After a torrid five-week run higher, Wall Street took its foot off the gas this week as investors moved to book some profits. The S&P 500 dropped 1.8% over the last five sessions, ending an impressive stretch that saw the broad index rally over 6% since late April.
At the core of this week’s pullback was a cooldown in red-hot technology stocks benefiting from the artificial intelligence frenzy. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose blowout earnings last week turbocharged the AI trade, shed over 9% this week as traders moved to cash in some of those monster gains.
Other mega cap tech leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet also gave back ground, contributing to a 2.4% weekly slide for the Nasdaq Composite. With Big Tech serving as a weight on the market’s shoulders, the venerable Dow Jones Industrial Average wasn’t spared either – the blue-chip index dropped over 2% itself.
The downshift marked an overdue pause that refreshed for the often overly-exuberant market. After storming nearly 15% off the lows over the previous seven weeks, a little air had to come out of the balloon, even with economic data continuing to hold up.
On the economic front, the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) reading rose 2.8% year-over-year in April, slightly exceeding estimates. While inflation remains stubbornly high, the lack of a major upside surprise helped soothe fears of the Fed needing to pivot towards an even more aggressive policy stance.
The underlying commodity and service costs feeding into the PCE suggest inflation could start to moderate in the second half of 2023. That aligns with current Fed forecasts projecting two more 25 basis point rate hikes before calling it quits on this tightening cycle.
Assuming the Fed can stick the landing without snuffing out economic growth, conditions could remain conducive for further equity upside. History shows the S&P 500 tends to bottom around six months before the end of a tightening cycle – and rally sharply in the following 12 months.
Over the past month, the Russell 3000 is up a more modest 2.8% versus a 5.2% gain for the big-cap dominated S&P 500. Small-caps as represented by the Russell 2000 have fared even worse with a 1.4% advance over that span.
Analysts pointed out small-caps have struggled to sustain upside momentum. Despite bouncing back from October’s lows, the Russell 2000 is still down 6% year-to-date versus a 10% rise for the large-cap Russell 1000.
Higher financing costs, softer economic growth prospects, and the fading benefits of 2022’s rally could continue to weigh on smaller stocks in the second half.
If large-cap tech remains under pressure, it could help narrow the performance gap – with the Russell mega-caps ceding some of their market-leading gains. But for now, most of Wall Street appears comfortable viewing this week’s pullback as simply clearing the way for the next move higher.
After all, some long-overdue profit-taking and consolidation can ultimately be healthy, helping reset overbought conditions and set the stage for sustained upside.
Salesforce’s shocking earnings miss and subsequent stock plunge sent shockwaves through the technology and artificial intelligence spaces on Thursday. But some investors see the dramatic selloff as a potential chance to buy into the AI growth story on the dip.
Shares of the cloud software giant cratered over 20% in early trading, putting the stock on pace for its worst single-day decline since going public nearly two decades ago. The plunge came after Salesforce reported its first top-line miss since 2006 and provided disappointing guidance, surprising Wall Street and raising concerns about cracks in business spending.
The selloff rapidly spread across the tech sector, with the Nasdaq tumbling over 2% as investors fled growth stocks. AI industry leaders were among the biggest drags on the index amid fears Salesforce’s shortfall could indicate broader economic turbulence.
While the numbers were clearly disappointing, some analysts remain steadfastly optimistic that Salesforce’s fortunes will turn as artificial intelligence proliferates. With $13.5 billion in cash and a portfolio of AI capabilities from its acquisition of startup Anthropic, contrarians are betting the company is well-positioned to monetize generative AI technologies over the long haul.
For small cap and retail traders, Salesforce’s dramatic share price compression could open an attractive entry point. The stock’s forward P/E has plunged below 20, near multi-year lows despite its exposure to the “game-changing AI theme.” With a market cap around $178 billion as of Thursday, some view Salesforce as a relative bargain in the potential AI winners circle.
AI economies of scale could help Salesforce flex its tech muscles again before too long. One firm expects the company to increasingly leverage AI not just for products, but also for improving productivity and driving revenue engine automation. Cost streamlining aided by AI could lift operating margins towards the company’s target over time.
For traders and institutions alike, the frenzied selling appears to be creating an intriguing disconnect between Salesforce’s current valuation and what bulls perceive as enviable AI exposure compared to pricier megacap tech names. If dark economic clouds do part, the recent plunge could mark an opportunistic entry point.
Volatility around AI innovators is likely to remain elevated as the marketplace continues rapidly evolving. However, Salesforce’s cloud presence, entrenched client base, and multi-billion AI investments suggest it’s far too early to throw in the towel on this pioneering tech trailblazer.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – May 30, 2024) – Hemisphere Energy Corporation (TSXV: HME) (OTCQX: HMENF) (“Hemisphere” or the “Company”) announces the results of its Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders that was held today.
Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders (“AGSM”)
A total of 46,475,140 common shares were voted, representing 47.45% of total shares issued and outstanding as at the April 11, 2024 record date of the AGSM.
Shareholders voted in favour of all items put forward by the Company’s Board of Directors and management, including:
Fixed the number of directors of the Company at six (6);
Elected the following directors of the Company for the ensuing year: Charles O’Sullivan, Don Simmons, Frank Borowicz, Bruce McIntyre, Gregg Vernon, and Richard Wyman;
Appointed KPMG LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year at a remuneration to be fixed by the Board of Directors; and
Passed an ordinary resolution approving the renewal of the Company’s Stock Option Plan.
About Hemisphere Energy Corporation
Hemisphere is a dividend-paying Canadian oil company focused on maximizing value per share growth with the sustainable development of its high netback, low decline conventional heavy oil assets through polymer flood enhanced recovery methods. Hemisphere trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol “HME” and on the OTCQX Venture Marketplace under the symbol “HMENF”.
For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca to view its corporate presentation or contact:
Don Simmons, President & Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (604) 685-9255 Email: info@hemisphereenergy.ca
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
The recognition is Conduent’s second consecutive appearance on Newsweek’s Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces®. The ranking is produced through collaboration with the research and analysis of Best Practice Institute (BPI), a leadership development and benchmark research company.
“Being included once again on Newsweek’s Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces is a reflection of our commitment to creating a workplace where our associates can be themselves, grow and gain skills and make a positive difference,” said Cliff Skelton, Conduent President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is especially meaningful because it is based on how our associates feel about Conduent. The analysis also aligns with Conduent’s core values of teamwork, communication and inclusion as we deliver valuable outcomes for our clients.”
“As workplaces continue to shift, it’s clearer than ever that fostering collaboration, embracing a positive outlook, and aligning values are essential. The companies celebrated on the 2024 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list truly embody these principles. They show us that by championing respect and team-oriented outcomes, they’re not just building great workplaces, they’re shaping a brighter future for all,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek.
The results were determined after surveying more than 2 million employees from businesses with workforces varying in size from 30 to more than 10,000. The list recognizes companies that put respect, caring, and appreciation for their employees at the center of their business model and, in doing so, have earned the loyalty and respect of the people who work for them.
Being named to Newsweek’s Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® for 2024 is the third consecutive year earning a Newsweek Most Loved ranking for Conduent.
About Conduent
Conduent delivers digital business solutions and services spanning the commercial, government and transportation spectrum – creating valuable outcomes for its clients and the millions of people who count on them. The Company leverages cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation and advanced analytics to deliver mission-critical solutions. Through a dedicated global team of approximately 59,000 associates, process expertise and advanced technologies, Conduent’s solutions and services digitally transform its clients’ operations to enhance customer experiences, improve performance, increase efficiencies and reduce costs. Conduent adds momentum to its clients’ missions in many ways including disbursing approximately $100 billion in government payments annually, enabling 2.3 billion customer service interactions annually, empowering millions of employees through HR services every year and processing nearly 13 million tolling transactions every day. Learn more at http://www.conduent.com.
Trademarks Conduent is a trademark of Conduent Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
In the Phase 2 PREVAIL trial in fibromyalgia-type Long COVID, bedtime TNX-102 SL resulted in a signal in fatigue, sleep and cognitive function
Phase 2, investigator-initiated OASIS trial is designed to examine the safety and efficacy of TNX-102 SL in treating Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) after motor vehicle collision
First patient in OASIS expected to enroll in second quarter 2024
CHATHAM, N.J., May 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced two poster presentations at the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) Annual Meeting being held May 28-31, 2024 in Miami Beach, Fla. Copies of the presentations are available under the Scientific Presentations tab of the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com.
In the poster presentation titled, “Effect of Bedtime Sublingual Cyclobenzaprine (TNX-102 SL) on Pain, Sleep, Fatigue, and Cognition in Fibromyalgia-Type Long COVID: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Proof-of-Concept Phase 2 Study,” TNX-102 SL showed a robust effect size of 0.5 in improving fatigue and showed consistent activity across secondary measures of sleep quality, cognitive function, disability and Patient Global Impression of Change, but did not meet the primary endpoint of multi-site pain reduction at Week 14. Prior to the trial, Tonix had pre-specified that any effect size greater than 0.2 would be considered of interest for further study and, even given a substantial placebo response in pain magnitude measurements, key endpoints such as sleep quality diary (ES = 0.23), PROMIS Sleep Disturbance (ES = 0.32), PROMIS Fatigue (ES = 0.50), PROMIS Cognitive Function (ES = 0.21), the Insomnia Severity Index (ES = 0.24) and the Sheehan Disability Scale (ES = 0.26) all matched the criterion for further evaluation. TNX-102 SL was well tolerated with an adverse event profile comparable to prior studies and no new safety signals observed.
“These results further support the growing evidence that for most Long COVID patients, symptoms are at least partly driven by central nervous system mechanisms rather than persistent exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “While Tonix is preparing for submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) for TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia (branded “Tonmya”), we believe that these results demonstrate it may also be effective in managing pain and aiding in sleep quality for patients with fibromyalgia-type Long COVID, further indicating that for many patients Long COVID should be viewed in the context of a chronic overlapping pain condition like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis framework.”
In the poster presentation titled, “Optimizing Acute Stress Reaction (ASR) Interventions with TNX-102 SL* (Sublingual Cyclobenzaprine HCl) – The OASIS Trial: Sustaining Civilian Performance Post-Trauma by Reduction of ASR and Prevention of ASD/PTSD,” TNX-102 SL will be evaluated for the reduction in severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and the frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in civilians after a motor vehicle collision. To reduce the persistence of ASR symptoms and the rate and severity of ASD and PTSD, it may be critical to intervene in the immediate aftermath of trauma. Currently, there are no medications available at or near the point of care to treat patients suffering from acute trauma and support long-term health. Previous trials of TNX-102 SL showed that it reduced military PTSD symptoms in as early as two weeks with favorable tolerability. The first participant for the OASIS trial is expected to enroll in the second quarter of 2024.
“Previous trials of TNX-102 SL in PTSD suggested activity on sleep and stress related symptoms in the first several weeks of treatment,”1,2 said Dr. Lederman. “The study is motivated by the observation that the symptoms of ASR and PTSD are similar and by the hypothesis that TNX-102 SL’s effect on sleep quality may reduce ASR symptoms, possibly providing military personnel, veterans, and civilians with a new treatment option that, when administered in the early aftermath of a traumatic event, improves recovery, job performance, and quality of life.”
TNX-102 SL is a centrally acting, non-opioid medication, and, under the trade name Tonmya™, Tonix remains on track to submit an NDA to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second half of 2024 for the management of fibromyalgia. Tonix has scheduled a Type B pre-NDA meeting with FDA for the second quarter of 2024.
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*
Tonix is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, licensing and commercializing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the second half of 2024 for Tonmya1, a product candidate for which two statistically significant Phase 3 studies have been completed for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction as well as fibromyalgia-type Long COVID. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has Breakthrough Therapy designation. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of 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 rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix also has product candidates in development in the areas of rare disease and infectious disease. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.
*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.
1Tonmya™ is conditionally accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the tradename for TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. Tonmya has not been approved for any indication.
Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners.
This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.
Sullivan GM, et al. Randomized clinical trial of bedtime sublingual cyclobenzaprine (TNX-102 SL) in military-related PTSD and the role of sleep quality in treatment response. Psychiatry Res. 2021 Jul;301:113974.
Parmenter ME, et al. A phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bedtime sublingual cyclobenzaprine (TNX-102 SL) in military-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res. 2024 (In Press). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115764
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; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; 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, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 1, 2024, 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.
PHOENIX, May 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuoteMedia, Inc. (OTCQB: QMCI), a leading provider of market data and financial applications, is pleased to introduce Berkindale Analytics, as a new Client and Partner for North American market data and information for their advanced data and analytics platform.
QuoteMedia’s real-time and historical market data feeds provide companies with access to fully consolidated feeds for a total picture of North American market activity which they can use in their advanced analytics platforms for the benefit of their users.
QuoteMedia is delivering a wide range of content, including consolidated enterprise data feeds for United States and Canadian exchanges, through low-latency REST APIs and End-of-Day Data Services. This provides Berkindale Analytics with the data required for their state-of-the-art deep analytics solution.
“Our partnership with QuoteMedia is a continuation of Berkindale’s ambition to deliver a cutting-edge data analytics platform that assists customers in modernizing and enhancing their market data strategies,” said Philippe Girard, Founder and CEO of Berkindale Analytics. “The quality and breadth of QuoteMedia’s data offerings, taken together with their unmatched dedication to ensuring we realize our vision, have made QuoteMedia the perfect choice for Berkindale.”
“We are very pleased to be partnering with Berkindale on their leading-edge research and analytics platform,” said Dave Shworan, CEO of QuoteMedia Ltd. “Berkindale takes genuine pride in providing their clients with the very best data solutions, and has earned a well deserved reputation for excellence. We are very proud to be partnering with them in meeting the needs of their diverse client base.”
About QuoteMedia
QuoteMedia is a leading software developer and cloud-based syndicator of financial market information and streaming financial data solutions to media, corporations, online brokerages, and financial services companies. The Company licenses interactive stock research tools such as streaming real-time quotes, market research, news, charting, option chains, filings, corporate financials, insider reports, market indices, portfolio management systems, and data feeds. QuoteMedia provides industry leading market data solutions and financial services for companies such as the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, TMX Group (TSX Stock Exchange), Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), London Stock Exchange Group, FIS, IEX Data Services LLC, U.S. Bank, Bank of Montreal (BMO), Broadridge Financial Systems, JPMorgan Chase, Scotiabank, CI Financial, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Hilltop Securities, Avantax, Zacks Investment Research, S&P Global Market Intelligence Inc., Business Wire, Cision (PR Newswire, CNW Group), The Goldman Sachs Group, TheStreet.com, Motley Fool, Regal Securities, ChoiceTrade, Cetera Financial Group, Dynamic Trend, Inc., Aviso Financial Inc., iA Private Wealth, Ally Invest, Inc., Leede Jones Gable, Firstrade Securities, Charles Schwab, Lightspeed Financial Services Group LLC, Equisolve, Stock-Trak and others. Quotestream®, QMod™ and Quotestream Connect™ are trademarks of QuoteMedia. For more information, please visit www.quotemedia.com .
About Berkindale Analytics
Berkindale Analytics offers a sophisticated B2B cloud-based solution providing Level 2 granular market data, financial news, social media, and packaged analytics as distinct products to customers through direct download, API, and dashboards accessed from a web portal. The Berkindale platform uses machine learning technologies, data mining trends, and sentiment analysis with natural language processing which enables firms to maximize the value of the data and to deliver timely, actionable insights to our clients.
For additional information, please visit www.berkindale.com and stay in touch with us by signing up for our newsletter.
We invite you to speak with a representative for your data analytics needs.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) (“ARLP”) announced today that Alliance Resource Operating Partners, L.P. (“AROP”), the intermediate partnership of ARLP, and Alliance Resource Finance Corporation, AROP’s wholly owned subsidiary, priced the previously announced private placement of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.625% senior unsecured notes due 2029 (the “New Notes”). The New Notes will be issued at par. The offering is expected to close on or about June 12, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.
AROP expects to use a portion of the net proceeds from the offering of the New Notes to fund the redemption of its outstanding 7.5% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) and the remaining for general corporate purposes. On May 29, 2024, AROP delivered a conditional notice of redemption, subject to consummation of the offering of the New Notes, for all of the outstanding 2025 Notes. The redemption price for the 2025 Notes is 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, which is expected to be June 28, 2024. This communication shall not constitute a notice of redemption under the indenture governing the 2025 Notes.
The New Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or under the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. Thus, the New Notes may be offered only in transactions that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The New Notes are offered only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. The New Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the New Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
Certain statements and information in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding the intended use of proceeds. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements represent ARLP’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this news release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of ARLP’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, ARLP does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for ARLP to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements found in ARLP’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, ARLP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The risk factors and other factors noted in ARLP’s SEC filings could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
One of the medical technology industry’s leading providers of coating systems and surface modification is being taken private by private equity firm GTCR in a $627 million deal. Surmodics (SRDX) announced Monday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by GTCR in an all-cash transaction valuing the company at $43 per share.
The acquisition price represents a premium of over 41% to Surmodics’ average trading price over the past 30 days. It comes amid a broader push by private equity to double down on investments in the healthcare technology space as medical device innovation accelerates.
Surmodics has been a pioneer in the delivery of surface modification solutions that enhance the biocompatibility of medical products. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based company’s technologies are used by blue-chip medical device manufacturers to enable products to interact more safely and effectively with the human body.
Its proprietary coating and treatment platforms are integrated into thousands of devices including vascular intervention technologies, minimally invasive surgical tools, in vitro diagnostics, and ophthalmic products. Surface treatments from Surmodics can improve device thromboresistance, lubricity, durability, adhesion, and biocompatibility.
Those differentiated capabilities caught the eye of GTCR, which has significant experience investing in healthcare companies. The Chicago-based private equity firm currently manages over $25 billion in equity capital across multiple investment strategies.
For Surmodics shareholders, the $43 per share cash deal represents an attractive exit price. In addition to the 41% premium to the recent trading average, the buyout price is 26% higher than where the stock closed on Friday. The company’s shares soared 25% on Monday following news of the transaction.
Surmodics’ Board of Directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and recommends shareholders vote in favor of the deal. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024, subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearances, and other customary closing conditions.
The medical coatings and surface technology space has seen heightened M&A activity in recent years as major medical product companies seek to enhance their product pipelines. Private equity investors like GTCR have ample dry powder to deploy into healthcare sectors positioned for durable growth driven by demographic tailwinds and innovation.
While going private will provide Surmodics with flexibility to invest for the long-term, the $627 million price tag validates the company’s tools and know-how as essential for next-generation medical device engineering. As healthcare investors compete to back enablers of cutting-edge medical products, GTCR’s bet on Surmodics’ coating capabilities could pay off handsomely.
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BATAVIA, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries, announced that it will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 financial results before financial markets open on Friday, June 7, 2024.
The Company will host a conference call and webcast to review its financial and operating results, strategy, and outlook. A question-and-answer session will follow.
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results Conference Call
Friday, June 7, 2024 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time Phone: (201) 689-8560 Internet webcast link and accompanying slide presentation: ir.grahamcorp.com
A telephonic replay will be available from 3:00 p.m. ET on the day of the teleconference through Friday, June 14, 2024. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter conference ID number 13745902 or access the webcast replay via the Company’s website at ir.grahamcorp.com, where a transcript will also be posted once available.
ABOUT GRAHAM CORPORATION
Graham is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries. The Graham Manufacturing and Barber-Nichols’ global brands are built upon world-renowned engineering expertise in vacuum and heat transfer, cryogenic pumps and turbomachinery technologies, as well as its responsive and flexible service and the unsurpassed quality customers have come to expect from the Company’s products and systems.
Graham routinely posts news and other important information on its website, grahamcorp.com, where additional information on Graham Corporation and its businesses can be found.
Xcel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 United States https:/Sector(s): Consumer Cyclical Industry: Apparel Manufacturing Full Time Employees: 84 Key Executives Name Title Pay Exercised Year Born Mr. Robert W. D’Loren Chairman, Pres & CEO 1.27M N/A 1958 Mr. James F. Haran CFO, Principal Financial & Accou
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Sells LOGO. The company announced on May 24th that it has an agreement to sell its Lori Goldstein (LOGO) assets to Lori Goldstein for an undisclosed amount. As a part of the agreement, the company waives the rights to the unpaid portion of the earn-out for 2023 and a pro rata portion of the earn-out payments for 2024. The sales is expected to be completed by June 21, 2024.
Move viewed favorably. The brand had been waning post Covid given scheduling conflicts with Lori Goldstein and her appearances on QVC. In our view, the move will allow the company to focus on its developing brands including C. Wonder and the recently launched Christie Brinkley’s Towerhill brand. Christie Brinkley is expected to be support her products by her strong social media presence.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This 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.
Joe Gomes, CFA, 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.
Moving to Outperform. We are raising our rating on LWAY shares to Outperform from Market Perform, with a $20 price target. LWAY shares fell from a 52-week high of $28.61 on May 10th to $15.19 as of yesterday’s close. We believe the sell-off to be too swift and dramatic given the Company’s recent strong operating performance.
Behind the Decline. Without any news to point to, we believe a combination of factors caused the stock price decline. First is as simple as profit taking. Second is the insider selling. Since the beginning of May, both Ludmila and Julie Smolyansky have sold shares of LWAY. Third, a change in sentiment regarding a possible sale of the Company. And fourth, projected increased milk prices, a key component of COGS.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This 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.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – May 29, 2024) – Hemisphere Energy Corporation (TSXV: HME) (OTCQX: HMENF) (“Hemisphere” or the “Company”) provides its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, declares a quarterly dividend payment to shareholders, renews credit facility, and provides operations update.
Q1 2024 Highlights
Produced a quarterly average of 3,133 boe/d (99% heavy oil), including significant downtime in January and early February due to extreme cold weather.
Attained quarterly revenue of $21.0 million.
Maintained low operating and transportation costs of $14.24/boe despite reduced quarterly production.
Delivered an operating netback1 of $13.1 million, or $46.04/boe.
Realized quarterly adjusted funds flow from operations (“AFF”)1 of $10.1 million, or $35.38/boe.
Achieved free funds flow1 of $4.4 million, or $0.04 per share.
Executed a $5.6 million capital expenditure1 program, including drilling five horizontal wells (three producers, two injectors) in the Company’s new Marsden, Saskatchewan oil play.
Received Enhanced Oil Recovery (“EOR”) project approval from the Ministry of Energy and Resources for a pilot polymer flood in Marsden.
Distributed $2.5 million, or $0.025 per share, in dividends to shareholders during the quarter.
Purchased and cancelled 869,100 shares for $1.2 million under the Company’s Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”).
Exited the first quarter with positive working capital1 of $4.2 million, compared to $3.0 million at the end of March 2023.
(1) Operating netback, adjusted funds flow from operations (AFF), free funds flow, capital expenditure, and working capital are non-IFRS measures, or when expressed on a per share or boe basis, non-IFRS ratio, that do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Non-IFRS financial measures and ratios are not standardized financial measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to the section “Non-IFRS and Other Specified Financial Measures”.
Selected financial and operational highlights should be read in conjunction with Hemisphere’s unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and related notes, and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2024 which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Hemisphere’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
Financial and Operating Summary
Quarterly Dividend
Hemisphere is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per common share in accordance with the Company’s dividend policy. The dividend will be paid on June 28, 2024 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 20, 2024. The dividend is designated as an eligible dividend for income tax purposes.
Credit Facility
The Company has completed its annual bank review and renewed its $35.0 million two-year extendible credit facility, with the next annual review date set for May 31, 2025.
Operations Update
Hemisphere’s Atlee Buffalo polymer injection projects both continue to perform well, contributing to slight overall corporate production growth. Current production is approximately 3,500 boe/d (99% heavy oil, field estimates between April 1 – May 25, 2024), 3% higher than the fourth quarter of 2023 despite no new wells having been brought online since last September.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Company received EOR project approval from the Ministry of Energy and Resources for a polymer flood pilot in its recently acquired Marsden acreage in Saskatchewan. Subsequently, Hemisphere executed a $5.6 million capital expenditure program, which included drilling five Marsden wells (three producers and two injectors). The Company has recently brought one well on primary production to a single well battery in order to gather initial test data required for EOR project planning. Hemisphere expects to commission a new polymer injection skid and oil treating battery for its Marsden project during the third quarter.
Preparation is also underway for the remainder of Hemisphere’s 2024 capital expenditure program, which includes up to nine new wells in the Atlee Buffalo area being drilled and brought on production to existing facilities later this summer.
Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders
Hemisphere’s Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 10:00 am (Pacific Daylight Time) on May 30, 2024 in the Walker Room of the Terminal City Club located at 837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.
About Hemisphere Energy Corporation
Hemisphere is a dividend-paying Canadian oil company focused on maximizing value-per-share growth with the sustainable development of its high netback, low decline conventional heavy oil assets through polymer flood enhanced recovery methods. Hemisphere trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol “HME” and on the OTCQX Venture Marketplace under the symbol “HMENF”.
For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca to view its corporate presentation or contact:
Don Simmons, President & Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (604) 685-9255 Email: info@hemisphereenergy.ca
Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “could”, “plan”, “intend”, “should”, “believe”, “outlook”, “potential”, “target” and similar words suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release includes forward-looking statements including that the Company expects to commission a new polymer injection skid and oil treating battery for its Saskatchewan production during the third quarter; the timing and execution of Hemisphere’s 2024 capital expenditure program, which includes up to nine new wells in the Atlee Buffalo area being drilled and brought on production to existing facilities later this summer; and that a dividend will be paid June 28, 2024 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 20, 2024.
Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of Hemisphere which have been used to develop such statements and information but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Hemisphere believes that the expectations reflected in such forward‐looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‐looking statements because Hemisphere can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the length of time that oil and gas operations will be impaired by the outbreak of Covid-19; the current and go-forward oil price environment; that Hemisphere will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations; that results from drilling and development activities are consistent with past operations; the quality of the reservoirs in which Hemisphere operates and continued performance from existing wells; the continued and timely development of infrastructure in areas of new production; the accuracy of the estimates of Hemisphere’s reserve volumes; certain commodity price and other cost assumptions; continued availability of debt and equity financing and cash flow to fund Hemisphere’s current and future plans and expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which Hemisphere operates; the general continuance of current industry conditions; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of the projects in which Hemisphere has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain financing on acceptable terms; field production rates and decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and expansion and the ability of Hemisphere to secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Hemisphere operates; and the ability of Hemisphere to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.
The forward‐looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward‐looking statements including, without limitation: changes in commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of Hemisphere’s products, the early stage of development of some of the evaluated areas and zones; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Hemisphere or by third party operators of Hemisphere’s properties, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of Hemisphere’s oil and gas reserve volumes; limited, unfavourable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from time‐to‐time in Hemisphere’s public disclosure documents, (including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news release and in Hemisphere’s Annual Information Form).
The forward‐looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and Hemisphere does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures
This news release contains the terms adjusted funds flow from operations, free funds flow, capital expenditures, operating field netback, operating netback, and working capital/net debt, which are considered “non-IFRS financial measures” and any of these measures calculated on a per boe basis, which are considered “non-IFRS financial ratios”. These terms do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Accordingly, the Company’s use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net income (loss) or cashflow from operations determined in accordance with IFRS and these measures should not be considered more meaningful than IFRS measures in evaluating the Company’s performance.
a)Adjusted funds flow from operations (“AFF”) (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per share or boe basis): The Company considers AFF to be a key measure that indicates the Company’s ability to generate the funds necessary to support future growth through capital investment and to repay any debt. AFF is a measure that represents cash flow generated by operating activities, before changes in non-cash working capital and adjusted for decommissioning expenditures and may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. The most directly comparable IFRS measure for AFF is cash provided by operating activities. AFF per share is calculated using the same weighted-average number of shares outstanding as in the case of the earnings per share calculation for the period.
A reconciliation of AFF to cash provided by operating activities is presented as follows:
b)Free funds flow (“FFF”) (Non-IFRS Financial Measure): Calculated by taking adjusted funds flow and subtracting capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions and dispositions. Management believes that free funds flow provides a useful measure to determine Hemisphere’s ability to improve returns and to manage the long-term value of the business.
c)Capital Expenditures (Non-IFRS Financial Measure): Management uses the term “capital expenditures” as a measure of capital investment in exploration and production assets, and such spending is compared to the Company’s annual budgeted capital expenditures. The most directly comparable IFRS measure for capital expenditures is cash flow used in investing activities. A summary of the reconciliation of cash flow used in investing activities to capital expenditures is set forth below:
d)Operating field netback (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per boe basis): A benchmark used in the oil and natural gas industry and a key indicator of profitability relative to current commodity prices. Operating field netback is calculated as oil and gas sales, less royalties, operating expenses, and transportation costs on an absolute and per barrel of oil equivalent basis. These terms should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flow from operating activities or net income or loss as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance.
e)Operating netback (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per boe basis): calculated as the operating field netback plus the Company’s realized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments on an absolute and per barrel of oil equivalent basis.
f)Working Capital/Net debt (Non-IFRS Financial Measure): Closely monitored by the Company to ensure that its capital structure is maintained by a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the Company. Working capital/Net debt is used in this document in the context of liquidity and is calculated as the total of the Company’s current assets, less current liabilities, excluding derivative financial instruments, decommissioning obligations, lease liabilities, and tax provisions, and including any bank debt. There is no IFRS measure that is reasonably comparable to working capital/net debt.
The following table outlines the Company calculation of working capital/net debt:
g)Supplementary Financial Measures and Non-IFRS Ratios
“Adjusted Funds Flow from operations per basic share” is comprised of funds from operations divided by basic weighted average common shares. “Adjusted Funds Flow from operations per diluted share” is comprised of funds from operations divided by diluted weighted average common shares. “Annual Free Funds Flow” is comprised of free funds flow from the current three-month period multiplied by four. “Operating expense per boe” is comprised of operating expense, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Realized heavy oil price” is comprised of heavy crude oil commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s crude oil production. “Realized natural gas price” is comprised of natural gas commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s natural gas production. “Realized combined price” is comprised of total commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Royalties per boe” is comprised of royalties, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Transportation costs per boe” is comprised of transportation expense, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production.
The Company has provided additional information on how these measures are calculated in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the interim period ended March 31, 2024, which are available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Oil and Gas Advisories
Any references in this news release to initial production rates (including as a result of recent water or polymer flood activities) are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for the Company. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time.
A barrel of oil equivalent (“boe”) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
Definitions and Abbreviations
bbl
Barrel
Mcf
thousand cubic feet
bbl/d
barrels per day
Mcf/d
thousand cubic feet per day
$/bbl
dollar per barrel
$/Mcf
dollar per thousand cubic feet
boe
barrel of oil equivalent
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
boe/d
barrel of oil equivalent per day
$/boe
dollar per barrel of oil equivalent
US$
United States Dollar
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
BEIJING, May 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuantaSing Group Limited (NASDAQ: QSG) (“QuantaSing” or the “Company”), a leading online learning service provider in China, today announced that it plans to release its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, before the U.S. market opens on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 07:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, June 6, 2024 (07:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results.
Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:
International: United States Toll Free: Mainland China Toll Free: Hong Kong Toll Free: Conference ID:
1-412-902-4272 1-888-346-8982 4001-201203 800-905945 QuantaSing Group Limited
The replay will be accessible through June 13, 2024 by dialing the following numbers:
International: United States Toll Free: Replay Access Code:
1-412-317-0088 1-877-344-7529 7529094
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.quantasing.com.
About QuantaSing Group Limited 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.
For more information, please visit: https://ir.quantasing.com.
