Vertex Says 20,000 Prescriptions Filled for Non-Opioid Pain Drug
The company disclosed the prescription tally in its earnings release Monday. It includes both hospital and retail settings from when the drug, Journavx, became available in early March through April 18. Vertex said revenue from the medicine was 'insignificant' in the first quarter.
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2 Growth Stocks That Are No-Brainer Buys Right Now
Key Points Vertex Pharmaceuticals' recent dip presents an excellent buying opportunity, given its promising prospects. Netflix is performing exceedingly well, and the streaming giant has every reason to continue doing so. 10 stocks we like better than Vertex Pharmaceuticals › Over the past five years, the stock market has endured a pandemic and the economic issues that followed, along with inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and other macroeconomic challenges. Despite all that, equities have performed well. Though we can't predict the future in great detail, we can be confident that stocks will generally continue to deliver strong returns over the long run. And one of the best ways to cash in on that is to invest in stocks that can exceed the market's performance. Two that look particularly attractive are Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX) and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). Here's why these two stocks appear to be great options for investors. 1. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Vertex Pharmaceuticals' shares recently dropped following a clinical setback. The company's VX-993, a potential treatment for acute pain, did not impress in a phase 2 study. Management also stated that it would no longer pursue one promising indication for its new pain medicine, Journavx, following feedback from regulators. The market responded by selling off the stock. However, Vertex's overall business remains strong, as evidenced by its second-quarter results. Revenue jumped by 12% year over year to $2.96 billion. Vertex is still the only company that markets medicines for cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare lung disease. The company's most recent launch in this market, Alyftrek, which earned approval in the U.S. in December, is already making solid headway; it generated $156.8 million in sales in the second quarter. Vertex's monopoly in CF grants it significant pricing power, which is one of the best parts of the business and makes the stock so attractive. The company's newer non-CF launches, Journavx and Casgevy -- the latter of which treats two rare blood diseases -- aren't yet contributing significantly to its sales, but that should change over time. Furthermore, Vertex has some highly promising late-stage assets. One of them is zimislecel, an investigational therapy for type 1 diabetes; it could help eliminate severe hypoglycemic events, potentially life-threatening side effects of the disease. Vertex plans to file regulatory applications for zimislecel next year. That's to say nothing of various early-stage projects Vertex is working on. Recent developments were not great for the company, so it's not that surprising that the stock fell significantly. Even so, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has faced similar one-day drops before; it usually recovers thanks to solid financial results and strong clinical and regulatory progress. Expect the biotech to do the same this time around. Vertex looks like a strong buy following its recent dip. 2. Netflix Netflix has been on fire over the past few years. Revenue growth has been strong, and the trend continues. In the second quarter, the top line increased by 15.9% year over year to $11.1 billion. The company has experienced profitable growth recently -- it's growing not only revenue, but also profit, margins, and free cash flow. The entertainment giant continues to benefit from the switch to streaming, but there is still plenty of white space ahead. According to management, the company still expects hundreds of millions of people to sign up on its platform. And subscriber growth isn't the only thing that will drive better results. Increased engagement, as measured by viewing hours, can help boost the company's relatively new advertising business. Netflix estimates that it has only captured about 6% of its revenue potential, leaving it with massive long-term opportunities as streaming continues to displace cable. Competition might be an issue, but thanks to its brand name and network effects, Netflix has built a solid moat. Valuation is another problem some investors might point to here. The stock is trading at around 48 times forward earnings, well above the average for communication services stocks, which is 20. However, Netflix is changing the entertainment world. The company might not realize its master plan for many years, perhaps even several decades, given the massive worldwide addressable market. That's what makes its stock so attractive. For those who want to go along for the ride, Netflix's shares remain a buy even at current levels. Should you invest $1,000 in Vertex Pharmaceuticals right now? Before you buy stock in Vertex Pharmaceuticals, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Vertex Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $663,630!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,115,695!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,071% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 185% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 13, 2025 Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Netflix and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2 Growth Stocks That Are No-Brainer Buys Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
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Vertex Resource Group Ltd. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
SHERWOOD PARK, AB, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - (TSXV: VTX) - Vertex Resource Group Ltd. ("Vertex" or the "Company") reports its financial and operational results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The following should be read in conjunction with the Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Vertex for the period ended June 30, 2025, which are available on SEDAR+ at Vertex operates within a dynamic North American landscape, marked by trade fluctuations and tariff uncertainties that have created challenges for several of the industries we operate in. Throughout the quarter, extensive forest fires and evacuations affected the execution of maintenance projects. Nevertheless, Vertex has demonstrated strategic resilience, as Environmental Consulting exceeded expectations and helped offset the impact on sectors within Environmental Services that are more susceptible to global volatility. Key financial results for the three and six months June 30, 2025, and 2024 are as follows: HIGHLIGHTSThree Months ended Six Months endedJune 30, June 30, (in thousands of Canadian Dollars) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Gross revenue 54,160 57,159 110,662 116,990 Less flow through subcontractor costs 3,930 460 9,310 1,782 Net revenue 50,230 56,699 101,352 115,208 Profit margin 12,225 16,521 22,942 29,867 Profit margin % 24 % 29 % 23 % 26 % Adjusted EBITDA (1) 6,371 10,047 11,592 16,947 Adjusted EBITDA % 13 % 18 % 11 % 15 % Free cash flow (1) 1,258 1,742 2,787 2,179 Adjusted EBITDA per share, basic and diluted (1) 0.06 0.09 0.10 0.15 Earnings per share, basic and diluted (0.03) 0.00 (0.05) (0.01) (1) See "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 Environmental Consulting net revenue increased by 13% compared to 2024. Environmental Consulting adjusted EBITDA(1) increased by 57% compared to 2024. G&A expenses were reduced by 10% compared to Q2 2024. Finance costs were reduced by 28% year-over-year due to reduced debt levels. Reduced loans and borrowings and lease liabilities by $2.9 million during the quarter. HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 Environmental Consulting net revenue increased by 5% compared to H1 2024. Environmental Consulting adjusted EBITDA(1) increased by 37% compared to 2024. G&A expenses were reduced by 12% compared to H1 2024. Finance costs were reduced by 23% year-over-year due to reduced debt levels. Reduced loans and borrowings and lease liabilities by $5.9 million during H1 2025. OUTLOOK The first half of 2025 has presented macroeconomic challenges that continue to pressure commodity prices, capital investment, and broader market sentiment. These factors have contributed to increased customer uncertainty, resulting in deferred investment decisions, subdued activity levels across key regions, and a shift in focus toward cash flow preservation and operational efficiency. While these factors have impacted Vertex, we remain resilient with a focused view of the evolving landscape. We remain committed to core objectives and have proactively adjusted our execution strategy to navigate current conditions. Cost management remains a top priority, and we are actively pursuing strategic adjustments to enhance our efficiency and strengthen our corporate framework. By reducing capital expenditures for the remainder of 2025, we are preserving liquidity and maintaining the flexibility needed to respond to emerging opportunities while continuing to reduce debt levels. When market conditions stabilize, Vertex is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities and deliver long-term value. Our cautious optimism reflects both the realities of the current environment and our confidence in the company's ability to thrive through disciplined execution and strategic agility. ABOUT VERTEX Since 1962, Vertex has been a leading North American provider of environmental services. Headquartered in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Vertex employs a staff of approximately 1,000 employees and lease operators that provide services to help clients achieve their developmental and operational goals. From initial site selection, consultation and regulatory approval, through construction, operation and maintenance, to conclusion and environmental cleanup, Vertex provides a wide array of services to customers operating in industries such as energy, mining, utilities, private development, public infrastructure, construction, telecommunications, forestry, agriculture and government. Vertex principally operates in Canada with select locations in the United States. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES This release includes certain terms or performance measures that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), including "Adjusted EBITDA". The data presented is intended to provide additional information that should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute measure of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The non-IFRS measures should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial statements and accompanying notes. A) "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-IFRS financial measure which is calculated by adjusting net income (loss) for the sum of income taxes, finance costs including interest accretion on lease liabilities, depreciation of property and equipment and right of use assets, amortization of intangible assets, share-based compensation, restructuring costs and impairment. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA as an indicator of its principal business activities operational performance prior to consideration of how its activities are financed and the impact of taxation, non-cash depreciation and amortization, restructuring costs and other non-cash expenses such as impairments required under IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is not necessarily comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is used by many analysts as an important analytical tool and the management of Vertex believes it is useful for providing readers with additional clarity on Vertex's operational performance. This measure is also considered important by the Company's lenders in determining compliance by the Company with the financial covenants under its lending arrangements. B) "Free cash flow" is a non-IFRS financial measure. The most directly comparable GAAP measure for free cash flow is cash flow from operating activities. A summary of the reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow is set forth in the table below. Management uses the term "free cash flow" for its own performance measure and to provide shareholders and potential investors with a measurement of the Company's efficiency and its ability to generate the cash necessary to fund its future growth expenditures, to repay debt and provide shareholder returns. C) "Adjusted Working Capital" is a non-IFRS financial measure which is calculated by reducing current liablities by the current portion of loans and borrowings, lease liablities and other liabilities. Adjusted working capital is used by Vertex to monitor its capital structure, liquidity, and it's ability to fund current operations. D) "Adjusted EBITDA per share, basic and diluted" is a non-financial measure which is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by the weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted. Reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and adjusted working capital are provided in the following tables. ADJUSTED EBITDAThree months ended Six months endedJune 30,June 30,2025 20242025 2024 Net (loss) income for the period (3,254) 563(5,627) (808) Add: Depreciation and amortization 5,824 6,39811,881 12,296 Finance costs2,065 2,8534,313 5,588 Impairment 2,707 -2,707 - Share-based compensation 17 6035 119 Income tax (recovery) expense (988) 173(1,717) (248) Adjusted EBITDA6,371 10,04711,592 16,947 FREE CASH FLOWThree months ended Six months endedJune 30,June 30,2025 20242025 2024 Cash flows from operating activities 6,131 10,80510,905 20,081 Changes in non-cash operating working capital items 55 (860)670 (3,216) Maintenance capex(3,227) (6,092)(5,213) (10,093) Cash interest (1,404) (2,125)(3,105) (4,133) Depreciation of right of use assets - real property (690) (1,001)(1,678) (1,903) Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 393 1,0151,208 1,443 Free cash flow1,258 1,7422,787 2,179 ADJUSTED WORKING CAPITAL June 30, December 31, 2025 2024 Current assets 54,925 64,767 Current liabilities, less53,273 61,417Current portion of loans and borrowings (11,240) (12,096)Current portion of lease liabilities (7,515) (8,778)Current portion of other liabilities (333) (1,000) Current liabilities (excluding current portion of loans and borrowings, lease liabilities, and other liabilities)34,185 39,543 Adjusted working capital 20,740 25,224 Forward-Looking Information This Press Release contains forward-looking statements and information ("forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are based on the expectations, estimates and projections of management of Vertex as of the date of this Press Release unless otherwise stated. The use of any of the words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "plan", "outlook", "potential", "estimated", "intends", "continue", "may", "will", "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this Press Release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated financial performance; the outlook for 2025; the Company's ability to grow profitably; sufficiency of working capital; and with respect to Vertex's ability to meet evolving customer demands. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to the risks associated with the industries in which Vertex operates in general, such as: Ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources Ability to market to new customers Ability to obtain equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner Ability to secure work Adjustments and cancellations of backlog Changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws and environmental regulations Collection of recognized revenue Commodity price, interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations Competition, ethics, and reputational risks Compliance with environmental laws risks Cyber-security risks Economy and cyclicality Geopolitical risks Global pandemics Health, safety and environmental risks Industry and inherent project delivery risks Insurance risk Joint venture risk Labour matters Litigation risk Loss of key management; ability to hire and retain qualified and capable personnel Maintaining safe worksites Operational risks Potential for non-payment and credit risk and ongoing financing availability Third party credit risk Unforeseen weather conditions Unanticipated shutdowns, work stoppages, and lockouts Volatility of market trading Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on other factors that could affect the operations or financial results of the parties, and the combined company are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to: Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which may be accessed on Vertex's SEDAR+ profile at The forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as, and to the extent required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Vertex Resource Group Ltd. View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
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Which Gene Therapy Technology Wins? New Data from Spherix Global Insights Reveals Emerging Hematologist Preferences in Beta Thalassemia Care
New research from Spherix Global Insights reveal Vertex/CRISPR Therapeutics' Casgevy holding a competitive edge over bluebird bio's Zynteglo as preferred beta thalassemia gene therapies. EXTON, PA, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the first wave of gene therapies for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) continues to roll out in the U.S., a new conversation is emerging within the hematology community: whether the future belongs to gene editing or gene addition. Recent physician survey data from Market DynamixTM: Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia reveal a clear shift in preference toward the CRISPR/Cas9-based therapy Casgevy with half of hematologists now favoring it, compared to just one-fifth for Zynteglo, a lentiviral vector-based therapy. The remaining respondents express no strong preference, citing similar efficacy and safety profiles in clinical trials. Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel, Vertex/CRISPR Therapeutics) uses CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to disable the BCL11A enhancer, reactivating the body's natural production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) – an oxygen-carrying molecule that can compensate for defective β-globin. 'Potential for more efficient editing and promising efficacy data,' one physician noted, adding that Casgevy's 'novel CRISPR platform' and accumulating real-world experience were compelling advantages. Zynteglo (betibeglogene autotemcel, bluebird bio) takes a different approach: inserting a functional HBB (β-globin) gene into a patient's hematopoietic stem cells via a lentiviral vector, restoring normal hemoglobin production. Physicians highlight its 'higher rate of transfusion independence (90–95% in long-term studies),' 'well-established safety profile,' and 'durable results' as support for their preference. While some clinicians see Casgevy as a leap forward in precision and efficiency, others value Zynteglo's longer track record and direct β-globin restoration. For many, the choice remains personalized, depending on patient genotype, treatment center expertise, insurance coverage, and patient or family comfort with each technology. Despite the promise of both therapies, physicians in suburban and rural areas report that demand for gene therapy exceeds available capacity. In addition, hematologists in the south and west are more likely to cite physical distance to certified gene therapy centers as a barrier. Even when centers are accessible, high upfront costs, lengthy insurance approvals, and constrained treatment slots can delay care. TDT is a severe inherited blood disorder requiring lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Gene therapy offers the potential for transfusion independence, but equitable access remains a critical challenge. Spherix will continue to monitor the hemoglobinopathy market, including thalassemia, through annual Market DynamixTM and Patient Chart DynamixTM services. Market Dynamix™ is an independent, data-driven service focused on understanding the evolving dynamics of specialty markets poised for disruption. Leveraging quantitative and qualitative research, the service evaluates current treatment approaches, unmet needs, and likely impact of pipeline agents over a three-to-five-year horizon. Patient Chart Dynamix™ is an independent service that includes robust patient chart audits and integrated specialist surveys fielded biannually. This research provides an in-depth, real-world view of treatment practices by combining verified patient data with attitudinal insights from physicians. The series highlights clinical decision-making, treatment sequencing, and outcomes for targeted patient populations across key therapeutic areas. About Spherix Global Insights Spherix is a leading independent market intelligence and advisory firm that delivers commercial value to the global life sciences industry, across the brand lifecycle. The seasoned team of Spherix experts provides an unbiased and holistic view of the landscape within rapidly evolving specialty markets, including dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, and hematology. Spherix clients stay ahead of the curve with the perspective of the extensive Spherix Physician Community. As a trusted advisor and industry thought leader, Spherix's unparalleled market insights and advisory services empower clients to make better decisions and unlock opportunities for growth. To learn more about Spherix Global Insights, visit or connect through LinkedIn. For more details on Spherix's primary market research reports and interactive dashboard offerings, visit or register here: Spherix Global Insights Contacts Sarah Hendry, Hematology Franchise Head NOTICE: All company, brand or product names in this press release are trademarks of their respective holders. The findings and opinions expressed within are based on Spherix Global Insight's analysis and do not imply a relationship with or endorsement of the companies or brands mentioned in this press release. CONTACT: Sarah Hendry, Hematology Franchise Head Spherix Global Insights 4848794284
