Latest news with #AXL
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Volatile Markets? Keep An Eye On These 5 Broker-Friendly Stocks
The U.S. stock market is likely to continue experiencing volatility, driven by ongoing uncertainty over trade policies, economic challenges and shifting investor sentiment. Even though the 90-day extension to the pause in higher tariffs against China serves as a breather, the lack of clarity on the tariff front means that volatility is unlikely to go away soon. This climate of uncertainty poses a significant challenge for investors seeking the right stocks to generate solid returns. A practical approach is to consider broker recommendations, as brokers are regarded as experts with in-depth knowledge of market intricacies. By taking this approach, broker-backed stocks such as American Axle & Manufacturing AXL, Brookdale Senior Living (BKD), Adient ADNT, Asbury Automotive ABG and AutoNation AN emerge as attractive options to consider for promising returns. We have designed a screen to shortlist stocks based on improving broker recommendations and upward revisions in earnings estimates over the past four weeks. Also, since the price/sales ratio is a strong complementary valuation metric in the presence of broker information, it has been included. The price/sales ratio takes care of the company's top line, making the strategy a well-rounded one. Screening Parameters # (Up- Down Rating)/ Total (4 weeks) =Top #75 (This gives the list of top 75 companies that have witnessed net upgrades over the last 4 weeks). % change in Q (1) est. (4 weeks) = Top #10 (This gives the top 10 stocks that have witnessed earnings estimate revisions over the past 4 weeks for the upcoming quarter). Price-to-Sales = Bot%10 (The lower the ratio, the better. Companies meeting this criterion are in the bottom 10% of our universe of over 7,700 stocks concerning this ratio). Current Price greater than 5 (as a stock trading below $5 will not likely create significant interest for most of the investors). Average Daily Volume greater than 100,000 shares over the last 20 trading days (Volume has to be significant to ensure that these are easily traded). Market value ($ mil) = Top #3000 (This gives us stocks that are the top 3000 in terms of market capitalization). Com/ADR/Canadian= Com (This eliminates the ADR and Canadian stocks). Here are five of the 10 stocks that made it through the screen: American Axle & Manufacturing: Its considerable strides and collaborations in the electric drive space and efforts to optimize its portfolio bode well for top- and bottom-line growth. Frequent business wins augur well for American Axle's prospects. AXL recently won several contracts, underscoring its strength in both electric and Internal Combustion Engine markets. AXL surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in each of the past four quarters by a massive average of 584.1%. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here Brookdale Senior Living: A steady increase in the weighted average occupancy rate suggests rising patient volumes, which bodes well for healthcare facility operators like Brookdale, whose primary revenue source depends on the patient base. Elevated occupancy levels are likely to drive higher resident fee revenues, which represent the most significant portion of Brookdale's total revenues. An uptick in resident fees is also expected to fuel growth in adjusted EBITDA. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BKD's 2025 earnings has been revised 7.8% upward from 2024's actuals. BKD shares are up 37.7% over the past six months. BKD currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. Adient: It has been gaining customers with its broad range of products. A diverse customer base and international presence have helped the company create a strong market position. Launch execution continues to be an area of focus for Adient and a key building block to win new business. Adient currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. ADNT beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the past four quarters, the average beat being 30.3%. ADNT reported lower-than-expected earnings in one of the past four quarters. Asbury's diversified product mix and multiple streams of income improve its risk profile and position it for top-line growth. Its e-commerce platform— Clicklane— is driving growth. Strategic buyouts are helping the auto retailer increase its market share. Asbury's rollout of Tekion's Automotive Retail Cloud is emerging as a strategic tailwind. Asbury currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. ABG beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in two of the past four quarters, the average beat being 5.9%. The company reported lower-than-expected earnings in the other two quarters. AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the nation, backed by a wide geographical footprint and a growing dealer network. Its ongoing store expansion strategy is helping AutoNation reach a broader customer base across key markets. Strategic acquisitions continue to fuel growth, including the recent purchase of two dealerships in the Greater Denver area. AutoNation is also leaning into digital transformation with its AutoNation Express platform, which streamlines online vehicle buying and selling. AN surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the past four quarters and missed the mark once. The average beat was 7.5%. AN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge. The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out. Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today. Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks' portfolios and strategies are available at: . Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AutoNation, Inc. (AN) : Free Stock Analysis Report American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AXL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (BKD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (ABG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Adient (ADNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
National Post
22-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
AXL teams with RSM Canada to build AI solutions for Canada's future
Article content TORONTO — AXL, a Canadian venture studio transforming world-class applied AI research into high-growth companies, and RSM Canada LLP ('RSM'), a leading global provider of assurance, tax and consulting services, have entered into a strategic collaboration. Together, the two organizations are driving innovation by challenging existing models and reimagining what's possible in professional services by integrating AI advancements with real-world business needs. Article content As part of the collaboration, RSM will serve as the exclusive provider of accounting, tax and consulting services to AXL, offering strategic guidance, compliance expertise, and growth planning support. Additionally, RSM will act as a preferred provider of these services to AXL's portfolio of startup companies. Article content RSM is also one of several leading Canadian organizations participating in AXL's AI Catalyst program, a corporate partnership initiative designed to validate and accelerate breakthrough ideas driven by real industry demand. The goal is to fast-track the commercialization of high-potential AI applications and ensure Canadian innovations are built into the country's economic future, rather than being exported before they scale. Article content 'Canada doesn't have an innovation gap, it has a commercialization gap,' says Dr. Daniel Wigdor, co-founder and CEO of AXL. 'With RSM, we're taking demand signals from the market and moving fast to turn that into scalable, enterprise-ready solutions. This is execution over hype. This is how Canada leads—not just in ideas, but in outcomes.' Article content Canada leads in AI academic research but struggles to retain its economic benefits, as much of its advancements are commercialized internationally. Article content Fewer than 20 per cent of mid-sized Canadian companies have begun adopting AI, according to the OECD, citing barriers such as limited technical talent, high costs and an uncertain return on investment. These findings are echoed in RSM's 2025 Middle Market AI Survey, which highlights similar challenges and underscores the need for practical, scalable AI solutions tailored to the middle market. Article content Meanwhile, nearly 75 per cent of AI patents from Canada's top institutes are acquired by international tech firms, with only 7 per cent remaining in the country. The United Nations also estimates that fewer than half of Canada's top AI innovations are ever patented, highlighting a critical disconnect between invention and impact. Article content By integrating real-time industry feedback, the AXL-RSM collaboration advances Canadian AI venture growth, commercialization and talent development, ensuring solutions scale domestically and drive lasting economic impact. Article content 'We're seeing incredible momentum around AI and the value it can unlock,' said Harry Blum, national managing partner at RSM Canada. 'With AXL as a strategic collaborator, we're accelerating innovation—helping businesses move beyond legacy models and positioning them to grow, compete and thrive in a future-ready economy, while embedding AI across our own solution sets.' Article content The relationship represents a direct commitment to Canada's AI ecosystem, powering homegrown innovation while reinforcing a shared commitment to helping Canadian businesses lead in the digital economy. RSM recently committed US$1 billion globally to AI, with a focus on helping middle market businesses adopt AI, especially those ready to innovate but lacking scale or resources. This initiative by RSM further aligns with AXL's vision of positioning Canada as a global leader in applied AI by bridging the gap between research and commercialization. Article content Together, AXL and RSM aim to unlock the next wave of AI-driven economic growth, bringing AI solutions that empower Canadian businesses and proving the benefit of AI not just in theory but in practice. Article content To learn more about how AXL is fuelling Canada's AI research-to-commercialization pipeline, visit their website at Article content About AXL Article content AXL is a Canadian venture studio transforming world-class research into high-growth companies that shape the future of applied AI. Led by seasoned tech entrepreneurs and applied AI experts, AXL's mission is to ensure Canada's top breakthroughs are built and scaled at home. By connecting academia with real market demand and full-stack venture creation, AXL helps Canada move from invention to impact, anchoring talent, intellectual property, and long-term economic value within the country. For more information, visit and connect with us on Article content About RSM Canada Article content RSM empowers middle market companies worldwide to take charge of change. The clients we serve are the engine of global commerce and economic growth. Our unique middle market perspective makes RSM the natural choice for growth-oriented, internationally active organizations seeking relevant insights and tailored, innovative solutions for a complex and changing world. With a global reach spanning more than 120 countries, we instill confidence in a world of change by bringing the full power of RSM to make a lasting impact on our clients, colleagues and communities. Article content RSM Canada LLP provides public accounting services and is the Canadian member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent assurance, tax and consulting firms. RSM Canada Consulting LP provides consulting services and is an affiliate of RSM US LLP, a member firm of RSM International. For more information visit like us on Facebook, follow us on X and/or connect with us on LinkedIn. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content For media inquiries: Article content Article content Article content Article content
Toronto Star
05-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
‘AI is Toronto's hidden opportunity:' Experts discuss how AI will reshape the workplace and transform Canadian industries
Three of the most influential voices in artificial intelligence say Toronto boasts a deep AI talent pool — but warn that the city must speed up innovation and scale its AI industry or risk losing its competitive edge. Avi Goldfarb, the Rotman Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Health Care, Joyce Drohan, Ontario's first Chief AI and Technology Officer, and Daniel Wigdor, co-founder and CEO of AXL, discussed how AI will reshape the workplace and the economy during a panel moderated by Toronto Star Editor-in-Chief Nicole MacIntyre at the city's Design Exchange on June 25.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Science seek to tap amazing healing powers of the mouth's interior
ST. PAUL, Minn., July 2 (UPI) -- The cellular action that enables the mouth's interior lining to heal quicky and without scarring has always been a mystery but a new study suggests it may be linked to a specific "signaling pathway." That new knowledge is raising hopes the mouth lining's healing powers could be applied to other skin wounds, which take far longer to heal and often leave permanent, unsightly scars, according to a preclinical study published Wednesday by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of California-San Francisco researchers. The study on mice provides evidence that the "Gas6/AXL" protein/enzyme signaling pathway is likely responsible for the mouth's amazing ability to heal itself completely from even deep bite wounds within a matter of days with no leftover scarring, the authors wrote in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Known as the oral mucosa, the mouth's interior lining heals fast and cleanly, even though it is continuously exposed to different types of microbes, abrasion from foods, motion and tension. This unique regenerative capacity is made possible by specialized gene programs activated during injury, but just how those mechanisms work has been unknown. In the study reported Wednesday, a research team led by Dr. Ophir Klein, executive vice dean of Children's Health at Cedars-Sinai and executive director of Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's in Los Angeles, found that by manipulating levels of the AXL enzyme they could affect how wounds healed. For instance, if they inhibited AXL in mice, the healing of oral mucosa wounds worsened, making them more like skin wounds. Conversely, when they stimulated AXL in facial skin wounds, they healed more efficiently and with reduced scarring, much like the oral mucosa. Boosting the levels of AXL suppresses the expression of another protein called Focal Adhesion Kinase, or FAK, which plays a significant role in scar formation during wound healing. Should future research validate the benefits for humans, the new knowledge could aid in developing new therapies to heal skin wounds with reduced scarring, Klein said. "We are actively thinking about harnessing AXL-driven repair in both the mouth and the skin, and perhaps in other tissues as well," he told UPI in emailed comments. "One application that comes to mind is to improve healing and reduce scarring in the skin for burn victims or those with other cutaneous disorders. "Another is that there are a number of diseases of the mouth, many of them autoimmune, in which severe oral ulcers form and heal poorly or not at all. These are different from canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, which many people get and which typically heal on their own; the more severe ulcers are difficult to treat and cause very significant illnesses, and we currently do not have good therapies for them." A related direction for research could focus on "obtaining a deeper understanding of the effects of AXL signaling on scarring and regeneration at a molecular level, in terms of other components of the signaling pathways," Klein added. "It will also be interesting to explore the role of this pathway in other tissues and organs, and in the context of distinct injuries and perturbations --for example, physical cuts vs heat burns vs irradiation versus chemical insults." Meanwhile, a pair of recent animal studies led by the University of Arizona in Tucson similarly have shown that the use of FAK inhibitors can make skin grafts look more like healthy skin and produce less scarring, raising hopes for a potential new treatment for survivors of blast wounds, burns and other major injuries. Kellen Chen, an assistant research professor in the university's Department of Surgery and lead author of those papers, said the current Cedars-Sinai study appears to add to a mounting list of evidence that "FAK acts as a central mediator of scarring in the oral mucosa gives additional credence to the importance of this factor." Chen was not involved with the new study. "A better understanding of how the oral mucosa heals without scarring through the FAK pathway will allow us to better develop therapies to target FAK for healing in the future," he told UPI. Chen said his team has the funding to pursue Food and Drug Administration approval for a FAK inhibitor, or FAKI, hydrogel therapy and expects to conduct human trials soon. The growing evidence that wound healing can be accelerated at the cellular level "could have strong clinical implications for the treatment of severe injuries for humans and animals, especially because there are zero FDA-approved treatments that reduce scar formation," he added. "Patients with severe injuries or burns can suffer a lifetime of pain and disfigurement from scarring. The potential to heal burn injuries with regeneration, rather than scarring, would dramatically change the lives of these patients." Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
UPI
02-07-2025
- Health
- UPI
Science seek to tap amazing healing powers of the mouth's interior
1 of 2 | The amazing ability of the mouth's lining to quickly heal itself without scarring is likely due to a specific cellular action that could be applied to skin wounds sustained elsewhere on the body, according to a study released Wednesday. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo ST. PAUL, Minn., July 2 (UPI) -- The cellular action that enables the mouth's interior lining to heal quicky and without scarring has always been a mystery but a new study suggests it may be linked to a specific "signaling pathway." That new knowledge is raising hopes the mouth lining's healing powers could be applied to other skin wounds, which take far longer to heal and often leave permanent, unsightly scars, according to a preclinical study published Wednesday by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of California-San Francisco researchers. The study on mice provides evidence that the "Gas6/AXL" protein/enzyme signaling pathway is likely responsible for the mouth's amazing ability to heal itself completely from even deep bite wounds within a matter of days with no leftover scarring, the authors wrote in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Known as the oral mucosa, the mouth's interior lining heals fast and cleanly, even though it is continuously exposed to different types of microbes, abrasion from foods, motion and tension. This unique regenerative capacity is made possible by specialized gene programs activated during injury, but just how those mechanisms work has been unknown. In the study reported Wednesday, a research team led by Dr. Ophir Klein, executive vice dean of Children's Health at Cedars-Sinai and executive director of Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's in Los Angeles, found that by manipulating levels of the AXL enzyme they could affect how wounds healed. For instance, if they inhibited AXL in mice, the healing of oral mucosa wounds worsened, making them more like skin wounds. Conversely, when they stimulated AXL in facial skin wounds, they healed more efficiently and with reduced scarring, much like the oral mucosa. Boosting the levels of AXL suppresses the expression of another protein called Focal Adhesion Kinase, or FAK, which plays a significant role in scar formation during wound healing. Should future research validate the benefits for humans, the new knowledge could aid in developing new therapies to heal skin wounds with reduced scarring, Klein said. "We are actively thinking about harnessing AXL-driven repair in both the mouth and the skin, and perhaps in other tissues as well," he told UPI in emailed comments. "One application that comes to mind is to improve healing and reduce scarring in the skin for burn victims or those with other cutaneous disorders. "Another is that there are a number of diseases of the mouth, many of them autoimmune, in which severe oral ulcers form and heal poorly or not at all. These are different from canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, which many people get and which typically heal on their own; the more severe ulcers are difficult to treat and cause very significant illnesses, and we currently do not have good therapies for them." A related direction for research could focus on "obtaining a deeper understanding of the effects of AXL signaling on scarring and regeneration at a molecular level, in terms of other components of the signaling pathways," Klein added. "It will also be interesting to explore the role of this pathway in other tissues and organs, and in the context of distinct injuries and perturbations --for example, physical cuts vs heat burns vs irradiation versus chemical insults." Meanwhile, a pair of recent animal studies led by the University of Arizona in Tucson similarly have shown that the use of FAK inhibitors can make skin grafts look more like healthy skin and produce less scarring, raising hopes for a potential new treatment for survivors of blast wounds, burns and other major injuries. Kellen Chen, an assistant research professor in the university's Department of Surgery and lead author of those papers, said the current Cedars-Sinai study appears to add to a mounting list of evidence that "FAK acts as a central mediator of scarring in the oral mucosa gives additional credence to the importance of this factor." Chen was not involved with the new study. "A better understanding of how the oral mucosa heals without scarring through the FAK pathway will allow us to better develop therapies to target FAK for healing in the future," he told UPI. Chen said his team has the funding to pursue Food and Drug Administration approval for a FAK inhibitor, or FAKI, hydrogel therapy and expects to conduct human trials soon. The growing evidence that wound healing can be accelerated at the cellular level "could have strong clinical implications for the treatment of severe injuries for humans and animals, especially because there are zero FDA-approved treatments that reduce scar formation," he added. "Patients with severe injuries or burns can suffer a lifetime of pain and disfigurement from scarring. The potential to heal burn injuries with regeneration, rather than scarring, would dramatically change the lives of these patients."
