CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NN, Inc. (NASDAQ: NNBR), a global diversified industrial company that engineers and manufactures high-precision components and assemblies, announced today that senior management will be presenting virtually at the Noble Capital Markets Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The presentation will begin at 2:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Investors interested in accessing the webcast presentation may register to view the live event here. All registrants will receive a link to the event upon registration. A link to the webcast and associated presentation materials can also be accessed through the investor section of the Company’s website at www.nninc.com.
In addition to the webcast presentation, executive management will be hosting one-on-one and group meetings with investors and analysts that have registered to attend the conference.
About NN, Inc.
NN, Inc., a global diversified industrial company, combines advanced engineering and production capabilities with in-depth materials science expertise to design and manufacture high-precision components and assemblies for a variety of markets on a global basis. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, NN has facilities in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. For more information about the company and its products, please visit www.nninc.com.
Investor Relations: Joe Caminiti or Stephen Poe, Investors NNBR@alpha-ir.com 312-445-2870
ATLANTA, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to sell an aggregate of 4,285,716 shares of its Class A common stock, at a purchase price of $3.50 per share in a registered direct offering. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about October 8, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.
The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company from the offering are expected to be approximately $15 million, before deducting the placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company currently intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.
The shares of Class A common stock described above are being offered pursuant to a “shelf” registration statement (File No. 333-288208) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on June 20, 2025 and declared effective on July 1, 2025. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective registration statement. The prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the shares of Class A common stock being offered will be filed with the SEC and be available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the securities being offered may also be obtained, when available, by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@hcwco.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 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 jurisdiction.
About Bitcoin Depot
Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 47 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 31 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with over 9,000 kiosk locations as of August 2025. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering and the intended use of net proceeds from the offering. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “priorities,” “project,” “pursue,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “when,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such statements. In making these statements, the Company relies upon assumptions and analysis based on the Company’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors the Company considers appropriate under the circumstances. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and may differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.
If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments could cause our assessments to change.
We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Wall Street’s bullish sentiment is gaining momentum as the S&P 500 hovers near record highs ahead of earnings season. Despite political uncertainty in Washington and lingering concerns about an “AI bubble,” several top strategists are raising their forecasts, pointing to what they describe as “fundamental strength” across corporate earnings and continued support from Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Ed Yardeni of Yardeni Research lifted his S&P 500 target to 7,000, calling the ongoing rally a “slow-motion melt-up” fueled by resilient profits and Fed easing. Similarly, Evercore ISI’s Julian Emanuel maintained a 7,750 base-case target for 2026, assigning a 30% probability to a “bubble scenario” that could propel the index to 9,000 if AI-driven capital investment accelerates.
Signs of that exuberance are already visible. On Monday, OpenAI revealed a multibillion-dollar deal with AMD, granting the ChatGPT maker rights to acquire up to 10% of the chip giant as part of what executives have dubbed “the world’s most ambitious AI buildout.” The announcement sparked renewed optimism in semiconductor and software names, reinforcing the view that AI investment remains the market’s primary growth engine.
Yet, opinions remain divided. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos recently described the AI boom as a “good kind of bubble” that could fuel long-term innovation and economic expansion. In contrast, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon urged caution, suggesting that some capital deployed in the AI race may not yield the expected returns, potentially setting up a correction in the next year or two.
That debate is playing out against elevated valuations. The S&P 500 is trading near 25 times expected 2025 earnings, a level DataTrek Research says “reflects complete confidence” that companies will deliver. Analysts project 13% earnings growth in 2026 and another 10% in 2027, driven primarily by the same mega-cap technology stocks that have led markets higher this year.
Big Tech now represents nearly half of the S&P 500’s market cap, with Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Tesla, and other AI-focused firms comprising 48% of the index. Analysts note that “multiple expansion” in these names is the foundation of the bull case, with a record number of tech giants issuing positive earnings guidance last quarter — a signal that earnings momentum remains intact heading into Q3 results.
Goldman Sachs strategists led by David Kostin argue that Wall Street’s current earnings forecasts are too conservative, citing strong macro data and robust AI-driven demand. Morgan Stanley’s Mike Wilson echoed that optimism, noting that lower labor costs and pent-up demand could spark a return of “positive operating leverage” — where profits grow faster than revenues — not seen since 2021.
While some investors remain wary of inflation’s potential return, Wilson believes it could be a tailwind rather than a threat, with the Fed likely to tolerate higher prices as long as growth remains solid.
As earnings season begins, the question for investors is not whether the rally can continue — but whether it is still being driven by fundamentals or increasingly by momentum.
Company Also Announces a New Weapons Customer for its North American Machining Operations
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NN, Inc. (NASDAQ: NNBR), a global diversified industrial company that engineers and manufactures high-precision components and assemblies, today provided an update on its Aerospace and Defense business, supported by registration with the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and its recently obtained Federal Firearms License (FFL) issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Notably, the FFL allows NN to produce specific components for firearms manufacturing. NN’s ITAR registration and FFL license strengthen the Company’s ability to serve U.S. and allied defense customers with secure, high-quality manufacturing solutions.
“Our Aerospace and Defense business is a focus area and is scaling into a meaningful growth platform for NN,” said Harold Bevis, President and Chief Executive Officer of NN, Inc. “By pairing our existing ITAR registration and FFL license with our U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities, we believe we are uniquely positioned to deliver mission-critical components that meet the highest standards of security, precision, and quality. Looking ahead, we expect to strengthen and expand our foundation for growth while opening up new pathways to create value for our defense and commercial partners. Aerospace and defense customers seek suppliers like NN who can combine technical expertise with rigorous compliance, and NN is answering that call.”
In tandem with the announcement of its newly obtained licensing, NN is also announcing a new business win and commercial relationship for its North America machining operations. Rob Esch, NN’s CTO of Machining said, “Our experience with laser technologies and precision machining of exotic metal alloys has led to a breakthrough with a well-known manufacturer of specialty firearms. This has led directly to NN recently winning new business, and we are currently prototyping and launching many new parts for several new programs. This new area for NN has the potential to grow much larger for both parties. We are very excited to be building on our capabilities and supporting our partners this way.”
NN’s Aerospace and Defense operations deliver precision components, plating services and assemblies used in guidance systems, optics and scope housings, weapon components, laser systems, and electronic subsystems. The Company’s ITAR-registered facilities are prepared to serve the specialized needs of customers with ITAR-controlled projects while its FFL license ensures responsible manufacturing in firearms-related categories. Together, these credentials enhance NN’s role as a trusted partner to aerospace companies, Tier-1 defense primes, and advanced technology customers.
Within its Aerospace and Defense segment, NN’s General Metal Finishing (GMF) division has supported high-reliability defense programs for more than 50 years. GMF provides manual rack, barrel, and vibratory plating, stainless steel electropolishing, and a broad range of precious and non-precious metal finishes that meet stringent military specifications. With NADCAP accreditation, ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, and more than 50,000 square feet of production space, GMF processes millions of parts annually for applications such as hybrid microelectronic packages, refractory metal heatsinks, and machined aluminum housings.
NN’s Polymet division adds advanced clad metal solutions to the portfolio, supplying aerospace and defense customers with overlay, inlay, and corelay materials, as well as precious metal wire and electrical contact tapes. These products are used in weaponry components, aerospace connectors, electronic heatsinks, and sighting systems, providing performance advantages that single-alloy components cannot achieve. Polymet’s ISO 9001:2015 quality systems and rigorous ASTM testing standards support reliable supply into mission-critical programs.
The Company’s Aerospace and Defense-capable facilities are strategically located across its U.S. manufacturing network, providing plating, machining, clad metals, and electronics production in secure environments. These capabilities allow NN to support programs ranging from guided munitions and avionics to optics, scopes, and specialty firearms assemblies.
NN expects its Aerospace and Defense-related revenue to increase as new opportunities emerge across government programs, prime contractors, and aerospace initiatives. The Company also plans to expand its Aerospace and Defense capabilities, products and certifications, and highlight them with a larger presence on its corporate website.
ABOUT NN
NN, Inc., a global diversified industrial company, combines advanced engineering and production capabilities with in-depth materials science expertise to design and manufacture high-precision components and assemblies for a variety of markets on a global basis. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, NN has facilities in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. For more information about the company and its products, please visit www.nninc.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains express and implied forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “growth,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project”, “trajectory” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are outside of management’s control and that may cause actual results to be materially different from such statements. Such factors include, among others, general economic conditions and economic conditions in the industrial sector; material changes in the costs and availability of raw materials; the level of our indebtedness; our ability to secure, maintain or enforce patents or other appropriate protections for our intellectual property; and cyber liability or potential liability for breaches of our or our service providers’ information technology systems or business operations disruptions. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the Company’s filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
Investor Relations: Joseph Caminiti or Stephen Poe, Investors NNBR@alpha-ir.com 312-445-2870
JERICHO, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS), a leading provider of thoughtful expressions designed to help inspire customers to express and connect, announced the appointment of Melanie Babcock as Chief Marketing and Growth Officer. In her new role, Babcock will lead all aspects of marketing strategy, brand positioning, customer acquisition and retention, and revenue growth initiatives. She will report directly to 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. CEO Adolfo Villagomez.
A digital pioneer, Babcock has served in several leadership roles at The Home Depot for over a decade. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Orange Apron Media and Monetization, where she pioneered and built the retail media division and oversaw the strategy and execution of the company’s retail media network. Under her leadership, Orange Apron Media achieved double-digit year-over-year growth, rebranded from Retail Media+ to Orange Apron Media, and launched the industry’s first “InFronts” conference for advertisers. At The Home Depot, Babcock also served as Vice President of Integrated Media and Retail Media+, where she transformed the company’s marketing strategy from product-centric to personalized customer marketing.
“We’re at an inflection point in our transformation, and Melanie brings the perfect combination of strategic vision and execution expertise,” said Adolfo Villagomez, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. “Her proven ability to scale brands, build exceptional teams, and drive customer-centric growth will be invaluable to our market leadership. I’m thrilled to welcome her to the leadership team.”
In the newly created role, Babcock will drive the evolution of marketing into a full-funnel flywheel that builds awareness, acquisition, and retention—enabling a more intuitive, personalized, and connected customer journey. A key priority will be strengthening customer focus by modernizing the digital experience to improve product discoverability and enhancing merchandising strategy through stronger data infrastructure and streamlined brand architecture based on end-to-end AI strategy. This customer-centric approach will be instrumental as the company accelerates its transformation and strengthens its position as a leader in gifting and celebrations.
“Few brands have the heritage and cultural connection that 1-800-FLOWERS.com has built over the last 50 years,” said Melanie Babcock, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. “I’m energized by the opportunity to help write its next chapter—strengthening its position as a leader while driving meaningful growth. I couldn’t be more excited to join Adolfo and this team.”
Before joining The Home Depot, Babcock held leadership positions at Cardlytics, MSL GROUP/Publicis Groupe, and Ketchum, where she consistently built high-performing teams and drove significant revenue growth through digital and strategic partnership initiatives.
About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. For almost 50 years 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. has served as the premier destination for meaningful gifting, helping people express and connect through thoughtful giving. As an omnichannel retailer, the company’s portfolio includes more than 18 premium brands, such as 1-800-Flowers.com®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, and Things Remembered®. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM also supports local community businesses nationwide through BloomNet®, its network of local florists and merchants, that enables same-day delivery. The company also operates Napco℠, a leading resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor, and DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers.
Projected Initial Ceiling Across Program Phases $175 Million
155,000-Square-Foot Indiana Radar Integration Complex Will Deliver Next-Generation Readiness for Naval Surface Fleet
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in defense, national security, and global markets, announced today that it has been awarded Phase 1 to begin developing an organic sustainment capability for the U.S. Navy’s AN/SPY-1 radar systems. Known internally to Kratos as Project Anaconda, the single-award agreement has an initial total projected ceiling of $175 million across multiple phases.
The AN/SPY-1 radar remains one of the most critical assets in the Navy’s fleet, enabling ballistic missile defense, integrated air and missile warfare, and persistent maritime domain awareness across Aegis-equipped cruisers and destroyers. With many systems projected to remain in service through 2065, the Navy has prioritized building long-term, organic sustainment and depot-level support capacity to ensure uninterrupted fleet readiness.
Central to Kratos’ solution is the new, Kratos owned and operated, state-of-the-art Indiana Radar Integration Complex (IRIC), strategically located within 1.5 miles of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane. The 155,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational in 2027 providing the U.S. Navy with a dedicated infrastructure for AN/SPY-1 sustainment and modernization.
Under Phase 1, Kratos will lead a cross-industry team to:
Establish the foundation for the IRIC at NSWC Crane, a purpose-built facility to support AN/SPY-1 battle sparing, testing, and prototyping
Develop initial organic repair, overhaul, and modernization processes for AN/SPY-1 transmitter, signal processor, and antenna subsystems
Advance digital engineering, artificial intelligence–enabled data management, and prototype sustainment technologies
Coordinate closely with NSWC Crane, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems, and Navy fleet stakeholders to ensure alignment with fleet sustainment priorities and readiness
“This strategic award validates Kratos’ proven approach of making significant internal investments in national security-focused infrastructure and capabilities to generate significant value for all Kratos stakeholders, including the United States,” said Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos. “The AN/SPY-1 program and our new IRIC represent the intersection of Kratos’ core philosophies: rapidly developing affordable, real-world solutions for critical defense needs, while providing true long-term value to our government customers, the U.S. taxpayer, and our entire stakeholder community. We anticipate that the Anaconda program will generate multi-decade value for both the United States Navy and Kratos.”
“Kratos’ MACH-TB contract award, the establishment of Prometheus Energetics LLC, and now the AN/SPY-1 sustainment contract award demonstrate Kratos’ commitment to pursuing business in the Crane region,” said Dave Carter, President of Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Services Division. “Like our investments in Oriole, Zeus, Erinyes, and Prometheus, this initiative will rapidly provide the competency needed to sustain warfighter capabilities. Kratos is proud to be a member of the Indiana Uplands community.”
“Phase 1 at Crane sets the stage for the Navy’s first organic sustainment capability for the AN/SPY-1 radar,” said Roger A. Becker, Indiana site director for Kratos. “By combining advanced prototyping, workforce development, and strong industry-government collaboration, we are building a foundation that will ensure readiness is delivered through 2065.”
The contract will be executed in multiple phases, with additional work authorized as milestones are achieved. This phased approach allows the Navy and Kratos to mitigate risk, accelerate key capabilities, and scale sustainment infrastructure to meet long-term fleet requirements.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading-edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value-add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice 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 29, 2024, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
Universal “First-Transaction ID Verification” Sets the Standard for Bitcoin ATM Compliance and Consumer Protection
ATLANTA, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today announced the recent roll out of new compliance standards that make it one of the only operators in the industry to require customers to provide identification before transacting for any amount of money. The initiative applies to all new and existing customers, ensuring they benefit from the highest level of protection, well beyond what is currently required by federal law. The Company has also launched additional protections for seniors, reinforcing its leadership in consumer protection and responsible access to digital assets.
“Bitcoin Depot has always placed compliance and consumer protection at the center of our business,” said Brandon Mintz, CEO of Bitcoin Depot. “By strengthening our safeguards, we’re making crypto access safer and more trusted for everyone, while setting the standard for the industry.”
Building on its existing protocols, including robust Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) safeguards, and blockchain monitoring, the Company’s expanded identity collection and verification requirements further separates Bitcoin Depot from the rest of the industry and demonstrates its leadership in elevating the standard for compliance. Collecting this information enables the Company to strengthen its compliance framework and ensure greater protection for customers against fraud and money laundering risks.
The Company has also reinforced its protections for older adults, adding additional protections to identify and prevent potential scam activity. These safeguards reflect Bitcoin Depot’s continued investment in compliance and its commitment to protecting consumers.
These measures follow the Company’s appointment of Philip Brown as Chief Compliance Officer in July 2025, underscoring Bitcoin Depot’s continued investment in regulatory leadership and consumer protection.
Commenting on the new protections, Brown said: “Requiring ID from every customer and adding senior-specific safeguards enhances our ability to stop scams sooner and protect legitimate users, while keeping access to crypto kiosks simple and accessible.”
Bitcoin Depot kiosks allow customers to seamlessly convert cash into Bitcoin, which customers can use to access the broader digital financial system for payments, transfers, remittances, and investments.
About Bitcoin Depot Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 47 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 31 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with over 9,000 kiosk locations as of August 2025. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, the anticipated effects of the Amendment, and the closing of the Preferred Sale. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “priorities,” “project,” “pursue,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “when,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change.
We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Bitcoin continues to dominate headlines with a historic rally that swept its price above $125,000, renewing debate among investors about the line between long-term potential and speculative excess. The world’s largest cryptocurrency has reached new all-time highs amid a turbulent global backdrop, embodying both optimism for the digital asset’s future and sharply increasing risk in the growing crypto derivatives market.
The current rally, widely referred to as the “debasement trade,” finds its roots in persistent economic and political stress—most notably, the sustained U.S. government shutdown and mounting fiscal uncertainty. Investors have flocked to alternative assets, with gold racing past $3,900 per ounce at the same time. However, Bitcoin’s ascent is being fueled by more than just a search for safety: speculative forces, particularly in the options market, are now exerting substantial influence on the price.
U.S. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have drawn $3.2 billion in inflows over the past week, marking the second-largest week since their inception in 2024. The size of these inflows, and the recent milestone of $49.8 billion in open interest for BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), highlight a marked shift: traditional finance is now inseparably linked with crypto, and its traders are helping to amplify price moves—both up and down.
The rapidly expanding ecosystem of derivatives is supercharging Bitcoin’s momentum. Combined open interest across IBIT and Deribit, the largest crypto derivatives platform, now approaches $80 billion—a near tenfold increase since the beginning of 2024. Options have become a principal driver of price activity; currently, over 60% of open Bitcoin options positions are call options, reflecting bullish bets on further gains.
Analysts warn, however, that the concentration of leveraged positions adds new complexities. The use of options amplifies both rallies and corrections, raising the possibility that sudden shifts in sentiment could trigger cascading liquidations—heightening volatility past even Bitcoin’s usual standards. This dynamic is not lost on traders who recall similar risk patterns during past bull runs.
From a technical perspective, Bitcoin is now consolidating gains with key support levels at $120,000 and crucial resistance at $135,000. Short-term projections place $150,000 as the next psychological barrier if upward momentum holds. October holds special attention for crypto traders; dubbed “Uptober,” the month has historically returned more than 22% on average for Bitcoin during the last decade. Some technical analysts, however, suggest a period of sideways movement could precede any fresh breakout, and algorithmic models signal breakout odds remain subdued in the immediate term.
Institutional adoption remains a powerful force, with legacy finance giants and individual investors alike piling into exchange-traded funds and options. Yet the rapid growth in derivatives and the surge in leveraged bets have made the market especially sensitive to sentiment reversals. Investors should be mindful: now, more than ever, Bitcoin’s greatest rallies often coincide with its sharpest corrections.
As 2025’s crypto market takes shape, this rally is a clear sign of Bitcoin’s maturity and mainstream adoption—but it also serves as a timely reminder that reward and risk, in the world of digital assets, are never far apart.
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.
Exits its Mizrahi interest. The company transferred its remaining 17.5% interest in Isaac Mizrahi to IM Topco, effectively exiting its interest in the brand. The exit of the Mizrahi relationship with Xcel caps a storied and successful run with the company since 2011. Under Xcel, Mizrahi expanded its categories and collections on QVC and into such retailers as Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.
Financial upside. Xcel has a participation right should IM Topco sell the company above $46.0 million, coincidentally, the price that Xcel sold its 60% interest. Xcel would receive 15% of the net consideration in excess of the $46 million. In addition, we believe that the company will benefit from the absent of costs related to the brand, particularly employee costs.
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.
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.
Landmark partnership expands builder channel. SKYX announced it will supply more than 10,000 smart plug-and-play lighting and safety products to a 278-apartment project in Austin, Texas led by Landmark Companies. We believe this marks another important step in the company’s efforts to penetrate the builder channel, signaling traction with traditional residential developers.
Potential for broader builder relationships. By establishing a relationship with a large developer like Landmark, SKYX positions itself for additional project opportunities if early deployments prove successful. This deal highlights the potential for SKYX to extend its platform into the broader residential developer market, with initial supply expected to begin as early as within the next quarter or two.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Initiating coverage with Outperform rating. Alliance Entertainment is a leading distributor of physical products, including vinyl records, music CDs, Blu-ray and 4K Movies, Video Games and Electronics, and Collectibles. While some of its business lines are mature, there are attractive growth opportunities in developing revenue streams that carry higher margins. As such, we believe that the company is on the cusp of generating significant cash flow and earnings growth.
Expanding margin outlook. In spite of anticipated modest revenue growth of 2.4% in fiscal 2026, we anticipate a nearly 140 basis point improvement in adj. EBITDA margins in fiscal 2026, given our expectation of higher margin, developing revenue streams and the company’s focus on efficiencies. We expect an acceleration in revenue in fiscal 2027 to 3.1% with another 60 basis point improvement in margins.
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.
FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AZZ Inc. (NYSE: AZZ), the leading independent provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions, today announced its Board of Directors has authorized a second quarter cash dividend in the amount of $0.20 per share on the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend is payable on November 6, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 16, 2025.
While AZZ currently intends to pay regular quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, any future dividends will be reviewed on an individual basis and declared by the Board of Directors at its discretion. AZZ remains committed to enhancing shareholder value based upon its consideration of various factors, including operating results, financial condition, and business outlook at the applicable time.
About AZZ Inc.
AZZ Inc. is the leading independent provider of hot-dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions to a broad range of end-markets. Collectively, our business segments provide sustainable, unmatched metal coating solutions that enhance the longevity and appearance of buildings, products and infrastructure that are essential to everyday life.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements herein about our expectations of future events or results constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “will,” “might,” “would,” “projects,” “currently,” “intends,” “outlook,” “forecasts,” “targets,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and management’s views and assumptions regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are subject to risks that could cause them to differ materially from actual results. Certain factors could affect the outcome of the matters described herein. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, changes in customer demand for our manufactured solutions, including demand by the construction markets, the industrial markets, and the metal coatings markets. We could also experience additional increases in labor costs, components and raw materials including zinc and natural gas, which are used in our hot-dip galvanizing process, paint used in our coil coating process; supply-chain vendor delays; customer requested delays of our manufactured solutions; delays in additional acquisition opportunities; an increase in our debt leverage and/or interest rates on our debt, of which a significant portion is tied to variable interest rates; availability of experienced management and employees to implement AZZ’s growth strategy; a downturn in market conditions in any industry relating to the manufactured solutions that we provide; economic volatility, including a prolonged economic downturn or macroeconomic conditions such as inflation or changes in the political stability in the United States and other foreign markets in which we operate; tariffs; acts of war or terrorism inside the United States or abroad; and other changes in economic and financial conditions. AZZ has provided additional information regarding risks associated with the business, including in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, in AZZ’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025, and other filings with the SEC, available for viewing on AZZ’s website at www.azz.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You are urged to consider these factors carefully when evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These statements are based on information as of the date hereof and AZZ assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Company Contact: David Nark, Chief Marketing, Communications, and Investor Relations Officer AZZ Inc. (817) 810-0095 www.azz.com
Investor Contact: Sandy Martin, Phillip Kupper Three Part Advisors (214) 616-2207 www.threepa.com
Gold stocks have emerged as one of the most powerful performers in 2025, eclipsing the high-flying semiconductor sector and catching the attention of investors seeking value beyond artificial intelligence. While much of the market narrative this year has revolved around chipmakers riding the AI boom, gold miners have quietly delivered staggering gains — up more than 135% — and positioned themselves as an unexpected leader in global equities.
The rally has been fueled by multiple forces. Central banks have accelerated purchases of gold as part of a broader de-dollarization trend, while investors have sought safe-haven assets amid heightened economic uncertainty. Federal Reserve rate cuts and growing inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds have further supported the surge. As a result, gold itself has climbed more than 45% this year, setting new all-time highs and marking its strongest annual performance since 1979.
This has translated into significant upside for miners. Global heavyweights such as Newmont Corp. and Agnico Eagle Mines have seen their shares more than double, while Zijin Mining has surged over 130% in Hong Kong. In London, Fresnillo Plc has nearly quadrupled, becoming the standout performer in the FTSE 100. Yet, the momentum is not limited to large caps. Smaller mining companies — particularly those with scalable production capacity and strong cost control — are increasingly attractive to investors looking for opportunities that combine growth with relative undervaluation.
One of the striking differences between gold equities and semiconductor stocks lies in valuations. The MSCI Gold Miners Index currently trades at around 13 times forward earnings, slightly below its five-year average, suggesting the rally is backed by fundamentals. In contrast, the semiconductor index trades near 29 times earnings, well above its historical trend. For small-cap investors, this dynamic suggests gold miners may still offer more sustainable upside, especially as earnings growth outpaces share price appreciation.
Beyond valuations, sector fundamentals point to further resilience. Elevated margins, robust cash flows, and disciplined capital management have allowed gold miners to reinvest in operations while returning capital to shareholders. The sector is benefiting from margin expansion as gold prices remain elevated, giving even mid-tier and junior miners the potential to outperform. For small-cap investors, this creates a unique entry point into a sector often overlooked during periods of tech dominance.
While enthusiasm around AI-driven chipmakers is unlikely to fade, the current cycle underscores the importance of diversification. Investors chasing technology gains may risk overlooking industries where fundamentals remain strong, valuations are reasonable, and long-term demand drivers are intact. The outperformance of gold miners in 2025 serves as a reminder that market leadership can emerge from unexpected places — and for small-cap investors willing to broaden their focus, the precious metals sector offers compelling opportunities.
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