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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]
Viva Gold Announces Filing PEA Study for its Tonopah Gold Project, Nevada
Thenewswire· 2025-08-21 16:10
Core Viewpoint - Viva Gold Corp has filed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) report for the Tonopah Gold Project, indicating its potential viability for development as an economic open pit gold mine [1][2]. Project Overview - The Tonopah Gold Project is located approximately 20 minutes from Tonopah, Nevada, and the PEA was prepared by WSP Canada Inc. and Kappes, Cassiday Associates [1][2]. - The project is designed to operate at a rate of 45,000 tonnes per day over a seven-year mine life, producing approximately 75,000 ounces of gold annually for the first two years, with an average of 50,000 ounces per year in years three to seven [3]. Economic Results - The after-tax net present value (NPV) at a 5% discount rate is estimated at $111.6 million at a gold price of $2,400 per ounce, increasing to $363.6 million at $3,200 per ounce [4]. - The after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) is projected at 17.6% at $2,400 per ounce, rising to 43.4% at $3,200 per ounce [4]. - The after-tax payback period is estimated at 3.6 years at $2,400 per ounce, decreasing to 1.8 years at $3,200 per ounce [4]. Cost Structure - Average production cash costs are projected at $1,164 per ounce of gold, with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,269 per ounce [4]. - Pre-production capital expenditure is estimated at $219.9 million, with $22.2 million in working capital and additional sustaining capital of $70.4 million [4]. Future Work Program - The future work program recommended by WSP and KCA includes further refinement and optimization of the final mine and process plan, with a focus on improving capital and operating costs [2][4]. Management and Company Background - Viva Gold is led by CEO James Hesketh, who has extensive experience in the mining industry, having developed and constructed eight other mines globally [7][8]. - The company is advancing the Tonopah Gold Project with the support of institutional shareholders and is committed to environmentally and socially responsible development [9][8].
Spire Global: Multi-Million Deals Could Snowball From Here - Initiating A Buy
Seeking Alpha· 2025-08-21 16:10
Group 1 - Spire Global operates its own satellite constellations and utilizes a subscription-based model for its services [1] - The company has a focus on the intelligence space, indicating a niche market within the broader technology sector [1] Group 2 - The article reflects on the author's extensive experience in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors, emphasizing the importance of momentum in investment strategies [1]
Should You Buy NIO Shares After a 31% Surge in the Past 3 Months?
ZACKS· 2025-08-21 16:06
Core Insights - NIO Inc. shares have increased by 30.7% over the past three months, significantly outperforming the Zacks Automotive - Foreign industry's growth of 6.3% [1] - The rise in share price is primarily attributed to the successful launch of the ONVO L90 model, with over 4,000 units delivered within 10 days of its launch [2] - NIO's manufacturing facility in Hefei is operating at full capacity, aiming to deliver over 10,000 L90 units in August, which would set a record for monthly sales of any NIO model [3] Performance Factors - NIO introduced the Veeco product line to enhance operational efficiency by integrating resources from its various brands [7] - The company has set a target to reduce R&D spending by 15% in Q2, aiming for a total reduction to RMB 2-2.5 billion by Q4, representing a year-over-year decline of 20-25% [8] - NIO is also focused on controlling SG&A expenses, with a goal to limit non-GAAP SG&A expenses to below 10% of revenues by Q4 as part of its breakeven strategy [8] Financial Outlook - NIO expects to narrow its losses gradually in 2025, with a target to achieve breakeven in Q4 2025 through cost cuts and sales growth [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year growth of 48.2% in sales and 30.5% in earnings for 2025 [13] - NIO's stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 0.65, which is higher than the industry's 0.45 [12] Challenges - Despite the positive sales outlook, NIO faces challenges with high leverage, as its long-term debt to capital ratio stands at 0.76, compared to the industry's 0.28 [16] - The company's cash reserves have declined from RMB 19.3 billion in December 2024 to RMB 8.1 billion in March 2025, raising concerns about financial flexibility [16] - The vehicle margin for the ONVO brand is projected to be approximately 15%, lower than the 20% expected from the NIO brand, which may impact profitability [14]
Boeing eyes sale of up to 500 planes to China: report
Fox Business· 2025-08-21 16:05
Group 1 - Boeing is in discussions to sell up to 500 planes to China, which is part of a trade agreement between the U.S. and China [1] - The details of the sale, including the types and volume of jet models and delivery schedules, are still being finalized, and the deal is contingent on easing trade tensions [2] - Boeing recently lost its top executive in China, complicating the negotiations, and Carol Shen has been appointed as the interim president of Boeing China [3] Group 2 - China had previously halted Boeing jet orders due to trade tensions and tariffs, but the potential sale would indicate a significant improvement in Boeing-China aerospace trade relations [4][6] - Between 2017 and 2021, Boeing secured major jet orders from China, often linked to state visits during Trump's first term, but purchases stalled due to ongoing trade issues [7] - A similar agreement was attempted in 2023 but did not materialize; if this deal is completed, it would mark China's first major purchase of Boeing jets since Trump's previous term [9] Group 3 - Following Trump's second term inauguration, he imposed significant tariffs, including a 10% import duty, which affected trade with China, leading to a temporary halt in aircraft-related purchases [10] - Despite ongoing negotiations, a comprehensive trade deal with China remains elusive, although recent meetings have been described as positive [11]
Chipotle and Zipline Form ‘Zipotle' to Provide Aerial Food Delivery
PYMNTS.com· 2025-08-21 16:04
Some Chipotle customers will soon get to choose between meals delivered by land or air.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.The Mexican fast casual restaurant announced Thursday (Aug. 21) that it was tea ...
Will CCL's New Ships Translate Into Sustainable Profitability?
ZACKS· 2025-08-21 16:01
Key Takeaways Carnival expands its fleet with modern ships to drive revenues, efficiency and strong booking trends.New vessels lower unit costs and boost margins, but financing and operating expenses remain high.CCL shares jumped 30.5% in three months, with 2025 EPS estimates rising 40.9% year over year.Carnival Corporation & plc ((CCL) continues to anchor its growth strategy on fleet expansion, with several new ships entering service as part of the modernization efforts. These additions are designed to enh ...
Jobless Claims Tick in Higher
ZACKS· 2025-08-21 16:01
Pre-market futures are sliding back into the red at this hour, on less-than-stellar numbers out this morning for Weekly Jobless Claims, Philly Fed and Walmart earnings. The Dow is -157 points currently, the S&P 500 is -24, the Nasdaq -90 and the small-cap Russell 2000 is -12. Over the past five trading days, these major indexes are down between -1% (Dow) and -3% (Nasdaq).Economic Prints Ahead of the Bell: Jobless Claims, Philly FedInitial Jobless Claims are out this Thursday morning, jumping to their highes ...