slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com, Author at Channelchek

GENIUS Act Passes Senate: What It Means for Crypto and Stablecoin Investors

Posted on June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a historic move for the crypto industry, the U.S. Senate has passed the GENIUS Act—short for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins—laying the foundation for the first federal framework governing stablecoins. Though the bill still awaits approval from the House of Representatives and President Trump’s signature, its Senate passage marks a seismic shift in crypto policy that could reshape the digital asset landscape.

Stablecoins, digital tokens typically pegged to the U.S. dollar, are widely used for trading, payments, and preserving value in volatile markets. The GENIUS Act aims to bring oversight and legitimacy to this rapidly growing segment by requiring issuers to maintain full reserves in cash or U.S. Treasury assets, undergo routine audits, and publicly disclose their reserve compositions monthly.

The legislation has already catalyzed a dramatic response. According to CoinDesk, the total market capitalization of stablecoins surged to a record $251.7 billion, reflecting a 22% year-to-date increase. Industry leaders, including Circle (CRCL)—the largest U.S. stablecoin issuer—have hailed the bill as a breakthrough. Circle’s stock has soared 400% since going public in early June, signaling investor confidence in the sector’s regulated future.

“This bill gives us the right foundation,” said Dante Disparte, Circle’s Chief Strategy Officer. “Whether you’re a bank, a fintech, or a non-bank issuer, you now have a common regulatory floor.”

One of the most consequential elements of the GENIUS Act is its two-tiered regulatory approach: large issuers with over $10 billion in assets will fall under federal oversight, led by the Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), while smaller issuers will be supervised by state regulators. Additionally, the act prohibits stablecoins from paying interest, a provision meant to draw a clear line between digital currencies and traditional savings products.

The bill also restricts members of Congress and their families from profiting off stablecoin ventures—though notably excludes President Trump and his family, sparking some partisan criticism. Trump’s growing involvement in the sector, including the launch of USD1 stablecoin by his crypto firm World Liberty Financial, has raised eyebrows and energized Republican support.

Big banks and corporations are now eyeing stablecoin issuance. Bank of America has confirmed it is exploring options, and Amazon and Walmart are reportedly assessing opportunities, though both companies remain cautious. The potential for new entrants to bypass traditional payment rails like Visa and Mastercard could be disruptive—and lucrative.

Despite concerns over investor runs and tech monopolies, the GENIUS Act includes strict consumer protection clauses, criminal penalties for noncompliance, and Treasury approval for tech firms wishing to issue stablecoins. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent projects the U.S. stablecoin market could exceed $2 trillion by 2028 if the bill becomes law.

As the House prepares to review the bill—possibly attaching it to broader crypto legislation—investors are bracing for what could be the most significant wave of adoption and innovation in crypto history. If passed in full, the GENIUS Act could signal not just regulation—but a rebranding of stablecoins from speculative tools to mainstream financial instruments.

Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE) – Mitigates Tariff Risks Much Faster Than Expected

Posted on June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

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.

Solid Q1 results. the company reported Q1 revenue of $57.9 million and an adj. EBITDA loss of $3.0 million, both of which were better than our estimates of $56.0 million and a loss of $5.5 million, respectively. Notably, while revenue and adj. EBITDA are both modestly lower than the prior year period; we view the Q1 results favorably, given the company’s ability to manage the uncertain tariff outlook.

Tariff mitigation. The company highlighted that it has been taking steps to reduce its exposure to China, currently roughly 60% of its cost of goods sold. Notably, the company is sourcing from other countries and expects that China will be roughly 25% of its cost of goods by the end of 2025. The company has leadership located in the sourcing countries to ensure product quality.

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GoHealth (GOCO) – Noble Virtual Conference Highlights

Posted on June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

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.

Highlights from Noble’s Emerging Growth Virtual Conference. Vijay Kotte, CEO, presented at Noble’s Virtual Equity conference June 4 & 5th. Mr. Kotte highlighted the company’s proprietary technology, consumer-centric Medicare policy platform, and gave an update on recent developments. A rebroadcast is available here.

Purpose-built technology. Mr. Kotte emphasized the company’s use of proprietary machine learning tools alongside licensed agents to tailor recommendations to each consumer’s needs. With Medicare beneficiaries typically choosing from 40–50 plans, this technology plays a key role in efficiently identifying the most suitable options.

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Interest Rates on Hold Again as Fed Maintains Forecast for Two Cuts

Posted on June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday for the fourth consecutive meeting, keeping its benchmark rate in the range of 4.25% to 4.5% and reaffirming its forecast for two interest rate cuts before the end of 2025. The decision, which was supported unanimously by the Federal Open Market Committee, underscores the central bank’s cautious approach as it navigates a complex economic environment shaped by persistent inflation, slower growth expectations, and growing political pressure from the Trump administration.

Despite recent signs that inflation has eased modestly, the Fed raised its inflation outlook for the year. Officials now expect core PCE inflation, the central bank’s preferred metric, to end 2025 at 3.1%, up from a previous estimate of 2.8%. That adjustment reflects concerns that tariffs and other policy shifts under President Trump’s administration may continue to elevate prices and complicate the Fed’s path to achieving its 2% inflation target. At the same time, economic growth projections were lowered, with the Fed now anticipating annual GDP growth of 1.4%, down from 1.7%. The unemployment rate is also expected to climb slightly, from 4.4% to 4.5%, signaling a potential slowdown in the labor market as higher borrowing costs weigh on hiring and business investment.

The Fed’s statement noted that “uncertainty about the economic outlook has diminished, but remains elevated,” marking a shift in tone from earlier warnings that uncertainty was rising. While this change suggests that some risks may be stabilizing, policymakers remain sharply divided over the appropriate course of action. Eight officials project two rate cuts this year, while seven expect no cuts at all. Two members see a single cut, and two others anticipate as many as three. This internal split reflects the complexity of balancing inflation management with support for economic growth, particularly in a volatile political climate.

President Trump, who has been increasingly vocal in his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, once again expressed dissatisfaction with the central bank’s approach. Hours before the rate announcement, Trump took aim at Powell in front of reporters, joking that he might appoint himself to the Fed, claiming, “Maybe I should go to the Fed; I’d do a much better job.” He continued his push for lower rates by declaring that inflation is no longer a concern, stating, “We have no inflation, we have only success.” This political pressure has not gone unnoticed, but Powell and other Fed officials appear focused on maintaining their independence and credibility by anchoring decisions in economic data rather than political narratives.

Markets responded calmly to the announcement, with the S&P 500 rising 0.18% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.21%. Investors largely interpreted the Fed’s decision as a sign that rate cuts remain on the table, just not at the pace the White House may want. For now, the Fed continues to walk a careful line, seeking to bring inflation down without derailing a fragile recovery. With just months left in the year and political tensions rising, all eyes will remain on Powell and the FOMC as they weigh their next move.

Lilly Acquires Verve to Advance One-Time Gene Therapy for Heart Disease

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– Lilly acquires Verve Therapeutics to develop one-time gene editing treatments for cardiovascular disease.
– Verve’s VERVE-102 targets the PCSK9 gene to lower cholesterol with a single dose.
– Deal strengthens Lilly’s position in cardiometabolic and genetic medicine sectors.

In a move set to transform the landscape of cardiovascular care, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced its acquisition of Verve Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERV), a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on gene editing treatments for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The transaction, valued at up to $1.3 billion, is aimed at accelerating the development of groundbreaking one-time treatments that could offer lifelong benefits to patients with high cardiovascular risk.

Verve’s lead program, VERVE-102, is a promising in vivo gene editing therapy targeting the PCSK9 gene—an established regulator of LDL cholesterol levels. Currently in a Phase 1b clinical trial, VERVE-102 has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA and is designed for individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and certain forms of premature coronary artery disease. If successful, the treatment could eliminate the need for chronic medication by permanently modifying liver DNA to lower harmful cholesterol levels.

“This acquisition marks a bold step toward shifting cardiovascular care from lifelong therapy to one-time cures,” said Ruth Gimeno, Lilly’s Group VP of Diabetes and Metabolic Research and Development. “Combining Lilly’s global scale with Verve’s scientific innovation positions us to lead the next generation of cardiometabolic treatment.”

The purchase agreement includes an upfront cash payment of $10.50 per share—totaling approximately $1.0 billion—along with an additional contingent value right (CVR) worth up to $3.00 per share, tied to future clinical milestones. If all conditions are met, the total deal value could reach $1.3 billion. The acquisition represents a 113% premium over Verve’s 30-day average stock price prior to the announcement.

Founded just seven years ago, Verve has rapidly built a pipeline of one-time gene editing therapies aimed at the three core lipid-related drivers of ASCVD: low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a). In addition to VERVE-102, Verve is advancing VERVE-201 (targeting ANGPTL3 for refractory hypercholesterolemia) and VERVE-301 (targeting LPA for lipoprotein(a)-related risks).

“Joining Lilly is the natural next step in our mission to bring one-time gene editing treatments to people with cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Sekar Kathiresan, co-founder and CEO of Verve. “Lilly’s world-class capabilities will significantly accelerate our clinical development and commercial reach.”

The deal is expected to close in Q3 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals and the successful tendering of Verve shares. Several major shareholders, including co-founders and investors affiliated with GV (formerly Google Ventures), have already agreed to tender approximately 17.8% of Verve’s outstanding stock.

For Lilly, this acquisition reinforces its strategic commitment to expanding in cardiometabolic and genetic medicine sectors—areas already central to its long-term growth strategy. As the race to develop durable, gene-based solutions for chronic illnesses intensifies, the Verve acquisition could position Lilly at the forefront of an entirely new therapeutic paradigm.

Ocugen (OCGN) – Stargardt Disease Program Moves To Phase 2/3 Trial

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing novel gene therapies, biologicals, and vaccines. The lead product in its gene therapy program, OCU400, is in Phase 1/2 clinical trials for retinitis pigmentosa.

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.

OCU410ST Cleared To Begin Confirmatory Trial. Ocugen announced that the FDA has approved its IND amendment to allow OCU410ST to begin its Phase 2/3 pivotal confirmatory trial. This will become the second Ocugen product to move into a Phase 2/3 confirmatory trial, and keeps the company on schedule to meet its goal of submitting three BLAs in the three years between 2026-28.

Brief Description of Stargardt Disease. Stargardt disease is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene in the retina. Progressive loss of photoreceptor cells in the retina typically starts at a young age, leading to blindness. Ocugen has received Orphan Drug designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) for diseases associated with ABCA4 diseases, including Stargardt, retinitis pigmentosa 19, and cone-rod dystrophy 3.

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SKYX Platforms (SKYX) – Noble Virtual Conference Highlights

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

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.

Highlights from Noble’s Emerging Growth Virtual Conference. Lenny Sokolow, Co-CEO, presented at Noble’s Virtual Equity conference June 4 & 5th. Mr. Sokolow discussed the company’s innovative technology, commercial partnerships, and its quest for mandatory standardization with the NEC, among other topics. A rebroadcast is available here.

Mandatory standardization efforts getting a boost. Management remains optimistic about its push for mandatory standardization, citing recent backing from a prominent government safety leader. The company’s “Code Team” expects further support from key safety organizations to advance its ceiling receptacle technology as a regulatory standard.

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GeoVax Labs (GOVX) – EMA Allows GEO-MVA To Leapfrog To Phase 3 Trial In EU

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

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.

GEO-MVA Gets An Accelerated Pathway To European Approval. GeoVax announced that it has received guidance from the EMA (European Medicines Agency) that provides an accelerated path to approval for GEO-MVA, its modified vaccinia ankara (MVA) based vaccine for smallpox/Mpox. It will only be required to conduct immune-bridging and toxicity studies before moving directly to Phase 3. This cuts several years from development time and saves many millions of dollars in clinical expenses.

Only Phase 3 Will Be Needed. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the EMA stated that only requirements before beginning a Phase 3 study will be a non-clinical immuno-bridging and toxicity studies. No Phase 1 or Phase 2 studies are required. An MAA regulatory application can be submitted after a single, Phase 3 immuno-bridging study against the approved MVA vaccine (Imvanex or Jynneos, from Bavarian Nordic). The proposed endpoints of the study would be demonstration of immunogenicity to show non-inferiority.

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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).

The GEO Group (GEO) – New USMS Transportation Contract

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

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.

USMS Contract. The GEO Group, through its GEO Transport subsidiary, has entered into a new 5-year contract, including option periods, with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for the provision of secure transportation and contract detention officer services across three service regions covering 26 federal judicial districts and spanning 14 states. The new contract highlights the Company’s diversified service platform, in our view, which provides the Company with numerous growth avenues.

Impact. The new contract is expected to generate up to approximately $147 million over the five-year period, or up to approximately $29 million in annualized revenues per full-year of operations, with margins consistent with GEO’s Managed-Only services contracts, which average approximately 15%.

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Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – New Award and Expansion; Raising PT

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technologies for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research, and streamlined development processes. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we specialize in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training and combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.kratosdefense.com.

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

New Award. Kratos was awarded a $25 million task order under the Command and Control System-Consolidated Sustainment and Resiliency contract with the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command to support ground system capabilities for Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS). The ESS system will provide the survivable and endurable satellite communications capability for the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications mission in all operational environments.

Details. The task order has a 34-month period of performance, which began on March 14th and will conclude on November 30, 2027. This was accomplished under the C-SAR single-award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded to Kratos on November 15, 2023. The C-SAR IDIQ contract has a maximum value of $579 million to cover task/delivery orders to support operations, sustainment, enhancements, and constellation capacity.

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Solar Stocks Plunge as Senate Seeks Early End to Key Green Energy Tax Credits

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Solar energy companies saw their stocks tumble on Tuesday following a draft Senate proposal that would accelerate the expiration of wind and solar tax credits—years ahead of the current schedule. The news has rattled investors and sent shockwaves through the renewable energy sector, raising fears of layoffs, bankruptcies, and a major disruption in project development.

Shares of Sunrun (RUN), the largest residential solar installer in the United States, collapsed over 40%, while SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) plummeted more than 30%, and Enphase Energy (ENPH) fell nearly 25%. These losses came amid broader market gains, highlighting the severity of the impact specific to clean energy firms.

The Senate’s version of the Trump administration’s new tax bill proposes sunsetting tax incentives for wind and solar by 2028, four years earlier than under current law, which sets the expiration for 2032. Notably, the bill preserves tax breaks for other energy sources—such as hydropower, geothermal, and nuclear—through 2036, raising concerns about an uneven playing field.

The proposal caught investors off guard, especially after recent lobbying efforts suggested that the Senate might resist the aggressive clean energy rollbacks passed by the House in May. Instead, the Senate draft goes even further in some areas, phasing down incentives as early as 2026.

While the bill does include a provision allowing the residential solar credit to expire 180 days after enactment rather than at the end of 2025, analysts say the adjustment is too minor to ease investor fears.

Some early fallout is already visible. Solar financing firm Mosaic recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and residential solar provider Sunnova Energy (NOVA) has begun restructuring efforts. Analysts expect more turbulence ahead if the bill is passed in its current form.

The sector has faced multiple headwinds in 2025, including high interest rates that make financing large-scale projects more expensive. President Trump’s return to office has also stoked concerns, with his administration pivoting sharply away from green initiatives and leaning into fossil fuel policies.

Still, not all recent policy news has been negative. The Department of Commerce recently announced tariffs exceeding 3,500% on solar panel imports from Southeast Asian countries—a move designed to bolster domestic manufacturing. However, these protectionist policies may not be enough to offset the demand shock from reduced federal support.

Despite a brief rally earlier this year driven by hopes for bipartisan support of clean energy, the Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) is now down more than 4% year to date, underscoring the sector’s fragility.

As the tax bill moves forward, investors and industry leaders will be watching closely. Without significant changes, the proposed legislation could mark a dramatic shift in the trajectory of America’s clean energy ambitions.

Golden Share Shakeup: What Comes After U.S. Steel’s Merger?

Posted on June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– U.S. Steel shares rose 5% after Trump approved its merger with Japan’s Nippon Steel.
– The deal includes a rare U.S. “golden share” giving the government veto power over key decisions.
– Investors should watch for increased regulatory scrutiny on strategic small-cap M&A deals.

U.S. Steel (NYSE: X) shares surged over 5% Monday morning after President Donald Trump signed off on the company’s controversial merger with Japan’s Nippon Steel—marking a historic moment for both American industrial policy and global M&A precedent. The approval came with a unique twist: a U.S. government “golden share” that grants Washington significant control over key strategic decisions at the newly combined entity.

For small and micro-cap investors, this development has implications far beyond the blue-chip space. It signals a new level of state involvement in cross-border deals and a precedent for national security-focused intervention, which could trickle down to deals in the lower tiers of the market—especially in defense-adjacent, critical minerals, energy, and industrial sectors.

The Trump administration’s executive order, issued late Friday, cleared the final regulatory hurdle for the merger, provided both companies signed a binding national security agreement. That agreement includes provisions giving the U.S. government a golden share—essentially a special class of equity that confers outsized control. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later confirmed this share grants the U.S. president veto power over decisions including moving U.S. Steel’s headquarters, offshoring jobs, plant closures, and even renaming the company.

While the finer legal details remain under wraps, investors can view this as a quasi-government stake—not in equity terms, but in influence. The golden share construct ensures U.S. Steel remains tethered to national priorities, despite being a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s Nippon Steel North America, according to the company’s latest SEC filing.

The government’s involvement also reframes how foreign capital may approach U.S. industrial assets moving forward. Trump, who has shied away from calling the merger a “takeover,” prefers to describe it as a “partnership,” signaling an attempt to strike a political and economic balance ahead of the 2026 elections.

For micro-cap investors, this is a strategic signal. Any company operating in or adjacent to national security, critical infrastructure, or industrial manufacturing could now fall under increased scrutiny—especially if foreign buyers or strategic partners are involved. Think niche steelmakers, components suppliers, and rare-earth miners. Even smaller players that feed into the defense or aerospace supply chains may now be seen through a new lens of “strategic value.”

While the golden share model is novel in the U.S., it’s long been used in Europe and Asia to protect domestic champions. Its introduction here could affect deal structures and valuations across the capital spectrum. Investors should watch for similar clauses creeping into M&A activity in the lower end of the market, especially where the government could assert a national interest.

While U.S. Steel is far from a micro-cap, the conditions of this deal offer key insights for small-cap investors. Regulatory risk, particularly geopolitical, is no longer just a big-cap concern. As protectionism and industrial policy take center stage, early-stage investors would be wise to evaluate their portfolios not just on fundamentals—but on flags, borders, and federal influence.

Travelzoo (TZOO) – A New Addition To The Russell

Posted on June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, June 16, 2025

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

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, 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.

Joining the Russell. On June 10, the company announced that it is expected to join the Russell 3000 Index at market open on June 27. Notably, membership in the Russell 3000 Index, which remains active for one year, provides the company with automatic inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index.

Improved share visibility. In our view, joining the Russell Indices could provide a meaningful impact for the TZOO shares. Notably, we believe the inclusion in the Russell indices is likely to enhance the company’s share visibility among institutional investors and has the potential to increase trading volume, improve share liquidity, and introduce new investors to the company. As such, we view the development favorably.

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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).