Category: Financial Services

UBS Resumes Buybacks, Seeks More Savings from Credit Suisse Takeover

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Swiss banking giant UBS announced several major strategic updates on Tuesday, including resuming share buybacks and increasing cost-cutting targets related to its takeover of Credit Suisse last year. The bank’s shares fell nearly 4% as investors reacted to financial results and the roadmap ahead.

UBS said it plans up to $1 billion in share repurchases in 2024, restarting its buyback program which was halted during the acquisition of Credit Suisse in March 2023. The deal, valued at nearly $16 billion, was the first ever merger between two global systemically important banks. It significantly expanded UBS’s wealth management operations and investment banking capabilities.

Integrating Credit Suisse is expected to generate major cost synergies over the next several years. UBS now estimates total savings of $13 billion by the end of 2026, up from the previous target of over $10 billion. Around half of the savings will come from headcount reductions, according to CFO Todd Tuckner.

While UBS said the initial phase of integration is complete, CEO Sergio Ermotti warned there is still significant restructuring ahead. The next few years will involve job cuts, combining IT systems, and optimizing operations. Ermotti cautioned that progress “will not be measured in a straight line” and the trickier parts of integration have yet to occur.

The bank reaffirmed its key financial targets, including for return on capital and cost-income ratios. It also set new ambitions, such as growing assets under management in its wealth management division to $5 trillion by 2028, up from $3.85 trillion currently.

For 2024, UBS proposed boosting its dividend by 27% compared to 2023. This comes as many European banks have been rewarding shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

UBS posted a small net loss of $279 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The loss was attributed to Credit Suisse integration costs. However, the bank sees profitability improving in early 2024 amid better market activity and progress on merging operations.

UBS Swiss Deal
Image Credit: Reuters Graphics

The wealth management unit reported $22 billion in net new money growth during the quarter. However, a change in metrics makes the figure not directly comparable to previous periods. The investment bank posted a pre-tax loss of $169 million but is expected to return to profitability soon.

Shares fell due to concerns around UBS’s near-term profitability as integration costs weigh on performance. While cost savings are substantial over the long run, analysts pointed out revenue will likely drop in the next couple years before synergies are fully realized.

There are also lingering concerns around integrating such large banking operations smoothly. Regulators are keeping a close eye given the combined balance sheet is nearly twice the size of Switzerland’s GDP. However, UBS maintains only around one-third of assets are illiquid.

Overall, UBS remains confident in achieving strategic goals from its takeover of Credit Suisse, even if the next few years involve headaches from combining staff, technology, and business lines. Execution risks remain but cost cuts could significantly boost profitability down the line. Tuesday’s announcements provided investors more clarity around buybacks, dividends, and the path forward.

Bit Digital (BTBT) – More Capacity and Machines

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, February 02, 2024

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

New Agreement. On Wednesday, Bit Digital finalized an agreement with Coinmint for 6 megawatts (MW) of incremental hosting capacity to power its miners, with the facility located in Massena, New York. The agreements brings the Company’s total contracted hosting capacity with Coinmint to approximately 46 MW, and has an initial one-year term with automatic three-month renewals.

New Machines. To fill the new capacity, Bit Digital purchased 2,340 S19k Pro mining units for $3.4 million, or approximately $13/TH. These mining units represent approximately 260PH/s with an average efficiency of 23 J/TH. The Company expects the miners to be delivered to the facility and hashing by the end of February 2024. We believe that more hosting agreements and purchases are to follow, given the Company’s goal of doubling its active mining fleet to approximately 6.0EH/s during 2024.


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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) – AI Revenue Has Begun

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

AI Revenue. Bit Digital announced revenue from its AI contract has started, a significant milestone, in our view. The AI business diversifies the Company revenue base from the mining operations and will provide a steady source of revenue with strong margin contribution. With the anticipated growth of the AI industry, we believe there will be more such contracts to come.

Details. As of yesterday, 192 servers, representing 1,536 GPUs, began generating revenue. An additional 64 servers, representing 512 GPUs, are expected to start earning revenue by the end of January 2024. The total contract value for the 2,048 GPUs is worth more than $50 million of annualized revenue to Bit Digital.


Get the Full Report

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. 

Release – Bit Digital, Inc. Announces Commencement of Revenue Generation for Inaugural AI Contract

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on BTBT

NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bit Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBT) (“Bit Digital” or the “Company”), a sustainable platform for digital assets and artificial intelligence (“AI”) infrastructure headquartered in New York City, is pleased to announce that its customer contract for its Bit Digital AI business has commenced revenue generation as of the date of this report. 192 servers, representing 1,536 GPUs, began generating revenue on January 23, 2024. An additional 64 servers, representing 512 GPUs, are expected to start earning revenue by the end of January 2024. The total contract value for 2,048 GPUs is worth more than $50 million of annualized revenue to Bit Digital.

Sam Tabar, Bit Digital’s CEO, commented: “We are excited to begin earning revenue from our inaugural contract for our Bit Digital AI business. We expect that the steady revenue and strong margin contribution from this contract will strengthen our overall financial profile and make us more resilient to potential downswings in the price of bitcoin. Additionally, we believe the steady cash flows from this contract will enable us to opportunistically acquire new bitcoin mining rigs as we strive towards our goal of doubling our operating fleet to approximately 6.0 EH/s during 2024.”

About Bit Digital

Bit Digital, Inc. is a sustainable platform for digital assets and artificial intelligence (“AI”) infrastructure headquartered in New York City. Our bitcoin mining operations are located in the US, Canada, and Iceland. The Company has also established a business line, Bit Digital AI, that offers infrastructure services for artificial intelligence applications. For additional information, please contact ir@bit-digital.com or visit our website at www.bit-digital.com.

Investor Notice

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under “Risk Factors” in Item 3.D of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. If any material risk was to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. Future changes in the network-wide mining difficulty rate or bitcoin hash rate may also materially affect the future performance of Bit Digital’s production of bitcoin. Actual operating results will vary depending on many factors including network difficulty rate, total hash rate of the network, the operations of our facilities, the status of our miners, and other factors. See “Safe Harbor Statement” below.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Bit Digital, Inc., and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Release – Bitcoin Depot Places Order for 500 New BTM Kiosks from Kiosk Provider Genmega

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research New and Market Data on BTM

 

January 22, 2024 10:40 AM EST

BTM Acquisition Will Support the Company’s Bold Expansion Strategy as North America’s Market Share Leader

ATLANTA, Jan. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today announced the purchase order of 500 new Bitcoin ATM kiosks from Genmega, a leading manufacturer and provider of ATM and Kiosk solutions with well over 150,000 units deployed worldwide. The Company plans to strategically deploy these units as part of its ongoing expansion efforts throughout 2024 and beyond.

“The purchase order for these kiosks is significant as it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to a bold, strategic, and measured expansion this year,” said Bitcoin Depot CEO Brandon Mintz. “We are deeply committed to delivering a seamless and dependable experience to our retail partners and end users with a convenient experience through our kiosks. Genmega’s products have a proven track record of success, making them the ideal partner to reach new customers in 2024. We look forward to deploying these BTMs quickly in several key markets, as we continue championing widespread Bitcoin accessibility.”

Bitcoin Depot’s products and services provide an intuitive, quick, and convenient process for converting cash into Bitcoin, giving users the ability to access the broader, digital financial system, including using their Bitcoin for purposes of making payments, transfers, remittances, online purchases, and investments.

This news comes as the latest show of momentum for the Company following a string of recent expansion announcements and operational developments. In early 2022, Bitcoin Depot took over the #1 market share position to become the largest BTM operator in North America, and in 2023 – despite the turbulent cryptocurrency market – it became the first BTM operator to go public on a major U.S. stock exchange. Bitcoin Depot and its leadership have since been recognized and celebrated for the Company’s industry-leading growth in Forbes 30 Under 30, Deloitte’s 2023 Technology Fast 500, and, most recently, the 2023 Inc. 5000.

About Bitcoin Depot 
Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 6,400 kiosk locations as of September 30, 2023. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com 

Contacts: 

Investors  
Cody Slach, Alex Kovtun  
Gateway Group, Inc.  
949-574-3860  
BTM@gateway-grp.com 

Media  
Christina Lockwood, Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney  
Gateway Group, Inc. 
949-574-3860  
BTM@gateway-grp.com 

Source: Bitcoin Depot Inc.

Released January 22, 2024

Release – Bitcoin Depot to Deploy 940 Bitcoin ATMs at a National Convenience Store Retailer

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on BTM

January 17, 2024 11:51 AM

Bitcoin Depot Plans to Install Kiosks in Roughly 940 Stores Across 24 US States to Provide Greater Access for Users to Fund Their Bitcoin Wallet with Cash

ATLANTA, Jan. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot Inc. (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, today announced the launch of its retail partnership with a leading national convenience retailer with an extensive international network of locations across a portfolio of many brands.

Beginning in Q1 of 2024, the Company will install roughly 940 Bitcoin Depot kiosks in convenience store locations across 24 states. The initial rollout is part of a larger initiative with the opportunity to grow into additional stores beyond the initial 940.

“We are happy to be embarking on a long-term strategic partnership with one of our largest retail partners to-date. Together, we look forward to broadening our reach in tandem with a brand that values our commitment to providing access to Bitcoin,” said Bitcoin Depot Founder and CEO Brandon Mintz.

Bitcoin Depot’s products and services provide an intuitive, quick, and convenient process for converting cash into Bitcoin, giving users the ability to access the broader digital financial system by conveniently purchasing Bitcoin at Bitcoin ATMs in 48 states. In addition to Bitcoin ATMs, Bitcoin Depot also has BDCheckout enabled for customers to fund their wallets with cash at participating retail locations in 28 states across the nation.

About Bitcoin Depot 
Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 28 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 6,400 kiosk locations as of September 30, 2023. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, the anticipated effects of the Amendment, and the closing of the Preferred Sale. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “priorities,” “project,” “pursue,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “when,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contacts: 

Investors  
Cody Slach, Alex Kovtun  
Gateway Group, Inc.  
949-574-3860  
btm@gateway-grp.com

Media  
Christina Lockwood, Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney  
Gateway Group, Inc. 
949-574-3860  
btm@gateway-grp.com

Source: Bitcoin Depot Inc.

Released January 17, 2024

Bitcoin Depot (BTM) – Quarterly Preview

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Tweaking Q4. We are tweaking our Q4 revenue estimate lower from $173.5 million to $157.0 million, reflecting an expectation for lower revenue per kiosk. Our Q4 adj. EBITDA margin expectation is largely unchanged at 5.7% or $8.9 million.

Headwinds in California. California enacted a law effective January 1, 2024 that caps Bitcoin ATM transactions at $1,000. While this limit is well above the company’s median transaction size of roughly $200, it could affect its larger transactions. 


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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. 

GoHealth, Inc. (GOCO) – Initiating Coverage: An Encompassing Solution To Improve The Medicare Marketplace

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Gregory Aurand, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Healthcare Services & Medical Devices, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Large Growing Complex Medicare Market. About 66.4 million Americans were covered by Medicare in calendar 2022 and the Medicare 65 and older population is expected to reach more than 93 million people by 2060.  GoHealth has already helped 10 million Americans and seeks to be the consumer Medicare health plan destination in this growing market. As the market grows more complex with a greater number of plan offerings, GoHealth’s platform simplifies the annual Medicare private plan shopping process.

Proprietary Offering Platform. GoHealth is driving growth in the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental markets through its pressure-free unbiased consumer-centric Encompass Solution platform that utilizes its proprietary data machine-learning PlanFit Checkup technology.


Get the Full Report

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. 

JP Morgan Reigns Supreme with $50B Record Banking Profit in Tumultuous 2023

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

JPMorgan Chase, the nation’s largest bank, reported a 15% decline in fourth quarter 2023 earnings on Friday, weighed down by a massive $2.9 billion fee related to the government takeover of failed regional banks last year.

The bank posted profits of $9.31 billion, or $3.04 per share, for the final three months of 2023. This compared to earnings of $10.9 billion, or $3.33 per share, in the same period a year earlier. Excluding the regional banking crisis fee and other one-time items, JPMorgan said it earned $3.97 per share in the fourth quarter.

Total revenue for the quarter rose 12% to $39.94 billion, slightly above analyst forecasts. The jump was driven by the bank’s acquisition of First Republic Bank in late 2023, higher net interest income, and increased investment banking fees.

“The U.S. economy continues to be resilient, with consumers still spending, and markets currently expect a soft landing,” said JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon in a statement. “These significant and somewhat unprecedented forces cause us to remain cautious.”

Dimon cited high inflation, rising interest rates, out-of-control government spending, supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine, and tensions in the Middle East as potential threats to the economic outlook.

For the full year 2023, JPMorgan posted record profits of nearly $50 billion, including $4.1 billion from its acquisition of First Republic. The deal instantly gave JPMorgan a leading position in serving wealthy clients in California and other coastal markets.

Smaller Competitors Squeezed

While JPMorgan has deftly navigated the rising rate environment, smaller regional banks have struggled as the Federal Reserve hiked rates aggressively to combat inflation. Many were caught holding lower-yielding assets funded by higher-cost deposits. This squeezed net interest margins.

The regional banking crisis came to a head in early 2023 as a wave of defaults and bank seizures overwhelmed the FDIC insurance fund. JPMorgan and other large banks were handed the bill, with the FDIC levying $18 billion in special fees on the industry to recapitalize the fund.

Specifically, JPMorgan paid a $2.9 billion fee in the fourth quarter related to the FDIC assessments. This was a major factor in the bank’s profit decline compared to a year ago.

JPMorgan Cautious Despite Solid Year

Despite posting record full-year earnings, Dimon and JPMorgan management struck a cautious tone in their earnings release. While U.S. consumers remain resilient for now, risks are mounting.

Inflation could prove stickier than anticipated, forcing the Fed to keep rates higher for longer. The war in Ukraine shows no signs of resolution. Middle East conflicts continue to elevate oil prices. And the U.S. government is racking up huge deficits, with no political will to cut spending.

For banks, this backdrop could pressure lending activity, loan performance, and capital levels. Mortgage rates are already above 7%, denting the housing market. Credit card delinquencies are edging higher. Corporate debt looks vulnerable as businesses face slower growth and input cost pressures.

All of this warrants a cautious stance until more clarity emerges later this year.

With JPMorgan having reported solid results for 2023, investors are now focused on the bank’s outlook for 2024 amid an expected shift in the interest rate environment.

On Friday’s earnings call, analysts will be listening closely to hear JPMorgan’s projections and commentary around key items that could impact performance this year:

  • Net interest income guidance for 2024. As the Fed cuts rates, net interest margins may compress. But higher loan volumes could offset this.
  • Expectations for credit costs and loan losses. While credit metrics are healthy now, a weaker economy could strain consumers and corporate borrowers.
  • Thoughts on impending hikes to capital requirements. Banks are hoping to reduce the impact of new rules on capital buffers.
  • M&A landscape. Does JPMorgan see opportunities for deals amid lower valuations?
  • Plans for excess capital deployment. Investors want to hear about potential increases in buybacks, dividends, and other uses.

JPMorgan entered 2024 with strong capital levels, putting it in position to boost shareholder returns even with new regulations. Investors will be listening to hear how management plans to leverage JPMorgan’s financial strength in the year ahead.

The bank’s 2024 outlook will be critical in determining whether its stock can build on last year’s big gains. JPMorgan was the top performing Dow stock in 2023, and investors are betting it can continue to drive profits in a more subdued rate environment.

Bit Digital (BTBT) – Bitcoin ETFs Approved

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, January 12, 2024

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Approval. The SEC approved rule changes to allow spot bitcoin ETFs that will enable regular investors to easily access the cryptocurrency. Already, some 11 firms, including such majors as Grayscale, BlackRock, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton, are readying ETFs for the market. We believe the approval will drive demand, and hence pricing, for bitcoin higher.

Offering More Exposure and Regulation. With the approval of the bitcoin ETFs, the SEC is allowing for more institutional and retail investors exposure in bitcoin. A scenario whereby financial advisors recommend an allocation of a bitcoin ETF to investor portfolios is not a stretch, in our view. New regulation aimed at eliminating fraud and normalizing crypto also could soon follow.


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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. 

BlackRock Goes Big on Infrastructure in Transformational $12.5B GIP Deal

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a move that could shape its future, BlackRock is making a huge bet on infrastructure investing with its $12.5 billion acquisition of specialist firm Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

The deal, announced Friday, includes $3 billion in cash and 12 million BlackRock shares to bring GIP’s $100+ billion infrastructure portfolio under its umbrella. With infrastructure booming globally, it plants BlackRock’s flag in an alternative asset class that offers stability and strong cash flows.

For Larry Fink, BlackRock’s founder and CEO, the deal provides a growth engine and caps a storied career. At 71 years old, Fink has not yet named his successor. This acquisition generates buzz around President Rob Kapito and COO Rob Goldstein as potential heirs apparent.

It also brings infrastructure investing veterans from GIP into BlackRock’s senior ranks. GIP Chairman Bayo Ogunlesi will join BlackRock’s board, while co-founders like ex-World Bank President Jim Yong Kim provide invaluable experience.

Why Infrastructure, Why Now?

Infrastructure has become increasingly attractive to institutional investors, particularly those with long-term liabilities to fund. The assets provide inflation protection, and the regulated nature of many infrastructure projects leads to predictable cash flows even during economic downturns.

Swelling demand for infrastructure also powers opportunity and growth. E-commerce and supply chain modernization require massive investment in logistics and transportation assets like airports, seaports, rail, and warehouses. The global energy transition is expected to necessitate trillions in spending on renewable power, battery storage, transmission lines, and more. And booming data usage makes digital infrastructure such as cell towers and data centers a near-certainty for major funding.

BlackRock saw the writing on the wall. With interest rates still relatively low by historical standards, it pulled the trigger on a transformative infrastructure deal rather than waiting for valuations to potentially rise further. GIP’s assets also provide diversification and inflation mitigation to complement BlackRock’s vast holdings of stocks and bonds.

For forward-thinking infrastructure investors, BlackRock’s whopper of a deal validates the long-term potential of the sector. And it positions the asset management titan to capitalize on infrastructure demand in both developed and emerging markets for decades to come.

Rejuvenating Revenues

The move into infrastructure also helps reinvigorate BlackRock’s revenues. With rock-bottom interest rates in recent years limiting fee income, BlackRock has searched for ways to accelerate growth. The company manages over $10 trillion in assets but has seen minimal increase in revenue since 2018.

Alternative investments like infrastructure represent a potential answer. They generally command higher management fees while also offering incentive fees based on investment performance. That combination bodes well for BlackRock’s results.

BlackRock has dipped its toe into alternatives over the past decade via real estate, hedge funds, private equity, and other strategies. But the GIP deal vaults infrastructure to the forefront of BlackRock’s alternatives platform. Expect heightened focus and more resources dedicated to infrastructure deals in the future.

With the Fed lifting rates this year, BlackRock also has a short-term revenue boost at its back. Higher interest rates allow BlackRock to charge more for managing cash and fixed income, its largest assets. BlackRock’s 8% increase in fourth quarter earnings served as an appetizer. The GIP acquisition is the main course in its long-term growth agenda.

Fink Caps Career with Legacy Deal

Larry Fink has run BlackRock since its inception in 1988, guiding it to become the world’s preeminent money manager. But the end of his tenure looms. While no retirement plans have been announced, Fink is 71 years old.

The GIP deal thus shapes up as a culminating move to put his stamp on BlackRock’s future. Shortly after the acquisition was announced, Fink said, “This is one of the most exciting transactions we’ve ever completed.”

What excites Fink and BlackRock is GIP’s expertise, global reach, and the long runway for infrastructure investing. Fink pulled the trigger on a legacy deal that can steer BlackRock’s course beyond when he ultimately steps down.

The acquisition also stirs up increased speculation on who could succeed the respected CEO. As BlackRock makes infrastructure integral to its future, the deal elevates infrastructure veterans like GIP Chairman Bayo Ogunlesi. COO Rob Kapito and President Rob Goldstein also see their standing boosted.

While the stock dipped slightly on Friday’s news, the deal primes BlackRock for sustainable growth. Shareholders will be monitoring the integration, but early reviews applaud Fink and BlackRock for their foresight and ability to execute.

Release – Bitcoin Depot Bolsters Expansion Efforts with the Addition of 13 New Sales Representatives Throughout the U.S.

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on BTM

January 11, 2024 8:30 AM EST

Expanded Sales Team Will Prioritize Strategic Expansion as Bitcoin Depot Prepares for Continued Nationwide Growth to Increase Kiosk Installations and Strengthen Nationwide Access to Bitcoin

ATLANTA, Jan. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, today announced the expansion of its workforce with the hiring of more than a dozen new sales representatives. These new team members are strategically located across the United States, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico, underscoring Bitcoin Depot’s commitment to nationwide growth and Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) accessibility.

Bitcoin Depot expects each sales representative to play a pivotal role in the Company’s aggressive expansion strategy during 2024. Once fully engaged, the representatives are anticipated to secure roughly 100-200 new Bitcoin Depot kiosk locations on a monthly basis with the goal of expanding the number of installed BTMs by the end of 2024 to a record high for Bitcoin Depot.

“We are excited to welcome our new sales team members into the Bitcoin Depot family. Their diverse backgrounds and strategic retail relationships are integral to our mission of making Bitcoin accessible to everyone, everywhere,” said Bitcoin Depot Founder and CEO Brandon Mintz. “Integrating these new team members marks a key milestone in our journey to set a new record in Bitcoin Depot`s installed kiosks. Their dedicated efforts are essential not just for widening our geographical footprint but also for strengthening and deepening our relationships with retailers across the country.”

The new sales hires are part of Bitcoin Depot’s comprehensive growth plan, which focuses on increasing its BTM network and continuing to build a robust pipeline of major regional and national retail partners. This approach reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to make Bitcoin more accessible to the public and to solidify its position as a market leader in the Bitcoin ATM industry.

About Bitcoin Depot
Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM), founded in 2016, is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital currencies. The company offers user-friendly, efficient, and intuitive ways for consumers to convert cash into Bitcoin, enabling access to the broader digital financial system. With a presence in 48 states, Bitcoin Depot operates the largest network of BTMs in North America. Through its innovative services, including thousands of kiosk locations and the BDCheckout product, Bitcoin Depot continues to be at the forefront of fintech advancements. For more information, visit www.bitcoindepot.com.

Contacts:
Investors 
Cody Slach, Alex Kovtun 
Gateway Group, Inc. 
949-574-3860 
btm@gateway-grp.com

Media 
Christina Lockwood, Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney 
Gateway Group, Inc.
949-574-3860 
btm@gateway-grp.com

Source: Bitcoin Depot Inc.

Released January 11, 2024

Bit Digital (BTBT) – An Upsized Contract

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Thursday, January 11, 2024

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Expansion. Before the initial 192 servers representing 1,536 GPUs have all come on-line, Bit Digital announced an expansion of its initial AI contract. Under the terms of the agreement, Bit Digital will supply the customer with computational power from an additional 512 GPUs for a period of three years. The total contract value with the customer for an aggregate of 2,048 GPUs is now worth more than $50 million of annualized revenue to Bit Digital.

New Order. Bit Digital placed a purchase order for 64 servers manufactured by Super Micro Computer, Inc. that are equipped with 512 Nvidia HGX H100 GPUs along with related equipment, which are expected to be delivered to the Company during January 2024.


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