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Research Alert: Versant Media Revenue Drops On Lower Ad Sales

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CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

Versant Media Group reported first quarter results with revenues of $1.69B, down 1.1% Y/Y, and diluted EPS of $1.99 versus $2.55 in the prior year. The decline reflected continued challenges in linear operations, with distribution revenues falling 7.3% and ad revenues down 5.2%, partially offset by strong Platforms growth of 9.5%. When adjusted for estimated standalone operating costs, Adjusted EBITDA grew 4.8%, showing operational improvement despite headwinds. Management committed to shareholder returns with $100M in share buybacks and plans an additional $100M accelerated repurchase program. The company is launching several D2C products in 2026, including CNBC and MS NOW subscription services, targeting revenue diversification from 19% non-pay TV revenue in 2025 to 33% within three-to-five years. Tracking progress on this revenue mix shift and platform business performance against management's high single-digit organic growth targets will be key focus areas going forward.

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Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Buy Rating On Shares Of Barrick Mining Corporation

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We keep our 12-month target price at $56, on an EV/EBITDA of 5.3x applied to our 2027 EBITDA estimate, vs. Barrick's three-year avg. fwd EV/EBITDA of 5.2x and peers' avg. of 5.7x. We raise our 2026 EPS estimate by $0.24 to $4.04 and 2027 by $0.38 to $4.63. Production guidance is maintained at 2.90-3.25M gold ounces and 190-220k tonnes of copper, with sequential increases through the year. A strong fundamental position is underpinned by robust FCF generation, with Q1 FCF surging 195% Y/Y to $1.21B, reflecting significant operating leverage to higher gold prices. The balance sheet remains strong with $2.4B in net cash. Key growth catalysts include the Lumwana expansion (on track for Q1 2028 first production), advancing Fourmile project (potential Tier-One asset), and the planned year-end North American IPO, which should unlock value. With improving operational consistency, a de-risked portfolio focus, and strong leverage to gold prices, we believe Barrick is well-positioned to deliver sustainable value creation.

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Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Buy Rating On Shares Of Barrick Mining Corporation

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