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On September 13th, according to an announcement from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Zhipu (02513.HK) announced the completion of a financing round of approximately US$5 billion, including a share placement of approximately US$2 billion and a convertible bond issuance of approximately US$3 billion. This financing will primarily be used for next-generation GLM models, a fully self-training system, and related computing infrastructure. According to the announcement, the share placement price was HK$714 per share, representing a discount of approximately 9.96% to the closing price before the announcement. The placed shares represent approximately 4.50% of the enlarged issued share capital. The convertible bonds have a zero-coupon structure, with an issue price of 100.5% of the principal and redemption at maturity. The initial conversion price is HK$892.50 per share, a premium of 25% over the placement price and approximately 12.55% over the closing price before the announcement. The combination of zero-coupon issuance and a premium issuance is a significant signal of this round of financing. With a clearer R&D budget and funding arrangements, Zhipus capital base for continuing training experiments, advancing model iteration, and improving its computing system has been strengthened, increasing its competitiveness in the next stage of global cutting-edge model competition.On September 13, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported, citing local Iranian officials, that an Iranian container ship was attacked by an unidentified projectile in the waters near the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one death and four injuries.On September 13th, market observers stated that Anthropic executives call to slow down technological development could drag down chipmaker and supply chain stocks in the short term, but the long-term impact is likely to be limited as spending on computing infrastructure remains strong. Semiconductor manufacturers and other AI-related stocks are likely to be hit hardest in Mondays initial sell-off as investors assess whether a more cautious approach to developing advanced models will dampen earnings. However, given that demand for chips, energy, and computing power continues to outpace supply, any weakness is likely to be temporary. Investors, including Gary Tan, portfolio manager at Singapore-based Allspring Global Investments, are skeptical about a lasting impact on the industry. "This could create some short-term pressure, but its unlikely to derail the long-term AI deal. AI development is still in its relatively early stages, and Im not sure if the rest of the ecosystem is willing to accept the current hierarchy and slow down while the technology is still evolving so rapidly," he said.On September 13th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media that Russia had launched approximately 2,100 drones (many of which were Shahed drones) at Ukraine this week alone. In addition, Russia used nearly 1,700 glide bombs and 78 rockets of various types in an attempt to paralyze the Ukrainian economy and disrupt peoples lives. This night and this morning, energy, Ukrainian railways, businesses, and ordinary residences were attacked. The Russian military attacked Odessa with rockets and drones. Recovery work is still underway in many western regions following the nights attacks.On September 13, Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatoburo) CEO Likhachev stated that Ukrainian forces deliberately attacked a convoy of oil tankers carrying diesel fuel for the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant at 2:28 PM on September 11. The attack resulted in the deaths of two Russian soldiers and injuries to several others. Likhachev said that Ukraines deliberate provocation regarding the nuclear power plant has unpredictable consequences. Ukraine has not yet responded.

Attorney General Martin O'Malley Announces $276 Million Opioid Settlement With J&J, McKesson, And Endo

Charlie Brooks

Apr 20, 2022 10:04

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McKesson will provide $141 million to the state's efforts to tackle the opioid problem, while Johnson & Johnson and Endo will contribute $70.3 million and $25 million, respectively, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Additionally, the three corporations will pay $40 million in legal expenses.


The state had charged McKesson with failing to prevent opioid diversion for criminal reasons and the drugmakers with false marketing techniques that minimized the addiction dangers associated with their medications. Both businesses have denied any wrongdoing.


J&J, the maker of Duragesic and Nucynta, claimed it no longer offers prescription opioids in the United States and that its previous marketing activities were "appropriate and acceptable."


McKesson and Endo did not reply to calls for comment immediately.


Alabama was one of four states that rejected to join a $26 billion national settlement of opioid lawsuits reached in February by McKesson, two other major U.S. distributors, and J&J. [L1N2V01ZA]


"These three settlement agreements reaffirm my decision to withdraw from the national opioid settlements, which failed to sufficiently recognize the specific suffering suffered by Alabama residents," Marshall said in a statement.


Alabama would get a larger payment from McKesson and a speedier payment from J&J, Marshall said, compared to what the state would have gotten under the national settlement.


Alabama would have earned $115 million over 18 years from McKesson and $70.3 million over nine years from J&J under the national settlement structure. According to Marshall, the revised deal requires J&J to make full payment within a year, while McKesson will do so within nine years.


The state was on the point of bringing McKesson to trial, with opening arguments slated on Monday until the two parties agreed to a postponement.


Alabama's agreement comes amid a flood of state government lawsuits and settlements over the United States' opioid problem, which has resulted in more than 500,000 overdose fatalities over the last two decades, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


West Virginia announced a $99 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson on Monday and is currently prosecuting drugmakers Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA) and AbbVie's Allergan (NYSE:AGN) subsidiary.


In March, Florida achieved opioid settlements totaling more than $878 million with CVS Health Corp (NYSE:CVS) and three pharmaceutical firms, and on April 11, the state opened a trial against drugstore chain Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA).