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Release – ZyVersa Therapeutics Highlights Peer-Reviewed Article Linking Inflammasome Activation to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis

Posted on January 17, 2024January 17, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Jan 17, 2024

Up to 40% of women with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) experience metastasis to their brain, which affects physical function, independence, personality, quality of life, and significantly increases mortality rates.
Published data demonstrate that inflammasome activation increases proliferation of TNBC cells in the brain, which was prevented by inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasomes in both mouse and human models.
ZyVersa is developing Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, which can inhibit up to 12 different inflammasomes (including NLRP3 inflammasomes) and their associated ASC specks which perpetuate damaging inflammation.

WESTON, Fla., Jan. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZVSA, or “ZyVersa”), a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for treatment of inflammatory and renal diseases, announces publication of an article in the peer-reviewed journal, Acta Neuropathologica Communications, demonstrating that inflammasome activation enhances cancer metastasis to the brain in women with TNBC.

In the paper titled, “Inflammasome activation in peritumoral astrocytes is a key player in breast cancer brain metastasis development,” the authors evaluated in vivo and in vitro brain metastasis models, as well as human cultures of astrocytes and TNBC cells. Key findings are as follows:

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in excretion of IL-1β in the tumor environment, enhancing proliferation of metastatic cells in the brain.
Expression of IL-1β correlates with the size of metastatic lesions, being absent in tumor-free brain areas and more intense in the vicinity of large tumors in comparison to smaller ones.
Inhibition of NLRP3 activation prevented proliferation of TNBC cells in both mouse and human models.

The authors stated, “We are the first to show that peritumoral reactive astrocytes promote the proliferation of TNBC cells in the brain through NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent secretion of IL-1β. Brain metastases are among the most aggressive and the least curable malignant tumors; therefore, we need novel therapies targeting mechanisms that contribute to the proliferation of metastatic cells in the brain.” They concluded, “We suggest that inflammasome inhibition might become a therapeutic option in this currently incurable disease.”

To read the article, click here.

“The research published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications linking inflammasome activation in patients with triple-negative breast cancer to brain metastasis supports a growing body of evidence about the role of dysregulated inflammasome pathways in a broad range of devastating diseases,” commented Stephen C. Glover, ZyVersa’s Co-founder, Chairman, CEO, and President. “We are excited about the potential to transform the treatment of a multitude of inflammatory diseases with drugs like Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100. IC 100 uniquely inhibits inflammasome ASC and ASC specks to block initiation and perpetuation of damaging inflammation.” To review a white paper summarizing the mechanism of action and preclinical data for IC 100, Click Here.

About Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100

IC 100 is a novel humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC. IC 100 was designed to attenuate both initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory response. It does so by binding to a specific region of the ASC component of multiple types of inflammasomes, including NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, Pyrin. Intracellularly, IC 100 binds to ASC monomers, inhibiting inflammasome formation, thereby blocking activation of IL-1β early in the inflammatory cascade. IC 100 also binds to ASC in ASC Specks, both intracellularly and extracellularly, further blocking activation of IL-1β and the perpetuation of the inflammatory response that is pathogenic in inflammatory diseases. Because active cytokines amplify adaptive immunity through various mechanisms, IC 100, by attenuating cytokine activation, also attenuates the adaptive immune response.

About ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.

ZyVersa (Nasdaq: ZVSA) is a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies to develop first-in-class drugs for patients with renal and inflammatory diseases who have significant unmet medical needs. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple programs built around its two proprietary technologies – Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 for treatment of kidney diseases, and Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, targeting damaging inflammation associated with numerous CNS and other inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit www.zyversa.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, 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. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc (“ZyVersa”) uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements are based on ZyVersa’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including ZyVersa’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the timing of initiation of ZyVersa’s planned preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from ZyVersa’s preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; ZyVersa’s plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of ZyVersa’s product candidates; ZyVersa’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; ZyVersa’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; and ZyVersa’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.

New factors emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for ZyVersa to predict all such factors, nor can ZyVersa assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to ZyVersa as of the date of this press release. ZyVersa disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

Corporate and IR Contact:
Karen Cashmere
Chief Commercial Officer
kcashmere@zyversa.com
786-251-9641

Media Contacts
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Casey McDonald
cmcdonald@tiberend.com
646-577-8520

Dave Schemelia
dschemelia@tiberend.com
609-468-9325

Bitcoin Depot (BTM) – Quarterly Preview

Posted on January 17, 2024January 17, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, January 17, 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.

Tweaking Q4. We are tweaking our Q4 revenue estimate lower from $173.5 million to $157.0 million, reflecting an expectation for lower revenue per kiosk. Our Q4 adj. EBITDA margin expectation is largely unchanged at 5.7% or $8.9 million.

Headwinds in California. California enacted a law effective January 1, 2024 that caps Bitcoin ATM transactions at $1,000. While this limit is well above the company’s median transaction size of roughly $200, it could affect its larger transactions.

Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) – The Strategy Supporting ARLP’s Strategic Investments Becomes More Apparent

Posted on January 17, 2024January 17, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.

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.

Collaboration with Infinitum. Infinitum, a leader in sustainable air-core motors, and Matrix Design Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., announced an agreement to jointly develop and distribute high-efficiency motors and advanced motor controllers designed for the mining industry. Matrix will integrate Infinitum’s smaller and lighter motor technology into ARLP’s mining subsidiary equipment to validate performance in various production environments. In addition to supporting installations at ARLP operations, Matrix plans to offer the products globally to third-party mining customers.

Updating estimates. We have trimmed our fourth quarter and full year 2023 EPS estimates to $1.02 and $4.95 from $1.03 and $4.96, respectively. Our full year 2023 EBITDA estimate is $969.9 million compared to our previous estimate of $975.2 million. We have also trimmed our 2024 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $972.8 million and $4.95, respectively, from $998.1 million and $5.05. The revisions reflect lower oil and gas price assumptions relative to our previous estimates.

Get the Full Report

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

Synopsys Bets Big on Simulation Software with $35 Billion Ansys Acquisition

Posted on January 17, 2024January 17, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In one of the largest tech industry mergers of recent years, Synopsys has announced it will acquire engineering simulation software maker Ansys in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $35 billion. The deal combines two leading players in software tools for semiconductor and electronic product design, expanding Synopsys’ total addressable market as it aims to create an integrated platform for chip design and beyond.

The merger agreement will see Synopsys pay around $390 per share for Ansys – $197 per share in cash plus about one-third of a Synopsys share for each Ansys share. This represents a premium of roughly 20% over Ansys’ recent share price. Ansys shareholders will own 16.5% of the combined company once the acquisition is finalized, expected in the first half of 2025 pending regulatory approvals.

Synopsys plans to fund the cash component of the deal through a combination of $16 billion in new debt financing and $3 billion cash on hand. The company had $1.4 billion in cash reserves as of October 2022. Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi has acknowledged the deal will not be accretive to earnings for at least 12 months post-closing due to financing and integration costs.

Expanding Synopsys’ Platform from Silicon to System

For Synopsys, a leading vendor of electronic design automation (EDA) software used by semiconductor companies, the deal strategically expands its platform. Ansys provides physics-based simulation software that helps engineers virtually test product design, performance and safety across industries like automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics and medical devices.

Synopsys aims to combine its strengths in chip design with Ansys’ expertise in simulating mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic effects at the full system level. This can help Synopsys address the entire electronic system lifecycle – from silicon to software to system integration.

The merger can also unlock new integrated workflows between the companies’ complementary technologies. For instance, connecting Ansys’ simulation tools to Synopsys’ ARC processor IP and DSO.ai AI-driven debugging solution. Such integration can speed up testing and validation for customers building advanced chips, electronics and embedded software.

Leveraging Ansys’ Footprint Across Industries

Another driver for Synopsys is leveraging Ansys’ customer footprint across major industries developing smart, connected products. As a leader in physics simulation, Ansys serves over 11,000 organizations globally. Its customer base includes manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, 5G telecom and medical technology.

The merger can open cross-selling opportunities for Synopsys to provide its EDA tools – from IP libraries to verification software – to Ansys’ customers working on chip-centric system designs. It also gives Synopsys greater exposure to growing demand for simulations, modelling and digital twins driven by trends like metaverse platforms, autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things.

According to Synopsys, the combined company will have a total addressable market exceeding $50 billion by 2025 – significantly broadening its market beyond EDA software. In addition, Ansys’ recurring revenue base can provide Synopsys more stability to weather downturns in the historically cyclical semiconductor market.

Executing a Complex Tech Industry Merger

Despite the strategic benefits, executing a merger of this scale will be complex. Ansys has over 3,700 employees worldwide. Integrating its engineering teams and R&D roadmap with Synopsys’ will take time and care. Synopsys also has work ahead to achieve the full vision of a integrated “silicon-to-software” platform based on the combined portfolios.

Most importantly, the companies need to preserve Ansys’ neutrality and multi-vendor interoperability as it moves under Synopsys’ ownership. Any perception that Ansys will favor Synopsys’ own tools following the merger could drive customers to exploring alternatives. Maintaining Ansys as an “open platform” will be key.

Nonetheless, the deal provides Synopsys – already on a strong growth trajectory – a significant opportunity to expand its enterprise software footprint. If successful, it could cement Synopsys as the premier player in next-generation chip design workflows and empower even smarter, connected, electronics-driven experiences. But realizing Ansys’ full value will require skillful integration by Synopsys at a scale it has never attempted before.

Release – Vera Bradley, Inc. Announces Seasoned Retail Executive Bradley Weston To Join Board Of Directors

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on VRA

Jan 16, 2024

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Jan. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Bradley, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRA) (the “Company”) today announced that Bradley (“Brad”) Weston, seasoned retail executive and former Chief Executive Officer of Party City Holdings, Inc., has been nominated to join its Board of Directors.

“We are so pleased to welcome Brad Weston as the newest member of the Vera Bradley, Inc. Board of Directors,” commented Jackie Ardrey, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “As we continue to make progress on Project Restoration, our strategic plan to drive long-term profitable growth and deliver value to our shareholders, Brad’s wealth of omnichannel retail experience, strong merchandising background, and visionary leadership will be invaluable assets.”

Weston is a battle-tested executive with a diverse background, having successfully operated in mature, start-up, turnaround/transformation, and high-growth situations over his 35-year retail career. Most recently, Weston served as the Chief Executive Officer of Party City Holdings, Inc., a role he assumed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic following a short period leading the company’s retail division. Previously, he spent seven years with Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. in roles of increasing responsibility from Chief Merchandising Officer to President and Chief Executive Officer. He also led the merchant organization at Dick’s Sporting Goods from 2008 to 2011 as Chief Merchandising Officer.

Weston’s merchandising expertise is grounded in the fundamentals he learned early in his career. Over 18 years, he successfully rose through the ranks at May Department Stores from Executive Trainee to Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, Ready-to-Wear. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a finance and marketing emphasis from the University of California, Berkeley.

In addition to his appointment to the Vera Bradley, Inc. Board of Directors, Weston is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Boot Barn, Inc. He has previously served in Director roles for Party City Holdings, Inc.; Petco; the National Retail Federation; and The Sports Authority.

Weston will join Vera Bradley Inc.’s seven other board members: Jackie Ardrey, CEO; Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, Co-Founder of Vera Bradley; Kristina Cashman, former Chief Financial Officer of restaurant group PF Chang’s; Robert J. Hall, Chairman of the Vera Bradley Board of Directors and President of Green Gables Partners; Mary Lou Kelley, former President, E-Commerce for Best Buy; Frances P. Philip, Lead Independent Director of the Vera Bradley Board of Directors and former Chief Merchandising Officer of L.L. Bean, Inc.; and Carrie Tharp, Vice President of Strategic Industries for Google Cloud.

About Vera Bradley, Inc.
Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. Vera Bradley and Pura Vida are complementary businesses, both with devoted, emotionally-connected, and multi-generational female customer bases; alignment as casual, comfortable, affordable, and fun brands; positioning as “gifting” and socially-connected brands; strong, entrepreneurial cultures; a keen focus on community, charity, and social consciousness; multi-channel distribution strategies; and talented leadership teams aligned and committed to the long-term success of their brands.

Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace.

In July 2019, Vera Bradley, Inc. acquired a 75% interest in Creative Genius, Inc., which also operates under the name Pura Vida Bracelets (“Pura Vida”). Pura Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a digitally native, highly-engaging lifestyle brand founded in 2010 by friends Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall. Pura Vida has a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle accessories. The Company acquired the remaining 25% of Pura Vida in January 2023.

The Company has three reportable segments: Vera Bradley Direct (“VB Direct”), Vera Bradley Indirect (“VB Indirect”), and Pura Vida. The VB Direct business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products through Vera Bradley Full-Line and Factory Outlet stores in the United States, www.verabradley.com, Vera Bradley’s online outlet site, and the Vera Bradley annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The VB Indirect business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products to approximately 1,600 specialty retail locations throughout the United States, as well as select department stores, national accounts, third party e-commerce sites, and third-party inventory liquidators, and royalties recognized through licensing agreements related to the Vera Bradley brand. The Pura Vida segment consists of sales of Pura Vida products through the Pura Vida websites, www.puravidabracelets.com, www.puravidabracelets.ca, and www.puravidabracelets.eu; through the distribution of its products to wholesale retailers and department stores; and through its Pura Vida retail stores.

Vera Bradley Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this release are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including: possible adverse changes in general economic conditions and their impact on consumer confidence and spending; possible inability to predict and respond in a timely manner to changes in consumer demand; possible loss of key management or design associates or inability to attract and retain the talent required for our business; possible inability to maintain and enhance our brands; possible inability to successfully implement the Company’s long-term strategic plans; possible inability to successfully open new stores, close targeted stores, and/or operate current stores as planned; incremental tariffs or adverse changes in the cost of raw materials and labor used to manufacture our products; possible adverse effects resulting from a significant disruption in our distribution facilities; or business disruption caused by pandemics. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.

CONTACTS:
Investors:
Julia Bentley
jbentley@verabradley.com

Media:
mediacontact@verabradley.com
877-708-VERA (8372)

Release – AdTheorent Partners with Adelaide to Utilize Attention-Based Metrics for Campaign Optimization and Measurement

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ADTH

Jan 16, 2024

PDF Version

Added In-flight metrics will further enhance campaign performance

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADTH), a machine-learning pioneer and industry leader using privacy-forward solutions to deliver measurable value for programmatic advertisers, and Adelaide, the leader in attention-based media quality measurement, today announced a partnership enabling AdTheorent to utilize Adelaide’s attention-based metrics for campaign optimization and to quantify digital advertising campaign impact.

Adelaide’s omnichannel AU metric is used for attention-based quality measurement across digital advertising campaigns. The AU score goes beyond viewability, using modeling to evaluate various qualifiers, including ad placement context, position, duration, business outcomes, and eye tracking. With access to Adelaide data, AdTheorent can use top attention-driving tactics to drive campaign performance across multiple formats and channels including display, online video, and connected television (CTV). In addition to AU scores, AdTheorent advertisers can gain insight into metrics such as Cost Per AU and Performance by Feature (i.e., creative, device, etc.). Additionally, AdTheorent can utilize Adelaide measurement in conjunction with other studies, such as sales lift, brand awareness, and visitation, to determine the impact of attention-based metrics on business outcomes.

“AdTheorent’s ML-powered DSP puts advertisers first by executing highly successful campaigns that are free from waste and inefficiency, and by driving tangible business outcomes across a variety of advertiser-specified KPIs,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, AdTheorent. “We are excited about our partnership with Adelaide which allows us to optimize and measure campaigns utilizing insightful attention-based metrics.”

“AU offers predictive insights into campaign performance with unmatched precision. Its integration into AdTheorent’s DSP means advertisers can easily secure higher-quality media and drive better outcomes at scale,” said Marc Guldimann, CEO & Co-founder, Adelaide. “We’re excited to collaborate with AdTheorent to make attention data actionable, steering advertisers towards smarter investment decisions and an understanding of true media quality.”

About AdTheorent
AdTheorent (Nasdaq: ADTH) uses advanced machine learning technology and privacy-forward solutions to deliver impactful advertising campaigns for marketers. AdTheorent’s machine learning-powered media buying platform powers its predictive targeting, predictive audiences, geo-intelligence, audience extension solutions and in-house creative capability, Studio A\T. Leveraging only non-sensitive data and focused on the predictive value of machine learning models, AdTheorent’s product suite and flexible transaction models allow advertisers to identify the most qualified potential consumers coupled with the optimal creative experience to deliver superior results, measured by each advertiser’s real-world business goals.

AdTheorent is consistently recognized with numerous technology, product, growth and workplace awards. AdTheorent was named “Best Buy-Side Programmatic Platform” in the 2023 Digiday Technology Awards and was honored with an AI Breakthrough Award and “Most Innovative Product” (B.I.G. Innovation Awards) for five consecutive years. Additionally, AdTheorent is the only seven-time recipient of Frost & Sullivan’s “Digital Advertising Leadership Award.” AdTheorent is headquartered in New York, with fourteen offices across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit adtheorent.com.

About Adelaide
Adelaide is the leader in attention-based media quality measurement. Our mission is to bring increased transparency and fairness to advertising by supplying the market with a precise, omnichannel media quality metric connected to business outcomes. Adweek has called Adelaide’s AU “the attention economy’s most widely recognized metric.” Proven to predict full-funnel outcomes more accurately than any existing metric, AU helps the world’s largest brands make smarter investment decisions, activate attention data programmatically, and drive better performance. Adelaide is named after the global epicenter of evidence-based marketing in southern Australia and headquartered in New York City. For more information, visit adelaidemetrics.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adtheorent-partners-with-adelaide-to-utilize-attention-based-metrics-for-campaign-optimization-and-measurement-302035837.html

SOURCE AdTheorent

Melanie Berger, AdTheorent, melanie@adtheorent.com, 850-567-0082

Release – Infinitum and Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. Announce Agreement to Bring Highly Efficient, Reliable Motor Technology to the Mining Industry

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ARLP

January 16, 2024

This new innovative motor system will create lighter-weight, high performance mining equipment and help electrify heavy industry.

TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Infinitum, creator of the sustainable air-core motor, and Matrix Design Group, LLC (“Matrix”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (“ARLP”) and leading safety and productivity technology provider for mining and industrial applications, today announced an agreement to jointly develop and distribute high-efficiency, reliable motors and advanced motor controllers designed specifically for the mining industry.

Under the agreement, Matrix will integrate Infinitum’s smaller, lighter motor technology into mining equipment of ARLP’s operating subsidiaries to provide performance validation in production environments for the jointly developed products. In addition to supporting installations at ARLP operations, Matrix plans to offer the products to third-party mining customers around the globe.

Infinitum’s patented motor technology will replace traditional, heavy iron-core motors with a motor system that is 50% smaller and lighter, uses 66% less copper, and consumes 10% less energy, and is expected to offer mining companies and equipment manufacturers a more efficient, reliable alternative.

“Working with ARLP and Matrix expands Infinitum’s ability to sustainably power heavy machinery with our lightweight, power-dense motors that use less energy, material and waste,” said Ben Schuler, founder and Chief Executive Officer, Infinitum. “We’re excited to join forces with a mining leader like ARLP to make a greater impact towards electrifying and decarbonizing heavy industry.”

Over the past 15 years, Matrix has become a leader in collision avoidance and proximity detection technologies, providing safety and productivity solutions for ARLP and many other mining companies, while extending its reach beyond the U.S. and to other industrial applications. This agreement builds upon that success and enables the development of proven products that provide technological advancements in support of rapidly expanding customer needs.

Joseph W. Craft III, ARLP Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “This collaboration with Infinitum represents a natural progression and extension of our strategic investment in the company. We believe their groundbreaking motor technology will bring much needed innovation to the mining industry by delivering more efficient and higher performing production equipment, which will enable companies such as ours to improve mining processes, reduce operating costs, and boost productivity.”

Infinitum, ARLP, and Matrix have collaborated since 2022, when ARLP made an initial investment in Infinitum as part of the company’s Series D funding.

About Infinitum

Infinitum has raised the bar for a new generation of motors that is better for the planet and people. The company’s patented air core motors offer superior performance in half the weight and size, at a fraction of the carbon footprint of traditional motors, making them pound for pound the most efficient in the world. Infinitum’s electric motors open up sustainable design possibilities for the machines we rely on to be smaller, lighter and quieter, improving our quality of life while also saving energy and reducing waste. Based in Austin, Texas, Infinitum is led by a team of industry experts and pioneers. To learn more, visit goinfinitum.com.

About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure. News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.

About Matrix Design Group, LLC

A leading technology provider in the mining and industrial sectors, Matrix is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. Since 2006, its core business has been mining safety and providing operations-friendly applications that meet evolving industry regulations. Today, it is developing customer-driven suites of innovative, leading-edge products that balance product advancement in its existing markets with expansion into new, sustainable growth markets.

Headquartered in Newburgh, Indiana, the Matrix Team embraces the concept of hard work, working smart, and collaborating on product development with its customers and strategic partners. As technology evolves, Matrix incorporates the latest innovations, such as artificial intelligence, cloud management, and real-world analytics into its next-generation products. The Matrix Quality Management System (QMS) is certified as being in conformity with ISO 9001:2015 by Intertek. For more information, please visit MatrixTeam.com.

Infinitum Media Contact:
Erin Gilmore
Activate PR on behalf of Infinitum
egilmore@activateprmktg.com
512-466-4559

ARLP Investor Relations Contact:
Cary P. Marshall
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
918-295-7673
investorrelations@arlp.com

Source: Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Release – Kratos Receives $50 Million in Awards for Counter UAS and Air Defense Systems

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on KTOS

January 16, 2024 at 8:00 AM EST

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a Technology Company in Defense, National Security and Global Markets, announced today that it has recently received approximately $50 million in awards for Products and Hardware, including for and in support of Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS), Air Defense and Radar Systems. The $50 million total includes contracts and programs that were awarded to Kratos on a single award or sole source basis. Kratos is an industry leader in systems, hardware and microwave electronics, including for and in support of CUAS, unmanned aerial drone, missile, radar and air defense related systems. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, with Kratos offerings envisioned and designed up front, for rapid, low-cost manufacturing and production, at scale and in large quantities. Work under these recently received awards will be performed at secure Kratos manufacturing facilities and customer locations. Due to security related, competitive and other considerations, no additional information will be provided.

Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said, “Kratos’ technology, products, software and systems are supporting the U.S. warfighter and our allies defense and security related needs and requirements, including in current contested and high intensity conflict areas globally. Kratos’ ability to rapidly develop, produce and provide relevant, affordable solutions at scale and in quantity, we believe, is a competitive differentiator for our Company, customers, teammates and partners, and an important element of today’s global security and defense environment.”

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 design, develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we utilize proven, leading-edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach reducing cost, schedule and risk, and enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. Kratos is known as the 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 and as a competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. 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 25, 2022, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.

Kratos Press Contact:
Yolanda White
858-812-7302 Direct

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

Source: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Release – Ocugen, Inc. Announces Bob Smith Joins Business Advisory Board

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

January 16, 2024

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 16, 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, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that Bob Smith, former Senior Vice President, Global Gene Therapy Business at Pfizer, has joined the Company’s Business Advisory Board (BAB). The BAB was established in June 2023 to assist in driving public/private partnerships with governments around the world; pursuing business collaborations, partnerships, and licensing opportunities; creating awareness of the Company’s differentiated capabilities; and promoting access to the Company’s therapies around the world.

“Bob has the experience Ocugen needs to pursue business development activities with companies that have the size and scale to bring our gene therapies through to commercialization,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Ocugen. “He is a consummate healthcare professional who truly understands the need to drive the pipeline so that we can ultimately get our first-in-class gene therapies to patients with blindness diseases.”

For nearly eight years, Mr. Smith led Pfizer’s global gene therapy business, including the strategic and operational development and implementation of Pfizer’s end-to-end, enterprise-wide efforts to be an industry leader in gene therapy. He is an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with over thirty-five years’ experience in a variety of alliance management, business development, commercial, corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and research and development executive leadership roles.

“I am impressed with the science behind Ocugen’s modifier gene therapy programs and look forward to introducing this novel approach to potential business partners,” said Mr. Smith. “Having previously worked with members of the Ocugen leadership team at Wyeth and Pfizer, I welcome the opportunity to join the BAB and support their short- and long-term goals for the company.”

Mr. Smith joins Connie Collingsworth, Senator Pat Toomey, Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal, Ph.D., and Dennis Carey, Ph.D. on the BAB. These advisors will work alongside the Executive Leadership Team to strengthen Ocugen’s network across a variety of stakeholders.

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 patient’s 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.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, 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. 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 Corporate Communications
Tiffany.Hamilton@ocugen.com

Release – Bowlero Announces 20th Center Acquisition in Fiscal 2024, Opens New California Lucky Strike And Share Repurchase Update

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on BOWL

01/16/2024

RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corporation (NYSE: BOWL), the global leader in bowling entertainment, announced today the signing of Ten Pin in Hilliard, Ohio, the company’s 20th center acquisition in fiscal 2024. During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, Bowlero Corp. completed the acquisitions of Niles Bowling center in Niles, IL and BAM! Entertainment Center in Holland, MI. The total FY 2024 investment in acquisitions thus far, including the 14 Lucky Strike centers is $145.9 million.

Bowlero Corp. opened Lucky Strike Moorpark in Moorpark, CA, northwest of Los Angeles, in December. This is Bowlero’s first new build using the Lucky Strike brand since it was acquired in September. Lucky Strike Moorpark, a 43,000 sq. ft. entertainment center in Ventura County, features 40 bowling lanes, an arcade with over 80 games, and a spectacular sports bar. This is Bowlero Corp.’s 52nd center in California and the fifth Lucky Strike branded center in the state.

“These strategic acquisitions and the opening of Lucky Strike in Moorpark underscore our commitment to expanding our presence and enhancing the bowling entertainment experience across prime markets,” stated Thomas Shannon, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Bowlero Corp. “We look forward to continuing the expansion of the iconic Lucky Strike brand, leveraging its established brand equity, and delivering premium experiences to a broad audience.”

The company provided an update on its ongoing share repurchase program. Bowlero repurchased approximately 7.5 million shares of its common stock in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, totaling an aggregate purchase price of approximately $80 million. In the first quarter of FY 2024, the company repurchased approximately 12.1 million shares for approximately $131 million, bringing total share repurchases in the first half of fiscal 2024 to approximately 19.6 million. Since Bowlero’s IPO, the company has spent approximately $432 million retiring all SPAC-related warrants, 31.0 million shares of common stock and 4.9 million as-converted preferred shares, reducing common stock outstanding by approximately 20%. Bowlero Corp. anticipates continuing its share repurchase program through the balance of fiscal 2024 and beyond, subject to market and other conditions.

Bowlero Corp. is positioned for continued growth, with a focus on strategic acquisitions, innovative developments, and shareholder value creation. The company anticipates further growth and expansion in the coming year.

About Bowlero Corp

Bowlero is the global leader in bowling entertainment. With approximately 350 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero serves more than 40 million guest visits annually through a family of brands that include Bowlero, Lucky Strike and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero, please visit BowleroCorp.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risk, assumptions and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations, intentions and forecasts. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “confident,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this release and are based on our management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, assumptions, beliefs and information. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to: our ability to design and execute our business strategy; changes in consumer preferences and buying patterns; our ability to compete in our markets; the occurrence of unfavorable publicity; risks associated with long-term non-cancellable leases for our centers; our ability to retain key managers; risks associated with our substantial indebtedness and limitations on future sources of liquidity; our ability to carry out our expansion plans; our ability to successfully defend litigation brought against us; our ability to adequately obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property and proprietary rights and claims of intellectual property and proprietary right infringement, misappropriation or other violation by competitors and third parties; failure to hire and retain qualified employees and personnel; the cost and availability of commodities and other products we need to operate our business; cybersecurity breaches, cyber-attacks and other interruptions to our and our third-party service providers’ technological and physical infrastructures; catastrophic events, including war, terrorism and other conflicts; public health emergencies and pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or natural catastrophes and accidents; changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; fluctuations in our operating results; economic conditions, including the impact of increasing interest rates, inflation and recession; and other factors described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by the Company on September 11, 2023, as well as other filings that the Company will make, or has made, with the SEC, such as Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in other filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

For Media:
PR@BowleroCorp.com

Source: Bowlero Corp

Release – Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. Announces Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ARLP

January 15, 2024

TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) will report its fourth quarter 2023 financial results before the market opens on Monday, January 29, 2024. Alliance management will discuss these results during a conference call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern that same day.

To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13743714.

About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Cary P. Marshall
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(918) 295-7673
investorrelations@arlp.com

Source: Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Vodafone and Microsoft Form $1.5 Billion Partnership to Advance AI and Cloud Computing

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

British telecommunications giant Vodafone has announced a 10-year, $1.5 billion strategic partnership with Microsoft to bring next-generation artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities to Vodafone’s markets across Europe and Africa.

The deal reflects both companies’ ambitions to be at the forefront of AI and digital transformation. By combining forces, they aim to enhance Vodafone’s customer experience, network operations, and business offerings for the 300 million consumer and enterprise customers it serves.

Transforming Customer Service with AI

A major focus of the partnership will be transforming Vodafone’s customer service using AI and natural language processing. Microsoft will provide access to its Azure OpenAI platform, including technologies like GPT-3.5 for generating conversational text.

Vodafone plans to invest heavily in building customized AI models using Microsoft’s tools. This includes enhancing TOBi, Vodafone’s digital assistant chatbot, to deliver more personalized and intelligent customer interactions across text, voice, and video channels.

More consistent and contextualized responses from TOBi could improve customer satisfaction and loyalty while reducing operational costs for Vodafone. The two companies will also collaborate on conversational AI and digital twin capabilities to optimize Vodafone’s network operations.

Transitioning to the Cloud

Another key element of the deal is transitioning Vodafone away from reliance on its own data centers. It will adopt Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform, migrating workloads and infrastructure to Azure’s global footprint.

This should provide Vodafone with more flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. Azure’s extensive compliance and security controls will also help Vodafone meet strict regulatory requirements for its markets.

Vodafone plans to train and certify hundreds of employees as Azure experts to enable the shift. The cloud transition can allow Vodafone to retire legacy systems, consolidate data platforms, and leverage new technologies like AI more quickly.

Microsoft’s Equity Investment in Vodafone’s IoT Business

To deepen integration between the two companies, Microsoft will also become an equity investor in Vodafone’s IoT division when it spins out as a separate business in 2024.

Vodafone’s IoT platform connects over 120 million devices globally across areas like asset tracking, smart metering, and automotive. Microsoft’s investment reflects the strategic value it sees in Vodafone’s IoT leadership.

Together, they aim to scale Vodafone’s IoT solutions on Azure’s global infrastructure and combine them with Microsoft’s own IoT cloud services. This can drive faster time-to-market for new solutions. Microsoft also wants to leverage Vodafone’s IoT data and networks in sustainability and digital twin projects across multiple industries.

Empowering Mobile Finance in Africa

In Africa, the partnership has a strong focus on expanding access to mobile financial services. Vodafone operates the popular M-Pesa platform which pioneered mobile money across Eastern Africa.

Microsoft will provide AI capabilities to enhance functions like credit assessment for M-Pesa users. The goal is to drive financial inclusion and provide intelligent financial tools to the unbanked population in Vodafone’s African footprint.

Microsoft and Vodafone will also cooperate to improve digital skills and literacy for small businesses by providing bundled connectivity, devices, and software through the new partnership. This aligns with both companies’ commitments to empower digital transformation and economic opportunity in the region.

An Ambitious Partnership for the AI and Cloud Era

The scale of the newly announced partnership reflects Vodafone and Microsoft’s shared ambition to shape the future of technology and connectivity. By combining Vodafone’s reach across emerging markets with Microsoft’s leading cloud and AI enterprise offerings, they want to enable inclusive digital experiences for consumers and businesses worldwide.

The deal demonstrates the transformational power of AI and cloud to reinvent customer service, improve operational efficiency, and develop innovative business models. As 5G networks expand globally over the next decade, the partnership lays the groundwork for Vodafone to transition itself into a future-ready technology leader.

GoHealth, Inc. (GOCO) – Initiating Coverage: An Encompassing Solution To Improve The Medicare Marketplace

Posted on January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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

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

Large Growing Complex Medicare Market. About 66.4 million Americans were covered by Medicare in calendar 2022 and the Medicare 65 and older population is expected to reach more than 93 million people by 2060. GoHealth has already helped 10 million Americans and seeks to be the consumer Medicare health plan destination in this growing market. As the market grows more complex with a greater number of plan offerings, GoHealth’s platform simplifies the annual Medicare private plan shopping process.

Proprietary Offering Platform. GoHealth is driving growth in the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental markets through its pressure-free unbiased consumer-centric Encompass Solution platform that utilizes its proprietary data machine-learning PlanFit Checkup technology.

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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).