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Release – Carisma Therapeutics and OrthoCellix Enter into Definitive Merger Agreement to Create Company Focused on Regenerative Cell Therapies for Orthopedic Diseases

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

June 23, 2025

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  • Proposed reverse merger with OrthoCellix, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ocugen, to create Nasdaq-listed, late clinical-stage regenerative cell therapy company with a first-in-class technology platform, focused on orthopedic diseases
  • OrthoCellix is developing the Phase 3-ready NeoCart® as an autologous cartilage implant technology utilizing patient cells to repair articular cartilage defects of the knee

PHILADELPHIA and MALVERN, Pa., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carisma Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CARM) (Carisma) and OrthoCellix, Inc. (OrthoCellix), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ocugen, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCGN) (Ocugen), a clinical-stage company developing regenerative cell therapies for orthopedic diseases, today jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to combine the companies in an all-stock transaction. The combined company will focus on the development of OrthoCellix’s NeoCart® technology for the treatment of knee articular cartilage defects and plans to initiate a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-endorsed Phase 3 clinical trial for NeoCart®.

“We believe merging OrthoCellix with Carisma will allow us to create a publicly-traded company focused on the development of NeoCart® and provide value for both Ocugen and Carisma stockholders while unlocking true market potential of NeoCart®,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-founder of Ocugen. “We believe NeoCart® has tremendous potential to deliver a truly transformative approach to cartilage repair, and we’ve established OrthoCellix with dedicated resources to bring this revolutionary technology to the patients who desperately need it.”

“Carisma evaluated a range of strategic alternatives, and we believe this proposed transaction represents an opportunity to deliver significant value to our stockholders,” said Steven Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer, of Carisma. “OrthoCellix is strongly positioned with its NeoCart® platform, a dedication to developing regenerative cell therapies, and a well-credentialed management team to lead the combined company.”

About OrthoCellix’s NeoCart® Portfolio

OrthoCellix is developing NeoCart® as an autologous cartilage implant technology utilizing patient cells to repair articular cartilage defects of the knee. The novel platform merges a fortified 3D scaffold and patented bioprocessing technology to grow chondrocytes—the cells responsible for maintaining cartilage health—to produce adolescent-like cartilage at the time of implant. NeoCart® has the potential to accelerate healing and reduce pain by creating a similar, functional joint surface to help patients return to normal activities and prevent complications associated with articular cartilage damage.

OrthoCellix anticipates launching its Phase 3 clinical trial by the end of 2025. Previously, NeoCart® received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation and concurrence from the FDA on a single, confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial to enable submission of a Biologics License Application.

About the Proposed Transactions

Under the terms of the merger agreement, OrthoCellix will merge with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carisma, with OrthoCellix continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carisma and the surviving company of the Merger. Carisma will issue to the pre-merger OrthoCellix stockholder shares of Carisma common stock as merger consideration in exchange for the cancellation of shares of capital stock of OrthoCellix. Carisma also expects to enter into subscription agreements for a private financing with Ocugen and other select investors, which is expected to close concurrently with the completion of the merger, to enable the combined company to complete the Phase 3 trial of NeoCart® without any additional cost or investment from Ocugen. In connection with the closing of the proposed transactions, Carisma stockholders will be issued contingent value rights representing the right to receive certain payments from proceeds received by the combined company, if any, related to Carisma’s pre-transaction legacy assets.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the closing of the proposed transactions and after giving effect to the contemplated $25.0 million concurrent financing, OrthoCellix’s stockholder and the other participants in the concurrent financing are expected to own approximately 90% of the combined company, and existing Carisma stockholders are expected to own approximately 10% of the combined company, each on a fully diluted basis. The percentage of the combined company that each company’s former stockholders will own after completion of the merger is subject to adjustment based on Carisma’s net cash at the closing and the proceeds from the concurrent financing, among other adjustments, in each case as described in the merger agreement.

Upon the closing of the proposed transactions, “Carisma Therapeutics Inc.” is expected to be renamed “OrthoCellix, Inc.” and trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol ‘OCLX.’

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of both companies and is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals by the stockholders of each company and the effectiveness of a registration statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to register the shares of Carisma common stock to be issued in connection with the merger. In connection with the companies’ entry into the merger agreement, directors and officers of Carisma and OrthoCellix’s stockholder have executed support agreements, pursuant to which they have agreed to vote all of their shares of capital stock in favor of the merger or the issuance of Carisma equity in the merger, as applicable.

Advisors

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is serving as legal counsel to Carisma and Lucid Capital Markets, LLC is providing a fairness opinion to Carisma’s board of directors. Chardan Capital Markets LLC is serving as M&A advisor and co-placement agent to OrthoCellix and Ocugen. Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC is co-placement agent to OrthoCellix, as a subsidiary of Ocugen, Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as legal counsel to Ocugen and OrthoCellix, and Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal counsel to the placement agents.

About OrthoCellix

OrthoCellix is a regenerative cell therapy company dedicated to developing a first-in-class technology platform focused on cartilage defects and other orthopedic diseases to address considerable unmet medical needs. The lead program within OrthoCellix is NeoCart® with revolutionary 3D cell therapy technology designed to repair and restore articular cartilage defects in the knee. The Company has a pipeline of additional treatments based on its proprietary scaffold bioreactor and adhesive. OrthoCellix will utilize the Good Manufacturing Practice facility established by Ocugen to support OrthoCellix’s initial development of NeoCart®.

About Carisma Therapeutics

Carisma Therapeutics is a biotechnology company pioneering macrophage engineering to develop groundbreaking therapies for fibrosis and cancer. With a strong commitment to patient-centric innovation, Carisma aims to deliver scalable, next-generation solutions that transform treatment paradigms. Carisma is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit www.Carismatx.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward- Looking Statements

Certain statements in this communication, other than purely historical information, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including for purposes of the “safe harbor” provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning Carisma, OrthoCellix, the proposed financing and the proposed merger between Carisma and OrthoCellix (collectively, the “Proposed Transactions”) and other matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements relating to Carisma’s and OrthoCellix’s management teams’ expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including, without limitation, statements regarding: the structure, timing and completion of the proposed merger by and between Carisma and OrthoCellix; the Proposed Transactions and the expected effects, perceived benefits or opportunities of the Proposed Transactions; the combined company’s listing on Nasdaq after the closing of the Proposed Transactions; expectations regarding the structure, timing and completion of a concurrent financing, including investment amounts from investors, timing of closing of the Proposed Transactions, expected proceeds, expectations regarding the use of proceeds, and impact on ownership structure; the anticipated timing of the closing; the expected executive officers and directors of the combined company; each company’s and the combined company’s expected cash position at the closing and cash runway of the combined company following the proposed merger and any private financing; the future operations of the combined company, including research and development activities; the nature, strategy and focus of the combined company; the development and commercial potential and potential benefits of any product candidates of the combined company, including expectations around market exclusivity and intellectual property protection; anticipated clinical drug development activities and related timelines, including the expected timing for announcement of data and other clinical results; expectations regarding or plans for discovery, preclinical studies, clinical trials and research and development programs, in particular with respect to NeoCart®, and any developments or results in connection therewith, including the target product profile of NeoCart®; the anticipated timing of the commencement of and results from those studies and trials; the sufficiency of post-transaction resources to support the advancement of OrthoCellix’s pipeline through certain milestones and the time period over which OrthoCellix’s post-transaction capital resources will be sufficient to fund its anticipated operations; the cash balance of the combined entity at closing; expectations related to the anticipated timing of the closing of the Proposed Transactions (the “Closing”); the expectations regarding the ownership structure of the combined company; the expected trading of the combined company’s stock on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “OCLX” after the Closing; and other statements that are not historical fact. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this communication are forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “opportunity,” “potential,” “milestones,” “pipeline,” “can,” “goal,” “strategy,” “target,” “anticipate,” “achieve,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions (including the negatives of these terms or variations of them) may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are made based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management, concerning future developments and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Carisma, OrthoCellix, or the Proposed Transactions will be those that have been anticipated.

These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Carisma’s or OrthoCellix’s control, or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that the conditions to the Closing or consummation of the Proposed Transactions are not satisfied, including the failure to timely obtain approval of the proposed reverse stock split from Carisma’s stockholders and the proposed merger from both Carisma’s and OrthoCellix’s stockholders, if at all; the risk that the proposed concurrent financing is not completed in a timely manner, if at all; uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the Proposed Transactions and the ability of each of Carisma and OrthoCellix to consummate the Proposed Transactions; risks related to Carisma’s continued listing on Nasdaq until closing of the Proposed Transactions and the combined company’s ability to remain listed following the Closing; risks related to Carisma’s and OrthoCellix’s ability to correctly estimate their respective operating expenses and their respective expenses associated with the Proposed Transactions, as applicable, pending the Closing, as well as uncertainties regarding the impact any delay in the Closing would have on the anticipated cash resources of the combined company, and other events and unanticipated spending and costs that could reduce the combined company’s cash resources; risks related to the failure or delay in obtaining required approvals from any governmental or quasi-governmental entity necessary to consummate the Proposed Transactions; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance or condition that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the effect of the announcement or pendency of the merger on Carisma’s or OrthoCellix’s business relationships, operating results and business generally; costs related to the merger; the risk that as a result of adjustments to the exchange ratio, OrthoCellix stockholders and Carisma stockholders could own more or less of the combined company than is currently anticipated; risks related to the market price of Carisma’s common stock relative to the value suggested by the exchange ratio; the uncertainties associated with OrthoCellix’s NeoCart® portfolio, as well as risks associated with the clinical development and regulatory approval of product candidates, including potential delays in the completion of clinical trials; risks related to the inability of the combined company to obtain sufficient additional capital to continue to advance these product candidates; uncertainties in obtaining successful clinical results for product candidates and unexpected costs that may result therefrom; risks related to the failure to realize any value from product candidates being developed and anticipated to be developed in light of inherent risks and difficulties involved in successfully bringing product candidates to market; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Carisma, OrthoCellix or any of their respective directors or officers related to the Proposed Transactions; the ability of Carisma and OrthoCellix to obtain, maintain, and protect their respective intellectual property rights; competitive responses to the Proposed Transactions; costs of the Proposed Transactions and unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Proposed Transactions; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships, operating results, and business generally, resulting from the announcement or completion of the Proposed Transactions; changes in regulatory requirements and government incentives; risks associated with the possible failure to realize, or that it may take longer to realize than expected, certain anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transactions, including with respect to future financial and operating results, legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments, and those uncertainties and factors; and the risk of involvement in litigation, including securities class action litigation, that could divert the attention of the management of Carisma or the combined company, harm the combined company’s business and may not be sufficient for insurance coverage to cover all costs and damages, among others. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in periodic filings with the SEC, including the factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Carisma’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was originally filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, and in other filings that Carisma makes and will make with the SEC in connection with the Proposed Transactions, including the Form S-4 and Proxy Statement described below under “Additional Information and Where to Find It”, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors included in other filings by Carisma from time to time, any risk factors related to Carisma or OrthoCellix made available to you in connection with the Proposed Transactions, as well as risk factors associated with companies, such as OrthoCellix, that operate in the biopharma industry. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Carisma’s or OrthoCellix’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this communication, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. Neither Carisma nor OrthoCellix undertakes or accepts any duty to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based, except as required by law. This communication does not purport to summarize all of the conditions, risks and other attributes of an investment in Carisma or OrthoCellix.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication and the information contained herein is not intended to and does not constitute (i) a solicitation of a proxy, consent or approval with respect to any securities or in respect of the Proposed Transactions or (ii) an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities pursuant to the Proposed Transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law, or an exemption therefrom. Subject to certain exceptions to be approved by the relevant regulators or certain facts to be ascertained, the public offer will not be made directly or indirectly, in or into any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, or by use of the mails or by any means or instrumentality (including without limitation, facsimile transmission, telephone and the internet) of interstate or foreign commerce, or any facility of a national securities exchange, of any such jurisdiction.

NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE.

Important Additional Information about the Proposed Transactions Will be Filed with the SEC

This communication relates to the proposed merger involving Carisma and OrthoCellix and may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger. In connection with the Proposed Transactions, Carisma intends to file relevant materials with the SEC, including a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Form S-4”) that will contain a proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) and prospectus. This communication is not a substitute for the Form S-4, the Proxy Statement or for any other document that Carisma may file with the SEC and/or send to Carisma’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. CARISMA URGES, BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE FORM S-4, THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CARISMA, ORTHOCELLIX, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS.

Investors and stockholders will be able to obtain free copies of the Form S-4, the Proxy Statement and other documents filed by Carisma with the SEC (when they become available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Carisma with the SEC will also be available free of charge on Carisma’s website at www.carismatx.com, or by contacting Carisma’s Investor Relations at investors@Carismatx.com. In addition, investors and stockholders should note that Carisma communicates with investors and the public using its website at https://ir.Carismatx.com/.

Participants in the Solicitation

Carisma, OrthoCellix, and their respective directors and certain of their executive officers and other members of management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Carisma’s stockholders in connection with the Proposed Transactions under the rules of the SEC. Information about Carisma’s directors and executive officers, including a description of their interests in Carisma, is included in Carisma’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025. Additional information regarding the persons who may be deemed participants in the proxy solicitations, including about the directors and executive officers of OrthoCellix, and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will also be included in the Form S-4, the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Nicola Mining Inc. (HUSIF) – Nicola Commences 2025 New Craigmont Exploration Drilling

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Monday, June 23, 2025

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.

New Craigmont drilling program. Nicola Mining (TSX.V: NIM, OTCQB: HUSIF) has commenced the 2025 exploration and diamond drilling program at its New Craigmont Copper Project, which will entail 4,000 to 5,000 meters of drilling. The program is expected to run from June through September and cost $1.5 million to $2.0 million. The purpose of the 2025 program is to collect geological data for target development for a potential porphyry copper system at New Craigmont.

Identifying targets using artificial intelligence. In collaboration with ALS Geoanalytics (formerly ALS GoldSpot), five priority targets, three of which are included in the 2025 program, were identified using artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods to analyze and correlate geophysical and geochemical data from Nicola’s exploration data. The collaboration harnesses the power of AI to identify high-potential targets which could increase the probability of successful outcomes.


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

Release – Nicola Mining Commences Exploration Drilling at Its Flagship New Craigmont Copper Project

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on HUSIF

June 20, 2025 10:11 AM EDT

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – June 20, 2025) – Nicola Mining Inc.  (TSX: NIM) (OTCQB: HUSIF) (FSE: HLIA) (the “Company” or “Nicola“) is pleased to announce commencement of the 2025 Exploration Diamond Drilling Program (the “2025 Program“) at its New Craigmont Copper Project (“New Craigmont”), near Merritt, BC.

Exploration Target Generation Activities

Five priority exploration targets (Figure 1), three of which are included in Nicola’s 2025 program, have been identified through collaboration in 2025 with ALS Geoanalytics (GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd.; “GoldSpot”) using AI-based methods to analyze and correlate geophysical and geochemical data from Nicola’s large exploration database.



Figure 1. Locations of the top exploration targets based on analysis of geophysical and geochemical data in 2025 by Goldspot.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/256097_67b8229854ed68c3_001full.jpg

  • Target A corresponds well with the West Craigmont/WP target area where several holes were drilled in 2024 (see August 30, 2024 News Release). Drilling in 2024 revealed favourable alteration with follow-up potential.
  • Target B is a new, undrilled target identified by the Goldspot analysis.
  • Target C corresponds with the MARB/CAS target area where positive results from the 2024 Exploration Program made it a high priority target.
  • Target D corresponds with the important Titan Queen MINFILE showing. Historic and subsequent drilling and mapping in 2016 support more drilling.
  • Target E is another new target from the Goldspot analysis that is added to the 2025 Program.

Nicola continues to work with GoldSpot to refine the 2025 Exploration Program that will include collection of X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) data under the guidance of GoldSpot to ensure consistent, high-quality data acquisition aligned with New Craigmont’s exploration goals. This new data will contribute to the development of exploration targets and improve understanding of skarn and porphyry-style mineralization.

Diamond Drilling Plans

Exploration plans for the 2025 Program include 4,000-5,000 metres of diamond drilling at the MARB/CAS, West Craigmont/WP, and two new target areas generated by ALS GoldSpot (Fig. 2). The purpose of the 2025 Program is to collect geological data for target development for a potential porphyry copper system at New Craigmont. Drill core will provide valuable information on lithology, structure, alteration and mineralization, and multi-element analysis.



Figure 2. Target areas for 2025 drilling Program at the New Craigmont Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/256097_67b8229854ed68c3_002full.jpg

Drilling at MARB will follow-up near-surface porphyry-style copper-mineralization with holes designed to test a vertical mineralization trend at depth. Near surface skarn at CAS discovered in 2024 is characteristic of mineralization observed in the Embayment Zone. Additional drilling in the 2025 Program will investigate potential continuity along trend between MARB, CAS and the Embayment Zone.

Draken is a high-priority, undrilled target consisting of a cluster of copper showings discovered from Nicola’s field program in 2023 (Figure 2). Outcrops of Guichon Border Phase quartz diorite contain porphyry style quartz-feldspar veinlets with weak copper oxide minerals. Exposures at Draken exhibit some of the best-developed porphyry-style alteration documented on the New Craigmont property, and the target also coincides with high resistivity and high chargeability geophysical response.



Figure 3. Outcrop at the newly discovered Draken showing displaying several sets of quartz-K Feldspar +/- epidote veins with some of the veins containing copper oxide (inset), all of which are common features of a porphyry system.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/256097_67b8229854ed68c3_003full.jpg

Summary

Nicola’s objective for 2025 is to continue to target for porphyry systems by conducting the following:

  • Acquire an enhanced suite of geochemical data for more targeting studies with GoldSpot
  • Expand the extent of mineralization observed at the MARB and CAS targets
  • Test two new targets at West Craigmont, including Draken
  • Test two new targets generated by GoldSpot in the centre of the property

The estimated budget for the 2025 Program is $1.5-2 M. Nicola anticipates drilling to conclude sometime in September.

The Company will provide a separate news release on exploration at its high-grade silver Treasure Mountain Project.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical disclosure included in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Will Whitty, P.Geo., who is the Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Whitty is Vice President, Exploration for the Company.

About Nicola Mining

Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX-V Exchange and Frankfurt Exchange that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. It has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high-grade BC-based gold projects. Nicola’s fully permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes.

The Company owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a property that hosts historic high-grade copper mineralization and covers an area of over 10,800 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith and is adjacent to Highland Valley Copper, Canada’s largest copper mine. The Company also owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, which includes 30 mineral claims and a mineral lease, spanning an area exceeding 2,200 hectares.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

“Peter Espig“

Peter Espig
CEO & Director

For additional information

Contact: Peter Espig
Phone: (778) 385-1213
Email: info@nicolamining.com
URL: www.nicolamining.com

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

info

SOURCE: Nicola Mining Inc.

Oil Prices Rise for Third Week as Markets Brace for Trump’s Decision on Iran

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Oil markets wrapped up their third consecutive week of gains on Friday as investors watched closely for U.S. President Donald Trump’s next move regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled just below $75 per barrel, while Brent crude, the global benchmark, hovered around $76, both on track to post roughly 3% gains for the week.

The latest rally in oil prices was largely driven by geopolitical tensions ignited by renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran. While the conflict hasn’t disrupted oil flows yet, the mere prospect of a wider regional escalation has kept traders on edge.

Early Friday trading saw a slight dip in prices as Trump signaled a potential preference for diplomacy over immediate military intervention. “We’ll give diplomacy a chance,” he told reporters on Thursday, suggesting that a final decision on U.S. involvement is still pending. This hint of restraint helped cool the market’s reaction temporarily but did little to derail the broader upward trend in crude prices.

Despite rising oil prices, analysts from major financial institutions remain cautious about the long-term impact of the conflict on global energy markets. Citi’s commodities research team believes the risk of significant supply disruption remains limited.

“Disrupting oil supply isn’t in the interest of either Iran or the U.S.,” said Spiro Dounis, Citi’s senior energy analyst. He noted that even if Iran’s 1.1 million barrels per day of oil exports were completely halted, Brent prices would likely rise only modestly to the $75–78 range — not far above current levels.

Goldman Sachs offered a more dramatic short-term outlook, estimating that in the event of an actual disruption, oil prices could temporarily surge to $90 per barrel. However, the bank expects prices to normalize over the next year, potentially falling back to the $60 range in 2026 as supply recovers.

Importantly, current oil flows remain uninterrupted. Shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most crucial maritime oil chokepoints — continue unimpeded, and Iranian exports have not declined, easing some of the market’s worst fears.

A key factor cushioning the market is spare production capacity among OPEC+ members. The alliance, which includes major oil producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia, has been gradually increasing output in recent months, providing a potential buffer against sudden supply shocks.

“Above-average global spare capacity — equivalent to 4–5% of global demand — is the main cushion against Iran-specific disruptions,” said Goldman’s Daan Struyven. He pointed to the bloc’s strategic unwinding of production cuts as a stabilizing force in the current market environment.

With uncertainty still looming over the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, oil prices are likely to remain volatile in the near term. Much will depend on whether Trump follows through with military action or continues to push for a diplomatic resolution. For now, investors will be watching closely, knowing that even the perception of risk can be enough to sway global oil markets.

Nutriband (NTRB) – Manufacturing Milestone Allows Development To Move Forward As Expected

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Friday, June 20, 2025

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Preparing For AVERSA Fentanyl Clinical Testing. Nutriband and its partner Kindeva announced that it has completed commercial manufacturing processes and scale-up for AVERSA Fentanyl, its abuse-deterrent fentanyl patch. This allows the company begin manufacturing clinical supplies and filing the IND (Investigational New Drug application) for the Phase 1 clinical study within the timeframe we anticipated. Only a single Phase 1 study is needed to file the application for marketing approval.

Manufacturing Completion Is A Significant Milestone. This scale-up is a significant step that demonstrates the ability to apply Kindeva’s transdermal patch technology for commercial scale production of AVERSA Fentanyl patches. We expect the IND filing to be completed shortly, with clinical testing to follow as expected.


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MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA) – Roche Forms Supply Agreement For THIO Combination Studies

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Friday, June 20, 2025

MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Our lead program is THIO, a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

MAIA Makes Its Third Supply Agreement. MAIA announced that it has entered a supply agreement with Genentech/Roche to test THIO (ateganosine) in combination with Tecentriq (atezolizumab, Roche’s PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor) for the treatment of several hard-to-treat cancers. MAIA now has supply agreements to test THIO in combination with checkpoint inhibitors from three global pharmaceutical companies, which we see as an indicator of interest for future partnerships.

PD-1 or PD-1L? That Is The Question. Checkpoint inhibitors block the interaction of the surface proteins PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) with PD-1L (the programed death receptor-1 ligand). When the PD-1 receptor binds to the PD-1L ligand, it inhibits the immune response. Checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibody drugs against PD-1 or PD-L1 that block this interaction, allowing cancer cells to be recognized by a patient’s immune system and killed.


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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. 

Euroseas (ESEA) – Strong Start to 2025

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Friday, June 20, 2025

Euroseas Ltd. was formed on May 5, 2005 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the ship owning interests of the Pittas family of Athens, Greece, which has been in the shipping business over the past 140 years. Euroseas trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker ESEA. Euroseas operates in the container shipping market. Euroseas’ operations are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified affiliated ship management company, which is responsible for the day-to-day commercial and technical management and operations of the vessels. Euroseas employs its vessels on spot and period charters and through pool arrangements.

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

Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

First quarter 2025 financial results. Euroseas Ltd. reported adjusted EBITDA and earnings per share (EPS) of $37.1 million and $3.76, respectively, compared to $24.6 million and $2.66 during the prior year period. Revenue increased due to a higher average number of vessels compared to the same period last year, while operating expenses declined. We had projected adjusted EBITDA and EPS of $34.7 million and $3.35, respectively. Relative to our estimates, revenues were higher, based on an average daily time charter equivalent rate of $27,806, versus our estimate of $26,221, while operating expenses were lower. Vessel operating expenses totaled $12.3 million compared to our estimate of $13.3 million.

Market outlook. The containership sector may face some challenges, including the potential for transit to resume through the Suez Canal, weaker economic conditions due to fluid trade policies, and a high industry order book, which could increase the supply of vessels. However, the company’s strong charter coverage through 2026 could insulate it from the potential for lower rates. Moreover, the feeder and intermediate segments of the market have relatively low order books, and demand for vessels remains strong.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This 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. 

U.S. Considers Ending Chip Waivers to China, Sending Semiconductor Stocks Lower

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Semiconductor stocks stumbled Friday after reports surfaced that the U.S. government is considering revoking waivers that currently allow major global chipmakers to use American technology in their Chinese operations.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Commerce Department official Jeffrey Kessler informed executives from Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) earlier this week that the Biden administration is reviewing whether to terminate these exemptions. The waivers had enabled companies to export U.S. chipmaking tools and software to facilities in China, despite existing export controls.

The news triggered a wave of selling across the semiconductor sector. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) dropped around 1%, while individual stocks including Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Marvell Technology fell roughly 1%. TSMC shares declined more than 2% as investors reacted to the potential disruption to its China-based operations.

The Commerce Department’s move signals a possible escalation in the ongoing tech tensions between Washington and Beijing. Although the two nations recently agreed on the framework of a second trade deal during meetings in London, the Biden administration has continued to tighten restrictions on advanced chip technology exports, citing national security concerns.

“These waivers were a key lifeline for chipmakers operating in China,” said Adam Kinley, an analyst at EastWest Securities. “If revoked, companies like TSMC and Samsung could face operational hurdles, reallocation costs, and potentially a sharp drop in revenue tied to China-based production.”

The semiconductor industry has already been navigating growing restrictions. In 2022 and 2023, the U.S. introduced sweeping controls limiting China’s access to advanced AI chips and tools required for high-end semiconductor fabrication. The latest efforts to close loopholes reflect Washington’s concern that Beijing could exploit foreign chip factories operating inside China to circumvent those controls.

The impact of these export curbs is already being felt. Nvidia, a leading AI chipmaker, disclosed last month that U.S. government restrictions on its China-bound H20 chips contributed to an estimated $8 billion hit in sales. CEO Jensen Huang described the China market—once worth $50 billion to U.S. chip companies—as “effectively closed.”

The potential rollback of waivers could further strain U.S.-China trade relations, particularly as China has denounced these restrictions as discriminatory. While the current policy discussions are ongoing and no final decision has been made, the possibility of more sweeping limits has introduced fresh volatility into the sector.

Investors and chipmakers alike will be watching closely for any formal announcements in the coming weeks. A reversal of the waivers would force affected companies to reevaluate supply chains, consider shifting manufacturing operations out of China, and potentially delay production schedules.

In the near term, analysts expect heightened market sensitivity to any government signals or diplomatic developments related to U.S.-China tech policy. As Washington balances national security priorities with global economic interests, the semiconductor industry finds itself once again at the center of geopolitical risk.

GENIUS Act Passes Senate: What It Means for Crypto and Stablecoin Investors

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a historic move for the crypto industry, the U.S. Senate has passed the GENIUS Act—short for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins—laying the foundation for the first federal framework governing stablecoins. Though the bill still awaits approval from the House of Representatives and President Trump’s signature, its Senate passage marks a seismic shift in crypto policy that could reshape the digital asset landscape.

Stablecoins, digital tokens typically pegged to the U.S. dollar, are widely used for trading, payments, and preserving value in volatile markets. The GENIUS Act aims to bring oversight and legitimacy to this rapidly growing segment by requiring issuers to maintain full reserves in cash or U.S. Treasury assets, undergo routine audits, and publicly disclose their reserve compositions monthly.

The legislation has already catalyzed a dramatic response. According to CoinDesk, the total market capitalization of stablecoins surged to a record $251.7 billion, reflecting a 22% year-to-date increase. Industry leaders, including Circle (CRCL)—the largest U.S. stablecoin issuer—have hailed the bill as a breakthrough. Circle’s stock has soared 400% since going public in early June, signaling investor confidence in the sector’s regulated future.

“This bill gives us the right foundation,” said Dante Disparte, Circle’s Chief Strategy Officer. “Whether you’re a bank, a fintech, or a non-bank issuer, you now have a common regulatory floor.”

One of the most consequential elements of the GENIUS Act is its two-tiered regulatory approach: large issuers with over $10 billion in assets will fall under federal oversight, led by the Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), while smaller issuers will be supervised by state regulators. Additionally, the act prohibits stablecoins from paying interest, a provision meant to draw a clear line between digital currencies and traditional savings products.

The bill also restricts members of Congress and their families from profiting off stablecoin ventures—though notably excludes President Trump and his family, sparking some partisan criticism. Trump’s growing involvement in the sector, including the launch of USD1 stablecoin by his crypto firm World Liberty Financial, has raised eyebrows and energized Republican support.

Big banks and corporations are now eyeing stablecoin issuance. Bank of America has confirmed it is exploring options, and Amazon and Walmart are reportedly assessing opportunities, though both companies remain cautious. The potential for new entrants to bypass traditional payment rails like Visa and Mastercard could be disruptive—and lucrative.

Despite concerns over investor runs and tech monopolies, the GENIUS Act includes strict consumer protection clauses, criminal penalties for noncompliance, and Treasury approval for tech firms wishing to issue stablecoins. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent projects the U.S. stablecoin market could exceed $2 trillion by 2028 if the bill becomes law.

As the House prepares to review the bill—possibly attaching it to broader crypto legislation—investors are bracing for what could be the most significant wave of adoption and innovation in crypto history. If passed in full, the GENIUS Act could signal not just regulation—but a rebranding of stablecoins from speculative tools to mainstream financial instruments.

Release – Nutriband and Kindeva Complete Manufacturing Scale-Up for AVERSA™ Fentanyl

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on NTRB

  • 1 hour ago

Nutriband and Kindeva have completed commercial manufacturing process scale-up for its lead product Aversa™ Fentanyl, an abuse-deterrent fentanyl patch

Nutriband is partnering with Kindeva to develop Aversa™ Fentanyl which combines Nutriband’s Aversa™ abuse-deterrent technology with Kindeva’s FDA-approved fentanyl patch

ORLANDO, Fla., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nutriband Inc. (NASDAQ:NTRB)(NASDAQ:NTRBW), a company engaged in the development of prescription transdermal pharmaceutical products, today announced that it has completed commercial manufacturing process scale-up for its lead product, Aversa™ Fentanyl, with Kindeva, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on drug-device combination products.

Nutriband is partnering with Kindeva to develop Aversa™ Fentanyl which combines Nutriband’s Aversa™ abuse-deterrent technology with Kindeva’s FDA-approved fentanyl patch. Aversa Fentanyl is manufactured at Kindeva’s state-of-the-art transdermal manufacturing facility located in the United States. The next step is to manufacture clinical supplies and file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA to initiate a human abuse liability clinical study.

“We are excited to achieve this commercial development milestone with our partner, Kindeva. Completing the commercial manufacturing scale-up is an important step towards development of a commercially viable product and eventual NDA filing. This achievement demonstrates the compatibility of the Aversa™ abuse deterrent platform technology with established transdermal patch manufacturing processes. Aversa Fentanyl has the potential to be the first abuse deterrent pain patch on the market,” said Gareth Sheridan, CEO, Nutriband.

Nutriband’s AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology can be utilized to incorporate aversive agents into transdermal patches to prevent the abuse, diversion, misuse, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential including opioids and stimulants. The AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology has the potential to improve the safety profile of transdermal drugs susceptible to abuse, such as fentanyl, while making sure that these drugs remain accessible to those patients who really need them.

AVERSA Fentanyl has the potential to be the world’s first abuse-deterrent opioid patch designed to deter the abuse and misuse and reduce the risk of accidental exposure of transdermal fentanyl patches. AVERSA Fentanyl has the potential to reach peak annual US sales of $80 million to $200 million.1 While initially concentrating on the US market, the unmet medical need for adequate pain management is a global problem, and our goal is to make AVERSA a global solution strategically targeting all major medical markets in the world.  

The AVERSA™ abuse deterrent technology is protected by a broad international intellectual property portfolio with patents issued in 46 countries including the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia, China, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

____________________________________________________

1 Health Advances Aversa Fentanyl market analysis report 2022

About AVERSA™ Abuse-Deterrent Transdermal Technology

Nutriband’s AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent transdermal technology incorporates aversive agents into transdermal patches to prevent the abuse, diversion, misuse, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential. The AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology has the potential to improve the safety profile of transdermal drugs susceptible to abuse, such as fentanyl, while making sure that these drugs remain accessible to those patients who really need them. The technology is covered by a broad intellectual property portfolio with patents granted in the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia, China, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

About Nutriband Inc.

We are primarily engaged in the development of a portfolio of transdermal pharmaceutical products. Our lead product under development is an abuse-deterrent fentanyl patch incorporating our AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology. AVERSA™ technology can be incorporated into any transdermal patch to prevent the abuse, misuse, diversion, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential.

The Company’s website is www.nutriband.com. Any material contained in or derived from the Company’s websites or any other website is not part of this press release.

About Kindeva

At Kindeva, we manufacture more tomorrows for patients worldwide. With best-in-class facilities and comprehensive CDMO services, we offer more than manufacturing—we deliver strategic value. Our global network of 10 manufacturing and R&D sites offer exceptional integrated knowledge and capabilities, including Annex 1-compliant state-of-the-art aseptic fill finish capacity and next-generation sustainable inhalation propellant technology. By combining expertise in injectable, pulmonary, nasal and dermal drug delivery, we help meet the demands of today and deliver the possibilities of tomorrow. Find out more at https://www.kindevadd.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, statements containing the words ‘’believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” and words of similar import, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve both known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in its forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those including the Company’s ability to develop its proposed abuse-deterrent fentanyl transdermal system and other proposed products, its ability to obtain patent protection for its abuse technology, its ability to obtain the necessary financing to develop products and conduct the necessary clinical testing, its ability to obtain Federal Food and Drug Administration approval to market any product it may develop in the United States and to obtain any other regulatory approval necessary to market any product in other countries, including countries in Europe, its ability to market any product it may develop, its ability to create, sustain, manage or forecast its growth; its ability to attract and retain key personnel; changes in the Company’s business strategy or development plans; competition; business disruptions; adverse publicity and international, national and local general economic and market conditions and risks generally associated with an undercapitalized developing company, as well as the risks contained under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Form S-1, Forms 10-K’s and Forms 10-Q’s, and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date hereof.

Release – Euroseas Ltd. Reports Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2025 and Declares Quarterly Common Stock Dividend

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ESEA

June 18, 2025 08:00 ET 

ATHENS, Greece, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESEA, the “Company” or “Euroseas”), an owner and operator of container carrier vessels and provider of seaborne transportation for containerized cargoes, announced today its results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 and declared a common stock dividend.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights:

  • Total net revenues of $56.3 million. Net income of $36.9 million or $5.31 and $5.29 earnings per share basic and diluted, respectively. Adjusted net income1 for the period was $26.2 million or $3.76 per share basic and diluted.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 was $37.1 million.
  • An average of 23.71 vessels were owned and operated during the first quarter of 2025 earning an average time charter equivalent rate of $27,563 per day. 
  • Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share for the first quarter of 2025 payable on or about July 16, 2025 to shareholders of record on July 9, 2025, as part of the Company’s common stock dividend plan.
  • On March 17, 2025 the Company completed the spin-off of three of its subsidiaries containing its two older vessels, M/V Aegean Express and M/V Joanna, along with the proceeds from the earlier sale of the vessel M/V Diamantis P, into Euroholdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: EHLD). Beginning on March 18, 2025, Euroholdings Ltd. operates as an independent company.
  • On May 29, 2025, the Company announced that it has signed an agreement to sell M/V Marcos V, a 6,350 teu intermediate containership built in 2005, to an unaffiliated third party, for $50 million. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered to its buyer in October 2025. The Company is expected to recognize a gain on the sale in excess of $8.50 million, or $1.20 per share.
  • As of June 18, 2025 we had repurchased 463,074 of our common stock in the open market for a total of about $10.5 million, since the initiation of our share repurchase plan of up to $20 million announced in May 2022.

________________________
1 Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share are not recognized measurements under US GAAP (GAAP) and should not be used in isolation or as a substitute for Euroseas financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. Refer to a subsequent section of the Press Release for the definitions and reconciliation of these measurements to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Aristides Pittas, Chairman and CEO of Euroseas commented:
“During the first quarter of 2025, the containership markets showed further strength, with both smaller and larger feeder segments seeing notable rate increases. This positive momentum has continued into the second quarter, with particularly strong gains in the smaller feeder segment. Market strength is also reflected in the secondhand S&P market, where demand for existing tonnage remains firm despite the continued delivery of newbuilds. Reflecting this dynamic, we successfully finalized the sale of one of our intermediate vessels, the M/V Marcos V, to an unaffiliated third party. The market strength is further reflected in our chartering activity resulting in almost 100% charter coverage for 2025 and in excess of 65% for 2026.

“Looking ahead, the containership sector may face notable challenges, primarily due to the high overall orderbook and the possibility that liner companies may resume transits through the Suez Canal. However, elevated geopolitical uncertainty driven by ongoing and escalating tensions between Iran and Israel compounded by uncertainty surrounding the U.S. Administration’s proposed tariffs add another layer of complexity. Specifically, on the supply-side while the orderbook remains high and represents the key challenge for the sector, it is heavily concentrated on larger vessel sizes. In contrast, the feeder and intermediate segments, where our fleet is concentrated, have historically low orderbooks; in addition, due to the higher proportion of older tonnage in these size segments, they are likely to experience a reduction in fleet supply over the coming years. This evolving fleet profile supports the view that, despite the potential risk of cascading from larger vessels, the fundamentals for feeder and intermediate containerships remain favorable.

“On the fleet growth front, we continue to consider ways of further modernizing our fleet. We will be soon retrofitting one more of our secondhand vessels with energy-saving devices. We have further improved our fleet profile by having transferred our two oldest ships to Euroholdings, a spin-off from our company, to pursue a separate independent market and investment strategy. Given our solid liquidity position, our Board has decided to maintain our high yielding quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share. We are also continuing our share buyback program, as our shares are trading at a substantial discount to our net asset value, despite the visibility of our revenues and earnings. As always, we remain committed to identifying attractive investment opportunities that enhance shareholder value and drive sustainable returns.”

Tasos Aslidis, Chief Financial Officer of Euroseas commented: “Our revenues for the first quarter of 2025 are increased by approximately 20% compared to the same period of 2024. This was mainly the result of the increased average number of vessels owned and operated in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the corresponding period of 2024. The Company operated an average of 23.68 vessels, versus 19.60 vessels during the same period last year. Net revenues amounted to $56.3 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $46.7 million for the first quarter of 2024.

“Total daily vessel operating expenses, including management fees, general and administrative expenses, but excluding drydocking costs, were $6,676 during the first quarter of 2025 compared $7,276 to the same quarter of last year. This was the result of the lower operating costs of the nine newbuilding vessels delivered during last year and in the first quarter of 2025. In the first quarter of 2024 the Company operated only five of these newbuilding vessels, while the rest were delivered gradually until January 2025.

“Adjusted EBITDA1 during the first quarter of 2025 was $37.1 million compared to $24.6 million achieved in the first quarter of last year.

“As of March 31, 2025, our outstanding bank debt (before deducting the unamortized loan fees) was $244.0 million, versus restricted and unrestricted cash of approximately $95.5 million. As of the same date, our scheduled debt repayments over the next 12 months amounted to about $30.7 million (excluding the unamortized loan fees).”

First Quarter 2025 Results:
For the first quarter of 2025, the Company reported total net revenues of $56.3 million representing an 20.6% increase over total net revenues of $46.7 million during the first quarter of 2024. On average, 23.68 vessels were owned and operated during the first quarter of 2025 earning an average time charter equivalent rate of $27,563 per day compared to 19.60 vessels in the same period of 2024 earning on average $27,806 per day. The Company reported a net income for the period of $36.9 million, as compared to a net income of $20.0 million for the first quarter of 2024.

Voyage expenses for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $0.2 million as compared to voyage expenses of $1.0 million for the same period of 2024. The increased amount of 2024 is mainly attributable to bunkers consumption by three of our vessels (M/V “Synergy Antwerp”, M/V “Synergy Oakland” and M/V “Marcos”) during their drydock period.

Vessel operating expenses for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $12.3 million as compared to $11.4 million for the same period of 2024. The increased amount is due to the higher number of vessels owned and operated in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the corresponding period of 2024.

Depreciation expense for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $8.0 million compared to $5.4 million for the same period of 2024 due to the increased number of vessels in the Company’s fleet.

Related party management fees for the first quarter of 2025 increased to $2.0 million from $1.6 million for the same period of 2024 as a result of the higher number of vessels in our fleet and the adjustment for inflation in the daily vessel management fee, effective from January 1, 2025, increasing it from 810 Euros to 840 Euros.

In the first quarter of 2025 two of our vessels completed extensive repairs afloat for a total cost of $1.8 million. In the first quarter of 2024 three of our vessels completed their special survey with drydock for a total cost of $5.6 million.

General and administrative expenses slightly increased to $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, as compared to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 due to increased professional fees and increased cost for our stock incentive plan.

Interest and other financing costs for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $3.9 million. Capitalized interest charged on the cost of our newbuilding program was $0.1 million for the first quarter of 2025. For the same period of 2024 interest and other financing costs amounted $1.8 million and the capitalized interest charged on the cost of our newbuilding program was $1.4 million. This increase is due to the increased amount of debt in the current period compared to the same period of 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 the Company recognized a $0.17 million loss on its interest rate swap contract, comprising a $0.07 million realized gain and a $0.24 million unrealized loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 the Company recognized a $0.86 million gain on its interest rate swap contracts, comprising a $0.10 million realized gain and a $0.76 million unrealized gain.

Adjusted EBITDA1 for the first quarter of 2025 was $37.1 million, compared to $24.6 million achieved for the first quarter of 2024, primarily higher revenues due to the higher number of vessels owned and operated.

Basic and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2025 was $5.31 and $5.29, respectively, calculated on 6,958,137 basic and 6,974,994 diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $2.89 and $2.87, respectively for the first quarter of 2024, calculated on 6,923,331 basic and 6,969,324 diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding. 

The adjusted earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 would have been $3.76 per share basic and diluted, respectively, compared to adjusted earnings of $2.67 and $2.66 per share basic and diluted, respectively, for the first quarter of 2024. Usually, security analysts include Adjusted Net Income in their determination of published estimates of earnings per share.

Fleet Profile:
The Euroseas Ltd. fleet profile as of June 18, 2025 is as follows:

Summary Fleet Data:

(1) Average number of vessels is the number of vessels that constituted the Company’s fleet for the relevant period, as measured by the sum of the number of calendar days each vessel was a part of the Company’s fleet during the period divided by the number of calendar days in that period.

(2) Calendar days. We define calendar days as the total number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet was in our possession including off-hire days associated with major repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys or days of vessels in lay-up. Calendar days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that we record during that period.

(3) The scheduled off-hire days including vessels laid-up, vessels committed for sale or vessels that suffered unrepaired damages, are days associated with scheduled repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys or days of vessels in lay-up, or vessels that were committed for sale or suffered unrepaired damages.

(4) Available days. We define available days as the Calendar days in a period net of scheduled off-hire days as defined above. We use available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels were available to generate revenues. 

(5) Commercial off-hire days. We define commercial off-hire days as days a vessel is idle without employment.

(6) Operational off-hire days. We define operational off-hire days as days associated with unscheduled repairs or other off-hire time related to the operation of the vessels.

(7) Voyage days. We define voyage days as the total number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet was in our possession net of commercial and operational off-hire days. We use voyage days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels actually generate revenues or are sailing for repositioning purposes.

(8) Fleet utilization. We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our voyage days during a period by the number of our available days during that period. We use fleet utilization to measure a company’s efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the amount of days that its vessels are off-hire for reasons such as unscheduled repairs or days waiting to find employment. 

(9) Fleet utilization, commercial. We calculate commercial fleet utilization by dividing our available days net of commercial off-hire days during a period by our available days during that period. 

(10) Fleet utilization, operational. We calculate operational fleet utilization by dividing our available days net of operational off-hire days during a period by our available days during that period. 

(11) Time charter equivalent rate, or TCE, is a measure of the average daily net revenue performance of our vessels. Our method of calculating TCE is determined by dividing time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue, if any, net of voyage expenses by voyage days for the relevant time period. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by the charterer under a time charter contract, or are related to repositioning the vessel for the next charter. TCE, which is a non-GAAP measure, provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and because we believe that it provides useful information to investors regarding our financial performance. TCE is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company’s performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot voyage charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. Our definition of TCE may not be comparable to that used by other companies in the shipping industry.

(12) We calculate daily vessel operating expenses, which includes crew costs, provisions, deck and engine stores, lubricating oil, insurance, maintenance and repairs and related party management fees by dividing vessel operating expenses and related party management fees by fleet calendar days for the relevant time period. Drydocking expenses are reported separately. 

(13) Daily general and administrative expenses are calculated by us by dividing general and administrative expenses by fleet calendar days for the relevant time period. 

(14) Total vessel operating expenses, or TVOE, is a measure of our total expenses associated with operating our vessels. TVOE is the sum of vessel operating expenses, related party management fees and general and administrative expenses; drydocking expenses are not included. Daily TVOE is calculated by dividing TVOE by fleet calendar days for the relevant time period.

(15) Daily drydocking expenses is calculated by us by dividing drydocking expenses by the fleet calendar days for the relevant period, Drydocking expenses include expenses during drydockings that would have been capitalized and amortized under the deferral method. Drydocking expenses could vary substantially from period to period depending on how many vessels underwent drydocking during the period. The Company expenses drydocking expenses as incurred.

Conference Call and Webcast:
Today, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 09:30 a.m. Eastern Time, the Company’s management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results.

Conference Call details:
Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 877 405 1226 (US Toll-Free Dial In) or +1 201 689 7823 (US and Standard International Dial In). Please quote “Euroseas” to the operator and/or conference ID 13754421. Click here for additional participant International Toll -Free access numbers.

Alternatively, participants can register for the call using the call me option for a faster connection to join the conference call. You can enter your phone number and let the system call you right away. Click here for the call me option.
 
Audio Webcast – Slides Presentation: 
There will be a live and then archived webcast of the conference call and accompanying slides, available on the Company’s website. To listen to the archived audio file, visit our website http://www.euroseas.gr and click on Company Presentations under our Investor Relations page. Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

The slide presentation for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, will also be available in PDF format minutes prior to the conference call and webcast, accessible on the company’s website (www.euroseas.gr) on the webcast page. Participants to the webcast can download the PDF presentation.

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:

Euroseas Ltd. considers Adjusted EBITDA to represent net income before interest and other financing costs, income taxes, depreciation, (gain) / loss on interest rate swap derivative, net, gain on sale of vessel, and amortization of fair value of below market time charters acquired. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, as determined by United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is included herein because it is a basis upon which the Company assesses its financial performance and liquidity position and because the Company believes that this non-GAAP financial measure assists our management and investors by increasing the comparability of our performance from period to period by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods of financial costs, loss / (gain) on interest rate swaps, gain on sale of vessel, depreciation, and amortization of below market time charters acquired. The Company’s definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as that used by other companies in the shipping or other industries.

Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share Reconciliation:
Euroseas Ltd. considers Adjusted net income to represent net income before unrealized (gain) / loss on derivative, gain on sale of vessel, amortization of below market time charters acquired and vessel depreciation on the portion of the consideration of vessels acquired with attached time charters allocated to below market time charters. Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share are included herein because we believe they assist our management and investors by increasing the comparability of the Company’s fundamental performance from period to period by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods of the aforementioned items, which may significantly affect results of operations between periods.

Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share do not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or earnings per share, as determined by GAAP. The Company’s definition of Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share may not be the same as that used by other companies in the shipping or other industries. Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share are not adjusted for all non-cash income and expense items that are reflected in our statement of cash flows.

About Euroseas Ltd.
Euroseas Ltd. was formed on May 5, 2005 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the ship owning interests of the Pittas family of Athens, Greece, which has been in the shipping business over the past 140 years. Euroseas trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker ESEA.

Euroseas operates in the container shipping market. Euroseas’ operations are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified affiliated ship management company, which is responsible for the day-to-day commercial and technical management and operations of the vessels. Euroseas employs its vessels on spot and period charters and through pool arrangements.

The Company has a fleet of 22 vessels, including 15 Feeder containerships and 7 Intermediate containerships. Euroseas 22 containerships have a cargo capacity of 67,494 teu. After the delivery of two intermediate containership newbuildings in the fourth quarter of 2027, Euroseas’ fleet will consist of 24 vessels with a total carrying capacity of 76,094 teu.

Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events and the Company’s growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy; including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time charters. Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “hopes,” “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to changes in the demand for containerships, competitive factors in the market in which the Company operates; risks associated with operations outside the United States; and other factors listed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Visit the Company’s website www.euroseas.gr

Company ContactInvestor Relations / Financial Media
Tasos Aslidis
Chief Financial Officer
Euroseas Ltd.
11 Canterbury Lane,
Watchung, NJ 07069
Tel. (908) 301-9091
E-mail: mailto:aha@euroseas.gr		Nicolas Bornozis
Markella Kara
Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1540
New York, NY 10169
Tel. (212) 661-7566
E-mail: euroseas@capitallink.com

Release – MAIA Biotechnology Announces Master Clinical Supply Agreement with Roche for Hard-to-Treat Cancer Therapies

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on MAIA

June 18, 2025 9:15am EDT Download as PDF

  • Agreement to support future studies investigating the combination of ateganosine and atezolizumab for safe and effective cancer treatments

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer, today announced its entry into a clinical master supply agreement with Roche for future studies investigating the combination of MAIA’s telomere-targeting agent ateganosine (THIO), sequenced with Roche’s checkpoint inhibitor (CPI), atezolizumab (Tecentriq®), for the treatment of multiple hard-to-treat cancers.

“In preclinical studies, ateganosine was found to be highly synergistic and effective in combination with Roche’s anti-PD-L1 agent atezolizumab,” said MAIA Chairman and CEO Vlad Vitoc, M.D. “We are pleased to partner with world-renowned Roche and we look forward to further strengthening our mission to find safe and effective cancer treatments.”

About Ateganosine

Ateganosine (THIO, 6-thio-dG or 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine) is a first-in-class investigational telomere-targeting agent currently in clinical development to evaluate its activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Telomeres, along with the enzyme telomerase, play a fundamental role in the survival of cancer cells and their resistance to current therapies. The modified nucleotide 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine induces telomerase-dependent telomeric DNA modification, DNA damage responses, and selective cancer cell death. Ateganosine-damaged telomeric fragments accumulate in cytosolic micronuclei and activate both innate (cGAS/STING) and adaptive (T-cell) immune responses. The sequential treatment with ateganosine followed by PD-(L)1 inhibitors resulted in profound and persistent tumor regression in advanced, in vivo cancer models by induction of cancer type–specific immune memory. Ateganosine is presently developed as a second or later line of treatment for NSCLC for patients that have progressed beyond the standard-of-care regimen of existing checkpoint inhibitors.

About MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Our lead program is ateganosine (THIO), a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.

Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) is a registered trademark of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

Forward-Looking Statements

MAIA cautions that all statements, other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels or activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The use of words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “future,” “potential,” or “continue,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that statements are not forward-looking. For example, all statements we make regarding (i) the initiation, timing, cost, progress and results of our preclinical and clinical studies and our research and development programs, (ii) our ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully complete, clinical studies, (iii) the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, (iv) our ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize our product candidates and to improve the manufacturing process, (v) the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates, (vi) the size and growth potential of the markets for our product candidates and our ability to serve those markets, and (vii) our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our product candidates, are forward looking. All forward-looking statements are based on current estimates, assumptions and expectations by our management that, although we believe to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Any forward-looking statement expressing an expectation or belief as to future events is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements are not guarantees of future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors beyond our control that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In this release, unless the context requires otherwise, “MAIA,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refers to MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Investor Relations Contact
+1 (872) 270-3518
ir@maiabiotech.com

Source: MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

Released June 18, 2025

Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE) – Mitigates Tariff Risks Much Faster Than Expected

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Wednesday, June 18, 2025

500 5th Avenue 20th Floor New York, NY 10110 United States Sector(s): Consumer Cyclical Industry: Apparel Manufacturing Full Time Employees: 599 Key Executives Name Title Pay Exercised Year Born Mr. Jonathan CEO & Director 825.62k N/A 1958 Ms. Marie Fogel Senior VP and Chief Merchandising & Manufacturing Officer 633.19k N/A 1961 Mr. John Chief Financial Officer

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.

Solid Q1 results. the company reported Q1 revenue of $57.9 million and an adj. EBITDA loss of $3.0 million, both of which were better than our estimates of $56.0 million and a loss of $5.5 million, respectively. Notably, while revenue and adj. EBITDA are both modestly lower than the prior year period; we view the Q1 results favorably, given the company’s ability to manage the uncertain tariff outlook.

Tariff mitigation. The company highlighted that it has been taking steps to reduce its exposure to China, currently roughly 60% of its cost of goods sold. Notably, the company is sourcing from other countries and expects that China will be roughly 25% of its cost of goods by the end of 2025. The company has leadership located in the sourcing countries to ensure product quality. 


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