Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] AI and Energy Demand - AI technologies, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, are extremely energy-intensive, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities [2] - The increasing demand for AI is straining global power grids, leading to rising electricity prices and a need for utilities to expand capacity [2] Investment Opportunity - A specific company, largely overlooked by AI investors, is positioned to benefit from the anticipated surge in energy demand due to AI [3][6] - This company owns critical energy infrastructure assets and is involved in the U.S. LNG exportation sector, which is expected to grow under the current administration's energy policies [7][8] Financial Position - The company is noted for being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8] - It also has a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities without high premiums [9] Market Perception - Wall Street is beginning to recognize this company as a valuable investment, especially as it operates without the high valuations typical of many energy and utility firms [8][10] - The company is trading at less than 7 times earnings, making it an attractive option for investors looking for undervalued stocks in the AI and energy sectors [10] Future Outlook - The ongoing AI revolution is expected to disrupt traditional industries, with companies that adapt to AI technologies likely to thrive [11][12] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is anticipated to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in this field [12][13] Strategic Context - The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the AI infrastructure supercycle, the onshoring boom due to tariffs, and the surge in U.S. LNG exports [14]

Core Insights - Vera Therapeutics has appointed Matt Skelton as Chief Commercial Officer to lead the commercial launch of atacicept for IgA nephropathy [1][2] - Atacicept is a promising investigational treatment that targets B-cell activation and has shown significant clinical efficacy in trials [3][4][6] Company Overview - Vera Therapeutics is a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases [10] - The company's lead product candidate, atacicept, is designed to block B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL), which are involved in autoimmune diseases [10] Leadership Appointment - Matt Skelton brings extensive experience in global commercialization, having previously scaled Seagen's commercial organization from one product to four approved products [2][10] - His leadership is expected to be critical in transitioning Vera Therapeutics into a commercial-stage company [2] Atacicept Clinical Program - The ORIGIN Phase 2b clinical trial of atacicept met its primary and key secondary endpoints, showing significant reductions in proteinuria and stabilization of eGFR [4] - The ongoing ORIGIN 3 Phase 3 trial has also met its primary endpoint with a statistically significant reduction in proteinuria at week 36 [5] Regulatory Status - Atacicept has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for IgA nephropathy, indicating its potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes [6] - The Biologics License Application (BLA) for atacicept has received Priority Review designation, with a target action date set for July 7, 2026 [7] Future Studies - The ORIGIN Extend study allows participants to access atacicept until its commercial availability and collects long-term safety and efficacy data [8] - Atacicept is also being evaluated in other autoimmune kidney diseases, expanding its potential therapeutic applications [8][10]

On January 27, Sherry Paul, a senior portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley, appeared on CNBC’s ‘Closing Bell’ to discuss whether more volatility is ahead, following a volatile week in the market. Paul clarified that volatility is a standard part of investing that signifies something emergent rather than something inherently bad. She believes that the market is moving away from the ‘Magnificent Seven’ and toward what she calls ‘magnificent thematics.’ These themes include the new world order, AI automation, in ...

Group 1: Voya MidCap Opportunities Fund Overview - The Voya MidCap Opportunities Fund's Q4 2025 investor letter highlights solid market gains but notes relative underperformance against the Russell Mid Cap Growth Index due to unfavorable stock selection [1] - The fund managers maintain a cautiously constructive outlook, emphasizing the importance of active and flexible positioning amid ongoing geopolitical risks and policy uncertainty [1] - The letter indicates that broadening market leadership, sustained corporate capital expenditure, and AI-led innovation could support future returns [1] Group 2: Vera Therapeutics, Inc. Performance - Vera Therapeutics, Inc. was a top contributor to the fund's performance in Q4 2025, driven by positive phase three clinical trial results for its kidney disease treatment [3] - At the end of Q4 2025, Vera Therapeutics represented 0.93% of the fund's portfolio, with a one-month return of -9.09% and a trading range of $18.53 to $56.05 over the past 52 weeks [2] - As of January 22, 2026, Vera Therapeutics' stock closed at approximately $45.77 per share, with a market capitalization of about $3.249 billion [2] Group 3: Hedge Fund Interest and Market Position - Vera Therapeutics was held by 36 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 40 in the previous quarter [4] - The investment community acknowledges the risks and potential of Vera Therapeutics but expresses a stronger conviction in AI stocks for higher returns in a shorter timeframe [4]

Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VERA) is among the 14 best booming stocks to buy right now. On January 7, the company announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had accepted Atacicept’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for priority review to treat adult patients of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (VERA) Granted FDA Priority Review For Atacicept The application was submitted under the Accelerated Approval Program and has been granted a target action date of ...

Core Viewpoint - Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (VERA) has seen a 1.7% increase in share price over the past four weeks, closing at $49.1, with analysts suggesting a potential upside of 53.1% based on a mean price target of $75.15 [1] Price Targets - The average of 13 short-term price targets ranges from a low of $33.00 to a high of $100.00, with a standard deviation of $19.54, indicating variability in analyst estimates [2] - The lowest estimate suggests a decline of 32.8% from the current price, while the highest indicates a potential upside of 103.7% [2] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have shown increasing optimism regarding VERA's earnings prospects, with a consensus indicating better earnings than previously estimated [4][11] - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 1.6%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [12] Zacks Rank - VERA currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] Conclusion on Price Movement - While the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of the extent of VERA's potential gains, the implied direction of price movement appears to be a useful guide [14]

Company Overview - Vera Therapeutics was founded in San Francisco in 2016 and in-licensed atacicept in 2020 [3] - The company aims to lead a paradigm shift in modulating the immune system to alleviate disease burdens [1] Product Information - Atacicept is a first-in-class dual BAFF April inhibitor, designed to control autoimmune disease activity while minimizing immune suppression challenges [3] - Positive Phase III results were reported last year, leading to the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. FDA [3] - The FDA has awarded priority review for atacicept, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date set for July 7, 2026 [3]

Summary of Vera Therapeutics FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Vera Therapeutics (NasdaqGM:VERA) - **Founded**: 2016 in San Francisco - **Lead Product**: Atacicept, a first-in-class dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor - **Financial Position**: Pro forma cash of $779 million with 71.3 million shares outstanding [4][5] Industry Context - **Primary Indication**: IgA nephropathy (IgAN), the most common primary glomerular disease worldwide, with an incidence of 2.5 per 100,000 people [6] - **Market Size**: Estimated 160,000 diagnosed IgAN patients in the U.S., with half in the highest-risk category [14] - **Competitive Landscape**: Five new drugs approved for IgAN in the past five years, indicating a growing market with premium pricing [16] Key Product Insights - **Atacicept Mechanism**: Targets BAFF and APRIL to modulate B-cell function, potentially avoiding immune suppression challenges [3][5] - **Clinical Trials**: - Phase III trial met primary endpoint with a 42% placebo-adjusted reduction in proteinuria at 36 weeks [11] - Secondary endpoints showed consistent results with phase II data [11] - Ongoing trials include PIONEER, studying Atacicept in moderate and low-risk patients [15] Regulatory and Commercialization Plans - **BLA Submission**: Submitted to the U.S. FDA with priority review status; PDUFA date set for July 7, 2026 [3][18] - **Commercial Launch**: Expected in July 2026, with a focus on educating nephrologists about Atacicept [13][21] - **Sales Force**: Hiring 82 sales representatives to target over half of the 11,000 nephrologists in the U.S. [23] Clinical Efficacy and Safety - **Efficacy Measures**: Aims to stabilize eGFR, reduce proteinuria, and resolve kidney inflammation [9][12] - **Safety Profile**: Atacicept showed a low rate of serious adverse events (0.5%) and was well tolerated [12] Future Opportunities - **Expansion Potential**: Atacicept has therapeutic potential in other autoimmune diseases, with an estimated addressable market of 1.2 million patients in the U.S. [17][18] - **Pipeline Development**: Ongoing studies for additional indications and formulations, including a monthly dosing option [29][31] Conclusion - **Transformative Year Ahead**: Vera Therapeutics is positioned for significant growth in 2026 with the anticipated launch of Atacicept and ongoing clinical trials [18][34]

BRISBANE, Calif., Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (“Vera Therapeutics”), a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing transformative treatments for patients with serious immunologic diseases, today announced that the Company’s management team will present at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, which is taking place in San Francisco, CA from January 12-15, 2026. The management team will also participate in one-on-one investor m ...

The company has a fine chance of commercializing its leading investigational drug in the near future.One of the happiest moments an investor in the biotech sector can have is when one of his or her companies reports a regulatory submission for a promising product. Sure enough, investors snapped up shares of Vera Therapeutics (VERA +4.64%) on Wednesday, sending them to a nearly 5% gain, on the company's news that it made such a filing. FDA decision coming soonThat morning, Vera announced that its biologics l ...