United States. Some offshore products have provided investors with economic exposure to a stock without necessarily giving them the full legal rights of a shareholder.

The SEC itself drew that distinction earlier this year when it formally described tokenized securities as traditional securities represented through crypto or distributed-ledger technology and differentiated issuer-backed tokenization from third-party structures. In other words, the regulator is attempting to allow the technology to change while preserving the legal nature of the underlying security.

Why Tokenization Matters

Tokenization means representing ownership in an asset through a digital token recorded on a blockchain or similar distributed ledger. For equities, the underlying investment does not necessarily change. An investor may still own an interest tied to the same public company, receive dividends and possess voting rights. What potentially changes is the infrastructure used to record, transfer and settle that ownership.

Advocates argue that this could eventually support round-the-clock trading, faster settlement, fractional ownership and more efficient movement of assets between financial platforms. The potential significance is therefore broader than simply putting stocks on a blockchain.

The traditional U.S. equity system involves exchanges, brokers, custodians, clearing organizations, transfer agents and settlement infrastructure working together. Tokenization could ultimately change how some of those functions interact, particularly if ownership records and settlement increasingly move onto programmable digital ledgers. That transition, however, is likely to be gradual rather than immediate.

The Infrastructure Is Already Being Built

Thursday’s action does not arrive in isolation. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, which sits at the center of U.S. securities clearing and settlement, has already been testing tokenized securities with financial institutions and market participants and has been developing a broader tokenization service.

Private-sector platforms have also moved rapidly. Custodial tokenized-security structures, regulated onchain trading platforms and blockchain-based settlement systems are progressing from pilot projects toward real market infrastructure. Taken together, those developments suggest tokenized equities are moving beyond the proof-of-concept stage.

Nasdaq Is Already Positioning for This Transition

Nasdaq has been particularly active in preparing for tokenized markets. Earlier this year, the SEC approved Nasdaq’s proposal to enable securities to trade on its exchange in tokenized form. Nasdaq subsequently announced an equity-token framework designed to preserve issuer control, shareholder rights, regulatory protections and corporate governance as equities move onto blockchain infrastructure.

Last week, Nasdaq went another step further, agreeing to invest $100 million in Payward, the parent company of Kraken, while expanding the companies’ work on Nasdaq Equity Tokens and always-on trading infrastructure.

That development was the subject of a recent Channelchek article, ‘Nasdaq Deepens Push Into Tokenized Stocks With $100 Million Payward Investment.’ Today’s SEC action provides additional regulatory context for that strategy: the market infrastructure Nasdaq and Payward are developing now has a clearer path toward deployment in the United States.

The Clarity Act Failed – But Tokenization Is Still Moving Forward

Thursday’s regulatory progress comes only two days after a significant legislative setback for the broader digital-asset industry. The Senate failed to advance the Clarity Act in a procedural vote, falling short of the votes required to move the measure forward. The bill would have established a comprehensive regulatory structure for digital assets and clarified responsibilities between agencies including the SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

For investors, however, the distinction between cryptocurrencies and tokenized securities is important. Tokenized stocks are still securities. Their underlying economic and legal characteristics remain governed by securities law even if blockchain technology is used to represent ownership or process transactions.

That allows the SEC to address some tokenization questions through its existing authority even while Congress continues debating a much broader framework for digital assets. The result is an unusual regulatory picture: comprehensive crypto legislation remains unresolved, while specific pieces of tokenized capital-market infrastructure continue advancing.

Investor Protections Remain Part of the Debate

Not everyone agrees that exemptions are the best way to introduce tokenized equities. Traditional market participants have raised concerns about liquidity fragmentation, price discovery and whether tokenized venues could weaken protections embedded in the National Market System.

The SEC’s temporary framework appears designed partly to address those concerns by limiting eligible products, preserving shareholder rights and allowing issuers to block tokenized versions of their securities. The five-year duration is also significant: rather than establishing a permanent regulatory regime immediately, the SEC is effectively creating a controlled period in which tokenized markets can develop while regulators gather data and determine what longer-term rules may be appropriate.

Could 24/7 Stock Trading Actually Happen?

One of the most visible potential changes is extended trading hours. Cryptocurrency markets operate continuously, while U.S. stock markets still revolve around defined sessions even as exchanges gradually expand overnight trading.

Blockchain-based securities infrastructure could make continuous trading easier technically because tokenized assets can move between investors without relying on exactly the same operating hours as existing market systems. But technology is only part of the equation. Liquidity, market surveillance, corporate actions, settlement, investor disclosures and price discovery all become more complicated if trading occurs around the clock.

The arrival of tokenized equities therefore does not mean the traditional market structure disappears overnight. More likely, conventional exchanges, clearing systems and blockchain-based platforms will increasingly overlap.

A Potentially Important Shift for Public Companies

The development could eventually matter for public issuers as much as it does for trading platforms. Tokenized ownership records could potentially improve shareholder communications, automate corporate actions and make it easier to manage voting, dividends and other ownership rights.

Nasdaq has emphasized that issuers should remain at the center of tokenization rather than simply having third-party platforms create digital representations of their shares without their involvement. The SEC’s issuer-objection provision moves in the same direction.

That could ultimately produce a tokenization model that looks less like the crypto industry replacing traditional markets and more like existing capital markets gradually adopting blockchain technology underneath their current legal structure.

The Bigger Story Is Market Infrastructure

Tokenized stocks can easily be described as another crypto product, but that may understate what is happening. The larger story is the modernization of the infrastructure underlying capital markets.

DTCC is preparing tokenized securities infrastructure. Nasdaq is developing tokenized equity systems. Major banks, brokers, asset managers and trading firms are participating in industry efforts. Regulated platforms have begun executing tokenized securities transactions. And now the SEC has created a temporary pathway for additional onchain trading venues to enter the U.S. market.

None of that guarantees tokenized equities will replace the existing system, nor does it resolve every regulatory issue surrounding digital assets. But it suggests the conversation has moved considerably beyond whether tokenization is theoretically possible. The more relevant question is becoming how much of the traditional financial system will ultimately adopt it.

Tuesday’s failed Clarity Act vote demonstrated that broad digital-asset legislation remains politically and legally difficult. Thursday’s SEC action demonstrates something equally important: the development of tokenized securities does not necessarily have to wait for Congress to resolve every question surrounding cryptocurrency.

For investors, that distinction may prove important. The broader crypto regulatory framework remains unsettled, but the infrastructure for putting traditional securities onchain continues moving forward – and increasingly, some of the largest institutions in U.S. capital markets are helping build it.

Aethlon Medical and North Immunology Agree to Merger, Bringing Atopic Dermatitis Biotech to Nasdaq

Aethlon Medical (NASDAQ: AEMD) and privately held North Immunology have entered into a definitive all-stock merger that will effectively take North public and create a Nasdaq-listed biotechnology company focused on immune and inflammatory diseases.

The combined company will operate as North Immunology, Inc. and is expected to trade under the new Nasdaq ticker NRTX. Existing North shareholders and investors participating in a concurrent financing are expected to own approximately 95.25% of the combined company, while pre-merger Aethlon shareholders are expected to own approximately 4.75%. The transaction values the combined company at approximately $346.5 million on a pro forma equity basis, including the financing.

Alongside the merger, North has secured an oversubscribed $180 million private placement backed by healthcare-focused institutional investors including Bain Capital Life Sciences, Janus Henderson Investors, Deep Track Capital, Longitude Capital, Soleus Capital, Farallon-managed funds and others. The financing is expected to fund operations into the second half of 2028 and support clinical development of North’s lead drug candidate, NOR-101. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to shareholder, Nasdaq and other customary approvals.

A Reverse Merger Centered on North Immunology

Although the companies describe the transaction as a merger, the ownership and management structure make it functionally a reverse merger. North’s existing management team will lead the combined company, and its existing board – supplemented by new independent directors – is expected to become the board of the public entity. Aethlon’s Nasdaq listing and corporate structure provide North with a route to the public markets while the newly financed company concentrates its resources on North’s immunology pipeline.

That makes the transaction quite different from a conventional strategic acquisition in which the buyer absorbs the target’s assets and management. Here, North becomes the operating company that survives economically, while Aethlon shareholders retain a relatively small ownership stake.

Aethlon CEO James Frakes said the structure gives existing shareholders an opportunity to participate in North’s pipeline while preserving potential value from Aethlon’s legacy assets. Those legacy assets include the Hemopurifier, Aethlon’s clinical-stage blood-filtration device designed to remove cancer-promoting exosomes and certain life-threatening viruses from circulation. Aethlon shareholders immediately prior to closing are expected to receive contingent value rights, or CVRs, entitling them to potential proceeds if the Hemopurifier business is subsequently sold, licensed or otherwise monetized.

NOR-101 Becomes the Center of the Investment Story

The combined company will be built primarily around NOR-101, North Immunology’s half-life-extended bispecific antibody targeting both IL-13 and IL-18.

North is developing the drug initially for atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. The chronic inflammatory skin disease can cause itching, lesions and recurring flare-ups, and moderate-to-severe cases increasingly are treated with biologic therapies or other systemic drugs.

The rationale behind NOR-101 is to attack two different components of the inflammatory response simultaneously. IL-13 is an established target associated with type 2 inflammation, while IL-18 is associated with additional inflammatory pathways. North believes blocking both could potentially address a broader spectrum of disease biology than therapies focused on type 2 inflammation alone.

The company has reported an approximately 42-day half-life in a non-human primate pharmacokinetic study, an attribute that could eventually support less frequent dosing if it translates into humans. NOR-101 remains preclinical, however, meaning the thesis still has to be demonstrated in patients.

North expects to begin a Phase 1a study in the first quarter of 2027, with interim pharmacokinetic and safety data expected by midyear. The company then plans to begin Phase 1b and Phase 2b studies in atopic dermatitis during 2027, with topline results from both studies anticipated in 2028.

Atopic Dermatitis Has Become a Highly Competitive Market

North is entering a field that offers substantial commercial opportunity but also an increasingly high clinical bar. Biologic therapies have transformed treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Sanofi and Regeneron’s Dupixent, which inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, established the category, while Eli Lilly’s Ebglyss directly targets IL-13. AbbVie’s JAK inhibitor Rinvoq provides another systemic treatment option.

The strategic value pharmaceutical companies are assigning to differentiated eczema therapies was underscored this summer when AbbVie agreed to acquire Apogee Therapeutics for $10.9 billion. Apogee’s lead asset is a long-acting anti-IL-13 antibody that produced encouraging Phase 2 results and is designed in part to reduce injection frequency relative to existing biologics.

IL-18 is also attracting attention. Earlier this year, Evommune reported positive Phase 2a results for an experimental IL-18-targeting therapy in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, sending its shares sharply higher following the data. Those developments provide scientific and commercial context for North’s decision to combine IL-13 and IL-18 inhibition in a single molecule, but they also demonstrate how competitive the field has become.

Differentiation Will Be Critical

Simply producing another effective eczema therapy may no longer be enough. Recent industry developments show that drugmakers are increasingly demanding meaningful improvements in efficacy, durability, convenience or safety before committing substantial additional capital to new atopic dermatitis programs.

Sanofi, for example, recently abandoned plans to seek approval for the atopic dermatitis drug amlitelimab after concluding that its clinical profile would not represent a sufficiently meaningful improvement over available therapies. Johnson & Johnson also discontinued development of an experimental eczema therapy earlier this year after an interim analysis failed to clear the company’s efficacy threshold.

That creates both the opportunity and the challenge for NOR-101. North is attempting to distinguish the candidate through dual-pathway inhibition and potentially extended dosing intervals, but investors will ultimately need human clinical data showing that those characteristics translate into meaningful improvements for patients. The first important test begins next year.

$180 Million Gives North a Longer Development Runway

The concurrent financing is an important component of the transaction. Clinical-stage biotechnology companies frequently use reverse mergers to access public markets, but the resulting companies can still face immediate capital needs. North is entering the public market with approximately $180 million of expected gross financing proceeds, including the conversion of roughly $34 million in convertible notes and related amounts.

Management expects that capital to fund operations into the second half of 2028, which would carry the company through several planned clinical milestones for NOR-101. The investor syndicate is also notable because it includes several established life sciences investors rather than relying principally on smaller retail-oriented financing sources. For investors evaluating the transaction, that does not eliminate clinical risk, but it provides North with a substantially stronger balance sheet as it enters human testing.

Aethlon Shareholders Retain Exposure to the Legacy Business

For existing Aethlon shareholders, the transaction effectively separates two investment propositions. Their 4.75% expected ownership of the combined company provides exposure to North Immunology and NOR-101, while the CVR preserves potential future value from Aethlon’s existing Hemopurifier program if those assets can be monetized.

Aethlon has been developing the Hemopurifier as an extracorporeal therapeutic device capable of depleting circulating cancer-promoting exosomes and certain viruses. The FDA has granted the technology Breakthrough Device designation in both oncology and life-threatening viral disease settings, and Aethlon has been conducting an early-stage study in solid-tumor patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors. Whether those assets ultimately generate meaningful CVR proceeds will depend on a future sale, licensing agreement or other transaction, making that component inherently uncertain.

Related Immunology Company in Noble Capital Markets Coverage

Eledon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ELDN) offers a related immunology example within Noble Capital Markets research coverage. Eledon is developing tegoprubart, an anti-CD40L antibody intended to modulate immune responses in organ and islet transplantation. Like NOR-101, its therapeutic approach targets a defined immune signaling pathway, although the diseases, mechanisms and stages of development are quite different. Eledon is covered by Noble Capital Markets.

North Immunology Prepares for the Public Markets

For Aethlon, the agreement represents a fundamental change in corporate direction. For North Immunology, it provides a Nasdaq listing, substantial new capital and a path to move its lead program into human trials without pursuing a traditional IPO.

The resulting company will bear North’s name, use its management team and focus primarily on its pipeline, making the transaction best understood as a reverse merger built around a newly financed immunology company.

The scientific thesis is straightforward: IL-13 inhibition is already validated in atopic dermatitis, while emerging research suggests additional inflammatory pathways such as IL-18 may contribute to disease in patients who remain inadequately treated. Whether simultaneously targeting both pathways can produce a differentiated therapy remains unproven.

With roughly $180 million in financing and the first NOR-101 clinical study expected to begin in early 2027, investors should not have to wait long for the combined company to begin generating the human data that will ultimately determine whether that strategy can compete in one of immunology’s most active therapeutic markets.

Fed Raises Rates for First Time Since 2023 as Inflation Fight Reenters Center Stage

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Wednesday for the first time in more than three years, reversing course as persistent inflation and renewed energy pressures pushed policymakers back toward tighter monetary policy.

The Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to increase the federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 3.75% to 4.00%. In its statement, the Fed said economic activity continues to expand at a solid pace, domestic spending remains resilient, productivity growth is strong and capital investment is robust, while inflation remains elevated.

The move itself had been widely expected. The more important message for investors came from the Fed’s updated projections and Chair Kevin Warsh’s press conference: policymakers are not signaling that Wednesday’s increase will necessarily be a one-time adjustment.

A majority of Fed officials now expect at least one additional rate increase before the end of 2026, while the median projection points to rates around 4.1% at year-end. Twelve of 18 officials projected one more increase this year, while another four anticipated two additional hikes could be appropriate.

Warsh reinforced that message in unusually direct terms, telling reporters that “inflation is too high and has been for too long.”

For investors, that changes the conversation. After years in which markets focused largely on when interest rates would fall, the Federal Reserve is once again signaling that rates can move higher if inflation fails to return toward its 2% target.

Why the Fed Raised Rates Now

The Fed’s decision reflects an economy that has proven resilient even as inflation has remained stubbornly above target. In Wednesday’s statement, policymakers said economic activity is expanding at a solid pace, domestic spending remains resilient and capital investment is robust. Employment conditions also remain relatively stable, with job gains keeping pace with growth in the workforce and unemployment changing little.

That strength gives the Fed more room to concentrate on inflation. Price pressures have intensified in recent months, particularly through energy. Higher oil and gasoline prices tied to geopolitical disruptions have pushed headline inflation higher, while underlying inflation has also remained above the Fed’s comfort zone.

The Fed’s updated projections reflect that concern. Officials now expect overall inflation of roughly 3.7% in 2026 and core inflation of about 3.4%, both slightly higher than their June estimates. Policymakers still expect inflation to moderate next year, but the path back toward 2% has become slower and less certain. That combination — persistent inflation and an economy that has not weakened dramatically — made another rate increase easier to justify.

Energy Makes the Inflation Problem More Complicated

The current inflation backdrop is particularly difficult because a meaningful portion of the pressure originates outside the traditional reach of monetary policy. Higher interest rates cannot increase crude-oil production, repair energy infrastructure or eliminate geopolitical disruptions. The Fed can only influence demand by making borrowing and spending more expensive.

But energy inflation does not always remain isolated. Higher gasoline and diesel prices can raise transportation costs, more expensive jet fuel can affect airfare, and higher shipping and manufacturing costs can eventually filter into the prices of goods and services throughout the economy.

The Fed therefore faces a difficult balancing act. Policymakers may want to avoid overreacting to a temporary oil shock, but they also do not want elevated energy prices to become embedded in broader inflation expectations. That concern helps explain the language in Wednesday’s statement that the rate increase should support a “timelier return” to the Fed’s 2% inflation objective.

A Major Reversal in the Rate Cycle

Wednesday’s move is historically significant because it marks the Fed’s first increase since July 2023. The previous tightening cycle ultimately pushed the upper end of the federal funds target range to 5.50% in 2023 before the Fed eventually began cutting rates as inflation moderated. By 2026, the target range had fallen back to 3.50% to 3.75%.

Now the direction has reversed again. That matters because the Fed is not tightening from near-zero rates, as it did earlier in the decade. It is raising borrowing costs from a level that was already restrictive compared with much of the post-financial-crisis period. The implication is that households and businesses are entering this renewed tightening phase while already dealing with relatively expensive credit.

What Higher Rates Mean for Investors

A quarter-point increase in the federal funds rate does not translate directly into a quarter-point move across every market, but it raises the baseline cost of short-term money throughout the financial system. Credit-card rates, floating-rate business loans and other short-term borrowing costs tend to respond relatively quickly. Mortgage rates are more closely tied to longer-term Treasury yields, but higher Fed rates can still contribute to tighter financial conditions more broadly.

For equity investors, the bigger issue is valuation. Higher interest rates increase the discount rate investors use when valuing future corporate earnings. That tends to weigh most heavily on companies whose valuations depend heavily on profits expected far into the future.

At the same time, fixed income becomes more competitive. When investors can earn attractive yields on government securities, money-market funds and high-quality bonds, equities must offer a more compelling expected return to justify the additional risk. That does not mean stocks automatically decline when rates rise. Earnings growth, economic strength and company-specific fundamentals still matter. But the hurdle rate for owning risk assets becomes higher.

Small Caps Face Pressure — but Not Uniformly

Smaller public companies can be particularly sensitive to higher interest rates because they often rely more heavily on bank financing, floating-rate debt or repeated access to capital markets. That means refinancing risk becomes increasingly important.

A small-cap company with high debt and weak free cash flow may face significantly higher borrowing costs as older debt matures. By contrast, a company with strong cash generation, low leverage and limited near-term refinancing needs can gain a relative advantage over more indebted competitors.

Higher rates can therefore create greater dispersion within the small-cap market rather than producing the same outcome for every company. There are also sector-specific opportunities. Banks may benefit if a more favorable yield curve improves lending spreads without producing a major deterioration in credit quality. Industrials tied to domestic investment can continue to benefit if economic activity remains strong. Companies with cash-rich balance sheets may also become more competitive in acquisitions because leveraged buyers face higher financing costs.

For small-cap investors, the environment places a greater premium on balance-sheet strength, profitability, cash flow and financing discipline.

Treasury Yields Remain a Critical Variable

The Fed’s decision comes against the backdrop of another important development: long-term Treasury yields have recently moved back toward levels not seen since before the financial crisis. The 10-year Treasury yield has hovered near 5%, while longer-term yields remain elevated.

Those rates matter enormously because they influence mortgage rates, corporate bond yields and equity valuations more directly than the overnight federal funds rate in many parts of the economy. Interestingly, the bond market did not respond to Wednesday’s hike with a straightforward surge in yields. The 10-year Treasury yield slipped to roughly 4.95%, while the 2-year yield finished around 4.65% after initially moving around following the announcement.

That reaction highlights an important paradox. If investors believe the Fed is serious about bringing inflation under control, tighter policy today can sometimes reduce inflation expectations and help stabilize longer-term interest rates. In other words, a rate hike can increase short-term borrowing costs while potentially helping prevent an even larger increase in long-term yields.

Wall Street Initially Struggles to Interpret the Message

Markets were volatile as investors digested the Fed’s decision and Warsh’s comments. Equities initially moved around the flatline before diverging across the major indexes. The Dow came under pressure during the afternoon, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq were more resilient as investors balanced the prospect of additional rate hikes against easing oil prices and relatively healthy economic growth.

That mixed reaction makes sense because Wednesday’s decision contains both negative and potentially constructive elements for investors. Higher rates raise financing costs and can pressure equity valuations. At the same time, the Fed’s willingness to respond aggressively to inflation can reinforce confidence that policymakers will not allow price pressures to become permanently entrenched.

That distinction is important. Markets generally dislike inflation uncertainty because it makes future corporate profits, interest rates and asset valuations harder to estimate. A credible inflation response may therefore carry short-term costs while improving longer-term visibility.

What the Fed Is Signaling Next

The updated projections suggest Wednesday’s increase may not be the end of the tightening cycle. A majority of Fed officials expect at least one more hike before year-end, while a smaller group sees the possibility of two additional increases. The median forecast then shows rates remaining largely unchanged through 2027.

Warsh, however, stopped short of committing to a predetermined path. That means upcoming inflation, employment and spending data will take on increased importance. If oil prices ease and inflation begins moving convincingly lower, the Fed could decide that limited additional tightening is sufficient. If energy costs remain elevated and inflation spreads more broadly through the economy, policymakers would have a stronger case for additional increases.

Economic growth will matter as well. As long as consumer spending, employment and business investment remain resilient, the Fed has more flexibility to focus on inflation. A meaningful weakening in those areas would make further tightening considerably more difficult.

Political Pressure Adds Another Layer

The decision also arrives during an unusual period for the central bank. President Donald Trump appointed Warsh as Fed chair earlier this year after repeatedly calling for lower interest rates. Since taking office, Warsh has emphasized that the Fed’s decisions will be driven by inflation, employment and its congressional mandate rather than political preferences.

Wednesday’s unanimous increase therefore puts the central bank on a different policy path from the lower-rate stance publicly advocated by the president. The Fed’s institutional independence matters to financial markets because confidence in monetary policy can influence inflation expectations and long-term Treasury yields.

If investors believe the central bank will tolerate excessive inflation because of political pressure, they may demand higher yields to compensate for future purchasing-power risk. If they believe the Fed will act when necessary, even when doing so is politically unpopular, that credibility can help anchor longer-term expectations.

A Different Market Environment

For much of the past year, the primary debate on Wall Street centered on when the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates and how quickly borrowing costs might decline. Wednesday’s move changes that narrative.

The Fed has now demonstrated that rates can move in either direction when economic conditions warrant it. More importantly, policymakers are signaling that further tightening remains possible if inflation does not improve. For investors, that means the outlook for inflation, energy prices and Treasury yields becomes even more important.

Companies with weak balance sheets or heavy refinancing needs could face additional pressure. Businesses with strong cash flow, low leverage and pricing power may be better positioned. Banks and other financial companies could benefit under certain yield-curve conditions, while savers and fixed-income investors may continue earning yields that were unavailable for much of the previous decade.

The rate increase itself was widely anticipated. The more important message from Washington is that the inflation fight is not over, and the Federal Reserve is prepared to keep monetary policy restrictive until it sees clearer evidence that price pressures are returning toward its 2% objective.

For investors, the question now shifts from whether the Fed would raise rates in September to how many additional increases may be required — and which companies are best positioned for a world in which the cost of money stays higher for longer.

Xenetic Biosciences and Santersus Agree to All-Stock Combination to Create Nasdaq-Listed NET Therapeutics Company

Xenetic Biosciences (NASDAQ: XBIO) and privately held Santersus AG have entered into a definitive share exchange agreement that would combine the two biotechnology companies and create a Nasdaq-listed company focused on therapies targeting neutrophil extracellular traps, or NETs.

Under the agreement, Xenetic will acquire all outstanding shares of Santersus in exchange for newly issued Xenetic common stock. Following closing, Santersus shareholders are expected to own approximately 85% of the combined company, while existing Xenetic shareholders are expected to own approximately 15%. The combined company is expected to be renamed Santersus Bio, Inc. and trade on Nasdaq under the ticker SNTS.

Although Xenetic is technically the acquiring entity, the ownership and governance structure make the transaction more akin to a strategic combination than a conventional acquisition. Santersus shareholders will hold the large majority of the post-transaction equity, Santersus management is expected to lead the combined company, and the new board is expected to include six Santersus nominees and two Xenetic nominees.

Building a Broader NET-Targeting Platform

The strategic rationale centers on combining complementary approaches to targeting NETs.

NETs are web-like structures released by neutrophils as part of the immune response. While they can help trap pathogens, excessive or persistent NET formation has also been implicated in inflammation, thrombosis, tissue injury and disease progression across a range of conditions.

Santersus is developing NucleoCapture, a therapeutic blood-filtration platform designed to remove circulating NETs and related pathogenic components directly from the bloodstream. The company has been pursuing applications in conditions including sepsis, systemic lupus erythematosus and liver transplantation.

Xenetic brings a different approach through its DNase platform, which is designed to enzymatically degrade NETs. Xenetic has been developing this approach primarily in oncology, including as a potential way to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies such as CAR-T by reducing the protective effects NETs may provide within the tumor microenvironment.

The combined company would therefore have both extracorporeal and biologic approaches to the same broad target, creating a portfolio that spans inflammatory disease, transplantation and oncology.

Santersus Brings the Lead Clinical-Stage Asset

Santersus’ NucleoCapture platform is expected to become the principal clinical development focus of the combined company. The technology is designed to filter NETs and other disease-associated extracellular material from circulating blood without broadly suppressing the immune system. Santersus has positioned the platform for acute and immune-mediated conditions where excessive NET formation may contribute to disease severity.

The company’s development programs include sepsis, lupus and liver transplantation, areas where treatment options can be limited and where severe inflammatory responses may cause substantial organ damage. For Xenetic, the transaction significantly broadens its development pipeline while moving the combined organization closer to clinically advanced opportunities than Xenetic would have on its own.

Governance Reflects the Economic Structure

The post-transaction governance reinforces the fact that this is not a typical buyer-target acquisition. Santersus’ leadership is expected to run the combined company, while Xenetic will contribute its Nasdaq listing, existing programs and corporate infrastructure. The board composition is also expected to tilt heavily toward Santersus, consistent with the roughly 85/15 ownership split.

That makes the transaction structurally similar to other biotech combinations in which a private company gains access to the public markets through a merger with an existing listed entity. For investors, the key point is that the future investment thesis will be driven primarily by Santersus’ clinical programs and the broader NET-targeting strategy, rather than by Xenetic’s historical business alone.

Why NET Biology Is Drawing Interest

The scientific interest in NETs has grown as researchers have linked excessive NET formation to a wide range of inflammatory, thrombotic and immune-mediated diseases. In sepsis, NETs may contribute to microvascular obstruction, inflammation and organ damage. In autoimmune disease, persistent NET formation has been associated with immune dysregulation. In transplantation, the same inflammatory mechanisms may contribute to ischemia-reperfusion injury and graft dysfunction.

That broad biological relevance creates opportunities, but it also raises an important development challenge: showing that targeting NETs can translate into meaningful clinical outcomes across specific indications. The combined Santersus/Xenetic company will need to demonstrate not only that NET burden can be reduced, but that doing so improves patient outcomes in well-defined patient populations.

A Broader Biotech Theme: Controlling Harmful Immune Responses

The transaction also fits into a wider biotechnology trend involving therapies designed to control damaging immune activity without broadly shutting down the immune system.

One related company followed by Noble Capital Markets is Eledon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ELDN). Eledon is developing tegoprubart, an anti-CD40L antibody designed to prevent immune rejection in organ and islet-cell transplantation while avoiding some of the limitations associated with conventional immunosuppressive drugs. Noble research has highlighted Eledon’s kidney-transplant and islet-transplant programs as the company advances tegoprubart through clinical development.

The mechanisms are different, but the strategic overlap is clear: both Santersus and Eledon are pursuing more targeted ways to address harmful immune activity in settings where excessive inflammation or immune rejection can drive poor outcomes.

Cadrenal Adds a Critical-Care Parallel

Another Noble-covered company with a related critical-care angle is Cadrenal Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CVKD). Cadrenal is developing therapies for serious thrombotic and cardiovascular conditions, including tecarfarin and CAD-1005. Its pipeline includes programs in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and other acute-care settings where thrombosis and coagulation abnormalities can create significant clinical risk.

Again, the biology is different, but Cadrenal provides another example of a small-cap biotechnology company targeting severe, high-risk conditions where existing therapies may be inadequate and where improved control of inflammation, coagulation or immune dysfunction could have meaningful clinical value.

A Public-Market Reset for Xenetic

For Xenetic shareholders, the transaction represents a major reset of the company’s strategic direction. If completed, the combined company will be much more heavily defined by Santersus, both economically and operationally. Existing Xenetic shareholders will retain a minority position in a broader NET-targeting platform that includes multiple clinical indications and a new management team.

For Santersus, the agreement provides a path to the U.S. public markets and access to a Nasdaq-listed platform without pursuing a traditional initial public offering. The result is a combination designed to create a more diversified biotechnology company around a relatively focused scientific thesis: that excessive NET formation plays a meaningful role across inflammatory, transplant and oncology indications, and that directly targeting those NETs could create new therapeutic opportunities.

If the transaction closes as planned, investors will be evaluating the new Santersus Bio less as a continuation of Xenetic and more as a newly assembled NET therapeutics company with a substantially different pipeline, ownership structure and clinical focus.

GeoVax Labs (GOVX) – GEO-MVA Phase 3 Trial Moves Forward With Laboratory Testing Agreement For Patient Samples


Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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

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

Agreement With CEPI Lab Network Establishes Standardized Sample Testing. GeoVax announced an agreement with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) to test patient samples from its Phase 3 GEO-MVA study through the CEPI Centralized Laboratory Network. CEPI is an internationally recognized laboratory network that uses standardized assays and laboratory methods. We see this as an important development that can provide reliable results for both regulatory approval and comparison with other therapeutics.

An Important Step For The GEO-MVA Trial. GeoVax reiterated its plan to begin its GEO-MVA immunobridging study in Mpox/smallpox in 4Q26. The trial is expected to enroll about 500 patients, with results expected in mid-2027. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) has given Scientific Advice stating that a single immune bridging study showing that an immune response elicited by the GEO-MVA vaccine is non-inferior to the approved vaccine would be sufficient to apply for approval from the European Union.


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