Ascletis Announces First Participants Dosed in U.S. Phase I Clinical Study of ASC50, a Potential Best-in-Class Oral Small Molecule IL-17 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Psoriasis
Prnewswire· 2025-06-18 00:00
Core Insights - Ascletis Pharma Inc. has initiated a Phase I clinical trial for ASC50, an oral small molecule inhibitor targeting interleukin-17 (IL-17), aimed at treating psoriasis [2][3] - The trial is randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, involving both healthy participants and patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis [3] - Preclinical data suggests that ASC50 has higher oral exposure, a longer half-life, and strong efficacy, positioning it as a potential best-in-class treatment for psoriasis [1] Company Overview - Ascletis Pharma Inc. is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics for metabolic diseases [4] - The company utilizes its proprietary Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Structure-Based Drug Discovery (AISBDD) Platform and Ultra-Long-Acting Platform (ULAP) to develop drug candidates in-house [4] - Ascletis is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the ticker 1672.HK [4]
Canadian Critical Minerals Announces Resignation of Director
Newsfile· 2025-06-17 23:31
Company Overview - Canadian Critical Minerals Inc. (CCMI) is a mining company focused on copper production assets in Canada [2] - The main asset of CCMI is the Bull River Mine project, which contains 150 million lbs of copper, located near Cranbrook, British Columbia [2] - CCMI also holds a 10% interest in XXIX Metal Corp., which owns the Thierry copper project in Ontario and the Opemiska copper project in Quebec [2] Recent Developments - Chris Stewart has resigned as a director of CCMI for personal reasons, effective June 16, 2025 [1] - Ian Berzins, President and CEO of CCMI, expressed gratitude for Mr. Stewart's service and contributions to the company [1]
Toymaker Hasbro cuts 3% of its total workforce, WSJ reports
New York Post· 2025-06-17 23:28
Company Overview - Hasbro has cut 3% of its global workforce, amounting to approximately 150 employees, as part of a cost-cutting initiative due to higher US tariffs on toys imported from China [1][4] - The company had around 4,985 employees globally according to its fiscal 2024 annual filing [1] Sourcing and Market Strategy - Hasbro sources about half of its toys and games sold in the US from China and is accelerating efforts to diversify sourcing to reduce reliance on China [2] - The toy industry is facing pressures from a global trade war and has been struggling with weak demand [2] Financial Impact and Restructuring - CEO Chris Cocks indicated that tariffs lead to higher consumer prices, potential job losses, and reduced profits for shareholders [3] - Hasbro is reassessing logistics routes and manufacturing as part of its strategy to adapt to increased costs [3] - The company previously announced a plan to cut 900 jobs globally in December 2023, following a reduction of 15% of its workforce due to weaker sales [3] Business Performance - In April, Hasbro reported better-than-expected quarterly results, driven by a shift towards digital and licensed gaming businesses, which helped attract younger customers [5]
Whirlpool (WHR) Sees a More Significant Dip Than Broader Market: Some Facts to Know
ZACKS· 2025-06-17 23:15
Company Performance - Whirlpool's stock closed at $91.27, reflecting a -1.91% change from the previous day's closing price, underperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.84% [1] - Over the past month, Whirlpool's shares have appreciated by 12.56%, outperforming the Consumer Discretionary sector's loss of 0% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.44% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The company's earnings report is scheduled for July 28, 2025, with an anticipated EPS of $1.64, indicating a 31.38% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Projected revenue for the upcoming quarter is $3.84 billion, reflecting a 3.8% decrease from the equivalent quarter last year [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $8.68 per share and revenue of $15.5 billion, representing changes of -28.91% and -6.7% respectively from the previous year [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Whirlpool may indicate shifting near-term business trends, with positive revisions seen as a favorable sign for the business outlook [3] Valuation Metrics - Whirlpool has a Forward P/E ratio of 10.72, which aligns with the industry average Forward P/E of 10.72 [6] - The Household Appliances industry, part of the Consumer Discretionary sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 193, placing it in the bottom 22% of over 250 industries [6] Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), has a strong track record, with stocks rated 1 producing an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [5] - Currently, Whirlpool holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with the consensus EPS estimate having moved 0.81% higher over the past month [5]
Here's Why Astera Labs, Inc. (ALAB) Fell More Than Broader Market
ZACKS· 2025-06-17 23:15
Company Performance - Astera Labs, Inc. (ALAB) stock decreased by 2.51% to $92.91, underperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.84% [1] - Over the last month, ALAB shares increased by 5.23%, outperforming the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 0% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.44% [1] Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to show an EPS of $0.33, representing a 153.85% increase from the prior-year quarter [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projected at $172.71 million, up 124.74% from the year-ago period [2] Full-Year Estimates - Full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $1.35 per share and revenue of $702.43 million, indicating year-over-year changes of +60.71% and +77.25%, respectively [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates for Astera Labs are seen as a sign of optimism regarding the business outlook [3] Zacks Rank and Performance - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), currently ranks Astera Labs at 2 (Buy) [5] - Over the past month, there has been a 2.74% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate [5] Valuation Metrics - Astera Labs is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 193.92, significantly higher than the industry average of 45.44 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 4.48, compared to the Internet - Software industry's average PEG ratio of 3.23 [6] Industry Context - The Internet - Software industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 47, placing it in the top 20% of over 250 industries [7] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]
Why the Market Dipped But VirTra, Inc. (VTSI) Gained Today
ZACKS· 2025-06-17 23:15
Company Performance - VirTra, Inc. (VTSI) closed at $6.21, with a daily increase of +1.14%, outperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.84% [1] - Prior to the recent trading day, shares had gained 3.54%, while the Aerospace sector remained flat [1] Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings disclosure is expected to show an EPS of $0.03, a decrease of 72.73% from the prior-year quarter [2] - Revenue is projected at $6.38 million, reflecting an increase of 5.11% from the prior-year quarter [2] Full Year Projections - For the full year, earnings are projected at $0.27 per share, representing a 125% increase from the prior year [3] - Revenue for the full year is estimated at $29.19 million, indicating a growth of 7.9% from the previous year [3] Analyst Sentiment - Recent changes to analyst estimates for VirTra, Inc. are seen as a reflection of the business outlook [3] - The Zacks Rank system currently rates VirTra, Inc. as 1 (Strong Buy), indicating positive sentiment [5] Valuation Metrics - VirTra, Inc. has a Forward P/E ratio of 22.74, which aligns with the industry average [6] - The Electronics - Military industry, part of the Aerospace sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 1, placing it in the top 1% of over 250 industries [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Industry Rank indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL) Suffers a Larger Drop Than the General Market: Key Insights
ZACKS· 2025-06-17 23:15
Company Performance - Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. closed at $464.51, down 1.27% from the previous trading session, underperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.84% [1] - The stock has increased by 1.5% over the past month, outperforming the Finance sector's loss of 0% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.44% [1] Earnings Expectations - Analysts expect Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. to report earnings of $4.36 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 16.27% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is $432.2 million, indicating a 12.39% growth compared to the same quarter last year [2] Annual Forecast - Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $17.67 per share and revenue of $1.75 billion for the year, representing changes of +10.02% and +10.27% respectively compared to the previous year [3] - Recent changes in analyst estimates are important as they reflect short-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating analyst optimism [3] Valuation Metrics - Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. has a Forward P/E ratio of 26.62, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 11.7 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.77, while the Insurance - Property and Casualty industry has an average PEG ratio of 2.74 [6] Industry Context - The Insurance - Property and Casualty industry is part of the Finance sector and holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 54, placing it in the top 22% of over 250 industries [7] - Strong individual industry groups, as measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, tend to outperform weaker groups by a factor of 2 to 1 [7]
TXO Partners LP (TXO) Increases Despite Market Slip: Here's What You Need to Know
ZACKS· 2025-06-17 23:15
Group 1 - TXO Partners LP closed at $15.69, with a +1.36% change from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.84% [1] - Over the last month, TXO's shares increased by 1.84%, while the Oils-Energy sector remained flat and the S&P 500 gained 1.44% [1] Group 2 - The upcoming earnings report for TXO is expected to show an EPS of $0.18, a 100% increase year-over-year, with revenue forecasted at $81.89 million, reflecting a 42.89% growth [2] - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $0.83 per share and revenue at $391.11 million, indicating increases of +27.69% and +38.29% respectively from the prior year [3] Group 3 - Recent changes to analyst estimates for TXO are important as they reflect the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns, with positive revisions indicating analysts' confidence in performance [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which evaluates estimate changes, currently ranks TXO Partners LP as 5 (Strong Sell), indicating a stagnant EPS projection over the past 30 days [6] Group 4 - TXO Partners LP has a Forward P/E ratio of 18.65, which is higher than the industry average of 17.08, suggesting a premium valuation [7] - The Energy and Pipeline - Master Limited Partnerships industry, part of the Oils-Energy sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 212, placing it in the bottom 14% of over 250 industries [7]
Amazon employees slam CEO Andy Jassy's memo about AI killing corporate jobs
Business Insider· 2025-06-17 23:11
Core Viewpoint - Amazon CEO Andy Jassy indicated that AI will lead to a reduction in the company's white-collar workforce over the coming years, driven by efficiency gains, which has sparked significant backlash among employees [1][2]. Employee Reactions - Internal Slack channels revealed widespread criticism from Amazon's white-collar workers, with many expressing concerns about potential layoffs and the risks of overreliance on AI [2][7]. - Some employees highlighted the negative impact of Jassy's message, stating it was demotivating to hear that their jobs could be replaced by AI [3][8]. AI's Role in the Workplace - A key debate among employees centered on whether AI should be viewed as a partner or a replacement, with some arguing that a 50% productivity boost from AI could either lead to workforce reductions or business growth [4][5]. - Employees suggested that the company should reframe AI as a teammate rather than a tool for cost-cutting, contrasting with Jassy's vision of a smaller workforce [5][9]. Concerns About AI Dependence - Employees raised alarms about the dangers of relying too heavily on AI, noting that it can lead to poor decision-making and create problems that AI cannot solve [7][9]. - There were questions regarding whether Jassy's memo indicated further layoffs, with some employees expressing dread at the implications of his focus on cost-cutting [8][9]. Leadership Critique - Criticism was directed at Jassy's leadership style, with employees feeling that his approach prioritizes reducing costs over fostering a vision for the company's future [6][9]. - Some employees cynically questioned why AI-driven cuts seem to affect lower-level workers while senior executives remain unaffected, noting that the senior leadership team has expanded under Jassy's tenure [9][10].
Meta Teams Up With Oakley, Prada For Next-Gen AI Smart Glasses
Benzinga· 2025-06-17 23:06
Group 1 - Meta Platforms, Inc. and EssilorLuxottica are set to launch new AI-powered smart glasses under the Oakley and Prada brands, following the success of the second-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses released in 2023 [1][6] - The Oakley-branded smart glasses will target athletes and active users, priced around $360, and will feature enhanced weather resistance compared to Ray-Ban models [6] - The partnership with Prada represents Meta's first collaboration with high-end fashion brands, following a renewed 10-year eyewear licensing deal between Prada and Luxottica [6] Group 2 - Meta is planning to introduce advertisements within WhatsApp to diversify revenue streams, with ads expected to appear in the "Updates" section, which attracts approximately 1.5 billion daily visitors [4] - In the first quarter, Meta's advertising revenue reached $41.39 billion, an increase from $35.65 billion in the same period in 2024, with a 5% year-over-year rise in ad impressions and a 10% increase in average ad prices [5]