The US labor market delivered a surprise to the upside in January, adding 130,000 jobs — roughly double economists’ expectations — while the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3%, according to Labor Department data released Wednesday.
Economists surveyed ahead of the report had forecast a gain of around 65,000 jobs, though estimates varied widely, ranging from modest growth to outright job losses. Instead, payroll growth came in near the top end of projections, offering a near-term boost to confidence about the resilience of the labor market.
But beneath the headline strength, substantial downward revisions to last year’s data paint a much weaker picture of overall job creation. Updated figures show the economy added just 181,000 jobs for the entirety of 2025 — sharply revised down from the previously reported 584,000. That marks the slowest pace of annual job growth outside of a recession since 2003.
On average, the economy added only about 15,000 jobs per month last year, underscoring the extent of the slowdown. Revisions also shaved gains from the final months of 2025, with November payroll growth lowered to 41,000 from 56,000 and December reduced slightly to 48,000.
The report was initially scheduled for release last Friday but was delayed by a brief partial government shutdown, heightening anticipation among investors and policymakers. January’s report is often closely watched because it includes annual benchmark revisions that incorporate more complete data from unemployment insurance tax records and other sources. This year’s revisions showed that for the 12 months ending in March 2025, the economy added 898,000 fewer jobs than previously estimated — a significant adjustment, though slightly improved from an earlier estimate of 911,000 fewer jobs.
The January rebound comes after private-sector data suggested a bruising start to the year for job seekers, with limited hiring activity reported in early surveys. The stronger-than-expected payroll figure may ease some immediate concerns, but the broader trend suggests a labor market that has cooled considerably from the rapid hiring pace seen in previous years.
Administration officials have sought to temper expectations around job growth, arguing that slower hiring may reflect structural changes rather than economic weakness. They point to a shrinking labor force, driven in part by stricter immigration policies, as well as productivity gains that allow companies to expand output without significantly increasing headcount.
The unemployment rate’s slight decline to 4.3% indicates continued stability in the job market, with layoffs remaining relatively contained. However, the sharp downward revisions raise questions about how much underlying momentum remains in the economy.
For markets and policymakers, the report presents a mixed signal. January’s job gains suggest that the labor market retains pockets of strength, but the broader revisions confirm that hiring slowed dramatically last year. As the Federal Reserve evaluates the path of interest rates, the balance between cooling job growth and stable unemployment will be a key factor in determining whether the economy can maintain steady expansion without reigniting inflationary pressures.
The January report may have exceeded expectations, but the longer-term trend signals a labor market that is steady — not surging — and increasingly dependent on productivity and structural shifts rather than rapid hiring to drive growth.
Townsquare is a community-focused digital media and digital marketing solutions company with market leading local radio stations, principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the U.S. Our assets include a subscription digital marketing services business, Townsquare Interactive, providing website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization, social media and online reputation management as well as other digital monthly services for approximately 26,800 SMBs; a robust digital advertising division, Townsquare IGNITE, a powerful combination of a) an owned and operated portfolio of more than 330 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data, and b) a proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform; and a portfolio of 321 local terrestrial radio stations in 67 U.S. markets strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States. Our portfolio includes local media brands such as WYRK.com, WJON.com, and NJ101.5.com and premier national music brands such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, UltimateClassicRock.com and Loudwire.com.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Noble Virtual Conference. On February 4th, Bill Wilson, CEO, Stu Rosenstein, co-founder and CFO, and Claire Yenicay, EVP of IR, participated in a fireside chat at the Noble Virtual Conference. The discussion focused on the company’s successful evolution into a digital-first local media powerhouse, sustainable financial model and improving revenue trends. A replay of the presentation can be found here.
Favorable Digital Advertising Outlook. Digital advertising trends are stabilizing, with management noting sequential page view growth from December to January, which is expected to continue in February. While remnant inventory remains a near-term headwind, underlying growth in owned-and-operated sales and core programmatic activity remains strong. Management expects digital advertising to return to mid-single-digit growth in 2026, with a high-single-digit CAGR anticipated over the next five years.
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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.
DLH delivers improved health and readiness solutions for federal programs through research, development, and innovative care processes. The Company’s experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 2,300 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to public health to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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1Q26 Results. DLH reported revenue of $68.9 million, down from $90.8 million y-o-y, and modestly below our $70.1 million projection. The decline reflects the loss of certain programs to small business set-aside contractors. Adjusted EBITDA was $6.5 million versus our $6.2 million estimate. Net loss was $1.3 million, or a loss of $0.09/sh, versus our estimate of a loss of $1 million, or a loss of 0.07/sh.
Cost Scaling Initiatives. With the loss of the Head Start program and winding down of the CMOP contracts in 2026, DLH undertook some cost reduction measures in the first and second fiscal quarters to align expenses with current revenue volumes. We expect management to closely watch expenses until top line improvement returns.
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Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Advancing a multi-project portfolio. Aurania is advancing two projects in France: a gold exploration project in Brittany and a nickel recovery project in Corsica. Aurania is also evaluating the recovery of nickel and cobalt from the waste tailings of the former Balangero asbestos mine near Turin, Italy. The projects in Corsica and Italy offer significant environmental benefits for the nearby communities, along with the economic benefit of recovering valuable critical metals. In Ecuador, the company is having productive discussions with government officials to advance its project while pursuing potential strategic partnerships.
Exploration Licenses in Brittany. Aurania, through a wholly owned French subsidiary, was granted three exploration licenses for polymetallic metals, including gold, in the Brittany Peninsula of northwestern France. The three license areas, Epona, Taranis, and Belenos, are in southern Brittany and northern Pays de la Loire in France. Aurania is in the process of identifying all the landowners to seek their support for exploration.
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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).
*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.
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.
Noble Virtual Conference. On February 5th, the company presented at the Noble Virtual conference. The presentation conducted by Carl Daikeler, Co-founder and CEO, Mark Goldston, Executive Chairman, and Brad Ramberg, CFO, highlighted the completion of a multi-year operational turnaround and favorable growth drivers in its digital fitness and nutrition businesses. A replay of the presentation can be viewed here.
Operational turnaround. Over the past several years, the company has significantly lowered its break-even point from $900 million in 2022 to roughly $180 million today, driven largely by SG&A optimization and the elimination of multi-level marketing sales costs. The new model offers enhanced operating leverage, enabling profitability at lower revenue levels and improving the long term outlook of the company.
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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).
*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.
The strategic allure of the U.S. Healthcare and Life Sciences (HCLS) market—as detailed in our previous installments—is undeniable. However, for a European acquirer, the transition from “Strategic Intent” to “Value Realization” requires successfully navigating a regulatory landscape that is currently undergoing its most significant shift in decades. In 2026, the complexity of this “maze” has intensified, driven by a post-shutdown FDA backlog, a new era of “relative” data privacy standards, and aggressive national security oversight.
To preserve deal value, European buyers must move beyond traditional check-the-box compliance and adopt a multidisciplinary approach to regulatory due diligence.
The “Regulatory Velocity” Hurdle: Navigating the Post-Shutdown FDA
The 43-day U.S. federal government shutdown from October 1 to November 12, 2025, created a significant “bow wave” of administrative delays that continues to impact 2026 product launch timelines. While the FDA has resumed full operations, the “review clock” for many pending 510(k) and PMA submissions was effectively frozen for over a month, as the agency lacked the legal authority to accept new user-fee-bearing applications during the lapse.
For an investment banker or operational expert, this isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s a valuation variable. European buyers must now conduct “Regulatory Velocity Diligence.” It is no longer enough to confirm that a target has a clean filing; you must assess where that filing sits in the current backlog. It is critical to differentiate between submissions funded by “Carryover User Fees”—which may have continued to move—and those reliant on “New Appropriations” that stalled. A delayed 510(k) or PMA approval can shift a valuation model by six to twelve months, fundamentally altering the deal’s ROI.
Data Governance: The New “Relative” Standard (GDPR vs. HIPAA)
Transatlantic data transfers have long been the “third rail” of HCLS M&A. However, a landmark September 4, 2025, ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in EDPS v. SRB has introduced a strategic “middle path” for European acquirers.
The court confirmed the concept of “Relative Personal Data.” In practice, this means that sufficiently pseudonymized data may be considered “personal data” for the U.S. seller (who holds the key) but not for the European recipient, provided the recipient cannot reasonably re-identify the individuals.
This is a massive win for M&A efficiency. European firms can now conduct more granular R&D and clinical trial diligence on U.S. assets without immediately triggering full GDPR liability, provided that strict technical and contractual “anti-identification” measures are in place. This “Privacy by Design” approach allows for faster integration of R&D pipelines while remaining compliant with both the EU’s strict privacy mandates and the U.S. HIPAA framework.
Beyond HIPAA: The State-Level Patchwork
While HIPAA provides a federal floor for data protection, European buyers often underestimate the complexity of state-level privacy laws. States like Texas have increasingly utilized their own statutory frameworks—such as the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act—to enforce standards that can overlap or even conflict with federal guidance.
For an Attorney, the risk lies in the “most restrictive” standard. If a target operates in multiple states, the integration team must ensure that data governance policies satisfy the most aggressive state regulator, not just the federal baseline. In the current 2026 climate, state-level enforcement is a primary driver of post-close litigation risk.
Safeguarding the Pipeline: The “Small Biotech” Exception
The 2026 Medicare drug price negotiations represent a seismic shift in U.S. reimbursement. However, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes a critical “Safe Harbor” for mid-market innovators: the Small Biotech Exception.
For European firms acquiring U.S. targets, verifying this status is paramount. If a drug’s Medicare Part D expenditure is less than or equal to 1% of total Part D expenditures, and the drug accounts for at least 80% of the manufacturer’s total sales, it may be exempt from negotiations until 2029. This provides a vital “valuation shield” for R&D pipelines, ensuring that the expected “Maximum Fair Price” (MFP) does not erode the deal’s long-term ROI.
The New CFIUS: National Security in Healthcare
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has significantly expanded its footprint throughout 2025 and 2026. While European allies often benefit from “excepted investor” status, HCLS deals involving large-scale U.S. patient data, biotech IP, or critical medical supply chain manufacturing are increasingly being flagged for national security reviews.
The strategy for 2026 is “Pre-emptive Transparency.” Buyers should evaluate whether a voluntary “Declaration” is safer than a full “Notice” to achieve deal-close certainty. In an era of heightened geopolitical sensitivity, the “health” of the target’s IP is as much a matter of national security as it is of clinical success.
Conclusion
Navigating the U.S. regulatory maze in 2026 requires a shift from defensive compliance to offensive strategy. By mastering the nuances of “Relative Data,” factoring in “Regulatory Velocity,” and identifying “Small Biotech” safe harbors, European acquirers can turn regulatory complexity into a competitive advantage.
In our next installment, we move from the ‘Legal Maze’ to the ‘Financial Truth,’ exploring the unique hurdles of U.S. GAAP vs. IFRS reconciliation and the art of the HCLS Quality of Earnings report.
About the Authors:
Nathan Caliis a Managing Partner atNoble Capital Marketswith more than 18 years of Capital Markets experience. He has been a lead Managing Director/Head of the Healthcare and Life Sciences Investment Banking and Advisory franchise at NOBLE since 2017 and was previously a sell-side equity analyst for 9 years. Nathan is a Board Member of Precise Bio, a tissue engineering, biomaterials, and cell technologies company, including cardiology, orthopedics, and dermatology. He was previously a board observer of Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN:NASDAQ, f.k.n.a. Anelixis Therapeutics, Inc.), a phase II biotechnology company. Prior to joining NOBLE, Nathan gained investment experience as a portfolio account analyst/manager at Franklin Templeton Investments. Nathan also currently holds series 7, 79, 86, and 87 FINRA designations.
Hinesh Patel, MCMI ChMCis a Partner in CNM LLP’sLos Angeles Office with over 20 years of experience in accounting. He leads and oversees the firm’s Accounting and Transaction Advisory practice. He brings a vast knowledge of US GAAP, technical accounting, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reporting requirements to his role at CNM. Hinesh primarily focuses on technical accounting, IPO readiness, SEC reporting, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining CNM, Hinesh worked as a Senior Manager at Deloitte with a primary focus in the technology, manufacturing, consumer business and entertainment industries for both public and private companies. He has assisted various companies through the IPO process and advised on a range of accounting services including technical accounting, financial reporting, and new business processes requirements.
Matthew (Matt) Podowitzis the founder and Principal Consultant ofPathfinder Advisors LLC, bringing experience on 400+ global M&A engagements to his clients. He specializes in the critical operational and technology aspects of M&A transactions, providing due diligence, carve-out, integration, and value creation services. Known for practical, actionable advice derived from extensive hands-on experience with healthcare and life sciences transactions, Matt helps companies, investment banks, and private equity firms navigate complex cross-border HCLS M&A through every step of the transaction lifecycle. Leveraging his perspective as a dual US/EU citizen, he provides seamless support for transactions in both markets. His background includes leadership roles at firms like Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, and CFGI.
Chris Raphaelyis the Co-Chair ofCozen O’Connor’sHealth Care & Life Sciences Practice where he provides sophisticated transactional and regulatory counsel to an array of health care providers and investors in the health care industry. His practice focuses on mergers, acquisitions, and divestiture transactions for health care clients and the comprehensive regulatory schemes requisite to doing business in the health care space. Chris routinely handles matters involving payer negotiations, payment disputes and contract enforcement, accountable care organizations, management services organization, clinically integrated networks, value based payment arrangements, pharmacy benefit management and third party administrator contracts for self-insured employers, digital health, organizational and governance structures, HIPAA, information privacy and security, tax exemption, Stark Law, fraud and abuse matters, clinical integration, medical staff relations, facility and professional licensing, Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act, and general compliance. Prior to joining the firm, Chris served as the deputy general counsel to Jefferson Health System and general counsel to the system’s accountable care organization and captive professional liability insurance companies.
Federal Reserve officials are increasingly signaling that interest rates may remain unchanged for an extended period as policymakers evaluate whether inflation is cooling enough to justify further adjustments. Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack said this week that the central bank’s current policy stance is well positioned to remain steady while officials analyze incoming economic data and the lingering effects of prior rate cuts.
Hammack indicated that monetary policy is close to neutral, meaning it is no longer significantly restraining economic activity. After cutting rates three times last fall, the Federal Reserve has shifted into a wait-and-see mode, focused on determining whether those moves are sufficient to guide inflation back toward its long-term target without risking renewed price pressures.
Inflation remains the central concern. While price growth has slowed from its post-pandemic highs, Hammack noted that inflation has largely moved sideways for more than two years and could remain near 3% throughout 2026. That level is still well above the Fed’s 2% goal, raising the risk that inflation could become more entrenched if policymakers ease too quickly. As a result, she emphasized the need for clear and sustained evidence that inflation is decisively trending lower before considering further rate cuts.
Rather than attempting to fine-tune policy in response to short-term data fluctuations, Hammack expressed a preference for patience. She highlighted the importance of fully assessing the economic impact of last year’s rate reductions, as well as broader trends in growth, consumer demand, and financial conditions. At present, she views the risks of rates needing to move higher or lower as roughly balanced.
Cost pressures facing businesses remain a key area of focus. Hammack said tariffs have increased input costs for many companies, with some already passing those expenses on to consumers and others signaling additional price increases ahead. She also pointed to rising electricity and health insurance costs as factors that could keep inflation elevated. Taken together, these pressures make it difficult to determine whether inflation has fully peaked.
The labor market, however, appears to be on more stable footing. With the unemployment rate at 4.4%, conditions have changed little since last fall. Indicators suggest that job openings and job seekers are largely in balance, while initial claims for unemployment insurance remain low. Although some firms have announced layoffs, overall levels of job cuts remain in line with historical norms.
Looking ahead, Hammack expects economic growth to strengthen over the course of the year. She cited the delayed effects of last year’s rate cuts and ongoing fiscal support as factors that could encourage businesses to resume investment and expansion plans. Stronger growth, in turn, could support hiring and gradually push unemployment lower.
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady last month in a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. Hammack’s comments reinforce the view that policymakers are in no rush to alter policy, signaling that interest rates could remain on hold well into the year as the Fed waits for inflation to show more convincing signs of easing.
NEW YORK, February 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bit Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBT) (“Bit Digital” or the “Company”) today announced its monthly Ethereum (“ETH”) treasury and staking metrics for the month of January 2026:
Key Highlights for January 2026
As of January 31, 2026, the Company held approximately 155,239.4[1] ETH.
Based on a closing ETH price of approximately $2,449, as of January 31, 2026, the market value of the Company’s ETH holdings was approximately $380.2 million.
The Company’s total average ETH acquisition price for all holdings was approximately $3,045 as of January 31, 2026.
The Company’s total staked ETH was ~138,266, or ~89% of its total holdings, as of January 31, 2026.
Staking operations generated approximately 344.0 ETH in rewards during the period, representing an annualized yield of approximately 2.9%.
Bit Digital shares outstanding were 324,202,059 as of January 31, 2026.
The Company maintains ownership of approximately 27.0 million WhiteFiber (WYFI) shares with a market value of approximately $527.6 million as of January 31, 2026. On January 28, 2026, Bit Digital reaffirmed its long-term investment in WhiteFiber and confirmed that it will not sell any of its WhiteFiber shares in any secondary offering or other discretionary disposition during 2026.
About Bit Digital Bit Digital (NASDAQ: BTBT) is a Strategic Asset Company (SAC) focused on active participation in Ethereum infrastructure and controlling equity exposure to AI/HPC infrastructure through its majority ownership stake in WhiteFiber (NASDAQ: WYFI). The Company purchases and stakes ETH to generate protocol-native yield and participates directly in the Ethereum network. Bit Digital allocates capital with a focus on long-duration, foundational infrastructure and disciplined balance sheet management. For additional information, please contact ir@bit-digital.com or follow us on LinkedIn or X.
Investor Notice Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (Annual Report) and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any Current Reports on Form 8-K. If any material risk was to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. See “Safe Harbor Statement” below.
Safe Harbor Statement This press release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Bit Digital, Inc., and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
[1] Includes approximately 15,236.4 ETH and ETH-equivalents held in an externally managed fund.
Consumer sentiment in the United States showed a modest rebound in February, reaching its highest level since last August, according to the University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment. The reading came in at 57.3, up 1.6 points from January, surpassing economists’ expectations of a decline to 55. While this represents an encouraging short-term improvement, sentiment remains significantly below last year’s highs, reflecting ongoing concerns about inflation, job security, and long-term economic stability.
Compared with February 2025, when sentiment stood at 64.7, the index is down 11.4%, and roughly 20% below the peak levels recorded last year. Joanne Hsu, director of surveys of consumers at the University of Michigan, emphasized that “recent monthly increases have been small — well under the margin of error — and the overall level of sentiment remains very low from a historical perspective.” According to Hsu, Americans continue to worry about the erosion of personal finances due to high prices and the elevated risk of job loss.
The February report highlights mixed signals from the labor market. Jobless claims came in higher than expected this week, suggesting some near-term labor market pressures. Yet, data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas show that December job cuts were at their lowest level since 2023. Official jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is scheduled for release on February 11, after delays caused by a partial government shutdown, which had postponed the initial report.
Inflation expectations also showed improvement in February. Survey respondents now anticipate a 3.5% increase in prices over the next year, down from 4% previously. This is the lowest expected inflation since January 2025, though it remains above the pre-pandemic range of roughly 2.3% to 3%. The BLS is set to release its latest inflation report on February 13, which will provide further clarity on the trajectory of price growth.
Interestingly, consumer sentiment appears increasingly tied to exposure to financial markets. Those with the largest stock portfolios reported surging confidence, while sentiment among households without stock holdings stagnated at historically low levels. Hsu noted that this divergence underscores the unequal impact of financial markets on Americans’ perceptions of the economy.
The survey also reflected nuanced changes in economic expectations. Modest improvements were reported in consumers’ assessments of current personal finances and buying conditions for durable goods, but these were offset by a slight decline in expectations for long-run business conditions. Overall, the February data presents a picture of cautious optimism: consumers are slightly more confident than in recent months, yet significant economic anxieties remain.
As Americans navigate high prices and labor market uncertainties, the path forward for consumer confidence remains fragile. Analysts will be closely watching upcoming jobs and inflation reports for further signals, particularly as financial market volatility and global economic pressures continue to influence sentiment. For now, February’s reading offers a small but notable lift in confidence, reminding policymakers and businesses alike that while the recovery is underway, it remains uneven across different segments of the population.
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, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Environment. The current operating environment remains charged, as evidenced by the daily news. Nonetheless, we would point out that a key platform of the Trump Administration remains illegal immigration, and we do not expect that to change. Funding remains available under The One Big Beautiful Bill. And, historically, enforcement operations remain ongoing even in the face of a government shutdown.
Less New Awards Than Anticipated. The pace of new awards has been less than we had expected over the past few months. Whether this is just a temporary pause due to the significant number of new awards in 2025, the most recent new contract for GEO was the December skip tracing services contract worth up to $121 million of revenue over a two year period.
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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).
*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.
Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Fiscal Q2 results. SelectQuote reported fiscal Q2 revenue of $537.1 million, above our $520.0 million estimate, driven by stronger-than-expected Senior performance. Adj. EBITDA of $84.7 million exceeded our $82.0 million forecast, reflecting near-record 39% adj. EBITDA margins in Senior that more than offset pharmacy reimbursement pressure.
Medicare Advantage headwinds. Management cited pressure from a large national carrier’s decision to reduce strategic marketing spend across all channels. We believe this reflects a deliberate effort to moderate enrollment growth and protect plan profitability following above-trend member additions, rather than any deterioration in underlying demand.
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InPlay Oil is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production. The company operates long-lived, low-decline properties with drilling development and enhanced oil recovery potential as well as undeveloped lands with exploration possibilities. The common shares of InPlay trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO and the OTCQX Exchange under the symbol IPOOF.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Bond offering details. InPlay announced a senior unsecured bond issuance in Israel for up to 550 million New Israeli Shekels (NIS), or approximately C$241 million. Three amortization payments of 6% of the principal amount of the bonds will be due on December 15 of 2027, 2028, and 2029, and the fourth and last amortization payment of the remaining 82% will be due on December 15, 2030. The offering is expected to close on or around February 12, 2026, subject to certain conditions.
Expanding capital market access. Beyond the financing itself, we view the transaction as a strategic expansion of InPlay’s funding base outside of Canada. InPlay received interest from over 40 institutional investors in the oversubscribed offering and, to date, has accepted tenders for NIS 550 million of the bonds. The transaction further strengthens InPlay’s diversified financing sources while reducing its overall cost of capital.
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.
Bitcoin has clawed its way back above the $65,000 mark, offering a brief sense of relief after a punishing selloff that has put the cryptocurrency on track for its steepest weekly decline since late 2022. The rebound comes amid signs that a broader rout in global technology stocks may be stabilizing, easing pressure on risk assets that had been aggressively sold across markets.
Despite the bounce, the damage has already been done. Bitcoin is still down nearly 14% on the week, reflecting how quickly sentiment has shifted after months of fragility in digital asset markets. Prices earlier dipped close to $60,000, a level that rattled traders who had grown accustomed to sharp rallies fueled by optimism around artificial intelligence, crypto-friendly political rhetoric, and expanding institutional participation.
The current downturn highlights how closely bitcoin has become linked to the wider tech and macro trade. As leveraged positions in equities, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies were unwound, bitcoin was swept up in the selloff. What was once marketed as a hedge against traditional markets is again behaving like a high-beta risk asset, moving in step with broader shifts in investor appetite for risk.
Ethereum has followed a similar path. While ether has rebounded toward $1,900, it remains deep in the red for the week and significantly lower year-to-date. The weakness across major tokens underscores the broader cooling of enthusiasm toward crypto after last year’s explosive rally ended abruptly.
Since peaking in early October, the total crypto market has shed roughly $2 trillion in value, according to industry data. More than half of that decline has occurred in just the past month, as investors reassess assumptions that prices would continue climbing without interruption. Analysts point to excessive leverage and crowded positioning as key contributors to the speed and severity of the pullback.
Another headwind has come from U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds, which have seen sustained outflows in recent months. Billions of dollars have exited these products since November, signaling that institutional investors are reducing exposure rather than stepping in to buy the dip. That shift has removed a major source of support that previously helped absorb selling pressure.
Still, some market participants caution against interpreting the move toward $60,000 as a sign that crypto’s long-term story is broken. Instead, they argue the pullback reflects a normalization process after speculative narratives ran ahead of fundamentals. In this view, the current volatility is forcing traders to confront real risk management rather than relying on momentum alone.
Whether bitcoin’s recovery above $65,000 marks the beginning of a more durable rebound remains uncertain. Much will depend on broader market conditions, particularly the trajectory of equities and interest rates. For now, bitcoin’s price action serves as a reminder that even the most popular digital assets are not immune to sharp corrections—and that conviction is tested most when volatility returns.
