Palantir: Why You'll Regret Selling Now (It's Not What You Think)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-08-21 16:20
Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR ) is one of the hottest picks in the defense sector right now. With its offerings, Palantir’s market position is an optimal spot to capitalize on the growing demand forRick is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author with over 20 years of experience trading stocks and options. The most authoritative publications, including Good Morning America, Washington Post, Yahoo Finance, MSN, Business Insider, NBC, FOX, CBS, and ABC News, cover his work. His passion is business ...
Google Unveils AI Voice Assistant for the Home
PYMNTS.com· 2025-08-21 16:19
Core Insights - Google is replacing its nearly decade-old Google Assistant with a new AI-powered chatbot named Gemini, aimed at enhancing user interaction and competing with Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri [1][2][10] - The rollout of Gemini for Home will begin in October, allowing users to access advanced features and capabilities [3][10] Group 1: Product Features - Gemini Live introduces AI chats that provide smarter assistance for tasks such as cooking, troubleshooting, and planning [1][7] - The new assistant can understand context and execute multiple commands simultaneously, enhancing user experience [5][6] - Users can engage in ongoing conversations without needing to repeat the wake phrase, making interactions more fluid [6][7] Group 2: Market Context - The upgrade comes amid declining consumer trust in voice assistants, with only 60% of consumers believing in their future capabilities, down from 73% in 2023 [8][9] - Younger consumers have high expectations for technological advancements, but persistent issues may lead to decreased trust over time [10] - Google’s move to integrate Gemini into home devices positions it directly against Amazon's and Apple's evolving AI capabilities [10][11] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Apple is also working on a redesigned Siri powered by large language models, indicating a competitive race in AI advancements among major tech companies [11][12] - The AI landscape is shifting, with companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Meta outperforming others, while Apple is perceived to be lagging behind [12]
New Toll Brothers Willow Glen Model Homes Open in Cumming, Georgia
Globenewswire· 2025-08-21 16:19
Exclusive community offers single-family homes with access to luxurious amenities in sought-after Forsyth CountyCUMMING, Ga., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE: TOL), the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, today announced the opening of its new model homes at Willow Glen, located in esteemed Forsyth County, Georgia. Willow Glen offers single-family homes on expansive home sites in an exclusive, intimate setting. The brand new Hedgewood and Peterson model homes are now open d ...
Kraton and International Paper Execute Strategic Continuity of Services Agreement
Prnewswire· 2025-08-21 16:16
HOUSTON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of specialty polymers and high-value biobased products derived from pine chemicals, today announced the execution of agreements with International Paper, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, to maintain uninterrupted site services at Kraton's Savannah, Georgia facility. These agreements underscore the companies' shared commitment to ensuring supply reliability, operational continuity, and support for the long ...
RCKT Stock Rises as FDA Lifts Clinical Hold on Danon Disease Study
ZACKS· 2025-08-21 16:15
Core Viewpoint - Rocket Pharmaceuticals' shares increased by 28.9% after the FDA lifted the clinical hold on its pivotal phase II study for RP-A501, a gene therapy for Danon disease [1][7]. Group 1: Clinical Study Updates - The clinical hold was imposed in May due to a serious adverse event resulting in a patient's death, prompting the company to pause dosing [2]. - The FDA has now allowed the study to resume with a recalibrated lower dose of RP-A501 (3.8 x 10¹³ GC/kg), administered to three patients sequentially with a minimum four-week interval [3]. - Six patients have been treated in the pivotal phase II study, with further updates expected after reviewing data from the next three patients [4]. Group 2: Company Focus and Pipeline - Rocket Pharmaceuticals is prioritizing the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies for rare cardiovascular conditions, with RP-A501 being the most advanced candidate [8]. - The company is also developing another AAV-based candidate, RP-A601, for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and plans to initiate clinical studies for RP-A701 targeting dilated cardiomyopathy [10]. Group 3: Market Performance - Rocket Pharmaceuticals' shares have declined by 70.2% year-to-date, contrasting with a 3% rise in the industry [5].
Oceaneering Secures U.S. Navy Component Repair Program Deal
ZACKS· 2025-08-21 16:15
Core Insights - Oceaneering International, Inc. (OII) has secured an $86 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) for repairing valves and actuators on Virginia-class and Los Angeles-class submarines [1][2][21] Contract Details - The contract has a base value of up to $86 million for an initial two-year period, with an option for a three-year extension [2] - Work will be conducted at Oceaneering's specialized repair facilities, which are equipped with advanced engineering infrastructure and experienced personnel [2][8] Role in Submarine Support - Oceaneering is one of three selected suppliers responsible for restoring key mechanical components that ensure submarine reliability and mission success [3][9] - The contract reinforces Oceaneering's position as a long-term partner in sustaining the Navy's advanced undersea platforms [3] Corporate Component Repair Program (CCRP) - The CCRP standardizes the repair and overhaul process for high-value submarine parts, improving turnaround times and controlling maintenance costs [4] - Oceaneering has over eight years of service under the CCRP, consistently delivering high-precision repairs that meet Navy standards [5] Technical Standards and Repair Operations - Repairing valves and actuators requires exacting technical standards, including disassembly, non-destructive testing, and final performance validation [6][7] - Oceaneering's facilities are optimized for submarine systems service, featuring specialized clean rooms and high-tolerance machining environments [8] Funding and Execution - The contract is funded through Navy Working Capital Funds, ensuring uninterrupted program continuity and rapid mobilization [11][12] - Immediate execution of component servicing is guaranteed upon award, supporting maintenance cycles and mission readiness [12] Strategic Importance - The contract supports the Navy's objective to reduce life cycle costs and minimize equipment downtime, which is vital for maintaining U.S. naval superiority [15] - Oceaneering's advanced repair capabilities enhance operational excellence and ensure high-quality outcomes [16][17] Future Readiness - The IDIQ contract aligns with Oceaneering's long-term vision of providing superior lifecycle support to the U.S. military [18] - Investments in workforce training and advanced materials testing are expected to elevate repair effectiveness and reduce lead times [18][19]
CRISPR Therapeutics Gains 41.4% in 3 Months: How to Play the Stock
ZACKS· 2025-08-21 16:15
Core Insights - CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) shares have increased by 41.4% over the past three months, driven by positive data from the CTX310 study and strong sales of Casgevy in Q2 2025 [1][9]. In Vivo Pipeline Programs - CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing its in-vivo candidates, CTX310 and CTX320, in separate phase I clinical studies targeting ANGPTL3 and lipoprotein(a) respectively [2]. - Updated data from the CTX310 study showed significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels, with peak reductions of up to 86% in LDL and 82% in TG [2][9]. - Data for CTX320 is anticipated in the first half of 2026, raising hopes for its potential in treating heart disease [3]. Casgevy Sales Performance - Casgevy, a one-shot gene therapy developed in partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, was approved for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia [4]. - After a slow start in 2024 with only $10 million in revenue, Casgevy's sales surged to $30.4 million in Q2 2025, marking a 114.1% sequential increase [5][6]. - Over 75 treatment centers have been activated for Casgevy, with expectations for significant growth in new patient starts throughout 2025 [6]. Other Pipeline Candidates and Collaborations - CRISPR Therapeutics is developing next-generation CAR-T therapy candidates, CTX112 and CTX131, in separate phase I/II studies, with data expected later in 2025 [7]. - The company plans to expand its in-vivo pipeline with two additional programs, CTX340 and CTX450, by the end of the year [8]. - A recent collaboration with Sirius Therapeutics aims to diversify CRSP's pipeline into RNA therapeutics, focusing on the development of SRSD107 for thromboembolic disorders [10][11]. Competitive Landscape - CRISPR Therapeutics faces competition from other companies in the gene-editing space, including Beam Therapeutics and Intellia Therapeutics, which are advancing their own therapies [12]. - Casgevy also competes with chronic therapies like Bristol Myers' Reblozyl and Novartis' Adakveo [13]. Stock Performance and Valuation - CRSP shares have risen 34.8% year-to-date, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500 [14]. - The stock is trading at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 2.68, lower than the industry average of 2.95, indicating a potential valuation opportunity [15]. Estimate Movements - Estimates for CRISPR's 2025 loss per share have widened from $5.58 to $6.26, while estimates for 2026 have narrowed from $4.30 to $3.98 [18]. Financial Position - CRISPR Therapeutics has a strong cash balance of approximately $1.7 billion as of June-end, which supports ongoing operations and potential late-stage studies [20].
Starz Entertainment Pivoting To Digital Strategy
Forbes· 2025-08-21 16:15
Core Insights - Starz Entertainment Corp. reported modest results for 2Q25, missing revenue and adjusted EPS estimates, with revenue of $319.7 million, down 8.0% YoY from $347.6 million in 2Q24 [2][14] - The company experienced an operating loss of $26.9 million in 2Q25, compared to an operating income of $10.1 million in the prior-year period [2][14] - Starz ended the quarter with 12.2 million U.S. OTT subscribers, a sequential decline of 120,000, and total U.S. subscribers reached 17.6 million, down 410,000 from the previous quarter [2][15] Financial Performance - Adjusted OIBDA for 2Q25 was $33.4 million, down from $56.3 million in 2Q24, leading to a decrease in adjusted OIBDA margin to 10.4% from 16.2% [2][14] - The net loss for the quarter was $42.5 million, compared to a net income of $4.2 million in 2Q24, with diluted loss per share at $2.54 versus diluted earnings per share of $0.26 in 2Q24 [2][14] Subscriber Trends - The decline in subscribers was attributed to lower OTT additions and ongoing pressure on linear subscribers, particularly due to the underperformance of BMF Season 4 [2][15] - Despite the overall decline, the Outlander prequel, Blood of My Blood, achieved strong performance, becoming the third-highest series premiere in Starz history for subscriber additions [2][10] Strategic Outlook - Starz is focusing on a digital-first growth strategy and expects sequential revenue and OTT subscriber growth in upcoming quarters, supported by a strong content lineup [2][8] - The company aims to reach $200 million in adjusted OIBDA by year-end and convert 70% of that into free cash flow by 2026 [2][8] Valuation - The intrinsic value of Starz Entertainment Corp. is estimated at $18.00 per share, based on a 2026e EV/EBITDA multiple of 4.4x, maintaining a 'Buy' rating with an implied upside of 33.3% from the current market price of $13.50 [6][16] - The valuation is sensitive to fluctuations in adjusted EBITDA and EV/EBITDA multiples, with potential changes impacting the target prices significantly [18] Company Strategy - Starz is strategically exiting seven international territories to streamline its business and is prioritizing lower-cost original content production [21] - The company is targeting key demographics and aims to achieve a 20% margin run rate by FY28 to boost profitability [11][12]
Nabors Divests Quail Tools Business to Superior Energy for $600M
ZACKS· 2025-08-21 16:11
Core Transaction Overview - Nabors Industries Ltd. has completed the sale of its subsidiary Quail Tools to Superior Energy Services for a total net consideration of $600 million, which includes $375 million in cash and a $250 million seller note [1][8] - The transaction establishes Superior Energy as Nabors' preferred supplier for rental drill pipe and related products [1] Financial Impact - The sale is projected to accelerate over five years of anticipated free cash flow from Nabors' combined business post Parker acquisition [2] - Quail Tools is expected to generate approximately $150 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2025 under Superior Energy's management [2] - Nabors anticipates a net debt reduction of over 25%, equating to $625 million, along with annual interest savings of $50 million [3] Strategic Focus - Post-sale, Nabors will retain its core portfolio, including drilling rigs and tubular running services, which are expected to contribute at least $55 million in annual EBITDA [4] - The combination of the Parker acquisition and the Quail Tools sale is expected to create a net positive impact for Nabors' legacy business, positioning it for sustained value creation [4] Industry Context - The transaction highlights ongoing consolidation in the oilfield services sector as companies aim to strengthen their balance sheets and prepare for long-term growth amid market volatility [6] - Leaders from both Nabors and Superior Energy expressed optimism about leveraging new synergies to enhance support for exploration and production customers globally [6] Benefits to Superior Energy - The acquisition of Quail Tools nearly doubles Superior Energy's tubular inventory and significantly expands its operational footprint in the U.S. land market [5] - The deal is expected to enhance service capabilities across major U.S. energy regions and support international expansion [5]
Krystal Biotech Announces Update on Development Plans for Oncology Program KB707 and Prioritization of Inhaled KB707 for the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Globenewswire· 2025-08-21 16:11
Core Viewpoint - Krystal Biotech, Inc. is advancing the development of KB707, a redosable immunotherapy targeting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with promising early efficacy data leading to an End of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA to discuss registration pathways [1][2][3] Group 1: Development Plans and Efficacy - The company has observed a 36% objective response rate in heavily pre-treated NSCLC patients as of April 15, 2025, with no Grade 4 or 5 adverse events reported, indicating a favorable safety profile [3] - Enrollment is ongoing in the KYANITE-1 study, a Phase 1/2 trial evaluating inhaled KB707 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic lung tumors [4] - The company has paused enrollment in the OPAL-1 study, which evaluates intratumoral KB707, to prioritize inhaled KB707, while continuing to monitor patients in OPAL-1 [5] Group 2: Company Overview - Krystal Biotech is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on genetic medicines for diseases with high unmet medical needs, with its first product, VYJUVEK, being the first redosable gene therapy approved in multiple regions [6]