cpereira@noblefcm.com, Author at Channelchek

PDS Biotechnology Corp. (PDSB) – 4Q22 Results Reported With Clinical Plan Updates For 2023

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of molecularly targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on the Company’s proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T-cell activating technology platforms. Our Versamune®-based products have demonstrated the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing in vivo, large quantities of high-quality, highly potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T-cells. PDS Biotech has developed multiple therapies, based on combinations of Versamune® and disease-specific antigens, designed to train the immune system to better recognize diseased cells and effectively attack and destroy them. The Company’s pipeline products address various cancers including HPV16-associated cancers (anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, vaginal, vulvar) and breast, colon, lung, prostate and ovarian cancers.

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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FY2022 Reported With Clinical Progress Updates. PDS Biotech reported a 4Q22 loss of $19.1 million or $(0.61) per share and a FY2022 loss of $40.9 million or $(1.43) per share. The loss included $10 million in licensing fees for PDS0301, paid with $5 million in cash and $5 million in stock. Management updated its plans for Phase 3 trials for PDS0101 and PDS0301 during 2023. Cash on hand on December 31, 2022 was $73.8 million, which is expected to fund operations through 3Q24.

PDS Expects To Begin VERSATILE-003 In 4Q23. The Phase 2 VERSATILE-002 trial has reported strong results testing PDS0101 with Keytruda (pembrolizumab, a checkpoint inhibitor) for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. Based on this data, PDS has received FDA guidance for the Phase 3 VERSATILE-003 trial. The trial protocols are being finalized with an IND submission expected in 2H23 and start of enrollment in 4Q23.

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Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) – Lowering Near-Term Estimates; Cash Flow Story Remains Favorable

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Lowering estimates. We have lowered our 2023 EBITDA and earnings per share estimates to $1.09 billion and $5.50 from $1.14 billion and $5.90, respectively. While we lowered our first half revenue expectations, our full year revenue estimate was increased based on greater contributions from the coal segment and expectations for an improved commodity price environment in the second half of the year. Notably, we refined and increased our operating cost estimates to reflect higher labor costs, sales-related expenses, and operational costs related to longwall moves within the mining segment.

First half challenged by declining commodity prices. Prices for crude oil and natural gas have declined throughout the year. While coal prices have softened in recent weeks, 34.7 million tons of the partnership’s 2023 planned coal sales, or 94% at the mid-point of guidance, were committed and priced as of the date of ARLP’s fourth quarter conference call. Year-to-date through March 28, crude oil and natural gas futures prices averaged $76.33 per barrel and $2.84 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) compared to $80.47 per barrel and $4.48 per Mcf at the end of 2022 and $73.38 per barrel and $2.16 per Mcf as of March 28. As a result, we lowered our expectations for the oil & gas royalty segment.

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Baudax Bio (BXRX) – Positive Results Announced From 2nd BX1000 Interim Analysis

Posted on March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Baudax Bio is a pharmaceutical company focused on innovative products for acute care settings. ANJESO is the first and only 24-hour, intravenous (IV) COX-2 preferential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for the management of moderate to severe pain. In addition to ANJESO, Baudax Bio has a pipeline of other innovative pharmaceutical assets including two novel neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBs) and a proprietary chemical reversal agent specific to these NMBs. For more information, please visit www.baudaxbio.com.

Gregory Aurand, Senior Research Analyst, Healthcare Services & Medical Devices, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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All patients met Good or Excellent intubating conditions. In the 2nd interim pre-planned analyis released Monday, March 27th, 41 patients from 4 cohorts (at least 10 from each) met Good or Excellent intubating conditions, with 40 patients intubated at 60 seconds and 1 patient at 90 seconds. Treatments were generally well tolerated, and while there were no serious events, one patient experienced a treatment-emergent adverse event that could possibly be related to treatment. Based on the analysis, none of the four cohorts (3 different dose groups of BX1000, and a standard dose group of rocuronium) are expected to be dropped nor is the full 80-patient trial enrollment number expected to be adjusted.

Results similar to the 1st interim analysis. In late January, Baudax Bio released the 1st interim analysis that showed the 20 patients (5 patients from each of the four cohorts) met the criteria for Good or Excellent intubating conditions with no adverse events. As a reminder, the primary endpoints assess the time frame needed to reach intubation conditions (time frame is within 2 minutes of administration) and also assess, using a standardized scale (Poor, Good, Excellent), the proportion of patients meeting Good or Excellent conditions. Secondary endpoints assess the safety and tolerability profile of BX1000.

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Motorsport Games (MSGM) – Pushes Out IndyCar Launch

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, March 27, 2023

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”). Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Q4 results The company reported revenue of $3.8 million and an adj. EBITDA loss of $3.5 million in the quarter, roughly in line with our estimates. The quarter was driven by the successful release of NASCAR Rivals on the Nintendo Switch and reduced compensation expenses. The company made an investment in its user base by releasing a free DLC expansion pack for NASCAR 21: Ignition.

2023 outlook. The company announced the highly anticipated launch of its IndyCar game will be delayed until 2024. Management attributed the delay to an increased focus on quality, given that an Indy game has not been released in over a decade. As such, we are lowering our estimates in anticipation of adverse effects on revenue in 2023.

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One Stop Systems (OSS) – A Transitional 2023 Sets Up 2024 For Growth

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 24, 2023

One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS) designs and manufactures innovative AI Transportable edge computing modules and systems, including ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, expansion systems, flash storage arrays, and Ion Accelerator™ SAN, NAS, and data recording software for AI workflows. These products are used for AI data set capture, training, and large-scale inference in the defense, oil and gas, mining, autonomous vehicles, and rugged entertainment applications. OSS utilizes the power of PCI Express, the latest GPU accelerators and NVMe storage to build award-winning systems, including many industry firsts, for industrial OEMs and government customers. The company enables AI on the Fly® by bringing AI datacenter performance to ‘the edge,’ especially on mobile platforms, and by addressing the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training, and inference. OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director – Generalist Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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4Q22 Results. Revenue of $18.2 million, up 2.7% y-o-y, but about $1 million below expectations as the Disguise business was weaker than expected. We had forecast $19 million. Driven by one-time items, OSS reported a GAAP net loss of $3.3 million, or a loss of $0.16/sh in the quarter, compared to a loss of $386,243, or a loss of $0.02/sh per share last year. We had forecast net income of $0.4 million, or $0.02 per share.

Military Opportunities Expanding. OSS is now engaged with eight of the top 10 largest military prime contractors in the U.S., with multiple prime contractor bids to the DOD using OSS products. OSS has won two new military programs already in 2023, with eight more in the pipeline.

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Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT) – Shifts Gears For Enhanced Revenue Growth

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 24, 2023

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Strong Q4 results. The company reported strong Q4 revenue of $29.4 million, in line with our estimate of $29.3 million. The quarter was driven by robust Sell-side advertising revenues of $22.4million, an increase of 231% from the prior year period. Q4 Adj. EBITDA of $1.8 million was flat year over year and missed our estimate of $2.7 million, largely due to elevated compensation costs.

2023 outlook. The company is shifting its focus to pursue larger, but more price sensitive clients. As such, we expect higher investment and compensation costs to support larger accounts. The company plans to invest to offer new products, like data analytics to support higher future margins. We believe adj. EBITDA will be flat over the prior year, given increased investment and lower margin clients.

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Defense Metals Corp. (DFMTF) – Anticipation Builds

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 24, 2023

Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Prelude to an updated mineral resource estimate. Defense Metals recently updated its 3-D geological model of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit. The update incorporated results from drilling completed during 2021 and 2022 that is not reflected in the January 2022 preliminary economic assessment (PEA), and will be used to update the mineral resource estimate and incorporated into a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2024.

A lot of new information. Results for 47 holes representing 10,876 meters of drilling has now been included in the updated geological model. The drilling programs were designed to: 1) increase mineral resource confidence from inferred to indicated and measured categories, 2) define the northern endpoint of the Wicheeda carbonate complex, and 3) to provide detailed geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling data for advanced pit slope and mine design. By way of comparison, current resources outlined in the January 2022 preliminary economic assessment were based on a total of 27 diamond drill holes representing 4,249 meters of drilling.

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Travelzoo (TZOO) – Results Point Toward Favorable Momentum

Posted on March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Travelzoo® provides its 30 million members with exclusive offers and one-of-a-kind experiences personally reviewed by our deal experts around the globe. We have our finger on the pulse of outstanding travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. We work in partnership with more than 5,000 top travel suppliers—our long-standing relationships give Travelzoo members access to irresistible deals.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Strong Q4 results. The company reported strong Q4 operating results, with revenue up 31.6% to $18.6 million and Adj. EBITDA up an impressive 328% to $4.7 million. Notably, the company’s North America segment grew revenue by 53% and reported margins of 29%. The company benefited from favorable travel trends and lower operating expenses, particularly marketing expenses.

Favorable trends. The company has positive revenue and margin momentum moving into 2023. Management highlighted the opportunity for further margin growth given potential advertising price increases in Q2. The company appears to be benefiting from pent up travel demand from its travel enthusiast base.

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Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) – Recent Dredging Award Activity

Posted on March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 131-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director – Generalist Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Recent Dredging Awards. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation received several major dredging awards totaling $138.8 million. The awarded work includes coastal protection and maintenance work. There is still a lack of higher margin capital projects as the Army Corps of Engineers continues to be slow in making major capital project awards, in our view.

Trujillo Alto. The major award is Trujillo Alto Design and Build for the Lago Loiza (Carraízo) Dredging Project (Maintenance, Puerto Rico, $93.1 million). The project includes dredging in the reservoir area, preparation and construction of the work area, and storage and handling of materials. Work is expected to commence in the Spring of 2023 with estimated completion in the Spring of 2025.

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The GEO Group (GEO) – NYC NDRS

Posted on March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 17, 2023

The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider, specializing in design, financing, development, and support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO’s diversified services include enhanced in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support through the award-winning GEO Continuum of Care®, secure transportation, electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care. GEO’s worldwide operations include the ownership and/or delivery of support services for 103 facilities totaling approximately 83,000 beds, including idle facilities and projects under development, with a workforce of up to approximately 18,000 employees.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director – Generalist Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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NYC NDRS. On Tuesday, we hosted GEO CEO Jose Gordo and CFO Brian Evans for a series of investor meetings in New York City. Questions at the well attended meetings focused on the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) and the core ICE detention numbers.

ISAP. Yes, overall numbers for the program are down from the December highs but GEO’s guidance takes the trends into account and even at the low end of guidance, the Company will generate the second best ever annual adjusted EBITDA number. While the number of enrollees in the SmartLink program has declined 12.5% from the year-end program highs, as a percentage of the overall ISAP enrollees, the SmartLink program now represents 88.4%, up from 78.7% at year-end.

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RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK) – Baby Dolls and Chicas Locas Acquisition Closed

Posted on March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 17, 2023

With more than 60 units, RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the country’s leading company in adult nightclubs and sports bars/restaurants. Clubs in New York City, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Denver, St. Louis, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Louisville, and other markets operate under brand names such as Rick’s Cabaret, XTC, Club Onyx, Vivid Cabaret, Jaguars Club, Tootsie’s Cabaret, Scarlett’s Cabaret, Diamond Cabaret, and PT’s Showclub. Sports bars/restaurants operate under the brand name Bombshells Restaurant & Bar.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director – Generalist Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Acquisition. RCI Hospitality closed the previously announced acquisition of two Baby Dolls and three Chicas Locas nightclubs and their associated real estate in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston markets. The $65.5 million acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $11 million of adjusted EBITDA in the first year and, once expansion/renovation plans are completed, is expected to contribute $14-$16 million of adjusted EBITDA on an annual basis.

Financing Details. Payment consisted of: $25.0 million in cash, of which $10.0 million is being financed through a new unsecured bank line of credit; 10-year, 7% seller financing notes totaling $25.5 million; and 200,000 restricted shares of common stock of RCI valued at $16.0 million, subject to a lock-up, leak out agreement.

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Onconova Therapeutics (ONTX) – FY2022 Reported With Two New Trials About To Begin

Posted on March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 17, 2023

Onconova Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer. The Company has proprietary targeted anti-cancer agents designed to disrupt specific cellular pathways that are important for cancer cell proliferation. Onconova’s novel, proprietary multi-kinase inhibitor narazaciclib (formerly ON 123300) is being evaluated in two Phase 1 dose-escalation and expansion studies. These trials are currently underway in the United States and China. Onconova’s product candidate rigosertib is being studied in an investigator-sponsored study program, including in a dose-escalation and expansion Phase 1/2a investigator-sponsored study with oral rigosertib in combination with nivolumab for patients with KRAS+ non-small cell lung cancer.

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Financial Results Were Close To Expectations. Onconova reported a loss for 4Q22 of $5.4 million or $(0.26) per share and a FY2022 loss of $19.0 million or $(0.91) per share. The company gave updates on its current narazaciclib and rigosertib clinical trials, two trials that are expected to begin shortly, and upcoming data milestones. On December 31, the company had $38.8 million in cash, which is expected to last through several important data announcements into 1Q24.

An Additional Cohort For Narazaciclib In Solid Tumors Is Planned. The Phase 1 dose-escalation trial testing narazaciclib has completed its fifth cohort at 200 mg/day without reaching its maximum tolerated dose (MTD). A sixth cohort testing a 240 mg dose is planned following a review by an independent data safety and monitoring board (DSMB). Based on the lower side effect levels seen to date, future narazaciclib trials will use once-daily every day for the 28-day cycles. This is a more tolerable regimen than the three other CDK4/6 drugs.

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Maple Gold Mines (MGMLF) – High Expectations for the 2023 Drilling Program at Eagle

Posted on March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 17, 2023

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Eagle follow-up drill program. Drill target definition and permitting has been initiated for a planned ~5,000 meter follow-up drill program in 2023 at the company’s 100%-controlled Eagle Mine property that will test undrilled zones with significant grade and volume potential.

Targeting a broad mineralized zone. In 2022, Maple Gold completed a total of 30 drill holes representing approximately 14,500 meters of drilling at Eagle. Results to date highlight the existence of multiple sub-parallel gold horizons over a greater than 100-meter mineralized corridor beyond what was historically mined at Eagle. The immediate focus of 2023 drilling will be potential extensions of known high-grade mineralization, including areas up and down plunge of Hole EM-22-015 which returned seven intercepts over a 120-meter interval, including 10.3 grams of gold per tonne over 7.8 meters in the North Mine Horizon.

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