Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – A Better Than Expected Fourth Quarter


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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

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

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

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

4Q23 Results. Coming in above expectations, 4Q23 revenue totaled $273.8 million, up 9.8% y-o-y, with the improvement driven by 17% growth in the Government Solutions segment. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $29.1 million, up from $19.2 million a year ago. Adjusted EPS was $0.12 versus $0.08. We had forecasted revenue of $250 million, adjusted EBITDA of $22.5 million, and adjusted EPS of $0.08.

Opportunity, Opportunity, Opportunity. The Company continues to rack up awards. Yesterday, Kratos announced the award of the $579 million SATCOM C2 System ID/IQ. This was the Company’s only major re-compete. Notably, the size of the contract is 50% larger than the prior contract, adding another growth vehicle.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) – Raising Price Target to $17, Post Call Commentary


Monday, February 12, 2024

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

Joe Gomes, 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.

ICE Pops — Where Do We Go From Here? ICE detainee population grew to 38,498 at the end of January, up from 36,845 at the end of the Federal government fiscal year. But CR funding remains at 34,000 beds. With the CR ending March 8th, it is unclear if a budget will pass and where funding will end up. The recent Senate discussions had suggested a 50,000 bed level, but it is unclear where negotiations go from here. CoreCivic ICE pops were down modestly to a current 11,334 from 11,800 in November, reflecting normal seasonality.

Margins. With higher populations across federal, state, and local partners, higher occupancy rates, normalizing staffing cost and inflation, and per diem increase, operating margin improved in 4Q23. We anticipate additional improvement in 2024. Notably, the Community segment operating margin rose to 33.4% in the quarter, up from 22.2% last year.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Release – Orion Group Holdings, Inc. to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results on Wednesday, February 28

Research News and Market Data on ORN

Feb 08, 2024

Conference Call to be held Thursday, February 29 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time

HOUSTON, Feb. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ORN) (the “Company”), a leading specialty construction company, today announced that it will issue its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, after the close of the stock market.

A conference call and audio webcast with analysts and investors will be held the next day, February 29, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time/9:00 a.m Eastern Time to discuss the results and answer questions.

Live conference call: 844-481-2994

Live and archived webcasthttps://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=YsBXYWPw or the Company’s website at Orion Group Holdings, Inc. – Investor Relations & Shareholder Contact (oriongroupholdingsinc.com)

About Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Orion Group Holdings, Inc., a leading specialty construction company serving the infrastructure, industrial and building sectors, provides services both on and off the water in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the Caribbean Basin through its marine segment and its concrete segment. The Company’s marine segment provides construction and dredging services relating to marine transportation facility construction, marine pipeline construction, marine environmental structures, dredging of waterways, channels and ports, environmental dredging, design, and specialty services. Its concrete segment provides turnkey concrete construction services including place and finish, site prep, layout, forming, and rebar placement for large commercial, structural and other associated business areas. The Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas with regional offices strategically located across its operating areas. (oriongroupholdingsinc.com)

Contact:

Financial Profiles, Inc.
Margaret Boyce
310-622-8247
mboyce@finprofiles.com

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) – A Fourth Quarter Beat


Thursday, February 08, 2024

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

Joe Gomes, 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.

Results. Fourth quarter revenue totaled $491.2 million, up from $471.4 million last year and in-line with our $495 million projection. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $90 million, compared to $87.7 million last year and our $82 million estimate. CXW reported adjusted net income of $26.4 million and adjusted EPS of $0.23, beating our estimates of $17.5 million and $0.18, respectively, and improving from $25 million and $0.22 last year.

Strong Business Momentum. The better than expected results were driven by ongoing population and resulting occupancy increases. CoreCivic ended the year at 74% occupancy, the highest quarterly level since 2Q20. Labor availability and wage inflation are normalizing, resulting in improving margins. We expect these trends to continue in 2024.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

AZZ Inc. (AZZ) – AZZ releases fiscal 2025 guidance in line with expectations


Monday, February 05, 2024

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Management releases initial fiscal 2025 guidance. Management projects sales of $1.5-$1.6 billion (Noble est. $1.57b), adjusted ebitda of $300-$350 million ($345m), and adjusted diluted EPS of $4.25-$4.75 ($4.50). Guidance assumes $10-$12m of income from its unconsolidated subsidiary ($9.3m), capital expenditures of $100-$120m ($90m), and $60-$100m of debt deleverage ($40m). Management assumes working capital improvements which we have not assumed in our models. Management also reconfirmed fiscal 2024 guidance.

We are not changing our estimates, but will monitor the areas in which we differ with guidance. Our model projects estimates that at the high end of the range for sales and adjusted ebitda but below unconsolidated sub earnings, capital expenditures, and debt reduction. Given that our estimates are generally in line with guidance, we are not making changes at this time. Instead, we will monitor the discrepancies quarterly and make adjustments as needed.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

DLH Holdings (DLHC) – Post Call Commentary


Friday, February 02, 2024

DLH delivers improved health and readiness solutions for federal programs through research, development, and innovative care processes. The Company’s experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 2,300 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to public health to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

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

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

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

Waiting on a Budget. The Continuing Resolution continues to hamper DLH’s growth efforts. The Company has plenty of opportunity and stands ready to capitalize on new RFPs. We believe once a budget is passed, there should be a strong flow of new business opportunity for DLH, which will drive organic growth.

1Q24 Bottom Line. The first quarter bottom line was positively impacted by two items. First, due to the CR and bidding opportunities, G&A costs fell to $7.7 million from $10.2 million in 4Q23. G&A costs are likely to remain somewhat muted until a more normal bidding environment emerges. The second was an abnormally low tax rate, 0.5% versus a more typical 25%, due to some discrete items.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – Some More New UAS Business


Thursday, February 01, 2024

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

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

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

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

More UAS Business. Hot on the heels of the Sounding Rocket 4 ID/IQ award from last Friday, the Department of Defense announced, after the market close Tuesday, Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) was awarded a $57.67 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract.

Details. This modification exercises options to procure full rate production Lot Five of the BQM-177A Surface Launched Aerial Targets. Specifically, this modification provides for the production and delivery of 70 BQM-177A Surface Launched Aerial Targets and 70 Rocket-Assisted Takeoff attachment kits, as well as associated technical and administrative data in support of weapons system test, and evaluation and fleet training for the Navy.


Get the Full Report

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

This 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. 

DLH Holdings (DLHC) – Fiscal 1Q24 First Look


Thursday, February 01, 2024

DLH delivers improved health and readiness solutions for federal programs through research, development, and innovative care processes. The Company’s experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 2,300 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to public health to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

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

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

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

Results. Revenue in the first quarter was $97.9 million versus $72.7 million last year, but lower than our estimate of $101 million. Net income was at $2.2 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to $1.5 million, or $0.11, in the prior year. EBITDA for the quarter was $11.1 million compared to $6.3 million last year. We had estimated EBITDA of $11.3 million, adjusted EBITDA of $11.8 million, and EPS of $0.12.

Other Key Indicators. DLH generated $5.1 million in operating cash for the quarter, with cash being at $0.1 million as of December 31, 2023. The Company backlog for the quarter was $653.5 million, including funded backlog of approximately $132.3 million and unfunded backlog of $521.2 million, versus $704.8 million in the prior year. 


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Seanergy Maritime (SHIP) – Seanergy enters into a partnership to develop an alternative fuel ship


Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. is the only pure-play Capesize ship-owner publicly listed in the US. Seanergy provides marine dry bulk transportation services through a modern fleet of Capesize vessels. The Company’s operating fleet consists of 17 Capesize vessels with an average age of approximately 12 years and aggregate cargo carrying capacity of approximately 3,011,083 dwt. The Company is incorporated in the Marshall Islands and has executive offices in Glyfada, Greece. The Company’s common shares trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SHIP” and its Class B warrants under “SHIPZ”.

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

A Seanergy division will join the Safecraft Project Consortium to retrofit a ship to use hydrogen as the main energy source. In December of last year, the European Commission founded the project and committed $10 million to the $13.5 million cost. The Safecraft consortium includes a dozen shipping, engineering, and research organizations committed to demonstrate the safety and viability of Sustainable Alternative Fuels (SAFs). Hydrogen will be the main source of electric power generation and will also help with propulsion.


Hydrogen ships are coming. Hydrogen ships (including submarines) have been around for decades, but are becoming more common place in recent years. The MF Hydra, for example, became the first hydrogen-powered ferry in 2021. China has launched a hydrogen ship in 2022 and is developing more. Kawasaki has been approved to develop an engine that will run on hydrogen for use on carriers. Other vessels such as yachts and speedboats use hydrogen fuel cells to provide electricity. Seanergy is the first Greek-based shipping company to form a partnership with Safecraft. 


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Release – Orion Group Holdings, Inc. Rebrands TAS Concrete Construction to Orion

Research News and Market Data on ORN

Jan 29, 2024

Announces Latest Contract Awards

HOUSTON, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ORN) (the “Company”), a leading specialty construction company, today announced the rebranding of its subsidiary TAS Concrete Construction (“TAS”) as Orion. This move reflects the Company’s strategic initiative to integrate its different service offerings under one banner to leverage Orion’s brand reputation and to deliver greater value and seamless execution for its customers.

TAS Concrete Construction was acquired by Orion Group Holdings, Inc. in 2015 and has continued to operate under the TAS name until now. The Company’s concrete segment, formerly known as TAS, and its marine segment will now operate together under the Orion name providing its customers with a single source for specialty construction and engineering.

“By unifying under the Orion banner, we will have a more recognizable presence in the national market, enhancing our brand and market opportunities. This integration will unlock new potential for growth, foster collaboration across teams, and support our mission to deliver high-quality solutions with predictable excellence,” said Travis Boone, Chief Executive Officer of Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Through the fourth quarter 2023 and January 2024, Orion was awarded $244.2 million in new contracts, including $38.7 million for a beach stabilization project in Texas and $24.1 million for dredging work in Louisiana.

About Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Orion Group Holdings, Inc., a leading specialty construction company serving the infrastructure, industrial and building sectors, provides services both on and off the water in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the Caribbean Basin through its marine segment and its concrete segment. The Company’s marine segment provides construction and dredging services relating to marine transportation facility construction, marine pipeline construction, marine environmental structures, dredging of waterways, channels and ports, environmental dredging, design, and specialty services. Its concrete segment provides turnkey concrete construction services including place and finish, site prep, layout, forming, and rebar placement for large commercial, structural and other associated business areas. The Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas with regional offices strategically located across its operating areas. (oriongroupholdingsinc.com)

Forward-Looking Statements

The matters discussed in this press release may constitute or include projections or other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of which provisions the Company is availing itself. Certain forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as ‘believes’, ‘expects’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘seeks’, ‘approximately’, ‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘estimates’, or ‘anticipates’, or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, intentions, estimates, forecasts, outlook, assumptions, or goals. In particular, statements regarding future operations or results, including those set forth in this press release, and any other statement, express or implied, concerning future operating results or the future generation of or ability to generate revenues, income, net income, gross profit, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, or cash flow, including to service debt, and including any estimates, forecasts or assumptions regarding future revenues or revenue growth, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include project award announcements, estimated project start dates, anticipated revenues, and contract options which may or may not be awarded in the future. Forward-looking statements involve risks, including those associated with the Company’s fixed price contracts that impacts profits, unforeseen productivity delays that may alter the final profitability of the contract, cancellation of the contract by the customer for unforeseen reasons, delays or decreases in funding by the customer, levels and predictability of government funding or other governmental budgetary constraints, and any potential contract options which may or may not be awarded in the future, and are at the sole discretion of award by the customer. Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future results. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be regarded as a representation by the Company that the Company’s plans, estimates, forecasts, goals, intentions, or objectives will be achieved or realized. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update information contained in this press release whether as a result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Please refer to the Company’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 16, 2023, which is available on its website at www.oriongroupholdingsinc.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, for additional and more detailed discussion of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations, estimates or forecasts.

Contact:

Financial Profiles, Inc.
Margaret Boyce
310-622-8247
mboyce@finprofiles.com

Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – Awarded New ID/IQ for Sounding Rocket


Monday, January 29, 2024

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

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

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

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

ID/IQ Award. According to the daily Department of Defense contract award release, on Friday, Kratos Space & Missile Defense Systems Inc. was one of three firms awarded a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and firm-fixed-price contract with a combined maximum ceiling of $877 million with a nine-year ordering period for Sounding Rocket Program-4.

Sounding Rocket. Sounding Rocket is a multiyear contract where companies compete for orders to launch small rockets used to carry scientific instruments and experiments into suborbital space. Started in 2018, the original awardees for the seven year $424 million ID/IQ were Northrop Grumman and Space Vector. With the three new awardees announced Friday, the program has been extended until 2029 and the total projected value increased to $877 million. SRP-4 is run by the Space Systems Command’s small rocket program office.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

AZZ Inc. (AZZ) – Estimates and target raised to reflect higher margins and peer group comps.


Thursday, January 25, 2024

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Fiscal third quarter results continued AZZ’s upward trend. AZZ reported strong results in the third quarter as sales continued to expand and operating margins increased. While there was a nonrecurring boost to AZZ’s nonconsolidated division, that should not take away from favorable results at AZZ’s Metal Coating and Precoat Metals divisions. We look for top-line growth to continue at a 2-3% rate and for EBITDA margins to continue to expand towards 25% with a continued shift toward the higher-margin Metal Coating division.

Coating company stocks have risen in recent months. The DJIA has risen 14% in the last three months. AZZ’s increase of 33% over that time period leads its coating peer group, but other stocks such as Chemours (CC) and Sherwin-Williams (SHW) have also risen more than 25%. As a result, the peer group median forward P/E has risen to 17 times from 15 times and the median EV/EBITDA has increased to 13 times from 10 times.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

EuroDry (EDRY) – Outlook for EuroDry Improving – Price Target Raised


Wednesday, January 24, 2024

EuroDry Ltd. was formed on January 8, 2018 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the drybulk fleet of Euroseas Ltd. into a separate listed public company. EuroDry was spun-off from Euroseas Ltd. on May 30, 2018; it trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker EDRY. EuroDry operates in the dry cargo, drybulk shipping market. EuroDry’s operations are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified affiliated ship management company and Eurobulk (Far East) Ltd. Inc., which are responsible for the day- to-day commercial and technical management and operations of the vessels. EuroDry employs its vessels on spot and period charters and under pool agreements.

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Rising shipping rates. Shipping rates have risen in recent months. EuroDry management reports a 2024 BPI rate of $14,225 due, in part, to conflict in the Red Sea. Although the overall impact on shipping rates is modest, we would remind investors that EuroDry is more sensitive to shipping rates than any of the shipping companies we follow. 

Longer-term shipping rate outlook remains positive. Recent rate weakness has largely been attributed to decreased demand for steel by China. EuroDry believes the Far East and Africa will provide future growth. Increased demand for ships comes at the same time as ship availability is reduced. Growing port congestion and environmentally mandated slower ship speeds combine to add days to shipping routes, reducing the availability of ships. 


Get the Full Report

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

This 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.