Market Newsdesk

MONDOVI, Wis., April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marten Transport, Ltd. (Nasdaq/GS:MRTN) today reported net income of $4.3 million, or 5 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared with $9.6 million, or 12 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024.

Operating revenue was $223.2 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared with $249.7 million for the first quarter of 2024. Excluding fuel surcharges, operating revenue was $195.8 million for the 2025 quarter compared with $215.7 million for the 2024 quarter. Fuel surcharge revenue decreased to $27.4 million for the 2025 quarter from $33.9 million for the 2024 quarter.

Operating income was $5.9 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared with $12.3 million for the first quarter of 2024.

Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue were 97.4% for the 2025 first quarter and 95.1% for the 2024 first quarter. Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharges, were 97.0% for the 2025 first quarter and 94.3% for the 2024 first quarter.

Executive Chairman Randolph L. Marten stated, “Our unique multifaceted business model’s value is highlighted by the operating results of our dedicated and brokerage operations for this quarter and throughout last year. Our earnings have continued to be heavily pressured by the considerable duration and depth of the freight market recession’s oversupply and weak demand – and the cumulative impact of inflationary operating costs, freight rate reductions and freight network disruptions.”

“We remain focused on minimizing the freight market’s impact – and now the impact of the U.S. and global economies with the current trade policy volatility – while investing in and positioning our operations to capitalize on profitable organic growth opportunities, with fair compensation for our premium services, across each of our business segments.”

“We are pleased to recently be certified by the Truckload Carriers Association, or TCA, as a TCA Elite Fleet – 2025 Best Place to Drive.” The TCA partnered with the University of Denver’s Transportation and Supply Chain Institute to recognize North American for-hire truckload carriers that foster exceptional work environments, offer competitive compensation and implement innovative practices to support their drivers.

Current Investor Presentation

Marten Transport, with headquarters in Mondovi, Wis., is a multifaceted business offering a network of time and temperature-sensitive and dry truck-based transportation and distribution capabilities across Marten’s six distinct business platforms – Temperature-Sensitive and Dry Truckload, Dedicated, Intermodal, Brokerage and MRTN de Mexico. Marten is one of the leading temperature-sensitive truckload carriers in the United States, specializing in transporting and distributing food, beverages and other consumer packaged goods that require a temperature-controlled or insulated environment. The Company offers service in the United States, Mexico and Canada, concentrating on expedited movements for high-volume customers. Marten’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol MRTN.

This press release contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include a discussion of Marten’s prospects for future growth, including the impact of the freight market and U.S. and global economies with the current trade policy volatility, and by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Important factors known to the Company that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACTS: Tim Kohl, Chief Executive Officer, Doug Petit, President, and Jim Hinnendael, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of Marten Transport, Ltd., 715-926-4216.

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
		March 31,				December 31,
(In thousands, except share information)		2025				2024
			(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	39,905			$	17,267
Receivables:
Trade, net			95,250				89,992
Other			4,724				5,364
Prepaid expenses and other			22,621				25,888
Total current assets			162,500				138,511
Property and equipment:
Revenue equipment, buildings and land, office equipment and other			1,199,378				1,198,737
Accumulated depreciation			(380,321	)			(370,124	)
Net property and equipment			819,057				828,613
Other noncurrent assets			1,775				1,633
Total assets		$	983,332			$	968,757
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	37,783			$	25,781
Insurance and claims accruals			43,486				44,246
Accrued and other current liabilities			28,354				23,492
Total current liabilities			109,623				93,519
Deferred income taxes			105,824				107,034
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities			385				282
Total liabilities			215,832				200,835
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding			–				–
Common stock, $.01 par value per share; 192,000,000 shares authorized; 81,493,424 shares at March 31, 2025, and 81,463,938 shares at December 31, 2024, issued and outstanding			815				815
Additional paid-in capital			53,073				52,941
Retained earnings			713,612				714,166
Total stockholders’ equity			767,500				767,922
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	983,332			$	968,757

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD. CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share information)		2025				2024
Operating revenue		$	223,152			$	249,672
Operating expenses (income):
Salaries, wages and benefits			78,800				88,762
Purchased transportation			37,656				41,814
Fuel and fuel taxes			33,117				39,561
Supplies and maintenance			15,513				16,070
Depreciation			27,470				28,527
Operating taxes and licenses			2,417				2,575
Insurance and claims			13,377				11,657
Communications and utilities			2,279				2,371
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment			(1,665	)			(1,171	)
Other			8,329				7,256
Total operating expenses			217,293				237,422
Operating income			5,859				12,250
Other			(349	)			(796	)
Income before income taxes			6,208				13,046
Income taxes expense			1,873				3,400
Net income		$	4,335			$	9,646
Basic earnings per common share		$	0.05			$	0.12
Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.05			$	0.12
Dividends declared per common share		$	0.06			$	0.06

        

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD. SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)
										Dollar				Percentage
										Change				Change
		Three Months								Three Months				Three Months
		Ended								Ended				Ended
		March 31,								March 31,				March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2025				2024				2025 vs. 2024				2025 vs. 2024
Operating revenue:
Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue		$	90,106			$	95,022			$	(4,916	)			(5.2	)%
Truckload fuel surcharge revenue			14,285				16,529				(2,244	)			(13.6	)
Total Truckload revenue			104,391				111,551				(7,160	)			(6.4	)
Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue			62,405				71,738				(9,333	)			(13.0	)
Dedicated fuel surcharge revenue			11,220				14,722				(3,502	)			(23.8	)
Total Dedicated revenue			73,625				86,460				(12,835	)			(14.8	)
Intermodal revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue			10,268				13,281				(3,013	)			(22.7	)
Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue			1,849				2,691				(842	)			(31.3	)
Total Intermodal revenue			12,117				15,972				(3,855	)			(24.1	)
Brokerage revenue			33,019				35,689				(2,670	)			(7.5	)
Total operating revenue		$	223,152			$	249,672			$	(26,520	)			(10.6	)%
Operating income/(loss):
Truckload		$	(300	)		$	489			$	(789	)			(161.3	)%
Dedicated			4,854				9,258				(4,404	)			(47.6	)
Intermodal			(855	)			(194	)			(661	)			(340.7	)
Brokerage			2,160				2,697				(537	)			(19.9	)
Total operating income		$	5,859			$	12,250			$	(6,391	)			(52.2	)%
Operating ratio:
Truckload			100.3	%			99.6	%
Dedicated			93.4				89.3
Intermodal			107.1				101.2
Brokerage			93.5				92.4
Consolidated operating ratio			97.4	%			95.1	%
Operating ratio, net of fuel surcharges:
Truckload			100.3	%			99.5	%
Dedicated			92.2				87.1
Intermodal			108.3				101.5
Brokerage			93.5				92.4
Consolidated operating ratio, net of fuel surcharges			97.0	%			94.3	%

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD. OPERATING STATISTICS (Unaudited)
		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2025				2024
Truckload Segment:
Revenue (in thousands)		$	104,391			$	111,551
Average revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week(1)		$	4,196			$	3,996
Average tractors(1)			1,670				1,830
Average miles per trip			537				537
Non-revenue miles percentage(2)			11.2	%			12.6	%
Total miles (in thousands)			38,273				39,703
Dedicated Segment:
Revenue (in thousands)		$	73,625			$	86,460
Average revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week(1)		$	3,846			$	3,781
Average tractors(1)			1,262				1,459
Average miles per trip			308				329
Non-revenue miles percentage(2)			1.6	%			1.1	%
Total miles (in thousands)			25,236				29,080
Intermodal Segment:
Revenue (in thousands)		$	12,117			$	15,972
Loads			3,657				4,589
Average tractors			77				126
Brokerage Segment:
Revenue (in thousands)		$	33,019			$	35,689
Loads			20,416				20,061
At March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024:
Total tractors(1)			3,040				3,406
Average age of company tractors (in years)			2.0				1.9
Total trailers			5,331				5,619
Average age of company trailers (in years)			5.4				4.8
Ratio of trailers to tractors(1)			1.8				1.6
Total refrigerated containers			786				787

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2025				2024
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	36,215			$	45,722
Net cash (used for) investing activities			(8,413	)			(20,249	)
Net cash (used for) financing activities			(5,164	)			(4,956	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			81,493				81,350
Diluted			81,508				81,437

(1)		Includes tractors driven by both company-employed drivers and independent contractors. Independent contractors provided 82 and 96 tractors as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(2)		Represents the percentage of miles for which the company is not compensated.

TAMPA, Fla., April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Better Choice Company, Inc. (NYSE American: BTTR) (“Better Choice” or the “Company”), a pet health and wellness company, is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Halo, Purely for Pets, Inc. (“Halo”), successfully completed the sale of its Asian business, to CZC Company LTD (the “Buyer”) for total gross proceeds of $8.1 million including $6.5 million, or $3.34 per share based on 2,422,005 shares outstanding as of March 25, 2025, in cash, along with a 5-year royalty agreement. This guarantees a minimum total royalty payment of $1.65 million, based on a 3% royalty on sales over the next five years, with a minimum annual payment of $330,000.

Halo, which remains wholly-owned by Better Choice, will retain ownership of its key North American operations and global operations outside of Asia, allowing Halo to focus on its core markets and strategic initiatives.

This transaction allows the Company to concentrate on its core portfolio of health and wellness products, while creating an additional revenue stream through the royalty arrangement. This sale is a key step in the Company’s strategy to maximize shareholder value by optimizing its asset portfolio.

“We are pleased to have successfully completed this strategic transaction,” said Michael Young, Chairman of Better Choice. “We have strengthened our balance sheet and strategically focused our resources on our core health and wellness offerings while securing a steady revenue stream through the royalty structure. With improved financial flexibility we will look to maximize shareholder value in every possible way, which may include stock repurchase programs, further dividends or allocation of cash reserves into silver, gold and other currencies.”

About Better Choice Company Inc.

Better Choice Company Inc. is a rapidly growing pet health and wellness company committed to leading the industry shift toward pet products and services that help dogs and cats live healthier, happier, and longer lives. We take an alternative, nutrition-based approach to pet health relative to conventional dog and cat food offerings and position our portfolio of brands to benefit from the mainstream trends of growing pet humanization and consumer focus on health and wellness. We have a demonstrated, multi-decade track record of success selling trusted pet health and wellness products and leverage our established digital footprint to provide pet parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their pet’s health. We sell the majority of our dog food, cat food and treats under the Halo brand, which is focused, respectively, on providing sustainably sourced kibble and canned food derived from real whole meat, and minimally processed raw-diet dog food and treats. For more information, please visit https://www.betterchoicecompany.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Some or all of the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Further information on the Company’s risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contact:

Better Choice Company, Inc.
Kent Cunningham, CEO

Investor Contact:

KCSA Strategic Communications
Valter Pinto, Managing Director
T: 212-896-1254
[email protected]

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene, the leading retirement services company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO), today announced new features on two of its flagship annuity products, designed to simplify the user experience.

The Athene Accumulator^SM Fixed Indexed Annuity products now include Preset Allocations, a simplified allocation feature designed to make sophisticated diversification strategies easier to implement. In addition, the Athene Protector^SM Fixed Indexed Annuity products now include a streamlined index lineup and new interest crediting strategies and rider options to help clients more easily navigate the product and focus on its protection features. Both products are designed to provide protected accumulation.

“Athene is on a mission to make annuity products simpler to understand and easier to use,” said Mike Downing, Athene Chief Operating Officer. “These enhancements are about providing the best possible experience to financial professionals so that they can help their clients retire with certainty.”

These enhancements are part of Athene’s ongoing efforts to simplify the user experience for annuity products. Earlier this year, Athene and Jackson National Life Insurance Company became the first carriers to complete a paperless transaction for replacement annuity business as part of the Insured Retirement Institute’s (IRI) Digital First Initiative.

“Athene’s leadership is transforming the annuity experience for consumers and financial professionals,” said Downing. “Paperless replacements help reduce the processing time from 2-4 weeks to 48-72 hours. Now product-level enhancements like these can save financial professionals even more time as they set their clients up for success.”

About Athene

Athene is the leading retirement services company with over $360 billion of total assets as of December 31, 2024, and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene is focused on providing financial security to individuals by offering an attractive suite of retirement income and savings products and also serves as a solutions provider to corporations. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.

Contact:

Alyssa Castelli
Director, External Relations
+1 (646) 768-7304
[email protected]

PALM BEACH, Fla., April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized for disease detection in the global markets. In today’s AI-driven world, the use of deep learning algorithms and AI tools in diagnostics can improve the accuracy, speed and efficiency for diagnosing patients with minimal errors. The introduction of AI tools in diagnostics has revolutionized the healthcare industry with supporting the doctors in advanced disease diagnosis and providing personalized treatments to patients with better judgements and quick results. According to Precedence Research, the global artificial intelligence in diagnostics market size was exhibited at USD 1.61 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit around USD 8.54 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 20.37% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033. The report said: “The advances in digital biomarkers technology which uses real-time monitoring systems for early disease diagnosis and prediction has also enhanced the AI in diagnostics market growth. The application of AI tools in diagnostics has led to analyzing medical images for assessing disease progression, predicting patient outcomes, processing and storing of patient data which includes electronic health records (EHRs), identifying patterns and anomalies in patient data and symptom checkers for providing potential diagnosis.”   Active healthcare/tech companies active in the markets include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), Spectral AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDAI).

The report continued: “Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is fueling the market growth of AI in diagnostics as the demand for advanced and digital healthcare solutions is increasing worldwide. The rapid developments in cutting-edge AI tools in diagnostics and the surging investments in R&D of industries in enhancing diagnostic proficiency for improved patient outcomes is driving the market. North America dominated the AI in diagnostics market in 2024. With the presence of key market players and cutting-edge advancements in technologies integrated with AI-powered tools has expanded the market growth in this region. The rise in investments in R&D, support from government initiatives and increased fundings from private and public organizations for producing AI-enhanced diagnostic tools is strengthening the industries in the region.”

Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI)
and JV Partner, Ainnova, Accelerate Expansion Across Latin America Following Key Role at Healthcare Innovation Summit
– Avant Technologies, Inc. (“Avant” or the “Company”) and its partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced that following Ainnova’s sponsorship and its CEO’s key role at the 2025 Healthcare Innovation Summit in Mexico City, both Avant and Ainnova, through their joint venture, Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), are building on Ainnova’s strong presence in Mexico by expanding its footprint across Latin America.

Ainnova has initiated its first commercial pilots in both Chile and the Dominican Republic to work directly with prestigious hospitals that cover the full spectrum of care—from primary to highly specialized services. These pilot programs aim to demonstrate, (i) cost reduction in preventive diagnostics; (ii) increased efficiency in medical resource allocation and patient flow; (iii) enhanced institutional reputation driven by technological innovation; and (iv) improved profitability for participating healthcare centers through optimized patient referrals.

The pilot programs leverage Ainnova’s proprietary Vision AI platform to identify health risks in real time, which enable seamless referrals for specialty care or further diagnostic tests when a positive risk is detected. The broader vision for the joint venture involves deploying an automated, low-cost retinal imaging device integrated with its AI-driven platform to deliver comprehensive preventive risk screening. From just two retinal images, blood pressure and some lab test information, the system will assess risks for: cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, liver fibrosis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The message that Ainnova’s CEO, Vinicio Vargas, continues to convey to audiences around the world is that this accessible, fast, and scalable solution is designed to support early intervention and targeted treatment strategies, with the ambition of reaching millions of patients globally in the coming years.

Avant has partnered with Ainnova to form AAC so the two companies can advance and commercialize Ainnova’s technology portfolio worldwide. AAC has the global licensing rights for the portfolio, including its Vision AI platform and its versatile retinal cameras.

Avant and Ainnova have identified Brazil and the United States as key strategic markets. Ainnova is currently addressing regulatory pathways in Brazil with the support of its MDSAP certification to meet ANVISA requirements, paving the way for rapid market entry. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Avant Technologies at:   https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-avai/

In other developments and happenings in the markets recently include:

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, recently announced late-breaking data on five-year outcomes from the Evolut Low Risk Trial. Data shows, versus surgery, the Evolut™ transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system delivers a numerically lower rate of all-cause mortality or disabling stroke at five years, strong valve performance and durable clinical outcomes. The findings were presented as late-breaking clinical science at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session & Expo and simultaneously published in the JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The Evolut Low Risk Trial was a randomized, multicenter, international study assessing the safety and efficacy of the Evolut TAVR system versus surgery in low-risk patients. These patients had a predicted 30-day mortality risk <3%, as assessed by a local heart team. 1,414 patients were randomized, with 730 receiving TAVR with either a Medtronic Evolut R, PRO, or CoreValve™ and 684 undergoing surgery.

Spectral AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDAI), a leading developer of the AI-driven DeepView^® System, which uses multi-spectral imaging and AI algorithms to predict burn healing potential, recently announced the successful completion of a debt financing agreement of up to $15.0 million in funding from Avenue Venture Opportunities Fund II, L.P., a fund of Avenue Capital Group, with an initial draw down of $8.5 million. In connection with this debt financing, the Company also raised $2.7 million of equity financing from institutional as well as existing investors. With total cash on hand now of over $14 million and potential access to additional debt of $6.5 million, Spectral AI is able to accelerate its product commercialization efforts, including the upcoming U.S. launch of its DeepView System.

The term of the financing agreement is for three years, with an interest-only payment period of no less than 15 months, which can be extended to 24 months upon achieving the milestones laid out in the second financing tranche. The second financing tranche, which is contingent upon FDA clearance of the DeepView System, includes an additional $6.5 million in debt financing and a $7.0 million equity raise to be completed by the Company. The financing also includes warrant coverage equal to 8.5% of the total funding commitment from Avenue Capital Group, with an exercise price of $1.80 per share.   As part of the financing, the Company has agreed to a market standstill with no additional stock sales by the Company for a period of at least six months. SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP acted as the sole placement agent for the participation of existing UK investors. Dominari Securities LLC acted as the sole placement agent for U.S. investors.

Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) and Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM) recently announced a collaboration to accelerate clinical adoption of next-generation sequencing tests through novel evidence generation. The collaboration will combine leading Illumina AI technologies with Tempus’s comprehensive multimodal data platform to train genomic algorithms and ultimately accelerate clinical adoption of molecular testing for patients.

“In the era of true precision medicine, every patient who is battling complex disease should be routed to the optimal therapy based on molecular insights,” said Everett Cunningham, chief commercial officer of Illumina. “We envision a world where the full range of molecular profiling is available as part of the standard of care—not just in cancer, but in cardiology, neurology, immunology, and every other category of disease.”

Today, patients frequently miss the benefit of precision medicine because molecular profiling is not yet standard across disease areas and regions. This collaboration will leverage Tempus multimodal data to further improve Illumina’s AI-driven molecular analysis technologies and generate new insights supporting the clinical value of sequencing. These insights will be used to build evidence packages needed to standardize use of comprehensive genomic profiling and other molecular testing across all major diseases.

“By expanding our collaboration with Illumina, we are combining our strengths in technology and data analytics with their strengths in developing new sequencing technologies to drive forward innovation and advance precision medicine,” said Terron Bruner, chief commercial officer of Tempus.

The program builds on a long-standing collaboration between the companies, which has focused on developing tools and assays to address gaps in testing needs from preemptive screening through therapy selection, health economics, and bioinformatics pipelines to improve patient outcomes and research.

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This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected”, “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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SOURCE: FN Media Group

PHILADELPHIA, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRVN) Class Action Survives Motion to Dismiss:

A securities fraud class action complaint against
Driven Brands Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRVN) has survived defendants’ attempts to dismiss the complaint.

If you have held Driven Brands (NASDAQ: DRVN) shares continuously since prior to
October 27, 2021, you can
seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the Company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost you. Visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/driven-brands-shareholder-investigation/ or contact Joshua H. Grabar at [email protected] or call 267-507-6085 to learn more.

WHY: An underlying securities fraud class action complaint alleges that Driven Brands, through certain of its officers and directors, made numerous materially false and misleading statements and omissions pertaining to: (i) Driven Brands’ ability to efficiently and effectively integrate a high volume of acquired businesses, including statements related to the status of integrating its U.S. auto glass businesses; and (ii) the performance and competitive position of Driven Brands’ car wash business segment.

On February 20, 2025, a Federal Court determined that the allegations in the plaintiff’s underlying securities fraud class action complaint were adequately pleaded to survive defendants attempts to dismiss the complaint.

WHAT TO DO NOW:
If you are a current Driven Brands shareholder who has held Driven Brands shares since prior to October 27, 2021, you can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to you whatsoever. If you would like to learn more about this matter, you are encouraged to visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/driven-brands-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua H. Grabar at [email protected] or call 267-507-6085. $DRVN #DrivenBrands

Maison Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: MSS) Class Action Survives Motion to Dismiss:

Grabar Law Office is investigating claims on behalf of shareholders of Maison Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: MSS) as an underlying securities fraud class action has survived a motion to dismiss the complaint.

If you are a current Maison Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: MSS) shareholder who purchased Maison shares on or near its October 5, 2023 IPO, and still hold shares today, you may be able to seek corporate reforms, the return of money back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to you whatsoever. Please visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/maison-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua Grabar at [email protected] or call us at 267-507-6085

WHY?  An underlying securities fraud class action complaint alleges that in Maison Solutions Inc.’s (NASDAQ: MSS) IPO Registration Statement and throughout the Class Period (October 5, 2023 through December 15, 2023), Maison, through certain of its officers, made materially false and/or misleading statements, including failing to disclose to investors: (1) that the Company’s vendor XHJC Holdings Inc., is a related party; (2) that the Company’s CEO and related entities were alleged to have used supermarkets as a front to defraud the EB-5 visa program; and (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On March 31, 2025, material portions of the underlying complaint survived a motion to dismiss. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW: If you purchased Maison Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: MSS) shares on or near its October 5, 2023 IPO and still hold shares today, you are encouraged to visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/maison-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua Grabar at [email protected], or call 267-507-6085.  You may be able to seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to you whatsoever. $MSS #MaisonSolutions

Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY) Class Action Survives Motion to Dismiss:

Grabar Law Office is investigating claims on behalf of Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY) shareholders as allegations in a securities fraud class action complaint survives motion to dismiss. 

Current Mercury Systems shareholders who have held shares since prior to
February 3, 2021
,
can
seek corporate reforms, the return of funds spent defending litigation back to the company, and a court approved incentive award, at no cost to them whatsoever.
To learn more or join
click here:

https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/mercury-systems-shareholder-investigation/

,
contact Joshua H. Grabar at 

[email protected]

,
or call us at 267-507-6085.

WHY
:
A recently filed securities fraud class action complaint has now partially survived defendants’ attempts to dismiss that complaint. The underlying complaint alleges that Mercury Systems (NASDAQ: MRCY), through certain of its officers and directors, used acquisitions and improper revenue recognition practices to mask its inability to grow organically. The complaint further alleges that Defendants repeatedly misled investors to believe that their growth was organic by misrepresenting several elements of Mercury’s business, including by hiding that Mercury had switched from “point-in-time” to “long-term contracts” in order to improperly boost reported revenues and that several of Mercury’s projects were in significant distress, including projects related to Mercury’s acquisition of Physical Optics Corporation. Finally, the Complaint alleges Mercury also lied to investors about its strategic growth initiative, 1MPACT, which was designed to improve profit margins but unbeknownst to investors was used to disguise regular expenses as restructuring costs, enabling Mercury to claim that recurring expenses were one-time costs.

On February 20, 2025, a Federal Court determined that certain key allegations in the plaintiff’s underlying securities fraud class action complaint were adequately pleaded to survive defendants attempts to dismiss the complaint.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:
If you have held Mercury Systems shares since prior to
February 3, 2021, and would like to learn more about this matter, you are encouraged to visit https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/mercury-systems-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua H. Grabar at [email protected], or call us at 267-507-6085. $MRCY #MercurySystems

Virtu Financial Inc. (NASDAQ: VIRT) Class Action Survives Motion to Dismiss:

A federal securities fraud class action complaint alleging that Virtu Financial Inc. (NASDAQ: VIRT), and certain of its officers failed to disclose to investors that it had improper safeguards in place for sensitive trader information, has survived a motion to dismiss.

Virtu shareholders who have continuously held Virtu shares since prior to November 7, 2018, can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds back to the company, and a court approved incentive award at no cost to them whatsoever. Learn more or join by clicking https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/Virtu-shareholder-investigation/, contact Joshua H. Grabar at [email protected], or call 267-507-6085.

WHY: A securities fraud class action complaint alleges that Virtu Financial (NASDAQ: VIRT), via certain of its officers, made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company maintained deficient policies and procedures with respect to its information access barriers; (ii) accordingly, Virtu had overstated the Company’s operational and technological efficacy as well as its capacity to block the exchange of confidential information between departments or individuals within the Company; (iii) the foregoing deficiencies increased the likelihood that the Company would be subject to enhanced regulatory scrutiny; and (iv) as a result, Defendants’ public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.

On March 17, 2025, a federal Court determined that key allegations were sufficiently pled to survive defendants’ motion to dismiss.

According to the Court’s Order, “essentially anyone at Virtu, including its proprietary traders” could directly access this material non-public information from at least January 2018 through April 2019, and to do so, Virtu traders only needed to use a “widely known and frequently shared username and password.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW: If you are a current Virtu shareholder who has held Virtu stock since on or before November 7, 2018, you can seek corporate reforms, the return of funds spent defending litigation back to the company, and a court approved incentive award, at no cost to you whatsoever.

If you
would like to learn more about this matter, you are encouraged visit

https://grabarlaw.com/the-latest/Virtu-shareholder-investigation/

, contact Joshua H. Grabar at

[email protected]

or call 267-507-6085. $VIRT #VirtuFinancial

Attorney Advertising Disclaimer

Contact:
Joshua H. Grabar, Esq.
Grabar Law Office
One Liberty Place
1650 Market Street, Suite 3600
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel:  267-507-6085
Email: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/095e26b5-da04-4598-8413-8cb47e60a6a7

Vancouver, Canada, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clearmind Medicine Inc. (Nasdaq: CMND), (FSE: CWY0) (“Clearmind” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotech company focused on discovery and development of novel psychedelic-derived therapeutics to solve major under-treated health problems, recently announced it has initiated its Phase I/IIa clinical trial at its first U.S. clinical site, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The first in human clinical trial will investigate the safety, tolerability and full pharmacokinetic profile of Clearmind’s innovative treatment, CMND-100, in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) patients. This study is the first clinical application of the Company’s proprietary CMND-100 platform and marks a significant milestone in the Company’s mission to provide innovative solutions for addictions, weight loss and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The study will be led by the principal investigator, Jennifer Ellis, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, JHU School of Medicine and by co-investigator Professor Eric Strain, Director, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, JHU School of Medicine. In addition to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA, the trial will be conducted at Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, Connecticut, USA, and IMCA Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel.

Dr. Adi Zuloff-Shani, CEO of Clearmind, commented: “The initiation of our clinical trial at Johns Hopkins, one of the most respected research institutions in the world, is a significant step in our journey toward FDA approval. The involvement of such esteemed clinical sites in our clinical trial, reflects the growing recognition of CMND-100’s potential as a breakthrough treatment for AUD. With additional clinical sites launching the trial including Yale and IMCA in Israel, we are establishing a strong foundation to evaluate the clinical potential of our psychedelic-based therapeutic platform.”

The Phase I/IIa trial is designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of CMND-100 in individuals diagnosed with AUD. The study will also include preliminary efficacy evaluations, examining the drug’s potential to reduce alcohol cravings and consumption.

CMND-100 is Clearmind’s proprietary MEAI-based oral drug candidate, developed as a potential breakthrough treatment for AUD. Unlike traditional treatment methods, CMND-100 is designed to offer a novel approach by modulating reward mechanisms associated with addictive behavior.

Alcohol Use Disorder remains a major global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The disorder is linked to severe health complications, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and mental health disorders. Moreover, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently issued an advisory warning Americans that alcohol consumption can increase their cancer risk and called for an updated health warning label on alcoholic beverages. Current treatment options remain limited and often ineffective, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic solutions.

AUD continues to be a significant global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 400 million people aged 15 years and older live with alcohol use disorders, with 209 million experiencing alcohol dependence. ​The impact of alcohol consumption is profound, contributing to 2.6 million deaths annually, accounting for 4.7% of all global deaths. Notably, 13% of these deaths occur among individuals aged 20 to 39, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations. ​In the United States, the prevalence of AUD among young adults is particularly alarming. Data from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicates that 15.1% of adults aged 18 to 25 met the criteria for past-year AUD. ​

About Clearmind Medicine Inc.

Clearmind is a clinical-stage psychedelic pharmaceutical biotech company focused on the discovery and development of novel psychedelic-derived therapeutics to solve widespread and underserved health problems, including alcohol use disorder. Its primary objective is to research and develop psychedelic-based compounds and attempt to commercialize them as regulated medicines, foods or supplements.

The Company’s intellectual portfolio currently consists of nineteen patent families including 31 granted patents. The Company intends to seek additional patents for its compounds whenever warranted and will remain opportunistic regarding the acquisition of additional intellectual property to build its portfolio.

Shares of Clearmind are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “CMND” and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “CWY0.”

For further information visit: https://www.clearmindmedicine.com or contact:

Investor Relations
[email protected]

Telephone: (604) 260-1566
US: [email protected]

General Inquiries
[email protected]
www.Clearmindmedicine.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act and other securities laws. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, the Company is using forward-looking statements when it discusses mission to provide innovative solutions for addictions, weight loss and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, its journey toward FDA approval and the growing recognition of CMND-100’s potential as a breakthrough treatment for AUD.  Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management’s current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024 and subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Clearmind is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites.

New Brunswick, NJ, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DatChat, Inc. (Nasdaq: DATS) (“DatChat” or the “Company”), a secure messaging and social media company, today announced that the European Patent Office issued a Notice of Allowance for patent application 19 819 920.0 – 1001 titled “Systems and Methods of Transforming Electronic Content.” Following receipt of the Notice of Allowance, DatChat will file the final issue paperwork, pay the issue fees, and expects formal issuance of the patent in the next 90 days.

“This patent allows for us to secure our intellectual property rights across Europe, which is very important for both the DatCHat Messenger and Myseum platforms. We are continually working to expand our intellectual property, and this patent brings broad coverage of our core technology across 39 European countries,” said Darin Myman, Chief Executive Officer of DatChat.

In total, the Company’s IP portfolio now includes 15 issued patents, 1 Notice of Allowance and several filed international patent applications.

About DatChat, Inc.

DatChat, Inc. (Nasdaq: DATS) is a secure messaging and social media company that not only focuses on protecting privacy on personal devices, but also protects user information after it is shared with others. The DatChat Messenger & Private Social Network presents technology that allows users to change how long their messages can be viewed before or after users send them, prevents screenshots, and hides encrypted photos in plain sight on camera rolls. DatChat’s patented technology offers users a traditional texting experience while providing control and security for their messages. With the DatChat Messenger, a user can decide how long their messages last on a recipient’s device while feeling secure that at any time, and delete individual messages or entire message threads, making it like the conversation never happened. DatChat’s Myseum platform, ‘Your Forever Digital Shoebox,’ is a multi-tiered social media ecosystem that enables individuals, families, and other groups to store and share digital content such as messages, photos, videos, and documents within a highly secure and private family library. For more information about DatChat, please visit datchat.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “look forward,” and other similar expressions among others. These statements relate to future events or to the Company’s future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Except as may be required by applicable law, The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

[email protected]

800-658-8081

MONTREAL, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL; TSX and NYSE) will report its first quarter 2025 financial and operating results on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. A press release will be issued after markets close, and a conference call is scheduled on that same day at 5:00 PM ET to discuss the Company’s results. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (800) 715-9871 (Canada & U.S.) or (646) 307-1963 (international) and entering passcode 4627819#. A replay will be available for 7 days starting at 8:00 PM EST by dialing (800) 770-2030 (Canada & U.S.) or (609) 800-9909 (international) and entering the same passcode. A live audio webcast of the conference call, as well as the replay, will be available at the following link: Gildan Q1 2025 audio webcast.

About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Company’s product offering includes activewear, underwear and socks, sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters or embellishers, as well as to retailers that sell to consumers through their physical stores and/or e-commerce platforms and to global lifestyle brand companies. The Company markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, under a diversified portfolio of Company-owned brands including Gildan^®, American Apparel^®, Comfort Colors^®, GOLDTOE^®, and Peds^®, and under an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel for Champion^®.

Gildan owns and operates vertically integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh. Gildan operates with a strong commitment to industry-leading labour, environmental and governance practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive ESG program embedded in the Company’s long-term business strategy. More information about the Company and its ESG practices and initiatives can be found at www.gildancorp.com.

Investor inquiries: Jessy Hayem, CFA Senior Vice-President, Head of Investor Relations and Global Communications (514) 744-8511 [email protected]

Media inquiries: Genevieve Gosselin Director, Global Communications and Corporate Marketing (514) 343-8814 [email protected]