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Release – Labrador Gold Announces Sale of Kingsway Project

Posted on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

APRIL 22, 2024

TORONTO, April 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Labrador Gold Corp. (TSX.V:LAB | OTCQX:NKOSF | FNR: 2N6) (“ LabGold ” or the “ Company ”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a property purchase agreement (the “ Definitive Agreement ”) with New Found Gold Corp. (“ NFG ”), whereby NFG will acquire a 100% interest in the Kingsway Project, including all property and mining rights associated with the property, (the “ Transaction ”) in exchange for $20,000,000 CAD (the “ Purchase Price ”) payable and satisfied by the delivery to LabGold of such number of NFG Common Shares (the “ Consideration Shares ”) determined by dividing the Purchase Price by the closing price of the NFG Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (“ TSXV ”) on the last trading day prior to the closing of the Transaction. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a resale restriction of four months and one day from the closing of the Transaction.

“The LabGold team has worked hard over the last four years to generate and test targets along the prospective Appleton Fault Zone. This work resulted in the discovery of seven gold occurrences from the nine targets drill tested, a 78% success rate,” said Roger Moss, President and CEO of Labrador Gold. “As shown in the recently completed NI43-101 Technical Report, a number of untested targets remain on the property, in addition to potential extensions of many of the gold occurrences. However, we understand the significant amount of drilling required to make these discoveries and we are happy that New Found Gold is proposing to take up the challenge at Kingsway. We believe that their experience at Queensway to the south will be critical as they explore the Kingsway Project and demonstrate the true potential of the district,” Moss added.

LabGold’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that LabGold’s shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction. The directors and officers of LabGold have entered into voting and support agreements with NFG, pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote their shares in favour of the Transaction.

The Transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024 and is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals and approval from a 66 2/3% majority of the votes cast by LabGold Shareholders at the next annual general and special meeting of LabGold to be scheduled for early July, 2024.

The Definitive Agreement includes customary deal-protection provisions. LabGold has agreed not to solicit or initiate any discussion regarding any other business combination or acquisition. In the event that LabGold validly terminates the Definitive Agreement to accept a Superior Proposal (as defined in the Definitive Agreement), LabGold will be required to pay NFG a termination fee of $500,000.

Additional information regarding this proposed Transaction will be provided in the management information circular that will be mailed to registered shareholders and filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.com.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

About Labrador Gold

Labrador Gold is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and exploration of prospective gold projects in Eastern Canada. Labrador Gold’s flagship property is the 100% owned Kingsway project in the Gander area of Newfoundland. The four licenses comprising the Kingsway project cover approximately 12km of the Appleton Fault Zone which is associated with numerous gold occurrences in the region. Infrastructure in the area is excellent located just 18km from the town of Gander with road access to the project, nearby electricity and abundant local water. LabGold’s drilling targeting high-grade epizonal gold mineralization along the Appleton Fault Zone has outlined seven gold prospects to date. The Company has approximately $6.5 million in working capital.

The Hopedale property covers much of the Florence Lake greenstone belt that stretches over 60 km. The belt is typical of greenstone belts around the world but has been underexplored by comparison. Work to date by Labrador Gold show gold anomalies in rocks, soils and lake sediments over a 3 kilometre section of the northern portion of the Florence Lake greenstone belt in the vicinity of the known Thurber Dog gold showing where grab samples assayed up to 7.8g/t gold. In addition, anomalous gold in soil and lake sediment samples occur over approximately 40 km along the southern section of the greenstone belt. Labrador Gold now controls approximately 40km strike length of the Florence Lake Greenstone Belt.

The Company has 170,009,979 common shares issued and outstanding and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LAB.

For more information please contact:
Roger Moss, President and CEO Tel: 416-704-8291

Or visit our website at: www.labradorgold.com

X : @LabGoldCorp

This News Release should not be considered a comprehensive summary of the Transaction. Additional information will be disseminated at a future date. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to, TSXV approval. The Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Information Circular to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release .

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such as actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Release – DLH to Announce Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Financial Results

Posted on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on DLHC

April 22, 2024

PDF Version

ATLANTA, April 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DLH Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DLHC) (“DLH” or the “Company”), a leading healthcare and human services provider to the federal government, will release financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended March 31, 2024 on May 1, 2024 after the market closes. DLH will then host a conference call for the investment community at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time the following day, May 2, 2024, during which members of senior management will make a brief presentation focused on the financial results and operating trends. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Interested parties may listen to the conference call by dialing 888-347-5290 or 412-317-5256. Presentation materials will also be posted on the Investor Relations section of the DLH website prior to the commencement of the conference call. A digital recording of the conference call will be available for replay two hours after the completion of the call and can be accessed on the DLH Investor Relations website or by dialing 877-344-7529 and entering the conference ID 2520402.

About DLH
DLH (NASDAQ: DLHC) enhances technology, public health, and cyber security readiness missions through science, technology, cyber, and engineering solutions and services. Our experts solve some of the most complex and critical missions faced by federal customers, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 3,200 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to innovative solutions to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Contact: Chris Witty
Phone: 646-438-9385
Email: cwitty@darrowir.com

Is Elon Musk Transforming Tesla Into an AI Company?

Posted on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, Elon Musk and Tesla are shaking things up with what appears to be a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. As electric vehicle (EV) demand cools in 2024, Tesla seems to be pivoting its focus to autonomy, Full Self-Driving (FSD), and its hotly anticipated robotaxi program. This potential redirection has piqued the interest of investors, particularly those hunting for undervalued and overlooked opportunities among small and micro-cap stocks.

The signs of transformation at Tesla have been mounting. Most notably, the company recently announced layoffs impacting over 10% of its global workforce, with key executives departing in what Musk framed as part of the “next phase of growth.” Compounding the speculation, reports emerged that Tesla shelved plans for its $25,000 next-generation Model 2 vehicle to prioritize the robotaxi initiative instead.

Musk himself has stoked the flames, proclaiming on Twitter that “Tesla is an AI/robotics and sustainable energy company.” This bold statement marks a clear departure from Tesla’s automotive roots, signaling that a broader pivot to artificial intelligence may be underway.

Analysts tracking the company have been sounding alarms. Emmanuel Rosner at Deutsche Bank believes Tesla’s future now hinges on “cracking the code on full driverless autonomy” – a formidable challenge layered with significant technological, regulatory and operational hurdles. Morgan Stanley’s Adam Jonas went so far as to say “it seems” Tesla is exiting the traditional EV auto industry altogether, though he doesn’t expect vehicle production to cease immediately.

For investors, particularly those scouring small and micro-cap stocks for overlooked gems, Tesla’s AI ambitions could foreshadow seismic shifts ahead. Analysts warn of a “potentially painful transition in ownership base” as dyed-in-the-wool electric vehicle investors may “throw in the towel” and be replaced by tech funds with far longer investment horizons suited for frontier AI bets.

If Tesla does successfully reinvent itself as an AI juggernaut, sector valuations and comparable companies would be turned on their head. Traditional automotive benchmarks may no longer apply, forcing investors to reimagine their investment theses from scratch.

To be sure, the rewards of being at the vanguard of automated driving and machine intelligence could be immense. But the associated risks are equally daunting as Tesla stares down imposing technological barriers, regulatory quicksand, and operational growing pains. For nimble investors, the transformation could open doors to diversify into AI and robotics through an established player boasting visionary leadership and deep pockets.

When Tesla reports first quarter earnings next week, all eyes will be glued to Elon Musk for clarity and insight into precisely where he plans to steer this potential AI metamorphosis. The report could prove revelatory in glimpsing the future trajectory of a company that may be in the midst of redefining itself as the vanguard of a new technological epoch.

For small and micro-cap investors perpetually searching for the next undervalued, under-the-radar opportunity, Tesla’s AI aspirations warrant close scrutiny. While hazards abound, the potential rewards of getting in on the ground floor of a transformative technology upstart could be nothing short of game-changing.

Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – New Business and Significant Demonstrations

Posted on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, April 22, 2024

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

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

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

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

New Award. Kratos subsidiary Micro Systems Inc. was awarded a $24 million ID/IQ contract to produce, test, and deliver a maximum quantity of 375 airborne transponders; 150 ground radio frequency units; 75 airborne relay and 15 test sets. This contract also includes the testing, teardown, and evaluation for a maximum quantity of 625 systems of naval targets control and 375 AN/DSQ-50A. Included as well are the repairs of up to 100 airborne transponders; 100 ground radio frequency units; 100 airborne relay; 30 test sets; 120 low rate initial production airborne transponders; 100 AN/DSQ-50A (L-Band) and 100 AN/DSQ-50A (S-Band) in support of target mission support systems for the Navy. Work is expected to be completed in April 2029.

SATCOM. Kratos and SES, a leader in global content connectivity solutions, successfully executed a fully virtualized satellite communications (SATCOM) ground system demonstration for the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command. Kratos and SES successfully showed a flexible network architecture facilitating simultaneous communication pathways for resilient SATCOM. As employed in this demonstration, Kratos’ OpenSpace is the first to leverage containers to orchestrate the transfer of communication sessions in a standards-based, open, COTS platform environment.

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

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

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

Hemisphere Energy (HMENF) – Financial results benefit from fall drilling

Posted on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, April 22, 2024

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.

Results were in line with expectations absent charge. Income, cash flow and earnings for the 2023-4Q and 2023 year would have been in line with expectations absent a $4.2 million nonrecurring charge to write down non-core assets.

Quarter production rose 16% year over year due to an active fall drilling program. The increase was expected. Extreme weather hurt production in the first few months of 2024 (2024-1Q production was announced below that in our models) but has risen to all-time high levels recently. We have lowered our 2024-1Q production estimate but raised our estimate for the remaining quarter’s of 2024.

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

Cumulus Media (CMLS) – Likely To Complete Debt Swap

Posted on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, April 22, 2024

Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 406 owned-and-operated radio stations across 86 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, the AP, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,500 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.

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

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

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

Amended debt swap. Upon pressure from the majority of its debt holders, the company amended the terms of its debt swap, decreasing the discount on the debt from 80% to 94%, but also decreasing the interest rate from the previous plan of 8.75% to 8.0%. This plan for the debt conversion appears likely to be completed given that it is estimated that 90% plus of the holders have agreed to the terms. The company needs only 95% of its lenders to agree to the new terms by May 1 to complete the conversion.

Lengthens maturities. The new debt will extend maturities from 2026 to 2029, providing a large runway for the company to execute its growth initiatives and debt reduction efforts.

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

Bitcoin Depot (BTM) – Seizing an Opportunity

Posted on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, April 22, 2024

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

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

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

Opportunistic kiosk purchase. On April 18, the company announced the purchase of roughly 2,300 Bitcoin kiosks at a discount of approximately 50% per-kiosk. Notably, the company plans to deploy the majority of these kiosks over the next two quarters. Once all the kiosks from the recent purchase are delivered, the company will have over 10,000 kiosks deployed, ahead of our previous expectations. We view the announcement favorably.

Sizeable profit-share investment. On April 12, the company announced an outside firm made a multi-million dollar investment in 250 Bitcoin kiosks as part of the company’s profit sharing (or franchising) program. Notably, the kiosks will be operated by the company and a percentage of profits will be paid out to participants. The agreement provides an option for additional investment of up to 750 kiosks.

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

Bit Digital (BTBT) – The ‘Halving’ Commences

Posted on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, April 22, 2024

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

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

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

The Event. On Saturday, April 20th, 2024, the ‘halving’ event commenced with BTC. With the event, all miners will earn half of the mining rewards compared to before. According to CoinDesk, the event also brought higher transaction fees at $2.4 million for the ‘halving’ block compared to $40,000-$60,000 from before. The increased fees are partially attributed to network congestion from the launch of a new protocol, Runes. The protocol allows users to “etch” or mint tokens on the blockchain. The price of BTC decreased slightly to just under $64,000 on Saturday from roughly $65,490 last month.

What is the ‘Halving?’ Recall, the ‘halving’ occurs approximately every four years, in which the reward rate of bitcoin is halved. The reward rate is now at 3.125 BTC per block from a previous 6.25. These events will continue to occur until all potential 21 million bitcoin have been mined.

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

Release – Century Lithium Provides Update On The Feasibility Study

Posted on April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on CYDVF

April 19, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium or Company) reports that the Feasibility Study on the Company’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project (Project), in Nevada, USA, under the direction of Wood PLC and Global Resource Engineering Ltd., is currently under review by the Qualified Persons, and the Company anticipates its announcement imminently.

To date, the Company’s Feasibility Study team has revised and updated estimates for a phased production approach at the Project. These revisions also included assessment and evaluation of the economic benefit of sales of the surplus sodium hydroxide produced by the chlor-alkali plant.

The Company’s Lithium Extraction Facility (Pilot Plant) in Amargosa Valley, Nevada is now in its third year of testing the processing of lithium-bearing claystone from the Project. All data collected has been essential to the Feasibility Study. Century Lithium continues to work toward permitting the Project including the collection of baseline data collection for biology, surface and groundwater hydrology, and social impacts. Earlier this year, baseline reports were submitted by the Company’s consultants and were accepted by the appropriate government agencies. Multiple reports have been completed which will aide in the preparation of a Plan of Operations to initiate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

About Century Lithium Corp.

Century Lithium Corp. (formerly Cypress Development Corp.) is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium is currently in the pilot stage of testing on material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit at its Lithium Extraction Facility in Amargosa Valley, Nevada and progressing towards completing a Feasibility Study and permitting, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.

ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.
WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE
President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:
Spiros Cacos | Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: +1 604 764 1851
Toll Free: 1 800 567 8181
scacos@centurylithium.com
centurylithium.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “scheduled,” and other similar words. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration, and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.

Release – Ocugen Announces Dosing Completion Of Subjects With Geographic Atrophy In Cohort 2 Of Phase 1/2 ArMaDa Clinical Trial Of OCU410—A Modifier Gene Therapy

Posted on April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

April 19, 2024

MALVERN, Pa., April 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (“Ocugen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines, today announced that dosing is complete in the second cohort of its Phase 1/2 ArMaDa clinical trial for OCU410 (AAV-hRORA)—a modifier gene therapy candidate being developed for geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). GA affects approximately 1 million people in the United States alone.

“We are very enthusiastic about the potential of OCU410 as a one-time, gene-agnostic option for the treatment of GA,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer of Ocugen. “OCU410 regulates multiple pathways involved with the disease, including lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and membrane attack complex (complement) with a single sub-retinal injection.”

Dosing in the second cohort is complete and 3 subjects received 200 mL single subretinal administration of the medium dose (5×10¹⁰ vg/mL) of OCU410. Up to 13 leading retinal surgery centers across the United States are participating in the ArMaDa clinical trial.

“Currently we have two FDA approved, anti-complement therapies for GA targeting a single pathway of the disease, which has multifactorial and complex etiology,” said Syed M. Shah, MD, Vice Chair of Research and Digital Medicine and Director of Retina Service at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI, and the lead investigator for the OCU410 Phase 1/2 trial. “The limited benefit comes with the burden of continued multiple intravitreal injections spanning over several years. This novel modifier gene therapy has the potential to transform the therapeutic landscape in GA treatment.”

A Data and Safety Monitoring Board meeting will convene next month to review the 4-week safety data of the medium dose cohort before proceeding with high dose, which is the final dose in the Phase 1 dose-escalation study.

The ArMaDa Phase 1/2 clinical trial will assess the safety of unilateral subretinal administration of OCU410 in subjects with GA and will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 is a multicenter, open-label, dose-ranging study consisting of three dose levels [low dose (2.5×10¹⁰ vg/mL), medium dose (5×10¹⁰ vg/mL), and high dose (1.5 ×10¹¹ vg/mL). Phase 2 is a randomized, outcome accessor-blinded, dose-expansion study in which subjects will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to either one of two OCU410 treatment groups or to an untreated control group.

The Company will continue to provide clinical updates on an ongoing basis.

About dAMD and GA
dAMD affects approximately 10 million Americans and more than 266 million people worldwide. It is characterized by the thinning of the macula. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for clear vision in one’s direct line of sight. dAMD involves the slow deterioration of the retina with submacular drusen (small white or yellow dots on the retina), atrophy, loss of macular function and central vision impairment. dAMD accounts for 85-90% of the total AMD population.

About OCU410
OCU410 utilizes an AAV delivery platform for the retinal delivery of the RORA (ROR Related Orphan Receptor A) gene. The RORA protein plays an important role in lipid metabolism, reducing lipofuscin deposits and oxidative stress, and demonstrates an anti-inflammatory role as well as inhibiting the complement system in in-vitro and in-vivo (animal model) studies. These results demonstrate the ability for OCU410 to target multiple pathways linked with dAMD pathophysiology. Ocugen is developing AAV-RORA as a one-time gene therapy for the treatment of GA.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patients’ lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com 

Release – ACCO Brands Corporation Announces First Quarter 2024 Earnings Webcast

Posted on April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ACCO

04/19/2024

LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2024 earnings after the market close on May 2, 2024. The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on May 3 at 8:30 a.m. EST. The webcast can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of www.accobrands.com and will be available for replay.

About ACCO Brands Corporation

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

Christopher McGinnis

Investor Relations

(847) 796-4320

Kori Reed

Media Relations

(224) 501-0406

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation

Release – The GEO Group Closes Senior Notes Offering and New Term Loan

Posted on April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GEO

April 18, 2024

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr. 18, 2024– The GEO Group (NYSE: GEO) (“GEO” or the “Company”) announced today that it has closed a private offering of $1.275 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, comprised of $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.625% senior secured notes due 2029 (the “Secured Notes”) and $625.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.25% senior unsecured notes due 2031 (the “Unsecured Notes” and, together with the Secured Notes, the “Notes”), exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Notes are guaranteed by GEO’s domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors under a new senior secured credit facility and outstanding senior notes. GEO also announced today that it has closed a new five-year $450.0 million Term Loan B (the “Term Loan”), bearing interest at SOFR plus 5.25%, under a new $760.0 million senior secured credit facility. The new senior secured credit facility also includes a five-year revolving line of credit for $310.0 million.

The offering of the Notes and the new Term Loan resulted in net proceeds of approximately $1.67 billion, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount and estimated expenses payable by GEO. GEO intends to use the net proceeds of the offering of the Notes, borrowings under the new Term Loan, and cash on hand to refinance approximately $1.5 billion of existing indebtedness, including to fund the repurchase, redemption or other discharge of the Company’s existing Tranche 1 Term Loan and Tranche 2 Term Loan under its prior senior credit facility, the 9.50% senior second lien secured notes, the 10.50% senior second lien secured notes, and the 6.00% senior notes due 2026, to pay related premiums, transaction fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes of the Company. GEO also intends to retire or settle a portion of the 6.50% exchangeable senior notes due 2026 issued by GEO Corrections Holdings, Inc., using shares of GEO common stock and cash. GEO expects to fund the cash portion of the retirement or settlement, which is expected to total up to $177.1 million, using a combination of the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes and cash on hand. Nothing in this press release should be construed as an offer to purchase, notice of redemption or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any of the existing term loans or notes.

The Notes were offered and sold in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and outside the United States only to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and applicable state laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

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 100 facilities totaling approximately 81,000 beds, including idle facilities and projects under development, with a workforce of up to approximately 18,000 employees.

Use of forward-looking statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding GEO’s intended use of the net proceeds. These forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in GEO’s business and market conditions. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in GEO’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including GEO’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and GEO’s reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the Commission. GEO wishes to caution readers that certain important factors may have affected and could in the future affect GEO’s actual results and could cause GEO’s actual results for subsequent periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of GEO, including the risks that the repurchase, redemption or other discharge of its Tranche 1 Term Loan and Tranche 2 Term Loan under its existing senior credit facility, the 9.50% senior second lien secured notes, the 10.50% senior second lien secured notes, and the 6.00% senior notes due 2026 cannot be successfully completed, and that the retirement or settlement of a portion of the 6.50% exchangeable senior notes due 2026 issued by GEO Corrections Holdings, Inc. cannot be successfully completed. GEO undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240418215262/en/

Pablo E. Paez (866) 301 4436
Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations

Source: The GEO Group, Inc.

Oil Prices Spike as Middle East Conflict Reignites Supply Fears

Posted on April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran have injected a new wave of supply disruption fears into global oil markets, sending crude prices surging to multi-month highs. The flareup threatens to further tighten supplies at a time when producers already appear maxed out, setting the stage for another potential energy price shock.

Crude benchmarks spiked over $90 a barrel in overnight trading after Israeli missiles struck Iran overnight. The attack came in retaliation for an Iranian drone and missile barrage targeting Israel just days earlier. While Iran has downplayed the impact so far, the tit-for-tat actions raised the specter of a broader military conflict that could imperil energy shipments throughout the Middle East.

Front-month Brent futures, the global pricing benchmark, jumped as high as $92 per barrel before paring gains. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude topped $89 per barrel. Though off their overnight peaks, both contracts remained up over 2% on the day, hitting levels not seen since late 2023.

The aerial attacks have put the market on edge over the potential for supply chokeholds out of the Persian Gulf. Any protracted disruptions in that key oil shipping chokepoint would severely crimp available exports to global markets from regional producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq.

With the oil market already grappling with reduced supply from Russia due to sanctions, as well as chronic underinvestment by drillers, even modest additional shortfalls could quickly drain limited spare capacity buffers. OPEC and its allies have struggled to boost output to offset losses amid the broader underinvestment cycle.

For consumers still reeling from high energy costs, another bullish jolt to oil prices is an unwelcome development. After pulling back from 2022’s dizzying peaks, U.S. gasoline prices have started rebounding in recent weeks. The current $3.67 per gallon national average is up 21 cents just over the past month, according to AAA.

Some of that increase was expected due to seasonal refinery maintenance impacts. But the renewed geopolitical turmoil could propel gasoline and other fuel prices significantly higher nationwide if the conflict engulfing Israel and Iran deteriorates further.

The energy spike compounds existing inflationary headwinds plaguing the global economy. From restricted supplies of grains and fertilizers to manufacturing disruptions, the shockwaves from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continue to ripple far and wide over a year later. Rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East risk aggravating those pressures at a time when central banks are still struggling to restore price stability.

While some of the risk premium prompted by the Israel-Iran conflict may already be priced into crude, the threat of escalating retaliatory actions between the two adversaries keeps bullish risks elevated. Additional supply hits to global markets from further hostilities could easily drive oil prices back towards triple-digit territory not seen since 2022.

On Wall Street, stock futures were initially rattled by the rising geopolitical tensions, though markets stabilized in early trading as Iran refrained from immediate retaliation. Still, the volatility injected reinforces the nebulous risks confronting investors from the ever-simmering Middle East powder keg.

With so much at stake for inflation outlooks, policymakers at the Federal Reserve and other central banks will be monitoring the region with hawkish vigilance. Though diplomatically challenging to resolve, an extended sectarian conflict jeopardizing the secure flow of oil could compel another crusade of aggressive interest rate hikes historically anathema to financial markets.

For both consumers and investors, the situation serves as a stark reminder that geopolitical shocks exposing vulnerabilities in tight energy markets remain an omnipresent threat overhanging the economic outlook. Whether this clash proves fleeting or portends protracted hostilities remains to be seen, but the reverberations have oil prices surging once again.