cpereira@noblefcm.com, Author at Channelchek

Resources Connection (RGP) – Workforce Reduction Initiated; Confirms 2Q25 Guidance

Posted on December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Resources Connection, Inc. provides agile consulting services in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers finance and accounting services, including process transformation and optimization, financial reporting and analysis, technical and operational accounting, merger and acquisition due diligence and integration, audit readiness, preparation and response, implementation of new accounting standards, and remediation support. It also provides information management services, such as program and project management, business and technology integration, data strategy, and business performance management. In addition, the company offers corporate advisory, strategic communications, and restructuring services; and corporate governance, risk, and compliance management services, such as contract and regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management, internal controls management, and operation and information technology (IT) audits. Further, it provides supply chain management services comprising strategy development, procurement and supplier management, logistics and materials management, supply chain planning and forecasting, and unique device identification compliance; and human capital services, including change management, organization development and effectiveness, compensation and incentive plan strategies, and optimization of human resources technology and operations. Additionally, the company offers legal and regulatory supporting services for commercial transactions, global compliance initiatives, law department operations, and law department business strategies and analytics. It also provides policyIQ, a proprietary cloud-based governance, risk, and compliance software application. The company was formerly known as RC Transaction Corp. and changed its name to Resources Connection, Inc. in August 2000. Resources Connection, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

Workforce Reduction. We had an opportunity to speak with management about the December 6th 8-k filing in which Resources Connection announced a reduction in the global management and administrative workforce intended to enhance efficiencies through reduced costs and streamlined operations. The RIF impacts about 8% of the management and administrative workforce. Cost savings are expected to range from $4-$5 million in 2H25, or $8-$10 million annually on a go-forward basis. Restructuring charges of $2.5-$3.0 million are expected to be recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.

But Reaffirming 2Q25 Guidance. Management re-confirmed guidance for 2Q25 (ended November 23, 2024). For 2Q25, the Company expects full quarter revenue to be in the range of $135-$140 million and expects gross margin to be in the range of 36% to 37%. The Company’s run rate SG&A for the quarter is expected to be in the range of $48-$50 million.

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Maple Gold Mines (MGMLF) – Thoughts on the Winter 2024/2025 Exploration and Drilling Program

Posted on December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, December 12, 2024

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.

NobleCon20 presentation. During Noble’s recent NobleCon20 Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference, Mr. Kiran Patankar, Maple Gold’s CEO, provided some additional details regarding the company’s upcoming exploration and drilling program. A link to Maple Gold’s NobleCon20 presentation is here. Recall that Maple Gold has a 400 square kilometer district-scale property in Quebec’s Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt, including gold mineral resources of approximately three million ounces at Douay with significant expansion potential and the past producing Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel.

Upcoming drilling program. Maple Gold’s fully funded drilling program is expected to commence shortly and run through March. The company is using a data-driven approach toward exploration that is focused on expanding the company’s gold mineral resource from approximately three million ounces to five million ounces across the combined Douay/Joutel projects, along with making new discoveries. An updated resource estimate and scoping study is expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.

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Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE) – Q3 Is Illustrative Of Its Improving Margin Story

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

500 5th Avenue 20th Floor New York, NY 10110 United States Sector(s): Consumer Cyclical Industry: Apparel Manufacturing Full Time Employees: 599 Key Executives Name Title Pay Exercised Year Born Mr. Jonathan CEO & Director 825.62k N/A 1958 Ms. Marie Fogel Senior VP and Chief Merchandising & Manufacturing Officer 633.19k N/A 1961 Mr. John Chief Financial Officer

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Q3 Results. The company reported Q3 revenue of $80.2 million, which was in line with our estimate of $81.5 million. Notably, gross margin improved by 580 basis points from the prior year period. We believe the solid results demonstrate the efficacy of the company’s initiatives to enhance its expense structure and improve gross margin.

Improved gross margin. The company’s strong gross margin improvement was largely driven by a 480bp improvement in product costs and reduced freight costs, with an 80bp contribution from lower promotional activity and discounting in its Direct To Consumer (DTC) segment.

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V2X (VVX) – A New JV

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

JV. Yesterday, V2X, Inc. announced a strategic joint venture with Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) in pursuit of the National Science Foundation Antarctica Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC) with an $8 billion ceiling value. The newly formed joint venture, named Polar Science Alliance (PSA), is a wholly dedicated entity that will enable world class scientific research support services for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) over the next two decades.

Strengths. V2X brings over a decade of experience in large-scale polar operations and logistics expertise and was recently awarded the follow-on option for a ten year period supporting the multibillion-dollar U.S. Space Force, Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. V2X boasts decades of expertise in science support services. Parsons has 55 years of successful and proven polar operations experience, beginning in 1970 on the North Slope of Alaska. Parsons’ capabilities span program and construction management, engineering and planning, and logistics.

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

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) – NobleCon20 Highlights

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

NobleCon20. Great Lakes CFO Scott Kornblau presented at NobleCon20. Highlights included the strong dredging market, expanding into the offshore wind market in the U.S., and having a record backlog. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/great-lakes-dredge-dock-corporation-noblecon20-replay.

Dredging Market. The outlook for the dredging market remains robust, in our view. The Army Corps of Engineers budget in fiscal 2024 was a record $8.7 billion, a record that likely will be surpassed in fiscal 2025 as both the House and Senate appropriations committees submitted proposed fiscal 2025 budgets with Army Corp funding at or above the $10 billion level. We expect Great Lakes’ bid opportunity pipeline to remain strong, leading towards potential backlog and revenue growth.

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

FAT Brands (FAT) – Highlights from NobleCon20

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

NobleCon20. FAT Brands Chairman Andy Wiederhorn presented at NobleCon20. Highlights included FAT Brands’ acquisition strategy, Twin Peaks spin-off, and focus for 2025. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/fat-brands-inc-noblecon20-replay

Acquisition Strategy. Management noted the Company utilizes a near-term focus on brands that will accelerate growth for its Twin Peaks brand as well as drive revenue and profit at its cookie and pretzel factory. Smokey Bones is an example of accelerating Twin Peaks growth as select Smokey Bones are being converted into Twin Peaks due to having a similar format, providing more efficient conversions. The Nestle Toll House Café by Chip acquisition drove unit growth of Great American Cookies while also getting cookie dough business for its manufacturing facility.

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

NN, Inc. (NNBR) – Presentation Highlights from NobleCon20

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

NobleCon20. NN CFO Chris Bohnert presented at NobleCon20. Highlights included tariffs being a benefit to the Company, NN’s transformation plan, and its five-year growth plan. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/nn-inc-noblecon20-replay.

Tariffs Good for NN? The Trump administration is seeking protection for U.S. based production through the use of tariffs, potentially increasing costs for companies. However, NN has roughly $120 million of tariff-protected U.S.-produced auto parts and does not import from China. For its China operations, the Company produces auto parts in China for use in the local market there. As a result, we believe the Company can protect its margins through not paying tariffs and can potentially have pricing power over parts produced in the U.S. compared to other companies that import.

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

Information Services Group (III) – Highlights from NobleCon20

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

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, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

NobleCon20. Information Services Group CEO Michael Connors and CFO Michael Sherrick presented at NobleCon20. Management highlighted the opportunity in AI, including ISG Tango, and driving recurring revenue. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/information-services-group-noblecon20-replay.

Growth in AI. The opportunity in AI for ISG is prevalent, as management noted that 55% of large enterprises are focused on developing an AI roadmap today. This focus translates into a roughly 3 times increase in projected enterprise AI spending through 2025. ISG has two services in AI Advisory and Research that companies can utilize for the application of AI and to be informed on the best use cases. In our view, ISG is well-equipped to handle increased demand through its services.

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

Graham Corp. (GHM) – NobleCon20 Presentation Highlights

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Graham Corporation designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the energy, defense and chemical/petrochemical industries. The Company designs and manufactures custom-engineered ejectors, vacuum pumping systems, surface condensers and vacuum systems. It is a nuclear code accredited fabrication and specialty machining company. It supplies components used inside reactor vessels and outside containment vessels of nuclear power facilities. Its equipment is found in applications, such as metal refining, pulp and paper processing, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, pharmaceutical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. For the defense industry, its equipment is used in nuclear propulsion power systems for the United States Navy. The Company’s products are used in a range of industrial process applications in energy markets, including petroleum refining, defense, chemical and petrochemical processing, power generation/alternative energy and other.

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

NobleCon20. Graham CFO Chris Thome and Vice President Matt Malone presented at NobleCon20. Highlights included the growth potential in U.S. Navy contracts, revenue diversification in the Space Segment, and M&A strategy. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/graham-corporation-noblecon20-replay.

Potential in U.S. Navy. The Navy’s Ford Class Carrier and Virginia and Columbia Class Submarines represent $1.2 to $1.4 billion in revenue potential based on planned projects. These project build timelines are expected to be completed as early as 2035 to as late as 2058, providing visibility and recurring revenue. With investments from defense customers to expand capacity and 80% of its defense revenue sole sourced, we believe Graham is uniquely positioned to expand its relationship with the Navy and other defense customers.

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

GeoVax Labs (GOVX) – GeoVax Receives Allowance For New Patent Covering Vaccine Platform Technologies

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies and vaccines for solid tumor cancers and many of the world’s most threatening infectious diseases. The company’s lead program in oncology is a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, presently in a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. GeoVax’s lead infectious disease candidate is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine targeting high-risk immunocompromised patient populations. Currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, and as a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In addition, GEO-CM04S1 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the vaccine as a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. GeoVax has a leadership team who have driven significant value creation across multiple life science companies over the past several decades.

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.

Intellectual Property Estate Is Expanding. GeoVax announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for its patent application covering the expression of antigens in virus-like particles delivered with a viral vector. This is a mechanism used to stimulate an immune response from the GeoVax MVA-based vaccines. The patent allowance is the final step in the USPTO application process, and the patent will be issued after payment of fees.

The Application Covers Expression Of Immune Stimulation Antigens. The patent titled “Vaccinia Viral Vectors Encoding Chimeric Virus Like Particles” includes claims for expressing a tumor associated antigen (TAA) in virus-like particles (VLPs) from a recombinant Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) viral vector. This covers vaccines that use the MVA as a vector to deliver DNA that assembles into non-infectious virus-like constructs to simulate an immune response against the targeted virus. This mechanism is used in the MVA MUC-1 (cancer) and infectious disease vaccines. A detailed description of the MVA platform and VLPs begins on page 7 of our Initiation of Coverage report.

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

GDEV Inc. (GDEV) – Highlights From NobleCon20: Geared For Growth

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

NobleCon20. On December 3rd, management presented to the investment community at NobleCon20, held at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. The presentation was conducted by Alexander Karavaev, chief financial officer, and Roman Safiyulin, chief corporate development officer. The duo highlighted the company’s dynamic growth prospects and the prospective swing toward growth in bookings. A replay of the presentation can be viewed by clicking here.

Dynamic business model. The company focuses on live-service games, meaning that the games have a continuous lifespan and are updated on an ongoing basis. This allows for a stable revenue base that grows over time, unlike many gaming companies with a “lumpier” revenue profile that oscillates based on game release schedules.

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

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Highlights From NobleCon20

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery, Laff and TrueReal. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

NobleCon20. On December 3rd, management presented to the investment community at NobleCon20, held at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. The fireside chat presentation with Jason Combs, Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the company’s strategy regarding Scripps Sports, retransmission revenue, political revenue and debt reduction. A replay of the presentation can be viewed by clicking here.

Favorable sports model. Scripps Sports employs a unique model that offers sports teams wider viewership than the traditional Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) model, which is failing. Notably, the company has local broadcasting rights for the Las Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and the Arizona Coyotes. Furthermore, the company has the national broadcast rights for the WNBA, which has seen a significant increase in viewership this season.

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

MustGrow Biologics Corp. (MGROF) – A Potential Game Changer

Posted on December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, December 02, 2024

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

Proposed Acquisition. Last week, MustGrow signed a non-binding term sheet with Univar Solutions Canada Ltd. for the proposed acquisition of NexusBioAg. The acquisition is subject to certain conditions, including due diligence, the negotiation and execution of a definitive asset purchase agreement, and approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Light on Details. Terms of the proposed acquisition were not disclosed. Nor was any detail regarding sales or net income for NexusBioAg. MustGrow also would need to obtain financing for the proposed deal. The purchase consideration for the proposed acquisition is anticipated to include (i) a deferred cash payment and (ii) contingent payments made in 2025 and 2026. The parties are targeting a closing by yearend.

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