KYIV, Ukraine, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kyivstar Group Ltd., Ukraine’s leading digital operator (“Kyivstar Group” or “the Company”) and a subsidiary of VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON) (“VEON Group” or “VEON”), today announced the public filing of its Registration Statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This filing represents a milestone in Kyivstar Group’s plans to be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) following the anticipate ...

Core Insights - Kyivstar Group reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with total operating revenue reaching USD 255 million, a 37.1% increase year-on-year in USD terms and 49.6% in local currency [2][5][6] - The company achieved a profit of USD 44 million for the period, reflecting a 22.2% year-on-year increase in USD and a 33.7% increase in local currency terms, resulting in a profit margin of 17.3% [2][5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was USD 140 million, up 50.5% year-on-year in USD and 64.6% in local currency, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 54.9% [2][5][6] Financial Performance - Total operating revenue for Q1 2025 was USD 255 million, up 37.1% year-on-year in USD and 49.6% in local currency [2][5][6] - Profit for the period amounted to USD 44 million, a 22.2% increase year-on-year in USD and 33.7% in local currency [2][5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA reached USD 140 million, representing a 50.5% year-on-year increase in USD and 64.6% in local currency [2][5][6] Customer Growth - The Multiplay customer base increased by 40.7% year-on-year to 6.1 million, representing 29.5% of one-month-active mobile customers [6] - Total digital monthly active users across Kyivstar Group's digital applications reached 10.3 million in Q1 2025, up 32.9% from 7.7 million a year earlier [6] Strategic Initiatives - The company completed the acquisition of Uklon, a leading ride-hailing business, for approximately USD 155.2 million and increased its stake in Helsi, Ukraine's largest digital health platform, from 69.99% to 97.99% [5][14] - Kyivstar Group is progressing towards a listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, with a registration statement filed in conjunction with a business combination with Cohen Circle [8][10]

Core Insights - H World Group Limited has entered the Laotian market by signing four hotel management agreements, marking a significant step in its international growth strategy and expansion in Southeast Asia [1][3][4] Company Expansion - The signing ceremony took place in Vientiane, Laos, on May 29, 2025, and represents H World's first entry into the country, aligning with its "asset-light and internationalization" strategy [1][3] - The new properties will be developed in collaboration with three investment partners: Lao Kunpeng Industrial Co., Ltd., Yuting Hotel Investment Management Co., Ltd., and KP Construction Sole Co., Ltd. [2][4] Project Details - The four hotels will feature H World's core upper-midscale and midscale brands, located in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, which are major tourist destinations [4] - Specific hotel projects include: - Intercity Hotel Vientiane, opening in early 2026, near Wattay International Airport [7] - Intercity Hotel Luang Prabang, expected to open in 2027, located in the historic city center [7] - JI Hotel Vientiane Mekong Riverside, set to open in early 2026, along the Mekong River [7] - Orange Hotel Vientiane International Airport, expected to open in Q3 2026, marking the brand's global debut outside China [7] Market Context - In 2024, Laos saw over 1.97 million international tourists, a more than threefold increase year-on-year, with Chinese tourists making up over 60% of the visitors [5]

Core Insights - Deckers Outdoor Corporation's international expansion strategy is a significant driver of growth, with HOKA and UGG brands contributing notably to this momentum [2][12] - In fiscal 2025, international sales increased by 19.9% year over year, reaching $374.1 million, underscoring the importance of global markets [2][12] International Sales Performance - HOKA's international revenues grew by 39% year over year, now making up 34% of total sales, up from 30% in fiscal 2024 [3] - UGG's international revenues rose by 20% year over year, accounting for 39% of total UGG sales, an increase from 37% in the previous fiscal year [3] Strategic Initiatives - Deckers expanded its presence in key regions such as Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and China, including the opening of HOKA's Shanghai Experience Center [4] - In Europe, HOKA gained significant shelf space and recognition in markets like the U.K., Germany, France, and Italy, while in China, the brand enhanced digital engagement and visibility through sponsorships [5] Future Growth Plans - The company aims to increase its international revenue mix to 50% of total sales in the coming years, reducing reliance on the North American market [6] - Management anticipates that international growth will continue to outpace growth in the U.S. market [6] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors in the international market include Wolverine World Wide and Skechers U.S.A., with Wolverine reporting a 16.4% year-over-year sales increase in Q1 2025 [7][8] - Skechers' international sales now represent 65% of its total business, with EMEA sales growing by 14% [9] Financial Performance and Valuation - Deckers' shares have declined by 47.9% year to date, compared to the industry's decline of 13.7% [10] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.02X, slightly below the industry average of 17.72X [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 3.3%, while fiscal 2027 estimates suggest a 9.1% increase [14]

Summary of Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (AMLX) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (AMLX) - **Focus**: Developing therapies for rare diseases, particularly post bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) and other neurodegenerative conditions [5][6] Key Points on Lead Asset: Avexatide - **Indication**: Avexatide is a competitive inhibitor of GLP-1, targeting PBH, a rare condition following bariatric surgery characterized by severe hypoglycemic events [5][6] - **Clinical Trials**: - Five past trials demonstrated significant benefits, including a 53% reduction in level two hypoglycemic events and a 66% reduction in level three events [6][21] - Phase III study recruitment expected to complete by the end of 2025, with data anticipated in the first half of 2026 [7][49] - **Market Opportunity**: - PBH affects an estimated 160,000 people in the U.S., with the number expected to rise due to increasing bariatric surgeries (approximately 270,000 annually) [12][13] - Current treatment options are limited, primarily involving medical nutrition therapy [14][15] Regulatory Designation and Pricing - **Breakthrough Therapy Designation**: Received based on prior trial data, facilitating closer collaboration with the FDA [7][20] - **Pricing Strategy**: Pricing has not been finalized; however, the company is considering the orphan drug designation and recent market entries in rare endocrine disorders as benchmarks [17][18] Other Assets and Trials - **AMX35**: - Studied in Wolfram syndrome and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) [7][58] - Recent data from Wolfram syndrome trials showed stabilization and improvement in various outcomes over 48 weeks [60][61] - **AMX-114**: An antisense oligonucleotide targeting calpain two, currently in a clinical trial for ALS, with data expected by the end of the year [9] Competitive Landscape - **Current Competition**: No known drugs have shown efficacy in treating PBH, positioning Avexatide uniquely in the market [54] - **GLP-1 Agonists**: While there are concerns about competition from GLP-1 agonists, the company believes that the target population for bariatric surgery is distinct and will continue to grow [55][56] Future Milestones - **Phase III Trial**: Expected to provide pivotal data for FDA approval, with a focus on maintaining consistency with Phase II trial parameters [36][62] - **Market Access**: Preparations for market access strategies are underway, emphasizing the importance of ensuring patient access post-approval [52] Conclusion - Amylyx Pharmaceuticals is advancing its lead asset Avexatide through critical clinical trials aimed at addressing significant unmet needs in rare diseases, particularly PBH. The company is optimistic about its market potential and regulatory pathway, with ongoing efforts to ensure successful trial outcomes and market access strategies.

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX) 2025 Conference June 05, 2025 12:50 PM ET Speaker0 Okay. Thanks for tuning in to the next session. I'm Andrew Tsai, senior biotech analyst at Jefferies, and it's my pleasure to have the Lexicon team with me today. To my direct left, Mike Exton, CEO. To his left, Craig Granowitz, CMO. And to Craig's left is Scott Coyante, CFO. Welcome, all of you. Speaker1 Yeah. Thank you. How's it So Speaker0 maybe spend a couple minutes talking about the Lexicon story, what you're working on, ...

Group 1 - The article discusses the valuation of Google's Search business as a separate entity, suggesting it may be undervalued compared to the rest of the company [1] - The Pragmatic Investor focuses on global macro trends, international equities, commodities, technology, and cryptocurrencies, aiming to guide investors in building diversified portfolios [1] - James Foord, an economist with a decade of experience in global market analysis, leads The Pragmatic Investor, emphasizing wealth preservation and growth [1]

Core Insights - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) shares have increased by 17.8% in the past month, outperforming the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry's 10.1% rise and the S&P 500's growth of 6.3% [1][2] Group 1: Growth Drivers - Strong demand for cruise vacations is evident, with record-breaking bookings during the 2025 WAVE season, indicating consumer willingness to spend on leisure travel [7] - Fleet expansion is a significant catalyst, with new ships like Icon of the Seas and Utopia enhancing guest satisfaction and premium pricing [9] - Operational efficiency has improved margins, with a reported 35% EBITDA margin in Q1 2025, reflecting a 360-basis-point improvement year over year [10] Group 2: Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 have been revised upward from $14.95 to $15.36 over the past 60 days, indicating strengthened analyst confidence [12] - RCL's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple is 16.33X, below the industry average of 18.16X, suggesting an attractive investment opportunity [20] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Investments in digital innovation and exclusive private destinations are enhancing competitive advantages, with initiatives like the Royal Beach Club aimed at offering differentiated experiences [11] - Enhanced loyalty programs and app-based engagement are increasing guest retention and pre-cruise spending [11] Group 4: Challenges - Despite strong demand, RCL faces macroeconomic uncertainties and rising costs, which could impact consumer spending behavior [17] - Transitional pressures from fleet expansion and new ship rollouts may temporarily affect yield performance [19]

Core Viewpoint - 180 Degree Capital Corp. is progressing with its proposed all-stock merger with Mount Logan Capital Inc., with expectations to seek shareholder approval in the third quarter of 2025 [1][3][5] Financial Statements and Regulatory Filings - An amended preliminary proxy statement was filed on May 6, 2025, containing audited financial statements of Mount Logan, converted to U.S. GAAP from IFRS to meet SEC requirements [2] - Yukon Parent, the legal acquirer in the merger, filed an amended registration statement on Form S-4 to register the issuance of shares to shareholders of both companies [2] SEC Review Process - Both the proxy statement and Form S-4 are undergoing the standard SEC review process, with plans to set record and meeting dates for a special shareholder meeting once SEC comments are cleared [3] - The company aims to commence the proxy solicitation process and hold the special meeting for shareholder voting during the third quarter of 2025 [3] Stock Performance and Market Context - Since the announcement of the proposed merger, 180 Degree Capital's common stock price has increased by 5.6%, contrasting with a 4.9% decline in the Russell Microcap Index [4] - The company believes that transitioning to an operating company will establish its net asset value as a price floor rather than a ceiling, which is typical for closed-end funds [4] Shareholder Support and Voting Agreements - Approximately 14% of non-insider shareholders have signed voting agreements or provided non-binding indications of support for the merger [5] - The voting agreement represents the entirety of the agreement related to the Business Combination, with no separate agreements with those providing non-binding support [5] Company Overview - 180 Degree Capital Corp. is a publicly traded closed-end fund focused on investing in undervalued small public companies, aiming for significant turnarounds through constructive activism [6]

Company Overview - Tempest Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class targeted and immune-mediated therapeutics for cancer treatment [1][8] - The company is headquartered in Brisbane, California, and has a diverse portfolio of small molecule product candidates [8] Drug Development and Designations - The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to amezalpat (TPST-1120), an oral, small molecule, selective PPAR⍺ antagonist for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [1][6] - Earlier in the year, the FDA also granted ODD and Fast Track Designation (FTD) to amezalpat for the same indication, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment options [2][6] - Amezalpat has shown positive outcomes in a global randomized Phase 1b/2 clinical study, demonstrating a six-month improvement in median overall survival (OS) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.65 when combined with standard-of-care therapies [2][4] Disease Context - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer with over 900,000 new diagnoses globally each year, projected to become the third leading cause of cancer death by 2030 [3] - The majority of HCC cases are linked to chronic liver diseases, with a high recurrence rate of 70-80% even after early-stage diagnosis [3][4] Mechanism of Action - Amezalpat is designed to target tumor cells directly while also modulating immune suppressive cells and angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment [4] - The drug has shown clinical superiority across multiple study endpoints, including overall survival in both the entire population and key subpopulations compared to standard care [4][6] Regulatory Benefits - The EMA's ODD provides benefits such as potential 10 years of market exclusivity following regulatory approval in the EU, reduced regulatory fees, and a centralized EU approval process [7]