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Crisis Averted: Government Stays Open

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

By averting a government shutdown, Congress has avoided rocking both the economy and financial markets. Shutting down federal operations would have created widespread uncertainty and turbulence. Instead, the move offers stability and continuity as the economy faces broader headwinds.

With virtually all government functions continuing normal operations, economic data releases, services, and programs will not face disruptions. Past shutdowns caused delays in economic reports, processing visa and loan applications, releasing small business aid, and more. These disruptions introduce friction that can dampen economic momentum.

Federal employees will continue receiving paychecks rather than facing furloughs. The last major shutdown in 2018-2019 resulted in 380,000 workers being furloughed. With over 2 million federal employees nationwide, even a partial shutdown can reduce economic activity from lost wages.

Government contractors also avoid financial duress from suspended contracts and payments. Many contractors faced cash flow crises during the 2018 shutdown as the government stopped paychecks. Reduced revenues directly hit company bottom lines.

Consumer and business confidence are likely to be maintained without the dysfunction of a funding gap. Surveys showed confidence dropped during past shutdowns as uncertainty rose. Lower confidence can make households and businesses reduce spending and investment, slowing growth.

The tourism industry does not have to contend with closing national parks, museums and monuments. The 2013 shutdown caused sites like the Statue of Liberty to close, resulting in lost revenue for vendors, hotels, and airlines. These impacts radiate through the economy.

Markets also benefit from reduced policy uncertainty. The 2011 debt ceiling showdown and 2018-2019 shutdown both introduced volatility as deadlines approached. Equities fell sharply in the final weeks of the 2018 impasse. While shutdowns alone don’t determine market trends, they contribute an unnecessary headwind.

With recent stock volatility driven by inflation and recession concerns, averting a shutdown provides one less factor to potentially spook markets. Traders never like surprises, and shutdowns heighten unpredictability.

On a sector basis, federal contractors and businesses leveraged to consumer spending stand to benefit most from the avoided disruption. Aerospace and defense firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman rely heavily on federal budgets. Consumer discretionary retailers and restaurants avoid lost sales from furloughed workers tightening budgets.

While shutdowns impose only marginal economic impact when brief, longer impasses can impose meaningful fiscal drags. The 16-day 2013 shutdown shaved 0.3% from that quarter’s GDP growth. The longer the stalemate, the greater the economic fallout.

Overall, with myriad headwinds already facing the economy in inflation, rising rates, and recession risks, avoiding a shutdown removes one variable from the equation. While defaulting on the national debt would produce far graver consequences, shutdowns still introduce unnecessary turbulence.

By staving off even a short-term shutdown, Congress helps maintain economic and market stability at a time it’s especially needed. This provides a breather after policy uncertainty spiked leading up to the shutdown deadline. While myriad challenges remain, at least this box has been checked, for now.

Student Loan Payments Resume

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

After nearly 3 years of reprieve, student loan payments are set to restart on October 1, 2023. However, the landscape looks much different thanks to sweeping changes made by the Biden administration. These alterations have made student debt more manageable and offered routes to accelerated payoff or even forgiveness that didn’t exist before.

The impact could extend beyond individual borrowers to provide a boost to the overall economy. With less income eaten up by student loan payments, borrowers will have more spending power. That additional discretionary income circulating through the economy acts as a stimulus.

Perhaps the most impactful change was the elimination of interest capitalization in most cases. This is the process where unpaid interest gets added to the loan balance, causing it to balloon. Now, interest no longer capitalizes when borrowers exit forbearance, leave income-driven repayment plans, or have other status changes. Only when exiting deferment on unsubsidized loans does interest get added to principal. This prevents balances from spiraling out of control.

Biden has also dramatically expanded access to forgiveness. Over 3 million borrowers have already had loans discharged through revamps of programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and income-driven repayment. The former saw its complex rules simplified, while the latter had payment counts adjusted and forbearance periods now qualifying for credit. These tweaks pushed many over the line into immediate forgiveness.

Even borrowers who don’t qualify for these programs have an easier time discharging loans through bankruptcy. New guidelines tell government lawyers not to oppose bankruptcy discharge requests that meet certain criteria laid out in a 15-page form. This makes the previously rare “undue hardship” determination more accessible.

The administration also implemented a 1-year “on ramp” where missed payments don’t negatively impact credit or trigger default. This grace period offers struggling borrowers a clean slate before consequences kick in again.

Those able to resume payments may even benefit from today’s high interest rates. Federal student loans have fixed low rates, so borrowers can pay them down faster by investing in treasury notes earning far higher returns. Inflation likewise reduces the real burden of student debt over time.

While these changes have brought tangible individual relief, broadly reducing the student debt burden could also provide a macroeconomic boost. Money freed up in household budgets gets spent elsewhere, circulating through and stimulating the economy.

The Biden administration still wants to enact broad student debt cancellation for this very reason. After the Supreme Court blocked its forgiveness plan, the Department of Education launched “negotiated rulemaking” to find another path. This bureaucratic process involving public committees aims to deliver a new cancellation proposal in late 2024.

Until then, the reshaped student loan landscape gives borrowers breathing room. The structural changes determine whether student debt remains a crushing burden or becomes manageable.

With interest capitalization curbed and expanded opportunities for discharge, balances can actually shrink instead of endlessly growing. The credit safeguards offer wiggle room to get finances in order before consequences hit. And the door to forgiveness has been opened wider than ever before.

Of course, these alterations won’t instantly solve every borrower’s problems. But they provide avenues for relief that didn’t exist previously. And more importantly, they signal a philosophical shift that student debt shouldn’t ruin lives or constrain futures.

There’s still work to be done, like making income-driven repayment more accessible and adding guardrails to limit excessive debt. But the momentum is towards a system that helps borrowers succeed rather than burying them in interest and unpayable balances.

So while student loan repayment is resuming, borrowers can take heart that it’s restarting under a fairer set of rules. The old grind of watching debt balloon while relief remained elusive has thankfully been left behind. With a potential wider economic stimulus, these changes could benefit more than just student borrowers.

Release – Direct Digital Holdings Announces Expiration and Results of the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Relating to its Warrants

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on DRCT

September 29, 2023 9:00am EDTDownload as PDF

HOUSTON, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRCT) (“Direct Digital Holdings” or the “Company”), a leading advertising and marketing technology platform operating through its companies Colossus Media, LLC (“Colossus SSP”), Huddled Masses LLC (“Huddled Masses”) and Orange142, LLC (“Orange142”), today announced that the Company’s offer to purchase (the “Offer”) all of its outstanding publicly traded warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a purchase price of $1.20 in cash, without interest, expired one minute after 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 28, 2023.  

According to information provided by Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, the Depositary for the Offer, 2,229,263 Warrants, including 36,242 Warrants through guaranteed delivery, representing approximately 69.3% of the outstanding Warrants, were validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the Offer. The tender of 2,229,263 Warrants satisfies the Minimum Tender Condition (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) for the Offer. Pursuant to the terms of the Offer and assuming the Warrants through guaranteed delivery are properly submitted before the end of the guaranteed delivery period on October 2, 2023, the Company expects to pay an aggregate of $2.7 million in cash in exchange for such Warrants. Such payment will be made promptly. Holders of Warrants that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the Offer and Consent Solicitation, and upon the successful completion of any guaranteed delivery, will receive $1.20 per share for each Warrant tendered by the holder and exchanged pursuant to the Offer. The Company expects to accept all validly tendered Warrants for exchange and settlement on or before October 4, 2023 (the “Settlement”).

Direct Digital Holdings also solicited consents (the “Consent Solicitation”) to amend the Warrant Agent Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2022 (the “Warrant Agreement”), by and between Direct Digital Holdings and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (formerly American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (the “Transfer Agent”), which governs all of the Warrants, to permit Direct Digital Holdings to redeem each outstanding Warrant for $0.35 in cash, without interest, which is approximately 71% less than the price applicable to the Offer (such amendment, the “Warrant Amendment”). Pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agreement, the adoption of the Warrant Amendment will require the consent of holders of at least 50.1% of the outstanding Warrants. In order to tender the Warrants in the Offer and receive $1.20 in cash for each of their Warrants, holders of the Warrants are required to consent to the Warrant Amendment. The 2,193,021 Warrants that were validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the Offer (excluding those Warrants being delivered through guaranteed delivery) exceeds the 50.1 % required to effect the Warrant Amendment. The Company expects to execute the Warrant Amendment concurrently with the Settlement.

The Offer and Consent Solicitation are being made pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Offer to Purchase dated September 21, 2023, and Schedule TO, originally filed on August 29, 2023, as amended and supplemented, each of which has been filed with the SEC and more fully set forth the terms and conditions of the Offer and Consent Solicitation.

The Company’s Class A common stock and Warrants are listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbols “DRCT” and “DRCTW,” respectively.

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated has been appointed as the Dealer Manager for the Offer and Consent Solicitation, D.F. King, Co., Inc. (“D.F. King”) has been appointed as the Information Agent for the Offer and Consent Solicitation, and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC has been appointed as the Depositary for the Offer and Consent Solicitation. All questions concerning tender procedures and requests for additional copies of the offer materials, including the letter of transmittal and consent should be directed to D.F. King.

Disclaimer

This announcement is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Warrants. The Offer and Consent Solicitation are being made only through the Schedule TO and Offer to Purchase, and the complete terms and conditions of the Offer and Consent Solicitation are set forth in the Schedule TO and Offer to Purchase.

About Direct Digital Holdings

Direct Digital Holdings (Nasdaq: DRCT), owner of operating companies Colossus SSP, Huddled Masses, and Orange 142, brings state-of-the-art sell- and buy-side advertising platforms together under one umbrella company. Direct Digital Holdings’ sell-side platform, Colossus SSP, offers advertisers of all sizes extensive reach within general market and multicultural media properties. The Company’s subsidiaries Huddled Masses and Orange142 deliver significant ROI for middle market advertisers by providing data-optimized programmatic solutions at scale for businesses in sectors that range from energy to healthcare to travel to financial services. Direct Digital Holdings’ sell- and buy-side solutions manage on average over 136,000 clients monthly, generating approximately 250 billion impressions per month across display, CTV, in-app and other media channels. 

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and which are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties.

As used below, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the Company. We use words such as “could,” “would,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “likely,” “believe,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, but not all forward-looking statements include these words. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements.

All of our forward-looking statements involve estimates and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of our industry experience and our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, many factors could affect our actual operating and financial performance and cause our performance to differ materially from the performance expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: our dependence on the overall demand for advertising, which could be influenced by economic downturns; any slow-down or unanticipated development in the market for programmatic advertising campaigns; the effects of health epidemics; operational and performance issues with our platform, whether real or perceived, including a failure to respond to technological changes or to upgrade our technology systems; any significant inadvertent disclosure or breach of confidential and/or personal information we hold, or of the security of our or our customers’, suppliers’ or other partners’ computer systems; any unavailability or non-performance of the non-proprietary technology, software, products and services that we use; unfavorable publicity and negative public perception about our industry, particularly concerns regarding data privacy and security relating to our industry’s technology and practices, and any perceived failure to comply with laws and industry self-regulation; restrictions on the use of third-party “cookies,” mobile device IDs or other tracking technologies, which could diminish our platform’s effectiveness; any inability to compete in our intensely competitive market; any significant fluctuations caused by our high customer concentration; our limited operating history, which could result in our past results not being indicative of future operating performance; any violation of legal and regulatory requirements or any misconduct by our employees, subcontractors, agents or business partners; any strain on our resources, diversion of our management’s attention or impact on our ability to attract and retain qualified board members as a result of being a public company; our dependence, as a holding company, on receiving distributions from Direct Digital Holdings, LLC to pay our taxes, expenses and dividends; the satisfaction of the conditions to the Offer, including the minimum tender condition; and other factors and assumptions discussed in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” and other sections of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that we make from time to time. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of these assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual operating and financial performance may vary in material respects from the performance projected in these forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances, and we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Contacts:

Investors:
Brett Milotte, ICR
Brett.Milotte@icrinc.com  

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SOURCE Direct Digital Holdings

Released September 29, 2023

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces Pricing of $4.5 Million Public Offering

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

September 28, 2023 9:00pm EDTDownload as PDF

CHATHAM, N.J., Sept. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (“Tonix” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company, today announced it has entered into securities purchase agreements with healthcare focused institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 9,000,000 shares of its common stock (or common stock equivalents in lieu thereof) together with Series A warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 9,000,000 shares of common stock and Series B warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 9,000,000 shares of common stock in a public offering at a combined offering price of $0.50 per share (or common stock equivalents in lieu thereof) and accompanying Series A and Series B warrant. The Series A and Series B warrants will have an exercise price of $0.50 per share, will be exercisable immediately, and will expire in five years and one year, respectively. The closing of the public offering is expected to take place on or about October 3, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The gross proceeds of the offering will be approximately $4.5 million before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, the build out of the Company’s manufacturing and research and development facilities, and the acquisition or licensing of approved products and products in development.

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

Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC is acting as co-placement agent for the offering.

This offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-254975) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus, as may be further supplemented by any free writing prospectus and/or pricing supplement that Tonix may file with the SEC. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering have been filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement may be obtained, when available, from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at (212) 624-2060, or by email at prospectus@allianceg.com. Before investing in this offering, interested parties should read in their entirety the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the other documents that Tonix has filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in such prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which provide more information about Tonix and such offering.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy 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 registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*

Tonix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing, developing, discovering and licensing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg. Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are each indicated for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults. Tonix’s development portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix’s CNS development portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with topline data expected in the first quarter of 2024. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Enrollment in a Phase 2 study has been completed, and topline results are expected in the third quarter of 2023. TNX-601 ER (tianeptine hemioxalate extended-release tablets), a once-daily formulation being developed as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), is also currently enrolling with topline results expected in the first quarter of 2024. TNX-4300 (estianeptine) is a small molecule oral therapeutic in preclinical development to treat MDD, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), in development for chronic migraine, is currently enrolling with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA. A Phase 2 study of TNX-1300 is expected to be initiated in the third quarter of 2023. Tonix’s rare disease development portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the third quarter of 2023. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and mpox. TNX-801 also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine platform for other infectious diseases. The infectious disease development portfolio also includes TNX-3900 and TNX-4000, classes of broad-spectrum small molecule oral antivirals.

* Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.

Tonix Medicines has contracted to acquire the Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra registered trademarks. Intravail is a registered trademark of Aegis Therapeutics, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Neurelis, Inc.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including those relating to the completion of the public offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the intended use of proceeds from the public offering and other statement that are predictive in nature. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 13, 2023, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Investor Contact
Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182

Peter Vozzo
ICR Westwicke
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact
Ben Shannon
ICR Westwicke
ben.shannon@westwicke.com
(919) 360-3039

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released September 28, 2023

Release – FAT Brands Announces Two Additional Board Members

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on FAT

09/28/2023

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc . announces the appointment of two new Directors to its Board, James G. Ellis and John M. Allen. With the additions, the Board size will increase from 12 to 14. Mr. Ellis and Mr. Allen will serve as independent directors, with Mr. Ellis also joining the Audit Committee of the Board.

Mr. Ellis served as the Dean of the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California from 2007 until June 2019. Prior to his appointment as Dean in April 2007, Mr. Ellis was the Vice Provost, Globalization, for USC and prior to that was Vice Dean, External Relations. Mr. Ellis was also a professor in the Marketing Department of the Marshall School of Business from 1997 until his retirement in 2021. Mr. Ellis continues to serve on the boards of directors of a number of other public and private companies. Mr. Ellis received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Mr. Allen is a retired restaurant operator, having served as the founder, owner and operator of Pacific Way Bakery & Café. Mr. Allen received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois.

“Jim and John bring valuable insight and are both deeply respected in their communities,” said Andy Wiederhorn, Chairman of FAT Brands. “We are grateful to have them on the team and look forward to leveraging their insights to continue growth for our franchisees and returns for our shareholders.”

For more information on FAT Brands, visit www.fatbrands.com.

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining 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, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Smokey Bones, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit fatbrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ali Lloyd, FAT Brands
alloyd@fatbrands.com
435-760-6168

Source: FAT Brands Inc.

Release – The GEO Group Publishes Fifth Annual Human Rights and ESG Report

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GEO

September 28, 2023

PDF Version

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep. 28, 2023– The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) (“GEO” or the “Company”) published today the Company’s fifth annual Human Rights and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) report. The report includes enhanced disclosures related to our Board oversight of human rights and ESG matters, employee diversity and training programs, corporate governance, and environmental sustainability, including updated metrics and statistics for the calendar year 2022, in accordance with the Universal Standards of the Global Reporting Initiative.

The report also highlights GEO’s continued commitment to providing enhanced rehabilitation and post-release support services through our award-winning GEO Continuum of Care® (CoC) program. During 2022, our CoC facilities delivered approximately 3.5 million hours of enhanced rehabilitation programming. The CoC program integrates enhanced offender rehabilitation, including cognitive behavioral treatment, with post-release support services to address basic community needs of released individuals, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, and job placement assistance.

GEO’s Executive Chairman, George C. Zoley, said: “The publication of our fifth annual Human Rights and ESG report highlights our long-standing commitment to respecting the human rights and improving the lives of those entrusted to our care. To reinforce this important commitment, we have restructured our Board to include three new committees: a standing committee to oversee Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation, a standing committee to oversee Human Rights, and a standing committee to oversee Cyber Security and Environmental matters. In 2022, we also undertook a Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment, which included engagement with multiple internal and external stakeholder groups. Moving forward, we expect to evaluate additional human rights initiatives, including a future review of our Global Human Rights Policy and its implementation.”

GEO’s fifth annual Human Rights and ESG Report can be found at www.geogroup.com/esg and www.wearegeo.com/esg.

About The GEO Group

The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider, specializing in design, financing, development, and support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO’s diversified services include enhanced in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support through the award-winning GEO Continuum of Care®, secure transportation, electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care. GEO’s worldwide operations include the ownership and/or delivery of support services for 102 facilities totaling approximately 82,000 beds, including idle facilities and projects under development, with a workforce of up to approximately 18,000 employees.

Use of forward-looking statements

This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company’s continued commitment and future initiatives relating to human rights and the GEO Continuum of Care® program. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements and risk factors contained in GEO’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, its Form 10-Qs for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023 and its Form 8-K reports. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and are based on current expectations and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Readers are strongly encouraged to read the full cautionary statements and risk factors contained in GEO’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those referenced above. GEO disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Pablo E. Paez
Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations
1-866-301-4436

Source: The GEO Group, Inc.

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces Proposed Public Offering

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

September 28, 2023 4:01pm EDTDownload as PDF

CHATHAM, N.J., Sept. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (“Tonix” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it intends to offer and sell shares of its common stock (or common stock equivalents in lieu thereof) and warrants to purchase shares of common stock in a public offering. All of the securities to be sold in the offering are to be offered by Tonix. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, the build out of the Company’s manufacturing and research and development facilities, and the acquisition or licensing of approved products and products in development.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as lead placement agent for the offering. Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC is acting as co-placement agent for the offering.

This offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-254975) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. The preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement may be obtained, when available, from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at (212) 624-2060, or by email at prospectus@allianceg.com. Before investing in this offering, interested parties should read in their entirety the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the other documents that Tonix has filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in such prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which provide more information about Tonix and such offering.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy 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 registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*

Tonix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing, developing, discovering and licensing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg under a transition services agreement with Upsher-Smith Laboratories from whom the products were acquired on June 30, 2023. Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are each indicated for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults. Tonix’s development portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix’s CNS development portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead development CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia, having completed enrollment of a potentially confirmatory Phase 3 study in the third quarter of 2023, with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat fibromyalgia-type Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Enrollment in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study has been completed, and topline results were reported in the third quarter of 2023. TNX-601 ER (tianeptine hemioxalate extended-release tablets) is a once-daily oral formulation being developed as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), that completed enrollment in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in the third quarter of 2023, with topline results expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-4300 (estianeptine) is a single isomer version of TNX-601, small molecule oral therapeutic in preclinical development to treat MDD, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Relative to tianeptine, estianeptine lacks activity on the µ-opioid receptor while maintaining activity in the rat Novel Object Recognition test in vivo and the ability to activate PPAR-β/δ and neuroplasticity in tissue culture. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), is in development for preventing headaches in chronic migraine, and has completed enrollment in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-1900 is also being studied in binge eating disorder, pediatric obesity and social anxiety disorder by academic collaborators under investigator-initiated INDs. TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA. A Phase 2 study of TNX-1300 is expected to be initiated in the fourth quarter of 2023. Tonix’s rare disease development portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 was initiated in the third quarter of 2023. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and mpox. TNX-801 also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine platform for other infectious diseases. The infectious disease development portfolio also includes TNX-3900 and TNX-4000, which are classes of broad-spectrum small molecule oral antivirals.
*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.

Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. Intravail is a registered trademark of Aegis Therapeutics, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Neurelis, Inc. All other marks are property of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including those relating to the completion of the public offering, the timing and size of the public offering, the intended use of proceeds from the public offering and other statement that are predictive in nature.  These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 13, 2023, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Investor Contact
Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182

Peter Vozzo
ICR Westwicke
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact
Ben Shannon
ICR Westwicke
ben.shannon@westwicke.com
(919) 360-3039

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released September 28, 2023

Hemisphere Energy Corporation (HMENF) – Production jump coming. A special dividend!

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, September 29, 2023

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

2023 summer drilling program completed. Hemisphere drilled eight wells (6 for production) during the summer, as planned. Four had been completed by August 24th, as reported during second quarter results, so the completions were expected and in line with our model’s assumptions. Management indicated that capital expenditures for the rest of the year should be minimal and we do not expect additional wells to be drilled. 

Production is rising. Management reports that production has reached 3,200 boe/d, up from August production of 3,000 boe/d. Recall that production for the second quarter was slightly below our expectations, but we expected rates to rise as wells came on line.  With production finishing the quarter strong, we believe third quarter production should meet our projections for 3,050 boe/d and fourth quarter production of 3,200 boe/d which assumes some improvement from well optimization.


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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. 

Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF) – Time to Step Up?

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, September 29, 2023

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

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

Near-term weakness presents an opportunity. Lithium stocks have been weighed down by a decline in lithium spot prices this year driven mainly by factors in China. The recent price of battery grade lithium carbonate was ~US$23,300 per tonne. We think it presents an opportunity for longer-term investors based on favorable intermediate and long-term lithium fundamentals supported by growth in the North American electric vehicle market. While commodity spot prices tend to be volatile, long-term supply contracts will likely account for market volume growth as electric vehicle industry participants seek to secure their own lithium sources.

North American lithium projects have gained traction. With critical minerals supplies subject to geopolitical risk, lithium projects in North America benefit from a variety of funding options as battery manufacturers and car makers seek to secure supplies to de-risk their own long-term objectives. General Motors’ investment and offtake agreement with Lithium Americas to advance the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada validates the commercial potential of similar projects. Another example is the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s commitment to lend up to US$700 million to develop Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge project in Nevada coupled with US$490 million of conditional financing from Sibanye-Stillwater and binding offtake agreements with Ford, Toyota/Panasonic, and EcoPro.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Baudax Bio (BXRX) – Orphan Drug Designation Granted By FDA for TI-168

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, September 29, 2023

Baudax Bio is a pharmaceutical company focused on innovative products for acute care settings. ANJESO is the first and only 24-hour, intravenous (IV) COX-2 preferential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for the management of moderate to severe pain. In addition to ANJESO, Baudax Bio has a pipeline of other innovative pharmaceutical assets including two novel neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBs) and a proprietary chemical reversal agent specific to these NMBs. For more information, please visit www.baudaxbio.com.

Gregory Aurand, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Healthcare Services & Medical Devices, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Treatment of Hemophilia A with inhibitors.  As announced yesterday, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to the Company’s novel treatment. TI-168 is the IND-cleared Treg therapy to address Factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors in Hemophilia A patients.  Baudax Bio expects to initiate Phase 1/2a trial enrollment early 2024.

Important FDA acknowledgement.  The FDA has authority to grant orphan drug status for new treatments in rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 patients in the United States.  The designation qualifies sponsoring companies with qualified clinical trial tax credits, exemption from user fees, potential seven years of market exclusivity after approval, and other benefits. It is estimated that 105,000-165,000 Hemophilia A patients are affected with autoantibody inhibitors in the U.S.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

August PCE Index Release Suggests Slower Pace of Inflation Growth

Posted on by cpatches

Today’s news brings the release of the August data for the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. This report, a crucial indicator of inflation and consumer spending in the United States, has set a positive tone for financial markets as they rally in early trading.

In August, the PCE Index recorded a year-over-year growth rate of 3.5%, showing a modest increase from the previous month’s 3.4%. On a monthly basis, the core PCE, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, inched up by 0.1%, slightly lower than the 0.2% increase in July.

The Federal Reserve has long regarded the core PCE as its favored measure of inflation. While the August PCE report has provided insight into inflation trends, it’s important to note that the Fed made a decision to keep interest rates steady earlier this week. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell consistently references the core PCE figures when assessing inflation. Powell has emphasized that inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, which has informed the central bank’s recent decision to maintain interest rates within a range of 5.25%-5.50%. This decision underscores the Fed’s cautious approach to managing inflation while fostering economic growth.

Historically, PCE reports have played a significant role in guiding monetary policy and influencing market dynamics. When inflationary pressures rise, the Fed may respond by raising interest rates to curb price increases. Conversely, when PCE growth moderates, the central bank may opt for rate cuts to stimulate economic activity.

While the report suggests a slower pace of inflation growth in August compared to July, inflation remains a pertinent issue. Investors will closely monitor subsequent reports and Federal Reserve actions to gain insight into the trajectory of inflation and its potential impact on financial markets and the broader economy. The early market rally reflects the market’s optimism following the release of the latest PCE data, as it continues to navigate the evolving economic landscape.

Blue Apron to be Acquired by Wonder Group in $103 Million Deal

Posted on by cpatches

Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: APRN), a pioneer in the meal kit industry, has announced a definitive merger agreement with Wonder Group, a company founded by entrepreneur Marc Lore, known for redefining at-home dining and food delivery. The merger agreement, unanimously approved by Blue Apron’s Board of Directors, is set to create a leading mealtime platform and offers Blue Apron stockholders $13.00 per share in cash, totaling approximately $103 million.

Blue Apron’s merger agreement with Wonder Group comes as part of a strategic shift for the company, which had recently transitioned to an asset-light business model following the sale of its operational infrastructure and a strategic partnership with FreshRealm. The $13.00 per share purchase price represents a substantial 137% premium to the closing price on September 28, 2023, and a noteworthy 77% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average price of the company’s Class A common stock.

Wonder’s acquisition of Blue Apron aims to revolutionize mealtime, offering consumers greater choice, flexibility, and convenience through their combined brands. The partnership is expected to enhance both companies’ abilities to provide chef-curated meals with high-quality ingredients to a broader customer base across the United States. Following the completion of the transaction, Wonder intends to maintain Blue Apron’s current nationwide operations under the Blue Apron brand, leveraging synergies between consumer-facing apps and delivery logistics.

Linda Findley, President, and CEO of Blue Apron, expressed her excitement about the merger, stating, “The Blue Apron brand and products that our customers know and love will stay the same, with more opportunity for product expansion in the future. Further, the transaction delivers immediate and certain value for Blue Apron stockholders at a significant premium over recent trading prices.”

Marc Lore, Founder and CEO of Wonder Group, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Blue Apron to the Wonder platform and look forward to working with Linda and her exceptional team.”

In response to this significant development, Blue Apron shares have surged by over 130% today, reflecting investor optimism about the merger agreement. This marks a remarkable shift in fortunes for the company, which had faced challenges since its initial public offering in 2017. Year-to-date, Blue Apron shares had been down by 44%.

Since its initial public offering in 2017, Blue Apron has faced numerous challenges that have significantly impacted its fortunes. Despite having achieved a valuation of $2 billion just six years ago, the company encountered hurdles including layoffs, struggles in expanding its customer base, and fierce competition from industry giants such as Amazon and Kroger. While Blue Apron experienced a brief boost in demand during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this momentum proved challenging to sustain. Today’s merger agreement with Wonder Group represents a pivotal moment for the pioneering meal kit company, offering the potential for renewed growth and innovation in an evolving food delivery landscape. The acquisition of Blue Apron by Wonder Group represents a pivotal moment for the pioneering meal kit company. Blue Apron’s merger with Wonder is set to redefine at-home dining and food delivery, offering customers enhanced mealtime experiences with chef-curated meals. The substantial premium offered to Blue Apron stockholders demonstrates the confidence in this strategic partnership. As Blue Apron transitions into the Wonder platform, it will be interesting to observe how this union revitalizes the company and expands its presence in the evolving food delivery landscape.

Instacart Founder Exits With $1.1 Billion Fortune After IPO

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Apoorva Mehta’s path to becoming a billionaire was paved with determination and grit. The 37-year-old founder of grocery delivery app Instacart debuted his company on the public market this week, earning a personal net worth of $1.1 billion.

Mehta’s road to success was not straightforward. After quitting his job as a supply chain engineer at Amazon in 2010, Mehta attempted to launch over 20 startups in San Francisco, all of which failed. “I wanted to become an entrepreneur. I didn’t know what my idea was going to be,” Mehta told CNBC.

Undeterred by his string of failures, Mehta found inspiration from his own empty refrigerator and launched Instacart in 2012 to disrupt the grocery delivery industry. Instacart struggled at first, with Mehta even missing Y Combinator’s application deadline. But he managed to impress the famed accelerator’s partners by personally delivering beer to their office using his new app. With Y Combinator’s backing and $2.3 million in early funding, Instacart began spreading beyond San Francisco.

In just over a decade, Mehta has grown Instacart into a grocery delivery behemoth operating in over 14,000 cities across North America. The company has facilitated the delivery of over 900 million grocery orders and 20 billion items since its founding. Instacart now delivers groceries from over 80,000 stores, including major chains like Kroger, Costco, and Wegmans.

With Instacart’s successful IPO and $8.8 billion valuation, Mehta is transitioning from his role as executive chairman. His 11-year journey founding and leading Instacart has earned him billionaire status, proving that persistence and vision can turn startup failures into phenomenal success.

Mehta’s determination to solve a personal need despite multiple failed attempts speaks to his perseverance and self-belief. “Being an entrepreneur is about solving problems,” Mehta told Forbes India. “If you are solving problems, you are doing something meaningful.”

This tireless problem-solving ethic kept Mehta persevering through over 20 doomed startups before finding his billion-dollar idea. “I wanted to build something that really moved the needle,” Mehta told Entrepreneur. “Part of the reason I kept trying was because I wasn’t succeeding.”

Now valued at nearly $9 billion, Instacart succeeded in moving the needle for online grocery delivery in a massive way. “I’m most excited about the impact we can have on the grocery industry,” Mehta told Forbes of his goals looking forward.

As Mehta departs his executive chairman role, his grocery delivery empire promises to change how people access fresh food for years to come. Under new CEO Fidji Simo, formally of Facebook, Instacart is poised for continued innovation and growth.

Mehta’s journey underscores how entrepreneurs should not measure success purely in financial terms. “It’s about solving problems, inventing things and making an impact – not for the sake of making money but because it’s a challenge,” Mehta told Entrepreneur India. For him, impact and problem solving are the true markers of success.

After over 20 failures, Mehta never gave up on his goal of building something meaningful. His unflagging determination and vision turned a simple grocery delivery app into a multibillion-dollar public company. Mehta’s inspiring rise from failed startups to billionaire success shows how persistence and grit can overcome early stumbles to eventually change an entire industry.