Stockwinners Market Radar for June 26, 2017 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

19:21 EDT PDC Energy CEO 'disappointed' with Clean Air Act complaint - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice and the State of Colorado filed a civil Complaint for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and related state regulations against PDC Energy. President and Chief Executive Officer, Bart Brookman, commented, "We're obviously very disappointed with today's filing as we have been in continuous discussions with the EPA, DOJ and State of Colorado for over a year. Since the company's original disclosure of this matter in November 2015, we have worked diligently to design, maintain and operate our production facilities in compliance with the guidelines of not only the Clean Air Act, but all relevant regulations. Though it is too early to know the ultimate outcome of this Complaint, we are confident in our ability to work together with all regulatory agencies in coming to an agreeable solution without extended litigation. We will continue to operate responsibly, and our priorities remain the safety of our employees, the environment and the communities in which we live and operate."

19:04 EDT General Motors lowers view of 2017 U.S. car industry - On a conference call earlier regarding its Opel/Vauxhall transaction as well as general industry trends in the U.S., General Motors executives stated: "As we started the year our original guidance was for U.S. light vehicle [seasonally adjusted annual unit sales rate] in the mid-17M range, essentially flat on a year over year basis versus 2016. Based on results through May and as we look at June, we would now expect U.S. light vehicle SAAR to be in the low-17M unit range. Importantly, most of that reduction continues to be in the fleet space, while retail SAAR is fundamentally flat versus 2016 and in line with our expectations for the year. We continue to see strength in pricing and volume in trucks and crossovers, with relative weakness in passenger car volumes, so nothing new on that dimension. Residuals continue to be a headwind, but we've really not changed our view on the full year for 2017 residual value declines and used car pricing headwinds in the range of 7%."

18:52 EDT General Motors raises expected Opel sale charge to $5.5B - On a conference call earlier regarding its Opel/Vauxhall transaction as well as general industry trends in the U.S., General Motors executives said they continue to expect the sale of Opel/Vauxhall to close before year end, but warned of increased special charges: "I also wanted to take the opportunity today to update you on the special charge that will be associated with the transaction. We had originally guided to approximately $4B. We increased that guidance with Q1 earnings to $4.5B. We now expect it to be in the range of $5.5B. The estimated charge and the increase of $1B compared to our Q1 estimate is the result of costs resulting from the sale, including contract cancellation charges on certain product programs as we accelerate convergence of portfolio and architectures; commitments to provide transitional service to PSA post sale -- importantly these were always part of the economics of the transaction, they're just now being pulled into the charge at closing -- and then continued investment in the business as we move through the first several months of this year. Our original estimates were based on balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. Importantly the special charges, as we've communicated in the past, are primarily non-cash."

18:33 EDT Facebook Messenger adds filters, masks to video chat - Facebook (FB) announced that its Messenger app is adding "awesome new features -- like animated reactions, filters, masks and effects" to its video chat. Other publicly traded companies in the social media and messaging space include Snap (SNAP). Reference Link

18:05 EDT IBM selected by Digital Trade Chain Consortium to build blockchain platform - IBM (IBM) announced that it has been selected by a consortium of seven of Europe's largest banks to build and host a new trade finance platform based on IBM Blockchain powered by Hyperledger Fabric. The platform is designed to simplify and facilitate domestic and cross-border trade for small and medium enterprises in Europe, while helping to increase overall trade transaction transparency. Through a global competitive bidding process, IBM was selected by the Digital Trade Chain Consortium which consists of Deutsche Bank (DB), HSBC (HSBC), KBC, Natixis (NTXFF), Rabobank, Societe Generale (SCGLY) and Unicredit (UNCFF).

18:00 EDT NAVER to acquire Xerox Research Centre Europe - NAVER Corporation and Xerox announced an agreement for NAVER to acquire the Xerox Research Centre Europe in Grenoble, France. The French Works Council's consultation on this project has now been completed and the agreement is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to fulfillment of certain customary conditions. Once the sale becomes final, all 80 plus researchers and administrative staff are expected to become part of NAVER. Xerox will maintain ownership of intellectual property and arrange licensing agreements with NAVER.

17:49 EDT Arconic issues statement on Reynobond PE - Arconic issued the following statement: "The loss of lives, injuries and destruction following the Grenfell Tower fire are devastating, and our deepest condolences are with everyone affected by this tragedy. We have offered our full support to the authorities as they conduct their investigations. While the official inquiry is continuing and all the facts concerning the causes of the fire are not yet known, we want to make sure that certain information is clear: Arconic supplied one of our products, Reynobond PE, to our customer, a fabricator, which used the product as one component of the overall cladding system on Grenfell Tower. The fabricator supplied its portion of the cladding system to the facade installer, who delivered it to the general contractor. The other parts of the cladding system, including the insulation, were supplied by other parties. We were not involved in the installation of the system, nor did we have a role in any other aspect of the building's refurbishment or original design. While we provided general parameters for potential usage universally, we sold our products with the expectation that they would be used in compliance with the various and different local building codes and regulations. Current regulations within the United States, Europe and the U.K. permit the use of aluminum composite material in various architectural applications, including in high-rise buildings depending on the cladding system and overall building design. Our product is one component in the overall cladding system; we don't control the overall system or its compliance. Nevertheless, in light of this tragedy, we have taken the decision to no longer provide this product in any high-rise applications, regardless of local codes and regulations."

17:35 EDT On The Fly: After Hours Movers - HIGHER: Esperion (ESPR), up 1.7% after it said that the FDA confirmed a pathway for approval of its bempedoic and ezetimibe combination... J.C. Penney (JCP), up 0.9% after the stock was upgraded to Hold from Reduce at Godon Haskett. LOWER: Finjan Holdings (FNJN), down 9.7% after it announced a common stock offering... Neos Therapeutics (NEOS), down 4.8% after it announced a $30M common stock offering... Western Digital (WDC), down 2.5% after it raised its fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share view but maintained its Q4 revenue guidance... Seagate (STX), down 2.1% after the Western Digital news... bluebird bio (BLUE), down 2.1% after it announced an offering of $350M of common stock.

17:26 EDT Steadfast Capital reports 5.4% passive stake in trivago

17:17 EDT Blackbaud to replace CST Brands in S&P 400 at open on 6/29 - Alimentation Couche-Tard (ANCUF)is acquiring CST Brands(CST) in a deal expected to be completed soon pending final closing conditions.

17:07 EDT Bank of the Ozarks completes internal reorganization - Bank of the Ozarks announced the completion of its previously announced corporate reorganization in which Bank of the Ozarks, Inc., the parent holding company, was merged with and into the bank, with the bank continuing as the surviving corporation. "The primary purpose of the reorganization is to create a more efficient corporate structure by eliminating the bank's holding company. The business operations, directors and executive officers of the bank will not change as a result of the reorganization," the company said. The common stock of the bank will trade on the NASDAQ under the same ticker symbol with the same CUSIP number.

17:03 EDT Baytex Energy estimates Q2 averate production at 72,500 boe/d, up 5% - Baytex Energy provided an updated on its operational progress during the second quarter of 2017 in accordance with its business plan. "Based on field estimates for June, our average production during Q2/2017 is estimated at 72,500 boe/d representing a 5% increase over Q1/2017. We estimate our production in the first half of this year to be 70,900 boe/d. During the second quarter, exploration and development capital expenditures are estimated at $78 million, bringing the aggregate spending in the first half of 2017 to about $174M. Production from our Eagle Ford area properties during Q2/2017 is estimated at 38,500 boe/d, an increase of 7% over Q1/2017. During the second quarter we averaged 4-5 drilling rigs and 1-2 completion crews on our lands and expect to bring approximately 35 gross wells on production. We continue to see strong well performance driven by enhanced completions in the oil window of our acreage with the cost to drill, complete, equip and tie-in a well of $4.6M-$4.9M. In Canada, Q2/2017 production is estimated at 34,000 boe/d, an increase of 2% over Q1/2017. We continued to advance our operated drilling program, including the drilling of two multi-lateral wells at Peace River with initial 30-day performance ranking among the top oil wells drilled in Alberta during this period. Our Seal 7-16-82-18W5 well, comprised of 13 laterals for a total of 19,276 metres drilled, delivered a 30-day initial production rate of 614 bbl/d. Our Seal 13-28-83-19W5 well, comprised of 14 laterals for a total of 16,290 metres drilled, delivered a 30-day initial production rate of 489 bbl/d. Notwithstanding the excellent production results achieved in the first half of the year, we have elected to maintain our 2017 production guidance at 68,000 to 70,000 boe/d due to the prevailing volatility in commodity prices. Similarly, we are maintaining our capital budget guidance at $325M-$350M. We will continue to employ a flexible approach to prudently manage our capital program as we target capital expenditures at a level that approximates our funds from operations."

16:57 EDT Integrated Core Strategies reports 6.9% passive stake in AK Steel

16:39 EDT Emclaire Financial appoints Engles as CFO, Lucco as risk and strategy chief - Emclaire Financial, parent holding company of The Farmers National Bank of Emlenton, announced the appointment of Matthew Lucco to Senior Vice President, Chief Risk and Strategy Officer. Lucco has been with the bank since 2010, most recently having served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Credit Officer. Separately, the company announced the promotion of Amanda Engles to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Engles has served as Vice President and Controller of the bank since 2007.

16:34 EDT Air Lease announces delivery of Boeing 737-800 to Royal Air Maroc - Air Lease (AL) announced the placement and recent delivery of one Boeing (BA) 737-800 aircraft on long-term lease to Royal Air Maroc.

16:33 EDT XL-Cayman waives financing condition for tender offers - XL Group announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary XLIT, or XL-Cayman, is waiving the financing condition with respect to its previously announced tender offers relating to the Series D Preference Ordinary Shares of XL-Cayman, the Series E Preference Ordinary Shares of XL-Cayman, the Non-Cumulative Preference Preferred Shares of Catlin Insurance Company and the 5.500% Subordinated Notes of XL-Cayman due 2045. "XL-Cayman is waiving the financing condition as a result of the successful pricing of its Euro denominated Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2047, which are expected to settle on June 29," the company said. XL-Cayman also announced it is amending the price determination date with respect to the 2045 Notes Offer from July 6 to June 30.

16:31 EDT TOP Ships reports $4.2M in cash, cash equivalents post reverse stock split - TOP Ships reports its updated key financial information giving effect to the reverse stock split on June 23, 2017. Key Financial Information as of June 23, 2017, post reverse stock split: Cash and cash equivalents: approximately $4.2M, or $2.91 per share; Book value of vessels, net: approximately $123.4M; Debt outstanding balance: approximately $113.8M; Number of Shares Outstanding: 1,443,092.

16:16 EDT New Media rebrands propel business services unit, renames it UpCurve - New Media Investment announced that its small and medium-sized business solutions provider, formerly known as Propel Business Services, has been rebranded as UpCurve. In addition, the digital marketing services of UpCurve, previously known as Propel Marketing, will be marketed under the ThriveHive name.

16:11 EDT KemPharm granted patent for KP746, a prodrug of oxymorphone - KemPharm announced a further enhancement to KemPharm's U.S. and global intellectual property estate governing its portfolio of prodrug product candidates with the addition of a patent for KP746, a prodrug of oxymorphone. KemPharm was recently issued a patent for its patent application entitled "Benzoic acid, benzoic acid derivatives and heteroaryl carboxylic acid conjugates of oxymorphone, prodrugs, methods of making and use thereof." The patent, which extends through 2035, provides compositions of matter for treating moderate to severe pain, specifically comprising a compound and compositions of oxymorphone conjugated to 6-diflunisal.

16:10 EDT Esperion says FDA confirms pathway for approval of bempedoic, ezetimib combo - Esperion Therapeutics announced the FDA recently confirmed the regulatory pathway to approval for the once-daily, oral combination pill of bempedoic acid 180 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg. Based on feedback received from the FDA, Esperion plans to initiate a single global pivotal Phase 3 bridging study for the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination pill that will be conducted concurrently with the ongoing global pivotal Phase 3 program for bempedoic acid. The Phase 3 bridging study will support approval for an LDL-C lowering indication in both the U.S. and Europe. The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination, a convenient, cost-effective, once-daily, oral pill. Additional design details for this study will be provided upon initiation by Q4 of 2017, with top-line results expected by the end of 2018. In tandem with the NDA submission for bempedoic acid, the company plans to submit a NDA for an LDL-C lowering indication for the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination through the available abbreviated 505(b)(2) pathway by the first half of 2019. The company also expects to submit a MAA for an LDL-C lowering indication for the bempedoic acid / ezetimibe combination, consistent with the European Medicines Agency's "Guideline on Clinical Development of Fixed Combination Medicinal Products," in tandem with the MAA submission for bempedoic acid by the first half of 2019.

16:06 EDT bluebird bio: Initial cohort of Starbeam Study patients met primary endpoint - bluebird bio announced topline interim data from the initial cohort of 17 patients in the ongoing Phase 2/3 Starbeam Study evaluating Lenti-D investigational gene therapy in boys under 18 years old with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. "The hope that Lenti-D may benefit boys facing such a devastating disease inspires all of us at bluebird," said David Davidson, M.D., chief medical officer, bluebird bio. "Having this proportion of the initial cohort of patients meet the primary endpoint is truly gratifying, bringing us one step closer to our goal of making Lenti-D available for patients with CALD. The two patients who did not meet the primary endpoint underscore the devastating nature of CALD, the importance of early diagnosis through newborn screening, and the challenges of the current standard of care with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Patient 2016 had not experienced an MFD, but withdrew from the study due to radiographic progression of disease and underwent an allogeneic HSCT. He subsequently died from complications of the allogeneic transplantation. Patient 2018, as previously reported in April 2016, had rapid disease progression beginning early in his participation in the study, resulting in a neurological function score of 5. The rapidity of his disease progression suggests it would have been difficult to alter his early neurological decline given that transplant takes months to exert a therapeutic effect in CALD. Our hearts go out to these two boys and their families. Our program would not be possible without our brave patients and their families, and we are tremendously grateful for their participation." As of June 13, 2017, 17 patients with CALD have completed 2 years of follow-up post-Lenti-D treatment, with 15/17, or 88%, remaining free of major functional disabilities, the primary endpoint of the trial. This exceeds the pre-defined interim efficacy benchmark for the study of MFD-free survival of 76%, derived from the literature and based on clinical data from an earlier observational study describing that natural history of CALD and outcomes from allogeneic HSCT. In the Starbeam Study, the safety profile of Lenti-D was consistent with myeloablative conditioning. No patients treated with Lenti-D had graft versus host disease, and there was no graft rejection or clonal dominance. In December 2016, bluebird bio announced that the Starbeam study had been expanded to treat eight additional patients at sites in Europe and the US, and the study is currently enrolling the additional patients. The expansion of the study is intended to enable the first manufacture of Lenti-D in Europe, the subsequent treatment of subjects in Europe, and to bolster the overall clinical data package for potential future regulatory filings in the United States and Europe.

16:01 EDT Preferred Bank receives permit to raise new capital - Preferred Bank announced that it has received a Negotiating Permit from the Department of Business Oversight to raise up to $50M in new capital. The Permit will expire on December 20 and specifically allows Preferred Bank to offer to sell securities.

15:51 EDT Assured Guaranty says takes step towards combining European units - Announcing a step toward combining the portfolios and operations of its four international financial guaranty insurance companies, Assured Guaranty said that Assured Guaranty Europe has acquired the other three companies involved in the combination, Assured Guaranty London, Assured Guaranty UK and CIFG Europe. The ultimate result of the planned combination will be the merger of AGLN, AGUK and CIFG EU with and into AGE, with AGE as the surviving entity. Upon the merger, obligations and bonds insured by AGLN, AGUK and CIFG EU will become insured obligations of AGE and, therefore, receive AGE's financial strength ratings. AGE is working to complete the combination by the end of 2017, the company noted. The combination is subject to various insurance regulatory approvals and, in addition, the approval of the U.K. High Court is required for the transfers of the AGUK and AGLN portfolios to AGE.

15:36 EDT IRSA Propiedades Comerciales trading halted, volatility trading pause

14:41 EDT Kitov sees formal filing of NDA for KIT-302 by end of Q3 - Kitov Pharmaceuticals (KTOV) announced that it has begun the process of digitizing its New Drug Application, or NDA, for KIT-302, its lead drug candidate, through Parexel International (PRXL), which has been engaged by Kitov for the preparation of the NDA into the standard, accepted electronic format of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In accordance with the FDA's usual practice, within 60 days of its receipt of the electronic submission of the complete set of NDA modules, the FDA is expected to determine whether the NDA is complete and acceptable for filing. As such, Kitov expects that the formal filing of the NDA by the FDA will occur by the end of the third quarter of 2017. "While we experienced unexpected delays in the provision of certain technical documentation from external service providers, we are pleased with the quality of our NDA submission modules, and we expect the FDA to complete its review and filing of the NDA within the standard 60 days. We are still on track to meet our anticipated Prescription Drug User Fee Act date with FDA approval for marketing of KIT-302, during the second quarter of 2018," said Kitov's Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer J. Paul Waymack.

14:13 EDT Harley-Davidson moves lower, shares down 1% to $54.83

14:01 EDT Park Electrochemical reaches long-term purchase agreement with GE Aviation unit - Park Electrochemical (PKE) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Park Aerospace Technologies Corp., and MRA Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE Aviation (GE), have entered a Long-Term Agreement for the purchase of composite materials used in the manufacture of engine nacelles and thrust reversers. This Agreement builds upon a business relationship originating in 2013, when the PATC products were first specified in MRAS designs. The PATC composite materials covered by the Agreement include multiple product forms based upon Park's proprietary E-752 and E-752LT resin systems. Additional materials currently under development may be added upon agreement by the parties.

13:40 EDT Cato Corp. director acquires 3,000 common shares - In a regulatory filing, Cato Corp. director Edward I Weisiger, Jr. disclosed the purchase of 3,000 common shares of the company in three amounts in a transaction dated June 23, 2017. The first amount of 620 shares was bought at $17.18 per share, the second amount of 200 shares was bought at $17.19 per share, and the third amount of 2,180 shares was bought at $17.20 per share.

13:32 EDT United Here says ISS recommends Red Rock investors withhold votes for directors - UNITE HERE announced that proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services recommends that shareholders of Red Rock Resorts, Inc. withhold their votes for all five directors - Frank J. Fertitta III, Lorenzo J. Fertitta, Robert A. Cashell, Jr., Robert E. Lewis, and James E. Nave - at the company's July 6, 2017 meeting of stockholders. "We are pleased that ISS agrees with us that Red Rock shareholders should withhold their votes on the company's directors," said Jason Kordosky of UNITE HERE, which sent a report to shareholders on critical issues related to Red Rock's corporate governance and related-party transactions. "Investors deserve to see fundamental change in corporate governance at the highest level of Red Rock Resorts." In making its recommendations against the directors, ISS notes the "problematic capital structure in connection with the company's IPO that adversely impact shareholder rights" and "the board's failure to remove, or subject to a sunset requirement, the adverse governance provisions implemented at the time of the IPO that adversely impact shareholder rights."

13:19 EDT Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, YouTube form global forum to counter terrorism - Facebook (FB), Microsoft (MSFT), Twitter (TWTR) and Alphabet's (GOOG) YouTube announced the formation of the "Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism," which the companies said will help continue to make their consumer services "hostile" to terrorists and violent extremists. "We believe that by working together, sharing the best technological and operational elements of our individual efforts, we can have a greater impact on the threat of terrorist content online," the companies said, adding that the new effort "will formalise and structure existing and future areas of collaboration between our companies and foster cooperation with smaller tech companies, civil society groups and academics, governments and supra-national bodies such as the EU and the UN." The group's work will initially focus on technological solutions, research, and knowledge-sharing. Reference Link

13:09 EDT Apple CEO: 'Inspired' by Indian PM Modi's vision - Following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted: "Great to see you again @narendramodi. We're inspired by your vision for India and excited about what we can achieve together." Reference Link

12:58 EDT Novo Holdings cuts Reata Pharmaceuticals stake to 11.3% from 18.3%

12:39 EDT NeuroMetrix names Xuan Kong as Chief Data Scientist - NeuroMetrix provided an update on its data science initiative and the related Quell Health Cloud. The Quell Health Cloud has over thirty thousand registered Quell users, and growing. The company expects to report additional results at clinical and connected health meetings over the next year. In connection with the company's expanding data science initiative, Dr. Xuan Kong has been promoted to Chief Data Scientist. Dr. Kong has been with NeuroMetrix for nearly 20 years, most recently as SVP of Research and Intellectual Property.

12:20 EDT Nintendo announces Super NES Classic Edition available September 29 - Nintendo announced that, on September 29, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System is coming back to stores in the form of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super NES Classic Edition. The mini system, which contains 21 pre-installed classic games and can easily be plugged into any high-definition TV using the included HDMI cable, will be available at a suggested retail price of $79.99. Reference Link

12:01 EDT Avis signs autonomous vehicle fleet collaboration with Alphabet's Waymo - Avis Budget (CAR) announced that it has signed an agreement with Waymo, an Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) company, to offer fleet support and maintenance services for Waymo's self-driving car program at Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental locations. The collaboration is designed to support Waymo's growing autonomous vehicle fleet and Waymo's early rider program, a public trial of its self-driving cars in Phoenix, Arizona. Waymo recently announced that it is adding hundreds of Chrysler Pacifica minivans to build a 600-vehicle fleet. This partnership will allow Avis Budget Group to service Waymo's growing number of cars on the road, ensuring Waymo's self-driving vehicles are ready for riders around the clock. Under the multi-year agreement, Avis Budget Group will enhance selected rental facilities to offer automotive services and secure parking for Waymo's fleet. The services offered by Avis Budget Group include interior and exterior cleaning, oil changes, tire rotations, and the checking, ordering and installation of automotive parts, as well as other necessary fleet support and maintenance.

11:18 EDT Fabrinet rises, Applied Optoelectronics sinks after Needham uncovers AWS deal - Fabrinet (FN) has won a project involving a coarse wavelength-division-multiplexing 100G product for Amazon's (AMZN) cloud unit, Amazon Web Services, research firm Needham reported. Fabrinet's stock is rising after the note was issued, while the shares of Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI), which, according to Needham, obtains 50% of its revenue from Amazon Web Services, are falling. However, Needham is defending Applied Optoelectronics, saying that it remains poised to "solidly beat and raise" results over the next year. FABRINET PROJECT: Fabrinet is "setting up the line and sampling" for the project this quarter and expects to accelerate production of 100G multiplexers in July, wrote Needham analyst Alex Henderson. The company is using Ma-Com's (MTSI) design and components for the project, he noted. By June 2018, Fabrinet will probably obtain more than $20M per quarter of revenue from the deal, he predicted. The analyst raised his price target on Fabrinet to $60 from $56 and kept a Strong Buy rating on the stock. APPLIED DEFENSE: Applied Optoelectronics obtains 50% of its revenue from AWS, according to Henderson, who said that he previously expected Applied Optoelectronics to face competition with Ma-Com, though not necessarily at AWS. However, he still believes that Applied Optoelectronics will be able to increase the amount of revenue it obtains from AWS while signing up new Web 2.0 customers and gaining market share. As a result, he still expects the company to deliver "solid beat and raise" results this year. Henderson kept an $85 price target and a Strong Buy rating on the stock. PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, Fabrinet rose 7.8% to $43.13 and Ma-com gained 3% to $59.97, while Applied Optoelectronics gave back 7% to $61.30 per share.

11:04 EDT Boeing reports 153 new orders since last update - Boeing (BA) on its website announced 153 new orders since its last update, from CALC - China for 50 737, Norwegian for two 737, Ryanair (RYAAY) for ten 737, United Airlines (UAL) for four 777, AerCap (AER) for 30 787, EL AL Israel Airlines for three 78 and Unidentified Customers for 15 737, 20 777X and 19 787. Boeing also identified Tassili Airlines for three 737s previously listed as unidentified. Year to date information: 737 net orders: 72 NG and 170 MAX; 777 net orders: 13 777 and 20 777X.

10:44 EDT Melco International announces casino resort licence in Cyprus - Melco International, which holds a majority stake in Melco Resorts & Entertainment, announced that it has signed the "first and only" casino resort license with the government of The Republic of Cyprus. Melco International has also entered into an agreement to assume majority stake of 70.74% shareholding in the Cyrus casino resort project by acquiring Hard Rock's entire interest in the project. The acquisition completion is subject to the approval of the Cyprus Government. The company currently holds 35.37% of the company formed between the company, HR Cyprus Investor, and Cyprus Phasouri Limited, or CPZL. CPZL currently holds the remaining 29.26% interest in the Project Company.

10:27 EDT BMW Group to invest additonal $600M in Spartanburg plant - BMW Group, which said it has invested $8B in its U.S. plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina to date and produced around 3.9 million vehicles since going online in 1994, reports that from 2018 to 2021 it will invest a further $600M in manufacturing infrastructure for future generations of the BMW X models. At present, the plant is getting ready for production of the all-new BMW X7, which will be launched onto the market in late 2018. With record production of more than 411,000 units in 2016, Spartanburg is the largest BMW Group plant worldwide, the company noted, adding that it sees the creation of a further 1,000 jobs by 2021 in addition to the 9,000 employees currently employed.

10:22 EDT Third Point sets sights on Nestle with $3.5B stake - Shares of Nestle (NSRGY) jumped in morning trading after activist investor Dan Loeb's Third Point took a $3.5B stake in the foodmaker. Third Point is urging Nestle to improve margins, repurchase shares and dispose of noncore business units. THIRD POINT STAKE NEWS: Dan Loeb's Third Point published a letter on Sunday, confirming that it has taken a stake in Nestle amounting to over $3.5B. Third Point, which previously pressed for change at companies like Yahoo (VZ), said that while Nestle's category and geographic mix is "excellent" and offers the company "a long runway for growth," Third Point is also seeking changes at the company as the company has "significantly" underperformed most of its consumer staples peers in the U.S. and Europe and has "remained stuck in its old ways." Third Point is urging Nestle to create "enormous" value for shareholders over the next several years by improving productivity, returning capital to shareholders, reshaping its portfolio by divesting "a number" of noncore assets and selling its 23% stake in L'Oreal (LRLCY). Third Point said it "intends to play a constructive role to encourage management to pursue change with a greater sense of urgency." Nestle, like many of its peers, is struggling with a slowdown in emerging markets and increasing competition. After reporting disappointing annual sales earlier this year, new CEO Dr. Ulf Mark Schneider ditched the company's long-standing sales target, adopting a more cautious tone. Nestle is now aiming for 2%-4% underlying sales growth this year. Third Point noted in its letter that Schneider, who joined the company from Fresenius SE, has an "impressive track record of value creation," but believes that in order to succeed, Schneider will "need to articulate a decisive and bold action plan that addresses the staid culture and tendency towards incrementalism that has typified the company's prior leadership and resulted in its long-term underperformance." Third Point said that Nestle should set a formal margin target range of 18%-20% by 2020 in order to help improve productivity. WHAT'S NOTABLE: Earlier this month, Nestle said it would explore strategic options for its U.S. confectionery business, including a potential sale. The unit includes local chocolate brands such as Butterfinger, BabyRuth, 100Grand, SkinnyCow, Raisinets, Chunky, OhHenry! and SnoCaps, as well as local sugar brands such as SweeTarts, LaffyTaffy, Nerds, FunDip, PixyStix, Gobstopper, BottleCaps, Spree and Runts and does not cover Nestle's Toll House baking products. Commenting on the Third Point's letter to Nestle, CNBC's David Faber, citing sources, said this morning that Loeb has already held a "series" of meetings with Nestle and his tone and urgency are different so far than they were with his last activist target, Honeywell (HON). A Nestle spokesperson told Reuters that the company keeps an open dialogue with all shareholders and that it is "committed" to executing its strategy and creating long-term value for shareholders. ANALYST COMMENTARY: Jefferies analyst Martin Deboo recommends "caution" on the news of the activist stake, telling investors in a note that Third Point's targets will be "non-trivial to achieve" and its influence over the company is "relatively dilute." Separately, JPMorgan analyst Ken Goldman expects shares of Kraft Heinz (KHC), Conagra Brands (CAG) and Dean Foods (DF) to rally today on hopes of a potential accretive deal for some of Nestle's assets. The analyst thinks General Mills (GIS) shares may drop slightly on speculation that Nestle sells Cereal Partners Worldwide, which he believes would hinder the company's ability to grow cereal internationally. Goldman also thinks Pinnacle Foods (PF) could trade down slightly with Conagra having "another potential dance partner" to do a deal. PRICE ACTION: Nestle shares trading in New York are up just over 4% this morning to $88.26. General Mills, Unilever (UN, UL), Mondelez (MDLZ) are also higher, as are Kraft Heinz, Conagra and Dean Foods.

10:20 EDT Deere acquires Italian sprayer manufacturer Mazzotti; terms not disclosed - John Deere announced that it has purchased Mazzotti, a privately-held sprayer manufacturer based in Ravenna, Italy. Mazzotti, a 30-year-old family-owned business, will maintain its name, trademark, and commercial agreements and will continue serving customers with high quality products and services. As a result of today's announcement, May said, Mazzotti will have the full support and commitment of John Deere to enhance its already successful sprayer business.

09:50 EDT Sinovac Biotech trading resumes

09:11 EDT Home Depot up 49c to $151.80 in premarket trading

09:09 EDT Mace Security announces expansion of e-commerce business distribution - Mace Security International announced expansion of its e-commerce presence in partnership with Tampa, FL based Vigilant Personal Protection Systems. Vigilant, an e-commerce marketing company in personal security and home medical products has agreed to become a stocking national distributor for specific Mace products including Mace Brand 911 Help Now and the Mace Alert Wifi Home Security System. Both products are in stock now at VigilantPPS and the expanded distribution is expected to launch at select national retailers online within Q3.

09:07 EDT Lifeway Foods commences self-tender offer for up to $6M of common stock - Lifeway Foods has commenced a "modified Dutch auction" tender offer for up to $6M of its common stock at a price per share not less than $8.50 and not greater than $9.50. The tender offer will expire at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on July 25, 2017, unless extended by the company. Tenders of shares must be made on or prior to the expiration of the tender offer and may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the tender offer.

09:05 EDT HealthStream agreements with Laerdal Medical expected to end in 2018 - HealthStream announced Laerdal Medical, a Norwegian company, has ended renewal negotiations for the agreements with HealthStream regarding the HeartCode and Resuscitation Quality Improvement products. Current agreements expire on December 31, 2018 and HealthStream will continue selling and servicing current resuscitation products through that period. There will be no impact on previously stated FY17 financial guidance. HealthStream is committed to resuscitation solutions for the long-term - and will, in January 2019, introduce competition and choice with disruptive, lower-cost, guideline-compliant resuscitation programs. Laerdal provided notice that, upon the December 31, 2018, expiration of its existing agreements with HealthStream regarding the HeartCode and Resuscitation Quality Improvement products, Laerdal does not intend to continue these existing agreements or enter into new agreements with HealthStream in relation to such products. HealthStream's Joint Marketing and Licensing Agreements with Laerdal for HeartCode and for RQI, respectively, remain unaltered and continue in effect through December 31, 2018. Up to that expiration date, HealthStream retains the right to offer HeartCode and RQI licenses that extend, and correspondingly generate revenue, through December 31, 2020. HealthStream retains exclusivity of RQI sales to its existing customer network through the agreement expiration date of December 31, 2018, and is prohibited from selling substantially similar products to HeartCode and RQI during that time. HealthStream expects to continue selling HeartCode and RQI for the next 18 months and will provide uninterrupted support and excellent service to all of its HeartCode and RQI customers for the duration of their current and renewed contracts through December 31, 2020. Although sales of the HeartCode and RQI products have been strong over the past several years, margins on such products are lower than HealthStream's average margin. During the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, HeartCode generated approximately $37.8M of revenue and RQI generated approximately $1.9M of revenue.

09:04 EDT Sinovac Biotech enters definitive agreement for going-private transaction

09:03 EDT Sinovac Biotech trading halted, news dissemination

09:02 EDT Meridian Bancorp, Meetinghouse Bancorp announce merger agreement - Meridian Bancorp, the holding company for East Boston Savings Bank, and Meetinghouse Bancorp, the holding company for Meetinghouse Bank, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement for Meridian to acquire Meetinghouse and East Boston Savings Bank to acquire Meetinghouse Bank. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Under the terms of the agreement, Meetinghouse shareholders will receive $26.00 in cash for each of their outstanding shares of Meetinghouse common stock, representing a total transaction value of approximately $17.8M. The closing of the acquisition is anticipated to occur during the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to approval by Meetinghouse's shareholders, the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.Meridian anticipates that the acquisition will be approximately 2% to 3% accretive to Meridian's earnings per share, primarily driven by consolidation efficiencies. Meridian estimates that the transaction will generate an internal rate of return of approximately 20% and expects slight dilution to tangible book value from the transaction, which is estimated to be earned back in a manageable period of time.

09:01 EDT Crawford & Co. names Rohit Verma as global COO - Crawford & Company announced that it has named Rohit Verma as global COO. Verma will have strategic, financial and operational oversight for Crawford's diverse lines of business whose services are delivered through the company's distinct brands. His responsibilities will also include IT services. Verma will join the company on July 5, 2017 and will report directly to president and CEO Harsha V. Agadi.

08:57 EDT Advaxis' Axalimogene Filolisbac data selected for poster presentation at ESGO - Advaxis announced that the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology has accepted an abstract for a poster presentation at its 2017 congress on the identification of potential baseline biomarkers indicative of survival benefit from treatment with the company's lead immunotherapy candidate, axalimogene filolisbac. Advaxis researchers identified certain pre-treatment baseline levels of serum proteins that were strongly associated with overall survival benefit in patients with persistent or recurrent metastatic carcinoma of the cervix that were treated with axalimogene filolisbac in the Phase 2 GOG/NRG-0265 study. The 12-month survival rate in this study was 38 percent, and these results were presented at a medical meeting earlier this year.

08:56 EDT Honda says impact of Takata's bankruptcy filing to be 'limited' for FY - Honda (HMC) has become aware that Takata (TKTDY) and part of its subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition to commence civil rehabilitation proceedings based on the Civil Rehabilitation Act of Japan with the Tokyo District Court as of June 26, 2017. Also, on June 25, 2017, 12 overseas subsidiaries including TK Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Takata Corporation located in the U.S., filed a voluntary petition to commence reorganization proceedings based on Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Based on the filings, it is expected that legal proceedings towards reorganization for those companies will be commenced under the management of the courts in Japan and in the U.S. The Honda group has been conducting market-based measures in relation to airbag inflators manufactured by Takata. As of today, no agreement has yet been reached with the Takata group regarding its bearing of product warranty expenses in relation to airbag inflators, except for in respect of a certain portion of such expenses. In the course of future legal proceedings, the Honda group will continue to maintain its assertions regarding expenses borne by the Honda group and for which it should receive indemnification from the Takata group. However, due to the above filings, it is expected that it will become difficult to recover the majority of the claims for indemnification that the Honda group has against the Takata group. The market-based measures expenses for which no agreement has been reached with the Takata group have not been recorded by the Company as receivables in its consolidated financial statements. While the market-based measures expenses for which agreement on indemnification has been reached have been recorded by the Company as receivables in its consolidated financial statements pursuant to the indemnification agreements, the Company has already recorded allowances for doubtful accounts for such receivables, excluding the amount which has been already recovered. Therefore, the Company believes that the impact of the filings on its consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018 will be limited. The Honda group will make the utmost effort to continue to secure the stable supply of parts from the Takata group.

08:47 EDT Arrows Up files patent infringement complaint against U.S. Silica, SandBox - Arrows Up an affiliate of OmniTRAX, announced that it has filed a federal complaint for patent infringement against SandBox Logistics and its owner, U.S. Silica, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Arrows Up has been and continues to be an industry leader in last mile logistics solutions and SandBox has a history of attempting to reduce competition in the marketplace through litigation. The companies are involved in another lawsuit that SandBox filed in January 2016 in Texas District Court against Arrows Up, alleging breach of a 2014 mutual NDA. "The complaint Arrows Up filed today has unfortunately become a necessary effort to protect our patent portfolio while we deal with the lawsuit SandBox filed against us last January," said John Allegretti, founder and CEO of Arrows Up. "While we are confident we did not breach our NDA with SandBox, the company continues to pursue frivolous trade secrets litigation with the intent of reducing competition in the marketplace when the industry needs it most. At this point, Arrows Up has no choice but to enjoin SandBox to prevent it from effectively eliminating key industry players through litigation. We are seeking to promote industry innovation and fair competition and we hope we can ultimately come to a mutual agreement that will advance collaboration and progress."

08:42 EDT Xenetic starts patient enrollment for Phase 2 study evaluating XBIO-101 - Xenetic Biosciences announced that patient enrollment has commenced in its Phase 2 clinical study of XBIO-101 in conjunction with progestin therapy for the treatment of endometrial cancer, in a population of patients who have either failed progestin monotherapy or who have been identified as having progesterone receptor negative tumors. XBIO-101, Xenetic's lead product candidate in development, is a small-molecule immunomodulator and interferon inducer which, in preliminary studies, has been shown to increase progesterone receptor expression in endometrial tumor tissue. The primary objective of the open-label, multi-center, single-arm, two-period Phase 2 study is to assess the antitumor activity of XBIO-101 in conjunction with progestin therapy as measured by Overall Disease Control Rate in women with recurrent or persistent endometrial carcinoma not amenable to surgical treatment or radiotherapy who have either failed progestin monotherapy or who have been identified as PrR-. Secondary objectives include assessments of efficacy and safety/tolerability parameters. The study is expected to enroll a total of 72 women with recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer not amenable to surgical treatment or radiotherapy but suitable to be treated with progestins. All subjects determined to be PrR- at screening, as well as those subjects who experience disease progression after at least 4 weeks of progestin monotherapy, will receive XBIO-101 in combination with continued progestin treatment. Subjects will receive treatment until disease progression as defined according to RECIST 1.1 criteria.

08:37 EDT ViewRay: NCC in Tokyo treats first patients using ViewRay's MRIdian System - ViewRay announced that the National Cancer Center in Tokyo, Japan treated its first patients using ViewRay's MRIdian System, the world's first and only clinical MRI-guided radiation therapy system. Among the first indications treated at NCC were cancers of the lung, liver and pancreas. The MRIdian System combines MR imaging with radiation delivery so clinicians can visualize soft tissue and adjust their dosing - all in real-time, on live anatomy. With MRIdian this is done without exposing the patient to the additional ionizing radiation that is common with other imaging modalities.

08:36 EDT Data I/O names Joel Hatlen as COO; will continue to serve as CFO - Data I/O Corporation announced two organizational changes to strengthen the company's capabilities in its core businesses and accelerate adoption of new growth initiatives. Effective July 1, 2017, Joel Hatlen will assume the newly created position of COO. Hatlen will continue to serve as the company's CFO, a position he has held since 1998. Sean Riley has joined the company as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, effective June 26, 2017. Sean will focus primarily on driving Data I/O's Managed and Secure Programming initiative into the global marketplace, including the recently announced SentriX platform.

08:33 EDT Raytheon BBN Technologies awarded $4M from U.S. Army - Raytheon BBN Technologies has been awarded $4M to provide automatic speech recognition, machine translation, text-to-speech, and optical character recognition software licenses for one year to the Army's Machine Foreign Language Translation System Program Office. This is the first large scale fielding of the system.

08:32 EDT Blackbaud to acquire JustGiving for GBP95M - Blackbaud announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire United Kingdom-based online fundraising services provider JustGiving, whose online social giving platform has played a powerful role in the growth of peer-to-peer fundraising. Under the purchase agreement for the transaction, Blackbaud has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding equity interests of JustGiving for an aggregate purchase price of GBP95M, subject to certain adjustments. The closing of the transaction is anticipated to occur at the conclusion of a customary regulatory review in the U.K. Blackbaud expects to finance the acquisition with cash on hand and borrowings under its existing credit facility. The two companies have entered into a definitive acquisition agreement as of Friday, June 23, which will undergo a customary regulatory review in the U.K. The transaction is anticipated to close later this year, and the two companies will determine their full integration strategy at that time. JustGiving is headquartered in London, U.K. Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina with operations around the globe, including in London. JustGiving staff are expected to transition to Blackbaud following the completion of the customary regulatory review and become part of Blackbaud's London-based International Markets Group, led by Jerome Moisan, senior vice president and president of Blackbaud's International Markets Group.

08:31 EDT Avery Dennison completes acquistion of Yongle Tape - Avery Dennison Corporation announced it has completed the acquisition of Yongle Tape Company, a manufacturer of specialty tapes and related products in a variety of industrial markets, from its management and private equity firm ShawKwei & Partners. Headquartered in China's Hebei Province, with production facilities in Zhuozhou and Shanghai, Yongle Tape is China's leading manufacturer of cable harnessing and insulation tapes. The company is a key supplier to both Chinese and global automakers, with a portfolio of high-value products that are specified by the automotive OEMs and their suppliers. Yongle Tape will operate within Avery Dennison's Industrial and Healthcare Materials business group, working in close collaboration with the company's global Performance Tapes and Fastener Solutions businesses.

08:30 EDT VOXX trading resumes

08:18 EDT Gladstone announces $15.45M office property acquisition in Philadelphia - Gladstone Commercial (GOOD) said that it completed the acquisition of a 60,016 square foot, Class-A single-tenant office building located in the Philadelphia, PA suburb of Conshohocken for $15.45M. The property is leased for the next 8.5 years to Jacobs Engineering (JEC).

08:16 EDT Aegean Marine launches new U.S. East Coast market In Savannah, Georgia - Aegean Marine announced the launch of a new service center in Savannah, Georgia, the third largest container port in the United States. The operations in Savannah will be managed by the existing Aegean U.S. team. Under the terms of the agreement with Colonial Terminals, Aegean will lease tankage from Colonial's oil terminal on the Savannah River. Aegean will acquire and blend a full range of bunker fuel products and has agreed to supply Colonial Oil Industries with a range of No. 6 oil products for Colonial's truck delivery business. Aegean has contracted with the Vane Brothers company to provide barge services in the port. The Colonial lease and supply agreement begins July 1.

08:09 EDT ImmunoGen presents data from Phase 1 study of IMGN779 in AML - ImmunoGen presented data from the ongoing Phase 1 study evaluating single agent IMGN779 in patients with relapsed or refractory adult acute myeloid leukemia whose tumors express CD33. The first-in-human data demonstrate the safety and tolerability of IMGN779 across seven dose levels, with no dose limiting toxicities, as well as evidence of dose-dependent biological and anti-leukemia activity. These results were presented in a poster presentation on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the 22nd Congress of the European Hematology Association in Madrid, Spain. IMGN779 combines a high-affinity, humanized anti-CD33 antibody with one of ImmunoGen's novel indolino-benzodiazepine payloads, called IGNs, which alkylate DNA without crosslinking, resulting in potent anti-leukemia activity with relative sparing of normal hematopoietic progenitor cells. Safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic data, as well as initial anti-leukemia activity for IMGN779 through dose level seven were presented at EHA. Key findings included: No DLTs have been observed through dose level seven, with reported adverse events consistent with the underlying disease. No increase in the nature, frequency, or severity of any treatment-emergent adverse event has been reported with escalating doses and no evidence of cumulative toxicity has been observed with repeated dosing. Favorable PK/PD reveal prolonged exposure and CD33 saturation at dose levels six and seven. Initial anti-leukemia activity was observed at dose levels six and seven in patients who failed intensive frontline therapy. The Phase 1 trial is designed to establish the maximum tolerated dose and determine the recommended Phase 2 dose for IMGN779 administered as monotherapy. The trial is also intended to evaluate safety and tolerability and characterize PK, PD, and preliminary anti-leukemia activity in relapsed or refractory AML. Dose escalation continues. Preclinical data for IMGN779 were also presented at EHA showing the agent is highly active in multiple AML xenograft models and is well-tolerated in preclinical repeat dosing regimens. Findings from the preclinical evaluation provided the foundation for the clinical evaluation of IMGN779 in AML.

08:08 EDT Nielsen, Fred's expand strategic analytics relationship - Nielsen (NLSN) and fred's (FRED) announced an expansion of their long-term relationship with the renewal of data insights and analytics services. With this agreement, Nielsen will become the exclusive account-level data provider for fred's Pharmacy, covering metrics for all 601 fred's stores in 15 states across the southeastern U.S., as well as future stores within the health and wellness marketplace. For more than 15 years, Nielsen has been a loyal analytical partner to fred's Pharmacy. As fred's Pharmacycontinues to evolve its business into the drugstore space, concentrating on Health, Beauty and Personal Care focused services and value-driven retail stores, Nielsen will continue its commitment to assist fred'sin executing against its growth strategy. The new agreement includes expanded market measurement and consumer targeting services and provides a dedicated Nielsen support team.

08:07 EDT FNF Group acquires majority stake in Title Guaranty of Hawaii - Fidelity National Financial announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority ownership stake in Title Guaranty of Hawaii, with the Pietsch family, the current owners of Title Guaranty, continuing to own a portion of the company. Title Guaranty will continue to be closely aligned with Chicago Title as it formally becomes part of the FNF title company family. Founded in 1896, Title Guaranty is the oldest title insurance company in the state of Hawaii and is a leading provider of title and escrow services, with more than 300 employees in branches statewide providing title insurance and real estate closing services. FNF has a more than 30-year relationship with Title Guaranty.

08:06 EDT ViaSat awarded $88.3M in contracts from SPAWAR - ViaSat has been awarded Lot 5 and Lot 5a contracts totaling $88.3M from the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command to provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System terminals to the U.S. Navy and Air Force. MIDS JTRS enhances battlefield communications for joint and coalition warfighters by providing the ability to communicate by voice, video and data with a line-of-sight, jam-resistant capability across ground, air and naval assets. With the Lot 5 and Lot 5a awards, ViaSat will develop, field, and support interoperable, affordable and secure MIDS tactical data link and programmable networking technologies and capabilities for the joint, coalition and international warfighter. With these awards ViaSat remains the largest provider of MIDS JTRS terminals to the United States Military. The Lot 5 and Lot 5a awards mark a substantial increase in terminal orders and deliveries supporting both the U.S. Navy and Air Force fourth generation fighters as they begin a full transition to MIDS JTRS. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, California, and Tempe, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by June 2019.

08:05 EDT VOXX to sell Hirschmann Car Communication to TE Connectivity - VOXX International (VOXX) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Hirschmann Car Communication GmbH and its worldwide subsidiaries to a subsidiary of TE Connectivity (TEL). Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, TE Connectivity will acquire Hirschmann for an enterprise value that equates to approximately $166.0M. The final purchase price is subject to further net cash and working capital adjustments. VOXX International Corporation will continue to operate in the Automotive industry and will retain its ongoing OEM business that is not part of this transaction through VOXXHirschmann Corporation. The company will also continue its Automotive Aftermarket business through its proprietary brands and 3rd-party distribution agreements. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The company expects to provide more details around this transaction in its upcoming first quarter results announcement and corresponding conference call, which will be held in mid-July 2017. Additionally, the expected close, subject to approvals, is anticipated to be on August 31.

08:05 EDT GTT Communications to acquire Global Capacity - GTT Communications announced a definitive agreement to acquire Global Capacity, a provider of network connectivity solutions that simplifies the process of connecting enterprises to high-value cloud and business destinations. "The acquisition of Global Capacity accelerates GTT's growth strategy and underscores our commitment to connecting people across organizations and around the world," said Rick Calder, president and CEO. "GTT gains new marquee clients, enhanced network reach and scale, and a great team of employees to drive outstanding client experience, through our core values of simplicity, speed and agility. After integration, we expect to achieve our previously announced, next financial objectives of $1B in revenue and $250M in Adjusted EBITDA." The purchase price consists of $100M in cash and 1.85M shares of GTT common stock, to be issued to the sellers at closing. GTT expects that Global Capacity's annualized revenue will be approximately $200M at close, net of pro forma adjustments, and that the purchase price will reflect a multiple of post-synergy Adjusted EBITDA of 5.0x or lower, with integration and cost synergies to be achieved within two to three quarters after close. The parties expect to close the transaction by the end of Q3, subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. GTT will fund the cash portion of the consideration at close with funds from the debt offering completed in May.

08:04 EDT AMAG Pharmaceuticals reports FDA filing acceptance for Makena sNDA - AMAG Pharmaceuticals (AMAG) announced that the U.S. FDA accepted the supplemental new drug application for the Makena subcutaneous auto-injector, a drug-device combination product. The agency has established a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of February 14, 2018. The FDA acknowledged that it had previously communicated a 6-month review to the company for this sNDA, but it has now determined that the filing is subject to a standard 10-month review. The current Makena intramuscular injection is the only FDA-approved treatment indicated to reduce the risk of preterm birth in women who are pregnant with one baby and who spontaneously delivered one preterm baby in the past. AMAG developed the Makena auto-injector with its device partner Antares Pharma, Inc. (ATRS), which holds issued patents on the auto-injector device. If the Makena auto-injector is approved, AMAG will request Orange Book listing of the eligible Antares patents, the last of which expires in 2026.

08:03 EDT Forterra to sell U.S. concrete, steel pressure pipe assets to Thompson Pipe - Forterra announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the U.S. concrete and steel pressure pipe assets of its Water Pipe and Products business segment to Thompson Pipe Group. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017. Under the terms of the agreement, an affiliate of Thompson Pipe Group will acquire assets related to five Forterra manufacturing facilities and a fittings facility. Forterra will receive approximately $23.2 million in cash, exclusive of fees and expenses, as well as assets relating to a drainage pipe and products manufacturing facility located in Conroe, Texas, which primarily serves the Houston market. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the transaction to pay down debt. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to the Company's earnings, margins and cash flows.

08:02 EDT Checkpoint Therapeutics commences trading on Nasdaq Capital Market - Checkpoint Therapeutics (CKPT), a Fortress Biotech (FBIO) company focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of novel, non-chemotherapy, immune-enhanced combination treatments for patients with solid tumor cancers, announced that its common stock will commence trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "CKPT" at the open of the U.S. financial markets today. Upon initiation of trading on NASDAQ, the Company's common stock will cease trading on the OTCQX Best Market.

08:01 EDT Sonoco Products to acquire Clear Lam Packaging for approx. $170M in cash - Sonoco announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the stock of Clear Lam Packaging, Inc., a family-held developer and manufacturer of flexible and forming plastic packaging films for approximately $170M in cash. The transaction is subject to normal regulatory review and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017. Rothschild & Co. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Clear Lam on this transaction.

08:00 EDT Lipocine announces submission of SPA on LPCN 1107 - Lipocine announced that it has submitted a Special Protocol Assessment request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as part of the ongoing interaction with the FDA on the detailed design of the planned Phase 3 clinical development program for LPCN 1107 for prevention of recurrent preterm birth with history of singleton pregnancy. An SPA is an advanced declaration from the FDA that a planned trial's design, clinical endpoints, and statistical analyses could potentially result in data acceptable for FDA review towards approval for the proposed indication. The proposed Phase 3 clinical trial has been designed as an adequate and well-controlled non-inferiority trial comparing LPCN 1107 with Makena, the current standard of care for PTB. Based on prior interactions with the FDA, Lipocine has proposed an efficacy endpoint focusing on the rate of delivery at less than 37 weeks gestation. Success on this gestational age endpoint could lead to Subpart H approval by the FDA. The proposed enrollment population is singleton pregnant women with a history of singleton spontaneous preterm birth. The proposed trial has an adaptive design with an interim analysis.

07:57 EDT National Bank acquires Peoples in $143M transaction - National Bank and privately owned Peoples jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for NBH to acquire Peoples, building NBH's scale in the home markets of the Colorado Front Range and the greater Kansas City region. The transaction adds approximately $865M of assets, $483M of loans held for investment and $719M of deposits, as well as a complementary franchise-centric retail mortgage business, which originates over $1B of mortgage loans per year. Moreover, Peoples brings over 140 years of experience in serving its communities and the same dedication to common sense banking that has been at the core of NBH's success. Under the terms of the agreement, Peoples shareholders will receive approximately $36.3M of cash consideration and approximately 3.4M shares of NBH common stock, subject to certain potential adjustments. The transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter, has a value of $143M in the aggregate, based on NBH's closing price of $31.55 on June 23, 2017. In addition, as part of the agreement, Peoples will divest or wind down its national mortgage business, operated out of its Kansas-based Peoples Bank by the end of 2017. NBH expects the transaction to result in a high-teens accretion to earnings per share in the first full year of operations, less than a 5% dilution to tangible book value with an earn back period of less than 3 years, and an internal rate of return of approximately 20%. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company and is subject to normal regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The required approval of Peoples' shareholders has been obtained.

07:55 EDT Neothetics trading halted, news pending

07:52 EDT MPLX sees FY17 net income $550M-$700M, adjusted EBITDA $1.7B-$1.85B - Sees FY net cash provided by operating activities $1.4B-$1.55B, DCF $1.25B-$1.4B, organic growth CapEx $1.8B-$2.B. Comments from slides that will be presented at the JP Morgan 2017 Energy Equity Investor Conference.

07:38 EDT Starbucks says 'all about' owning China business - When asked on CNBC if he'd consider spinning off the China business like Yum! Brands (YUM), Starbucks (SBUX) CFO Scott Maw said his company is "all about" owning the business.

07:35 EDT Pebblebrook Hotel completes sale of garage at Revere Hotel Boston Common - Pebblebrook Hotel Trust announced that it has closed on the sale of the 826-space parking garage, which included 10,500 square feet of vacant ground floor space, at Revere Hotel Boston Common for $95M. The sale price of $95M reflects a 23.5x EBITDA multiple and a 4.0% net operating income capitalization rate based on the trailing twelve-month operating performance for the period ended May 31. Proceeds from the sale of the parking garage at Revere Hotel Boston Common will be utilized for general business purposes, which may include further reducing the company's outstanding debt or repurchasing the company's common shares. The sale of the parking garage at Revere Hotel Boston Common closed on June 23. Due to the sale, the garage will not be reported in the company's Same-Property statistics for the second, third or fourth quarters. As a result of the sale, the company expects that the company's financials will be impacted by the following amounts: net income increased by approximately $12.8M as a result of the estimated gain on sale of hotel properties of approximately $13M, same-property EBITDA reduced by approximately $1.1M, adjusted EBITDA reduced by approximately $0.2M and adjusted FFO reduced by approximately $0.2M The company is not re-projecting or reaffirming its outlook for the second quarter or the full year issued on April 27 in any way other than to take into account the sale of the parking garage at Revere Hotel Boston Common.

07:33 EDT CDK Global names Joe Tautges as CFO, effective August 9 - CDK Global (CDK) announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Joe Tautges to serve as CDK's new CFO, effective August 9, 2017. Tautges brings 20 years of experience leading global finance, accounting and operations teams for large technology, consumer products and business consulting companies. Tautges most recently served as CFO of the $18B Enterprise Services segment of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

07:33 EDT TG Therapeutics recaps data from triple combination therapy trials at EHA - TG Therapeutics recapped clinical data from two triple combination therapy trials using TGR-1202, the Company's oral, next generation PI3K delta inhibitor and TG-1101, the Company's novel glycoengineered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, as the backbone of the combinations. The data presentations include a recap of the data from the combination of TGR-1202, TG-1101, and ibrutinib, as well as from the triple combination of TGR-1202, TG-1101, and bendamustine. Data from these trials were presented this past weekend at the 22nd European Hematology Association Annual Congress in Madrid, Spain. These data sets were presented earlier this month at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting and/or at the 14th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma. Highlights from the presentations include the following: Oral Presentation: Chemo-free triplet combination of TGR-1202, ublituximab, and ibrutinib is well tolerated and highly active in patients with advanced CLL and NHL: Clinical activity was observed at all dose levels with 36 of 38 patients evaluable for efficacy, with 2 patients having discontinued prior to first efficacy assessment. Poster Presentation: Combination of TGR-1202, Ublituximab, and Bendamustine is safe and highly active in patients with advanced DLBCL and Follicular Lymphoma: This poster presentation includes data from patients with relapsed or refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma or Follicular Lymphoma treated with the triple combination of TGR-1202, TG-1101, and bendamustine. Thirty-three patients were evaluable for safety of which 24 were evaluable for efficacy. The triple combination appears well tolerated with no discontinuations for a treatment related AE. No events of pneumonitis and no Grade 3/4 transaminitis were reported. Twenty-one patientswere refractory to prior treatment. Mean time on study was approximately 6 months.

07:31 EDT Zynerba initiates Phase 1 ZYN001 clinical program - Zynerba Pharmaceuticals announced that it has initiated its ZYN001 Phase 1 clinical program to study the company's patent-protected, pro-drug of tetrahydrocannabinol delivered via a transdermal patch. This study will assess single and multiple rising doses of several formulations of ZYN001 to identify the optimal dose to take into Phase 2 studies. This first in man study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial. First, the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of a single dose of ZYN001 versus placebo will be evaluated. Several formulations and patch wear times ranging from 24 hours to 7 days will be assessed in up to 48 healthy subjects. Based on results from the single dose portion of this trial, two formulations will be evaluated in multiple patch applications for 14 days in up to 32 healthy subjects who will be randomized 3:1 to ZYN001 or placebo. The goal is to deliver constant levels of THC to optimize efficacy while minimizing CNS side effects. With the successful completion of this single and multiple dose study, a Phase 2 program for ZYN001 in fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain is planned to start in the second half of 2017.

07:18 EDT Store Capital up 8% after $377M investment from Berkshire Hathaway - In pre-market trading, shares are up 8.33% to $22.50.

07:08 EDT CEVA: Sanechips licenses CEVA-X1 IoT Processor - CEVA announced that Sanechips Technology has licensed the CEVA-X1 IoT Processor for its Narrowband-Internet of Things product, the RoseFinch7100. Sanechips leveraged the CEVA-X1 to develop an area- and power-optimized NB-IoT solution that is capable of delivering on the promise of long-life, low-cost cellular connectivity for IoT devices. Demonstrating their commitment to NB-IoT, Sanechips recently took part in the first large scale field test of NB-IoT using its pre-commercial RoseFinch chipset. The trial, organized by China Mobile, tested the network of the entire mobile chain including core network, terminals and apps and was reported to have been successful in every aspect.

07:06 EDT xG Technology: Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz, LLP claim has 'no basis or merit' - "xG Technology is aware of a press release issued by Purcell Julie & Lefkowitz, LLP claiming an alleged potential breach of fiduciary duty involving the company's board of directors. The company has received no communication of any kind from this firm regarding such a claim. Moreover, no such claim or allegation has been made by any shareholders or regulatory body. The company strongly believes there is no basis or merit behind the claim and, to that end, has reported this matter to the relevant authorities for appropriate action against those responsible."

07:04 EDT Nutrabolt, Natural Alternatives partner to extend license to patented CarnoSyn - Nutrabolt announced that it has partnered with Natural Alternatives International to extend its license to patented CarnoSyn beta-alanine through 2026. On June 6, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a new patent to NAI directed to a broad range of improved methods of beta-alanine intake, targeting such benefits as delaying muscle fatigue, increasing anaerobic capacity, increasing muscle strength and increasing muscle endurance. This new intellectual property significantly extends the patent coverage for CarnoSyn beta-alanine. As the only clinically studied form of beta-alanine, CarnoSyn beta-alanine has been shown to provide numerous performance enhancing benefits including an increase in muscular endurance, making it the perfect addition to a pre-workout product engineered to improve performance. Nutrabolt continues to conduct University based clinical studies on the performance enhancing benefits of its formulas containing CarnoSyn beta-alanine.

07:03 EDT Nabriva Therapeutics plc concludes tender offer for Nabriva shares - Nabriva Therapeutics announced that it has successfully concluded its previously announced tender offer related to the exchange of common shares of Nabriva Therapeutics AG and American depositary shares of Nabriva AG for ordinary shares of Nabriva Therapeutics. The Exchange Offer expired at 5:00 p.m., EDT, on June 23, 2017. At the time of expiration of the Exchange Offer, 461,266 Nabriva AG Common Shares and 22,204,595 Nabriva AG ADSs, representing approximately 98.5 percent of the total issued share capital of Nabriva AG, had been validly tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and not properly withdrawn.

07:01 EDT NetEase names Zhaoxuan Yang as CFO, effective June 30 - NetEase announced that it has appointed Zhaoxuan Yang as its CFO, effective June 30. Yang will replace Onward Choi who, as previously announced, resigned from his position as Acting CFO due to personal reasons. Choi will continue to serve NetEase as a consultant over the coming year to support a smooth transition.

06:59 EDT AMC Theatres begins implementing recliner-renovation strategy in U.K. - The recliner-renovation strategy that AMC Theatres pioneered in the United States this decade is now headed overseas. AMC announced that construction has started at three ODEON locations in the United Kingdom on their full-theatre renovations, with recliner seating expected to arrive later this year. These renovations represent AMC's commitment to deliver its proven, guest-favorite amenity strategy to its ODEON locations, which were acquired at the end of 2016. Additional ODEON locations will undergo similar renovations later this year. Approximately 25 ODEON theatres are expected to be offering recliner seating by the end of 2018.

06:57 EDT Leidos awarded Task Order from DISA - Leidos (LDOS) will help the Defense Information Systems Agency automate virtual private networking services in support of our nation's defense. DISA awarded a Task Order to Leidos to help it take the first key steps toward transforming the Department of Defense Information Network to a software-defined network. Leidos and team member AT&T (T) will engineer and deliver software-defined networking controller technology into the DoDIN backbone. The solution uses an open framework developed by AT&T that supports the automation of network services. It is a critical foundation for a complete software-defined enterprise.

06:53 EDT Lannett: FDA approves ANDA for Hydrocodone Bitartrate, Acetaminophen tablets - Lannett (LCI) announced that it received approval from the U.S. FDA of its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets USP, 5 mg/325 mg, 7.5 mg/325 mg and 10 mg/325 mg, the therapeutic equivalent to the reference listed drug, Norco Tablets, 5 mg/325 mg, 7.5 mg/325 mg, and 10 mg/325 mg, of Allergan (AGN). The product is also marketed under the brand name Lortab 5 mg/325 mg, 7.5 mg/325 mg, and 10 mg/325 mg. For the 12 months ended April 2017, total U.S. sales of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets USP, 5 mg/325 mg, 7.5 mg/325 mg and 10 mg/325 mg, at Average Wholesale Price were approximately $744.3M, according to IMS.

06:46 EDT Berkshire Hathaway invests $377M in Store Capital - Store Capital (STOR) announced that Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) has invested $377M in the company, representing 9.8% of total shares outstanding. In the transaction, STORE Capital issued 18.6M shares of company stock in a private placement to a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway at a price of $20.25 per share.

06:34 EDT Wabco signs long-term supply agreement with Daimler Trucks - Holdings (WBC) announced that Daimler Trucks (DDAIF) has extended its long-term supply agreement with WABCO for new heavy-duty automated manual transmission control technology to support its series production mainly in Europe, North America, Japan, and South America. WABCO is supplying this original equipment manufacturer with its newest generation of tailored AMT solutions. WABCO's innovative AMT control technology transforms a manual transmission into an efficient, cost-effective solution that automatically shifts gears and controls clutch actuation for commercial vehicles. It enables drivers to focus further attention on road and traffic conditions, resulting in increased comfort and safety. It also helps to minimize any performance gap between highly skilled and less experienced drivers.

06:31 EDT Supervalu announces resignation of CFO Bruce Besanko - Supervalu announced that Bruce Besanko has informed the Company's Board of Directors of his intention to resign his positions as Executive Vice President, COO and CFO effective July 5 to pursue an opportunity outside the Company. SUPERVALU also announced that Rob Woseth, the Company's Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, will assume the additional position of Interim CFO, and David Johnson, the Company's Vice President, Controller, will assume the additional position of Interim Chief Accounting Officer, while the Company completes a search for a permanent CFO.

06:18 EDT Genentech: Emicizumab showed reduction in bleeds across two pivotal studies - Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, announced data from the primary analysis of the Phase III HAVEN 1 study in adults and adolescents and interim analysis of the Phase III HAVEN 2 study in children evaluating once-weekly subcutaneous emicizumab prophylaxisfor the treatment of hemophilia A with inhibitors to factor VIII. Data from both studies will be presented on July 10 at the 26th International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Meeting in Berlin, Germany. The Phase III HAVEN 1 study compared emicizumab prophylaxis with on-demand and prophylactic use of bypassing agents in adults and adolescents with hemophilia A with inhibitors. The primary endpoint was treated bleeds, and results showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in bleed rate of 87 percent with emicizumab prophylaxis compared to on-demand treatment with BPAs. After a median observation time of 31 weeks, 62.9 percent of patients receiving emicizumab experienced zero treated bleeds compared to 5.6 percent of those receiving on-demand BPAs. Reduction in bleed rate with emicizumab was consistent across all secondary endpoints, including all bleeds, treated spontaneous bleeds, treated joint bleeds and treated target joint bleeds compared to on-demand BPAs. Results also showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in health-related quality of life measured at 25 weeks, including Hem-A-QoL physical health domain and total score and EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale and total utility score. In an additional study arm, patients who had previously received prophylaxis with BPAs received emicizumab prophylaxis. A subset of patients in this arm had previously participated in a non-interventional study, allowing for a first-of-its-kind intra-patient analysis. This analysis showed a 79 percent reduction in treated bleeds in people receiving emicizumab compared to their prior prophylaxis with BPAs.

06:15 EDT Taked, Biological E. Limited to develop low-cost combination vaccines - Takeda Pharmaceutical and Biological E. Limited announced that they have entered into a collaboration whereby two licensing agreements to expedite the development and delivery of affordable combination vaccines have been executed. BE will commercialize the vaccine in India, China and low- and middle-income countries where large, unmet public health needs exist. Under these agreements, Takeda will conduct a transfer from Japan to BE its existing measles and acellular pertussis vaccine bulk production technology, including the provision of technical services such as support in infrastructure review, training for production and quality control, technical assistance in process development, preclinical study design and production of clinical batch and the first commercial batches. BE will scale up the bulk production technology transferred from Takeda and will be solely responsible for conducting and funding development activities for the combination vaccines. BE has rights to use Takeda's measles vaccine technology for a combination MR vaccine and the right to use Takeda's pertussis vaccine technology for any pertussis-containing combination vaccine. BE will have commercialization rights for the MR and pertussis vaccines in India, China and selected public markets worldwide as defined in the agreements.

06:09 EDT IBM, AEON to build blockchain-based financial platform for Asian market - AEON Financial Service and IBM Japan announced they are building a blockchain-based financial platform for the Asian market. With the blockchain technology, the platform is expected to enable AEON Financial Service to provide enhanced financial services such as settlement and transactions for both consumers and enterprises in Japan and throughout Asia, including virtual currency payments between individuals and businesses, loyalty points allocation and redemption, and transaction data management. In the trial, IBM Japan will provide technical support to AEON Financial Service for the technology implementation in the finance sector, as well as associated technology development services. The platform will draw upon AEON's technical expertise in networking and blockchain technology. The initial pilot will evaluate blockchain's effectiveness across these key areas to assess its ability to scale.

06:02 EDT Lowe's completes $512M acquisition of Maintenance Supply Headquarters - Lowe's Companies announced it has completed its $512M acquisition of Maintenance Supply Headquarters, a distributor of maintenance, repair and operations products serving the multifamily housing industry. With the acquisitions of Maintenance Supply Headquarters and Central Wholesalers, Lowe's multifamily MRO business now includes 16 distribution centers in attractive regions throughout the nation generating more than $400M in incremental annual sales.

06:00 EDT Acacia Research enters into patent license agreement with ZTE Corporation - Acacia Research announced that its subsidiaries Saint Lawrence Communications LLC and Saint Lawrence Communications GmbH have entered into a patent license agreement with ZTE Corporation. The agreement resolves litigation actions that were pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and in the Mannheim district court of Germany.