Middle Markets Brace for Impact as Trump’s Tariff Expansion Rattles Markets

Middle market companies across manufacturing, retail, and technology sectors are scrambling to assess potential impacts after President Trump’s Monday announcement of 25% tariffs on Japanese and South Korean imports, set to take effect August 1st. The move sent shockwaves through equity markets, with major indices posting their worst single-day performance in weeks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted over 400 points, closing down 1.21%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite shed 0.98% and 1.03% respectively. For middle market investors, the selloff signals deeper concerns about how expanding trade tensions could reshape global supply chains and corporate profitability.

Middle market manufacturers with exposure to Japanese and South Korean suppliers face immediate headwinds. Companies in automotive parts, electronics components, and industrial machinery sectors are particularly vulnerable, as these industries rely heavily on specialized inputs from both countries.

Japan remains a critical supplier of precision machinery and automotive components, while South Korea dominates in semiconductors, displays, and advanced materials. The proposed 25% levy could force companies to either absorb significant cost increases or pass them to consumers, potentially crimping demand.

Trump’s escalation extends beyond Asia, with threatened tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% on imports from South Africa, Malaysia, and other nations. The President’s additional 10% levy on countries aligned with BRICS policies adds another layer of complexity for companies with emerging market exposure.

The timing proves particularly challenging as many middle market firms are still recovering from previous trade disruptions. Companies that invested heavily in supply chain diversification following earlier tariff rounds now face the prospect of further reorganization.

Technology-focused middle market companies face dual pressures from both component cost increases and potential retaliation affecting export opportunities. Manufacturing firms with just-in-time inventory systems may need to accelerate stockpiling, tying up working capital.

Retail-oriented middle market companies importing consumer goods from targeted countries could see margin compression if they cannot pass costs to price-sensitive customers. The uncertainty also complicates inventory planning and pricing strategies heading into the crucial back-to-school and holiday seasons.

Despite the volatility, some middle market investors see potential opportunities emerging. Companies with domestic supply chains or those positioned to benefit from supply chain reshoring could gain competitive advantages. Additionally, firms with strong balance sheets may find acquisition opportunities as smaller competitors struggle with increased costs.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s indication of potential deals in coming days provides some hope for resolution, though markets remain skeptical given the administration’s aggressive timeline. The focus on 18 major trading partners before expanding to over 100 countries suggests a systematic approach, but also highlights the scope of potential disruption.

With earnings season approaching, middle market companies will face intense scrutiny on guidance and cost management strategies. Thursday’s Delta Air Lines report kicks off what many analysts expect to be a challenging quarter for companies with significant international exposure.

The key question for middle market investors remains whether current valuations adequately reflect the potential for prolonged trade tensions. As markets digest the implications of Trump’s latest tariff expansion, portfolio positioning and risk management become increasingly critical for navigating the uncertain landscape ahead.

Trump Escalates Trade War: 25% Tariffs Hit Japan and South Korea

President Trump dramatically escalated his global trade offensive Monday, announcing 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea while threatening even higher duties on nations aligning with BRICS policies he deems “anti-American.” The move marks a significant expansion of the administration’s protectionist agenda beyond traditional targets like China.

The President posted formal notification letters to both Asian allies on social media, declaring the tariffs would take effect August 1. The announcement caught markets and diplomatic circles off guard, as both Japan and South Korea have been key U.S. allies for decades and major trading partners in critical technology sectors.

Trump’s tariff strategy appears designed to leverage economic pressure for broader geopolitical objectives. In his letter to Japanese Prime Minister, Trump offered a clear carrot-and-stick approach: “There will be no Tariff if Japan, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States.”

The administration promises expedited approvals for companies willing to relocate manufacturing operations to American soil, potentially completing the process “in a matter of weeks” rather than the typical months or years required for major industrial projects.

This represents a significant shift from traditional trade diplomacy, using tariff threats as direct incentives for foreign investment and manufacturing relocation. The approach mirrors tactics used successfully with several other trading partners, where the threat of punitive duties has led to increased American manufacturing commitments.

Perhaps most concerning for global trade stability, Trump explicitly warned both countries that any retaliatory tariffs would be met with equivalent increases in U.S. duties. This tit-for-tat escalation mechanism could quickly spiral into a destructive trade war with America’s closest Pacific allies.

The President cited “long-term, and very persistent” trade deficits as justification for restructuring these relationships. Japan previously faced 24% tariffs in April before a temporary pause, while South Korea had been subject to 25% rates, suggesting the administration views these levels as baseline positions rather than maximum penalties.

The tariff announcements represent just the latest moves in Trump’s comprehensive trade realignment strategy. The administration has been systematically addressing trade relationships across multiple continents, with varying degrees of success and diplomatic tension.

Recent developments elsewhere show the mixed results of this approach. China has seen some easing of tensions, with the U.S. relaxing export restrictions on chip design software and ethane following framework agreements toward a broader trade deal. Vietnam reached accommodation with a 20% tariff rate—substantially lower than the 46% originally threatened—though facing 40% duties on transshipped goods.

The European Union has signaled willingness to accept 10% universal tariffs while seeking sector-specific exemptions, indicating established trading blocs are adapting to the new reality rather than engaging in prolonged resistance.

The targeting of Japan and South Korea creates particular challenges given their roles as critical technology suppliers and security partners. Both nations are integral to global semiconductor supply chains, with South Korean companies like Samsung and SK Hynix playing essential roles in memory chip production, while Japanese firms dominate specialized manufacturing equipment and materials.

The timing appears strategic, occurring as the administration faces domestic pressure to demonstrate progress on trade deficit reduction while maintaining leverage in ongoing negotiations with other partners. The threat of duties reaching as high as 70% on some goods creates enormous uncertainty for businesses planning international supply chain strategies.

Canada’s recent decision to scrap its digital services tax affecting U.S. technology companies demonstrates how the tariff threat environment is reshaping international policy decisions. The White House indicated trade talks with Canada have resumed, targeting a mid-July agreement deadline.

This pattern suggests the administration’s approach of combining immediate tariff threats with longer-term negotiation windows may be yielding results in some cases, even as it strains traditional alliance relationships.

As more notification letters are expected today, global markets are bracing for additional announcements that could further reshape international trade relationships and supply chain strategies worldwide.

Nvidia Shatters Records: AI Giant Becomes World’s Most Valuable Company

In a stunning display of market dominance, Nvidia has officially entered uncharted territory by achieving a market capitalization of $3.92 trillion, surpassing Apple’s previous record and establishing itself as the most valuable company in corporate history.

The semiconductor giant’s shares surged as much as 2.4% to $160.98 during Thursday morning trading, propelling the company beyond Apple’s historic closing value of $3.915 trillion set on December 26, 2024. This milestone represents far more than a simple changing of the guard—it signals a fundamental shift in how markets value artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Nvidia’s ascent to unprecedented valuation levels reflects Wall Street’s unwavering confidence in the artificial intelligence revolution. The company’s specialized chips have become the essential building blocks for training the world’s most sophisticated AI models, creating what industry experts describe as “insatiable demand” for Nvidia’s high-end processors.

The magnitude of Nvidia’s valuation becomes even more striking when placed in global context. The company is now worth more than the combined value of all publicly listed companies in Canada and Mexico. It also exceeds the total market capitalization of the entire United Kingdom stock market, underscoring the extraordinary concentration of value in AI-related assets.

The transformation of Nvidia from a specialized gaming hardware company to Wall Street’s AI bellwether represents one of the most remarkable corporate evolution stories in modern business history. Co-founded in 1993 by CEO Jensen Huang, the Santa Clara-based company has seen its market value increase nearly eight-fold over the past four years, rising from $500 billion in 2021 to approaching $4 trillion today.

This meteoric rise has been fueled by an unprecedented corporate arms race, with technology giants Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Alphabet, and Tesla competing to build expansive AI data centers. Each of these companies relies heavily on Nvidia’s cutting-edge processors to power their artificial intelligence ambitions, creating a virtuous cycle of demand for the chipmaker’s products.

Despite its record-breaking market capitalization, Nvidia’s valuation metrics suggest the rally may have room to run. The stock currently trades at approximately 32 times analysts’ expected earnings for the next 12 months—well below its five-year average of 41 times forward earnings. This relatively modest price-to-earnings ratio reflects the company’s rapidly expanding profit margins and consistently upward-revised earnings estimates.

The company’s remarkable recovery trajectory becomes evident when examining its recent performance. Nvidia’s stock has rebounded more than 68% from its April 4 closing low, when global markets were rattled by President Trump’s tariff announcements. The subsequent recovery has been driven by expectations that the White House will negotiate trade agreements to mitigate the impact of proposed tariffs on technology companies.

Nvidia’s dominance hasn’t gone unchallenged. Earlier this year, Chinese startup DeepSeek triggered a global equity selloff by demonstrating that high-performance AI models could be developed using less expensive hardware. This development sparked concerns that companies might reduce their spending on premium processors, temporarily dampening enthusiasm for Nvidia’s growth prospects.

However, the company’s ability to maintain its technological edge has kept it at the forefront of AI hardware innovation. Nvidia’s newest chip designs continue to demonstrate superior performance in training large-scale artificial intelligence models, reinforcing its position as the preferred supplier for major technology companies.

Nvidia now carries a weight of nearly 7.4% in the benchmark S&P 500, making it a significant driver of broader market performance. The company’s inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average last November, replacing Intel, symbolized the semiconductor industry’s strategic pivot toward AI-focused development.

As Nvidia approaches the $4 trillion threshold, its unprecedented valuation serves as a barometer for investor confidence in artificial intelligence’s transformative potential across industries.

Commercial Vehicle Group (CVGI) – A Debt Refi


Thursday, July 03, 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.

Refi. Commercial Vehicle Group successfully refinanced its debt, extending the maturity out to 2030 from 2027. We believe this should provide the Company with additional financial flexibility as management continues to drive further operational efficiency.

Details. The Company went from an $85 million term loan to a $95 million term loan and from a $125 million ABL to a $115 million ABL. Proceeds were used to repay $120.1 million outstanding under the previous facility. The initial interest rate on the term loan is 9.75%, although future rates will have a tiered interest cost based on the consolidated leverage ratio. The initial ABL rate is SOFR plus 1.75%.


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MariMed Inc (MRMD) – Rec Sales to Begin in Delaware


Thursday, July 03, 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.

Recreational Cannabis. After legislation approving recreational cannabis in April 2023, Delaware will finally commence sales of recreational cannabis on August 1st of this year. Legal recreational cannabis can be purchased in the 13 existing medical dispensaries as well as through the 30 recreational licenses the state has approved. We expect sales to be derived not only from the state population, many of whom currently travel to existing legal states such as Maryland and New Jersey to obtain the product, but also from the estimated 30 million tourists that visit the state annually.

Delaware Market. Delaware has had a medical market for a while. The market is estimated to be approximately $50 million in size, with flattish growth to 2029 when the medical is projected to rise to $55 million. The recreational cannabis market could grow to the $250-$300 million level, according to various government projections.


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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. 

ONE Group Hospitality (STKS) – Diners Seeking “Uniqueness and Entertainment”


Thursday, July 03, 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.

Diner Views. Today’s diners are seeking out venues that prioritize entertainment and uniqueness, according to a Yelp survey that analyzed consumer web searches from January to March. The Yelp findings are in-line with recent research by hospitality management platform SevenRooms. According to SevenRooms’ 2025 U.S. Restaurant Industry Trends, consumers who dine out value unique experiences, even at a premium, with 74% of consumers returning to a restaurant after a unique experience.

A Vibe Dining Leader. As a leader in Vibe Dining, ONE Hospitality is well positioned to capitalize on this trend through its portfolio of concepts, including chains STK, Benihana, Kona Grill, and RA Sushi, as well as the Salt Water Social and Samurai concepts. These upscale and polished casual, high-energy restaurants and lounges provide entertainment and unique experiences for diners, as well as one-of-a-kind, celebratory experiences that bring customers back.


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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. 

Government Solutions Industry Report: CXW and GEO Poised to Benefit from Big Beautiful Bill

Thursday, June 3, 2025

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

Refer to the bottom of the report for important disclosures

Big Beautiful Bill. The Senate version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” aligns with or even improves upon the House version when it comes to spending on immigration. While it remains to be seen the exact version that will come out of the reconciliation process and be sent to President Trump for his signature, the proposed versions should prove to be beneficial to both CoreCivic and The GEO Group.

Detention Budget. Both the Senate and House proposals call for $45 billion of funding for detention capacity or an additional $10.6 billion annually through fiscal 2029. This would represent an over 300% increase over the current detention budget. This level of funding could support detention bed capacity in excess of 115,000 beds, up from a current 41,500.

Research reports on companies mentioned in this report are available by clicking below:

CoreCivic (CXW)

The GEO Group (GEO)


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Named WSJ ‘Best on the Street’ Analyst and Forbes/StarMine’s “Best Brokerage Analyst.”
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Labor Market Whiplash: Private Payrolls Contract Despite Strong Job Openings

Just 24 hours after data showed job openings surging to their highest level since November 2024, the American labor market delivered a jarring reality check. Private sector employment unexpectedly contracted by 33,000 positions in June, according to ADP’s Wednesday report—marking the first monthly decline since March 2023 and painting a starkly different picture of employment dynamics.

The contradiction between Tuesday’s robust job openings data (7.76 million available positions) and Wednesday’s payroll contraction illustrates the complexity of today’s labor market, where demand for workers remains strong but actual hiring has stalled dramatically.

ADP’s report revealed a troubling disconnect between employer intentions and actions. While May data showed companies posting abundant job openings, June hiring patterns suggest businesses are increasingly reluctant to pull the trigger on new hires. The 33,000 job loss significantly missed economist expectations for 100,000 new positions, representing a stunning 133,000-job swing from forecasts.

“Though layoffs continue to be rare, a hesitancy to hire and a reluctance to replace departing workers led to job losses last month,” explained Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist. This phenomenon—where companies maintain job postings but delay actual hiring decisions—reflects growing business uncertainty about economic conditions.

The May revision further underscored this trend, with private payroll gains reduced to just 29,000 from an initially reported 37,000, highlighting how even modest job growth has been weaker than initially perceived.

Service Sector Bears the Brunt

The June contraction was concentrated in service industries, with professional and business services shedding 56,000 positions and health and education losing 52,000 jobs. Financial services added to the decline with 14,000 fewer positions. These sectors, which typically drive white-collar employment growth, appear to be exercising extreme caution in their hiring strategies.

However, goods-producing industries provided some offset, adding 32,000 positions across manufacturing and mining operations. This divergence suggests that while consumer-facing and office-based businesses are pulling back, industrial sectors continue to see steady demand.

Geographically, the Midwest and West experienced the steepest declines, losing 24,000 and 20,000 jobs respectively, while the South managed modest growth of 13,000 positions. The Northeast saw minimal contraction of 3,000 roles.

The data revealed a striking pattern based on company size. Large employers with over 500 employees actually expanded payrolls by 30,000 positions, suggesting that well-capitalized companies continue to invest in talent acquisition. Conversely, small businesses with fewer than 20 employees accounted for 29,000 lost positions, indicating that smaller enterprises are bearing the brunt of economic uncertainty.

This divergence reflects different risk tolerances and financial capabilities, with smaller businesses typically more sensitive to economic headwinds and policy uncertainties.

Wage Growth Momentum Fades

Adding to concerns, annual wage growth decelerated for both job stayers and job switchers. Workers remaining in their positions saw pay increases of 4.4%, down from 4.5% in May, while those changing jobs experienced wage growth of 6.8%, declining from 7.0%. This moderation in wage pressures could provide some relief for inflation-conscious Federal Reserve officials but signals weakening worker bargaining power.

The stark contradiction between job openings and actual hiring creates a challenging environment for Federal Reserve policymakers already under pressure from the Trump administration to cut interest rates. While Tuesday’s job opening surge suggested labor market strength, Wednesday’s payroll contraction reinforces concerns about economic momentum.

Financial markets will closely watch Thursday’s official Bureau of Labor Statistics employment report, which economists expect to show 110,000 nonfarm payroll additions and unemployment rising to 4.3%. If the government data confirms ADP’s weak showing, it could significantly strengthen the case for monetary easing.

The divergent signals—strong job demand but weak hiring execution—suggest an economy in transition, where businesses remain optimistic enough to post openings but cautious enough to delay actual hiring decisions. This hesitancy may reflect concerns about tariff impacts, regulatory changes, or broader economic uncertainty.

For investors and policymakers alike, the labor market’s mixed messages underscore the importance of looking beyond headline numbers to understand the underlying dynamics driving employment trends in an increasingly complex economic environment.

Treasury Secretary Pushes Fed for Rate Cuts as Economic Crossroads Looms

The battle lines are drawn between the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent intensifying pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to slash interest rates amid mounting evidence of economic deceleration.

Speaking on Fox News Tuesday evening, Bessent delivered a pointed critique of Fed policy, suggesting rate cuts could come by September or “sooner” if the central bank acknowledges that tariffs haven’t triggered the inflationary surge many economists predicted. His comments reflect growing frustration within the Trump administration over the Fed’s cautious stance on monetary policy.

“I think that the criteria is that tariffs were not inflationary,” Bessent stated, adding a dig at Fed officials by claiming “tariff derangement syndrome happens even over at the Fed.” This rhetoric underscores the administration’s view that monetary policymakers are overreacting to trade policy changes.

The Treasury Secretary’s comments align with increasingly direct pressure from President Trump, who posted a scathing message on Truth Social targeting Powell directly: “Jerome—You are, as usual, ‘Too Late.’ You have cost the USA a fortune. Lower The Rate—by a lot!”

Trump’s demand for rate reductions of up to 3 percentage points represents an unprecedented level of presidential intervention in Federal Reserve policy discussions. The political stakes are particularly high given that Bessent is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement for Powell when the Fed Chair’s term expires in May 2026.

Supporting the administration’s case for monetary easing, fresh employment data revealed troubling trends in the job market. ADP reported that private employers unexpectedly eliminated 33,000 positions in June—the first monthly decline since March 2023. This sharp reversal from May’s modest 29,000 job gains fell well short of economist expectations for 98,000 new positions.

The disappointing private payroll data comes ahead of Thursday’s comprehensive employment report, where economists anticipate just 116,000 nonfarm payroll additions and an unemployment rate climbing to 4.3% from 4.2%. These projections suggest the labor market momentum that characterized much of 2024 may be waning.

The employment weakness has created visible splits within the Federal Reserve system. Fed Governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman have both signaled openness to July rate cuts, expressing greater concern about labor market deterioration than inflation risks.

However, regional Fed presidents remain divided. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic advocated for patience, stating he wants to “wait and see how tariffs play out in the economy” before committing to policy changes. This cautious approach reflects concerns that tariff-driven price increases could prove more persistent than the Treasury Department suggests.

Powell himself struck a measured tone at a European Central Bank conference in Portugal, acknowledging that rate cuts would have already occurred “if not for the tariffs introduced by the Trump administration.” He noted that “essentially all inflation forecasts for the United States went up materially as a consequence of the tariffs.”

Financial markets are pricing in approximately a 23% probability of a July rate cut, with odds rising to 96% for at least one reduction by September. These expectations could shift dramatically based on Thursday’s employment data and ongoing political pressure.

The Fed’s next meeting on July 28-29 represents a critical juncture where monetary policy, political pressure, and economic data will converge in determining the central bank’s course forward.

The GEO Group (GEO) – From Lease to Ownership


Wednesday, July 02, 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.

A Purchase. The GEO Group is purchasing the currently leased 770-bed Western Region Detention facility for $60 million, or $77,900/bed. GEO is currently leasing the facility at a cost of $5.1 million annually. GEO has had a long-term contract with the U.S. Marshals Service for use of the facility, which generates approximately $57 million of annualized revenue.

A Tax Savings. Expected to close by the end of July, the transaction is expected to be funded as a like kind real estate property exchange with proceeds from the previously announced sale of the GEO-owned  Lawton Correctional Facility, which is expected to close on July 25th, resulting in an estimated capital gains cash tax savings of approximately $9.5 million.


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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. 

Resources Connection (RGP) – A Cooperation Agreement and New Directors


Wednesday, July 02, 2025

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

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

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

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

Cooperation Agreement. Resources Connection has entered into a “Cooperation Agreement” with shareholder Circumference Group LLC. According to a Form 3 filing of June 30th, Circumference owns 1,289,243 RGP shares, representing 3.9% of the common shares outstanding as of March 31st.

Board Changes. As part of the Cooperation Agreement, RGP appointed Jeff Fox, founding partner and CEO of Circumference Group, and Filip Gyde, former CEO of Computer Task Group, to the Board. Current Board members Anthony Cherbak and Neil Dimick will retire from the Board following the conclusion of their terms in October 2025.


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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. 

GoHealth (GOCO) – Credit Amendment Provides Reprieve


Wednesday, July 02, 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.

Amended credit agreement. On June 30, the company announced an amendment to its credit agreement, extending the maturity of the company’s Class A Revolving Commitments from Q2 end to Q3 end. Moreover, any interest due on the revolver and refinanced term loans through that date will be paid in-kind. The amendment also waived financial covenant testing for Q2 and Q3, offering the company a temporary liquidity reprieve.

Cost of amendment. As part of the amendment, GoHealth will pay a 1.00% amendment fee to consenting lenders, which, along with all interest through September 30, will be paid in-kind and added to the principal balance of its loans. As a result, we estimate these provisions will increase the company’s outstanding debt by approximately $6 million.


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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. 

AZZ (AZZ) – AZZ Acquires Canton Galvanizing, LLC


Wednesday, July 02, 2025

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Bolt-on acquisition. AZZ Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire all the assets of Canton Galvanizing, LLC, a privately held hot dip galvanizing company based in Canton, Ohio. While the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, AZZ expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings within the first year of operation. Founded in 2019, Canton provides hot-dip galvanizing to customers in the U.S. Midwest and specializes in coating small to mid-size parts.

Strengthens AZZ’s presence in the U.S. Midwest. The strategic acquisition expands AZZ’s Metal Coatings capabilities in the US. Midwest and increases its total galvanizing network to 42 sites in North America. It has been renamed AZZ Galvanizing – Canton East LLC. With a spinning operation and a 21-foot kettle, Canton is known for quick turnaround times and excellent customer service.


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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.