Office Depot, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, supplies a range of office products and services. It offers merchandise, such as general office supplies, computer supplies, business machines and related supplies, and office furniture through its chain of office supply stores under the Office Depot, Foray, Ativa, Break Escapes, Worklife, and Christopher Lowell brand names. The company also provides graphic design, printing, reproduction, mailing, shipping, and other services through design, print, and ship centers. It has operations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Central America. The company also sells its products and services through direct mail catalogs, contract sales force, Internet sites, and retail stores, through a mix of company-owned operations, joint ventures, licensing and franchise agreements, alliances, and other arrangements. As of December 31, 2008, Office Depot operated 1,267 North American retail division office supply stores and 162 international division retail stores, as well as participated under licensing and merchandise arrangements in 98 stores. The company was founded in 1986 and is based in Boca Raton, Florida.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
New Partnership. The ODP Corporation continued its B2B push with the signing of a new partnership agreement with CoreTrust. The agreement marks the latest in a series of new contracts for ODP Business Solutions, moving the segment into new, growing industries. Through this partnership, ODP Business Solutions will offer products and services to CoreTrust’s 3,500+ business member purchasing collective, which serves major industries including retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and finance.
Details. Under the contract, ODP Business Solutions will supply CoreTrust members with high-quality solutions, including interiors/furniture, technology, breakroom supplies, and paint, promotion, and apparel services at an exceptional value. These categories are expected to expand industry wide by a 4-6% compound annual growth rate over the next five years.
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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.
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Improved Metrics. While fourth quarter revenue was down on a reported basis, it was in-line with our expectations and at the upper-end of management’s $57-$58 million guidance. Importantly, ISG delivered an improved gross margin of 41.5% from 38.3% last year due to higher utilization and the sale of its automation unit. Flowing through to the bottom line, adjusted EBITDA had an improved margin of 11.3% from 8.9% last year.
A Year of Headwinds. Fiscal year 2024 was highlighted by headwinds for the Company, as its clients delayed decision making throughout the year. Uncertainty regarding the macroenvironment, geopolitical conflict in Europe, and political uncertainty impacted spending in 2024.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
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.
Focus on rebuilding revenue. Over the past several months, the company has been focused on diversifying its revenue streams as it rebuilds revenue. Prior to Q3, the company’s largest sell-side customer accounted for roughly 80% of the segment’s revenue. After the large client reduced volume, negatively impacting Q3 results, the company is focused on not letting any one client comprise more than 20% – 30% of revenue.
New joint venture. On March 5, the company announced a new joint venture, Teranexa, with Green Tea Technology. This venture is focused on utilizing AI to improve efficiencies in small and medium-sized cities. Notably, Teranexa will combine the company’s data monetization expertise with Green Tea’s experience in IT project deployment, leveraging its partner network of IBM and HPE.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Investor webinar. On March 6, Comstock hosted a webinar to discuss the company’s full year 2024 results and provided a comprehensive business update. Management highlighted significant accomplishments achieved in 2024 and its plans for 2025.
Upcoming events. While Comstock summarized corporate and subsidiary-level objectives for 2025, we view several as significant. These include: 1) Comstock Fuels’ completion of offtake, joint development, and warrant agreements with Marathon Petroleum Corporation on or before June 30, 2025, 2) completion of a Comstock Fuels Series A financing during the second quarter, 3) construction of Comstock Metals’ first large-scale recycling facility at a cost of $6 million, 4) advancement of project level financing for subsidiary projects, and 5) the sale of Comstock’s properties and water rights in Silver Springs, Nevada in the latter part of 2025.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Key Points: – Rocket Companies has announced a $1.75 billion all-stock acquisition of real estate brokerage Redfin. – Redfin’s stock surged over 76%, while Rocket’s shares dropped by 10% following the announcement. – The merger aims to streamline the home-buying process by integrating mortgage lending, brokerage, and real estate listings into one ecosystem.
Rocket Companies, a leading mortgage lender, has announced plans to acquire digital real estate brokerage Redfin in an all-stock transaction valued at $1.75 billion. The move seeks to integrate home search, brokerage services, mortgage lending, and title services under one platform, creating a more seamless and cost-efficient home-buying experience for consumers.
The acquisition is positioned as a strategic effort to modernize and consolidate the fragmented home-buying process. Rocket CEO Varun Krishna emphasized the inefficiencies in the current system, where home search, brokerage, mortgage, and title services exist in separate ecosystems. By combining Rocket’s mortgage and financing capabilities with Redfin’s online brokerage and home search platform, the companies aim to streamline the process and reduce transaction costs, which currently total around 10% of a home’s price.
Redfin, founded in 2004, operates a technology-driven real estate platform with over one million for-sale and rental listings and employs more than 2,200 agents. Rocket Companies, best known for its Rocket Mortgage brand, sees the acquisition as a natural fit to leverage artificial intelligence and automation to accelerate the homebuying process.
Following the announcement, Redfin shares skyrocketed by over 76%, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the deal’s potential to reshape the real estate industry. Meanwhile, Rocket’s stock fell by 10%, as investors weighed the financial implications of the transaction. The deal values Redfin at $12.50 per share, a 115% premium over its last closing price before the announcement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Redfin shareholders will receive approximately 0.8 shares of Rocket stock for each share of Redfin they own. Once the deal is finalized, current Rocket shareholders will own about 95% of the combined company, with Redfin shareholders controlling the remaining 5%. Rocket shareholders will also receive a special dividend of $0.80 per share.
The companies project that the merger will generate $200 million in cost synergies by 2027, including $140 million in operational efficiencies and an additional $60 million from enhanced collaboration between Redfin’s agents and Rocket’s financing platform. By aligning these services, the combined company aims to close home transactions faster and provide a more seamless customer experience.
Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman will continue to lead the business post-merger and will report directly to Rocket CEO Varun Krishna. The deal has been approved by both companies’ boards and is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.
This acquisition comes at a time of volatility in the housing market, with high mortgage rates and tight housing supply impacting affordability. Redfin’s stock, once trading near $96 per share at its pandemic peak in 2021, has struggled in the higher-rate environment. Rocket Companies, which went public in 2020, has similarly faced headwinds as mortgage demand has declined.
By integrating home search and mortgage lending, Rocket and Redfin could provide consumers with a more efficient home-buying experience. However, questions remain about execution risks and how regulators will view the increased consolidation of real estate services.
Key Points: – The 10-year yield is falling, signaling potential economic concerns. – Value stocks are holding up, but major indices are down, with only the Dow managing gains. – The inverted yield curve historically precedes recessions, though recent history has offered mixed signals. – While small caps have been under pressure, they could present attractive investment opportunities.
As treasury yields decline and the stock market falters, investors are left wondering: Is the U.S. heading into a recession? The market rally that defined much of last year has faded as interest rate cuts have come to a halt, leading to renewed concerns about economic contraction. Historically, the bond market has been a reliable predictor of recessions, and with the longest lasting inverted yield curve ending in late August 2024, suggests that investors should take notice.
The Yield Curve’s Recession Warning
One of the most closely watched economic indicators is the yield curve—the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates on U.S. government bonds. Typically, longer-term bonds carry higher yields than short-term ones. However, when the yield curve inverts, meaning short-term bonds yield more than long-term ones, it has historically signaled an impending recession.
The record for the longest inverted yield curve was broken in August 2024 with 793 days. The previous record stood at 624 days set in 1979. This is significant because, throughout history, an inverted yield curve has been a highly accurate predictor of recessions. In nearly every case, when the yield curve inverts, a recession follows within 12-18 months. The exception was four years ago when the yield curve inverted three times, yet no recession materialized. The key question now is whether this time will follow historical norms or diverge as it did in the recent past.
Stock Market Implications
The stock market is showing signs of strain. While value stocks are holding up relatively well, major indices have struggled. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have been in the red, with only the Dow managing to stay in positive territory. This weakness across equities suggests investors are reassessing risk and economic growth prospects.
A falling 10-year yield often signals that investors are seeking safety in government bonds, rather than taking on risk in equities. This shift in sentiment could reflect a broader concern about future economic growth and corporate earnings.
Why Small Caps Could Be a Smart Play
Small-cap stocks, often seen as more economically sensitive, have been particularly vulnerable in the current environment. Unlike large-cap stocks, which can better weather economic downturns due to stronger balance sheets and diversified revenue streams, small-cap companies tend to struggle when borrowing costs are high and consumer demand weakens. However, this very weakness can present opportunity.
Historically, small-cap stocks have tended to perform well coming out of economic slowdowns or recessions. When the Federal Reserve eventually pivots toward cutting interest rates again, small caps could benefit significantly from lower borrowing costs and increased economic activity. Additionally, small-cap stocks tend to be more attractively valued in uncertain times, making them a potential area of opportunity for investors willing to take a longer-term perspective.
Consumer Debt and Economic Strain
Another factor adding to recession fears is the state of U.S. consumer debt. Credit card balances have reached record highs, and with interest rates at their highest levels in decades, the burden on consumers is intensifying. High consumer debt combined with rising delinquencies could lead to reduced consumer spending, which is a major driver of the U.S. economy.
Are We Headed for a Recession?
While no indicator can predict the future with absolute certainty, the current economic signals are concerning. The longest inverted yield curve in the rearview mirror, declining treasury yields, stock market weakness, and record-high consumer debt all point to potential economic troubles ahead. If history is any guide, the U.S. could be facing a slowdown or even a recession in the coming months. However, for investors, this may also present opportunities—particularly in areas like small-cap stocks, which historically rebound strongly as economic conditions improve.
Investors should remain cautious but also look for potential value plays in the small-cap space, as these stocks may offer upside once the market begins to stabilize. As always, diversification and a long-term approach remain key to navigating uncertain times.
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CoreCivic, Inc. (NYSE: CXW) (CoreCivic or the Company) announced today that, effective March 17, 2025, Dawn Smith, Stacey Tank, and Nina Tran will be appointed as independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the Board), expanding the Board from eleven to fourteen directors, thirteen of whom have been determined by the Board to be independent. CoreCivic’s new board members are expected to join various board committees in the future.
Additionally, on March 7, 2025, Robert Dennis notified the Company of his intent not to stand for re-election as a member of the Board at the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting). The Company previously announced on February 27, 2025, that Anne L. Mariucci also notified the Company of her intent not to stand for re-election as a member of the Board at the Annual Meeting. Ms. Mariucci and Mr. Dennis will serve their remaining terms and will resign from the Board, including from service on the Board’s various committees, at the Annual Meeting. The size of the Board will be reduced to twelve at the Annual Meeting.
“We are excited to have Dawn, Stacey, and Nina join our Board,” said Damon Hininger, CoreCivic’s Chief Executive Officer. “Each brings unique skills and vision to our Board. Dawn has a deep background in corporate law, operational leadership and information technology. Stacey holds executive leadership positions in both commercial and non-profit entities, and has leadership experience at large publicly-traded companies. Nina brings decades of financial and accounting expertise and executive leadership with a focus on real estate.”
“We are also extremely grateful for the valuable contributions and long service of our board members, Anne Mariucci and Bob Dennis, who have been on CoreCivic’s board for 13 years and 12 years, respectively. We believe the Company truly is better for their counsel through many transformational years, and we wish them well.”
S. Dawn Smith, 61, serves as President of Cologix, Inc. (Cologix) since August 2018 and was formerly its President and Chief Operating Officer. At Cologix, she has responsibility for driving all aspects of design, construction, engineering, and operations of the firm’s extensive infrastructure of secure, hyperscale edge data center sites and solutions. Additionally, Ms. Smith is responsible for the IT, legal, HR and procurement functions at Cologix. She previously served as the executive vice president and chief legal officer of McAfee, where she led the legal and government relations organization globally. Prior to McAfee, Ms. Smith was the senior vice president and chief legal officer at VMware. She previously served in legal advisory roles at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and as a partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, where she practiced for nearly a decade in corporate and securities law, including mergers and acquisitions, public company corporate governance, compliance, and venture capital transactions. Also, Ms. Smith served in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program which manages the design, construction, and operation of nuclear-powered ships and facilities. She currently serves on the board of directors of Health Catalyst, Inc. Ms. Smith holds a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy, an M.B.A. from Providence College, and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.
Stacey Tank, 43, currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Bespoke Beauty Brands, a role she has held since September 2023. Additionally, Ms. Tank is a Board Member at Interior Logic Group, Inc., where she serves on the Audit and Compliance committees. Previously, Ms. Tank served as Chief Transformation Officer of the Heineken Company and at The Home Depot, her responsibilities included leading the multi-billion-dollar Home Depot Installation Services and Home Depot Measurement Services businesses. She also served as President of The Home Depot Foundation. Ms. Tank is the Founder and CEO of Our Happy Place, a non-profit focused on childhood mental wellness. Ms. Tank is a fellow at the Aspen Institute and the World Economic Forum and holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management and Television-Radio-Film from Syracuse University.
Nina A. Tran, 56, currently serves as a board member of American Asset Trust, a publicly-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) where she also serves on the Audit and Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee. Ms. Tran also currently serves as a director and is the audit committee chairperson of both Compass Datacenters and Catalyst Impact Fund. Currently, Ms. Tran is an advisor to Roofstock, Inc., a leading proptech platform for single-family rental investors. From March 2021 until December 2022, Ms. Tran served as the chief financial officer for Pacaso, a real estate technology company focused on second home co-ownership. From 2016 to 2021, Ms. Tran was the chief financial officer at Veritas Investments, Inc., an owner and manager of mixed-use real estate properties. From 2013 to 2016, Ms. Tran served as the chief financial officer of Starwood Waypoint Residential Trust, a leading publicly-traded REIT that owns and operates single-family rental homes. Prior to joining Starwood Waypoint, Ms. Tran spent 18 years at Prologis, Inc., the largest publicly-traded global industrial REIT. Ms. Tran served as senior vice president and chief accounting officer, and most recently as chief global process officer, where she helped lead the merger integration between AMB and Prologis. Prior to Prologis, Ms. Tran was a senior associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers. From 2016 to 2024, Ms. Tran served on the board of directors and was the audit committee chairperson of Apartment Income REIT before the company was taken private. Ms. Tran also previously served on the advisory board of the Asian Pacific Fund. Ms. Tran holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at California State University East Bay.
About CoreCivic
CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in flexible, cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, a network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. We are the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities, and believe we are the largest private owner of real estate used by government agencies in the United States. We have been a flexible and dependable partner for government for more than 40 years. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to help government better the public good. Learn more at www.corecivic.com.
Contact:
Investors: Michael Grant – Managing Director, Investor Relations – (615) 263-6957
Media: Steve Owen – Vice President, Communications – (615) 263-3107
Key Points: -The US economy added 151,000 jobs in February, below the expected 160,000 but higher than January’s revised 125,000. – The jobless rate ticked up to 4.1% as labor force participation declined. – Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% month-over-month, signaling a possible slowdown in inflation pressures.
The US labor market continued to show signs of softening in February, with employers adding 151,000 jobs, missing economists’ expectations of 160,000. The unemployment rate rose to 4.1%, up from 4% in January, as the number of job seekers increased while labor force participation declined to 62.4%. This marks a continued trend of moderation in hiring as businesses respond to economic uncertainty and shifting government policies.
Despite the miss on job creation, analysts note that the pace of hiring remains sufficient to maintain employment stability. RSM chief economist Joe Brusuelas described the report as a “Goldilocks” scenario, where job growth is neither too strong nor too weak. He pointed out that maintaining 100,000 to 150,000 new jobs per month is enough to keep the labor market steady.
One of the most notable shifts in February was the decline in federal government employment, which saw a net loss of 10,000 jobs. This aligns with the Trump administration’s push to reduce the size of the federal workforce, a policy that could lead to more widespread job losses in the coming months. Additionally, the number of Americans working multiple jobs rose to a record high of 8.9 million, highlighting concerns over job quality and economic stability.
Wage growth also showed signs of cooling, with average hourly earnings increasing by 0.3% from the previous month, down from January’s 0.4%. On an annual basis, wages rose 4%, slightly lower than the prior month’s 4.1% gain. This moderation could ease inflationary pressures, a key consideration for the Federal Reserve as it weighs future interest rate cuts.
The labor market’s softening is occurring against a backdrop of broader economic uncertainty, fueled by shifting trade policies and corporate cost-cutting measures. The Trump administration’s new tariff policies are aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing, but some industries, such as aluminum production, warn that the measures could lead to job losses. Additionally, major companies, including Goldman Sachs and Disney, have announced significant layoffs, raising concerns that the unemployment rate may continue to climb.
While some sectors, such as healthcare and transportation, continued to add jobs, others showed signs of strain. The household survey, which includes broader employment data, recorded a drop of nearly 600,000 employed individuals, the largest decline in over a year. Moreover, part-time employment for economic reasons increased, pushing the underemployment rate to its highest level since 2021.
Looking ahead, economists will be watching upcoming inflation data and Federal Reserve policy decisions to gauge the trajectory of the labor market. Although investors are still pricing in three rate cuts this year, uncertainty over inflation and labor market conditions could impact the Fed’s timeline. The February jobs report underscores a delicate balancing act for policymakers—supporting economic growth while ensuring inflation remains under control.
RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Lucky Strike Entertainment (NYSE: LUCK), one of the world’s premier operators of location-based entertainment, announced today the progress of its nationwide rebrand initiative. Since the start of 2025, five Bowlero locations have successfully rebranded to Lucky Strike, marking the beginning of a company-wide transformation targeting 13 additional rebrands over the next two months. This evolution represents a heightened focus on guest hospitality, elevated food and beverage menus, and enhanced venue environments designed to create a more immersive and vibrant atmosphere for their guests.
The first phase of the rollout focused on rebranding Lucky Strike Houston, Lucky Strike Atlantic Station, Lucky Strike Mar Vista, Lucky Strike San Marcos, and Lucky Strike Chula Vista, strengthening its presence in major entertainment hubs across Texas, Georgia, and California. Each location has undergone a transformation, introducing a heightened standard of service, an upgraded craft menu, and a refreshed decor with curated playlists to enhance the ambiance of each space. These upgrades complement Lucky Strike’s signature mix of upscale bowling, immersive arcades, and dynamic social spaces, creating an all-encompassing entertainment experience.
With five locations successfully rebranded, Lucky Strike is proceeding into its next phase of rebrands in high-profile markets, including New York City’s Chelsea Piers and Times Square, as well as the Washington, D.C. metro area with Tysons Corner.
“As we continue expanding the Lucky Strike brand, we are committed to more than just entertainment—we are redefining the overall guest experience,” said Thomas Shannon, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Lucky Strike Entertainment. “This transformation is about more than a name change. It’s about creating dynamic social destinations where exceptional service, thoughtfully crafted food and beverage menus, and a vibrant atmosphere come together to set a new industry standard. We are thrilled with the excitement exhibited by our customers around the introduction of Lucky Strike in these key markets and can’t wait to ramp up this initiative to introduce this special brand to more cities across the country.”
To celebrate these rebrands, Lucky Strike will host grand opening events at each location, offering guests a first look at the newly rebranded spaces. These events will feature specialty food and drink samplings, giveaways, and VIP experiences, designed to introduce local communities to Lucky Strike’s elevated entertainment concept.
About Lucky Strike Entertainment
Lucky Strike Entertainment is one of the world’s premier location-based entertainment platforms. With over 360 locations across North America, Lucky Strike Entertainment provides experiential offerings in bowling, amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers. The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions of fans around the globe. For more information on Lucky Strike Entertainment, please visit IR.LuckyStrikeEnt.com.
ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Fourth Quarter Results. Revenue for the quarter totaled $57.8 million, nearing the top of management’s guidance and in-line with our estimate of $58 million. Net income totaled $3.0 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, an improvement from a loss of $2.9 million or $0.06 per share, last year. We estimated a net loss of $0.2 million or breakeven per share. Adjusted EBITDA was $6.5 million, the midpoint of management’s guidance and above our estimate of $6 million.
More Cash in Hand. ISG generated cash from operations of $6.6 million during the quarter, and with the sale of the automation unit last quarter, had total cash on hand of $23.1 million at the end of the quarter, up 138% from the prior quarter. Debt declined to 25% y-o-y to $59.2 million as of December 31, 2024. Management maintained a goal of 2.0-2.5x debt to EBITDA ratio.
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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.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Remain on Track. The first full year of NN’s transformation produced significant results, although the improvements were somewhat obscured in the GAAP reported results. With the successful change in the business trajectory, NN remains on track to achieve its 2028 financial goals of $650 million of net sales, with an adjusted EBITDA margin in the 12-13% range.
More Transformation in 2025. Management is not resting on its laurels. 2025 will continue the transformation plan with specific emphasis on improving or eliminating underperforming business, additional costs out, new business wins, and balance sheet improvement through a debt refinance.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. is a prominent pure-play Capesize shipping company listed in the U.S. capital markets. Seanergy provides marine dry bulk transportation services through a modern fleet of Capesize vessels. The Company’s operating fleet consists of 18 vessels (1 Newcastlemax and 17 Capesize) with an average age of approximately 13.4 years and an aggregate cargo carrying capacity of approximately 3,236,212 dwt. Upon completion of the delivery of the previously announced Capesize vessel acquisition, the Company’s operating fleet will consist of 19 vessels (1 Newcastlemax and 18 Capesize) with an aggregate cargo carrying capacity of approximately 3,417,608 dwt. The Company is incorporated in the Marshall Islands and has executive offices in Glyfada, Greece. The Company’s common shares trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SHIP”.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Fourth quarter financial results. Seanergy Maritime reported fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA and earnings per share (EPS) of $20.4 million and $0.34, respectively, exceeding our estimates of $19.3 million and $0.27. Revenue was modestly above our estimate due to better-than-expected available operating days, while expenses were marginally lower-than-expected, driven by operational efficiencies for voyage and vessel expenses. Operating income was $10.7 million compared to our estimate of $10.1 million.
2025 market outlook. Capesize rates fell in early 2025 due to an increase in the effective supply of vessels caused by low congestion in ports and smaller vessels taking on cargo typically reserved for the Capesize fleet. However, Capesize market rates have since rebounded and are expected to stay relatively steady throughout 2025. Limited new vessel orders and deliveries, increasing environmental regulations, and rising iron ore and bauxite exports are supporting Cape vessel rates amid a broader downturn in the dry-bulk market.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Key Points: – Kestra Medical Technologies has priced its upsized initial public offering (IPO) of 11,882,352 common shares at $17.00 per share, aiming to raise approximately $202 million. – Shares are set to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on March 6, 2025, under the ticker symbol “KMTS.” – Kestra specializes in wearable medical devices and digital healthcare solutions, particularly for cardiovascular disease monitoring and intervention.
Kestra Medical Technologies, a Kirkland, Washington-based company specializing in wearable medical devices and digital healthcare solutions, has announced the pricing of its upsized initial public offering (IPO). The company is offering 11,882,352 common shares at a public offering price of $17.00 per share, with gross proceeds expected to be approximately $202 million, excluding any exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. This option allows underwriters a 30-day period to acquire up to 1,782,352 additional common shares at the IPO price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
Trading of Kestra’s common shares is scheduled to commence on March 6, 2025, on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “KMTS.” The closing of the offering is anticipated to occur on March 7, 2025, contingent upon the fulfillment of customary closing conditions.
The IPO is being led by prominent financial institutions, with BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and Piper Sandler acting as lead bookrunners. Wells Fargo Securities and Stifel are serving as bookrunners, while Wolfe | Nomura Alliance is participating as co-manager for the offering.
Kestra Medical Technologies is a commercial-stage company focused on transforming patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease through intuitive, intelligent, and connected monitoring and therapeutic intervention technologies. Their flagship product, the ASSURE® Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD) system, is designed to provide automatic detection and defibrillation for ventricular arrhythmias, offering a modern approach to sudden cardiac arrest protection. The ASSURE system integrates with the Kestra CareStation™ remote patient data platform, enabling configurable notifications for clinical events and trending of physiological and device data at any time.
The company’s decision to go public comes amid increasing demand for wearable medical technology, particularly in the cardiovascular sector. As heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, there is a growing market for advanced monitoring and intervention solutions. Kestra’s innovative approach to real-time monitoring and emergency response through connected devices positions it as a competitive player in this expanding industry. The funds raised through the IPO will likely support further research and development, product expansion, and potential strategic partnerships to enhance its market presence.
Investors will be closely watching the stock’s performance following its debut on the Nasdaq. Given the strong interest in digital healthcare and the increasing adoption of wearable medical devices, Kestra’s IPO could attract significant attention from both institutional and retail investors. The success of this offering could also signal broader investor confidence in the future of digital health solutions, particularly those that leverage artificial intelligence and real-time data tracking to improve patient outcomes.
