Release – Direct Digital Holdings Launches “Practical Generative AI Use Cases & Tools for Agencies” Guide to Empower Agency Leaders in AI Adoption

Research News and Market Data on DRCT

March 06, 2025 9:00 am ESTDownload as PDF

New guide provides actionable strategies and tools for agencies to leverage AI effectively

HOUSTON, March 6, 2025 /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”) and Orange 142, LLC (“Orange 142”), today announced the release of “Practical Generative AI Use Cases & Tools for Agencies” guide in its AI education series. This comprehensive guide provides agency leaders with real-world AI applications and practical insights to effectively integrate AI tools into their workflows.

The accelerating adoption of generative AI is reshaping agency operations, enabling teams to streamline tasks, enhance creativity, and elevate the quality of their outputs. However, many agencies face uncertainty around where to begin and how to deploy AI responsibly while preserving strategic oversight. Practical Generative AI Use Cases & Tools for Agencies guide provides a structured roadmap for integrating AI-powered solutions into key agency functions.

“Generative AI is no longer a distant concept—it’s already a fundamental part of agency workflows,” said Anu Pillai, Chief Technology Officer at Direct Digital Holdings. “Whether it’s preparing for client meetings or streamlining ad development, AI is becoming an essential tool. This guide helps agencies adopt AI in a way that enhances efficiency while maintaining the creative and strategic edge that sets them apart.”

Turning AI Theory into Agency Practice

Through the guide, agencies gain insight into practical AI applications with real-world examples demonstrating how AI enhances workflows, reduces manual tasks, and improves business outcomes. They also develop a deeper understanding of key areas such as meeting preparation, ad coding, and creative development. The guide emphasizes that while AI enhances these processes, human oversight remains essential. It reinforces that AI is a support tool designed to augment strategic thinking and creativity, not replace them.

Key topics covered include:

  • AI-enhanced meeting preparation and client intelligence – Use AI-driven research to streamline meeting readiness and personalize client engagement.
  • Client research and pitch development – Automate competitive analysis, RFP responses, and background research for faster, data-driven decision-making.
  • Copy and tagline iteration – Accelerate creative brainstorming with AI-generated copy refinements that align with brand messaging.
  • Graphic and design iteration – Use AI-assisted design tools to generate creative concepts while maintaining brand consistency rapidly.
  • Digital ad coding and deployment – Reduce production time with AI-driven ad creation and optimization automation.

“The goal of this guide is not to replace human expertise but to empower agencies with AI-enhanced capabilities,” added Christy Nolan, VP of Delivery Solutions at Direct Digital Holdings. “By embracing AI as a collaborative tool, agencies can focus more on strategic storytelling and client success.”

In addition to practical real-world examples of AI application, the eBook provides a curated list of AI platforms and solutions that agencies can integrate today. It also features insights from industry leaders on AI’s impact on client interactions, creativity, and the future of agency workflows.

To download “Practical Generative AI Use Cases & Tools for Agencies”, please visit our AI Council resource center.

About Direct Digital Holdings

Direct Digital Holdings (Nasdaq: DRCT) combines cutting-edge sell-side and buy-side advertising solutions, providing data-driven digital media strategies that enhance reach and performance for brands, agencies, and publishers of all sizes. Our sell-side platform, Colossus SSP, offers curated access to premium, growth-oriented media properties throughout the digital ecosystem. On the buy-side, Orange 142 delivers customized, audience-focused digital marketing and advertising solutions that enable mid-market and enterprise companies to achieve measurable results across a range of platforms, including programmatic, search, social, CTV, and influencer marketing. With extensive expertise in high-growth sectors such as Energy, Healthcare, Travel & Tourism, and Financial Services, our teams deliver performance strategies that connect brands with their ideal audiences.

At Direct Digital Holdings, we prioritize personal relationships by humanizing technology, ensuring each client receives dedicated support and tailored digital marketing solutions regardless of company size. This empowers everyone to thrive by generating billions of monthly impressions across display, CTV, in-app, and emerging media channels through advanced targeting, comprehensive data insights, and cross-platform activation. DDH is “Digital advertising built for everyone.”

Direct Digital Holdings Logo (PRNewsfoto/Direct Digital Holdings)

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Release – ODP Business Solutions Announces New Landmark Partnership to Deliver Solutions to CoreTrust Members

Research News and Market Data on ODP

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New corporate services contract signals continued momentum for ODP Business Solutions in expanding relationships and serving new partners

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mar. 6, 2025– ODP Business Solutions, a leading supplier of workplace solutions and services, and a division of The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ: ODP), today announced a Private Sector purchasing contract with CoreTrust. Through this partnership, ODP Business Solutions will offer products and services to CoreTrust’s 3,500+ business member purchasing collective serving major industries including retail, manufacturing, hospitality and finance. This agreement marks the latest in a series of new contracts for ODP Business Solutions, demonstrating the company’s growth into new, fast-growing industries.

This new corporate services contract allows ODP Business Solutions to supply CoreTrust members with high-quality solutions, including interiors/furniture, technology, breakroom supplies, and print, promotion and apparel services at an exceptional value. These categories are expected to expand by a 4-6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years industry-wide, reflecting ODP Business Solutions’ continuing focus on areas where there is substantial growth opportunity.

“CoreTrust has tremendous reach and is known as one of the top aggregators for Fortune 1000 companies, so we are honored to leverage our portfolio of products and solutions, and our global supply chain, as a trusted new CoreTrust supplier,” said David Centrella, executive vice president of The ODP Corporation and president of ODP Business Solutions.

CoreTrust is a market-leading group purchasing organization (GPO) that is trusted by thousands of businesses to leverage its collective purchasing power to secure competitive supplier pricing and more favorable contract terms. With more than $7 billion in annual aggregated spend, CoreTrust members save an average of 20% on indirect spend – far surpassing what they can typically achieve independently.

“We are excited to welcome ODP Business Solutions to CoreTrust’s portfolio of premier suppliers,” said Mahesh Shah, CEO of CoreTrust. “CoreTrust will always strive to help procurement professionals achieve greater savings for their businesses. This partnership strengthens our commitment to being the ‘go-to’ solution for indirect spend needs.”

This contract with CoreTrust represents another growth milestone for ODP Business Solutions, following recent expansions within the hospitality sector with both customers and vendors. These achievements align with the company’s strategic goals of delivering a diverse range of innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers across multiple industries. Similarly, CoreTrust offers its members competitive pricing on a wide array of indirect spend categories, serving a broad spectrum of sectors and categories.

“This partnership is a natural fit and is mutually beneficial for both ODP Business Solutions and CoreTrust. Our operations work very similarly in that we both have a growth mindset to provide our customers and members value not only in the prices and solutions we offer, but by elevating the overall buying experience,” said Nisha Brown, vice president of marketing and product management at ODP Business Solutions.

To learn more about ODP Business Solutions, visit www.odpbusiness.com.

About ODP Business Solutions:

ODP Business Solutions is a trusted partner with more than 30 years of experience working with businesses to adapt to the ever-changing world of work. From technology transformation, sustainability, innovative workspace design, cleaning and breakroom, and everything in between, ODP Business Solutions has the integrated products and services businesses need. Powered by a collaborative team of experienced business consultants, world-class logistics, and trusted brand names, ODP Business Solutions advances how the working world gets work done. For more information on ODP Business Solutions, visit www.odpbusiness.com.

ODP Business Solutions is a division of The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ: ODP). ODP and ODP Business Solutions are trademarks of ODP Business Solutions, LLC. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owner

About CoreTrust

Since 2006, CoreTrust has been a trusted group purchasing organization (GPO), helping businesses save on indirect spend, private equity firms improve portfolio performance, and suppliers drive growth. With $7 billion in annual purchasing power and a network of 3,500+ members, CoreTrust offers access to 125+ pre-negotiated contracts with top suppliers. Key categories include corporate services, facilities, HR, technology, travel, and supply chain and logistics, delivering efficiency and value to members.

Members enjoy market-leading pricing and exclusive access to the CoreTrust Experience Platform (CXP), a digital marketplace with curated contracts and actionable insights for smarter procurement. Membership is free, offering unmatched savings and simplified solutions for managing indirect spend. Learn more at www.coretrustpg.com.

About The ODP Corporation

The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of products and services through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, online presence and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC; ODP Business Solutions, LLC; and Veyer, LLC, The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day. For more information, visit theodpcorp.com.

ODP and ODP Business Solutions are trademarks of ODP Business Solutions, LLC. Office Depot is a trademark of The Office Club, LLC. OfficeMax is a trademark of OMX, Inc. Veyer is a trademark of Veyer, LLC. ©2025 Office Depot, LLC. All rights reserved. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS – THE ODP CORPORATION

This communication may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements or disclosures may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations, cash flow or financial condition, or state other information relating to, among other things, The ODP Corporation (“the Company”), based on current beliefs and assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “expectations”, “outlook,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “propose” “aim” or other similar words, phrases or expressions, or other variations of such words. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company’s control. There can be no assurances that the Company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct, and therefore investors and stakeholders should not place undue reliance on such statements.

Investors and shareholders should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Press Contact:
Katee Schalau
6600 North Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33496
mediarelations@odpbusiness.com

Source: ODP Business Solutions

Release – Naval Air Systems Command Awards Kratos Additional $59.3 Million for BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target Systems; Total Contract Value Exceeds $175M

Research News and Market Data on KTOS

March 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM EST

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SAN DIEGO, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, and industry-leading provider of high-performance, jet-powered unmanned aerial systems, announced today that Kratos has received $59,338,010 for an additional 70 BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target (SSAT) aircraft through the exercise of the contract option for Full Rate Production (FRP) Lot 6. When combined with the base award and exercise of FRP Lot 5, the resulting overall value of FRP Lots 4 through 6 totals $177,702,962. Total contract value if the remaining option for Lot 7 is exercised at the maximum production quantity will be $227,647,890.

Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said, “Since the first Full Rate Production contract award in October 2020, the world has undergone impactful economic and political shifts creating significant production challenges across our industry and increased need for development, test, and training associated with our country’s current and upcoming weapons systems. On behalf of all the dedicated men and women at Kratos, we will collectively continue to do our utmost to support our warfighters with this high-fidelity threat surrogate.”

BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target Systems

BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target Systems

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e862f07c-7008-467a-b391-adb4eff2c3b8

The majority of the work under this contract will be conducted in Kratos facilities in Sacramento, CA, and Fort Walton Beach, FL.

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.

Press Contact:
Claire Burghoff
claire.burghoff@kratosdefense.com

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

Primary Logo
BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target Systems

 

BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target Systems

Source: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Ocugen (OCGN) – Ocugen Reports FY2024 With Progress Toward “3 BLA Filings In 3 Years”


Thursday, March 06, 2025

Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing novel gene therapies, biologicals, and vaccines. The lead product in its gene therapy program, OCU400, is in Phase 1/2 clinical trials for retinitis pigmentosa.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Clinical Progress Expected To Lead To Filings For Three Product Approvals. Ocugen reported a 4Q24 loss of $13.9 million or $(0.05) per share and FY2024 loss of $54.1 million or $(0.20) per share. The company made significant progress in its clinical trials during the quarter and since the start of FY2025. It has also received regulatory designations that accelerate product approval. The company had $58.5 million in cash on December 31, sufficient to fund operations through 1Q26.

Clinical Trial Advances Point To Three BLAs In 3 Years. Ocugen has made significant progress with three products for three diseases that lead to vision loss. The three ongoing trials are Phase 3 for OCU400, the Phase 2/3 for OCU410ST in Stargardt disease, and the Phase 1/2 trial for GA. These trials are on schedule for filing applications for approval in 2026, 2027, and 2028 respectively. OCU400 and OCU410ST have Orphan Drug designations that can accelerate approval, while GA is a large market of over 10 million patients in the US alone.


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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. 

NN, Inc. (NNBR) – A Look into the Fourth Quarter


Thursday, March 06, 2025

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

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

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

Year of Transformation. Management highlighted its first full year of transformation, as the Company upgraded leadership positions and added to its Stamped Products, Electrical, and Medical teams. They also secured new business to offset rationalized business and create a path to y-o-y growth, increased gross margins, and decreased leverage to name a few actions. Lastly, the underperforming plants are expected to generate positive EBITDA in the new year compared to a negative $11.5 million last year.

New Business Wins. The Company had $73 million of new business wins for the fiscal year, surpassing the previous year of $63 million. As for 2025, the Company has $13 million in new wins year-to-date and remains on pace towards its guidance of $60-$70 million in new wins for the year. These wins are expected to soon ramp into Company sales as well, with roughly $21 million of new business expected to launch in Q1 2025 across multiple plants and countries.


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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. 

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) – South Texas to Resume Operations


Thursday, March 06, 2025

CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in flexible, cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, a network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. We are the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities, and believe we are the largest private owner of real estate used by government agencies in the United States. We have been a flexible and dependable partner for government for nearly 40 years. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to help government better the public good. Learn more at www.corecivic.com.

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

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

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

South Texas to Resume. Yesterday, CoreCivic announced a new intergovernmental agreement to resume operations at the 2,400-bed South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, for ICE. CoreCivic has entered into a new lease agreement with Target Hospitality, the owner of the facility, over period concurrent with the ICE agreement. We view this a further confirmation of the Federal government’s need for additional bed capacity in the drive to deport undocumented migrants.

Details. The amended IGSA expires in March 2030 and may be further extended through bilateral modification. The agreement provides for a fixed monthly payment in accordance with a graduated schedule to correlate with the activation of each neighborhood within the facility. Once fully activated, total annual revenue is expected to be approximately $180 million, including medical services. With the Company having already started pre-activation activities earlier this year, we expect this award to be accretive to earnings beginning in the second quarter of 2025.


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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. 

FAT Brands (FAT) – Post Call Commentary


Thursday, March 06, 2025

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 17 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, 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 www.fatbrands.com.

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

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

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

Twin Hospitality. Significant opportunity remains at Twin Hospitality. The Company ended the year with 115 Twin Peaks lodges, having opened nine new lodges. Twin Hospitality expects to open an additional 9-11 lodges in 2025, with 6-7 franchised and an additional 10-15 lodges in both 2026 and 2027. The Company has over 100 signed franchised commitments and the remaining conversion of approximately 30 Smokey Bones locations to drive new openings.

New Openings. FAT Brands expects to open over 100 new locations in 2025, with 17 already opened year-to-date. We anticipate strong organic growth across the portfolio in 2025. The current development pipeline consists of signed agreements for approximately 1,000 additional locations, including over 250 units signed in 2024. Once these units are opened, we expect them to generate approximately $50 million in incremental annual adjusted EBITDA.


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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. 

AZZ Inc. (AZZ) – Updating Estimates; Raising PT


Thursday, March 06, 2025

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.

A market leader with a strong growth profile. AZZ is the leading independent provider of hot dip galvanizing and coil coating solutions to a broad range of end markets. We expect AZZ Precoat Metals’ new manufacturing facility in Washington, Missouri to contribute to top-line growth in fiscal year 2026 while capital expenditures decline. Approximately 75% of the facility’s production is already committed and could generate $50 million to $60 million in revenue on an annualized basis once production is fully ramped. 

Fiscal 2026 corporate guidance. In early February, AZZ Inc. released financial guidance for fiscal year 2026 and expects sales in the range of $1.625 billion to $1.725 billion, adjusted EBITDA in the range of $360 million to $400 million, and adjusted diluted EPS of $5.50 to $6.10. Fiscal year 2026 guidance included an increase in the Metal Coatings EBITDA margin expectations to a range of 27% to 32% from 25% to 30%, while Precoat Metals EBITDA margin expectations are unchanged at 17% to 22%.


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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. 

Klarna Prepares for $1 Billion US IPO, Targeting $15 Billion Valuation

– Klarna is targeting a $15B+ valuation, pricing expected in April.
– IPO may boost tech listings, with Chime and Zilch eyeing debuts.
– Klarna refocuses on AI, payments, and potential crypto expansion.

Klarna, a leading player in the buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) sector, is gearing up for a highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Swedish fintech company is expected to publicly file for its IPO as soon as next week, aiming to raise at least $1 billion. Klarna’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is expected to take place in early April, with a target valuation exceeding $15 billion.

This IPO comes at a crucial time for the technology sector, which has seen a slowdown in public listings following a record-breaking surge in 2021. Klarna’s decision to go public could reignite investor interest in fintech IPOs, paving the way for other companies like Chime Financial Inc. and Zilch Technology Ltd. to follow suit later this year. The company confidentially filed for an IPO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in November 2024, and it is now preparing to move forward with the process alongside major underwriters, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley.

Klarna has experienced significant valuation swings in recent years. At its peak in 2021, the company was valued at $45.6 billion. However, following a broader tech downturn, Klarna’s valuation dropped dramatically to $6.7 billion in 2022. Analysts currently estimate its worth at approximately $14.6 billion based on Chrysalis Investments Ltd.’s assessment of its stake in Klarna.

To strengthen its market position and improve financial efficiency ahead of the IPO, Klarna has been restructuring its business operations. The company recently agreed to divest its Checkout payments division for approximately $520 million, while also acquiring Laybuy, a buy-now, pay-later provider in New Zealand. These strategic moves indicate Klarna’s intent to streamline its operations and refocus on its core payments business.

Founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2005, Klarna has grown into a global financial technology leader with 85 million customers and 600,000 retail partners. The company’s expansion into the U.K. and U.S. markets has been key to its growth, and its IPO signals a continued push for international dominance.

Klarna is also exploring new revenue streams, including an expansion into the cryptocurrency market. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski hinted at this move in February when he posted on social media that Klarna “will embrace crypto.” This potential diversification could attract a new wave of investors interested in both fintech and digital assets.

As Klarna prepares for its public debut, investors will be watching closely to see how the company positions itself in the competitive fintech landscape. With the backing of major institutional investors like Sequoia Capital and a renewed focus on core business operations, Klarna’s IPO could be a significant milestone for the BNPL industry and the broader fintech sector. If successful, this listing could set the tone for other fintech firms eyeing public markets in 2025 and beyond.

Scale AI’s Defense Deal: A New Frontier in Military AI Technology

Key Points:
– Scale AI secures multimillion-dollar contract with Department of Defense
– “Thunderforge” program aims to integrate AI into military planning and operations
– Tech industry continues shifting towards military AI partnerships

Scale AI has entered a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of military artificial intelligence, securing a multimillion-dollar contract with the Department of Defense for the “Thunderforge” program. This landmark deal represents a significant step in the integration of AI technologies into military strategic planning and operational decision-making.

The Defense Innovation Unit’s flagship program will leverage AI agents to enhance military capabilities across multiple domains. Partnering with technology giants like Anduril and Microsoft, Scale AI will develop AI solutions designed to accelerate decision-making processes and provide advanced modeling and simulation capabilities.

CEO Alexandr Wang emphasized the transformative potential of the technology, stating that their AI solutions will “modernize American defense” and provide military leaders with a technological advantage. The program’s initial rollout will focus on U.S. Indo-Pacific and European Commands, with plans to expand to additional areas.

The contract highlights a broader trend in the tech industry’s approach to military partnerships. Companies that previously maintained strict policies against military applications are now actively engaging with defense initiatives. OpenAI, Google, and other major tech firms have quietly modified their stance on military technology use, reflecting a significant shift in the industry’s perspective.

This evolution hasn’t been without controversy. Tech employees have historically voiced concerns about their companies’ military contracts, most notably during Google’s Project Maven, which involved AI analysis of drone surveillance footage. Margaret Mitchell, an AI ethics researcher, points out the complex ethical considerations, noting that companies cannot fully control how their technologies might be ultimately utilized.

The Thunderforge program emphasizes “speed” as a critical advantage, with defense officials repeatedly highlighting the need for rapid decision-making in modern warfare. The AI agents will support various military functions, including modeling potential scenarios, suggesting courses of action, and creating automated workflows.

While Scale AI maintains that the program will operate under human oversight, the broader implications of AI in military applications remain a topic of intense debate. The potential for AI to transform military operations is significant, but so are the ethical concerns surrounding autonomous decision-making systems.

Other recent military AI partnerships underscore this trend. Anthropic has collaborated with Palantir and Amazon Web Services to provide AI models for intelligence agencies, while OpenAI has partnered with Anduril to develop advanced systems for national security missions.

The technology’s potential extends beyond traditional warfare, with applications in intelligence gathering, threat assessment, and strategic planning. However, experts like Mitchell caution that the line between defensive technology and potential harm can be increasingly blurry.

As military AI continues to evolve, the tech industry finds itself at a critical intersection of innovation, ethics, and national security. Scale AI’s Thunderforge program represents a significant milestone in this ongoing technological transformation.

Release – NN, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Research News and Market Data on NNBR

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NN delivers performance as expected in first full year of transformation

NN is accelerating and further refining transformation plans in 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NN, Inc. (NASDAQ: NNBR) (“NN” or the “Company”), a global diversified industrial company that engineers and manufactures high-precision components and assemblies, today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2024. Key results for the quarter and full-year ended 2024 include (compared with the fourth quarter and full-year of 2023):

  • Net sales of $106.5 million and $464.3 million, decreased by 5.3% and 5.1%, respectively.
  • Pro forma net sales, adjusted for sale of Lubbock, rationalized business, and other pro forma adjustments, increased by 2.0% and declined by 0.2%, respectively.
  • GAAP earnings per share of $(0.51) and $(1.11), respectively.
  • Adjusted earnings per share of $(0.02) and $(0.17), respectively.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $12.1 million and $48.3 million, an increase of $2.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
  • NN’s first full year of transformation plan was a success – upgraded its leadership team, rationalized money-losing legacy business, secured new program awards to offset rationalized business and create a path to year-over-year growth, increased gross profit margins, decreased borrowing rates, and decreased leverage.
  • $73 million of new business wins in 2024, topping the previous record of $63 million in 2023.
    • NN is tracking on pace with its 5-year sales growth and diversification goals and has delivered a 2-year new business wins total of $136 million. The Company has won $13 million in new wins in 2025 YTD and remains on pace with its business development efforts.
    • The Company is on pace to achieve its organic growth goal of reaching $600 million in sales.
    • New wins have begun launching and ramping into the Company’s sales run-rates with over 70 programs scheduled for start-of-production during 2025; approximately $21 million of new business is being launched in Q1 2025 across multiple plants and countries.
  • NN’s China operations sales growth continues at a measured pace, up by 15.6% and 20.6%, versus the prior year fourth quarter and full-year, respectively. NN’s China operations continue to fund their own growth through local cash flow generation.
  • NN’s Term Loan refinancing process continues, and the transaction will enable the Company to continue its 5-year transformation plans.

“We are pleased overall with the results of our first full year of our transformation plan, during which we made immediate and significant progress.” said Harold Bevis, President and Chief Executive Officer of NN, Inc. “We also gained the confidence to accelerate our pace. A few highlights are as follows:

  • Upgraded a significant number of leadership positions, including upgrades across our C-suite, and among our operational leaders, commercial leaders, and finance team. NN is adding to and creating the most competitive engineering and business development team in the history of the Company, adding to our Stamped Products, Electrical, and Medical teams.
  • In 2025, we are launching the highest number of new products in recent history. By being careful and selective, we have been able to keep our cash capex spending to normal levels by leveraging our $340 million installed base of machinery and equipment and $56 million of land and buildings.
  • We have significantly improved the underperforming performance at the ‘Group of 7’ plants that had previously generated $112.6 million of net sales and negative $11.5 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023; we have fixed four plants and we are closing three. In 2025, we expect this same set of plants to generate $5 million of adjusted EBITDA.
  • Growth of the US electrical grid power business is expected to continue in 2025 as electrical demand increases due to data centers, electric, and hybrid vehicles.”

Mr. Bevis concluded, “Looking ahead to 2025, as we continue along our transformation path, we are focused on creating a refreshed and extended balance sheet, stronger free cash flow, a powerful new business acquisition program, and a further strengthening of our management team. I would like to thank the NN team and our partners who are working together to create sustainable value.”

Fourth Quarter Results

Net sales were $106.5 million, a decrease of 5.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 net sales of $112.5 million, which was primarily due to the sale of our Lubbock operations, lower volumes, and unfavorable foreign exchange effects of $1.6 million. As a result, on a pro forma basis, sales increased 2% over the same period of prior year.

Loss from operations was $16.9 million compared to a loss from operations of $7.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increased loss from operations was primarily due to lower sales volume.

Income from operations for Power Solutions was $1.3 million compared to income from operations of $2.8 million for the same period in 2023. Loss from operations for Mobile Solutions was $12.9 million compared to loss from operations of $5.7 million for the same period in 2023.

Net loss was $21.0 million compared to net loss of $20.5 million for the same period in 2023.

Full-Year Results

Net sales decreased by $25.0 million, or 5.1%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to the sale of our Lubbock operations, customer settlements received in 2023, rationalized volume at plants undergoing turnarounds and unfavorable foreign exchange effects of $3.5 million. These decreases were partially offset by the net impact of contractual pass-through material pricing provisions. As a result, on a pro forma basis, sales decreased 0.2%.

Loss from operations was $27.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to a loss from operations of $21.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to lower revenue, the impairment of machinery and equipment at a plant that will close in 2025, higher travel, stock compensation and severance expense, partially offset by lower salaries due to a reduction in headcount.

Net loss was $38.3 million compared to net loss of $50.2 million for the same period in 2023. The improvement is primarily due to the $7.2 million gain on sale of the Lubbock operations and a decrease in noncash derivative mark-to-market losses, as well as increased share of net income from joint venture.

Fourth Quarter Adjusted Results

Adjusted income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $2.4 million compared to adjusted loss from operations of $1.4 million for the same period in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was $12.1 million, or 11.3% of sales, compared to $10.0 million, or 8.9% of sales, for the same period in 2023.

Adjusted net loss was $0.9 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net loss of $4.9 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023. Free cash flow was a generation of cash of $3.8 million compared to a generation of cash of $1.3 million for the same period in 2023.

Power Solutions 
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $39.2 million compared to $43.3 million in the same period in 2023. The decrease is primarily due to lower volumes, including from the sale of the Lubbock operations, offset partially by pricing.

Net sales decreased by $5.4 million, or 2.9%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to the sale of our Lubbock operations, premium pricing received on a certain customer project during the first quarter of 2023, and unfavorable foreign exchange effects of $0.2 million. These decreases were partially offset by higher precious metals pass-through pricing.

Adjusted income from operations was $4.6 million compared to adjusted income from operations of $5.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in adjusted income from operations was primarily due to the lower revenue, including from the sale of the Lubbock operations, partially offset by cost reduction initiatives.

Income from operations increased by $2.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in sublease income earned on closed facilities and lower depreciation and amortization expense due to sold or fully utilized assets.

Mobile Solutions

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $67.4 million compared to $69.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, a decrease of 2.7%. The decrease in sales was primarily due to rationalized volume at plants undergoing turnarounds, contractual reduction in customer pass-through material pricing, and unfavorable foreign exchange effects of $1.6 million.

Net sales decreased by $19.4 million, or 6.4%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due rationalized volume at plants undergoing turnarounds, contractual reduction in customer pass-through material pricing, a customer settlement received in 2023 and unfavorable foreign exchange effects of $3.3 million.

Adjusted income from operations was $2.5 million compared to adjusted loss from operations of $2.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase in adjustment income from operations was primarily due to the rationalization of underperforming business.

Loss from operations changed unfavorably by $6.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the prior year, primarily due to the impairment of machinery and equipment at a plant that will close in 2025. The change was also impacted by higher depreciation expense and selling, general and administrative costs.

2025 Outlook

Guidance assumes a similar FX, trade policy, and metal industry environment as in 2024.

Revenues should be between $450 to $480 million, depending on FX and tariff impacts

  • At midpoint, slight growth over 2024 on a proforma basis
  • Core performance metrics normalized for sale of Lubbock and rationalized business during 2024

Adjusted EBITDA should be between $53 and $63 million, depending on FX and tariff impacts

  • At midpoint, up ~15% over 2024 on a proforma basis
  • Core performance metrics normalized for sale of Lubbock and rationalized business during 2024

New business wins between $60 to $70 million

  • Targeting larger amounts from stamped products, electrical products and medical products
  • China will fund its own new wins program
  • Continue to leverage $340 million of machinery and equipment to minimize cash capex spend

Chris Bohnert, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, commented, “The key end markets NN serves remain solid on balance, subject to potential impacts of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, volume uncertainty and tariff impacts. These uncertainties are initially moving us to the low half of the Revenue and adjusted EBITDA ranges for the full-year. We expect our profitability results to be supported by stronger margins as a result of cost-out actions and operational efficiencies, as well as the launching of new business wins. Our adjusted EBITDA forecast calls for solid year-over-year improvement driven by a combination of a stronger gross margin profile, and the benefit of our consistent actions to improve our fixed and variable cost structure.”

Mr. Bohnert concluded, “The refinancing of our Term Loan is in process and our focus remains on improving our financial flexibility and supporting our profitable growth strategy. While this process is influenced by NN’s positively evolving growth capital and capacity expansion needs, as well as the Company’s changing cost structure, we expect this process to conclude in the first half of the year, which will provide us the runway needed to continue our multi-year transformation.”

Conference Call

NN will discuss its results during its quarterly investor conference call on March 6, 2024, at 9 a.m. ET. The call and supplemental presentation may be accessed via NN’s website, www.nninc.com. The conference call can also be accessed by dialing 1-877-255-4315 or 1-412-317-6579. For those who are unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call until March 6, 2026.

NN discloses in this press release the non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted income (loss) from operations, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share, and free cash flow. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures provides supplementary information about the impacts of restructuring and integration expense, acquisition and transition expenses, foreign exchange impacts on inter-company loans, amortization of intangibles and deferred financing costs, and other non-operating impacts on our business.

The financial tables found later in this press release include a reconciliation of adjusted income (loss) from operations, adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share, free cash flow to the U.S. GAAP financial measures of income (loss) from operations, net income (loss), net income (loss) per diluted common share, and cash provided (used) by operating activities.

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.

Except for specific historical information, many of the matters discussed in this press release may express or imply projections of revenues or expenditures, statements of plans and objectives or future operations or statements of future economic performance. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to NN, Inc. (the “Company”) based on current beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project”, “achieve”, “growth”, “enable”, “improve”, 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 forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, general economic conditions and economic conditions in the industrial sector; the impacts of pandemics, epidemics, disease outbreaks and other public health crises on our financial condition, business operations and liquidity; competitive influences; risks that current customers will commence or increase captive production; risks of capacity underutilization; quality issues; material changes in the costs and availability of raw materials; economic, social, political and geopolitical instability, military conflict, currency fluctuation, and other risks of doing business outside of the United States; inflationary pressures and changes in the cost or availability of materials, supply chain shortages and disruptions, the availability of labor and labor disruptions along the supply chain; our dependence on certain major customers, some of whom are not parties to long-term agreements (and/or are terminable on short notice); the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, as well as expansion of end markets and product offerings; our ability to hire or retain key personnel; the level of our indebtedness; the restrictions contained in our debt agreements; our ability to obtain financing at favorable rates, if at all, and to refinance existing debt as it matures; our ability to secure, maintain or enforce patents or other appropriate protections for our intellectual property; new laws and governmental regulations; the impact of climate change on our operations; uncertainty of government policies and actions after recent U.S. elections in respect to global trade, tariffs and international trade agreements; 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 Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and 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. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict their occurrence or how they will affect the Company. The Company qualifies all forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

With respect to any non-GAAP financial measures included in the following document, the accompanying information required by SEC Regulation G can be found in the back of this document or in the “Investors” section of the Company’s web site, www.nninc.com, under the heading “News & Events” and subheading “Presentations.”

Investor & Media Contacts: 
Joe Caminiti or Stephen Poe 
NNBR@alpha-ir.com 
312-445-2870

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Release – CoreCivic Announces Resumption of Operations at South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas

Research News and Market Data on CXW

March 5, 2025

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BRENTWOOD, Tenn., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CoreCivic, Inc. (NYSE: CXW) (“CoreCivic”) announced today that it has agreed under an amended intergovernmental services agreement (IGSA) between the City of Dilley, Texas, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to resume operations and care for up to 2,400 individuals at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas (the Dilley Facility). Simultaneously, CoreCivic has entered into a new lease agreement with Target Hospitality Corporation (Target), the owner of the facility, over a period co-terminus with the ICE agreement.  

The Dilley Facility was purpose-built for ICE in 2014 to provide an appropriate setting for a family population. CoreCivic managed the Dilley Facility from its construction in 2014 through August 2024, when funding for the contract with ICE was terminated and the facility was idled. CoreCivic will again be responsible for providing residential services in an open and safe environment that offers residents indoor and outdoor recreational activities, life skills, counseling, group interaction, and access to religious and legal services. In addition, CoreCivic will assume the additional responsibility of onsite medical care. Food services will be provided by Target.

The amended IGSA expires in March 2030 and may be further extended through bilateral modification. The agreement provides for a fixed monthly payment in accordance with a graduated schedule to correlate with the activation of each neighborhood within the facility. Total annual revenue once fully activated is expected to be approximately $180 million, inclusive of medical services. We began pre-activation activities earlier this year and expect this award to be accretive to earnings beginning in the second quarter of 2025.

Damon T. Hininger, CoreCivic’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “With this award and the additional capacity provided to ICE through four contract modifications we announced last week, we are grateful for the trust our government partner has placed in us. We have an extensive supply of available beds, either owned directly or provided by third parties like Target, that provides our government partners the flexibility to satisfy their immediate and long-term needs in a cost-effective manner. We are entering a period when our government partners — particularly our federal government partners — are expected to have increased demand. We anticipate continued robust contracting activity throughout 2025 that will help meet their growing needs.”

Patrick Swindle, CoreCivic’s President and Chief Operating Officer stated, “We are offering our staff the opportunity to transfer to the Dilley Facility and expect many who accept transfer opportunities will be professionals who previously provided services at the facility prior to its closure last year, expediting the activation process. We are also pleased to again work with Target, which has been a fantastic partner since our relationship began in 2014.”  

About CoreCivic

CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in flexible, cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, a network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. We are the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities, and believe we are the largest private owner of real estate used by government agencies in the United States. We have been a flexible and dependable partner for government for more than 40 years. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to help government better the public good. Learn more at www.corecivic.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements as to our beliefs and expectations of the outcome of future events that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements may include such words as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” “likely,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Such forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in CoreCivic’s business and market conditions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ are described in the filings made from time to time by CoreCivic with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and include the risk factors described in CoreCivic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025. Except as required by applicable law, CoreCivic undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements made by it to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact:  Investors: Michael Grant – Managing Director, Investor Relations – (615) 263-6957
Media: Steve Owen – Vice President, Communications – (615) 263-3107

Release – Direct Digital Holdings and Green Tea Technology Introduce Teranexa: A Collaborative Joint Venture for AI-Enhanced City Solutions

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March 05, 2025 9:00 am EST Download as PDF

HOUSTON, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. (DRCT) and Green Tea Technology have jointly established Teranexa. This new joint venture aims to assist cities in leveraging AI to enhance operations and improve constituent services. Teranexa offers these Al enablement platforms through its trusted partner network of certified industry leaders like IBM and HPE, as well as others.

Teranexa’s platform can unify a city’s infrastructure costs by combining hardware, software, and services to address city challenges. This approach allows cities to implement AI solutions while managing interconnected issues affecting growth and livability.

Direct Digital Holdings will contribute its expertise in data monetization and technology solutions, while Green Tea will bring its proficiency in rapid IT project deployment. Together, these contributions are expected to enable Teranexa to provide comprehensive city solutions supported by proven methodologies and experienced teams.

Mark Walker, CEO of Direct Digital Holdings, stated, “As we look to optimize our business in 2025, we see this venture as a potential to improve city operations, making them more efficient and data-driven. Teranexa aims to bring scalable, AI-driven solutions to municipalities.”

Mike Little, CEO at Green Tea Technology, added, “Teranexa will provide a Smart City as a Service AI platform for cities to enhance operations and facilitate data-driven decision-making. Our service offers municipalities a foundation for growth and long-term development.”

As part of a soft launch, Teranexa will be introduced at an event during SXSW on Friday, March 7th, in Austin, TX. This gathering will allow industry professionals to network and learn about Teranexa’s approach to city innovation.

You can request an invite here.

For more information about Teranexa and its Smart City as a Service AI solution, visit Teranexa.ai.

About Teranexa
Teranexa, a joint venture between Direct Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: DRCT) and Green Tea Technology, provides AI-driven Smart City as a Service solutions that help cities operate more efficiently, serve residents more effectively, and create new revenue streams. Its fully managed platform integrates infrastructure, data intelligence, AI applications, and monetization tools, enabling municipalities to streamline operations, improve services, and unlock new economic opportunities. Teranexa empowers city leaders to address pressing challenges, optimize resources, and build scalable, secure AI infrastructure for communities by transforming raw city data into actionable insights.

About Direct Digital Holdings
Direct Digital Holdings (Nasdaq: DRCT) combines cutting-edge sell-side and buy-side advertising solutions, providing data-driven digital media strategies that enhance reach and performance for brands, agencies, and publishers of all sizes. Our sell-side platform, Colossus SSP, offers curated access to premium, growth-oriented media properties throughout the digital ecosystem. On the buy-side, Orange 142 delivers customized, audience-focused digital marketing and advertising solutions that enable mid-market and enterprise companies to achieve measurable results across a range of platforms, including programmatic, search, social, CTV, and influencer marketing. With extensive expertise in high-growth sectors such as Energy, Healthcare, Travel & Tourism, and Financial Services, our teams deliver performance strategies that connect brands with their ideal audiences.

At Direct Digital Holdings, we prioritize personal relationships by humanizing technology, ensuring each client receives dedicated support and tailored digital marketing solutions regardless of company size. This empowers everyone to thrive by generating billions of monthly impressions across display, CTV, in-app, and emerging media channels through advanced targeting, comprehensive data insights, and cross-platform activation. DDH is “Digital advertising built for everyone.”

About Green Tea Technology
Green Tea Technology is a leading IT solutions provider in Austin, Texas. As an accredited HPE Certified GreenLake integration partner, the company is at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge Hybrid cloud solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses, both large and small. Green Tea Technology is committed to innovation and sustainability and is dedicated to architecting robust, scalable, and environmentally-friendly IT infrastructures.

Direct Digital Holdings Logo (PRNewsfoto/Direct Digital Holdings)

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SOURCE Direct Digital Holdings

Released March 5, 2025