• Mesoblast reports Ryoncil revenue surge and improved cash spend

    Happy healthcare workers in a lab.

    The Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) share price is in focus today after the company reported a 44% jump in Ryoncil net revenue to US$28 million and an 85% improvement in net operating cash spend for the first fiscal quarter.

    What did Mesoblast report?

    • Net revenue from Ryoncil sales rose 44% to US$28 million (Q1 FY25: US$19 million)
    • Net operating cash spend improved 85% to just US$2.3 million (prior period: US$14.9 million)
    • Strong cash position: US$99 million at 30 September 2026
    • Record new patient starts in September after seasonal July/August slowdown

    What else do investors need to know?

    Mesoblast attributes its revenue growth and improved cash position to greater penetration and adoption of Ryoncil across 54 onboarded treatment sites. Ryoncil is the first and only FDA-approved mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for children under 12 with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

    The company is also focusing on disciplined capital management to support its commercial manufacturing and late-stage clinical programs. All reported results are preliminary and subject to audit.

    What’s next for Mesoblast?

    Looking ahead, Mesoblast plans to expand the reach of Ryoncil, further increasing adoption among eligible hospitals and clinics. The company is also progressing additional pipeline products targeting inflammatory diseases and is strengthening commercial partnerships overseas.

    Disciplined capital use and investment in late-stage clinical trials remain priorities. Management is focused on building sustainable growth while maintaining strong cash reserves.

    Mesoblast share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Mesoblast shares have declined 29%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

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    The post Mesoblast reports Ryoncil revenue surge and improved cash spend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • This ASX biotech could rise 40% or 750%, depending on who you ask

    Medical workers examine an x-ray or scan in a hospital laboratory.

    EBR Systems Ltd (ASX: EBR) disappointed investors this week when it announced it had implanted just 40 WiSE systems during the quarter, below its own forecast.

    The company’s shares are now down almost 90% over a 12-month period, but according to the analyst teams at both Bell Potter and Morgans, there’s upside to be had from there.

    It’s just that the two brokers differ wildly on how much upside there will be.

    Quarterly report fell short of expectations

    I’ll get to the specifics of their predictions shortly. First let’s have a closer look at what the company reported this week.

    EBR Systems has developed the world’s only wireless cardiac pacing device for heart failure – the WiSE system – and is in the early stages of its commercial roll out.

    In the third quarter the number of implantations was below previous quarters, with the company saying a change in management at its US operations, a change in strategy, and additional field training requirements led to the decline.

    EBR systems said it was recruiting to build out its commercial team in the US, with numerous searches under way.

    The company said:

    EBR continues to refocus field management and activities around deeper utilisation within activated accounts, increased procedural frequency and strengthened field training and support. These initiatives are intended to strengthen U.S. commercial execution, with benefits expected to build progressively as additional field training is completed and account activity increases.

    During the quarter EBR also completed the final tranche of a $150 million capital raising.

    Shares looking cheap, or very cheap

    Morgans said in its research note on the company that it understood a new sales strategy was needed.

    They said:

    Notably, WiSE adoption requires a sustained, high-touch sales effort, with representatives previously focused on prioritising the opening of new sites rather than supporting existing accounts and generating repeat procedures. Management is redirecting resources towards activated centres, strengthening territory accountability and changing its sales training model, with early feedback encouraging.

    Morgans said there was little visibility of sales going forward, with the company reporting encouraging signs in early October, but giving no formal guidance.

    They added:

    We continue to see value in WiSE’s differentiated technology, clinical utility and substantial potential market opportunity. However, disappointing execution, greater commercial intensity and uncertain adoption trajectory warrant more conservative forecasts and a materially lower valuation. We see the potential for a recovery in commercial momentum, although the investment case now hinges on evidence of execution rather than the theoretical size of the opportunity.

    Morgans lowered their price target from $1.95 to $1.20, which is still 757.1% higher than the current price of 14 cents.

    Bell Potter, on the other hand, lowered their price target from 70 cents to 20 cents, which would be a 42.9% return if achieved.

    EBR Systems is valued at $131 million.

    The post This ASX biotech could rise 40% or 750%, depending on who you ask appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Alcoa posts higher net income, sets sights on AliGroup completion

    Two business men looking at financial data, charts, and graphs on a digital tablet and a laptop computer.

    The Alcoa Corporation Ltd (ASX: AAI) share price is under the spotlight following the company’s third quarter 2026 results, which featured net income of $483 million and continued strong operational performance.

    What did Alcoa report?

    • Revenue of $3.7 billion for Q3 2026, down 7% from Q2 2026
    • Net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation rose to $483 million (Q2 2026: $407 million)
    • Adjusted net income: $485 million; adjusted earnings per share: $1.82
    • Adjusted EBITDA (excluding special items): $789 million
    • Free cash flow of $472 million for the quarter
    • Cash balance of $4.4 billion, including $2.6 billion in financing for the AliGroup acquisition

    What else do investors need to know?

    Alcoa increased aluminium production for the sixth consecutive quarter, with five smelters and one refinery hitting year-to-date volume records. The company completed the restart of its Alumar smelter in Brazil, supporting higher output.

    The major AliGroup acquisition from South32 advanced significantly, with funding secured and South32 shareholders approving the deal. The transaction is tracking for completion in the first half of 2027.

    Alcoa also entered into agreements to sell portions of its Massena East site in New York, targeting up to $315 million in potential proceeds over the next seven years, conditional on project developments.

    What’s next for Alcoa?

    Alcoa reaffirmed its 2026 alumina and aluminium production and shipment forecasts, expecting further gains in the fourth quarter as stability continues across its refineries and smelters. Management anticipates steady Alumina segment margins and some cost headwinds in the Aluminium segment due to higher raw material costs and scheduled maintenance.

    The company aims to close the AliGroup acquisition in early 2027, integrate these assets, and continue efforts to optimise its operating portfolio. Higher interest income from acquisition cash reserves and an increased annual interest expense are on the radar for Q4 and beyond.

    Alcoa share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Acola shares have risen 6%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has fallen 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Alcoa posts higher net income, sets sights on AliGroup completion appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.