Release – Ayala Pharmaceuticals Reports Full-Year 2021 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Admin

Ayala Pharmaceuticals Reports Full-Year 2021 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Research, News, and Market Data on Ayala Pharmaceuticals

– Part A of AL102 RINGSIDE study fully enrolled; interim data expected mid-2022 –

REHOVOT, Israel and WILMINGTON, Del., March 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ayala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ayala or the Company) (Nasdaq: AYLA), a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing and commercializing small molecule therapeutics for patients suffering from rare and aggressive cancers today announced full-year 2021 financial results and provided a corporate update.

“2022 is off to a very promising start for Ayala, following a number of important accomplishments across our pipeline of innovative gamma-secretase inhibitors in 2021,” said Roni Mamluk, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Ayala. “We are pleased with the progress of our AL102 program in desmoid tumors, having recently completed enrollment in Part A of the open label RINGSIDE study. We are encouraged by initial positive feedback received from investigators so far. We plan to announce initial interim data from Part A around mid-year 2022 and intend to move into Part B, the randomized portion of the study, immediately thereafter. We look forward to announcing additional data readouts and updates on our other clinical programs throughout 2022 including further data on AL101 in adenoid cystic carcinoma.”

2021 and Recent Business and Clinical Highlights

Completed enrollment of Part A of the Phase 2/3 RINGSIDE study of AL102 in desmoid tumors: 36 patients have been enrolled in Part A of the RINGSIDE study, which is evaluating the safety and tolerability of AL102, as well as tumor volume by MRI at 16 weeks. Ayala expects to report an initial interim data read-out around mid-2022, with Part B of the study commencing immediately thereafter.
Initiated “Window of Opportunity” study of AL101 in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC): The study is focused on determining the effects of AL101 for the treatment of ACC and other cancers. The goals of the study are to better understand the mechanism of AL101, determine the best treatment regime and generate data for the future development strategy. The study is being conducted in collaboration with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation.
Presented positive preliminary clinical data from the ongoing ACCURACY trial in ACC: Updated interim data from the 6mg cohort of the Phase 2 ACCURACY study of AL101 in recurrent/metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (R/M ACC) were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2021 demonstrating partial responses in three subjects (9%) and stable disease in 20 subjects (61%). At ESMO, the Company also presented preclinical proof of concept data on AL101 in combination with approved cancer therapies in patient-derived ACC tumor models
Initiated Phase 1 trial of AL102 in combination with Novartis’ B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) targeting agent WVT078 in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM): inhibition of gamma-secretase with AL102 prevents the cleavage and shedding of BCMA, which is ubiquitously expressed on MM cells. Preclinical data have demonstrated that treatment with AL102 increases the expression of membrane-bound BCMA on the surface of MM cells and could enhance the activity of WVT078. Ongoing patient enrollment continues as planned.
AL101 in Notch-activated triple negative breast cancer: The Company has elected to discontinue the Phase 2 TENACITY study as part of its efforts to focus its resources on the more advanced programs and studies including the RINGSIDE study in desmoid tumors and the ACCURACY study for ACC.

Upcoming Milestones

Initial interim data from the pivotal Phase 2/3 RINGSIDE trial in desmoid tumors (Mid-2022): Ayala expects to report an initial interim data read-out from Part A of the Phase 2/3 RINGSIDE trial of AL102 in desmoid tumors around mid-2022. Part B of the study will be a double-blind placebo-controlled study and will start immediately after dose selection from Part A.
Additional data from the Phase 2 ACCURACY trial of AL101 in ACC: The ongoing ACCURACY trial is an open-label, single-arm Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating AL101 as monotherapy for the treatment of R/M ACC patients with Notch-activated mutations. The first cohort of the trial included 45 subjects dosed at 4 mg of AL101 IV once weekly. Final data from the 4 mg cohort and additional data from the 6 mg cohort,which includes 42 subjects are expected to be reported in the second half of 2022.
Initiate Phase 2 Clinical Trial Evaluating AL102 in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL): Ayala plans to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating AL101 in R/R T-ALL in the second half of 2022.

Full Year 2021 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents were $37.3 million as of December 31, 2021, as compared to $42.4 million as of December 31, 2020.

Collaboration Revenue: Collaboration revenue was $3.5 million for the full year of 2021, as compared to $3.7 million for the full year of 2020.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $29.9 million for the full year 2021, compared to $22.4 million in 2020. The increase was primarily driven by additional costs in connection with the initiation and advancement of the Phase 2/3 RINGSIDE pivotal study for desmoid tumors.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $9.3 million as of December 31, 2021, compared to $7.4 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher expenses in connection with our operations as a public company, including director and officer insurance, increased headcount, and stock-based compensation.

Net Loss: Net loss was $40.3 million for the full year 2021, resulting in basic and diluted net loss per share of ($2.80). This compares with a net loss was $30.1 million for the full year of 2020, equivalent to basic and diluted net loss per share of ($3.06).

For further details on the Company’s financial results, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 28, 2022.

About Ayala Pharmaceuticals
Ayala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing and commercializing small molecule therapeutics for patients suffering from rare and aggressive cancers,. Ayala’s approach is focused on predicating, identifying and addressing tumorigenic drivers of cancer through a combination of its bioinformatics platform and next-generation sequencing to deliver targeted therapies to underserved patient populations. The company has two product candidates under development, AL101 and AL102, targeting the aberrant activation of the Notch pathway with gamma secretase inhibitors to treat a variety of tumors including Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL), Desmoid Tumors and Multiple Myeloma (MM) (in collaboration with Novartis). AL101, has received Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA and is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial for patients with ACC (ACCURACY) bearing Notch activating mutations and other gene rearrangements. AL102 is currently in a pivotal Phase 2/3 clinical trial for patients with desmoid tumors (RINGSIDE) and is being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in combination with Novartis’ BMCA targeting agent, WVT078, in patients with relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma. For more information, visit www.ayalapharma.com.

Contacts:

Investors:
Joyce Allaire
LifeSci Advisors LLC
+1-617-435-6602
jallaire@lifesciadvisors.com

Ayala Pharmaceuticals:
+1-857-444-0553
info@ayalapharma.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements relating to our development of AL101 and AL102, the promise and potential impact of our preclinical or clinical trial data, the timing of and plans to initiate additional clinical trials of AL101 and AL102, the timing and results of any clinical trials or readouts, the sufficiency of cash to fund operations, and the anticipated impact of COVID-19, on our business. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. The words ”may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: we have incurred significant losses since inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We are not currently profitable, and we may never achieve or sustain profitability; we will require additional capital to fund our operations, and if we fail to obtain necessary financing, we may not be able to complete the development and commercialization of AL101 and AL102; we have identified conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern; we have a limited operating history and no history of commercializing pharmaceutical products, which may make it difficult to evaluate the prospects for our future viability; we are heavily dependent on the success of AL101 and AL102, our most advanced product candidates, which are still under clinical development, and if either AL101 or AL102 does not receive regulatory approval or is not successfully commercialized, our business may be harmed; due to our limited resources and access to capital, we must prioritize development of certain programs and product candidates; these decisions may prove to be wrong and may adversely affect our business; the outbreak of COVID-19, may adversely affect our business, including our clinical trials; our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations; our product candidates are designed for patients with genetically defined cancers, which is a rapidly evolving area of science, and the approach we are taking to discover and develop product candidates is novel and may never lead to marketable products; we were not involved in the early development of our lead product candidates; therefore, we are dependent on third parties having accurately generated, collected and interpreted data from certain preclinical studies and clinical trials for our product candidates; enrollment and retention of patients in clinical trials is an expensive and time-consuming process and could be made more difficult or rendered impossible by multiple factors outside our control; if we do not achieve our projected development and commercialization goals in the timeframes we announce and expect, the commercialization of our product candidates may be delayed and our business will be harmed; our product candidates may cause serious adverse events or undesirable side effects, which may delay or prevent marketing approval, or, if approved, require them to be taken off the market, require them to include safety warnings or otherwise limit their sales; the market opportunities for AL101 and AL102, if approved, may be smaller than we anticipate; we may not be successful in developing, or collaborating with others to develop, diagnostic tests to identify patients with Notch-activating mutations; we have never obtained marketing approval for a product candidate and we may be unable to obtain, or may be delayed in obtaining, marketing approval for any of our product candidates; even if we obtain FDA approval for our product candidates in the United States, we may never obtain approval for or commercialize them in any other jurisdiction, which would limit our ability to realize their full market potential; we have been granted Orphan Drug Designation for AL101 for the treatment of ACC and may seek Orphan Drug Designation for other indications or product candidates, and we may be unable to maintain the benefits associated with Orphan Drug Designation, including the potential for market exclusivity, and may not receive Orphan Drug Designation for other indications or for our other product candidates; although we have received Fast Track designation for AL101, and may seek Fast Track designation for our other product candidates, such designations may not actually lead to a faster development timeline, regulatory review or approval process; we face significant competition from other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and our operating results will suffer if we fail to compete effectively; we are dependent on a small number of suppliers for some of the materials used to manufacture our product candidates, and on one company for the manufacture of the active pharmaceutical ingredient for each of our product candidates; our existing collaboration with Novartis is, and any future collaborations will be, important to our business. If we are unable to maintain our existing collaboration or enter into new collaborations, or if these collaborations are not successful, our business could be adversely affected; enacted and future healthcare legislation may increase the difficulty and cost for us to obtain marketing approval of and commercialize our product candidates, if approved, and may affect the prices we may set; if we are unable to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce patent and other intellectual property protection for our technology and products or if the scope of the patent or other intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products and technology similar or identical to ours, and we may not be able to compete effectively in our markets; we may engage in acquisitions or in-licensing transactions that could disrupt our business, cause dilution to our stockholders or reduce our financial resources; and risks related to our operations in Israel could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

These and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on March 29, 2022 and our other filings with the SEC, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. New risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risk factors and uncertainties. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

AYALA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)

	December 31,			December 31,
	2021			2020
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	36,982		$	42,025
Short-Term Restricted Bank Deposits		122			90
Trade Receivables		–			681
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		2,636			1,444
Total Current Assets		39,740			44,240
Long-Term Assets:
Other Assets		267			305
Property and Equipment, Net		1,120			1,283
Total Long-Term Assets		1,387			1,588
Total Assets	$	41,127		$	45,828
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
Current Liabilities:
Trade Payables	$	3,214		$	3,726
Other Accounts Payables		3,258			3,151
Total Current Liabilities		6,472			6,877
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-Term Rent Liability		497			553
Total Long-Term Liabilities	$	497		$	553
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common Stock of $0.01 par value per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2021 and 2020; 14,080,383 and 12,824,463 shares issued at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively; 13,956,035 and 12,728,446 shares outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, Respectively.	$	139		$	128
Additional Paid-in Capital		145,160			109,157
Accumulated Deficit		(111,141	)		(70,887	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		34,158			38,398
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	41,127		$	45,828

AYALA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

U.S. dollars in thousands (except shares and per shares data)

	Year ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,
	2021			2020
Revenue from License Agreement	$	3,506		$	3,708
Cost of Revenue		(3,506	)		(3,708	)
Gross Profit		—			—
Research and Development	$	29,941		$	22,406
General and Administrative		9,277			7,371
Operating Loss		(39,218	)		(29,777	)
Financial income (expenses), net		(260	)		56
Loss before taxes on income		(39,478	)		(29,721	)
Taxes on Income		(776	)		(425	)
Net Loss	$	(40,254	)	$	(30,146	)
Net Loss per Share attributable to Common Stockholders, Basic and Diluted	$	(2.80	)	$	(3.06	)
Weighted Average Shares Used to Compute Net Loss per Share, Basic and Diluted		14,398,905			9,860,610

Release – Flotek Announces Earnings Schedule For 2021 Results

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Admin

Flotek Announces Earnings Schedule For 2021 Results

Research, News, and Market Data on Flotek Industries

HOUSTON, March 28, 2022 – Flotek Industries, Inc. (“Flotek” or the “Company”) (NYSE: FTK) schedule for releasing its results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

In a press release to be issued after market close on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, Flotek will release its full year 2021 financial and operating results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. The Company will host its earnings conference call on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. CT (10:00 a.m. ET).

To participate in the call, participants should access the webcast on www.flotekind.com under the Investor Relations section or dial 1-844-835-9986 approximately five minutes prior to the start of the call. Following the conclusion of the conference call, a recording of the call will be available on the Company’s website.

About Flotek Industries, Inc.

Flotek Industries, Inc. creates solutions to reduce the environmental impact of energy on air, water, land and people. A technology driven, specialty green chemistry and data company, Flotek helps customers across industrial, commercial, and consumer markets improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance performance. Flotek’s Chemistry Technologies segment develops, manufactures, packages, distributes, delivers, and markets high-quality cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing products for commercial, governmental and personal consumer use. Additionally, Flotek empowers the energy industry to maximize the value of their hydrocarbon streams and improve return on invested capital through its real-time data platforms and green chemistry technologies. Flotek serves downstream, midstream, and upstream customers, both domestic and international. Flotek is a publicly traded company headquartered in Houston, Texas, and its common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “FTK.” For additional information, please visit www.flotekind.com.

Forward -Looking Statements

Certain statements set forth in this press release constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) regarding Flotek Industries, Inc.’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Words such as will, continue, expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements in this press release. Although forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the good faith judgment of management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to management. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. Further information about the risks and uncertainties that may impact the company are set forth in the Company’s most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K (including, without limitation, in the “Risk Factors” section thereof), and in the Company’s other SEC filings and publicly available documents. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect, any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this press release.

Inquiries, contact:

Investor Relations

E: ir@flotekind.com

P: (713) 726-5322

Regulators May Add New Guard Rails to Temper Investment Risk

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Admin



Image Credit: Image Image: Eric Ward (Flickr)

Retail Investors May Soon See More Safety Measures Including Coursework and Testing

The decline in cost, ease of use, and low cost of money have been positive for both investors and the brokerage industry. However, over the past few years, there has also been much greater use of what the regulators have referred to as “complex” investment products. These could include leveraged ETFs, options, or even structured interest rate products. It has been a while since groups of investors have been stung by derivative-based investments or others with risk that difficult to assess. Both FINRA and the SEC are considering whether the rules on availability should be reworked for both investors and those giving investment advice.

FINRA Taking Action

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is an authority working under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that writes and enforces rules that govern the activities of all registered broker-dealer firms and registered brokers in the U.S. It measures best practices, required practices, and protects the investing public against fraud and bad behavior of professionals.

FINRA recently released a regulatory notice to brokerage firms, reminding them of the risks of “complex” products and the legal obligations they have of making sure their investors are offered only suitable investment products. The notice said, “The number of accounts trading in complex products and options has increased significantly in recent years.” It went on to state that, “… important regulatory concerns arise when investors trade complex products without understanding their unique characteristics and risks.”

Not long ago, a live financial professional was the primary means of opening an account and learning of suitable investment products. Image: Campus Production (Pexels)

FINRA, which is a self-regulating entity promoting and enforcing its rules, is now seeking comments on whether the current regulatory framework is adequate to protect investors. It noted that the old rules were adopted when most financial products were bought through direct contact with financial professionals, whereas today many of these products are bought and sold through self-direct trading platforms like Robinhood or other online brokers.

Defining “Complex”

FINRA describes a complex product in its regulatory notice as “a product with features that may make it difficult for a retail investor to understand the essential characteristics of the product and its risks (including the payout structure and how the product may perform in different market and economic conditions).” These can include “Mutual funds and ETFs that offer strategies employing cryptocurrency futures.” It also lists leveraged and inverse exchange-traded products, volatility-linked ETPs, structured products, and defined outcome ETFs, which offer exposure to the performance of a market.

“We continue to believe that the features of these products are such that they may be difficult for a retail investor to understand the essential characteristics of the products and their risks and, are, therefore complex,” FINRA said.

Access to all markets has become much easier. Image Credit: Techdaily.ca

Self-Directed Brokerage Platform

“These concerns may be heightened when a retail customer is accessing these products through a self-directed platform and without the assistance of a financial professional, who may be in a position to explain the key features and risks of the product to the retail investor,” FINRA expressed.

As part of the regulatory notice, FINRA opened a comment period to ask what additional requirements may be necessary to protect investors from a much faster and easier investing environment that includes new products without enough history to fully understand, particularly at the retail investor level. FINRA specifically asked as it relates to retail investors and self-directed platforms, “are additional guardrails needed for these types of platforms?”

Tests for Retail Transactions

FINRA may also be leaning toward retail investors needing to demonstrate adequate knowledge of the products they are risking money on.

The notice asks whether retail customers should be required “to demonstrate their understanding of those common characteristics and risks of complex products by completing a knowledge check and, if the customer fails to show the requisite knowledge, requiring the completion of a learning course and additional assessment?” In other words, a test, and perhaps a class.

Standard Options Trades

Most retail investors with a brokerage account never even considered the notion of trading options. That has changed. FINRA writes that listed options trading volume has grown by 30% over 2020 and is almost 100% higher than in 2019.

“Similar to transactions in complex products, buying or selling options can be risky for retail investors who trade options without understanding their vocabulary, strategies and risks. Members should consider whether investors understand the various risks of trading options…” FINRA said.

Take-Away

Regulators, in any industry are wrestling with a rapidly changing world. The investment business has transformed rapidly with no-cost transactions, portable apps, and game-like point and execute functionality. FINRA is looking at its current safeguards and policies designed to protect the clients of those it regulates and is likely to make some adjustments after the comment period.

FINRA encourages all interested parties to comment on this request for comment. Comments must be received by May 9, 2022.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Suggested Reading

SEC Investigates Digital Engagement Practices in Broker Apps

SEC Climate Change Disclosure Rules and Challenges

Why Some are More Vulnerable to Financial Scams

Bitcoin ETFs Again Experience Extreme Caution from SEC

Sources

https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/notices/22-08

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Release – ISG Acquires AI Platform Solution Agreemint

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Admin

ISG to Announce Third-Quarter Financial Results

Research, News, and Market Data on Information Services Group

Move strengthens ISG’s provider governance and risk management leadership

AI platform supports better negotiation and legal compliance of supplier contracts

Agreemint to be integrated into ISG GovernX® third-party management solution

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, said today it has acquired automated contracting solution Agreemint from its founders. Terms were not disclosed.

The AI-powered contracting platform brings important new capabilities to the market-leading ISG GovernX^® vendor compliance and risk management solution and will be used by ISG to add value to future platform solutions now in development.

“Our SaaS-based GovernX platform has been one of our fastest-growing areas over the last two years, especially as large organizations seek to control costs and mitigate risk from their ever- expanding supplier ecosystems,” said Michael P. Connors, chairman and CEO of ISG. “Our acquisition of Agreemint creates the ultimate platform for enterprises to accelerate time to contract, keeping pace with their speed of technology adoption and partnership formation.”

The acquisition, Connors said, is part of ISG’s overall strategy to develop or acquire innovative SaaS-based platforms to complement its advisory business, bring more value to clients, and achieve consistent, double-digit recurring revenue growth.

Agreemint delivers automated contract authoring through a repository of legal positions to accelerate speed to contract. Its patented AI-powered smart functionality enables clients to negotiate better contracts by suggesting language proven to be legally compliant, governable and agreeable to both parties based upon analysis of previous contracting efforts. The software also anticipates language sticking points and includes a clause library that proposes pre-approved clause alternatives.

ISG has partnered with Agreemint since 2021 on solutions for several blue-chip ISG clients. Connors said the acquisition is a natural extension of that relationship and adding Agreemint software will make the ISG GovernX platform even more valuable for automating the entire contract lifecycle. GovernX has under management more than $60 billion of annual contact value, up 30 percent in the last year, across more than 10,000 client contracts, up 40 percent.

“Getting to ‘yes’ on a contract faster and more efficiently is what Agreemint is all about,” said Agreemint founder Peter Graham, who is joining ISG in an executive role. ”Agreemint’s AI-powered negotiating and contracting tools, coupled with GovernX’s extensive vendor compliance and risk management capabilities, makes GovernX the most complete solution for contract lifecycle management on the market today.”

For more information about ISG GovernX, visit this webpage. Further details about Agreemint can be found at agreemint.com.

About ISG

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 800 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.

Source: Information Services Group, Inc.

Schwazze (SHWZ) Scheduled to Present at NobleCon18 Investor Conference

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Admin

Schwazze CFO Nancy Huber provides a preview of their upcoming presentation at NobleCon18

NobleCon18 – Noble Capital Markets 18th Annual Small and Microcap Investor Conference – April 19-21, 2022 – Hard Rock, Hollywood, FL 100+ Public Company Presentations | Scheduled Breakouts | Panel Presentations | High-Profile Keynotes | Educational Sessions | Receptions & Networking Events

Free Registration Available – More Info

Research News and Advanced Market Data on SHWZ

NobleCon18 Presenting Companies

About Schwazze

Schwazze (OTCQX: SHWZ; NEO: 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.

Cocrystal Pharma (COCP) Scheduled to Present at NobleCon18 Investor Conference

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Admin

Cocrystal Pharma provides a preview of their upcoming presentation at NobleCon18

Free Registration Available – More Info

Research News and Advanced Market Data on COCP

NobleCon18 Presenting Companies

About Cocrystal Pharma

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.

Maple Gold Mines (MGMLF) Scheduled to Present at NobleCon18 Investor Conference

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Admin

Maple Gold Mines President & CEO Matthew Horner provides a preview of their upcoming presentation at NobleCon18

Free Registration Available – More Info

News and Advanced Market Data on MGMLF

NobleCon18 Presenting Companies

About Maple Gold Mines

Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company in a 50/50 joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to jointly advance the district-scale Douay and Joutel gold projects located in Quebec’s prolific Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt. The projects benefit from exceptional infrastructure access and boast ~400 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold resource at Douay (SLR 2022) that holds significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Eagle, Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel. In addition, the Company holds an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Eagle Mine Property.

Will the Chinese Yuan Disrupt US Dollar Investments and Cause Inflation

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Admin



Image Credit: Image: Frankieleon (Flickr)

A Changing Dollar Value Impacts Investment Returns and US Inflation

In his upcoming book, “Bonfire of the Sanities,” author and investment advisor David Wright warns that “actions have consequences” and that the move toward electric vehicles and the progression to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels could weaken the US dollar. In recent weeks his warnings are heightened by reports that China has been in discussions with Saudi Arabia to price barrels of oil in something other than dollars, in this case, the Chinese Yuan. If successful, how would US dollar-denominated investments fare?

Background

When the US took its currency off the gold
standard in the 1970s, it negotiated to tie greenbacks to energy in that most oil around the globe is bought and sold in US dollars. This, in effect, made dollars backed by oil, (petrodollars) and added constant demand for greenbacks which helped its strength relative to other currencies.

When the US imposed sanctions on Russian foreign currency holdings, the power and risks of relying on the US currency did not go unnoticed by other nations. China as reported recently took steps to have oil denominated in its own currency, the Yuan, which would likely add to higher demand for the Yuan while reducing demand for dollars. If China’s Yuan is “upgraded” in the world, it could in effect be seen as a downgrade to the US dollar. It could also cause a devaluation that translates into more inflationary
pressures and a reduced desire to own US assets, including stocks. Imports, especially from China could cost more.

Further impacting the dollar’s dominance, in recent weeks, Russia and India entered talks to enact a Ruble/Rupee exchange ledger for transactions. Moscow has also said Europe would have to use Rubles to pay for its natural gas and that it may consider Bitcoin as well. Fewer global transactions are taking place in dollars.

Potential Impact

Baizhu Chen a professor in the Clinical Finance and Business Economics department at the University of Southern California is quoted in Business Insider as saying, “The use of Chinese currency will inevitably expand and play a much bigger role in the world.” Chen explained, “Some countries feel their economies could be held hostage to US policies because the dollar is dominant, and countries want to diversify their risk.” So, while reduced demand for oil could play a role in valuation, current policies that use dollar-denominated finances have caused eyes to open to the risks of not diversifying currency use in financial dealings.

The Yuan has been gaining popularity. Approximately 70 central banks hold some yuan as a reserve currency, while many African and Middle Eastern nations have adopted it for transactions. Central banks, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have been diversifying their holdings, and reducing the dollar’s share of global reserves.

“Were the dollar to lose its status as the world’s reserve currency, it would raise interest rates for our historically large debt relative to the economy,” warned Tomas Philipson, former Acting Chairman for the White House Council of Economic Advisers. This of course causes concern as it would mean US consumers and businesses would face higher borrowing costs along with higher import prices.

Current Status

For now, greenbacks comprise 60% of global reserves versus the yuan’s 2.5%. In global payments, the dollar accounts for 40% while the yuan has about 3%, even though China is the second-largest economy, trailing closely behind the US, Philipson said. That could change, but it would take massive reforms.

A More Competitive Yuan

China would have to open up its market and relax controls, according to Baizhu Chen. He noted that historically, no currency that has had heavy-handed control has become one of the dominant global reserve currencies. China would also need to refrain from currency manipulation. This takes place now in the form of devaluing the yuan to boost exports, according to Chen. This could be facilitated by allowing for an independent central bank with transparent decision-making.

In addition, the yuan must become as stable, reliable, and trustworthy as the dollar. “Countries generally trust that the US isn’t going to screw up. But whether the yuan could be perceived as a store of value — a safe haven during uncertainty or war — that is a much more difficult thing,” Chen said.

The current trend in China has been more control, not less. There have been signs that the government will ease up on its recent tech sector crackdown – the market (Chinese stocks) reacted positively. It’s uncertain whether this will lead toward more easing of control.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Suggested Reading

Add This to the List of Inflation Drivers

Alternative Vehicle Fuel Types

Publicly Traded Chinese Companies Duty to Shareholders

The Case for More US Produced Uranium

Sources

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2022/01/25/world-economic-outlook-update-january-2022

https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo

https://wrightfinancialgroup.com/resources/newsletter

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/dollar-vs-yuan-china-currency-global-reserves-central-banks-russia-2022-3?utm_medium=ingest&utm_source=markets

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Information Services Group (III) Scheduled to Present at NobleCon18 Investor Conference

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Admin

Information Services Group CEO Michael P. Conners provides a preview of their upcoming presentation at NobleCon18

Free Registration Available – More Info

Research News and Advanced Market Data on III

NobleCon18 Presenting Companies

About Information Services Group

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Responds to Aid Request from The Ukrainian Government

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Admin

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Responds to Aid Request from The Ukrainian Government

Research, News, and Market Data on Comtech Telecommunications

Comtech to Donate Communications Terminals to Support the People of Ukraine

MELVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mar. 28, 2022–
March 28, 2022—
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL), a leading global provider of next-generation 911 emergency systems and secure wireless communications technologies, announced today that the Company has donated COMET™ troposcatter systems at the request of the Ukrainian government.

Our COMET™ over-the-horizon transportable terminals were specifically requested by the Ukrainian government to support their urgent need for communications that can be relied upon, in any environment, under any conditions. The Comtech COMET™ is the world’s smallest and lightest modular man-packable troposcatter system and is part of a suite of troposcatter systems that provide Beyond-Line-of-Sight (“BLOS”) communications for governmental disaster recovery and commercial industrial applications.

“We share the profound concerns of the global community in the ongoing crisis that is gripping
Ukraine, and causing untold suffering for its people,” said Michael Porcelain, President and CEO of
Comtech. “We know how critically important the ability to communicate is to the brave people living there, and we are proud to be able to support their needs. It is our hope that both parties –
Russia and
Ukraine – can find a way toward negotiating a durable and lasting peace.”

Mr. Porcelain further added, “Our customers rely on our
Failsafe Communications equipment to work no matter where they are, or what’s going on outside – from armed conflict to negotiating a peace agreement. We appreciate that our response is a small contribution in the face of an enormous crisis, but we are honored to have an opportunity to play whatever role we can in helping restore peace to this area of the world.”

Since 2017,
Comtech has supported multiple communications upgrade and modernization initiatives for the
Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Despite the enormous uncertainties enveloping the region,
Comtech was able to respond to Ukraine’s request to help meet a desperate need for the types of
Failsafe Communications solutions that
Comtech can provide.

About Comtech

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global provider of next-generation 911 emergency systems and secure wireless communications technologies to commercial and government customers around the world. Headquartered in
Melville, New York and with a passion for customer success,
Comtech designs, produces and markets advanced and secure wireless solutions. For more information, please visit www.comtechtel.com (and preview its new web site at www.comtech.com).

Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company’s
Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such
Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Comtech Investor Relations:
631-962-7005
investors@comtech.com

Source:
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

QuoteMedia Year End 2021 Financial Results and Investors’ Conference Call March 30, 2022

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Admin

QuoteMedia Year End 2021 Financial Results and Investors’ Conference Call March 30, 2022

Research, News, and Market Data on QuoteMedia

PHOENIX, March 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuoteMedia, Inc. (OTCQB: QMCI), a leading provider of market data and financial applications, today announced that its earnings for its year ended December 31, 2021 will be released the morning of March 30, 2022. That same day, the company will host a conference call at 2:00 PM Eastern time to discuss the financial results and provide a business update.

Conference Call Details:

Date: March 30, 2022

Time: 2:00 PM Eastern

Dial-in numbers: 866-813-8713

Conference ID: QUOTEMEDIA

An audio rebroadcast of the call will be available later at: www.quotemedia.com .

About QuoteMedia

QuoteMedia is a leading software developer and cloud-based syndicator of financial market information and streaming financial data solutions to media, corporations, online brokerages, and financial services companies. The Company licenses interactive stock research tools such as streaming real-time quotes, market research, news, charting, option chains, filings, corporate financials, insider reports, market indices, portfolio management systems, and data feeds. QuoteMedia provides industry leading market data solutions and financial services for companies such as the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, TMX Group (TSX Stock Exchange), Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), London Stock Exchange Group, FIS, U.S. Bank, Broadridge Financial Systems, JPMorgan Chase, CI Financial, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Hilltop Securities, HD Vest, Stockhouse, Zacks Investment Research, General Electric, Boeing, Bombardier, Telus International, Business Wire, PR Newswire, FolioFN, Regal Securities, ChoiceTrade, Cetera Financial Group, Dynamic Trend, Inc., Qtrade Financial, CNW Group, IA Private Wealth, Ally Invest, Inc., Suncor, Virtual Brokers, Leede Jones Gable, Firstrade Securities, Charles Schwab, First Financial, Cirano, Equisolve, Stock-Trak, Mergent, Cision, Warrior Trading and others. Quotestream®, QMod™ and Quotestream Connect™ are trademarks of QuoteMedia. For more information, please visit www.quotemedia.com .

QuoteMedia Investor Relations
Brendan Hopkins
Email: investors@quotemedia.com
Call: (407) 645-5295

Release – Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Responds to Aid Request from The Ukrainian Government

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Admin

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. Responds to Aid Request from The Ukrainian Government

Research, News, and Market Data on Comtech Telecommunications

Comtech to Donate Communications Terminals to Support the People of Ukraine

About Comtech

Comtech Investor Relations:
631-962-7005
investors@comtech.com

Source:
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

Release – Genco Shipping Trading Limited to Participate in Capital Links 16th Annual International Shipping Forum

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Admin

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited to Participate in Capital Link’s 16th Annual International Shipping Forum

Research, News, and Market Data on Genco Shipping & Trading

NEW YORK, March 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE: GNK) announced today that John C. Wobensmith, Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to participate virtually in the Company Strategy and Capital Allocation panel discussion at Capital Link’s 16th Annual International Shipping Forum on Tuesday, March 29 at 11:30 am Eastern Time. Apostolos Zafolias, Chief Financial Officer, is also scheduled to participate in the Ship Finance Landscape – the Shipowners Perspective panel on Monday, March 28 at 2:05 pm Eastern Time. Genco management will participate in investor meetings held in conjunction with the event, which is organized in partnership with Citi, and in cooperation with Nasdaq & NYSE.

About Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited is a U.S. based drybulk ship owning company focused on the seaborne transportation of commodities globally. We provide a full-service logistics solution to our customers utilizing our in-house commercial operating platform, as we transport key cargoes such as iron ore, grain, steel products, bauxite, cement, nickel ore among other commodities along worldwide shipping routes. Our wholly owned high quality, modern fleet of dry cargo vessels consists of the larger Capesize (major bulk) and the medium-sized Ultramax and Supramax vessels (minor bulk) enabling us to carry a wide range of cargoes. We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with vessel acquisitions. As of March 28, 2022, Genco Shipping & Trading Limited’s fleet consists of 17 Capesize, 15 Ultramax and 12 Supramax vessels with an aggregate capacity of approximately 4,635,000 dwt and an average age of 10.0 years.

CONTACT:
Apostolos Zafolias
Chief Financial Officer
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
(646) 443-8550

Source: Genco Shipping & Trading Limited