Release – Anticipation Ignites With the Unveiling of a New Bellwright Trailer at the Game Awards

Research News and Market Data on SNAL

December 8, 2023 at 8:08 AM EST

With over 300,000 wishlist additions on Steam, Bellwright is poised to be a game-changer in the survival town building RPG genre

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail” or “the Company”), a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, in collaboration with Donkey Crew, proudly presented a new trailer for its upcoming title, Bellwright, at The Game Awards. Renowned for its dedication to showcasing cutting-edge gaming experiences, this showcase comes a week after the exciting announcement of Bellwright’s debut in Steam Early Access in early 2024 and its successful feature on the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted.

Key Highlights:

Trailer Debut: Snail captivated the audience with the mesmerizing story elements, “You Are The Bellwright” with visually appealing graphics, intricate crafting, and dynamic action and exploration elements. This open-world survival game introduces a medieval setting with a rich and compelling lore, distinguishing itself as a groundbreaking addition to Snail’s portfolio.

Wishlist Milestone: First introduced at the Steam’s Next Fest this summer, now with over 300,000 wishlists on Steam, Bellwright emerges as one of Snail’s most anticipated titles.

Snail’s expertise in the open-world survival gaming niche is exemplified by the strong install base and hours played of the ARK franchise. The unveiling of Bellwright, further underscores Snail’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of open-world survival gaming and solidifies the company’s reputation as a leader in creating immersive and engaging open-world experiences. Bellwright’s medieval backdrop and intricate lore demonstrates the versatility and depth of Snail’s prowess within this gaming genre.

Bellwright Key Features:

Survive and Explore: Engage in a challenging world where gathering, hunting, building, and crafting are essential for survival. Embark on a journey through the land to uncover its secrets and adventures, transcending the oppressive rule of the Crown and its Royal Army.

Conquer and Expand: Rise from a humble camp to become the leader of a rebellion. Strengthen your cause by improving relations with settlements, growing armies, and liberating regions from the Crown’s influence. Gain followers with unique knowledge, unlocking new resources to advance your town’s technologies.

Resource and Town Management: As you free villages from the Crown’s oppression, build, manage, and upgrade your outposts and towns. Organize your workers and train formidable soldiers, fostering the rebellion against the Crown.

Skill-Based Directional Combat: Choose from a diverse array of medieval weapons and armor, honing your unique style in directional combat. From swords and axes to heavy mauls and bows, showcase your skill in battle.

Army Command: Lead your armies strategically, employing cunning tactics to gain an advantage. Customize and train your troops to assert your dominance on the battlefield.

Deep Progression: Enhance your combat and survival skills, train your soldiers, and witness your workers evolve into master craftsmen. Each recruit brings unique knowledge, offering endless growth opportunities.

Story and Roleplay: Unravel family secrets, discover the truth behind the accused murder of the Prince, and navigate the mysteries of the kingdom as you expand your influence.

Early Access on Steam: The game’s Early Access phase on Steam will allow players to shape its development through valuable feedback.

Bellwright is a testament to our unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional open-world survival experiences. Our success with the ARK franchise serves as a foundation for Bellwright, and we are eager to continue to bring innovation to the genre and share this new and captivating journey with our players.” – Jim Tsai, Chief Executive Officer of Snail, Inc.

Watch the Bellwright trailer here!

About Snail, Inc.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Snail’s intent, belief or current expectations. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of Snail’s business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, plans and objectives. The statements Snail makes regarding the following matters are forward-looking by their nature: growth prospects and strategies; launching new games and additional functionality to games that are commercially successful; expectations regarding significant drivers of future growth; its ability to retain and increase its player base and develop new video games and enhance existing games; competition from companies in a number of industries, including other game developers and publishers and both large and small, public and private Internet companies; its relationships with third-party platforms; expectations for future growth and performance; and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

Contacts:

Investors:
investors@snail.com

Press:
media@snail.com 

Release – Comtech Announces Results for its First Quarter of Fiscal 2024 and Provides Second Quarter Fiscal 2024 Financial Targets

Research News and Market Data on CMTL

BY THE COMTECH EDITORIAL TEAM – DEC 7, 2023 | 2 MIN READ

Q1 Consolidated Net Sales Up 2.1% Sequentially to $151.9 Million

Q1 Consolidated Operating Income Up 86.2% Sequentially to $2.1 Million

Q1 Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $18.4 Million, or 12.1% of Consolidated Net Sales

MELVILLE, N.Y. – December 7, 2023– Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) today announced its first quarter fiscal 2024 financial results and provided its second quarter fiscal 2024 financial targets in a letter to shareholders which is now posted to the Investor Relations section of Comtech’s website.

Investors are invited to access the first quarter fiscal 2024 shareholder letter at its web site at comtech.com/investors/. A copy of the letter will also be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Form 8-K.

Comtech also intends to host a previously scheduled earnings conference call at 5:00PM ET today. Individuals can access the conference call by dialing (800) 579-2543 (domestic) or (785) 424-1789 (international) and using the conference I.D. of “Comtech.” A replay of the conference call will be available for two weeks by dialing (888) 219-1269 or (402) 220-4945. A live webcast of the call is also available at comtech.com/investors/.

About Comtech

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions.For more information, please visit www.comtech.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward- looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

PCMTL

Investor Relations

Maria Ceriello

investors@comtech.com

Release – ZyVersa Therapeutics Announces Publication Demonstrating That Plasma Levels of NLRP3 Inflammasomes Correlate with Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Research News and Market Data on ZVSA

Dec 7, 2023

  • Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which affects around 240 million people with Type 2 diabetes worldwide, is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, which requires dialysis or kidney transplant for survival.
  • The article published in Alternative Therapies demonstrates that plasma NLRP3 inflammasomes and their resulting proinflammatory cytokines are significantly elevated in early-stage DKD and that levels progressively increase as kidney function worsens, with highly significant elevations (p<0.01) at each stage of disease.
  • Data suggest that early DKD intervention with inflammasome inhibitors has potential to attenuate disease progression.
  • ZyVersa is developing Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, which inhibits multiple inflammasome pathways (including the inflammasome NLRP3 pathway) to attenuate initiation and perpetuation of damaging inflammation that is pathogenic in DKD and other inflammatory diseases.

WESTON, Fla., Dec. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZVSA, or “ZyVersa”), a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for treatment of renal and inflammatory diseases, announces publication of an article in the peer-reviewed journal, Alternative Therapies, demonstrating that plasma NLRP3 inflammasomes and their resulting proinflammatory cytokines are significantly elevated in early-stage DKD and that levels progressively increase as kidney function worsens.

In the paper titled, “Correlation Between Plasma NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 and Diabetic Nephropathy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes,” the authors evaluated the plasma of 152 patients with type 2 diabetes and DKD stratified by stage of disease (stages 1-5) and 30 patients with type 2 diabetes without kidney disease who serve as controls. Following are key findings reported in the paper:

  • Plasma levels of NLRP3 and proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, and IL-18, were significantly higher than controls in patients in each of the 5 stages of DKD, with progressively higher levels as kidney disease progressed (p<0.01).
  • NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels positively correlated with DKD stage (p= 0.01), based on the Spearman correlation analysis.
  • These data are consistent with other studies demonstrating that inflammation has an important role in the development and progression of DKD.

To read the article, Click Here.

“The research published in Alternative Therapies reinforces the role of inflammasome-driven inflammation in development and progression of DKD, the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease, which requires dialysis or kidney transplant for survival,” commented Stephen C. Glover, ZyVersa’s Co-founder, Chairman, CEO and President. “Although substantial progress has been made in slowing progression of DKD with introduction of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and most recently SGLT2 inhibitors, patients are still progressing to end-stage renal disease. The data published in Alternative Therapies suggest that early DKD intervention with inflammasome inhibitors has potential to help attenuate disease progression.”

About Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100

IC 100 is a novel humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC. IC 100 was designed to attenuate both initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory response. It does so by binding to a specific region of the ASC component of multiple types of inflammasomes, including NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, Pyrin. Intracellularly, IC 100 binds to ASC monomers, inhibiting inflammasome formation, thereby blocking activation of IL-1β early in the inflammatory cascade. IC 100 also binds to ASC Specks, both intracellularly and extracellularly, further blocking activation of IL-1β and the perpetuation of the inflammatory response that is pathogenic in inflammatory diseases. Because active cytokines amplify adaptive immunity through various mechanisms, IC 100, by attenuating cytokine activation, also attenuates the adaptive immune response. To review a white paper summarizing the mechanism of action and preclinical data for IC 100, Click Here.

About ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.

ZyVersa (Nasdaq: ZVSA) is a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies to develop first-in-class drugs for patients with renal and inflammatory diseases who have significant unmet medical needs. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple programs built around its two proprietary technologies – Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 for treatment of kidney diseases, and Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, targeting damaging inflammation associated with numerous CNS and other inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit www.zyversa.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc (“ZyVersa”) uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements are based on ZyVersa’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including ZyVersa’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the timing of initiation of ZyVersa’s planned preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from ZyVersa’s preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; ZyVersa’s plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of ZyVersa’s product candidates; ZyVersa’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; ZyVersa’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; and ZyVersa’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.

New factors emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for ZyVersa to predict all such factors, nor can ZyVersa assess the impact of each such factor on the business 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. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to ZyVersa as of the date of this press release. ZyVersa disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law.

Corporate and IR Contact:
Karen Cashmere
Chief Commercial Officer
kcashmere@zyversa.com
786-251-9641        

Media Contacts
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Casey McDonald
cmcdonald@tiberend.com
646-577-8520

Dave Schemelia
dschemelia@tiberend.com
609-468-9325

Defense Metals Corp. (DFMTF) – Observations from the Phase II Pit Geotechnical Drilling Program


Friday, December 08, 2023

Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.

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.

Phase II drilling program. Defense Metals completed Phase II open pit diamond core and sonic infrastructure geotechnical drilling. The program consisted of six diamond drill holes totaling 1,182 meters within the Wicheeda rare earth element (REE) deposit pit shell, inclusive of four open pit geochemical drill holes totaling 920 meters, and two near-mine exploration holes totaling 262 meters. Nine sonic overburden drill holes, and 14 test pits designed to help characterize the soil subsurface and bedrock foundations of future waste rock storage, contact water pond, crusher, processing plant, and tailings storage facility locations were also completed. A final Phase 3 drilling program will entail 10 sonic overburden drill holes and three test pits.

Successful outcomes. South and west pit wall drill holes WI23-81 and WI23-82 intersected significant widths of visibly REE mineralized dolomite carbonatite. Hole WI23-82 drilled into the west pit wall of the Wicheeda Deposit tested a new ground radiometric anomaly. Assay results are pending.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Saga Communications (SGA) – Compelling Total Return Potential

Friday, December 08, 2023

Saga Communications, Inc. is a broadcast company whose business is primarily devoted to acquiring, developing and operating radio stations. Saga currently owns or operates broadcast properties in 27 markets, including 79 FM and 33 AM radio stations. Saga’s strategy is to operate top billing radio stations in mid sized markets, defined as markets ranked (by market revenues) from 20 to 200. Saga’s radio stations employ a myriad of programming formats, including Active Rock, Adult Album Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Country, Classic Country, Classic Hits, Classic Rock, Contemporary Hits Radio, News/Talk, Oldies and Urban Contemporary. In operating its stations, Saga concentrates on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stations in their market area and is compensated based on their financial performance as well as other performance factors that are deemed to effect the long-term ability of the stations to achieve financial objectives. Saga began operations in 1986 and became a publicly traded company in December 1992. The stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “SGA”.

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

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

Announces a hefty special dividend. The company announced that it declared a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share to be paid on January 12, 2024 to shareholders on record December 20, 2023. The aggregate amount of the special dividend of $12.5 million will be paid from its sizable cash position. We believe that the announcement reflects the company’s confidence in its favorable fundamental outlook and significantly strong financial position.

Strong balance sheet. As of Sept. 30, the company had $31.2 million in cash and no long term debt. As such, the company has a strong balance sheet that will be maintained following the special dividend payment. This recent dividend announcement follows its Board’s review of the appropriate level of cash to be maintained on its balance sheet, which will reduce cash and short term investments to roughly $25 million. 

Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Xcel Brands (XELB) – Highlights From Noblecon19

Friday, December 08, 2023

Xcel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 United States https:/Sector(s): Consumer Cyclical Industry: Apparel Manufacturing Full Time Employees: 84 Key Executives Name Title Pay Exercised Year Born Mr. Robert W. D’Loren Chairman, Pres & CEO 1.27M N/A 1958 Mr. James F. Haran CFO, Principal Financial & Accou

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

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

Noblecon19. On December 5th, management presented at Noblecon19 at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida, to the investment community. The presentation conducted by Mr. Robert D’Loren highlighted the company’s transition to a high margin, licensing model, its recent announcement with super model Christy Brinkley, and the upcoming launch of its social commerce app. We believe that the company is well on its way for a transition toward revenue and cash flow growth. 

Strategic partnership. The company announced its newly formed joint venture with Christie Brinkley to develop TWRHLL, a lifestyle and apparel brand that will utilize retail and live streaming distribution channels. Christie Brinkley will serve as the face and voice of TWRHLL, which is expected to launch in the spring of 2024.

Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

AbbVie’s $8.7 Billion Acquisition of Cerevel Therapeutics: A Game-Changer for Neuroscience Innovations

Pharmaceutical giant AbbVie made a huge splash in the neuroscience space this week with the announcement of its definitive agreement to acquire clinical-stage biotech Cerevel Therapeutics for $8.7 billion. This transforms AbbVie’s position in neuroscience and adds multiple late-stage assets to its pipeline that could drive significant growth over the next decade.

At $45 per share in cash, AbbVie is paying a hefty premium for Cerevel, reflecting its belief in the blockbuster potential of the company’s pipeline. Cerevel has built an impressive roster of new compounds for psychiatric and neurological conditions—areas where AbbVie already has an established presence with treatments for Parkinson’s disease and migraine but now gains even more scale.

The crown jewel of the deal is emraclidine, an investigational antipsychotic for schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders that could set a new standard of care. Currently in late-stage development, emraclidine has shown early signs of superior efficacy and safety compared to existing schizophrenia meds. With schizophrenia impacting over 5 million people across developed markets, emraclidine represents a multibillion-dollar opportunity for AbbVie commercially.

Beyond emraclidine, Cerevel has a range of other clinical-stage neuro assets that strengthen and complement AbbVie’s pipeline. These include tavapadon for Parkinson’s, CVL-354 for depression, and darigabat for epilepsy—all of which have potential for best-in-class status in their respective categories.

Take a moment to take a look at Noble Capital Capital Market’s Senior Research Analyst Robert LeBoyer’s coverage universe.

According to AbbVie’s chairman and CEO Richard Gonzalez, “Our existing neuroscience portfolio and our combined pipeline with Cerevel represents a significant growth opportunity well into the next decade.” He notes AbbVie’s global commercial infrastructure can help accelerate these drugs to market globally.

Gonzalez has orchestrated a highly successful strategy for AbbVie centered around building global therapeutic franchises in immunology, oncology, and aesthetics. Adding neuroscience as a fourth core franchise has been an ambition for awhile. Between Humira facing biosimilar competition and the need to fuel AbbVie’s next chapter of growth, this acquisition is a strategic step to position neuroscience as a more prominent piece of the puzzle.

For Cerevel, the buyout represents a major win and validation of the platform they have built. As CEO Dr. Ron Renaud comments, “Cerevel has always been committed to transforming what is possible in neuroscience…with AbbVie’s long-standing expertise in developing and commercializing medicines on a global scale, Cerevel’s novel therapies will be well positioned to reach more people.”

Wall Street is reacting positively to the deal announcement, with shares of both companies rising 3-4% the day it was announced. Investors recognize the growth implications and are cheering AbbVie’s move to recharge its pipeline.

While the deal is expected to close in 2024 pending approvals, it marks the continuation of a surge in biotech M&A driven by the appetite of large pharmas to augment their portfolios externally. With over 200 neuroscience programs in mid- to late-stage industrywide across CNS disorders, neurological treatments are having a moment right now. For AbbVie, the Cerevel transaction cements its intent to be at the forefront in capturing this opportunity.

Slowing Labor Market Still Relatively Strong Heading into 2024

The latest US jobs data released this week points to a cooling labor market as the country heads into 2024, although conditions remain relatively strong compared to historical averages. The Labor Department reported there were 8.7 million job openings in October, down significantly from 9.4 million in September and the lowest level since March 2021.

While job growth is moderating, the labor market retains a level of resilience as employers appear reluctant to lay off workers en masse despite economic uncertainties. The quits rate held steady in October, indicating many Americans still feel secure enough in their job prospects to leave current positions for better opportunities.

However, the days of workers having their pick of jobs may be over, at least for now. Job openings have declined in most sectors, especially healthcare, finance, and hospitality – fields that had gone on major hiring sprees during the pandemic recovery. This reversal follows a series of steep Fed interest rate hikes aimed at cooling runaway inflation by dampening demand across the economy.

So far the Fed seems to have achieved a soft landing for the job market. Employers added a steady 150,000 jobs in October and unemployment remains low at 3.7%. The most recent data is welcome news for the Fed as it tries to bring down consumer prices without triggering a recession and massive job losses.

Heading into 2024, economists expect monthly job gains will average around 170,000 – still solid but below 2023’s pace when the economy added over 400,000 jobs a month. Wage growth is anticipated to continue easing as well.

While layoffs remain limited for now, companies are taking a more cautious stance on hiring, noted Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. “Business leaders are prepared for an economic downturn, but they are not foreseeing the kind of massive job cuts that happened in past downturns,” she said.

Some sectors still hungry for workers

Certain sectors continue urgently hiring even as the broader labor market slows. Industries like healthcare and technology still report hundreds of thousands of open jobs. Despite downsizing at high-profile firms like Amazon, the tech sector remains starved for engineers, developers and AI talent.

Demand still outweighs supply for many skilled roles. “We have around 300,000 open computing jobs today versus an average of 60,000 open computing jobs before the pandemic,” said Allison Scott, Chief Research Officer at KLA.

Restaurants and the wider hospitality industry also plan to bulk up staffing after cutting back earlier this year. American Hotel & Lodging Association CEO Katherine Lugar expects hotels to hire over 700,000 workers in 2024.

Traffic, bookings and travel spending are rebounding. “As we continue working our way back, hiring has picked up,” Lugar noted.

Uncertainties Cloud 2024 Outlook

Economists warn many uncertainties persist around inflation, consumer spending and business sentiment heading into 2024. “The outlook for next year is tough to forecast,” said Oren Klachkin of Oxford Economics. “A lot hinges on whether the Fed can tame inflation without severely harming employment.”

While the Fed intends to keep rates elevated for some time, markets increasingly expect a rate cut in 2024 if inflation continues cooling and economic growth stalls.

For jobseekers and workers, 2024 promises slower but steadier hiring without the wage bidding wars and unprecedented quitting rates seen last year. However, landing a new job may require more effort amid mounting competition.

The days of an ultra-tight labor market may have passed, but for now at least, most employers still remain eager to retain and recruit staff despite the slowing economy. The soft landing continues, but turbulence could still be ahead.

Release – Kratos Demonstrates 100% Interoperability Success Using the DIFI Standard for Satellite Ground Technology at Industry Event

Research News and Market Data on KTOS

December 7, 2023 at 8:00 AM EST

PDF Version

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in defense, national security and global markets, announced today that it demonstrated 100% interoperability success at the first ever DIFI Plugfest where satellite solutions providers converged to test the interoperability of their Digital IF products.

Founded under the auspices of the IEEE, the Digital IF Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium is an independent, international group of companies, organizations, and government agencies that have an interest in the interoperability of satellite ground system equipment. Its Digital IF/RF standard is intended to accelerate industry transformation beyond stove-piped, hardware-based systems to digital software-defined networks.

“Plugfests” are events held to test electronic equipment and software product interoperability between vendors against a technical standard. Seven equipment makers participated in this inaugural DIFI Plugfest, led by Kratos providing the most products tested, including:

  • OpenSpace® quantumRadio – virtualized modem that provides RF signal processing for TT&C and narrowband payload missions
  • OpenSpace® quantumRX – virtualized modem that provides RF signal processing for wideband missions
  • OpenSpace® Channelizer and OpenSpace® Combiner – software used to split and combine digitized RF signals for more effective downlink and uplink processing
  • SpectralNet® Wideband Digitizer – converts RF signals into digital IP packets for RF over IP transport

“Kratos is leading the movement to build interoperable, standards-based products that bring satellite networks into the mainstream of the global communications infrastructure,” said Kevin Tobias, Director of Product Management at Kratos. “That leadership was evident in the success across the broad range of Kratos products at DIFI’s Plugfest event. With our OpenSpace, SpectralNet and quantum products, Kratos is working to build a digital future that delivers more flexible, streamlined and affordable satellite services worldwide.”

The implementation of the DIFI standard across a wide variety of ground system products is foundational in Kratos’ ongoing effort to support the mainstreaming of satellite services so that satellite ground systems operate seamlessly with today’s wireless and terrestrial networks. As a founding member of the DIFI Consortium, Kratos recognizes the importance of the adoption of standards like DIFI in advancing that transformation and the satellite industry’s ability to scale and meet future demand.

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology company that develops and fields transformative, affordable systems, products and solutions for United States National Security, allies and global commercial enterprises. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology is rapidly brought to market – at a low cost – with products, systems and technologies rather than slide decks or renderings. Through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive, internally funded research and streamlined development processes, Kratos is focused on being first to market with our solutions, well in advance of competition. Kratos is the recognized technology disruptor in our core market areas, including Space and Satellite Communications, Cyber Security and Warfare, Unmanned Systems, Rocket and Hypersonic Systems, Next-Generation Jet Engines and Propulsion Systems, Microwave Electronics, C5ISR and Virtual and Augmented Reality Training Systems. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 25, 2022, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.

Press Contact:
Yolanda White
858-812-7302 Direct

Investor Information:
877-934-4687
investor@kratosdefense.com

Source: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Release – ACCO Brands Corporation Announces Appointment of Beth Simermeyer to Board of Directors

Research News and Market Data on ACCO

December 7, 2023

LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today announced that Beth Simermeyer has been elected to the Board of Directors, effective December 5, 2023.

“We are excited to welcome Beth, a dynamic business leader with a proven track record of success to ACCO Brands’ Board of Directors. Beth’s extensive marketing expertise, P&L ownership and global leadership mindset, will further enhance our Board and help us execute on our strategic transformation. We look forward to leveraging Beth’s insights to continue to further strengthen the company going forward,” said Boris Elisman, Executive Chairman of ACCO Brands Corporation.

Ms. Simermeyer brings substantial business leadership experience in marketing, transformation, innovation, growth acceleration, acquisitions and top and bottom-line delivery in the consumer goods, industrial and healthcare sectors. In her most recent role as Global Group President, Executive Vice President, Healthcare and Life Sciences at Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) she launched and led the global Life Sciences business that has become a top investment priority for the company. During her more than thirty-year career, Ms. Simermeyer held several senior brand and general management roles, including Ecolab’s Chief Marketing Officer, where her responsibilities spanned sustainability, customer insights, branding and communications. Prior to joining Ecolab, Ms. Simermeyer was Senior Vice President, North America at S.C. Johnson. She started her career at The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG). Since 2019, she has served as an Independent Director at the Securian Financial Group.

About ACCO Brands

ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, designs, manufactures and markets consumer and end-user products that help people work, learn, play and thrive. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Five Star®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Swingline®, Tilibra® and many others. More information about ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Christopher McGinnis
Investor Relations
(847) 796-4320

Kori Reed
Media Relations
(224) 501-0406

Source:

December 7, 2023

LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today announced that Beth Simermeyer has been elected to the Board of Directors, effective December 5, 2023.

“We are excited to welcome Beth, a dynamic business leader with a proven track record of success to ACCO Brands’ Board of Directors. Beth’s extensive marketing expertise, P&L ownership and global leadership mindset, will further enhance our Board and help us execute on our strategic transformation. We look forward to leveraging Beth’s insights to continue to further strengthen the company going forward,” said Boris Elisman, Executive Chairman of ACCO Brands Corporation.

Ms. Simermeyer brings substantial business leadership experience in marketing, transformation, innovation, growth acceleration, acquisitions and top and bottom-line delivery in the consumer goods, industrial and healthcare sectors. In her most recent role as Global Group President, Executive Vice President, Healthcare and Life Sciences at Ecolab (NYSE: ECL) she launched and led the global Life Sciences business that has become a top investment priority for the company. During her more than thirty-year career, Ms. Simermeyer held several senior brand and general management roles, including Ecolab’s Chief Marketing Officer, where her responsibilities spanned sustainability, customer insights, branding and communications. Prior to joining Ecolab, Ms. Simermeyer was Senior Vice President, North America at S.C. Johnson. She started her career at The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG). Since 2019, she has served as an Independent Director at the Securian Financial Group.

About ACCO Brands

ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, designs, manufactures and markets consumer and end-user products that help people work, learn, play and thrive. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Five Star®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Swingline®, Tilibra® and many others. More information about ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Christopher McGinnis
Investor Relations
(847) 796-4320

Kori Reed
Media Relations
(224) 501-0406

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation

Release – Lee Enterprises achieves all fiscal year guidance with strong fourth quarter results and increases long-term outlook

Research News and Market Data on LEE

December 7, 2023

PDF Version

Total Digital Revenue(1) was $73M in the quarter, representing 44% of revenue
Digital-only subscribers total 721,000, exceeding guidance and up 36% YOY
Adjusted EBITDA(2) in line with full year guidance

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Dec. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: LEE), a digital-first subscription platform providing high quality, trusted, local news, information and a major platform for advertising in 75 markets, today reported preliminary fourth quarter fiscal 2023 financial results(3) for the period ended September 24, 2023.

“Our fourth quarter digital subscription results lead the industry by a significant margin, continuing the streak for 16 consecutive quarters. Subscribers to our digital products totaled 721,000, up 36% compared to last year and digital-only subscription revenue accelerated–growing 68% on a Same-store basis(4),” said Kevin Mowbray, Lee’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Amplified Digital® revenue totaled $24 million in the quarter, leading to an 11% increase over the prior year(4). Total Digital Revenue increased 14% in the quarter(4), and represented 44% of our total operating revenue. The rapid pace of digital growth is driven by our strong execution of our Three Pillar Digital Growth Strategy,” Mowbray added.

“Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter was up 29% sequentially, due to our rapid digital growth and strong cost management execution,” said Mowbray. “Our aggressive cost actions in FY23, as well as the strong performance of our digital revenue streams, will have a favorable impact on FY24 operating results. We anticipate full year FY24 Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $83 million to $90 million,” added Mowbray.

“The long-standing industry-leading digital execution gives us even more confidence in our transformation. In fact, the best-in-class performance increases our long-term outlook on digital-only subscribers by one-third to 1.2 million and digital subscription revenue by approximately 50% to more than $150 million. These significant improvements to our long-term outlook demonstrate our confidence in Lee’s digital transformation. We are on a clear path to becoming sustainable solely from the revenue and cash flow from our digital products,” said Mowbray.

Key Fourth Quarter Highlights:

  • Total operating revenue was $164 million.
  • Total Digital Revenue was $73 million, a 14% increase over the prior year(4), and represented 44% of our total operating revenue.
  • Digital-only subscription revenue increased 68% in the fourth quarter compared to the same quarter last year(4) due to a 36% increase in digital-only subscribers and marketing efforts driving price yields. Digital-only subscribers totaled 721,000 at the end of the September quarter.
  • Digital advertising and marketing services revenue represented 68% of our total advertising revenue and totaled $49 million. Digital marketing services revenue at Amplified Digital® fueled the growth, with quarterly revenue of $24 million.
  • Digital services revenue, which is predominantly BLOX Digital, totaled $5 million in the quarter.
  • Operating expenses totaled $156 million and Cash Costs(2) totaled $138 million.
  • Net loss totaled $1 million and Adjusted EBITDA totaled $30 million.

2024 Fiscal Year Outlook:

Total Digital Revenue$310 million (+13% YOY) – $330 million (+21% YOY)
Digital-only subscribers771,000 (+7% YOY)
Adjusted EBITDA$83 million (-3% YOY) – $90 million (+6% YOY)


Long-Term Outlook (2024 – 2028):

Total Digital Revenue$450 – $500 million
Digital-only subscribers1.2 million


Debt and Free Cash Flow:

The Company has $456 million of debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement(5) with BH Finance. The financing has favorable terms including a 25-year maturity, a fixed annual interest rate of 9.0%, no fixed principal payments, and no financial performance covenants.

As of and for the period ended September 24, 2023:

  • The principal amount of debt totaled $456 million, a reduction of $7 million for the fiscal year.
  • Cash on the balance sheet totaled $15 million. Debt, net of cash on the balance sheet, totaled $441 million.
  • Capital expenditures totaled $5 million for the full year. We expect $10 million of capital expenditures in FY24.
  • For fiscal year 2023, cash paid for income taxes totaled $4 million. We expect cash paid for income taxes to total between $10 million and $15 million in 2024.
  • We made no pension contributions in the fiscal year.

Conference Call Information:

As previously announced, we will hold an earnings conference call and audio webcast today at 9 a.m. Central Time. The live webcast will be accessible at www.lee.net and will be available for replay 24 hours later. Analysts have been invited to ask questions on the call. Questions from other participants may be submitted by participating in the webcast. To participate in the live conference call via telephone, please register here. Upon registering, a dial-in number and unique PIN will be provided to join the conference call.

About Lee:

Lee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information, with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 75 markets in 26 states. Year to date, Lee’s newspapers have an average daily circulation of 1.0 million, and our legacy websites, including acquisitions, reach more than 31 million digital unique visitors. Lee’s markets include St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; and Tucson, AZ. Lee Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS — The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This release contains information that may be deemed forward-looking that is based largely on our current expectations, and is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Among such risks, trends and other uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond our control, are:

  • The overall impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on the Company’s revenues and costs;
  • The long-term or permanent changes the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the publishing industry, which may result in permanent revenue reductions and other risks and uncertainties;
  • We may be required to indemnify the previous owners of BH Media or The Buffalo News for unknown legal and other matters that may arise;
  • Our ability to manage declining print revenue and circulation subscribers;
  • The impact and duration of adverse conditions in certain aspects of the economy affecting our business;
  • Changes in advertising and subscription demand;
  • Changes in technology that impact our ability to deliver digital advertising;
  • Potential changes in newsprint, other commodities and energy costs;
  • Interest rates;
  • Labor costs;
  • Significant cyber security breaches or failure of our information technology systems;
  • Our ability to achieve planned expense reductions and realize the expected benefit of our acquisitions;
  • Our ability to maintain employee and customer relationships;
  • Our ability to manage increased capital costs;
  • Our ability to maintain our listing status on NASDAQ;
  • Competition; and
  • Other risks detailed from time to time in our publicly filed documents.

Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “aim”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “considers” and similar expressions) generally should be considered forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations regarding our business and industry, including statements regarding the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic and our responses thereto may have on our future operations, are forward-looking statements. They reflect our expectations, are not guarantees of performance and speak only as of the date the statement is made. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this release. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Contact:
IR@lee.net
(563) 383-2100

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

 Three months endedTwelve months ended
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)September
24,
2023
 September
25,
2022
 Percent
Change
 September
24,
2023
 September
25,
2022
 Percent
Change
 
             
Operating revenue:            
Print Advertising23,302 39,931 (41.6)125,804 184,963 (32.0)
Digital Advertising49,270 49,110 0.3 193,173 181,465 6.5 
Advertising and marketing services revenue72,572 89,041 (18.5)318,977 366,428 (12.9)
Print Subscription58,792 78,541 (25.1)252,591 313,504 (19.4)
Digital Subscription18,661 11,168 67.1 60,700 40,120 51.3 
Subscription revenue77,453 89,709 (13.7)313,291 353,624 (11.4)
Print Other8,966 10,532 (14.9)39,508 42,962 (8.0)
Digital Other5,020 4,355 15.3 19,362 17,955 7.8 
Other revenue13,986 14,887 (6.1)58,870 60,917 (3.4)
Total operating revenue164,011 193,637 (15.3)691,138 780,969 (11.5)
Operating expenses:      
Compensation59,048 71,456 (17.4)266,907 317,789 (16.0)
Newsprint and ink5,102 7,847 (35.0)25,346 30,101 (15.8)
Other operating expenses73,714 86,240 (14.5)323,067 344,905 (6.3)
Depreciation and amortization7,524 9,099 (17.3)30,621 36,544 (16.2)
Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net6,137 21,055 (70.9)1,882 9,716 (80.6)
Restructuring costs and other4,552 2,858 59.3 12,673 22,720 (44.2)
Operating expenses156,077 198,555 (21.4)660,496 761,775 (13.3)
Equity in earnings of associated companies2,993 1,446 107.0 6,527 5,657 15.4 
Operating income10,927 (3,472)(414.7)37,169 24,851 49.6 
Non-operating (expense) income:      
Interest expense(10,326)(10,292)0.3 (41,471)(41,770)(0.7)
Curtailment gain    1,027 (100.0)
Pension withdrawal cost(1,200)  (1,200)(2,335)(48.6)
 Pension and OPEB related benefit (cost) and other, net162 5,488 (29.9)2,420 19,022 (87.3)
Non-operating expenses, net(11,364)(4,804)136.6 (40,251)(24,056)67.3 
Income (loss) before income taxes(437)(8,276)NM(3,082)795 (487.7)
Income tax (benefit) expense888 (1,666)NM(349)698 (150.0)
Net (loss) income(1,325)(6,610)NM(2,733)97 NM 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests(659)(526)25.3 (2,534)(2,114)19.9 
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated(1,984)(7,136)NM (5,267)(2,017)161.1 
         
Earnings (loss) per common share:        
Basic(0.32)(1.23)NM (0.90)(0.35)NM 
Diluted(0.32)(1.23)NM (0.90)(0.35)NM 

DIGITAL / PRINT REVENUE COMPOSITION 
(UNAUDITED)

 Three months endedTwelve months ended
(Thousands of Dollars)September
24,
2023
September
25,
2022
September
24,
2023
September
25,
2022
     
Digital Advertising and Marketing Services Revenue49,27049,110193,173181,465
Digital Only Subscription Revenue18,66111,16860,70040,120
Digital Services Revenue5,0204,35519,36217,955
Total Digital Revenue72,95164,633273,235239,540
Print Advertising Revenue23,30239,931125,804184,963
Print Subscription Revenue58,79278,541252,591313,504
Other Print Revenue8,96610,53239,50842,962
Total Print Revenue91,060129,004417,903541,429
Total Operating Revenue164,011193,637691,138780,969

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(UNAUDITED)

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, its most directly comparable GAAP measure:

 Three months endedTwelve months ended
(Thousands of Dollars)September
24,
2023
 September
25,
2022
 September
24,
2023
 September
25,
2022
 
         
Net (loss) income(1,325)(6,610)(2,733)97 
Adjusted to exclude    
Income tax (benefit) expense888 (1,666)(349)698 
Non-operating expenses, net11,364 4,804 40,251 24,056 
Equity in earnings of TNI and MNI(6)(2,993)(1,446)(6,527)(5,657)
Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net6,137 21,055 1,882 9,716 
Depreciation and amortization7,524 9,099 30,621 36,544 
Restructuring costs and other4,552 2,858 12,673 22,720 
Stock compensation421 311 1,806 1,337 
Add:    
Ownership share of TNI and MNI EBITDA (50%)3,476 1,676 7,604 6,541 
Adjusted EBITDA30,044 30,081 85,228 96,052 

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Cash Costs to Operating expenses, the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

 Three months endedTwelve months ended
(Thousands of Dollars)September
24,
2023
September
25,
2022
September
24,
2023
September
25,
2022
     
Operating expenses156,077198,555660,496761,775
Adjustments    
Depreciation and amortization7,5249,09930,62136,544
Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net6,13721,0551,8829,716
Restructuring costs and other4,5522,85812,67322,720
Cash Costs137,864165,543615,320692,795

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial performance measure of Same-Store Revenues to Operating Revenues, its most directly comparable GAAP measure:

 Three months endedTwelve months ended
(Thousands of Dollars)September
24,
2023
 September
25,
2022
 Percent
Change
 September
24,
2023
 September
25,
2022
 Percent
Change
 
          
Print Advertising Revenue23,302 39,931 (41.6)125,804 184,963 (32.0)
Exited operations(29)(6,609)NM (14,595)(34,760)NM 
Same-store, Print Advertising Revenue23,273 33,322 (30.2)111,209 150,203 (26.0)
Digital Advertising Revenue49,270 49,110 0.3 193,173 181,465 6.5 
Exited operations(5)(370)NM (1,083)(964)NM 
Same-store, Digital Advertising Revenue49,265 48,740 1.1 192,090 180,501 6.4 
Total Advertising Revenue72,572 89,041 (18.5)318,977 366,428 (12.9)
Exited operations(34)(6,979)NM (15,679)(35,724)NM 
Same-store, Total Advertising Revenue72,538 82,062 (11.6)303,298 330,704 (8.3)
Print Subscription Revenue58,792 78,541 (25.1)252,591 313,504 (19.4)
Exited operations(4)(182)NM (382)(834)NM 
Same-store, Print Subscription Revenue58,788 78,359 (25.0)252,209 312,670 (19.3)
Digital Subscription Revenue18,661 11,168 67.1 60,700 40,120 51.3 
Exited operations  NM   NM 
Same-store, Digital Subscription Revenue18,658 11,139 67.5 60,535 39,977 51.4 
Total Subscription Revenue77,453 89,709 (13.7)313,291 353,624 (11.4)
Exited operations(7)(211)NM (547)(977)NM 
Same-store, Total Subscription Revenue77,446 89,498 (13.5)312,744 352,647 (11.3)
Print Other Revenue8,966 10,532 (14.9)39,508 42,962 (8.0)
Exited operations (7)NM (10)(82)NM 
Same-store, Print Other Revenue8,966 10,525 (14.8)39,498 42,880 (7.9)
Digital Other Revenue5,020 4,355 15.3 19,362 17,955 7.8 
Exited operations  NM   NM 
Same-store, Digital Other Revenue5,020 4,355 15.3 19,362 17,955 7.8 
Total Other Revenue13,986 14,887 (6.1)58,870 60,917 (3.4)
Exited operations (7)NM (10)(82)NM 
Same-store, Total Other Revenue13,986 14,880 (6.0)58,860 60,835 (3.2)
Total Operating Revenue164,011 193,637 (15.3)691,138 780,969 (11.5)
Exited operations(41)(7,197)NM (16,236)(36,783)NM 
Same-store, Total Operating Revenue163,970 186,440 (12.1)674,902 744,186 (9.3)


NOTES

(1) Total Digital Revenue is defined as digital advertising and marketing services revenue (including Amplified Digital®), digital-only subscription revenue and digital services revenue.

(2) The following are non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures for which reconciliations to relevant GAAP measures are included in tables accompanying this release:

  • Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure that enhances financial statement users overall understanding of the operating performance of the Company. The measure isolates unusual, infrequent or non-cash transactions from the operating performance of the business. This allows users to easily compare operating performance among various fiscal periods and how management measures the performance of the business. This measure also provides users with a benchmark that can be used when forecasting future operating performance of the Company that excludes unusual, nonrecurring or one-time transactions. Adjusted EBITDA is a component of the calculation used by stockholders and analysts to determine the value of our business when using the market approach, which applies a market multiple to financial metrics. It is also a measure used to calculate the leverage ratio of the Company, which is a key financial ratio monitored and used by the Company and its investors. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), plus non-operating expenses, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, restructuring costs and other, stock compensation and our 50% share of EBITDA from TNI and MNI, minus equity in earnings of TNI and MNI.
  • Cash Costs represent a non-GAAP financial performance measure of operating expenses which are measured on an accrual basis and settled in cash. This measure is useful to investors in understanding the components of the Company’s cash-settled operating costs. Periodically, the Company provides forward-looking guidance of Cash Costs, which can be used by financial statement users to assess the Company’s ability to manage and control its operating cost structure. Cash Costs are defined as compensation, newsprint and ink and other operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization, assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, other non-cash operating expenses and other expenses are excluded. Cash Costs also exclude restructuring costs and other, which are typically paid in cash.

(3) This earnings release is a preliminary report of results for the periods included. The reader should refer to the Company’s most recent reports on Form 10-Q and on Form 10-K for definitive information.

(4) Same-store revenues is a non-GAAP performance measure based on GAAP revenues for Lee for the current period, excluding exited operations. In 2023, exited operations include (1) businesses divested and (2) the elimination of stand-alone print products discontinued within our markets.

(5) The Company’s debt is the $576 million term loan under a credit agreement with BH Finance LLC dated January 29, 2020 (the “Credit Agreement”). Excess Cash Flow is defined under the Credit Agreement as any cash greater than $20,000,000 on the balance sheet in accordance with GAAP at the end of each fiscal quarter, beginning with the quarter ending June 28, 2020.

(6) TNI refers to TNI Partners publishing operations in Tucson, AZ. MNI refers to Madison Newspapers, Inc. publishing operations in Madison, WI.

Source: Lee Enterprises Inc.

Release – ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. Announces Pricing of $5.0 Million Public Offering

Research News and Market Data on ZVA

Dec 6, 2023

WESTON, Fla., Dec. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZVSA, or “ZyVersa” or “the Company”), a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for treatment of inflammatory and renal diseases with high unmet needs, announced today the pricing of a “reasonable best efforts” public offering of 4,000,000 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) and accompanying Series A and Series B warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 8,000,000 shares of common stock at a combined public offering price of $1.25, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $5.0 million. The Series A Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of common stock and Series B Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of common stock will have an exercise price of $1.25 per share, will be exercisable immediately following the date of issuance and will expire five years and eighteen months from the original issuance date, respectively.

The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about December 11, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as the sole placement agent for the offering.

The securities described above are being offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-275320) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which became effective on December 6, 2023. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. A preliminary prospectus relating to the offering has been filed with the SEC. An electronic copy of the final prospectus will be filed with the SEC and may be obtained, when available, on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov and may also be obtained from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at (212) 624-2060, or by email at prospectus@allianceg.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About ZyVersa Therapeutics

ZyVersa (Nasdaq: ZVSA) is a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies to develop first-in-class drugs for patients with renal and inflammatory diseases who have significant unmet medical needs. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple programs built around its two proprietary technologies – Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 for treatment of kidney diseases, and Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, targeting damaging inflammation associated with numerous CNS and other inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit www.zyversa.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc (“ZyVersa”) uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements are based on ZyVersa’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including market and other conditions, ZyVersa’s ability to satisfy all conditions precedent to the closing of the offering; ZyVersa’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the timing of initiation of ZyVersa’s planned preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from ZyVersa’s preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; ZyVersa’s plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of ZyVersa’s product candidates; ZyVersa’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; ZyVersa’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; and ZyVersa’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.

New factors emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for ZyVersa to predict all such factors, nor can ZyVersa assess the impact of each such factor on the business 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. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to ZyVersa as of the date of this press release. ZyVersa disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

Corporate and IR Contact:
Karen Cashmere
Chief Commercial Officer
kcashmere@zyversa.com
786-251-9641

Media Contacts
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Casey McDonald
cmcdonald@tiberend.com
646-577-8520

Dave Schemelia
dschemelia@tiberend.com
609-468-9325

Bit Digital (BTBT) – November Production Numbers Released


Thursday, December 07, 2023

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

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

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

Increasing Production. During November, Bit Digital produced 142.7 BTC, a 24% increase from 111.6 BTC last month. The increase was primarily driven by the increase in the Company’s active hash rate, which was at 2.25 EH/s as of November 30, 2023 compared to 2.0 EH/s last month, and Bit Digital did not experience any maintenance outages.

Staking. Over on the staking side, Bit Digital had approximately 12,784 ETH actively staked in native and liquid staking protocols as of November 30, 2023. Approximately 12,384 ETH were natively staked and 400 ETH were deployed in liquid staking protocols as of that date. The Company earned a blended APY of approximately 4.35% on its staked ETH position for the month, and earned aggregate staking rewards of approximately 44.93 ETH.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.