SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SXC), a leading U.S. producer of high-quality metallurgical coke and logistics services, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Phoenix Global for $325 million. The all-cash deal will significantly expand SunCoke’s presence in the steel value chain, diversify its customer base, and accelerate international growth.
Phoenix Global, a privately held company operating under Flame Aggregator, LLC, is a mission-critical service provider to top global steel producers. The company operates across 19 mill sites in North America, Brazil, Europe, and South Africa, offering services such as molten slag handling, scrap metal processing, and logistics for steelmaking inputs and outputs.
The acquisition marks a strategic shift for SunCoke, as it moves beyond traditional blast furnace-focused services into supporting electric arc furnace (EAF) operators, including both carbon and stainless steel producers. With the global steel industry increasingly transitioning toward more energy-efficient EAF technology, this move positions SunCoke at the forefront of evolving demand.
The purchase price implies a 5.4x multiple on Phoenix’s last twelve months (LTM) adjusted EBITDA of $61 million, as of March 31, 2025. SunCoke will finance the transaction using a mix of existing cash and availability under its undrawn revolving credit facility. The deal is expected to be immediately accretive to SunCoke’s earnings and to deliver annual synergies of $5 million to $10 million.
“This acquisition is a powerful step forward for SunCoke,” said Katherine T. Gates, President and CEO of SunCoke Energy. “Phoenix brings an impressive asset base, a global footprint, and long-term customer contracts that complement our current operations. This merger strengthens our role as a critical partner in the steel industry while expanding our reach into new markets and technologies.”
Phoenix has invested approximately $72 million in capital improvements since 2023, ensuring the durability and efficiency of its operations. Its revenue model, based on long-term contracts with fixed components, adds predictable earnings for SunCoke and reduces exposure to commodity price volatility.
The deal has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is backed by a majority of Phoenix’s unitholders. Completion is expected in the second half of 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals, including antitrust clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.
Analysts see the acquisition as a strategic masterstroke for SunCoke, enabling the company to leverage its technical expertise, strong financial profile, and sustainable infrastructure into adjacent industrial services. Moreover, SunCoke’s expansion into global markets and EAF-related services could open new avenues for organic growth and customer engagement.
With this acquisition, SunCoke not only solidifies its position in the North American steel supply chain but also extends its reach as a global service provider committed to innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
Key Points: – Oil inches up as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks stall without resolution. – Geopolitical risks and strong U.S. data support prices amid market fears. – Bearish sentiment persists due to OPEC+ supply hikes and rising U.S. stockpiles.
Oil prices edged higher this week as U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations failed to deliver significant progress, deepening market uncertainty and raising concerns over potential disruptions in global supply. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude hovered near $61 a barrel following a fifth round of talks in Rome, where both sides reported “some but not conclusive progress.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that while talks had moved forward, critical issues remain unresolved. The lack of a breakthrough is fueling doubts about whether Iranian crude will re-enter the market anytime soon. Traders are watching closely, as failed negotiations could restrict supply from the OPEC member and tighten global markets.
Geopolitical tension is further intensifying sentiment. Reports from U.S. intelligence suggesting that Israel may be preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities have added to anxiety in the energy sector. While Iranian officials indicated that a deal limiting nuclear weapons development might be possible, Tehran remains firm on continuing uranium enrichment—an issue that could derail diplomacy.
Meanwhile, strong U.S. economic data helped buoy prices after a brief dip triggered by fresh tariff threats from former President Donald Trump. In a social media post, Trump criticized the European Union as “very difficult to deal with” and suggested a sweeping 50% tariff on EU imports starting June 1. The rhetoric briefly shook markets, but solid U.S. consumer and industrial data helped counterbalance demand fears.
Despite the recent uptick, oil’s broader outlook remains bearish. Crude prices are down about 14% year-to-date, recently touching lows not seen since 2021. A faster-than-anticipated easing of production limits by OPEC+ and rising U.S. commercial oil stockpiles have both added to concerns about oversupply.
Energy strategist Jens Naervig Pedersen from Danske Bank emphasized that bearish sentiment persists. He cited ongoing output hikes by OPEC+, lackluster progress in both trade and nuclear talks, and the possibility of sanctions relief for Iran as factors undermining oil prices.
Looking ahead, a virtual meeting of key OPEC+ producers, including Saudi Arabia, is set for June 1 to decide on output levels for July. Most analysts surveyed by Bloomberg anticipate a continued rise in production, which could further pressure prices.
Adding another wrinkle, the European Commission is proposing to lower the price cap on Russian oil to $50 a barrel. Currently set at $60, the cap was designed to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine while keeping oil flowing. With prices already low, the existing ceiling is seen as ineffective.
In summary, oil is caught in a tug-of-war between geopolitical risk and structural oversupply. Unless a clear resolution emerges in U.S.-Iran talks or OPEC+ shifts its stance on production, the market may remain volatile with a downward bias.
QuoteMedia is a leading software developer and cloud-based syndicator of financial market information and streaming financial data solutions to media, corporations, online brokerages, and financial services companies. The Company licenses interactive stock research tools such as streaming real-time quotes, market research, news, charting, option chains, filings, corporate financials, insider reports, market indices, portfolio management systems, and data feeds. QuoteMedia provides industry leading market data solutions and financial services for companies such as the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, TMX Group (TSX Stock Exchange), Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), London Stock Exchange Group, FIS, U.S. Bank, Broadridge Financial Systems, JPMorgan Chase, CI Financial, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Hilltop Securities, HD Vest, Stockhouse, Zacks Investment Research, General Electric, Boeing, Bombardier, Telus International, Business Wire, PR Newswire, FolioFN, Regal Securities, ChoiceTrade, Cetera Financial Group, Dynamic Trend, Inc., Qtrade Financial, CNW Group, IA Private Wealth, Ally Invest, Inc., Suncor, Virtual Brokers, Leede Jones Gable, Firstrade Securities, Charles Schwab, First Financial, Cirano, Equisolve, Stock-Trak, Mergent, Cision, Day Trade Dash and others. Quotestream®, QModTM and Quotestream ConnectTM are trademarks of QuoteMedia. For more information, please visit www.quotemedia.com.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Solid Q1 Results. The company reported Q1 revenue of $4.8 million, which increased 3% over the prior year period, and was in line with our estimate of $4.8 million. Notably, revenue in Q1 was highest amount of quarterly revenue in the company’s history. Moreover, the company recorded adj. EBITDA of $0.4 million in Q1, which was moderately lower than our estimate of $0.5 million, as illustrated in Figure #1 Q1 Results.
Q1 adj. EBITDA impact. Notably, adj. EBITDA in Q1 was impacted by the company capitalizing less development costs than in prior quarters, leading to more development costs expensed in Q1. Importantly, the increase in development costs that were expensed did not have an impact on cashflow. Furthermore, the company highlighted that it will be expensing development costs at a similar rate to Q1, which was higher than in previous quarters, moving forward.
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.
Key Points: – Levi Strauss sells Dockers to Authentic Brands Group for up to $391M to sharpen focus on core labels. – Dockers, a 1980s icon of “Casual Friday,” has struggled amid the rise of athleisure and remote work. – Authentic aims to revitalize Dockers and expand it into new markets and categories.
Levi Strauss & Co. is parting ways with one of its most recognizable labels, announcing Tuesday that it will sell its Dockers brand to Authentic Brands Group for up to $391 million. The sale marks a major shift for Levi Strauss, which is increasingly focused on its namesake denim line and the growing Beyond Yoga brand.
The transaction includes an initial payment of $311 million, with the potential for an additional $80 million in performance-based payouts. The sale is expected to close by July 31, 2025, for U.S. and Canadian operations, with global segments transitioning by January 2026.
Dockers, launched by Levi’s in 1986, became a defining symbol of the 1990s “Casual Friday” movement. Known for its khakis and relaxed office wear, the brand helped usher in a cultural shift away from stiff corporate dress codes. But in recent years, Dockers has fallen out of fashion favor, as a pandemic-driven work-from-home culture and the meteoric rise of athleisure wear left traditional khakis collecting dust in closets.
“Selling Dockers further aligns our portfolio with our strategic priorities,” Levi Strauss CEO Michelle Gass said. “We’re doubling down on the Levi’s brand and on high-growth categories like athleisure.” Gass also praised the Dockers team for its decades of brand stewardship, calling the line “the authority on khaki.”
The decision comes amid a broader effort by Levi Strauss to tighten its brand focus and revitalize profitability. In fiscal 2024, Levi’s reported $210.6 million in profit on $6.36 billion in revenue. However, growth in its core denim line and newer segments like Beyond Yoga has far outpaced Dockers in recent years.
Meanwhile, the buyer — Authentic Brands Group — is no stranger to resurrecting legacy names. The brand management firm, led by founder and CEO Jamie Salter, owns a portfolio of well-known but often underperforming or dormant brands, including Reebok, Brooks Brothers, and Forever 21.
Salter described Dockers as a “natural fit” for Authentic’s brand development model. “Dockers played a key role in shaping casual workwear, and we see significant potential to build on that legacy,” he said. Authentic plans to expand the Dockers brand across multiple categories and potentially international markets.
Analysts view the deal as a win-win: Levi Strauss sharpens its brand identity while shedding a slower-growth asset, and Authentic takes on a nostalgic brand with solid name recognition and room for reinvention. The sale also highlights the ongoing evolution in consumer preferences, as shoppers prioritize comfort, versatility, and lifestyle-driven fashion over traditional workplace attire.
As Dockers moves into new hands, the brand that helped define office wear for a generation now faces a new challenge—redefining its place in a post-business-casual world.
Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) connects talented people to companies in need of their skills in areas including Science, Engineering, Education, Office, Contact Center, Light Industrial, and more. We’re always thinking about what’s next in the evolving world of work, and we help people ditch the script on old ways of thinking and embrace the value of all workstyles in the workplace. We directly employ nearly 350,000 people around the world and connect thousands more with work through our global network of talent suppliers and partners in our outsourcing and consulting practice. Revenue in 2021 was $4.9 billion. Visit kellyservices.com and let us help with what’s next for you.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.
Q1 Results. The Company recorded revenue of $1.16 billion, up 11.5% year over year, in line with our estimate of $1.16 billion. Adj. EBITDA came in at $34.9 million, up 4.8% over the prior year period and modestly lower than our estimate of $36.5 million. Adj. EBITDA margin decreased 20 basis points to 3.0%. Furthermore, Kelly reported net income of $0.16/sh. On an adjusted basis, EPS was $0.39/sh compared to $0.56/sh last year and our estimate of $0.60/sh.
Solid Results. The y-o-y revenue growth of 11.5% was largely driven by the Company’s May 2024 acquisition of Motion Recruitment Partners (MRP). On an organic basis, total revenue was only up 0.2%, which includes a 0.8% decrease in revenue from U.S. federal contractors and a 6.3% increase in Education segment revenue.
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.
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.
Private placement financing. Aurania Resources closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement financing. A total of 2,569,022 units of the company were sold under the second tranche at a price of C$0.30 per unit. Including the first tranche which closed on April 17, Aurania issued 5,751,921 units for gross proceeds of C$1,725,577. Net proceeds will be used to fund general working capital needs and may be used to pay mineral concession fees in Ecuador.
Terms of the offering. Each unit is composed of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of C$0.55 for a period of 24 months following the closing of the date of issuance.
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.
GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies and vaccines for solid tumor cancers and many of the world’s most threatening infectious diseases. The company’s lead program in oncology is a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, presently in a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. GeoVax’s lead infectious disease candidate is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine targeting high-risk immunocompromised patient populations. Currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, and as a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In addition, GEO-CM04S1 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the vaccine as a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. GeoVax has a leadership team who have driven significant value creation across multiple life science companies over the past several decades.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
First Quarter Included Contract Revenues. GeoVax reported a 1Q25 loss of $5.4 million or $(0.45) per share, a smaller loss than we had expected. The quarter included $1.6 million in Contract Revenue from the BARDA contract in preparation for the Phase 2 trial. Since the contract was cancelled on April 11, 2025, the 2Q25 results will include some final contract work. Cash on March 31, 2025, was $7.4 million.
CM04S1 Continues Development With Focus On Immunocompromised Patients. The current focus of CM04S1 development is in immunocompromised patients, a population estimated at 40 million patients in the US alone. Data from the Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials for CM04S1 was presented at the 25th World Vaccine Congress. The two Phase 2 trials in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and stem cell transplants continue to enroll patients, while the Phase 2 Healthy Adult Booster trial is expected to report data during 2Q25.
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.
Key Points: – Roku will acquire Frndly TV for $185 million in cash, aiming to expand its affordable live and on-demand TV offerings. – Frndly TV offers 50+ family-friendly channels and unlimited DVR for $6.99/month, appealing to cost-conscious consumers. – The acquisition supports Roku’s platform revenue strategy while preserving Frndly TV’s availability across all major devices.
Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Frndly TV, a low-cost subscription streaming service offering live and on-demand television content. The $185 million all-cash deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025 and marks Roku’s latest effort to expand its content offerings and drive subscription revenue through its growing streaming platform.
Founded in 2019 and based in Denver, Colorado, Frndly TV has built a loyal subscriber base by offering more than 50 family-friendly channels—including A&E, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and The History Channel—for just $6.99 per month. The service also includes thousands of hours of on-demand content and unlimited cloud-based DVR functionality, appealing to value-conscious viewers seeking alternatives to more expensive cable or streaming bundles.
Roku, already the No. 1 TV streaming platform in the U.S. by hours streamed, sees the acquisition as a natural extension of its efforts to grow platform revenue and bolster its direct-to-consumer subscription business. In a competitive streaming landscape dominated by major players like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, Roku’s focus on aggregation, accessibility, and affordability gives it a unique position to appeal to mainstream households and budget-conscious consumers.
“Frndly TV has carved out an impressive niche by delivering high-quality, feel-good programming at a very competitive price,” said Roku CEO Anthony Wood. “This acquisition enhances our ability to serve the growing segment of viewers seeking live TV without the high cost of traditional cable. It’s a move that supports both our customer-first philosophy and our monetization goals.”
The deal structure includes a $75 million performance-based holdback, contingent on Frndly TV achieving certain subscription and revenue milestones over the next two years. Frndly TV’s leadership team, including co-founder and CEO Andy Karofsky, will remain with the company post-acquisition to maintain continuity and support its growth within the Roku ecosystem.
Importantly, Frndly TV will continue to operate as a multi-platform service. It will remain available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android and Google TV, Samsung and Vizio smart TVs, as well as on mobile apps and the web—ensuring that existing subscribers can continue accessing their content without disruption.
For Roku, the acquisition aligns with its broader strategy to offer comprehensive content at competitive price points while continuing to invest in its proprietary advertising and subscription infrastructure. The company has made it clear that adding subscription value—especially live TV and family-friendly entertainment—is a core component of its growth model moving forward.
This move also puts Roku in a stronger position to compete in the live TV space, where rivals like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer broader packages at significantly higher price points. By acquiring Frndly TV, Roku gains a differentiated product that serves an underserved market segment.
With stable subscriber growth, brand trust, and a growing library of original and licensed content, Roku’s purchase of Frndly TV is poised to pay long-term dividends, particularly as consumers continue to shift from traditional cable to more flexible and affordable streaming solutions.
Companies look to Einstein, Agentforce, third-party tools to boost efficiency, personalize customer experiences, ISG Provider Lens™ report says
SÃO PAULO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The use of AI in Salesforce deployments has become a major trend in Brazil, according to a new research report published today by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm.
The 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Salesforce Ecosystem Partners report for Brazil finds that many enterprises in Brazil are integrating AI with Salesforce environments, most commonly to improve customer experience and operating efficiency. AI is enhancing functions such as coding, testing, hyper-personalization of customer experience and managed services to find and fix software errors. Often with the help of service providers, companies are evaluating or adopting Salesforce’s Einstein generative AI and Agentforce agentic AI tools, as well as technologies from other vendors.
“Brazilian companies are learning how to use AI with Salesforce for new insights and competitive advantage,” said Bill Huber, partner, digital platforms and solutions, for ISG. “In many cases, service providers supply critical knowledge and tools to make this possible.”
Agentforce, introduced in 2024, creates autonomous agents that perform complex tasks without human intervention. This holds strong potential for projects such as automating customer service call centers, ISG says. Salesforce charges Agentforce customers per conversation rather than per user. Enterprises are evaluating the costs and capabilities of Agentforce, which is available in Brazil in an English production release and a Portuguese beta version.
As AI is integrated into Salesforce implementations, Brazilian enterprises face increasingly complex IT environments and a growing number of solutions, models and applications to choose from, ISG says. Performance, customization and cost can influence these choices. Companies are turning to the Salesforce ecosystem for consulting services to help them decide where to use AI, which AI solutions best fit their needs and what productivity gains to expect.
A growing number of enterprises, especially in emerging markets such as Brazil, also seek license management services to help them navigate the complexities of multi-cloud Salesforce environments, ISG says. They expect providers to actively monitor license use to prevent unnecessary expenses and propose changes that minimize their costs.
“The expanding possibilities of Salesforce can lead to higher complexity and new cost considerations,” said Jan Erik Aase, partner and global leader, ISG Provider Lens Research. “Brazilian enterprises are approaching Salesforce projects carefully, partnering with leading service providers for guidance.”
In addition, the Salesforce Customer Data Platform (CDP) Cloud is expected to play a key role in Salesforce AI implementations in Brazil, the report says. The platform collects and stores customer data, helping companies ensure they have high-quality, accessible data to feed into AI engines for customer insights and personalization.
The report also examines other Salesforce ecosystem trends in Brazil, including a wave of provider acquisitions and Salesforce’s integration of its Marketing Cloud into its core cloud structure.
For more insights into the Salesforce-related challenges facing Brazilian enterprises, plus ISG’s advice for addressing them, see the ISG Provider Lens™ Focal Points briefing here.
The 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Salesforce Ecosystem Partners report for Brazil evaluates the capabilities of 41 providers across six quadrants: AI-powered Multicloud Implementation Services — Large Enterprises, Implementation Services for Core Clouds and AI Agents — Midmarket, Implementation Services for Marketing and Commerce with AI Enablement, Managed Application Services — Large Enterprises, Managed Application Services — Midmarket and Implementation Services for Industry Clouds.
The report names Accenture, Everymind and OSF Digital as Leaders in four quadrants each and Deloitte as a Leader in three quadrants. It names atile.digital, BRQ, GFT, Globant, iSmartBlue, JFOX, Sottelli, SYS4B and Valtech as Leaders in two quadrants each. Cadastra, Capgemini, enext, Infosys, LEOO, match.mt and NTT DATA are named as Leaders in one quadrant each.
In addition, NTT DATA and Visum Digital are named as Rising Stars — companies with a “promising portfolio” and “high future potential” by ISG’s definition — in two quadrants each. The report names gentrop and HCLTech as Rising Stars in one quadrant each.
A customized version of the report is available from atile.digital.
In the area of customer experience, HCLTech is named the global ISG CX Star Performer for 2024 among Salesforce ecosystem partners. HCLTech earned the highest customer satisfaction scores in ISG’s Voice of the Customer survey, which is part of the ISG Star of Excellence™ program, the premier quality recognition for the technology and business services industry.
The 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Salesforce Ecosystem Partners report for Brazil is available to subscribers or for one-time purchase on this webpage.
About ISG Provider Lens™ Research
The ISG Provider Lens™ Quadrant research series is the only service provider evaluation of its kind to combine empirical, data-driven research and market analysis with the real-world experience and observations of ISG’s global advisory team. Enterprises will find a wealth of detailed data and market analysis to help guide their selection of appropriate sourcing partners, while ISG advisors use the reports to validate their own market knowledge and make recommendations to ISG’s enterprise clients. The research currently covers providers offering their services globally, across Europe, as well as in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., France, Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, the Nordics, Australia and Singapore/Malaysia, with additional markets to be added in the future. For more information about ISG Provider Lens research, please visit this webpage.
About ISG
ISG (Nasdaq: III) is a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm. A trusted partner to more than 900 clients, including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is a long-time leader in technology and business services that is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to help organizations achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm, founded in 2006, is known for its proprietary market data, in-depth knowledge of provider ecosystems, and the expertise of its 1,600 professionals worldwide working together to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments.
RESTON, Va., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — V2X Inc. (NYSE: VVX) announced it has been awarded a new five-year task order to support U.S. Space Force operations at Ascension Island as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Contract Augmentation Program V (AFCAP V). The firm-fixed-price award includes a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, with a ceiling value of $140 million.
Ascension Island is a key strategic location in the South Atlantic, supporting U.S. Space Force operations and the broader Eastern Range mission. Under this contract, V2X will deliver essential services that improve mission outcomes, operational efficiency, and infrastructure resilience on the island.
“Ascension Island plays a significant role in advancing the U.S. Space Force mission, and we’re proud to support this national security asset,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer at V2X. “We will leverage our full lifecycle capabilities and decades of experience operating at scale in remote and dynamic environments to deliver improved readiness for this strategically vital mission.”
V2X continues to be a trusted partner under the AFCAP V, the company’s consistent performance under the program stresses its ability to deliver agile, reliable, and high-quality support services at scale across the globe. Operations are set to begin July 2025, reinforcing V2X’s commitment to supporting full-spectrum solutions.
About V2X V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.
Investor Contact Mike Smith, CFA Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations IR@goV2X.com 719-637-5773
Media Contact Angelica Spanos Deoudes Senior Director, Marketing and Communications Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com 571-338-5195
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.
Listing requirements not met. The company initially received a notification that it was not in compliance with the Nasdaq’s minimum stockholder equity requirement in October 2024. The company subsequently submitted a plan to regain compliance in February 2025 and was granted an extension until April 16, 2025. However, on April 16, the company had not regained compliance and received a letter of determination from Nasdaq on April 17.
Letter of determination. The letter of determination stated the company did not meet the terms of its extension, due to a noncomplete capital raise that was laid out in its plan to regain compliance, and ultimately did not meet the stockholders’ equity requirement. We believe that the company is working on capital raising initiatives, which should put the company back in compliance. The Class A Common stock is scheduled to be suspended from trading at market open on April 28. The company has filed for a hearing which should delay the delisting process for at least 35 days.
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.
Key Points: – Stocks and the U.S. dollar dropped as markets reacted to Trump’s threat to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell. – Concerns over Fed independence sparked a flight from U.S. assets into gold and foreign bonds. – Investors fear increased volatility, weakening confidence in the dollar and U.S. monetary policy.
On Monday, April 21, 2025, U.S. financial markets experienced significant volatility following President Donald Trump’s renewed criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Trump’s public suggestion that he may attempt to remove Powell has heightened concerns about political interference in monetary policy — a cornerstone of market confidence. The S&P 500 dropped over 1%, while the Bloomberg Dollar Index fell to a 15-month low. Treasury yields jumped, pushing the 10-year above 4.4%, reflecting the market’s unease with rising inflation risk and a potentially less independent Fed.
At the same time, investors poured into safe-haven assets. Gold surged to a record above $3,400 an ounce, while the Swiss franc and Japanese yen rallied. The sharp movements signal not just a knee-jerk reaction to headlines, but deeper anxiety over the future of monetary policy. Analysts have warned that undermining the Fed’s credibility could cause long-term damage to the dollar’s global reserve status and complicate the central bank’s ability to steer the economy during periods of stress.
Markets are now on edge over the prospect of a politicized Federal Reserve. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett confirmed that Trump is reviewing the legality of removing Powell — a move seen by many as extreme and historically unprecedented. While legal scholars argue the president lacks the authority to fire the Fed Chair without cause, the noise alone has proven enough to shake investor confidence. Fed officials have maintained a measured tone, but Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warned over the weekend that undermining central bank independence is a dangerous path.
For small and micro-cap investors, the ripple effects are particularly pronounced. These companies typically have tighter margins, higher debt costs, and fewer international buffers than large-cap peers. In a rising rate or inflationary environment — or worse, one with erratic policy signals — smaller firms can see financing dry up and market multiples compress rapidly. Investors focused on this space should be watching both policy headlines and macroeconomic indicators closely, as volatility may linger longer than anticipated.
Adding to market pressure, geopolitical tensions have grown. Reports that Chinese investors are reducing U.S. Treasury holdings in favor of European and Japanese debt point to an early-stage shift in global capital allocation. If trust in U.S. governance continues to erode, further capital outflows could strain markets even more. At the same time, the White House’s ongoing tariff disputes are reshaping trade routes and disrupting sectors from tech to commodities. All of this contributes to an environment where capital seeks safety — and where policymaker credibility is paramount.
This shifting market sentiment could have meaningful implications for small-cap stocks, particularly those tracked by the Russell 2000. As investors rotate away from large-cap tech and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, the Russell’s reconstitution later this year may spotlight high-quality domestic companies with strong fundamentals and less exposure to geopolitical volatility. For savvy investors, this uncertainty could ultimately shine a light on overlooked small-cap opportunities poised to benefit from changing capital flows and renewed interest in U.S.-focused growth stories.
The small-cap sector has taken it on the chin in recent months, with widespread fear and macro uncertainty fueling a broad selloff that’s left many fundamentally solid companies trading at multi-year lows. While this environment has caused plenty of investors to retreat to the safety of larger, more liquid names, it’s also creating potential opportunities for those with a longer-term mindset.
The Russell 2000, which tracks small-cap performance, has declined steeply this year—reflecting the risk-off tone in the market. But with this pullback comes the chance to scoop up high-quality businesses at a steep discount to their intrinsic value. Historically, moments of panic often set the stage for future gains, especially in the small-cap space where sentiment tends to swing more dramatically. Right now, the indiscriminate nature of the selling has created an environment where price and value have diverged, opening the door for patient investors to build positions in companies that have been unfairly punished.
One such example is NN, Inc. (NNBR), a precision manufacturing company that operates in sectors like automotive and medical, offering highly engineered solutions. Back in December, the stock was trading around $4, but it has since dropped to roughly $1.73. While that kind of decline might suggest something is seriously broken, the business itself continues to pursue operational improvements and efficiency gains. The company has made progress in reducing debt and focusing its portfolio, and though headwinds remain, the market appears to be pricing in a worst-case scenario. For investors who believe in industrial recovery and the power of long-term restructuring, NNBR may represent deep value.
Another name that’s been dragged down in the recent slide is 1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS). In December, this online retailer was trading near $9 per share. Fast forward to today, and it’s sitting around $5.20. Despite the decline, the underlying business remains healthy. The company continues to benefit from strong seasonal demand, and its ability to cross-sell across its various gifting platforms—ranging from floral to gourmet foods—gives it a unique edge in the e-commerce space. As consumer habits shift further toward online shopping and direct-to-door services, 1-800-Flowers stands to be a long-term winner. The current pullback may have more to do with general retail fatigue and market fear than any material weakness in the business itself.
Conduent (CNDT) rounds out the list, trading at just $2 after closing last year around $4.39. Specializing in business process outsourcing and digital workflow solutions for both government and commercial clients, Conduent has a significant contract base and recurring revenue streams that provide a level of stability often overlooked in smaller tech-enabled firms. While the company has faced its share of execution challenges, it continues to win contracts and drive efficiency through restructuring efforts. If management continues to make progress and market sentiment shifts even slightly, CNDT could see meaningful upside from these levels.
In volatile times like these, it’s easy to let fear cloud judgment. But for investors who can see past short-term noise, the current small-cap selloff may offer a rare opportunity to buy good companies on sale.
