27 days ago
Ascendis Pharma A/S (NASDAQ:ASND) announced on September 14 that it will regain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize TransCon products in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases following the termination of its collaboration with Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO).
The rights include once-monthly TransCon Semaglutide, an investigational long-acting prodrug of semaglutide intended for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Neither party will have continuing financial obligations to the other. Once termination becomes effective and the rights revert, management plans to initiate multiple programs across rare and large indications.
The investment question is whether greater control over future products can justify the resources needed to develop them.
Ascendis Pharma A/S (NASDAQ:ASND) would regain flexibility over which indications to pursue, how quickly to advance candidates, and whether to seek another partner. Successful independent development could retain more of a product's commercial economics, while a new collaboration could provide another way to share costs and risk.
Monthly dosing offers a clear development objective. If clinical studies demonstrate effective treatment with acceptable tolerability, fewer injections could make long-term therapy more convenient. That potential benefit would matter most if it helps patients stay on treatment without sacrificing outcomes.
#ascendis #pharma #asnd #regain
The rights include once-monthly TransCon Semaglutide, an investigational long-acting prodrug of semaglutide intended for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Neither party will have continuing financial obligations to the other. Once termination becomes effective and the rights revert, management plans to initiate multiple programs across rare and large indications.
The investment question is whether greater control over future products can justify the resources needed to develop them.
Ascendis Pharma A/S (NASDAQ:ASND) would regain flexibility over which indications to pursue, how quickly to advance candidates, and whether to seek another partner. Successful independent development could retain more of a product's commercial economics, while a new collaboration could provide another way to share costs and risk.
Monthly dosing offers a clear development objective. If clinical studies demonstrate effective treatment with acceptable tolerability, fewer injections could make long-term therapy more convenient. That potential benefit would matter most if it helps patients stay on treatment without sacrificing outcomes.
#ascendis #pharma #asnd #regain
2 months ago
The Duke and **** ss of Sussex reportedly arrived back in the UK on Wednesday, alongside their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. According to BBC News, the family of four flew into Birmingham on a private plane from California.
From a fashion perspective, flying in style can be quite the task, particularly if it's a transcontinental journey. Comfort is always key when it comes to travel, but the royal family is often pictured by the world's press at airports, which may make them feel they need to look as resplendent as ever.
The royals always look pristine, even when travelling (@ Getty Images)
One of Meghan's best-loved airport moments came in 2018. Harry and Meghan touched down in Ireland that year, and the former Suits star appeared effortlessly striking as she disembarked from the jet in her travelling outfit, which consisted of an emerald green top and figure-hugging pencil skirt by one of her favourite designers, Givenchy.
The Duke and **** ss of Sussex were pictured at Dublin Airport in 2018 (@ Samir Hussein/WireImage)
#travelling
From a fashion perspective, flying in style can be quite the task, particularly if it's a transcontinental journey. Comfort is always key when it comes to travel, but the royal family is often pictured by the world's press at airports, which may make them feel they need to look as resplendent as ever.
The royals always look pristine, even when travelling (@ Getty Images)
One of Meghan's best-loved airport moments came in 2018. Harry and Meghan touched down in Ireland that year, and the former Suits star appeared effortlessly striking as she disembarked from the jet in her travelling outfit, which consisted of an emerald green top and figure-hugging pencil skirt by one of her favourite designers, Givenchy.
The Duke and **** ss of Sussex were pictured at Dublin Airport in 2018 (@ Samir Hussein/WireImage)
#travelling
2 months ago
Sustainable Growth Advisers (SGA), an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for its "Global Growth Strategy." The letter can be downloaded here. The SGA Global Growth Portfolio returned 7.4% gross and 7.2% net, compared with 14.9% for the MSCI ACWI and 19.8% for the MSCI ACWI Growth Index. Momentum leadership and enthusiasm around AI infrastructure drove markets, with semiconductor, memory, and hardware stocks accounting for much of the gain. Although the portfolio owned AI beneficiaries, broader holdings lagged despite fundamentals, as median revenue and EPS growth reached 12% and 14% and more than 60% of the holdings beat expectations. SGA believes valuation compression reflects sentiment rather than weaker business quality, leaving the portfolio near its widest discount to the market since inception. The firm continues to favor durable compounders and expects 16% revenue growth and 20% earnings growth over three years. Also, please check the Fund's top five holdings to see its best picks for 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, SGA Global Growth Strategy highlighted Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP). Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada and internationally. On August 24, 2026, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) closed at $94.68 per share. The one-month return of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) was 3.25%, and its shares gained 24.17% over the past 52 weeks. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) has a market capitalization of $83.25 billion.
SGA Global Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We engaged with management of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) in advance of the company's annual meeting to discuss its climate strategy and a proposal on climate-related disclosures. A key topic of discussion was the company's decision to defer establishing a Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated 1.5°C-aligned emissions reduction target. While the ISS Sustainability policy recommended voting against the climate proposal due to the absence of intermediate and long-term emissions targets, management explained that the delay stemmed from the lack of a finalized intensity-based methodology from SBTi appropriate for the freight rail industry, emphasizing that CPKC remains committed to its existing goal of reducing locomotive well-to-wheel emissions intensity by 36.9% by 2030 and continues to work with SBTi as industryspecific frameworks evolve. Management highlighted continued spending on locomotive fleet modernization, including investment in new Tier 4 locomotives, expansion of its hydrogen locomotive program, and trials of renewable fuels. After reviewing the company's disclosures, proxy materials, and feedback from management, we concluded that the company is making goo
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, SGA Global Growth Strategy highlighted Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP). Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada and internationally. On August 24, 2026, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) closed at $94.68 per share. The one-month return of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) was 3.25%, and its shares gained 24.17% over the past 52 weeks. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) has a market capitalization of $83.25 billion.
SGA Global Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We engaged with management of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) in advance of the company's annual meeting to discuss its climate strategy and a proposal on climate-related disclosures. A key topic of discussion was the company's decision to defer establishing a Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated 1.5°C-aligned emissions reduction target. While the ISS Sustainability policy recommended voting against the climate proposal due to the absence of intermediate and long-term emissions targets, management explained that the delay stemmed from the lack of a finalized intensity-based methodology from SBTi appropriate for the freight rail industry, emphasizing that CPKC remains committed to its existing goal of reducing locomotive well-to-wheel emissions intensity by 36.9% by 2030 and continues to work with SBTi as industryspecific frameworks evolve. Management highlighted continued spending on locomotive fleet modernization, including investment in new Tier 4 locomotives, expansion of its hydrogen locomotive program, and trials of renewable fuels. After reviewing the company's disclosures, proxy materials, and feedback from management, we concluded that the company is making goo
2 months ago
On August 13, Ascendis Pharma (NASDAQ:ASND) reported second-quarter results that showed how far its rare disease portfolio has come. Total product revenue roughly doubled from a year earlier to €315 million, and for the first time all three of the company's approved TransCon therapies, SKYTROFA, YORVIPATH and YUVIWEL, were contributing meaningful sales in the same quarter. That combination is what management is leaning on to justify its 2030 revenue ambitions.
YORVIPATH, the hypoparathyroidism treatment, generated €252 million in the quarter and crossed blockbuster level on an annualized basis just two years after its U.S. launch, while reaching patients in more than 35 countries through either commercial sales or named patient access programs. Long-term trial data presented during the quarter showed response rates sustained between 82% and 86% on the combined endpoint, with patients still on therapy at a 95% rate five years after starting.
SKYTROFA, the once-weekly growth hormone therapy, crossed 20,000 unique patient enrollments and remains the best-selling long-acting growth hormone in the US as measured by brand value, contributing €55 million for the quarter. YUVIWEL, the newest of the three, launched commercially in the US during the quarter and brought in €8 million in its first quarter on the market. Enrollment kept climbing after the quarter closed, from more than 170 unique patients through June 30 to more than 220 by the end of July, with more than 65% of those patients already approved for reimbursement. Ascendis also ended the quarter with €812 million in cash and carries no bank debt or convertible debt, giving it room to keep funding these launches without outside financing.
The growth came with a steeper cost base. SG&A expenses rose to €173 million in the quarter from €145 million in the prior quarter, and R&D expenses climbed to €76 million from €59 million, a comparison made sharper by the fact that the prior quarter's figure had been reduced by a one-time €11 million reversal of earlier inventory write-downs. Reported operating profit of €220 million also leaned heavily on a one-time item, a €158 million gain tied to the sale of a PRV. Strip that out and non-IFRS operating profit was €92 million, a 27% margin that better reflects the underlying business. Total revenue of €339 million for the quarter also included €24 million of non-product collaboration revenue, including a €17 million milestone payment tied to TransCon CNP, money that will not repeat every quarter. And while YUVIWEL's early numbers are strong, formal regulatory decisions for the drug in the U.S. and European Union are not expected until the fourth quarter of 2026, meaning current sales are happening ahead of full approval.
#patients #time #transcon
YORVIPATH, the hypoparathyroidism treatment, generated €252 million in the quarter and crossed blockbuster level on an annualized basis just two years after its U.S. launch, while reaching patients in more than 35 countries through either commercial sales or named patient access programs. Long-term trial data presented during the quarter showed response rates sustained between 82% and 86% on the combined endpoint, with patients still on therapy at a 95% rate five years after starting.
SKYTROFA, the once-weekly growth hormone therapy, crossed 20,000 unique patient enrollments and remains the best-selling long-acting growth hormone in the US as measured by brand value, contributing €55 million for the quarter. YUVIWEL, the newest of the three, launched commercially in the US during the quarter and brought in €8 million in its first quarter on the market. Enrollment kept climbing after the quarter closed, from more than 170 unique patients through June 30 to more than 220 by the end of July, with more than 65% of those patients already approved for reimbursement. Ascendis also ended the quarter with €812 million in cash and carries no bank debt or convertible debt, giving it room to keep funding these launches without outside financing.
The growth came with a steeper cost base. SG&A expenses rose to €173 million in the quarter from €145 million in the prior quarter, and R&D expenses climbed to €76 million from €59 million, a comparison made sharper by the fact that the prior quarter's figure had been reduced by a one-time €11 million reversal of earlier inventory write-downs. Reported operating profit of €220 million also leaned heavily on a one-time item, a €158 million gain tied to the sale of a PRV. Strip that out and non-IFRS operating profit was €92 million, a 27% margin that better reflects the underlying business. Total revenue of €339 million for the quarter also included €24 million of non-product collaboration revenue, including a €17 million milestone payment tied to TransCon CNP, money that will not repeat every quarter. And while YUVIWEL's early numbers are strong, formal regulatory decisions for the drug in the U.S. and European Union are not expected until the fourth quarter of 2026, meaning current sales are happening ahead of full approval.
#patients #time #transcon
2 months ago
Discover how intermodal freight is delivering massive savings in today's volatile market. As truckload spot and contract rates stabilize, intermodal options provide a crucial cost-saving advantage, especially on key lanes. Learn where to find the biggest savings and how shifting modes can optimize your freight spend.
Intermodal savings have surged to their highest level in several years, driven by a widening gap between rising truckload rates and relatively flat intermodal pricing, according to FreightWaves SONAR data presented by Julie Van de Kamp during a live update from the College Football Hall of Fame.
On the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Atlanta lane — one of the top savings lanes in SONAR's intermodal dashboard — van spot truckload rates are up approximately 42%, van contract rates are up about 26%, and intermodal rates have risen only 16%, making a compelling case for mode conversion. East Coast corridors, particularly those out of Atlanta and Harrisburg, are leading the savings rankings, with lanes including Atlanta to Chicago, Atlanta to Joliet, Atlanta to Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Harrisburg to both Ontario, California, and Los Angeles all trending upward in the savings index over the most recent three months.
"That is such a good reason to consider mode conversion, take advantage of those savings, and understand where that helps even in a backhaul lane like what would typically be PA to Chicago at a length of haul that's not transcon," said Julie Van de Kamp.
The broader market context reinforces the intermodal value proposition. Tender rejections saw a significant drop from July 20 to August 5 but are now stabilizing, and spot rates, while down from earlier peaks year to date, are also leveling off. Meanwhile, contract truckload rates continue to rise, narrowing the gap between spot and contract. Van de Kamp noted a roughly 66-cent-per-mile spread between spot rates on the NTI and contract rates on the VCRPM1, though she cautioned that spot rates are all-in while contract rates are linehaul only — with fuel surcharges running approximately $0.70 per mile based on a Department of Energy estimate of around $45.
#spot #kamp
Intermodal savings have surged to their highest level in several years, driven by a widening gap between rising truckload rates and relatively flat intermodal pricing, according to FreightWaves SONAR data presented by Julie Van de Kamp during a live update from the College Football Hall of Fame.
On the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Atlanta lane — one of the top savings lanes in SONAR's intermodal dashboard — van spot truckload rates are up approximately 42%, van contract rates are up about 26%, and intermodal rates have risen only 16%, making a compelling case for mode conversion. East Coast corridors, particularly those out of Atlanta and Harrisburg, are leading the savings rankings, with lanes including Atlanta to Chicago, Atlanta to Joliet, Atlanta to Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Harrisburg to both Ontario, California, and Los Angeles all trending upward in the savings index over the most recent three months.
"That is such a good reason to consider mode conversion, take advantage of those savings, and understand where that helps even in a backhaul lane like what would typically be PA to Chicago at a length of haul that's not transcon," said Julie Van de Kamp.
The broader market context reinforces the intermodal value proposition. Tender rejections saw a significant drop from July 20 to August 5 but are now stabilizing, and spot rates, while down from earlier peaks year to date, are also leveling off. Meanwhile, contract truckload rates continue to rise, narrowing the gap between spot and contract. Van de Kamp noted a roughly 66-cent-per-mile spread between spot rates on the NTI and contract rates on the VCRPM1, though she cautioned that spot rates are all-in while contract rates are linehaul only — with fuel surcharges running approximately $0.70 per mile based on a Department of Energy estimate of around $45.
#spot #kamp
3 months ago
J.B. Hunt Transport Services reported second-quarter earnings of $1.91 per diluted share on revenue of $3.5 billion, topping Wall Street expectations and sending the company's stock higher in after-hours trading. The results compared to earnings of $1.31 per share and revenue of $2.93 billion in the same period a year earlier. ******* ysts had expected earnings of $1.74 per share and revenue of $3.25 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Shares of J.B. Hunt climbed as high as 9.5% in after-hours trading Wednesday following the results.
Operating income rose 32% to $259.5 million from $197.3 million a year earlier, the company said. The improvement was driven by higher revenue, productivity gains, and continued efforts to reduce costs, partially offset by higher purchased transportation expenses.
Intermodal was the clear highlight of the quarter, generating $1.75 billion in revenue — a 22% year-over-year increase — while operating income jumped 58% to $150.9 million. The segment's volume grew 10%, with the company attributing the gain to rising fuel costs and constrained trucking supply that pushed customers toward rail-connected freight options. Transcontinental network loads rose 5% while Eastern network loads grew 16%.
Dedicated Contract Services revenue increased 9% to $921 million, with operating income up 9% to $102.5 million. The Integrated Capacity Solutions segment posted revenue of $388 million, up 49%, swinging to an operating profit of $1.7 million from a loss of $3.6 million a year earlier. The Truckload segment posted a $1.3 million operating loss despite a 35% increase in revenue to $240 million, as higher purchased transportation costs outweighed gains. Final Mile Services revenue fell 6% to $198 million, with operating income declining 30% to $5.6 million, due to known business losses tied to efforts to improve revenue quality.
Shares of J.B. Hunt climbed as high as 9.5% in after-hours trading Wednesday following the results.
Operating income rose 32% to $259.5 million from $197.3 million a year earlier, the company said. The improvement was driven by higher revenue, productivity gains, and continued efforts to reduce costs, partially offset by higher purchased transportation expenses.
Intermodal was the clear highlight of the quarter, generating $1.75 billion in revenue — a 22% year-over-year increase — while operating income jumped 58% to $150.9 million. The segment's volume grew 10%, with the company attributing the gain to rising fuel costs and constrained trucking supply that pushed customers toward rail-connected freight options. Transcontinental network loads rose 5% while Eastern network loads grew 16%.
Dedicated Contract Services revenue increased 9% to $921 million, with operating income up 9% to $102.5 million. The Integrated Capacity Solutions segment posted revenue of $388 million, up 49%, swinging to an operating profit of $1.7 million from a loss of $3.6 million a year earlier. The Truckload segment posted a $1.3 million operating loss despite a 35% increase in revenue to $240 million, as higher purchased transportation costs outweighed gains. Final Mile Services revenue fell 6% to $198 million, with operating income declining 30% to $5.6 million, due to known business losses tied to efforts to improve revenue quality.
4 months ago
Sustainable Growth Advisers (SGA), an investment management company, released its first-quarter 2026 investor letter for its "Global Growth Strategy." A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The SGA Global Growth Portfolio returned -13.6% (Gross) and -13.8% (Net) compared to the MSCI ACWI return of -3.2% and the MSCI ACWI Growth return of -7.7%. AI disruption narratives significantly affected markets in the first two months of the quarter, leading to declines in software, information services, payments, and insurance brokers. In March, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East caused a spike in oil prices, contributing to market volatility and prompting investors to adopt a more cautious stance. The firm believes prioritizing high-quality businesses with strong balance sheets, durable cash flows, and diversified end markets provides resilience against short-term geopolitical shocks. In addition, you can check the Strategy's top 5 holdings for its best picks for 2026.
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, SGA Global Growth Strategy highlighted Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP). Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) is a leading Canadian company that owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway. On June 16, 2026, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) closed at $89.15 per share. One-month return of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) was 3.25%, and its shares gained 11.23% over the past 52 weeks. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) has a market capitalization of $79.14 billion.
SGA Global Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) was a contributor to performance during the quarter, as solid operational execution helped offset end‑of‑year volume softness. While certain end markets such as automotive, forest products, and intermodal remained pressured by macro factors and supply chain disruptions, strong Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) execution drove meaningful margin strength, with management highlighting service metrics and discipline around controllable costs. Confidence improved around a 2026 inflection, supported by multiple factors including a record Canadian grain crop expected to move in the first half of 2026, easing auto chip shortages, and tariff headwinds for aluminum and paper beginning to lap in the second half of the year. The U.S. government's focus on removing non-domiciled truckers and commercial drivers license (CDL) applicants from the labor pool seems to be driving freight transportation costs higher and creating a favorable pricing environment for the company. CPKC is also planning a 5% share repurchase program at attractive prices. CPKC's unique tri-national network spanning the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, positions the company to benefit disproportionately from an eventual freight and industrial demand recovery, as well as
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, SGA Global Growth Strategy highlighted Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP). Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) is a leading Canadian company that owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway. On June 16, 2026, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) closed at $89.15 per share. One-month return of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) was 3.25%, and its shares gained 11.23% over the past 52 weeks. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) has a market capitalization of $79.14 billion.
SGA Global Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP) was a contributor to performance during the quarter, as solid operational execution helped offset end‑of‑year volume softness. While certain end markets such as automotive, forest products, and intermodal remained pressured by macro factors and supply chain disruptions, strong Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) execution drove meaningful margin strength, with management highlighting service metrics and discipline around controllable costs. Confidence improved around a 2026 inflection, supported by multiple factors including a record Canadian grain crop expected to move in the first half of 2026, easing auto chip shortages, and tariff headwinds for aluminum and paper beginning to lap in the second half of the year. The U.S. government's focus on removing non-domiciled truckers and commercial drivers license (CDL) applicants from the labor pool seems to be driving freight transportation costs higher and creating a favorable pricing environment for the company. CPKC is also planning a 5% share repurchase program at attractive prices. CPKC's unique tri-national network spanning the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, positions the company to benefit disproportionately from an eventual freight and industrial demand recovery, as well as
