Gold futures retreated from record highs Friday after the White House signaled it would move to clarify confusion over whether U.S. tariffs apply to imported gold bars, calming a rally fueled by earlier reports of new restrictions.
The pullback came after a senior White House official told CNBC the administration will issue an executive order “in the near future” to address what it described as “misinformation” about the treatment of gold bars and other specialty products under recent trade measures.
Gold for December delivery briefly touched an all-time closing high of $3,491.30 per ounce before slipping to $3,463.30 in late trading on the news. Spot gold also eased but remained on track for its second consecutive weekly gain, supported by broader market optimism over potential U.S. interest rate cuts.
Market jitters began earlier in the day after the Swiss Precious Metals Association said U.S. Customs and Border Protection had indicated that 1-kilogram and 100-ounce gold cast bars were not excluded from the 39% tariffs recently imposed on Swiss exports. Switzerland is the world’s largest gold refiner, processing bullion that moves through the global financial system and serves as a key supplier to U.S. markets.
Christoph Wild, president of the Swiss Precious Metals Association, warned that such tariffs could disrupt the international flow of physical gold and complicate trade with the United States, which he called a “long-standing and historical partner” for Switzerland.
The association also noted the CBP’s clarification appeared to apply broadly, not only to Switzerland but to imports of those bar sizes from any country. That raised questions about the potential scope of the tariffs, which could affect bullion flows from other refining hubs as well.
The uncertainty briefly lit a fire under gold futures, as traders weighed the possibility of higher costs for physical delivery and tighter supply chains. Investors often turn to gold during geopolitical or trade-related turbulence, and the mere prospect of import restrictions can drive prices higher in the short term.
President Donald Trump’s administration has already levied sweeping tariffs on a range of Swiss goods this year, citing trade imbalances and what it says are unfair competitive practices. The gold bar question emerged as a flashpoint this week, underscoring how commodity markets can be caught in the crossfire of broader trade disputes.
Analysts say the White House clarification could help temper volatility, though the path forward for bullion prices will still hinge on multiple factors — including the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory, inflation expectations, and global risk sentiment.
“Gold remains in a structurally bullish environment,” said one commodities strategist. “But if the White House makes it clear that bullion imports won’t face steep tariffs, some of the recent froth in prices could dissipate.”
Even after Friday’s dip, gold is up sharply for the year as investors hedge against currency fluctuations, equity market risks, and a shifting macroeconomic backdrop. Traders will be watching closely for the promised executive order, which could arrive within days and help determine whether the latest rally has room to run or is due for a deeper correction.
FDA grants meeting for AVERSA™ FENTANYL (abuse deterrent transdermal system) to provide feedback on the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls plans for the product through commercialization.
Nutriband is partnering with Kindeva to develop AVERSA™ FENTANYL which combines Nutriband’s AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology with Kindeva’s FDA-approved fentanyl patch.
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nutriband Inc. (NASDAQ:NTRB)(NASDAQ:NTRBW), a company engaged in the development of prescription transdermal pharmaceutical products, today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has granted a Type C Meeting for its lead product, AVERSA™ FENTANYL (abuse deterrent fentanyl transdermal system). The purpose of the meeting is to specifically provide feedback on the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) plans for the product from submission of an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) through approval of a 505(b)(2) New Drug Application (NDA) and subsequent commercialization.
The meeting is scheduled as a virtual face-to-face meeting to be held on September 18, 2025 with the Division of Anesthesiology, Addiction Medicine, and Pain Medicine (DAAP) in the Office of Neuroscience (ON), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).
Nutriband is partnering with Kindeva to develop AVERSA™ FENTANYL which combines Nutriband’s AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology with Kindeva’s FDA-approved fentanyl patch.
Nutriband’s AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology can be utilized to incorporate aversive agents into transdermal patches to prevent the abuse, diversion, misuse, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential including opioids and stimulants. The AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology has the potential to improve the safety profile of transdermal drugs susceptible to abuse, such as fentanyl, while making sure that these drugs remain accessible to those patients who really need them.
AVERSA FENTANYL has the potential to be the world’s first abuse-deterrent opioid patch designed to deter the abuse and misuse and reduce the risk of accidental exposure of transdermal fentanyl patches. AVERSA FENTANYL has the potential to reach peak annual US sales of $80 million to $200 million.1 While initially concentrating on the US market, the unmet medical need for adequate pain management is a global problem, and our goal is to make AVERSA FENTANYL available in all major medical markets in the world.
The AVERSA™ abuse deterrent technology is protected by a broad international intellectual property portfolio with patents issued in 46 countries including the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia, China, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
1 Health Advances Aversa Fentanyl market analysis report 2022
About AVERSA™ Abuse-Deterrent Transdermal Technology
Nutriband’s AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent transdermal technology incorporates aversive agents into transdermal patches to prevent the abuse, diversion, misuse, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential. The AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology has the potential to improve the safety profile of transdermal drugs susceptible to abuse, such as fentanyl, while making sure that these drugs remain accessible to those patients who really need them. The technology is covered by a broad intellectual property portfolio with patents granted in the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia, China, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
About Nutriband Inc.
We are primarily engaged in the development of a portfolio of transdermal pharmaceutical products. Our lead product under development is an abuse-deterrent fentanyl patch incorporating our AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology. AVERSA™ technology can be incorporated into any transdermal patch to prevent the abuse, misuse, diversion, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential.
The Company’s website is www.nutriband.com. Any material contained in or derived from the Company’s websites or any other website is not part of this press release.
About Kindeva
At Kindeva, we manufacture more tomorrows for patients worldwide. With best-in-class facilities and comprehensive CDMO services, we offer more than manufacturing—we deliver strategic value. Our global network of 10 manufacturing and R&D sites offer exceptional integrated knowledge and capabilities, including Annex 1-compliant state-of-the-art aseptic fill finish capacity and next-generation sustainable inhalation propellant technology. By combining expertise in injectable, pulmonary, nasal and dermal drug delivery, we help meet the demands of today and deliver the possibilities of tomorrow. Find out more at https://www.kindevadd.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, statements containing the words ‘’believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” and words of similar import, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve both known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in its forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those including the Company’s ability to develop its proposed abuse-deterrent fentanyl transdermal system and other proposed products, its ability to obtain patent protection for its abuse technology, its ability to obtain the necessary financing to develop products and conduct the necessary clinical testing, its ability to obtain Federal Food and Drug Administration approval to market any product it may develop in the United States and to obtain any other regulatory approval necessary to market any product in other countries, including countries in Europe, its ability to market any product it may develop, its ability to create, sustain, manage or forecast its growth; its ability to attract and retain key personnel; changes in the Company’s business strategy or development plans; competition; business disruptions; adverse publicity and international, national and local general economic and market conditions and risks generally associated with an undercapitalized developing company, as well as the risks contained under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Form S-1, Forms 10-K’s and Forms 10-Q’s, and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date hereof.
Key Points: – Administration aims to take mortgage giants public by year-end, potentially valuing them at $500B+. – Fannie and Freddie have been under federal conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis. – Privatization could reshape the $12T U.S. housing finance system.
President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing ahead with plans to take mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public before the end of 2025, a move that could mark one of the largest and most closely watched privatizations in U.S. history.
According to people familiar with the matter, discussions are underway that could value the two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) at a combined $500 billion or more. The share sales could raise roughly $30 billion, injecting fresh capital into companies that have been under federal control since the 2008 financial crisis.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play a central role in the U.S. housing market, buying mortgages from lenders, packaging them into mortgage-backed securities (MBS), and guaranteeing timely payment of principal and interest to investors. By recycling capital back to banks and mortgage companies, they help ensure a steady flow of financing for homebuyers, multifamily developers, and real estate investors.
Both companies were placed into conservatorship in September 2008 after the housing market collapse left them on the brink of insolvency. The U.S. Treasury provided a combined $191 billion in support, receiving preferred shares in return. Over the years, the companies have paid the government more than that amount in dividends, but attempts to return them to private ownership have repeatedly stalled amid political divisions and the complexity of reforming the $12 trillion mortgage market they underpin.
Trump has long signaled his desire to end federal conservatorship of the mortgage giants, including during his first term. His return to the White House has revived optimism among investors who have held shares in the companies for years in anticipation of privatization. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a prominent shareholder, has said he expects Trump to complete the process.
Still, the road to IPOs is unlikely to be straightforward. Fannie and Freddie guarantee or own about half of all U.S. home loans, meaning any shift in ownership must be carefully managed to avoid disrupting housing finance. The administration is expected to keep some form of oversight in place even after the companies are privatized, with Trump previously saying in May that he intends to retain a role for federal supervision.
Market reaction to the Wall Street Journal report on the IPO plan was swift. Shares of both companies, which trade over the counter, surged more than 21%, hitting their highest levels in over a month.
In recent days, Trump has met with the CEOs of major banks including Citigroup and Bank of America to discuss the potential privatization, according to earlier Reuters reporting. Financial institutions are expected to play a critical role in structuring the offerings and preparing the companies for life after conservatorship.
If successful, the IPOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would represent a historic shift in the U.S. housing finance system—one that could reshape the secondary mortgage market, alter investor participation in MBS, and redefine the federal government’s role in backstopping the nation’s home loan market.
Company to Provide Corporate Updates Including New Developments, Second Quarter 2025 Overview and Financial Results; Conference Call to be Held Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Time of Event changed from 10:00 AM EST to 4:30 PM EST
MIAMI, Aug. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a “SKYX Technologies”), a highly disruptive advanced and smart home platform technology company for homes and buildings, with more than 100 issued and pending patents globally and a portfolio of over 60 lighting and home décor websites, announces today that it will host a Corporate Update call and present its second quarter 2025 overview and financial results. The conference call will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
SKYX Participating Members will include:
Rani Kohen, Founder and Executive Chairman
Steve Schmidt, SKYX President, (former CEO of Nielsen Data Corporation and former President of Office Depot International)
A playback of the call will be available until September 12, 2025.
Replay Dial-In: 1-844-512-2921 or 1-412-317-6671 Replay Pin Number: 10202040
About SKYX Platforms Corp. As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 100 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://skyplug.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.
CULVER CITY, Calif., Aug. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, officially announced The Fame Game: Welcome to Hollywood, a new dating simulation title being developed and published under its subsidiary Interactive Films LLC.
Narrative-led games with relationship mechanics have shown strong user retention particularly among players seeking personalized, emotionally interactive gameplay. The Fame Game: Welcome to Hollywood follows a story told from a male perspective, designed to resonate with a wide audience through branching narrative paths and high likelihood of replays driven by multiple possible endings.
According to Newzoo’s 2024 Global Gamer Study, life and relationship simulation games have experienced a 40% year-over-year rise in player engagement, especially among the 18-34 demographic. Deloitte’s 2023 Digital Media Trends report further highlights the shifting emotional landscape of modern players: 50% of Gen Z and Millennials report stronger emotional connections to fictional characters than to real people, and nearly one in three say games help fulfill their need for meaningful connection.
The project benefits from streamlined mechanics that allow for cost-effective development and rapid iteration, while preserving the game’s emotional depth. Its accessible gameplay structure lowers the barrier to entry, making it approachable for gamers across experience levels – particularly for casual players or those new to narrative-focused games. This design philosophy supports a wider potential audience while minimizing production overhead.
About Snail, Inc. Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. For more information, please visit: https://snail.com/.
About Interactive Films LLC Interactive Films (IF), a film and media subsidiary of Snail, Inc., was founded with the goal of reaching new video audiences, engaging enthusiastic viewers, and telling stories across various formats. IF is also the catalyst behind SaltyTV, a specialized film application designed to produce and showcase compelling short-form vertical content. The SaltyTV app is available for download from the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store. For more information, please visit: https://interactive-films.com/
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and in our public filings with the SEC and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding that this project represents a strategic expansion into the high-engagement relationship sim genre and that narrative-led games with relationship mechanics have shown strong user retention particularly among players seeking personalized, emotionally interactive gameplay. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Investor Contact: John Yi and Steven Shinmachi Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 SNAL@gateway-grp.com
MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE:VVX) (“V2X”), a leading provider of global mission solutions, announced today the sale of 2.0 million shares of its common stock on an underwritten basis by Vertex Aerospace Holdco LLC (“Vertex Aerospace”). V2X is not selling any shares of common stock in the offering, and V2X will not receive any proceeds from the offering by Vertex Aerospace. The offering is expected to close on or about August 11, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
RBC Capital Markets is acting as the sole underwriter for the offering. RBC Capital Markets proposes to offer the shares of common stock from time to time to purchasers directly or through agents, or through brokers in brokerage transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, or to dealers in negotiated transactions or in a combination of such methods of sale, at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Subject to the closing of the offering, V2X has agreed to purchase from the underwriter 200,000 of the shares of V2X’s common stock that are subject to the offering at a price per share of common stock equal to the price to be paid to Vertex Aerospace by RBC Capital Markets. V2X intends to fund the repurchase of its common stock with cash on hand.
Following the offering, Vertex Aerospace will continue to beneficially own 10,167,286 shares, or approximately 32.3% of V2X’s outstanding common stock after giving effect to the offering, including V2X’s repurchase of shares of its common stock. In accordance with the Shareholders Agreement among V2X, Vertex Aerospace and certain affiliates of Vertex Aerospace, following the closing of the transactions two directors designated by Vertex Aerospace will be obligated to resign from the Board of Directors of V2X effective no later than V2X’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. In addition, following the closing of the offering, Vertex Aerospace (i) may only designate one director to serve on each committee of the Board of Directors of V2X and (ii) will no longer have consent rights over certain material corporate actions of V2X, including, among others, issuances of capital stock, repurchases of capital stock, acquisitions by and dispositions of V2X assets and amendments to the organizational documents of V2X.
A registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-267223) relating to the shares of common stock of V2X to be sold in the offering was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 12, 2022 and the offering may only be made by means of the written prospectus contained therein. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and the other documents V2X has filed with the SEC for more complete information about V2X and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, RBC Capital Markets will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by writing RBC Capital Markets, LLC, 200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10281, Attention: Equity Capital Markets, Facsimile: (212) 428-6260.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. All statements included in this press release, other than statements that are purely historical, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements about the offering, the changes in Vertex Aerospace’s rights under the Shareholders Agreement and V2X’s repurchase of shares of its common stock as part of this offering, which generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “potential,” “continue” or similar terminology. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: V2X’s ability to submit proposals for and/or win all potential opportunities in their pipeline; V2X’s ability to retain and renew existing contracts; V2X’s ability to compete with other companies in their market; security breaches, cyber-attacks or cyber intrusions, and other disruptions to their information technology and operation; their mix of cost-plus, cost-reimbursable, firm-fixed-price and time-and-materials contracts; maintaining their reputation and relationship with the U.S. government; protests of new awards; economic, political and social conditions in the countries in which they conduct their businesses; changes in U.S. or international government defense budgets, including potential changes from the U.S. president and administration; government regulations and compliance therewith, including changes to the Department of Defense’s procurement process; changes in technology; V2X’s ability to protect their intellectual property rights; governmental investigations, reviews, audits and cost adjustments; contingencies related to actual or alleged environmental contamination, claims and concerns; delays in completion of the U.S. government budget; V2X’s success in extending, deepening, and enhancing their technical capabilities; V2X’s success in expanding their geographic footprint or broadening their customer base; V2X’s ability to realize the full amounts reflected in their backlog; impairment of goodwill; misconduct of V2X’s employees, subcontractors, agents, prime contractors and business partners; V2X’s ability to control costs; V2X’s level of indebtedness; terms of V2X’s credit agreements; inflation and interest rate risk; geopolitical risk, including as a result of recent global hostilities and tariffs; V2X’s subcontractors’ performance; economic and capital markets conditions; V2X’s ability to maintain safe work sites and equipment; V2X’s ability to retain and recruit qualified personnel; V2X’s ability to maintain good relationships with their workforce and unions; V2X’s teaming relationships with other contractors; changes in V2X’s accounting estimates; the adequacy of V2X’s insurance coverage; volatility in V2X’s stock price; changes in V2X’s tax provisions or exposure to additional income tax liabilities; risks and uncertainties relating to integrating and refining internal control systems, including enterprise resource planning and business systems, post-merger; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; and other factors, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in V2X’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC and in the prospectus related to the offering that V2X will file with the SEC. V2X undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
V2X, Inc. Mike Smith Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations 1-719-637-5773 IR@goV2X.com
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.
Hits headwinds in Q2. GoHealth reported Q2 revenue of $94.0 million, below our $110.0 million forecast, as Medicare Advantage softness and CMS policy shifts weighed on volumes. Revenue declined 11% year-over-year. Despite the top-line miss, adj. EBITDA loss of $11.3 million beat our expected loss of $13.2 million, reflecting ongoing cost discipline and benefits from automation initiatives underway in agent workflows.
Recapitalization improves liquidity, alleviates covenant concerns. The company secured $80 million in new term loans and amended its credit agreement to eliminate principal payments through 2026. Liquidity covenants were reduced to a single minimum cash test. While the 4.77 million Class A shares issued represent roughly 20% dilution, we believe the transaction aligns lender and shareholder incentives and resolves the going concern issue.
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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
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.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
An in line quarter. Even though the second quarter results were lackluster, total company revenues were down 5% from the comparable year earlier quarter, it was refreshing to have a company report an in line quarter. Total company Q2 revenues were $23.4 million, roughly in line with our $24.1 million estimate. Adj. EBITDA of $3.5 million was in line with our $3.5 million estimate.
Digital revenue gains traction. While Digital revenue grew a respectable 5.8% in the latest quarter, it faced difficult year earlier comparisons from a non recurring business (up 30.3% in the prior year quarter). Notably, management indicated that Digital revenue is pacing up 30% to 40% in Q3.
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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 406 owned-and-operated radio stations across 86 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, the AP, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,500 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.
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.
Exceeds Q2 expectations. Q2 revenue of $186.0 million was a tad better than our $183.9 million estimate, with the largest upside variance being Digital revenue and a little lift from Political advertising. Its Digital Marketing Services business was up an impressive 38% in revenue. Adj. EBITDA exceeded expectations at $22.4 million versus our $15.6 million estimate.
Ad trends still negative. Core spot advertising appears to be moderating and its Digital Marketing Services business appears to be a bright spot, pacing up 35% in Q3. Total company revenue is pacing down low double digits in Q3, however, worse than expected. Network advertising continues to be the culprit given the challenged macro economic environment and the company’s decision to decrease content/inventory.
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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.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller is gaining traction as the leading candidate to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair under a potential second Trump administration, according to individuals familiar with the ongoing discussions. The Trump team reportedly favors Waller’s approach to monetary policy, highlighting his emphasis on forward-looking analysis and his institutional understanding of the Federal Reserve system.
Though Waller has not yet met with former President Trump personally, he has held discussions with members of Trump’s economic circle. His recent dissent from the Federal Open Market Committee’s decision to hold interest rates steady has further elevated his profile. Waller, along with fellow Trump appointee Michelle Bowman, supported a rate cut in light of softening labor market data—a move that aligned with Trump’s long-standing desire for looser monetary policy.
Waller’s background adds weight to his candidacy. Before joining the Fed board in 2020, he was executive vice president and director of research at the St. Louis Fed. His nomination was narrowly confirmed by the Senate with a 48-47 vote. Since then, he has become a vocal figure within the central bank, notably clashing with former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers in 2022 over inflation forecasts. Waller’s stance—that the Fed could rein in post-pandemic inflation without triggering a sharp rise in unemployment—ultimately proved accurate, strengthening his reputation among economic conservatives.
Trump’s shortlist includes former Fed governor Kevin Warsh and current National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett. Both men have also reportedly impressed Trump and his advisers, though Waller is viewed as the front-runner at this stage. Trump has confirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Vice President JD Vance, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are leading the search process.
The Trump team is also preparing to fill a vacant Fed board seat following the early departure of Governor Adriana Kugler. Trump has stated that this position will be temporarily filled, with a longer-term appointment expected in early 2026. That nominee is likely to favor lower interest rates—mirroring Trump’s preference for a more accommodative Fed.
Waller’s policy stance represents a clear contrast to Powell’s patient approach to rate changes. While Powell has pointed to a still-solid labor market and the need to assess the economic impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs, Waller has pushed for preemptive rate cuts, citing signs of cooling job growth. That divide has created friction between Powell and the Trump administration, with the former president repeatedly criticizing Powell for not acting aggressively enough.
Despite speculation, Waller has publicly maintained that he has not yet been approached by Trump. Speaking in July, he said, “If the president contacted me and said, ‘I want you to serve,’ I would do it,” but confirmed no such outreach had occurred.
Waller has also made clear his support for the Fed’s independence, calling it essential for economic stability. His willingness to accept criticism—whether from markets, politicians, or the public—adds to his appeal as a pragmatic and disciplined candidate for the role.
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 7, 2025 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company“) announces that Delek Group Ltd. (“Delek“) has closed the previously announced acquisition of all 9,139,784 common shares in the capital of InPlay previously held by Obsidian Energy Ltd. (“Obsidian“) (the “Transaction“). Further details regarding the Transaction can be found in InPlay’s press release dated August 4, 2025.
In connection with closing of the Transaction, InPlay has appointed Ehud (Udi) Erez and Tamir Polikar to the Board of Directors of InPlay (the “Board“). Mr. Erez has served as the Chairman of the board of Delek since 2020 and has over 30 years of experience in the energy and real estate sectors. Mr. Polikar has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Delek since 2020 and has over 30 years of experience in the energy and real estate sectors.
InPlay also announces that with in connection with closing of the Transaction, Stephen Loukas and Peter Scott have stepped down from the Board. InPlay management and Board would like to thank Mr. Loukas and Mr. Scott for their contribution to InPlay’s Board and wish them, and Obsidian, continued success.
About InPlay Oil Corp.
InPlay Oil Corp. is a growth-oriented, sustainable oil and gas producer focused on long-term value creation for its shareholders. The Company’s operations are centered in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, where InPlay holds a diverse portfolio of oil and natural gas assets. InPlay is committed to delivering strong per-share growth, maintaining a disciplined approach to capital investment, and providing consistent returns to shareholders.
About Delek Group
Delek is an independent E&P and the pioneering visionary behind the development of the East Med. With major finds in the Levant Basin, including Leviathan (21.4 TCF) and Tamar (11.2 TCF no longer owned by Delek) and others, Delek is leading the region’s development into a major natural gas export hub. In addition, Delek has significant presence s in the North Sea, with its subsidiary, Ithaca Energy (LSE: ITH). Delek is one of Israel’s largest and most prominent companies with a consistent track record of growth. Its shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: DLEKG) and are part of the TA 35 Index.
SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.
For further information please contact: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632; Kevin Leonard, Vice President, Business & Corporate Development, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 893-6804
NEW YORK, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB), a media and consumer products company known for building influential, creator-led brands, today announced a strategic licensing partnership with TSC Product Lab to launch Mesa Mia by Jenny Martinez—a dynamic new food brand inspired by the bold flavors, rich traditions, and spirit of Latin cooking.
Mesa Mia by Jenny Martinez will offer a curated line of food products designed to bring delicious, authentic meals to the kitchens of Jenny’s fans with ease and flair. The product assortment will include chips, salsas, proteins, meals, drink mixes, and more. This collaboration unites Xcel’s expertise in omnichannel brand development with TSC Product Lab’s strength in product innovation with Jenny’s beloved cooking style.
“We are proud to partner with Jenny and TSC Product Lab to turn her passion and vibrant personality into a brand that will inspire families across the country,” said Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and CEO of Xcel Brands.
Jenny Martinez—Latina home cook, social media powerhouse, and creator of the brand Mesa Mia by Jenny Martinez—has cultivated a following by sharing colorful, flavorful dishes and heartfelt stories from her kitchen. Her approachable style, combined with a deep love for family and culture, resonates with millions of home cooks seeking connection through food.
“I created Mesa Mia so everyone can bring the joy of Latin cooking into their kitchen with ease. Every Mesa Mia product is a celebration of my family’s traditions and the love we share through food,” said Jenny Martinez. “These are the flavors I grew up with, and I’m so proud to bring a little piece of my cooking into your home.”
Rick Lapine, President of TSC Product Lab, added, “Mesa Mia is a celebration of culture, flavor, and connection—and working with Jenny to bring it to life has been nothing short of inspiring. This is more than a product launch—it’s a movement rooted in love and flavor.”
Mesa Mia Live by Jenny Martinez continues Xcel Brands’ commitment to developing creator-led businesses that speak to how people live, cook, and celebrate today. For more information, please visit www.xcelbrands.com and www.mesamia.com
About Xcel Brands Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel owns the Halston, Judith Ripka, and C. Wonder brands, as well as the co-branded collaboration brands TowerHill by Christie Brinkley, LB70 by Lloyd Boston, Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan, GemmaMade by Gemma Stafford, and a brand in development with Coco Rocha and also holds noncontrolling interests or long-term license agreements in the Isaac Mizrahi brand, Orme Live and Mesa Mia by Jenny Martinez brands. Xcel also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing, LLC. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retailers, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone and consisting of over 20,000 hours of content production time in live-stream and social commerce. The brand portfolio reaches in excess of 43 million social media followers with broadcast reach into 200 million households. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. For more information, visit www.xcelbrands.com.
AboutTSCLab Products The Sneaky Chef Product Lab (“TSC”) is a cost-effective product development and sourcing company specializing in innovative solutions for the home. The Company’s mission is to create products and brands for leading retailers. Since 2007, TSC has built a diverse portfolio of owned, private label and exclusively licensed brands and has partnered with such legacy names such as Martha Stewart, Sodastream, GreenPan and Calvin Klein. Its network of retail partners includes HSN, QVC, Walmart, Amazon and TJX Companies among others. Led by Rick Lapine, an industry veteran with decades of experience, TSC is supported by a full-time team of passionate experts, bringing over 30 years of combined expertise in sourcing and production. This team has helped establish TSC as a trusted partner for efficient product development, manufacturing, and logistics, with the capability to execute projects rapidly and reliably.
AboutJenny Martinez
Jenny Martinez is well-known across social media platforms for sharing her authentic Mexican family recipes to the delight of millions of fans on TikTok and Instagram. Jenny was born in Mexico and moved to Los Angeles at age four, yet she has never lost touch with her Mexican heritage. The traditional recipes she shares with her followers have been passed down for generations in her family. Although she later mastered her culinary arts on her own, Jenny started by learning most of her mother’s recipes at the age of thirteen. Jenny considers a well-fed family the key to a happy family and believes that dinner should be celebrated every day. Food brings people together, and Jenny’s videos and recipes convey the spirit of family and community. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. Jenny’s first cookbook My Mexican Mesa, Y Listo! (Simon & Schuster) debuted in Spring 2024 featuring 100 recipes ranging from breakfast, appetizers & entrees to desserts, and even cocktails! Providing family-style recipes for every occasion & beautifully photographed to capture the authentic spirit of the cuisine, the cookbook is a must-have for home cooks looking for their next delicious meal. In 2024, Jenny launched her own line of cookware and dinnerware/tabletop at over 600 department stores nationally, as well as a spice line sold in grocery stores and online.
Jenny is represented by John Frierson at The Bureau New York City and managed by Lisa Shotland. Her attorney is Phil Daniels at Ginsburg Daniels Kallis LLP
Second Quarter 2025 Revenues of $351.5 Million Reflect 17.1 Percent Growth and 15.2 Percent Organic Growth Over Second Quarter 2024 Revenues of $300.1 Million
Second Quarter 2025 Consolidated Book to Bill Ratio of 0.7 to 1 and Bookings of $257.0 Million
Last Twelve Months Ended June 29, 2025 Consolidated Book to Bill Ratio of 1.2 to 1 and Bookings of $1.401 Billion
Increases 2025 Full Year Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Guidance
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Commercial Markets, today reported its second quarter 2025 financial results, including Revenues of $351.5 million, Operating Income of $3.7 million, Net Income of $2.9 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $28.3 million and a consolidated book to bill ratio of 0.7 to 1.0.
Second quarter 2025 Net Income and Operating Income includes non-cash stock compensation expense of $8.6 million, and Company-funded Research and Development (R&D) expense of $10.2 million, including efforts in our Space, Satellite, Unmanned Systems and Microwave Electronic businesses, and expense to accrue $2.0 million related to settlement of a legal matter, offset partially by non-recurring credits of $1.1 million related to the resolution of a previously recorded contingent liability.
Kratos reported second quarter 2025 GAAP Net Income of $2.9 million and GAAP Net Income per share of $0.02, compared to GAAP Net Income of $7.9 million and GAAP Net Income per share of $0.05, for the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.11 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $0.14 for the second quarter of 2024.
Second quarter 2025 Revenues of $351.5 million increased $51.4 million, reflecting 15.2 percent organic growth from second quarter 2024 Revenues of $300.1 million. Organic revenue growth was reported in our KGS segment of 27.1 percent, with the most notable growth in our Defense Rocket Systems and C5ISR businesses, with organic revenue growth rates of 116.6 percent and 25.4 percent, respectively, compared to the second quarter of 2024.
Second quarter 2025 Cash Flow Used in Operations was $10.6 million, primarily reflecting the working capital requirements related to the revenue growth impacting our receivables, increases in inventories for anticipated future deliveries and ramps in production and investments we are making related to certain development initiatives in our Unmanned Systems (KUS) segment. Free Cash Flow Used in Operations for the second quarter of 2025 was $31.1 million after funding of $20.5 million of capital expenditures.
For the second quarter of 2025, KUS generated Revenues of $73.2 million, compared to $85.8 million in the second quarter of 2024, which included revenues of $17.4 million related to an international target drone shipment made during the second quarter of 2024. KUS’s Operating Loss was $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared to Operating Income of $3.6 million in the second quarter of 2024. KUS’s Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2025 was $3.6 million, compared to $7.2 million for the second quarter of 2024, reflecting the impact of the revenue volume and continued impact of increased material and subcontractor and labor costs on multi-year fixed price production contracts under terms which were negotiated in 2020 and 2021 that we are unable to seek recovery and which we are unable to renegotiate until the next multi-year production lot.
KUS’s book-to-bill ratio for the second quarter of 2025 was 0.9 to 1.0 and 1.3 to 1.0 for the twelve months ended June 29, 2025, with bookings of $63.7 million for the three months ended June 29, 2025, and bookings of $359.5 million for the twelve months ended June 29, 2025. Total backlog for KUS at the end of the second quarter of 2025 was $337.6 million, compared to $347.1 million at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
For the second quarter of 2025, Kratos’ Government Solutions (KGS) segment Revenues of $278.3 million increased from Revenues of $214.3 million in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a 27.1 percent organic growth rate, excluding the impact of the recent acquisition of certain assets of Norden Millimeter, Inc. The increased Revenues includes organic revenue growth across all KGS businesses, with the most notable growth in our Defense Rocket Support business which includes the timing of certain hypersonic missions, and in our C5ISR businesses with organic revenue growth rates of 116.6 percent and 25.4 percent, respectively, over the second quarter of 2024.
KGS reported Operating Income of $12.6 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $15.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, primarily reflecting the mix in revenues, particularly impacted by a less favorable mix in our Space, Training and Cyber business. Second quarter 2025 KGS Adjusted EBITDA was $24.7 million, compared to second quarter 2024 KGS Adjusted EBITDA of $22.7 million, primarily reflecting the mix in revenues and resources.
KGS reported a book-to-bill ratio of 0.7 to 1.0 for the second quarter of 2025, a book to bill ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 for the last twelve months ended June 29, 2025 and bookings of $193.3 million and $1.041 billion for the three and last twelve months ended June 29, 2025, respectively. KGS’s total backlog was $1.076 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2025, compared to $1.161 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Kratos reported consolidated bookings of $257.0 million and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.7 to 1.0 for the second quarter of 2025, and consolidated bookings of $1.401 billion and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 for the last twelve months ended June 29, 2025. Consolidated backlog was $1.414 billion on June 29, 2025, as compared to $1.508 billion on March 30, 2025. Kratos’ bid and proposal pipeline was $13.0 billion at June 29, 2025, as compared to $12.6 billion at March 30, 2025. Backlog at June 29, 2025, included funded backlog of $1.125 billion and unfunded backlog of $288.6 million.
Eric DeMarco, Kratos’ President and CEO, said, “A generational recapitalization of strategic weapon systems is underway, with significant global funding being committed by the U.S. and its allies, including as represented by a planned U.S. 2026 National Security spend exceeding $1 trillion, NATO committing 5% of member GDP to defense, and Asian allies looking to do the same. The Global Defense and National Security Market is currently approximately $2.5 trillion, led by the United States “peace through strength” posture and is expected to grow for the foreseeable future. Since our last report to you, President Trump signed the Reconciliation Bill into law, supplementing defense spending by an additional $150 billion, including increased funding for drones, air defense systems, missiles, radars, space and satellites and the Golden Dome initiative, each related to primary Kratos capability areas.”
Mr. DeMarco continued, “In addition to significant increased funding expected for our industry, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently announced sweeping changes to the way the Pentagon will buy and field unmanned aerial systems, which is related to a June 6, 2025 Presidential Executive order on “Unleashing American Drone Dominance”, both expected to accelerate the acquisition and fielding of drones. Also, further emphasizing the new focus on streamlining defense acquisition, promoting innovation and commercial “ready to go” solutions to deliver capabilities to the warfighter faster and more efficiently, Senator Roger Wicker recently introduced the FORGED Act and House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith introduced the related SPEED Act, all of which, if enacted, we expect to benefit Kratos and our “First to Market” strategy.”
Mr. DeMarco added, “We believe that we are seeing direct positive impact from these actions, including Kratos’ Q225 17 percent revenue growth rate, our near record backlog, our record $13 billion opportunity pipeline and LTM book–to–bill ratio of 1.2 to 1.0. Additionally, since the end of the second quarter, we have been informed that we have been successful as prime, on a new, single award, potential total value up to $750 million program, internal code name Poseidon, which we expect to receive a formal contract by the end of this year. Additionally, we were also recently informed that Kratos, with our strategic partner, were down selected on another large, new program of record opportunity we call Deimos”.
Mr. DeMarco went on, “Virtually every Kratos business unit is forecasting significant future organic growth, including our hypersonic system franchise, small jet engines for drones, missiles and loitering munitions, our Israeli based microwave electronics business, and our military grade hardware business supporting missile, radar, hypersonic, counter UAS and strategic weapon systems. We are also expecting increased EBITDA margins beginning in 2026 and continuing thereafter, as new higher margin programs begin, certain lower margin contracts are renegotiated at renewal, and as we reduce costs in certain areas. We expect to continue to make important investments in property, plant, facilities, equipment etc., over the next two years, in conjunction with our funded customers, partners, initiatives and programs, to capture new opportunities, rebuild the industrial base, further grow our business and generate additional value for all Kratos stakeholders.”
Mr. DeMarco concluded, “In 2015, Kratos Mako tactical jet drones flew manned-unmanned teaming with Marine Corps Harrier jet aircraft, establishing Kratos as a first-to-market innovation leader, delivering actual relevant products, not PowerPoints, to the customer. As Kratos invests its own money in research and product development, we are incentivized to move fast, do it right, at a low cost, and always with an eye on being able to produce our military grade products, hardware and software affordably, at scale, and generate an adequate return for our shareholders. We believe that Kratos is in the right places, at the right time, with the right products, and importantly at the right affordable price points, to address our customer and partners requirements, to deliver significant value to Kratos stakeholders today.”
Financial Guidance
We are providing our initial 2025 third quarter guidance and increasing our full year 2025 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance range, which includes our assumptions, including as related to: current forecasted business mix, employee sourcing, hiring and retention; manufacturing, production and supply chain disruptions; parts shortages and related continued significant cost and price increases in each of these areas, that are impacting the industry and Kratos.
Kratos’ 2025 financial forecast and guidance includes elevated investments for capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment, including the expansion of our manufacturing and production facilities and related inventory builds in our Rocket Systems and Hypersonic businesses, primarily related to the recent MACH-TB 2.0 contract award, the continued manufacture of two production lots of Valkyries prior to contract award, to meet anticipated customer orders and requirements, the expansion and build-out of the Company’s Microwave Products production facilities, the expansion and build-out of our small jet engine production and test cell facilities, and the build-out of additional secure facilities for our federal secured space communications business, in accordance with contract and customer requirements. Kratos’ operating cash flow guidance also assumes consummation of certain investments in our rocket systems and unmanned systems businesses.
Our third quarter and full year 2025 guidance ranges are as follows:
Current Guidance Range
$M
Q325
FY25
Revenues
$315 – $325
$1,290 – $1,310
R&D
$10 – $11
$40 – $42
Operating Income
$3 – $7
$29 – $34
Depreciation
$9 – $10
$35 – $38
Amortization
$3 – $4
$12 – $14
Stock Based Compensation
$8 – $9
$34 – $36
Adjusted EBITDA
$25 – $30
$114 – $120
Operating Cash Flow
$50 – $60
Capital Expenditures
$125 – $135
Free Cash Flow Use
($75 – $85)
Management will discuss the Company’s financial results on a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern) today. The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this Online Form. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN that can be used to access the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on Kratos’ website.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice RegardingForward–LookingStatements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, express or implied statements concerning the Company’s expectations regarding its future financial performance, including the Company’s expectations for its third quarter and full year 2025 revenues, R&D, operating income, depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation expense, and Adjusted EBITDA, and full year 2025 operating cash flow, capital expenditures, and free cash flow, forecasted business unit organic revenue growth, EBITDA margins in 2026 and thereafter, future initiation of higher margin programs and negotiation of lower margin contracts which are expected to be renewed in the future, expected future investments in property, plant, facilities, and equipment, the Company’s bid and proposal pipeline and backlog, including the Company’s ability to timely execute on its backlog, demand for its products and services, including the Company’s alignment with today’s National Security requirements and the positioning of its C5ISR and other businesses, ability to successfully compete and expected new customer awards, the impact of the Company’s restructuring efforts and cost reduction measures, the availability and timing of government funding for the Company’s offerings, availability of an experienced skilled workforce, inflation and increased costs, risks related to potential cybersecurity events or disruptions of our information technology systems, and delays in our financial projections, industry, business and operations, including projected growth. Such statements are only predictions, and the Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Factors that may cause the Company’s results to differ include, but are not limited to: risks to our business and financial results related to the reductions and other spending constraints imposed on the U.S. Government and our other customers, including as a result of sequestration and extended continuing resolutions, the Federal budget deficit and Federal government shut-downs; risks of adverse regulatory action or litigation; risks associated with debt leverage; risks that our cost-cutting initiatives will not provide the anticipated benefits; risks that changes, cutbacks or delays in spending by the DoD may occur, which could cause delays or cancellations of key government contracts; risks of delays to or the cancellation of our projects as a result of protest actions submitted by our competitors; risks that changes may occur in Federal government (or other applicable) procurement laws, regulations, policies and budgets; risks of the availability of government funding for the Company’s products and services due to performance, cost growth, or other factors, changes in government and customer priorities and requirements (including cost-cutting initiatives, the potential deferral of awards, terminations or reduction of expenditures to respond to the priorities of Congress and the Administration, or budgetary cuts resulting from Congressional committee recommendations or automatic sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011, as amended); risks that the unmanned aerial systems and unmanned ground sensor markets do not experience significant growth; risks that products we have developed or will develop will not become programs of record; risks that we cannot expand our customer base or that our products do not achieve broad acceptance which could impact our ability to achieve our anticipated level of growth; risks of increases in the Federal government initiatives related to in-sourcing; risks related to security breaches, including cyber security attacks and threats or other significant disruptions of our information systems, facilities and infrastructures; risks related to our compliance with applicable contracting and procurement laws, regulations and standards; risks related to the new DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification; risks relating to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian military conflict; risks to our business in Israel; risks related to contract performance; risks related to failure of our products or services; risks associated with our subcontractors’ or suppliers’ failure to perform their contractual obligations, including the appearance of counterfeit or corrupt parts in our products; changes in the competitive environment (including as a result of bid protests); failure to successfully integrate acquired operations and compete in the marketplace, which could reduce revenues and profit margins; risks that potential future goodwill impairments will adversely affect our operating results; risks that anticipated tax benefits will not be realized in accordance with our expectations; risks that a change in ownership of our stock could cause further limitation to the future utilization of our net operating losses; risks that we may be required to record valuation allowances on our net operating losses which could adversely impact our profitability and financial condition; risks that the current economic environment will adversely impact our business, including with respect to our ability to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of qualified personnel to execute on our programs and contracts, as well as expected contract awards and risks related to increasing interest rates and risks related to the interest rate swap contract to hedge Term SOFR associated with the Company’s Term Loan A; currently unforeseen risks associated with any public health crisis, and risks related to natural disasters or severe weather. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 29, 2024, and in our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Performance Metrics This news release contains non-GAAP financial measures, including organic revenue growth rates, Adjusted EPS (computed using income before income taxes, excluding depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, amortization of capitalized contract and development costs, stock-based compensation expense, acquisition and restructuring related items and other, which includes, but is not limited to, legal related items, non-recoverable rates and costs, and foreign transaction gains and losses, less the estimated impact to income taxes) and Adjusted EBITDA (which excludes, among other things, acquisition and restructuring related items, stock compensation expense, foreign transaction gains and losses, and the associated margin rates). Additional non-GAAP financial measures include Free Cash Flow from Operations computed as Cash Flow from Operations less Capital Expenditures plus proceeds from sale of assets and Adjusted EBITDA related to our KUS and KGS businesses. Kratos believes this information is useful to investors because it provides a basis for measuring the Company’s available capital resources, the actual and forecasted operating performance of the Company’s business and the Company’s cash flow, excluding non-recurring items and non-cash items that would normally be included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, along with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, in evaluating the Company’s actual and forecasted operating performance, capital resources and cash flow. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information presented in compliance with GAAP, and investors should carefully evaluate the Company’s financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those financial results. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures as reported by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies. As appropriate, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and information reconciling these non-GAAP financial measures to the Company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP are included in this news release.
Another Performance Metric the Company believes is a key performance indicator in our industry is our Book to Bill Ratio as it provides investors with a measure of the amount of bookings or contract awards as compared to the amount of revenues that have been recorded during the period and provides an indicator of how much of the Company’s backlog is being burned or utilized in a certain period. The Book to Bill Ratio is computed as the number of bookings or contract awards in the period divided by the revenues recorded for the same period. The Company believes that the rolling or last twelve months’ Book to Bill Ratio is meaningful since the timing of quarter-to-quarter bookings can vary.
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