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Small Biotech Cullinan Goes All-In on Autoimmune CAR-T in $280M Pivot

Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a bold strategic move, small-cap biotech Cullinan Oncology is transforming into an autoimmune disease company and rebranding as Cullinan Therapeutics. The Massachusetts company announced the major pivot alongside a $280 million private placement financing that extends its cash runway into 2028.

Cullinan is staking its future on the emerging potential of CAR-T cell therapies to treat autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The company plans to advance its lead candidate CLN-978, a bispecific T cell engager originally developed for lymphoma, into SLE. An Investigational New Drug (IND) filing is targeted for the third quarter of 2024, with additional autoimmune indications likely to follow.

The strategic refocusing comes as preliminary data from small academic studies hint that CAR-T cells could induce durable remissions in autoimmune patients by depleting pathogenic B cells and modulating the immune system. In February, researchers reported that 8 out of 15 SLE patients achieved remission for over 1 year after CAR-T treatment, allowing them to discontinue all other medications.

“The unmet need in autoimmune diseases is vast, with most patients cycling through treatment after treatment without achieving remission,” said Cullinan CEO Alejandra Carvajal. “CAR-T cell therapy represents a potential paradigm shift, with an entirely novel mechanism to re-educate the immune system.”

Cullinan is one of the first movers in the autoimmune CAR-T space, but it won’t be alone for long. Peers like Kyverna, Cabaletta, Allogene and Arbor have all initiated programs or partnerships in the last year to develop similar cell therapies.

Cullinan has stopped enrolling patients in CLN-978’s lymphoma study to fully transition to autoimmune disorders. But the company is retaining its existing oncology pipeline, including lead asset zipalertinib in non-small cell lung cancer.

To fund the new autoimmune endeavors, Cullinan raised $280 million through the sale of shares and convertible securities to institutional investors. The private placement was led by venBio Partners and included Cullinan’s existing investors.

“This successful financing provides Cullinan with the resources to rapidly advance our CLN-978 program in SLE and beyond,” stated Carvajal. “We’re excited to lead the way into this new frontier at the intersection of cell therapy and autoimmune disease.”

Cullinan is making a high-risk, high-reward bet on still-unproven science. CAR-T’s efficacy in autoimmune conditions has only been explored in small patient numbers so far. But if the approach proves transformative, Cullinan could be at the vanguard of disrupting the large autoimmune drug market.

The hefty $280 million raise buys Cullinan plenty of runway to generate data from larger trials evaluating CLN-978 and shaping its future autoimmune portfolio. For autoimmune disease patients in need of new options, all eyes will be on Cullinan’s pioneering role in the promising CAR-T space.

Bitcoin’s Next Major Milestone Is A Few Days Away: The 2024 Halving

Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

A once-every-four-years event in the Bitcoin world is rapidly approaching – the highly anticipated “halving.” Scheduled to occur around April 19th, 2024, this mechanism hard-coded into Bitcoin’s DNA is set to cut the rate of new BTC issuance in half. It’s a pivotal moment that could supercharge the crypto’s scintillating 2024 rally and reignite the bull market.

The halving is a deflationary feature designed to control Bitcoin’s supply over time by reducing the block reward paid to miners. From its inception in 2009 until 2012, miners received 50 BTC per validated block. That number was cut in half to 25 BTC at the first halving in 2012, then halved again to 12.5 BTC in 2016, and most recently to 6.25 BTC in 2020.

Now in 2024, the block reward is set to get cut again from 6.25 to around 3.125 BTC. By systematically slowing the issuance rate over time, Bitcoin’s supply is kept scarce in the face of theoretically increasing demand. This perceived scarcity is one of the factors purported to give Bitcoin its monetary value premium as a form of “digital gold.”

The halving events have historically preceded huge price surges in Bitcoin. A year after the May 2020 halving, Bitcoin rallied over 545%. Similar explosive rallies were witnessed after the 2016 and 2012 events as well. The logic is that as new supply slows after the halving, demand has to be higher to sustain price levels.

Some analysts think the halving impact has already been priced into Bitcoin’s blistering 2024 rally amid optimism around newly launched U.S. Bitcoin ETFs and rising institutional adoption. Since January 1st, BTC has surged over 60% to fresh all-time highs near $74,000.

But many Bitcoin veterans believe the halving could simply be the catalyst that reignites the next true crypto bull cycle akin to cycles past. They point to the recent rally as just the warm-up act before the main event. Adding fuel to the fire, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates later this year, thereby boosting risk assets like Bitcoin.

According to crypto exchange Bitfinex, Bitcoin could rally 160% in the 12-14 months post-halving to over $150,000 per coin if historical trends play out. While past returns are no guarantee of future performance, the scarcity effects of reduced supply could indeed supercharge demand.

Of course, doubters remain plentiful. There’s the argument that three prior data points create a small sample size from which to draw conclusions. The 2020 cycle was potentially inflated by pandemic stay-at-home narratives. And as Bitcoin matures, price movements may become more decoupled from fundamentals like the halving.

For crypto diehards though, the halving represents a once-in-a-cycle opportunity to get positioned ahead of the next major uptrend in Bitcoin prices. After spending 2022 and much of 2023 brutalized by the brutal crypto winter, many view it as the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it marks just another bullish catalyst or something even bigger remains to be seen. But Bitcoin’s next milestone moment is fast approaching.

Xcel Brands (XELB) – Sets Its Course Toward Profitability

Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Xcel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 United States https:/Sector(s): Consumer Cyclical Industry: Apparel Manufacturing Full Time Employees: 84 Key Executives Name Title Pay Exercised Year Born Mr. Robert W. D’Loren Chairman, Pres & CEO 1.27M N/A 1958 Mr. James F. Haran CFO, Principal Financial & Accou

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

A noisy quarter. The company reported Q4 revenue of $2.3 million down year over year, but reflected strong 48% licensing revenue growth. Adj. EBITDA loss of $1.2 million was modestly lower than our estimate. In our view, the full impact of the company’s lower cost, licensing model has not yet been manifested.

Significant amount of revenue growth initiatives. In our view, the company’s outlook in 2024 appears favorable in terms of revenue and potential swing toward positive adj. EBITDA. The favorable outlook is supported by its joint venture with Christie Brinkley, TWRHLL, which is launching in May; G-III and its launch of Halston in Q3 of 2024; expanding products from C. Wonder and Judith Ripka.

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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.

Haynes International (HAYN) – Shareholders Vote to Approve Haynes’ Pending Acquisition by North American Stainless

Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Haynes International, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced, nickel and cobalt-based high-performance alloys, primarily for use in the aerospace, industrial gas turbine and chemical processing industries.

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Transaction approved by Haynes stockholders. At a special meeting on April 16, Haynes shareholders voted to approve the company’s pending acquisition by North American Stainless, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Acerinox S.A. Acerinox, a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of stainless steel and high-performance alloys, will acquire all the outstanding shares of Haynes for $61.00 per share in an all-cash transaction.

Closing is expected in the third calendar quarter. The transaction is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2024. The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act expired on March 18. Remaining closing conditions include approval by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), an interagency committee authorized to review transactions involving foreign investment in the U.S.. Other conditions are receipt of approvals, clearances, or expiration of waiting periods under certain foreign regulatory laws.

Get the Full Report

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

Release – Xcel Brands, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter And Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Posted on April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on XELB

April 16, 2024 at 4:33 PM EDT

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GAAP net loss of $6.8 million for the quarter, compared with GAAP net loss of $6.0 million in the prior year quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA of ($1.2) million for the quarter, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of ($5.9) million for the prior year quarter, an improvement of $4.7 million.
GAAP net loss of $21.1 million for the current year, compared with GAAP net loss of $4.0 million in the prior year, which included a $20.6 million gain on the sale of a majority interest in the Isaac Mizrahi brand.
Adjusted EBITDA of ($5.7) million for the year, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of ($12.5) million for the prior year, an improvement of $6.8 million.

NEW YORK, April 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) (“Xcel” or the “Company”), a media and consumer products company with significant expertise in livestream shopping and social commerce, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xcel commented, “Throughout 2023, we focused on a restructuring plan that got us focused on our core brand management business. The plan is now complete, and the core business is back on track. We have entered into new licensing agreements with industry leaders in core product categories and reduced salaries and operating costs by $14 million. Also, we strengthened our balance sheet. Recently, we launched Orme, a video and social commerce marketplace with a technology partner that leverages our vast knowledge in video commerce over TV and their technology brilliance. I believe Orme has the potential to transform e-commerce as we know it today.”

Mr. D’Loren continued, “we finished the year as expected and look forward to working with our new licensing partners to grow top line revenue and bottom-line results. Now more than ever, I am excited by the potential of the company.”

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $2.3 million, representing a decrease of approximately $1.8 million (-44%) from the fourth quarter of 2022. The year-over-year revenue decline in the fourth quarter of 2023 was driven by a $2.5 million decrease in net sales, attributable to the exit from the wholesale apparel, fine jewelry and Longaberger sales operations earlier this year as part of our restructuring plan, which was partly offset by an increase in licensing revenues.

Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands for the quarter was approximately $6.8 million, or ($0.34) per share, compared with a net loss of $6.0 million, or ($0.30) per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. The operating loss for the current quarter was approximately $5.6 million, compared with $8.4 million, loss for the prior year quarter.

After adjusting for certain cash and non-cash items, results on a non-GAAP basis were a net loss of approximately $4.7 million, or ($0.24) per share for the current quarter and a net loss of approximately $6.2 million, or ($0.32) per share, for the prior year quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA improved significantly on a year-over-year basis to negative $1.2 million for the current quarter as compared with negative $5.9 million for the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of the restructuring of our business and entry into the new long-term license agreements for our Halston, Judith Ripka, C Wonder and Longaberger brands.

Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Net revenue for the current year was $17.8 million, representing a decrease of approximately $8.0 million (45%) from the prior year. The year-over-year revenue decline from the prior year was driven by a $5.6 million decrease in licensing revenue, primarily attributable to the sale of a majority interest in the Isaac Mizrahi brand in May 2022 and a decrease of $2.4 million in net sales, attributable to the exit from the wholesale apparel, fine jewelry and Longaberger sales operations earlier this year as part of our restructuring plan.

Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands for the current year was approximately $21.1 million, or ($1.07) per share, compared with a net loss of $4.0 million, or ($0.20) per diluted share, for the prior year, which included a $20.6 million gain on the sale of a majority interest in the Isaac Mizrahi brand.

After adjusting for certain cash and non-cash items, results on a non-GAAP basis were a net loss of approximately $12.2 million, or $(0.62) per share for the current year, compared with a net loss of approximately $15.0 million, or $(0.77) per share, for the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA was negative $5.7 million for the current year, as compared with negative $12.5 million for the prior year, an improvement of $6.8 million or approximately 54%.

Balance Sheet

The Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2023, reflected stockholders’ equity of approximately $48 million, cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.0 million, and working capital, exclusive of the current portion of lease obligations, of approximately $2.1 million.

The Company closed a 5-year term, $5 million term loan during the 4^th quarter 2023.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call with members of the executive management team to discuss these results with additional comments and details at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 16, 2024. A webcast of the conference call will be available live on the Investor Relations section of Xcel’s website at www.xcelbrands.com. Interested parties unable to access the conference call via the webcast may dial 800-715-9871 or 646-307-1963 and use the conference ID 1258246. A replay of the webcast will be available on Xcel’s website.

About Xcel Brands

Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel owns the Judith Ripka, Halston, LOGO by Lori Goldstein, and C. Wonder brands and a minority stake in the Isaac Mizrahi brand. It also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing LLC. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retail, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone, and over 20,000 hours of live-stream and social commerce. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. www.xcelbrands.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “appears,” “suggests,” “future,” “likely,” “goal,” “plans,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “should,” “would,” “guidance,” “confident” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our anticipated revenue, expenses, profitability, strategic plans and capital needs. These statements are based on information available to us on the date hereof and our current expectations, estimates and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including, without limitation, the risks discussed in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and its other filings with the SEC, which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors, nor can we address the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason.

For further information please contact:
Seth Burroughs
Xcel Brands
sburroughs@xcelbrands.com

View the full release HERE.

Release – AdTheorent and Miles Partnership Use Machine Learning-Powered Predictive Advertising to Drive In-Market Sales and Return on Ad Spend for VISIT FLORIDA

Posted on April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ADTH

Apr 16, 2024

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Cross-Device Campaign Drove 363% Sales Lift and $67M in Incremental Sales Resulting in a 513X ROAS

NEW YORK, April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADTH), a machine learning pioneer using privacy-forward solutions to deliver measurable value for programmatic advertisers, and Miles Partnership, a strategic marketing company focused exclusively on travel and tourism, today announced campaign results from the VISIT FLORIDA Sun Seekers digital advertising campaign. The campaign goal was to drive visitation to and purchases in Florida, as well as a positive return on ad spend (RoAS). Utilizing AdTheorent’s Destination Sales Lift 360, the campaign drove a 363% sales lift and $67M in incremental in-market sales and yielded an overall campaign RoAS of 513X.

The Approach:
AdTheorent leveraged a mix of cross-device rich media display tactics, targeted using AdTheorent’s advanced predictive advertising platform. AdTheorent developed custom machine learning models fueled by non-individualized statistics to identify and reach consumers with the highest likelihood of visiting Florida and making purchases there.

During the campaign, AdTheorent’s custom predictive models considered hundreds of data signals to engage VISIT FLORIDA’S target audience, which included travel intenders residing in key geographies such as drive markets within 900 miles of the Florida border as well as competitive conquesting markets. AdTheorent’s custom predictive models considered data elements such as ad position, publisher, geo-intelligence, non-individualized user device attributes, location DMA, time of day, connection signal and many others. Additionally, the ML models analyzed real-time contextual signals to target consumers showing travel interest, as well as consumers specifically interested in travelling to alternative destinations. AdTheorent used transaction-based data to optimize campaign performance during the campaign, and, post-campaign, AdTheorent measured the impact of the campaign on sales within the destination, including attributed sales by merchant category (lodging, dining, etc.).

“VISIT FLORIDA is committed to not only driving visitation to Florida, but also showing the value of our marketing efforts and the impact they have on Florida’s tourism economy. Our digital advertising has to work harder for us by providing inspiration to visit and converting to sales,” said VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Dana Young. “Our partnership with AdTheorent was successful at driving incremental visitation and commercial activity in Florida, measuring sales lift and resulting in an incredible return on ad spend for VISIT FLORIDA.”

The Results:
The campaign was successful in identifying qualified consumers and driving purchases in Florida, resulting in:

$67M in incremental sales
363% sales lift compared to the control group
513X total campaign RoAS

Attributed incremental sales by top VISIT FLORIDA partner verticals included:

Restaurants and bars: 27%
Hotels: 17%
Food stores: 12%
Clothing stores: 8%
Interior furnishing stores: 5%

“Driving advanced business outcomes like incremental in-market sales is AdTheorent’s specialty; our machine learning-based media buying platform operates on a massive scale, evaluating millions of impressions per second based on 1000+ data attributes, identifying correlations among past conversions to optimize current ad targeting,” said James Lawson, CEO at AdTheorent. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Miles Partnership and proud that we drove meaningful incremental revenue for VISIT FLORIDA and its partners, delivering a 512.7X return on ad spend.”

About AdTheorent
AdTheorent (Nasdaq: ADTH) uses advanced machine learning technology and privacy-forward solutions to deliver impactful advertising campaigns for marketers. AdTheorent’s machine learning-powered media buying platform powers its predictive targeting, predictive audiences, geo-intelligence, audience extension solutions and in-house creative capability, Studio A\T. Leveraging only non-sensitive data and focused on the predictive value of machine learning models, AdTheorent’s product suite and flexible transaction models allow advertisers to identify the most qualified potential consumers coupled with the optimal creative experience to deliver superior results, measured by each advertiser’s real-world business goals.

AdTheorent is consistently recognized with numerous technology, product, growth and workplace awards. AdTheorent was named “Best Buy-Side Programmatic Platform” in the 2023 Digiday Technology Awards and was honored with an AI Breakthrough Award and “Most Innovative Product” (B.I.G. Innovation Awards) for five consecutive years. Additionally, AdTheorent is the only seven-time recipient of Frost & Sullivan’s “Digital Advertising Leadership Award.” AdTheorent is headquartered in New York, with fourteen locations across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit adtheorent.com.

About Miles Partnership
Miles Partnership is a strategic marketing consultancy focused exclusively on travel and tourism. The company works with more than 150 destinations, hospitality businesses and other travel industry clients worldwide to develop marketing and management strategies that amplify local experiences, boost visitation, improve community relations and increase overall economic impact. Learn more at www.MilesPartnership.com.

About VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, serves as Florida’s official source for travel planning to visitors across the globe. VISIT FLORIDA is not a government agency, but rather a not-for-profit corporation created as a public/private partnership by the Florida Legislature in 1996.

Florida’s tourism industry was responsible for welcoming 122 million visitors in 2021, representing a 54 percent increase from 2020. In 2019, Florida visitors contributed $96.5 billion to Florida’s economy and supported over 1.6 million Florida jobs. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, $3.27 in state tax revenue is generated.

Each year, the Florida Legislature appropriates public funding to be allocated for tourism marketing. VISIT FLORIDA is required to match those public funds dollar-for-dollar, which is done by actively recruiting the state’s tourism industry to invest as Partners through cooperative advertising campaigns, promotional programs and many other marketing ventures. Through this public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 13,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, Experience Kissimmee, Hilton, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Publix Supermarkets, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, and Universal Orlando Resort.

VISIT FLORIDA facilitates tourism industry participation in domestic and international travel trade and consumer shows, as well as media missions to the top global visitor markets. VISIT FLORIDA also works closely with travel agents, tour operators, meeting and event planners, and is responsible for operating Florida’s four Official Welcome Centers.

VISIT FLORIDA has 78 positions in Florida and an international team of contracted staff covering Canada, Germany, Latin America and the United Kingdom. VISIT FLORIDA’s corporate office is located at 101 North Monroe Street, Suite 900, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. The office can be reached at (850) 488-5607.

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SOURCE AdTheorent Melanie Berger, AdTheorent, Melanie@adtheorent.com, 850-567-0082

Release – YS Biopharma to Report First Nine Months of Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results on April 19, 2024

Posted on April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on YS

Download this Press Release

GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — YS Biopharma Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: YS) (“YS Biopharma” or the “Company”), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and delivering new generations of vaccines and therapeutic biologics for infectious diseases and cancer, today announced that it plans to release its financial results for the first nine months of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, before the U.S. market opens on Friday, April 19, 2024.

The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Friday, April 19, 2024 to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free:	1-888-346-8982
International:	1-412-902-4272
Mainland China Toll Free:	4001-201203
Canada Toll Free:	1-855-669-9657
Hong Kong:	852-301-84992

Upon dialing-in, participants should ask to be joined into the YS Biopharma Co., Ltd. call.

The replay will be accessible through April 26, 2024 by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free:	1-877-344-7529
International:	1-412-317-0088
Canada Toll Free:	1-855-669-9658
Access Code:	2468327

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://investor.ysbiopharm.com/.

About YS Biopharma

YS Biopharma is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing new generations of vaccines and therapeutic biologics for infectious diseases and cancer. It has developed a proprietary PIKA® immunomodulating technology platform and a series of preventive and therapeutic biologics with a potential for improved Rabies, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, Influenza, and Shingles vaccines. YS Biopharma operates in China, the United States, Singapore and the Philippines, and is led by a management team that combines rich local expertise and global experience in the bio-pharmaceutical industry. For more information, please visit www.ysbiopharma.com.

Investor Relations Contact

Alyssa Li
Director of Investor Relations
Email: ir@yishengbio.com

Robin Yang
Partner, ICR, LLC
Tel: +1 (212) 537-4035
Email: YSBiopharma.IR@icrinc.com

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SOURCE YS Biopharma Co., Ltd.

Release – Gray Television Stations Win Large Market and Small Market Service to America Awards

Posted on April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GTN

April 16, 2024 07:00 ET| Source: Gray Television, Inc.

ATLANTA, April 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (“NABLF”) selected two television stations owned by Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) for this year’s coveted Service to America Awards. The NABLF’s Service to America Awards recognize outstanding community service by local broadcasters each year for their exemplary service to their communities. The NABLF recognizes the winners in each category at an in-person gala in Washington, DC, on June 4, 2024.

WANF (CBS) in Atlanta, Georgia, won the Large Market category for its investigative series “In Plane Sight: an investigation into racial profiling at airports by TSA and DEA.” Atlanta News First Investigates exposed plainclothes drug agents seizing money from innocent passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the busiest airport in the world. By employing special investigative techniques to uncover the drug agents and their methods — and using a 360-degree camera, WANF Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe was able to hold local police and the federal government accountable for taking millions in cash from people who were never arrested or charged with crimes, most of whom were people of color. Congress is now poised to pass The FAIR Act, a proposed new law that would no longer force airline passengers to prove themselves innocent just to keep their own money.

WJHG (NBC) in Panama City, Florida, won the Small Market category for its community service program “Chapter Chat,” a campaign to close the reading gap among children that was further widened after Hurricane Michael and the pandemic. This effort began after the WJHG news team reported less than half of third graders in Bay County, Florida could read on grade level, and over 900 children were considered homeless. While the news team asked tough questions to school officials, they also sought solutions. They created the Chapter Chat book club to promote reading and encourage using the public library, they held a book drive that collected over 1000 books for F.L.O.W., a free library on wheels that distributes books to children, and they read to children at local schools. Library officials credit the Chapter Chat campaign with helping improve visitation by almost 20 percent, and they report a 14 percent increase in library card holders since the campaign started. The station’s campaign also helped them secure a grant to get more books in circulation. WJHG-TV previously won the Service to Community Award for Small Market Television in 2020 for its enterprise series “Remembering the Forgotten” about the lack of federal aid following Hurricane Michael in 2018.

“We are very proud of the great journalism across our company and industry that leads to actual results that improve local communities,” said Gray Executive Chairman and CEO Hilton H. Howell Jr. “We salute all of our honorees and especially Gray television stations WANF and WJHG for their continued commitment to quality journalism.”

About Gray:

Gray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray is the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets. Its television stations serve 114 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 79 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. Gray also owns video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. Gray owns a majority interest in Swirl Films. For more information, please visit www.gray.tv.

Gray Contact:

Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333

# # #

Gold Shines Bright, Miners See Green as Bullion Surges Past $2,400

Posted on April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The unrelenting surge in gold prices has shown no signs of abating, with the precious metal blasting through the $2,400 an ounce level to set fresh all-time highs. Propelled by a combination of geopolitical turmoil, stubborn inflation, and prospects for more dovish U.S. monetary policy, bullion’s blistering rally has lifted the fortunes of mining companies along with it.

On Monday, gold futures settled at a record $2,383 per ounce after Iran fired missiles at Israel, amplifying safe-haven demand. While the imminent threat was neutralized, the escalation underscored bullion’s appeal as a hedge against geopolitical instability.

But it’s not just tensions abroad fueling gold’s ascent. The anchoring factor has been the prospect of easier monetary conditions from the Federal Reserve to tame hot inflation. Hotter-than-expected price data has raised odds of two rate cuts by year-end, buffering non-yielding bullion’s appeal relative to other asset classes like bonds.

The stellar gains have unsurprisingly turbocharged mining stocks. The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has skyrocketed over 20% year-to-date, far outperforming the metal itself. Industry titans like Newmont Corp (NEM) have risen nearly 20% as the merger with Newcrest has fattened production levels and profit margins at current lofty gold prices.

While big miners are prospering, it’s the juniors and smaller explorers that have seen the most spectacular returns. Fueled by improved economics at higher bullion levels, higher prices breathed new life into marginal projects long-shelved during the bear cycle, while re-ratings sent neglected equities rocketing higher.

According to Citi analysts, the minimum “price floor” at which mines can profitably produce has risen from around $1,000 previously to $2,000 currently. This bodes extremely well for industry profitability and increased capital spending to bring on additional supply.

In fact, Citi sees no stopping gold’s rally, projecting a push towards $3,000 an ounce over the next 6-18 months on potential stagflation risks. Goldman Sachs has also jumped on the bullish bandwagon, revising their gold target up to $2,700 by year-end. Lofty forecasts like these imply juniors may have plenty of room to run if realized.

For investors, the juniors offer a high beta play on higher gold pricing but come with elevated risks compared to the senior miners. Many are single-asset companies with higher costs, making them more susceptible to operational snags and gold price fluctuations.

However, their outsize returns in a bull market are also apparent. Juniors like Equinox (EQX) have delivered nearly triple the gains of the major producers. Their improved ability to raise capital for growth also enhances the upside potential. If the $3,000 an ounce forecast is achieved, the re-rating and bull market in juniors could be just beginning.

With a potent combination of easy money policies, inflation risks, and simmering geopolitical flashpoints buoying bullion, gold’s uptrend shows no signs of abating. As the rally rages on, the mining industry from large to small is prospering – but it’s the high-risk, high-reward juniors that have emerged as the most compelling opportunity to capitalize on gold’s unstoppable ascent.

Take a moment to take a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Senior Research Analyst Mark Reichman’s coverage list.

Release – Entravision Ignites Phoenix Airwaves with Launch of Fuego 106.7 FM

Posted on April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

April 15, 2024

Featuring a Latin Urban and Musica Mexicana Fusion, Today’s Hottest Global Musical Movement

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Entravision Communications Corporation announces the highly-anticipated launch of Fuego 106.7 FM, marking a significant milestone in the realm of radio broadcasting in Phoenix. As a vibrant celebration of culture and music, Fuego 106.7 FM emerges as the premier destination for the dynamic and thriving Latino community in Phoenix and surrounding areas.

“Aimed at the growing Latino youth segment, Fuego 106.7 FM strategically taps into their influence in both cultural and ideological landscapes. This initiative provides a platform to elevate their voices and mobilize them toward community and civic issues, all while celebrating their culture through their love of music”Post this

With a steadfast commitment to Latino diversity, vibrancy, and community engagement, Fuego 106.7 FM presents a carefully curated fusion of Latin Urban beats and Musica Mexicana rhythms, capturing the essence of today’s hottest stars in the global music scene. This groundbreaking initiative underscores Entravision’s dedication to amplifying the voices and experiences of Latino youth, providing a dynamic platform where culture and creativity converge harmoniously.

“We are thrilled to unveil Fuego 106.7 FM; it represents a milestone moment in our journey to connect with Latino audiences on a deeper level. Through the power of music and cultural storytelling, we aim to ignite passion, spark conversation, and foster a community where listeners and brands can connect, celebrate and be inspired,” said Jeffery Liberman, President and Chief Operating Officer at Entravision.

Fuego 106.7 FM will showcase a curated lineup featuring the hottest Latin hits from today’s most celebrated artists such as Peso Pluma, Karol G, Xavi, Anitta, Fuerza Regida and Bad Bunny. Designed to resonate with Arizona’s Latino bilingual and bicultural audience, the station complements Entravision’s top rated radio family in Phoenix, including La Suavecita KVVA 107.1 FM (Regional Mexican, 90s Grupero and Cumbia), and La Tricolor KLNZ 103.5 FM (Regional Mexican). Together, Entravision’s three-station radio cluster form a diverse and powerful radio ecosystem that caters to the diverse musical tastes of the local Latino community.

A bicultural and bilingual talent lineup on Fuego 106.7M, including Edgar “Shoboy” Sotelo, Hector Millan, and Oscar “DJ Kazzanova” Cortes will deliver an immersive experience that resonates across generations and backgrounds.

“Aimed at the growing Latino youth segment, Fuego 106.7 FM strategically taps into their influence in both cultural and ideological landscapes. This initiative provides a platform to elevate their voices and mobilize them toward community and civic issues, all while celebrating their culture through their love of music,” said Nestor Rocha, Vice President of Audio Programming at Entravision.

Fuego program line-up includes:

The Shoboy Show | Monday – Friday 6AM – 10AM. A bilingual and bicultural sensation hosted by the dynamic Edgar “Shoboy” Sotelo, offers a feel-good journey tailored for the modern Latino generation embracing the “Spanglish” lifestyle.
Commercial-Free Mix Show at Noon | Monday – Friday 12PM.
Hector Millan | Monday – Friday 3PM – 7PM.
The Saturday Sunset Mix | Saturdays 4PM – 6PM.
The Saturday Fuego Night Mix | Saturdays 6PM – 10PM.

About Entravision Communications Corporation

Entravision is a global advertising solutions, media and technology company. Over the past three decades, we have strategically evolved into a digital powerhouse, expertly connecting brands to consumers in the U.S., Latin America, Europe and Asia. Our digital segment offers a full suite of end-to-end advertising services across the world. We have commercial partnerships with X Corp. (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, and Spotify, and marketers can use our Smadex and other platforms to deliver targeted advertising to audiences around the globe. In the U.S., we maintain a diversified portfolio of television and radio stations that target Hispanic audiences and complement our global digital services. Entravision remains the largest affiliate group of the Univision and UniMás television networks. Shares of Entravision Class A Common Stock trade on the NYSE under ticker: EVC. Learn more about our offerings at entravision.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contacts

Matthew Cárdenas
Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing Solutions
matt.cardenas@entravision.com

Fabiola Rangel
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
fabiola.rangel@entravision.com

Release – Xcel Brands To Host Q4 And Fiscal 2023 Earnings Call On April 16

Posted on April 15, 2024April 15, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on XELB

April 15, 2024 at 1:51 PM EDT

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NEW YORK, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) (“Xcel” or the “Company”), today announced that it will report its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 financial results on April 16, 2024. The Company will hold a conference call with the investment community on April 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

A webcast of the conference call will be available live on the Investor Relations section of Xcel’s website at https://xcelbrands.co/pages/events-and-presentations or directly at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/6fnws5vh

Interested parties unable to access the conference call via the webcast may dial 800-715-9871 or 646-307-1963 and use the Conference ID 1258246. A replay of the webcast will be available on Xcel’s website.

About Xcel Brands

Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, marketing, live streaming, social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as one thing. Xcel owns the Judith Ripka, Halston, LOGO by Lori Goldstein, and C. Wonder by Christian Siriano brands and a minority stake in the Isaac Mizrahi brand. It also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing LLC and a 50% interest in a JV in TWRHLL (“Tower Hill”) by Christie Brinkley. Also Xcel owns a 30% interest in Orme, a short-form video market place. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retail, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customer’s shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $4 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. For more information, visit www.xcelbrands.com.

For further information please contact:
Seth Burroughs
Xcel Brands
sburroughs@xcelbrands.com

Source: Xcel Brands, Inc

Release – Comtech Partners with Eutelsat OneWeb to Deliver LEO Connectivity Services to Antarctica

Posted on April 15, 2024April 15, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on CMTL

BY THE COMTECH EDITORIAL TEAM – APR 15, 2024 | 3 MIN READ

CHANDLER, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 15, 2024 — Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL), a global technology leader, in partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, GEO-LEO connectivity provider in satellite communications, announces trial services to deliver Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services to multiple regions of Antarctica.

Launched in January 2024, the service provides connectivity to customers in Antarctica. Through this trial, Comtech’s market-leading ELEVATE VSAT ground system supported Eutelsat OneWeb’s ability to deliver groundbreaking LEO connectivity services, with data rates reaching up to 120 Mbps, to one of the most challenging geographic regions in the world. Comtech worked with Eutelsat OneWeb to configure and install the company’s ELEVATE ground system to simultaneously route robust and resilient connectivity services over multiple OneWeb LEO satellites.

“This is a remarkable achievement—not only for the satellite industry, but also for the broader scientific, technology, and connectivity markets around the world,” said John Ratigan, Interim CEO of Comtech. “We are thrilled to partner with OneWeb to deliver LEO connectivity services to Antarctica, which further demonstrates the advanced capabilities of our ELEVATE VSAT ground system. With proprietary software-defined technology embedded at the core, we are continuing to build out network agnostic capabilities of our ELEVATE system to meet the future demands of innovative satellite constellations and hybrid network infrastructures.”

This trial showcased the importance of high-speed, low latency connectivity for the scientific community and wider Antarctic region. Through satellite-based LEO connectivity services, like those provided by Comtech and Eutelsat OneWeb, scientists in Antarctica can better conduct day-to-day activities by facilitating real-time support from scientific, technical or health teams around the world. LEO connectivity services also have the potential to improve the welfare of the scientists, outside of working hours, as they are often deployed for 18 months at a time in one of the most remote and geographically challenging areas of the world.

Comtech’s ELEVATE ground system is a transportable, software defined VSAT system, which is proven to provide commercial and government customers with access to high-speed connectivity across diverse satellite constellations in multiple orbits. ELEVATE is designed to identify, collect and route data from multiple satellite constellations and orbits as well as deliver next generation capabilities like 4K video streaming and voice services.

About Comtech

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Comtech) is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions. For more information, please visit www.comtech.com.

About Eutelsat Group

Eutelsat Group is a global leader in satellite communications, delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide. The Group was formed through the combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 36 Geostationary satellites and a Low Orbit earth constellation of more than 600 satellites. The Group addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat Group’s unique suite of in-orbit and on-ground assets enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers. The Company is headquartered in Paris and Eutelsat Group employs more than 1,700 from 50 different nationalities. The Group is committed to delivering safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable connectivity to help bridge the digital divide. The Company is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance 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.

PCMTL

Contacts
Investor Relations
Maria Ceriello
631-962-7102
investors@comtech.com

Media Contact
Jamie Clegg
480-532-2523
jamie.clegg@comtech.com

Tesla Slashes Workforce by Over 10% as Demand Softens

Posted on April 15, 2024April 15, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the electric vehicle industry, Tesla Inc. announced plans to lay off more than 10% of its global workforce. The decision, confirmed by CEO Elon Musk in an internal memo, comes on the heels of a disappointing first-quarter delivery report that missed analyst estimates and left the company with an excess inventory of over 46,000 vehicles.

The layoffs, which are expected to impact at least 14,000 employees out of Tesla’s 140,000-strong workforce, are part of a broader effort to cut costs and increase productivity as the company prepares for its “next phase of growth,” according to Musk’s memo. The move underscores the challenges facing Tesla amid a slowdown in EV demand, both in the United States and globally.

“As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity,” Musk wrote in the memo. “As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10% globally. There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done.”

The announcement has sent shockwaves through the industry, with analysts offering mixed reactions to the news. Dan Ives, a noted Tesla bull at Wedbush Securities, described the layoffs as an “ominous signal” that speaks to tough times ahead for the company. “Demand has been soft globally, and this is an unfortunately necessary move for Tesla to cut costs with a softer growth outlook,” Ives said, adding that the move signals that Musk is navigating a “Category 5 storm.”

However, not all analysts view the layoffs as a negative development. Garrett Nelson, an analyst at CFRA, sees the move as consistent with actions undertaken by other automakers – and particularly EV pure-plays such as Rivian and Lucid – amid slowing EV growth rates. “We view the announcement as a sign of the times, but the fact Tesla is taking action to reduce costs amid the slowdown should be positive for the bottom line,” Nelson said.

The layoffs come at a critical juncture for Tesla, which has long been hailed as a pioneer in the electric vehicle space. After years of breakneck growth and ambitious expansion plans, the company now finds itself grappling with a rapidly changing market landscape. Rising interest rates and higher overall prices have dampened consumer demand for electric vehicles, while increased competition from legacy automakers and upstart EV manufacturers has intensified pressure on Tesla to maintain its competitive edge.

Musk has repeatedly emphasized the importance of affordability in driving EV adoption, fueling speculation that Tesla was working on a next-generation vehicle that would start at around $25,000. However, recent reports suggesting that the company had canceled the project were met with a swift denial from Musk, who instead teased the debut of a Tesla robotaxi on August 8.

As Tesla prepares to report its first-quarter earnings on April 23, all eyes will be on the company’s ability to weather the current storm and chart a course for long-term growth. The layoffs, while painful, may be a necessary step in ensuring Tesla’s long-term competitiveness in an increasingly crowded and challenging market.