cpereira@noblefcm.com, Author at Channelchek

Information Services Group (III) – Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Posted on March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 10, 2023

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com

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.

4Q22 Results. ISG reported record fourth quarter revenue of $74.2 million, up from $69.6 million in the year ago period. FX negatively impacted revenue by $3.2 million. We had estimated $71 million. Fourth quarter net income was $4.3 million, GAAP EPS was $0.09, and adjusted EPS was $0.13. Adjusted EBITDA was $11.1 million, a 9% increase year-over-year. We forecasted net income of $4.45 million, EPS of $0.09, adjusted EPS of $0.13, and adjusted EBITDA of $10.6 million.

Segment Results. Reported revenues were $43.6 million in the Americas, up 12%; $23.9 million in Europe, up 1% on a reported basis and up 12% in constant currency; and $6.7 million in Asia Pacific, down 4% on a reported basis and up 5% in constant currency, all versus the prior year.

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*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.

Entravision Communications (EVC) – Its Digital Businesses On A Roll

Posted on March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 10, 2023

Entravision Communications Corporation is a diversified Spanish-language media company utilizing a combination of television and radio operations to reach Hispanic consumers across the United States, as well as the border markets of Mexico. Entravision owns and/or operates 53 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the top-ranked Univision television network and Univision’s TeleFutura network, with television stations in 20 of the nation’s top 50 Hispanic markets. The Company also operates one of the nation’s largest groups of primarily Spanish-language radio stations, consisting of 48 owned and operated radio stations.

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 quarterly revenue of $296.3 million, up 27% from the prior year period, surpassing our estimate of $265.4 million by 11.7%. Adj. EBITDA of $36.5 million increased 11% year over year and beat our estimate of $34.8 million by 5.1%. The quarter was driven by strong digital revenue growth of $52.6 million, up 30% year-over-year.

Capital allocation. The company announced a 100% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, from $0.025 per share to $0.05 per share. Given its favorable cash position of $ $110.7 million and robust free cash flow generation of $63.3 million in 2022, we expect the company to seek additional accretive acquisitions and comfortably pay the dividend. Notably, management highlighted a favorable pipeline of potential targets.

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Comstock Inc. (LODE) – Establishing a Beachhead for Lithium-ion Battery Recycling

Posted on March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, March 10, 2023

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

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

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Key executive appointment. Comstock appointed Dr. Fortunato Villamagna as President of Comstock Metals Corporation which owns LINICO Corporation, Comstock’s lithium-ion battery metals recycling business. Dr. Villamagna earned a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University, along with MSc and BSc degrees in Chemistry from Concordia University. His experience in new technology development, commercialization, product introduction, market development, and team building are expected to benefit the growth of Comstock’s battery recycling business.

Reassessing property needs. LINICO agreed to sell its battery recycling facility in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center in Nevada for gross proceeds of $27 million ex the legacy processing equipment to American Battery Technology Company (OTCQX, ABML). LINICO had leased the facility with an option to purchase for $15.25 million, of which $3.25 million was paid. Comstock expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $12.5 million. While the sale could extend LINICO’s development time line, the transaction turns a $12 million cash obligation into a $12.5 million net cash inflow.

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Vera Bradley (VRA) – Showing Progress; Reports 4QFY2023 Results

Posted on March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, March 09, 2023

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.

4QFY23 Results. Net revenue of $147.1 million came in above guidance of $136-$141 million, and our $138 million estimate. Expanded promotional activity negatively impacted adjusted gross margin, which declined 240bp y-o-y. GAAP EPS loss was $0.91, while adjusted EPS was $0.16, compared to EPS of $0.15 and $0.17, respectively, in 4QFY22, and our $0.15 estimate.

Improving Sales Trends. In the fourth quarter, sales trends at both Vera Bradley and Pura Vida improved over prior quarters, with Vera Bradley total sales down just 1% and Pura Vida sales down less than 5% on a year-over-year basis. Targeted customer retention efforts led to increased Vera Bradley e-commerce revenues, while Full-Line and Factory store revenues continued to be negatively affected by traffic levels. At Pura Vida, e-commerce trends improved over previous quarters due to strategic promotions.

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The GEO Group (GEO) – Tracking Gets Easier

Posted on March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, March 09, 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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New Tracking Device. Yesterday, a new five-year contract was awarded by Santa Clara County, CA to GEO’s subsidiary BI Inc. regarding the Company’s wrist-worn GPS tracking device, VeriWatch. It represents the first ever community corrections contract for the device. No financial details were given for the contract. We believe the contract presents a new opportunity for GEO, and we expect more attention towards the device as the year progresses.

ATD Program. As we have noted, populations under the ATD program dropped in January to 324,554 at the end of the month from 376,031 at the start of the year. Uncertainty surrounding ATD populations drove the wide range of 2023 operating guidance from GEO’s management. Over the course of February, the decline slowed noticeably with populations at 293,167 as of February 25th, the latest data available.

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Salem Media Group (SALM) – A Year Of Investing

Posted on March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, March 09, 2023

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

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

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

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Q4 beats expectations. The company reported revenue of $68.8 million, beating our estimate of $66.6 million by 3.3%. Adj. EBITDA of $7.3 million exceeded our estimate of $6 million by 21.3%. The favorable surprise in operating results was attributed to stronger than expected, high margin, political revenue of $2.1 million.

Favorable refinancing. The company is issuing $44.7 million new 7.125% notes that mature in 2028 to replace its 6.75% notes due in 2024. The agreement would allow the company to access $4 million to pay down its revolver. The agreement is expected to close by the end of the month.

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Energy Fuels (UUUU) – Financial Results – Initial Take

Posted on March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, March 09, 2023

Energy Fuels is a leading U.S.-based uranium mining company, supplying U3O8 to major nuclear utilities. Energy Fuels also produces vanadium from certain of its projects, as market conditions warrant, and is ramping up commercial-scale production of REE carbonate. Its corporate offices are in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, and all its assets and employees are in the United States. Energy Fuels holds three of America’s key uranium production centers: the White Mesa Mill in Utah, the Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery (“ISR”) Project in Wyoming, and the Alta Mesa ISR Project in Texas. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the U.S. today, has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U3O8 per year, has the ability to produce vanadium when market conditions warrant, as well as REE carbonate from various uranium-bearing ores. The Nichols Ranch ISR Project is on standby and has a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U3O8 per year. The Alta Mesa ISR Project is also on standby and has a licensed capacity of 1.5 million pounds of U3O8 per year. In addition to the above production facilities, Energy Fuels also has one of the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolios in the U.S. and several uranium and uranium/vanadium mining projects on standby and in various stages of permitting and development. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels’ common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol “UUUU,” and the Company’s common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “EFR.” Energy Fuels’ website is www.energyfuels.com.

Michael Heim, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Report full of future promise. UUUU’s press release was full of previously announced news items: Rare Earth Element (REE) progress, signed uranium sales contracts, vanadium inventory sales, Alta Mesa sale, etc. At the same time, production levels have been lagging behind expectations for a variety of reasons including economic conditions, supply issues, etc. Management is clearly focused on developing REE separation operations which it sees as a late 2023/early 2024 event. It is also prepping uranium mines for eventual production.

Production not there yet. The company has yet to resume mining uranium. It signed sales contracts to deliver uranium but is meeting those obligations with inventory or uranium purchases. We initially had hoped uranium operations would have resumed by 2023. REE Carbonate sales to the NEO plant in Estonia are being completed but at levels below initial expectations due to limited Monzanite supply issues. We had also hoped to see vanadium production resume by the end of the year.

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Onconova Therapeutics (ONTX) – Additional Rigosertib Mechanism of Action Data Presented

Posted on March 8, 2023March 8, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, March 08, 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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New Data Shows Mechanisms of Inflammation and Cell Death. Onconova presented new preclinical data on the mechanisms of action for Rigosertib, its cell-signal inhibitor for cancer. The poster presentation at the AACR Special Conference for Targeting RAS included new data showing additional targets and mechanisms of action. We believe the presentation expands on the previous mechanism of action data and differentiates rigosertib from other KRAS drugs.

Data Shows Effects On Early and Late In Cancer Pathways. Rigosertib was shown to activate early targets which then trigger inhibition of the RAS/RAF pathway, as well as inflammation and interruption of cell division. Rigosertib also activates the inflammasome NLRP3, increasing levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1beta and IL-18. This inflammatory response supports the combination of Rigosertib with a checkpoint inhibitor, currently in clinical trials.

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Harte Hanks (HHS) – Anticipating Another Good year

Posted on March 8, 2023March 8, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, March 08, 2023

Harte Hanks (NASDAQ: HHS) is a leading global customer experience company whose mission is to partner with clients to provide them with CX strategy, data-driven analytics and actionable insights combined with seamless program execution to better understand, attract, and engage their customers. Using its unparalleled resources and award-winning talent in the areas of Customer Care, Fulfillment and Logistics, and Marketing Services, Harte Hanks has a proven track record of driving results for some of the world’s premier brands including Bank of America, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, Pfizer, HBOMax, Volvo, Ford, FedEx, Midea, Sony, and IBM among others. Headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts , Harte Hanks has over 2,500 employees in offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific .

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

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

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Solid Q4 & full year results. The company reported Q4 revenue of $54.8 million, up 5.4%, and Adj. EBITDA of $5 million, in line with our estimates. Revenue growth was driven by fulfillment & logistics, which grew 34.4% from year earlier results. Full year revenue and Adj. EBITDA grew by 6% and 12%, respectively, a solid performance given the robust growth in 2021, where revenue and Adj. EBITDA grew by 10% and 467%, respectively.

Slow start to 2023. The company faces a difficult comp in Q1 due to non-recurring customer care revenue and lower margin revenue mix in the seasonally light quarter. Notably, we are tweaking upward our Q1 adj. EBITDA estimate given a slightly higher margin expectation.

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Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. (CVGI) – Post Call Commentary

Posted on March 8, 2023March 8, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, March 08, 2023

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

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

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4Q22 Bottom Line Impacted By Special Items. CVG reported GAAP EPS of a loss of $0.98. Adjusting for one-time items, adjusted EPS was $0.04. Further adjusting for special items, high program start-up costs and foreign exchange, special item adjusted EPS was $0.14, or much more in-line with our $0.17 forecast, which did not include any of the above.

A Refined Long-term Roadmap. Management put out a more refined long-term roadmap with a goal of $1.5 billion of revenue and a 9.0% adjusted EBITDA margin for 2027. While the new revenue goal is below the previous $1.9 billion goal, the adjusted EBITDA margin rises from a prior 8.5%. We believe the updated road map reflects management’s goal of focusing on adding only higher margin growth and not just growth for growth’s sake.

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FAT Brands Inc. (FAT) – A Changing of the Guard

Posted on March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, March 07, 2023

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

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

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

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Management Change. Yesterday after the market close, FAT Brands announced that its founder and CEO, Andy Wiederhorn, will transition to a new role as an outside consultant and strategic advisor to the Company effective May 5, 2023. Mr. Wiederhorn will remain a FAT Brands Board member and his family office, Fog Cutter Holdings LLC, will continue as the controlling shareholder of FAT Brands. The appointment of an interim CEO will be announced prior to the transition date, and Mr. Wiederhorn will continue as CEO until then.

Drivers. According to the Company, in transitioning from his role as CEO, Mr. Wiederhorn seeks to eliminate the distraction of the previously announced government investigation tied to him, and allow senior management to focus on continuing to drive shareholder value.

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Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. (CVGI) – 4Q22 First Look

Posted on March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, March 07, 2023

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.

4Q22 Top Line. Revenues were $234.9 million compared to $228.9 million in the prior year period, an increase of 2.6%. The increase in revenues is due to increased pricing to offset material cost increases. Foreign currency translation unfavorably impacted fourth quarter 2022 revenues by $6.3 million, or by 2.7%. New business revenue was approximately $20 million in the quarter, offsetting ongoing softness in the Industrial Automation segment. We had forecast revenue of $249 million.

4Q22 Bottom Line. CVGI reported a net loss of $32.0 million, or $0.98 per diluted share for the quarter, caused by non-cash charges related to tax valuation allowance changes, a pension settlement to terminate the Company’s U.S. legacy pension plan, and a $10.4 million non-cash charge in the Industrial Automation segment due to the modest outlook for the business. Adjusted EPS was $0.04, short of our $0.17 projection. Adjusted EBITDA was $13.3 million, up $0.4 million or 3.1%.

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V2X, Inc. (VVX) – A Promising Future, Solid End to 2022

Posted on March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, March 06, 2023

For more than 70 years, Vectrus has provided critical mission support for our customers’ toughest operational challenges. As a high-performing organization with exceptional talent, deep domain knowledge, a history of long-term customer relationships, and groundbreaking technical expertise, we deliver innovative, mission-matched solutions for our military and government customers worldwide. Whether it’s base operations support, supply chain and logistics, IT mission support, engineering and digital integration, security, or maintenance, repair and overhaul, our customers count on us for on-target solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve readiness, and strengthen national security. Vectrus is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., and includes about 8,100 employees spanning 205 locations in 28 countries. In 2021, Vectrus generated sales of $1.8 billion. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.vectrus.com or connect with Vectrus on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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.

4Q22 Operating Results. In 4Q22, V2X grew revenue 20% on a pro forma basis to $978.2 million driven by new business wins, successful re-competes, and expansion of core programs. The Company reported a GAAP net loss of $10.6 million, or a loss of $0.35 per share, driven by costs related to the merger. On an adjusted basis, net income totaled $28.9 million, or EPS of $0.92. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $79.3 million for an 8.1% margin.

INDOPACOM Strong. Revenue in INDOPACOM grew sevenfold in the fourth quarter to $54 million from continued expansion and growth at Kwajalein and the Philippines. With an expanded presence in the region and increased funding to support the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, we expect revenues from INDOPACOM to continue to grow.

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