Aurania Provides Update on Exploration at Awacha and Announces Appointment of Keith Barron as President



Aurania Provides Update on Exploration at Awacha and Announces Appointment of Keith Barron as President

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Toronto, Ontario, January 28, 2022 – Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (Frankfurt: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) provides an update on its exploration activities at the Awacha target area at its Lost Cities-Cutucu project in southeastern Ecuador.  There appears to be a large porphyry body and possibly others at Awacha.  The goal of field work here will be to define the porphyry targets in the area.  Awacha is geographically isolated from communities and the Company is following strict COVID-19 protocols while working.

Chairman, CEO and President, Dr. Keith Barron comments, “Over the upcoming month Aurania will be engaged in basic field exploration north of the Awacha porphyry target on lands that only became accessible to the Company through a signed agreement with the local Shuar stakeholders on January 19th, 2022, prior to which we had never visited.  It is suspected that more porphyry bodies exist in this area.  On Awacha itself, soil sampling and field surveys are in progress.  Mobile Magnetotellurics (“MobileMT”) geophysics has indicated a buried conductive body in excess of 4 x 5 kilometres in size.  The anomaly has the “classic doughnut” shape of a porphyry body.  The conductive anomaly coincides with copper and molybdenum stream sediment anomalies (Figures 1 and 2), and with quartz-sericite-pyrite (“QSP”) alteration exposed in stream beds (see press release dated March 15, 2018).  This is classic “phyllic” alteration seen in porphyry systems (Figure 3).”

Aurania is also pleased to announce that Dr. Keith Barron will be assuming the role of President moving forward.  Dr. Barron is presently on the ground in Ecuador and is taking the reins of the Company’s COVID response.

Notwithstanding that year 2021 was a difficult year for the Company given the many pandemic issues to deal with, Aurania remains extremely optimistic about its future.  Aurania’s Board is studying all options to maximize value for our shareholders, and we continue to believe that there is significant value to our projects.

Figure 1 (left): MobileMT conductivity image of Awacha with molybdenum stream sediment results superimposed.

Figure 2 (right): MobileMT conductivity image of Awacha with copper stream sediment results superimposed.

Figure 3:  Example of quartz-sericite-pyrite phyllic alteration at Awacha.

Sample Analysis & Quality Assurance / Quality Control (“QAQC”)

Laboratories: before 2020, the samples were prepared for analysis at ALS Global’s (“ALS”) lab in Quito, Ecuador and then sent to its analytical facility in Lima, Peru. Since 2020, the samples were prepared for analysis in MS Analytical (“MSA”) in Cuenca, Ecuador, and the analyses were done in Vancouver, Canada.

Sample preparation: Stream sediment samples were wet-sieved through a 20 mesh (0.84mm) screen in the field and placed in cloth bags so that excess water could drain.  The samples were transported from the field to Aurania’s field office in Macas, Ecuador and batched for delivery to the laboratory for drying and screening at 80 mesh (0.18mm sieve aperture).  250g of the -80 mesh silt was pulverized to 85% passing 0.075mm.

Analytical procedure:  Approximately 0.5g split of the -80 mesh fraction of the stream silt underwent digestion with aqua regia and the liquid was analyzed for 51 elements by ICP-MS; and for gold by fire assay.

QAQC: Aurania personnel inserted a certified standard pulp sample, alternating with a field blank, at approximate 20 sample intervals in all sample batches. Aurania’s analysis of results from its independent QAQC samples showed the batches reported on above, lie within acceptable limits.  In addition, the labs reported that the analyses had passed their internal QAQC tests.

Qualified Person
The geological information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jean-Paul Pallier, MSc. Mr. Pallier is a designated EurGeol by the European Federation of Geologists and is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

About Aurania
Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America.  Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.

For further information, please contact:

Carolyn Muir

VP Investor Relations

Aurania Resources Ltd.

(416) 367-3200

carolyn.muir@aurania.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Aurania. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Aurania’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Aurania or its management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, or “plan”. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Aurania, Aurania provides no assurance that actual results will meet management’s expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to Aurania’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the corporation’s portfolio, treasury, management team and enhanced capital markets profile, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, regulatory, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restrictions on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in Aurania’s public documents filed on SEDAR. Although Aurania believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Aurania disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Release – Sierra Metals Announces Changes to Its Organizational Structure Following Strategic Review



Sierra Metals Announces Changes to Its Organizational Structure, Following Strategic Review

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 TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (NYSE American: SMTS) (BVL: SMT) (“Sierra Metals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the completion of an internal organizational review, following the strategic review announced in late 2021.

Sierra Metals is strengthening its current operating portfolio through various value-enhancing opportunities. These include:

– Increased focus on the production of copper and steel-making products such as zinc and iron-ore;

– Advancement of the Company’s mine expansion plans, with the aim of increasing the return at both the Yauricocha and Bolivar Mines;

– Re-activation of brownfield and greenfield exploration activities, throughout Sierra’s extensive resource base;

– Heightened focus on ESG, Human Capital and Permitting

In order to align the organization to effectively achieve these goals, as well as to overcome current operational issues, the following appointments have been made:

James León – Vice President, Operations

Effective February 1st, following his previous appointment as Country Manager Perú, Mr. León will now manage both Yauricocha and Bolivar operations. Mr. León will be based in Mexico. He will oversee the delivery of increasingly improved operational results and efficiencies, following the difficult challenges Bolivar and Yauricocha have faced over the past two years.

Mr. León is a Peruvian Mining Engineer with over 25 years of experience and has been with Sierra Metals since August of 2017 in various roles including Operations Manager in Mexico until 2019, and then Country Manager in Peru.

Alonso Lujan – Vice President, Exploration

Effective February 1st, as Vice President, Exploration, Mr. Lujan will focus on the extensive resource growth and business opportunities, in both brownfield and greenfield exploration, at our properties in Perú and México. Both Yauricocha and Bolivar are in underexplored, highly prospective geological regions, with another 80,000 Hectares of greenfield properties owned by Sierra Metals. His role is fully aligned with the strategic objective of unlocking the significant potential value at these properties.

Mr. Lujan is a Mexican Geological and Mining Engineer with over 30 years international experience in mineral exploration with a positive track record for increasing companies’ resources, output and company value.

Alberto Calle – Vice President, Human Resources

Effective November 1, 2021, Mr. Calle is taking the role of VP Human Resources, in charge of the HR function at Sierra Metals. Provided the changing environment and ongoing challenges on this area, this role is key to assist with strengthening our teams, and maintaining a healthy and motivated work environment, in both Peru and Mexico.

Mr. Calle has spent 20 years of his professional experience in Human Capital with 13 years dedicated to the large-scale mining industry. He previously held positions at MMG – Las Bambas as Human Resource Manager, and Regional Manager of Human Resources for Newmont

Juan Jose Mostajo – Vice President, Legal Affairs

Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Mostajo joins our legal team and will assist in legal matters related to both Peru and Mexico. His role is key for managing the ongoing legal and permitting issues at both of our operations and supporting the strategy of the Company moving forward.

He has over 23 years of experience in the mining sector and has been legal advisor to various mining companies, both Peruvian and foreign. His previous positions include a role as part of the legal management team at Anglo American in Peru as well as Vice President of Legal Affairs of Minera Chinalco, Peru.

About Sierra Metals

Sierra Metals Inc. is a diversified Canadian mining company with Green Metal exposure including increasing copper production and base metal production with precious metals byproduct credits, focused on the production and development of its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The Company is focused on increasing production volume and growing mineral resources. Sierra Metals has recently had several new key discoveries and still has many more exciting brownfield exploration opportunities at all three Mines in Peru and Mexico that are within close proximity to the existing mines. Additionally, the Company also has large land packages at all three mines with several prospective regional targets providing longer-term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.

The Company’s Common Shares trade on the Bolsa de Valores de Lima and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SMT” and on the NYSE American Exchange under the symbol “SMTS”.

For further information regarding Sierra Metals, please visit www.sierrametals.com.

Continue to Follow, Like and Watch our progress:

Web: www.sierrametals.com | Twitter:sierrametals | Facebook:SierraMetalsInc | LinkedIn:Sierra Metals Inc

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking information“). Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the date of the 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting and the anticipated filing of the Compensation Disclosure. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “potential” or variations thereof, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated March 18, 2020 for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and other risks identified in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively.

The risk factors referred to above are not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements about the future and is inherently uncertain, and the Company’s actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. The Company’s statements containing forward-looking information are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Investor relations
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777
Email: info@sierrametals.com

Luis Marchese
CEO
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777

Source: Sierra Metals Inc.

Cocrystal Pharma Selects Two Lead Antiviral Drug Candidates for its COVID-19 Oral Drug Program



Cocrystal Pharma Selects Two Lead Antiviral Drug Candidates for its COVID-19 Oral Drug Program

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Novel broad-spectrum oral lead candidates CDI-988 and CDI-873, discovered using Cocrystal’s antiviral drug discovery platform, demonstrate superior in vitro potency against SARS-CoV-2 and activity against all variants of concern including Omicron

Clinical trials with oral program and CDI-45204 inhalation/pulmonary-delivered COVID-19 antiviral candidates expected to begin in 2022

BOTHELL, Wash., Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”) has selected two investigational novel antiviral drug candidates for further development as oral treatments for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. CDI-988 and CDI-873 target a highly conserved region in the active site of SARS-CoV-2 main (3CL) protease required for viral RNA replication. Cocrystal plans to initiate a first-in-human trial with one selected candidate as soon as possible this year.

Although CDI-988 and CDI-873 are chemically differentiatedboth exhibited superior in vitro potency against SARS-CoV-2 with activity maintained against current variants of concern including Omicron. In preclinical studies, both candidates demonstrated a favorable safety profile and pharmacokinetic properties supportive of daily oral dosing. Additionally, CDI-988 and CDI-873 were specifically designed and developed using Cocrystal’s proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform technology.

“We are excited to have discovered two lead COVID-19 oral antiviral candidates that both demonstrate highly encouraging preclinical efficacy and safety data,” said Sam Lee, Cocrystal’s President and interim co-CEO. “We plan to continue evaluating both CDI-988 and CDI-873 for clinical development, while we are also rapidly advancing our inhalation/pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 lead candidate CDI-45205 toward clinical development. The objective of our multipronged strategy is to offer highly potent and safe antiviral therapeutics for hospitalized patients, as well as for those not requiring hospitalization, including for prophylactic use to provide protection to uninfected individuals who may become exposed. We expect one oral candidate in addition to our inhalation/pulmonary candidate to advance into clinical trials this year.”

“Cocrystal is focused on rapidly advancing COVID-19 therapeutic candidates with multiple routes of administration. The newly emerging Omicron variant continues to rapidly spread worldwide with breakthrough infection even in people who are fully vaccinated, demonstrating a critical need for effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19. We are very pleased to have two lead oral candidates, giving us a potential edge in the anticipated large oral delivery therapeutic market. In addition to initiating two COVID-19 trials in 2022, we anticipate completion of our influenza CC-42344 Phase 1 study this year,” said James Martin, Cocrystal’s CFO and interim co-CEO.

Earlier this month Cocrystal received guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for further development of CDI-45205 in response to the Company’s pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) briefing package. The Company believes the FDA’s response clarifies the pathway for a planned Phase 1 study and provides direction for a subsequent Phase 2 study.

About CDI-45205
CDI-45205 is among a group of protease inhibitors obtained by Cocrystal under an exclusive license agreement with the Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF) in 2020. CDI-45205 and several analogs showed potent in vitro activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (India/B.1.617.2), Gamma (Brazil/P.1), Alpha (United Kingdom/B.1.1.7) and Beta (South African/B.1.351) variants, surpassing the activity observed with the original Wuhan strain. CDI-45205 has also shown good bioavailability in mouse and rat pharmacokinetic studies via intraperitoneal injection, and no cytotoxicity against a variety of human cell lines. Preclinical research demonstrated a strong synergistic effect with the FDA-approved COVID-19 medicine remdesivir. Additionally, a proof-of-concept animal study demonstrated that daily injection of CDI-45205 exhibited favorable in vivo efficacy in mice infected with MERS-CoV-2.

About CC-42344
CC-42344 is a novel oral PB2 inhibitor that has shown excellent antiviral activity against influenza A strains, including pandemic and seasonal strains, as well as strains resistant to Tamiflu® and XofluzaCC-42344 also has favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-resistance profiles. Cocrystal has completed preclinical IND-enabling studies with CC-42344 and has received clearance from the Australian Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial with subject enrollment expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are approximately 1 billion cases of influenza annually worldwide, resulting in 3 million to 5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between October 1, 2019 and April 4, 2020, there were between 39 million and 56 million cases of influenza in the U.S., resulting in 410,000 to 740,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 to 62,000 deaths.

About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our plans to commence clinical trials for our COVID-19 antiviral candidates in 2022, our further development of CDI-45205, the potential efficacy of our antiviral product candidates against existing and new variants of COVID-19, our anticipated completion of the Phase 1 study for our influenza CC-42344 product candidate in 2022, the anticipated continued need for therapeutic antiviral treatment and our potential advantages in the market for such products. 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. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events. Some or all of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks arising from supply chain disruptions on our ability to obtain products including raw materials and test animals as well as similar problems with our vendors and our current contract research organizations (CROs) and future CROs and contract manufacturing organizations, the ability of our CROs to recruit volunteers for, and to proceed with, clinical trials, the presence of new lockdowns in Australia, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic including new variants on the national and global economy, the duration of presently discovered COVID-19 variants and our ability to treat new variants, the cooperation of the FDA in accelerating development in our COVID-19 program and potential delays related to the FDA’s review of our submissions, our collaboration partners’ technology and software performing as expected, the results of future preclinical and clinical trials, and general risks arising from clinical trials, receipt of regulatory approvals, regulatory changes, and development of effective treatments and/or vaccines by competitors, including as part of the programs financed by the U.S. government. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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. We undertake 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.

Investor Contact:
LHA Investor Relations
Jody Cain
310-691-7100
jcain@lhai.com

Source: Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports 7.5 Percent Revenue Growth for Its Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter



1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports 7.5 Percent Revenue Growth for Its Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter

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Jan 27, 2022

  • Total net revenues increased 7.5 percent, or $65.8 million, to $943.0 million, compared with $877.3 million in the prior year period. This revenue growth was on top of the 44.8 percent revenue growth reported in the Company’s 2021 fiscal second quarter.
  • Net income for the quarter was $88.5 million, or $1.34 per diluted share compared with net income of $113.7 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significant year-over-year cost increases for inbound and outbound shipping, labor, and digital marketing. Adjusted net income1 for the quarter was $88.6 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, compared with adjusted net income1 of $114.2 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter was $133.1 million, down 19.0 percent compared with adjusted EBITDA1 of $164.3 million in the prior year period.
  • Company provides revised full-year guidance including revenue growth of 7.0 percent-to-9.0 percent, adjusted EBITDA in a range of $140.0 million-to-$150.0 million and EPS in a range of $0.90 -to- $1.00 per diluted share.

(1 Refer to “Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the tables attached at the end of this press release for reconciliation of non-GAAP results to applicable GAAP results.)

JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS), a leading e-commerce provider of products and services designed to inspire more human expression, connection, and celebration, today reported results for its fiscal 2022 second quarter ended December 26, 2021.

Chris McCann, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., said, “Our revenue growth of 7.5 percent in the quarter – on top of the 45 percent growth in last year’s fiscal second quarter – reflected continued growth across our three business segments, highlighted by growth of approximately ten percent in our Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets segment, led by our Harry & David® brand.” McCann noted that, in addition to representing a very challenging year-over-year comparison, the holiday period was characterized by several significant headwinds including limited availability and increased costs for seasonal labor, ongoing supply-chain disruptions that caused shortages of key components for some holiday products and the resurgence of COVID pandemic cases across the country. “The widely reported cost increases associated with these macro headwinds significantly exceeded our expectations during the quarter, impacting our margins and bottom-line results,” he said.

McCann said the Company will continue to invest in its operating platform, including initiatives to bring imported inventory in early and optimize outbound shipping methods as well as automating of its warehouse and distribution facilities to help mitigate the continuing cost headwinds. “Over the longer term, we anticipate these initiatives will enable us to improve our gross margins and drive enhanced bottom-line performance.”

McCann noted that during the second quarter the Company saw continued strong, year-over-year growth in its customer file and in its Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which helps drive increased purchase frequency, retention, and cross-category/cross-brand purchases. “We also saw double-digit growth in our best performing customer cohort – customers that buy from multiple product categories and multiple brands within a given year. We believe these positive trends will provide increased marketing leverage over the longer term, particularly as we continue to see a larger percentage of our total revenues coming from existing customers.”

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Total consolidated revenues increased 7.5 percent, or 
$65.8 million, to 
$943.0 million, compared with 
$877.3 million in the prior year period. This revenue growth was on top of the 44.8 percent revenue growth reported in the Company’s 2021 fiscal second quarter. The Company achieved revenue growth across its three business segments, including growth of 9.8 percent in its Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets segment, led by growth of more than 10.0 percent in its Harry & David brand.

Gross profit margin for the quarter was 40.1 percent, a decline of 530 basis points compared with 45.4 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping and labor. Operating expenses as a percent of total revenues, improved 70 basis points to 27.9 percent of total sales, compared with 28.6 percent of total sales in the prior year period.

The combination of these factors resulted in net income for the quarter of 
$88.5 million, or 
$1.34 per diluted share compared with net income of 
$113.7 million, or 
$1.71 per diluted share, in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significant year-over-year cost increases in labor, inbound and outbound shipping, and digital marketing. Adjusted net income1 for the quarter was 
$88.6 million, or 
$1.34 per share, compared with adjusted net income of 
$114.2 million, or 
$1.72 per share, in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the quarter was 
$133.1 million, down 19.0 percent compared with adjusted EBITDA1 of 
$164.3 million in the prior year period.

Segment Results:
The Company provides selected financial results for its Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets, Consumer Floral and Gifts, and BloomNet® segments in the tables attached to this release and as follows:

  • Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets: Revenues for the quarter increased 9.8 percent to 
    $590.9 million, compared with 
    $538.3 million in the prior year period. The strong growth was primarily driven by growth of more than 10.0 percent in the Company’s Harry & David business. Gross profit margin was 39.3 percent, a decline of 660 basis points compared with 45.9 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping as well as limited availability and higher costs for labor. Segment contribution margin was 
    $110.5 million, down 18.5 percent compared with 
    $135.6 million in the prior year period, reflecting the reduced gross margin as well as higher year-over-year digital marketing costs.
  • Consumer Floral and Gifts: Total revenues in this segment increased 3.2 percent to 
    $315.1 million, compared with 
    $305.5 million in the prior year period. Gross profit margin was 41.3 percent, down 270 basis points compared with 44.0 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased costs for inbound and outbound shipping and labor. Segment contribution margin was 
    $38.2 million, down 16.4 percent compared with 
    $45.7 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting the reduced gross margin as well as higher year-over-year digital marketing costs.
  • BloomNet: Revenues for the quarter increased 11.4 percent to 
    $37.9 million, compared with 
    $34.1 million in the prior year period. Gross profit margin was 42.2 percent, down 720 basis points, compared with 49.4 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting higher inbound shipping costs and product mix. Segment contribution margin was 
    $11.9 million, down 2.1 percent compared with 
    $12.1 million in the prior year period primarily reflecting increased in-bound and outbound shipping costs which reduced gross margin.

Company Guidance
The Company is updating its guidance for the fiscal 2022 year reflecting reported results for the first half of the year as well as its outlook for the remainder of the year. The updated guidance includes:

  • Total revenue growth of 7.0 percent-to-9.0 percent compared with the prior year;
  • Adjusted EBITDA in a range of 
    $140.0 million-to-
    $150.0 million;
  • EPS in a range of 
    $0.90 -to- 
    $1.00 per diluted share, and;
  • The Company anticipates that Free Cash Flow for the year will be down significantly compared with the prior year based on its updated guidance and its plans to use its strong balance sheet to continue to invest in inventory to support its growth plans and address the headwinds it sees in the macro economy.

The Company’s guidance for the year is based on several factors, including:

  • the continuing headwinds associated with the ongoing pandemic, increased costs for labor, inbound and outbound shipping, and marketing as well as consumer concerns regarding rising price inflation somewhat offset by;
  • the Company’s ability to continue to attract new customers and add new members to its Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which is helping drive increased frequency, retention, and cross-category/cross-brand purchases.

Definitions of non-GAAP Financial Measures:
We sometimes use financial measures derived from consolidated financial information, but not presented in our financial statements prepared in accordance with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles(“GAAP”). Certain of these are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Non-GAAP financial measures referred to in this document are either labeled as “non-GAAP” or designated as such with a “1”. See below for definitions and the reasons why we use these non-GAAP financial measures. Where applicable, see the Selected Financial Information below for reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted for the impact of stock-based compensation, Non-Qualified Plan Investment appreciation/depreciation, and for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information for details on how EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were calculated for each period presented. The Company presents EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because it considers such information meaningful supplemental measures of its performance and believes such information is frequently used by the investment community in the evaluation of similarly situated companies. The Company uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as factors to determine the total amount of incentive compensation available to be awarded to executive officers and other employees. The Company’s credit agreement uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to determine its interest rate and to measure compliance with certain covenants. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are also used by the Company to evaluate and price potential acquisition candidates. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations are: (a) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company’s working capital needs; (b) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on the Company’s debts; and (c) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such capital expenditures. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should only be used on a supplemental basis combined with GAAP results when evaluating the Company’s performance.

Segment Contribution Margin and Adjusted Segment Contribution Margin:
We define segment contribution margin as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, before the allocation of corporate overhead expenses. Adjusted contribution margin is defined as contribution margin adjusted for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information for details on how segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin was calculated for each period presented. When viewed together with our GAAP results, we believe segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin provide management and users of the financial statements meaningful information about the performance of our business segments. Segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. The material limitation associated with the use of the segment contribution margin and adjusted segment contribution margin is that they are an incomplete measure of profitability as they do not include all operating expenses or non-operating income and expenses. Management compensates for these limitations when using this measure by looking at other GAAP measures, such as operating income and net income.

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted or Comparable Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share:
We define adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable net income (loss) per common share as net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share adjusted for certain items affecting period to period comparability. See Selected Financial Information below for details on how adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable net income (loss) per common share were calculated for each period presented. We believe that adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted or comparable EPS are meaningful measures because they increase the comparability of period-to-period results. Since these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, GAAP net income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share, as indicators of operating performance and they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Free Cash Flow:
We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. The Company considers free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after the purchases of fixed assets, which can then be used to, among other things, invest in the Company’s business, make strategic acquisitions, strengthen the balance sheet, and repurchase stock or retire debt. Free cash flow is a liquidity measure that is frequently used by the investment community in the evaluation of similarly situated companies. Since free cash flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. A limitation of the utility of free cash flow as a measure of financial performance is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in the company’s cash balance for the period.

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of gifts designed to help customers express, connect and celebrate. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Stock Yards® and Simply Chocolate®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad range of products and services designed to help members grow their businesses profitably Napco?, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers; and Alice’s Table®, a lifestyle business offering fully digital livestreaming floral, culinary and other experiences to guests across the country. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among the top 5 on the National Retail Federation’s 2021 Hot 25 Retailers list, which ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com or follow @1800FLOWERSInc on Twitter.

FLWS-COMP
FLWS-FN

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can generally be identified using statements that include words such as “estimate,” “expects,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “forecast,” “likely,” “will,” “target” or similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s ability to achieve its guidance for fiscal-year 2022; the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company; its ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and assets; its ability to successfully execute its strategic initiatives; its ability to cost-effectively acquire and retain customers; the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings in the normal course of business; its ability to compete against existing and new competitors; its ability to manage expenses associated with sales and marketing and necessary general and administrative and technology investments; its ability to reduce promotional activities and achieve more efficient marketing programs; and general consumer sentiment and industry and economic conditions that may affect levels of discretionary customer purchases of the Company’s products. Reconciliations for forward looking figures would require unreasonable efforts at this time because of the uncertainty and variability of the nature and amount of certain components of various necessary GAAP components, including for example those related to compensation, tax items, amortization or others that may arise during the year, and the Company’s management believes such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors. The lack of such reconciling information should be considered when assessing the impact of such disclosures. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, made in this release or in any of its SEC filings. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, refer to the Company’s SEC filings, including the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Conference Call:
The Company will conduct a conference call to discuss the above details and attached financial results today, Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. (ET). The conference call will be webcast live from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.1800flowersinc.com. A recording of the call will be posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site within two hours of the call’s completion. A replay of the call can be accessed beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET on the day of the call through February 3, 2022, at: (US) 1-877-344-7529; (
Canada) 855-669-9658; (International) 1-412-317-0088; enter conference ID #:5113256.

Note: The attached tables are an integral part of this press release without which the information presented in this press release should be considered incomplete.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

 

December 26, 2021

June 27, 2021

 

(unaudited)

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

271,068

$

173,573

Trade receivables, net

 

77,797

 

20,831

Inventories, net

 

191,050

 

153,863

Prepaid and other

 

32,956

 

51,792

Total current assets

 

572,871

 

400,059

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

226,660

 

215,287

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

134,932

 

86,230

Goodwill

 

212,533

 

208,150

Other intangibles, net

 

147,178

 

139,048

Other assets

 

27,164

 

27,905

Total assets

$

1,321,338

$

1,076,679

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

109,257

$

57,434

Accrued expenses

 

279,345

 

178,512

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

20,000

 

20,000

Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities

 

12,344

 

9,992

Total current liabilities

 

420,946

 

265,938

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net

 

151,844

 

161,512

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

128,620

 

79,375

Deferred tax liabilities

 

32,856

 

34,162

Other liabilities

 

22,112

 

26,622

Total liabilities

756,378

 

567,609

Total stockholders’ equity

 

564,960

 

509,070

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

1,321,338

$

1,076,679

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except for per share data)
(unaudited)
 

 

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

 

December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

E-Commerce

$

827,522

 

$

777,810

 

$

1,090,893

 

$

1,016,673

 

Other

 

115,522

 

 

99,446

 

 

161,524

 

 

144,355

 

Total net revenues

 

943,044

 

 

877,256

 

 

1,252,417

 

 

1,161,028

 

Cost of revenues

 

564,594

 

 

479,010

 

 

748,453

 

 

647,302

 

Gross profit

 

378,450

 

 

398,246

 

 

503,964

 

 

513,726

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

Marketing and sales

 

207,771

 

 

194,696

 

 

302,150

 

 

274,981

 

Technology and development

 

13,490

 

 

14,053

 

 

26,913

 

 

25,656

 

General and administrative

 

28,872

 

 

30,835

 

 

55,938

 

 

59,048

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,588

 

 

11,060

 

 

23,558

 

 

19,900

 

Total operating expenses

 

262,721

 

 

250,644

 

 

408,559

 

 

379,585

 

Operating income

 

115,729

 

 

147,602

 

 

95,405

 

 

134,141

 

Interest expense, net

 

1,723

 

 

1,927

 

 

3,251

 

 

2,967

 

Other income, net

 

(2,457

)

 

(2,257

)

 

(3,053

)

 

(3,256

)

Income before income taxes

 

116,463

 

 

147,932

 

 

95,207

 

 

134,430

 

Income tax expense

 

27,995

 

 

34,255

 

 

19,938

 

 

30,515

 

Net income

$

88,468

 

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per common share

$

1.36

 

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per common share

$

1.34

 

$

1.71

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

65,261

 

 

64,728

 

 

65,161

 

 

64,524

 

Diluted

 

65,969

 

 

66,543

 

 

65,954

 

 

66,593

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 

 

Six months ended

 

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

 

 

Operating activities:

 

 

Net income

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

23,558

 

 

19,900

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

616

 

 

545

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,306

)

 

(1,388

)

Bad debt expense

 

(1,285

)

 

341

 

Stock-based compensation

 

5,296

 

 

5,358

 

Other non-cash items

 

(448

)

 

(321

)

Changes in operating items:

 

 

Trade receivables

 

(55,074

)

 

(56,372

)

Inventories

 

(28,534

)

 

25,369

 

Prepaid and other

 

8,172

 

 

(1,937

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

160,459

 

 

212,340

 

Other assets and liabilities

 

(875

)

 

8,897

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

185,848

 

 

316,647

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(20,786

)

 

(250,943

)

Capital expenditures, net of non-cash expenditures

 

(32,608

)

 

(15,708

)

Purchase of equity investments

 

 

 

(1,285

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(53,394

)

 

(267,936

)

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

Acquisition of treasury stock

 

(25,521

)

 

(12,470

)

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

 

846

 

 

1,032

 

Proceeds from bank borrowings

 

125,000

 

 

265,000

 

Repayment of bank borrowings

 

(135,000

)

 

(170,000

)

Debt issuance cost

 

(284

)

 

(2,193

)

Net cash used in (provided by) financing activities

 

(34,959

)

 

81,369

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

97,495

 

 

130,080

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

Beginning of period

 

173,573

 

 

240,506

 

End of period

$

271,068

 

$

370,586

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information – Category Information
(dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Three Months Ended

December 26,
2021

Vital Choice and
Alices’s Table
Transaction
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 26, 2021

December 27,
2020

PersonalizationMall
Litigation
& Transaction Costs

Harry & David
Store Closure
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 27,
2020

%
Change

Net revenues:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

315,083

 

$

$

315,083

 

$

305,357

 

$

$

 

$

305,357

 

3.2

%

BloomNet

 

37,930

 

 

37,930

 

 

34,051

 

 

34,051

 

11.4

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

590,946

 

 

590,946

 

 

538,265

 

 

538,265

 

9.8

%

Corporate

 

69

 

 

69

 

 

135

 

 

135

 

-48.9

%

Intercompany eliminations

 

(984

)

 

 

(984

)

 

(552

)

 

 

 

(552

)

-78.3

%

Total net revenues

$

943,044

 

$

$

943,044

 

$

877,256

 

$

$

 

$

877,256

 

7.5

%

 

Gross profit:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

130,025

 

$

130,025

 

$

134,474

 

$

134,474

 

-3.3

%

 

41.3

%

 

41.3

%

 

44.0

%

 

44.0

%

 

BloomNet

 

16,021

 

 

16,021

 

 

16,820

 

 

16,820

 

-4.8

%

 

42.2

%

 

42.2

%

 

49.4

%

 

49.4

%

 

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

232,239

 

 

232,239

 

 

246,890

 

 

246,890

 

-5.9

%

 

39.3

%

 

39.3

%

 

45.9

%

 

45.9

%

 

Corporate

 

165

 

 

165

 

 

62

 

 

62

 

166.1

%

 

239.1

%

 

239.1

%

 

45.9

%

 

45.9

%

 

Total gross profit

$

378,450

 

$

$

378,450

 

$

398,246

 

$

$

 

$

398,246

 

-5.0

%

 

40.1

%

 

 

40.1

%

 

45.4

%

 

 

 

 

45.4

%

 

EBITDA (non-GAAP):

Segment Contribution Margin (non-GAAP) (a):

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

38,156

 

$

$

38,156

 

$

45,657

 

$

$

 

$

45,657

 

-16.4

%

BloomNet

 

11,887

 

 

11,887

 

 

12,141

 

 

12,141

 

-2.1

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

110,502

 

 

 

110,502

 

 

135,621

 

 

 

(78

)

 

135,543

 

-18.5

%

Segment Contribution Margin Subtotal

 

160,545

 

 

 

160,545

 

 

193,419

 

 

 

(78

)

 

193,341

 

-17.0

%

Corporate (b)

 

(32,228

)

 

59

 

(32,169

)

 

(34,757

)

 

513

 

 

(34,244

)

6.1

%

EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 

128,317

 

 

59

 

128,376

 

 

158,662

 

 

513

 

(78

)

 

159,097

 

-19.3

%

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

2,291

 

 

2,291

 

 

2,965

 

 

2,965

 

-22.7

%

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ Plan Investment Appreciation

 

2,425

 

 

 

2,425

 

 

2,227

 

 

 

 

2,227

 

8.9

%

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$

133,033

 

$

59

$

133,092

 

$

163,854

 

$

513

$

(78

)

$

164,289

 

-19.0

%

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information – Category Information
(dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Six Months Ended

December 26,
2021

Vital Choice and
Alice’s Table
Transaction Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 26,
2021

December 27,
2020

PersonalizationMall
Litigation
& Transaction Costs

Harry & David
Store Closure
Costs

As Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
December 27,
2020

%
Change

Net revenues:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

496,312

 

$

$

496,312

 

$

466,903

 

$

$

 

$

466,903

 

6.3

%

BloomNet

 

68,764

 

 

68,764

 

 

66,789

 

 

66,789

 

3.0

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

688,428

 

 

688,428

 

 

628,194

 

 

628,194

 

9.6

%

Corporate

 

114

 

 

114

 

 

241

 

 

241

 

-52.7

%

Intercompany eliminations

 

(1,201

)

 

 

(1,201

)

 

(1,099

)

 

 

 

(1,099

)

-9.3

%

Total net revenues

$

1,252,417

 

$

$

1,252,417

 

$

1,161,028

 

$

$

 

$

1,161,028

 

7.9

%

 

Gross profit:

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

206,028

 

$

$

206,028

 

$

200,060

 

$

$

 

$

200,060

 

3.0

%

 

41.5

%

 

41.5

%

 

42.8

%

 

42.8

%

 

BloomNet

 

31,430

 

 

31,430

 

 

31,658

 

 

31,658

 

-0.7

%

 

45.7

%

 

45.7

%

 

47.4

%

 

47.4

%

 

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

266,402

 

 

266,402

 

 

281,897

 

 

281,897

 

-5.5

%

 

38.7

%

 

38.7

%

 

44.9

%

 

44.9

%

 

Corporate

 

104

 

 

104

 

 

111

 

 

111

 

-6.3

%

 

91.2

%

 

91.2

%

 

46.1

%

 

46.1

%

 

Total gross profit

$

503,964

 

$

$

503,964

 

$

513,726

 

$

$

 

$

513,726

 

-1.9

%

 

40.2

%

 

 

40.2

%

 

44.2

%

 

 

 

 

44.2

%

 

EBITDA (non-GAAP):

Segment Contribution Margin (non-GAAP) (a):

Consumer Floral & Gifts

$

57,346

 

$

$

57,346

 

$

64,893

 

$

$

 

$

64,893

 

-11.6

%

BloomNet

 

22,747

 

 

22,747

 

 

22,562

 

 

22,562

 

0.8

%

Gourmet Foods & Gift Baskets

 

102,829

 

 

 

102,829

 

 

133,040

 

 

 

(483

)

 

132,557

 

22.4

%

Segment Contribution Margin Subtotal

 

182,922

 

 

 

182,922

 

 

220,495

 

 

 

(483

)

 

220,012

 

-16.9

%

Corporate (b)

 

(63,959

)

 

515

 

(63,444

)

 

(66,454

)

 

5,403

 

 

(61,051

)

-3.9

%

EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 

118,963

 

 

515

 

119,478

 

 

154,041

 

 

5,403

 

(483

)

 

158,961

 

-24.8

%

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

5,296

 

 

5,296

 

 

5,358

 

 

5,358

 

-1.2

%

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ Plan Investment Appreciation

 

2,992

 

 

2,992

 

 

3,207

 

 

3,207

 

-6.7

%

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$

127,251

 

$

515

$

127,766

 

$

162,605

 

$

5,403

$

(483

)

$

167,526

 

-23.7

%

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
(in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income (non-GAAP):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

Net income

 

$

88,468

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

 

$

103,915

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 

Add: Transaction costs

 

 

59

 

513

 

 

515

 

 

5,403

 

Deduct: Harry & David store closure cost adjustment

 

 

 

(78

)

 

 

 

(483

)

Deduct: Income tax effect on adjustments

 

 

65

 

125

 

 

(108

)

 

(1,117

)

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 

$

88,592

$

114,237

 

$

75,676

 

$

107,718

 

 

Basic and diluted net income per common share

 

Basic

 

$

1.36

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.61

 

Diluted

 

$

1.34

$

1.71

 

$

1.14

 

$

1.56

 

 

 

Basic and diluted adjusted net income per common share (non-GAAP)

 

Basic

 

$

1.36

$

1.76

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.67

 

Diluted

 

$

1.34

$

1.72

 

$

1.15

 

$

1.62

 

 

Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income and adjusted net income per common share

 

Basic

 

 

65,261

 

64,728

 

 

65,161

 

 

64,524

 

Diluted

 

 

65,969

 

66,543

 

 

65,954

 

 

66,593

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Selected Financial Information
(in thousands) (unaudited)
 

Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP):

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

December 26, 2021

December 27, 2020

 

Net income

$

88,468

 

$

113,677

 

$

75,269

$

103,915

 

Add: Interest (income) expense, net

 

(734

)

 

(330

)

 

198

 

(289

)

Add: Depreciation and amortization

 

12,588

 

 

11,060

 

 

23,558

 

19,900

 

Add: Income tax expense

 

27,995

 

 

34,255

 

 

19,938

 

30,515

 

EBITDA

 

128,317

 

 

158,662

 

 

118,963

 

154,041

 

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

2,291

 

 

2,965

 

 

5,296

 

5,358

 

Add: Compensation charge related to NQ plan investment

appreciation

 

2,425

 

 

2,227

 

 

2,992

 

3,207

 

Add: Transaction costs

 

59

 

 

513

 

 

515

 

5,403

 

Deduct: Harry & David store closure cost adjustment

 

 

 

(78

)

 

 

(483

)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

133,092

 

$

164,289

 

$

127,766

$

167,526

 

(a) Segment performance is measured based on segment contribution margin or segment Adjusted EBITDA, reflecting only the direct controllable revenue and operating expenses of the segments, both of which are non-GAAP measurements. As such, management’s measure of profitability for these segments does not include the effect of corporate overhead, described above, depreciation and amortization, other income (net), and other items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance.

(b) Corporate expenses consist of the Company’s enterprise shared service cost centers, and include, among other items, Information Technology, Human Resources, Accounting and Finance, Legal, Executive and Customer Service Center functions, as well as Stock-Based Compensation. In order to leverage the Company’s infrastructure, these functions are operated under a centralized management platform, providing support services throughout the organization. The costs of these functions, other than those of the Customer Service Center, which are allocated directly to the above categories based upon usage, are included within corporate expenses as they are not directly allocable to a specific segment.

Investor Contact:

Joseph D. Pititto

(516) 237-6131

invest@1800flowers.com

Media Contact:

Kathleen Waugh

(516) 237-6028

kwaugh@1800flowers.com

Source: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

Aurania Resources (AUIAF)(ARU:CA) – Temporary Suspension of Activities in Ecuador; Key Executive Departs

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Aurania Resources (AUIAF)(ARU:CA)
Temporary Suspension of Activities in Ecuador; Key Executive Departs

As of April 24, 2020, Noble Capital Markets research on Aurania Resources is published under ticker symbols (AUIAF and ARU:CA). The price target is in USD and based on ticker symbol AUIAF. Research reports dated prior to April 24, 2020 may not follow these guidelines and could account for a variance in the price target.

Aurania Resources Ltd. is a Canada-based junior mining exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities-Cutucu Project, is in southeastern Ecuador in the Province of Morona-Santiago. The company also has several minor projects in Switzerland.

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst of Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

    Temporary suspension of activities. Aurania has suspended a majority of activities temporarily in Ecuador where the government recently issued a “Red Alert” for 193 of 195 Cantons due to increasing coronavirus cases. Due to the area where it operates, Aurania has greater exposure to indigenous communities that are vulnerable to infection. Moreover, there are currently nine active COVID cases among Aurania’s personnel. The suspension of activities is expected to last roughly one month although field work may continue with reduced personnel in areas where there is no interaction with local communities.

    Tsenken Hole 9 Results.  Results were received from Hole TSN1-009 at Tsenken which tested for copper-silver mineralization in evaporite mineral beds within sedimentary layers and sampled the contact of a salt wall lying along a prominent fault structure. The hole was intended to intersect a target at a depth of 400 to 500 meters but stopped at a depth of 369 meters due to a collapse in the salt …



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

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

Release – Capstone Green Energy Continues to Expand Its EaaS Business

 



Capstone Green Energy Continues to Expand Its EaaS Business With New 10-Year 1.2 MW Parts & Labor Service Contract in Eastern Europe

Research, News, and Market Data on Capstone Green Energy

 

VAN NUYS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Capstone Green Energy Corporation (www.CapstoneGreenEnergy.com) (NASDAQ: CGRN) (“Capstone,” the “Company,” “we” or “us”), a global leader in carbon reduction and on-site resilient green energy as a service (EaaS) solutions, announced today that Servelect (www.servelect.ro/en/), Capstone’s exclusive distributor for Romania, entered into a new 10-year Parts and Labor Factory Protection Plan (FPP) service contract for two Capstone Signature Series C600S natural gas-fueled systems installed in Eastern Europe.

“Capstone continues to focus on expanding our EaaS business, including our innovative FPP service program, as extended service agreements generate higher margin rates than traditional product sales,” said Darren Jamison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capstone Green Energy. “Our FPP service business in conjunction with our long-term rental fleet are the cornerstones of our EaaS business, which we believe to be key to achieving our profitability goals,” added Mr. Jamison.

The two Capstone Signature Series C600S units, generating 1.2 megawatts (MWs) of power, are owned and operated by Cemacon, Romania’s largest ceramic block producer, which was founded in 1969 in Zalau, Romania, and has since expanded to lead that market in Transylvania. Cemacon has a proud history of innovation and a belief in environmentally sound processes, having developed an eco-friendly ceramic production line in which the Capstone C600S units play a key role in the drying process. With a capacity of 2.25 MW thermal, the high-efficiency cogeneration plant commissioned in August 2021 operates the two C600S units on natural gas with an optimized total net efficiency of 95%. Cemacon’s Reccea plant is located five hours from Bucharest and operates in grid connect mode supporting the plant’s power requirements and exporting approximately 400 kilowatts (kW) of excess power to the local grid.

“For this industry, the installation signals a progressive approach with the significantly reduced emissions, improved environmental footprint, and high net efficiency,” stated Tracy Chidbachian, Capstone’s Director of Customer Service. “We are meeting the customer’s operational needs for a secure and stable drying process and doing so in an environmentally responsible manner while providing the customer significant financial savings,” concluded Ms. Chidbachian.

The Capstone Green Energy parts and labor FPP is designed to provide ten years of comprehensive maintenance, giving the end-use customer financial peace of mind and protecting the installation from potentially costly unscheduled maintenance.

About Capstone Green Energy

Capstone Green Energy (www.CapstoneGreenEnergy.com) (NASDAQ: CGRN) is a leading provider of customized microgrid solutions and on-site energy technology systems focused on helping customers around the globe meet their environmental, energy savings, and resiliency goals. Capstone Green Energy focuses on four key business lines. Through its Energy as a Service (EaaS) business, it offers rental solutions utilizing its microturbine energy systems and battery storage systems, comprehensive Factory Protection Plan (FPP) service contracts that guarantee life-cycle costs, as well as aftermarket parts. Energy Conversion Products are driven by the Company’s industry-leading, highly efficient, low-emission, resilient microturbine energy systems offering scalable solutions in addition to a broad range of customer-tailored solutions, including hybrid energy systems and larger frame industrial turbines. The Energy Storage Products business line designs and installs microgrid storage systems creating customized solutions using a combination of battery technologies and monitoring software. Through Hydrogen Energy Solutions, Capstone Green Energy offers customers a variety of hydrogen products, including the Company’s microturbine energy systems.

For customers with limited capital or short-term needs, Capstone offers rental systems; for more information, contact: rentals@CGRNenergy.com. To date, Capstone has shipped over 10,000 units to 83 countries and estimates that, in FY21, it saved customers over $217 million in annual energy costs and approximately 397,000 tons of carbon. Total savings over the last three fiscal years are estimated at 1,115,100 tons of carbon and $698 million in annual energy savings.

For more information about the Company, please visit: www.CapstoneGreenEnergy.com. Follow Capstone Green Energy on TwitterLinkedInInstagramFacebook, and YouTube.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains, and the Company’s presentation and responses to questions at the Water Tower Research Virtual Fireside Chat Series will contain, forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding achievement of profitability goals, expectations for green initiatives, execution on the Company’s growth strategy and other statements regarding the Company’s expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, and strategies. The Company has tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “plan,” “goal” and similar terms and phrases, but such words, terms and phrases are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, the following: the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; the availability of credit and compliance with the agreements governing the Company’s indebtedness; the Company’s ability to develop new products and enhance existing products; product quality issues, including the adequacy of reserves therefor and warranty cost exposure; intense competition; financial performance of the oil and natural gas industry and other general business, industry and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to adequately protect its intellectual property rights; and the impact of pending or threatened litigation. For a detailed discussion of factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results, please see the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the disclosures under “Risk Factors” in those filings. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changed circumstances or future events or for any other reason.

Capstone Green Energy
Investor and investment media inquiries:
818-407-3628
ir@CGRNenergy.com

Source: Capstone Green Energy Corporation

PDS Biotech Announces Preclinical Data for PDS0202 Universal Influenza Vaccine



PDS Biotech Announces Preclinical Data for PDS0202 Universal Influenza Vaccine

Research, News, and Market Data on PDS Biotech

 

PDS0202 (Infectimune™ + COBRA Influenza Antigens) neutralized multiple strains of the flu and provided effective protection against infection in preclinical studies

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing novel cancer therapies and infectious disease vaccines based on the Company’s proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T-cell activating technologies, today announced preclinical data for its universal flu vaccine, which was shown to be effective against multiple strains of the influenza virus.

Due to the existence of multiple strains of flu, a new seasonal flu vaccination is usually developed to provide protection against the strains predicted to be prevalent in an upcoming flu season. As a result, the protective efficacy of the current vaccines varies widely from season to season. PDS Biotechnology is developing a new generation of flu vaccines with the potential to provide long-lasting, and broad protection against multiple strains of the virus. We believe that the successful development of a universal flu vaccine could eliminate the need to create a vaccine to protect against each year’s predicted variants. According to the World Health Organization, influenza causes 3 to 5 million cases and approximately 290,000 to 650,000 deaths each year.

PDS0202 combines PDS Biotech’s proprietary Infectimune™ technology with proprietary COBRA (Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigens) designed by renowned influenza expert Dr. Ted Ross. PDS Biotech announced an agreement with the University of Georgia to license the COBRA antigens.

The NIAID-sponsored preclinical work was performed by Dr. Jerold Woodward at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and Dr. Ted Ross at the University of Georgia, in collaboration with PDS Biotech. Dr. Ted Ross is Principal Investigator at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Center (CIVICs) located at the University of Georgia. The studies demonstrated the ability of PDS0202 to promote robust induction of broadly neutralizing influenza -specific antibodies, flu-specific CD4 (helper) and CD8 (killer) T-cells, as well as long-lasting memory T-cells. This well characterized and robust immune response to the COBRA antigens suggests strong potential for broad and long-term protection against multiple strains of influenza.

“We are excited by the highly promising preclinical results generated in collaboration with Drs. Woodward and Ross,” said Dr. Lauren V. Wood, MD, Chief Medical Officer of PDS Biotech. “The COBRA antigens provide an innovative approach to generating broadly effective immune responses against influenza, which when combined with our Infectimune™ platform may provide effective neutralization and protection against infection. The data suggest that PDS0202, has the potential to overcome the well documented limitations faced in developing a universal influenza vaccine.”

“The novel mechanisms by which the PDS Biotech-patented lipids activate critical immunological pathways may allow us to develop a new generation of vaccines that could be more effective in protecting us from infectious pathogens like influenza and Covid-19,” stated Jerold Woodward, Ph.D., Professor of Immunology at the University of Kentucky, College of Medicine.

“The preclinical results show the potential for PDS0202 to be effective in preventing viral invasion of the lungs by multiple strains of the influenza virus,” stated Ted Ross, Ph.D., Professor, and Director of the Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia. “We look forward to seeing the PDS0202-COBRA vaccine in future human trials.”

About PDS Biotechnology

PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on the Company’s proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T-cell activating technology platforms.

Our Versamune®-based products have demonstrated the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing in vivo, large quantities of high-quality, highly potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T-cells. PDS Biotech has developed multiple therapies, based on combinations of Versamune® and disease-specific antigens, designed to train the immune system to better recognize diseased cells and effectively attack and destroy them. The Company’s pipeline products address various cancers including HPV16-associated cancers (anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, vaginal, vulvar) and breast, colon, lung, prostate and ovarian cancers.

Our Infectimune™-based vaccines have demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T-cell responses including long-lasting memory T-cell responses. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning PDS Biotechnology Corporation (the “Company”) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. 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,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “forecast,” “guidance”, “outlook” and other similar expressions among others. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; the Company’s anticipated capital requirements, including the Company’s anticipated cash runway and the Company’s current expectations regarding its plans for future equity financings; the Company’s dependence on additional financing to fund its operations and complete the development and commercialization of its product candidates, and the risks that raising such additional capital may restrict the Company’s operations or require the Company to relinquish rights to the Company’s technologies or product candidates; the Company’s limited operating history in the Company’s current line of business, which makes it difficult to evaluate the Company’s prospects, the Company’s business plan or the likelihood of the Company’s successful implementation of such business plan; the timing for the Company or its partners to initiate the planned clinical trials for PDS0101, PDS0203 and other Versamune® based products; the future success of such trials; the successful implementation of the Company’s research and development programs and collaborations, including any collaboration studies concerning PDS0101, PDS0203 and other Versamune® based products and the Company’s interpretation of the results and findings of such programs and collaborations and whether such results are sufficient to support the future success of the Company’s product candidates; the success, timing and cost of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials and anticipated clinical trials for the Company’s current product candidates, including statements regarding the timing of initiation, pace of enrollment and completion of the trials (including our ability to fully fund our disclosed clinical trials, which assumes no material changes to our currently projected expenses), futility analyses, presentations at conferences and data reported in an abstract, and receipt of interim results (including, without limitation, any preclinical results or data), which are not necessarily indicative of the final results of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials; any Company statements about its understanding of product candidates mechanisms of action and interpretation of preclinical and early clinical results from its clinical development programs and any collaboration studies; the acceptance by the market of the Company’s product candidates, if approved; the timing of and the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other regulatory authority approval of, or other action with respect to, the Company’s product candidates; and other factors, including legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments not within the Company’s control, including unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to COVID-19. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in the Company’s annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:

Rich Cockrell
CG Capital
Phone: +1 (404) 736-3838
pdsb@cg.capital

Release – PDS Biotech Announces Preclinical Data for PDS0202 Universal Influenza Vaccine



PDS Biotech Announces Preclinical Data for PDS0202 Universal Influenza Vaccine

Research, News, and Market Data on PDS Biotech

 

PDS0202 (Infectimune™ + COBRA Influenza Antigens) neutralized multiple strains of the flu and provided effective protection against infection in preclinical studies

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing novel cancer therapies and infectious disease vaccines based on the Company’s proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T-cell activating technologies, today announced preclinical data for its universal flu vaccine, which was shown to be effective against multiple strains of the influenza virus.

Due to the existence of multiple strains of flu, a new seasonal flu vaccination is usually developed to provide protection against the strains predicted to be prevalent in an upcoming flu season. As a result, the protective efficacy of the current vaccines varies widely from season to season. PDS Biotechnology is developing a new generation of flu vaccines with the potential to provide long-lasting, and broad protection against multiple strains of the virus. We believe that the successful development of a universal flu vaccine could eliminate the need to create a vaccine to protect against each year’s predicted variants. According to the World Health Organization, influenza causes 3 to 5 million cases and approximately 290,000 to 650,000 deaths each year.

PDS0202 combines PDS Biotech’s proprietary Infectimune™ technology with proprietary COBRA (Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigens) designed by renowned influenza expert Dr. Ted Ross. PDS Biotech announced an agreement with the University of Georgia to license the COBRA antigens.

The NIAID-sponsored preclinical work was performed by Dr. Jerold Woodward at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and Dr. Ted Ross at the University of Georgia, in collaboration with PDS Biotech. Dr. Ted Ross is Principal Investigator at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Center (CIVICs) located at the University of Georgia. The studies demonstrated the ability of PDS0202 to promote robust induction of broadly neutralizing influenza -specific antibodies, flu-specific CD4 (helper) and CD8 (killer) T-cells, as well as long-lasting memory T-cells. This well characterized and robust immune response to the COBRA antigens suggests strong potential for broad and long-term protection against multiple strains of influenza.

“We are excited by the highly promising preclinical results generated in collaboration with Drs. Woodward and Ross,” said Dr. Lauren V. Wood, MD, Chief Medical Officer of PDS Biotech. “The COBRA antigens provide an innovative approach to generating broadly effective immune responses against influenza, which when combined with our Infectimune™ platform may provide effective neutralization and protection against infection. The data suggest that PDS0202, has the potential to overcome the well documented limitations faced in developing a universal influenza vaccine.”

“The novel mechanisms by which the PDS Biotech-patented lipids activate critical immunological pathways may allow us to develop a new generation of vaccines that could be more effective in protecting us from infectious pathogens like influenza and Covid-19,” stated Jerold Woodward, Ph.D., Professor of Immunology at the University of Kentucky, College of Medicine.

“The preclinical results show the potential for PDS0202 to be effective in preventing viral invasion of the lungs by multiple strains of the influenza virus,” stated Ted Ross, Ph.D., Professor, and Director of the Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia. “We look forward to seeing the PDS0202-COBRA vaccine in future human trials.”

About PDS Biotechnology

PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on the Company’s proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T-cell activating technology platforms.

Our Versamune®-based products have demonstrated the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing in vivo, large quantities of high-quality, highly potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T-cells. PDS Biotech has developed multiple therapies, based on combinations of Versamune® and disease-specific antigens, designed to train the immune system to better recognize diseased cells and effectively attack and destroy them. The Company’s pipeline products address various cancers including HPV16-associated cancers (anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, vaginal, vulvar) and breast, colon, lung, prostate and ovarian cancers.

Our Infectimune™-based vaccines have demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T-cell responses including long-lasting memory T-cell responses. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning PDS Biotechnology Corporation (the “Company”) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. 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,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “forecast,” “guidance”, “outlook” and other similar expressions among others. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; the Company’s anticipated capital requirements, including the Company’s anticipated cash runway and the Company’s current expectations regarding its plans for future equity financings; the Company’s dependence on additional financing to fund its operations and complete the development and commercialization of its product candidates, and the risks that raising such additional capital may restrict the Company’s operations or require the Company to relinquish rights to the Company’s technologies or product candidates; the Company’s limited operating history in the Company’s current line of business, which makes it difficult to evaluate the Company’s prospects, the Company’s business plan or the likelihood of the Company’s successful implementation of such business plan; the timing for the Company or its partners to initiate the planned clinical trials for PDS0101, PDS0203 and other Versamune® based products; the future success of such trials; the successful implementation of the Company’s research and development programs and collaborations, including any collaboration studies concerning PDS0101, PDS0203 and other Versamune® based products and the Company’s interpretation of the results and findings of such programs and collaborations and whether such results are sufficient to support the future success of the Company’s product candidates; the success, timing and cost of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials and anticipated clinical trials for the Company’s current product candidates, including statements regarding the timing of initiation, pace of enrollment and completion of the trials (including our ability to fully fund our disclosed clinical trials, which assumes no material changes to our currently projected expenses), futility analyses, presentations at conferences and data reported in an abstract, and receipt of interim results (including, without limitation, any preclinical results or data), which are not necessarily indicative of the final results of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials; any Company statements about its understanding of product candidates mechanisms of action and interpretation of preclinical and early clinical results from its clinical development programs and any collaboration studies; the acceptance by the market of the Company’s product candidates, if approved; the timing of and the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other regulatory authority approval of, or other action with respect to, the Company’s product candidates; and other factors, including legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments not within the Company’s control, including unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to COVID-19. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in the Company’s annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:

Rich Cockrell
CG Capital
Phone: +1 (404) 736-3838
pdsb@cg.capital

Would the Crypto Market Trend Up With Biden’s Clear Set of Rules?



Cryptocurrency Executive Order from White House Could Come Before President’s Day

 

The White House, according to Bloomberg, is said to be drafting an executive order for cryptocurrencies. It is more focused on being restrictive than creating a level playing field for all currencies. The expectation is the chief executive could execute the order during the month of February.

President Biden is looking to get ahead of crypto issues and give regulation a priority. The plan tasks multiple federal agencies to evaluate risks and opportunities within the digital currency environment. Bloomberg cited unnamed sources when they suggested that the reports were expected to be presented to the White House quickly.

Senior Biden administration officials have already had several talks related to the plan. Their recommendations are due to be submitted to the chief executive in the coming weeks, according to the report.

As technology rapidly changes, under current statutes and regs, there is no definitive legal framework for cryptocurrency or the regulation of crypto exchanges. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for its part, has been calling for a greater level of oversight over the crypto market.

Blockchain and digital assets are a challenge for most to understand, this is why so many outright dismiss the asset. Other skeptics point to the lack of clarity in crypto-related policy as a reason not to get involved.  Executives within the industry like Sam Bankman-Fried the CEO at FTX have called for more regulation, saying it would remove barriers to entry for many retail and institutional investors.

The push by the Biden White House puts the executive branch at the center of efforts to set policies and regulate the new market.  The related potential oversight agencies have been waiting for legislative guidance. This development follows a sell-off in crypto markets which follows other asset weaknesses in the face of higher costs to participate in the economy.  Bitcoin which traded above $68,000 in November broke below $36,000 and ether fell below $2,500, wiping out $350 billion in value from the total crypto market over the weekend.

Federal agencies, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council, are tasked with publishing reports on the systemic impacts and illicit uses of cryptocurrencies. A similar report from the Federal Reserve had detailed the pros and cons of a central bank digital currency, or fully digitizing the U.S. dollar with a “legal tender” status.

According to the report, the executive order is expected to ensure the U.S. is not left behind, but is a competitive player in the evolving field of digital assets.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

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Is Biden Tightening the Reins on Large Companies?



Federal Marijuana Laws are Half-In/Half-Out Says Justice Clarence Thomas





Will the SEC Allow ETFs to Own Cryptocurrency?



How Close is the U.S. to Having a Digital Currency?

 

Sources

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-21/white-house-is-set-to-put-itself-at-center-of-u-s-crypto-policy?sref=3REHEaVI

https://time.com/nextadvisor/investing/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-record-high-price

https://www.barrons.com/articles/cryptocurrency-exchanges-regulation-sec-coinbase-51620335275

 

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Release – ProMIS Neurosciences Appoints Internationally Recognized Neuroscientist Dr. Cheryl Wellington to its Scientific Advisory Board



ProMIS Neurosciences Appoints Internationally Recognized Neuroscientist Dr. Cheryl Wellington to its Scientific Advisory Board

News and Market Data on ProMIS Neurosciences

 

TORONTO, Ontario and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting misfolded proteins such as toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that it has appointed Dr. Cheryl Wellington to its scientific advisory board (SAB).

Dr. Cheryl Wellington, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), has built an internationally recognized research program that focuses on neurological diseases, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). 

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Wellington to the ProMIS SAB,” stated Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS’ Chief Scientific Officer. “In addition to her outstanding contributions to the understanding of AD and TBI, we are duly impressed by her research group that is one of the most experienced in North America on ultrasensitive blood-based biomarker tests for a number of neurological and neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.”

The emerging ability to measure biomarkers such as NfL (neurofilament light chain), P-tau (phosphorylated tau protein) and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) in blood samples as opposed to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) offers several advantages such as its relatively non-invasive nature, lower risk of complications and ease with which blood draws can be repeated on a regular basis. These advantages make blood-based biomarkers ideal tools in AD clinical trials to assist in diagnosis and monitoring of patient progress on therapy.

Commenting on her appointment to the ProMIS SAB, Dr. Wellington stated: “ProMIS’s approach to targeting the root cause of many brain diseases is of exceptional interest and importance. I am honored to join the Scientific Advisory Board to advise and assist in their programs.”

About ProMIS Neurosciences
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting misfolded proteins such as toxic misfolded oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Company’s proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two complementary computational modeling techniques. The Company applies its molecular dynamics, computational discovery platform -ProMIS™ and Collective Coordinates – to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF
Visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

For Investor Relations please contact:
Alpine Equity Advisors
Nicholas Rigopulos, President
nick@alpineequityadv.com
Tel. 617 901-0785

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

Diabetes Management Made Simpler


Image Credit: MIT News


An All-In-One Approach to Diabetes Treatment

 

Anne Trafton | MIT News Office

Before consuming a meal, many people with diabetes need to inject themselves with insulin. This is a time-consuming process that often requires estimating the carbohydrate content of the meal, drawing blood to measure blood glucose levels, and then calculating and delivering the correct insulin dose.

Those steps, which typically must be repeated for every meal, make it difficult for many patients with diabetes to stick with their treatment regimen. A team of MIT researchers has now come up with a new approach to streamline the process and help
patients
maintain healthy glucose levels.

“Any intervention that makes it easier for patients to receive therapy can have an enormous impact, because there are multiple barriers that have to do with time, inconvenience, dexterity, or learning and training,” says Giovanni Traverso, the Karl van Tassel Career Development Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT and a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “If we’re able to overcome those barriers through the implementation of new engineering solutions, it will make it easier for patients to receive that therapy.”

Traverso and his colleagues designed two different devices that can simplify the process of calculating and injecting the correct dose of insulin. One, which combines many of the existing steps into a single device, could be used in patients in the near future. Their second prototype incorporates flexible electronics onto the surface of a needle so that the blood measurement and insulin delivery can happen through the same needle. This could eventually make the process of managing diabetes even more streamlined.

All In One Device

Diabetes affects 34 million people in the United States and more than 400 million people worldwide. Patients with diabetes often use two types of insulin to control their blood sugar levels: long-acting insulin, which helps control glucose levels over a 24-hour period, and short-acting insulin, which is injected at mealtimes. Patients first measure their blood glucose levels with a glucose meter, which requires pricking their finger to draw blood and placing a drop of blood onto a test strip. They must also estimate how many carbohydrates are in their meal and combine this information with their blood glucose levels to calculate and inject the proper insulin dose.

Existing technologies such as continuous blood glucose monitors and insulin pumps can help with some parts of this process. However, these devices are not widely available, so most patients must rely on finger pricks and syringes.

“Every day, many patients need to do this complicated procedure at least three times,” Huang says. “The main goal of this project is to try to facilitate all of these complex procedures and also to eliminate the requirement for multiple devices. We also used a smartphone camera and deep learning to create an app that identifies and quantifies food content, which can aid in carbohydrate counting.”

The research team devised two different types of “all-in-one” devices, both of which incorporate the new smartphone app. Patients first take a picture of the food, and the app can then estimate the volume of food and the amount of carbohydrates, based on nutrient information from a USDA database.

The first all-in-one device that the researchers designed consolidates many of the existing tools that patients use now, including a lancet for drawing blood and glucose test strips. Once the blood glucose measurement is taken, the device conveys the information to the smartphone app via Bluetooth, and the app calculates the correct insulin dose. The device also includes a needle that injects the correct amount of insulin.

“What our device is doing is automating the procedures to prick the skin, collect the blood, calculate the glucose level, and do the computation and insulin injection,” Huang says. “The patient no longer needs a separate lancing device, glucose meter, and insulin pen.”

Many of the components included in this device are already FDA-approved, but the device has not been tested in human patients yet. Tests in pigs showed that the system could accurately measure glucose levels and dispense insulin.

 

A Single Jab

For their second device, the researchers wanted to come up with a system that would require just one needle prick. To achieve that, they designed a novel glucose sensor that could be incorporated into the same needle that is used for insulin injection.

“The idea would be that if we can integrate the glucose sensor directly onto the surface of the insulin delivery needle, we would only need one stick for the patient, which minimizes pain and also makes the whole process easier to administer,” You says.

The researchers designed a flexible electronic sensor that can be attached to the needle and measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, just below the surface of the skin. Once the needle penetrates the skin, it takes between five and 10 seconds to measure the glucose levels. This information is transmitted to the smartphone app, which calculates the insulin dose and delivers it through the inserted needle.

In tests in the pigs, the researchers showed that they could accurately measure glucose levels with this system, and that glucose levels dropped after insulin injection.

Because this device uses a novel type of glucose sensor, the researchers expect that it will require further development to get to a point where it could be tested in patients. They have filed for patents on both of the systems described in the new study and hope to work with companies to further develop them.

 

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This article originally appeared in MIT News on January 20, 2022 and has been Shared with Permission

 

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Release – Cocrystal Pharma Selects Two Lead Antiviral Drug Candidates for its COVID-19 Oral Drug Program



Cocrystal Pharma Selects Two Lead Antiviral Drug Candidates for its COVID-19 Oral Drug Program

Research, News, and Market Data on Cocrystal Pharma

 

Novel broad-spectrum oral lead candidates CDI-988 and CDI-873, discovered using Cocrystal’s antiviral drug discovery platform, demonstrate superior in vitro potency against SARS-CoV-2 and activity against all variants of concern including Omicron

Clinical trials with oral program and CDI-45204 inhalation/pulmonary-delivered COVID-19 antiviral candidates expected to begin in 2022

BOTHELL, Wash., Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”) has selected two investigational novel antiviral drug candidates for further development as oral treatments for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. CDI-988 and CDI-873 target a highly conserved region in the active site of SARS-CoV-2 main (3CL) protease required for viral RNA replication. Cocrystal plans to initiate a first-in-human trial with one selected candidate as soon as possible this year.

Although CDI-988 and CDI-873 are chemically differentiatedboth exhibited superior in vitro potency against SARS-CoV-2 with activity maintained against current variants of concern including Omicron. In preclinical studies, both candidates demonstrated a favorable safety profile and pharmacokinetic properties supportive of daily oral dosing. Additionally, CDI-988 and CDI-873 were specifically designed and developed using Cocrystal’s proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform technology.

“We are excited to have discovered two lead COVID-19 oral antiviral candidates that both demonstrate highly encouraging preclinical efficacy and safety data,” said Sam Lee, Cocrystal’s President and interim co-CEO. “We plan to continue evaluating both CDI-988 and CDI-873 for clinical development, while we are also rapidly advancing our inhalation/pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 lead candidate CDI-45205 toward clinical development. The objective of our multipronged strategy is to offer highly potent and safe antiviral therapeutics for hospitalized patients, as well as for those not requiring hospitalization, including for prophylactic use to provide protection to uninfected individuals who may become exposed. We expect one oral candidate in addition to our inhalation/pulmonary candidate to advance into clinical trials this year.”

“Cocrystal is focused on rapidly advancing COVID-19 therapeutic candidates with multiple routes of administration. The newly emerging Omicron variant continues to rapidly spread worldwide with breakthrough infection even in people who are fully vaccinated, demonstrating a critical need for effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19. We are very pleased to have two lead oral candidates, giving us a potential edge in the anticipated large oral delivery therapeutic market. In addition to initiating two COVID-19 trials in 2022, we anticipate completion of our influenza CC-42344 Phase 1 study this year,” said James Martin, Cocrystal’s CFO and interim co-CEO.

Earlier this month Cocrystal received guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for further development of CDI-45205 in response to the Company’s pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) briefing package. The Company believes the FDA’s response clarifies the pathway for a planned Phase 1 study and provides direction for a subsequent Phase 2 study.

About CDI-45205
CDI-45205 is among a group of protease inhibitors obtained by Cocrystal under an exclusive license agreement with the Kansas State University Research Foundation (KSURF) in 2020. CDI-45205 and several analogs showed potent in vitro activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (India/B.1.617.2), Gamma (Brazil/P.1), Alpha (United Kingdom/B.1.1.7) and Beta (South African/B.1.351) variants, surpassing the activity observed with the original Wuhan strain. CDI-45205 has also shown good bioavailability in mouse and rat pharmacokinetic studies via intraperitoneal injection, and no cytotoxicity against a variety of human cell lines. Preclinical research demonstrated a strong synergistic effect with the FDA-approved COVID-19 medicine remdesivir. Additionally, a proof-of-concept animal study demonstrated that daily injection of CDI-45205 exhibited favorable in vivo efficacy in mice infected with MERS-CoV-2.

About CC-42344
CC-42344 is a novel oral PB2 inhibitor that has shown excellent antiviral activity against influenza A strains, including pandemic and seasonal strains, as well as strains resistant to Tamiflu® and XofluzaCC-42344 also has favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-resistance profiles. Cocrystal has completed preclinical IND-enabling studies with CC-42344 and has received clearance from the Australian Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial with subject enrollment expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are approximately 1 billion cases of influenza annually worldwide, resulting in 3 million to 5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between October 1, 2019 and April 4, 2020, there were between 39 million and 56 million cases of influenza in the U.S., resulting in 410,000 to 740,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 to 62,000 deaths.

About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our plans to commence clinical trials for our COVID-19 antiviral candidates in 2022, our further development of CDI-45205, the potential efficacy of our antiviral product candidates against existing and new variants of COVID-19, our anticipated completion of the Phase 1 study for our influenza CC-42344 product candidate in 2022, the anticipated continued need for therapeutic antiviral treatment and our potential advantages in the market for such products. 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. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events. Some or all of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks arising from supply chain disruptions on our ability to obtain products including raw materials and test animals as well as similar problems with our vendors and our current contract research organizations (CROs) and future CROs and contract manufacturing organizations, the ability of our CROs to recruit volunteers for, and to proceed with, clinical trials, the presence of new lockdowns in Australia, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic including new variants on the national and global economy, the duration of presently discovered COVID-19 variants and our ability to treat new variants, the cooperation of the FDA in accelerating development in our COVID-19 program and potential delays related to the FDA’s review of our submissions, our collaboration partners’ technology and software performing as expected, the results of future preclinical and clinical trials, and general risks arising from clinical trials, receipt of regulatory approvals, regulatory changes, and development of effective treatments and/or vaccines by competitors, including as part of the programs financed by the U.S. government. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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. We undertake 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.

Investor Contact:
LHA Investor Relations
Jody Cain
310-691-7100
jcain@lhai.com

Source: Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Would the Crypto Market Trend Up With Bidens Clear Set of Rules



Cryptocurrency Executive Order from White House Could Come Before President’s Day

 

The White House, according to Bloomberg, is said to be drafting an executive order for cryptocurrencies. It is more focused on being restrictive than creating a level playing field for all currencies. The expectation is the chief executive could execute the order during the month of February.

President Biden is looking to get ahead of crypto issues and give regulation a priority. The plan tasks multiple federal agencies to evaluate risks and opportunities within the digital currency environment. Bloomberg cited unnamed sources when they suggested that the reports were expected to be presented to the White House quickly.

Senior Biden administration officials have already had several talks related to the plan. Their recommendations are due to be submitted to the chief executive in the coming weeks, according to the report.

As technology rapidly changes, under current statutes and regs, there is no definitive legal framework for cryptocurrency or the regulation of crypto exchanges. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for its part, has been calling for a greater level of oversight over the crypto market.

Blockchain and digital assets are a challenge for most to understand, this is why so many outright dismiss the asset. Other skeptics point to the lack of clarity in crypto-related policy as a reason not to get involved.  Executives within the industry like Sam Bankman-Fried the CEO at FTX have called for more regulation, saying it would remove barriers to entry for many retail and institutional investors.

The push by the Biden White House puts the executive branch at the center of efforts to set policies and regulate the new market.  The related potential oversight agencies have been waiting for legislative guidance. This development follows a sell-off in crypto markets which follows other asset weaknesses in the face of higher costs to participate in the economy.  Bitcoin which traded above $68,000 in November broke below $36,000 and ether fell below $2,500, wiping out $350 billion in value from the total crypto market over the weekend.

Federal agencies, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council, are tasked with publishing reports on the systemic impacts and illicit uses of cryptocurrencies. A similar report from the Federal Reserve had detailed the pros and cons of a central bank digital currency, or fully digitizing the U.S. dollar with a “legal tender” status.

According to the report, the executive order is expected to ensure the U.S. is not left behind, but is a competitive player in the evolving field of digital assets.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

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Sources

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-21/white-house-is-set-to-put-itself-at-center-of-u-s-crypto-policy?sref=3REHEaVI

https://time.com/nextadvisor/investing/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-record-high-price

https://www.barrons.com/articles/cryptocurrency-exchanges-regulation-sec-coinbase-51620335275

 

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