FY2021 1H Summary

On November 10, 2021 Kureha Corporation reported that (Press release, Kureha Corporation, NOV 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234595215])

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1. Consolidated Financial Results for the Second Quarter of the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2022 (From April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021)
(1) Consolidated Operating Results
(2) Consolidated Financial Position

2. Dividends
2. Consolidated Earnings Forecast for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2022 (From April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022)

1. Advanced Materials In the advanced plastics category, revenue and operating profit rose on higher sales of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) used as a binder material for lithium-ion secondary batteries, polyglycolic acid (PGA) products used in the process of shale oil and gas fracking, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and other processed plastics products. In the carbon products category, revenue rose on higher sales of carbon fiber used in heat insulating material for high-temperature furnaces and sliding material for automotive parts, but operating profit was flat year on year. As a result, revenue in Advanced Materials was 28,794 million yen (up 54.9% year on year), and operating profit was 2,600 million yen (versus operating loss of 760 million yen in the six months ended September 30, 2020).

2. Specialty Chemicals Revenue increased in the agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals category owing to higher sales of Kremezin (therapeutic agent for chronic renal failure) as well as agricultural and horticultural fungicides. However, operating profit was flat year on year. In the industrial chemicals category, revenue rose due to higher sales of organic chemicals, and earnings recovered to an operating profit from an operating loss recorded in the same period the previous year. Consequently, revenue in Specialty Chemicals was 12,804 million yen (up 15.7% year on year), resulting in an operating profit of 1,168 million yen (up 32.3% year on year).

3. Specialty Plastics Both revenue and operating profit increased in the consumer goods category as sales of New Krewrap plastic wrap for household use and Seaguar fluorocarbon fishing lines increased. In the packaging materials category, revenue and operating profit also increased due to higher sales of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) film and heat-shrink multilayer film. As a result, revenue in Specialty Plastics was 22,942 million yen (up 8.8% year on year), and operating profit was 5,140 million yen (up 38.1% year on year).

4. Construction In Construction, private-sector construction projects were on par with the previous year, but delays of public-sector construction starts caused both revenue and operating profit to decline year on year. Consequently, revenue in Construction was 5,524 million yen (down 5.2% year on year), and operating profit was 414 million yen (down 10.5% year on year).

5. Other Operations In the environmental engineering category, despite higher volumes of industrial waste treatment and processing including low-concentration PCB waste, revenue and operating profit declined on the completion of the natural disaster-related waste treatment and processing conducted during the same period the previous year. In the logistics category, both revenue and operating profit remained flat year on year. In the hospital operations category, both revenue and operating loss remained flat year on year. As a result, revenue in Other Operations was 9,003 million yen (down 4.9% year on year), and operating profit was 1,799 million yen (down 10.2% year on year).

(2) Overview of Financial Position for the Period under Review Total assets as of September 30, 2021 were 264,557 million yen, up 7,634 million yen compared to March 31, 2021. Current assets totaled 91,804 million yen, up 5,567 million yen from March 31, 2021, due to increases in cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables. Non-current assets stood at 172,752 million yen, up 2,066 million yen from March 31, 2021. Contributing factors to the rise in non-current assets were increases in the valuation of investment securities, intangible assets, assets related to equity method investments, and retirement benefit asset, which offset the 2,280 million yen decline in property, plant and equipment to 117,891 million yen from the reduction entry accompanying receipt of government subsidy. Total liabilities were 70,859 million yen, down 542 million yen compared to March 31, 2021. This primarily reflects the repayment of loans payable, which minimized the interest-bearing debt by 2,042 million yen to 27,464 million yen, more than absorbing the increase in trade payables. Total equity was 193,698 million yen, up 8,176 million yen compared to March 31, 2021. This was mainly due to the recording of 8,328 million yen in profit attributable to owners of the Company and an increase in other components of equity, which offset the dividend payments of 1,659 million yen from retained earnings. As of September 30, 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has had no impact on the Group’s capacity to secure liquidity or collect accounts receivable.

(3) Outlook for the Fiscal Year Ending March 2022 and beyond In light of recent performance trends, the Company has revised its consolidated earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022 from the figures announced on May 12, 2021. For details, please refer to the "Notice of Revised Financial Forecast and Revised Dividend Forecast" released today (November 9, 2021)

Summary of Consolidated Financial Results for the First Six Months of the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2022(PDF?441KB)

On November 10, 2021 Sysmex reported that (Press release, Sysmex, NOV 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234595214])

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1. Results for the First Six Months of the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2022
(1) Operating results
(2) Financial condition

2. Dividend
3. Financial Forecast for the Year Ending March 31, 20224.

Other Information
(1) Changes in significant consolidated subsidiaries (which resulted in changes in scope of consolidation):
No (2) Changes in accounting policies and accounting estimates
1) Changes in accounting policies required by IFRS:
No 2) Other changes in accounting policies:
No 3) Changes in accounting estimates:
No (3) Number of outstanding stock (common stock)

1) Number of outstanding stock at the end of each fiscal period (including treasury stock): 209,485,632 shares as of Sep. 30, 2021; 209,443,232 shares as of Mar. 31, 2021
2) Number of treasury stock at the end of each fiscal period: 447,055 shares as of Sep. 30, 2021; 446,876 shares as of Mar. 31, 2021
3) Average number of outstanding stock for each period (cumulative): 209,014,581 shares for the six months ended Sep. 30, 2021 208,859,643 shares for the six months ended Sep. 30, 20201.

Qualitative information on quarterly financial results
1) Operating performance analysis Future-related information contained in the text below is based on the judgement as of the end of the fiscal period under review. During the first six months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, the Japanese economy was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite progress with rolling out vaccines, social activity and personal consumption remained sluggish, due to reissuing the state of emergency and the priority preventative measures. Overseas, economic deregulation led to a gradual economic recovery, albeit with variations among countries and regions. Even so, the outlook remains uncertain due to the gradual shrinking of fiscal and monetary policies and the impact of the global shortage of semiconductors. On the healthcare front, we are seeing major changes in the healthcare environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an aging society and increasingly diverse health and medical needs.

In Japan, expectations are mounting for new medical services to address the "new normal," such as resolving the pressure on medical systems due to a rise in the number of infections, stable supplies of necessary supplies and a response to digitalization in the medical field. Looking overseas, aging populations in developed countries are driving demand for the moderation of medical systems. In emerging markets, healthcare demand is increasing, and demand is rising for higher levels of healthcare quality, service enhancements and preventive medicine. As a result, we are seeing rapid advances in the application of artificial intelligence, big data analysis and other leading-edge technologies, which are expected to provide further opportunities for growth. Against this backdrop, Sysmex continued to expand its product portfolio in the hematology field. We launched a next-generation flagship model, XR-Series Automated Hematology Analyzer, and a compact three-part differential model, the XQ-Series Automated Hematology Analyzer in Japan. We will continue with a global sales rollout after receiving regulatory approval in individual countries.

We aim to contribute optimization of laboratory operations according to regional characteristics and facilities’ needs. In the life science field, we formed a strategic alliance related to joint development and global business with QIAGEN N.V., which has extensive experience in the development of companion diagnostics*1 in the field of oncology. By leveraging QIAGEN’s experience in developing companion diagnostics, Sysmex expects to strengthen its global relationships with pharmaceutical companies. We will work toward the early development and clinical implementation of companion diagnostics. "Genetic diagnosis and counseling for inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD)*

2 using a genetic testing system (tentatively named the IRD Panel Testing System), which Sysmex and the Kobe City Eye Hospital have been developing jointly, has received Advanced Medical Care B*3 approval. Going forward, we will commence this testing at the Kobe City Eye Hospital. In addition, we will increase the number of cooperating facilities for advance medical care that can perform this test, in the aim of increasing opportunities for patients to receive medical care. As the global general distributor, Sysmex continued to market hinotori to medical institutions in Japan. (The hinotori Surgical Robot System is the first made-in-Japan robotic-assisted surgery system.) We are working with Medicaroid Corporation, a joint venture between Sysmex and Kawasaki Heavy Industry, Ltd., to obtain regulatory approval overseas, and we will begin introducing the system in overseas markets, as well.

*1 Companion diagnostics: Testing to predict the efficacy or risk of side effects of specific drugs before prescription. *2 Inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD): IRD is an inherited progressive disease thought to be caused by genetic mutations. The main symptoms are night blindness, narrowing of the visual field, and loss of vision, which can lead to blindness in some cases. Several diseases with similar symptoms are collectively referred to as inherited retinal dystrophy.
*3 Advanced medical care B: Advanced medical care is new experimental medical technology whose effectiveness and safety have not yet been evaluated, and which has been designated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare as a medical technology to be evaluated for effectiveness and safety in order to determine whether it should be covered by insurance in the future. Within this category, Advanced medical care B may be conducted only at medical institutions that meet the facility criteria set for each medical technology.

Business Results for the Third Quarter of the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

On November 10, 2021 Kuraray reported that (Press release, Kuraray, NOV 10, 2021, https://pdf.irpocket.com/C3405/l3Fa/TF2c/T3bA.pdf [SID1234595213])

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1. Consolidated Financial Results for the Third Quarter of the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021 (January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021)
(1) Consolidated Operating Results (Percentage changes displayed for net sales, operating income, ordinary income and net income attributable to owners of the parent are comparisons with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.)
(2) Consolidated Financial Position

2. Dividends
3. Forecasts of Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021 (January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021) (Percentage changes displayed for net sales, operating income, ordinary income and net income attributable to owners of the parent are comparisons with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.)

1. Qualitative Information regarding Business Results
(1) Overview of Consolidated Business Results In the third quarter of fiscal 2021 (January 1, 2021–September 30, 2021), the world economy recovered overall as COVID-19 vaccinations rates continued to rise and economic activities have been invigorated, particularly in advanced countries and China. However, the outlook is currently growing more unclear due mainly to a continued rise in raw material and fuel prices in addition to shortages of semiconductors and other components, prolonged logistics disruptions, and concerns about an economic slowdown in China. Consequently, consolidated operating results for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 are as follows: net sales rose ¥65,380 million, or 16.6%, compared with the previous fiscal year to ¥459,159 million; operating income increased ¥21,790 million, or 67.0%, to ¥54,318 million; ordinary income increased ¥21,178 million, or 71.0%, to ¥51,001 million; and net income attributable to owners of the parent increased ¥13,455 million, or 88.8%, to ¥28,602 million.

The Group’s long-term vision for its 100th anniversary coming up in 2026, "Kuraray Vision 2026", is to become a "Specialty Chemical Company, growing sustainably by incorporating new foundational platforms into its own technologies." We will continue striving to optimize our business portfolio by steadily taking specific measures based on the three basic policies of "Kuraray Vision 2026": pursuing competitive superiority, expanding new business fields and enhancing the comprehensive strengths of the Kuraray Group. In fiscal 2021, we will focus on safe and stable operations amid the pandemic and thoroughly implement various measures decided on during the period of the previous medium-term management plan "PROUD 2020." At the same time, we will move ahead with formulating the next medium-term management plan, which is set to start in fiscal 2022.Results by Business Segment Vinyl Acetate Sales in this segment increased 20.4% year on year to ¥224,861 million, and segment income rose 53.3% year on year to ¥42,926 million.

(1) Sales of PVA resin increased for a wide range of applications as global demand has been recovering, but performance was impacted by high raw material and fuel prices. Sales of optical-use poval film were brisk against a backdrop of robust demand for LCD panels continuing from the second half of the previous fiscal year. The sales volume of PVB film rose year on year but were affected by a decrease in the production of automobiles caused by a shortage of semiconductors in the third quarter. Sales of water-soluble PVA film steadily expanded for use in unit dose detergent packets, including for laundry and dish detergents.
(2) The sales volume of EVAL ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH resin) increased due to a recovery in demand for gas tank applications and solid demand for food packaging applications but were affected by a decrease in the production of automobiles and high raw material and fuel prices in the third quarter.

Genocea to Present at the Stifel 2021 Virtual Healthcare Conference

On November 10, 2021 Genocea Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNCA), a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation neoantigen immunotherapies, reported that Chip Clark, president and chief executive officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the Stifel 2021 Virtual Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, November 17th at 1:20 PM ET (Press release, Genocea Biosciences, NOV 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234595190]).

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A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed by visiting the "Events and Presentations" tab of the investor relations section of the Genocea website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be archived for 90 days following the presentation.

Acacia Pharma to Present at the Jefferies London Healthcare Conference on 16 November 2021

On November 10, 2021 Acacia Pharma Group plc ("Acacia Pharma", the "Group" or the "Company") (EURONEXT: ACPH), reported that its Chief Executive Officer, Mike Bolinder will present at the Jefferies London Healthcare Conference 2021 on Tuesday, 16 November 2021 (Press release, Acacia Pharma, NOV 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234595187]).

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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The presentation will begin at 09:20 GMT / 10.20 CET and a live video webcast will be available to registered conference attendees. The link to the webcast is available here.

A replay will also be available to registered attendees for 30 days post the event via the same link.

The conference will also be attended by Acacia Pharma’s Chief Financial Officer, Gary Gemignani, and Chief Medical Officer, Gabriel Fox and alongside the presentation the Company will be conducting a series of 1×1 meetings with investors.

Presentation slides will be made available through the investor section of the Company’s website following the presentation.