Core Insights - Premarket trading is showing notable activity with significant price movements indicating potential trading opportunities before the market opens [1] Premarket Gainers - Chijet Motor Company, Inc. (CJET) is up 40% at $2.67 - JX Luxventure Group Inc. (JXG) is up 19% at $4.12 - Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (INSP) is up 15% at $103.50 - Epsium Enterprise Limited (EPSM) is up 15% at $4.14 - Oscar Health, Inc. (OSCR) is up 12% at $15.13 - Green Dot Corporation (GDOT) is up 11% at $13.21 - Butterfly Network, Inc. (BFLY) is up 6% at $2.82 - Cullinan Therapeutics, Inc. (CGEM) is up 5% at $10.00 - Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (VIR) is up 5% at $5.99 - Nvni Group Limited (NVNI) is up 5% at $3.17 [3] Premarket Losers - Clearside Biomedical, Inc. (CLSD) is down 69% at $0.82 - Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (TWNP) is down 20% at $2.84 - Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (SHPH) is down 15% at $1.35 - Mobile-Network Solutions (MNDR) is down 12% at $4.16 - Waldencast plc (WALD) is down 10% at $2.75 - authID Inc. (AUID) is down 9% at $1.21 - EZGO Technologies Ltd. (EZGO) is down 6% at $1.98 - SciSparc Ltd. (SPRC) is down 5% at $2.34 - Twin Vee Powercats Co. (VEEE) is down 5% at $1.70 - Agape ATP Corporation (ATPC) is down 5% at $1.22 [4]

Core Insights - Waldencast plc reported a 5.6% year-over-year increase in net revenue for Q2 2025, reaching $66.8 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 5.0% [2][10] - The company experienced contrasting performances across its brands, with Obagi Medical showing strong growth while Milk Makeup faced challenges in international markets [2][6] - Waldencast has updated its FY 2025 guidance to reflect current trends and investments aimed at long-term growth [1][8] Obagi Medical - Obagi Medical achieved double-digit net revenue growth in Q3 2025, driven by strong e-commerce and international market performance [3][19] - The brand is preparing for the launch of Obagi Saypha®, which will double its addressable market in the U.S. [3][4] - The sale of the Obagi Japan trademark for $82.5 million and credit facility refinancing has strengthened the company's balance sheet [5][8] Milk Makeup - Milk Makeup's net revenue for Q3 2025 was $25.2 million, a decline of 20.1% compared to Q3 2024, despite an 8% increase in U.S. consumption [20][23] - The brand's growth in the U.S. was supported by retail expansion and successful product launches, but international performance was weaker [6][20] - Transformation initiatives are being implemented to revitalize the brand, including team restructuring and increased investment in international markets [7][8] Financial Performance - For H1 2025, Waldencast's net revenue increased by 0.5% year-over-year to $132.3 million, with a net loss of $185.2 million primarily due to impairment charges [13][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for H1 2025 was $7.7 million, representing a margin of 5.8%, down from 13.4% in H1 2024 [15][16] - Q3 2025 net revenue decreased by 3.4% year-over-year to $67.8 million, with Obagi Medical contributing $42.6 million and Milk Makeup $25.2 million [18][23] Strategic Initiatives - Waldencast is conducting a strategic review to maximize shareholder value, having retained Lazard as a financial advisor [8][9] - The company is focused on building a leading dermatological megabrand at the intersection of skincare and medical aesthetics [4][5] - Continued investments in innovation, digital capabilities, and new distribution channels are expected to drive sustainable growth [25][24]

Core Insights - Obagi Medical's data on the saypha ChIQ™ product was recognized as one of the top 10 cosmetic oral abstract presentations at the ASDS Annual Meeting, indicating strong industry validation and interest in the product [1][2] - The pivotal study comparing Obagi saypha ChIQ™ with Juvéderm Voluma® XC demonstrated non-inferiority in effectiveness and safety, achieving high patient satisfaction across diverse skin types [2][6] - The Obagi Nu-Cil® BioStim™ Scalp Serum showed promising interim results in improving scalp health and hair appearance after three months of use [3][5] Product Development and Innovation - Obagi saypha ChIQ™ utilizes proprietary MACRO Core Technology, which creates a stable 3D HA matrix for natural-looking results, and is currently under FDA review [6] - The BioStim™ Complex in the Nu-Cil® BioStim™ Scalp Serum includes clinically proven actives such as biotin, amino acids, and peptides, aimed at promoting scalp health and strengthening hair follicles [5][6] - Obagi Medical's commitment to innovation is reflected in its extensive research and development efforts, as well as the introduction of new products with established safety profiles and high patient satisfaction [5][7] Market Position and Growth - Obagi Medical is recognized as the fastest-growing professional skincare brand in the U.S. in 2024, highlighting its strong market presence and consumer demand [7][8] - The company's strategic focus on expanding its aesthetic injectable market is supported by the positive reception of its products at industry events [5][6] - Waldencast, the parent company of Obagi Medical, aims to build a global beauty and wellness platform, enhancing operational scale and market responsiveness for its brands [8]

Core Points - Waldencast plc has sold its rights to the "Obagi" trademark in Japan to Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for USD $82.5 million [1] - The transaction is part of Waldencast's strategy to improve its capital structure and maximize shareholder value [5][6] Financial Transactions - Rohto has been licensing the "Obagi" mark since 2002, and royalties from this arrangement accounted for 3% of net revenue for the Obagi Medical business for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 [2] - Waldencast has entered into a new credit agreement with Lumina Capital Management for a secured first-lien term loan facility of $225 million, aimed at improving liquidity and supporting brand growth [3][4] - Proceeds from the sale to Rohto will be used to repay a significant portion of the new loan facility, further deleveraging the company's balance sheet [4] Strategic Focus - The company is currently reviewing a range of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, with the recent transactions reflecting this ongoing focus [5] - The CEO of Waldencast expressed that these transactions will substantially strengthen the company's balance sheet while exploring strategic options [6]

Core Insights - Waldencast plc is set to report its Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results and Q3 2025 Financial Results on November 24, 2025, without hosting a conference call due to an ongoing strategic review [1] Company Overview - Waldencast plc aims to establish a global best-in-class beauty and wellness operating platform by developing, acquiring, and scaling purpose-driven brands [2] - The company's brand-led business model focuses on customer proximity, business agility, and market responsiveness while preserving each brand's unique identity [2] - The initial step towards this vision was the business combination with Obagi Medical and Milk Makeup, allowing brands to leverage operational scale and expertise in managing global beauty brands [2]

Core Insights - Obagi Medical has launched the Nu-Cil BioStim™ Scalp Serum, a clinically proven product designed to promote fuller and denser-looking hair by improving scalp health [1][5]. Product Details - The Nu-Cil BioStim™ Scalp Serum is formulated with the BioStim™ Complex, which includes Biotin, Amino Acids, Peptides, and 18 essential Nutrients, B Vitamins, and Phytoactives to enhance scalp health and strengthen hair follicles [2]. - The serum is clinically proven to reduce dry fallen hair by 74% in three months and improve hair volume by 52% in less than six months [9]. Market Context - Hair loss and thinning are significant concerns, with two in three Americans over age 35 experiencing these issues [4]. - There is a growing demand for skincare-grade ingredients in hair care, with 56% of U.S. women seeking such products [4]. Company Background - Obagi Medical has over 35 years of experience in advanced skincare and is recognized as the fastest-growing professional skincare brand in the U.S. in 2024 [6]. - The company aims to meet evolving consumer needs with science-driven, high-performance formulas [5].

Core Insights - Waldencast plc has received FDA approval for Obagi saypha MagIQ™ injectable hyaluronic acid gel, marking its entry into the U.S. HA dermal filler market and aiming to double Obagi Medical's addressable market to approximately $4.2 billion by 2029 [1][2] Company Overview - Waldencast aims to build a global beauty and wellness platform by developing and scaling purpose-driven brands, with a focus on operational scale and market responsiveness [8] - Obagi Medical is recognized for its advanced skincare line with over 35 years of experience, initially known for treating hyperpigmentation [9] - Croma-Pharma GmbH, a partner in developing Obagi saypha MagIQ™, has over 40 years of expertise in HA-based treatments and has produced more than 110 million syringes [4][10] Product Details - Obagi saypha MagIQ™ utilizes proprietary MACRO Core Technology to create a stable 3D HA matrix, providing natural-looking results with high HA content and consistent gel distribution [3] - The product is expected to set a new standard in HA dermal fillers in the U.S., with a strong safety profile and proven innovation [2][5] Market Strategy - The launch of Obagi saypha MagIQ™ is planned for 2026, leveraging Obagi Medical's established network of practices and aesthetic professionals to enhance value for providers and patients [2][5] - The U.S. Nasolabial Fold pivotal study for Obagi saypha MagIQ™ included 270 patients and demonstrated non-inferiority to the control with similar safety profiles [5][6]

Core Business Update - Waldencast plc reported strong performance in H1 2025, with significant revenue growth in its core strategic channels, particularly in the U.S. and international markets [1][4][14] - The acquisition of Novaestiq Corp. is a strategic move that doubles Obagi Medical's addressable market in the U.S., marking its entry into the aesthetics space [6][17] - Milk Makeup experienced a strong retail sales performance in the U.S., with sales accelerating to the high-20s percentage growth in Q2 2025 [3][19] Financial Performance - The company anticipates net revenue growth in the low to mid-single digits for FY 2025, reflecting a more moderated industry environment [7][22] - Adjusted EBITDA margins are expected to be in the low to mid-teens, indicating strong operating discipline and cost management [7][22] Strategic Initiatives - Waldencast is conducting a strategic review to explore various alternatives aimed at maximizing shareholder value, with Lazard retained as a financial advisor [8][9] - The company is focused on refining its distribution strategy by exiting non-equity building distribution points and investing in supply chain improvements [5][6] Brand Performance - Obagi Medical achieved high single-digit growth in U.S. core strategic channels, with international growth accelerating to mid-40s in Q2 2025 [14][16] - Milk Makeup's digital presence expanded with the launch of Amazon Premium Beauty, contributing to its revenue growth [20][25] Market Challenges - The company faces challenges in international markets, including soft consumption and destocking by key retailers, which necessitates incremental investment [3][5][25] - Ongoing out-of-stock issues have limited overall growth, although improvements in stock levels are expected in the third quarter [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The entry of Waldencast Acquisition Corp. into the injectable aesthetic market through the acquisition of Novaestiq Corp. signifies a strategic expansion for the company, particularly for its brand Obagi Medical, into a rapidly growing segment of the beauty industry [1][3][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Waldencast has acquired Novaestiq, gaining exclusive rights to sell the Saypha® series of hyaluronic acid injection gels in the U.S. [1][7]. - The transaction allows Obagi Medical to extend its product offerings from professional skincare to dermal filler treatments, with the U.S. dermal filler market projected to reach $2 billion by 2029 [3][4]. - The specific terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but it marks Waldencast's first foray into the injectable aesthetic sector [3][4]. Group 2: Market Context - The U.S. is the largest market for injectable aesthetics, accounting for approximately 20.8% of global treatment procedures, with a significant increase in hyaluronic acid treatments [18][19]. - The competition in the injectable aesthetic market is intensifying, with major beauty brands like L'Oréal and Shiseido also entering the space [22][24]. - The global injectable market is primarily dominated by hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin, with hyaluronic acid showing a 5.2% year-on-year growth [18][19]. Group 3: Brand Performance - Obagi Medical has experienced rapid growth since its entry into the Chinese market in 2018, with annual revenue growth rates exceeding 400% from 2019 [15]. - However, due to the separation of its Chinese operations during the 2022 merger, Obagi's performance in China has declined significantly [15]. - In the latest quarter, Obagi Medical reported a 7.1% year-on-year revenue increase, contrasting with a decline in its sister brand Milk Makeup, which saw a 15.1% drop [17]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The potential for Saypha® in the injectable market is promising, but it will face substantial competition as more players enter the field [19][26]. - The emergence of new materials for injectable aesthetics, such as agarose and hydroxyapatite, indicates a diversification in product offerings, which could intensify competition [26][27]. - Success in the injectable aesthetic market will depend on Obagi's ability to establish unique technological advantages and maintain a strong brand presence [27].

Core Insights - Waldencast plc has acquired Novaestiq Corp, enhancing Obagi Medical's product portfolio with scientifically backed injectable products, positioning it as a leader in the health, beauty, and aesthetics convergence [1][2][6] - The acquisition allows Obagi Medical to expand into the U.S. dermal filler market, projected to reach $2 billion by 2029, effectively doubling its addressable market [1][2] - The Saypha line of hyaluronic acid injectable gels is currently undergoing FDA approval and is recognized for its safety and efficacy, supported by a robust clinical program [3][4] Company Strategy - Obagi Medical aims to integrate medical-grade skincare with aesthetic treatments, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes through a holistic, science-driven approach [2][5] - The company is focused on becoming the 1 Dermatological Mega Brand, leveraging a strategy that includes dermatological science, breakthrough innovations, and global expansion [5][6] - The acquisition is expected to create new growth opportunities and strengthen Obagi Medical's market position in the fast-evolving beauty and wellness industry [6] Product Details - Saypha products utilize proprietary technology for advanced HA treatments, ensuring natural-looking results and optimal gel characteristics [4] - The portfolio is backed by extensive clinical studies, emphasizing effectiveness across diverse skin types and tones [3][4] - The acquisition provides access to a future pipeline of novel injectables in North America, further diversifying Obagi Medical's offerings [2][3] Transaction Overview - The acquisition involves cash payments, ongoing royalties based on net sales of Saypha products, and contingent issuance of Waldencast class A shares based on FDA approval and revenue milestones [7] - The transaction reflects Waldencast's commitment to building a multi-brand beauty and wellness platform, enhancing operational scale and market responsiveness [8]