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Space Tourism Set to Become a Craze in 2020

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space tourism stocks
space tourism stocks

Space Tourism Set to Become a Craze in 2020

The space tourism sector is heating up with the major players getting close to their goal of delivering various forms of commercial spaceflight by 2020.

Notably, NASA’s decision to open up the International Space Station for tourism and other private ventures from 2020 is a key catalyst in expanding the scope and market of space tourism.

Space Tourism Prospects Aplenty

Space tourism, also known as “citizen space exploration” or “personal spaceflight”, has become an attractive space due to strong consumer spending.

However, the biggest roadblock for the success of space tourism is the high cost of travel. Notably, a trip to the International Space Station will cost around $35K per day of stay while a return ticket will cost around $60 million.

The cost of getting into space will decline if the next generation of space planes can reach the orbit, making it an economically feasible option for a larger customer segment. This will also help the market to expand rapidly.

Per marketstudyreport.com data, cited by MarketWatch, the space tourism market is expected to be worth $1.18 billion by 2024, witnessing CAGR of 16.6% between 2019 and 2024.

This is why companies like Amazon AMZN backed Blue Origin, Tesla TSLA backed SpaceX, Virgin Galactic Holdings SPCE and Boeing BA are taking a number of initiatives to gain a foothold in this promising space.

Stocks in Focus

Amazon

Amazon backed Blue Origin’s offering is based around a more traditional rocket (the New Shepard), which takes off and lands vertically, and its objectives include orbital spaceflight.

The space tourism company has performed several test flights, the most recent one on Dec 11, and is planning to put paying passengers into space by 2020. The company’s plan is to place up to six passengers on each flight, with tickets expected to cost around $200K to $300K per person.

Moreover, the company has teamed up with aerospace giants Lockheed Martin LMT, Northrop Grumman NOC and Draper in an attempt to build a lunar landing system to meet the
U.S. government’s goal of taking humans to the moon by 2024.

Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus
Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus

Virgin Galactic

To date, Virgin Galactic has been the main competitor for Blue Origin in terms of sub-orbital space tourism. Its current space plane, VSS Unity, entered outer space in December 2018 as part of its testing process, with two additional space planes in development in Mojave, CA.

Tickets currently cost $250K per person and more than 600 people from 60 countries have reserved seats.

However, the company has been facing headwinds over the space flight. Virgin Galactic originally aimed to deliver space flight by 2009 but it got delayed. In 2014, the company’s first spaceship VSS Enterprise crashed, resulting in the death of its co-pilot, Michael Alsbury.

Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. Price and Consensus
Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. Price and Consensus

Tesla

Tesla backed SpaceX already has experience when it comes to launching space-bound flights and the company is hoping to get on board the space tourism bandwagon.

However, unlike other companies in this sector, it is prioritizing lunar tourism and other forms of space tourism extending beyond Earth’s orbit.

Notably, in September, SpaceX unveiled Starship MK1, its new starship that will be able to carry up to 100 people to the moon, Mars or other destinations in space or around Earth.

Moreover, SpaceX is one of the companies that will choose clients and deliver them via its own rocket-and-capsule launch systems for the International Space Station trips starting next year.

Tesla, Inc. Price and Consensus
Tesla, Inc. Price and Consensus

Boeing

Boeing emerged as a major player in the space tourism industry when it entered into a deal with NASA as part of its Commercial Crew Development program. This program was designed to increase private sector involvement in the production of crew vehicles to be launched into orbit.

Notably, the company’s contract with NASA provides it with the opportunity to sell seats to space tourists. In October, the company also announced its plans to invest $20 million in Virgin Galactic.

Boeing is another company that will choose and deliver clients for International Space Station trips starting next year.

The Boeing Company Price and Consensus
The Boeing Company Price and Consensus

Zacks Rank

While Tesla carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), Amazon and Virgin Galactic currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Boeing currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

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Twitter, Facebook take down global network of fake accounts pushing pro-Trump messages

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twitter Trump

Twitter, Facebook takedown global network of fake accounts pushing pro-Trump messages

Facebook Inc. FB, +0.12% and Twitter Inc. TWTR, +0.31% have taken down a global network of fake accounts used in a coordinated campaign to push pro-Trump political messages, including some that used artificial intelligence tools to try to mask the behavior, the companies and outside research firms they worked with said.

The move targeted a U.S.-based media company that also operates out of Vietnam called the BL, which, Facebook alleges, used computer-generated profile pictures to cover up the orchestrated nature of its activities. Facebook linked the company to the Epoch Media Group, which has had ties to the Falun Gong movement, a spiritual movement based in China which has clashed with the Chinese government and supported President Trump’s reelection.

The BL, also known as the Beauty of Life, is “currently working with Facebook to resolve the issue,” said Orysia McCabe, the website’s editor in chief. She didn’t say how the company planned to settle the matter with Facebook.

In a statement posted to his company’s website, Epoch Media Group Publisher Stephen Gregory denied any connection between the BL and his company, saying that the BL was “founded by a former employee, and employs some of our former employees.” Epoch Media is neither owned nor operated by Falun Gong, the company has said.

A Facebook spokeswoman responded by saying that executives of the BL were active administrators on Epoch Media Group-controlled pages as recently as Friday morning, when the BL accounts were deleted by Facebook.

An expanded version of this report appears at WSJ.com.

 

VIVO Cannabis Inc. Announces Cannabis 2.0 Products

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VIVO Cannabis Inc. Announces Cannabis 2.0 Products

Canada NewsWire

NAPANEE, ON, Dec. 20, 2019

NAPANEE, ON, Dec. 20, 2019 /CNW/ – VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V:  VIVO, OTCQX:  VVCIF) (“VIVO” or the “Company“) today officially revealed its new Cannabis 2.0. products set to come to market in the coming months across Canada.  VIVO will focus on the vape, chocolates and concentrates categories leveraging VIVO’s premium adult-use cannabis brands including Canna Farms™ and Fireside™.

VIVO Cannabis (CNW Group/VIVO Cannabis Inc.)

“VIVO is committed to changing the way people view cannabis and to enhancing lives.  I’m delighted with our Cannabis 2.0. offering.  The range is robust and stretches across multiple new legal categories including vapes, chocolates, and concentrates that include kief, rosin, bubble hash, wax and shatter.  Coupled with our commitment to quality and consistency in supply, I’m confident that our range of products will help to play a role in decreasing the size of the illicit footprint,” said VIVO’s CEO, Barry Fishman.

The range of new products includes Canna Farms™ BC Kief, Canna Farms™ BC Bubble Hash, Canna Farms™ BC Live Rosin, and Canna Farms™ BC Hash Rosin.  “Our offering for traditional concentrates meets the demand for solvent free products that keep terpenes & flavour intact,” said Dan LaFlamme, President, Canna Farms Ltd.

Additionally, VIVO has partnered with a world class and award-winning Belgian chocolatier, Chocolatas, and together have created Fireside™ Edibles – Chocolates.  “It is always a sweet day at Chocolatas and today it is especially exciting to launch our Fireside™ chocolates.  The assortment includes five presentations including salted caramel, mint, milk and dark chocolate caramel and milk and dark chocolate solid,” said Veve Knaepen, Co-Founder, Chocolatas.

In addition, VIVO is set to launch Fireside™ vape kits and cartridges plus the new Fireside X™ sub-brand.  Fireside X™ will be used for the Company’s wax and shatter products.

VIVO continually reviews and tests all inputs to ensure the highest quality standards are met for all of its products. “VIVO recognizes the recent news and announcements about delaying the launch of vape products by certain provinces.  VIVO is committed to working towards meeting the highest standards possible for our consumers – our consumer’s safety is at the heart of everything we do”, said Barry Fishman, CEO, VIVO Cannabis Inc.  “Our ten-point quality control testing and assurance program process for vaped products helps to ensure that all of our hardware and raw materials are sourced from licensed, regulated, trusted and well-established suppliers. Our finished products are checked for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, molds, and other foreign contaminants. Our vape cartridges contain ONLY natural cannabis extract, and cannabis derived terpenes. Importantly, our vape oils do not contain Tocopheryl-acetate, are free from pesticides and contain no propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil,” said Mr. Fishman.

VIVO looks forward to introducing Canadian consumers to these exciting new products.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

All dollar amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollars. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, which are statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding the beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions of VIVO and its management regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding: the expected market availability date of the Company’s Cannabis 2.0 product portfolio; the Company’s expectations regarding the new cannabis products, including public perception or production capabilities; the Company’s expected focus on the chocolates, vape and concentrates categories; the expected brand which the Company’s new products including kief, bubble hash, Live Rosin and Hash Rosin will be sold under; the expected variety of products that the Company will offer; the expected brand which the Company’s premium chocolate edibles will be sold under; the expected launch of Fireside™ vape kits and cartridges; the expected release of a sub-brand for Fireside™ called Fireside X™; and the expected timing and outcome of regulatory approvals, both domestically and internationally. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including: the Company’s Cannabis 2.0 product portfolio may not be available in the market immediately; that the Company’s new products may not meet expectations relating to public perception or production capabilities; that the Company may not focus on the chocolates, vape and concentrates categories; that the Company’s new products including kief, bubble hash, Live Rosin and Hash Rosin may not be sold under the Canna Farms™ brand; that the Company’s premium chocolate edibles may not be sold under the Fireside™ brand; that the Company may not have the variety of brands listed in this news release; that the Company may not launch the Fireside™ vape kits and cartridges; that the Company may not release a sub-brand for Fireside™ called Fireside X™; that the Company may not receive requisite regulatory approvals, or may not receive such approvals in accordance with the expected timeline; and other factors beyond the Company’s control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are urged to consider these factors, and the more extensive risk factors included in the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2018, which is available on SEDAR, carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

About VIVO Cannabis™

VIVO, based in Napanee, Ontario, is recognized for trusted, high-quality products and services. It holds production and sales licences from Health Canada and operates world-class indoor cultivation facilities with proprietary plant-growing technology. VIVO has a collection of premium brands targeting unique customer segments, including Beacon Medical™, FIRESIDE™, Canna Farms™ and Lumina™. In August 2018, VIVO acquired Canna Farms, a premium cannabis company based in Hope, British Columbia. Canna Farms was B.C.’s first Licensed Producer and has several years of craft cultivation experience and expertise, as well as a significant patient base and positive cash flow. The Company is significantly expanding its production capacity and pursuing partnership and product development opportunities domestically, as well as in select international markets, including Germany and Australia. VIVO also operates Harvest Medicine, a patient-centric and highly scalable network of specialty medical cannabis clinics as well as a free telemedicine service. VIVO has a healthy balance sheet and is well-positioned to accelerate its growth in Canada and internationally.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE VIVO Cannabis Inc.

Interlapse Closes Private Placement

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Interlapse Closes Private Placement

VANCOUVER, Dec. 20, 2019 /CNW/ – Virtual currency applications developer, Interlapse Technologies Corp. (TSXV: INLA / OTCQB: INLAF), is pleased to announce that it has closed the previously announced non-brokered private placement by issuing a total 7,500,000 common shares, at a price of CDN$0.10 per common share, to raise gross proceeds of CDN$750,000.  The common shares issued under this private placement will be subject to a hold period of four months from the closing date.

The proceeds from this offering will be primarily used to fund the launch of Interlapse’s virtual currency platform, coincurve.com into key international markets.

Empowering the Future of Commerce
Interlapse Technologies Corp. is a Canadian-based FinTech applications company accelerating the global mega trend of virtual currency adoption. Our signature product coincurve.com, enables a simple, safe way to buy and spend Bitcoin. To learn more, visit www.interlapse.com.

Interlapse currently has 25,025,644 shares outstanding (27,675,644 fully diluted).

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of Interlapse. In making the forward-looking statements, Interlapse has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available, including Interlapse’s strategic plan for the near and mid-term. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Interlapse does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Interlapse Technologies Corp.

Better Choice Company Announces Closing of $28 Million Financing

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Better Choice Company Announces Closing of $28 Million Financing and Acquisition of Halo, Purely for Pets®

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Better Choice Company, Inc. (OTCQB: BTTR) (the “Company” or “Better Choice”), an animal health and wellness CBD company, today announced the closing of its previously announced acquisition of holistic pet foods leader Halo, Purely for Pets® (“Halo®”) and $28 million financing.

Halo is a premium, natural pet food brand with a rich 30-year operating history. Halo’s products consist of a diversified dog and cat portfolio, derived from real whole meat and no rendered meat meal, which is highly digestible due to use of real whole protein. E-commerce is Halo’s largest and fastest growing distribution channel complimenting its brick and mortar presence in leading U.S. retail outlets, including PetSmart and Petco®.

The Halo acquisition is complimentary to the animal health and wellness strategy of Better Choice with its existing brands that include direct-to-consumer premium dehydrated raw pet food through TruDog, Orapup, TruCat and Rawgo as well as hemp-derived CBD pet products.

As part of the transaction Halo Chief Executive Officer, Werner Von Pein, and Chief Strategy Officer, Rob Sauermann, will remain part of the team to lead the operations of this subsidiary, continue to grow distribution via e-commerce, explore Food/Drug/Mass channel expansion opportunities and maintain revenue internationally.

Total consideration for the Halo acquisition is approximately $46.9 million comprised of $23.5 million in cash, $15.0 million in junior subordinated purchaser notes and $8.5 million of common equity.

“We are pleased to close on our financing and welcome Halo to the Better Choice portfolio of premium animal health and wellness brands,” said Damian Dalla-Longa, CEO of Better Choice. “Halo will add to our existing consumer product goods portfolio a global, e-commerce presence as well as operational, financial and commercial synergies. The addition of Werner and Rob will add depth to our team and provide us invaluable strategy and insight going forward.”

“Rob, myself and the rest of the Halo team are eager to join Better Choice in our shared mission to provide better health options for animals,” said Werner von Pein, CEO of Halo. “As part of Better Choice, we will focus on expanding our company’s footprint providing a greater reach of our quality holistic pet foods.”

Under the terms of the offering, Better Choice Company has closed on $28 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Interest on the Notes will have a 12% annualized cash interest payable monthly, maturing 12 months from the date of issuance with no prepayment penalty. The financing is also accompanied with $20.0 million of personal guarantees from Insiders and key Stakeholders.

Jefferies LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Halo. Greenberg Traurig represented Halo as counsel. Latham & Watkins served as corporate counsel for Better Choice.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, the Warrants or the common stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of the Notes or the Warrants (collectively, the “Securities”) nor shall there be any sale of the Securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The Securities offered and sold in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration, or an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

About Halo, Purely for Pets®
For over 30 years, Halo® has been dedicated to creating exceptional food that pets love and pet parents trust. Halo® prides itself on the quality of its pet nutrition products using OrigiNative™ GAP and MSC-certified proteins that say no to factory farming and offer Superior Digestibility.  Halo also uses Non-GMO Vegetables in its pet food designed and formulated by an experienced and respected animal nutritionist, and consulted with veterinarians to ensure Halo®  continues to offer the best pet food. With more than 1 million votes cast by readers in the largest survey of vegan products in the world, Garden of Vegan® won the prestigious 2018 VegNews Veggie Award for “Best Dog Food,” leaping ahead of the competition.

About Better Choice Company, Inc.
Better Choice Company, Inc (“BTTR”) is a publicly traded CBD animal health and wellness company founded on the belief that good health practices and nutrition contribute to, and promote, a higher quality of life. The Company has built a portfolio of global animal wellness brands, including TruPet, TruGold and Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog. BTTR’s core product lines comprise ultra-premium, all-natural pet food, treats and supplements, with a special focus on freeze dried and dehydrated raw products. For more information, please visit https://www.betterchoicecompany.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Better Choice has based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Some or all of the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Further information on Better Choice’s risk factors is contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contacts:
Better Choice Company, Inc.
Damian Dalla-Longa, CEO

Investor Contact:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Valter Pinto, Managing Director
212-896-1254
BTTR@KCSA.com

Media Contact:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Caitlin Kasunich, Senior Vice President
212-896-1241
BTTR@KCSA.com

Johnson & Johnson Acquires TARIS Biomedical

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Johnson & Johnson Acquires TARIS Biomedical with Focus on Transforming the Treatment of Bladder Cancer

Novel Drug Delivery Technology Strengthens Targeted Oncologic Therapy Approach

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Dec. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson & Johnson announced today the acquisition of TARIS Biomedical LLC (TARIS), a privately-owned biotechnology company specializing in the development of a novel drug delivery technology for the treatment of bladder diseases including cancer. The company’s lead clinical-stage product, TAR-200, uses the proprietary TARIS System, which features a silicone-based drug delivery device that allows for the continuous release of medication into the bladder. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

“The TARIS technology provides a first-in-class clinical stage platform to evaluate novel, locally-delivered therapeutics for patients with localized bladder cancer,” said Peter Lebowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “Together with the TARIS team, we look forward to advancing complete regimens to push towards early interception of bladder cancer with the goal of improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, delivering cures.”

Localized bladder cancer is a global unmet need as reflected by high morbidity and limited improvements in treatment over the past two decades. Globally, bladder cancer is the sixth most commonly occurring cancer in men and the 17th most commonly occurring cancer in women.1 There were almost 550,000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed worldwide in 2018.1  The majority of bladder cancers are diagnosed in the early stages with approximately 70 to 75 percent as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and 25 to 30 percent as muscle invasive bladder cancer.2,3 Progression of the disease is a devastating life-changing event that can result in removal of the bladder in patients fit for surgery.4 Following surgery, and for a large proportion of patients who are unfit for such a procedure, the cancer often progresses into metastatic disease where the five-year survival rate is approximately five percent.5 Considering the global impact and need for new, targeted therapies, Janssen is building upon its innovative efforts and disease expertise to advance novel, locally-delivered therapeutic approaches with a strategy to intercept bladder cancer.

“The TARIS technology and scientific team create an unparalleled convergence opportunity with real potential to deliver differentiated, targeted therapeutics for the treatment of patients with localized bladder cancer,” said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen R&D, Johnson & Johnson. “We are eager to build upon the proof-of-concept data that the TARIS team has generated and advance clinical development of this drug delivery approach for patients who face a bladder cancer diagnosis, and potentially for other types of cancer in the future.”

TARIS will maintain a research presence in Lexington, Massachusetts and become part of Janssen R&D’s Oncology Therapeutic Area. The team will remain focused on the optimization of drug candidates working together with Janssen R&D scientists to advance and deliver future clinical programs applying the TARIS technology, which arose from research conducted at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.

About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the acquisition of TARIS Biomedical LLC. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson and TARIS Biomedical LLC. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the potential that the expected benefits and opportunities of the acquisition may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; challenges inherent in  product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; economic conditions, including currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; manufacturing difficulties and delays; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including tax laws and domestic and foreign health care reforms; adverse litigation or government action; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care products and services; and trends toward health care cost containment. In addition, there will be risks and uncertainties related to the ability of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies to successfully integrate the products and employees/operations and clinical work of TARIS Biomedical LLC, as well as the ability to ensure continued performance or market growth of TARIS Biomedical LLC’s products. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors and the general risks associated with the respective businesses of Johnson & Johnson and TARIS Biomedical LLC can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in the company’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and TARIS Biomedical LLC’s [Annual Report on Form 10-K/Form 20-F] for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018.  TARIS Biomedical LLC prepares its financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Copies of these filings, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com, https://tarisbiomedical.com/ or on request from Johnson & Johnson or TARIS Biomedical LLC. Neither Johnson & Johnson nor TARIS Biomedical LLC undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

1 World Cancer Research Fund, American Institute for Cancer Research. Bladder Cancer Statistics. https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/bladder-cancer-statistics. December 2019.
2 Chang, S. et. Al. Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: 2017 AUA Guidelines Available at: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/bladder-cancer-non-muscle-invasive-guideline Accessed December 2019.
3 Chang, S. et. Al. Treatment of Non-Metastatic Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: 2017 AUA Guidelines Available at: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/bladder-cancer-non-metastatic-muscle-invasive-guideline Accessed December 2019.
4 American Cancer Society. Bladder Cancer Surgery. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treating/surgery.html. Accessed December 2019.
5 Bladder Cancer: Statistics. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/bladder-cancer/statistics.  Accessed December 2019.

Media Inquiries:
Brian Kenney
Phone: 1-215-620-0111

Suzanne Frost
Phone: 1-416-317-0304

Investor Relations:
Christopher DelOrefice
Phone: 1-732-524-2955

Lesley Fishman
Phone: 1-732-524-3922

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson

Related Links

http://www.jnj.com

 

Star Wars The Jedi Must End

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jedi need to end

Disney should retire the Star Wars franchise while they still can.

Star Wars opens today and is likely to divide a loyal and fanatic audience just as this weeks impeachment of President Donald Trump has divided a nation.

Rise of the Skywalker marks the 9th and closed the circle on the 42 year old franchise. I write that loosely as there will be articles and questions. Reddit users will spot clues to the fate of the galaxy in a split second of film.

Disney’s Star Wars

Disney acquired Luscafilm in 2012 for $4 billion. This gave the studio the rights to create the new Star Wars films, build a theme park and access an already devoted and eager audience.

Star Wars A Space Western

The new movie will have critics and devotees, but we should remember the first Star Wars “ A New Hope” was panned by many critics as nothing more than a space western 42 years ago. This is probably the most beloved of all the movies. The following 2 movies “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return Of the Jedi” delighted audiences if not many critics.

George Lucas went on to revamp and re-release the movies in another attempt to tap in to the hearts and pockets of punters. A few cosmetic changes and Anakins ghost at the end of the trilogy didn’t really merit the hype. Jar Jar Binks was not able to tug at heart strings.

The Phantom Menace

The dark years of his prequel trilogy, probably the hardest movies to watch, you want to like them, you want to feel something but the tree movies did nothing more than push special effects and green screens to the forefront of movie making. The prequels were cold, and lost in the Bantha fodder.

For the older generation of fans the was a new hope with the a new trilogy that was to be human and less concerned with CGI. With a new studio in charge fans waited and there was a a surge in nostalgia.

Star Wars was everywhere in 2016, even Game Of Thrones lacked the conviction, intent and purpose that was given to the new trilogy.

The Force Awakens

The Force Awakens was new, it felt new but comfortable. Cheers in the movie theaters as their beloved characters entered on screen. No critic could have dissuaded the outpouring of “back to basics” feeling.

Lurking under all this was a darker force. Disney was planning to take the franchise and bring up pre-prequels, in between stories and give one character his own movie. Some of this worked and some fell flat. It’s not the character that matters it’s the feelings for the actors, the memories of a childhood. This is why fans watching tribute bands don’t rush the stage.

Star Wars Box Office Totals by Film:

Release
Date		 Title Production
Budget		 Opening
Weekend		 Domestic
Box Office		 Worldwide
Box Office
May 25, 1977 Star Wars Ep. IV: A New Hope $11,000,000 $1,554,475 $460,998,007 $775,398,007
May 21, 1980 Star Wars Ep. V: The Empire… $23,000,000 $4,910,483 $290,271,960 $547,969,004
May 25, 1983 Star Wars Ep. VI: Return of… $32,500,000 $23,019,618 $309,205,079 $475,106,177
May 19, 1999 Star Wars Ep. I: The Phanto… $115,000,000 $64,810,970 $474,544,677 $1,027,044,677
May 16, 2002 Star Wars Ep. II: Attack of… $115,000,000 $80,027,814 $310,676,740 $656,695,615
May 19, 2005 Star Wars Ep. III: Revenge … $115,000,000 $108,435,841 $380,270,577 $848,998,877
Aug 15, 2008 Star Wars: The Clone Wars $8,500,000 $14,611,273 $35,161,554 $68,695,443
Dec 18, 2015 Star Wars Ep. VII: The Forc… $306,000,000 $247,966,675 $936,662,225 $2,068,223,624
Dec 16, 2016 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story $200,000,000 $155,081,681 $532,177,324 $1,056,057,273
Dec 15, 2017 Star Wars Ep. VIII: The Las… $262,000,000 $220,009,584 $620,181,382 $1,332,539,889
May 25, 2018 Solo: A Star Wars Story $275,000,000 $84,420,489 $213,767,512 $393,151,347
Dec 20, 2019 Star Wars: The Rise of Skyw… $40,000,000 $99,100,000
Dec 16, 2022 Untitled Star Wars Movie
Dec 20, 2024 Untitled Star Wars Movie
Dec 18, 2026 Untitled Star Wars Movie
Averages $133,000,000 $91,349,900 $383,659,753 $779,081,661
Totals 15 $1,463,000,000 $4,603,917,037 $9,348,979,933

Disney’s New Star Wars Trilogy

Yes, Disney is planning 3 more Star Wars movies.

Disney has re-released “The Lion King” as a live action movie “Dumbo” and “Aladdin”, with more on the way.

Disney has been buying up more franchises, Fox was purchased last year and they have Pixar whos success was unprecedented with “Toy Story” and “Up” to name a few.

The Jedi needs to End

It’s over, it’s done, like all good things it should come to an end. The more Disney will try to rejuvenate an audience it will simply case exhaustion. Some of the original Star Wars fans are bringing their Grandchildren to the movie. The Jedi needs to end.

It’s time to look ahead, but. Disney will create more movies, more storylines that repeat time after time, more cliff hangers that really are not that at all. Will their friends show up to save them ? Of course they will at the very last minute. It’s all too cliched, too repetitive and too familiar.

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SEC Proposes A Broader Definition For Accredited Investor Status

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Administrator
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SEC Chairman Jay Clayton
SEC Chairman Jay Clayton has said that many people who don’t currently qualify as accredited investors are sophisticated enough to participate in private markets. PHOTO: JACQUELYN MARTIN/ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEC Proposes Giving More Investors Access to Private Markets

Americans who meet certain standards would be able to invest in startups before they become public.

WASHINGTON—More Americans would be able to reap the rewards of investing early in the next Uber Technologies Inc. or Facebook Inc. under a proposal advanced Wednesday by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They could also get more chances to lose their shirts.

The proposal would expand the number of people allowed to invest in private securities offerings, hedge funds and private-equity funds—vehicles that are more opaque and riskier than securities traded on closely regulated public exchanges.

Currently, people who may invest in those markets, known as accredited investors, must have the financial resources to withstand big losses: either $1 million in net assets, not counting their home, or at least $200,000 in annual income.

The SEC proposal, which was approved by a vote of 3-2, would allow investors with certain qualifications, such as an entry-level stockbroker’s license, to sidestep the income and wealth thresholds.

Proponents, including SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, say that many people who don’t meet the financial qualifications for accredited-investor status are nevertheless knowledgeable enough to participate in private markets, where startups like Uber have grown into multibillion-dollar companies before offering to sell their shares to the public.

“Our current definition includes investors that spend their days cruising around in a Ferrari that Daddy paid for,” SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce said. “Yet it excludes investors who spend their days earning money and their weekends and nights figuring out how to invest it.”

The proposal goes to the heart of the SEC’s Depression-era mandate to protect Main Street investors from the vagaries of financial markets. While Republican-appointed commissioners like Ms. Peirce and Mr. Clayton want to expand individual choice, those picked by Democrats object that the proposal would expose many Americans, including retirees, to undue risks.

“The issue is balancing investor protection with the more ideological notion that people should be able to put their capital where they want to,” said Elisabeth de Fontenay, a law professor at Duke University.

“The failure to update these thresholds may be less about providing American investors access to lucrative private markets, and more about providing private markets access to potentially vulnerable American investors,” said Allison Lee, a Democratic-appointed commissioner. “Once they cross the threshold, there are no limits on the amount that can be gambled and lost.”

The commission is also seeking comment on whether the financial thresholds should be reduced in areas with lower costs of living, and whether investors who are advised by professional brokers should also be considered accredited. By law, private issuers may only solicit accredited investors. The proposal is subject to a comment period before a final rule is proposed.

Supporters say the SEC plan would help level the playing field between the affluent and the knowledgeable, while creating deeper pools of capital for young companies and private-equity firms to tap. They add that the advent of the internet has given people more information to assess risk.

The move to expand access to private securities comes after decades of rapid growth in such markets, which once amounted to a tiny fraction of the funding raised on public debt and equity offerings. The SEC estimates that $2.9 trillion was raised through private channels in 2018, versus $1.4 trillion in registered offerings.

“Today’s proposals are an important step in our ongoing efforts to assess the private offering framework as a whole, including ways to increase opportunity for more of our Main Street investors to participate in the private capital markets,” Mr. Clayton said.

The SEC declined to estimate how many individual or institutional investors would become accredited under the new standards, though it said the proposal “may result in a significant increase in the number of individuals that qualify.”

Privately held companies aren’t required to provide audited financial statements, making their securities more difficult to value. And investments in private equity or venture capital take much longer to redeem than mutual funds, so investors must bear the risk of losses over longer periods.

Pension funds and other institutional investors often enjoy strong returns on private markets. That is partly because they employ lawyers and accountants who negotiate fair prices for prospective investments, as well as disclosure of earnings and other information that affects share prices. Many experts say individual investors would be hard-pressed to secure such concessions from private issuers.

Under the proposal advanced on Wednesday, current income and wealth requirements would remain unadjusted for inflation, making it likely that more households would qualify as accredited investors over time. The number of households who meet the current definition rose to 16 million in 2019 from 1.31 million in 1983.

Even the most experienced and deep-pocketed investors often fail to estimate accurately how much private companies are worth, critics say. They point to SoftBank Group Corp.’s recent fiasco with WeWork, whose valuation plummeted from $47 billion in a January funding round to $8 billion in October.

The proposal continues a decades long process of creating exemptions to securities laws, which critics say undermines more transparent public markets. This is one reason the number of publicly listed companies has fallen since the 1990s, experts say.

“The federal securities laws were established to ensure investors have the information they need about companies to accurately assess the companies’ values and allocate their capital wisely,” said Tyler Gellasch, executive director of Healthy Markets, an advocacy group. “The SEC is simply continuing to erode that basic regulatory framework, leaving in its place an opaque, two-tiered market that has greater risks and costs for investors.”

 

Oil’s Biggest Bullish Boost Since 2016 Scores on Trade Armistice

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Administrator
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Contractors operate a drilling pipe inTexas, U.S. Photographer: Callaghan O'Hare/Bloomberg

Oil’s Biggest Bullish Boost Since 2016 Scores on Trade Armistice

Money managers elevated bullish bets on crude by the most in more than three years — just in time to profit from a long-awaited truce in the U.S.-China trade clash.

Hedge funds increased net-bullish wagers on West Texas Intermediate oil by 52% in the days leading up to Friday’s announcement that the U.S. and China inked a deal to ward off a new round of punishing trade levies. The rise was the most since August 2016 and presaged crude’s first settlement above $60 a barrel since devastating missile attacks on Saudi Arabia sparked a record price surge in mid-September.

The trade accord “seems like something we can believe in,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. “The outlook for growth may not be as dire as we thought.”

The so-called phase-one agreement calls on both nations to hold off on new tariffs that were set to kick in within days, and for China to purchase billions of dollars in American farm products. New York oil futures that had been on pace to end the week little changed jumped to settle at a three-month high. The previous week, crude rallied more than 7% in news of surprise supply curbs by OPEC and partner nations.

Money managers’ WTI net-long position, or the difference between bullish and bearish bets, rose to 228,425 futures and options during the week ended Dec. 10, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission said Friday. Long-only wagers climbed 28% to a 17-week high, while shorts dropped by 33%.

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