Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Q4 results. The company reported Q4 revenue of $15.9 million, largely in line with our estimate of $16.2 million, illustrated in Figure #1 Q4 Results. Adj. EBITDA of $0.25 million was below our estimate of $0.91 million, due primarily to lower-than-expected gross margins.
Adding customers. Subscriptions to the company’s top B2C app, the YouCam beauty app, were up 14.3% over the prior year period, eclipsing 1 million subscribers. Additionally, the company’s brand client base increased to 732 from 708 at the end of Q3.
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Office Depot, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, supplies a range of office products and services. It offers merchandise, such as general office supplies, computer supplies, business machines and related supplies, and office furniture through its chain of office supply stores under the Office Depot, Foray, Ativa, Break Escapes, Worklife, and Christopher Lowell brand names. The company also provides graphic design, printing, reproduction, mailing, shipping, and other services through design, print, and ship centers. It has operations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Central America. The company also sells its products and services through direct mail catalogs, contract sales force, Internet sites, and retail stores, through a mix of company-owned operations, joint ventures, licensing and franchise agreements, alliances, and other arrangements. As of December 31, 2008, Office Depot operated 1,267 North American retail division office supply stores and 162 international division retail stores, as well as participated under licensing and merchandise arrangements in 98 stores. The company was founded in 1986 and is based in Boca Raton, Florida.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Challenging Conditions. Continuing challenging macroeconomic and business conditions impacted ODP in Q4. ODP Business Solutions faced economic factors that caused enterprise spending constraints in the quarter, while Office Depot had more cautious consumer spending (along with 47 fewer stores). However, fiscal year figures were in-line with management guidance, and management is executing on initiatives to improve traction on both fronts.
4Q Results. Sales for the fourth quarter were $1.62 billion compared to $1.80 billion last year but were above our expectations at $1.55 billion and consensus at $1.61 billion. Net loss totaled $3 million, or $0.10/sh, compared to a loss of $37 million, or $0.96/sh, in the prior year. Adjusted EPS was $0.66 versus $1.13 last year. We were at $0.40 and $0.68, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $58 million, down from $83 million last year, and we were at $49 million.
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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).
*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.
Key Points: – Apollo Global Management in talks to lead $35 billion financing package for Meta’s US data centers – Funding will support Meta’s planned $65 billion AI investment strategy announced by Zuckerberg – Deal represents growing private credit market for AI infrastructure as tech giants race to build capacity
Meta Platforms is pursuing a groundbreaking $35 billion financing package led by Apollo Global Management to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence data centers across the United States, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
The Facebook parent company is engaging with the alternative asset manager to secure this substantial funding as part of its previously announced $65 billion investment in AI infrastructure planned for 2025. While discussions remain in early stages with no guarantee of completion, the deal represents one of the largest private financing arrangements for technology infrastructure to date.
“The race to build AI infrastructure is creating unprecedented investment opportunities,” said a market analyst who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing negotiations. “Tech giants are competing for computing power, and Meta is positioning itself to avoid falling behind competitors like Microsoft.”
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg outlined the company’s aggressive AI strategy last month, emphasizing plans to construct massive new data centers and expand AI-focused teams. A key component of this vision includes bringing approximately one gigawatt of computing power online in 2025 – enough electricity to power roughly 750,000 homes.
The company has already announced a $10 billion data center in Louisiana and has been actively purchasing advanced computer chips to power its growing suite of AI products and services. This financing arrangement would provide Meta with the capital flexibility to accelerate these initiatives without compromising its balance sheet strength.
For Apollo, the deal aligns with its recent strategy of providing large-scale financing to investment-grade corporations while typically retaining a portion of the funding and syndicating the remainder to other investors. The firm has been expanding its capacity to write substantial checks as it pushes deeper into what it considers the next frontier of private credit markets.
The AI infrastructure boom is creating enormous demand for capital across the technology sector. Industry experts estimate hundreds of billions of dollars will be required to build the necessary data centers, power facilities, and networking infrastructure to support the computing demands of advanced AI systems.
Microsoft, one of Meta’s primary competitors in the AI space, recently announced plans to spend $80 billion on data centers in the current fiscal year. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized that sustaining this level of investment is essential to meet “exponentially more demand” for AI services.
Bankers and investors have been eager to participate in AI-related financing deals after witnessing stock markets heavily reward companies central to the AI ecosystem throughout the past year. Private credit providers like Apollo are increasingly stepping in to fill funding gaps as traditional banks face regulatory constraints on large-scale lending.
Neither Meta nor Apollo provided official comments regarding the potential financing arrangement, maintaining standard practice for deals at this preliminary stage. However, industry observers note that securing this funding would represent a significant strategic advantage for Meta as it competes for AI dominance against tech rivals including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Perfect Corp. (NYSE: PERF) (“Perfect” or the “Company”), a global leader in providing artificial intelligence (“AI”) and augmented reality (“AR”) Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) solutions to beauty and fashion industries, today announced its unaudited financial results for the three months and the full year ended December 31, 2024.
Highlights for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
Total revenuewas $15.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $14.1 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 12.4%. The increase was primarily due to growth momentum in the revenue of AI- and AR- cloud solutions and mobile app subscriptions.
Gross profitwas $11.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared with $11.5 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 2.5%.
Net income was $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net income of $1.4 million during the same period of 2023, a decrease of 21.8%.
Adjusted net income (non-IFRS)1was $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to adjusted net income (non-IFRS) of $2.1 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 8.2%.
Operating cash flowwas $3.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $3.1 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 3.4%.
The Company’s YouCam mobile beauty app and web active subscribers grew by 14.3% year-over-year, reaching a record high of over 1 million active subscribers as of end of 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s cumulative customer base included 732 brand clients, with over 822,000 digital stock keeping units (“SKUs”) for makeup, haircare, skincare, eyewear, watches and jewelry products, compared to 708 brand clients and over 806,000 digital SKUs as of September 30, 2024. The number of Key Customers2of the Company remained stable at 151, as of both December 31, 2024, compared and September 30, 2024 due to the stability of our enterprise business.
Highlights for the Year Ended December 31, 2024
Total revenuewas $60.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $53.5 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 12.5%.
Gross profitwas $46.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $43.1 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 8.9%.
Net incomewas $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net income of $5.4 million during the same period of 2023, a decrease of 7.3%.
Adjusted net income (non-IFRS)was $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to adjusted net income (non-IFRS) of $7.0 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 18.6%.
Operating cash flowwas $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $13.6 million in the same period of 2023, a decrease of 4.2%.
Ms. Alice H. Chang, the Founder, Chairwoman, and Chief Executive Officer of Perfect commented, “We are pleased to report solid double-digit growth, positive net income, healthy cash flow, and a strong balance sheet for 2024, fully meeting our previous guidance. This remarkable performance is a testament to our team’s resilience and the visionary leadership of our management. By capitalizing on market opportunities and expanding our total addressable market, we are not only attracting new clients but also laying the foundation for sustained long-term growth. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we will continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet evolving market demands. With a comprehensive strategy in place, we are excited about the future and confident in our ability to create ongoing value for all our stakeholders.”
Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and for the Full Year 2024
Revenue
Total revenue was $15.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $14.1 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 12.4%. Full-year revenue was $60.2 million in 2024, compared to $53.5 million in 2023, an increase of 12.5%.
AI- and AR- cloud solutions and subscription revenue was $15.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $12.0 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 25.4%. Full-year AI- and AR- cloud solutions and subscription revenue was $53.8 million in 2024, compared with $44.8 million in 2023, an increase of 20.2%. The double digit growth was driven by the robust momentum in the growth of YouCam mobile beauty app subscription, stable demand for the Company’s online virtual product try-on solutions from brand customers, and the growing popularity among consumers of Generative AI technologies and AI editing features for photos and videos. The Company’s YouCam mobile beauty app and web active subscribers grew by 14.3% year-over-year, once again reaching a record high of over 1 million active subscribers as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. This increase reflected the sustained demand in the Company’s YouCam mobile beauty app services from subscribers and users.
Licensing revenue was $0.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.8 million in the same period of 2023, a decrease of 72.2%. Full year licensing revenue was $5.2 million for 2024, compared with $7.5 million for 2023, a decrease of 30.8%. The Company anticipates that this legacy non-recurring revenue will become increasingly immaterial as it continues to prioritize enhancing its market leadership in offering AI- and AR-based SaaS subscription solutions for brands and customers.
Gross Profit
Gross profit was $11.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared with $11.5 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 2.5%. Despite the increase in gross profit, our gross margin decreased to 74.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from 81.3% in the same period of 2023. Full-year gross profit was $46.9 million in 2024, compared with $43.1 million in 2023, an increase of 8.9%. Full-year 2024 gross margin slightly decreased to 78.0% in 2024 from 80.6% in 2023. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to the increase in third-party payment processing fees paid to digital distribution partners, such as Google and Apple, due to the steady growth in our YouCam mobile app subscription revenue.
Total Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses were $12.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared with $12.7 million in the same period of 2023, a decrease of 3.6%. The decrease was primarily due to declines in research and development (“R&D”) expenses and general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses in the fourth quarter of 2024. Full-year total operating expenses were $50.1 million in 2024, compared with $48.8 million in 2023, an increase of 2.7%. The increase was primarily due to increases in sales and marketing expenses and R&D expenses, which were mostly offset by a decrease in general and administrative expenses.
Sales and marketing expenseswere $6.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $6.7 million during the same period of 2023, an increase of 3.6%. Full-year sales and marketing expenses were $28.2 million for 2024, compared to $25.7 million in 2023, an increase of 9.7%. This increase was primarily due to an increase in marketing events and advertising expenses related to our mobile apps and cloud computing
Research and development expenseswere $2.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $3.0 million during the same period of 2023, a decrease of 8.3%. The decrease primarily resulted from streamlining of certain R&D processes and optimizing expenses. Full-year R&D expenses were $12.0 million for 2024, compared to $11.5 million in 2023, an increase of 4.7%. The increases resulted from increases in R&D headcount and related personnel costs.
General and administrative expenseswere $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $3.0 million during the same period of 2023, a significant decrease of 41.0%. Full-year G&A expenses were $8.5 million for 2024, compared to $11.6 million in 2023, a decrease of 26.6%. The significant decrease was primarily due to reduced corporate insurance premium and external professional service fees.
Net Income
Net income was $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to a $1.4 million during the same period of 2023. Full-year net income was $5.0 million for 2024, compared to $5.4 million for 2023. The positive net income was supported by our steady revenue growth and effective cost control.
Adjusted Net Income (Non-IFRS)
Adjusted net income was $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $2.1 million in the same period of 2023, an increase of 8.2%. Full-year adjusted net income was $8.3 million for 2024, compared to $7.0 million for 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resource
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents remained stable at $127.1 million (or $165.9 million when including money market funds of $2.7 million and 6-month time deposits of $36.0 million, which are classified as current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and current financial assets at amortized cost under IFRS), compared to $127.2 million as of September 30, 2024 (or $163.2 million when including time deposits).
The Company had a positive operating cash flow of $3.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $3.1 million in the same period of 2023. The Company had a positive operating cash flow of $13.0 million in the full year of 2024, compared to $13.6 million in 2023. The Company continues to invest in growth while maintaining a healthy cash reserve to support business operations underscoring the Company’s operational health and sustainability.
Recent Developments
As previously announced by the Company, on December 23, 2024, Perfect entered into an agreement with Farfetch, a leading global marketplace for the luxury fashion industry, pursuant to which Perfect agreed to acquire 100% of the equity interests in Wannaby Inc. (“Wannaby”), which is a pioneer in augmented reality and computer vision technologies, specializing in virtual try-on solutions for the fashion industry.
On January 8, 2025, Perfect completed the acquisition Wannaby. Wannaby is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Perfect.
Business Outlook for 2025
Based on the growth momentum in both YouCam mobile apps and web subscriptions and enterprise SaaS solution demands, the Company anticipates a year-over-year total revenue growth rate of 13% to 14.5% for 2025, compared to 2024.
Note that this forecast is based on the Company’s current assessment of the market and operational conditions, and that these factors are subject to change.
Conference Call Information
The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on February 26, 2025 (7:30 a.m. Taipei Time on February 27, 2025) to discuss the financial results. For participants who wish to join the call, please complete online registration using the link provided below in advance of the conference call. Upon registering, each participant will receive a participant dial-in number and a unique access PIN, which can be used to join the conference call.
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.perfectcorp.com.
About Perfect Corp.
Founded in 2015, Perfect Corp. is a beautiful AI Company and global leader in enterprise SaaS solutions. As an innovative powerhouse in using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the beauty and fashion industries, Perfect empowers major beauty, skincare, fashion, jewelry, and watch brands and by providing consumers with omnichannel shopping experiences through augmented reality (AR) product try-ons and AI-powered skin diagnostics. With cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, real-time facial and hand 3D AR rendering and cloud solutions, Perfect enables personalized, enjoyable, and engaging shopping journey. In addition, Perfect also operates a family of YouCam consumer apps for photo, video and camera users, centered on unleashing creativity with AI-driven features for creation, beautification and enhancement. With the help of technologies, Perfect helps brands elevate customer engagement, increase conversion rates, and propel sales growth. Throughout this journey, Perfect maintains its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and fulfilling social responsibilities. For more information, visit https://ir.perfectcorp.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to Perfect. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “target,” “seek” or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including strategies or plans, are also forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Perfect’s reasonable expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Perfect’s control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Perfect to predict these events or how they may affect Perfect. In addition, risks and uncertainties are described in Perfect’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Perfect cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this communication will prove to be accurate. There may be additional risks that Perfect presently does not know or that Perfect currently does not believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Perfect, its directors, officers or employees or any other person that Perfect will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. Except as required by applicable law, Perfect does not have any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date of this communication. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the views of Perfect as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.
Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This press release and accompanying tables contain certain non-IFRS financial measures, including adjusted net income, as supplemental metrics in reviewing and assessing Perfect’s operating performance and formulating its business plan. Perfect defined these non-IFRS financial measures as follows:
Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) excluding one-off transaction costs3 , non-cash equity-based compensation, and non-cash valuation (gain)/loss of financial liabilities. Starting from the first quarter of 2024, we no longer exclude foreign exchange gain (loss) from adjusted net income (loss). As we transitioned to using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency for certain subsidiaries in 2023, our foreign exchange gains (losses), which historically have predominantly been unrealized, have not been material since 2023. For a reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) to net income (loss), see the reconciliation table included elsewhere in this press release.
Non-IFRS financial measures are not defined under IFRS and are not presented in accordance with IFRS. Non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, which possibly do not reflect all items of expense that affect our operations. Share-based compensation expenses have been and may continue to be incurred in our business and are not reflected in the presentation of the non-IFRS financial measures. In addition, the non-IFRS financial measures Perfect uses may differ from the non-IFRS measures used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The presentation of these non-IFRS financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. The items excluded from our adjusted net income are not driven by core results of operations and render comparison of IFRS financial measures with prior periods less meaningful. We believe adjusted net income provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations, as well as providing a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our business performance. Moreover, such non-IFRS measures are used by our management internally to make operating decisions, including those related to operating expenses, evaluate performance, and perform strategic planning and annual budgeting.
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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.
In line quarter. The company reported Q4 revenue and adj. EBITDA of $20.7 million and $5.4 million, both of which are in line with our estimates of $21.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively. The recent results were adversely affected by weakness in Europe, primarily Germany, which we believe is temporary. In our view, investors should focus on the improving fundamental trends likely beginning in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe lags, but appears temporary. The company’s North American segment had a solid quarter, while revenue was relatively flat compared to the prior year period, operating margins improved from 29% to 33%. Additionally, Jack’s Flight Club grew revenue and posted a positive operating income. Europe experienced a tough quarter, largely attributed to political uncertainty and advertising issues in Germany, which are not expected to continue.
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*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.
Key Points: – Bitcoin fell below $90,000 for the first time since January, marking a nearly 20% decline from its all-time high. – A $1.5 billion security breach at Bybit and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty have contributed to the market selloff. – Crypto-linked stocks like MicroStrategy and Coinbase have also seen significant declines as investor confidence wanes.
Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, tumbled below the $90,000 mark on Monday, extending a broader crypto market selloff. As of 10:57 AM EST, Bitcoin was trading at approximately $87,595, reflecting a 6.8% decline from the previous close. The leading digital asset has now fallen nearly 20% from its record high of $109,000 set in January.
The downturn has impacted the broader cryptocurrency market, with Ethereum (ETH) dropping 8.7% to $2,418 and other major altcoins like Solana (SOL) and Dogecoin (DOGE) posting losses of 7.9% and 8.8%, respectively.
Several factors have weighed on Bitcoin’s price, including macroeconomic uncertainty, regulatory concerns, and a major security breach. The broader financial markets have shown increased volatility, with the S&P 500 posting a three-day losing streak. Investors are wary of persistent inflation and the Federal Reserve’s policy stance, which has added to Bitcoin’s downward momentum.
Adding to the pressure, a $1.5 billion hack on Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Bybit last week has shaken investor confidence. Although Bybit reassured customers that their assets remained safe, the breach has reignited fears over crypto security vulnerabilities.
Regulatory uncertainty is also playing a role in market sentiment. The recent inauguration of President Donald Trump has introduced questions about the administration’s stance on cryptocurrency regulation. While Trump’s pro-business policies could favor crypto adoption, the lack of clear guidelines has created short-term uncertainty for investors.
The selloff has extended beyond digital assets, impacting crypto-related equities. Shares of MicroStrategy (MSTR), a major corporate holder of Bitcoin, fell 8.5%, while Coinbase Global (COIN) and Robinhood (HOOD) saw declines of 7% to 9%. The downturn in these stocks underscores Bitcoin’s influence on the broader financial market.
Market analysts remain divided on Bitcoin’s short-term outlook. Some believe the digital asset has not yet found its floor, with Geoffrey Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, predicting further declines into the “low $80Ks.”
Others see the price drop as a potential buying opportunity. Data from Kraken suggests an increase in the long-short ratio, indicating that traders are “buying the dip” in anticipation of a recovery. However, given the ongoing volatility, analysts urge investors to exercise caution before making any significant moves.
As Bitcoin navigates uncertain terrain, investors are watching macroeconomic developments, regulatory updates, and market liquidity for further signals. While the cryptocurrency has historically rebounded from sharp corrections, the current environment calls for prudent risk management.
For now, Bitcoin remains at a crossroads, and its next move will depend on whether confidence can be restored in the market.
SKYX Advanced and Smart Plug & Play Technologies to be utilized in Cavco’s High-End Premium Manufactured Homes at the World Largest Builders’ Show IBS
Since its Inception Cavco Homes is Estimated to Have Sold Nearly 1 Million Homes and Close to 20,000 Homes Annually During the Past Years
As SKYX Continues to Increase its U.S. and Canada Market Penetration, its Technologies will be Used in Cavco’s High-End Homes including the New Leading Premium Homes Skye View and Bungalow Models, in Show Village during the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas February 25-27, 2025
MIAMI, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a SKYX Technologies) (the “Company” or “SKYX”), a highly disruptive advanced and smart home platform technology company for homes and buildings, with more than 97 issued and pending patents globally and over 60 lighting and home décor websites, announces it will collaborate with Cavco Industries, Inc., a U.S. leading prefabricated home manufacturer to utilize SKYX’s advanced and smart plug & play technologies in Cavco’s premium prefabricated homes during the International Builders’ Show (IBS). SKYX’s technologies will be used in Cavco’s high-end homes, including their new leading premium homes Skye View and Bungalow models, in Show Village during the International Builders’ Show place in Las Vegas from February 25-27, 2025.
SKYX’s advance and smart plug & play platform technologies makes homes and buildings become advanced, safe, and smart instantly while significantly saving time and cost as well as adding substantial value to developers and homeowners.
Cavco is a leading U.S. manufacturer of prefabricated homes. As a publicly traded company, it ranks among the largest producers of manufactured and modular homes in the nation, renowned for its high-quality, premium designs. Cavco specializes in designing and producing factory-built housing products, which are distributed through an extensive network of independent and company-owned retailers. Since its inception, it is estimated that Cavco has sold nearly one million homes, with recent annual sales approaching 20,000 units.
Tim Gage, National Vice President of Cavco’s Park Models, and Specialty Homes said, “We are excited to utilize SKYX’s game-changing safe plug and play technology in our Cavco Park Model prefabricated homes at the IBS Pro Builder Show Village. We welcome people to visit our premium homes including our Skye View and Bungalow models to see how we utilize SKYX’s technologies. I strongly believe that the SKYX technology can become the standard for new construction, as it provides, safety, time saving, and smart capabilities, while advancing and adding significant value to our homes.”
Rani Kohen, Founder/Inventor and Executive Chairman, of SKYX Platforms, said, “We are truly excited to collaborate with a U.S. leading premium prefabricated home manufacturer such as Cavco during the world’s largest building show, IBS. This is another step toward our goal of making homes and buildings become advanced, safe, and smart as the new standard. We look forward to continuing to demonstrate our advanced smart platform technology’s ability to make homes and buildings become smarter and safer instantly, while significantly advancing buildings and saving time and costs for developers.”
About SKYX Platforms Corp.
As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 97 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://skyplug.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.
Key Points: – Hackers stole $1.5 billion from Bybit, marking the largest crypto exchange hack in history. – The Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-backed hacking collective, has been linked to the attack. – Bybit secured a bridge loan to cover losses and reassure customers, but market confidence remains shaken.
A catastrophic security breach has sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency sector as Bybit, one of the world’s leading digital asset exchanges, lost $1.5 billion in a sophisticated attack. This unprecedented theft surpasses previous major incidents, including the 2021 Poly Network breach ($610 million) and the 2022 Binance exploit ($570 million). Most alarming to security experts is that attackers successfully compromised Bybit’s cold storage system—offline wallets widely considered the most secure method for safeguarding digital assets.
Attack Details and Attribution
Blockchain analytics firms Elliptic and Arkham Intelligence have tracked the stolen funds across multiple blockchain networks as attackers rapidly dispersed and liquidated assets through various platforms. Investigators have attributed the attack to North Korea’s Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored cybercrime collective responsible for stealing billions from financial institutions and cryptocurrency organizations to fund government operations.
The associated addresses have been flagged across all major blockchain monitoring systems. However, the Lazarus Group’s sophisticated laundering techniques utilizing decentralized protocols and mixing services make complete fund recovery highly challenging.
Market Impact and Bybit’s Response
The security breach triggered immediate mass withdrawals from Bybit as users feared potential insolvency risks. CEO Ben Zhou moved quickly to stabilize the situation, assuring users that all withdrawals would continue to process normally. The exchange secured emergency funding from strategic partners to cover potential losses.
Despite these assurances, investor confidence has been severely impacted. Many institutional and retail traders are reassessing their exposure to centralized exchanges, with increasing interest in self-custody solutions and decentralized finance alternatives that minimize counterparty risk.
The incident has attracted heightened regulatory attention, with financial authorities in multiple jurisdictions signaling intentions to impose stricter security requirements and oversight on cryptocurrency exchanges. Industry analysis projects this could accelerate adoption of decentralized exchanges (DEXs), which operate without central custodians and provide users direct control over their assets.
Ethereum Market Dynamics
In an unexpected development, Ethereum markets showed remarkable resilience following the hack. On-chain data revealed significant ETH purchases from Bybit’s treasury addresses, fueling speculation about strategic accumulation during market uncertainty. This activity aligns with institutional behavior from traditional finance giants like BlackRock and Fidelity, which have steadily increased Ethereum holdings throughout recent market cycles.
Layer-2 scaling networks built on Ethereum—including Arbitrum, Optimism, and Celestia—have maintained strong adoption metrics despite the broader market turbulence, suggesting investor confidence in Ethereum’s ecosystem remains intact despite security concerns at centralized exchanges.
Future Security Implications
The Bybit breach represents a watershed moment for cryptocurrency security practices. The successful compromise of cold storage systems—previously considered nearly impenetrable—forces a fundamental reassessment of digital asset protection strategies across the industry.
Expanded implementation of multi-signature authentication requirements, real-time anomaly detection systems, and insurance solutions designed specifically for cryptocurrency theft are becoming industry priorities. Several leading exchanges have already announced enhanced security measures in response to the incident.
Traditional cold storage alone is no longer sufficient protection against sophisticated threat actors. The industry must evolve toward comprehensive security frameworks that combine technical controls with governance safeguards.
As regulatory frameworks evolve and security standards mature, investors should anticipate a period of adjustment across cryptocurrency markets. Whether this incident ultimately drives adoption toward decentralized platforms or strengthens security at centralized exchanges, the fundamental importance of robust security practices has never been more evident in digital asset investing.
Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group. Codere Online offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile application. Codere currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and the City of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Codere Online’s online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence in the region.
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.
Currency exchange impact. Q4 revenue of €52.6 million was roughly in line with our estimate of €55.0 million in spite of currency headwinds. Adj. EBITDA of €1.9 million was better than our estimate of €1.5 million. Notably, revenues would have been stronger if not for the depreciation of the Mexican Peso, down roughly 13.5% against the Euro. On a constant currency basis, revenue was up a strong 15% compared to reported growth of 5%.
Significant market opportunity. There appears to be a very large market opportunity for the company in Latin America, with Latin American markets expected to grow a strong 33% plus Compound Annual Revenue Growth Rate. In our view, the company likely will take a disciplined approach to entering new markets by seeking partners. We believe that such a strategy could allow the company to accelerate revenue growth while allowing adj. EBITDA growth.
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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).
*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.
Key Points: – $500B U.S. investment includes Houston AI server factory opening 2026. – 20,000 new jobs focused on R&D, engineering, and AI development. – Announcement follows Trump meeting amid renewed
Apple has unveiled ambitious plans to inject $500 billion into the U.S. economy over the next four years, with a significant focus on artificial intelligence infrastructure. The technology giant announced Monday that it will partner with manufacturers to build a 250,000-square-foot AI server facility in Houston, Texas, dedicated to producing hardware for Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI personal assistant that powers iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.
This massive investment comes at a pivotal moment for Apple as it navigates growing tensions between the U.S. and China. The announcement follows a recent meeting between Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump, who has reintroduced tariffs on Chinese imports. With Apple historically dependent on Chinese manufacturing for its devices, this U.S.-focused investment signals a strategic pivot in its production approach.
“We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in the announcement.
The Houston facility, expected to begin operations in 2026, represents just one component of Apple’s comprehensive investment strategy. The company plans to hire approximately 20,000 new employees across the United States, with positions concentrated in research and development, silicon engineering, software development, and artificial intelligence.
Apple’s investment will extend beyond direct manufacturing to include doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund to $10 billion, establishing a new manufacturing academy in Michigan, and expanding R&D investments in cutting-edge fields like silicon engineering. The company also emphasized its content production for Apple TV+, which currently spans 20 states.
This investment announcement arrives as Apple accelerates its push into artificial intelligence with Apple Intelligence, its AI assistant unveiled earlier this year. The Texas server facility suggests Apple is building infrastructure to support more advanced AI capabilities while keeping sensitive data processing within U.S. borders—a growing concern for tech companies handling vast amounts of user information.
Apple highlighted its substantial economic contribution to the United States, noting it has paid more than $75 billion in U.S. taxes over the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone, positioning itself as one of the nation’s largest corporate taxpayers.
The investment plan represents Apple’s response to mounting pressure from the Trump administration regarding U.S. manufacturing. Earlier this month, President Trump signed an order imposing additional 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, supplementing existing tariffs of up to 25% established during his first term. These trade policies have created significant challenges for companies like Apple that rely heavily on global supply chains centered in Asia.
By committing to this historic U.S. investment, Apple appears to be strategically addressing political pressures while simultaneously building the infrastructure needed to support its AI-driven future. The company’s decision to focus on AI server manufacturing also indicates its long-term commitment to developing proprietary AI solutions rather than solely relying on third-party providers like Google or OpenAI.
Industry analysts view this investment as a significant move that could inspire other tech giants to increase their U.S. manufacturing presence. The Houston facility in particular represents a strategic choice, capitalizing on Texas’s growing reputation as a technology hub outside of traditional centers like California and New York.
As competition in AI technology intensifies among major tech companies, Apple’s substantial investment in domestic AI infrastructure suggests the company is positioning itself for a future where AI capabilities become an increasingly critical differentiator in consumer technology products.
Key Points: – Microsoft’s entry into quantum hardware could reshape competitive dynamics in the quantum computing market – Integration potential with AI suggests broader implications for tech sector valuations – Early-stage quantum companies may face increased pressure as tech giants advance their capabilities
The tech investment landscape is witnessing a seismic shift as Microsoft unveils its Majorana 1 quantum chip, marking a crucial moment that could reshape investment strategies across both quantum-specific and broader technology portfolios. This development signals a potential acceleration in the commercialization timeline for quantum computing, challenging current market valuations and investment theses.
While quantum computing stocks like IonQ (+237% in 2024) and Rigetti (+1,500%) have seen spectacular gains, Microsoft’s entry into quantum hardware manufacturing raises important questions about the sustainability of pure-play quantum investments. The tech giant’s decision to manufacture its quantum chips in-house, rather than relying on traditional semiconductor fabrication partners, suggests a potential restructuring of the quantum supply chain that investors need to consider.
The market implications of this development extend far beyond the quantum computing sector. Microsoft’s strategic positioning of quantum computing as an AI enhancement tool points to a broader technology ecosystem play. This convergence could significantly impact valuations across the tech sector, particularly for companies involved in AI infrastructure and development.
Traditional tech investors should pay particular attention to Microsoft’s timeline projection. The company’s assertion that practical quantum applications are “years, not decades” away could accelerate investment in quantum-ready infrastructure and security solutions. This shift could benefit companies developing quantum-resistant cryptography and quantum software development tools.
The ripple effects are already visible in the venture capital space, with increased investment flowing into quantum-adjacent technologies. Startups working on quantum software, error correction, and control systems are attracting significant attention, even as the hardware segment becomes more competitive with major tech players entering the field.
For institutional investors, Microsoft’s advancement suggests a potential restructuring of quantum investment strategies. Rather than focusing solely on pure-play quantum companies, a more nuanced approach considering the entire quantum value chain – from basic research to commercial applications – may be prudent.
The development also raises questions about the future of quantum cloud services. While Microsoft plans to keep Majorana 1 focused on research partnerships, the company’s hints at future cloud integration through Azure could pressure current quantum-as-a-service providers. This dynamic might force investors to reassess the valuation metrics for companies whose business models rely heavily on quantum cloud service revenue.
Looking ahead, investors should monitor several key indicators: the pace of quantum patent filings, quantum-ready cybersecurity adoption rates, and strategic partnerships between quantum hardware providers and traditional tech companies. These metrics could provide early signals of quantum technology’s transition from research to commercial applications.
Key Points: – Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) are reportedly considering independent deals that could split Intel. – Intel has lost billions in market value after falling behind in the AI-driven semiconductor boom. – Despite a 60% slump in 2024, Intel shares have climbed 29% this year, with a 12% rally on Tuesday.
Intel shares surged 12% on Tuesday following a report from The Wall Street Journal that Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) are contemplating bids that could potentially split the struggling chip giant. This marked Intel’s best single-day performance since March 2020, fueling renewed investor interest in the company’s future.
According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, Broadcom is evaluating a deal to acquire Intel’s chip design and marketing unit, while TSMC is considering a stake or full control of Intel’s manufacturing facilities. These discussions are still in their early stages, with no official bids filed and negotiations remaining largely informal.
Intel, once a dominant force in the semiconductor industry, has faced significant challenges in recent years. As the artificial intelligence boom propelled competitors such as Nvidia and AMD to new heights, Intel struggled to keep pace. The company has shed billions in market value, unable to capitalize on the AI-driven demand that has reshaped the sector.
In August 2024, Intel suffered its worst stock market day in five decades, with shares plummeting to their lowest level since 2013 following disappointing quarterly results. The company’s struggles prompted major cost-cutting measures, including a 15% reduction in its workforce. Amid these difficulties, Intel’s board ousted CEO Pat Gelsinger in December, citing waning investor confidence in his ability to steer the company back to profitability.
The prospect of Broadcom and TSMC acquiring different segments of Intel signals a possible strategic shift for the embattled chipmaker. Broadcom, known for its aggressive acquisition strategy, could benefit from Intel’s chip design expertise and established market presence. Meanwhile, TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, would strengthen its global semiconductor manufacturing footprint by securing Intel’s production facilities.
Investors responded positively to the news, with Intel shares soaring 12% on Tuesday. The rally extended the stock’s year-to-date gains to 29%, offering some relief after a brutal 2024 that saw a 60% decline in share value. Meanwhile, Broadcom shares fell 2%, while TSMC experienced a modest dip of less than 1%.
The potential breakup of Intel comes amid broader geopolitical concerns surrounding semiconductor production. The U.S. government has intensified efforts to safeguard domestic chip manufacturing, with Vice President JD Vance recently affirming that AI chip production will be protected from foreign adversaries. This sentiment boosted Intel’s stock last week, as the company remains a key player in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.
As Intel navigates its uncertain future, the reported interest from Broadcom and TSMC could present an opportunity for the company to restructure and regain competitiveness in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.
CHICAGO, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GoHealth, Inc. (GoHealth) (NASDAQ: GOCO), a leading health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company, announced that the company will release its fourth quarter 2024 financial results on the morning of February 27, 2025.
Chief Executive Officer, Vijay Kotte, and Chief Financial Officer, Brendan Shanahan, will host a conference call and live audio webcast on the day of the release at 8:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss the results.
A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available via GoHealth’s Investor Relations website, https://investors.gohealth.com/. A replay of the call will be available via webcast for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call.
About GoHealth, Inc.
GoHealth is a leading health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company whose purpose is to compassionately ensure consumers’ peace of mind when making healthcare decisions so they can focus on living life. For many of these consumers, enrolling in a health insurance plan is confusing and difficult, and seemingly small differences between health plans may lead to significant out-of-pocket costs or lack of access to critical providers and medicines. GoHealth’s proprietary technology platform leverages modern machine-learning algorithms, powered by over two decades of insurance purchasing behavior, to reimagine the process of matching a health plan to a consumer’s specific needs. Its unbiased, technology-driven marketplace coupled with highly skilled licensed agents has facilitated the enrollment of millions of consumers in Medicare plans since GoHealth’s inception. For more information, visit https://www.gohealth.com.
