Release – Ocugen Inc. Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Vaccine Manufacturing R D Hub in Ontario Canada



Ocugen, Inc. Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Vaccine Manufacturing, R&D Hub in Ontario, Canada

 

Research, News, and Market Data on Ocugen

 

  • Dormant Vaccine Manufacturing site currently owned by an affiliate of Liminal BioSciences intended to bring new capabilities to Ocugen’s medicine portfolio of Canadian and U.S. companies
  • COVAXIN™ (BBV152), if approved, to be the first product manufactured in new upgraded facility
  • New facility includes potential for manufacturing for breakthrough gene therapies and serve as R&D hub
  • Site development, refurbishment and manufacturing intended to bring significant new regional economic opportunities

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing breakthrough gene therapies and vaccines, announced that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with Liminal BioSciences, Inc. a Canadian public company with shares listed on NASDAQ   for the acquisition of their manufacturing site in Belleville, Ontario, for an undisclosed amount.

This site would enable Ocugen to expand its manufacturing and research and development capabilities to support its pipeline. This includes the manufacture of COVAXIN™ (BBV152), the company’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which was submitted to Health Canada for regulatory review by Ocugen’s Canadian affiliate, Vaccigen Ltd. This vaccine manufacturing facility has the potential to help Canada in its efforts to control the current and future pandemics for all Canadians.

“We believe establishing a manufacturing and R&D hub for our biotechnology platform is the right investment and next evolution of our business. This site, after transformation into a state-of-the-art hub, with the support of the regional talent pool can help bring our innovative products – from vaccines to our modifier gene therapy assets – to the patients we will serve globally,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder, Ocugen, Inc.

“We’re here to deliver to Canadians medical innovation that is going to make a difference in their lives. It’s also our intent to bring new opportunities for employment to the Belleville community that over time may bring significant economic growth to Ontario,” commented Dr. Ajay Potluri, Chief Executive Officer, Vaccigen Ltd.

“We are excited to see Ocugen’s plans to repurpose our dormant vaccine manufacturing facility and create vaccine manufacturing capacity in Canada. We thank Minister Champagne and his team at Innovation Science Economic Development (ISED) Canada who facilitated the introduction to Ocugen and Vaccigen.,” said Alek Krstajic, Chairman of the Board, Liminal BioSciences.

“We believe this could be an exciting opportunity for everyone involved, Liminal BioSciences, Ocugen, the province of Ontario, and most of all, the people of Canada, and we’re pleased to help facilitate this event by potentially selling a dormant vaccine manufacturing facility which is non-core to Liminal Biosciences and could be strategic to Ocugen,” said Peter Thomson, whose company, Thomvest, is a majority shareholder of Liminal BioSciences.

Completion of the proposed transaction is subject to finalization of due diligence investigations by the parties, the negotiation and execution of definitive transaction agreements and other customary closing conditions including certain funding requirements. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be entered into or that the proposed transaction will be consummated. 

About COVAXIN™ (BBV152)
COVAXIN™ (BBV152) is an investigational vaccine candidate product in the U.S, currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization (EUA) for children 2-18 years of age. Additionally, an Investigational New Drug application (IND) is being discussed with the agency to support an immunobridging study among U.S. participants. It was developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Virology (NIV). COVAXIN™ (BBV152) is a highly purified and inactivated vaccine that is manufactured using a vero cell manufacturing platform.

With more than 200 million doses having been administered to adults and children outside the U.S., COVAXIN™ (BBV152) is currently authorized under emergency use in more than 20 countries, and emergency use authorization is in process in more than 60 other countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added COVAXIN™ (BBV152) to its list of vaccines authorized for emergency use. And, as many as 110 countries have agreed to mutual recognition.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing gene therapies to cure blindness diseases and developing a vaccine to save lives from COVID-19. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with one drug – “one to many” and our novel biologic product candidate aims to offer better therapy to patients with underserved diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. We are co-developing Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN™ vaccine candidate for COVID-19 in the U.S. and Canadian markets. For more information, please visit www.ocugen.com.

About Vaccigen Ltd.
Vaccigen Ltd. is the Canadian affiliate of Ocugen, Inc. We are working every day to make a difference in the lives of Canadians, starting with the commercialization of a COVID-19 vaccine. In the future, we will work to bring innovation against blindness derived from the assets within Ocugen’s gene therapy platform. Our goal is to be here for the health of all Canadians during this public health crisis and for the future. Learn more at www.vaccigen.ca.

About Liminal BioSciences Inc.
Liminal BioSciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel, small molecule drug candidates for the treatment of patients suffering from fibrotic or inflammatory diseases that have a high unmet medical need.

Liminal BioSciences has active business operations in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include information about our non-binding letter of intent with Liminal BioSciences (Liminal) to acquire Liminal’s manufacturing site in Belleville, Ontario, including the anticipated terms of the potential acquisition, which are non-binding and subject to change, the potential manufacturing capability of such site, the potential regional economic opportunities that could result from our plans to further develop and refurbish the site following its acquisition, and the value of such site to our product pipeline, stockholders and the Canadian population, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those express or implied by such statements, including, among other things, the risk that we may not be able to successfully negotiate and execute a definitive purchase agreement for the acquisition on acceptable terms, if at all, and the ultimate terms and timing for closing of the transactions contemplated thereby; the risk that we will not be able to successfully close the acquisition; risks associated with the planned development and refurbishing of the manufacturing site, including that the expected costs for such development will be greater than currently contemplated or that the planned development will take longer than expected or fail to be completed on a timely basis, if at all; and the risk that we will not be able to scale production for such site to adequately support manufacturing of our product candidates or the other products that are currently or may in the future be manufactured at such site. In addition, our business is subject to numerous other risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates; the risk that Health Canada does not accept our new drug submission (NDS) for COVAXIN™ or that we may not be able to adequately respond to or resolve the deficiencies noted by Health Canada with respect to our NDS, for which we are preparing responses; the risk that we may not resolve the current clinical hold on COVAXIN™ in the near term or at all, or that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could make other decisions that adversely impact our ability to advance the development of COVAXIN™ in the United States, and the implications that this clinical hold may have for our request for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of COVAXIN for pediatric use, including the timing and scope of any such authorization; risks associated with preliminary and interim data, including the possibility of unfavorable new clinical trial data and further analyses of existing clinical trial data; the risk that the results of in-vitro studies will not be duplicated in human clinical trials; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including during the peer review/publication process, in the scientific community generally, and by regulatory authorities; whether and when data from Bharat Biotech’s clinical trials will be published in scientific journal publications and, if so, when and with what modifications; whether the data and results from the preclinical and clinical studies of COVAXIN™, which have been conducted by Bharat Biotech in India, will be accepted by the FDA or otherwise sufficient to support our EUA submission or planned BLA submission, assuming the clinical hold is lifted; the size, scope, timing and outcome of any additional trials or studies that we may be required to conduct to support an EUA or BLA; any additional chemistry, manufacturing, and controls information that we may be required to submit to the FDA; whether and when a BLA for COVAXIN™ will be submitted to or approved by the FDA; whether developments with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the regulatory pathway available for vaccines in the United States, Canada or other jurisdictions; market demand for COVAXIN™ in the United States or Canada; decisions by the FDA or Health Canada impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of COVAXIN™ in the United States or Canada, including development of products or therapies by other companies. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Ocugen Contact: 
Ken Inchausti
Head, Investor Relations & Communications
IR@Ocugen.com

Release – 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

Research, News, and Market Data on 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

 

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.

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

Suggested Reading



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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Comtech (CMTL) – Rejects Acacia Offer

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Comtech (CMTL)
Rejects Acacia Offer

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. engages in the design, development, production, and marketing of products, systems, and services for advanced communications solutions in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Telecommunications Transmission, Mobile Data Communications, and RF Microwave Amplifiers. The Telecommunications Transmission segment provides satellite earth station equipment and systems, over-the-horizon microwave systems, and forward error correction technology, which are used in various commercial and government applications, including backhaul of wireless and cellular traffic, broadcasting (including HDTV), IP-based communications traffic, long distance telephony, and secure defense applications. The Mobile Data Communications segment provides mobile satellite transceivers, and computers and satellite earth station network gateways and associated installation, training, and maintenance services; supplies and operates satellite packet data networks, including arranging and providing satellite capacity; and offers microsatellites and related components. The RF Microwave Amplifiers segment designs, develops, manufactures, and markets satellite earth station traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTA) and broadband amplifiers. Its amplifiers are used in broadcast and broadband satellite communication; defense applications, such as telecommunications systems and electronic warfare systems; and commercial applications comprising oncology treatment systems, as well as to amplify signals carrying voice, video, or data for air-to-satellite-to-ground communications. The company serves satellite systems integrators, wireless and other communication service providers, broadcasters, defense contractors, military, governments, and oil companies. Comtech markets its products through independent representatives and value-added resellers. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Melville, New York.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

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

    Rejects Acacia. Comtech’s Board has unanimously rejected Acacia Research Corporation’s October 29th offer to purchase Comtech for $30 per share. Comtech’s new Board, including a representative from Outerbridge, concluded Acacia’s offer “grossly undervalues the Company and is not in the best interest of Comtech’s shareholders.”

    Not A Surprise.  We are not surprised by the rejection as, at the time of the offer announcement, we had noted that Outerbridge had originally valued Comtech in the $32-$41 range and subsequently had valued Comtech’s NG911 business alone as worth more than its previously stated range …



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. 

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 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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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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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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Schwazze Closes Acquisition Of Drift



Schwazze Closes Acquisition Of Drift

Research, News, and Market Data on Schwazze

 

Expanding Retail Footprint in Boulder County, Colorado

OTCQX: SHWZ

DENVER, Jan. 26, 2022 /CNW/ – Schwazze, (OTCQX:SHWZ) (“Schwazze” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that it has closed the transaction to acquire the assets of BG3 Investments, LLC dba Drift which consists of two cannabis dispensaries located in Boulder, Colorado. This purchase continues Schwazze’s expansion plan in Colorado, adding to the Company’s current dispensary footprint, and bringing the total number of dispensaries to twenty. As part of the purchase, Schwazze will also acquire the assets of Black Box Licensing, LLC, which contains certain intellectual property.

“We look forward to adding these dispensaries to our portfolio. The Company remains focused on bringing excellent shopping experiences to all areas of Colorado by providing a wide assortment of quality products along with great service that our customers have come to expect from our brands.  We are excited to bring that experience to our customers in Boulder,” said Nirup Krishnamurthy, Schwazze’s COO.

The consideration for the acquisition was $3.5 million and was paid as $1.9 million in cash, and $1.6 million in common stock.

Corporate Update
Since April 2020, Schwazze has announced and/or acquired a total of 32 cannabis dispensaries, including the ten R. Greenleaf New Mexico dispensaries.  The Company has also announced and/or acquired in 2021 a total of seven cultivation facilities, three in Colorado – SCG Holding LLC, Brow 2 LLC and Star Buds – and four licensed by Medzen and RGO in New Mexico.  The R. Greenleaf acquisition will add a New Mexico manufacturing asset, Elemental Kitchen & Laboratories, LLC, to the Company’s manufacturing plant, Purplebee’s in Colorado.

In May 2021, Schwazze announced its BioSciences division and in August 2021 it commenced home delivery services in Colorado.

About Schwazze 
Schwazze (OTCQX: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in  Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position.  Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale.  The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant to improve the human condition.  Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes.  The Company’s leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector.  Schwazze is passionate about making a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and doing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices.  Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze’s former operating trade name.  The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc.

Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Such statements may be preceded by the words “may,” “estimates”, “predicts,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) our inability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (ii) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (iii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iv) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; (v) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to market our products and product candidates; (vi) our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy in Colorado and outside the state, (vii) our ability to identify and consummate future acquisitions that meet our criteria, (viii) our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize synergies therefrom, (ix) the actual revenues derived from the Company’s Star Buds assets, * the Company’s actual revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2021, (xi) the Company’s ability to generate positive cash flow for the rest of 2021 (xii) the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, (xiii) the timing and extent of governmental stimulus programs, and (xiv) the uncertainty in the application of federal, state and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.

SOURCE Schwazze

Sierra Metals (SMTS)(SMT:CA) – Darkest Before The Dawn

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Sierra Metals (SMTS)(SMT:CA)
Darkest Before The Dawn

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

Sierra Metals Inc is a precious and base metals producer in Latin America. The company acquires, explores, extracts, and produces mineral concentrates consisting of silver, copper, lead, zinc and gold in Mexico and Peru. Its activity includes the operation of the Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and the Bolivar and Cusi mines in Mexico. Yauricocha is an underground polymetallic mine using the sublevel block caving and cut-and-fill mining methods. Bolivar is a copper-silver-zinc-gold underground mine using room-and-pillar mining method. The majority of the revenue is earned by selling of the mineral concentrates to its customers in Peru.

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.

    Fourth quarter and full year 2021 production. During the fourth quarter, Sierra Metals produced 6.1 million pounds of copper, 6.0 million pounds of lead, 14.9 million pounds of zinc, 1.9 thousand ounces of gold, and 805 thousand ounces of silver. Compared with the prior year period, fourth quarter production of copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver declined 42.9%, 21.2%, 31.0%, 44.6%, and 12.7%, respectively, and declined 26.5%, 23.3%, 22.0%, 17.6%, and 0.2% sequentially. The quarter reflected operational challenges, and while Cusi and Yauricocha are approaching normalized operations, infill drilling and mine development is needed at Bolivar to normalize operations by the end of the second quarter. Compared to 2020, full year silver production increased 1.8%, while copper, lead, zinc, and gold production declined 28.3%, 6.5%, 3.2%, and 30.5%, respectively.

    Updating estimates.  We are lowering our 2021 EPS and EBITDA estimates to $0.06 and $89.7 million from $0.13 and $105.7 million, respectively, to reflect lower production. We also lowered our 2022 EPS and EBITDA estimates to $0.22 and $121.8 million from $0.36 and $163.2 million, respectively, which reflects a steady improvement in operating performance that is back-end loaded. Our preliminary 2023 …



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. 

CanAlaska Deals Further Three Uranium Projects for AUD$15M



CanAlaska Deals Further Three Uranium Projects for AUD$15M

Research, News, and Market Data on CanAlaska Uranium

 

Basin Energy has Staged Option to Earn up to 80% Interest in Two Properties and Additional Option to Earn up to 100% in One Property

Focus on High-Grade Eastern Athabasca Basement and Unconformity Uranium Targets

Vancouver, Canada, January 26, 2022 – CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSX-V: CVV; OTCQB: CVVUF; Frankfurt: DH7N) (“CanAlaska” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has entered into a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) with Basin Energy Limited (“Basin Energy”), an Australian unlisted public company, to allow Basin Energy to earn up to an 80% interest in CanAlaska’s 100%-owned North Millennium and Geikie projects, and a 100% interest in CanAlaska’s 100%-owned Marshall project. These projects total 50,994.56 hectares in the Eastern Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada (the “Projects”) (Figure 1).

North Millennium and Geikie Projects

Basin Energy may earn up to an 80% interest in each of the North Millennium and Geikie projects by undertaking work and milestone payments in three defined earn-in stages on each project.

  • Basin Energy may earn an initial 40% interest (“40% Option”) in each of the projects by paying the Company AUD$41,666.66 cash per project and issuing 6.66% worth of ordinary shares in Basin Energy’s capital structure as at listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) per project within 180 days following execution of a definitive Property Option Agreement (“POA”). Basin Energy will have the right to extend the 40% Option on a month-by-month basis for up to three (3) consecutive months upon payment of an option extension fee of AUD$8,333 per month per project.
  • Basin Energy may earn an additional 20% interest (“60% Option”) in each of the projects by incurring AUD$2,500,000 in exploration expenditures per project within 24 months of the ASX listing date.
  • Basin Energy may earn an additional 20% interest (“80% Option”) in each of the projects by issuing a further 2,250,000 ordinary shares in Basin Energy per project and incurring an additional AUD$5,000,000 (total: AUD$7,500,000) in exploration expenditures per project within 48 months of the ASX listing date and granting the Company a 2.75% net smelter returns (“NSR”) royalty on all products derived from the claims with a repurchase right of 0.50% NSR for AUD$500,000 at any time commencing from the grant of the 2.75% NSR per project.
  • CanAlaska will be operator of the projects through the 60% Option threshold and charge an operator fee.
  • Basin Energy will be obligated to keep and maintain the North Millennium and Geikie claims in good standing for a minimum period of one year at all times during the term of the POA.
  • A Joint Technical Operating Committee (“JTOC”) will be established. Basin Energy will have the deciding vote on all expenditures to be incurred on the claims during the term of the POA.

After successful completion of either of the 40% Option or 60% Option stages of the agreement, and if Basin Energy elects to not enter the final stage, a joint venture will be formed and the parties will co-contribute on a simple pro-rata basis or dilute on a pre-defined straight-line dilution formula. If either party dilutes to a 10% interest, the diluting party will automatically forfeit its interest in the respective project and in lieu thereof will be granted a 2.75% net smelter returns (NSR) royalty on the respective property on all products derived from the claims with a repurchase right of 0.50% NSR for AUD$500,000 at any time commencing from the grant of the 2.75% NSR, except that, this provision will not apply to CanAlaska if CanAlaska has already been granted the 2.75% NSR prior to diluting to a 10% interest.

An area of mutual interest will be established that extends two kilometres from the boundary of the claims.

 

Marshall Project

Basin Energy may acquire a 100% interest in the Marshall project by:

  • Paying the Company AUD$41,666.66 cash and issuing 6.66% worth of ordinary shares in Basin Energy’s capital structure as at listing on the ASX within 180 days following execution of a definitive POA. Basin Energy will have the right to extend the payment period on a month-by-month basis for up to three (3) consecutive months upon payment of an option extension fee of AUD$8,333 per month.
  • Granting to the Company a 2.75% net smelter returns (“NSR”) royalty on all products derived from the claims with a repurchase right of 0.50% NSR for AUD$500,000 at any time commencing from the grant of the 2.75% NSR.
  • CanAlaska and Basin Energy will enter into an agreement, on terms acceptable to both parties, pursuant to which Basin Energy will engage the Company to be the operator of the initial AUD$1,500,000 work program on the property after closing of the transaction. CanAlaska will be entitled to charge Basin Energy an operator fee.

 

About Basin Energy Limited

Basin Energy Limited (ACN 655 515 110) is an Australian unlisted uranium exploration and development company incorporated for the purpose of pursuing highly prospective uranium opportunities globally. It is a condition of completion of this transaction that Basin Energy be listed on the ASX.

CanAlaska CEO, Cory Belyk, comments, “CanAlaska is very pleased to work with Basin Energy, another pending Australian-listed player in the Athabasca Basin, to help fund the next stages of exploration on these new and highly prospective Eastern Athabasca uranium projects we staked in 2021. This very significant investment by Basin Energy is another example of CanAlaska’s project generator model at work that will allow for discovery opportunities for our shareholders without dilution in our core Eastern Athabasca projects.”

 

Other News

The Company is currently drilling on its Waterbury South project near the Cigar Lake mine.

 

About CanAlaska Uranium

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSX-V: CVV; OTCQB: CVVUF; Frankfurt: DH7N) holds interests in approximately 300,000 hectares (750,000 acres), in Canada’s Athabasca Basin – the “Saudi Arabia of Uranium.”  CanAlaska’s strategic holdings have attracted major international mining companies. CanAlaska is currently working with Cameco and Denison at two of the Company’s properties in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. CanAlaska is a project generator positioned for discovery success in the world’s richest uranium district. The Company also holds properties prospective for nickel, copper, gold and diamonds.

For further information visit www.canalaska.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

“Peter Dasler”
Peter Dasler, M.Sc., P.Geo.
President
CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.

Contacts:

Peter Dasler, President
Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138
Email: info@canalaska.com

Cory Belyk, CEO and Executive Vice President
Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138
Email: cbelyk@canalaska.com

Neither 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 information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

InPlay Oil (IPOOF)(IPO:CA) – InPlay was the third best performer in the OTCQX 50 2022 list

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

InPlay Oil (IPOOF)(IPO:CA)
InPlay was the third best performer in the OTCQX 50 2022 list

As of April 24, 2020, Noble Capital Markets research on InPlay Oil is published under ticker symbols (IPOOF and IPO:CA). The price target is in USD and based on ticker symbol IPOOF. Research reports dated prior to April 24, 2020 may not follow these guidelines and could account for a variance in the price target. InPlay Oil is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production. The company operates long-lived, low-decline properties with drilling development and enhanced oil recovery potential as well as undeveloped lands with exploration possibilities. The common shares of InPlay trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO and the OTCQZ Exchange under the symbol IPOOF.

Michael Heim, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

    IPOOF ranks high in the annual OTCQX survey. The survey ranks over 11,000 stocks based on an equal weight of stock performance and average daily dollar volume growth in 2021. The shares of IPOOF, which rose 254% in 2021, continued their climb so far in 2022 reaching a peak of $2.69 or 937% above the starting point for 2021. The shares have fallen a bit in the last few days along with the overall market, but still remain near peak levels. Average daily volumes, which were below 5,000 shares at the beginning of 2021 have crossed 100,000 several of the last trading days.

    There are many reasons for the share strength.  Certainly higher oil and gas prices have helped the shares. However, we believe the successful drilling of Cardium wells in the Pembina play was the primary reason for the share strength as management raised production and sash flow guidance several times. We are especially excited about a tuck-in acquisition that the company made in the fall that …



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. 

Capstone Green Energy (CGRN) – New contract keeps Capstone on track to meet rental goal Example of more to come

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Capstone Green Energy (CGRN)
New contract keeps Capstone on track to meet rental goal. Example of more to come?

Capstone Green Energy Corp is the producer of low-emission microturbine systems.The company develops, manufactures, markets and services microturbine technology solutions for use in stationary distributed power generation applications. Capstone Turbine’s products include onboard generation for hybrid electric vehicles; conversion of oil field and biomass waste gases into electricity; combined heat, power, and chilling solutions; capacity addition; and standby power.

Michael Heim, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

    Capstone signed a 4 MW two-year, EAAS contract with a new customer in the cryptocurrency space. Recall that Capstone is moving toward increased Energy As A Service (EAAS) sales and is seeking to increase equipment rentals to 21 megawatts by this spring from a September level of 13.1 MW. Today’s announcement places the company on track to meet its goal.

    The new customer is in a fast growing space that plays off of Capstone’s experience with exploration and production companies.  The customer is located on an oil and gas well and will use waste gas emissions to perform large volume, blockchain and cryptocurrency mining. Capstone has a history of serving exploration and production customers. We believe the use of small generators using gas waste to …



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. 

Motorsport Games Announces Official KartKraft Launch



Motorsport Games Announces Official KartKraft Launch

Research, News, and Market Data on Motorsport Games

 

PREVIOUSLY IN ‘EARLY ACCESS,’ THE FULL GAME WILL COME COMPLETE WITH ONLINE MULTIPLAYER, OFFICIAL TRACKS AND FULL CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

MIAMI, Jan. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, announces today the official launch of KartKraft, available to play on PC through the Steam store. Previously in ‘Early Access’ mode since November of 2018, this marks the full release of the leading kart racing simulator, bringing a bevy of new features for fans to enjoy. The trailer can be viewed here.

KartKraft is developed and published by Motorsport Games, having acquired the game IP, assets and code from original developer Black Delta in March of 2021. Key members from Black Delta, including Founder Zach Griffin, joined Motorsport Games to form its new Australia-based studio, which has continued to work on KartKraft. Since last year’s acquisition, Motorsport Games Australia has carried on developing the game to get it ready for its full launch.

“The Motorsport Games team is excited to finally launch KartKraft in full, bringing more top-tier features than ever to the most highly-acclaimed karting simulator on the market,” said Dmitry Kozko, CEO of Motorsport Games. “Acquiring KartKraft last year signaled our aggressive plans for growth and expansion as a leading developer of racing games, and our amazing team in Australia has delivered a stunning title for fans across the world. We look forward to hearing from our players about KartKraft and will continue to build upon this release as we’ll keep evolving the game in future.”

The full release of KartKraft for PC introduces a number of fresh additions to improve the overall gaming experience. Players can now participate in scheduled multiplayer sessions with a bespoke matchmaking system, something previously unavailable in the Early Access version. Additionally, the full version of KartKraft allows players to customize their own karts with 8 officially licensed manufacturers and 5 different classes. Players can also race on 7 officially licensed, laser-scanned circuits , including the newly added Whilton Mill circuit. Additionally, KartKraft supports virtual reality and triple screen play, as well as full motion support.

“Since joining the Motorsport Games team last year, we’ve been provided with more resources and tools than ever before to make KartKraft the remarkable game that it is today,” said Zach Griffin, Director of Technology at Motorsport Games. “With our full launch out of Early Access, we couldn’t be more pleased to finally bring a list of features that have been asked for by our community for some time, including online multiplayer, user interface updates and more tracks. More importantly, this does not signal the end of KartKraft’s development, but the start of the next chapter. I’m confident that players will love this game just as much as we have enjoyed making it.”

KartKraft is available to play today on Steam for PC. It can be purchased for $39.99. The game developers will continue to work on and improve KartKraft after initial release continuously iterating upon the foundation in place.

To keep up with the latest Motorsport Game news, please visit www.motorsportgames.com and follow on TwitterInstagramFacebook and LinkedIn.

About Motorsport Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: (i) the Company’s expectation to pursue aggressive plans for growth and expansion as a leading developer of racing games; and (iii) the expected future impact of new or planned products, features, offerings or events, and the timing of launching such products, features, offerings or events, including, without limitation, the Company’s belief that with the release of KartKraft, its amazing team in Australia has delivered a stunning title and a remarkable game for fans across the world, the Company’s plans to continue to build upon this release and to keep evolving the game in future and that players will love this game. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) difficulties, delays or less than expected results in achieving the Company’s growth plans, objectives and expectations, such as due to a slower than anticipated economic recovery and/or the Company’s inability, in whole or in part, to continue to execute its business strategies and plans, such as due to unforeseen difficulties in maintaining existing licenses, and securing additional licenses with various racing series and/or difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified employees and key personnel; and/or (ii) Motorsport Games experiencing difficulties and/or delays in enhancing the quality of its product offerings that could negatively impact its future development plans, such as due to difficulties or delays in launching new products, higher than anticipated costs incurred in developing, launching and continuining to enhance and improve such products and/or less than anticipated consumer acceptance of the Company’s product offerings and/or difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and scope of new product launches, such as due to delays and higher than anticipated expenses related to the ongoing and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and related economic lockdowns and government mandates; unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; adverse effects of increased competition; and unanticipated changes in consumer behavior, including as a result of general economic factors, such as increased inflation. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on these websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
  LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
  Twitch: traxiongg
  Reddit: traxiongg






The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Investors:
Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.Desimone@icrinc.com

Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr.com