Latest news with #Blaser
Chicago Tribune
11-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lake Forest College Board of Trustees chooses a Chicago area native to be the institution's next president
The Lake Forest College Board of Trustees has tapped West Chicago native Michael 'Mike' Sosulski to be its next president, the school announced. Sosulski, currently the president of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, is set to take over on August 11 at LFC. 'Growing up in suburban Chicago, I saw Lake Forest as the ideal liberal arts college — personal, rigorous, and full of opportunity. The chance to return home — personally and professionally — felt like a perfect fit,' Sosulski said in a statement. 'From the start, I was drawn to this community's spirit: smart, curious, creative, and deeply caring. That's a mission I deeply believe in, and I'm honored and excited to be part of it.' Sosulski has been president of Washington College since September 2021, per his LinkedIn page. At Washington, Sosulski oversaw a 120 % increase in applications, the start of a $5 million campus innovation hub, fulfilled a $20 million first-year housing renovation, and guided the school through its 10-year reaccreditation in 2024, LFC reported. Other parts of his nearly four-year run at Washington included $125 million in fundraising ahead of a capital campaign highlighted by a $15 million gift to start a new school concentrating on global business, economics, and social impact, LFC added. Before his selection as Washington's president, Sosulski was provost and professor of German at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Prior to that, he was an associate provost at Kalamazoo College where he also was an associate professor of German. Music is another focus of Sosulski's academic background, as he studied saxophone performance at the Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. Sosulski graduated with a BS in German from Georgetown University and then earned both an MA and PhD in Germanic studies from the University of Chicago. The LFC board unanimously supported Sosulski's selection as the school's 15th president. 'We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sosulski to Lake Forest,' LFC William Lowry said in the statement. 'His passion for liberal arts education, strategic leadership, and strong record of results make him the right person to guide the College into its next chapter.' The date for Sosulski's inauguration has yet to be determined, LFC spokeswoman Linda Blaser said. Sosulski succeeds Robert Krebs, who was named Interim President in December 2024 following the sudden departure of President Jill Baren. Blaser added that Krebs will remain on the LFC Board of Trustees. Blaser noted LFC currently has approximately 1,850 students and about 450 faculty and staff members.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Revealing Analyst Questions From QuidelOrtho's Q1 Earnings Call
QuidelOrtho's first quarter results received a strong positive reaction from the market, driven by better-than-expected profitability and stable core business performance despite a year-over-year revenue decline. Management attributed the quarter's momentum to cost-saving initiatives and robust growth in its labs and immunohematology businesses. CEO Brian Blaser highlighted that, excluding COVID and donor screening, the company achieved mid-single-digit revenue growth, largely due to strong clinical chemistry and immunoassay testing, as well as a solid flu season. Management emphasized that the company's operational discipline and focused strategy led to significant improvements in margins and earnings. Blaser stated, 'Our business faced unique challenges and an increasingly dynamic environment. The organization came together around our common mission with our customers at the center of everything we do.' Is now the time to buy QDEL? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $692.8 million vs analyst estimates of $689.8 million (2.6% year-on-year decline, in line) Adjusted EPS: $0.74 vs analyst estimates of $0.59 (24.9% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $159.8 million vs analyst estimates of $149.4 million (23.1% margin, 7% beat) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $2.71 billion at the midpoint Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $2.32 at the midpoint EBITDA guidance for the full year is $595 million at the midpoint, in line with analyst expectations Operating Margin: 4.7%, up from -247% in the same quarter last year Constant Currency Revenue fell 1.1% year on year (-15.5% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $2.04 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Conor McNamara (RBC): Asked how much of the tariff cost could be offset by pricing given the prevalence of reagent rental contracts. CEO Brian Blaser responded that selective pricing actions are possible but must consider market competitiveness, referencing the company's pandemic-era experience with inflation pass-through. Patrick Donnelly (Citi): Sought details on tariff exposures and confidence in mitigation. CFO Joe Busky explained that most products are U.S.-made, with primary tariff concerns relating to immunoassay products from the UK; he reiterated confidence that mitigation actions would fully offset gross impacts. Patrick Donnelly (Citi): Inquired about the Savanna program's ongoing commitment and timing. Blaser stressed a focus on completing the FDA submission, calling molecular diagnostics a priority while declining to speculate on outcomes beyond current milestones. Andrew Brackmann (William Blair): Questioned the basis for China growth guidance. Busky cited strong performance in labs and immunohematology, noting that visibility into these recurring businesses supports confidence in mid- to high-single-digit growth for the year. Jack Meehan (Nephron Research): Asked whether a shift toward flu combo testing is structural and implications if COVID revenues decline. Management highlighted the durability of the combo test, stating it continues to provide stable revenue despite a year-over-year drop in standalone COVID testing. In the coming quarters, our team will closely watch (1) the pace and effectiveness of the company's tariff mitigation strategies, (2) the FDA submission and potential approval timeline for the Savanna respiratory panel, and (3) sustained execution of cost control initiatives and their impact on margins. We will also monitor demand trends in key regions and the durability of the core labs segment as further indicators of performance. QuidelOrtho currently trades at $30.21, up from $25.82 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
A doomsday poop vault! Here's why scientists are freezing 10,000 samples of human feces
Swiss researchers are reportedly creating a "doomsday vault" of human feces. Their goal? To freeze and preserve 10,000 stool samples by 2029 in an effort to safeguard humanity's microbial heritage . Located in Switzerland, the Microbiota Vault is modeled after Norway's famous Svalbard Global Seed Vault. But instead of preserving crops, this project focuses on the microbes living in and around us—starting with the ones in our gut. Human feces contain billions of microbes essential for digestion, immunity, and overall health. So far, scientists have already frozen over 1,200 stool samples at -80°C (-112°F), with plans to collect thousands more from across the globe. The vault also houses nearly 200 fermented food samples and will eventually store environmental microbes too. Together, these form a global archive of microbial life vital to human, animal, and ecosystem health. Why Save Microbes? According to a June 27 commentary in Nature Communications , microbial diversity is under serious threat. Factors like industrial farming, climate change, antibiotics, and even modern diets are eroding the richness of microbiomes worldwide. And with that loss comes rising rates of chronic illnesses—ranging from autoimmune diseases to metabolic disorders. Live Events 'Our microbiome is under threat,' the researchers wrote. 'Microbe loss is associated with an alarming rise in chronic diseases.' Dr. Martin Blaser, co-author of the paper and director at Rutgers University's Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, warns that 'human activities are depleting our microbiome, and there's lots of evidence of that.' Preserving the Past to Heal the Future The Microbiota Vault began in 2018 with a pilot phase testing the feasibility of collecting and storing microbial samples globally. Contributions have come from countries like Brazil, Ethiopia, Laos, and Ghana. Now, the project is entering its 'growth' phase, aiming to secure a permanent cold-climate vault—ideally in Switzerland or Canada—and expand its microbial library significantly. Will freezing poop actually help future generations? Scientists believe that even if restoration isn't possible now, future medical advances could make it so. 'We believe that one day the science will improve sufficiently so that we will have really good restorative techniques,' said Blaser. In short: today's poop could be tomorrow's medical breakthrough.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
QDEL Q1 Earnings Call: Cost Savings and Tariff Mitigation Anchor 2025 Outlook
Healthcare diagnostics company QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) met Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales fell by 2.6% year on year to $692.8 million. The company's outlook for the full year was close to analysts' estimates with revenue guided to $2.71 billion at the midpoint. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.74 per share was 24.9% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy QDEL? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $692.8 million vs analyst estimates of $689.8 million (2.6% year-on-year decline, in line) Adjusted EPS: $0.74 vs analyst estimates of $0.59 (24.9% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $159.8 million vs analyst estimates of $149.4 million (23.1% margin, 7% beat) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $2.71 billion at the midpoint Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $2.32 at the midpoint EBITDA guidance for the full year is $595 million at the midpoint, in line with analyst expectations Operating Margin: 4.7%, up from -247% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $2.09 billion QuidelOrtho's first quarter results were shaped by growth in its core laboratories segment, stable immunohematology performance, and a robust flu testing season, offset by lower COVID-related and donor screening revenues. CEO Brian Blaser highlighted that the labs business, now over half of total revenue, delivered 7% year-over-year growth, while immunohematology grew 4%. Blaser credited the company's ongoing cost reduction initiatives—including staffing cuts and procurement efficiencies—for a 450 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin. The company also benefited from increased sales of its COVID-flu combination tests, which Blaser described as showing 'very stable performance,' helping mitigate the broader decline in COVID-only testing volumes. Management characterized the quarter as further evidence that its 2024 operational changes are positively impacting profitability and business stability. Looking ahead, QuidelOrtho's management sees its narrowed set of strategic priorities—expanding platform content, margin improvement, and targeted commercial execution—as key drivers for 2025. Blaser emphasized the company's plans to fully offset anticipated tariff headwinds, noting, 'We believe the incremental actions we are taking are sufficient to fully offset the tariff impacts as they stand today.' The company expects recurring revenues from consumables to underpin stability, supported by a diversified manufacturing footprint. CFO Joe Busky added that visibility into labs and immunohematology growth in China supports a mid- to high-single-digit outlook for that market, assuming the tariff environment remains unchanged. Management remains focused on delivering cost savings and maintaining profitability targets, while monitoring for potential shifts in COVID and flu testing demand. Management attributed the quarter's performance to solid growth in non-COVID segments, benefits from prior cost-reduction actions, and strong execution in the labs and flu testing businesses. Labs business momentum: Core laboratories led growth, with consistent demand in clinical chemistry and immunoassay testing, representing over half of Q1 revenue. Immunohematology stability: The immunohematology segment maintained its global leadership with steady 4% growth, particularly benefiting from strength in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Flu and combo testing resilience: Sales of flu tests and the COVID-flu combination test remained strong, offsetting the expected decline in pure COVID testing. The durability of the combo product contributed to recurring revenue streams. Cost savings initiatives: Operational changes—including staff reductions, procurement efficiencies, and expense controls—were credited with expanding non-GAAP margins and reducing operating costs. Management expects further incremental savings in 2025. Tariff mitigation efforts: The company outlined a multi-pronged strategy to counter expected $30–40 million tariff headwinds. Actions include re-sourcing materials, adjusting supply chains, selective pricing, and ongoing inventory repositioning. Management stated these steps are expected to fully neutralize tariff effects on financial results. QuidelOrtho's outlook for 2025 is anchored by recurring revenue growth in core segments, ongoing cost control, and strategies to manage external headwinds such as tariffs. Recurring consumables revenue: Management highlighted that over 90% of sales stem from consumables, providing a stable revenue foundation less susceptible to one-time instrument sales volatility. The company expects this model to drive consistent growth, especially in labs and immunohematology. Cost discipline and savings: The company is on track to realize the remainder of its $100 million annualized cost savings program, with additional procurement and cash flow initiatives expected to deliver a further $30–50 million in savings during 2025. These efforts are intended to support margin expansion even as the company faces external cost pressures. Tariff and macro environment management: Expected tariff headwinds are being addressed through supply chain adjustments, selective price increases, and cost reductions. Management expressed confidence that these measures will allow QuidelOrtho to maintain its guidance even if the tariff situation evolves, but noted that ongoing monitoring is required due to the dynamic nature of global trade policy. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) the pace at which cost savings and procurement initiatives translate into sustained margin gains, (2) the impact of tariff mitigation actions on both supply chain flexibility and pricing power, and (3) any changes in demand for respiratory testing—particularly the COVID-flu combination test. Progress on Savanna respiratory panel submission and broader product pipeline developments will also serve as key signposts for tracking execution. QuidelOrtho currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 12.1×. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Green Bay woman accused of giving drugs to hospitalized boyfriend, charged with homicide
(WFRV) – A Green Bay woman had her bail set at $25,000 after being charged with homicide and allegations of bringing drugs to her hospitalized boyfriend. According to a criminal complaint obtained by Local 5, 55-year-old Joelle Blaser is charged with homicide for her alleged role in the overdose death of her longtime boyfriend. Back on September 2, 2024, officers were sent to a rehabilitation center for a report of a man pulseless and breathless. Relentless search for missing Wisconsin woman continues through dangerous terrain, officers share message Staff at the center reportedly told authorities the man's significant other, identified as Blaser, was banned from the facility after allegedly giving him five Xanax a few days earlier. The complaint included text messages between Blaser and the victim that police claim show Blaser referencing drugs. The autopsy of the victim was listed as 'combined drug toxicity', and the fentanyl level was confirmed to be significantly high. On October 9, 2024 authorities spoke with Blaser. She said her and the victim were in a 14-year romantic relationship, the complaint said. Blaser reportedly denied bringing the victim drugs while he was hospitalized. On April 23, 2025, around 10:40 a.m., authorities took Blaser into custody. The complaint says Blaser admitted to leaving a bottle containing Xanax and fentanyl for the victim. She allegedly said the victim was going through withdrawals and was apprehensive about bringing drugs to the hospital, the complaint said. Blaser is charged with first degree reckless homicide and faces up to 60 years in prison. FBI arrests a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities Court records show she was in court on April 24 for her initial appearance. Her cash bond was set at $25,000. Blaser is set to be back in court on May 21 for her adjourned initial appearance. No additional information was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
