Live Ventures’ Central Steel Fabricators Emerges as a Strategic Participant in the AI Data Center and Connectivity Infrastructure Cycle

Rhea-AI Summary

Central Steel Fabricators (NASDAQ: LIVE), a portfolio company of Live Ventures, described an expanding role supplying precision-fabricated steel systems for AI, automation, and data-center connectivity on Jan 27, 2026. The company highlighted cable management systems, structural frames, and custom components for data centers and fiber deployments.

Management emphasized scaling automation and robotic welding that has materially increased daily production capacity, positioning Central Steel Fabricators to respond to large-scale AI infrastructure and fiber buildouts and to benefit from long-term secular growth in AI-driven infrastructure.

Market Reality Check

Price: $20.50 Vol: Volume 5,274 is below the...

low vol

$20.50 Last Close

Volume Volume 5,274 is below the 20-day average of 9,905, at a relative level of 0.53x. low

Technical Shares at $20.50 are trading above the 200-day MA of $15.72 and about 20% below the 52-week high of $25.88.

Peers on Argus

LIVE’s modest 0.15% gain contrasts with limited sector momentum; only TLYS appea...

1 Up

LIVE’s modest 0.15% gain contrasts with limited sector momentum; only TLYS appeared on the scanner, up 4.82% without related news, and no key peers show synchronized moves.

Previous AI Reports

2 past events · Latest: Jan 23 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 2 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 23	AI logistics upgrade	Positive	-1.1%	Announced autonomous, AI-driven distribution hub with 10x vehicle throughput gains.
Jan 21	AI demand engine	Positive	-2.0%	Deployed AI system to forecast demand and cut costs across 30+ branches.

Pattern Detected

Recent AI-tagged announcements have been operationally positive but followed by negative next-day price moves, suggesting the stock has not consistently rewarded similar AI narratives.

Recent Company History

This announcement extends Live Ventures’ AI narrative from retail and logistics into steel infrastructure via Central Steel Fabricators. Earlier AI updates on Jan 21, 2026 and Jan 23, 2026 focused on autonomous distribution and AI-driven demand forecasting, yet the stock fell 2.04% and 1.11% afterward. In contrast, fiscal 2025 results on Dec 11, 2025 showed revenue of $444.9M, improved margins, and a 19.78% price jump, highlighting stronger market response to financial progress than to AI strategy alone.

Historical Comparison

AI

+1.6 %

Average Historical Move

Historical Analysis

In the past weeks, LIVE issued 2 AI-tagged updates with an average move of about 1.58%. Today’s AI infrastructure positioning at Central Steel Fabricators fits this ongoing AI-focused story.

Typical Pattern

AI initiatives have expanded from demand forecasting and autonomous logistics at Flooring Liquidators to positioning Central Steel Fabricators within AI data-center and connectivity infrastructure.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlighted Central Steel Fabricators as an AI data-center and connectivity infras...

Analysis

This announcement highlighted Central Steel Fabricators as an AI data-center and connectivity infrastructure participant, extending Live Ventures’ recent AI narrative beyond retail operations. It followed AI-tagged updates on Jan 21 and Jan 23, 2026 and complemented earlier fiscal 2025 results showing $444.9M revenue and improved profitability. At the same time, regulatory filings disclosed about $117.7M in principal indebtedness and ongoing litigation, underscoring that leverage, legal exposure, and execution at portfolio companies remain important metrics to monitor.

Key Terms

artificial intelligence, data centers, robotic welding

3 terms

artificial intelligence technical

"critical infrastructure provider to the rapidly accelerating artificial intelligence (AI), automation,"

Artificial intelligence is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. For investors, it matters because AI can enhance efficiency, uncover new insights, and enable smarter strategies, potentially impacting the value and performance of companies that develop or utilize this technology.

data centers technical

"steel systems used in data centers and the connectivity that links them to the world,"

Large facilities that house rows of computer servers, storage devices, and networking equipment that store, process and move digital information for websites, cloud services and companies. Like a warehouse filled with powerful computers instead of boxes, they keep online services running around the clock. Investors care because demand, location, energy use and reliability drive revenue, costs, growth prospects and regulatory or operational risks for businesses that own or lease them.

robotic welding technical

"The company continues to scale automation and robotic welding to increase throughput and support"

Robotic welding is the use of programmable machines to join metal parts instead of manual welders, combining a welding tool with robotic arms and sensors to perform repeated, precise welds. For investors, it signals potential changes in a manufacturer’s costs, output speed, product consistency and safety — much like swapping a skilled assembler for a tireless, consistent worker that requires upfront capital but can boost margins and scale production.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

LAS VEGAS and BROADVIEW, Ill., Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Central Steel Fabricators, a portfolio company of Live Ventures Incorporated (NASDAQ: LIVE), today highlighted its expanding role as a critical infrastructure provider to the rapidly accelerating artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data-center ecosystem.

With a manufacturing heritage spanning major technological transitions, Central Steel Fabricators has provided essential infrastructure for the advent of digital telecommunications, the internet, and modern mobile telecom networks.

Central Steel Fabricators manufactures precision-fabricated steel systems used in data centers and the connectivity that links them to the world, including cable management systems, structural frames, and custom components. The company continues to scale automation and robotic welding to increase throughput and support rising demand.

Robotic welding initiatives have materially increased daily production capacity, positioning Central Steel Fabricators to respond rapidly to large-scale AI infrastructure programs and fiber deployments.

According to Live Ventures management, Central Steel Fabricators’ automation, capacity expansion, and exposure to AI-driven infrastructure investment position the company to benefit from long-term secular growth trends.

Thomas R. Sedlak, head of Live Ventures’ steel companies and CEO of Central Steel Fabricators, affirmed the potential of AI-driven business for the company’s future. He said, “I believe the opportunities for companies like ours that focus on the unmet needs of data center contractors are limitless.”

About Central Steel Fabricators

Central Steel Fabricators is a U.S.-based manufacturer of precision-fabricated steel systems serving the telecommunications, data-center, and infrastructure markets. The company provides the majority of Engineer, Furnish, and Install contractors throughout the country who manage projects for major communications providers. The company provides product to all the major distributors, with some stocking product while others drop ship material from Central Steel Fabricators’ warehouse. AI-driven data center build-outs have become major users of the company’s comprehensive product line.

About Live Ventures

Live Ventures Incorporated (Nasdaq: LIVE) is a diversified holding company focused on acquiring and operating domestic middle-market companies with strong cash flows and durable market positions. Its portfolio companies incorporate AI, robotics, data-based analytics, and other advanced systems to transform conventional operations into more efficient, competitive enterprises for the revolutionary AI era.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

Certain statements in this press release contain or may suggest “forward-looking” information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Words such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar statements are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Live Ventures may also make forward-looking statements in its periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, in its annual report to stockholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers and directors to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, including, but not limited to, plans and objectives of management for future operations or products, the market acceptance or future success of our products, and our future financial performance. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. Additionally, new risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, or to assess the impact such risk factors might have on our business. Live Ventures undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

Live Ventures Incorporated
Greg Powell, Director of Investor Relations
725.500.5597
gpowell@liveventures.com
www.liveventures.com

Source: Live Ventures Incorporated

FAQ

What did Central Steel Fabricators announce on January 27, 2026 (NASDAQ: LIVE)?

Central Steel highlighted its expanding role supplying steel systems for AI data centers and connectivity and said automation and robotic welding have increased production capacity.

How does Central Steel Fabricators support AI data center construction for LIVE investors?

The company supplies precision steel systems such as cable management, structural frames, and custom components used in data centers and fiber deployments.

Did Central Steel Fabricators report financial results or guidance in the Jan 27, 2026 announcement for LIVE?

No; the announcement described operational scaling and market exposure but did not include financial results or numerical guidance.

What operational change did Central Steel Fabricators emphasize that could affect LIVE shareholders?

Management emphasized scaling automation and robotic welding that has materially increased daily production capacity to meet rising demand.

What market trends did Live Ventures cite for Central Steel Fabricators (LIVE)?

Live Ventures cited long-term secular growth in AI-driven infrastructure, automation, and expanding data-center and fiber deployments as opportunity drivers.