STOCKS TELEGRAPH

Author: Shimrez Hyder

  • Hibbett Inc. (HIBB) Stock Trends Higher Following Disclosure of Financial Reports for Q2 2021

    Hibbett Inc. (HIBB) Stock Trends Higher Following Disclosure of Financial Reports for Q2 2021

    Hibbett Inc. (HIBB) stock prices were up by 1.90% as of the market closing on August 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share up to USD$98.97 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket fluctuations saw the stock rise by 4.58%, bringing it up to USD$103.50.

    HIBB Stock’s Net Sales Reports

    Net sales for the second quarter of 2021 saw HIBB stock report net sales in the amount of USD$419.3 million. This represents a 5.1% decrease from the USD$441.6 million for the prior year quarter. Reports for the second quarter of 2021 were positively impacted by pent-up consumer demand, and the temporary and permanent store closures by the company’s competitors. The disbursement of stimulus money also increased traffic to the company’s stores and website. Despite the reduction of stimulus funds and less disruption to HIBB stock’s biggest competitors, the company offset the potential impact of these changes. This was facilitated by the a bigger market share, improved customer engagement, and availability of in-demand product.

    HIBB Stock’s Gross Margin Reports

    Gross margins for the second quarter of 2021 was reported at 39% of net sales, up from the 37% reported for the prior year quarter. The nearly 200 basis point increase was largely attributable to higher sell through of premium priced product and improved profitability of e-commerce sales. The year over year difference was also consolidated by a slight mix shift away from e-commerce sales which carried a lower rate due to incremental fulfillment costs, despite boasting an overall improved margin.

    Additional Financials

    HIBB stock reported a solid liquidity position as of the end of the second quarter of 2021. The company reported USD$176.8 million in available cash and cash equivalents as of July 31st 2021. As of the same date, the company reported no outstanding debt and full availability under its USD$100 million secured credit facility. The end of the quarter saw the company report inventory in the amount of USD$216.8 million, representing a 19.1% increase from the prior year quarter. Capital Expenditures for Q2 2021 came out to USD$13.8 million, up from the USD$8.3 million reported in the prior year quarter.

    Future Outlook for HIBB Stock

    The company reported a promising quarter, consolidated by the strength of its financial reports for Q2 2021. HIBB stock is poised to leverage the resources at its disposal to maintain the momentum of its trajectory of success. Investors are hopeful that this will result in significant and sustained increases in shareholder value over the long term.

  • Big Lots Inc. (BIG) Stock Continues Trending Lower Following Disclosure of Financial Reports for Q2 2021

    Big Lots Inc. (BIG) Stock Continues Trending Lower Following Disclosure of Financial Reports for Q2 2021

    Big Lots Inc. (BIG) stock prices were down 6.21% as of the market closing on August 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share down to USD$54.25 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket trading saw the stock fall by 8.50%, bringing it down to USD$49.64.

    Operation North Start Initiatives

    The company reported continuing the strength of Q1 2021 into the second quarter, demonstrating the strength of its Operation North Start strategic initiatives. BIG stock has continued to focus on customer growth, merchandise productivity, ecommerce, and store count growth. The company reported two-year comp sales growth across almost the entirety of its merchandise categories, other than food. Furniture, Soft Home, Hard Home, and Apparel, Electronics, and Other categories all reported double-digit two-year growth.

    BIG Stock’s Inventory Levels

    BIG stock ended the second quarter of fiscal 2021 with inventory amounting to USD$944 million. This is a 32% increase from the USD$714 million reported in the prior-year quarter. The year-over-year difference was largely driven by the lapping of atypically low inventory levels at the end of the prior-year quarter.

    BIG Stock’s Liquidity Position

    The second quarter of fiscal 2021 ended with BIG stock reporting a solid liquidity position with USD$293 million in cash and cash equivalents. The company reported no long-term debt as of this period. The second quarter of the prior year saw the company report USD$899 million in cash and cash equivalents, against USD$43 million long0term debt. Over the course of the quarter, BIG stock paid off the USD$44.3 million principal balance that remained under its 2019 Term Note. This Term Note was secured by equipment at its Apply Valley, California distribution center.

    Share Repurchasing Program

    August 27th, 2021 saw BIG stock’s Board of Directors authorize the repurchase of up to USD$500 million of the company’s outstanding common shares. This move allows the company to repurchase shares in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions, at its discretion. The second quarter of fiscal 2021 saw the company invest USD$153 million in repurchasing 2.4 million shares. Each share was priced at USD$63.57 for the transaction. By the end of Q2 2021, the company had used USD$403 million to repurchase roughly 7.3 million shares at an average price per share of USD$55.18.

    Future Outlook for BIG Stock

    The company has had a strong first half of 2021, consolidated by the strength of its financial reports for Q2 2021. BIG stock is poised to capitalize on the opportunities afforded to it in its ongoing efforts to continue the trajectory of success it has been enjoying. Investors are confident that this will translate into consistent returns on shareholder investments over the long term.

  • Jowell Global Ltd. (JWEL) Stock Exhibits Volatility Following Announcement of Partnership with Suzhou

    Jowell Global Ltd. (JWEL) Stock Exhibits Volatility Following Announcement of Partnership with Suzhou

    Jowell Global Ltd. (JWEL) stock prices surged by 19.57% as of the market closing on August 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share up to USD$5.56 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket fluctuations have seen the stock dip by 6.47%, bringing it down to USD$5.20.

    JWEL Stock’s Partnerships

    August 19th, 2021 saw JWEL stock announce the development of a cooperative relationship with Hope BioTechnology (Suzhou). It was concurrently announced that the company had signed a strategic partnership agreement with Suzhou’s affiliate. As per the agreement, the parties will collaborate in the research and development of new immune cell technologies. These technologies will cater to skincare products, cosmetics, and health and nutritional supplements. The partners will focus on a comprehensive collaboration in cutting-edge cellular technology.

    Scope of Collaboration

    The partnership will see Suzhou make use of its biotech, immune cell, and stem cell R&D teams. This will facilitate the efficient development and launch of a new generation of skincare products with cell-related technology for JWEL stock. The collaboration is set to help the company expand into high-end cosmetic products market. JWEL is confident that leveraging bio cell technology will provide its customers with top quality skincare and cosmetic product experiences and effective results.

    About JWEL Stock

    JWEL stock has established itself as one of the leading cosmetics, health and nutritional supplements and household products e-commerce platforms in China. The company offers products under its own branding to customers, while also facilitate the selling and distribution of various products. These products include health and nutritional supplements, cosmetic products, and various household products from other companies on its proprietary platform.

    Market Presence

    Furthermore, JWEL stock allows third parties to open online stores on its platform for a service fee. This fee is based on the generation of sale revenues by the third parties from their online stores. To facilitate this, the company provides them with unique and valuable information about market needs, promoting more effective management of their sales efforts. JWEL stock also sells its products through authorized retail stores across China, under the brand name of Love Home Store (LHH Store) and Juhao Best Choice Store.

    Future Outlook for JWEL Stock

    The company reported a strong quarter, consolidated by its strategic partnerships with Suzhou and its subsidiary. JWEL stock is keen to leverage the combined resources at its disposal to spearhead its market expansion. Investors are hopeful that this will drive in consistent increases in shareholder value over the long term.

  • PainReform Ltd. (PRFX) Stock on the Rise Following Disclosure of Promising Financial Reports for Q2 2021

    PainReform Ltd. (PRFX) Stock on the Rise Following Disclosure of Promising Financial Reports for Q2 2021

    PainReform Ltd. (PRFX) stock prices were up 7.14% as of the market closing on August 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share up to USD$2.85 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket fluctuations saw the stock surge by 8.07%, bringing it up to USD$3.08.

    PRFX Stock’s PRF-110

    The second quarter of fiscal 2021 saw PRFX stock report maintaining its steady progress towards the initiation of its Phase 3 clinical trials of PRF-110. The company is shifting manufacturing and scaling up its operations of PRF-110 in North America as a response to a previous manufacturing delay. This move will see the company better able to address its market and enhance manufacturing quality and efficiency. The first clinical trial in bunionectomy is expected to commence by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2022.

    Solid Liquidity Position

    PRFX stock reported a solid liquidity position as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2021. The company reported a strong balance sheet with USD$17.8 million in cash on hand. Further consolidating its financial position was an additional USD$1.9 million was generated from the exercising of previously issued warrants. This increased the company’s cash reserves to more than USD$19 million as of August 16th, 2021.

    Additional Finances

    Research and development costs for the six-month period ended June 30th, 2021 were up to USD$1.7 million. This is comparable to the USD$65,000 reported in the prior-year quarter. This USD$1.6 million year-over-year increase was largely driven by an increase in CMC activities and preparation for the initiation of clinical trials. The first half of fiscal 2021 saw PRFX stock report a net loss of USD$3.7 million, as compared to the USD$2 million reported in the first half of the prior year.

    PRFX Stock’s G&A Costs

    General and administrative costs were up to USD$2 million for the first half of fiscal 2021. This is a USD$1.8 million increase from the USD$215,000 reported in the prior-year quarter. This increase was largely facilitated by costs related to PRFX stock’s transition into a publicly-traded company as of September 2020. An increase in headcount and related costs also drove the year-over-year difference in G&A costs, as did an increase in certain professional services costs.

    Future Outlook for PRFX Stock

    The company reports a strong second-quarter earlier in the month, the momentum of which PRFX stock is keen to maintain. Current and potential investors are hopeful that management will be able to leverage the resources at their disposal. This is hoped to facilitate organic increases in shareholder value over the long term.

  • Precipio Inc. (PRPO) Stock Exhibits Volatility Following Announcement of Partnership with AON

    Precipio Inc. (PRPO) Stock Exhibits Volatility Following Announcement of Partnership with AON

    Precipio Inc. (PRPO) stock prices were up by 5.52% as of the market closing on August 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share up to USD$3.63 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket fluctuations have seen the stock dip by 5.79%, bringing it down to USD$3.42.

    PRPO Stock’s Collaboration

    August 26th, 2021 saw PRPO stock announce the signing of an agreement with American Oncology Network (AON). As per the agreement, the high-growth community oncology provider will integrate the company’s HemeScreen technology in its central lab locating in Fort Myers, Florida. This move will mark AON as the largest Physician-Owned Lab (POL) to bring Hemescreen into their lab so far. The impact on patient care will be substantial because of the network hosting more than 100 physicians and serving almost 100,000 unique patients every year.

    Functionality of HemeScreen

    The in-house operation of HemeScreen will enable AON to shorten the diagnostic turnaround time of the tests from 2-4 to as fast as 1-4 days. This has an obviously significant impact on patients waiting for their diagnosis to begin treatment. The shortening of diagnostic turnaround time also helps physicians who are waiting for results to decide on the appropriate treatment.

    American Oncology Network Lab

    The American Oncology Network lab is a cutting-edge facility that supports PRPO stock’s physicians across 17 states. AON boasts specialized expertise in oncology and hematology that serves to inform and direct the most effective care plan and clinical outcome for each patient. The leveraging of the company’s proprietary HemeScreen technology will allow for turnaround times that are significantly ahead of its competition. This results in the enabling of a quicker diagnosis, earlier patient treatment, and less mental stress for each patient.

    Scope of PRPO Stock’s Partnership

    The adoption of HemeScreen by AON consolidates the company’s ability to develop technology that leading innovative physicians utilize. The company is keen to capitalize on the expanded scope presented to it in its collaboration with a company of AON’s magnitude. The multi-year agreement will generate revenue in excess of USD$1 million every year.  The continued development of additional panels by PRPO stock will provide AON with an opportunity to further expand the suite of assays run using HemeScreen.

    Future Outlook for PRPO Stock

    PRPO stock reported a strong quarter, consolidated by its most recent partnership with American Oncology Network. The company is keen to allocate resources towards the proliferation of its proprietary HemeScreen technology. Investors are hopeful that this will translate into significant and sustained increases in shareholder value.

  • ZK International Group Co. Ltd. (ZKIN) Stock Surged Following Strategic Partnership with Maxim

    ZK International Group Co. Ltd. (ZKIN) Stock Surged Following Strategic Partnership with Maxim

    ZK International Group Co. Ltd. (ZKIN) stock prices surged by 14.74% early on in the trading day on August 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share up to USD$4.48 early on in the trading day.

    ZKIN Stock’s Partnership with Maxim

    August 26th 2021 saw the company form a wholly owned subsidiary, xSigma Collectibles, and having entered into a partnership agreement with Maxim. The collaboration will facilitate the launch of MaximNFT.com, which will be an exclusive non-fungible token Marketplace of the iconic men’s lifestyle brand. As per the agreement, xSigma’s world-class developers and NFT designers will operate the NFT platform. The platform will be endorsed and promoted by Maxim.com across its digital, social, and publishing assets. Furthermore, maximNFT will be the exclusive seller of Maxim.com’s own NFTs.

    About MaximNFT

    MaximNFT seeks to provide the best customer experience and innovative NFT solutions. This will allow customers to create and sell NFTs on carious blockchains. These blockchains include, but not limited, to Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Polkadot. Some of the collectibles will come with unique real-world experiences for owners of the NFTs. Additionally, the MaximNFT Marketplace will offer an innovative NFT tokenization feature. This feature will allow for customers to trade fractions of any NFTs in the market.

    About Maxim

    Maxim is a lifestyle brand that has consolidated itself as an industry leader over the past 25 years. Maxim.com and its social platforms report engaging more than 10 million men on a monthly basis. xSigma is confident in the partnering company’s team’s ability to add significant value to the new NFT marketplace. This will be via the opening of doors to models, athletes, artists, musicians, and others that drive the culture and are looking to connect with the Maxim audience through collectible NFTs.

    Expansion of ZKIN Stock’s Market

    MaximNFT will be focusing on sports and celebrities’ collectibles in conjunction with gaming content. The company is forecasting the continued rise of gaming and the utilization of NFT technology for in-game purchases and collectibles. Further consolidating the strength of its release, MaximNFT will be combining NFTs with emerging AR and VR technologies.

    Future Outlook for ZKIN Stock

    The company reported a strong quarter, consolidated by its recent partnership with Maxim. ZKIN stock is poised to capitalize on the opportunities afforded to it. Current and potential investors are hopeful that management will be able to leverage the resources at its disposal. This is hoped to facilitate significant and sustained increases in shareholder.

  • Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (BBW) Stock Surges Following Outstanding Financial Reports for Q2 2021

    Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (BBW) Stock Surges Following Outstanding Financial Reports for Q2 2021

    Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (BBW) stock prices were up by 9.49% shortly after market trading commenced on August 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share up to USD$18.40 early on in the trading day.

    BBW Stock Reports Record Q2 2021

    August 26th, 2021 saw BBW stock report a continuation of the positive trend observed since the start of the fiscal 2021 year. The company delivered another record-breaking quarter, with all time high profits and a strong improvement in total revenues from both the second quarters of 2020 and 2019. These results reflect the momentum generated from the successful execution of the company’s strategy. The success can also be attributed to rapidly adapting to an evolving environment, as well as the ability to accelerate key initiatives to drive sustained profitable growth. The company has also benefitted from pandemic-related factors such as pent-up demand and the availability of stimulus funds.

    Adapting to the Global Pandemic

    The company is keen to leverage the strength of its brand image to a consumer base that spans an array of demographics across multiple channels. The resounding success of the first half of the fiscal year has carried into the third quarter. BBW stock is confident in its ability to maneuver a market with higher costs and a tight supply chain, as well as to monitor and adapt to the constantly changing global pandemic. The company is optimistic about its full-year performance as it increases its annual guidance again.

    BBW Stock’s Gross Profit Reports

    BBW stock reported a gross profit margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 at 53.2%. This is comparable to the 18.7% reported in the prior-year quarter and the 44.1% reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. Gross profit margin was a massive 3,450 basis points higher in Q2 2021 than in Q2 2020, while being 910 basis points higher than Q2 2019. The success of the 2021 quarter is largely attributed to the increased leverage on fixed occupancy expense and expansion in merchandise margin. BBW stock reported ending the second quarter of fiscal 2021 with cash and cash equivalents in the amount of USD$51.1 million.

    Future Outlook for BBW Stock

    The company reported a stellar quarter, with the establishment of new records and the generation of momentum that is carrying it through to a promising Q3 2021. BBW stock is keen to leverage the resources at its disposal to push for a continued trajectory of success. Investors are hopeful that the company will be able to facilitate significant and sustained increases in shareholder value.

  • NRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NRXP) Stock Surges Following Collaboration with Cardinal Health

    NRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NRXP) Stock Surges Following Collaboration with Cardinal Health

    NRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NRXP) stock prices soared 9.37% as of the market closing on August 26th, 2021. This brought the price per share to USD$14.12.

    NXRP Stock’s Collaboration

    August 26th, 2021 saw NRXP stock announce the signing of an agreement with Cardinal Health. The agreement will see the facilitation of the provision of third-party logistics and distribution of ZYESAMI. This is pending the potential Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration. May 2021 saw the company submit an application for EUA to the FDA for their proprietary treatment for patients suffering from Critical Covid-19 with respiratory failure.

    Focus of NXRP Stock’s Partnership

    The strategic collaboration creates an efficient and highly flexible logistics and distribution model for NRXP stock. The partnering company’s expertise will allow the treatment to be delivered to patients in intensive care units in a rapid fashion. This is essential as the limiting of time to treatment is crucial. The partnership also allows for the company to continue focusing on responding to requests from the FDA in regard to the company’s EUA application for ZYESAMI.

    About NRXP Stock’s Partner

    Cardinal Health Specialty Pharmaceutical Distribution will be the exclusive distributor for ZYESAMI, facilitating the provision of wide access to hospitals for the much needed treatment. Cardinal Health has access to one of the largest healthcare supply chains, servicing more than 90% of the hospitals in the United States. The company has more than two decades of supporting the rapid delivery of life-saving medicines. Furthermore, the partnering company’s Third-Party Logistics Services will support warehousing and distribution, as well as full order to cash, and necessary title model services.

    Addressing the Global Pandemic

    The ongoing impact of the global coronavirus pandemic requires the proliferation of more innovative, effective, and FDA-approved therapies for critically-ill patients suffering from respiratory failure. The partnering company continues to allocate resources towards ensuring Covid-19 patients get access to treatment in a timely and efficient manner.

    Future Outlook for NRXP Stock

    With the world hurtling towards universal immunizations, NRXP stock is poised to capitalize on the scope of opportunities presented to it. The company is keen to leverage the resources at its disposal to facilitate the accelerated proliferation of its flagship treatment. Investors are hopeful that management will be able to usher in organic growth over the long term.

  • Kaixin Auto Holdings (KXIN) Stock Surges Following Signing of Binding Term Sheet to Acquire Yujie

    Kaixin Auto Holdings (KXIN) stock prices closed the trading day on August 25th, 2021 at USD$3.25. Subsequent premarket fluctuations have seen the stock surge by 8.31%, bringing it up to USD$3.52.

    KXIN Stock to Acquire Yujie

    August 26th, 2021 saw KXIN stock announce the reaching of a binding term sheet. This will see the company acquire 100% of the equity of Henan Yujie Times Automobile Co., Ltd. through new share issuance. The partnering company is a leading Chinese manufacturer of electronic vehicles, specializing in small-size multi-function EVs. The pending transaction will be a pioneering major M&A transaction following the establishment of the company’s New Energy Vehicle Unit. This marks the company’s official entry into China’s small size EV market. This is forecasted to reach a 10 million vehicles scale over the next 5 years, according to its partnering company.

    About Yujie

    Having been established in 2017, the partnering company’s smart factory in Henan has an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles. As per Yujie, the company achieved a substantial production cost advantage to peers. The partnering company promotes three models of small size EVs under the POCCO brand, namely DuoDuo, MeiMei, and LaLa. DuoDuo and MeiMei are already in the commercial production stage.

    Scope of KXIN Stock’s Partnership

    The three models leverage the company’s innovative core technologies in small size EVs to achieve multi-function and large usage space. The partnering company’s in-house developed vehicle control system and core algorithm provide it with competitive advantages in power consumption, mileage, and new energy points. Furthermore, Yujie’s self-developed standardized battery pack can be conveniently replaced within 3 minutes.

    Foray into EV MarketSpace

    The signing of the term sheet represents a major breakthrough for KXIN stock to enter the electronic vehicle field. This constitutes a step toward the company’s goal of establishing its own EV eco-system, thereby establishing itself as a leading Chinese EV manufacturer. The company is supported by the rapid growth of China’s used car market, which it leverages with its own hybrid business model. This model affords KXIN stock a strong online presence, as well as a strong offline one.

    Future Outlook for KXIN Stock

    The company reported a strong quarter, consolidated by the signing of the binding term sheet to acquire Yujie. KXIN stock is poised to capitalize on the expanded scope of opportunities afforded to it in the burgeoning EV market space. Investors are hopeful that this will translate into significant and sustained increases in shareholder value over the long term.

  • RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (RDHL) Stock on the Rise Following Success of Opaganib in Treating Delta Variant

    RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (RDHL) stock prices were down by 5.40% as of the market closing on August 25th 2021. This brought the price per share down to USD$7.18 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket fluctuations have seen the stock rise by 11.14%, bringing the price per share up to USD$7.98.

    RDHL Stock’s Opaganib

    August 26th, 2021 saw RDHL stock announce the preliminary results of a new preclinical study. The results showed opaganib as inhibiting Delta variant replication of Covid-19. The treatment does this while maintaining cell viability at relevant concentrations. The company is collaborating with the University of Louisville Center for Predictive Medicine to study opaganib. The treatment was studied in a 3D tissue model of human bronchial epithelial cells in an effort to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the treatment in inhibiting the Delta variant of Covid-19. The Delta variant is the newest to have been found to be inhibited by opaganib, with the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants of Covid-19 having been previously demonstrated to be inhibited by the treatment.

    Addressing Proliferation of Covid-19 Variants

    The results are the latest in a growing plethora of evidence that support the possible essential role played by sphingosine kinase-2 in the replication of RNA viruses such as Covid-19. This activity is not contingent on the nature of the mutation of the spike protein being targeted. This makes inhibition of the intra-cellular enzyme a promising therapeutic target for treating the coronavirus pandemic.

    RDHL Stock Tackles the Pandemic

    RDHL stock has accumulated extensive evidence from its preclinical undertakings of opaganib’s potential ability to inhibit various variants of SARS-CoV-2. The treatment has been established to treat the emerging Delta variant and is expected to be applicable to newer variants if/as they emerge. The strong antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities of oral opaganib potentially address both the viral cause and inflammatory effects of Covid-19.

    About Opaganib

    Opaganib is a leading novel small molecule investigational oral pill in development for the treatment of Covid-19. It is a unique host targeted, dual antiviral, and anti inflammatory drug that acts on the cause and effect of the coronavirus. The treatment is believed to exert its antiviral effect by selectively inhibiting SK2, which is a key enzyme produced in human cells that may be recruited by the virus to facilitate its replication.

    Future Outlook for RDHL Stock

    The company reported a strong quarter, most recently consolidated by the success of the company’s development of opaganib. With the world hurtling towards universal immunizations, the company is poised to capitalize on the expanded scope of opportunities presented to it. Investors are hopeful that the company will be able to facilitate significant and sustained increases in shareholder value.