FreightCar America (RAIL) – Positive Momentum Driven by Potential for Market Share Gains and Margin Expansion


Tuesday, August 27, 2024

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.

Pure play manufacturer. FreightCar America, Inc. is a diversified manufacturer of railroad cars and rail car components. The company designs and manufactures a broad variety of railroad car types for the transportation of bulk commodities and containerized freight products primarily in North America. The company recently reported strong second-quarter financial results and appears poised for greater scale and margin expansion as it increases its market share and expands its product suite.

Updating estimates. While our 2024 and 2025 earnings per share estimates are unchanged at $0.25 and $0.47, respectively, we have increased our EBITDA estimates to $38.8 million and $46.7 million from $38.6 million and $46.0 million. We have assumed modestly higher sales. Importantly, we have increased our forward estimates beginning in 2026 to better reflect the company’s recent order for 1,000 tank car conversions and entry into the new tank car market beginning in 2028 which is expected to have a positive impact on gross margin.


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NN Inc. (NNBR) – Some Insider Buying


Wednesday, August 21, 2024

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.

Insider Buying. We are always interested to see insider buying, especially around current trading levels for the stock. Last week, three NN directors acquired a total of 32,550 NNBR shares at average prices in the $3.41 to $3.64 range. Such concentrated open market purchases are a positive, in our view.

Insider 1. First up, on August 14th Director Joao Faria disclosed the purchase of 20,000 NNBR shares at an average cost of $3.41 per share. Mr. Faria now owns 277,843 NNBR shares. Prior to last week, Mr. Faria’s most recent open market purchase was back in May 2023 when he acquired 30,000 NNBR shares at an average cost of $1.74.


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Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) – More New Business


Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 131-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

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.

Recent DOD Awards. Great Lakes has been awarded over $120 million in two new contracts since August 9th, according to the Department of Defense daily contract release. We believe the additional awards highlight the amount of opportunity available to Great Lakes.

Mobile Harbor. Yesterday, Great Lakes was awarded a $65.9 million firm-fixed-price contract to deepen and widen Mobile Harbor, with an estimated completion date of April 27, 2025. Fiscal 2020 civil construction funds and fiscal 2024 civil operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $65.9 million were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity.


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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. 

SKYX Platforms (SKYX) – Setting the Table for Future Revenue Growth


Thursday, August 15, 2024

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.

Execution on target. The company reported a solid quarter, in line with our revenue estimate and better than our adj. EBITDA loss estimate. Q2 revenue was $21.4 million, roughly in line with our estimate of $22.0 million, while an adj. EBITDA loss of $2.1 million was better than our forecast of a loss of $4.0 million. In our view, the sequential revenue growth, coupled with a diminishing cash burn should serve as a favorable indicator of the company’s ability to execute its growth strategy, while targeting a swing towards profitability in 2025.  

Expanding distribution channels. Recently, the company announced that its products would become available at Home Depot. Products are already live on Home Depot’s website and various products are expected to arrive in a select number of stores in the coming months. We view this as a significant expansion that furthers the company’s ability to reach both the retail and professional channels at scale. As such, we believe the inclusion of SKYX products at Home Depot could accelerate revenue growth in both customer verticals.


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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. 

FreightCar America (RAIL) – Strong 2Q Operational and Financial Results; Increasing Estimates


Wednesday, August 14, 2024

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.

Second quarter financial results. FreightCar America generated second quarter adjusted net income to common stockholders of $1.772 million or $0.05 per share compared to $0.424 million or $0.02 per share during the prior year period. We had forecast $1.582 million and $0.05 per share. Revenue and rail car deliveries increased to $147.4 million and 1,159 compared to $88.6 million and 760 during the second quarter of 2023. On a year-over-year basis, adjusted EBITDA increased 50.6% to $12.1 million. While EPS was in line with our estimates, railcar deliveries, revenues and adjusted EBITDA were above our estimates.

Full Year 2024 corporate guidance. Management raised its full year 2024 guidance ranges. Railcar deliveries are expected to be in the range of 4,300 to 4,700, revenue is expected to be in the range of $560 million to $600 million, and adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $35 to $39 million. Previously, railcar deliveries were expected to be in the range of 4,000 to 4,400, revenue was expected to be in the range of $520 million to $572 million, and adjusted EBITDA was expected to be in the range of $32 million to $38 million.


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SKYX Platforms (SKYX) – Solid Q2 Punctuated by Reduced Cash Burn


Tuesday, August 13, 2024

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.

Q2 in line. The company reported Q2 revenue of $21.4 million, roughly in line with our estimate of $22.0 million. Adj. EBITDA of a loss of $2.1 million was better than our forecast of a loss of $4.0 million, primarily driven by lower-than-expected SG&A expenses. Figure #1 Q2 Results illustrates the quarterly performance.

Key expansion to Home Depot. Following the conclusion of Q2, the company announced that its products would become available at Home Depot, the industry leader in the home improvement market. In our view, this is a significant step for the company as Home Depot has both retail consumers and professional contractors. Consequently, we believe the inclusion of SKYX products at Home Depot could accelerate revenue growth in both customer verticals. The Home Depot expansion also serves to validate the SKYX technology, given that Home Depot is a global industry leader.


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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. 

FreightCar America (RAIL) – Solid 2Q Operational and Financial Results; 2024 Corporate Guidance Raised


Tuesday, August 13, 2024

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.

Second quarter financial results. FreightCar America generated second quarter adjusted net income to common stockholders of $1.772 million or $0.05 per share compared to $0.424 million or $0.02 per share during the prior year period. We had forecast $1.582 million and $0.05 per share. Revenue and rail car deliveries increased to $147.4 million and 1,159 compared to $88.6 million and 760 during the second quarter of 2023. On a year-over-year basis, adjusted EBITDA increased 50.6% to $12.1 million. While EPS was in line with our estimates, railcar deliveries, revenues and adjusted EBITDA exceeded our estimates of 980, $127.1 million, and $9.5 million, respectively. The weighted average diluted share count of ~32.3 million was also higher than our estimate of 31.1 million. Second quarter free cash flow amounted to $55.9 million based on net cash flows provided by operating activities of $57.2 million and $1.3 million of net cash flows used in investing activities.

Full Year 2024 corporate guidance. Management raised its full year 2024 guidance ranges. Railcar deliveries are expected to be in the range of 4,300 to 4,700, revenue is expected to be in the range of $560 million to $600 million, and adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $35 to $39 million. Previously, railcar deliveries were expected to be in the range of 4,000 to 4,400, revenue was expected to be in the range of $520 million to $572 million, and adjusted EBITDA was expected to be in the range of $32 million to $38 million.


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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. 

Kratos Defense & Security (KTOS) – Review of 2Q24 Results


Monday, August 12, 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, 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.

Accelerating Growth. Kratos’ second quarter results reflect the successful execution of the Company’s strategy, in our view. The quarter was characterized by organic growth in key areas such as unmanned jet drone systems, turbine technologies, microwave products, and C5ISR.

Alignment. A hardware and software rich technology company, Kratos is well aligned to address increased global defense budgets in the areas such as air defense, missiles, radar, space, satellite, hypersonic engines, propulsion systems, C5ISR, microwave electronics, drones, cyber, and training systems.


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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. 

Kelly Services (KELYA) – Riding Out the Market Conditions


Monday, August 12, 2024

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.

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

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

2Q Results. The sale of the European business and the Motion Recruitment Partners acquisition affected revenue, as revenue declined to $1.06 billion from $1.22 billion last year, but in-line with our estimate of $1.07 billion. Net income for the quarter was $4.6 million, or $0.13/sh, from $7.5 million, or $0.20/sh, a year ago, as the Europe staffing sale contributed to the decrease. We estimated net income of $14.9 million or $0.42/sh.

Growth and Stability. While the uncertain market conditions continue to impact Kelly’s segments, management noted that segments saw sequential stabilization, while others continued to grow such as Education. We believe the stabilization indicates the bottom of demand for some of Kelly’s services, and management’s expectation of modest improvement in most of its segments in the second half gives this credence.


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Graham Corp. (GHM) – A Deeper Dive into 1Q25 Results and Updated Model


Monday, August 12, 2024

Graham Corporation designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the energy, defense and chemical/petrochemical industries. The Company designs and manufactures custom-engineered ejectors, vacuum pumping systems, surface condensers and vacuum systems. It is a nuclear code accredited fabrication and specialty machining company. It supplies components used inside reactor vessels and outside containment vessels of nuclear power facilities. Its equipment is found in applications, such as metal refining, pulp and paper processing, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, pharmaceutical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. For the defense industry, its equipment is used in nuclear propulsion power systems for the United States Navy. The Company’s products are used in a range of industrial process applications in energy markets, including petroleum refining, defense, chemical and petrochemical processing, power generation/alternative energy and other.

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.

1Q25 Results. The improved top and bottom lines reflect Graham’s successful operating strategy, in our view. The first quarter can be characterized by solid growth, consistent improvement, and strengthened profitability. We also would note the expansion of Graham’s defense business has reduced the Company’s economic sensitivity.

New Orders. Graham’s Barber-Nichols segment reported the receipt of three new awards, totaling in excess of $65 million. An extension of work for the MK48 Mod 7 Heavyweight torpedo program, received in the first quarter; a new program for the Columbia-class submarine; and a contract to provide cryogenic recirculation pumps for space vehicles. We believe these awards demonstrate the Company’s capabilities to successfully compete in its key markets.


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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. 

EuroDry (EDRY) – Our Estimates Reflect a Strong Finish to 2024; Rating Remains Outperform


Monday, August 12, 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.

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.

Second quarter financial results. Eurodry Ltd. reported an adjusted second-quarter net loss to controlling shareholders of $447.4 thousand or ($0.17) per share compared to an adjusted net loss of $1.3 million or ($0.48) per share during the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $5.0 million compared to $2.5 million during the prior year period. While financial results improved on a year-over-year basis due to higher revenue, driven by an increased average time charter equivalent rate, voyage and drydocking expenses were above our estimates.

Updating estimates. We forecast 2024 EBITDA of $20.7 million and a net loss of ($0.65) per share. The third quarter will be a heavy quarter for drydocking and our revisions are driven primarily by higher drydocking expenses and fewer voyage days. We anticipate the company to post a net loss in the third quarter but finish the year with a strong fourth quarter due, in part, to lighter drydocking activity.


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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. 

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) – A Solid Quarter


Monday, August 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, 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.

2Q24. Revenue came in at $490.1 million, up from $463.7 million a year ago and above our $482 million estimate. Increased occupancy and per diem rates drove the increase. Adjusted EBITDA was $83.9 million, up from $72.1 million, and our $74.6 million estimate. EPS was $0.17, adjusted EPS $0.20, and NFFO $0.42, compared to $0.13, $0.12, and $0.33, respectively, in 2Q23.

New Contract. In late July, CoreCivic received a Notice of Intent to Award a new management contract from the state of Montana to care for additional residents. The Company expects to receive 120 residents in the 3Q24. If the State needs additional capacity, the State may approve the utilization of any other facility CoreCivic owns or operates.


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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. 

Graham Corp (GHM) – A Deeper Dive into 2Q24 Results and Updated Model


Friday, August 09, 2024

Graham Corporation designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the energy, defense and chemical/petrochemical industries. The Company designs and manufactures custom-engineered ejectors, vacuum pumping systems, surface condensers and vacuum systems. It is a nuclear code accredited fabrication and specialty machining company. It supplies components used inside reactor vessels and outside containment vessels of nuclear power facilities. Its equipment is found in applications, such as metal refining, pulp and paper processing, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, pharmaceutical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. For the defense industry, its equipment is used in nuclear propulsion power systems for the United States Navy. The Company’s products are used in a range of industrial process applications in energy markets, including petroleum refining, defense, chemical and petrochemical processing, power generation/alternative energy and other.

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.

2Q24 Results. The improved top and bottom lines reflect Graham’s successful operating strategy, in our view. The first quarter can be characterized by solid growth, consistent improvement, and strengthened profitability. We also would note the expansion of Graham’s defense business has reduced the Company’s economic sensitivity.

New Orders. Graham’s Barber-Nichols segment reported the receipt of three new awards, totaling in excess of $65 million. An extension of work for the MK48 Mod 7 Heavyweight torpedo program, received in the first quarter; a new program for the Columbia-class submarine; and a contract to provide cryogenic recirculation pumps for space vehicles. We believe these awards demonstrate the Company’s capabilities to successfully compete in its key markets.


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

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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.