Author: Iqra Jamal

Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) stock is up 4.50% in the after-hours trading session at the price of $10.45 after the release of financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2022. Skillsoft is a leading corporate digital learning platform. It presents enterprise learning solutions to support organizations to overcome critical skill gaps and unlock their potential. The company serves customers from over 160 countries and has approximately 45 million learners globally. 

Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter Financial Results and Full-Year Guidance  

On 14th September 2021, SKIL stock published its second-quarter financial results for fiscal 2022 ended 31st July 2021. The company also adjusted its full-year revenue guidance as the second-quarter results beat its expectations. CEO of SKIL, Jeffrey R. Tarr, remarked that they observed strong performance during their initial quarter. They have gained double-digit bookings growth, won multiple new blue-chip customers, and received fast-growing digital coaching platform Pluma. They have a substantial opportunity to expand their leadership in the rapidly growing and highly fragmented corporate learning industry. Their leadership team is performing well against their strategic priorities. They are well-positioned to provide significant value to their customers and stakeholders, he added.  

Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter Financial Highlights 

GAAP revenue in the second quarter ended on 31st July 2021 was $106 million. GAAP net loss of $49 million, reported for this period. SKIL stock reported substantial bookings growth across all three business segments for its second quarter of fiscal 2022. The content growth increased 9%, the Global Knowledge was increased by 30%, and SumTotal was 15% high. The combined bookings of Content and Global Knowledge increased 19%, and total bookings were 18% up. Adjusted revenues during this quarter were $176 million, representing a growth of 5%. The reported adjusted EBITDA was $43 million, an increase of 2%. Weighted average shares outstanding were 133,059,021 during the period from 12th June 2021 to 31st July 2021.  

SKIL Stock Disclosed Annual Top-Paying Certifications List 

On 17th August 2021, SKIL stock published its annual Global Knowledge 15 Top-Paying Certifications List. The list unveiled the most demanded skills and technology areas for organizations and their associated average salaries. The listed certifications are approved by industry leaders like AWS, Cisco, Google Cloud, ISACA, and Microsoft. The general manager of SKIL, Michael Yoo, commented that technology is as powerful as the capabilities of the trained people. Certifications are a great way to infuse vital skills into an organization while raising employee productivity and investing in professional development. 

BELLUS Health Inc. (BLU) is up 2.30% in the pre-market trading session at the price of $4.89 after the announcement of positive findings from an interim analysis of the Phase 2b SOOTHE trial of BLU-5937. BLU is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. It produces novel therapeutics to treat RCC and hypersensitization-related disorders. 

Positive Results from Phase 2b SOOTHE Trail

On 13th September 2021, BLU published that interim analysis of its Phase 2b SOOTHE trial of BLU-5937 showed positive results. BLU-5937 is the highly selective P2X3 antagonist of the company to treat patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC). The refractory chronic cough (RCC) lasts more than eight weeks regardless of proper treatment for specific conditions. An estimated 9 million patients in the United States suffer from RCC. It adversely affects the physical, social, and psychosocial health of humans. Currently, there is no specific approved therapy for RCC, and treatment options are also limited. 

CEO of BLU, Roberto Bellini, remarked that the encouraging SOOTHE Phase 2b trial interim analysis empowers them to accelerate their Phase 3 program while awaiting SOOTHE final results. With the development of their planned trial enrollment, they expect to announce topline data in the fourth quarter of 2021, he added.  

BLU Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Report 

On 11th August 2021, BLU announced its financial and operating results for the second quarter ending 30th June 2021. Roberto Bellini stated that their focus is to complete Phase 2 clinical trials of SOOTHE and BLUEPRINT. Both clinical trials are progressing and their topline results are expected in the fourth quarter of 2021. The upcoming milestones will help them to advance the development of BLU-5937, he added.  

BLU reported net revenue of US$ 4,000 for the second quarter ended 30th June 2021. For the same quarter of the previous year, net revenues were US$ 6,000. For the quarter ended 30th June 2021, the net loss was US$17.8 million (US$0.23 per share). The net loss of US$8.4 million (US$0.14 per share), reported for the same period in 2020. Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments were US$72.3 million as of 30th June 2021. The net decrease has primarily resulted from the funds used to finance the operating activities related to product candidate BLU-5937. Net finance income was US$0.2 million for the quarter ended 30th June 2021, compared to US$0.9 million for the same quarter the previous year. 

Jowell Global Ltd. (JWEL) is up 3.47% in the after-hours trading session at the price of $5.97 after the company released its first-half 2021 unaudited financial results. JWEL is the leading cosmetics, health and nutritional supplements, and household products e-commerce platform in China.  

JWEL Reported First Half 2021 Unaudited Financial Results 

On 13th September 2021, JWEL published its unaudited financial results for the six months ended on 30th June 2021. Total revenues in this period were $68.1 million. It represents an increase of 152.6% from $27.0 million in the same period of the previous year. The increase resulted from high brand reach and high weighted average unit price for products sold.  

JWEL reported an operating loss of $0.6 million for the six months ended on 30th June 2021. Operating income was $1.1 million in the corresponding period of 2020. The decrease in income from operations is due to the implementation of business expansion with an increase in marketing expenses and the cost of revenues. Net loss was $0.7 million during this period, compared with net income of $0.8 million for the same period of 2020. For the first half-year ended 30th June 2021 and 2020, the company had no potential ordinary shares outstanding that could potentially dilute EPS in the future. 

CEO of JWEL, Mr. Zhiwei Xu, remarked that their solid topline growth in the first half of 2021 indicates their relentless efforts to execute and improve user experience. They continue to diversify and optimize their product offerings to deliver a satisfying and well-round customer experience. Their total VIP members increased 16.0% to 2.1 million by 30th June 2021. Meanwhile, their improved user engagement translated into high topline growth. They will develop new products and solutions to empower their community stores with a comprehensive distribution network. 

Strategic Partnership with Suzhou Wujiang Hope Bio-Technology Co. Ltd 

On 19th August 2021, JWEL announced the cooperative partnership with Hope Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. The company has signed a strategic agreement with its affiliate, Suzhou Wujiang Hope Bio-Technology. Under the agreement, both parties will focus on in-depth collaboration in cutting-edge cellular technology. They will also cooperate in the research and development of immune cell technologies for skincare products, cosmetics, and health supplements.  

Mr. Zhiwei Xu remarked that this partnership aims to focus on research and the development of cell technologies. They will utilize biotech, immune-cell, and stem cell R&D teams to develop and launch a new generation of skincare products. The partnership with Hope Bio-Tech will help them expand into high-end cosmetic products market. They believe that bio cell technology in skincare and cosmetic products will provide their customers top quality product experience and effective results, he concluded.  

Armstrong Flooring, Inc. AFI stock is up 7.92% in the pre-market trading session at the price of $3.27 despite no recent update from the company. AFI is a global leader that designs and produces innovative flooring solutions to inspire beauty. It is committed to creating a stronger future for customers through adaptive and inventive solutions. 

AFI Stock Announced 2ndQuarter 2021 Financial Results 

 On 21st July 2021, AFI stock announced financial results for the second quarter ended on 30th June 2021. CEO of AFI, Michel Vermette, remarked that they continued to improve the business in the second quarter of 2021. They delivered 15.5% top-line growth compared to the second quarter of 2020. The top-line growth was 12.9% when compared to the first quarter of 2021. Their team continued to work diligently to address the dynamics, most recently by announcing their third price increase of 2021. Moreover, they remain focused and agile in managing the current volatile environment. They are resolute in their long-term goal of transforming AFI into a more resilient business for their customers, employees, and shareholders. 

Second Quarter Financial Highlights  

AFI stock reported an increase in net sales of 15.5% to $168.1 million in the second quarter of 2021.  Net sales were $145.6 million in the same quarter of the prior year. Higher net sales reflect the growth in each region in which the company operates. The positive sales momentum remained hampered throughout the quarter due to supply chain disruptions and product availability.  

Operating loss was $18.3 million in the second quarter ended on 30th June 2021. The operating loss was $5.6 million in the second quarter of 2020. The increased loss resulted from higher costs of goods sold due to supply chain disruptions and inflation. AFI reported a net loss of $19.5 million, or diluted loss per share of $(0.89), in the second quarter of 2021. Net loss was $6.3 million, or diluted loss per share of $(0.29), in the second quarter of 2020.  

Adjusted net loss was $17.3 million, or adjusted diluted loss per share of $(0.79) in the second quarter of 2021. The adjusted net loss of $5.1 million, or adjusted diluted loss per share of $(0.23), was reported in the prior year same quarter. Second-quarter 2021 loss in adjusted EBITDA was $3.5 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $6.9 million in 2020 same quarter. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA was principally due to higher input costs, driven by the inflationary impacts of both raw materials and shipping costs. 

There is no fundamental reason why CHNR stock is up 2.33% in the after-hours trading session at the price of $1.32. CHNR is engaged in the acquisition and exploitation of mining rights in Inner Mongolia. It is actively exploring business opportunities in the healthcare and other non-natural resource sectors. 

CHNR Acquired Precise Space-Time Technology 

On 27th July 2021, CHNR published that it had acquired Precise Space-Time Technology for almost 104.1 million Chinese Yuan (US$16.1 million). It is a 20% discount on the value of Precise Space-Time Technology as determined by an independent valuation firm. The considerations are composed of 120 million shares of Feishang Anthracite Resources Limited held by the company. The Precise Space-Time Technology owns a 51% equity interest in Shanghai Onway. Shanghai Onway is engaged in the provision of equipment for engineering, procurement, and construction services for wastewater treatment in China.  

China Natural Resources Published Full Year 2020 Results 

On 23rd April 2021, CHNR announced its results for the year ended 31st December 2020. CEO of CHNR, Mr. Wong Wah On Edward, stated that their business was affected badly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The business disruption had an adverse financial impact as they ensured compliance with government controls and health policies. It dramatically slowed their strategic diversification into healthcare and other non-natural resource sectors. They took decisive measures to align their expenses to the reduced revenue profile by ceasing the copper trade. They also completed a private placement with institutional investors for US$7.3 million. It had strengthened the company’s balance sheet to continue strategic diversification. It also provided meaningful opportunities for sustained revenue growth and profitability. 

CHNR reported revenue of US$1.05 million for the year ended 31st December 2020. For the full year ended 31st December 2019, revenue was US$1.98 million. Net income was 0.14 per share in the year ended 31st December 2020. Net loss was (0.04) per share for the previous full year. Operating loss was US$1.09 million for the year ended 31st December 2020. The operating loss was US$857,000 for the year ended 31st December 2019.  

Appointment of Dr. Peng Wenlie as Vice President 

On 23rd March 2021, CHNR announced the appointment of pharmaceutical industry executive Peng Wenlie as Vice President. It became effective on 22nd March 2021. Dr. Peng has more than 20 years of experience working in the industry. He will report directly to the Chairman, Mr. Wong Wah On Edward. He will be responsible for evaluating the investment opportunities in healthcare, biomedicine, and related markets.

There is no fundamental reason why Zogenix, Inc. (ZGNX) plummeted 5.12% in the after-hours trading session at the price of $14.26. ZGNX is a global biopharmaceutical company. It develops and commercializes therapies to transform the lives of patients and their families with rare diseases. 

Orphan Drug Designation for FINTEPLA

On 26th August 2021, ZGNX published that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare (MHLW) had granted Orphan Drug Designation to FINTEPLA® (fenfluramine) oral solution. ZGNX developed this drug as a potential treatment for seizures affiliated with Dravet syndrome. Dravet syndrome is a rare infant- and childhood-onset epilepsy identified by frequent and severe treatment-resistant seizures. The company is on track to submit a J-NDA for FINTEPLA by this year. The product will be made available in Japan after approval through an exclusive distribution agreement with Nippon Shinyaku, Ltd. 

ZGNX Granted Inducement Awards 

On 16th August 2021, ZGNX declared that the company’s board of directors had granted inducement awards to fourteen new employees. The awards had presented on 15th August 2021, under Zogenix’s 2021 Employment Inducement Equity Incentive Award Plan. The Inducement Award Plan had approved under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(c)(4). It has the options to purchase an aggregate of 34,580 shares of Zogenix common stock and 17,340 restricted stock units. The plan has a ten-year term and an exercise price equal to $13.75.  

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results 

On 5th August 2021, ZGNX announced financial results for the three and six months that ended on 30th June 2021 and provided a corporate update. CEO of ZGNX, Stephen J. Farr, remarked that they were motivated by the continued momentum of their FINTEPLA® in Dravet syndrome. They focused on driving broader adoption of FINTEPLA as physician visits increase and they move forward with new treatment decisions. The company continues to expand and achieve significant progress in advancing their late-stage development portfolio. They are on track with their pipeline initiatives for FINTEPLA and MT162 after three meetings with the FDA, he added.

Zogenix (ZGNX) reported revenue of $18.8 million for the second quarter ended 30th June 2021. It represents an increase of 37% compared to the $13.7 million in the first quarter of 2021. The revenue was $1.0 million for the three months ended 30th June 2020, consisted solely of collaboration revenue. A net loss for the second quarter of 2021 was $58.9 million, or $1.05 per share. It was $53.3 million, or $0.96 per share, in the second quarter ended 30th June 2020. 

ZGNX stock recorded revenue of $32.5 million for the six months ended 30th June 2021. Revenue was $2.3 million for the corresponding quarter of 2020, consisted solely of collaboration revenue. Net loss for the six months ended 30th June 2021 was $114.5 million, or a net loss of $2.05 per share. It was $79.1 million, or a net loss of $1.53 per share, in the six months ended 30th June 2020.