Page 297 – Channelchek

Saga Communications, Inc. (SGA) – Delivering On Its Growth Strategy Initiatives

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

Saga Communications, Inc. is a broadcast company whose business is primarily devoted to acquiring, developing and operating radio stations. Saga currently owns or operates broadcast properties in 27 markets, including 79 FM and 33 AM radio stations. Saga’s strategy is to operate top billing radio stations in mid sized markets, defined as markets ranked (by market revenues) from 20 to 200. Saga’s radio stations employ a myriad of programming formats, including Active Rock, Adult Album Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Country, Classic Country, Classic Hits, Classic Rock, Contemporary Hits Radio, News/Talk, Oldies and Urban Contemporary. In operating its stations, Saga concentrates on the development of strong decentralized local management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the stations in their market area and is compensated based on their financial performance as well as other performance factors that are deemed to effect the long-term ability of the stations to achieve financial objectives. Saga began operations in 1986 and became a publicly traded company in December 1992. The stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “SGA”.

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 Q3 results. The company reported Q3 revenue of $29 million, and adj. EBITDA of $5 million, both of which were in-line with our estimates of $28.9 million and $5 million, respectively. Notably, the company’s national advertising revenue was up 1% in the quarter, which is virtually unheard of among its peers. We believe that the company will have among the best Q3 results in the industry.

Best in class. Management indicated that its Digital businesses grew a strong 34% in the quarter, likely to exceed the industry. Notably, the company’s national advertising revenue is up an impressive 6.9% year-to-date. In addition to the company’s industry leading digital revenue growth and resilient national advertising revenues, the company has a pristine balance sheet with no long term debt.

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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.

Newrange Gold (NRGOF) – Timetable to Close Slips due to Rescheduled Court Hearing

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

Newrange is focused on district-scale exploration for precious metals in the prolific Red Lake District of northwestern Ontario. The past-producing high-grade Argosy Gold Mine is open to depth, while the adjacent North Birch Project offers additional blue-sky potential. Focused on developing shareholder value through exploration and development of key projects, the Company is committed to building sustainable value for all stakeholders. Further information can be found on our website at www.newrangegold.com .

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

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

Transaction to form Pinnacle Silver & Gold Corp. In May,Newrange executed a binding Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) to acquire 100% of Mithril Resources Limited (ASX: MTH) in a reverse takeover (RTO). Pending approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, the resulting company will be named Pinnacle Silver & Gold Corp. and will be listed on the TSX Venture exchange under the symbol “PINN.” During their respective special meetings, Newrange and Mithril shareholders approved the merger between Newrange and Mithril to form Pinnacle Silver & Gold Corporation. Assuming that all requirements are satisfied, the transaction could close in late November or early December.

Key conditions remain. Although both sets of shareholders have approved the transaction, several requirements remain outstanding. These include: 1) the Federal Court of Australia must approve the transaction, 2) an Independent Expert must affirm that in the absence of a superior offer, the share and option schemes are in the best interests of Mithril shareholders and option holders, 3) completion of Newrange Gold’s concurrent financing, 4) Newrange Gold receiving unconditional approval to re-list on the TSX Venture Exchange, and 5) satisfaction or waiver of any remaining conditions prior to the Court hearing.

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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).

Kelly Services (KELYA) – Selling International Staffing Business

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) connects talented people to companies in need of their skills in areas including Science, Engineering, Education, Office, Contact Center, Light Industrial, and more. We’re always thinking about what’s next in the evolving world of work, and we help people ditch the script on old ways of thinking and embrace the value of all workstyles in the workplace. We directly employ nearly 350,000 people around the world and connect thousands more with work through our global network of talent suppliers and partners in our outsourcing and consulting practice. Revenue in 2021 was $4.9 billion. Visit kellyservices.com and let us help with what’s next for you.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

Selling A Piece. Kelly Services is selling its European Staffing Business to Gi Group Holdings S.P.A. The sale is for cash consideration of €100 million (about $106 million at current exchange rates) with a €30 million earnout based on a multiple of adjusted 2023 EBITDA and payable in 2Q24. The transaction is expected to close in 1Q24.

But Not All. The deal includes Kelly’s European Staffing business across 14 European countries. Notably, Kelly will maintain its global footprint and continue to provide higher margin, higher growth potential MSP, RPO, and FSP solutions to customers in the EMEA region through KellyOCG. As a leading global vendor-neutral provider of talent supply chain strategies and workforce solutions, KellyOCG leverages a network of 3,000 suppliers – including Gi – spanning 140 countries to connect customers across North America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA with top talent.

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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).

Information Services Group (III) – Reports Results and an Acquisition

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

3Q Results. ISG reported third quarter revenue of $71.8 million, a record for the quarter, although lower than management’s $73-75 million guidance and our estimate of $75 million. Revenue was up 4.3% from last year’s $68.8 with currency translation positively impacting reported revenues by $1.4 million versus the prior year. Revenues from Americas were up 1% to $42.5 million from the prior year, Europe up 14% to $22.1 million, and Asia Pacific down 2% to $7.2 million. Recurring revenue was up 19% in the quarter.

Bottom Line. Net income for the quarter was $3.2 million, or diluted EPS of $0.06, down 42% from $5.6 million last year, or $0.11. We estimated net income of $3.8 million, or EPS of $0.08. Non-GAAP net income was $5.7 million, or diluted EPS of $0.11, compared to $7.2 million, or $0.14, last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $10.6 million, flat with last year, near the low-end of management’s $10.5-$11.5 million guidance.

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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).

Eskay Mining Corp. (ESKYF) – Observations from the 2023 Diamond Drill Program

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

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.

Productive drill season. Eskay Mining had a productive 2023 diamond drill and exploration season at its 100% controlled Consolidated Eskay Gold Project. The roughly 6,000 meter drill program centered on seven targets: 1) Cumberland, 2) Scarlet Knob-Bruce Glacier, 3) Tarn Lake, 4) Hexagon-Mercury, 5) Maroon Cliffs, 6) Storie Creek, and 7) TV South. While the company confirmed new precious metal rich volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) discoveries, the most significant outcome, in our view, is that the program highlighted the significant exploration potential in the areas between the Cumberland target and the TV-Jeff complex. Tied for second are results from Scarlet Knob and Tarn Lake.

Encouraging results at Cumberland. Cumberland is ~6 kilometers south of the TV deposit and is similarly situated along the east side of the Eskay anticline. Nine holes were completed at the Cumberland target. Several returned promising assays, including Hole CBL23-28 which returned 3.02 grams of gold per tonne, 68.66 grams of silver per tonne, 0.24% copper, 0.74% lead, and 4.86% zinc, or 6.28 grams of gold equivalent, over 15 meters.

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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).

Entravision Communications (EVC) – A Tempered, But Still Favorable View

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

Entravision Communications Corporation is a diversified Spanish-language media company utilizing a combination of television and radio operations to reach Hispanic consumers across the United States, as well as the border markets of Mexico. Entravision owns and/or operates 53 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the top-ranked Univision television network and Univision’s TeleFutura network, with television stations in 20 of the nation’s top 50 Hispanic markets. The Company also operates one of the nation’s largest groups of primarily Spanish-language radio stations, consisting of 48 owned and operated radio stations.

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

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

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

A mixed quarter. Q3 revenues of $274.4 million, a record revenue quarter for the company, was largely in line with our $277.0 million estimate. But, the absence of high margin Political advertising and lower margin revenue mix caused an adj. EBITDA shortfall, $14.2 million versus our $17.0 million estimate. Lower Digital adj. EBITDA accounted for the largest portion of the EBITDA variance.

Lower Q4 outlook. We are lowering our Q4 total company revenue from $318.0 million to $309.7 million to reflect the company’s current pacings. Based on lower margin assumptions, we are lowering our adj. EBITDA from $25.0 million to $19.0 million. For the year, we are lowering our adj. EBITDA estimate from $69.2 million to $60.4 million.

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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).

Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN) – Phase 1b Data Shows Safety With An Important Improvement In Kidney Function

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

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.

Update From Phase 1b Trial Presented. Eledon presented updated data from its Phase 1b open-label trial testing tegoprubart for prevention of kidney transplant rejection. The data showed tegoprubart was comparable or better than tacrolimus in safety and tolerability, its primary endpoint. One of the secondary endpoints measuring kidney function showed a substantial improvement over tacrolimus. We see this data as a strong positive for tegoprubart.

Tegoprubart Is In Development To Replace Tacrolimus. The calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus is the current standard of care for preventing transplant rejection. It has a success rate of over 90% first year graft survival, but its side effects include toxicity to the kidney and pancreas. These toxicities cause new onset diabetes and graft failure. The open-label trial tested a regimen with tegoprubart instead of tacrolimus along with the other standard-of-care drugs.

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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).

ACCO Brands (ACCO) – First Look into a Mixed Third Quarter

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Esselte®, Five Star®, GBC®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Quartet®, Rapid®, Rexel®, Swingline®, Tilibra®, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , 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.

A Mixed Bag. ACCO’s 3Q23 results were a mixed bag. Global macroeconomic weakness, softer technology accessories product demand, and a stronger U.S. dollar negatively impacted 3Q23 top line. But gross margin improved by 400 basis points, reflecting the continued recovery of margin from pricing actions, as well as cost savings from the Company’s restructuring and footprint rationalization efforts.

3Q23 Results. Net sales for the quarter declined 7.7% to $448.0 million from $485.6 million last year. We had estimated sales of $475 million. Comparable sales fell 9.9%. Net income was $14.9 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to a net loss of $68.7 million, or $0.73, last year. Last year was impacted by a goodwill impairment charge, partially offset by higher restructuring and income tax expense in the current year. Adjusted net income was $23.1 million, or $0.24, compared to $24.1 million, or $0.25, last year.

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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).

1·800·Flowers.com, Inc. (FLWS) – Off To A Good Start

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, November 03, 2023

For more than 45 years, 1-800-Flowers.com has offered truly original floral arrangements, plants and unique gifts to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, everyday occasions, and seasonal holidays, and to deliver comfort during times of grief. Backed by a caring team obsessed with service, 1-800-Flowers.com provides customers thoughtful ways to express themselves and connect with the most important people in their lives. 1-800-Flowers.com is part of the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. family of brands. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS.

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.

Fiscal Q1 results better than expected. Total company revenues of $269.1 million, which declined 11.4% from a year earlier, beat our estimate of $249.9 million, driven by better results in each of its operating segments. The revenue decrease represented a significant moderation from the 17.9% decline in its fiscal Q4. The seasonal adj. EBITDA loss of $22.0 million was better than our loss estimate of $27.8 million.

Improving margin outlook still favorable. Gross margins in the latest quarter improved 450 basis points from 33.4% to 37.9% due to lower ocean freight costs, moderating commodity prices, and lower inventory write-offs. While ocean freight prices have returned to near pre-Covid levels, there is still significant margin expansion opportunities as commodity prices moderate. We anticipate that full fiscal year 2024 gross margins should improve from 37.5% in 2023 to 39.3% in 2024.

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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).

Sam Bankman-Fried Found Guilty on All Counts in FTX Fraud Trial

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder and former CEO of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been found guilty on all charges related to fraud and money laundering. The verdict was handed down on Thursday by a jury in a Manhattan federal court following over a month of dramatic testimony in one of the most high-profile white collar criminal trials in recent history.

Bankman-Fried faced seven criminal counts tied to allegations he defrauded FTX customers and investors out of billions of dollars. The jury deliberated for approximately four hours before returning guilty verdicts on all counts, affirming the prosecution’s allegations that the 30-year-old knowingly misled investors and misappropriated customer deposits to cover losses at his hedge fund, Alameda Research.

Each fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the money laundering conviction includes up to another 20 years. This brings the total maximum sentence to 115 years behind bars for Bankman-Fried. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 2024, where the exact prison term will be determined by Judge Lewis Kaplan.

Rapid Downfall of a Crypto Pioneer

The verdict represents a dramatic demise for Bankman-Fried, who was once hailed as a pioneer within the crypto industry. The MIT graduate founded FTX in 2019, and it grew rapidly to become one of the largest global cryptocurrency exchanges with a valuation of over $30 billion at its peak.

But FTX collapsed almost overnight last November after a report revealed a leaked balance sheet showing Alameda Research owed billions of dollars in loans to FTX. The news triggered a liquidity crisis and customer withdrawals that quickly bankrupted both companies.

Prosecutors presented evidence over the course of the trial that Bankman-Fried had secretly transferred customer funds from FTX to cover losses at Alameda as the hedge fund made a series of failed investments. In total, an estimated $8 billion in customer money vanished.

When asked on the witness stand whether he stole funds, Bankman-Fried testified “I never intended to commit fraud.” But the 12-person jury ultimately sided with the prosecution in deeming his actions fraudulent.

Watershed Moment for Crypto Accountability

The guilty verdict represents a major victory for authorities seeking greater accountability within the largely unregulated crypto industry. Bankman-Fried’s conviction on all criminal charges related to the FTX collapse will likely spur further calls for regulation to protect investors participating in digital asset markets.

Many Industry observers believe the prosecution and ultimate guilty verdict for Bankman-Fried will serve as a warning for other crypto executives. His undoing may deter similar misconduct, as leaders now know they can face severe criminal repercussions for defrauding customers.

While the FTX saga damaged trust in cryptocurrencies broadly, the decisive guilty verdict helps restore some faith that justice can be served. Investors who lost their savings when FTX failed may find some solace knowing its founder and chief architect will now likely serve substantial prison time.

For Bankman-Fried himself, the future now looks increasingly bleak. His sentencing in March 2024 will determine exactly how many years he’ll spend incarcerated for the crimes that led to FTX’s epic collapse and wiped out billions in customer funds. But the outcome is already clear – his fraud conviction ensures Bankman-Fried will go down in history as a disgraced figure instead of the visionary entrepreneur he once portrayed himself to be.

Forum Energy Technologies Transforms Business with Variperm Acquisition

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Houston-based Forum Energy Technologies (NYSE: FET) announced a definitive agreement to acquire Variperm Energy Services in a transformative $210 million deal. The acquisition is expected to significantly boost FET’s revenues, profitability, and exposure to critical global energy production.

Under the terms of the agreement, FET will pay $150 million in cash and issue 2 million shares of FET common stock to acquire Variperm. This reflects a total valuation of approximately 3.7 times Variperm’s trailing 12-month EBITDA. The deal is projected to close in January 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and Canadian regulatory approval.

Variperm is a leading manufacturer of customized downhole solutions and sand/flow control products for heavy oil applications. Headquartered in Calgary, Canada, the company has 290 employees across eight North American locations. Variperm has been backed by private equity firm SCF Partners since 2014.

“We are excited to have Variperm join the FET family,” said Neal Lux, President and CEO of FET. “Variperm’s differentiated technology and strong position with blue-chip customers establishes FET as a key global partner for producers.”

Significantly Accretive Deal

FET expects the acquisition to be highly accretive, transforming its profitability, margins and scale.

On a combined trailing 12-month basis as of September 30, 2023, FET projects total revenues increasing 17% to $873 million. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to surge 77% to $121 million, reflecting a 470 basis point improvement in EBITDA margins to 14%.

The deal is also expected to drive substantial increases in operating cash flow, free cash flow, and earnings per share. FET anticipates ample liquidity and balance sheet flexibility even after closing, with net leverage of only 1.9x EBITDA.

Complementary Offerings & Global Reach

Importantly, Variperm’s product portfolio directly complements FET’s existing artificial lift and downhole solutions. This creates cross-selling opportunities and enables FET to offer integrated solutions.

FET can also leverage its extensive global infrastructure and footprint spanning over 50 countries to expand Variperm’s customer reach worldwide. This includes critical energy markets in the Middle East.

Neal Lux commented, “Variperm’s strong position with blue-chip customers further establishes FET as a key global partner for producers. The acquisition also broadens FET’s exposure to one of the most critical sources of global energy production and security.”

Financing & Liquidity

FET plans to fund the $150 million cash portion of the acquisition through existing cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. FET may also utilize a $60 million seller term loan from Variperm’s existing PE owners.

In conjunction with the deal, FET has amended its credit facility to increase revolving commitments by $71 million to $250 million. The amended facility also extends maturity to September 2028 and permits the Variperm acquisition.

At close, FET expects to have net leverage of 1.9x EBITDA and liquidity of approximately $142 million to fund operations and future growth. The company anticipates rapidly deleveraging to 1.0-1.3x by end of 2024 based on free cash flow generation.

The strategic Variperm acquisition solidifies FET’s standing as a leading provider of solutions for the global oil & gas industry. By augmenting its portfolio, boosting profitability, and expanding its customer base, FET has set the stage for continued growth and success.

Take a moment to look at other energy companies by looking at Noble Capital Market’s Senior Research Analyst Michael Heim’s coverage list.

Release – Onconova Therapeutics’ ASH Poster To Focus On Narazaciclib In MCL

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ONTX

Nov 02, 2023

PDF Version

Preclinical data indicate that narazaciclib shows monotherapy and combination anti-tumor activity in ibrutinib-sensitive and resistant cells and xenograft models

NEWTOWN, Pa., Nov. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ONTX), (“Onconova” or “the Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer, today announced that Onconova and collaborators will present a preclinical poster related to its lead program, narazaciclib, at the 65^th American Society for Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition (ASH), taking place in San Diego, California from December 9 to 12, 2023.

“The poster that we and researchers from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain are presenting at ASH 2023 shows that the study of narazaciclib, either as a single agent or in combination with ibrutinib, effectively controls tumor growth in preclinical models of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), including those that are resistant to Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis), a mainstay of care for this aggressive and difficult to treat cancer. The experiments included a broad comparison of narazaciclib with three other approved cyclin-D-kinase inhibitors (CDKis), used in combination with several BTKis,” said Steven Fruchtman, M.D., President and CEO of Onconova.

Dr. Fruchtman continued, “We were especially pleased by the broad translational data set that provided an understanding of narazaciclib’s role in cell cycle blockade. These studies show that narazaciclib appears to act in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, the studies also indicate that the combination of narazaciclib and ibrutinib act in a synergistic way to achieve in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity in ibrutinib sensitive- and resistant -cells and xenograft models. Together, these data support the potential use of narazaciclib in MCL and other cyclin-dependent indications, and further inform our understanding of narazaciclib’s mechanism of action as we advance the clinical program, led by the Phase 1/2a study in patients with low grade endometrioid endometrial cancer, an indication with a great unmet medical need.”

Poster Presentation Information:

Title: Narazaciclib, a Differentiated CDK4/6 Antagonist, Prolongs Cell Cycle Arrest and Metabolomic Reprogramming, Enabling Restoration of Ibrutinib Sensitivity in Btki-Resistant Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Session Name: 605. Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance: Lymphoid Neoplasms: Poster III
Session Date: Monday, December 11, 2023
Presentation Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H
Poster Number: 4181
Presenters: Dr. Nuria Profitos-Peleja, Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain

About Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.

Onconova Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer. The Company’s product candidates, narazaciclib and rigosertib, are proprietary targeted anti-cancer agents designed to disrupt specific cellular pathways that are important for cancer cell proliferation.

Narazaciclib, Onconova’s novel, multi-kinase inhibitor (formerly ON 123300), is being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 combination trial with the estrogen blocker letrozole, in advanced endometrial cancer (NCT05705505). Based on preclinical and clinical studies of CDK 4/6 inhibitors, Onconova believes narazaciclib has broad potential and is also evaluating opportunities for combination studies with narazaciclib and letrozole in additional indications, including breast cancer.

Rigosertib is being studied in an investigator-sponsored trial strategy to evaluate the product candidate in multiple indications, including a dose-escalation and expansion Phase 1/2a study of oral rigosertib in combination with nivolumab in patients with KRAS+ non-small cell lung cancer (NCT04263090), a Phase 2 program evaluating oral or IV rigosertib monotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma complicating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB-associated SCC) (NCT03786237, NCT04177498), and a Phase 2 trial evaluating rigosertib in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic melanoma (NCT05764395).

For more information, please visit www.onconova.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to Onconova’s expectations regarding its clinical development and trials, its product candidates, its business and financial position. Onconova has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “preliminary,” “encouraging,” “approximately” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Although Onconova believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including the success and timing of Onconova’s clinical trials, investigator-initiated trials and regulatory agency and institutional review board approvals of protocols, Onconova’s collaborations, market conditions and those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Onconova’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of its date. Onconova undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Company Contact:
Mark Guerin
Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.
267-759-3680
ir@onconova.us
https://www.onconova.com/contact/

Investor Contact:
Bruce Mackle
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
646-889-1200
bmackle@lifesciadvisors.com

Biden Taps Historic Amounts of Emergency Reserve Oil to Fight Prices – But Will it Work?

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In a bold move to combat surging fuel prices and rampant inflation, President Biden is unleashing a flood of black gold onto the markets. The White House is planning to tap a massive 180 million barrels of crude oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) – the biggest withdrawal in the reserve’s history.

The news sent oil prices tumbling 5% in early trading as speculators reacted to the supply boost. But will the SPR floodgates really succeed in taming the oil price beast that has economists worried about recession?

The sheer size of the release, equivalent to two full days of global oil consumption, grabbed headlines. Set to be gradually emptied over several months, Biden’s SPR unleashing is meant to act like a shot of bear tranquilizer for the raging oil market.

Ever since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reduced supply from the world’s No. 2 exporter combined with surging demand has driven prices to their highest levels since 2008. Brent crude already flirted with a mind-boggling $140 per barrel in March. Even after the SPR news-driven dip, benchmark oil remains stubbornly high at around $105.

For Biden, doling out the emergency crude is a midterm elections Hail Mary pass. Painfully high gas prices have contributed to the president’s dismal approval ratings. Tapping the SPR to lower fuel costs may be his best bet to avoid Democrats enduring a disastrous drubbing by the Republicans in November.

Beyond politics, uncorking America’s oil reserves also sends an important message to the market. It signals the Administration’s determination to fight an inflation rate that keeps printing four-decade highs. Few things impact inflation expectations like changes in oil prices. A meaningful drop could help tamp down the runaway price increases eroding consumer confidence.

But will the effort succeed or will it flounder like past attempts? With global crude inventories at historic lows, many analysts see the SPR release as a mere band-aid solution. It provides some short-term relief but doesn’t fix the supply and demand imbalance.

Goldman Sachs estimates the 180 million barrel slug will help rebalance markets this year. But it warned the move doesn’t resolve the structural deficit caused by excluding Russian exports.

Previous SPR releases also failed to produce lasting effects. Oil prices quickly rebounded after 60 million barrels were tapped in November 2021 and another 30 million in March 2022.

This time, the White House is also counting on allies for help. The International Energy Agency meets soon to potentially coordinate a collective release from its members’ reserves.

But Biden’s SPR gambit already seems at odds with other moves meant to restrict oil supply and fight climate change. Canceling the Keystone XL pipeline permit and banning new federal drilling auctions counterproductively worsened the supply crunch. A of couple million extra daily barrels from those sources would have eased pressure on prices.

The Administration now finds itself trying to fix with one hand problems partly created by the other. That internal tension undermines the large SPR release’s credibility.

Traders also scoffed when OPEC refused to boost production more than a token amount after the U.S. lobbied for extra output. With the cartel and allies like Russia benefitting handsomely from $100+ oil, they have little incentive to pump much more.

Meanwhile, risks of a demand-killing recession loom if the Fed’s inflation fight requires jumbo interest rate hikes. And Covid lockdowns in China already hurt oil demand in the world’s largest importer.

So while Biden’s SPR flow should offer some near-term relief at the pump, it may not move the needle much for long. Markets fear what happens if 180 million barrels merely postpones the supply day of reckoning rather than preventing it.

With inventories low, spare capacity shrinking, geopolitical unrest continuing, and ESG considerations constraining investment, oil looks poised to remain highly volatile. While the SPR release was historic in size, it likely won’t fully tranquilize the energy markets.

Take a moment to take a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Senior Research Analyst Michael Heim’s Energy Industry Report.