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Release – The GEO Group Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

May 7, 2025

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 7, 2025– The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) (“GEO”), a leading provider of contracted support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and reentry centers, as well as enhanced in-custody rehabilitation, post-release support, and electronic monitoring programs, reported today its financial results for the first quarter of 2025.

First Quarter 2025 Highlights

Total revenues of $604.6 million
Net Income of $19.6 million
Net Income Attributable to GEO of $0.14 per diluted share
Adjusted EBITDA of $99.8 million

For the first quarter 2025, we reported net income attributable to GEO of $19.6 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to GEO of $22.7 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the first quarter 2024. We reported total revenues for the first quarter 2025 of $604.6 million compared to $605.7 million for the first quarter 2024. We reported first quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA of $99.8 million, compared to $117.6 million for the first quarter 2024.

Our first quarter of 2025 results reflect an increase of approximately $5 million in general and administrative expenses compared to the first quarter of 2024, which was partly the result of the previously announced reorganization of our management team in anticipation of future growth projects and related operational activity during 2025. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, our first quarter 2025 results also reflect approximately $6 million in higher payroll taxes, which are front loaded in the first quarter of each year.

George C. Zoley, Executive Chairman of GEO, said, “We are pleased with the progress we have made towards meeting our growth and capital allocation objectives. During the first quarter of 2025, we announced two important contract awards for the reactivation of two company-owned facilities totaling 2,800 beds and representing in excess of $130 million in annualized revenues. We believe we have an unprecedented opportunity to assist the federal government in meeting its expanded immigration enforcement priorities. We have taken several important steps to be prepared to meet that opportunity, including making a significant investment commitment of $70 million to strengthen our capabilities to deliver expanded detention capacity, secure transportation, and electronic monitoring services to ICE and the federal government. We also recently completed a reorganization of our senior management team to oversee the operational execution of this expected future growth activity.”

“As a result of these steps, our financial guidance for 2025 reflects a tale of two halves of the year. The first half of the year is expected to be impacted by higher overhead and operating expenses as well as increased capital expenditures to position our company for future growth, which is expected to begin to layer in during the second half of 2025 and normalize in 2026. We also remain focused on reducing our net debt, deleveraging our balance sheet, and positioning our company to explore opportunities to return capital to shareholders in the future. In 2025, we expect to reduce our total net debt by approximately $150 million to $175 million, bringing our total net debt to approximately $1.54 billion,” Zoley added.

Financial Guidance

Today, we updated our initial financial guidance for 2025. Consistent with our long-standing practice, our updated guidance does not include the impact of any new contract awards that have not been previously announced.

The first half of 2025 reflects higher overhead and operating expenses as well as higher capital expenditures to position our company for anticipated future revenue growth without corresponding revenues, with growth beginning to layer in during the second half of 2025.

For the full year 2025, we expect Net Income Attributable to GEO to be in a range of $0.77 to $0.89 per diluted share, on revenues of approximately $2.53 billion and based on an effective tax rate of approximately 27 percent, inclusive of known discrete items. We expect our full year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA to be between $465 million and $490 million.

For the second quarter of 2025, we expect Net Income Attributable to GEO to be in a range of $0.15 to $0.17 per diluted share, on quarterly revenues of $615 million to $625 million. We expect our second quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA to be between $110 million and $114 million.

While our guidance does not include an assumption for new contract awards that have not been previously announced, we anticipate several opportunities to materialize during the year with additional contracts awards expected to be announced during the second quarter of 2025. As we progress through the year and these growth opportunities materialize, we will continue to adjust our financial guidance accordingly.

We expect total Capital Expenditures for the full year 2025 to be between $120 million and $135 million, including the impact of the $70 million investment we announced in December of 2024 to strengthen our capabilities to deliver expanded detention capacity, secure transportation, and electronic monitoring services to ICE and the federal government.

Recent Developments

On February 27, 2025, we announced a 15-year contract with ICE to provide support services for the establishment of a federal immigration processing center at the company-owned, 1,000-bed Delaney Hall Facility in Newark, New Jersey. GEO’s support services include the exclusive use of the Delaney Hall Facility by ICE, along with security, maintenance, and food services, as well as access to recreational amenities, medical care, and legal counsel. The new support services contract is expected to generate in excess of $60 million in annualized revenues for GEO in the first full year of operations, with margins consistent with GEO’s company-owned Secure Services facilities.

On March 10, 2025, we announced a contract modification of the current intergovernmental service agreement for the GEO-owned, 1,328-bed Karnes ICE Processing Center in Karnes City, Texas to transition the Karnes ICE Processing Center from housing single adults to housing mixed populations. Subsequently, ICE decided to continue to house single adults at the Karnes ICE Processing Center based on an assessment of the agency’s current needs.

On March 20, 2025, we announced a contract with ICE for the immediate activation of a federal immigration processing center at the GEO-owned, 1,800-bed North Lake Facility in Baldwin, Michigan. GEO and ICE expect to finalize a multi-year contract for GEO to provide support services for ICE at the North Lake Facility that would be expected to generate in excess of $70 million in annualized revenues in the first full year of operations, with margins consistent with GEO’s company-owned Secure Services facilities. GEO’s support services are expected to include the exclusive use of the North Lake Facility by ICE, along with security, maintenance, and food services, as well as access to recreational amenities, medical care, and legal counsel.

Balance Sheet

At the end of the first quarter of 2025, our net debt totaled approximately $1.68 billion, and our net leverage was approximately 3.78 times Adjusted EBITDA. We ended the first quarter of 2025 with approximately $65 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $235 million in total available liquidity.

Conference Call Information

We have scheduled a conference call and webcast for today at 11:00 AM (Eastern Time) to discuss our first quarter 2025 financial results as well as our outlook. The call-in number for the U.S. is 1-877-250-1553 and the international call-in number is 1-412-542-4145. In addition, a live audio webcast of the conference call may be accessed on the Webcasts section under the News, Events and Reports tab of GEO’s investor relations webpage at investors.geogroup.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the website for one year. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available through May 14, 2025, at 1-877-344-7529 (U.S.) and 1-412-317-0088 (International). The participant passcode for the telephonic replay is 7721870.

About The GEO Group

The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider, specializing in design, financing, development, and support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO’s diversified services include enhanced in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support through the award-winning GEO Continuum of Care®, secure transportation, electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care. GEO’s worldwide operations include the ownership and/or delivery of support services for 98 facilities totaling approximately 77,000 beds, including idle facilities and projects under development, with a workforce of up to approximately 18,000 employees.

Reconciliation Tables and Supplemental Information

GEO has made available Supplemental Information which contains reconciliation tables of Net Income Attributable to GEO to Adjusted Net Income, and Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, along with supplemental financial and operational information on GEO’s business and other important operating metrics. The reconciliation tables are also presented herein. Please see the section below titled “Note to Reconciliation Tables and Supplemental Disclosure – Important Information on GEO’s Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for information on how GEO defines these supplemental Non-GAAP financial measures and reconciles them to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. GEO’s Reconciliation Tables can be found herein and in GEO’s Supplemental Information available on GEO’s investor webpage at investors.geogroup.com.

Note to Reconciliation Tables and Supplemental Disclosure –
Important Information on GEO’s Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures that are presented as supplemental disclosures. GEO has presented herein certain forward-looking statements about GEO’s future financial performance that include non-GAAP financial measures, including Net Debt, Net Leverage, and Adjusted EBITDA. The determination of the amounts that are included or excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures is a matter of management judgment and depends upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts recognized in a given period.

While we have provided a high level reconciliation for the guidance ranges for full year 2025, we are unable to present a more detailed quantitative reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because management cannot reliably predict all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures. The quantitative reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures will be provided for completed annual and quarterly periods, as applicable, calculated in a consistent manner with the quantitative reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures previously reported for completed annual and quarterly periods.

Net Debt is defined as gross principal debt less cash from restricted subsidiaries. Net Leverage is defined as Net Debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA.

EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted by adding provisions for income tax, interest expense, net of interest income, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted for net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, stock-based compensation expenses, pre-tax, start-up expenses, pre-tax, transaction fees, pre-tax, ATM equity program expenses, pre-tax, close-out expenses, pre-tax, other non-cash revenue and expenses, pre-tax, and certain other adjustments as defined from time to time.

Given the nature of our business as a real estate owner and operator, we believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are helpful to investors as measures of our operational performance because they provide an indication of our ability to incur and service debt, to satisfy general operating expenses, to make capital expenditures, and to fund other cash needs or reinvest cash into our business.

We believe that by removing the impact of our asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization) and excluding certain non-cash charges, amounts spent on interest and taxes, and certain other charges that are highly variable from year to year, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide our investors with performance measures that reflect the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, per diem rates and operating costs, providing a perspective not immediately apparent from net income.

The adjustments we make to derive the non-GAAP measures of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude items which may cause short-term fluctuations in income from continuing operations and which we do not consider to be the fundamental attributes or primary drivers of our business plan and they do not affect our overall long-term operating performance.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide disclosure on the same basis as that used by our management and provide consistency in our financial reporting, facilitate internal and external comparisons of our historical operating performance and our business units and provide continuity to investors for comparability purposes.

Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income attributable to GEO adjusted for certain items which by their nature are not comparable from period to period or that tend to obscure GEO’s actual operating performance, including for the periods presented loss on the extinguishment of debt, pre-tax, start-up expenses, pre-tax, transaction fees, pre-tax, ATM equity program expenses, pre-tax, close-out expenses, pre-tax, and tax effect of adjustments to net income attributable to GEO.

Safe-Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and future performance of GEO that involve risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect actual results, including statements regarding GEO’s financial guidance for second quarter and the full year of 2025, statements regarding GEO’s focus on reducing net debt, deleveraging its balance sheet, positioning itself to explore options to return capital to shareholders in the future, making investments to strengthen GEO’s capabilities and deliver expanded detention capacity, secure transportation, and electronic monitoring services, pursuing unprecedented future growth opportunities and significant operational activity, and the upside this could have on GEO’s future financial results and financial guidance, and GEO’s ability to scale up the delivery of diversified services to support the future needs of its government agency partners. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” or “continue” or the negative of such words and similar expressions. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary from current expectations and forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to: (1) GEO’s ability to meet its financial guidance for second quarter and full year 2025 given the various risks to which its business is exposed; (2) GEO’s ability to deleverage and repay, refinance or otherwise address its debt maturities in an amount and on terms commercially acceptable to GEO, and on the timeline it expects or at all; (3) GEO’s ability to identify and successfully complete any potential sales of company-owned assets and businesses or potential acquisitions of assets or businesses on commercially advantageous terms on a timely basis, or at all; (4) changes in federal and state government policy, orders, directives, legislation and regulations that affect public-private partnerships with respect to secure, correctional and detention facilities, processing centers and reentry centers; (5) changes in federal immigration policy; (6) public and political opposition to the use of public-private partnerships with respect to secure correctional and detention facilities, processing centers and reentry centers; (7) any continuing impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on GEO and GEO’s ability to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19; (8) GEO’s ability to sustain or improve company-wide occupancy rates at its facilities; (9) fluctuations in GEO’s operating results, including as a result of contract activations, contract terminations, contract renegotiations, changes in occupancy levels and increases in GEO’s operating costs; (10) general economic and market conditions, including changes to governmental budgets and its impact on new contract terms, contract renewals, renegotiations, per diem rates, fixed payment provisions, and occupancy levels; (11) GEO’s ability to address inflationary pressures related to labor related expenses and other operating costs; (12) GEO’s ability to timely open facilities as planned, profitably manage such facilities and successfully integrate such facilities into GEO’s operations without substantial costs; (13) GEO’s ability to win management contracts for which it has submitted proposals and to retain existing management contracts; (14) risks associated with GEO’s ability to control operating costs associated with contract start-ups; (15) GEO’s ability to successfully pursue growth opportunities and continue to create shareholder value; (16) GEO’s ability to obtain financing or access the capital markets in the future on acceptable terms or at all; and (17) other factors contained in GEO’s Securities and Exchange Commission periodic filings, including its Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports, many of which are difficult to predict and outside of GEO’s control.

View full release here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506965733/en/

Pablo E. Paez, (866) 301 4436
Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations

Source: The GEO Group, Inc.

Snail, Inc. (SNAL) – Strategic Initiatives Gain Traction

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, May 07, 2025

Snail 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.

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.

Favorable content updates. The company recently announced favorable developments that highlight the execution of its strategic initiatives to diversify revenue and drive player engagement. Notably, in April, the company released two new titles under its independent publishing label, Wandering Wizard, and provided new content in Ark: Survival Ascended (ASA) and Bellwright.

Driving player engagement. In April, the company released Eggcellent Adventure on ASA, an Easter themed seasonal event, and launched the Extinction map on Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition. As a reminder, ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition was released in December and gained over 2 million users during the month. In our view, the new content releases are illustrative of its strategic initiatives to enhance player engagement.

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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.

Direct Digital Holdings (DRCT) – Tackling Its Challenges

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, May 07, 2025

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

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

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

Mixed Q1 results. The company reported Q1 revenue of $8.2 million, below our estimate of $10.5 million, and adj. EBITDA loss of $3.0 million, which was in line with our estimate of a loss of $3.1 million. Notably, the variance in revenue was attributed to softness in the company’s sell-side business, which is still recovering from the defamatory article that was released in 2024. Sell-side revenue trends improved from Q4 when taking into account the seasonality strong quarter and influx of $700,000 in Political advertising.

Segment results. The company reported Q1 Buy-side revenue of $6.1 million, an increase of 6.1% over the prior year period and in line with our estimate of $6.5 million. While Sell-side revenue of $2.0 million was lower than our $4.0 million estimate, the segment should improve volume in the second half of the year, which should provide a meaningful step up in revenue.

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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).

FreightCar America (RAIL) – First Quarter Results Exceeded Our Estimates

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, May 07, 2025

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

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

First quarter financial results. FreightCar America reported net income of $1.604 million or $0.05 per share compared to our estimate of $1.223 million or $0.03 per share. The variances to our estimates were largely revenue and margin driven. As expected, revenue and rail car deliveries declined to $96.3 million and 710, respectively, compared to $161.1 million and 1,223 during the first quarter of 2024. Our estimates were $82.5 million and 700. During the quarter, a portion of RAIL’s railcar production capacity was utilized for custom fabrications by its Aftermarket segment. Management expected lower deliveries to be reflected in first quarter revenues. Gross profit and margin improved to $14.4 million and 14.9%, respectively, compared to $11.4 million and 7.1% during the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $7.3 million compared to $6.1 million during the first quarter of 2024. RAIL generated free cash flow of $12.5 million and ended the quarter with $54.1 million in cash.

No Change to 2025 corporate guidance. Railcar deliveries are expected to be in the range of 4,500 to 4,900, revenue is expected to be in the range of $530 million to $595 million, and adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $43 to $49 million. Compared to 2024, railcar deliveries, revenue, and adjusted EBITDA are expected to increase 7.7%, 0.6%, and 7.0%, respectively, at the midpoints of guidance.

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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).

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) – An Exceptional Quarter

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, May 07, 2025

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

Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Exceptional Quarter. Driven by strong project performance and high utilization, as all active dredges were operational, Great Lakes generated exceptional operating results in the quarter, significantly exceeding our, and consensus, estimates. While, planned drydockings will impact future quarters, the $1+ billion backlog and strong operating environment bode well for the Company.

1Q25 Results. Revenue of $242.9 million in 1Q25 was up 22.3% from $198.7 million in 1Q24, and above our $215.5 million estimate. Gross margin improved to 28.6% from 22.9% last year and our 21.1% estimate. Adjusted EBITDA was $60.1 million versus $42.9 million in 1Q24 and our $39.5 million estimate. Net income for 1Q25 totaled $33.4 million, or $0.49/sh, up from $21.0 million and $0.31/sh last year. We had an estimated net income of $17 million or $0.25/sh.

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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).

Commercial Vehicle Group (CVGI) – First Look at 1Q25

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, May 07, 2025

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

Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Performance Continues to Struggle. First quarter revenue declined 12.7% to $169.8 million from $194.6 million during the same prior year period. The revenue outperformed our estimate of $160.0 million. Operating income and adjusted operating income of $1.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively, decreased by $3.1 million and $4.2 million. Net loss totaled $3.1 million, or $0.09/share, and adjusted net loss totaled $2.6 million, or $0.08/share. Adjusted EBITDA declined to $5.8 million from $9.7 million.

Continued Headwinds. 2025 continues the trends of last year, with challenging global construction and agricultural end markets and lower customer demand across all segments. Furthermore, the recent policy changes and subsequent economic environment have temporarily driven further market confusion. ACT Research projects 2025 North American Class 8 truck production levels to be around 255,000 units compared to 333,372 in 2024, while the Construction and Agriculture markets are projected to be down 5-15% in 2025.

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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).

U.S. Oil Production May Have Peaked, Diamondback Energy CEO Warns

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

U.S. oil production is approaching a turning point, according to Diamondback Energy CEO Travis Stice. In a letter to shareholders this week, Stice warned that domestic output has likely peaked and will begin to decline in the coming months, citing falling crude prices and slowing industry activity as key factors.

“U.S. onshore oil production has likely peaked and will begin to decline this quarter,” Stice wrote. “We are at a tipping point for U.S. oil production at current commodity prices.”

The warning comes as U.S. crude prices have dropped roughly 17% this year, weighed down by fears of a global economic slowdown tied to President Donald Trump’s renewed tariffs and an aggressive supply push from OPEC+ producers. Prices for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude briefly surged 4% on Tuesday to $59.56 per barrel amid expectations that U.S. supply will tighten.

Stice emphasized that adjusted for inflation, oil is now cheaper than it has been in nearly every quarter since 2004—excluding the pandemic collapse in 2020. That pricing reality, he said, is forcing producers to slash spending and slow operations, threatening broader economic impacts.

Diamondback, a major producer in the Permian Basin and one of the largest independent oil companies in the U.S., has already reduced its capital spending by $400 million for the year. The company now plans to drill between 385 to 435 wells and complete 475 to 550, while maintaining reduced rig and crew levels.

“We’ve dropped three rigs and one completion crew, and expect to stay at those levels for most of Q3,” Stice said.

The U.S. shale boom of the last 15 years helped make the country the world’s top fossil fuel producer, outpacing even Saudi Arabia and Russia. That shift reshaped the U.S. economy, reduced reliance on foreign energy, and strengthened national security. But Stice now warns that this progress is at risk.

“Today’s prices, volatility and macroeconomic uncertainty have put this progress in jeopardy,” he said.

Fracking activity is already falling sharply. The number of completion crews is down 15% nationwide and 20% in the Permian Basin since January, Stice said. Oil-directed drilling rigs are expected to drop nearly 10% by the end of Q2, with further declines projected in the third quarter.

Adding to the pressure are rising costs tied to tariffs. Stice said Trump’s steel tariffs have added around $40 million annually to Diamondback’s expenses, raising well costs by about 1%. While some of this impact may be offset by operational efficiencies, the CEO warned that sustaining current output levels at lower prices may no longer be financially viable.

Stice likened the situation to approaching a red light while driving: “We are taking our foot off the accelerator. If the light turns green, we’ll hit the gas again—but we’re prepared to brake if needed.”

As the U.S. energy sector confronts an increasingly uncertain landscape, the prospect of declining domestic production is no longer just a possibility—it’s becoming a reality.

Release – CVG Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Posted on May 6, 2025May 7, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on CVGI

May 6, 2025

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First quarter sales of $170 million, EPS of $(0.09), Adjusted EBITDA of $5.8 million
Significantly improved free cash flow enables further debt paydown
Updates guidance for full year 2025

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVG (NASDAQ: CVGI), a diversified industrial products and services company, today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

During the quarter, the Company completed a strategic reorganization of its operations into three segments: Global Seating, Global Electrical Systems, and Trim Systems and Components. The results and comparisons presented below reflect continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

First Quarter 2025 Highlights (Results from Continuing Operations; compared with prior year, where comparisons are noted)

Revenues of $169.8 million, down 12.7%, primarily due to softening in global Construction and Agriculture markets and North America Class 8 truck demand.
Operating income of $1.4 million, adjusted operating income of $2.1 million, down compared to operating income of $4.5 million and adjusted operating income of $6.3 million. The decrease in operating income was driven primarily by lower sales volumes offset by reductions in SG&A expense.
Net loss from continuing operations of $3.1 million, or $(0.09) per diluted share and adjusted net loss of $2.6 million, or $(0.08) per diluted share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $1.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share and adjusted net income of $2.8 million, or $0.08 per diluted share.
Adjusted EBITDA of $5.8 million, down 40.2%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 3.4%, down from 5.0%.
Free cash flow of $11.2 million, up $17.7 million, due to better working capital management. Net debt decreased $11.7 million compared to the year end 2024 level.
Gross margin expansion of 250 basis points versus Q4 2024 due to operational efficiency improvements and conclusion of one-time cost drivers from 2024.

James Ray, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our first quarter results demonstrate sequential improvement in margins and free cash flow. Cash generation and debt paydown remain key priorities for CVG, as we look to build on our strong free cash performance in the first quarter through further margin improvement, working capital reduction, and reduced capital expenditures. We are beginning to see the benefits of efforts made in 2024, including strategic divestments of non-core businesses, to transform CVG. These divestitures, as well as our priority on improving operational efficiency, have allowed us to streamline operations, lower our cost structure, and drive cash generation to pay down debt. Despite industry-wide and global macroeconomic headwinds, we are prioritizing strong execution from the top down within CVG focused on cost mitigation, margin improvement, and operational efficiency.”

Mr. Ray continued, “The actions we took last year position us well for the future. Change management is always difficult, and I would personally like to thank the entire CVG team for their efforts throughout the process. I would like to thank Bob Griffin, our current Chairman, for his contributions to CVG’s strategic goals and priorities over the years. I am also excited to continue working with Bill Johnson, a current board member who is expected to become the Chairman of the Board following Mr. Griffin’s retirement, effective May 15, 2025. While we acknowledge the current macroeconomic uncertainties and geopolitical environment, the transformation undertaken in 2024 makes CVG a lower cost, more nimble company, better positioned to navigate these challenges. We are committed to execution, delivery, and driving operational efficiency, while managing the potential impact of trade policy.”

Andy Cheung, Chief Financial Officer, added, “We are encouraged by the quarter-over-quarter improvement in our financial performance, as we start to see the benefits of our strategic portfolio realignment and operational efficiency efforts. However, given the economic environment and policy concerns, we are adjusting our outlook to reflect current market conditions. Our focused portfolio, now more closely aligned with our customers through our re-segmentation, positions us for improved value capture as end markets recover.”

First Quarter Financial Results from Continuing Operations
(amounts in millions except per share data and percentages)

Consolidated Results from Continuing Operations

First Quarter 2025 Results

First quarter 2025 revenues were $169.8 million, compared to $194.6 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 12.7%. The overall decrease in revenues was due to lower sales as a result of a softening in customer demand across all segments.
Operating income in the first quarter 2025 was $1.4 million compared to $4.5 million in the prior year period. The decrease in operating income was attributable to the impact of lower sales volumes. First quarter 2025 adjusted operating income was $2.1 million, compared to $6.3 million in the prior year period.
Interest associated with debt and other expenses was $2.5 million and $2.2 million for the first quarter 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Net loss from continuing operations was $3.1 million, or $(0.09) per diluted share, for the first quarter 2025 compared to net income of $1.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in the prior year period. First quarter 2025 adjusted net loss from continuing operations was $2.6 million, or $(0.08) per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $2.8 million, or $0.08 per diluted share.

On March 31, 2025, the Company had $32.4 million of outstanding borrowings on its U.S. revolving credit facility and no outstanding borrowings on its China credit facility, $20.2 million of cash and $102.5 million of availability from the credit facilities (subject to covenant limitations), resulting in total liquidity of $122.7 million.

First Quarter 2025 Segment Results

Global Seating Segment

Revenues were $73.4 million compared to $80.8 million for the prior year period, a decrease of 9.1%, due to lower sales volume as a result of decreased customer demand.
Operating income was $2.7 million, compared $2.8 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 3.0%, primarily attributable to lower sales volume and increased freight costs. First quarter 2025 adjusted operating income was $2.7 million compared to $2.8 million in the prior year period.

Global Electrical Systems Segment

Revenues were $50.5 million compared to $58.7 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 14.1%, primarily as a result of decreased customer demand.
Operating loss was $0.3 million compared to operating income of $0.4 million in the prior year period. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts. First quarter 2025 adjusted operating income was $0.2 million compared to $1.5 million in the prior year period.

Trim Systems and Components Segment

Revenues were $45.9 million compared to $55.1 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 16.6%, primarily as a result of decreased customer demand.
Operating income was $1.5 million compared to $4.2 million in the prior year period, a decrease of 63.5%. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to lower sales volume and increased freight costs. First quarter 2025 adjusted operating income was $1.6 million compared to $4.7 million in the prior year period.

Outlook

CVG updated the Company’s outlook for the full year 2025, based on current market conditions:

This outlook reflects, among others, current industry forecasts for North America Class 8 truck builds. According to ACT Research, 2025 North American Class 8 truck production levels are expected to be at 255,000 units. The 2024 actual Class 8 truck builds according to the ACT Research was 332,372 units.

Construction and Agriculture end markets are projected to decline approximately 5-15% in 2025. However, we expect the contribution from new business wins outside of Construction and Agriculture end markets in Electrical Systems to soften this decline.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures referenced in this release is included as Appendix A to this release.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss this press release is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET. Management intends to reference the Q1 2025 Earnings Call Presentation during the conference call. To participate, dial (800) 549-8228 using conference code 57416. International participants dial (289) 819-1520 using conference code 57416.

This call is being webcast and can be accessed through the “Investors” section of CVG’s website at ir.cvgrp.com, where it will be archived for one year.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available for a period of two weeks following the call. To access the replay, dial (888) 660-6264 using access code 57416#.

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

CVG is a global provider of systems, assemblies and components to the global commercial vehicle market and the electric vehicle market. 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.

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, changes in the Class 8 and Class 5-7 North America truck build rates, performance of the global construction and agricultural equipment business, the Company’s prospects in the wire harness, 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.

Other Information

Throughout this document, certain numbers in the tables or elsewhere may not sum due to rounding. Rounding may have also impacted the presentation of certain year-on-year percentage changes.

View full release here.

Source: Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Release – Direct Digital Holdings Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Posted on May 6, 2025May 7, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on DRCT

May 06, 2025 4:05 pm EDT Download as PDF

Enhanced Buy-Side Revenue Demonstrating Business Segment Growth as Orange 142 Scales

19% Reduction in Operating Expenses Compared with 1Q24 Driven by Strategic Cost Saving Initiatives

Entered New Strategic Partnerships to Diversify and Expand Addressable Market

HOUSTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRCT) (“Direct Digital Holdings” or the “Company”), a leading advertising and marketing technology platform operating through its companies Colossus Media, LLC (“Colossus SSP”) and Orange 142, LLC (“Orange 142”), today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Mark D. Walker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “As we begin to move through 2025, we are focused on continuing to scale our buy-side solution while simultaneously rebuilding our sell-side business. During the first quarter, which is historically our weakest quarter, we recognized consolidated revenue of $8.2 million, supported primarily by buy-side revenue of $6.1 million which was up 6% compared to the prior year. Sequentially, first quarter sell-side revenue of $2.0 million is relatively comparable to fourth quarter 2024 sell-side revenue of $2.7 million, an encouraging trend given that (1) fourth quarter is typically the strongest quarter for the sell-side business based on seasonality and (2) our 2024 fourth quarter included $0.7 million of political spend. In the first quarter of 2025, we saw the continued impact of the disruption of our sell-side business in 2024, however, we are pleased by the ongoing commitment of our agency, brand and publisher partners to resume or increase activity with the Company once direct connections are fully integrated in the second half of 2025, and we are working diligently to restore this segment to previous levels.

“Our focus in 2025 is on driving growth and value for our shareholders,” Mr. Walker continued. “We’ve launched several initiatives to drive our progress, including revenue optimization efforts to diversify our revenue base and cost saving initiatives to drive reductions in operating expenses and enhance operational efficiencies. In the first quarter of 2025, we reduced operating expenses by nearly $1.5 million, or approximately 19% when compared to the first quarter of 2024. We continue to evaluate the optimal personnel and cost structure for our business.

“At the business unit level, the unification of our two buy side divisions into Orange 142 has allowed us to better service the small to mid-sized partners who represent a significant growth opportunity for our business. Moreover, our Colossus Connections, launched in the third quarter of 2024 to accelerate direct integration efforts with leading demand-side platforms, is progressing well, and as previously reported, we signed up two of the leading marketplace partners and we recently added two additional mid-tier partners who are near completion with integration. We expect to see the impact of these new partners on our revenues in the second half of 2025 once integration has been completed,” Mr. Walker stated.

“With our current visibility, we maintain our current revenue guidance of $90 million to $110 million for the full fiscal year of 2025 supported by growth across both our buy-side and sell-side segments. There is still a great deal of work to be done in a challenging and uncertain time, but we believe that we are well positioned with a revitalized model, prudent cost management strategies, and strong demand for our products and services to drive growth and value as we navigate the business back to profitability,” Mr. Walker concluded.

Keith Smith, President, commented, “We remain focused on strategically recalibrating and enhancing our business model to capitalize on new opportunities and meet the demands of our diverse partners. We faced significant challenges in 2024, and we are now emerging as a stronger, more nimble business intent on continuing to scale and expand our offerings. From a liquidity perspective, we continue to explore strategic opportunities to support key growth initiatives and drive long term value for our shareholders.”

First Quarter 2025 Highlights

Processed approximately 188 billion average monthly impressions through the sell-side advertising segment.
Sell-side advertisers increased 13% compared to the first quarter of 2024.
Sell-side media properties of 24,000 average per month in the first quarter of 2025 decreased 8% compared to the first quarter of 2024, increased 20% over the same period in 2023, and decreased 15% sequentially compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.
Buy-side advertising segment served over 220 customers in the first quarter of 2025.
Buy-side advertising revenue for the first quarter of 2025 included $1.2 million from customers in new verticals.
Continued to consider strategic opportunities to support key growth initiatives and drive long term value for shareholders.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Revenue of $8.2 million decreased 63% compared to $22.3 million in the first quarter of 2024.
Sell-side advertising segment revenue of $2.0 million decreased 88% compared to $16.5 million in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in sell-side advertising revenue was primarily related to a decrease in impression inventory when compared to the first quarter of 2024.
Buy-side advertising segment revenue of $6.1 million increased 6% compared to $5.8 million in the same period of 2024.
Gross profit was $2.4 million, or 29% of revenue, compared to $5.0 million, or 22% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2024.
Operating expenses of $6.3 million decreased $1.5 million, or 19%, compared with $7.8 million in the same period of 2024. The reduction in operating expenses was primarily driven by decreased payroll costs related to the Company’s internal reorganization and cost saving measures to lower certain ongoing expenses.
Operating loss was $3.9 million, compared to operating loss of $2.8 million in the prior year period.
Net loss was $5.9 million compared to net loss of $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA1 loss was $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to a loss of $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2024.
As of March 31, 2025, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $1.8 million compared to $1.4 million as of December 31, 2024.

Financial Outlook

Based on current visibility and subject to general market factors, the Company is maintaining its full year guidance of $90 million to $110 million for full year 2025. This target is based on the expectation of consolidated revenue growth compared to full year 2024 driven by enhanced buy-side activity through Orange 142 and the ongoing recovery of the Company’s sell-side business rebuilds to historical revenue levels.

Diana Diaz, Chief Financial Officer, stated, “Our focus continues to be on optimizing performance, reducing our cost structure, and driving efficiencies as we navigate the business back to profitability. With our visibility today, we believe that we are well positioned to achieve our financial goals for the fiscal year.”

Conference Call and Webcast Details

Direct Digital will host a conference call today, May 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s first quarter 2025 financial results. The live webcast and replay can be accessed at https://ir.directdigitalholdings.com/. Please access the website at least fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot access the webcast, a replay will be available at https://ir.directdigitalholdings.com/ for a period of twelve months.

__________________________________

¹“Adjusted EBITDA” and “Adjusted Operating Expenses” are non-GAAP financial measures. The section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below describes our usage of non-GAAP financial measures and provides reconciliations between historical GAAP and non-GAAP information contained in this press release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

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

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

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

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

About Direct Digital Holdings

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

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

View full release here.

Contacts:

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/direct-digital-holdings-reports-first-quarter-2025-financial-results-302447736.html

SOURCE Direct Digital Holdings

Released May 6, 2025

Release – Buffalo’s Cafe Announces Expansion of Fast Casual Model in France

Posted on May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on FAT

05/06/2025

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All-American Wing Chain to Open 10 Locations in Country over Next Three Years

LOS ANGELES, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Buffalo’s Cafe and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces the expansion of Buffalo’s Cafe in France in partnership with the group behind Big M CIE, opening 10 units in the country with the first three units set to open by 2026. To coincide with the new locations, the beloved wing brand is unveiling a fast casual model with a smaller footprint to position itself for greater growth across the globe.

“The launch of a new Buffalo’s Cafe fast casual model in France represents a significant milestone in our growth trajectory of the brand, and opens up the door to additional expansion opportunities,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Co-CEO and Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “This announcement also follows Medhi Bella and his team signing a commitment to open 30 Fatburger locations across France—opening a total of 40 locations with FAT Brands. We see a bright future ahead with this partnership as we continue to grow our iconic, all-American brands in the country.”

For 40 years, Buffalo’s Cafe has been known for its authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings, house-made wing sauces and family-friendly environment.

For more information on Buffalo’s Cafe, visit www.buffalos.com.

###

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

About Buffalo’s Cafe

Founded in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia, the family-themed casual dining chain, known for its world-famous chicken wings and 18 unique homemade wing sauces, burgers, wraps, steaks, and salads has been serving fresh southwestern themed cuisine for 40 years. Featuring a full bar and table service, Buffalo’s Cafe offers an unparalleled dining experience affording friends and family the flexibility to enjoy an intimate dinner together or to casually catch the next sporting event while enjoying robust menu offerings. Buffalo’s – Where Everyone Is Family™. For more information, visit www.buffalos.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings and area development agreements. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we” or “our”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509

Source: FAT Brands Inc.

Release – Century Lithium Provides Technical Update on Angel Island

Posted on May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on CYDVF

May 6, 2025 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (“Century Lithium” or “the Company”) is pleased to provide an update on its 100%-owned lithium project, Angel Island (“Angel Island”) near Silver Peak, Nevada and the associated Lithium Extraction Facility (“Demonstration Plant”) in Amargosa Valley, Nevada.

“Century Lithium has continued to advance Angel Island through the Company’s Demonstration Plant,” said Bill Willoughby, Century Lithium President and CEO. “Our Demonstration Plant allows us to improve our technology through various avenues of testing, most recently with ARi, where recent results have exceeded our expectations.”

Advancements to the Demonstration Plant

Century Lithium has successfully completed testing at the Demonstration Plant in collaboration with Amalgamated Research, LLC (“ARi”) of Twin Falls, Idaho. This testing focused on new developments within the Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) portion of Century Lithium’s process. These results exceeded expectations for lithium recovery and eluate grade produced from a primary step in the DLE process. The Company believes this could result in a substantial reduction in the estimated capital and operating costs at Angel Island.

Results from DLE Pilot Testing (November 2024–January 2025):

328 milligrams per liter (“mg/L”) lithium feed concentration
91.6% lithium recovery
575 mg/L eluate grade with a low Na:Li ratio of 0.6:1

Additional Technical Progress at the Demonstration Plant

An increase of lithium in eluate to 12 to 14 grams per liter (“g/L”) lithium concentration using specialty membranes in the concentration steps following DLE
Continued operation of the lithium carbonate (“Li₂CO₃”) circuit, resulting in 99.87% purity in Li₂CO₃samples
Third-party evaluation is underway on Li₂CO₃ samples for use in producing lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”) batteries. LFP batteries have a high energy density and long cycle life and are used in solar, energy storage systems and long-range EV applications
Testing is underway for thermal pretreatment of Angel Island clay with the potential to significantly reduce hydrochloric acid use in the leach stage of processing

Qualified Person

Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP and Senior Vice President, Metallurgy of Century Lithium is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information in this release.

ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.

Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its wholly owned Angel Island project in Esmeralda County, Nevada, which hosts one of the largest sedimentary lithium deposits in the United States. The Company has utilized its patent-pending process for chloride leaching combined with direct lithium extraction to make battery-grade lithium carbonate product samples from Angel Island’s lithium-bearing claystone on-site at its Demonstration Plant in Amargosa Valley, Nevada.

Angel Island is one of the few advanced lithium projects in development in the United States to provide an end-to-end process to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market. Angel Island is currently in the permitting stage for a three-phase feasibility-level production plan expected to yield an estimated life-of-mine average of 34,000 tonnes per year of carbonate over a 40-year mine-life.

To learn more, please visit centurylithium.com

ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.

WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE
President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:
Spiros Cacos | Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: +1 604 764 1851
Toll Free: 1 800 567 8181
scacos@centurylithium.com
centurylithium.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company’s future development plans.

These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein. These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Aurania Resources (AUIAF) – Aurania Closes Final Tranche of Private Placement Financing

Posted on May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, May 06, 2025

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

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

Private placement financing. Aurania Resources closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement financing. A total of 2,569,022 units of the company were sold under the second tranche at a price of C$0.30 per unit. Including the first tranche which closed on April 17, Aurania issued 5,751,921 units for gross proceeds of C$1,725,577. Net proceeds will be used to fund general working capital needs and may be used to pay mineral concession fees in Ecuador.

Terms of the offering. Each unit is composed of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of C$0.55 for a period of 24 months following the closing of the date of issuance.

Get the Full Report

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

V2X, Inc. (VVX) – Solid 1Q25, Expanding Opportunities

Posted on May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, May 06, 2025

V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.

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

Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Strategy Working. V2X’s unique full-lifecycle, mission-driven strategy is working, resulting in not only an expanded opportunity set but significantly larger individual opportunities than in the past. The Company’s focus on enhancing mission effectiveness, extending asset utilization, reducing costs, and improving security and mission outcomes dovetails nicely with the focus of the DoD and the current Administration.

1Q25 Results. Revenue came in at $1.015 billion compared to $1.01 billion in 1Q24 and our $1.04 billion estimate, with 10% y-o-y growth in Indopacom the driver. Adjusted EBITDA was $67 million, down slightly from $69 million last year and in-line with our estimate. Adjusted EPS was $0.98, up from $0.90 last year and our $0.89 estimate.

Get the Full Report

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