Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) – A $157.4 Million Award for Freeport Harbor Channel


Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 131-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

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 Award. Yesterday, Great Lakes was awarded a $157.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for new and maintenance hopper dredging of the Freeport Harbor Channel, according to the Department of Defense daily contract award release. This was one of the more significant capital markets projects expected to be awarded this year.

Confirmation. In the first quarter call, management had noted that the Company was the apparent low bidder for the award and yesterday’s announcement should be confirmation. This would be the third largest domestic capital project award in the Company’s history. While it typically takes up to 3 months for work to begin, this award will help improve fleet utilization in the back half of 2023 and into 2024, in our view.


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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. 

Orion Group Holdings (ORN) – Refinancing Completed; A Sale/Leaseback of Equipment


Wednesday, May 17, 2023

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.

Refinancing. Yesterday, as widely expected, Orion closed on its debt refinancing. The new 3-year $103 million senior secured asset based credit facility with White Oak ABL, LLC and White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC consists of a $65 million asset based revolving credit facility and a $38 million fixed asset term loan. The new credit facility replaces the Company’s previous $42.5 million revolver.

Terms. The Revolver will initially bear interest at a rate of the 30-day SOFR plus 5.5% and the Term Loan at a rate of the 30-day SOFR plus 8.0%, subject to a SOFR floor of 4.0%. At a current 4.91% SOFR rate, this implies rates of approximately 10.4% and 12.9%. Orion was paying 10.2% on its previous credit line. At closing, the Company made an initial Revolver draw of  $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. 

Euroseas (ESEA) – Euroseas largely booked out, but is still a play on rising rates because of newbuilds


Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Euroseas Ltd. was formed on May 5, 2005 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the ship owning interests of the Pittas family of Athens, Greece, which has been in the shipping business over the past 140 years. Euroseas trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker ESEA. Euroseas operates in the container shipping market. Euroseas’ operations are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified affiliated ship management company, which is responsible for the day-to-day commercial and technical management and operations of the vessels. Euroseas employs its vessels on spot and period charters and through pool arrangements.

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

First-quarter results largely as expected. Financial results continue to suffer the effects of a sharp decline in TCE rates over the last twelve months. While Euroseas has locked in 91% of remaining shipping days in 2023, those rates eventually roll off and get replaced with lower rates. The Aegean Express ended a contract at $41,000/day, which was replaced by a rate of $13,000/day. Four other ships with rates in the high $20,000’s/day will roll off in the second half of the year.

Shipping rates are improving and could go higher. Shipping rates appear to have bottomed out in February. Current rates for 1,700 TEU and 2,500 TEU ships have risen to $16,800/day and $18,750/day, respectively, returning to a point above the ten-year trailing average and Euroseas’ breakeven cash operating point. We believe rates will move even higher should global economic concerns abate and the war in Ukraine comes to an end. 


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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. 

Release – Orion Group Holdings, Inc. Announces Closing of $103 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility and $13 Million Equipment Sale-Leaseback

Research News and Market Data on ORN

May 16, 2023

HOUSTON, May 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ORN) (the “Company”), a leading specialty construction company, today announced the closing of a new 3-year $103 million senior secured asset based credit facility with White Oak ABL, LLC and White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC, which are the asset based lending affiliates of White Oak Global Advisors, LLC, (collectively, “White Oak”). This credit facility has replaced the Company’s $42.5 million revolver with Regions Bank and other lenders. At the same time, the Company entered into a $13 million sale-leaseback of certain concrete segment equipment with Gordon Brothers (the “Sale-Leaseback”).

The new credit facility includes a $65 million asset based revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and a $38 million fixed asset term loan (the “Term Loan”). The Revolver will initially bear interest at a rate of the 30-day SOFR plus 5.5% and the Term Loan at a rate of the 30-day SOFR plus 8.0%, subject to a SOFR floor of 4.0%. At closing, the Company made an initial Revolver draw of $9.5 million. Borrowings from the facility will primarily be used to refinance existing debt as well as for other general corporate and working capital purposes. The Sale-Leaseback includes equipment on lease schedules of 24-months and 36-months.

“This new credit facility and $13 million Sale-Leaseback provide increased financial flexibility and additional capital to take advantage of our growth opportunities. We are now well positioned to execute our strategic plan and deliver improved financial results to our stakeholders,” said Travis Boone, Orion’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “White Oak has been a collaborative partner and we appreciate their support and strong vote of confidence.”

Tom Otte, Head of White Oak ABL, LLC added, “We are very impressed with Orion’s new management and their strategy to unlock the embedded value of the company. Orion’s recent major wins like the Pearl Harbor project for the Navy strengthened our conviction that White Oak is the right financing partner to help Orion fulfill its growth potential.”

About Orion Group Holdings

Orion Group Holdings, Inc., a leading specialty construction company serving the infrastructure, industrial and building sectors, provides services both on and off the water in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the Caribbean Basin through its marine segment and its concrete segment. The Company’s marine segment provides construction and dredging services relating to marine transportation facility construction, marine pipeline construction, marine environmental structures, dredging of waterways, channels and ports, environmental dredging, design, and specialty services. Its concrete segment provides turnkey concrete construction services including place and finish, site prep, layout, forming, and rebar placement for large commercial, structural and other associated business areas. The Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas with regional offices throughout its operating areas. https://www.oriongroupholdingsinc.com.

About White Oak Global Advisors

White Oak Global Advisors, LLC (“WOGA”) is a leading alternative debt manager specializing in originating and providing financing solutions to support small and middle market enterprises at every stage of their lifecycle. WOGA and its financing affiliates optimize capital structure based on available assets and cash flow and provide over twenty lending products to the market that include term, asset-based, and equipment loans. Since its inception in 2007, WOGA and its affiliates have deployed over $10 billion across its product lines, utilizing a hands-on, disciplined investment process that focuses on delivering risk-adjusted investment returns to investors, while establishing long-term partnerships with its borrowers. More information can be found at www.whiteoaksf.com.

About White Oak Commercial Finance

White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC (WOCF) is a global financial products and services company providing credit facilities to companies across the economy. WOCF’s solutions include asset-based lending, full-service factoring, invoice discounting, government contract financing, lender financing, supply chain financing, inventory financing, US import/export financing, trade credit risk management, account receivables management and credit and collections support. The firm has offices and personnel throughout the US, UK, and Australia, including San Francisco, Charlotte, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, London, Glasgow, and Sydney. WOCF is an affiliate of White Oak Global Advisors, LLC and its institutional clients. More information can be found at www.whiteoaksf.com/commercialfinance.

Forward-Looking Statements

The matters discussed in this press release may constitute or include projections or other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of which provisions the Company is availing itself. Certain forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as ‘believes’, ‘expects’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘seeks’, ‘approximately’, ‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘estimates’, or ‘anticipates’, or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, intentions, estimates, forecasts, outlook, assumptions, or goals. In particular, statements regarding future operations or results, including those set forth in this press release, and any other statement, express or implied, concerning future operating results or the future generation of or ability to generate revenues, income, net income, gross profit, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, or cash flow, including to service debt, and including any estimates, forecasts or assumptions regarding future revenues or revenue growth, and our ability to negotiate and obtain the refinancing of our credit facility, the terms, restrictions, and covenants of our refinancing, and the timing of such refinancing, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include project award announcements, estimated project start dates, anticipated revenues, and contract options which may or may not be awarded in the future. Forward-looking statements involve risks, including those associated with the Company’s fixed price contracts that impacts profits, unforeseen productivity delays that may alter the final profitability of the contract, cancellation of the contract by the customer for unforeseen reasons, delays or decreases in funding by the customer, levels and predictability of government funding or other governmental budgetary constraints, the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and any potential contract options which may or may not be awarded in the future, and are at the sole discretion of award by the customer. Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future results. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be regarded as a representation by the Company that the Company’s plans, estimates, forecasts, goals, intentions, or objectives will be achieved or realized. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update information contained in this press release whether as a result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Please refer to the Company’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 16, 2023, which is available on its website at www.oriongroupholdingsinc.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, for additional and more detailed discussion of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations, estimates or forecasts.

Contacts:
Financial Profiles, Inc.
Margaret Boyce 310-622-8247
Donni Case 310-622-8224
ORN@finprofiles.com

EuroDry (EDRY) – Shipping rates bottoming out and that’s good news for EuroDry


Tuesday, May 16, 2023

EuroDry Ltd. was formed on January 8, 2018 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the drybulk fleet of Euroseas Ltd. into a separate listed public company. EuroDry was spun-off from Euroseas Ltd. on May 30, 2018; it trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker EDRY. EuroDry operates in the dry cargo, drybulk shipping market. EuroDry’s operations are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified affiliated ship management company and Eurobulk (Far East) Ltd. Inc., which are responsible for the day- to-day commercial and technical management and operations of the vessels. EuroDry employs its vessels on spot and period charters and under pool agreements.

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

EuroDry reported weak 2023-1Q results due to lower shipping rates, largely as expected. The EuroDry fleet ran near full capacity but did so at much lower rates. The average TCE rate for the quarter was $10,674 down 57% versus last year and below our expectations. EuroDry typically only books out less than half of the days beyond the upcoming quarter making it more sensitive to spot shipping rates than most shipping companies. 

Operating costs were generally in line except for voyage expenses. Operating costs for the quarter rose relative to the same period last year and the previous quarter. The increase can largely be attributed to a rise in voyage expenses. Management indicated the increase was due to “expenses incurred by one of our vessels while employed under a voyage charter.” This is in contrast to the previous year when the company recognized “a gain on bunkers” of $1.0 million. The company has traditionally booked a gain in the voyage expense line.


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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. 

Release – CVG Announces Participation in The Barrington Virtual Spring Investment Conference

Research News and Market Data on CVG

MAY, 15, 2023

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVG (NASDAQ: CVGI) announced today that Andy Cheung, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will meet with investors at the Barrington Research Virtual Spring Investment Conference on May 18, 2023.

For further information, please contact CVGI@alpha-ir.com

About CVG

At CVG, we deliver real solutions to complex design, engineering and manufacturing problems while creating positive change for our customers, industries, and communities we serve. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Ross Collins or Stephen Poe
Alpha IR Group
CVGI@alpha-ir.com

Source: Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Kelly Services (KELYA) – First Quarter 2023 Results


Monday, May 15, 2023

Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) connects talented people to companies in need of their skills in areas including Science, Engineering, Education, Office, Contact Center, Light Industrial, and more. We’re always thinking about what’s next in the evolving world of work, and we help people ditch the script on old ways of thinking and embrace the value of all workstyles in the workplace. We directly employ nearly 350,000 people around the world and connect thousands more with work through our global network of talent suppliers and partners in our outsourcing and consulting practice. Revenue in 2021 was $4.9 billion. Visit kellyservices.com and let us help with what’s next for you.

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.

1Q23. Revenue of $1.27 billion was down 2.2% year-over-year (down 1.4% in constant currency). We were at $1.23 billion. Kelly took a $5.7 million restructuring charge during the quarter. GAAP net income was $10.9 million, or EPS of $0.29/sh, compared to a GAAP loss of $47.6 million, or a loss of $1.23/sh, last year. Adjusted EPS for 1Q23 was $0.40 versus $0.44 last year. We had projected adjusted EPS of $0.27.

Accelerating Profitable Growth. Management announced a comprehensive and intensive transformation initiative to optimize the business and functional operations in a sustainable manner, unlock additional value-creating opportunities, and accelerate profitable growth.


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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. 

Orion Group Holdings (ORN) – Post Call Commentary and Updated Models


Wednesday, May 10, 2023

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.

Disappointing 1Q23. Management was disappointed with 1Q23 results, but a number of negative impacts were out of their hands, such as weather and customer delays, impacting production rates and profitability. However, these projects are not lost, just pushed to the right.

But Improvements Being Made. The most significant is a return to profitability for the Concrete segment in March, its first profitable month in two years. As the unfavorable Central Texas business continues to fall off, we expect further profitability improvement for the Concrete business.


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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. 

Release – CVG Announces CEO Transition and Reaffirms 2023 Outlook And Long-Term Strategy

Research News and Market Data on CVGI

MAY, 09, 2023

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, May 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVG (NASDAQ: CVGI), a diversified industrial products and services company, announced yesterday that Harold Bevis is resigning from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) effective May 19, 2023 to become chief executive officer of another company. Mr. Bevis’ resignation did not result from any disagreement with the Company on any matter, including any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices.

Robert C. Griffin, the Chairman of the Board, is expected to be elected by the Board as the Company’s interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 19, 2023. Mr. Griffin along with the Board of Directors has served as a Director since 2005 and has worked closely alongside Harold in designing and implementing the Company’s strategy.

“Harold has set CVG on the right path for future growth and we’re grateful for his contributions,” Mr. Griffin said. “The board and I are eager now to find the right leader who will continue our momentum as a business and drive us into the future.”

Mr. Griffin will serve as interim President and Chief Executive Officer until his successor is chosen. The Company is in the process of conducting a comprehensive search for a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer and will name Mr. Griffin’s successor at the completion of the search.

In announcing the management changes noted above, the Company today reaffirmed its commitment to its strategic goals and improvement in its results for 2023.

As disclosed in its first quarter results and discussed on its first quarter conference call on May 4, 2023, the Company:

  • will continue its focus on price and cost which allowed it to deliver significant margin expansion in the first quarter;
  • believes its first quarter margin performance is sustainable for fiscal 2023 given the current vehicle production outlook;
  • believes based on the current revenue run rate, combined with new wins that are still ramping up, it is on track to deliver its 2027 revenue target of $1.5 billion; and
  • will continue to focus on price and inflation management, and cost reduction as it works toward achieving a 9% EBITDA margin target by 2027.

Mr. Griffin stated, “The Board is pleased with the Company’s first quarter performance and reaffirms our commitment to the Company’s strategic direction as discussed on its first quarter call on May 4, 2023. We believe we have a solid balance sheet, a business winning culture, and strong leadership team that positions us well to execute on our strategy. The Board looks forward to working with the management team to continue our positive momentum throughout this transition.”

Robert C. Griffin Biography

Mr. Griffin, 75, has served as a member of the Board since July 2005, and was elected Chairman in 2019. Mr. Griffin’s career spanned over 25 years in the financial sector until he retired from Barclays Capital, where from June 2000 to March 2002 he was Head of Investment Banking, Americas and a member of the Management Committee. Prior to joining Barclays Capital, Mr. Griffin was a member of the Executive Committee for the Montgomery Division of Banc of America Securities and held a number of positions with Bank of America, including Group Executive Vice President and Head of Global Debt Capital Raising and as a Senior Management Council Member. Since 2005, he has served on a number of boards, both public and private, including during the last five years, the boards of the following public companies: The J.G. Wentworth Company (ending in 2018), and Builders FirstSource, Inc. (ending in 2019).

Company Contact

Andy Cheung
Chief Financial Officer
CVG
IR@cvgrp.com

Investor Relations Contact

Ross Collins or Stephen Poe
Alpha IR Group
CVGI@alpha-ir.com

About CVG

At CVG, we deliver real solutions to complex design, engineering and manufacturing problems across a range of global industries by innovating, constantly adding value, and treating our customer’s bottom line as if it were our own. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements often include words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “project”, “continue”, “likely”, and similar expressions. In particular, this press release may contain forward-looking statements about the Company’s expectations for future periods with respect to its plans to improve financial results, the future of the Company’s end markets, including the short-term and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, changes in the Class 8 and Class 5-7 North America truck build rates, performance of the global construction equipment business, the Company’s prospects in the wire harness, warehouse automation and electric vehicle markets, the Company’s initiatives to address customer needs, organic growth, the Company’s strategic plans and plans to focus on certain segments, competition faced by the Company, volatility in and disruption to the global economic environment and the Company’s financial position or other financial information. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made in light of its experience as well as its perspective on historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results because of certain risks and uncertainties, including those included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. There can be no assurance that statements made in this press release relating to future events will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on behalf of the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements.

Source: Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Orion Group Holdings (ORN) – A Quick Look into the First Quarter


Tuesday, May 09, 2023

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.

Results are In. Orion had contract revenues of $159.2 million, a 9% decrease from the prior year’s $174.9 million. We had revenue of $175 million. Gross profit was at $5.8 million or 3.7% of revenue, down from $12.8 million or 7.3% of revenue in the first quarter of 2022. The Company had a net loss of $12.6 million, or $0.07 per share, compared to a loss of $4.9 million, or $0.16 per share. Adjusted EBITDA was a negative $4.1 million, or (2.6)% margin compared to $5.2 million or 3.0% last year.

Credit Facility and Property Sale. The Company had reached an agreement with a private lender and expects to have a new ABL credit facility completed shortly. The facility consists of a $38 million term loan and revolving credit facility of $65 million and will be used to retire Orion’s existing credit facility and for general corporate purposes. As reported previously, Orion has a contract for the East West Jones properties in Texas, with the purchase price being $36 million. It is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023.


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Eagle Bulk Shipping (EGLE) – First-Quarter Results In Line With Recently Revised Estimates


Monday, May 08, 2023

Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (“Eagle”) is a US-based drybulk owner-operator focused on the Supramax/Ultramax mid-size asset class, which ranges from 50,000 and 65,000 deadweight tons in size; these vessels are equipped with onboard cranes allowing for the self-loading and unloading of cargoes, a feature which distinguishes them from the larger classes of drybulk vessels and provides for greatly enhanced flexibility and versatility- both with respect to cargo diversity and port accessibility. The Company transports a broad range of major and minor bulk cargoes around the world, including coal, grain, ore, pet coke, cement, and fertilizer. Eagle operates out of three offices, Stamford (headquarters), Singapore, and Hamburg, and performs all aspects of vessel management in-house including: commercial, operational, technical, and strategic.

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Sensitivity to shipping rates leads to declines, as expected. Eagle Bulk Shipping reported a 43% decrease in net revenues versus last year despite additional operating days. The decline was due to a 53% decline in average TCE rates. Eagle’s financial results are highly leveraged to changes in shipping rates with a coverage position of only 65% of available days for the upcoming second quarter. 

The trend of rising operating costs seems to be abating. Cash operating costs have been rising in recent quarters but the growth appears to be slowing. Most notably was the decline in charter expenses (which we typically do do not model in). The decline was due to a reduction in chartered-in days (944 versus 960 last year) and an overall decline in charter hire rates related to the decline in drybulk market.


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Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – Solid 1Q23 Results; Growth Opportunities Expanding


Monday, May 08, 2023

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

Joe Gomes, 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.

1Q23 Results. Results came in at the high end of guidance. Revenue totaled $231.8 million, up 18.1% y-o-y. Organic growth was 12%. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $17 million, up from $13.8 million in 1Q22. GAAP EPS loss was $0.05 and adjusted EPS net income was $0.06, compared to a net loss of $0.13 and adjusted EPS of $0.04, respectively, a year ago. We had forecasted $220 million, $15.5 million, $(0.03), and $0.07, respectively.

Expanding Opportunity Set. Kratos’ opportunity set continues to expand. As part of the 5-year defense spend plan, the USAF has requested approximately $6 billion reflecting an increased prioritization with it being reported that the Air Force is looking to ultimately procure up to 2,000 drone systems. The Navy has been reported as stating they envision up to 60% of the future Navy Air Wing being comprised of drones.


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CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) – 1Q23 Post Call Commentary


Monday, May 08, 2023

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, 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.

May 11th. With Title 42 expected to end May 11th, CoreCivic is well positioned to capitalize on any increase in ICE detainee populations. The key unanswered question is if the Biden Administration will enforce existing immigration laws. Recent comments by Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas suggests the federal government will, but it remains to be seen.

Well Positioned. CoreCivic is well positioned to assist the government with any additional demand for beds and services. The Company has “thousands” of beds at existing facilities that could be used and seven idle facilities that could be restarted. The Company has hired staff in anticipation of rising populations.


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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.