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QuantaSing Group Limited (QSG) – A Favorable Course For Revenue and Cash Flow Growth

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Thursday, September 21, 2023

QuantaSing is a leading online service provider in China dedicated to improving people’s quality of life and well-being by providing lifelong personal learning and development opportunities. The Company is the largest service provider in China’s online adult learning market and China’s adult personal interest learning market in terms of revenue, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan based on data from 2022. By leveraging its proprietary tools and technology, QuantaSing offers easy-to-understand, affordable, and accessible online courses to adult learners under a variety of brands, including QiNiu, JiangZhen and QianChi, empowering users to pursue personal development. Leveraging its extensive experience in individual online learning services, the Company has also expanded its services to corporate clients including, among others, marketing services and enterprise talent management services.

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

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Initiating coverage with an Outperform rating and a $10 price target. QuantaSing is the largest online individual learning service provider in China, by revenue. It launched in 2019 with a focus on adult financial literacy courses, before expanding to personal interest courses. Additionally, the company operates an e-commerce platform focused on liquor, which could expand product offerings in the future. Our favorable rating is based on the company’s positive cash flow growth outlook.

Scalable business model. The company acquires customers at a low cost by offering free introductory courses advertised through online sources, providing a large audience to which it can sell its premium courses, Currently, the company has over 94 million total registered users on its free course offerings. Notably, the company can quickly develop new courses tailored to customer needs, which provides flexible monetization opportunities. 


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

FedEx Gains Market Share Amid Rival Struggles

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Shares of FedEx jumped over 5% on Thursday after the shipping giant reported better-than-expected fiscal first quarter results. The stock rally comes amid a broader market selloff, with investors cheering FedEx’s improved profitability and outlook.

FedEx earned $4.55 per share last quarter, handily beating analyst forecasts of $3.70. Though revenue declined 6.5% year-over-year to $21.7 billion, the company boosted its operating margin to 7.3%, surpassing expectations.

The strong quarter was driven by effective cost-cutting under CEO Raj Subramaniam and higher shipping volumes as key rivals dealt with challenges. FedEx gained U.S. market share in recent months which it expects to retain.

Management raised full-year EPS guidance to a range of $17.00 to $18.50, up from prior outlook of $16.50 to $18.50. The company also announced new demand surcharges for the holiday peak season and a January rate increase.

FedEx continued benefiting from its DRIVE cost savings program which seeks $1.8 billion in total reductions. Steps like reducing flights, realigning staff and shifting to one daily delivery wave boosted efficiency.

The Ground segment was a standout with a 59% jump in operating income as volumes improved. The Express unit grew operating income 18% despite lower revenue. But the Freight division saw income drop 26% on reduced shipments.

The outperformance comes as labor negotiations weighed on service levels at rival UPS. UPS disclosed it lost 1 million packages daily to other carriers, which FedEx said it captured 400,000 of. The bankruptcy of trucking company Yellow also benefited FedEx.

Demand for logistics and shipping services remains resilient despite economic uncertainty. And challenges at competitors created an opening for FedEx to flex its network strength and snatch market share. It expects to maintain most new volumes.

Take a moment to take a look at a few shipping and logistics companies covered by Noble Capital Markets Senior Analyst Michael Heim.

The results suggest FedEx has turned a corner after recent struggles with costs and service issues. The company’s turnaround plan is clearly bearing fruit. And investors have taken notice, bidding the stock price higher after the earnings beat.

FedEx shares have now rebounded nearly 20% from 52-week lows hit in June. The stock remains down 25% year-to-date amid broader market volatility. But it has outpaced the S&P 500 recently.

Thursday’s post-earnings pop provides encouragement that FedEx may sustain its momentum if execution remains solid. But the company still faces macro uncertainty and must continue improving productivity.

The holiday quarter is crucial for delivery firms like FedEx. The company aims to avoid last year’s service shortfalls. Management expressed confidence its initiatives will enable strong peak season performance.

While risks remain, FedEx has proactively adapted its network for holiday demand spikes. And it should reap continued benefits from rival struggles if recent market share gains stick.

Ongoing cost discipline also remains key. As higher rates kick in, boosting revenue, FedEx must maintain focus on trimming unnecessary expenses. Investors want to see margins continue expanding.

The quarterly beat suggests the shipping titan is making strides in its turnaround bid under new leadership. If FedEx sustains stronger operational execution, its stock price could continue recovering lost ground.

But the company must keep innovating and finding efficiency gains in the rapidly evolving logistics arena. Satisfying customers and shareholders means continually improving services and profitability, even in a weakened economic climate.

Cisco to Acquire Cybersecurity Firm Splunk in $28 Billion Cash Deal

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Cisco Systems announced Thursday it will acquire cybersecurity company Splunk in an all-cash deal valued at around $28 billion. The acquisition, Cisco’s largest ever, aims to expand its presence in the security software market and boost recurring revenue streams.

Under the agreement, Cisco will pay $157 per share to buy Splunk, representing a premium of over 20% to Splunk’s recent stock price. Splunk shares jumped 21% on the news, while Cisco stock slipped nearly 5%.

The network gear giant has been on an acquisition spree lately to grow its software offerings. Splunk provides data analytics software and services focused on security, internet of things and infrastructure monitoring.

Take a look at One Stop Systems Inc., a company that designs and manufactures innovative AI Transportable edge computing modules and systems, and data recording software for AI workflows.

Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said Splunk’s data capabilities combined with Cisco’s network telemetry presents an opportunity for more AI-enabled security solutions. The deal is expected to close in late 2024 after clearing regulatory approvals.

Cisco aims to leverage Splunk’s analytics tools to improve threat detection and better predict cyber risks. Splunk’s software is used by over 9,000 customers including over 90 of the Fortune 100. The acquisition provides Cisco an avenue into more subscription-based software sales.

The company said it expects the deal to be cash flow positive and accretive to gross margins within the first year post-closing. Cisco forecasts the acquisition boosting adjusted earnings per share starting in the second year.

Splunk CEO Gary Steele will join Cisco’s executive leadership team once the merger is finalized and report directly to Robbins. Together the companies aim to become a leading force in security infrastructure.

The acquisition reflects Cisco’s ongoing shift toward software and subscription revenue. It provides both an expanded customer base and advanced analytics capabilities around security, core focuses for Cisco. The company will fund the sizable purchase through cash reserves and new debt financing.

Fed Keeping Rates Higher Despite Pausing Hikes For Now

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday but projected keeping them at historically high levels into 2024 and 2025 to ensure inflation continues falling from four-decade highs.

The Fed held its benchmark rate steady in a target range of 5.25-5.5% following four straight 0.75 percentage point hikes earlier this year. But officials forecast rates potentially peaking around 5.6% by year-end before only gradually declining to 5.1% in 2024 and 4.6% in 2025.

This extended timeframe for higher rates contrasts with prior projections for more significant cuts starting next year. The outlook underscores the Fed’s intent to keep monetary policy restrictive until inflation shows clearer and more persistent signs of cooling toward its 2% target.

“We still have some ways to go,” said Fed Chair Jerome Powell in a press conference, explaining why rates must remain elevated amid still-uncertain inflation risks. He noted the Fed has hiked rates to restrictive levels more rapidly than any period in modern history.

The Fed tweaked its economic forecasts slightly higher but remains cautious on additional tightening until more data arrives. The latest projections foresee economic growth slowing to 1.5% next year with unemployment ticking up to 4.1%.

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, is expected to fall from 4.9% currently to 2.6% by late 2023. But officials emphasized inflation remains “elevated” and “unacceptably high” despite moderating from 40-year highs earlier this year.

Consumer prices rose 8.3% in August on an annual basis, down from the 9.1% peak in June but well above the Fed’s 2% comfort zone. Further cooling is needed before the Fed can declare victory in its battle against inflation.

The central bank is proceeding carefully, pausing rate hikes to assess the cumulative impact of its rapid tightening this year while weighing risks. Additional increases are likely but the Fed emphasized future moves are data-dependent.

“In coming months policy will depend on the incoming data and evolving outlook for the economy,” Powell said. “At some point it will become appropriate to slow the pace of increases” as the Fed approaches peak rates.

For now, the Fed appears poised to hold rates around current levels absent a dramatic deterioration in inflation. Keeping rates higher for longer indicates the Fed’s determination to avoid loosening prematurely before prices are fully under control.

Powell has reiterated the Fed is willing to overtighten to avoid mistakes of the 1970s and see inflation fully tamed. Officials continue weighing risks between high inflation and slower economic growth.

“Restoring price stability while achieving a relatively modest increase in unemployment and a soft landing will be challenging,” Powell conceded. “No one knows whether this process will lead to a recession.”

Nonetheless, the Fed chief expressed optimism that a severe downturn can still be avoided amid resilient household and business spending. The labor market also remains strong with unemployment at 3.7%.

But the housing market continues to soften under the weight of higher rates, a key channel through which Fed tightening slows the economy. And risks remain tilted to the downside until inflation demonstrably falls closer to target.

For markets, clarity that rates will stay elevated through 2024 reduces uncertainty. Stocks bounced around after the Fed’s announcement as investors processed the guidance. The path forward depends on incoming data, but the Fed appears determined to keep rates higher for longer.

Release – GeoVax Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine Data Presented at Keystone Symposia Conference

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News ad Market Data on GOVX

 

Preclinical Data for GEO-CM02 Demonstrates Single-Dose Protection

Against Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Atlanta, GA, September 20, 2023 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company developing immunotherapies and vaccines against cancers and infectious diseases, announced today the presentation of preclinical vaccine efficacy data for GEO-CM02, a multi-antigen SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The new unpublished data were presented during the Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Vaccinology During and After COVID-19, being held in Atlanta, Georgia on September 17-20, 2023.

Presentation Details & Summary:

Abstract Title:            MVA-vectored multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccines induce protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants spanning Alpha to Omicron in preclinical animal models

Abstract Authors:      Shannon Stone1, Amany Elsharkawy1, Janhavi Natekar1, Sreenivasa Rao Oruganti2, Mary Hauser2, Arban Domi2, Pratima Kumari2, Anchala Guglani1, Mark Newman2, and Mukesh Kumar1

1 Georgia State University   2 GeoVax Labs, Inc.

Presenting Author:     Shannon Stone, Georgia State University

First-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on the spike (S) protein induce neutralizing antibodies provide significant levels of protection. However, vaccine efficacy is disrupted by emerging variants that contribute to neutralizing antibody evasion, requiring updating and booster doses. To address this limitation, GeoVax has designed multi-antigen SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on the S, membrane (M), and envelope (E) proteins, which are designed to engage both the humoral (antibody) and cellular (T-cell) arms of the immune system and to broaden both the function and specificity. Efficacy of the vaccine, designated GEO-CM02, was tested using the industry standard, lethal hACE2 transgenic mouse model.

The poster presentation (viewed here), highlighted the following data:

  • The GEO-CM02 vaccine induced immune responses that were efficacious against the original Wuhan strain and BA.1 Omicron variant with a single dose.
  • Animals were protected prior to the detection of neutralizing antibodies, likely indicating a critical T-cell contribution.
  • GEO-CM02 significantly reduced or eliminated inflammation and immunopathology in the lungs of vaccinated animals.

Together, these data indicate that immunization with the multi-antigen GEO-CM02 vaccine can protect against severe disease and death induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection and regardless of the variant.

Mark Newman, Ph.D., GeoVax’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented, “As noted in this presentation, the first-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were designed based on the S protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with the goal of inducing neutralizing antibodies. While this approach was successful, the limitations in the face of continually emerging variants are now well documented. The data generated in the GEO-CM02 studies validate our hypothesis that vaccines designed to induce both antibodies and T-cells to multiple viral structural proteins can address the issue of viral variation and escape from the immune system. The multi-antigen, MVA-vectored vaccine design is currently being evaluated by GeoVax in three Phase 2 clinical trials using a similar vaccine (GEO-CM04S1).”

About GeoVax

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies and vaccines for solid tumor cancers and many of the world’s most threatening infectious diseases. The company’s lead program in oncology is a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, presently in a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. GeoVax’s lead infectious disease candidate is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine targeting high-risk immunocompromised patient populations. Currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, and as a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In addition, GEO-CM04S1 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the vaccine as a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. GeoVax has a leadership team who have driven significant value creation across multiple life science companies over the past several decades. For more information, visit our website: www.geovax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.

Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. 

Contact:

GeoVax Labs, Inc.

investor@geovax.com

678-384-7220

Release – Fazoli’s Opens Second Little Rock Location

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on FAT

09/20/2023

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Hot and Fresh Breadsticks Now Cooking on the West Side

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fazoli’s, America’s favorite fast and fresh Italian chain, has opened its second location in Little Rock. Located at 11410 W. Markham St., the location is now serving up its beloved hot and buttery breadsticks and signature Italian dishes including pasta, subs, salads and pizzas. 

“We have loved serving the Little Rock community and look forward to making our fast and fresh Italian offerings more convenient to the west side of town,” said Doug Bostick, President at Fazoli’s. “Our second location in Little Rock is just the beginning of our commitment to growth in Arkansas, so stay tuned for more updates.” 

Since 1988, Fazoli’s has been committed to serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh, and friendly. From unlimited signature breadsticks to freshly prepared pasta entrees, the chain prides itself on serving high-quality menu offerings, all at an affordable price. 

The Little Rock Fazoli’s is located at 11410 W. Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72212. Drive-thru and dine-in are open 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. 

For more information, visit Fazolis.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. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit fatbrands.com. 

About Fazoli’s

Fast. Fresh. Italian. Founded in 1988 in Lexington, Ky., Fazoli’s owns and operates nearly 220 restaurants in 27 states, making it the largest QSR Italian chain in America. Fazoli’s prides itself on serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. Menu offerings include freshly prepared pasta entrees, sub sandwiches, salads, pizza and desserts – along with its unlimited signature breadsticks. For more information, visit www.Fazolis.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ali Lloyd, FAT Brands
alloyd@fatbrands.com
435-760-6168

Release – PDS Biotech Announces PDS0202 Elicits Active Neutralization of Multiple Influenza Strains in Preclinical Studies

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on PDSB

  • PDS0202 (Infectimune® + COBRA influenza antigens) vaccination also prevented illness/weight loss
  • Vaccine protected against replication of the virus in the lungs of ferrets after challenge with the H1N1 virus
  • Data from Cleveland Clinic’s Ted Ross Lab presented at the 9th ESWI Influenza Conference

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB) (PDS Biotech or the Company), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines based on the Company’s proprietary T cell activating platforms, today announced its investigational universal influenza vaccine PDS0202 demonstrated active neutralization across multiple influenza viruses. The vaccine also provided protection against infection after challenged with high doses of the H1N1 virus in ferrets not previously exposed to flu. The data were presented in an oral lecture at the 9th European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) Conference in Valencia, Spain by James Allen, PhD, from the Cleveland Clinic laboratory of renowned influenza expert, Ted Ross, PhD.

“We are encouraged that PDS0202 has demonstrated activity in generating protective hemagglutination inhibition assay (HAI) antibody responses in pre-immune ferret studies, which are the gold standard in influenza vaccine testing. In addition to active neutralization of various influenza strains, the data demonstrated that PDS0202 prevented illness, weight loss and importantly protected the lungs of vaccinated animals from H1N1,” said Dr. Ross. “In humans, we expect PDS0202 to elicit a similar or more broadly reactive antibody profile due to humans having broader exposure to influenza and thus the recall of a more diverse population of memory B cells than the animals evaluated in our preclinical studies.”

H3N2 HAI Response


Vaccination with PDS0202 Provides broadly effective HAI antibody responses (minimum 1:40 ratio) across multiple strains of the H3N2 virus including Swtiz/13 and Kan/17 demonstrating the broad reactivity of the novel COBRA proteins. Similar results were demonstrated against multiple strains of the H1N1 virus.
Vaccination with PDS0202 Provides broadly effective HAI antibody responses (minimum 1:40 ratio) across multiple strains of the H3N2 virus including Swtiz/13 and Kan/17 demonstrating the broad reactivity of the novel COBRA proteins. Similar results were demonstrated against multiple strains of the H1N1 virus.

H1N1 Infection Results: D3 Nasal Wash Viral Titers

PDS0202 (Y2 + NG2 COBRA proteins) prevents viral replication in the lungs of ferrets after vaccination followed by viral challenge with A/Victoria/2570/2019 H1N1 flu strain (1e6 PFU/mL). The quantity of H1N1 virus stays below the detection limits. The vaccine based on the wild type HA (Mich/15 + Sing/16) and the control (Mock) do not effectively prevent replication and expansion of the H1N1 virus in the lungs of the ferrets.
PDS0202 (Y2 + NG2 COBRA proteins) prevents viral replication in the lungs of ferrets after vaccination followed by viral challenge with A/Victoria/2570/2019 H1N1 flu strain (1e6 PFU/mL). The quantity of H1N1 virus stays below the detection limits. The vaccine based on the wild type HA (Mich/15 + Sing/16) and the control (Mock) do not effectively prevent replication and expansion of the H1N1 virus in the lungs of the ferrets.

PDS0202 combines PDS Biotech’s Infectimune® novel investigational immune activating platform with proprietary Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigens (COBRA) influenza antigens. The COBRA antigens developed in the laboratory of Dr. Ted Ross were designed using an in-silico layered consensus building approach, which utilizes HA sequence data from influenza surveillance databases. PDS0202’s ability to generate broad, robust antibody and T cell responses position the vaccine to potentially provide durable protection against seasonal and pandemic strains of influenza. PDS0202 is administered through intramuscular injection in a single dose.

“We are pleased that the PDS0202 data presented at the ESWI Influenza Conference are consistent with our previously reported preclinical studies in murine models, marking encouraging progress toward a potential universal influenza vaccine,” said Lauren V. Wood, MD, Chief Medical Officer of PDS Biotech. “We look forward to our continued discussions with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to advance PDS0202 into clinical trials with the goal of creating a universal vaccine that provides broad protection against multiple strains of influenza.”

In previous preclinical studies, PDS0202 demonstrated the ability to promote robust induction of broadly neutralizing influenza-specific antibodies, flu-specific CD4 (helper) and CD8 (killer) T cells, as well as long-lasting memory T cells. This robust immune response to the COBRA antigens suggests strong potential for PDS0202 as a broad and long-term protecting universal influenza vaccine.

About Infectimune®
Infectimune® is a novel investigational immune activating platform that generates broad and robust antibody and T cell responses that provide durable protection against infectious disease. Infectimune® based vaccines are given by intramuscular injection and generate robust and durable protection against infectious agents in preclinical studies. Infectimune® based vaccines have demonstrated safety in preclinical studies and appear to provide more robust and longer-lasting protection against infectious disease.

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®, Versamune® plus PDS0301, and Infectimune® T cell-activating platforms. We believe our targeted immunotherapies have the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy approaches through the activation of the right type, quantity and potency of T cells. To date, our lead Versamune® clinical candidate, PDS0101, has demonstrated the ability to reduce and shrink tumors and stabilize disease in combination with approved and investigational therapeutics in patients with a broad range of HPV16-associated cancers in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials and will be advancing into a Phase 3 clinical trial in combination with KEYTRUDA® for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck cancer in 2023. 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.

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 the Company’s 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. 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 other risks, uncertainties, and other factors described under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in the documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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® and Infectimune® are registered trademarks of PDS Biotechnology Corporation. KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA.

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 Contact:
Gina Cestari
6 Degrees
Phone: +1 (917) 797-7904
Email: gcestari@6degreespr.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/322b8fdb-bf6b-4c74-96c9-81b581f74513

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f7fe4fb9-3936-4f2b-9673-f571604ed43

Release – Ocugen To Participate in Panel At Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference 2023

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

September 20, 2023

PDF Version

MALVERN, Pa., Sept. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced that Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ocugen will participate in a panel at the annual Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference taking place from September 26-28, 2023 in NYC.

On the panel, Dr. Musunuri will join the CEO of Tarsier Pharma to discuss their companies’ respective work toward developing novel therapies for hard-to-treat ocular diseases. In addition, members of Ocugen’s executive team will conduct one-on-one meetings with registered investors, to showcase the Company’s business and clinical development strategy across its unique gene therapy, cell therapy, and vaccine platforms, and highlight recent corporate achievements and anticipated milestones.

Details of the presentation are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Presentation Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Track 1, InterContinental Barclay Hotel, New York City

A live video webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the events page of the Ocugen investor site.

About Ocugen, Inc. 
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patients’ lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release. 

Contact: 
Tiffany Hamilton 
Head of Communications 
IR@ocugen.com  

Newrange Gold (NRGOF) – Advancing Toward the Creation of Pinnacle Silver & Gold Corp.

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, September 20, 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.

Americas-focused silver-gold exploration company. 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.” The transaction is subject to various conditions, including approval by Newrange and Mithril shareholders and by various governmental and regulatory bodies. The transaction is expected to close following the Newrange and Mithril shareholder meetings on October 5th and October 13th, respectively. Mithril would then be delisted from the ASX exchange.

Flagship project. The Copalquin gold-silver project is in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district containing several dozen historic gold and silver mines and workings. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold-Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many world-class gold and silver deposits. Based on a recent NI 43-101 compliant technical report, the El Refugio target area is estimated to contain indicated resources of 121,000 ounces of gold and 2,538,000 ounces of silver and inferred resources of 252,000 ounces of gold and 8,414,000 ounces of silver.


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The Perfect Storm Brewing in US Housing

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

A perfect storm is brewing in the US housing market. Mortgage rates have surged above 7% just as millennials, the largest generation, reach peak homebuying age. This collision of rising interest rates and unmet demand is causing substantial disruption, as seen in the sharp decline in home sales, cautious builders and a looming affordability crisis that threatens the broader economy.

Mortgage rates have taken off as the Federal Reserve aggressively raises interest rates to fight inflation. The average 30-year fixed rate recently hit 7.18%, according to Freddie Mac, the highest level since 2001. This has severely hampered housing affordability and demand. Fannie Mae, the mortgage finance giant, forecasts total home sales will drop to 4.8 million this year, the slowest pace since 2011 when the housing market was still recovering from the Great Recession.

Fannie Mae expects sales to struggle through 2024 as rates remain elevated. It predicts the US economy will enter a recession in early 2024, further dragging down the housing market. Home prices are also likely to drop as high rates impede sales. This could hurt consumer confidence and discretionary spending, considering the critical role housing plays in household wealth.

Higher rates have pumped up monthly mortgage payments and made homes less affordable. Take a $500,000 home purchased with a 20% down payment. At a 2.86% mortgage rate two years ago, the monthly payment would have been $1,656. With rates now at 7.18%, that same home has a monthly cost of $3,077, according to calculations by Axios. That 87% payment surge makes purchasing unattainable for many buyers.

These affordability challenges are hitting just as millennials reach peak homebuying age. The largest cohorts of this generation were born in the late 1980s and early 1990s, making them between 32 and 34 years old today. That’s when marriage, childbearing and demand for living space typically accelerate.

However, homebuilders have been reluctant to significantly ramp up construction with rates so high. Housing starts experienced a significant decline of 11.3% in August, according to Census Bureau data, driven by a decline in apartment buildings. Single-family starts dipped 4.3% to an annual pace of 941,000, 16% below the average from mid-2020 to mid-2022. Homebuilder sentiment has also plunged, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Take a look at Orion Group Holdings Inc., a leading specialty construction company servicing the infrastructure, industrial and building sectors.

This pullback in new construction comes even as there is strong interest from millennials and other buyers. Though mortgage rates moderated the overheated housing market earlier this year, national home prices remain just below their all-time highs, up 13.5% from two years ago, according to the S&P Case-Shiller index.

Some analysts say the only solution is to significantly boost supply. But that seems unlikely with builders cautious and financing costs high. The housing crisis has no quick fix and will continue to be an anchor on the broader economy. Millennials coming of age and mortgage rates spiraling upwards have sparked a perfect storm, broken the housing market, and darkened the country’s economic outlook.

High Gas Prices Return, Complicating Inflation Fight

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Pain at the pump has made an unwelcome return, with gas prices rapidly rising across the United States. The national average recently climbed to $3.88 per gallon, while some states now face prices approaching or exceeding $6 per gallon.

In California, gas prices have spiked to $5.79 on average, up 31 cents in just the past week. It’s even worse in metro Los Angeles where prices hit $6.07, a 49 cent weekly jump. Besides California, drivers in 11 states now face average gas prices of $4 or more.

This resurgence complicates the Federal Reserve’s fight against high inflation. Oil prices are the key driver of retail gas costs. With oil climbing back to $90 per barrel, pushed up by supply cuts abroad, gas prices have followed.

West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $93.74 on Tuesday, its highest level in 10 months, before retreating below $91 on Wednesday. The international benchmark Brent crude hit highs above $96 per barrel. Goldman Sachs warned Brent could reach $107 if OPEC+ nations don’t unwind production cuts.

For consumers, higher gas prices add costs and sap purchasing power, especially for lower-income families. Drivers once again face pain filling up their tanks. Households paid an average of $445 a month on gas during the June peak when prices topped $5 a gallon. That figure dropped to $400 in September but is rising again.

Politically, high gas also causes headaches for the Biden administration. Midterm voters tend to blame whoever occupies the White House for pain at the pump, whether justified or not. President Biden has few tools to immediately lower prices set by global markets.

Take a look at other energy companies by taking a look at Noble Capital Markets Research Analyst Michael Heim’s coverage list.

However, economists say oil and gas prices must rise significantly further to seriously jeopardize the U.S. economy. Past recessions only followed massive oil price spikes of at least 100% within a year. Oil would need to double from current levels, to around $140 per barrel, to inevitably tip the economy into recession, according to analysis.

Nonetheless, the energy resurgence does present challenges for the Fed’s inflation fight. While core inflation has cooled lately, headline inflation has rebounded in part due to pricier gas. Consumer prices rose 0.1% in August, defying expectations of a drop, largely because of rising shelter and energy costs.

This complicates the Fed’s mission to cool inflation through interest rate hikes. Some economists believe the energy volatility will lead the Fed to pencil in an additional quarter-point rate hike this year to around 4.5%. However, a dramatic policy response is unlikely with oil still below $100 per barrel.

In fact, some argue the energy spike may even inadvertently help the Fed. By sapping consumer spending power, high gas prices could dampen demand and ease price pressures. If energy costs siphon purchases away from discretionary goods and services, it may allow inflation to fall without more aggressive Fed action.

Morgan Stanley analysis found past energy price shocks had a “small” impact on core inflation but took a “sizable bite out of” consumer spending. While bad for growth, this demand destruction could give the Fed space to cool inflation without triggering serious economic damage.

For now, energy volatility muddies the inflation outlook and complicates the Fed’s delicate task of engineering a soft landing. Gas prices swinging upward once again present both economic and political challenges. But unless oil spikes drastically higher, the energy complex likely won’t force the Fed’s hand. The central bank will keep rates elevated as long as underlying inflation remains stubbornly high.

Klaviyo Shares Jump 23% in NYSE Debut, Providing Another Tech IPO Opportunity

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Shares of marketing software firm Klaviyo jumped 23% in their trading debut Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange. The successful initial public offering provides investors a rare opportunity to buy into a high-growth U.S. tech startup following a nearly two-year IPO drought.

Klaviyo priced its shares at $30 each, raising $345 million and valuing the company at over $9 billion on a fully diluted basis. The listing comes just a day after grocery delivery service Instacart went public on the Nasdaq after cutting its valuation target. Investor appetite for unprofitable technology names has waned in recent years amid rising interest rates.

But demand for Klaviyo shares was strong right out of the gate. For investors, IPOs provide a chance to gain exposure to emerging, innovative companies before they are available on public markets. Companies utilize IPOs to raise cash for growth and operating expenses.

Klaviyo reported revenue jumped 51% last quarter to $165 million, as its marketing automation software is now used by over 130,000 customers. The company swung to a $11 million profit last quarter after losing money a year earlier.

This transition to profitability is an attractive quality for investors who have soured on money-losing technology firms in the current environment. One major backer providing strong IPO demand is e-commerce platform Shopify, which owns around 11% of Klaviyo’s shares.

Klaviyo gets approximately 78% of its annual recurring revenue from customers who also use Shopify, indicating close ties between the two tech firms. Shopify invested $100 million into Klaviyo last year.

The marketing software provider enables companies to store customer data and build profiles to target marketing campaigns across email, text messaging, social media, and other channels. It initially focused on e-commerce companies but is now seeing growing traction in other sectors like restaurants, travel, and entertainment.

Tech IPOs ground to a halt in 2022, as surging inflation led the Federal Reserve to aggressively raise interest rates, sparking volatility and a flight from risk assets. Klaviyo is the first notable U.S. venture-backed software IPO since HashiCorp and Samsara debuted in December 2021.

The offering provides investors hungry for exposure to high-growth tech the chance to buy into a next-generation software vendor. U.S. tech IPOs slowed to their lowest level in over a decade last year. If strong demand for Klaviyo shares continues, it could open the door for more tech IPOs in 2023.

Companies that only recently considered going public may once again pursue IPOs after Klaviyo’s success. The IPO window for unprofitable tech names appeared shut, but Klaviyo’s ability to raise over $340 million shows investors still have appetite for rapidly growing software vendors.

Looking ahead, the pipeline for tech IPOs includes names like Reddit, Databricks and Discord. But many may delay plans or explore direct listings to avoid leaving money on the table like Instacart. If markets grow choppy again, Klaviyo’s offering window could close as quickly as it opened.

For now, its strong first day of trading is a boon for both the company and tech investors. Early buyers are already sitting on sizable gains from an asset class that struggled last year. If the tech IPO market thaws, it would provide investors access to the high-growth innovators driving the future.

Boston Scientific to Acquire Relievant Medsystems for $850 Million

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Medical device maker Boston Scientific announced Monday it will acquire Relievant Medsystems for $850 million upfront and additional contingent payments. Relievant has developed a minimally invasive technology to treat chronic low back pain.

The deal aims to expand Boston Scientific’s portfolio in neuromodulation, the use of devices to modulate nerve activity. Relievant’s Intracept system uses targeted radiofrequency energy to ablate the basivertebral nerve, stopping pain signals from reaching the brain. It is the only FDA-cleared device specifically for vertebrogenic pain, a type of chronic back pain originating in the vertebrae.

Relievant’s system is designed to provide long-term pain relief and improve function through an outpatient procedure. It targets an estimated 5.3 million patients in the U.S. with vertebrogenic pain from degenerative disc disease or vertebral compression fractures. Boston Scientific cited Relievant’s novel technology and strong clinical data from multiple randomized controlled trials in deciding to acquire the company.

The Intracept procedure is implant-free, sparing patients from potential complications associated with implants. It also avoids destroying the intervertebral disc. The system has been used to treat over 2,000 patients since receiving FDA clearance in 2018 based on Level 1 clinical evidence.

The deal expected to close in the first half of 2024 pending approvals. Boston Scientific said Relievant is projected to generate over $70 million in sales this year with 50%+ growth in 2024. The acquisition is forecasted to be neutral or slightly accretive to Boston Scientific’s adjusted earnings per share.

“We look forward to working with the Relievant team to expand access to care for those with chronic back pain,” said Jim Cassidy, president of Neuromodulation at Boston Scientific. Both companies aim to transform the diagnosis and treatment of vertebrogenic pain through a minimally invasive approach.

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