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Release – Statement from FAT Brands Regarding SOX 402 ChargesR

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on FAT

LOS ANGELES, May 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Brian Hennigan of Hueston Hennigan LLP, Counsel for FAT Brands Inc., issued the following statement:

“Today FAT Brands was informed that it has been indicted on two violations of SOX 402 for arranging approximately $2.65 million in loans to Andy Wiederhorn.

These charges are unprecedented, unwarranted, unsubstantiated, and unjust. They are based on conduct that ended over three years ago and ignore the Company’s cooperation with the investigation. 

FAT Brands will take all necessary action to defend itself, while seeking a just resolution to these charges. Since becoming a public company, FAT Brands has grown to at a remarkable pace to encompass 18 brands with $2.5 billion in global sales and 2,300 locations worldwide, benefitting franchisees and investors alike. The Company will continue executing on its operating plans and growth strategy.”

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

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nathan Miller, Miller Ink
nathan@miller-ink.com
310-571-8264

Release – Information Services Group Announces First-Quarter 2024 Results

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on III

Information Services Group Announces First-Quarter 2024 Results

  • Reports first-quarter GAAP revenues of $64 million
  • Reports first-quarter net loss of $3.4 million, GAAP loss per share of $0.07 and adjusted net income per share of $0.01
  • Reports first-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $4 million
  • Generates $2.3 million of cash from operations
  • Declares second-quarter dividend of $0.045 per share, payable July 5, 2024, to shareholders of record as of June 14, 2024
  • Sets second-quarter guidance: revenues between $65 million and $67 million and adjusted EBITDA between $7.0 million and $8.0 million

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

“As anticipated, we saw market uncertainty impact the broader global technology industry during the first quarter,” said Michael P. Connors, chairman and CEO. “With that said, our opportunity pipeline is growing, so we believe the worst is behind us. We see the market turning and gaining momentum over the course of the year.”

Connors said clients slowed their pace of spending and generally have been taking longer to decide on new investments, as they weigh economic conditions and wait to see how AI shapes the technology landscape before committing to major new initiatives.

“As the market transitions from the planning to the execution phase of AI, there will be significant investments in infrastructure and implementation,” Connors said. “Additionally, we see a notable increase in demand for cost and spend transformation, as companies continue to adapt to uncertain macroeconomic conditions. Early indicators, such as a rise in sourcing activity, suggest the demand environment is evolving and will accelerate going forward.”

Connors also said ISG is encouraged by the continuing growth of its recurring revenue business. “Demand for our research, governance and platforms continues, as clients seek market intelligence and governance solutions to shape their future investment decisions,” Connors said. “Our next-gen sourcing platform, ISG Tango™, launched in March, has been well-received, with over $2.6 billion of contract value already running on the platform.”

Connors noted that recurring revenues represented about half of the firm’s revenues in the first quarter and totaled $126 million for the trailing 12 months, up 10 percent from the previous 12-month period.

First-Quarter 2024 Results

Reported revenues for the first quarter were $64.3 million, down 18 percent from $78.5 million in the prior year’s first quarter. Reported revenues were $40.8 million in the Americas, down 16 percent; $17.8 million in Europe, down 23 percent; and $5.6 million in Asia Pacific, down 20 percent, all versus the prior year.

ISG reported a first-quarter operating loss of $2.4 million, compared with operating income of $7.1 million in the prior year. The firm’s reported first-quarter net loss was $3.4 million, compared with net income of $3.5 million in the prior year. Loss per fully diluted share was $0.07, compared with income per fully diluted share of $0.07 in the prior year.

Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure defined below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) for the first quarter was $0.7 million, or $0.01 per share on a fully diluted basis, compared with adjusted net income of $6.0 million, or $0.12 per share on a fully diluted basis, in the prior year’s first quarter.

First-quarter adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure defined below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) was $4.4 million, down 60 percent from the prior-year first quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin (a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by reported revenues) was 6.9 percent, compared with 14.0 percent in the prior year.

Other Financial and Operating Highlights

ISG generated $2.3 million of cash from operations in the first quarter, compared with using $3.4 million of cash in the first quarter last year. The firm’s cash balance totaled $14.0 million at March 31, 2024, down from $22.6 million at December 31, 2023.

During the first quarter, ISG paid dividends of $2.4 million, repurchased $2.5 million of shares and paid down debt of $5.0 million. As of March 31, 2024, ISG had $74.2 million in debt outstanding, down from $79.2 million at the end of last year.

2024 Second-Quarter Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Guidance

“For the second quarter, ISG is targeting revenues of between $65 million and $67 million and adjusted EBITDA of between $7.0 million and $8.0 million. We will continue to monitor the macroeconomic environment, including the impact of FX, inflation and other factors, and adjust our business plans accordingly,” said Connors.

Quarterly Dividend

The ISG Board of Directors declared a second-quarter dividend of $0.045 per share, payable on July 5, 2024, to shareholders of record as of June 14, 2024.

“ISG remains committed to a disciplined capital allocation strategy that includes reinvesting in our business, managing our debt, returning capital to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases, and supplementing our organic growth with strategic acquisitions to drive long-term shareholder value,” Connors said.

Conference Call

ISG has scheduled a call for 9 a.m., U.S. Eastern Time, Friday, May 10, 2024, to discuss the firm’s first-quarter results. The call can be accessed by dialing +1 (800) 715-9871, or, for international callers, by dialing +1 (646) 307-1963. The access code is 7294332. A recording of the conference call will be accessible on ISG’s website (www.isg-one.com ) for approximately four weeks following the call.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” which represent the current expectations and beliefs of management of ISG concerning future events and their potential effects. Statements contained herein including words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “continue,” “should,” “may,” and other similar expressions are “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Those risks relate to inherent business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies relating to the businesses of ISG and its subsidiaries, including without limitation: (1) failure to secure new engagements or loss of important clients; (2) ability to hire and retain enough qualified employees to support operations; (3) ability to maintain or increase billing and utilization rates; (4) management of growth; (5) success of expansion internationally; (6) competition; (7) ability to move the product mix into higher margin businesses; (8) general political and social conditions such as war, political unrest and terrorism; (9) healthcare and benefit cost management; (10) ability to protect ISG and its subsidiaries’ intellectual property or data and the intellectual property or data of others; (11) currency fluctuations and exchange rate adjustments; (12) ability to successfully consummate or integrate strategic acquisitions; (13) outbreaks of diseases, including coronavirus, or similar public health threats or fear of such an event; and (14) potential terminations of engagements, delays or reductions in scope by clients. Certain of these and other applicable risks, cautionary statements and factors that could cause actual results to differ from ISG’s forward-looking statements are included in ISG’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ISG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

ISG reports all financial information required in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In this release, ISG has presented both GAAP financial results as well as non-GAAP information for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023. ISG believes that evaluating its ongoing operating results will be enhanced if it discloses certain non-GAAP information. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude non-cash and certain other special charges that many investors believe may obscure the user’s overall understanding of ISG’s current financial performance and the Company’s prospects for the future. ISG believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors because they improve the comparability of the financial results between periods and provide for greater transparency of key measures used to evaluate the Company’s performance.

ISG provides adjusted EBITDA (defined as net income, plus interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, foreign currency transaction gains/losses, non-cash stock compensation, interest accretion associated with contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, and severance, integration and other expense), adjusted net income (defined as net income, plus amortization of intangible assets, non-cash stock compensation, foreign currency transaction gains/losses, interest accretion associated with contingent consideration, acquisition-related costs, write-off of deferred financing cost and severance, integration and other expense on a tax-adjusted basis), adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted EBITDA margin, and selected financial data on a constant currency basis which are non-GAAP measures that the Company believes provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses and financial implications of foreign currency translations, which management believes are not indicative of ISG’s core operations. These non-GAAP measures are used by ISG to evaluate the Company’s business strategies and management’s performance.

We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, excludes the impact of year-over-year fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of our business performance, and is consistent with how management evaluates the Company’s performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current and prior periods’ local currency financial results using the same point in time exchange rates and then comparing the adjusted current and prior period results. This calculation may differ from similarly titled measures used by others and, accordingly, the constant currency presentation is not meant to be a substitution for recorded amounts presented in conformity with GAAP, nor should such amounts be considered in isolation.

Management believes this information facilitates comparison of underlying results over time. Non-GAAP financial measures, when presented, are reconciled to the most closely applicable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP measures are provided as additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP estimates contained herein to the corresponding GAAP measures is not being provided, due to the unreasonable efforts required to prepare it.

About ISG

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 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 AI and 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 1,600 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 more information, visit www.isg-one.com.

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Release – One Stop Systems Reports Q1 2024 Results

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on OSS

ESCONDIDO, Calif., May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One Stop Systems, Inc. (“OSS” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: OSS), a leader in rugged Enterprise Class compute for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and sensor processing at the edge, reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. All quarterly comparisons are to the same year-ago period unless otherwise noted.

“Over the past year, we have focused on transitioning our business away from legacy media and niche enterprise customers to pursue emerging opportunities within large and growing defense and commercial markets,” stated OSS President and CEO, Mike Knowles. “While we expect the transition to take a couple more quarters to complete, I am encouraged by our performance during the 2024 first quarter, as consolidated revenue, bookings, gross margin, and EBITDA met or exceeded our plan. This is a testament to the focus we have employed and the investments we have made over the past year within our sales and product teams, and the diverse sales pipeline we are building. I want to thank everyone at OSS for their continued hard work during the quarter.”

“As we look to the remainder of 2024, we are excited by the long-term strategies we are pursuing to scale our business and drive profitable growth. Our OSS segment ended the first quarter with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 and we anticipate positive order trends will continue throughout the remainder of the year as our growing pipeline successfully converts to orders. In addition, we continue to focus on improving working capital efficiencies. Our efforts in the quarter generated $2.0 million of operating cash flow, increasing net cash and short-term investments by over $1 million from December 31, 2023. While certain market challenges in the short term may impact our second quarter results, we are focused on successfully returning to year-over-year revenue growth in the second half of 2024 and positive consolidated EBITDA in the coming quarters,” concluded Mr. Knowles.

First Quarter Operating and Customer Momentum

  • Won a pilot project to provide a liquid immersion-cooled data storage system for use on a deployable ground station. The project has begun, and is expected to lead to follow-on production orders in the coming quarters.
  • Received an order from an existing customer to design and manufacture a new ruggedized Liquid Cooling System for cooling self-driving technology in a commercial autonomous truck deployment. The initial order was valued at $300,000 for prototypes, and OSS expects to begin shipments later this year, with an additional order to follow this year.
  • Started shipping its latest Gen 5 4U Pro Accelerator System to a large composable infrastructure provider and expects shipments of this compute accelerator to total between $4 million and $6 million over the next three years.
  • Craig Powell, a proven sales executive bringing over 20 years of experience within international defense and C5ISR market verticals, joined the Company as Business Development Executive.

2024 First Quarter Financial Summary

Consolidated revenue was $12.7 million, a 24.6% decline from the prior year period. The year-over-year reduction in revenue was primarily a result of quarterly order fluctuations from a large defense customer and approximately $1.5 million related to a former media customer. Lower first-quarter revenue was partially offset by approximately $1.9 million in incremental revenue to an existing aerospace customer, and $0.6 million in additional revenue to an existing autonomous truck customer. Bressner segment revenue was $7.1 million, a 12.7% decline from the prior year period, primarily due to the expected discontinuance of and delays in certain programs.

The following table sets forth net revenue by product category for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, by segment:

Gross margin percentage was 29.4%, as compared to 30.2% in the same year-ago quarter. OSS segment gross margin was 34.2%, a reduction of 2.1 percentage points from the same period a year ago, primarily due to a less profitable mix of revenue. Bressner gross margin improved 1.9 percentage points to 25.7%, primarily due to a more favorable mix of revenue.

Total operating expenses decreased 5.4% to $5.0 million. This decrease was predominantly attributable to the elimination of costs associated with organizational restructuring and outside professional services, as well as reduced R&D expenses, partially offset by higher marketing and selling expenses during the quarter.

OSS reported a net loss of $1.3 million, or $0.06 per share, as compared to a net loss of $401,000, or $0.02 per share in the prior year. The Company reported a non-GAAP net loss of $931,000, or $0.04 per share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $90,000, or $0.00 per diluted share.

Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP metric, was a loss of $456,000, a decrease from adjusted EBITDA of $633,000 in the prior year first quarter.

As of March 31, 2024, OSS reported cash and short-term investments of $12.9 million, and total working capital of $34.3 million, compared to cash and short-term investments of $11.8 million, and total working capital of $35.6 million at December 31, 2023.

Outlook

The Company anticipates revenue of approximately $13.0 million in the second quarter of 2024. The Company’s revenue guidance for the second quarter of 2024 includes expected program delays from certain defense customers as a result of the prolonged U.S. government budgeting process and continuing resolution for fiscal year 2024, and softer European customer demand over the near-term.

While the Company expects revenue in the second quarter will be down on a year-over-year basis, management anticipates sequential revenue growth throughout the year. This will be supported by a continued positive book-to-bill ratio, as OSS executes on converting its growing opportunity pipeline. In addition, European demand is expected to improve in the second half of 2024, and higher bookings in the Company’s core OSS business is expected to support year-over-year revenue growth and positive consolidated EBITDA in the coming quarters.

Conference Call

OSS will hold a conference call to discuss its results for the first quarter of 2024 followed by a question-and-answer period.

Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT)
Toll-free dial-in: 800-901-2707
International dial-in: 785-424-1629
Conference ID: ONESTOP (required for entry)
Webcast: https://viavid.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1667836&tp_key=45b15714d0

A replay of the call will be available after 8:00 p.m. ET on May 9, 2024, through May 23, 2024.

Toll-free replay: 844-512-2921
International replay: 412-317-6671
Passcode: 11155784

About One Stop Systems

One Stop Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSS) is a leader in AI enabled solutions for the demanding ‘edge’. OSS designs and manufactures Enterprise Class compute and storage products that enable rugged AI, sensor fusion and autonomous capabilities without compromise. These hardware and software platforms bring the latest data center performance to harsh and challenging applications, whether they are on land, sea or in the air.

OSS products include ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, flash storage arrays, and storage acceleration software. These specialized compact products are used across multiple industries and applications, including autonomous trucking and farming, as well as aircraft, drones, ships and vehicles within the defense industry.

OSS solutions address the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training and large-scale inference, and have delivered many industry firsts for industrial OEM and government customers.

As the fastest growing segment of the multi-billion-dollar edge computing market, AI enabled solutions require-and OSS delivers-the highest level of performance in the most challenging environments without compromise.

OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com. You can also follow OSS on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We believe that the use of adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or adjusted EBITDA, is helpful for an investor to assess the performance of the Company. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, acquisition expenses, impairment of long-lived assets, financing costs, fair value adjustments from purchase accounting, stock-based compensation expense and expenses related to discontinued operations.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. Because of varying available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of equity instruments that can impact a company’s non-cash operating expenses, we believe that providing a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes non-cash and non-recurring expenses allows for meaningful comparisons between our core business operating results and those of other companies, as well as providing us with an important tool for financial and operational decision making and for evaluating our own core business operating results over different periods of time.

Our adjusted EBITDA measure may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in our industry, as other companies in our industry may calculate non-GAAP financial results differently, particularly related to non-recurring, unusual items. Our adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or as an indication of operating performance or any other measure of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. We do not consider adjusted EBITDA to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results.

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Release – Orion Group Holdings Announces Significant Contract Award for Port Everglades Bulkhead Replacement Project

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on ORN

HOUSTON, May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ORN) (the “Company”), a leading specialty construction company, today announced a significant contract award valued at nearly $80 million for its Marine construction business. The contract was awarded by Port Everglades Seaport Engineering & Construction Division through Moss Construction as Managing General Contractor for the Port Everglades Bulkhead Replacement Project – Group 1, a pivotal infrastructure upgrade at one of the nation’s busiest ports. Orion has supported Port Everglades and worked with Moss successfully on previous projects.

Orion Group Holdings won the Port Everglades Bulkhead Replacement Project award through a competitive bid process. The scope of work includes the replacement of approximately 2,240 linear feet of aging steel sheet pile bulkheads, including large diameter combi-wall systems, soil anchors and encapsulated concrete caps. In addition, the project will address the aging North Bulkhead at the Entrance Channel (NBEC), which spans 1,200 feet and is vital for the safe and smooth flow of maritime traffic. The project is set to commence June 1 and will conclude in late 2026.

“We are excited to continue our relationship with Moss and the Port Everglades Seaport Engineering & Construction Division by delivering this critical marine project that will modernize and strengthen the Port’s capabilities. With our deep marine construction expertise, we look forward to supporting port business into the future,” said Travis Boone, Chief Executive Officer of Orion Group Holdings, Inc. “This project not only reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of maritime infrastructure but also ensures Port Everglades continues to serve as a critical hub for the world-class cruise industry and the growing international cargo and petroleum business.”

Orion Group Holdings, Inc. is a renowned name in specialty construction, known for its dedication to safety, quality, innovation, and timely project execution. With these new contract awards, Orion continues to strengthen its position as an industry leader capable of tackling complex projects with unmatched expertise.

About Orion Group Holdings

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Please refer to the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 1, 2024 which is available on its website at www.oriongroupholdingsinc.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, for additional and more detailed discussion of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations, estimates or forecasts.

Contacts:

Financial Profiles, Inc.
Margaret Boyce 310-622-8247
orn@finprofiles.com 

Novavax Soars on Major Sanofi Partnership, Opening New Doors for Biotech Investors

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a dramatic turn of events, shares of Novavax skyrocketed over 130% on Friday after the struggling vaccine maker announced a landmark deal with global pharmaceutical giant Sanofi. This multibillion-dollar agreement could prove to be a game-changer, not just for Novavax’s outlook, but for biotech investors evaluating the emerging opportunities across the vaccine technology landscape.

The centerpiece of the deal is a co-commercialization partnership for Novavax’s protein-based Covid-19 vaccine beginning in 2025. Sanofi, with its vast global reach and resources, will take the lead in marketing and distributing the shot in most major markets outside of regions where Novavax already has existing commercial agreements.

For Novavax, which has grappled with sluggish demand and manufacturing challenges for its Covid vaccine, gaining access to Sanofi’s commercial juggernaut could unlock vastly greater market penetration worldwide. As a relatively small biotech player, going it alone has proven tremendously difficult against the entrenched dominance of mRNA giants like Pfizer and Moderna.

Investors clearly perceive the blockbuster potential in marrying Novavax’s innovative vaccine technology with Sanofi’s large-scale commercial capabilities and existing healthcare footprint. Expanded patient access could drive significant upside for Novavax’s revenues and growth trajectory in the coming years, breathing new life into a company that was on the brink.

But the deal goes far beyond just commercializing Novavax’s existing Covid vaccine. In a strategic masterstroke, Sanofi also secured the rights to develop new combination vaccines using Novavax’s breakthrough Matrix-M adjuvant technology, along with its Covid shot as a foundational component.

This pipeline partnership opens up a world of lucrative new product opportunities spanning respiratory illnesses like influenza to other viral targets. With Sanofi’s vast resources and deep experience in vaccines, the French pharma leader could rapidly advance and widely commercialize groundbreaking combination shots powered by Novavax’s underlying technology platform.

From an investment perspective, the potential to create multiple new high-value assets from a proven backbone of innovative biotech is hugely compelling. Sanofi is putting over $1 billion on the table in upfront fees and milestone payments tied to development and commercial objectives. Novavax will also earn royalties on all future product sales utilizing its technology.

Crucially, this deal relieves immense financial pressure from Novavax’s shoulders. Just a few months ago, the company warned of “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue operating through a dwindling cash position. Now flush with fresh capital from Sanofi and newly monetized royalty streams, Novavax can comfortably lift its “going concern” status while funding its own vaccine pipeline initiatives.

Investors should see the partnership as transformative, clearing the dark clouds of existential risk that had been swirling over Novavax and positioning the biotech for long-term sustainability through diversified vaccine revenue channels.

But Novavax’s good fortune goes beyond just its own prospects. The validation of its unique Matrix-M adjuvant and protein-based vaccine technology by a pharma titan like Sanofi should resonate across the broader biotech landscape. Smaller innovators working on novel vaccine platforms or therapeutic approaches could see heightened investor interest and appetite for collaborations.

The deal underscores how big pharma incumbents remain hungry for cutting-edge technologies to refresh and future-proof their product pipelines. More acquisitions and mutually beneficial licensing deals could emerge as large players double down on biotech externally to fuel new innovation cycles.

For biotech venture investors scouting breakthrough opportunities and transformative technology platforms, the Novavax-Sanofi partnership should serve as an encouraging proof-of-concept. Companies advancing truly differentiated science with clear competitive advantages and value-driving datasets now have a highly visible pathway to lucrative partnerships, exits or harnessing corporate funding muscle to propel their own commercialization dreams.

In life sciences industries where innovation is the key to disruption, this high-profile deal should instill greater confidence around investing in upstart biotechs clearing novel clinical and technological hurdles. The prospects of future value realization and exit opportunities just got a welcome booster shot.

While Novavax finally resolved one existential crisis, it may have just birthed an exciting new era of opportunity across the biotech investment landscape.

Townsquare Media (TSQ) – Digital Gains Traction

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, May 10, 2024

Townsquare is a community-focused digital media and digital marketing solutions company with market leading local radio stations, principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the U.S. Our assets include a subscription digital marketing services business, Townsquare Interactive, providing website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization, social media and online reputation management as well as other digital monthly services for approximately 26,800 SMBs; a robust digital advertising division, Townsquare IGNITE, a powerful combination of a) an owned and operated portfolio of more than 330 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data, and b) a proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform; and a portfolio of 321 local terrestrial radio stations in 67 U.S. markets strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States. Our portfolio includes local media brands such as WYRK.com, WJON.com, and NJ101.5.com and premier national music brands such as XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, UltimateClassicRock.com and Loudwire.com.

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.

Solid Q1 results. The company reported revenue of $99.6 million, modestly beating our estimate of $98.4 million by 1.3%. Adj. EBITDA in the quarter was $17.5 million, beating our estimate of $16.4 million by 6.8%. The quarter benefited from a swing toward growth in digital advertising (up 1.3%) and better than expected core broadcast advertising. Notably, Digital now accounts for 53% of total company revenues and cash flow, at least double that of its peers.

Interactive subs increase in March. The company added net subscribers in March, which continued in April, indicating that this business is on track to return toward revenue growth, likely in Q1 2025. Furthermore, Revenue Per Unit (RPU) for new sales appear to be increasing. We believe that new features such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Text and Email marketing, and integration into QuickBooks, all contribute to an enhanced revenue outlook.


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

The ODP Corporation (ODP) – Post Call Commentary and Updated Model

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, May 10, 2024

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, 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.

Varis. The big news for the quarter was the decision to put the Varis unit up for sale. While we believe the long-term business opportunity for Varis is attractive, the business was just taking too long to ramp up for the amount of investment ODP was pumping into the unit. We will see what type of return the sale brings, but in any case, the reduction of costs will be favorable.

Project Core. This cost optimization program is delivering significant benefits to ODP’s overall operating results and with the program upsized to $100 million from $50 million, Project Core should provide solid opportunity to reduce cost, in our view. It will be a key driver for improved bottom line results.


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

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

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

SelectQuote (SLQT) – Fiscal Q3 Beat; Strategic Initiatives Paying Off

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, May 10, 2024

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

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

Impressive results. The company reported fiscal Q3 revenue of $376.4 million, beating our estimate of $341.8 million. Adj. EBITDA in the quarter was $46.6 million, also beating our estimate, which was $40.3 million. The robust 26% revenue growth was driven primarily by Pharmacy revenue, which grew 80% over the prior year period.

Strong OEP. Revenue from the Senior segment was 20% better than our estimate, indicating a favorable Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period for the company. Notably, Senior segment adj. EBITDA margins were 30% in the quarter.   


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

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

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

Saga Communications (SGA) – A Little More Revenue Could Fix It

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, May 10, 2024

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

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

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

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

Q1 results. The company reported Q1 revenue of $24.7 million, marginally beating our estimate of $24.3 million. Adj. EBITDA in the quarter was $0.2 million, which missed our estimate of $1.7 million. The “miss” was due to extra ordinary expenses including streaming costs, healthcare, wages, and bad debt. Some of these costs are not expected to continue into subsequent quarters.

2024 outlook. We view 2024 as a year of transition for the company, given its increased focus and investment in growing digital and national revenue. Notably, management highlighted that its online news service is expected to have 18 different websites operational by the end of June, and its acquisition of five radio stations located in Lafayette, Indiana is expected to close by June 1. 


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

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

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

One Stop Systems (OSS) – Transition is Progressing

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, May 10, 2024

One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS) designs and manufactures innovative AI Transportable edge computing modules and systems, including ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, expansion systems, flash storage arrays, and Ion Accelerator™ SAN, NAS, and data recording software for AI workflows. These products are used for AI data set capture, training, and large-scale inference in the defense, oil and gas, mining, autonomous vehicles, and rugged entertainment applications. OSS utilizes the power of PCI Express, the latest GPU accelerators and NVMe storage to build award-winning systems, including many industry firsts, for industrial OEMs and government customers. The company enables AI on the Fly® by bringing AI datacenter performance to ‘the edge,’ especially on mobile platforms, and by addressing the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training, and inference. OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com.

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

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

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

Ongoing Transition. The transition of OSS towards opportunities in growing defense and commercial markets and away from the legacy media company is ongoing, although the uncertain economic environment and delayed federal government budget approvals are slowing the process down. Nonetheless, we expect OSS to return to y-o-y revenue growth in the second half. Notably, book-to-bill in the OSS segment was 1.1x for the quarter.

1Q24 Results. Revenue of $12.7 million declined 24.6%, partly due to the absence of Disguise revenue but also delays in orders from a key customer. Gross margin of 29.4% declined 80bp y-o-y. OSS reported a GAAP net loss of $1.34 million, or a loss of $0.06/sh and an adjusted loss of $0.04/sh, compared to a net loss of $400,500, or a loss of $0.02/sh and an adjusted breakeven, in 1Q23. We had estimated revenue of $12.5 million, a GAAP loss of $0.07/sh, and adjusted loss of $0.04/sh.


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

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

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

Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – A Closer Look at the Great Quarter

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, May 10, 2024

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

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

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

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

Performance Drivers. Contributing to the first quarter’s strong performance included particularly solid performance in unmanned systems, air defense, propulsion systems, turbine technologies, and the microwave electronics businesses, as well as production and delivery on certain programs that were executed earlier in the year than initially expected.

Events Favor Kratos. With the federal budget finally passed, increased funding has been allocated to areas which are right in Kratos’ sweet spot while ongoing world events, especially in the Ukraine and Middle East are highlighting the need for Kratos products, both of which we believe will drive growth for the Company.


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

This 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. 

Kelly Services (KELYA) – First Look at 1Q24

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, May 10, 2024

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

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

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

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

1Q24. There are a lot of moving parts, with the sale of the European staffing business and some one-time expenses. On an organic basis, revenue declined 2.6% y-o-y to $945.6 million due to ongoing soft demand, although the Education segment grew 16.2% y-o-y. Adjusted EBITDA margin was up 110bp to 3.2% driven by the sale of the European business and ongoing expenses reduction initiatives. Adjusted net earnings rose to $20.3 million, or $0.56/sh, from $15.9 million, or $0.42/sh in 1Q23.

GAAP Results. Revenue of $1.05 billion declined 17.6% (17.7% decline on constant currency basis) from last year. Gross profit rate was down 30bp to 19.7% y-o-y with mix and lower permanent placement fees offsetting the benefit from the sale of the European staffing business. Operating earnings of $26.8 million rose 150.2%. Net income was $25.8 million, or $0.70/sh, versus $10.9 million, or $0.29/sh in the prior year.


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

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

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

Information Services Group (III) – A Peek into First Quarter Results

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, May 10, 2024

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

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

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

Results. Revenue was reported at $64.3 million, down 18% from $78.5 million in the previous year. We estimated revenue of $66 million. Continued slower client decision making meant revenue is being pushed into later quarters. Net loss for the quarter was $3.4 million, or a loss of $0.07 per share, compared to net income of $3.5 million, or $0.07 per share last year. We estimated a net loss of $0.7 million, or a loss of $0.01 per share.

Recurring Revenue and Tango. Recurring revenues for the Company continue to grow, accounting for about half of ISG’s revenues in 1Q24. For the trailing 12 months, recurring revenues totaled $126 million, up 10% from the previous 12-month period. We expect recurring revenues to continue to grow with management’s focus on growing platforms such as ISG GovernX and ISG ProBenchmark. With the launch of the next-gen sourcing platform ISG Tango in March, the Company is already seeing the platform gaining interest, as over $2.6 billion of contract value is already running on the platform.


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

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

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