slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com, Author at Channelchek

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) – Attractive Risk/Reward Opportunity

Posted on November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, November 10, 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.

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

Overview. With four new contracts during the quarter, CoreCivic made substantial progress in contracting to use a significant portion of its idle facility capacity in the quarter. The four new contracts effective in the third quarter are expected to generate approximately $320 million of annual revenue once the facilities achieve stabilized occupancy. Notably, CoreCivic’s detention populations and revenues have been unaffected by the government shutdown.

3Q25 Results. Revenue of $580.4 million rose 18.1% y-o-y, driven by increased populations. We were at $550 million. CoreCivic recorded adjusted EBITDA of $88.8 million, up 6.6% y-o-y, but slightly below our $91.8 million estimate. Adjusted EPS was $0.24, up 26.3% y-o-y and in-line with our $0.27 estimate. Normalized FFO was $0.48, up 11.6% y-o-y and in-line with our $0.48 estimate.

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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.

Bit Digital (BTBT) – Monthly Ethereum Metrics

Posted on November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, November 10, 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.

Data. Bit Digital reported its monthly Ethereum (“ETH”) treasury and staking metrics for the month of October 2025. As of October 31, 2025, the Company held approximately 153,547 ETH, versus 121,187 ETH at the end of September. Included in the ETH holdings were approximately 15,139 ETH and ETH-equivalents held in an externally managed fund, and approximately 5,132 ETH presented on an as-converted basis from LsETH using the Coinbase conversion rate as of 10/31/25. The Company’s total staked ETH was approximately 132,480 as of October 31st.

Yield and Value. Staking operations generated approximately 249 ETH in rewards during October, representing an annualized yield of approximately 2.93%. Based on a closing ETH price of $3,845.79, as of October 31, 2025, the market value of the Company’s ETH holdings was approximately $590.5 million.

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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).

Rumble to Acquire Northern Data in Major AI Infrastructure Expansion

Posted on November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Rumble Inc. announced plans to acquire Northern Data AG, a European leader in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure, marking a transformative moment for the company’s growing cloud division. The agreement represents a bold step in Rumble’s “Freedom-First” vision—an initiative centered on building technology that prioritizes privacy, independence, and resilience over centralized control.

Under the terms of the deal, Rumble will launch a voluntary public exchange offer to Northern Data shareholders, granting them newly issued Rumble shares in return. Once completed, the transaction will give Rumble access to one of Europe’s largest GPU fleets—approximately 22,000 Nvidia units, including the latest H100 and H200 chips—and a globally distributed network of data centers. This infusion of infrastructure will allow Rumble to expand its cloud services dramatically while strengthening its foothold in the global AI ecosystem.

The acquisition also accelerates Rumble’s international growth strategy, extending its reach beyond North America into major European markets such as Germany, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Northern Data’s energy-efficient data centers and liquid-cooled GPU technology will provide Rumble with a strong foundation to compete in high-performance computing and AI training at scale.

A major backer of the deal is Tether, which made a $775 million strategic investment in Rumble earlier this year. Tether’s continued involvement underscores the growing alignment between decentralized finance and digital infrastructure, and the company is expected to serve as a key customer following the transaction’s completion. Together, Rumble, Northern Data, and Tether aim to form a vertically integrated AI ecosystem designed to challenge the dominance of established technology giants.

In addition to its infrastructure assets, Northern Data brings expertise in managing complex compute operations and optimizing power efficiency—critical advantages as demand for GPU-based AI processing surges worldwide. The company’s Maysville, Georgia facility alone is expected to deliver up to 180 megawatts of capacity once complete, contributing significantly to Rumble’s total data center output.

Beyond scaling capacity, Rumble expects the acquisition to fuel innovation across its video, creator, and advertising businesses. Access to advanced AI hardware will accelerate the company’s efforts to integrate machine learning into content delivery, recommendation systems, and advertising solutions. The move also supports Rumble’s broader ambition to develop complementary services such as AI chatbots, cloud productivity tools, and financial applications under the Rumble Wallet brand.

The exchange offer is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Northern Data shareholders will own roughly 30% of the combined company after the transaction, reflecting the strategic significance of the merger. Once finalized, Northern Data plans to delist its shares, with no separate offer required since it is not traded on a regulated market.

For Rumble, the acquisition represents far more than an infrastructure upgrade—it signals an intent to redefine how technology infrastructure is built and governed. By merging AI computing power, distributed data networks, and financial independence, the company aims to create a sustainable foundation for a new era of digital freedom.

Bitcoin Slides 20% From Record High as Market Faces Correction Pressure

Posted on November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Bitcoin prices are facing their sharpest correction in months, with the cryptocurrency falling nearly 20% from its record high above $126,000 in early October. After briefly slipping below the key $100,000 threshold, Bitcoin is now trading near its lowest level in six months, leaving investors wondering whether the current downturn signals a temporary pullback or the start of a longer bear phase.

Analysts point to a combination of factors driving the decline, including profit-taking by early adopters and large-scale liquidations of leveraged positions. Data from Compass Point shows that long-term holders have sold more than 1 million Bitcoin since late June, marking one of the most significant waves of distribution in recent history. The selloff has weakened key support levels around $117,000 and $112,000, triggering stop-loss cascades and forcing many leveraged traders to unwind positions.

Market strategists caution that sentiment remains fragile. Markus Thielen of 10X Research noted that Bitcoin has failed to reclaim previous support zones, suggesting that the market may still have room to correct further before finding stability. According to Thielen, the next few weeks could be pivotal as investors reassess risk amid tightening liquidity and shifting macroeconomic dynamics. His firm warns that a drop below $93,000 could open the door to deeper losses, potentially testing the $70,000 level if liquidation pressures intensify.

The broader macro backdrop has also turned less favorable. The U.S. dollar has staged a rebound in recent weeks, exerting downward pressure on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Historically, Bitcoin tends to struggle when the dollar strengthens, as it reduces international purchasing power and dampens speculative demand. Additionally, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown has tightened liquidity conditions across financial markets, further weighing on investor sentiment.

Still, not all analysts are pessimistic. Some see this correction as a healthy reset in a long-term uptrend that remains intact. JPMorgan recently suggested that much of the forced deleveraging that triggered October’s decline has already played out. The bank’s analysts argue that rising volatility in gold has made Bitcoin relatively more attractive to investors seeking alternative stores of value. Their projections suggest Bitcoin could rebound to as high as $170,000 over the next 6 to 12 months, especially if market confidence stabilizes and macro conditions improve.

Potential catalysts could come from the policy side. A possible Federal Reserve rate cut in December and speculation about a more dovish leadership change when Chair Jerome Powell’s term expires in May could inject new optimism into markets. Similarly, the eventual resolution of the government shutdown may bring renewed liquidity into the system, which some believe could spill over into digital assets.

For now, the crypto market remains caught between optimism about long-term adoption and the short-term realities of profit-taking and tightening liquidity. While Bitcoin’s resilience near the $100,000 mark shows that investor interest remains strong, the coming weeks will likely determine whether this pullback marks a buying opportunity or the start of a more prolonged consolidation phase.

Consumer Sentiment Falls to Three-Year Low as Shutdown Weighs on U.S. Economy

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Consumer confidence in the United States has dropped to its lowest level in three years as the ongoing government shutdown weighs heavily on Americans’ views of the economy and their own financial situations. The University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment index for November fell to 50.3, marking a six percent decline from October and nearly a 30 percent decrease compared to the same month last year.

The latest reading reflects widespread unease among households. Many are increasingly worried about the effects of the prolonged government shutdown, which has now stretched past a month and become the longest in U.S. history. The shutdown has disrupted access to key government data on inflation, employment, and growth, leaving businesses and consumers uncertain about the true state of the economy.

Without fresh official data, Americans are relying on private reports that paint a concerning picture. Job cuts have surged, and labor market conditions appear to be softening. A report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas indicated that October saw the highest number of announced layoffs in more than two decades. Job openings have slowed, and many unemployed workers are finding it harder to secure new positions. Together, these trends suggest that confidence in the labor market is fading.

The decline in sentiment is not evenly spread across the population. Wealthier households, particularly those with large stock portfolios, remain more optimistic thanks to record highs in the equity markets. This contrast highlights the widening gap between those benefiting from strong financial markets and those struggling with everyday costs. The result is a divided economic landscape where prosperity is unevenly distributed, reinforcing the perception of a two-speed economy.

For most Americans, persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and the uncertainty caused by the shutdown are combining to erode financial stability. Even though inflation has eased from last year’s highs, the prices of essential goods and services remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, delays in government services such as Social Security payments and student loan processing are adding frustration and stress to households already under pressure.

The timing of this drop in confidence is particularly concerning as the country heads into the holiday shopping season. Consumer spending drives much of the U.S. economy, and a downturn in sentiment could translate into weaker retail sales. Businesses that rely on end-of-year spending may face slower demand if consumers choose to save rather than spend amid the growing uncertainty.

Economists warn that if the shutdown continues and confidence remains weak, growth could slow in the early months of 2026. The longer the political stalemate drags on, the greater the risk of long-term damage to household finances and business activity.

Overall, the latest sentiment data suggests that Americans are growing increasingly uneasy about both their personal finances and the broader economy. Until the government resolves the shutdown and restores a sense of stability, confidence is likely to remain depressed and the economic recovery may continue to lose momentum.

SelectQuote (SLQT) – Brief Pharmacy Disruption, Trajectory Intact

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Friday, November 07, 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.

Mixed Fiscal Q1 results. SelectQuote reported Q1 revenue of $328.8 million, above our estimate of $310.0 million. Adj. EBITDA loss of $32.1 million was slightly wider than expected due to temporary pharmacy reimbursement headwinds. Overall, results showed resilient topline growth despite short-term margin pressure, reflecting solid execution across Healthcare Services and Senior segments in a seasonally lighter quarter.

Healthcare Services headwind. Lower reimbursement rates from one pharmacy benefit manager impacted both revenue and margins in Healthcare Services in the quarter. The reimbursement adjustment, tied to the PBM’s calendar-year 2025 pricing update, will continue through fiscal Q2, when management expects segment adj. EBITDA to reach breakeven before normalizing in the second half.

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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).

Saga Communications (SGA) – Business Stabilizes In Q3

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Friday, November 07, 2025

Saga Communications, Inc. is a broadcast company whose business is primarily devoted to acquiring, developing and operating radio stations. Saga currently owns or operates broadcast properties in 27 markets, including 79 FM and 33 AM radio stations. Saga’s strategy is to operate top billing radio stations in mid sized markets, defined as markets ranked (by market revenues) from 20 to 200. Saga’s radio stations employ a myriad of programming formats, including Active Rock, Adult Album Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Country, Classic Country, Classic Hits, Classic Rock, Contemporary Hits Radio, News/Talk, Oldies and Urban Contemporary. In operating its stations, Saga concentrates on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stations in their market area and is compensated based on their financial performance as well as other performance factors that are deemed to effect the long-term ability of the stations to achieve financial objectives. Saga began operations in 1986 and became a publicly traded company in December 1992. The stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “SGA”.

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.

In-line quarter. Third quarter revenue of $28.2 million was in line with our $28.3 million estimate, representing a modest 1.8% decline against a Political advertising infused prior year period. Adj. EBITDA, excluding an extraordinary music licensing settlement expense, was $3.3 million, in line with our $3.4 million estimate as illustrated in Figure #1 Q3 Results.

Q3 revenues stabilize. Excluding Political advertising, the strength in Digital advertising more than offset the weakness in its core broadcast advertising. Digital advertising was up roughly 40% in the quarter. Management stated that Digital advertising continues with strong momentum into the fourth quarter, pacing a strong 32%.

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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).

Ocugen (OCGN) – Clinical and Regulatory Milestones Are On or Ahead Of Expectations

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Friday, November 07, 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.

Ocugen Reports 3Q25 With Milestones For FY2026. Ocugen reported a 3Q25 loss of $20.1 million or $(0.07) per share and gave updates on its clinical programs. Importantly, all three clinical trials are meeting or beating our expectations for progress toward the BLA filings. We continue to expect “3 filings in 3 years”, with the first approval in mid-2027.

OCU400 Expected To Start Rolling BLA Filing In 1H26. OCU400 received RMAT designation from the FDA, allowing portions of the BLA to be submitted as they are completed rather than waiting to submit the entire BLA at once. The non-clinical portions are planned for submission in early 2026, with clinical trial data submitted in 4Q26. This should start the FDA review earlier and allow for approval in mid-2027.

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

E.W. Scripps (SSP) – Facing A Difficult Q4

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Friday, November 07, 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.

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

Q3 exceeds expectations. Adj. EBITDA of $80.4 million was better than our $71.5 million estimate, on revenues of $525.9 million, a little shy of our $528.5 million estimate. Employee compensation expenses were lower than our expectations, which accounted for the largest variance in our Q3 estimates, leading to the better than expected adj. EBITDA. Figure #1 Q3 Results highlights our estimates versus the results.

Q4 guidance reflects a difficult quarter. Management anticipates Local Media revenue to be down in the 30% range, with Local Media expenses to be down in the low single-digit percent range. Scripps Networks revenue is expected to be down in the low double-digit percent range, with expenses to be down in the low double-digit percent range. Shared services and corporate will be about $21 million.

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

Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT) – Building A Path Toward Profitability

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Friday, November 07, 2025

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

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

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

Q3 Results. The company reported Q3 revenue of $8.0 million, below our forecast of $14.5 million, partially driven by continued underperformance in the Sell-side business, which generated $0.6 million vs. our forecast of $5.0 million. Furthermore, while the company has been focusing on cost reductions, it has not been enough to offset the softness in the Sell-side. As such, adj. EBITDA loss of $3.0 million came in lower than our estimate of a loss of $0.1 million.

Buy-side grew. Notably, Buy-side revenue grew 7% YoY to $7.3 million, driven by expansion into larger performance-based clients. Notably, the company announced a new Reach TV partnership, which adds premium airport video inventory and aligns with the company’s tourism-focused customer base. The Buy-side is the primary profit driver and likely will be for the next several quarters.

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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).

Gold Holds Steady Near $4,000 as Investors Await Fed’s Next Move

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Gold prices were steady on Thursday, hovering just below the $4,000-per-ounce mark as traders weighed mixed economic signals and the potential path of Federal Reserve policy heading into year-end.

The yellow metal’s performance came after data showed a sharp rise in U.S. job cuts — the highest October total in more than two decades — a sign that the labor market may finally be cooling. That weakness has strengthened expectations for potential interest-rate cuts, a scenario typically supportive of non-yielding assets like gold. Lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding gold, often driving renewed investor demand.

Still, not everyone in the market is convinced that rate cuts are imminent. Comments from Federal Reserve officials this week pointed to lingering uncertainty over inflation data due to the ongoing government shutdown, which has disrupted several key economic reports. With limited visibility into price trends, policymakers have signaled a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for clear confirmation that inflation is on a sustainable downward path before making further adjustments.

Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields remain key forces in gold’s near-term trajectory. Both strengthened earlier in the week, applying pressure to bullion’s advance. A stronger dollar typically weighs on gold by making it more expensive for foreign buyers, while higher yields on U.S. debt can draw investors away from the metal’s safe-haven appeal.

Despite this, gold remains one of the standout assets of 2025. Prices have climbed nearly 45% year to date — the strongest annual rally in decades — as investors sought stability amid geopolitical tensions, uneven economic data, and growing uncertainty about global trade policies. Demand has also been bolstered by steady inflows into gold-backed ETFs and record purchases by central banks seeking to diversify reserves away from the U.S. dollar.

However, several analysts are warning that momentum could be slowing. With global growth showing signs of recovery and central banks nearing the end of their easing cycles, gold’s rally may begin to moderate. Economists at several major institutions, including Macquarie Group, expect prices to stabilize rather than continue their rapid ascent, projecting a more gradual adjustment rather than a steep correction.

For small-cap investors, the implications are nuanced. A sustained high gold price environment tends to support exploration and mining activity, potentially benefiting smaller gold producers and related service companies. Yet, if gold stabilizes or retreats amid renewed risk appetite, capital could rotate back toward growth-oriented equities — a dynamic that could weigh on speculative sectors.

In the meantime, gold’s steadiness at near-record levels reflects a market in transition. Investors are positioning for either an eventual policy pivot by the Fed or a continuation of restrictive rates into early 2026. The outcome will likely set the tone not just for precious metals, but for risk sentiment across asset classes.

As traders await fresh guidance from the Fed’s next meeting, gold continues to serve its traditional role as an anchor in turbulent times — a reminder that, even at historic highs, its value as a hedge against uncertainty remains as relevant as ever.

Release – Direct Digital Holdings Announces Expansion of its Equity Reserve Facility to $100 Million

Posted on November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

November 06, 2025 4:05 pm EST

HOUSTON, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRCT) (“Direct Digital Holdings” or the “Company”), a leading advertising and marketing technology platform operating through its companies Colossus Media, LLC (“Colossus SSP”) and Orange 142, LLC (“Orange 142”), today announced that it has entered into an amendment to its existing Equity Reserve Facility to expand the capacity to $100 million from $20 million.

The expansion of the Equity Reserve Facility reflects the amendment to the Company’s Share Repurchase Agreement with New Circle Capital to a total capacity of $100 million in aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock.

Mark Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Digital Holdings, commented, “We view this expansion of our existing equity reserve facility as good capital management strategy that provides us with additional liquidity to operate and grow our business. We appreciate the flexibility of our partners as we continue to optimize our access to capital and strengthen our balance sheet.”

The Company expects that any proceeds received from the sale of this stock will be used for general corporate purposes.

The Company has filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission that contains further details regarding the completion of this amendment. The foregoing description of this amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Form 8-K and exhibits thereto.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws that are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. We use words such as “could,” “would,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “likely,” “believe,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, but not all forward-looking statements include these words. All of our forward-looking statements involve estimates and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the information described under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Form 10-K”) and subsequent periodic and or current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that we have made in light of our industry experience and our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. As you read and consider this press release, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond our control) and assumptions.

Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual operating and financial performance and cause our performance to differ materially from the performance expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. We believe these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the restrictions and covenants imposed upon us by our credit facilities; the substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing; our ability to secure additional financing to meet our capital needs; our ineligibility to file short-form registration statements on Form S-3, which may impair our ability to raise capital; our failure to satisfy applicable listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market resulting in a potential delisting of our common stock; costs, risks and uncertainties related to restatement of certain prior period financial statements; any significant fluctuations caused by our high customer concentration; risks related to non-payment by our clients; reputational and other harms caused by our failure to detect advertising fraud; operational and performance issues with our platform, whether real or perceived, including a failure to respond to technological changes or to upgrade our technology systems; restrictions on the use of third-party “cookies,” mobile device IDs or other tracking technologies, which could diminish our platform’s effectiveness; unfavorable publicity and negative public perception about our industry, particularly concerns regarding data privacy and security relating to our industry’s technology and practices, and any perceived failure to comply with laws and industry self-regulation; our failure to manage our growth effectively; the difficulty in identifying and integrating any future acquisitions or strategic investments; any changes or developments in legislative, judicial, regulatory or cultural environments related to information collection, use and processing; challenges related to our buy-side clients that are destination marketing organizations and that operate as public/private partnerships; any strain on our resources or diversion of our management’s attention as a result of being a public company; the intense competition of the digital advertising industry and our ability to effectively compete against current and future competitors; any significant inadvertent disclosure or breach of confidential and/or personal information we hold, or of the security of our or our customers’, suppliers’ or other partners’ computer systems; as a holding company, we depend on distributions from Direct Digital Holdings, LLC (“DDH LLC”) to pay our taxes, expenses (including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement) and any amount of any dividends we may pay to the holders of our common stock; the fact that DDH LLC is controlled by DDM, whose interest may differ from those of our public stockholders; any failure by us to maintain or implement effective internal controls or to detect fraud; and other factors and assumptions discussed in our Form 10-K and subsequent periodic and current reports we may file with the SEC.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of these assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual operating and financial performance may vary in material respects from the performance projected in these forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances, and we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. New factors that could cause our business not to develop as we expect emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each currently known or new factor on our results of operations or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

About Direct Digital Holdings

Direct Digital Holdings (Nasdaq: DRCT) combines cutting-edge sell-side and buy-side advertising solutions, providing data-driven digital media strategies that enhance reach and performance for brands, agencies, and publishers of all sizes. Our sell-side platform, Colossus SSP, offers curated access to premium, growth-oriented media properties throughout the digital ecosystem. On the buy-side, Orange 142 delivers customized, audience-focused digital marketing and advertising solutions that enable mid-market and enterprise companies to achieve measurable results across a range of platforms, including programmatic, search, social, CTV, and influencer marketing. With extensive expertise in high-growth sectors such as Energy, Healthcare, Travel & Tourism, and Financial Services, our teams deliver performance strategies that connect brands with their ideal audiences.

At Direct Digital Holdings, we prioritize personal relationships by humanizing technology, ensuring each client receives dedicated support and tailored digital marketing solutions regardless of company size. This empowers everyone to thrive by generating billions of monthly impressions across display, CTV, in-app, and emerging media channels through advanced targeting, comprehensive data insights, and cross-platform activation. DDH is “Digital advertising built for everyone.”

Contacts:

Investors:
IMS Investor Relations
Walter Frank/Jennifer Belodeau
(203) 972-9200
investors@directdigitalholdings.com

Lilly and Novo Slash Obesity Drug Prices in Landmark Deal With Trump Administration

Posted on November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk A/S have reached a sweeping agreement with the Trump administration to cut the prices of their blockbuster obesity drugs in exchange for tariff relief and expanded Medicare access — a move poised to reshape both the weight-loss market and broader healthcare policy in the U.S.

Under the deal, the two pharmaceutical giants will lower prices on their popular medications, Zepbound and Wegovy, bringing the monthly cost for eligible Medicare and Medicaid patients with obesity and related conditions down to roughly $245, with co-pays for Medicare users capped near $50. Both companies will also offer discounted direct-purchase programs: Eli Lilly will sell Zepbound’s lowest dose for about $299 a month via its LillyDirect platform, while Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy will be available at $499 through NovoCare. That’s less than half their current U.S. list prices, which exceed $1,000 per month.

In return, the companies receive a three-year exemption from new import tariffs on pharmaceutical products and fast-track regulatory reviews for upcoming weight-loss pills, which could reach the market next year at introductory prices near $149 per month. Both Lilly and Novo have pledged to manufacture these new products in the U.S., aligning with the administration’s push to onshore critical drug production.

The timing of the announcement, coming just days after midterm election losses for the Republican Party, underscores the political weight behind lowering healthcare costs. The White House framed the move as part of a broader effort to ease cost-of-living pressures, a theme that has dominated recent public sentiment.

For the pharmaceutical industry, the agreement signals a new era of negotiation — one in which pricing concessions may secure favorable trade treatment and regulatory acceleration. Rival firms including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Germany’s Merck KGaA have reportedly pursued similar arrangements to avoid heavier restrictions or penalties.

The deal also reflects growing momentum toward allowing Medicare coverage for anti-obesity drugs — something long prohibited under federal law. Beginning next year, patients with qualifying health conditions such as prediabetes or heart failure will gain access to these treatments under government plans, marking a significant policy shift that could expand the addressable market for weight-loss medications to millions of new patients.

From an investment standpoint, the move could reverberate across healthcare and biotech stocks. Large-cap players like Lilly and Novo may face slimmer margins on price-controlled drugs but stand to gain from much higher volume and broader insurance access. Small-cap biotech firms developing next-generation metabolic or appetite-control treatments could benefit from renewed investor attention and potential partnership opportunities as major pharmaceutical companies look to diversify pipelines and defend market share.

While the announcement temporarily weighed on Lilly’s shares and lifted Novo’s, analysts expect the broader obesity-drug market to continue expanding rapidly — particularly if upcoming oral treatments deliver similar efficacy at lower costs. For investors, the balance between pricing pressure and explosive demand could define one of the most lucrative — and politically charged — healthcare themes heading into 2026.