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Release – FAT Brands Reaches New Milestone with 100th Store Opening in 2022

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on FAT

OCTOBER 26, 2022

Leading Global Restaurant Franchising Company Set to End Year with 12 5 New Locations

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., a leading global franchising company that owns restaurant brands including Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, Round Table Pizza, Twin Peaks and 13 other concepts, announces it has opened a record-breaking 100 new franchised locations so far this year, and is poised for further growth, with approximately 25 additional stores slated to open by year end. This is the first year since the company’s inception in 2017 that it has surpassed 100 openings in a year.

Following a year of strategic acquisitions in 2021, the company has committed to expanding organically. Notable openings, which spanned 17 states and 14 countries, included new locations in Mexico of the company’s co-branded burger and wing concept, Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express, and Twin Peaks, the ultimate sports lodge. The Mexico openings marked the first of 82 Twin Peaks and Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express units set to open in the country in the coming years. Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express also arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was one of the highest volume international openings to date for the co-branded pair. Similarly, Johnny Rockets continues to experience sizzling international growth, notching 12 openings this year. Domestically, the classic burger brand made its co-branded debut alongside Hurricane Grill & Wings’ new model, Hurricane Wings, in Washington, D.C.

Round Table Pizza continues to roll its way through Texas, with its fourth location in the state opening in San Antonio. Additionally, FAT Brands’ late 2021 acquisition, Fazoli’s, baked up three more locations in Florida. On the alternative growth front, Johnny Rockets cruised into Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, while Fatburger landed in two new casino locations in Las Vegas, The Venetian® Resort and the Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

“With a development pipeline of over 1,000 units, we have been laser-focused on successfully launching new locations across multiple brands,” said FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn. “Opening 100 stores so far this year is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to our dedicated franchisees and appeal of our family of brands. Equally impressive is the type of growth we have achieved. While we continued to expand in existing territories, we broke ground in new countries and states and debuted new co-branded concepts and non-traditional units.”

For more information on FAT Brands, visit www.fatbrands.com.

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we”, “our” or the “Company”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies, including but not limited to uncertainties surrounding the severity, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

MEDIA C ONTACT :
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509

Release – Sierra Metals Reports Third Quarter 2022 Production Results and Announces Voluntary Delisting From NYSE American and BVL Exchanges

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on SMTS

OCTOBER 25, 2022

(All metal prices reported in USD)

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (BVL:SMT) (NYSE AMERICAN: SMTS) (“Sierra Metals” or “the Company”) reports third quarter 2022 production results and announces its decision to voluntarily delist its common shares from the New York Stock Exchange American (“NYSE”) and the Bolsa de Valores de Lima (“BVL”). Delisting is intended to reduce costs and simplify Sierra’s administrative and compliance structure associated with these listings. The Company’s common shares will continue to be listed and traded in Canadian dollars on the TSX.

Production results are from Sierra Metals’ three underground mines in Latin America: The Yauricocha polymetallic mine in Peru, and the Bolivar copper and Cusi silver mines in Mexico.

Third Quarter 2022 Consolidated Production Highlights

  • As a result of the mudslide incident and the community blockade that followed, mining operations at Yauricocha were suspended for approximately 20 days in September.
  • Consolidated mill throughput decreased 12% when compared to the previous quarter and 25% when compared to Q3 2021, due to lower throughput at Yauricocha and slower ramp up at Bolivar as a result of an unforeseen flooding event in the Bolivar NorthWest zone.
  • Consolidated copper equivalent production was 7% lower compared to the previous quarter and 24% lower when compared to Q3 2021
  • Suspension of production and financial guidance remains in effect.

Consolidated Q3 2022 Results – The Company previously announced that results will be released on Tuesday, November 15th with a shareholder conference call and webcast on Wednesday, November 16th.

Correction: The Company’s Q3 2022 results will be released on Monday, November 14th after market close and the shareholder conference call and webcast will be held on Tuesday, November 15th at 11:00 AM EST. Dial in and event link details remain the same. Click here to register.

Luis Marchese, CEO of Sierra Metals, commented,“The tragic mudslide event that took place at the Yauricocha Mine last month has been extremely difficult for all of us at Sierra Metals. Safety for everyone remains our highest priority. As such, mining operations have re-commenced at a portion of the Yauricocha Mine, while a very thorough safety assurance process continues before restarting operations in the remaining areas.”

Additionally, the extended work stoppage at Yauricocha, due to the road blockade by a local community, concluded after an agreement was reached. The agreement is currently in the process of being implemented.”

He continued,“Bolivar’s turnaround effort has been delayed due to unexpected flooding events during most of the quarter at the Bolivar NorthWest zone in addition to operational delays in implementing a new raise bore to add ventilation. The flooding is currently under control.

Further, after an in-depth review, examining the advantages and disadvantages of Sierra’s listings, management and the Board determined that it would be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to voluntarily delist from both the NYSE and the BVL exchanges. The decision is intended to create simplification and to reduce significant costs associated with the continued listing on the NYSE and BVL.”

He concluded,“Sierra Metals has endured an unfortunate sequence of events, that have brought the Company to its current position. Our goal is to find the best path forward for the Company and its stakeholders.”

Consolidated Production Results

Throughput from the Yauricocha Mine during Q3 2022 was 269,057 tonnes, a 15% decline when compared to the previous quarter. When compared to Q3 2021, throughput from the Yauricocha Mine was 17% lower due to the suspension of mining activity and work stoppages during the third quarter, which resulted in a 31% decrease in copper equivalent pounds produced.

At the Bolivar Mine, throughput was 227,669 tonnes during Q3 2022 or 11% lower as compared to Q2 2022. Lower throughput, combined with lower grades in copper and silver resulted in a 10% decrease in copper equivalent pound production when compared to the previous quarter. When compared to Q3 2021, throughput at Bolivar was 38% lower and while grades were higher for silver and gold, they were not enough to offset the lower throughput, resulting in a 16% decrease in copper equivalent pounds produced.

At Cusi, throughput was 65,180 tonnes during Q3 2022 or 2% lower as compared to Q2 2022. The slightly lower throughput was offset by higher grades in all metals, resulting in a 32% increase in silver equivalent production. When compared to Q3 2021, a 7% increase in throughput, combined with higher head grades for all metals except lead, resulted in a 22% increase in silver equivalent production.

Yauricocha Mine, Peru

The Yauricocha Mine processed 269,057 tonnes during Q3 2022, which was a 15% decrease when compared to Q2 2022 and an 11% decrease in copper equivalent pounds produced. While silver, lead and zinc grades increased by 7%, 24% and 15%, respectively, copper grades decreased by 17% and gold decreased by 24% when compared to the previous quarter.

When compared to Q3 2021, there was a 17% decrease from the 324,196 tonnes processed in the same quarter of 2021 and a 31% decrease in copper equivalent pounds produced. Negative variances in the grades of all metals were the result of restricted access to higher grade areas of the mine and contributed to the lower production of all metals at Yauricocha during Q3 2022.

The significant decrease in tonnage and copper equivalent pounds produced at Yauricocha is a result of the suspension of mining activities due to the mudslide that occurred on September 11, 2022 and the subsequent blockade that took place at the mine’s main entrance.

A summary of production from the Yauricocha Mine for Q3 2022 is provided below:

Bolivar Mine, Mexico

The Bolivar mine processed 227,669 tonnes in Q3 2022, an 11% decrease from 256,372 tonnes in Q2 2022. Lower production during Q3, a 5% decrease in copper grades and a 2% decrease in silver grades resulted in a 10% decrease in copper equivalent pound production when compared to Q2 2022.

When comparing Q3 2022 to Q3 2021, the Bolivar mine processed 38% fewer tonnes of ore. Copper grades were 2% lower while silver and gold grades were 9% and 159% higher, respectively which was not enough to offset the overall decrease in tonnes processed. The mine’s copper equivalent production for the quarter decreased by 16% when compared to the same quarter last year. Operational ramp up has been slower than expected due to unforeseen flooding in the Bolivar NorthWest zone during the quarter.

A summary of production for the Bolivar Mine for Q3 2022 is provided below:

Cusi Mine, Mexico

Operating at an average throughput of 745 tpd, Cusi processed 2% fewer tonnes of ore in Q3 2022 as compared to Q2 2022. Higher grades in all metals resulted in a 32% increase in silver equivalent ounces.

When comparing Q3 2022 to Q3 2021, ore tonnage increased by 7%. Silver production increased 31%, with gold and lead production decreasing by 2% and 57%, respectively. Silver equivalent production of 374,000 ounces for the quarter was 22% higher than in Q3 2021.

A summary of production for the Cusi Mine for Q3 2022 is provided below:

Delisting From The NYSE American and BVL Stock Exchanges

Sierra Metals will notify the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the National Commission on the Supervision of Companies and Securities of its withdrawal of the common shares from listing on the NYSE and BVL, respectively.

The Company decided to pursue the voluntary de-listings after concluding that the disadvantages of maintaining its listing on the NYSE and the BVL outweighed the benefits to the Company and its shareholders. It was determined that a delisting will simplify Sierra’s administrative and compliance structure and reduce costs associated with the listing fees.

The decision to voluntarily delist the common shares from the NYSE and BVL will not impact the Company’s listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”). The common shares will continue to be listed and traded on the TSX, subject to compliance with TSX continued listing standards.

The Company expects that the last day of trading of the common shares on the NYSE will be on or about November 14, 2022 and on the BVL on or about December 15, 2022, subject to the satisfaction of the requirements and completion of the internal processes of the latter exchange.

Shareholders holding shares in U.S. brokerage accounts should contact their brokers to confirm how to trade Sierra Metals’ shares in the future on the TSX. Likewise, shareholders holding shares acquired through Peruvian stockbroker agents should contact their brokers to confirm how to trade Sierra Metals’ shares in the future on the TSX.

Quality Control

Américo Zuzunaga, FAusIMM (Mining Engineer) and Vice President, Technical, is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Sierra Metals

Sierra Metals Inc. is a diversified Canadian mining company with Green Metal exposure including copper production and base metal production with precious metals byproduct credits, focused on the production and development of its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The Company is focused on increasing production volume and growing mineral resources. The Company also has large land packages at all three mines with several prospective regional targets providing longer-term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.

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

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including with respect to the delisting of the Common Shares on the NYSE and BVL (and the timing thereof), results of the delisting and the timing of the release of the Company’s Q3 2022 results and shareholders’ call and webcast. Forward-looking information relates to future events or the anticipated performance of Sierra and reflect management’s expectations or beliefs regarding such future events and anticipated performance based on an assumed set of economic conditions and courses of action. In certain cases, statements that contain forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. By its very nature forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual performance of Sierra to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated March 16, 2022 for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and other risks identified in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively.

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

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

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

Source: Sierra Metals Inc.

Sierra Metals (SMTS) – Third Quarter Production Disappoints; Rating Lowered to Market Perform

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, October 26, 2022

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

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

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

Operational challenges negatively impact production. During the third quarter, Sierra Metals produced 6.3 million pounds of copper, 3.9 million pounds of lead, 10.8 million pounds of zinc, 2.2 thousand ounces of gold, and 669 thousand ounces of silver. On a sequential basis, copper and gold production declined 24% and 16%, respectively, while lead, silver, and zinc production increased 16%, 10%, and 4%, respectively. On a copper equivalent basis, production declined 7% sequentially and was below our estimate. Production was negatively impacted, among other things, by a mudslide  at the Yauricocha mine and flooding in the NorthWest Zone at the Bolivar mine.

Updating estimates. We have lowered our 2022 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $29.9 million and $(0.08) per share from $44.6 million and $(0.01) per share. We have lowered our 2023 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $76.1 million and $0.12 per share. Operational uncertainty associated with production at the company’s mines clouds our confidence in 2023 estimates. Sierra will release third quarter results after the market close on November 14 and will host an investor call on November 15 at 11:00 am ET.


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).

*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 – Genco Shipping & Trading Limited Announces Third Quarter 2022 Conference Call and Webcast

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on GNK

Oct 25, 2022

NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE: GNK) announced today that it will hold a conference call to discuss the Company’s results for the third quarter of 2022 on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and include a slide presentation. The Company will issue financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 after the close of market trading.

What: Third Quarter 2022 Conference Call
  
When: Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
  
Where:There are two ways to access the call:
  
 Dial-in: 786-697-3501 or 866-580-3963; Passcode: 8740274
  
 Please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to ensure a prompt start to the call.
  
 For live webcast and slide presentation: http://www.gencoshipping.com.

If you are unable to participate at this time, a replay of the call will be available for two weeks at 866-583-1035. Enter the code 8740274 to access the audio replay. The webcast will also be archived on the Company’s website: http://www.gencoshipping.com.

About Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited is a U.S. based drybulk ship owning company focused on the seaborne transportation of commodities globally. We provide a full-service logistics solution to our customers utilizing our in-house commercial operating platform, as we transport key cargoes such as iron ore, grain, steel products, bauxite, cement, nickel ore among other commodities along worldwide shipping routes. Our wholly owned high quality, modern fleet of dry cargo vessels consists of the larger Capesize (major bulk) and the medium-sized Ultramax and Supramax vessels (minor bulk) enabling us to carry a wide range of cargoes. We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with vessel acquisitions. As of October 25, 2022, Genco Shipping & Trading Limited’s fleet consists of 17 Capesize, 15 Ultramax and 12 Supramax vessels with an aggregate capacity of approximately 4,636,000 dwt and an average age of 10.6 years.

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

Source: Genco Shipping & Trading Limited

Release – Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Schedules Announcement Of 2022 Third Quarter Results

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on GLDD

Oct 25, 2022

HOUSTON, Oct. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ: GLDD) today announced that it will release the financial results for its three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. C.D.T. A conference call with the Company will be held the same day at 9:00 a.m. C.D.T.

Investors and analysts are encouraged to pre-register for the conference call by using the link below. Participants who pre-register will be given a unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call. Pre-registration may be completed at any time up to the call start time.

To pre-register, go to https://register.vevent.com/register/BIaf179cb81e584ab596ba33265b7db30d

The live call and replay can also be heard at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ka3fjd5a, or on the Company’s website, www.gldd.com, under Events on the Investor Relations page. A copy of the press release will be available on the Company’s website.

The Company
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (“Great Lakes” or the “Company”) is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 132-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

For further information contact:
Tina Baginskis
Director, Investor Relations
630-574-3024

Release – PDS Biotech Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lauren V. Wood to Address 2022 International Head and Neck Conference

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on PDSB

Conference to focus upon improving patient experience for difficult-to-treat cancer

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted immunotherapies for cancer and infectious disease, today announced that Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lauren V. Wood, will speak at the 2022 International Head and Neck Conference. The conference, being held in Sunderland, United Kingdom, on November 8-9, is organized by The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Group to bring together health professionals, patients, caregivers and survivors to improve the journey for those impacted by head and neck cancer.

“Our conference will challenge everyone to think differently on how to improve the quality of life from diagnoses to survivorship and beyond. Dr. Wood is a world-renowned physician and immunologist who is passionate about improving patient care and we are delighted to have her as a speaker,” said Chris Curtis, CEO of The Swallows, a UK-based charity group formed to provide support for patients and caregivers dealing with head and neck cancer.

“PDS Biotech and The Swallows are both focused on improving the experience for patients impacted by head and neck cancer. I am looking forward to an engaging discussion with researchers, current patients and survivors on how we can bring improved treatment options to these patients,” said Dr. Lauren V. Wood, Chief Medical Officer of PDS Biotech.

PDS Biotech’s lead asset, PDS0101, is a novel investigational human papilloma virus (HPV)-targeted immunotherapy that stimulates a potent targeted T cell attack against HPV-positive cancers. PDS0101 is being studied in combination with Merck & Co.’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with HPV16-positive recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer in the company’s VERSATILE-002 study. VERSATILE-002, is an ongoing Phase 2 study with active clinical sites in the US and Europe. Preliminary data from the first 19 patients in VERSATILE-002 were presented earlier this year at the American Society for Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting demonstrating that 41% of patients achieved an objective response, comparing favorably to the response rate of 19% with KEYTRUDA® monotherapy for patients with CPS Score >1 as reported in KEYNOTE-048 with no increase in toxicity.

About PDS Biotechnology 

PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on our proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T cell-activating technology platforms. We believe our targeted Versamune® based candidates have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing large quantities of high-quality, potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the potential to reduce tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV-positive cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. Our Infectimune™ based vaccines have also demonstrated the potential to induce not only robust and durable neutralizing antibody responses, but also powerful T cell responses, including long-lasting memory T cell responses in pre-clinical studies to date. To learn more, please visit www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech.

About PDS0101

PDS Biotech’s lead candidate, PDS0101, combines the utility of the Versamune® platform with targeted antigens in HPV-positive cancers. In partnership with Merck & Co., PDS Biotech is evaluating a combination of PDS0101 and KEYTRUDA® in a Phase 2 study in first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, and also in second line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer in patients who have failed prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy. A Phase 2 clinical study is also being conducted in both second- and third-line treatment of multiple advanced HPV-positive cancers in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). A third Phase 2 clinical trial in first line treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer is being performed with The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. A final Phase 2 clinical trial of PDS0101 monotherapy in first line treatment of newly diagnosed patients HPV16-positive head and neck cancer patients is being conducted at the Mayo Clinic.

KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

About The Swallows

The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Group is a UK-based charity supporting all people affected by head and neck cancers: patients, caregivers, friends, or relatives. We provide 24/7 support to every person affected by head and neck cancer.  Each month we hold several face-to-face Support Groups across the UK, along with a monthly virtual meeting which can be accessed across the globe. Meetings give both patients, caregivers the opportunity to discuss their issues, seek new ideas and help problem solve what they are going through. Each November, we host an International Head & Neck Cancer Conference where we bring together those affected by head and neck cancer, health professionals and inspirational speakers. Given the importance of early diagnosis, we offer a full range of information leaflets, posters, and books to help educate and inform people about head and neck cancer, including how to avoid such cancers, and how to look for warning signs that allow for early diagnosis and treatment. To learn more, please visit our website at The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Support Group  or follow us on Twitter at @swallowsgroup.

Forward Looking Statements 

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

Versamune® is a registered trademark and Infectimune™ is a trademark of PDS Biotechnology. 

Investor Contacts: 
Deanne Randolph 
PDS Biotech 
Phone: +1 (908) 517-3613 
Email: drandolph@pdsbiotech.com 

Rich Cockrell 
CG Capital 
Phone: +1 (404) 736-3838 
Email: pdsb@cg.capital 
  
Media Contacts: 
Dave Schemelia 
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Phone: +1 (609) 468-9325 
Email: dschemelia@tiberend.com 

Bill Borden 
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Phone: +1 (732) 910-1620 
Email: bborden@tiberend.com 

The Swallows Contact:

Chris Curtis
The Swallows CEO and World Head & Neck Cancer Advocate
Phone: +44 (0)7779 169 833
Email: chris@ccconsultant.co.uk

Release – Qatar Airways Enters into New Fuel Sales Agreement with Gevo For 5 Million Gallons Of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Per Year Over Five Years

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on Gevo

October 25, 2022

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) is pleased to announce a new fuel sales agreement with Qatar Airways (Qatar). The agreement sets forth the terms for the purchase of 5 million gallons per year of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for five years from Gevo’s future commercial operations. Gevo’s delivery of SAF under this agreement is expected to begin in 2028 at various airports in California.

Qatar is a member of oneworld® Alliance, and this agreement falls within the purview of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that oneworld Alliance members and Gevo signed in March 2022, laying the groundwork for the associated world-class airlines in the alliance to purchase up to 200 million gallons of SAF per year from Gevo’s future commercial operations. The agreement with Qatar will further enhance Gevo’s global footprint for its sustainable fuel products and also supports Gevo’s efforts in pursuit of its stated goal of producing and commercializing a billion gallons of SAF by 2030.

“By working with farmers on regenerative agricultural practices, Gevo can sustainability source feedstock to produce sustainable aviation fuel, while also increasing soil health, sequestering carbon, and providing nutritional products to the food chain,” said Dr. Patrick R. Gruber, Gevo’s Chief Executive Officer. “By building sustainability into every step of our business system, from sustainably grown feedstock to using renewable energy for production, we are helping Qatar and other members of the oneworld Alliance to reach their emission reduction goals.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “Qatar Airways continues to prioritize our commitment to net-zero flying by the middle of this century. Decarbonizing aviation requires the gradual incorporation of lower carbon and sustainable aviation fuels, and we are proud to collaborate on this global effort for a better future.”

The agreement with Qatar is subject to certain conditions precedent, including Gevo developing, financing and constructing one or more production facilities to produce the SAF contemplated by the agreement.

About Gevo
Gevo’s mission is to transform renewable energy and carbon into energy-dense liquid hydrocarbons. These liquid hydrocarbons can be used for drop-in transportation fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel, that when burned have the potential to yield net-zero greenhouse gas emissions when measured across the full life cycle of the products. Gevo uses low-carbon renewable resource-based carbohydrates as raw materials and is in an advanced state of developing renewable electricity and renewable natural gas for use in production processes, resulting in low-carbon fuels with substantially reduced carbon intensity (the level of greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard petroleum fossil-based fuels across their life cycle). Gevo’s products perform as well or better than traditional fossil-based fuels in infrastructure and engines, but with substantially reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to addressing the problems of fuels, Gevo’s technology also enables certain plastics, such as polyester, to be made with more sustainable ingredients. Gevo’s ability to penetrate the growing low-carbon fuels market depends on the price of oil and the value of abating carbon emissions that would otherwise increase greenhouse gas emissions. Gevo believes that it possesses the technology and know-how to convert various carbohydrate feedstocks through a fermentation process into alcohols and then transform the alcohols into renewable fuels and materials, through a combination of its own technology, know-how, engineering, and licensing of technology and engineering from Axens North America, Inc., which yields the potential to generate project and corporate returns that justify the build-out of a multi-billion-dollar business..

Gevo believes that the Argonne National Laboratory GREET model is the best available standard of scientific-based measurement for life cycle inventory or LCI. Learn more at Gevo’s website: www.gevo.com

About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021). Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, voted by Skytrax as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ 2022.

Qatar Airways recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability in aviation. They are committed to being at the forefront and working in collaboration with our global and regional partners on achieving the industry’s decarbonization goals.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, without limitation, including the agreement with Qatar, Gevo’s ability to produce SAF, Gevo’s ability to develop, finance and construct one or more production facilities to produce the SAF contemplated by the agreement with Qatar, the timing of Gevo producing the SAF for Qatar, Gevo’s technology, the attributes of Gevo’s products and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

Media Contact
Heather L. Manuel
+1 303-883-1114
IR@gevo.com

Release – V2X to Announce Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on VVX

Company Release – 10/25/2022

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc., (NYSE: VVX), a leading provider of critical mission solutions and support to defense clients globally, will report its financial results for the Third quarter ended September 30, 2022, on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, after market close. Senior management will conduct a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET that same day.

U.S.-based participants may dial in to the conference call at 877-506-6380, while international participants may dial 412-542-4198. A live webcast of the conference call as well as an accompanying slide presentation will be available on the V2X Investor Relations website at http://investors.vectrus.com.

A replay of the conference call will be posted on the V2X website shortly after completion of the call and will be available for one year. A telephonic replay will also be available through November 22, 2022, at 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international) with passcode 10171765.  

ABOUT V2X

V2X is a leading provider of critical mission solutions and support to defense clients globally, formed by the 2022 merger of Vectrus and Vertex to build on more than 120 combined years of successful mission support. The Company delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. Our global team of approximately 14,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation, to operations, to sustainment, as they tackle the most complex challenges with agility, grit and dedication.

Contact Information

Mike Smith, CFA
michael.smith@vectrus.com
(719) 637-5773

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/v2x-to-announce-third-quarter-2022-financial-results-301658414.html

SOURCE V2X, Inc.

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces Pricing of $15 Million Private Placement of Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on TNXP

October 25, 2022 7:00am EDT

CHATHAM, N.J., Oct. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors to purchase 1,400,000 shares of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and 100,000 shares of Series B convertible redeemable preferred stock. Each share of Series A and Series B preferred stock has a purchase price of $9.50, representing an original issue discount of 5% of the $10.00 stated value of each share. Each share of Series A and Series B preferred stock is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.00 per share. Shares of the Series A and Series B preferred stock are convertible at the option of the holder at any time following the Company’s receipt of shareholder approval for an increase to the authorized shares of common stock of the Company from 150 million to 1 billion. The Company and the holders of the Series A and Series B preferred stock also entered into a registration rights agreement to register the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A and Series B preferred stock. Total gross proceeds from the offerings, before deducting discounts, placement agent’s fees and other estimated offering expenses, is $15 million.

The Series A and Series B preferred stock permits the holders thereof to vote together with the holders of the Company’s common stock on a proposal to effectuate an increase to the authorized shares of common stock of the Company at a special meeting of Company shareholders. The Series B preferred stock permits the holder to cast 2,500 votes per share of Series B preferred stock on such proposal, provided, that such votes must be cast in the same proportions as the shares of common stock and Series A preferred stock are voted on that proposal. Except as required by law or expressly provided by the certificate of designation, holders of the Series A and Series B preferred stock will not be permitted to vote on any other matters. The holders of the Series A and Series B preferred stock agreed not to transfer, offer, sell, contract to sell, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise dispose of their shares of preferred stock until after the special meeting. The holders of the Series A and Series B preferred stock have the right to require the Company to redeem their shares of preferred stock for cash at 105% of the stated value of such shares commencing after the earlier of (i) the date on which the Company’s receives shareholder approval to increase the Company’s authorized shares of common stock or (ii) 60 days after the closing of the issuances of the Series A and Series B preferred stock and ending 90 days after such closing. The Company has the option to redeem the Series A and Series B preferred stock for cash at 105% of the stated value commencing after the Company’s shareholders’ approval of the increase to the authorized shares of common stock of the Company, subject to the holders’ rights to convert the shares prior to a redemption at the option of the Company.

The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about October 26, 2022, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Additional information regarding the securities described above and the terms of the offering are included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as the sole placement agent in connection with the offering.

The Series A and Series B preferred stock and shares of common stock into which these preferred shares are convertible are being issued in reliance upon the exemption from the securities registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D as promulgated by SEC under the 1933 Act.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*

Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022 and interim data expected in the second quarter of 2023. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Tonix initiated a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the third quarter of 2022 and expects interim data in the first half of 2023. TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA. A Phase 2 study of TNX-1300 is expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2023. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), a small molecule in development for chronic migraine, is expected to enter the clinic with a Phase 2 study in the fourth quarter of 2022. TNX-601 ER (tianeptine hemioxalate extended-release tablets) is a once-daily formulation of tianeptine being developed as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) with a Phase 2 study expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2023. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the first half of 2023. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline consists of a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and a platform to make fully human monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19. TNX-801, Tonix’s vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform for other infectious diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-801 is expected to be initiated in Kenya in the first half of 2023. Tonix’s lead vaccine candidate for COVID-19 is TNX-1850, a live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox live virus vector vaccine platform.

*All of Tonix’s product candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and none have been approved for any indication

This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; delays and uncertainties caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 14, 2022, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Contacts

Jessica Morris (corporate)
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 799-8599

Olipriya Das, Ph.D. (media)
Russo Partners
Olipriya.Das@russopartnersllc.com
(646) 942-5588

Peter Vozzo (investors)
ICR Westwicke
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released October 25, 2022

Avivagen Inc. (VIVXF) – Securing More Financing

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Avivagen is a life sciences corporation focused on developing and commercializing products for livestock, companion animal and human applications that, by safely supporting immune function, promote general health and performance. It is a public corporation traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VIV and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, based in partnership facilities of the National Research Council of Canada. For more information, visit www.avivagen.com. The contents of the website are expressly not incorporated by reference in this press release.

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

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

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

Issuing New Shares. Last Friday, Avivagen announced the closing of a first tranche of a non-brokered private placement of shares. The total amount of common shares issued in the first tranche was 2.15 million for approximately $430,000, or $0.20 per share. The total amount of the placement financing is up to $1 million. We expect the Company to issue the full amount in the private placement.

Use of Financing. The use of the funds will be for funding research and development expenses, sales and marketing costs, product registration, interest expense, working capital, and general corporate purposes. We anticipate the use of the funding will be for product expansion as the Company is continuing to work towards a No Objection Letter in the U.S., targeting an expansion in the European Union, and is seeing increased interest in South America.


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).

*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. 

The Truth About the Fed Pivot Rumors

Posted on by phoffman@channelchek.com
Image Credit: Camilo Rueda López (Flickr)

A Lack of Fed Pivot Doesn’t Have to Equate to Lower Stock Prices

The Fed is not likely to have suddenly indicated a pivot.

Despite the stock market rally and fresh news stories suggesting the Fed is indicating a more dovish stance, the notion has one problem. There are limits placed on Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants and whether they can grant interviews or give speeches before policy-setting meetings. They can not interact on the subject of policy. The current blackout period began October 22nd and will carry through the November 2nd final meeting day. So, investors may wish to consider other reasons if the stock market is rallying. Earnings, oversold conditions, year-end rally, perhaps news stories created by bloggers or journalists that don’t possess experience or understanding.

Image: Number of times “Fed Pivot” was searched using Google 

Current State of Tightening

This year the Fed has been tightening aggressively after having brought interest rates down aggressively a couple of years back. For many investors, a tightening cycle, ending with interest rates a safe margin above the inflation rate, is not something they can recall. This is because the Fed has been stabilizing employment during tricky times in a way that has lifted the markets out of whatever trouble there may have been. Rates have been well below the average 6% to 8% range. This has been going on since at least 2008 –  by some measures, way before.

There have been five times since late Spring that investors and TV’s talking heads were convinced the Fed has gone too far and will now begin bringing rates back. So far, all the hoping has done nothing to help; the track record stands at zero for five. While it remains to be seen and heard what to expect from monetary policy starting mid-next week, the current inflation rate and words that the Fed board members have said indicate another 75 bp hike in funds.

Looking Forward

Can this change? We get a look at third-quarter GDP on Thursday. This measures U.S. domestic production. A bad number could cause the Fed to rethink aggressive tightening. However, the expectations are that it will be higher than it has been all year (2.3% growth rate) which gives the Fed even greater ability to hit the brakes. Also, the PCE Price Index, viewed as the Fed’s preferred inflation indicator, is released Friday (6.3% YoY expected).

The Federal Reserve’s, monetary policy does not cater to the stock market. It does consider it because, of the wealth effect. The wealth effect is where consumers feel poorer because of declines in asset values, and while their disposable income may not have changed, they hunker down and spend less. This secondary impact to spending is the only attention the Fed officially pays to stocks.

Interest Rates

Real interest rates are still negative. Imagine buying a bond knowing that despite being exposed to maturity and credit risk, while tying up money, your spending power will almost certainly be less when it matures. This isn’t why people invest; in fact, if that scenario remains and inflation persists, the best use of savings may be to consider any large purchases you think you may incur in the coming few years and make them now. At the moment, inflation hasn’t shown signs of abating, something has to give; bond investors are going to require higher yields, Japan has already experienced a bond-buyer “strike.”

Where Do We Go from Here

For now, the consensus view is that inflation should drift back down to 3% or even lower by 2025. If energy continues to decline, supply-chain issues are resolved, and a strong U.S. dollar persists, the consensus may be correct. But one should be aware there are very bright economists that deviate from the consensus by plus or minus 300 bp or more.  

The markets may have already priced in bad news; rates heading back to normalcy (upward) doesn’t immediately mean a bad stock market. We can easily rally through the end of the year and still experience a sixth time the Fed has refrained from pivoting but instead has made sure its words were cleansed of anything that can be construed as reversing course.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

We’re in an Energy Crisis According to the IEA

Posted on by phoffman@channelchek.com
Image Credit: Steve Jurvetson (Flickr)

How Deep and How Long Will the Global Energy Crisis Last?

Are we in a global energy crisis? The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr. Fatih Birol, is sure of it. He referred to the global situation as a crisis on Tuesday (Oct. 25), speaking first at a conference, and later in an interview on CNBC. He explained that tighter markets for liquefied natural gas (LNG) worldwide and major oil producers cutting supply, have put the world in the middle of “the first truly global energy crisis.”

Our world has never witnessed an energy crisis with this depth and complexity,” according to the IEA head. He explained that until February 24, 2022, Russia was the number one fossil fuel exporter in the world. What has occurred since has been a major turn in oil and natural gas markets. Birol expects the volatility in oil and gas markets will continue throughout the world. When asked on CNBC Internaational if he thought it would be a prolonged war, he made clear that this is not his area of expertise; however, he believes there won’t be a “smooth transition into the next chapter for both oil and natural gas of the energy event.”

U.S. vs OPEC+

As it relates to the U.S. and OPEC being at odds, with OPEC managing toward supply-demand issues, and the U.S. being challenged by inflation, Birol says the two billion barrels cut by the oil-exporting nations is unprecedented. He believes it goes against their ambition to maximize profits as it works against economic growth in a world that is flirting with recession. He also pointed out it isn’t the U.S. that will experience hardship, rather, the emerging and developing countries will be hit hardest.

Image: Fatih Birol, IAEA Imagebank (November 2021)

On the same day, speaking at the Singapore International Energy Week, he shared that higher oil prices would push inflation higher and growth and production to shrink.

IEA projections show global oil consumption growing by 1.7 million barrels a day in 2023. Russian crude will be needed to bridge the gap between demand and supply, Birol said.

Russian Connection

The reduced Russian supply is a result of U.S. and the European Union’s decisions to place partial bans on Russian oil imports after Russia’s invasion of its neighboring country. The current proposed plan as the region heads into the heating season is to institute price caps on Russian resources. That would limit Moscow’s potential profits from oil exports while still allowing modest deliveries. Estimates are that these measures would leave space for between 80% and 90% of Russian oil to flow outside of the price cap. Birol expects this would help to make up for expected shortfalls. “I think this is good, because the world still needs Russian oil to flow into the market for now,” he said.

Oil Reserves

IEA members have built a stockpile of oil reserves that can be released if there’s a need to boost supply or temper prices, according to Birol. “We still have a huge amount of stocks to be released in case we see supply disruptions,” he said. “Currently, it is not on the agenda, but it can come anytime.”

The IEA head says that Europe will get through the winter if the weather remains mild, though somewhat battered. Birol said. “Unless we will have an extremely cold and long winter, unless there will be any surprises in terms of what we have seen, for example, Nord Stream pipeline explosion, Europe should go through this winter with some economic and social bruises.”

Take Away

The Executive Director of the IEA was in Singapore, speaking at a conference and giving media interviews. He did not sugarcoat his expectations. He expects oil and natural gas prices to remain volatile, and believes the emerging markets will be hurt most by OPECs cutting output. As for the upcoming winter, Birol says we are experiencing the worst global energy crisis in history, and it won’t resolve itself soon.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://bdnews24.com/business/7y637b19aj

https://www.iea.org/contributors/dr-fatih-birol

https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-10-24/world-is-in-its-first-truly-global-energy-crisis-ieas-birol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZEYUXbcYzI

Release – BioSig Signs Master Research Agreement with Cleveland Clinic to Explore Expanded Applications for its Digital Signal Processing Technology

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on BSGM

October 24, 2022

Westport, CT, Oct. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

  • Medical Center of Excellence to leverage the Company’s PURE EP™ System to further its research and educational objectives as a leader in cardiac electrophysiology
  • Clinical investigations conducted by Cleveland Clinic could expand clinical parameters of BioSig’s digital signal processing technology for arrhythmia care

BioSig Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: BSGM) (“BioSig” or the “Company”) an advanced digital signal processing technology company delivering unprecedented accuracy and precision to intracardiac signal visualization with its proprietary PURE EP™ System, today announced that it will sponsor a research agreement with Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) to investigate expanded clinical applications for the intracardiac signals acquired by its PURE EP™ System.

Under the terms of the research agreement, Cleveland Clinic will conduct physician initiated scientific research investigating PURE EP™’s potential to address common limitations of signal processing and signal use expansion during— but not limited to— electrophysiology ablation procedures. Results from this research could elucidate new clinical workflow methods impacting the ablation process for numerous arrhythmia types.

The Company has selected Cleveland Clinic, a leading medical center of excellence, based on their world-class physician faculty, research competency, and mutual interest in leveraging digital signal processing technology to further advance the field of cardiac electrophysiology. 

“As a non-profit, research, education, and healthcare institution, Cleveland Clinic has a long legacy of innovation in cardiovascular disease, and specifically in the field of electrophysiology. At BioSig, we embody their commitment to clinical discovery and ensuring that optimal treatments are made available to patients with efficiency and efficacy,” said Gray Fleming, Chief Commercialization Officer, BioSig Technologies, Inc. “We are honored to align ourselves with Cleveland Clinic’s expertise as we discover new ways to positively impact procedural workflows by leveraging digital signal processing technology.”

BioSig’s PURE EP™ System is currently under evaluation at both Main and Fairview campuses of Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute.  

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. As a leader in arrhythmia treatment and diagnosis, Cleveland Clinic medical centers include state-of-the-art electrophysiology laboratories, world-class physicians and researchers, and the latest cutting-edge technologies and protocols deployed for the treatment of heart abnormalities. To learn more, visit clevelandclinic.org.

About BioSig Technologies

BioSig Technologies is an advanced digital signal processing technology company bringing never-before-seen insights to the treatment of cardiovascular arrhythmias. Through collaboration with physicians, experts, and healthcare leaders across the field of electrophysiology (EP), BioSig is committed to addressing healthcare’s biggest priorities — saving time, saving costs, and saving lives.

The Company’s first product, the PURE EP™ System, an FDA 510(k) cleared non-invasive class II device, provides superior, real-time signal visualization allowing physicians to perform insight-based, highly targeted cardiac ablation procedures with increased procedural efficiency and efficacy.

The PURE EP™ System is currently in a national commercial launch and an integral part of well-respected healthcare systems, such as Mayo Clinic, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Cleveland Clinic, and Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute. In a blinded clinical study recently published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, electrophysiologists rated PURE EP™ as equivalent or superior to conventional systems for 93.6% of signal samples, with 75.2% earning a superior rating.

The global EP market is projected to reach $16B in 2028 with a 11.2% growth rate.[1]

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Such statements may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Forward- looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) market conditions and the Company’s intended use of proceeds, (ii) the geographic, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on our ability to conduct our business and raise capital in the future when needed, (iii) our inability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own, or in collaboration with third parties; (iv) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (v) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (vi) loss of one or more key executives or scientists; and (vii) difficulties in securing regulatory approval to market our products and product candidates. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

1 Global Market Insights Inc. March 08, 2022.

Andrew Ballou

BioSig Technologies, Inc.

Vice President, Investor Relations

55 Greens Farms Road, 1st Floor

Westport, CT 06880

aballou@biosigtech.com

203-409-5444, x133

Source: BioSig Technologies, Inc.

Released October 24, 2022