South Africa's Aspen Pharmacare said on Monday it had secured regulatory approval to market Eli Lilly's blockbuster diabetes and obesity drug, Mounjaro, for chronic weight management in the country.
Aspen Aerogels has stabilized after a dramatic boom-bust cycle that in itself was driven by EV market volatility and overexpansion. Revenue and EBITDA guidance suggest modest improvement, but near-term growth remains muted and heavily reliant on GM as a key customer. Long-term risks persist from EV market uncertainty, competition, and potential technological shifts like solid-state batteries reducing insulation demand.
Aspen Aerogels' PyroThin technology is driving growth, with strong OEM contracts and a massive addressable market in EV thermal barriers. Despite recent revenue and margin softness, cost-cutting and capital-light manufacturing position ASPN for margin expansion and improved profitability. The energy industrial segment remains a stable, high-margin contributor, balancing volatility in the EV business and supporting long-term growth.
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited preferreds offer a 7%+ yield but come with a Ba1 (non-investment grade) rating and non-cumulative, fixed dividends. Compared to peers, AHL preferreds have higher risk and do not stand out for yield or tax advantages, despite trading below par. Current spreads versus Treasuries are not compelling, and better risk-adjusted yields exist elsewhere in the fixed-income market.
Aspen has demonstrated strong underwriting profitability and value creation despite industry headwinds, supported by a hardening insurance market and disciplined capital allocation. The company's integrated 'One Aspen' approach and ACM platform differentiate it, enabling bespoke risk solutions and stable, growing fee income from third-party capital. Aspen continues to generate economic profit with solid free cash flow and an attractive valuation, with the market pricing in conservative growth assumptions.
Aspen Aerogels shifted focus from industrial insulation to EVs in recent years, driving initial growth, but its fortunes have reversed due to slow EV adoption. Despite impressive revenue growth in 2024, the company halted a major plant project due to weaker long-term EV demand, impacting investor confidence, and incurred huge losses. First quarter 2025 results showed a significant revenue drop and a massive GAAP loss, with no quick avail in sight.
Aspen Aerogels' growth is tied to the EV market, which faces uncertainty due to potential elimination of the EV tax credit. Despite fears, Aspen Aerogels may benefit from Tesla's declining market share, as smaller EV players gain traction, particularly in Europe and China. US EV sales are expected to plateau until 2027, potentially limiting Aspen's revenue growth. But international markets offer expansion opportunities.
Apollo Global Management plans to spin off Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited in 2025, targeting a $4 billion valuation, after postponing the IPO due to unfavorable market conditions. Aspen Insurance redeemed its 5.95% "C" preferred stock using funds from a recently issued 7% preferred, signaling positive financial health for existing preferreds. Aspen's Q3 results show improved financials, with $3 billion available to cover preferred stockholders, indicating a strong coverage ratio and market confidence.
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (OTCPK:APNHF) Q2 2025 Results Conference Call March 4, 2025 1:30 AM ET Company Participants Sibongakonke Nkosi - Investor Relations Stephen Saad - Group Chief Executive Officer Sean Capazorio - Group Chief Financial Officer Sibongakonke Nkosi Good morning. A very warm welcome to everyone joining us in person, online for Aspen's 2025 Interim Results Presentation.
Elliott Investment Management has a $1.5 billion stake in Aspen Technology, and the activist disagrees with a tender offer from Emerson Electric.
U.S. stock futures were mixed this morning, with the Nasdaq futures gaining around 0.1% on Thursday.
AZPN reports better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results. Also, both the top and bottom lines increase year over year.