slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com, Author at Channelchek

WideOpenWest to Go Private in $1.5 Billion Deal with DigitalBridge and Crestview Partners

Posted on August 13, 2025August 13, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

WideOpenWest, Inc. (NYSE: WOW), one of the nation’s largest broadband providers, has agreed to a $1.5 billion buyout by DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and Crestview Partners, marking the company’s exit from public markets. Under the agreement, shareholders will receive $5.20 in cash per share — a 63% premium over the most recent closing price and a 37.2% premium from its unaffected value prior to a May 2024 offer.

Crestview, which already owns roughly 37% of WOW!’s outstanding shares, will roll over its stake and partner with DigitalBridge to take the company private. The partnership signals a strategic push to accelerate WOW!’s growth, expand its geographic reach, and invest heavily in advanced broadband infrastructure.

With a footprint spanning 20 markets in the Midwest and Southeast, WOW! passes nearly 2 million homes and businesses, offering internet, TV, and phone services. In recent years, the company has made significant investments in all-fiber networks, including builds in Central Florida and South Carolina. Going private is expected to give the company greater flexibility to pursue such large-scale infrastructure projects without the constraints of quarterly earnings pressures.

The acquisition also underscores broader private-equity interest in U.S. broadband assets, as demand for high-speed internet continues to climb. DigitalBridge, a global investor in digital infrastructure, brings a track record in funding and operating fiber networks, while Crestview’s long-term involvement offers stability and operational experience. Together, the firms intend to strengthen WOW!’s competitive position through technology upgrades, enhanced customer service, and targeted market expansion.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by WOW!’s board following a review by a special committee of independent directors. The process involved evaluating multiple strategic options, with the board concluding that the offer delivered the best value for shareholders.

Completion of the deal is contingent on shareholder and regulatory approvals, with closing anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026. Once finalized, WOW! will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and operate as a privately held company.

Advisors to the transaction include Centerview Partners for WOW!’s special committee, with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz serving as legal counsel. DigitalBridge and Crestview are being advised by LionTree Advisors, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs as structuring advisors. Legal counsel is being provided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP for DigitalBridge and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP for Crestview.

For customers, the shift to private ownership is expected to be seamless, with no disruption to services. However, both ownership groups have signaled a strong commitment to expanding network capacity, enhancing speed and reliability, and introducing new offerings designed to meet the evolving needs of both residential and business users.

July CPI Report Keeps Fed in Tight Spot as Rate-Cut Debate Heats Up

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

A fresh reading on inflation in July has left the Federal Reserve facing a difficult policy choice: act quickly to support a cooling labor market or hold steady to ensure inflation returns to target. Core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which strips out food and energy, rose 3.1% year over year in July — above economists’ 3.0% forecast and up from 2.9% in June. On a monthly basis, core CPI increased 0.3%, matching expectations. Headline CPI rose 2.7% year over year, a touch below the 2.8% consensus.

The mixed picture — a slightly softer headline print but hotter core inflation — complicates the Fed’s September decision. Markets, however, have already swung toward loosening: futures traders are pricing in roughly a 92% chance of a 25-basis-point cut in September. That reflects growing concern about recent labor-market weakness and the potential political impetus for easing.

Employment data released earlier this month deepened that concern. The U.S. added only 73,000 jobs in July, the unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, and May and June payrolls were revised sharply lower by a combined 258,000. The three-month average for job growth is now about 35,000 — a pace many economists view as consistent with a significant cooling in hiring. Those revisions have amplified calls from some quarters of the Fed to move sooner on rate cuts to cushion the labor market.

At the same time, services inflation, the historically stickier component of the CPI, moved higher in July after moderating earlier in the year. Certain goods categories such as furniture and footwear also showed renewed upward pressure. Because core CPI and core PCE (the Fed’s preferred gauge) tend to move together, the stronger core CPI reading raises the risk that core PCE will also show another above-target reading in coming reports, analysts say.

Policy makers at the Fed remain divided. Several regional presidents and officials have emphasized caution, arguing that elevated inflation — still more than a full percentage point above the Fed’s 2% goal on a core basis — counsels patience. Others have pointed to the softening employment trend as a compelling reason to begin easing policy soon. That split was evident in recent public remarks from Fed officials, who ranged from urging a patient approach to signaling readiness to cut if labor-market deterioration continues.

The White House has also weighed in, increasing political pressure on the Fed to move. That intervention adds another dimension to an already fraught decision, though policymakers stress their commitment to independence and data-driven decisions.

Looking ahead, the Fed will watch August inflation components closely along with incoming employment and consumer spending data. If services inflation continues to run hot, the case for holding rates rises; if job growth further weakens and labor-market indicators soften, arguments for a September cut will strengthen.

For now, the July CPI leaves the Fed between two difficult paths: risk undermining the inflation fight by cutting too soon, or risk further labor-market deterioration by waiting. The choice in September will hinge on the next tranche of inflation and jobs data — and on how policymakers weigh those competing risks.

V2X (VVX) – Expanding Capabilities

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.

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.

A Tuck-in. Last night, after the market closed, V2X announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire a specialized data engineering, intel mission support, and cyber solutions business serving the Intelligence Community (IC). The transaction is valued at approximately $24 million, net of estimated tax benefits. We expect additional details to follow.

IC Expansion. The acquisition advances V2X’s strategic growth objectives and further extends its reach beyond traditional defense markets, enabling the Company to pursue a greater share of the National Intelligence Program budget and related opportunities. The acquisition adds some 70 people to V2X.

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Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT) – A Significant, Positive Development

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

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

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Converts the majority of its debt. The company announced that it has converted $25.0 million of its roughly $34.4 million in debt into a perpetual Series A Preferred Convertible Stock. The Preferred Stock will carry a cumulative annual 10% dividend, based on board of approval, and will be convertible at $2.50 per Class A common share. Following the transaction, the company will have roughly $9.4 million debt remaining under its Term Loan Facility. The move is viewed favorably.

Significant, but manageable restrictions. The company will be required to maintain total leverage below 3.5 to1 declining to 3.25 to 1. In addition, the company will need to maintain a fixed charge coverage of 1.25 to 1 rising to 1.5 to 1. In addition, the company must maintain $1.5 million in unrestricted cash. Finally, the company must maintain a minimum of consolidated EBITDA of $1.0 million for fiscal quarters end Sept. 2025 and then $500,000 thereafter.

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Nutriband (NTRB) – CEO Gareth Sheridan To Run For President Of Ireland

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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CFO Will Transition To CEO. Nutriband CEO and Co-Founder Gareth Sheridan has announced plans to take a three-month leave from the company to run for President of the Republic of Ireland. The current CFO and Co-Founder, Serguei Melnik, will become Acting CEO as Mr. Sheridan campaigns. The election is expected to be held in late September or early October. If elected, Sergeui will become CEO. If Mr. Sheridan is not elected, he may return to the company.

We Wish Gareth Sheridan Well In The Election. As a Co-founder and CEO of the company, Gareth Sheridan has guided the company from an idea to becoming a NASDAQ-listed company with three divisions. Nutriband’s financial planning has allowed it to develop the AVERSA technology with low operating losses, keeping the share base low.

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MariMed Inc (MRMD) – Expand the Brand

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Expand the Brand. With the recent Pennsylvania and Maine announcements, MariMed continues to implement its Expand the Brand strategy, which is focused on making the Company’s products accessible to as many consumers as possible. We expect the Company to look at additional new markets, such as New York and New Jersey, for additional expansion.

Market Remains Mixed. There remains a lot of near-term uncertainty in the cannabis industry. Pricing pressures, market saturation, and the lack of federal reform still pose a challenge that MariMed will need to navigate. Entering into established cannabis markets that are expanding into the adult recreational use market enables the Company to quickly capture share in proven markets.

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Cadrenal Therapeutics (CVKD) – 2Q25 Included Clinical Strategy Change and Manufacturing Progress

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Cadrenal Reports 2Q With Product News. Cadrenal reported a 2Q25 loss of $3.7 million or $(1.87) per share. During the quarter, the company announced a design modification for the upcoming tecarfarin clinical trial. The company also transferred its manufacturing technology to a CDMO and completed production scale-up in preparation for clinical trials. Cash on June 30, 2025 was $5.6 million.

New Trial Focuses On First Months Of Dialysis. As described in our Research Note on August 7 , the new trial design reflects recent research showing the first four to six months after the start of renal dialysis are an ultra-high-risk period for cardiac events including myocardial infarction, stroke, embolism, and death. The design change will be testing tecarfarin as an anticoagulant to reduce these events. The clinical site activation and trial enrollment are expected to begin around year-end.

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Ripple’s $200M Rail Acquisition: A Strategic Play for Stablecoin Market Dominance

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a bold move to consolidate its position in the rapidly evolving digital payments landscape, Ripple has announced its intent to acquire Rail, a Toronto-based stablecoin payment platform, for $200 million. This strategic acquisition represents more than just another corporate deal—it signals Ripple’s commitment to capturing the explosive growth in stablecoin-powered international business payments.

The timing of this acquisition is particularly significant. As traditional financial institutions grapple with the inefficiencies of legacy cross-border payment systems, stablecoins have emerged as a compelling alternative, offering the speed and cost advantages of blockchain technology while maintaining price stability through fiat currency backing. Rail’s impressive market penetration—processing an anticipated 10% of the $36 billion global business-to-business stablecoin payment market in 2025—demonstrates the platform’s ability to execute at scale in this burgeoning sector.

Rail’s value proposition extends beyond mere transaction processing. The platform has built sophisticated infrastructure that addresses critical pain points in international business payments. Its virtual account system eliminates the need for companies to maintain dedicated cryptocurrency bank accounts or exchange wallets, significantly lowering barriers to entry for traditional businesses hesitant to directly hold digital assets. This approach has proven particularly attractive to enterprises seeking the benefits of blockchain-based payments without the operational complexity typically associated with cryptocurrency management.

For Ripple, this acquisition represents a natural evolution of its enterprise-focused strategy. While the company has established itself as a leader in institutional digital asset solutions, Rail’s automated back-office infrastructure and comprehensive fiat-to-stablecoin bridging capabilities fill crucial gaps in Ripple’s service offering. The combination creates what executives describe as the most comprehensive stablecoin payment solution available in the current market.

The strategic synergies between the two companies are immediately apparent. Ripple brings extensive regulatory compliance infrastructure, including over 60 licenses across multiple jurisdictions, along with established relationships with major financial institutions. Rail contributes technical innovation in virtual account management and a proven track record in stablecoin payment processing. Together, they can offer clients a seamless experience spanning traditional banking rails and cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure.

The acquisition also reflects broader industry trends toward consolidation in the fintech space. As regulatory frameworks for digital assets mature and institutional adoption accelerates, companies with complementary capabilities are increasingly seeking to combine forces rather than compete across overlapping territories. Ripple’s approach of acquiring rather than building these capabilities internally suggests confidence in Rail’s existing technology and team.

From a competitive standpoint, this deal positions Ripple to challenge established players in the international payments space more effectively. Traditional providers like SWIFT and correspondent banking networks have struggled to match the speed and cost efficiency of blockchain-based alternatives. By combining Ripple’s liquidity network with Rail’s operational infrastructure, the merged entity can offer enterprise clients a genuinely differentiated value proposition.

The $200 million price tag, while substantial, represents a strategic investment in Ripple’s long-term vision of blockchain-powered global finance. With the acquisition expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals, both companies will have time to integrate their operations and prepare for what promises to be an increasingly competitive landscape in digital payments infrastructure.

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Fed Rate Action Could Ignite Auto Advertising

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, August 11, 2025

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.

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Q2 results largely in line. Total company revenue of $540.0 million was a tad shy of our $546.6 million estimate, but was close enough. The biggest downside variance was Political, which is very unpredictable especially in an off election year. Importantly, the company overachieved our adj. EBITDA estimate, $88.8 million versus $84.8 million.

Tweaking estimates. Management indicated that Q3 Core advertising was pacing flat in Q3, a sequential improvement from down 1.9% in q2, but a little lighter than we had hoped given the year earlier Political displacement. We tweaked our Q3 revenue estimate down 2.1% to $528.5 million and adj. EBITDA estimate down 2.8% to $71.5 million.

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V2X (VVX) – AIP Sells Some More

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, August 11, 2025

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.

Another Sale. AIP, through its Vertex Aerospace Holdco LLC sub, is selling another 2 million shares of VVX stock through an offering that is expected to close on August 11th. This will be the fourth such sale as the private equity firm continues to lighten its V2X holdings.

V2X to Buy. Subject to the closing of the offering, V2X has agreed to purchase 200,000 shares of V2X’s common stock that are subject to the offering at a price per share of common stock equal to the price to be paid to Vertex Aerospace by the underwriter. V2X intends to fund the repurchase of its common stock with cash on hand. This will cost approximately $10 million,

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NN (NNBR) – Post Call Update

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, August 11, 2025

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Second Quarter Developments. NN leveraged the soft market environment to upsize its business development activities and investments. The soft top-line centers around certain automotive customers, which NN was able to partially offset through the contribution of new business launches and precious metals pass-through pricing.

Changing for the Better. Management continues to work on its transformation plan to position the Company for significant upside when end markets improve. For example, YTD, the 18.2% adjusted gross margin is an expansion of 190 basis points over the past two years and well on the way to the 20% gm goal.

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CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) – Post Call Commentary

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, August 11, 2025

CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in flexible, cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, a network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. We are the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities, and believe we are the largest private owner of real estate used by government agencies in the United States. We have been a flexible and dependable partner for government for nearly 40 years. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to help government better the public good. Learn more at www.corecivic.com.

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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Availability. Increased use of CoreCivic’s remaining beds will help drive operating results going forward. If all of the idle 13,419 beds were activated, this would imply around $500 million in annual revenue, and around $200 million to $225 million in incremental EBITDA.

Activations. During the quarter, CoreCivic made substantial progress in reactivating three previously idled facilities, and the Company’s activation teams are preparing for additional contracting activity. Management noted that CoreCivic is in advanced negotiations to activate a fourth idle facility and has just begun negotiations for a fifth facility.

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Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – Strong 2Q25, Raises Guidance, Increasing PT

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, August 11, 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.

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

Opportunity Knocks! Virtually every Kratos business unit is forecasting significant future organic growth, including the hypersonic system franchise, small jet engines for drones, missiles, and loitering munitions, the Israeli based microwave electronics business, and the military grade hardware business supporting missile, radar, hypersonic, counter UAS and strategic weapon systems.

2Q25 Results. Kratos reported revenue of $351.5 million, reflecting 17.1% y-o-y growth and 15.2% organic growth. We had projected revenue of $308 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $28.3 million versus $29.9 million a year ago and our $27.5 million estimate. Adjusted net income was $17.1 million, or $0.11/sh, versus $20.8 million, or $0.14/sh, last year and our $18.8 million, or $0.12/sh, estimate.

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