Apple Inc. (AAPL)
Firebird Metals makes Chinese LMFP battery strategy progress in December 2024 quarter
During the last quarter of 2024 Firebird Metals Ltd was busy across its key projects, making progress on its Chinese LMFP battery strategy and forging partnerships to develop the Oakover manganese project in Western Australia. During the quarter, Firebird’s subsidiary, Hunan Firebird Battery Technology Co., Ltd. (HFBT), received preliminary design approval from the Jinshi High-Tech Industrial Park Committee for its proposed battery-grade high-purity manganese sulphate plant in Jinshi, Hunan, China. In less than 12 months since its incorporation, HFBT has secured all critical permits and remains on schedule and within budget. In a key technological breakthrough, Firebird’s pilot calcining kiln demonstrated energy savings of up to 70% compared to conventional kilns, reducing energy consumption to 80-100 kWh per tonne of feed. This equates to a cost reduction of US$30 per tonne, or 5% of total production costs. Firebird entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Central South University to develop a processing method for Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) as a cathode active material (CAM). This further strengthens its LMFP strategy. Early-stage test work is set to begin at Firebird’s R&D centre in Jinshi, with initial results expected in Q1 2025. Firebird signed an agreement with the Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC) concerning Mining Lease 52/1086. This agreement covers key commercial considerations, including financial benefits upon production, as well as cultural heritage protection and environmental management. Oakover remains central to Firebird’s long-term strategy, providing ore for its battery-grade manganese sulphate plants. Key workstreams for the next 12 months will focus on environmental studies and securing necessary regulatory approvals. Firebird completed the farm-out of an 80% interest in its Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) Manganese Assets in Western Australia’s East Pilbara region to Macro Metals Limited (ASX: M4M). The agreement includes minimum expenditure commitments and drilling requirements, allowing Firebird to focus on its core manganese projects. As of December 31, 2024, Firebird held a cash position of A$3.1 million. The company also received A$889,546 through the Australian Government’s R&D Tax Incentive program, bolstering its financial reserves. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) reported quarterly earnings that topped Wall Street expectations on Thursday, with record revenue of $124.3 billion, despite a decline in iPhone sales in China. The company posted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.40, surpassing analysts' estimates of $2.35. Revenue rose 4% from the previous year, exceeding the $124.12 billion consensus forecast. However, iPhone sales dropped 11.1% in China during the key December quarter, highlighting concerns that Apple’s artificial intelligence push has yet to spark a new upgrade cycle for its flagship product. While the earnings beat provided some relief to investors, the report showed ongoing challenges in one of Apple's most critical markets. Apple shares were flat to slightly positive in after-hours trading.
Race Oncology makes significant quarterly progress in Phase 1 RC220 trial
Race Oncology Ltd made significant progress in the December quarter towards first patient treatment in the Phase 1 trial of RC220 in combination with doxorubicin. The company submitted its ethics and regulatory data package, supporting expected first patient treatment in Q1 CY2025 The quarter also marked continued transformation within Race’s leadership, with the appointment of Dr Megan Baldwin, founder and chief innovation officer of Opthea, as an independent non-executive director, effective January 1, 2025. Dr Baldwin previously served as CEO and managing director of Opthea for a decade, overseeing the progression of its lead asset from preclinical development to global Phase 3 trials. Race also expanded its scientific team with the appointments of Dr Kirsten Curnow and Dr Sumit Shani. “I wish to warmly welcome Megan, Kirsten and Sumit to Race. The ability to attract such outstanding professionals is a testament to the strength of our team and the exciting potential of our work,” RAC CEO Dr Daniel Tillett said. “Like everyone at Race I am looking forward to us treating the first patient with RC220 soon and translating bisantrene’s potential into meaningful outcomes for cancer patients and our shareholders.” Significant progress was made toward initiating a Phase 1 trial of RC220 in combination with doxorubicin for patients with advanced solid tumours. The company submitted the ethics and regulatory package to Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) in early December. In late December, Bellberry HREC requested minor clarifications, which were addressed in mid-January 2025. Pending final ethics and governance approvals, site activation and first patient recruitment are anticipated in Q1 CY2025. Race also announced the discovery of 39 unique FTO protein-binding molecules identified using state-of-the-art NMR fragment screening. The identified compounds are confirmed FTO-binding chemical structures for the development of novel FTO targeting drugs and provide valuable new IP, aiding the development of novel m6A RNA epigenetic pathway drugs. This FTO-targeted drug discovery program was completed in collaboration with the Monash University Fragment Platform (MFP). The company reported cash and cash equivalents of $18.78 million as of 31 December, with over two-thirds of the quarter’s expenditure ($2.1 million) allocated to research and development (R&D) and drug manufacturing. This represents a $4.2 million increase from the previous quarter, driven by a $5.25 million R&D Tax Incentive payment and the conversion of $870,000 in options. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) reported quarterly earnings that topped Wall Street expectations on Thursday, with record revenue of $124.3 billion, despite a decline in iPhone sales in China. The company posted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.40, surpassing analysts' estimates of $2.35. Revenue rose 4% from the previous year, exceeding the $124.12 billion consensus forecast. However, iPhone sales dropped 11.1% in China during the key December quarter, highlighting concerns that Apple’s artificial intelligence push has yet to spark a new upgrade cycle for its flagship product. While the earnings beat provided some relief to investors, the report showed ongoing challenges in one of Apple's most critical markets. Apple shares were flat to slightly positive in after-hours trading.
AMERICAS Higher dollar braces for tariffs, Apple rallies
A look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets from Mike Dolan
Brookside Energy hits several milestones, building on 2024’s successes
Brookside Energy Ltd sits in a strong cash position for the quarter, achieving A$21.1 million in cash receipts from sales, with net operating cash flow surging 667% quarter-on-quarter to A$12.2 million. Record operating cash flow, along with A$3.1 million in additional cash inflows, partially offset the A$19.0 million in capital expenditure related to the FMDP. As a result, the company ended the period with a strong cash balance of A$11.3 million. The strong financial performance demonstrates the company’s strong operational performance. Brookside Energy project locations in the Anadarko Basin. Brookside successfully completed its Field Development Management Plan (FMDP) ahead of schedule and under budget, with the remaining capital expenditure (CAPEX) settled during the quarter. The total FMDP CAPEX amounted to approximately A$36 million net to Brookside, reflecting a ~15% saving against the initial budget. This investment was primarily funded through cash reserves and operational cash flow, demonstrating the company's financial discipline and efficiency in executing large-scale projects. With the FMDP wells now operational, Group Net Production reached a record 226,189 barrels of oil equivalent (BOE), with liquids comprising 67%, for the December quarter—representing a 129% increase quarter-on-quarter. This record output enabled the company to meet its fourth-quarter production forecast, with Net Production averaging 2,459 BOE per day. The four FMDP wells delivered combined gross initial production (IP) rates of 4,330 BOE per day over 24 hours (IP24) and 3,761 BOE per day over 30 days (IP30), with liquids yields of around 80%. On a normalised basis, a single well with a 10,000-foot lateral produced around 1,400 BOE per day gross for IP24 and 1,200 BOE per day gross for IP30. These results align with those of the Flames Well, the parent well in the FMDP. Brookside increased its average working interest in FMDP wells to approximately 70%, securing a larger share of production revenue and enhancing profitability. Operated SWISH Play wells recorded gross production of 392,435 BOE during the quarter, bringing cumulative production to 2.5 million BOE as of December 31, 2024. Cumulative production for SWISH operated wells normalised to a notional 10,000-foot lateral and cumulative gross production as at December 31, 2024 for the SWISH operated wells. Production growth remained strong despite the Jewell and Flames wells undergoing expected recovery to pre-shut-in levels following temporary shut-ins during the quarter. These measures were implemented to mitigate potential interference from Continental Resources’ Gapstow full-field development (FFD) near the Jewell well and FMDP operations near the Flames well. SWISH Project well locations. The Continental Resources-operated Gapstow Full Field Development (FFD) started production and sales during the quarter, delivering strong initial rates. Production volumes and associated cash receipts will be recognised in subsequent quarters. Production is expected to contribute around 150BOE/per day (70% liquids) net to Brookside over an initial two years as well as boosting PDP reserves. Production by quarter net to Brookside’s Working Interest and net of royalties. The company advanced preparations for its planned listing of securities via American Depositary Shares (ADSs) on the NYSE American exchange. Brookside also completed its share capital consolidation, with shares resuming normal trading on 25 October 2024. Building on its 2024 operational success, Brookside outlined its 2025 strategy, prioritising inventory growth and targeted drilling. Plans include three new SWISH Play 10,000-foot lateral horizontal wells, with the first well set to spud in Q1 2025. Pre-spud activities, such as pad selection, surface agreements and regulatory approvals, are already underway. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) reported quarterly earnings that topped Wall Street expectations on Thursday, with record revenue of $124.3 billion, despite a decline in iPhone sales in China. The company posted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.40, surpassing analysts' estimates of $2.35. Revenue rose 4% from the previous year, exceeding the $124.12 billion consensus forecast. However, iPhone sales dropped 11.1% in China during the key December quarter, highlighting concerns that Apple’s artificial intelligence push has yet to spark a new upgrade cycle for its flagship product. While the earnings beat provided some relief to investors, the report showed ongoing challenges in one of Apple's most critical markets. Apple shares were flat to slightly positive in after-hours trading.
Titan Minerals inks option exercise underwriting agreement for up to $2.8 million in shares
Titan Minerals Ltd has entered into an underwriting agreement with CPS Capital Group Pty Ltd to underwrite the exercise of listed options at $0.35 each, expiring on January 31, 2025, at 5:00pm AWST. Under the agreement, CPS will underwrite the exercise of up to 5 million listed options and 3 million unlisted options which remain unexercised at the expiry date, representing an underwriting amount of up to $2.8 million. Titan intends to use the funding generated in this shortfall placement to fund exploration at the Dynasty Gold Project. Read: Titan Minerals resource drilling delivers standout gold and silver result at Dynasty’s Iguana prospect For every two shortfall securities subscribed for and issued, Titan will issue CPS one option with an exercise price of $0.70, expiring January 31, 2027. The bonus options will be issued on the same terms and conditions as those issued to holders of unlisted options and bonus options. Titan advises that: Four diamond drilling rigs are already operating at the Cerro Verde and Iguana prospects of the Dynasty Gold Project, where Titan is targeting an updated mineral resource and a scoping study for 2025. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) reported quarterly earnings that topped Wall Street expectations on Thursday, with record revenue of $124.3 billion, despite a decline in iPhone sales in China. The company posted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.40, surpassing analysts' estimates of $2.35. Revenue rose 4% from the previous year, exceeding the $124.12 billion consensus forecast. However, iPhone sales dropped 11.1% in China during the key December quarter, highlighting concerns that Apple’s artificial intelligence push has yet to spark a new upgrade cycle for its flagship product. While the earnings beat provided some relief to investors, the report showed ongoing challenges in one of Apple's most critical markets. Apple shares were flat to slightly positive in after-hours trading.
Apple's Q1 Services Revenue Jump Helps It Beat Analyst Estimates
Tech giant Apple (AAPL -0.74%) reported fiscal 2025 first-quarter results on Thursday, Jan. 30, that topped analyst consensus estimates. Revenue for the quarter rose 4% to $124.3 billion, barely edging past analyst estimates of $124.26 billion.
Apple investors set for $114bn boost after positive quarterlies
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) investors are set for a $114 billion boost when the shares start trading later on Friday. Ahead of the bell, the stock in the world's largest company was up 3.2% at $245.09.
Middletown Police Notified Twice Of Allegations Against Teacher
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Here are new details on the sex assault charge against Justin McGhee, the Middletown North girls' basketball coach accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with an underage female student. It was in December that a Middletown Police detective first received a report that McGhee was having an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to an affidavit the Monmouth County Prosecutor released Thursday. That first allegation did not name the student, according to the affidavit. On Jan. 26 that same detective received another report, this time from a Middletown school official, and alleging McGhee had inappropriate contact with a student. The school district received word of the allegations via email, said police. According to the affidavit, after the second allegation was made, Middletown Police discovered a report of a "suspicious" incident in another town, where McGhee was found with a teenage girl in a car after midnight. The teen girl, under the age of 18, was enrolled in the Middletown public school system. Middletown Police then interviewed the girls' parents and then the girl herself, who told police she and the teacher had been involved in a relationship that turned sexual, according to the affidavit. Middletown Police also interviewed McGhee at Middletown Police headquarters, who "confessed to the sexual relationship with the student, specifically stating that the encounters sexual in nature occurred in the basement of his house," according to the affidavit. McGhee, who lives in Ocean Township, was arrested Tuesday and taken to the Monmouth County jail. He is charged with second-degree sexual assault and second-degree child endangerment. McGhee is also a gym/health teacher at Middletown North, and an assistant football coach for the Middletown North Lions. The district placed him on paid administrative leave after he was arrested, pending the outcome of the criminal charges against him. The inappropriate relationship between McGhee and the teen began late last year, allege Middletown Police. His Apple iPhone and Apple Watch were also seized by Middletown Police to be searched for evidence. Wednesday's report: Middletown North Basketball Coach Charged With Sex Assault Of Student Patch incorrectly reported in an initial version of this story that Middletown Police did not investigate the first allegation in December. That is incorrect, said the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. They did investigate. Middletown Police released this statement Thursday night after this article was published: On January 30, 2025, Patch published an article titled “Middletown Police Notified Twice of Sex Allegations Against Teacher,” with a phrase in the first paragraph erroneously reporting that the Middletown Township Police Department failed to investigate the initial report that led to criminal charges being filed in this case. That is demonstrably false. While Patch has since reworded this portion of the article and also published a correction, additional clarification is now necessary. The rush to publish this article before fact checking and final approval by the reporter and or editorial staff proved to be irresponsible journalism. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, Middletown Twp. Police cannot comment on case-specific facts and events that led to the arrest of Justin McGhee, 35, of Ocean Twp. However, the initially published portrayal of the investigation in this article was highly speculative and again, inaccurate. Upon receipt of the initial report, police initiated an investigation. However, due to the very limited information provided there was insufficient evidence to indicate that any crime had been committed. Furthermore, at no time did any of the information provided to the police identify the victim, nor did either report indicate that McGhee’s actions were sexual in nature. Ultimately, upon receipt of the secondary report, police were able to go forward with the investigation, which culminated in the arrest of McGhee, less than 24 hours later. Middletown Police Police Chief R. Craig Weber stated, “This agency takes crimes of this nature very seriously and thoroughly investigates each and every tip or allegation of criminal activity to the fullest extent possible. Any report or suggestion to the contrary is patently false. This police department will always take every step necessary to safeguard and protect the community.” Anyone with additional information pertaining to this investigation is urged to contact Detective Ricardo Cruz at (732) 615-2120 or Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Det. David Sidorakis at (800) 533-7443. Contact Patch reporter Carly Baldwin at [email protected].
Apple's iPhone sales during the holiday season slipped despite a highly anticipated AI rollout
Apple on Thursday disclosed its iPhone sales dipped slightly during the holiday-season quarter, signaling a sluggish start to the trendsetting company's effort to catch up to the rest of Big Tech in the race to bring artificial intelligence to the masses.
Apple shares surge despite China sales falling short
Apple shares soar more than 3 per cent in after-hours trade boosted by strong revenue from services. However, iPhone sales disappoint, dragged down by poor Chinese demand.
Apple shares rise in Europe after upbeat sales outlook
Shares in Apple rose 2.5% in Frankfurt on Friday after results the day before, as the company forecast relatively strong sales growth in the current quarter, a sign it will recover from a dip in iPhone sales.
Apple: Not Worth Buying At Such A Rich Valuation
Apple reported record revenue and EPS for fiscal Q1-2025, which beat estimates. Still, the results weren't groundbreaking relative to the stock's rich valuation, leading me to maintain a 'Hold' rating. Despite a 0.8% decline in iPhone sales, Services revenue grew 14%, contributing more to overall profitability with higher gross margins. AAPL's valuation at a P/E ratio of ~39x is high, leaving limited room for significant gains and suggesting potential for valuation contraction.
